Men & Movements That Threaten the Church
Pastor (emeritus) Paul C. Fedena
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Nearly every epistle (with the obvious exception of Philippians) in the N.T., whether addressed to a church or to a pastor of a church, deals with some problem the Church was facing at the time.
* The problem may have been 1. an aberration of doctrine (false teaching) or 2. a distortion of lifestyle (works), or sometimes both.
Nothing has changed.
⌛Down through Church history there have always been attacks, some more successful than others.
⏳In the early Church there were assaults against the doctrine of the trinity, the humanity and/or Deity of Christ, the resurrection, etc.
⌛Bible believers settled these issues and sound doctrine has prevailed although these problems re- surface today within the cults (Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, et. al.). Believers rarely fall for these obvious and flagrant deviations, but new challenges constantly face us and many fall prey to the “wiles of the devil.”
💥Presently threats against the Church and believers are many. They may wear new garments, but the source is the same. We will not be able to address all of them, but perhaps a few of the more prominent ones will be exposed.
CALVINISM:
1️⃣ John Calvin came into prominence in 1536 with the publication of his Institutes of the Christian Religion.
2️⃣ He developed a theology which centered on the sovereignty of God, almost to the exclusion of God’s other attributes.
3️⃣ His theology has been influential in the Church ever since and has produced Presbyterianism.
4️⃣ Calvin wrote many commentaries on the Scriptures, all colored by his views.
5️⃣ Those concepts have been systematized and summarized in the acrostic “TULIP”.
🌷 T otal Depravity (to a Calvinist total depravity means total inability, not total deprivation of the ability to please God)
🌷 U nconditional Election (that God has foreordained some to heaven and others to hell)
🌷 L imited Atonement (that Christ died only for the elect)
🌷 I rresistible Grace (teaches that man has no free will to accept or reject God’s gracious offer of salvation)
🌷 P erseverance of the saints (often confused with eternal security, but a believer’s security does not depend upon his perseverance, but on God’s promise and protection in Christ)
QUOTE: Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a self-professed Calvinist, had more sense than to plant only TULIPS in his garden of Bible doctrine and had this to say: “We have some ministers, excellent brethren, who never preach anything else. They have a kind of barrel-organ that only plays five tunes, and they are always repeating them. It is either Election, Predestination, Particular Redemption (Unlimited Atonement), Effectual Calling (Irresistible Grace), Final Perseverance, or something of that kind, it is always the same note.”
Tulips, like most flowers, quickly fade. And the TULIP that is Calvinism rapidly fades in the light of Scripture. In fact when doused with a liberal mixture of Scripture and simple logic the TULIP of Calvinism dies! (See Is Calvinism Biblical? by this author, and The Other Side of Calvinism, by Dr. Laurence Vance)
The theology of Calvinism produces deadness in churches and among believers. If people are foreordained or predestined to eternal life, why bother with soul-winning? People will be saved whether anyone tells them of Christ’s love and payment on Calvary or not. Calvinism is rearing its ugly head once again in our day and is a deadly and dangerous doctrine.
2 Peter 2:1-3 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.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC:
CCM as it is referred to is dangerous in that it introduces into otherwise sound churches a taste of the world and its deadly influences.
Obviously all Christian music was originally “contemporary” i.e., it was written and used while its writers were still alive. But what we are speaking of now is music that is placed in a worldly setting, and often played and sung in a sensuous way.
Many of the words to CCM are fine in themselves, but it is the arrangement and performance which is often objectionable.
Of course only time will tell what of present day CCM will survive. Bible believers have a spiritual sense (discernment) which enables them to throw out the bad and retain the good.
For example, what Bible believing church today hasn’t used the songs “People Need the Lord” or “The King is Coming” with great blessing?
Originally they were CCM but time and discernment has enabled them – and others - to survive.
Many of the old hymns in our hymnals were “contemporary” music which was rejected by believers initially, but later accepted because of intrinsic value.
😈One need only look at the CCM “performers,” -
their gyrations, accompaniment, use of instruments, clothing (or lack thereof), make up, body language, hair styles, etc. to know that they somehow don’t “fit” in a Bible-believing atmosphere.
✝The discerning saint feels uncomfortable when they “perform.” The blessed indwelling Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that something isn’t right.
Things to consider:
🐵When the “beat” overpowers the words, the appearance of the “performer” belies his or her testimony,
🐵the sensuousness of the presentation moves the flesh more than the spirit, the music appeals more to the flesh than the spirit, and
🙊the performance directs more attention to the performer than to the Savior, the Spirit-filled saint should back away.
