NewSpring's new motto: "We love to hear kids cuss!!"

If you want to know what really motivates and inspires Perry Noble--well, it's not hearing a child say they love Christ. It isn't hearing that a child stands up to kids who mock him for not giving in to peer pressure. And no, Perry Noble isn't invigorated by watching the life of a former reprobate turned into a life that is lived in holiness and righteousness to God.

No, what really gets Perry Noble amped up is.....

......hearing a child cuss. Well, read it for yourself, from Noble's own blog:

A first time visitor (probably around 9 or 10 years old) walked into our 4th-5th grade room in KidSpring at our Anderson campus and was BLOWN away! He looked at the children’s worker who met him at the door, and, after looking around the room he said, “you guys have a wii?”

“Yep,” she said.

“And you guys have a PSIII?” he said!

“Yes sir, we sure do,” she replied.

“And we can play these for free?” He asked.

“Yep,” she answered.

Then he turned to his friend and said out loud, “This Sh_t is awesome!”

Wow, how cool is that!! Hearing a 9-year-old use words that shouldn't even be used by a grown-up!! That should bring a tear to any pastor's eye...*SNIFF SNIFF*....

In his blog post, Noble makes it perfectly clear that all of this kid's wants and desires were met. They had things to keep him entertained. And that was what Noble bragged about. In fact, you can read more about the guy that runs the children's "ministry" at NewSpring--and his choice in music--here. So, just what kind of message do you think this guy is sending these children? Now, if this child continues to attend NewSpring, he can sit under the "ministry" of this guy, and his "clever repartee" of vulgar language.

So, did this child get saved? Did this child hear and accept the gospel? Did he leave proclaiming a love for Christ? Good question. The answer is......we don't know. Noble neglected to tell us anything about that in all of his self-praise. But we do know this--he really had fun playing video games!! That's what's important!! Oh, and he heard something about some Jesus dude that fed people.

Well, I guess I'm a jacka**

It seems as though Perry Noble doesn't think it's all that important to teach the truth of God's Word. Yeah, I know--go figure, right? This is from the same guy that has no problem joining the house of God with pagans and Satan-worshippers, and who encourages his flock to indulge in entertainment that promotes drinking and sexual gratification. And who says that anybody who critiques his Pope, Rick Warren, can "Kiss my..." (I'll let you fill in the blank).

Well, now, Mr. Noble has sunk to calling those of us who labor in the word "jacka**es." Don't believe me, go over to Apprising Ministries and listen for yourself to what this man has to say for yourself. Sadly, with one comment, he has managed to disparage men like Martin Luther, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, John Owen, AW Tozer, John MacArthur, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and many, many others--maybe even your own pastor. All in the name of "engaging the culture."

More fruit from the poisonous Tree of Purpose.

What exactly DOES 1st Corinthians 9:19-22 mean, anyway?

Ohhhhh, the ways this passage is twisted, and perverted, and turned on its head by the oh-so-hip, oh-so-cool, oh-so-relevant "pastors" of the many seeker-sensitive, non-offensive, cross-less "churches" that pepper the American religious community today. They take the words of the apostle Paul, and they use them as an excuse to perform all kinds of free-for-alls by inviting all kinds of filthy, heathen, Satanic methods into a place that is supposed to be sanctified, consecrated, and set apart for the worship of Almighty YHVH.

And what is their excuse? "See??? Paul said he was 'all things to all men!' So take that you Bible-thumping Pharisee!" And we who love the precious word of God and consider ourselves slaves to it, shake our heads and groan on the inside, knowing that one more person has just allowed themselves to be conformed to this evil world, whilst trying to hold on to Christ. So, for the sake of clarity, let us examine just exactly what the apostle meant. Here are his actual words:

1st Corinthians 9:19-22 (New King James Version)--19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

But, let's take the attitude of those who would say, "Of course they played Marilyn Manson music in church this morning! They were reaching out and being relevant to Marilyn Manson fans! I mean, how else are they going to draw them?" And let's draw it out to its inevitable conclusion. This is what they would have Paul say--

