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/

 

 

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The Nazarene Road To Rome Part 2

“The Church of the Nazarene is fast becoming an apostate denomination.  It has for quite a while now been embracing Rome, notwithstanding anything that the leaders might tell you.  And don’t think you can look to the General Superintendents for help- because they are part of the problem.  They are either going fully along with these false teachings and ideologies, or they have abdicated their responsibility to protect the flock.  For many of us, it has been an absolute nightmare reading their “non-responsive” responses to our concerns.  They will have much to answer for their negligence.”

Many Christians today have a hard time dealing with reality regarding what’s happening in their “beloved denomination.” We may not know all the details, but there are some things that are for certain regarding the end times.  There will be no great revival, but there will be a great apostasy, of which we may well be in the midst of it now.  Those who preach about a great revival as the precursor before Christ’s return do not know their scripture, or perhaps they do know and are simply ignoring the truth of what Revelation teaches us.

In this video excerpt we see two events: in 1988, John Paul II led a worldwide service for peace that included spiritists, Buddhists, and other religions; and the other event depicted shows Pope Benedict leading an ecumenical prayer service, it seems almost unreal, but this “ecumenical spirit” continues today, as evangelicals are falling over each other in a race to be seen as full of love and unity with all “Christians”, regardless of doctrinal differences.

You will notice various evangelical denominations represented in the prayer service, with some going so far as to kiss the pope’s hand.  If this is not idolatry, what would you call it?  This procession of misguided “Christian” leaders did not include anyone from the Nazarene denomination-yet; but give it time.  After all, there are already many prominent leaders in the Nazarene denomination who are calling Roman Catholics our “brothers and sisters”, and who are introducing RCC traditions and rituals to Nazarenes in many churches and districts.

January was the occasion of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  From the website atonementfriars.org, it states that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21).  It is an ecumenical venture that has been around for a long time, and is proud of making connections and joining hands with any group that simply proclaims the name of Jesus, even if they are all over the place in doctrine.  The goal is unity- no matter what the differences.  Their theme this year is Has Christ Been Divided? And so they state that: “We continue to be divided by doctrine, polity, and practice, and to maintain our own religious identity, yet our pilgrimage towards unity continues under God’s guidance.”

Does God really guide such kinds of ventures? And is God guiding the Church of the Nazarene into joining with those who are marching slowly and steadily to join hands with Rome and the one world religion?  Are there really no serious differences between the evangelical church and the Roman Catholic Church that would hinder fellowship between them?  Apparently not to many of the Nazarene leadership, and it seems Nazarenes are joining the bandwagon happily, and ignoring the serious differences between the two.

For me, I have been made strongly aware of it in the past five years or so, but for others, they have seen this coming for a long time.  On the above mentioned website, you will read that a Nazarene pastor, Rev. Ken Ardry from New York, participated in this endeavor.  He has also written a document that is available from the site that reflects his views about this ecumenical event and what it means to him.  Rev. Ardry is in good company in the Nazarene church, and therefore should not even fear any serious criticism for this. He will most certainly be applauded by the leadership.  Here is an excerpt from that paper/talk he penned (see attached for complete text):

“To my Wesleyan, Reformed, Calvinistic, Pentecostal brothers and sisters… God really does use our Catholic brothers and sisters to bring people who have no faith into reconciliation with their creator God. To my Catholic brothers and sisters, and I know I preach to the choir this evening because you wouldn’t be here praying for Christian unity if you didn’t believe this, but to my Catholic brothers and sisters God really does use us Protestant types to bring people who are lost without their God into reconciliation with him.

As we seek to build Christian unity Paul sets an example for us in his attitude toward the Corinthian church.”

To those who have bought into the idea that for Roman Catholics and Nazarenes (or any evangelical Protestant) there is nothing that should cause them to break fellowship, I can see them nodding their heads and saying “amen.  Perhaps they believe that the Reformation was a waste of time and should never have happened.  And now leaders in the church are working hard to bring the Nazarene denomination a step closer to Rome.  I recall at this year’s General Assembly, when at Mark Maddix’s seminar promoting contemplative spirituality practices, I was rebuked by him and several others who approached me later.  Why?  Because I spoke the truth and said that Roman Catholicism is a false religion.

