A Dying Denomination? A Nazarene Pastor Speaks For Many Nazarenes

The following commentary by an ordained Nazarene pastor is reflective of not only many Nazarene pastors, but also Nazarenes in general who have been watching the incremental downgrading of a holiness denomination. The Church of the Nazarene is fractured and divided, and yet many Nazarenes are still not aware of the danger. But to those who are aware, this speaks for them:

Speaking as someone who feels completely helpless, I love the church of my youth. I grew up in the Church of the Nazarene, was educated in a Nazarene University and then went on to Nazarene Seminary. It was there that my eyes were first opened to the truth of what was happening at the higher levels. I had several prominent professors (who I will not name) who around 1990, I remember them explicitly saying that there is no hell. Hell is just a scapegoat for our own evil. This professor has written several books and been lauded among the leadership for years and asked to speak at many events including camp meetings etc. In other words, he has a far reaching arm due to his position.

On another occasion I recall sitting in a theology class and hearing my professor (also a distinguished and published author in the church) say quite openly that the Genesis account of creation is just a myth, a simple story to relate complex information to simple-minded people. In other words, those of us who believe that God can do anything, including creating all the created order in a literal 6 day period of time complete with age built in, are actually simple-minded morons who should shut up and let the scientists lead us in another round of worship and determine our theology.

I remember calling home to my mother (she was the stalwart person of faith in my life), who herself was a life-long Nazarene, and literally sobbing over the phone. Through tears I told her of the things that I was being taught and really, told to believe. She encouraged me to hold on to the things that I had been taught as a child, the first things. I have done that through the years as I have watched in horror how things have gone from bad to worse. Now my own child who attended a Nazarene University called me in absolute horror as she recounted one of her theology professors whom she really loved, said in class, “There is no such thing as the Devil.” I told her I had heard the same malarkey and was not surprised that she had now been encountered with it at the college level.

I am a Nazarene elder (credentialed), but I am at a crossroads. Currently, I am not in the capacity of full time ministry as a pastor. My heart aches to minister again, but I feel almost bound by my credentials (not in a good way) to remain in the COTN despite what I see as a slippery slide into the wasteland of once great denominations. When I say, “bound,” I don’t mean that I can’t break away because the bond is too strong in my heart. What I mean is that the system is such that I either surrender my credentials, which then leaves me with no ordination credentials at all, or I am funneled back into a system which I believe is dying a slow agonizing death due to its willingness to compromise on what I see as the major issues, or rather one issue, namely: The Word of God. This is the foundational issue all the other beliefs must stand upon.

It has been the article of faith concerning the Word of God that has been so damaging and so detrimental to so many in the faith. I ministered in another denomination for a short period of time. It became apparent to me that when I went to their equivalent of General Assembly and was met with a dose (a heavy dose) of LGTBQ tolerance and heard leaders from the platform refer to the Holy Spirit as “She” that I could no longer allow myself to be aligned with this denomination. It was also in this denomination that I was told by a mentor that we should not insist on 6 days of creation because the denomination allows that the Word of God is not explicit on this issue and the denomination has taken a stance that allows for the Christian to have a myriad of views. Ironically, this denomination is now embroiled in the whole homosexual, same sex, no gender controversy so prevalent today.

Sounds eerily familiar to the stance the COTN has taken. “Infallibility” over “Inerrancy.” The COTN has taken the position that scripture is infallible only in matters concerning soteriology (salvation). Anything that falls outside of the realm of “what must I do to be saved?” is now up for grabs and called into question. How can anyone deny that this undermines the authority of scripture and (the Holy Spirit’s) ability to speak into our lives is beyond me. It is obvious to me that there will be a coming UMC-like battle to the COTN because of this weakness to ascribe ultimate authority to the scriptures rather than science and the latest spiritual fads.