1st Corinthians 9:19-22 (New Seeker-Sensitive Version)--19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I may win more; 20 and to the murderers I became a murderer, so that I might win murderers; to the blasphemers, as a blasphemer, so that I might win the blasphemers; 21 to the pornographers, as a pornographer, so that I might win pornographers. 22 To the pagans and Wiccans and Druids, I became a pagan and Wiccan and Druid that I might win the pagans and Wiccans and Druids; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

But is that what Paul was saying? If you think it is, then stop reading right now and go back to reading Rob Bell or Doug Paggitt. Because you will not like what I am about to say. Paul was not saying that he committed acts that were sinful, neither was he saying that he brought Satanic rituals into the church, nor is he saying that we should be conformed to this world so that we can be "all things to all men."

Verse 19. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. Here Paul hearkens back to the words of our LORD Jesus. For what did He tell the two brothers who would have had Him give them thrones? Matthew 20:26-27--"Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave." Paul would later tell the church at Philippi to Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5 NASB). So, in order that the gospel may do its perfect work in saving those whom the Father is drawing, Paul says that he has become less than the ones he preaches to.

Verse 20a. ...and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews... Now, we know that he was born a Jew. That he was circumcised the 8th day. This is obvious from even a cursory reading of Scripture. Romans 9:3-4--I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites... Philippians 3:4-5--If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews... But Paul is not talking about how he was born. Keeping context in mind, he has made himself a slave to the Jews by "becoming as a Jew." In other words, when he went to the Jews to preach the gospel, he set his mind to teach them from what they knew--the OT Scriptures. His thinking, going in, was "These men know the Tanakh. They know all the rituals and sacrifices and offerings. I will show them how these things point to Christ." Which he did in 1st Corinthians 5:7--For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. And in Galatians 3:15-16--Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. And, if Paul is indeed the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, he spelled out how pretty much the entire Tanakh was nothing more than a foreshadowing of Moshiach.

Verse 20b. ...to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law... He was an expert in the Mosaic Law. And as he was studying that Law so fiercely under Gamaliel, and seeking to become the greatest teacher of the Mosaic Law that the world of Judaism would ever know, he did not think that God was the one who was making him that expert. But now, he is an expert, and can dialog with the experts in that Law almost as well as the author of that law, the LORD Jesus Christ Himself. Philippians 3:4-6--If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel...concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Acts 22:3-5--"I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished."

But, what happened one day as he was carrying the extradition papers to bring the Damascene Christians to Jerusalem to face the sword? Acts 22:6-11--"Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'" He was called by the risen Christ, and shown that salvation does not come by keeping the Law, but by faith in Christ. And upon learning this great truth, he gave himself all the more to the study of the OT, to the Law and the prophets, to show those who were still slaves to the Law and the prophets the true way to life eternal. Romans 3:27-28--Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Galatians 3:21-22--Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

And in the Scriptures, we have an illustration of Paul showing these who were "under Law" just how useless the keeping of that Law is. In Acts 16:1-3, Paul and Silas meet a young man named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. There was just one problem. Because Timothy's father was Greek, he did not have his son circumcised. And in order to have this young man heard by the Jews in that area, he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And what is so ironic about this incident is that Paul had, in his hands a decree from the apostles James and John and Peter (as well as Paul himself) stating that a man does not need to be circumcised to be a Christian. In fact, I doubt the ink was even dry on the parchment. But, since circumcision is NOT against the Law, he talked Timothy into being circumcised. And this, as if to say, "Fine! Now look, you've mutilated the poor man. But Men of Israel, this man is no more saved now that you have mutilated him than he was before. And he would have been no less saved if you had sheathed your knives!" What would Paul say later about these men? Philippians 3:2--Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! Galatians 5:12 (NASB)--I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

Verse 21. ...to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. Here he is speaking of the Gentiles. These are the ones "without law." Romans 2:14--for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves. Do the Gentiles also have a part in the Kingdom of God? Well, of course!! Romans 3:29-30--Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. And now, Paul having been shown that salvation is apart from the law, and is not for the Jews only, has gone to the Gentiles preaching faith in Christ Jesus. And that these Gentiles are not bound by Law, but are actually free from the Law. Colossians 1:8-16--Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ...Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

