This is not to pick on Francis Chan, as he is just the most recent. Dr. Michael Brown is a respected theologian who recently spent an entire week on the Benny Hinn program. I have tried speaking to Dr. Brown but to no avail. Many have tried reasoning with him but to no avail. You can talk all day long about "loving each other" but without the truth involved it is not love at all. What John is teaching here is very plain and quite clear. We are not supposed to give ANY encouragement to someone who does not teach the truth about the Gospel. When Joseph Prince wrongly teaches that repentance is merely "consenting to be loved" he is not entitled to ANY encouragement. When Mike Bickle has spent decades warping the Gospel he is not entitled to ANY encouragement. When Joel Osteen spends every single week preaching word faith and monetary prosperity he is not entitled to ANY encouragement. There is no love without truth.
Because here is the truth. The actual Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto the salvation of men. When you preach a contrary gospel - you remove that power. Paul warned Timothy that keeping his doctrine pure assured the salvation of his listeners! Beloved this is not about the individual false teachers and prophets. It is about the swath of lost souls they leave in their wake. The point John is making here cannot be any clearer. When you choose to provide encouragement for those who are not entitled to it you actually become a partner in their evil work. That makes perfect sense. The people who follow Francis Chan are led to believe now that following Mike Bickle is acceptable. The people that follow Dr. Michael Brown are now led to believe there is credibility with Benny Hinn. The same is true for any other correct diviner of the Word who chooses to cozy up with what is false.
The time draws near. Jesus is coming back soon and it is time for people to decide what side they are on. To love means doing as God commanded us. It is not love to prop up what is false to God because love cannot be separated from truth.
Reverend Anthony Wade - February 14, 2014