Here’s one thing that I would really like to say and I hope that it is heard: Over the years pastoring in the Nazarene denomination, as a pastor, I can say with great assurance that the rank and file, the membership as a whole (at least those not indoctrinated at the colleges, universities and the seminaries) do not know that the article of faith is a weak article of faith. They do not know the difference between infallibility and inerrancy. Most of them believe the scriptures to be 100% trustworthy in all things and in all areas of our lives. I don’t believe the rank and file, you know the ones that “fund the mission”, have the slightest idea of how their denomination’s article of faith has totally undermined their once great denomination and is leading them to be among those who will be found in apostasy when the Lord returns. Don’t even get me started on eschatology. Apparently, there’s a right and wrong way to believe about that too. One way if you’re highly educated (by Nazarene professors of course) and the wrong way, according to belief in the scriptures.

At present, I feel stuck. I don’t know what to do. I am a mere peon without any teeth.

Advertisement

The LGBT Face of the Church of the Nazarene: Celebrating Sin

The LGBTQ​ Face of the Church of the Nazarene

What an absolute disgrace!  The 2017 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene is allowing the celebration of sin!

I believe LGBT and homosexuality will be the lasting legacy of the 2017 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene, and will be the catalyst for splitting this denomination wide open.​  Along with the shameful resolutions introduced by the Holland district, as well as by the New England District, homosexuality is well on its way to being celebrated by many more Nazarenes. The train wreck that is apparently happening in the Holland district will soon become more evident here in the states.  Along with the recurring Roman Catholic themes seen in 2009 and 2013, the face of the Church of the Nazarene is becoming more like the United Methodist Church or the Episcopalians, perhaps with no chance of returning to what once was a Holiness denomination. It no longer is that.  It’s not enough to proclaim holiness.  You have to live it, you have to walk the walk. And the leaders of the denomination, from the Generals all the way down to the district leaders (with exceptions) have absolutely failed in their responsibility to protect the flock, and this is the result.  This is your church now.

Nazarenes, are you still proud to be a Nazarene​?

​ Is this what holiness unto the Lord means?​

An LGBT booth set up at General Assembly.
They were there in 2013.​

Why would they be allowed to be at a General Assembly of a Holiness denomination?

​

The “I’m Nazarene, too” FaceBook group​

​

​ This Nazarene group has over 2800 members, some of whom I am friends with.  Not sure if a few of them understand what this group really su​pports.  he logo is not exactly one I would use to represent a holiness people.

Here is their description:

This group was born out of discussions about the diversity of ideas and people who call themselves Nazarene. Sometimes, events (many of which make the news) may lead us to think that there is little room in the Church of the Nazarene for dissent, and sometimes this leads to talk of “leaving.” However, we are Nazarenes, too. We may be new to the church, we may be third- or fourth- generation preachers’ kids. We may have never missed a Sunday or Wednesday night. We may have left the Church for a while. We may still only occasionally attend. We serve as pastors, students, professionals, farmers, writers, teachers, and in many other ways. We may believe in evolution. We may affirm 6-day creation. We may believe that our gay friends are as fully Christian as we are. We may believe that homosexual acts are sinful. We may enjoy a glass of wine. Or we may not. Our theology may not match precisely that of the powers that be. Or maybe it does. We may be silent. We may be a loud and critical voice. We may turn the tables. We may stir the pot. We may calm the waters. We may rock the boat. But the one thing we have in common is that we are part of the Nazarene Church, and we are not leaving–at least not yet. We may be criticized, we may someday be ostracized, but we will remain the radical and prophetic proclaimers of the Kingdom in which the Church of the Nazarene dwells.

What is happening to the Church of the Nazarene?  And why do so few even seem to care?

Mystical Nonsense In The Church of the Nazarene

“Like lambs led to the slaughter, the people are being blinded by blind leaders.”

In the good old days, Nazarenes focused on bringing the Gospel to the Roman Catholics and introducing them to the real Jesus. My dad, a former Roman Catholic, used to travel on muleback through the mountains of Cape Verde, to preach the Gospel to Catholics. Now, the Church of the Nazarene is focused on incorporating the practices, rituals and traditions of a false religion, and calling them our brothers and sisters to boot! It’s quite amazing to watch.

One of the many cancers afflicting the Church of the Nazarene is the fascination with Roman Catholic and Eastern mysticism practices. The denomination is getting so wrapped up in feel good and legalistic ritualism at the expense of focusing on biblical preaching and teaching, that in a great number of churches now you might think you are at a Catholic mass. And yet at times, a Nazarene church will even go beyond what most Catholic churches are doing.

