Compromising the gospel for church growth and American idol heretics.
I get no joy out of telling people that much of what is being passed off as Christianity today is counterfeit. Those American Idols that are pushing modern heresies on people may think they are being opened minded but they really have become a willing door of Satanic deception. Satan’s goal is to get people who identify with Christianity to doubt fundamental doctrines that uniquely define who a Christian is. Satan then substitutes Christian doctrine with doctrines of demons in order to create counterfeits of the Christian religion. These demonic bastardizations of Christianity are not true Christianity.
for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Satan works through heretical and deceived Christian leadership because he understands the fallen nature of man. From the time of Nimrod people have always put their substitute for God (idols) on objects, thrones, pedestals and pulpits. Instead of checking what God has revealed to them, they check out God through their own created Idols.
Today we can write off most of mainline Christianity as nothing but cultural Christianity that is practicing doctrines of humanism. Mainline denominations have a liturgy that they act out with the use of words that they recite but their faith is in their own rituals rather than the “truth” the rituals were set up by the domination’s to teach. They have become like Israel that began to worship the bronze snake on a pole rather than retain the knowledge that salvation came by faith in God’s propitiation for sin.
That is also why Catholics for much of their history had no problem with a Latin Mass even though the people did not know Latin. They just let their living Idols that they called priests define the rituals that would appease God for them. Now the Mass is in the native languages but not one in a hundred Catholics even understands what the ritual is all about. Even those who understand the Mass just watch their Idols offer up Christ on the altar daily thinking that God can be further appeased by what He already accomplished once and for all.
Mainline protestants are not exempt from having living Idols either. The Idols in mainline pulpits are mostly peddlers of psychology, humanism and sacramentalism. The people get an uplifting message from their Idols about the potential goodness of man and how they can please God through keeping sacraments and following Idol suggestions. About the only Word of God found in these churches are either a suggestion for better living or some rote scripture for the people to recite and claim this fulfills prayer.
This dead orthodoxy in the mainline churches is well-known but now Satan is going after the holdouts in the Fundamental, Pentecostal and Evangelical Bible churches. Satan seems to be having a “new fashion rout” through the use of their own mega Idols.
Finding a mega church without an American Idol running the show is as hard as trying to find Obama in a church. It is rare indeed. It’s not just that they put their pastors on pedestals. Many churches are in competition for bragging rights about church size. They all want to move up on the list of the top 1000 largest churches in America and they do not much care how they advance. Whatever works is their overriding methodology.
It seems the more they water down the gospel and push worldly self-help programs and downplay sin the larger they grow. Even a moron could figure out why that is. If there is no repentance, salvation, baptism and discipleship required for church membership or if there is no membership at all like in some churches you will have more attenders. You also will have more numbers if you never take anyone off the membership lists. Nevertheless, the Church is not about how many people you can get on a church roster or into your church building on Sunday to listen to your American Idol.
I can’t put all the blame on the pastors of these churches because they just carry out what the rest of the church wants and if they did not go with the popular agenda the congregation would find someone else that would. Like in politics, a constituency usually gets the leadership they deserve.
When any church gets so market driven and seeker friendly that counterfeit Christians becomes the majority within the church it is very likely that it will also become a counterfeit Christian church. I can name some and they are some of the top churches in America. The chicken or egg question is, did the counterfeit Christian church become that way because the pastor led them there or was it because the membership wanted an Idol made in their own image? Look at some of the top books on the Christian book market today and you will see many are written by pastors of mega-churches teaching some major heresy. It seems that there is quite the demand in pseudo-Christianity for all kinds of heresy.
Universalism is now a real popular heresy in some seeker friendly and emergent churches. Nobody wants to believe anyone will go to hell anymore without Christ. The American Idols say God would not be that cruel to let grandma go to Hell even though grandma opposed His Savior and salvation. So the Idols are now judging God. They would lead you to believe that all the warnings in the Bible about Hell and damnation must just be figures of speech they are just hyperbole, or else those scriptures are not really God’s Word they are just the writer’s opinion. So the Idols even become a judge of what is God’s Word and what words might not be. Red letters in the Bible are rated higher than those dark letters. Poor God! He is totally misunderstood! Since God is love, everyone is going to Heaven. Just ask any universalist? Never mind, that if God left some people in Heaven they would soon make it Hell. What kind of love is that?