Music is subjective, and tastes vary widely. For example this author recently preached in a Liberian church service where the music would be out-of-place in an American Bible-believing church, but... 1) due to the cultural difference, 2) the obvious sincerity of the saints, and
3. the scriptural emphasis of the music, I was not uncomfortable at all. (These factors were all a part of African American Christian music [“Negro spirituals”] in early America among the slaves.)
(See this author’s study: God Loves Music for more on this subject)
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
BIBLE VERSIONS:
If there is any issue that divides believers today, this is it! The problem is not simple. The reasons Christians differ on this subject are varied. For example: ❓What “version” were you raised with? ❓Which “version” does your church promote? ❓How much have you studied the issue? ❓Where does your allegiance lie (with a school, a man, the Lord, your friends)? ❓What have you been taught? ❓Which “scholars” have you been exposed to? ❓Which “version” does your favorite radio or TV preacher promote? ❓What does your pastor believe? ❓Don’t “good men” differ on this issue? ❓What is the big deal anyhow?!
In fact, it IS a BIG DEAL!! The issue is whether God can be trusted to inspire (breathe out) His Word and words and whether or not He keeps His promises and preserves His words.
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Proverbs 30: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Isaiah 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Jeremiah 26:2
2 Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Psalms 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Psalms 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Psalms 111:7-8 7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalms 146:6 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
Revelation 22:18-19 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
We have listed above some scriptural support for the concept of verbal inspiration and preservation. While that should be enough, please also see the attached sheet to compare God’s Word and words above in a King James Bible with some pertinent Bible verses in other “versions.”
(For further study on this subject see the author’s study: We Have It In Writing)
SEPARATION:
There are three kinds of separation taught in God’s Word: 1. Personal Separation,
2. Ecclesiastical Separation, and
3. State-Church Separation.
That which plagues the Church today involve all three areas, but specifically the first two.
Personal Separation: Some say any standards regarding dress, hair, lifestyle, etc. is legalism. Wrong!
💥Legalism is adding something (works) to salvation. This same crowd accuses Fundamentalists or Bible Believers of being Pharisaical.
💥The Pharisees were traditionalists and had placed men’s opinions above God’s Word.
💥They were also hypocrites. They taught one thing while practicing another. (If the believer today does the same thing then they are acting like Pharisees!)
God teaches separation from the world, control over fleshly desires, and dedication to Him and His Word. Those who believe His Word are simply obeying Him when they practice personal separation.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Ecclesiastical Separation: Back when >Jerry Falwell led his church back (as in “backwards” and “backsliding”) into the Southern Baptist Convention, and while >Dr. Bouler of Highland Park Baptist Church and Tennessee Temple Schools has headed in the same direction, God’s call to separate from apostasy has never been clearer.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
🔶It seems that more and more churches are moving to the left theologically, musically, and ecclesiastically. (The drift is always to the left!)
🔶But praise the Lord there are young men who refuse to move from their fundamental, Bible believing stance, and who are staying true to their Biblical roots.
🔶Thank God that some good, godly older men have blazed a clear trail, and some are refusing to “remove the ancient landmarks.” (Even though it is easier to float downstream, than swim upstream against the current!)
A fundamentalist by definition is a separatist! In other words, if you believe the Bible you must be a separatist. Since Bible believers are fundamentalists, then they are also separatists. Biblically and historically those who believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and preserved Word and words of God have always been separatists, personally and ecclesiastically.
🔹A separatist doesn’t remove himself from the world, he simply lives differently in the world. Jesus was separate from sinners, but didn’t remove himself from them.
🔹He didn’t dress differently (unless those around him were immodest),
🔹He didn’t speak differently (though He spoke as one having authority), “and the common people heard Him gladly…” Mark 12:37.
🔹Paul and the apostles didn’t remove themselves from their world they simply took God’s Word to their world. But they were recognized as being different – in their speech, conduct, and lifestyle.
🔹They not only believed the right things, they did the right things.
That’s what a fundamentalist/separatist should do.
DANGEROUS MEN & MOVEMENTS:
Rick Warren and the ‘Purpose Driven’ Life & Church – Probably the most pervasive and popular man and movement threatening Bible believers today is the “Purpose Driven” man-centered philosophies of Pastor Rick Warren and his best selling books The Purpose Driven Life & The Purpose Driven Church. (Time magazine says he is the most famous and popular preacher in America today.)
👀Much contained in these books is good and even valuable advice and philosophy, however there is “poison in the pot.”
👀Like all man-centered concepts what may appear to be sound counsel, is not always biblical counsel.
👀Like Bill Gothard, popular in the 70’s & 80’s, many of the teachings are merely psychological or philosophical teachings appended or foot-noted with Scripture.
👀Warren’s books should be approached not as Bible-based, but as self-help instruction manuals.