The College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe KS, as an example of many, is doing just that. Breath prayers are now the order of the day, and it is the norm at many Nazarene churches now. What are breath prayers, you may ask? They are simply a type of many kinds of contemplative mystical practices, or what is also called Christianized transcendental meditation. Below is their announcement on their site. Note the detailed instructions on the right as to when to inhale and exhale and then repeat a specific phrase.

Rick Warren popularized breath prayers, in his book Purpose Driven Life, a book that ought to be thrown in the garbage heap of false teaching. It is a book that, I confess, roped me in for a while, but by the grace of God, he opened my eyes to all this nonsense. It was a book that was used for small group study, and I was one of the leaders in these groups, and the more I read it, the more I realized something was not right. And one of the things he promotes in the book is breath prayers.

As explained at Lighthouse Trails Research:

Breath Prayers and Rick Warren

Are “breath prayers” a method by which we can become best friends with God? To direct people on a spiritual journey for 40 days, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life. The best selling book has impacted millions of persons. Some of Pastor Warren’s purpose involves his recommendations for “Becoming Best Friends with God.” The author shares six secrets to become God’s friends, one of which is practicing God’s presence by being in “constant conversation” with him. After quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (“pray without ceasing”), Warren asks how a Christian can practice unceasing prayer to which he answers, “One way is to use ‘breath prayers’ throughout the day, as many Christians have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated in one breath.”

Then after providing ten examples of prayers, short biblical phrases that could work as breath prayers, Warren advises “Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deep in your heart.” In this context Warren also cites the book of Brother Lawrence (c.1605-1691), The Practice of the Presence of God, who advocated experiencing the presence of God in the most menial of circumstances, by praying short conversational prayers throughout the day. The Roman Catholic practice of praying the rosary is also akin to breath prayers.

Though breath praying is not found in the Bible, advocates of the practice recommend repeating a short phrase, the phrase can be biblical, in prayer throughout the day. For example, in the parable of The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus portrayed a tax collector who in repentance and humility, cried out, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'” Out of this The Desert Fathers, a monastic group in Egypt during 3rd and 4th centuries, created the “Kyrie Eleison” (“Lord have mercy.”) prayer which later became known as the “Jesus Prayer.” The prayer became a favorite of these fathers who later expanded it to be, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”
(For the entire article, read here).

Breath prayers are not biblical. But this is what College Church is doing now, and I am sure, many others as well. At first, my thought was that “they don’t even try to hide this stuff anymore.” But then I realized that they probably are not trying to hide it, because they see nothing wrong with it! The pastors of this church are certainly deceived and lack biblical discernment, and when they introduce this kind of nonsense to the congregation, they propagate the deception to many sheep in the pews who also lack biblical discernment. Fortunately, there have been some who have escaped this church, which is a sad example of a denomination that is becoming more and more apostate.

Joining the apostasy bandwagon of all this nonsense are many other denominations and organizations. The United Methodist Church teaches that you can “re-energize your life with a new practice.”  They say that “breath prayers are another way to become more aware of God’s presence.” Guideposts, the Christian magazine, promotes breath prayers. Breath prayers are just part of the Roman Catholic and contemplative spirituality practices that have swept the Nazarene denomination and most other mainline denominations. Prayer labyrinths, prayer stations, ashes to the forehead and the observance of Lent, the “Eucharist”, and practicing the silence are all part of the “Roman Catholization” of the Church of the Nazarene.

It is obvious that mysticism and Roman Catholic practices are acceptable to most of the denomination now, and certainly its leaders have no problem with it. There is a retreat planned just before General Assembly, to be held at a Roman Catholic site, the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, and that is no coincidence. These types of retreats have been going on for years. This center promotes the use of “spiritual directors.” Doug Hardy, a “spiritual director” who teaches at Nazarene Theological Seminary, is also part of this retreat, and you can be assured he will promote his spiritual direction foolishness at this event, and the sheep will eat it up. No one seems to care one bit that Doug Hardy is one of the leading promoters of contemplative mysticism in the world, and yet he indoctrinates future Nazarene pastors at the seminary with this nonsense.

