Is Our Unbelief > God at Work in Us? - The Final Chapter

In this final post on the false teachings of Prosperity Pete I'm scrutinizing his outrageous claims about both man and God.

Quote: "Unbelief is more powerful than God in you."

"some of you looked at me funny when I said 'unbelief is more powerful than God in you' - but I just read it to you.  God was present but he was limited because of unbelief."

Scripture proof given: "How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel" (Psalm 78: 40-41).

Refutation:

Let's zoom out for second and take a look at this Psalm of Asaph as a whole.  He sets out to show God's faithfulness to unbelieving Israel throughout her inglorious history.  Despite continual unbelief and unfaithfulness God preserves his people by his sovereign hand.  At times he brings strong rebuke and chastens his people with judgment and wrath.  God then shows his love and compassion by bestowing upon Israel abundant blessings that are totally undeserved. Rather than teaching that man can trump God with his unbelief and thwart his will this Psalm does just the opposite.  It teaches the absolute sovereignty of God, that his providence extends over all human works and endeavors.  On top of that, the Hebrew word for 'limit' can be interpreted various ways.  Here are how some modern translations render it:

Is Our Unbelief > God at Work in Us? - Part 4

Here is the next post in this series exposing the false doctrines of a Word-Faith teacher who stopped by a local church just long enough to drop a full load of heresy on its unsuspecting congregants.  I'm astounded that it's been necessary for me to write five long articles debunking a handful of Prosperity Pete's teachings from one single sermon - and I'm only dealing with a few selected quotes.  If I determined to critique the entirety of the message my response would be novel-length. This is ludicrous! The doctrines I've defended should all be obvious to the discerning reader of God's word.  This is common sense, foundational level stuff, folks!  But somebody has to do it. These teachers have ministries because they have followers, else they would have long since abandoned the occupation.  So onward I press.

Quote:  "Unbelief is more powerful than God in you."

Truth:

What truth?  I don't see any truth here, just one great damnable lie.

Falsehood:

Man's disposition of failing to trust upon the Lord who created him somehow overrides God's ability to govern him.  When put like this it sounds even more ludicrous.  This idea stems from a typical Word-Faith teaching on the essence of faith itself.   They have hijacked the term and completely redefined it. Faith isn't an unshakable trust and tenacious clinging to God and all his promises.  No, faith is a force, an internal power inherent in all humanity that can make things that are not as though they are.  In other words, faith has creative power when spoken, just as creation came into existence when God spoke. 

Is Our Unbelief > God at Work in Us? - Part 3

Prosperity Pete has an unhealthy obsession with the sin of unbelief.  I'm almost convinced that he has a great affinity for it.  He certainly treats it with a tremendous amount of respect.  In his message I'm critiquing, he makes bold claims about the 'power' of our unbelief.  First, let's look at this statement just bursting at the seams with false claims:

Quote: "There is only one sin - unbelief.  Everything else are lawless deeds.  There is only one sin that cannot be forgiven - the sin of unbelief."

Truth:

Unbelief is a serious, grievous sin.

Falsehood:

Unbelief is the only sin.

No.  Not even close.  1 John 5:17 reads, "All wrongdoing is sin".  The apostle John earlier in the same epistle states, "sin is transgression of the law." (3:4)  Breaking God's commands and doing evil of all kinds is sin.  Unbelief, too, is sin.  Not believing God certainly will lead one to transgress God's laws, just as Adam and Eve chose to believe the serpent's lie rather than God's commands.  Unbelief may be at the root of every sin committed, for our natural disposition believes the seductive whispers of sin rather than the promises of the written word of God and the voice of conscience.  However, unbelief is not the sum total of all biblical sins.  Nowhere in either the Old or New Testament can this claim be substantiated.  Any want of conformity or transgression of God's moral law is sin.  Violating any of the Ten Commandments is a sin.  If I look at a woman lustfully I've committed a sin. If I steal, lie or covet I've sinned.

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Is Our Unbelief > God at Work in Us? - Part 2

In this post I will take  selected quotes said by Prosperity Pete from Part 1 and break them down to  determine if Scripture actually teaches these things.