The evidence is everywhere.  We have seen it with programs in every university and the seminaries promoting Eastern style mysticism (contemplative spirituality) under the guise of a better sounding phrase, “spiritual formation.”  We have seen pagan prayer labyrinths at Trevecca Nazarene University and various churches, as well as trips to a monastery to “practice the silence” and mingle with the nuns and monks in their rituals.  We saw this continuing promotion of contemplative prayer sponsored by the seminary itself, at the General Assembly in Orlando in 2009.  Two years before that the seminary sponsored the same thing just before the M-7 Conference.  Then there was also the Roman Catholic style prayer rooms at General Assembly, with books by mystic Richard Foster prominently displayed next to a Bible.

We have seen books sold at Nazarene Publishing House that promote to the youth such practices as prayer beads, creating their own labyrinths, lectio divina, and recommending going on pilgrimages to the Taize interspiritual center in France.  And at least one university, Point Loma Nazarene, has organized its own trip for youth to Taize.  Then along came Ashes to Fire, a devotional book that continues the trend towards Roman Catholic practice.  Remember  the Nazarene video promotion showing someone receiving ashes to the forehead, Roman Catholic style?  And then, the Nazarene pastor taking confessional at St. Peter’s in Rome, reminding his friends that he did not want to forget “his roots.”  Or what about the heavy promotion of books by Catholic mystics recommended for a Nazarene camp in New Hampshire?

You believe in biblical inerrancy?  Big problem!  Confessional in Rome?  No problem.

We now see a Facebook group, Sacramental Nazarenes, heavily promoting and talking about all the latest fads in rituals and ceremonies that they can all share and perform in their churches.  The new president of Nazarene Theological Seminary proudly has displayed an icon of an Eastern Orthodox “saint” on her Facebook page.  It’s all about ritual, and tradition, now for these people, and less about scripture and doctrine.  And if you see the list of members of Sacramental Nazarenes, you will see leaders in the church, such as former General Superintendent Jesse Middendorf, and GS David Busic; Carla Sunberg, new president of the seminary; district superintendents, pastors, college professors and president – because they have bought into these ideas!

There are so many more signs that the Church of the Nazarene is no longer the church that was used by God to bring the Gospel to my father and rescue him from Roman Catholicism and its false religion.  Have you noticed pastors quoting Mother Teresa and other Catholic mystics in their sermons?  The jesus of Catholicism is not the Jesus I know.  So if that is true, how can there be unity?  In fact, can there be unity when the official position of the Roman Catholic Church is that all of us are lost, unless we repent and return to Rome?  Don’t these Nazarene leaders even know that much?  Don’t they know what the RCC teaches?

There is much more that is destroying the Nazarene denomination.  There is the emergent church culture, that doubts most of Scripture.  There is the godless evolution movement, being promoted aggressively by leaders in the church.  There is now the signs and wonders movement, with many Nazarenes under the influence of such as Bill Johnson and Dan Bohi.  There is the contemplative spirituality movement, which is bringing Eastern mysticism into the church.  And finally, there is the fundamental denial that God’s word is inerrant, and if you dare to preach otherwise, or preach against the emergent church- you will lose your ordination unless you recant.  And that has already happened.

“The Church of the Nazarene is fast becoming an apostate denomination.  It has for quite a while now been embracing Rome, notwithstanding anything that the leaders might tell you.  And don’t think you can look to the General Superintendents for help- because they are part of the problem.  They are either going fully along with these false teachings and ideologies, or they have abdicated their responsibility to protect the flock.  For many of us, it has been an absolute nightmare reading their “non-responsive” responses to our concerns.  They will have much to answer for their negligence.”

The only hope right now are the faithful churches that are standing against the emergent movement, regardless of criticism- and they do get it.  They get it from district superintendents who are pushing the agenda.  And the casualties along the way are the many faithful, Bible believing Nazarenes who have no choice but to leave their churches, and find another church.  I urge those who have not any good options left, to shake the dust off their shoes, and leave the Church of the Nazarene.  Don’t become part of Rome.

For further reference:

Roman Catholic Heresies: https://reformednazarene.wordpress.com/roman-catholicism-and-its-heresies/

Message about A Nazarene Heresy: https://reformednazarene.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/message-about-a-nazarene-heresy/

 

 

What I Saw At General Assembly: ​Fri​day June 2 1​

This is my first quick summary report of General Assembly 2013 of the Church of the Nazarene.  We will do a more complete assessment at the end of the convention.  For now, here is what essentially I saw on the first day I was there:

Attended A Workshop: Scripture As Spiritual Formation.  It was led by Mark Maddix of Northwest Nazarene University and Richard Thompson.