There are many brands of heresy coming from evangelical mega-churches but what most have in common is universalism, pluralism, and pantheism.
On the other side of the evangelical coin you have the Word Faith speak it into existence Pentecostals and many of these are also mega-churches. They left Bible doctrine for mystical experiences and they only use the Bible if something they find in it can be force fitted into whatever heresy that they are teaching today. These churches have anointed pietistic American Idols on stage and you better not touch these holier than thou anointed leaders (in other words oppose anything that they teach and claim). If you find yourself in a church where the American Idol parades around the stage like he or she is doing a Mick Jagger imitation you probably found one of these anointed leaders.
In this mega circus you will find healing and prophecy and the promise of wealth in the name of the counterfeit Jesus of the Word Faith or New Apostolic Reformation movement. Negative thoughts and words are about on par with hexes in these churches and God can never say no. After all, they think that their big mouth contains the God force that will speak things into existence.
Most people in this movement would be quite comfortable in New Age teaching because they believe much the same thing. One big difference is that people in the New Age movement are probably saner and they obviously know more about why they believe what they believe. At least those in the New Age admit they believe in spiritualism but those in this movement think that practicing spiritualism means that they are being filled with the Holy Spirit.
I would like to have a nickel for every false healing, false prophecy, and false conversion claimed by these American Idols, I would be richer than Donald Trump. You would think after many decades of this stuff that they could document something tangible that will hold up. They can’t because this whole act is nothing but a side-show for gullible people with itching ears that are willing to depart with their money and brain while in the Idol’s presence.
That is about as kindly as I can put it, and yes, I have personally been involved with these unstable people. I knew people who were buying into this side-show almost 40 years ago and some still are buying tickets to the same circus even today and to what end? All the health, wealth and fortune-telling and false prophecy still ends at the hospital or grave for everyone in this counterfeit Christian movement. I doubt if most of the people I knew in the Word Faith movement ever found the time to read through the Bible once in their entire life but they do find plenty of time to listen to every word of their American Idols and to act out all their suggestions no matter how foolish.
These Idols own the “Christian” airwaves in America because they never are short of suckers willing to give their cash with the Idol promise of getting back a hundred times more. It is a great scam and it is untouchable by government regulation because the scam is done in the name of religious faith.
Of the top five heretical movements of our age I guess that still leaves me with legalism, those that confuse Christianity with American patriotism and date setters. I hear from these people all the time. Half of the comments directed to my Blog are from such people (they usually never get posted), they also seem driven to email me to set my theology straight.
Those into legalism are always telling me that something I am teaching is going to send me to Hell if I do not repent. Pretribulation Rapture theology is a big one for some legalistic people, as is Dispensationalism. Also, salvation by confessing Jesus is not enough for legalistic people they want evidence of works or obedience that would satisfy the skepticism of any Jehovah Witnesses. What day you worship on is all important for some legalists, and these same type think that all of Christianity is apostate, except for themselves of course.
There are also the political Idol worshipers who think that any Christian should be supporting anyone who mentions God and country in the same breath. Sorry folks, Mormons are a demonic cult and their leaders are being led by Satan. I am not voting for them or promoting them. That might be true of the NAR leadership as well since they also have counterfeit Christian doctrine and practice spiritualism rather than Christianity. Those that hobnob with them will not get my support. I really do not see how any true Christian can be that deceived and I certainly do not want NAR supporters to deceive others and carry out Dominion Theology from the White House.
As for The Bible prophecy date setting heretics, I think I have talked enough about their errors on this blog. We can know we are near the Lord’s return. The signs of the time are getting obvious but anyone setting a specific date is teaching heresy. Those that think they can figure out the exact date are wasting everyone’s time and discrediting Bible prophecy teaching in general. The Rapture requires no signs at all and the clear teaching of scripture indicates that Christians will not know when the Lord will come for His Church. So what does Harold Camping and ilk do for an encore next month when they find that they are still here? They will probably come up with a new heretical lie.
Another thing that really irks me is when I see what I once thought was well-respected Christian teachers and pastors standing on the same platform of some of these American Idol heretics. And just as bad is when they quote or promote the Idol’s heretical books and Bible paraphrases. Is accommodating heretics acceptable for a Christian leader just because the heretic is popular? Is the new great commission endorsing those that are misleading millions? What a pity if you worked your whole life for the gospel and then compromise the gospel in the end to share a stage with an American Idol.