First at bat:

Quote:  "The devil is your adversary.  Your enemy is ignorance.  Never forget that.  The devil is not your enemy, he's your adversary... The word adversary just means 'one who questions your identity'.  The enemy can only destroy the ignorant."

Truth:

Devil does mean adversary.  He is indeed our adversary in living a Christian life. Pete appropriately quotes from 1 Pet 5:8,which reads, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Is Our Unbelief > God at Work in Us? - Part 1

Recently, a so-called gospel preacher came through our sleepy little town and stirred up a local congregation with rousing oratory, keen insight and splash of redneck charm.  He's a frequent guest to this church and I had been exposed to his teachings before via recorded messages.  This happened at a time when God had graciously granted me new eyes of discernment.  They were still adjusting to the light of truth in the aftermath of  prolonged confinement in the bowels of the Word-Faith and Charismatic movement.  I started making notes on elements of his message that didn't appear to line up with scripture, but quickly abandoned the project.  At the time I felt I was being too critical, so I backed down.

Well, fast forward a few years later.  A close friend who attends the aforementioned church informed me that 'Prosperity Pete' was coming to town.  He let me know in no uncertain terms that he would not be attending those services.  When I asked why, he filled me in on some of his past teachings.  This jogged my memory and I agreed that his teachings should be avoided like the plague.  Neither of us attended his services.  Unfortunately, curiosity bested me one afternoon and I visited that church's website.  They had posted Pete's message online.

I made the tragic mistake of listening to it.

When Sheep Attack!

False teachers are a reality of the Christian church.  Jesus Christ himself warned of their coming, as did the apostles throughout the New Testament epistles.  False teachers and prophets have plagued the church since its inception.  Scripture shows us that they will endure until the end of this present world system.  False teachers are not simply a New Testament phenomenon.  They plagued Israel  throughout her troubled history.

The fact remains, false teachers walk among us, very likely within our own congregations.  False professors, teachers and prophets will leach themselves to Christ's visible church until the day he comes to gather his elect from every corner of the earth.  If this is incontrovertible truth why do so many Christians pretend all is well in Zion?  Why do we refuse to discern every message purporting to be gospel truth to determine if it is of God or not?  Why are we not acting as good Bereans, searching out the scriptures to discern if that charismatic guest teacher flying through town this week is injecting poison into our spirits?  Why do we not question his doctrine and theology before we ever grant him audience to our congregations?  No, he usually gets a free pass, because he's so likable and popular. Next thing you know he grabs a thick wad of greenbacks he just collected for a sermon well preached and bails for the next church down the road gullible enough to swing open its gates to the sheepfold.

Across Christendom - 5/20/10

Here's another dish of tasty (but occasionally bitter) tidbits from around the Christian world.  Enjoy!

Is the emphasis on numerical church growth putting too much pressure on pastors?

Al Mohler takes a look at the schism rocking the Anglican Communion

Reserve your room for the coming Armageddon!

Powerful quote from AW Pink with added 21st century techno-flair.

Kristine over at Justified interacts with Tim Keller's teachings from Counterfeit Gods about spiritual adultery.  Her prayer at the end of the article is worth printing out and tucking away in your bible for frequent reference in your prayer life.  I did.

I'm not certain if this whole piece from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is satire or if the ministers interviewed are for real.  I dearly hope it's all a joke.

Benny Hinn is grooming his heir apparent - 19-yr-old Manasseh Jordon.  He's got the anointing! Touch not God's anointed!

Speaking of the Word-Faith movement - here's an excellent visual demonstration of its theology in practice:

HT: Slaughter of the Sheep

I'm Not Good Enough, I'm Not Smart Enough and Dog-Gone-it God Just Doesn't Like Me

My carefully constructed religious edifice came under fierce attack some five years ago and suffered irreparable damage.  The alarms of imminent collapse began reverberating through the dark corridors of my failing heart.  Wave upon wave of relentless missile attacks crumbled the once stalwart marble pillars of my faith.  The incoming warheads contained a volatile combination of sin and self-righteousness. Structural failure was imminent.  My religion had failed me; no longer could it support my overwhelming sense of failure.  It could no longer assuage my complex of guilt.  I attempted to prop up the sagging ceiling with support columns of modern evangelical platitudes and aphorisms.  They turned out to be hollow inside and buckled beneath the weight.  The brick and mortar I had so meticulously hand-crafted disintegrated all around me in a resounding crash.