Shortly after it started, I think we knew where it was going.  Professor Maddix later promoted lectio divina, one of the contemplative spirituality rituals.  He later ended the session by encouraging people to investigate more into learning about spiritual formation.  At the end, I was the last person to ask a question, and I asked Mr. Maddix:

“My father was rescued from the bondage of the Roman Catholic church years ago as a young man, and became a Christian.  He preached for years as a Nazarene pastor until he died.  So why is it that the Nazarene denomination is welcoming and promoting mystical practices that come straight out of  Roman Catholicism, which is a false religion?”

Mark Maddix strongly disagreed with me.  Mr. Maddix unequivocally stated that the Roman Catholics are our brothers and sisters in Christ.  He does not believe it is a false religion, even though it is clear that the RCC preaches works-based salvation.  Mr. Maddix does not know what he is talking about regarding the history of the Roman Catholic Church.  He made an erroneous claim that we got the Bible from the RCC, which is dead wrong.

A man then came up to me- and said he was grieved at my comments and  my “attack” against Roman Catholics, because he has many friends who are Catholic.  I said so did I, and what does that have to do with telling the truth that it is a false religion.  I asked if he would be willing to show me through Scripture that I was wrong, but he walked away.  I sensed much disapproval after I asked my question, and when Bev Turner followed up with pointing out the teachings that are being promoted in the universities, a man across the room yelled at here disrespectfully, asking if she had read those books.  She responded yes, I did.  Telling the truth to these people touches a real never with them, but I thanked the Lord I had the chance to witness to the truth.  A young lady approached me after and thanked me for stating something and this issue, which was troubling her also.  It made it all worth it.

If we can reach one person in these sessions by voicing our biblical objection to what is going on, then I give praise to God for obediently following His command to “bring light into the darkness.”  I firmly believe that Mark Maddix, and a whole lot of other leadership in the church, have bought into these lies and have been deceived.  I believe if the question was asked of some of our General Superintendents, they might be forced to admit the same belief Mark Maddix expressed.

The church is embracing the rituals and beliefs of a false religion.  It is embracing a religion that actually teaches that we ourselves are lost, unless we come back to the “mother church!”  We are told in Scripture to come out, to be separate, not to join them.  As I think of my dad, and how he returned to preach to the very people who were lost as Roman Catholics, I continue to think how ironic that this has turned around this way.  It was a sad moment I experienced as I attended my first workshop at GA.

 

Attended A Workshop: Making Christlike Disciples in the LGBT Community

Led by Andy McGee, pastor of a LGBT Nazarene church.  Much was said how they reach out to the LGBT community, and about their “methods of reaching them, making them feel at home, or feeling comfortable and not threatened.  Much was said, but not once was the word sin used.  I asked a question at the end:

“Is there any instance at your church where some of these folks have actually given a testimony as to how they were forgiven and freed from the bondage of their homosexuality, as with all other sins?”  I honestly cannot remember the details of the answer, but it dot not really answer the question.  Rev. McGee characterized what I said as being the “Exodus International” approach- right after which I interjected that no… this was my biblical approach.

Later on another man asked “what about what Romans chapter 1 says about this?  How do you answer that question?”   Again, I don’t believe the answers very biblical.  I hope to be able to provide you with audio, because they said it was being recorded.  At the end, he and his folks received a loud, sanding ovation- probably on a par with the kind of ovation a General Superintendent gets when newly elected.  I thought the entire presentation was very strange, and left many questions unanswered.  Yet, this was received very warmly, and my impression was that, except for a few here and there, no one really cared to hear my question about being saved from sin.

I believe something like this church is a first step towards gay affirmation.  In fact, Rev. McGee erroneously said that people are born with homosexuality and cannot help that.  He actually used statement by the General Superintendents to support that view- and sadly, it may be true that they believe this as well.

There are other examples of this kind of softening of the biblical message to appease sinners.  The acceptance of homosexuality will probably be very complete by the time the next General Assembly happens.  This does not bode well for the Church of the Nazarene.