Christianity is looking pretty sick these days and there are not many in Christian leadership that have the guts to talk about it. When they do they have to take heat from Christian leaders that really should know better. Yet the Bible clearly teaches that this would happen.
1 Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
2Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
So if God said it would happen why don’t you Christian leaders see it when it is happening? The most popular Christian magazines and book publishers seem to promote any heretic that sells and the endorsements found on these books speaks wonders. Everywhere you look today there are heretics peddling a different gospel and American Idols, and some well-known Christian leaders are just too eager to enable them.
Don Koenig founded www.thepropheticyears.com website in 1999 after almost thirty years of independent study on the Bible and learning from many astute teachers within Christendom. Don created his website to write about Bible prophecy, biblical discernment and his Christian worldviews. Don wrote a free Revelation commentary ebook in 2004 named "The Revelation of Jesus Christ Through The Ages". The World and Church and Bible Prophecy section of this website was started in 2007. 
Hi Don
What a thorough critique of the time in which we live.
There are two thoughts that came instantly to mind as I read this; how frustratingly difficult has it become to reach unbelievers; the irreligious unbeliever because of the hypocritical facade of the religious, and the religious unbeliever because of the hypocritical self-worth doctrines propagated by these ‘idols’.
It sickens me to the stomach and the only relief is the knowledge that these things ‘must’come to pass if the Scriptures are to be fulfilled and because they have come to pass the Lord’s return is nigh.
Yours
Mr. Koenig, when you ask “christians” what you mean by Christ in Jesus Christ, they most likely don’t know. I have to ask myself, do they know Jesus is the Christ(Saviour) and not Jesus Christ(surname).
I made quite a few corrections this morning since what I posted last night had many errors. I also added a few thoughts and scriptures.
All are guilty and deserving of God’s judgment. Why would anyone think they can make it work on their own terms?
Yes…it all makes me very, very weary, very frustrated, very homesick!!
At some level people know they are guilty and undeserving, but it is just *so human* for us to rationalize. We also have a built-in (but now, warped) sense of what love and justice are, and so we want to find some what to make sense of life, death, good and evil.
We are sentient beings: we are built to think for ourselves, so I’m not at all surprised that we want to make it all work on our own terms. It’s why God has to be *so radical* in what He did through Jesus.
Don – great article – but I do have get this off my chest – you know those that preach the prosperity are right – and I can prove it – just have them send me a seed faith gift – and show their faith by making it really large – and then they can get back to the pulpit and let us all know how that worked out!
Yes, everything in this article is true. We have become some kind of a more charismatic Catholic church. I’m not even sure if we are more charismatic than they anymore. Even Jehovah’s Witnesses have read the Bible more than we have. I can see this when they knock my door three or four times a week. But… this is what we’ve been looking for all these years – idols. It’s easier to adore a pastor you see than adore Jesus you can’t see. It’s easier to follow someone who tells you that you can be instantly rich than follow a Book that tells you the truth. It’s easier for pastors to build a building than follow God. At the end… a friend of mine recently found a video you may want to see:
http://vimeo.com/21128609
You know Don, I get sick of church in general. I find that I learn much more studying by myself. My family says going to church is very important but I’m starting to change my mind.
Disagree with you Don on one point. We are commanded to watch for the signs of the times. Therefore, we will not be surprised when it happens(the rapture). God gave Noah seven days to prepare for his departure.He gave Abraham 24 hours for his departure.I believe those who are watching and loving his appearing will get a heads up! In this age of technology maybe short notice (less than an hour) is enough to complete our business here and gather in the air!!
I agree that we should be aware of the signs of the time and unfortunately most in the Church no longer are watching. But I see no short notice to prepare for the Rapture just before it happens taught anywhere in scripture. You cannot compare earthly preparations for earthy reasons with the Church being caught up and changed to be like Christ in the blink of an eye. I don’t even see the point. Why do we need to complete our business here when the time for Church business is up?
Jim, people are finding it very hard to locate a bible believing church to attend. I understand your feelings, but…..how can we use our gifts well (I’m thinking of all the “one another” verses in the N. T.)and bear more fruit if we aren’t connected to the body? His body? Iron sharpens iron. Keep looking, the real thing is out there and worth the effort.
