1,000 Leave Rob Bell's Former Church Because of His "Love Wins" Heretical Book

Rob Bell and his book caused at least 1,000 to leave his former church, The "Christian" Post reports:

"I would say about 1,000 people left (over 'Love Wins'), and that's okay. I don't think even a lot of them left in anger," he added. "They just thought 'Well, Mars Hill's not the place I thought it was.' Surely some people were upset, but on the other hand it wasn't exactly a mass exodus. Rob had been saying everything in that book for five years."

Dobson told MLive.com that, nowadays, Mars Hill on average welcomes about 3,000 worshippers every Sunday.

 Love Wins, slammed as "heretical" by some critics, resulted in response books by other Christian leaders. For example, Francis Chan released Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We Made Up and Mark Galli published God Wins: Heaven, Hell, and Why the Good News Is Better Than Love Wins.

~The "Christian" Post

The article goes on to say that Dobson likes Bell for "saying things that challenge the Christian community". Bell's latest book  that came out in March 2013, was featured on Oprah Winfrey's "Super Soulful Book of the Month" club and he discussed his book with her on her program of the same title.

For now, without a church, the ex-pastor is only left with "teaching" via tumblr and an occassional small two-day conference.

It seems God has shut him down quite a bit, praise the Lord.

It is pathetic that the new "pastor" at Bell's old church doesn't care that at least 1,000 sheep left, nor does he see  the anti-Christian doctrine that Bell has espoused and  his attacking biblical truth as a mere "challenge". God doesn't see it that way. God doesn't see it as good nor positive. 

2Co 10:5  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

2Ti 4:2  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

2Ti 4:3  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 

2Ti 4:4  and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 

Tit 1:7  For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 

Tit 1:8  but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 

Tit 1:9  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 

Tit 1:10  For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 

Tit 1:11  They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

(Gal. 1 and Eph. 5 also address the issue of those that try to deceive with empty words and how we are not to become partakers with them.)

It is the job of the pastors/elders to guard the flock of God well, for the sheep belong to HIM. Guarding them against the wolves and poisonous feed is the sober job of the shepherd of God's flock. To see wolves and poisonous food as a mere positive challenge is sick and perverted. 

Instead it seems Dobson falls into this catagory:

2Co 11:4  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. 

I'm glad at least 1,000 people woke up to the heresy of Bell. According to Dobson, he'd be preaching it for 5 years before he dared to put it on paper. That's pathetic, but praise the Lord that God removed some from that pit.

Universalist Rob Bell: Embraced by NYT and Huffington Post

Considering the Tree of knowledge of good and evil as good to eat when God said it will bring death (It should be noted how the liberal secular media is coming to defend Rob Bell. This should be a red flag.) :

New York Times states:

One leading evangelical, John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, wrote, “Farewell Rob Bell.” R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said in a blog post that by suggesting that people who do not embrace Jesus may still be saved, Mr. Bell was at best toying with heresy. He called the promotional video, in which Mr. Bell pointedly asks whether it can be true that Gandhi, a non-Christian, is burning in hell, “the sad equivalent of a theological striptease.”

Others such as Scot McKnight, a professor of theology at North Park University in Chicago, said they welcomed the renewed discussion of one of the hardest issues in Christianity — can a loving God really be so wrathful toward people who faltered, or never were exposed to Jesus? In an interview and on his blog, he said that the thunder emanating from the right this week was not representative of American Christians, even evangelicals. According to surveys and his experience with students, Mr. McKnight said, a large majority of evangelical Christians “more or less believe that people of other faiths will go to heaven,” whatever their churches and theologians may argue.

End quote.

Then those McKnight interviewed were not Christians. But I digress.

Then there's the horrid views of Huffington Post's Christopher Latondress:

Quote:

We won't know for sure how Rob Bell answers these questions until the book comes out. Nevertheless, this controversy offers an important opportunity for Christians to reflect on a few principles that should inform this debate as it moves forward:

1. Christians should hope that all people can be (and will be) saved.
Hell: Population 0

Those who believe God modeled the ultimate example of true love in the person of Jesus -- and who, therefore, aspire to love their fellow humans as they love themselves -- should also believe that, in the end, God's love will win the day. So is it really that radical to suggest that this belief should accompany the earnest hope that it is actually within the scope of God's sovereign power and unrelenting grace to reconcile all things to himself?