Master Plan

This program, which is the same as the G-12 movement, is inflicting great harm to the church.  At least five pastors have sent me reports on this problem in the last few years.  Their churches have been damaged, and parts of this seem very cult like.  One of the big movers of this thing spoke Friday, and my friend Charlie was not impressed with the presentation by Rev. Craig Rench, apparently one of the experts on the Master Plan.  To find more about this movement, please read this recent blog post by a Nazarene who has seen and experienced this:

http://themastersplannazarene.blogspot.ca/

 

Signs And Wonders In the Church

This seems to be another phenomenon which is catching on in the church with greater popularity, spurred on by the teachings and preachings of Rob McCorkle and Dan Bohi.  Sine Tim Wirth was there with me, he wrote some notes on this which I will share, but there will be further indepth reporting on “Fire Schools” which are being promoted at one of the General Assembly booths.

IHOP IS HERE, and so is the NAR, Kansas City Prophets, Rick Joyner. For those unfamiliar with the terms and the people, I will be posting articles on all these topics as a follow up to my Fire School article. The false signs and wonders are here folks. I will post articles on the other false revivals such as Lakeland with Todd Bentley, Toronto, Brownsville, etc… I will also do an article on impartation and the false pretense these folk use. Trust me the Holy Spirit is not limited to what man desires to conjure up and He is not at man’s beck and call to do our bidding. He is God and He goes and does at is His good pleasure, not ours. The Holy Spirit does not need to get a piggy back ride to your church through impartation. But a familiar spirit often does.

A Conversation With A Fire School Enthusiast

The following​ description by Tim of an encounter we had at the Fire Sachool booth, I believe, is ​a sad indication of how someone can be deceived so easily.

This was the big Fire School/Bohi promotion.  Manny and I had a very interesting conversation with a young lady,​ and Rob McCorkle had ​left before we had a chance to speak with him. I’m going to write a more detailed article on this Saturday​. The gist of it was I tried to ask this young lady where she found these manifestations in scripture. She said people fell forward. I said exactly. Only Jesus’s enemies fell backward when they came to arrest Him. This girl was really trying to control the conversation often cutting us off, trying to not let us speak. Manny bought up that no preacher is above scrutiny. Then on that point I went into what Dan preached giving exact quotes and I asked her if she thought the teaching matched up to scripture. I also pointed out where Dan actually stated he didn’t like the definition of faith expressed in the book of Hebrews and than gave his own definition of faith outside of scripture (by way of revelation knowledge perhaps?).  She stated she knows the Holy Spirit and almost implied I wasn’t saved. She said she fell to her knees and her arms were so heavy she could not move her arms.

We questioned her experience and Manny asked her if it was possible that she could be deceived. She stated no way because she knows the way the Holy Spirit moves. I asked her where is this found in scripture?  She could not answer.

Than an older lady came by and stated she never believed in the stuff either until she went and was bought to her knees, feeling a heaviness and was actually paralyzed and could not move either. I asked again where is this experience in scripture? I asked the young lady again about Dan’s teaching and how the Nazarene founder distanced himself from Azuza street and its manifestations. She than informed us we are not to “touch the anointed”. I explained to her that if you are saved you are anointed by the Holy Spirit for service. She than stated “I’m done here and I want you both to leave this area right now”. Even though her young man counterpart wanted to talk more. I apologized to her for upsetting her. She said “leave now”.  We left.

Tim will be reporting more on this soon.  I will try to update tomorrow night as needed.  Please pray for the COTN, it is really in deep trouble.

Manny

Friday, June 21, 2013

 

When Your “Favorite” Christian Leader Is In Serious Error, How Do You Respond?

Scripture teaches over and over that we are to separate from error.  We are told to “have nothing with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).  2 Cor. 6:14 says to not be yoked together with unbelievers. 

I am continually amazed, but also not surprised, at the fast pace of compromise in the Christian world, year after year.  We are watching once solid leaders ignoring biblical principles of separation as they turn to hold hands with almost anyone who declares themselves Christian, in spite of clear evidence of apostate behavior.  As Ken Silva points out in his recent article (David Barton Controversy), one leader after another is becoming involved in various joint ventures to unite all “Christians” with the goal of making the world a better place.

 

The latest compromise is the Under God Indivisible Leadership Conference.  It was held on July 27 and was described as “people of faith across the nation come together to call on God for the next Great Awakening.”  In Pastor Ken’s article excerpt below, you will see what I mean by the compromise that has happened with such prominent and supposedly solid Christian leaders such as Ravi Zacharias, David Jeremiah, and Franklin Graham. 