👀Rick Warren is a disciple of the extremely liberal Dr. Robert Schuler (deceased) of the famous Crystal Cathedral in California.
👀Dr. Shuler takes a very non-literal interpretation of the Scriptures position.
👀He merely uses the Bible whenever it suits his purposes.
👀His “positive thinking” concepts were inherited from the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, and are now being passed down to the world by Pastor Rick Warren, wrapped in new garments.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Pastor Joel Osteen - Osteen is the very famous and extremely charismatic pastor of America’s largest church. His positive, “feel-good” preaching is designed to appeal to everyone and anyone regardless of their views concerning the Bible. He and his very attractive wife make a really handsome couple and have become the darlings of religious TV. Recently Osteen was interviewed on Larry King Live and had a wonderful opportunity to give a strong witness for the Lord. Larry King, knowing the standard replies from “evangelical” preachers asked his normal leading questions, expecting Osteen to reply as he has heard so often before. 👿When asked if anyone who does not receive Christ as Savior ends up in hell, Osteen hedged his answer and said that he preferred not to make statements about individuals and their relationship to God. 👿When asked about his position on homosexuality, he again made a politically correct statement saying that everyone is made to feel welcome in his church and that he tries not to judge anyone. – (blah, blah, blah! etc., etc., etc.!) 👿When Osteen received criticism and some of his followers expressed disappointment, Osteen offered a half-hearted “apology” and said that he should have been more direct. (You think?!)
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) - Paul Crouch and his pink haired, spouse Jan (made up like a 21st century Tammy Faye Bakker or biblical Jezebel),
💔They Present a line-up of “Christians” of every stripe on their worldwide satellite broadcasts. They mix a little of Benny Hinn with Roman Catholic priests and nuns, along with Franklin Graham (Billy’s boy), T.D. Jakes (the very famous black preacher, who really can preach!), Rod Parsley (another good preacher – bad doctrine!), Kenneth Copeland, and on and on.
💔They are big on gaudy backgrounds, female angels, colorful lighting, etc. and along with all the preachers, they throw in musicians and singers from every theological stripe.
💔It is like a TV religious buffet or a “Christian” extravaganza! Anyone who accepts an invitation to appear on the network compromises their message immediately by the company they keep, regardless of how orthodox their doctrine may be otherwise. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3
💔They appeal to their large TV audience with tear-jerking “documentaries” showing starving children, poor people, etc.
🖤while they live “the lifestyles of the rich & famous.”!
🖤They are jet-setting “Christian celebrities” who hob-nob with heads of state, and
🖤live above the means of those to whom they profess to “minister” while begging for their support.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Revelation 3:17-18 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Calvary Chapel – This sounds like one church, but is in reality...
💨a denomination of charismatic churches (over 1000) scattered throughout the U.S. (and presumably with a mission outreach).
💨They cater to the polled “needs” of the community and attempt to build user-friendly churches presenting whatever people ask for, from aerobics classes, to Bible studies.
💨The atmosphere of the services is very laid back with a “come as you are” concept. Even the preacher dresses down with maybe a Hawaiian flowered shirt and sits on a high stool.
💨The idea is to make people feel comfortable in a religious service. The consequence of all this usually builds a very large church. In our area the Calvary Chapel church runs three Sunday morning services with an auditorium which seats about 2300.
©©These churches downplay their charismatic roots and doctrine, but I have been able to download from the internet their doctrinal statement (no longer posted), and
©©there they state their belief that the sign gifts of I Cor. 12 are still in the church today (tongues, healing, miracles, etc.).
©©They do not openly allow a display of these “gifts” in their services (if they are truly spiritual gifts, i.e., from God’s Holy Spirit – why not openly display them, and how can they be regulated?),
©©but invite those who wish to exercise them to stay after services in “afterglow” meetings.
©©In their “Statement of Faith” by Chuck Smith they say “…the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ’s Agape love, which is greater than any differences we possess…” ❓(Question: What about sound doctrine?!) They say “We believe in the basic doctrines of historic Christianity.” ❓(Catholicism? ❓Protestantism? ❓Pentecostalism? They don’t say.)
©©There is no statement about the rapture, though they declare they believe in the pre-millennial second coming of Christ.
©©They further state that “We as believers are to covet the best gifts (they don’t say which ones)…”
©©and that “love is more important that the most spectacular gifts…” (Again, they don’t say which ones – miracles, interpretation of tongues????? They repeat here that “love” takes precedence over sound doctrine.)
2 Timothy 4:3 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;
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Matt. 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
(For more on this subject see this author’s study: The Bird Watchers Guide) -
Pastor (emeritus) Paul C. Fedena
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