For biblical passages alluding to this idea, read: Colossians 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:22,28; Romans 5:18, 11:33-36; and Philippians 2:10-11. This is just a limited digest.

I haven't read Bell's book, but I suspect that this is one of the ideas he explores. This would put him in good company. Far from being unorthodox, this idea has captured the imaginations of theologians since the early days of Christianity. In 2001, Richard John Neuhaus -- founder of First Things, a religion and policy journal, and (though a Lutheran convert to Catholicism) featured onTime Magazine's list of The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America -- reflected on this idea and its long Christian history in an articled titled, "Will All Be Saved?"

“Rob Bell is tapping into a younger generation that really wants to open up these questions,” he said. “He is also tapping into the fear of the traditionalists — that these differing views of heaven and hell will compromise the Christian message.”

End quote.

Why even bother with the question? There's nothing to question. God said the road to eternal life is narrow and hard and few that find it, the rest are on the Broad road that leads to destruction. Its that simple. To ask the question or to deem it valid to debate the issue and consider the "options" is to rebel against God and say what the Serpent said: "Hath God said?" YES HE DID. The question is actually an attack to deconstruct and destroy the authority and clarity of Scripture and therefore God. There is no question, there is no ambiquity, there is nothing to wring our hands over. God is just and holy and therefore will send unbelievers to hell for their sins. God is also merciful and full of grace and therefore will save some of the unbelieves and make them believers that glorify Him forever for His mercy and grace. The rest will stay in their eternal unbelief and rightly stay in eternal torment. That is just. That is fair.

There is nothing valid to any arguement that sets itself up against Christ and the Scriptures. NONE. It should be slammed down, thrown out and thoroghly rejected as the heresy it is, not considered on any level as having any validity whatsoever.

2Co 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Hell is just as real as Heaven, and God's justice is just as real as His mercy. God chooses to whom He will give justice and to whom He will give mercy.

Rom 9:11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,

Rom 9:12 it was said to her, "THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER."

Rom 9:13 Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED."

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be!

Rom 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION."

Rom 9:16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

Rom 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH."

Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

Rom 9:19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?"

Rom 9:20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it?

Rom 9:21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?

Rom 9:22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?

Rom 9:23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

Rom 9:24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.

There are two groups of people in this world: the elect that God chose to save and then does save, those are the vessels of mercy prepared for glory, and the unsaved who are the vessels prepared for wrath.

God doesn't will all to be saved and therefore keeps the veil over their eyes and closed ears closed:

Mat 13:13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

Luke 8: ^9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. ^10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ”‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’

Luk 18:34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Rom 11:8 as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and

ears that would not hear, down to this very day."

Matt. 11: ^27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and

no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

1Sa 3:12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house,

from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house

forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and

he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of

Eli's house SHALL NOT BE ATONED FOR by sacrifice or offering FOREVER."

And without atonement, there is no salvation: Heb 9:22 And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Joh 10:26 but you do not believe because you are not part of My flock.

Only those who are part of Jesus' flock believe in Him and will see eternal life.

Joh 17:9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you

have given me, for they are yours.

Jesus doesn't pray for the whole world therefore not all the world is being interceded for nor will be

saved. He is the intercessor for His own only (1John 2:1-2; Romans 8)

Luk 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is

pleased!"

Notice in Luke 2:14 God's peace isn't with all people but its qualified to be with people on

whom His favor rests.

Act 1:16 "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by

the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested

Jesus.

1Peter 2: ^8 and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were DESTINED FOR.

Jud 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

2 Thes. 2: ^3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness ^is revealed, the man DOOMED TO DESTRUCTION.

John 17: ^12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Phil. 3: ^19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

We know this is the second death, eternal destruction, because eternal unbelief (the state they die in) earns eternal punishment. There is no second chance after death (Hebrews 9:27)

Isa 66:24 "And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."

Matt. 25: ^41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

2 Thes. 1: 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power

Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Mat 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal

life."