Exposed to the harsh elements of the wilderness I couldn't help but gaze at the majesty of the heavens and contemplate my plight.  Late one night in the midst of  an intense spiritual malaise I raised my eyes to the stars and cried out in desperation, "Father help me, I've lost my way.  I don't measure up to your righteousness and I never will.  I don't know what to believe anymore.  Please reveal to me the truth."  If ever I've been convinced that God hears and answers my prayers, that night crystallized the reality of it once and for all.

Yes, God heard me.  I'm sure he had been waiting for this cry for deliverance for quite some time.  After all, God is in the deliverance business.  Salvation itself is defined as deliverance or rescue from danger.  I have no doubt that through his sovereign power he had brought me to this fiery trial, carried me through the flames and now was in the process of  treating all my grievous burns.

Across Christendom

I've decided to introduce a new category here at A Peculiar Pilgrim on a whim, similar in vein to my 'Random Ramblings'.  While RR is a stream of consciousness about various goings-on in the world and in my personal life,  'Across Christendom' will simply be a collection of links to interesting and relevant articles, posts and quotes from across  the Christian sphere  that have captivated my ADD mind for more than the few milliseconds I usually spend on any given web page. Here are this week's offerings:

Tim Challies invites you to take a quiz to determine if selected quotes come from Joel Osteen or a fortune cookie.  Me?  I scored 7 out of 12.  I actually thought Joel said them all at one time or another...

A great quote from Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones about the wisdom (or lack thereof) of the commonly used practice of altar calls.

From the same blog, Lorraine Boettner explains the Gospel.

My good friend and theological cohort over at Spice Mines of Kessel has published the Revised Common Version of the bible. As the title suggests, it is a revised edition of Noah Webster's 1833 Common Version, with updated words and phrases for easy readability.  A free electronic version is available here. He's worked hard on this project for the past couple of years, going through FIVE revisions!  Check it out.

Albert Mohler examines a recent column by Washington Post journalist Kathleen Parker and her obvious disdain of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.

I'll try and do one of these late every week, but I know better than to make any promises.  I'm sure you wouldn't believe me if I did anyway...

Until next time.

One Month to Live

Note: Don't be alarmed.  The post title refers to a book, not my current state of health.

Last month I put out a post asking for book recommendations for a summer reading program one of our church deacons is starting up this summer to encourage reading in our congregation.  Of course, we visualize taking up sound biblical materials.  My leanings are towards theological works that have been well established - Christian classics.  I submitted a fine list of books that aren't heavy, dry or technical, written by a wide variety of well respected (and theologically orthodox) writers. Well, in a nutshell, my picks were shot down before they could take flight.  My deacon friend doesn't believe most  people (that is, believing Christians in the church) will be interested in theology!  This boggles my mind, frankly.  I consider myself an ordinary fellow of average intellect.  Yet, I have an unquenchable yearning for the knowledge of God.  This comes from God's call upon me to become his own possession, a beloved child in his vast, ever-expanding family.  As such, I desire to know this God who has rescued me and washed me clean of all my sins. The doctrine of the bible is for the simple and unlearned as well as for the towering intellectual.  Theology is not at heart a purely academic pursuit.  It is the pursuit of God Almighty.   I have a hard time grasping the concept that true believers don't desire the same things.  My yearning may be at a high level because of the calling on my life to teach eternal truths, but surely every believer wants to intimately know the God who saved them to some degree.  Every Christian most certainly needs this knowledge to grow in the grace whereby they are saved.