Agree with all of this Don
I use to go to Willow Creek, actually and truthfully found the Lord there in 1985, was baptized in the lake. Back then I do believe pure Gospel of Christ was taught and there was no universalism. I stayed going there for over 15 yrs but then started to see the compromise and worldly teaching, as well as the worldly music. We use to have good true Christian worship on we’d nights there but after a time it became this hip music thing that did not sit well with me. I think the uprising of Rick Warren was around the time Willow turned in another direction. To appease all e politically correct. It really was when they invited Bill Clinton to speak at the so called leadership conference that I stopped going. How on earth can you call Clinton a christian much less a Christian leader, I asked Hybels and his Elders after that, both refused to give a real answer. It was disturbing to see Willow, the church I did learn about the need to be born again and repent of my sins, invite wicked democrats into the church to speak on leadership.
Jim,
I have a novel idea make assembling together with other true believers the real priority. Those in the Church need to fellowship with others in the Church as often as possible. I am not suggesting that we do away with Sunday meetings they are necessary to carry out programs and corporate worship that a local membership decides is pleasing to God. But we also need to find ways to assemble together as often as possible in homes, cafes or anywhere where people carry on their life. Even the Internet qualifies.
Back in the 80′s I used to attend evangelical Bible churches like Willow Creek they were really good fellowships. The change in many of these churches have been very gradual that’s why the frogs never jump out of the pot. They still believe they remain in living waters and that nothing has changed in their pot over the last 30 years but those outside the pot can see the pot steaming.
Part of the problem was they have up premillennial theology for post millennial theology. Now instead of giving the gospel expecting Jesus to deal with evil and then rule the earth they give the latest social engineering ideas of Christian Idols that think that they can find common ground with other religions to make the earth the paradise that they think Jesus must want it to be. Of course, the only way they can do that is to downplay doctrine and all future Bible prophecy. The common heresies among American Idols is Dominion Theology. I wrote a lengthy article showing that.
http://www.thepropheticyears.com/comments/The%20woman%20on%20the%20beast%20in%20end%20time%20prophecy%20has%20dominion%20theology.htm
Don, first time poster here. Love your sight for it’s truthfullness. I used to go to LCIC, Life Changers International Church in Barrington Hills up until 5 yrs ago. Was raised a Catholic but thanks to my maternal Grandma we found a great Christian church in Chicago called Faith Tabernacle but to make a long story short, it started to compromise itself and fell apart. This was the very early 80′s. I found LCIC and recommitted myself in the late 90′s but then they got involved with TBN and started a TV ministry which they all do eventually. The main focus then became prosperity and feel good motivational speaking. The pastor Gregory Dickow changed and then every Sunday would spend 20 minutes talking about tithing and why people are’nt blessed, sick, poor, etc because they don’t tithe. My dad was with us and when Dickow started this we knew my Dad was going to say something and sure enough he yelled out ” come on, that’s enough about the money talk,people here are hurting and need to hear preaching.” Well the congregation turned around and told him to be quiet and he told them to turn around and to wake up, this church is more about entertainment and is dead. Not long after that i stopped going when Dickow said God wanted him to build a mega church which went from $8 million and would change monthly until they hit $17 million and that we needed to sacrifice by selling our cars, forgoing vacation, getting 2nd and 3rd jobs. My wife said that was the final straw especially when pastor Gregory Dickow was driving a BMW, Harley, and 2 Hummers and living in a gated community. To make matters worse he started appearing on TBN and having monthly guests at the church such as Creflo Dollar,Jesse Duplantis,Kenneth Copeland. I never went back and found a great church near my home where the pastor preaches the uncompromised gospel and is not poltically correct at Living Waters Assembly of God.
Robert,
Thanks for that great testimony we need more people with guts like your Dad. Could you imagine what would happen if all the people ripped off by these heretics attended their service and then pulled down the idol in front of all idol worshipers. I love the thought.
Again, God warns, prepares and protects his people. If you are waiting and watching for the thief you will see him coming!
I agree with your article wholeheartedly, Don. As time rolls by, I find it more and more frightening to watch how blinded and deceived the “elect” are becoming. I attend a “fundamental” church but I am not a denominationalist. I “see” the legalism but this seems to be (at the moment) the only place I can attend that actually “preaches” the Word of God! I do get much more out of my own study and prayer time with my Savior. I am so heartsick for those who are yearning for a real relationship with Jesus the Christ and can’t figure out how to get it because these churches are so arrogant, prideful, and vain!!!! Come, dear Savior, come.