Mat 13:41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the FIERY FURNACE. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Rev 19:20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

And in stark contrast:

Rev 20:4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Any person who denies a literal Hell and therefore by necessity a literal Heaven (see the passage I posted above), anyone who is a universalist, is not a Christian. Jesus taught on both Heaven and Hell. He also taught there are two kingdoms; that of the devil and that of God. Jesus taught two roads; one leads to eternal life which is narrow and few find, the other is broad on which many are on and this leads to destruction. Fear of a metaphorical hell is nothing and is no fear at all. Instead its a call to a metaphorical fear of a metaphorical God, which is no god at all but rather a liar.

Luk 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!

Tim Keller Joins Rick Warren, Alan Hirsch, Andy Stanley, and Other Emergents at Exponential 08 Conference

Exponential Conference for 2008's speakers: http://www.exponentialconference.org/ Is nothibng but yet another conference to spread the Emergent Church Movement poison. The speakers this year are:

Andy Stanley


Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries says in his article ANDY STANLEY SHARES THE NEW EVANGELICAL MAN-CENTERED MANTRA: Quote:

"Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Ministries in Atlanta, suggested that churches should not focus solely on converting people, as has been the emphasis for generations.

“If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships with non-believers, serving them, loving them, and making them feel accepted,” he wrote. “Only then would we earn the right to share the gospel.”

There’s every reason to think that Stanley’s broad-brush pop-art painting plays very well to our notoriously capricious culture but the fact is those of us who hold to proper Biblical theology don’t teach that churches should “focus solely on converting people.” At the same time, that the “converting [of] people...has been the emphasis for generations” really shouldn’t surprise a pastor because it is the secondary mission of local churches. The first being the building up of the Christian to maturity in Christ in order that the Lord may then use them in service as He wills.--Ken Silva

Unquote.

Stanley's 2005 Drive Conference: Pimp My Church Van : found at http://patamo.blogspot.com/2005_11_01_archive.html Slice of Laodicea talked about it too, but the video and Conference info from that year has now been removed. Gee, I wonder why.

This is an interesting favorable book review on Stanley (which reveals a lot):

"Andy Stanley's purpose in writing "The Next Generation Leader" was to pass on to emerging leaders lessons learned in his own leadership experiences. The book centers on five leadership concepts. 1. Competence - Focus your time and energy in your areas of strength. 2. Courage - The leader is the one willing to take the lead. 3. Clarity - Be clear even if you are uncertain. 4. Coaching - It takes a coach to bring out your full potential. 5. Character - Character makes you a leader worth following and it provides you with moral authority. In Augustinian terms, Stanley has plundered the Egyptians, by borrowing many concepts from authors of business books and translating them into the vernacular of the minister and the world of the church. He does this with numerous examples of characters in the Bible and from his own personal life and ministry. "The Next Generation Leader" is a short, interesting, and thoughtful book designed for those beginning their leadership journey. It should also provide reminders and challenges to those who have served as leaders for some time. I highly recommend the book for emerging Christian leaders. If you are looking for a more comprehensive study of church leadership from a similar perspective I would recommend "Courageous Leadership" by Bill Hybels or "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell."

Andy Stanley heads up The Catalyst Conference

"The Genesis of Catalyst Catalyst was conceived as a Next Generation Leaders Conference in 1999 by Andy Stanley and Reggie Joiner from North Point Community Church, along with John C. Maxwell, Gabe Lyons and several young leaders from INJOY[Maxwell's group]. Catalyst was created to meet the felt need that existed within the church leader space for a leadership event that was focused on a new generation of church leaders. Everything within this space seemed built around a forty to sixty year old mindset and medium. This team was convinced that this needed to change. "

Emergent Partners with Catalyst: includes Leadership Journal, Leadership Network, fermi project, and Relevant Magazine.

Catalyst Conference 2007 speakers: Notice the Emergent leaders included:

"Catalyst Conference 2007 CD PackageTake your Catalyst Leadership Experience home with you. Share it with friends or listen in your car. Take Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, Patrick Lencioni, Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, John Maxwell, Francis Chan, Dave Ramsey, Tim Sanders, Tri Robinson, Gabe Lyons, Dave Kinnaman, Chris Seay, Shane Claiborne and Sunday Adelaja home with you. You will gain incredible leadership insight from this series for years to come."