Like lambs led to the slaughter, the people are being blinded by blind leaders. This is nothing new. It has been going on for years, and part of the blame falls right in the laps of the General Superintendents, who have totally abdicated any responsibility as the designated spiritual leaders of the denomination. But it’s not too late to repent from their dereliction of duty. And perhaps it’s not too late for the Nazarenes to bring the church back from the precipice of apostasy.

Christians Falling For “The Shack” Must Get Back To The Word Of God

I was warning Nazarenes and other Christians several years ago about The Shack. I passed out hundreds of copies of Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon, which is linked here. I watched in amazement as Dr. Josie Owens, a former District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, recommended the novel as a great resource for pastors- at a District Assembly! I wonder to this day of any pastor at that assembly dared to confront her for her lack of discernment. I saw Sunday School teachers mindlessly quoting ideas from the book. Some would try to argue with me how this book is so, so good, and I marveled a their lack of biblical discernment.

Now, the novel will be in movie form. It is mind boggling the level of deception I have seen as a result of this book. I have read the book from start to finish, and it is compelling in many ways; it tugs at your heart and emotions. Yet, it is evil; I recognized it as evil; but why are so many Christians praising this book? Why are many saying it is better than the Bible? Why is there such a lack of discernment today?

I believe it is a direct result of a growing phenomenon, in which Christians are seeking to tickle their ears with whatever makes them feel good. Emotion is not necessarily bad, but when emotions take control of a Christian’s mind, while setting aside sound doctrine and biblical teaching, then that is a bad thing. And that is what is happening today. Many Christians go crazy over the latest “Christian” movie, not seeing the false teaching in it, and instead loving the “spirituality” and the “fuzzy, warn feelings it brings. They follow after their pastor’s recommendation for anything, without being like the Bereans, who themselves tested what the apostle Paul himself preached! They praise the music of the latest “Christian” artist, not testing the words of their songs or the doctrine of that popular artist.

1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

I am afraid that many of you out there who are singing the praises of The Shack; who are falling for every word your pastor may preach; who are jumping on the bandwagon of the latest “cool” Christian song; you are being deceived, and you need to get back to the word of God. It is the only thing that will keep you from apostasy, and from damaging your own Christian life. Heed the warnings. I know some of you who are friends who love The Shack. Will you heed the warnings?

Manny Silva

A Summary of Dr. Youssef’s 13 Heresies in The Shack:

1. God the Father was crucified with Jesus.
   
   Because God’s eyes are pure and cannot look upon sin, the Bible says that God would not look upon His own beloved Son as He hung on the Cross, carrying our sins (Habakkuk 1:13; Matthew 27:45).

   2. God is limited by His love and cannot practice justice.
   
   The Bible declares that God’s love and His justice are two sides of the same coin — equally a part of the personality and the character of God (Isaiah 61:8; Hosea 2:19).

   3. On the Cross, God forgave all of humanity, whether they repent or not. Some choose a relationship with Him, but He forgives them all regardless.
   
   Jesus explained that only those who come to Him will be saved (John 14:6).

   4. Hierarchical structures, whether they are in the Church or in the government, are evil.
   
   Our God is a God of order (Job 25:2).

   5. God will never judge people for their sins.
   
   The Word of God repeatedly invites people to escape from the judgment of God by believing in Jesus Christ, His Son (Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-3).

   6. There is not a hierarchical structure in the Godhead, just a circle of unity.
   
   The Bible says that Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. This doesn’t mean that one Person is higher or better than the other; just unique. Jesus said, “I came to do the will of Him who sent me. I am here to obey my Father.” Jesus also said, “I will send you the Holy Spirit” (John 4:34, 6:44, 14:26, 15:26).

   7. God submits to human wishes and choices.
   
   Far from God submitting to us, Jesus said, “Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life.” We are to submit to Him in all things, for His glory and because of what He has accomplished for us (Matthew 7:13-15).

   8. Justice will never take place because of love.
   
   The Bible teaches that when God’s love is rejected, and when the offer of salvation and forgiveness is rejected, justice must take place or God has sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for nothing (Matthew 12:20; Romans 3:25-26).