For Martin: I appreciate your link on your April 15 post. I didn’t think Schuller could get that desperate. It is so blatant and pathetic.
The last sentence in dettemc 1611′s post (above) pretty well sums it up.
All governments will be in turmoil within 60 days! (from Wings of Prophecy)
And that is another lie.
Don I’ve been reading your posts for several months and I respect your opinion. I have attended a small church for about 3 years now and have felt very comfortable with the teachings and the people. Recently they brought in a dream interpreter, Barbie Breathitt. I was very uncomfortable and have been disturbed ever since. I was wondering if you know anything about her.
She is part of the New Apostolic Movement and her own dream interpretation specialty is just another spiritualist side show. She peddles dream cards.
You ought to feel uncomfortable. I would be out of that church in a heartbeat.
http://spiritoferror.wordpress.com/2006/11/07/dream-cards-and-occult-healing/
Thanks for the input. I confronted the leadership about it Saturday and I’m waiting to see if they believe they made an error in judgement or if this is the direction they are heading.
I am almost finished reading the revelation commentary (thanks Don) – it’s 194 pages.
I spend 12+ hours, counting commute, in daily vocation. Then I come home and deal with house chores and errands. On a good evening, I might get a half hour in my favorite hobby, which keeps me challenged in a generally non-digital way. I get a little time to check the net. And there’s my evening bible reading before going to bed.
Don’s commentary on Revelation is impressive and the extensive cross referencing of supporting scripture to all the chapters/verses is extensive.
With all that said, I am very dismayed at all these “idols” misleading when they have the luxury to spend all their waking hours with the Lord and in His word. One would think they could humble themselves to “get it right”;
I do have a frustration – I don’t quite get all that I read (in the bible, that is). Reading the bible takes some effort, at least on my part. And there’s no way I could possibly pull off the level of contemplating of Revelation on the level of Don’s commentary. This commentary is going to take several reads on my part.
Which makes all these “idol misleaders” even all the more infuriating.
As for survival – I’m only trying to make it to the rapture, and I don’t think surviving all the pre-rapture events will be a walk in the park.
This is a spoof. I wonder which NAR Apostle will seize on the idea first.
Pre-blessed Food
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9JUqS4Q2A0&feature=share
The Pope already has that one covered.
I think this article fully illustrates the difference between “Religion” VERSUS having the True & Living God, Jesus Christ in our life.
And I do blame the pastors or anyone who teaches anything less than Genesis – Revelation. The Lord God and his Word are not to be used as a feel good theology to mislead the masses.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”
…nor is God’s House (The Church) to be made a ‘den of robbers’ as Jesus showed.
Separation of church (actually, religion) and state is pure ignorance. The state and religion are inseparable; It takes the full might of Satan to finally do away with religion (the harlot) in the Great tribulation.
On the other hand, God cares about truth, which He set forth.
Craig,
I do agree with your statement, however, what I’m saying is that there are many apostate religions, but only one True & Living God which is the ONLY truth.
As far as the Separation of Church & State nonsense that the liberals spout off with, it only applies when someone sets up a nativity scene at Christmas or when the name Jesus Christ is spoken…you never hear separation of church and state if Allah, Mohammed, Buddha, or any of the other demonic forces are talked about.
Hi Dave, I’m in agreement with you all around. Take care.
Ah, I wanted to say that I do hold pastors accountable for their teachings of the Scriptures. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pay those mega church bills. For pastors who desire to teach the truth of God’s Word then, please, don’t have the desire to build a mega church. God is not impressed. Instead, when the church becomes full and it is a burden to minister to the church family, build another small church in another neighborhood or nearby town.
Recently, a pastor was talking about how to treat his church like a business for success. I let him know that he had me picturing Jesus as a Walmart with the parishoners being customers.
I agree Sherry, well said.
All this apostasy reminds me of the movie ‘Elmer Gantry’…and worse.
I used to feel some anger at the false teachers for leading their flock to hell… but I don’t feel that way any longer because:
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The false teachers are brought in by the desires of the false worshippers – the true people of God will leave a church like that.
But I understand we are to still do
2Timothy4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Thanks Don – I always appreciate your articles and have ejoyed studying on your other site!
Don,
Great article. You have the courage to say what many others will not.
Quite a few years ago (early 90s) we were involved in a nasty church split and ended up going to a word of faith type church after being invited there by a friend who was also an outcast from the previous church.