Catalyst had heretic Rob Bell in July 2006: "Our latest issue features an interview with Rob Bell, the teaching pastor at Mars Hill just outside of Grand Rapids, and the voice of NOOMA. Rob gives a plethora (yes, plethora) of valuable thoughts, ideas and insights on everything from historical Jewish customs to the “call” of a pastor. He truly seems to be at another level in his thinking. One big idea that seemed to be consistent throughout the two part interview was the value and importance of churches being involved in the local community. So we want to know specifically how YOUR church is having an impact on your local community. Share what is happening."

Alan Hirsch: Emergent Church Movement leader and pusher.

Ed Stetzer He's on board with ECM leader Potty Mouth Mark Driscoll. ECM blogger TallSkinnyKiwi loves him (which means even if Stetzer started out sort of critiquing ECM, he's not so opposed to it that they couldn't stand him..and now he's joined the softer side via Driscoll's Resurgence team.)

Steve Andrews : Emergent/Pagan-friendly: His church boasts:

We'll Help You Lose Your Religion.
Or at least your perception of it. Maybe you think going to church means being scolded, subjected to boring sermons, and having your wallet emptied. We don't blame you. In fact, we think one of the biggest barriers to getting to know God has been the church itself.

No Hymns, No Pews, And No Excuses Not To Come.
Instead of an organ and choir, we have a dynamic band playing music that matters to you. Instead of ritual and routine, we have compelling dramas, comedy skits, and exciting multi-media. All designed to present biblical truths and how they apply to your everyday life.

A New Way To Do Church.
Our casual, relaxed atmosphere is a place to investigate Christianity without guilt or pressure. A place to grow spiritually at your own pace. With unconditional love, support, and acceptance during your journey. No strings attached. So come as you are. Go as you want to be. From modern dance to computer animation, we approach church with a wide range of artistic expression and a sense of humor. And we build this freshness and fun into our children's and youth programs, too.

Common Ground for RCers at Andrew's church:

Born and Raised Catholic?

Increase your understanding of Catholic and Protestant beliefs by attending our Pastors & Priests workshop. You'll learn there are many agreements between the two (probably more than you think!) but also take a fair look at the differences. Topics include Purgatory, the Pope, the Virgin Mary, and more! April 19, 2008 9-noon, Clinton Township campus. FREE. Click here to register or call 248-786-0688.

Dave Ferguson: **Update**

Community Christian Church was recently listed in the Top 50 Most Influential Churches according to The Church Report. This alone should be a huge red flag. Dave Ferguson is their senior pastor.

Jeff, an attender of CCC pointed out my misunderstanding regarding Pat Masek being a pastor instead of the assistant to the pastor at CCC. I have corrected my error; an error which was not intentional at all. The doctrine of male leadership would dictate however, as I stated, that no women could be pastors (or leaders of men in church), therefore if a church has a female leading the men, its not a biblical church, which was my point. Here we see Ferguson applaud and look up to women in leadership at his church anyway.

Jeff's comment, however, led me to some more research which I find EXTREEMLY troubling and unbiblical.

Ferguson has shared the pulpit with Tim Keller and Mark Driscoll at Innovation and Exponential conferences.

At Dave Ferguson's blog, he writes in glowing words the following on Novermber 15,2009 titled "Two Chefs, A Pub, And An Art Show" (some emphasis, mine, some original):

Quote:

So what do two chefs, a neighborhood pub and an art show all have in common? They are all a part of the ministry of Life Church in New Castle, Australia. This Life Church is not be to be confused with maybe another LifeChurch.tv you have heard about. While this Life Church may have far less people, they make up for it with a tremendous missional drive and desire. During the first four days of our trip to Australia Kevin Wilcock, the Pastor of the church was our host. How do I describe Kevin? The only thing Kevin loves more than a good drink and a party is probably his family, his church and Jesus! Kevin is a wild character; but he has a creative passion for helping people find their way back to God.

They announced they were starting a new service in the local pub called The Kent that would meet on Sunday nights. The poster advertising the "2 beer service" is to your left.

All this took place just during the few days I was there...while holding a leadership conference! They are doing a lot more than that too! They have AA groups, SA groups, NA groups and more. They host jazz concerts with local professional jazz musicians at their church.