And of course, there would still be many Gentile Christians who would think that if they did not keep the Law perfectly, they would again fall under the wrath and condemnation of God. So to dispel that notion, he wrote Romans 8:1-4--There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Verse 22a. ...to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak... What about the one whose faith is not a threefold cord, but is rather a slender thread? He has taken them into account. In fact, he rebuked the apostle Peter for acting in a way that had the potential to damage the faith of the weak Jewish Christians. Galatians 2:11-13--Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

Paul had a compassion for weak brethren that was as near to equaling that of our LORD Jesus as is possible in a man. And he was not shy about letting that be known. In fact, in this same letter to these Corinthians, he says Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you (1st Corinthians 11:20-22). If this is not a rebuke of "bring anything you want into the house of God" doctrine that many churches follow, I don't know what is. Here were people bringing evil into a gathering of the body of Christ--and Paul rebuked them for it!

He would go on to tell the Roman saints, Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks (Romans 14:1-6). He would go on to say, in that same chapter, that It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak (Romans 14:21). In other words, if there is a chance that a weak brother may come into the house you claim to be a church, and they hear you playing Satanic music, and they walk out and go back to their old sinful lifestyle--you have made that brother stumble, and you will give an account!! those aren't my words. Those are the words of Scripture.

Verse 22b. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. If you have not gathered, from the preceding verses, how mixed up and muddled the "Anything Goes in the House of God" crowd has made this verse, then please go back and read it again. I don't know how much clearer I could make it. Or have you seen something in Paul's actions--ANY of them--that have given you even a hint that he would allow satanic practices in the house of God. "Oh, but I was drawn to this church by them playing AC/DC music!" Really? Then you have given the glory to Satan. You are saying that it was Satan who was responsible for you going to that "church." Does it mean you aren't saved? I can't make that call. But if you continue to listen to Satanic music, and you do not repent and if you do not call that which is Satanic "Satanic," then I do fear for your soul.

And don't give me that lame old "Well, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and God used it for good!" That is an excuse. That is a very tired, very old excuse used by those who want to hold onto the things of this world while still claiming to be Christian. I will allow God's word to answer that. James 4:4-5--Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously? 1st John 2:15-16--Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18--Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the LORD Almighty."

And yet, there will still be those who will search for loopholes in the word of God. They will craft arguments so as to avoid the clear teachings of Scripture. They will appeal to their own intellect and their own reasoning and their own desires in order to nullify the word of God. And they will push the boundaries God has laid down so that they may appeal to the basest instincts of those who follow them. They will be popular. They will win applause and admiration from men. They will go through life thinking that they are doing something good and noble (no pun intended). And they will not consider that one day God just may push back.

George Barna poll shows Nazarene prophet's popularity slipping

(IMAGINATION ALERT!!!!)

After reading Pilgrim's post here, as well as this post about George Barna's growing fascination with ecumenicalism (and this follow-up), I decided to combine the two into one FICTIONAL story.

From Jerusalem Post, c. 33 AD:

-------------------------------------------

By Mariam Zecharyahu
Jerusalem (JP)--A new George Barna poll has found that the popularity of a certain Nazarene prophet, which had been growing geometrically over the first two years of his ministry, is beginning to show signs of slowing, and, in some cases, the number of people opposed to his teachings is actually greater than those who still favor his doctrines.

Yehoshua Ha'Mashiachah bar-Yusef, whose claims about being the Christ of YHVH have divided people everywhere he has gone, continues to enjoy support from the outcasts of society. But among those in power--especially among the very influential Pharisaical community--his claims to being the only begotten of YHVH Himself have brought about only scorn. As one Pharisee (who spoke to us under condition of anonymity) has said, "He is a blasphemer! I was there when he said that he and YHVH were one. What an outrage to mock the Shema like that! Only YHVH is One!" A scribe, who also wished to remain nameless, said, "The man has a lot of gall! To say what he did, that 'I AM.' Does he not know, that is a title reserved for YHVH?"