   9. There is no such a thing as eternal judgment or torment in hell.
   
   Jesus’ own description of hell is vivid … it cannot be denied (Luke 12:5, 16:23).

   10. Jesus is walking with all people in their different journeys to God, and it doesn’t matter which way you get to Him.
   
   Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one will come to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

   11. Jesus is constantly being transformed along with us.
   
   Jesus, who dwells in the splendor of heaven, sits at the right hand of God, reigning and ruling the universe. The Bible says, “In Him there is no change, for He is yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 11:12, 13:8; James 1:17).

   12. There is no need for faith or reconciliation with God because everyone will make it to heaven.
   
   Jesus said, “Only those who believe in me will have eternal life” (John 3:15, 3:36, 5:24, 6:40).

   13. The Bible is not true because it reduces God to paper.
   
   The Bible is God-breathed. Sure, there were many men through 1,800 years who put pen to paper (so to speak), each from different professions and different backgrounds, but the Holy Spirit infused their work with God’s words. These men were writing the same message from Genesis to Revelation. If you want to read more about the place of Christ in the Scripture, read “We Preach Christ” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Together 2016: False Unity Amongst False Teachers And Compromisers

TOGETHER 2016 IS NOT A MOVEMENT OF GOD. This is a warning to all Christians who are considering attending or recommending Together 2016, which is coming to Washington, DC on July 16. It is yet another piece of wasted time and effort to organize another “Christian” event that does nothing to advance the TRUTH of God’s word. There will be many popular contemporary Christian artists, pastors and speakers in attendance.

And because of that, this report will hurt some feelings and upset some of you, and hopefully cause you to think carefully- because many of you love to hear some of these Christian music artists, and many of you love to listen to some of the speakers who will be there. And certainly it is true that much of what these people sing and say is very sound. But they must be called out for their deliberate disobedience of Holy Scripture. In these times of great apostasy, there is no good reason to shrink from telling the truth of what is going on, even if you lose some friends. This is very important to understand.

I have not seen a large Christian event in years that has reflected true Christian values and sound doctrine. Why is that? It is because of that word “unity.”

Unity among Christians is certainly important. But the line is drawn in Scripture, over and over again, by Jesus and the apostles, as to who we should fellowship with. When you look at who they are joining up with, the answer is yes. Many of these compromisers are joining with the false religion of Rome, in spite of the fact that Romanism teaches that you can be saved through works, besides many other false teachings. And so therefore we need to heed such Scriptural teachings as:

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 14-16

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Eph. 5:11

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17

But instead of heeding God’s word, the “Christian” world is coming together towards that one world religion. This coming together often is through these large gatherings of famous speakers and popular contemporary Christian musicians, as a show of “unity” and “love.” The next one is coming on July 16, and it is a collection of heretics, mystics, false teachers, compromisers, and Roman Catholic sympathizers. And the pope will give his blessing to them all!

Those looking for a great revival in the church that will stop all this madness ought to consider the fact that it is not what Scripture says will happen in the last days. So even though we are constantly being bombarded by an endless parade of unbelievable and worsening apostasy, we should not be surprised. But we had better not ignore it! It is what will continue on until Christ returns and takes control of the situation. Paul writes about this in 2 Timothy 3:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

On July 16, at the National Mall in Washington, DC, there will be a gathering of famous names in Christianity. Their stated purpose is “…to come together around Jesus in unified prayer, worship, and a call for catalytic change. We’re coming together with as many people as possible who believe Jesus changes everything.” We hear this call all over the world now, don’t we? They say, “we need to be united in love.” “As long as we believe in Jesus, we can be one.” Roman Catholics must come together with evangelicals, they say, because after all, don’t we both believe that Jesus is the Savior? They have misused scripture such as John 17:21 as a reason for ecumenical hand holding. That scripture says: “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Let’s be reminded of the criteria Jesus Christ our Lord sets for us, that illustrates true unity amongst Christians. What does Jesus really say about unity? Let’s look at the context of John 17:

⁶ “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.

⁸ For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

¹⁷ Sanctify them by YOUR TRUTH. Your word is TRUTH. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified BY THE TRUTH.