I left his church inspired to be more missional, more engaged in the community an more intentional about using all our resources to reach out to the least, lost and lonely and help them find their way back to God!

End quote,

"Church" and "beer" should never go together for a number of reasons. The first of which, we live in a society where getting drunk is an enormous problem (as is drunk driving). There are many drunks too, hence the popularity of AA. And while offering a pub and beer as a MINISTRY, they also offer AA? That's not only unbiblical, its unbelievable and self-contradictory! The other reason is that pastors should not cause the weaker brothers to stumble. Promoting church drinking...CHURCH DRINKING is not love at all; its sin against those Christians who have a struggle or who have had a struggle with alcohol, or who have family members that do. Its also sin against a young Christian who is very impressionable and perhaps has a very sensitive conscience, having just come out of the world. This isn't being others-minded. Its being worldly, fleshly, and frankly, if I may, immature.

In addition, pastors, as well as all Christians, really, are to be examples to the lost and dying world. While drinking on occassion in a private or quiet way is not prohibited by Scripture, promoting it and COMBINING it with the church is flaunting a "freedom" that is diametrically opposed by God's Word. Scripture says we are to be sober-minded (1Thes. 5:7-9; 1Tim. 3:2,11; 2Tim. 4:5;Titus 2:2; 1Peter 1:3;1Peter 4:7). This is especially true of men in leadership.

1Ti 3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Tit 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your

teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an

opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the

Spirit,

And finally, the other two teachers at the emergent Exponential 08 Conference, none other than Rick Warren and Tim Keller .

It doesn't matter how many people say Keller's not going emergent. The fact is, he's a heretic and he's sharing the stage with several Emergent Church Movement leaders.

2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

Dumpster-Diving To Find Spiritual Food

Why do "Christians" find "truth" in heretical teaching and promote the reading of such accursed things? Rom 12:9 "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good." A truth plus a lie is a lie. "No lie is of the truth" John said. The Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil had nothing to offer but DEATH, yet today people still argue with God and say "YES IT DOES!".

Here is an example from Facebook:

I said:

"Good example of why not to read Bell. If one thinks there is truth in everything, they will not separate from such a heretic--in fact they won't find a heretic anywhere. Instead Bell is a "brother". We have to take heed of what we hear AND ...read, as Pink said. It matters what we think on."

The response of another commenter named Justin:

"But i do think it is good to read Rob Bell. It is good to know what others are saying and what they believe. It is not what goes in to the body that defiles it but what comes out. We are to be discerning about ALL things test them with the Word of God and keep what is good. But i do think it is very helpful to read others we do not agree with to help us understand where they are coming from. And although i do disagree with Bell, he does say some good things. I think we are not to run but read and test these things to help understand what they are saying as well as being critical with their material."


‎1Th 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. This means test everything, hold to that which PASSES the test of Scripture and reject that which doesn't which will come in various forms. Seems people think it means dumpster diving and finding something good to eat in the decaying and rotten food. That's NOT what Scripture says.

Cedarville University Offers Religious Poison to Students

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

I read this article from Ingrid over at Slice of Laodicea, but you can go directly to Lighthousetrails if you want. Both sites are excellent.

In part here's what it said:


One of emerging spirituality’s pied pipers, Shane Claiborne, is scheduled to speak at Cedarville University. The present leadership of that institution is apparently failing to hold the line on contemplative and emerging influences. Lighthouse Trails Research is reporting the following:


"On February 11th, Cedarville University will be hosting an evening with emerging church activist Shane Claiborne. The evening is titled after Claiborne’s book, The Irresistible Revolution. Lighthouse Trails spoke with John Purple (Cedarville’s Dean for Student Life), who said the event was open to both students and the public.

Lighthouse Trails told Purple that in the back of Claiborne’s book he lists a number of “Local Revolutionaries and Ordinary Radicals” to which proceeds of the book go. One of those is the church Brian McLaren founded - Cedar Ridge Community Church 1 Another is Rob Bell’s church, Mars Hill Bible Church2. Bell is a New Age sympathizer who tells readers in his book, Velvet Elvis that they should study the teachings of mysticism and tantric sex promoter Ken Wilber (p. 192) (see Wilber’s website with discretion). Bell also resonates with a Dominican sister (whom he invited to his church) who is from a spiritual center that promotes the occultic healing technique called Reiki (see March 29, 2006 teaching at Mars Hill).