These and other such statements he has made--statements which, according to these experts in the Law and the Prophets, prove that he is claiming to be God--have been linked directly to the downturn in approval of this so-called 'prophet,' and have almost caused his death on more than one occasion. Says Barna, "I think the wheels started coming off when he first got to Jerusalem. I mean, he's not in the city even a day and he's tipping over tables, and calling moneychangers 'thieves' and so forth. He doesn't seem to be very tolerant of other people's feelings."

But it's not just his political opponents who are so critical of this son of a carpenter. One young man, a ruler in a local synagogue, shares his story of a personal encounter he had with the man who claims to be the Christ of God: "he told me I had to sell everything I had, give the money away--and follow him? That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! All I could do was walk away! Guy didn't even apologize!" I spoke with Mr. Barna about this encounter the young man shared with me. He said, "I don't get this 'Jesus' fella, as the Greek-speaking Jews call him. Honestly, he comes off as being kinda arrogant. It's no wonder his numbers are dropping. If you examine his marketing technique, it's rather black-and-white. 'Follow Me or perish' is what he seems to be saying. That kind of 'take-it-or-leave-it' approach turns a lot of people off. He should have gone back to that poor boy and reassured him that God still loves him and has a plan for his life."

And in what may be a bellwether of the inevitable end of this man's public speaking career, even one of his own disciples spoke to me in confidence about his own misgivings concerning his rabbi. "We were over at this one fellow's house. Now, mind you, the guy is a Pharisee. A Pharisee! I mean, this guy has some clout with men! If we get in good with him--it solves all our financial troubles. And Rabbi not only lets some dirty harlot cry and rub her hair on his feet. Then he goes and bad-mouths the guy in his own house!" I spoke at length with this disciple, who told me of another difference of opinion he had with his rabbi. "Ok, we're at this other fellow's house. This girl comes in, busts open a flask. Not just any old flask. The thing's made of alabaster. Alabaster! You know how much that stuff sells for retail? So then what does she do? She pours spikenard all over him. I gotta tell ya, to see that much money wasted, when it could have fed the poor--I was outraged. Outraged!"

"It's sad," says Barna. "To see a man who once spoke a message of love and peace and acceptance. Now, he's gone and made enemies of the men who could really help his career. In this day and age, you gotta build consensus. And that was something I thought he was doing really well early in his career. In fact, in one poll I took, this Samaritan woman--a widow five times over--told me that he had said to her that Jews and Samaritans were going to worship together. That would have been so wonderful if he had just stopped there."

Could it be that this 'prophet' is spelling his own end? It seems to be true. "But now, he's going and saying that you have to see him to see the Father? I'm sorry, but you can't be so exclusive. You've got to be sensitive to the needs of people that are seeking a meaningful relationship with God. If he's not careful, he's gonna wind up crucified by the press--or, the Romans." Only time will tell how history regards the teachings of a man who preaches that he is only one way to God.

Mariam Zecharyahu is a fictional character, and does not work for any news outlet.

Is Richard Abanes afraid of Ken Silva?

If so, what is he afraid of? Seems he didn't take too kindly to some criticism from Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries, and has threatened Pastor Silva with legal action if he didn't play nice:

So, Pastor Silva has taken drastic measures. I would post the article that Abanes found so damaging, but Apprising.org is no longer operating. A sad fact, indeed. But, hey, if that's what it takes to assuage him, then I guess that's all that matters, huh? I mean, consider who his role model is: Rick Warren, the Pope of Purpose-Drivel. We know how Warren doesn't like it when anyone dares to disagree with him. Why would we expect one of his acolytes to be any different?

If you want a good laugh, check out Abanes' response in an article he wrote, and how high-minded he is of himself, how much smarter he is then us poor non-Purpose-Driven schlubs, and how he never once answers the question, "What was so libelous about what Pastor Silva wrote?" He also turns himself into a pretzel by saying, "I never threatened to sue," yet he publishes snippets of his email to IPOWER that mentions "turning the matter over to my attorneys." Nah, no threat of legal action there. This response from Abanes is especially telling [all emphases mine]:

DT: I along with Chris R. and Pastorby want to see what in Ken’s article was slanderous or would qualify as libel? No red herrings please.