True Christian unity cannot be demonstrated by bringing together sound doctrine with unsound doctrine. True unity is evidenced by speaking the TRUTH, and keeping Christ’s commandments. But that is exactly what the ecumenical movement is NOT. It is a movement based on man’s theology, not on sound doctrine as taught in Scripture. Those who live by sound doctrine are commanded in Scripture to avoid those who do not speak the TRUTH.

So now below is a list of those false teachers and compromisers, including the leader of the false Roman Catholic Church, who will be speaking to all these supposed Christian evangelicals. I must say that some of the names on this list used to be solid apologists with sound doctrine, but now they are becoming part of this rapidly apostasizing form of Christianity. Friends, I pray for sound judgment and discernment for all when they first see an announcement of the next gathering of famous artists and speakers. Most likely, it will be a gathering of apostates and false teachers and compromisers who have collected their 30 pieces of silver.

Part 2: The Lineup At Together 2016

Pope Francis: The greatest compromiser perhaps at this event. I cannot even begin to speak here about the errors of this pope in his messages, as well as all other popes before him. Although he will be speaking only by remote video, the fact that the leader of a false religion is part of this event should make it easy for a true believer to stay away at all costs!

(http://www.piratechristian.com/berean-examiner/2016/6/the-pope-and-hillsong-will-unite-together-2016-in-washington-dc)

Denominational Leaders And Organizations Who Are Joining This Apostate Gathering:

George O. Wood: Assemblies of God Superintendent.

Ronnie Floyd: President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The 700 Club: This organization has been lacking in discernment for quite some time.  They do not seem to have a representative scheduled, but they have endorsed this event.
(http://www1.cbn.com/video/700clubinteractive/2016/06/8/700-club-interactive-together-2016-june-8-2016)

Pastors/Evangelists/Apologists:

Ravi Zacharias: A gifted speaker and apologist for Christianity for many years, this great debator has faltered in recent years. In 2014, the compromise showed clearly when he spoke at a gathering of the Mormon church in January. Never once did he distinguish between the real Gospel and the false gospel of the Mormon Church. Opportunity was lost that time, and frankly, opportunity is already lost this time as well- unless he clearly and boldly tell everyone there that fellowship with the Roman Catholic Church is not fellowship with Jesus. Please pray for Ravi Zacharias to repent from coming to this event, and for him to renounce any connections with this false group of ecumenists.

Nick Hall: founder and chief communicator of PULSE, Hall is the main organizer of this event.

Luis Palau: This evangelist is very popular, and is heard often on K-Love radio and other venues. A gifted speaker, he nevertheless has been compromising for years, joining with the Roman Catholic church in many of his evangelist gatherings. To him, there is no distinction between Bible-believing Christians and those who believe the heresies of Rome. He has contributed greatly to this deception.
(http://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details3.asp?ID=17165)

Ann Voskamp: Voskamp is known to discerning Christians for her bad theology and how she romanticizes her relationship with God. One of her books is One Thousand Gifts, in which she wrote of her “experience” with God and shows her total lack of understanding of who God is. She relies more on “experiencing God” rather than giving attention to God’s word, which is no surprise. She is a false teacher.

(http://www.solasisters.com/2014/05/ann-voskamps-one-thousand-gifts.html)

Josh McDowell: Once a great apologist for Christianity, McDowell now has turned to another gospel, the false gospel of ecumenicalism and unity with Rome.
(http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/mcdowell/general.htm)

Francis Chan: This pastor is very popular and has done some good things. But he has been compromising also for years, joining up with those from the emergent church movement and with those who promote contemplative spirituality. He has joined with the false IHOP (International House of Prayer) and spoke at their convention, and endorsed their false teachers such as Mike Bickle.
(http://www.thepathoftruth.com/false-teachers/francis-chan.htm)
Lou Engle: An American Charismatic Christian leader, Founder of The Call. Engle is associated with the Dominionist movement. He was featured in the film “Jesus Camp”. He came out of the Kansas City Prophets and Latter Rain movement, and was a senior leader of IHOP (International House of Prayer). IHOP is an organization led by Mike Bickle and is one of the falsest movements around. Engle was at the Azuza Now event earlier in 2016, and he kissed the foot of Roman Catholic leader Calisi, shortly after the priest prostrated at his feet in an act of “reconciliation.”