 

Concern #1: The Leaders Who Compromise

Ravi Zacharias has shown signs of compromise in the past, so it is not the first.  I was first taken aback when Ravi shared the stage with leaders of the Mormon church at their conference, and never once made it clear that that the Jesus of Mormonism is not the same Jesus of true Christianity.  Then there was the time where he made a reference to Henri Nouwen as “one of the greatest saints of recent memory.”  (video, at 5:45).
Nouwen was a Roman Catholic monk who blended Eastern mysticism with Christianity.  Ravi also spoke at New Age heretic Robert Schuller’s ReThink conference.  How hard has Ravi fallen down?  And how much more compromise will he make in the direction of apostasy?

David Jeremiah is another who has made a terrible mistake by joining hands with this group.  Jeremiah already has compromised in the past.  He wrote a great book that exposed the New Age, but now he himself is promoting contemplative mysticism.  Then there are well known evangelicals like Tony Evans, James Robison, and David Barton.  They all decided to join the bandwagon of this ecumenical movement alongside false teachers such as John Hagee, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and also with Roman Catholic leaders such as Jonathan Morris and Robert Sirico.  The lineup also included prominent political commentator Glen Beck, a Mormon who is fast becoming accepted as a fellow “Christian” by evangelical Christians.  Why is this happening, and why are they sharing the stage with Beck?

 

There are many others.  The full lineup of speakers who compromised that evening is listed at the end, and you can listen to each of them here.  Although the video is nearly three hours long, you will be able to jump any section to listen to a specific speaker.  

 

Concern #2: Christians Who Do Not Like It When Their “Favorites” Are Called Out

From time to time, I get a disapproving email from someone when I mention a favorite of theirs who has compromised the Gospel.  I have been criticized for mentioning such popular folks as Beth Moore, for instance, who has been shown to not only be biblically unsound, but who is favorably promoting contemplative spirituality.  I’ve been told not to “go there”  as I continue my investigation of popular evangelist Dan Bohi and some of his teachings and associations, which I will be reporting on soon.  As I bring to light information on what he is preaching, and what he is claiming to have done, and who he associates with- I wonder, what will you say?

I have no doubt… in fact I am certain to lose some friends after that comes out.

Yet, as Christians we are not to show favoritism towards any teacher or preacher if they start to teach anything that is contrary to God’s word.  We should not overlook someone’s error and give them a free pass if it contradicts Holy Scripture.  No one is above scrutiny except the One who is above scrutiny.

Most of you would in principle agree with what I just said, but in practice, some of you fail at following this principle when your own “ox is being gored.”  In other words, it depends on whether the criticism of that teacher goes against your own interests or not.  This is dangerous territory, and is an indication of clouded judgment at best, and worse, an indication that you are experiencing deception that could continue to get worse and worse for you.  What in the world is going on, when so many of these “great” leaders are continuing to fall by the wayside, and at the same time, so many of you cannot see the obvious right in front of your noses?

 

I shudder to think how much worse it will get, but I believe it is going to get much worse.  We are seeing signs all around of a widening apostasy, and it seems the true Christian church will be comprised of small groups scattered around the world, while the majority of “Christians” will become part of a worldwide unity of false Christians and other religions under the leadership of the Anti-Christ.  There are certainly no indications in Scripture that the end times will bring a great revival in the church, as so many are saying will happen.  Rather, Scripture clearly tells is that many will fall away from the truth, and the love of many will grow cold.

 

Beware of making idols of your favorite preacher, teacher or pastor.  It could come back to bite you very hard, and in turn could cause damage to those closest to you.

 

Manny Silva

 

Additional References:

 

http://apprising.org/2012/06/29/under-god-indivisible-and-joined-with-apostates/

You will be able to listen to each speaker by jumping to their own section at this video of the conference:  http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-pastor-ken-hutcherson-i-am-the-gayest-man-i-know-74390/

Speakers: David Jeremiah, Fr. Jonathan Morris, Betty Robison, Ravi Zacharias, Dr. Tony Evans, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, James Robison, Dr. Richard Land, Dr. Frank Pavone. Ken Hutcherson, Kenneth Copeland, Dr. Jim Garlow, Rabbi Aryeh Spero, Rev. Robert Sirico, John Hagee, Robert Morris, Jay Richards, Gloria Copeland, Bishop Harry Jackson, Chris Hodges, David Uth, Mark Gonzalas, Dean Nelson

Major Church Leaders Compromise; Ignore Scripture; And Twist The Gospel Message

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?… 17 Therefore come out from among them, and be separate says the Lord.  Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.  2 Cor. 6:14, 17

 