ABANES: I don’t really need to justify anything in detail. Those who need to know how I see the article, and why I see it that way, know the specifics. So, as I have just stated: “…at this point, I am inclined to simply say, “Believe what you will.” I think if you read the original blog post, as well as my MANY answers, enough information is there to take a position in your mind. Whatever it is — blessings.

Look up and see how hard I have trued to answer innumerable posts. I gave it my best effort. If it’s not good enough. That’s fine with me. I have found that more often than not, people are going to believe what they want to believe anyway.

R[ichard] A[banes]

Well, since we can no longer find Pastor Silva's original article, it would behoove Mr. Abanes to say what was so libelous, rather than just give some nebulous answer of "He libeled me."

Fake Translation of the Week--Acts 5:40-42

(Real translation here)

There are people who think that when you follow Christ, all the world will applaud your decision, that all your troubles will end, life will be a bed of roses, your life will be filled with health, wealth, and prosperity, and you will experience Your Best Life Now!© (read the John MacArthur quote under the blog title for more on that)

Yeah........right.......

Tell that to the apsotles, who were beaten, imprisoned, scourged, shackled, left for dead, driven out of every town they went to. Oh, I guess they must have been under a curse, or had some unconfessed sin in their life, or their faith wasn't strong enough.

But, for those who think we deserve a comfortable life because we belong to Christ, take out your Sharpies® and your Exacto® knives, and start creating your own Bible.

Altered text in bold italics

Acts 5:40-42 (Comfortable Life Translation)--40 and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, complaining that they were better than that, and they didn't deserve the treatment they received. After all, they were Christians, and they are entitled to all the rewards and benefits thereof 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ, just so they didn't offend anyone.

Slope getting slippery at Thomas Road?

Remember all those stories in the Bible about how a great man of God would "fall asleep" and it wouldn't be long afterwards that the nation would forget God, and turn to idols? The book of Judges is all about that vicious cycle.

I always wondered how that could have happened. Well, now, we get to see something similar unfold before our very eyes. Ingrid Schleuter has the story of Jonathan Falwell appears to be leading the church that God used his father to build down the path to ecumenicalism and inclusivism and downright me-centered theology:

That’s why I am so pleased to invite you August 11-13, to innovatechurch 2008 Conference, designed for Christian leaders and all those who have influence for Christ. Join me as we hear speakers such as Rick Warren, Chuck Colson, Ed Stetzer, Tom Mullins, Jim Cymbala and others teach us how to help our churches be effective in ministering to the next generation.

What I really love is that innovatechurch is all about YOU. Our leadership team here is focused on helping you become more like Christ. We want to help you know Him better. We want you to know that you are not alone. We want to help increase your ministry effectiveness.

We all know Rick Warren--the Purpose-Driven pope--is as ecumenical as they come. Chuck Colson, a man who God has used to greatly impact the prison population through Prison Fellowship, has, sadly, fallen prey to the wonders of inclusivism. Jim Cymbala--I cannot imagine why he would get himself mixed up with this bunch, as I have always heard him to be more orthodox in his leadership of Brooklyn Tabernacle. Don't know much about Stetzer or Mullins (if anybody else knows about them, please throw me a bone).

Is this a sign of things to come? I hope not. I hope Jonathan Falwell sees through these men as he hears them speak, and continues the strong legacy his father left.

Is the world crucified to you?

Just finished making a video to go along with one of the greatest quotes from Leonard Ravenhill--"Is the world crucified to you tonight? Or does it fascinate you?" To look at many churches across America--you know, the ones that serve that ooey-gooey sugary goodness that screams "seeker sensitive"--you would think that the apostle Paul was a laid-back, hippie-type slacker dude who didn't care much about doctrine, but went around with "so what does this verse mean to you?" on his lips.

Anyhoo, many of the images in this video can be found over at A Little Leaven. And since someone will ask--the music is "Carmina Burana (O Fortuna)" by Carl Orff. It's one of those pieces of music you hear on just about everything, but never knew what it was called. Well now you know :)

Give us Barabbas!

