Besides the hucksters and the secularists, the other big apostate trend it targeted at the youth. Experiential emotionalism changes the relationship we have with Jesus. It uses its own brand of worship that is as heretical as the nonsense it preaches. Gold dust, gem stones, feathers from heaven, holy laughter, Jesus Culture fire tunnels, drunk in the spirit and any other number of rank heresies pollute churches across this land. The over sexualization of Jesus to confuse young girls and conversion of Jesus into our buddy for the guys. His Lordship is eliminated. His salvation is minimized. It is a bloodless and sinless Christianity that seeks fans not followers. Realize also that many of these will intertwine. Most seeker friendly models abuse the tithing principles and preach only the bless me theologies. In a lot of ways the experiential emotionalism is nothing more than a logical conclusion of the bless me theologies and the seeker friendly movement. Regardless, the message is clear for us as we see our churches adopt these permanent changes -- we are to take no part in them.
The last instruction is that we are actually supposed to expose these works of darkness. I know the cry amongst the wolves is for unity! Don't name names! We are all on the same team! Except we are not all on the same team. I am not on the same team of someone who sells my Lord and Savior for a personal profit while leading people into hell. I am not on the same team as someone who tries to find people's purposes for his church instead of sharing the Gospel. I am not on the same team as someone who sells the notion to people that this is their best life now. I am not on the same team as someone who thinks nothing of bringing the filth of this world into the bride of Christ. I am not on the same team as someone who pays no mind to the spiritual warfare raging all around them and likewise does not prepare their sheep for the battle either. I am not on the same team as someone who flies around in a personal jet while their congregants are battered for not tithing correctly. I am on Team Jesus and our coach is His Word.
I understand this teaching is not easy. Most prefer to not be so cautious with Scripture. Most love their church; leaving it is a tremendously difficult decision. Most would prefer to not make waves and name names. That is because the watchmen on the walls of the church are few in comparison to those who stand astride the broad road that leads to destruction. As Paul said earlier, we do not say these things to please man but rather to serve God. I would guess that 70% of the modern church in this country have fallen away from the narrow path so the fact that more might disagree actually provides comfort. I have seen their disagreement which is usually disagreeable and devoid of sound Biblical defenses.
Lastly, a word about prayer. Yes, prayer is desperately important and the Bible says we are to pray for everyone already and to pray without ceasing. So I think it goes without saying that when faced with apostasy and heresy we should fully submit ourselves into prayer. We should pray that the false teachers come a realization of the error of their ways. I pray that Rob Bell realizes that love does not always win. I pray that Rick Warren realizes his purpose was to preach the Gospel. I pray that Mark Batterson abandons his wildly heretical circle maker nonsense. I pray that the
"Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" declares the Lord . Therefore thus says the Lord , the God of
Amen and hallelujah.
Reverend Anthony -- March 1, 2013
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