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. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; ¹¹ for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.  2 John 1:9-11

 

There has been a continuing paradigm shift in the evangelical denominations for quite a few years now.  The New Evangelical movement continues it degrading influence on the church by marching to the drumbeat of “ecumenicalism”, rejection of the doctrine of separation in favor of “unity”, and a big tent philosophy much in line with what the emergent church crowd likes.  But this is not, nor has it ever been a biblical approach.  Yet it seems even the major leaders from most evangelical denominations and Christian universities of today just don’t get it.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was not about the business of trying to correct all the social ills in His day, or making sure that wealth was equally distributed, nor did he get involved in political causes to make sure everyone got “their fair share.”  He came to “seek and save that which was lost.”  He came to correct the “heart ills.”  That was His mission, and yet national “evangelical” leaders from many denominations have lost focus on the true Gospel, and have gotten on the bandwagon of the fake social justice gospel.  Christ did not command the disciples to “go and bring social justice to the earth”, but to go and “teach all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them all He has commanded them and to obey those commands.”

 

As the saying goes, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.  On June 12, something happened that further shows the compromise with the world that the leaders of the Church of the Nazarene, and practically every major “evangelical” denomination, have taken.  A new group called The Evangelical Immigration Table announced a joint effort amongst most evangelical denominations and leading Christian organizations, to work in “solving” our national immigration problems (i.e. amnesty for illegal aliens).  Never mind that many Christians disagree with the political aims of this group and that their ideas are the same liberal ideas about “fairness and compassion” to illegal aliens, at the expense of citizens and legal residents.
I absolutely refuse to be categorized as an “evangelical Christian” along with any of the men and women associated with this group.

 

So when looking closely at those who are part of this group and have signed on to its goals, I cannot come away from this with anything but disgust and disappointment again at my own denomination’s general superintendents- all six of them this time, as well as other “evangelical” leaders who have become a part of this new ecumenical endeavor.  It is very disappointing to see Focus on the Family and other groups like them also getting involved in this effort.

 

From Brannon Howse’s website, Worldview Weekend:

 

“Radicals and “evangelicals” unite to push for amnesty for illegal aliens.  On June 12, 2012, a Focus on the Family representative, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Neo-Marxist Jim Wallis joined others for a press conference as part of the “Evangelical Immigration Table”. Sadly, the president or General Superintendent of almost every major “evangelical” denomination has signed on to this project. Brannon believes that so many “evangelical” leaders signing on to this, and other such unbiblical projects, reveals that God is giving over America as described in Romans 1 and giving America the kind of leaders it deserves. Romans 1 describes leaders that are debased, which means they do not pass the test spiritually, and leaders that are undiscerning.”

Brannon explains why he believes this is one more unbiblical spiritual enterprise that is a perfect example of the Religious Trojan horse that has infiltrated evangelicalism. Brannon also explains how the communists are embracing an amnesty plan as well in order to push through their progressive agenda. The communists must be thrilled that so many “evangelicals” have become such “useful idiots” and are aiding in their same objective of amnesty for millions that will vote for a progressive agenda. Clearly the word “evangelical” means nothing if Jim Wallis is called an evangelical. Additionally, those taking part in this initiative redefining what it means to be a Christian as at this press conference the term “Christian” was being thrown around. Brannon plays sound clips from the press conference that includes one lady speaking of how the Holy Spirit is behind this. That is 100% false. The Holy Spirit cannot be behind that which is a violation of 2 Corinthians 6:14, 2 John 9-11, and 2 Corinthians 6:14.”

 

Please listen to the audio from Brannon’s radio show as he discusses this travesty.  Some of the most egregious violators of Biblical principles are signatories to this new endeavor, so why do six General Superintendents* of the Nazarene church not understand that we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers and with those who pervert the Gospel into something other than what the Lord gave us?  The meaning of the word evangelical has been so perverted that it has lost its originally understood meaning.

 

The list of participants is far from Biblical Christianity.  There is Jim Wallis of Sojourners, a radical who will again appear this month at the blasphemous Wildgoose Festival.  This man is no evangelical.  Then there is Rev. Gabriel Salguerro, a Nazarene pastor from New York who is leader of the radical National Latino Evangelical Coalition, and also is a participant and promoter of the WildgooseFestival that is scheduled this week, which promotes anything but Christian values.  So why are two General Superintendents (JerryPorter and Stan Toler) on the leadership of Salguerro’s organization, and why do they continue to associate with this “pastor” after I reported to them twice on his involvement with the WildGoose party that spits on the Gospel?