Of course, I know where the deacon's line of thinking stems from.  It has flooded modern evangelicalism for decades now.  The church growth\seeker-sensitive movement thrives on a non-doctrinal paradigm of Christian pragmatism. Don't give church-goers what they need, give them what they want - in liberal doses.  This pragmatic approach may attract multitudes of church-goers but does little to produce true disciples of Christ.  So the wants of a typical church filled with 'seekers' (those who haven't made any kind of commitment to Christ but are interested) do not match those in the church who are truly Christians.  The focus of seeker-sensitive churches sits squarely upon the seeker and his carnal wants instead of the classic doctrines of the bible: teachings such as man's sinfulness, God's wrathful judgment against sin, the means of salvation and sanctification he has provided through Christ's atoning work on the cross and the heart-changing ministry of the Holy Spirit.  I suppose congregants who have no zest for doctrine and theology are considered 'babes in Christ' who need to be nurtured in a pastel colored nursery by coochie-coochie-coo care-takers that speak condescendingly about moral platitudes from the life of King David. Unfortunately, seeker-sensitive churches often have no plans to move toddlers out of the nursery.  They keep them content with toys and entertainment.

The Ugly Truth About Mirrors

This morning I was in prayer over the aversion some people have about attending church.  Church Dodger Dan hates the thought of coming to hear a sermon.  Strangely, he may be OK with an occasional visit to some churches in town, but not others. Why is this so?

An image immediately formed in my mind of Dodger Dan warily entering the front door, taking a seat in the very back pew.  He looks up to the pulpit and instead of gazing at a smiling preacher he sees a tall body-length mirror reflecting a high resolution image of himself.  The reflection clearly displays every facial blemish, skin splotch and protruding fat roll.  Dodger Dan is confronted with the ugly truth that he is not the person he thought he was in his imagination.  Appalled at the loathsome image Dan draws back and swears off the church, pointing to the other blemished congregants and their inherent hideousness as an excuse for not coming back.  But the hard truth is he couldn't bear to look at himself as he truly is.

Church Dodger Dan may find refuge in another church where the mirrors resemble those you find in a carnival fun house.    The contorted images may entertain him but he never sees himself as he truly is.

Any place where the whole counsel of God is expounded from the pulpit, the preached word acts as a mirror that tears down all guises and shows us just how deeply the image of God in us has been damaged by the raging disease of sin.  Our original honor, dignity and glory has been ravaged by the boils and infected wounds of our own self-inflicted transgressions.

The Collapse of Evangelicalism

I just picked up a recent copy of The Baptist Messenger and one of the articles immediately caught my attention.  It was originally written last year by Michael Spencer, known in Cyberspace as the Internet Monk.  Sadly, Michael went to be with the Lord earlier this month.

The article is entitled The Coming Evangelical Collapse. It is a thought-provoking and somewhat chilling read.

Here is an excerpt:

Many who will leave evangelicalism will leave for no religious affiliation at all. Others will leave for an atheistic or agnostic secularism, with a strong personal rejection of Christian belief and Christian influence. Many of our children and grandchildren are going to abandon ship, and many will do so saying “good riddance.”
This collapse will cause the end of thousands of ministries. The high profile of Christian media will be reduced, if not eliminated. Hundreds of thousands of students, pastors, religious workers, missionaries and persons employed by ministries and churches will be unemployed or employed elsewhere. Visible, active evangelical ministries will be reduced to a small percentage of their current size and effort.

Nothing will reanimate evangelicalism to its previous levels of size and influence. The end of evangelicalism as we know it is close; far closer than most of us will admit.

Click on the link above for the full article.

Divisions Among You

“Those who think that unsound ministers ought never to be exposed and held up to notice, and men ought never to be warned against them, would do well to study this passage. No class of character throughout our Lord’s ministry seems to call forth such severe denunciation as that of false pastors. The reason is obvious. Other men ruin themselves alone: false pastors ruin their flocks as well as themselves. To flatter all ordained men, and say they never should be called unsound and dangerous guides, is the surest way to injure the Church and offend Christ.”

–J.C. Ryle, on John Chapter 10

HT: Crosstalk Blog

This quote is a sound refutation of the idea that criticizing professing ministers only brings division and dishonor to the body of Christ.  Yes, sometimes pointing out the wolf among the sheep will create a dividing line where factions will take sides, but Scripture addresses this issue in 1 Cor 11:18-19:

For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

The Cornerstone Commandment - Can We Keep It?