(http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/false-prophet-of-new-apostolic-reformation-lou-engle-bows-before-roman-priest-kisses-foot/)

Mark Batterson: Author of The Circle Maker, a book that essentially promotes “Christian witchcraft.” Should any Bible-believing Christian truly accept his teaching that we should be drawing circles on the ground and praying around it like some magic formula? It is utter nonsense, yet many Christians and churches have fallen for it. It is yet another sign of the apostasy coming into the church today.

(http://beginningandend.com/the-circle-maker-heresy-witchcraft-in-the-church/)

Tony Evans: Christian pastor and author who is connected with the ecumenical Promise Keepers organization also. His theology is not as sound as one may think, but he clearly has decided that joining with the Roman Catholic sympathizers is a good thing.

Sammy Rodriguez: NBC/Telemundo called him “America’s most influential Latino Evangelical leader”. Sammy Rodriguez is just another influential leader who has jumped on the “kumbayah” bandwagon.

Eric Mason: A pastor, author and church planter in the Southern Baptist Convention who has joined the ecumenical movement.

Nabeel Quereshi: A global speaker with the Ravi Zacharias Ministries, Nabeel has followed his mentor’s steps and turned to the ecumenical road.

The entire evolving lineup of pastors and Christian leaders is listed at the website: http://reset2016.com/confirmed/

 

Contemporary Christian Bands/Artists/Industry Leaders

So much of contemporary Christian music is more bad than good, that it would need another article to discuss that. However, the CCM artists attending this ecumenical love-fest have been joined at the hip with the Roman Catholic Church for years. They have been helping promote this false Christian unity, with no discernment whatsoever. This is the reason I do not buy their music, I refuse to go to their concerts, and I encourage people to save their money and instead spend more time in God’s word. I do not want to be responsible for suggesting that any of these groups and individuals are close to being a solid example of what a Christian testimony should be. So here is the list of “Christian” artists who are selling themselves out for thirty pieces of silver.

Mike Novak, President and CEO of K-Love Radio: This radio station has long gone the way of lack of discernment as to what it plays, and as to what and who it promotes, so it is no surprise that their CEO will be at this gathering. He will fit right in.

(https://truedsicernment.com/2011/01/17/positively-discouraging-k-love

Hillsong United: If any group was to lead “worship” in the one world church, it would be Hillsong United. It is more a business venture to make money, than a venture to exalt God in worship. Just recent examples of their lack of wisdom and discernment should make every Christian throw away all their CDs, and refuse to use their songs in church anymore. It has been called a “breeding ground for false converts”, and rightly so. They preach and sing a false, empty gospel, and explains why it has attracted so many Hollywood types and sports stars over the years. Their churches are a “hip” place to go to, but it is full of a false gospel.

Hillsong has also linked up with Rome, another sign that it is an apostate organization.
(http://pulpitandpen.org/2015/07/30/hillsong-a-breeding-ground-for-false-converts-and-your-church-pays-for-it/)

Michael W. Smith: Has compromised for many years already by linking up with the Roman Catholic Church. On his website, it is typical of some any other ecumenical “Christians.” You will not find anything about his doctrinal beliefs. It is intentional, so that his music is appealing to all areas of Christianity, and so he does not want to offend anyone. That is textbook ecumenicalism, do not offend! He yokes together with Catholics, instead of following God’s clear instructions to “do not be unequally yoked.” His is a non-judgmental kind of Christianity.
(http://www.greatpreachers.org/mw_smith.html)

Crowder: Not only does he perform musically, Crowder is joined at the hip with the Roman Catholic Church as well, and he promotes contemplative mysticism.
(https://davemosher.wordpress.com/tag/david-crowder/)

 

Some of the Other Compromising “Christian” Artists: By imitating the unsaved world with their hip hop styles and their worldly sounding music and lyrics, many of these artists have naturally slipped into the same compromising positions with the world and with the Roman Catholic Church. Some of the songs are doctrinally sound, but many other songs are not, and could very easily be mistaken for songs performed for Top 40 radio and rock and roll stations. Here are some of the other compromisers, and the entire evolving lineup is listed at the website: http://reset2016.com/confirmed/