Matthew 27:15-23

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
They said, “Barabbas!”
22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”
23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

Is this not the rallying cry of many churches today? When given the choice between the real Jesus (The one who went around spouting such things as "Repent!" and "Go forth and sin no more!" and "Take up thy cross and follow Me") or the kinda hip sort of laid-back slacker-dude type of Jesus (The kind that supposedly said we weren't supposed to be worried too much about sin and all that sort of icky stuff, that we we're just supposed to chill and get along and not worry about all that holiness stuff), many churches have no problem choosing the latter.

After all, who wants to have to worry about sin and Hell and God's wrath and all that? "Hey, come on dude, chill with all that stuff! Church is just a place to hang and be cool! Hey, who's up for poker? Dude, go ahead and put in some Elvis! He, like, sang some gospel songs or somethin'!"

No, they would rather have that non-threatening Jesus. Who in fact is not Jesus at all. Truth be told, they don't want Jesus. They want Barabbas.

• "Don't prophesy to us right things! speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits!" (Isaiah 30:10) They want Barabbas.
• They want to hear "Peace! Peace! when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14). They want Barabbas.
• They want to hear "Peace and safety," not knowing that sudden destructon will come (1st Thessalonians 5:3). They want Barabbas.

They want someone who isn't going to ask too much of them, who isn't going to make them feel guilty about the sin in their lives, who isn't going to ask them to give up their old life, or ask them to put to death the sins of the flesh. They want the one who is just gonna talk about getting along with folks. They want the feel-good experiences with the Holy Spirit without all that, you know, conviction of sin and stuff. They want Barabbas.

Who wants that Jesus that says, "Take up thy cross and follow Me" (Mark 8:34)? Let HIM be crucified. "I got a life to live, and I can't be held back by reading some book you guys think is supposed to help me know God. I already know Him, and He ain't gonna judge me!"

When someone tells you about these preachers that go around speaking smooth things and deceit, and that we should really listen to them because of how popular they are, remind them of this fact: Even Barabbas won a popularity contest once.

Are you a "Leader from Hell"?

You are if you don't fling yourself before the altar of the Almighty Rick Warren. Ingrid Schleuter at Slice of Laodicea has posted this article about the ultimate peddler of God's word:

Transitioning: Leading Your Church through Change, a book by Dan Southerland that is highly recommended by Rick Warren, calls those who oppose the Purpose Driven philosophy “leaders from hell.” Southerland is “the leading expert on implementing the Purpose Driven paradigm in existing churches” (Church Transitions web site), and Warren sells his book.

Southerland says they have experienced two major sources of criticism as they have transitioned churches to the Purpose Driven model: Christians from traditional backgrounds and traditional pastors. He hastens to add that not all of the traditionals oppose them, “just the meaner ones” (p. 116). On page 115 he likens Purpose Driven opponents to Sanballat who resisted the building of the walls of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah. Southerland says, “Sanballat is a leader from hell. We all have some Sanballats in our churches. This is the guy who opposes whatever you propose. … You cannot call this guy a leader from hell to his face–but you could call him Sanballat” (p. 115).

Yep, sure sounds like something Warren would agree with. The man is so full of himself it's sad. And here's what the Almighty Purpose Driver has to say in the foreword of this book that calls those who dare critique His Warrenness:"One of the most exciting and encouraging examples of transitioning from being program-driven to purpose-driven."

Of course, "program-driven" is just a Purpose-Driven codeword that means, "Those stodgy old fuddy-duddies that still read that stupid old Bible. And not just any Bible, that dumb old King James. They need to get hip and read The Message! The bunch of heathens!" Sorry, Ricky Boy. You ain't getting one red cent out of my pocket!

Is Doctrine Important?

To hear some people say it, we who claim the title "Christian" shouldn't really be too concerned with doctrine. They'll say something like "Doctrine divides! We should just be concerned with loving people and doing good deeds!" Or, "We should just preach the love of Jesus!" I love this next one--"What Would Jesus Do? He wouldn't condemn anybody!" (I guess these people never read Matthew 23.) Well, He doesn't have to condemn anybody. They condemn themselves (John 3:17-18).