 

In this group’s video news conference, you will hear Jim Wallis call this a biblical movement:

 

“Hear Neo-Marxist Jim Wallis call this movement Biblical (23:30). Brannon gives you a quick history of Jim’s radical agenda. Another speaker describes how no one is left out of God’s Kingdom vision. Again this is false. This same speaker talks of Jesus in terms of being a social justice advocate. Not one speaker described the gospel but in fact one speaker said the primary calling of the church is to love the poor and stranger. The primary objective of the Church is the proclamation of the gospel that is clearly compromised through this project.”

 

This is just another group trying to advance amnesty for illegal aliens, while stepping on the rights of law abiding citizens, and law abiding legal residents of our country.  This is not a Christian worldview that drives this.  As you listen to their press conference, it is a complete twisting of what it means to be a Christian pastor or leader, as they promote compromising of the laws of the U.S. in favor of those who break the law.

 

While that alone is insulting to those who worked so hard to come here legally, or those who are still waiting to come to the United States lawfully, it is even more appalling when so-called Christian evangelical leaders compromise biblical truth and join hands with those who have perverted and watered down the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As you watch the press conference with the parade of “important” and “wise” leaders who think they know better than us, you will see a bunch of men and women who do not know the true meaning of the Gospel.  You will hear Rev. Salguerro as he praises person after person for their outstanding credentials.  “Professing to be wise, they have become fools”, and little do they know that the devil has them right where he wants them.

 

It would truly be inspiring if the leaders of the Church of the Nazarene (and these other denominations) would fervently spend their time fighting against all the false teachings infecting our churches and universities, than to distract themselves with unholy alliances such as this.  Yet as many of you know, they have done nothing but give empty answers to questions, or remained silent. That is a horrible failure of leadership, something which they may pay a high penalty for someday.  Instead, they continue to waste their time on trying to correct the supposed ills of society, while the real ill (the sinful heart of man) becomes more and more neglected.

 

Yet, its not too late to see their error and turn away from this unholy alliance.  Will they?

 

Manny Silva

 

 

 

For further reference:

 

Social Justice and The Bible (Mike Oppenheimer)

New Evangelicalism: Its History, Characteristics, And Fruit (David Cloud)

 

 

*Nazarenes who have signed on with this group:

Eugénio Duarte, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

David Graves, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

Jesse Middendorf, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

Jerry D. Porter, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

Stan Toler, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

J. K. Warrick, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

Corlis McGee, President, Eastern Nazarene College

 

Others who have signed on (full list at their website):

 

JoAnne Lyon, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church

William J. Hamel, President, Evangelical Free Church of America

George Wood, General Superintendent, General Council of the Assemblies of God

Bryant Wright, President, Southern Baptist Convention

Ken Hunn, Executive Director, The Brethren Church

Leith Anderson, President, National Association of Evangelicals

 

Bill Hybels, Founding and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church (South Barrington, IL)

Max Lucado, Minister of Preaching, Oak Hills Church (San Antonio, TX)

David Uth, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church (Orlando, FL)

Shane Claiborne, Emergent leader, Author and Activist

Andy Crouch, Author and Editor-at-Large, Christianity Today

David Neff, Editor-in-Chief, Christianity Today

Eric Metaxas, Author

Danny Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary

Shirley Mullen, President, Houghton College

Mathew Staver, Dean, Liberty University School of Law

Dennis Hollinger, President, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary

Richard Stearns, President, World Vision U.S.

Ed Stetzer, President, Lifeway Research

 

Heads of the Evangelical Immigration Table

·  Leith Anderson, President, National Association of Evangelicals

·  Stephan Bauman, President and CEO, World Relief

·  David Beckmann, President, Bread for the World

·  Noel Castellanos, CEO, Christian Community Development Association

·  Luis Cortés, President, Esperanza

·  Richard Land, President, Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

·  Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

·  Gabriel Salguero, President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition

·  Jim Wallis, President and CEO, Sojourners

 

 

Here is the group’s stated goals:

As evangelical Christian leaders, we call for a bipartisan solution on immigration that:

• Respects the God-given dignity of every person
• Protects the unity of the immediate family
• Respects the rule of law
• Guarantees secure national borders
• Ensures fairness to taxpayers
• Establishes a path toward legal status and/or citizenship for those who qualify and who wish to become permanent residents