While driving back to work after lunch one recent afternoon I happened to hear a commercial on a Christian radio station that supposedly endorsed an evangelical gospel message.  However, the message fell woefully short of its purposed end and actually accomplished the opposite of what it intended.  This blurb clarified in my mind why the free will view of salvation is so damaging to the church.

The ad began like this: A cheerful lady's voice rang out that people should love God as much as he loves us.  After all, God has done everything within his power to make possible a relationship with him.  Again, she encouraged listener's to just love God because he loves us.

What?  That was it? I couldn't believe my ears.  She did not bother to communicate the good news of the hope of salvation.  She did just the opposite.  She gave listeners an imperative that no person can possibly keep.  When she says to love God she is invoking the cornerstone commandment of the entire moral law; the commandment that Jesus called the first and greatest.

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength' ( Mk 12:30).

My Take on Pipergate

Surprised that I haven't commented on this brouhaha yet?  Actually, so am I. My longtime readers know what an outspoken critic I am of Rick Warren and his purpose-driven pragmatism.  For those few who may not be in the know, pastor John Piper, a highly respected preacher/teacher both inside and outside of the reformed community has recently invited Rick Warren to his Desiring God conference this year.  Outrage and dismay ensued upon this announcement.  Piper made a video justifying his invitation to Warren, saying among other things that he believes at root that Warren is theologically and doctrinally sound. I'm biting my tongue as I write - so much I could say...  Maybe that's why I haven't said anything.

Bloggers responded immediately, resoundingly condemning John Piper's discernment in allowing this man a platform at his conference.  Some bloggers went over the top and unfairly attacked Piper's character and his ministry.  In certain circles John Piper has been declared anathema.  Honestly, If I had posted an article immediately following the announcement I may have crossed that line too as a knee-jerk reaction.  I held back, seeking to see the whole picture first.  I guess the Lord is maturing me after all.  I was beginning to wonder about that.

Anyway, at this point I don't feel the need to address the issue other than to commend to you an article from Phil Johnson over at the Pyromaniacs blog.  After giving the controversy some thought, I can honestly admit that I agree with Phil's balanced post in about every way possible. And since he can articulate himself much better than I ever could, I will simply point you over to his blog for a thoughtful take on Pipergate.  Enjoy!

On the Piper-Warren Connection

Book Club Recommendations

I've recently been in discussion with one of the fine deacons at my church about starting a book club  to help encourage reading.  We sincerely desire for people in our congregation to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  My friend Jim has recently established a public access church library where people can check out all kinds of books on theology, Christian living, parenting and so forth.  We even have a limited selection of commentaries as well.

We both have a passion for reading.  It has helped us to mature in our Christian faith.  Reading has fallen on hard times overall in our media-driven society of sight and sound. I find very few people who read anything more than what they can pull up on their web browsers.  I find this trend very disturbing.  I have four kids and the mere mention of reading a book for leisure is met with scoffs and eyeball rolls by all but one. They can't conceive why anyone would read a book at all- whether for fun or (gasp) for education.  It is completely beyond them.  They think I'm from another planet when I joyfully pick up a book and hunker down for a good long spell.  I'm afraid my children are just a microcosm of young people in general throughout America.  I mean, who has time for books when you've got Youtube, iTunes and Xbox 360 to blitz the senses and occupy the mind.

Now, I thought this problem only affected the youth and perhaps to a lesser degree, my generation, but Jim informs me that he knows very few people of his generation who read at all.  Now, Jim is a much more seasoned veteran of life than I, so this remark surprised me.  How long has reading been out of vogue? Since the invention of the television?

Whatever the cause may be, we are looking to remedy the situation by holding a once-a-week book club meeting during the summer break.  My idea is to pick a book and assign a chapter or two every week and then hold meaningful discussions on the content.  My preference is to read established Christian classics.  Now I would love to go over some Calvin, Luther and various Puritan works but these might intimidate those who may not read a lot due to the harder-than-average readability.  I'm willing to read contemporary volumes, (for there are a great many good ones out there) but would generally like to stay away from 'hot-off-the-press' books until they are established as doctrinally sound and helpful. So, basically, I'm looking for contemporary Christian classics that work to supplement the daily absorption of the word, which should always be our main source of reading.