All that said, just how important is it to follow sound doctrine? In the epistles, the word "doctrine" is used 26 times in 25 verses. It is used 3 times in the first two chapters of Revelation. And 51 times in 50 verses in the whole Bible. . Maybe it's just me, but that makes it seem like doctrine might be just a wee bit important. So let's see what the Bible has to say about the importance of...the Bible.

The main text will be 1st Timothy 4:13--Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Hmmm. What was that last word? What's that that Paul tells young Timothy to be attentive to? Oh yeah. DOCTRINE. Why is doctrine important? Is a Calvinist more saved than Arminian? Is someone more sanctified if they don't believe in a pre-trib rapture? Well, both of these questions are moot. These are not necessarily saving doctrines.

But, how would one know that if they didn't understand proper doctrine? What of the one who comes in and says, "Unless you speak in tongues, you're not saved!" Don't laugh. There are people who teach that. A friend of mine from our church was told that by a HyperCharismatic "preacher" once. It messed her up for years. And he's not the only one that preaches that. I have to shake my head whenever I hear some preacher say, "We believe in salvation through Jesus Christ as evidenced by speaking in tongues." Why did these goofballs preach this? Because they do not understand proper...DOCTRINE.

If you don't have it, how can you know what is right and wrong? How can you say that someone knows the truth? You see, God did not give us His written word just so we could have something to put on our coffee table, or carry around with us on Sundays. He gave us His word--He spoke the words to the apostles and prophets--so that we would know Him, trust Him, fear Him, and obey Him. The pages aren't perforated. Their aren't little lines that say "Cut here if you don't like this." ALL Scripture is profitable. Every single verse. Even the ones that some people don't like because they make them feel bad. Oh, yeah, that's another reason He gave us His word. That whole "conviction of sin" thing.

You see, one can say they worship God. They can claim to believe in the same Jesus as you and I do (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons). But, how can you know if they do or not? Well, yo have to examine their...you know what. Do they believe Jesus is the eternal, uncreated Son of God, born of a Virgin (i.e., a chaste virgin), begotten by the Holy Spirit (not by physical sexual intercourse with God the Father)--or do they believe He was just an angel? Or that He was Satan's brother in some pre-mortal world? Do they believe that God the Father had to learn how to become God? Do they believe the Holy Spirit is simply "God's active force?" If they hold these doctrines, they do not know God.

Now, you'll get your Joel Osteens, your Emergents, your Purpose-Drivers who will say that, "Well, we should just help these people be the best people they can be!"

Who cares if they're lost and headed for eternal destruction?

"Let's just help them cope with their life for now! In fact, lets show them how to have their Best Life Now!!" If these people would study to show themselves approved (2nd Timothy 2:15), and would actually study their Bibles instead of just skimming over the tough parts, they would fall on their face, repent, and pray for the lost instead of heaping scorn on those of us who understand the importance of proper doctrine.

Oh, I'm sorry. That just makes me a member of the "doctrine police." So be it. There's a reason Paul said to "gove attendance to...doctrine." Because it's IMPORTANT!!! Here are some more verses that show how important this is:

• 1st Timothy 1:3-4--As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.


• 1st Timothy 4:16--Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.


• 1st Timothy 6:3-5--If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings...from such withdraw thyself.


• 2nd Timothy 4:2-4--Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.


• Titus 2:1, 6-8--But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine...Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.


• 2nd John 1:9-11--Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.


• Revelation 2:14-15--"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

There's plenty more.

But, nah, doctrine isn't important.

Make sure you bring your McBible!

Truth Matters has another example of the watered-down, man-centered, just-do-it-as-long-as-it-gets-them-in-the-doors "worship" so prevelant in many "churches" today.

The church in question calls it "McWorship"--and they have golden arches and Mickey-D character cutouts on the stage. But it's more like worshipping at Burger King--people can have worship "their way." funny, I always thought we should do things God's way. Anyhoo.

Hmmm. I wonder what a jingle for that would sound like? (To the tune of Burger King's "Have It Your Way"):

Don't preach on sin or repentance
Don't use them in any sentence
Otherwise you might scare off the seekers in here!