The pastor used the entire sermon time to preach about some diet product (a powdered drink meal substitute) and claimed God had led him to this by way of prophetic words, etc. I kid you not!
It was going to be used, so the pastor claimed, to bring people to Christ. Basically, it was pyramid selling and most of the church were involved, including our friend who had issued the invitation. My husband and I were accosted by several people afterwards, hoping to get us to ‘come onboard” this new “Gospel Ministry.”
Needless to say, we never went back.
It seems to be all about money and self-promotion in these types of churches. The messsage changes to suit the itching ears but the spirit behind it remains the same.
On Thursday my family and I went to a Passover meal hosted by a man who has lived in Jerusalem for many years. He spoke of the cross being the central theme of everything and that many people forget that, while God is a God of mercy, He is also a God of judgement and that His judgement could only be appeased by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
So much for “Universalism” and a sweet, sappy God who wouldn’t be mean enough to actually judge the sins of those who rejected His gift of salvation!
Thanks, Don, for another good read. God bless you this weekend as we celebrate the greatest gift mankind have ever been given.
Chris
Chistina,
This is Don’s place to comment, however, I just wanted to say that I am glad to see discerning Christians like yourself at this blog.
Thanks, David
Thanks for sharing that Christina,
Anyone in Word Faith circles soon find people that have some pyramid scheme that they want you to buy into although most often it comes from lay leaders. They always make sure you know that God is directing it for some lofty purpose. Jim Bakker with his Heritage Village Timeshare scheme was not just a novelty among Word Faith. Many have a “God is in it gimmick” to make money because their American idols are wealth and prosperity.
Boy-Howdy, did you ever hit a nerve. I became involved in a pyramid scheme several years ago through a WOF follower. It never occurred to me until now that WOF is a perfect delivery system for theses schemes. Suddenly the lights went on in my brain. Now I can see it clear as day.
I understand what you are saying Robert Rivera.
Martin, I watched the first 2 minutes of the Crystal Cathedral video then had to go to the bathroom and ‘throw up.’ Not really but you get the point. If this doesn’t make you sick I don’t know what will. The Lords return is very very near.
Peter
Peter, I agree – Martin’s video deserves re-posting>
http://vimeo.com/21128609
Dear Don,
Your article is very timely as I was doing a search about American Idols who seem to be dominating the the media and creating a crocked image of role modelling especially for the young.
Your article expounded more to indicate how much this has infiltrated in the church and worse still through the leaders.
As I am reading this from Kenya and as Kenyan resident I realise the world is too small as it seems not much different from what North America is experiencing.
Since I did’t know much about NAR I decided to do a search and have come across something that might interest you and other readers. Here is the link:-
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2011/3/24/142629/678
God bless and keep up the good work!
Paul
I want to comment on some of the posts concerning tithing. I grew up attending a missionary baptist church, attended a free-will baptist school & for most of my life always remember seeing my mother contribute when the plate came around. I did the same (even before accepting Jesus as Lord & savior) but for a short time I stopped. I know some believe the Bible clearly teaches we should tithe, other do not accept that as mandatory. While I believe in giving 10% I also believe anyone resorting to threats, telling people they are sick or out of money because they don’t tithe, telling people they should sell possessions to finance the building they congregate in (especially when they exempt themselves) is 100% wrong. But, whatever you believe I will say that if you do tithe & do it with the right attitude you WILL receive a blessing that would not happen otherwise. I would encourage you to do it, not because any human being is asking you to but because it is an act of worship that comes with a promise. My church recently showed videos of Dave Ramsey which met with mixed reactions. Some were more than happy to continue with their already-committed 10%…others were slightly angered by it with the typical ‘they only want your money’ rhetoric…still others decided to give above their normal 10%. My point is some people will always give, I am one of those people. Some people will NEVER give. A few will toss someting in a plate once in a blue moon. If the pastor has the right attitude about it, he’ll be grateful to the people for whatever they give, without feeling the need to cram it down our throats & make us compelled to give. After the videos he did exactly that…he thanked us for what we gave but was always quick to give credit to God for sustaining all of us.
Shawn,
I think you are commenting on tithing on the wrong post
Don, I was responding to Robert Rivera’s post where he mentions Gregory Dickow’s stance on tithing. Filling their church to capacity & beating people over the head about tithing seems to be their ‘get rich quick’ scheme that goes along with their style of preaching.