I turn to you now, my readers, for help on a couple of issues.

1.  I would welcome any advice on how to effectively facilitate this book club so that it will attract  and maintain a core group of believers who will commit to weekly reading and discussion.  Anybody out there have experiences as a facilitator or as a member of a similar type of church group?  I'd love to hear your input.

2.  I would appreciate any recommendations on great contemporary Christian books that you have found eye-opening and instructive in your Christian walk that would fit in well with the format I'll be working from.  Really thick volumes and ones that use highly technical language are probably not what I'm looking for.  I have several books in mind but would welcome any ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Fanatical Fundamentalism

Over the years of searching the internet for information on various biblical topics or on certain men of God, dead or alive, I've occasionally come across self-proclaimed 'fundamentalist' websites that perplex me. They perplexed me back in my Charismatic/Arminian days and they still perplex me as a Reformed believer.  These sites appear solid at first peek.  They often contain tons of articles on biblical subjects that go in-depth.  But once I begin reading the material the red flags of discernment pop up. Has this ever happened to you?

Now, when I speak of fundamentalism I'm speaking of a specific niche in the Christian world.  It isn't just someone who adheres to the 'fundamentals' of the faith as the term meant when it first entered the American lexicon a century ago.  No, it has devolved into a term describing a group of people who mercilessly denounce every doctrine that is even at slight variance from their own well-groomed, polished theological system. They can be legalistic, cruel, judgmental and condemning.  Digesting this grace-deficient rot can make you gravely ill, like the time I ate that pizza pocket with black olives.  And like that pizza pocket you will do well to never consume such garbage again.  From my experience, here are a few tell-tale signs that you've stumbled onto a fanatical fundamentalist site:

Dialogue with a Satanist

I recently received the following comment from an adherent to the Satanist religion on the post Will Atheists Go to Hell? With his permission we'll be having  a public discourse, interacting with each other's worldviews.  First, I will post his entire comment.  My reply will follow.

Prism writes:

Sorry, but I feel I have to disagree with you that God is the one true way. Who's to say that the Muslims or Jews aren't correct, and you're wrong? This is simply your belief, not truth, and I feel you should let your daughter decide for herself. There are many religions, each professing to be the only one with the path to Salvation. What if every Christian in the world is bound for eternal torment because the Sikhs were correct? Surely a forgiving God would understand that in a place with so many religions, it would be human nature to make mistakes and choose incorrectly? Would he send people to Hell for making a simple mistake? Or agnostics, who aren't sure which deity to pledge their allegiance to? Or atheists, who simply try to make sense of things using logic which leads them (possibly mistakenly) to believe that there is no higher power? Again, if they're wrong, it's an honest mistake on their part. Surely a just God wouldn't send people to a place of eternal punishment for using their supposedly God-given brains to try and understand things.
And for those in places like Chad, where Christianity has not arrived, yet the people may live perfectly good lives. You're saying God would send them to Hell for an accident of birth? Something they can't control? Think about it.

Thoughts of a LaVeyan Satanist.

Prsim, first of all, thank you for presenting your thoughts openly and civilly.  I will endeavor to do likewise.  Next, I would like to enlighten my readers as to the worldview that you hold as a practicing LaVeyan Satanist.  Please feel free to correct me if I misrepresent your beliefs in any way.

The New Calvinism

I just came across an informative article chronicling the recent resurgence of Calvinism.  I agree with the writer's assessment that this uprising is in response to the shallow, watered down Christianity-lite of modern Evangelicalism.  Why?  Well, because that's basically how I came to embrace the doctrines of God's sovereign grace.  I didn't realize it at the time, but I was part of a world-wide movement.  I felt like I walked entirely alone for the first couple of years. I battled alienation and discouragement during that period yet I latched on to the teachings of God's absolute sovereignty with bulldog tenacity.   No one, and I mean absolutely no one, agreed my new outlook on the scriptures.  I sought refuge and companionship through my blog and found a growing, enthusiastic subculture on the internet where I could work out my theological wranglings among friends, who are also my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

T(heology)-Shirt

I think I want this.