Claiborne’s book has a foreword by liberal political activist, Jim Wallis. While Cedarville’s Dean of Student Life (Purple) told Lighthouse Trails that Cedarville is “very conservative,” pointing students to a book that is partially written by Wallis seems to give a different message. Wallis is the founder and director of Sojourners magazine, a widely read publication that gives a voice to mystics, emerging leaders, and New Age proponents. Sojourners would not represent the views of a “conservative” Christian college by any means, and it is a dichotomy for Cedarville to call itself conservative Christian then introduce students to a book written by Wallis and Claiborne in a favorable light, which CU is doing when it says that Claiborne is “rooted in the values of the Christian faith.” 'Source here.

In addition, Ingrid noted that Cedarville's President Book List also promotes ECM guru Leonard Sweet's book "Soul Tsunami". You can read about him at Lighthouse Trails as well.

This "Christian" university is falling down the Down grade fast, exposing its students to religious poison via the ECM. Its not surprising but pathetic that a "Christian" college would tout themselves to be conservative when in fact they are denying the Truth so they can be "open-minded".

Notice how in academia over 100 years ago, is like today: indulging in the ungodly notions, considering their worth, gleaning something from the putrid garbage of the world, and saying they are gaining wisdom. Utter nonsense. Its sitting in the seat of scoffers, asking "has God said?"

2 Tim. 2: 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

The Down Grade SECOND ARTICLE April 1887 Sword and Trowel

http://www.spurgeon.org/s_and_t/dg02.htm Robert Shindler writes:


"He says:—"In my time the academy was in a state peculiarly favorable to the serious pursuit of truth, as the students were about equally divided upon every question of much importance, such as liberty, necessity, the sleep of the soul, and all the articles of theological orthodoxy and heresy; in consequence of which, all these topics were the subject of continual discussion. Our tutors, also, were of different opinions, Dr. Ashworth taking the orthodox side of every question, and Mr. Clark, the sub-tutor, that of heresy, though always with the greatest modesty. Both of our tutors being young, at least as tutors, and some of the senior students excelling more than they could pretend to do in several branches of study, they indulged us in the greatest freedoms. The general plan of our studies, which may be seen in Dr. Doddridge's published lectures, was exceedingly favorable to free enquiry, as we were referred to authors on both sides of every question. In this situation I saw reason to embrace what is generally called the heterodox side of every question."'

"But in too many cases sceptical daring seems to have taken the place of evangelical zeal, and the husks of theological speculations are preferred to the wholesome bread of gospel truth. With some the endeavor seems to be not how steadily and faithfully they can walk in the truth, but how far they can get from it. To them divine truth is like a lion or a tiger, and they give it "a wide berth." Our counsel is—Do not go too near the precipice; you may slip or fall over. Keep where the ground is firm; do not venture on the rotten ice. "

Shindler goes on to say:

Quote:

The first step astray is a want of adequate faith in the divine inspiration of the sacred Scriptures. All the while a man bows to the authority of God's Word, he will not entertain any sentiment contrary to its teaching. "To the law and to the testimony," is his appeal concerning every doctrine. He esteems that holy Book, concerning all things, to be right, and therefore he hates every false way. But let a man question, or entertain low views of the inspiration and authority of the Bible, and he is without chart to guide him, and without anchor to hold him.

But when, on the other hand, reason has been exalted above revelation, and made the exponent of revelation, all kinds of errors and mischiefs have been the result.

...Human reason is exalted to a higher office, and what is not comprehensible by its grasp, is not readily received. The mind of the Socinian feels still less veneration for the Word of God; for, according to his sentiments, some parts of it are not inspired; mistakes occur in the reasoning of the apostles; not a few passages are unauthentic, and what remains is interpreted with a latitude as to the expressions and language of Scripture, which would not be tolerated in expounding the sense of any other writer." ("History of Dissenters," by Bogue and Bennet.)They run in 'the course of this world,' follow every fashionable folly, and family and personal godliness seems in general to be lost among them. There is scarcely any appearance of life and zeal in the cause of religion, which demands and deserves the greatest.

End Quote.

Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

2Co 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.