Don't preach too much from the Bible
Or call people to revival
'Cause they might think of God as someone they should fear!

(Let 'em)
Have it their way--have it their way!
(Let 'em)
Have it their way--at our seeker-friendly church!

The Seven Churches--part 3: Pergamos, the corrupt church

Revelation 2:12-17--

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,

"These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

13 'I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

17 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.'"

There are many in America who claim the title, "Christian." They go to church on Sundays, they may sit around and talk about God once in a while, they may even have some "Christian" books lying around the house. But here's the problem: They have this all-too-ecumenical view of religion. They say, "Well, I know Muslims believe differently than we do. But they're God's children too, and we should embrace them as brothers." Or, they will say something like, "Oh, you're just some kind of legalistic doctrine police! We should just get along with each other! Don’t you know doctrine divides?"

These are the ones Jesus was writing about. These churches that just flung open the doors, and let anybody who and any kind of beliefs, wrong or right, in their church. this is why 2nd John 9-11 says, Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. If someone tries bringing a heretical doctrine into your house of worship, you are to meet them at the door and bar them from coming in. Yes, it sounds harsh. Yes, it sounds cold. And it may not seem too loving. But this is what God demands, that His house be a house of worship for Him, the One True God.

So, if you are one of these "seeker-friendly", or "Purpose Driven" churches who feel the need to cozy up to every false doctrine that comes along, and help to grow organizations opposed to the One True God despite the clear warnings of Jesus Christ Himself, I would strongly urge you to repent, lest He come quickly and fight against you with the sword of His mouth.

Rick Warren Fluffernutter Alert

Introducing a new feature today, the "Fluffernutter Alert". This warning will precede posts about those "preachers" and "pastors" who don't want to offend or upset any of their sheeple by preaching about those icky things like "sin" or "repentance". Oh, and you definitely can't preach the Cross of Christ. "Nope! At our church, we just preach the love of Jesus!" You just preach a bunch of treacly sermons, tell them over and over that "God loves you just the way you are, and He has a wonderful plan for your life!" Make people feel good, tickle their ears, and let them go their merry way to destruction. Today's "Fluffernutter Alert" is about the most influential of all Fluffernutters, rick Warren.

Seeing that he's a "pastor" of a 20,000-member "church", you would think that he would be driven by the Holy Spirit, the gospel of Christ, etc.

But, eh, not so much.

He can't be bothered with all that "gospel of repentance" stuff when there are left-wing politicians to schmooze up to (via God and Culture Blog):

Warren is becoming the new Jerry Falwell, without the passion for the same issues that motivated Jerry: abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. Warren is much more inclined to be non-confrontational on these clearly behaviorial issues, focusing his energies on traditional leftist causes like AIDS and the environment. He’s learned you get much more favorable media coverage when you cover what the media favors. Rather than take a bold stand for the gospel and its clear message of repentance, Warren has opted to follow today’s religious Left as they revive the social gospelism of the early decades of the Twentieth Century, allowing Hillary to go unchallenged when she stated that Jesus never asked why a person was sick, a clear slap at conservative evangelicals who proclaim a gospel of repentance calling for a change in behavior. Jesus may never have asked why a person was sick, but he did say, “Go, and sin no more.”

By allowing Hillary Rodham Clinton to steal the show at his AIDS summit Rick Warren has solidified himself as a pawn for the Left while ardently swearing his allegiance to conservativism. Hillary’s speech was filled with the typical Leftist propaganda on the AIDS issue, thinly veiled in religious-speak. For Warren to give her message his defacto endorsement by giving her message a platform is evidence enough that Warren cares more about being connected politically than he does being convicted principally.

The September 12, 2005 issue of The New Yorker magazine features a lengthy article on Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, headlined The Cellular Church: How Rick Warren’s Church Grew. Written by Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, the essay offers interesting insight into the mind and world of Rick Warren, and the methodogy used by Warren to build Saddleback from 200 attenders in 1975 to more than 20,000 each weekend today.

Add to this the fact that he is cozying up to Islamofascists, and you've got full-scale Fluffernuttery