I'm not a fan of so-called Christian apparel, including t-shirts that often feature banal pop culture references or trite aphorisms that are meant to do all the 'witnessing' of the gospel for us.  But this struck me as funny.

Not sure why I'm amused though, because it's absolutely true.  It's a humble reminder that the only contribution to my salvation by God's grace is my great sin.

HT: Nola's Devotionals

Made in our Image

This excellent post comes courtesy of Defending. Contending. It vividly demonstrates how the human heart is indeed a prolific producer of idols.

Which Jesus do you worship?

Choose wisely.

State of the Church Address

John MacArthur states hard truth as boldly and earnestly as anybody out there.  He pulls no punches in this article on his Grace to You blog.  I agree with his assessment 100%.  A great read.

Speaking of MacArthur and modern Evangelicalism, he has now published a third edition of his outstanding  hard-hitting exposé on contemporary church-growth methods, Ashamed of the Gospel. Available at Monergism Books.  Highly recommended.

[caption id="attachment_881" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="A must read for those struggling with the direction of today's church"][/caption]

The Importance of Repentance

During my daily reading this morning I came across the story of Simon the Magician in Acts ch. 8.  As Philip preached the gospel in Samaria many believed, Simon included.  Verse 13 states, "Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed." (ESV)

However, later on, Simon approached Peter and John when he saw that the Holy Spirit came upon people by the laying on of hands. He offered money to the disciples so that he too could lay hands on people that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  Peter sharply rebukes him and in verses 21-23 says, "You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

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Mixed Martial Arts Ministries

Here is a link to a New York Times Article concerning a growing trend to base church ministries on the violent sport of mixed martial arts.

Here are a couple of interesting excerpts with commentary:

The young man was a member of a fight team at Xtreme Ministries, a small church near Nashville that doubles as a mixed martial arts academy. Mr. Renken, who founded the church and academy, doubles as the team’s coach. The school’s motto is “Where Feet, Fist and Faith Collide.”

A church that doubles as a MMA academy?  What a perfect example of the marriage between the contemporary church and the world.  Hey, I love the sport of football but would absolutely abhor the idea of starting a church that doubled as a facility for teaching football fundamentals to youth.  You cannot mix the spiritual with the flesh and remain true to the call of the gospel.

The goal, these pastors say, is to inject some machismo into their ministries — and into the image of Jesus — in the hope of making Christianity more appealing.

This is the fruit of the Seeker Sensitive/Church Growth movement.  These ministries attempt to lure in a specific demographic of 'unchurched' people by catering to their perceived felt needs and wants, then molds an idolatrous facsimile of Christ that appeals to them so that they make some sort of 'commitment' to it.

The lack of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ as a savior from sin is staggering.  The fact that this ministry confesses it is trying to make Christianity more appealing is quite revealing.  They believe the message of God's perfect, holy, immutable, soul transforming word somehow needs an extreme makeover to win converts in today's sophisticated and enlightened culture.  This kind of philosophy toward ministry is devastating to the visible church and soul destroying to those who buy into it.

The idea of injecting machismo into the church and altering our perception of the person of Jesus Christ into a big and buff bouncer of religious hypocrites is an extremely dangerous trend.  I dare say that the world's ideal of machismo and God's view of godliness are two entirely different entities. I don't recall Jesus doing any chest-thumping or choking  Pharisees into submission the last time I read through the gospels.

As the article reveals, a decade ago MMA was denounced as too bloody and violent.  It was illegal in most states.   Now it is legal in 42 states and embraced by recognized Christian ministries such as the National Association of Evangelicals.  How quickly the culture's perception of right and wrong changes.   I shudder to think what American evangelicals will embrace next in order to win the culture over.

Without Law There is No Sin?

Q: In Romans 5:12-14 the apostle Paul states, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

What does he mean when he writes, 'for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law'?  Is the apostle implying that people who have not heard the word of God are not considered sinners because they have never heard the Decalogue or Christ's commandments?

Is Doubt a Sin?

A member of my bible class last night night posed a question that sparked a short discussion.  I don't feel that I answered adequately. As a result, I've decided to use this medium to address questions that arise in class that can't be given a full treatment because of time constraints. My new category shall be called Bible Study Q&A.

I was asked if having doubts is a sin. The person wondered specifically if having doubts about salvation is a sin.  The context comes from our discussion on the definition of sin.  I had someone read from Romans 14:23 which states, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."  The person who asked the question zeroed in on the first part of the verse that explains that a person who doubts whether or not a certain action is right or wrong (In this case, whether eating certain foods is permissible). 

The Fall of Man

The Theology of Redemption

Study One - Man's Need of Redemption

The Fall of Man

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This lesson introduces the first study of the series, Man's Need of Redemption.  It will consist of two lessons.  First, man's creation as a perfect image bearer of God's glory and subsequent fall into sin and corruption will be discussed.  The next lesson will focus on the extent and depth of that corruption and how it has effected our being.

Our study of Redemption begins at the creation account on the very first pages of the very first book in the bible.  As I've stated previously, redemption is the story of God as he relates to man, who corrupted himself at his initial trial of faith and obedience.  It begins in Genesis and weaves its way throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  So, the reason I'm starting here is because this is where God starts. In the creation account we learn of man's original blessed state and the events that led to his fall from the state of innocence into a state of corruption.

It is vital to note that in the beginning God created everything good.  All things were made for his glory. 'And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good'.  (Gen 1:31A)  This clearly demonstrates that man in his created state was 'very good'.  He was not flawed in character or sinful in nature.

The Theology of Redemption: Intro - The Necessity of Theology

Welcome to the first study on the theology of Redemption. Today's lesson will focus on the discipline of theology and why we as Christians need to embrace it.

Disgracefully, the study of doctrine and theology has declined in God's visible church over the last few decades at an alarming rate.  An ever-increasing number of churches have adopted a seeker-centric approach to ministry in lieu of sound biblical teaching.  According to so-called church growth experts, the unchurched masses are generally open to believing in God and accepting Christ.  It is the church as an institution that drives them away from commitment.  This type of person is called a 'seeker'. In order to get these people to come to church and make that saving commitment church leaders must lure them in by appealing to their flesh.  Learning theology and doctrine doesn't interest them so it is laid aside as a primary ministry of the church.  In other words, entertainment in all of its forms: music, dramatic performances, movie clips,  light shows, media montages, etc.  can be utilized to make the church a more comfortable, less intimidating place for seekers to find refuge. Psychological manipulation replaces the preaching of the word as a means to salvation.  Sermons are often centered around felt-needs messages that 'meet people where they are at'.   Ministers may preach on topics such as strengthening marriages, gaining financial freedom, finding a stress-free lifestyle, even having a better sex life.  This is all done to 'ease' the seeker into the fold before presenting him the gospel. It is a sandy foundation which collapses upon close scrutiny.

The Theology of Redemption: Syllabus

Below, I have posted the curriculum for my study on the doctrine of Redemption through Jesus Christ.  My first study will appear tomorrow morning, followed by weekly updates.  Note:  I may break up a single study into multiple posts, depending on the length. I pray that this study will bless, inform and edify my readers as well as bring glory to God.

The Theology of Redemption

Study One: Introduction – The Necessity of Theology.

Part One: Man’s Need of Redemption

Study Two: Creation and the Fall

Study Three: The Effects of the Fall

Part Two: God’s Plan of Redemption

Study Four: Election and Predestination

Study Five: Jesus Christ the Redeemer

Part Three: Christ’s Accomplishment of Redemption

Study Six: The Nature and Triumph of the Atonement

Study Seven: The Extent of the Atonement

Part Four: God’s Application of Redemption

Study Eight: The Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation)

Study Nine: Union with Christ

Study Ten: Calling

Study Eleven: Regeneration

Study Twelve: Conversion (Repentance and Faith)

Study Thirteen: Justification

Study Fourteen: Adoption

Study Fifteen: Sanctification

Study Sixteen: Perseverance

Study Seventeen: Death and Glorification

Note:  I reserve the right to add, delete, rearrange or otherwise alter studies listed in this curriculum as I see fit.