That being said, we continue to welcome your comments at this blog but we are asking you to forgo the humor and sarcasm when dealing with serious doctrinal issues.

Confronting Error … do it biblically, seriously, and leave the silly attempts of sarcasm behind

“What Is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the character of God-His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His Inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity. What Is needed to-day Is a Scriptural setting forth of the condition of the natural man-his total depravity, his spiritual insensibility, his inveterate hostility to God, the fact that he is “condemned already” and that the wrath of a sin-hating God is even now abiding upon him. What is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the alarming danger in which sinners are-the Indescribably awful doom which awaits them, the fact that if they follow only a little further their present course they shall most certainly suffer the due reward of their iniquities. What is needed to-day is a Scriptural setting forth of the nature of that punishment which awaits the lost-the awfulness of it, the hopelessness of it, the unendurableness of it, the endlessness of it. It is because of these convictions that by pen as well as by voice we are seeking to raise the alarm.” -A.W. PINK

The Call
There is a double-edged sword in ministry: instructing in sound doctrine and refuting error that contradicts (Titus 1:9). It is serous work to handle God’s Word accurately. The Apostle Paul compares it to being a skilled workman: “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Rightly handling means to “cut it straight.” It is a seamstress term used to depict one who cuts the fabric accurately so that all the pieces used fit perfectly to make a beautiful garment to wear. In like manner, the true exegete and/or expositor of God’s Word cuts the fabric of Scripture so that the pieces fit perfectly together so that the truth of the Word can be clearly seen; beautifully adorned.

We are also under a biblical mandate as well to “contend for the once for all delivered to the saints faith” (Jude 3). We are to champion the truth of God’s Word as one who is in an arena battling for what is right and just according to the Scriptures to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Error concerning the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ should also be treated biblically with the utmost of doctrinal concern and theological sobriety. Consider again the words of the Apostle Paul when he says this of those who are defecting from Christ and His gospel:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” -Galatians 1:6-9 (emphasis mine)

Notice that twice Paul pronounces a severe judgment on those who defect from Christ, distort the true gospel, and embrace a different one – let him be accursed; anathema; damned. This is powerful language and we will not water it down. Error of this sort should not be treated lightly or in a slovenly manner.

Notice also what is missing from Paul’s words above: biting humor; sarcasm; cutting jibs, and pompous puns. He treated the eternal state of those trying to pollute the gospel with the utmost dignity as possible; for their eternal soul was at stake. No wonder my friend John MacArthur has developed this saying for The Masters Seminary: “we train men as if lives depended on it.”

The Concern
I say the above to address a concern with you today.

There has been a trend lately within certain blogs of the Christian blogging community to treat doctrinal error with a kind of cavalier attitude manifesting itself in humor and sarcasm against the very ones who are promoting the error. This should not be happening beloved. This reveals a heart that is calloused against another and their eternal plight. I’m not talking about giving unvarnished candor; I am for that and try to present that on this blog. AND, I am not saying that we need to reduce this exchange to the level of “being-nice” to those who are the angels of light spreading false doctrine. On the contrary; speaking the truth in love demands strong, direct language in dealing with false teachers and their assertions.

But what we don’t need are Christians trying to make fun of; sport of; by humor that is designed to only degrade another person or just make fun of ones beliefs so that we can appear as being more righteous ourselves.

If any of us really believe that the doctrinal error of say a Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, or Doug Pagitt, for example, has eternal, damnable consequences, why would anyone want to just poke fun at them and their teachings? Why not confront their error with the gravity that it demands than just to play cute with it?

The Commentary and Combox
Here is to what I am referring: when you confront doctrinal error today don’t do it like this. Instead, operate according to God’s Word and confront the false teachings of others infiltrating evangelicalism like this; or like this. To refer to the Lord Jesus Christ (as was done in one of these videos) as “Bullwhip Guy” is very disrespectful to the Lord, not at all funny, and unprofitable for the kingdom. The one that this video is designed to mimic doesn’t need to be sarcastically poked at. What he (Rob Bell) or anyone else deceived by the doctrines of demons and disseminating dire doctrinal error really needs is to be challenged with the truth of the genuine gospel, confronted with the Word of God, and publicly called to repentance. Making fun of him by some cheap-shod-dish childish video parody that at face value is an embarrassment to biblical Christianity is not the way beloved and will not produce the corrective in doctrine we all are praying for…

The issue of the gospel is one of eternal life and death beloved; let’s treat it with the reverence and gravity that it deserves; and those who are in severe error about essential matters of the faith, let’s approach with boldness, with charity, and with truth compelling them to be reconciled to God through the Lord Jesus Christ; warning them of the wrath to come; and that those who proclaim another gospel that what they face is nothing less than eternal damnation.

Now, let me ask you: does anyone reading this blog think this is still funny? Does anyone here think this plight is worthy of sarcasm? Does anyone one want to simply poke fun at those who do such things or believe such things as if their lost souls meant nothing?

How should a godly man or pastor respond to anyone blinded by this kind of doctrinal darkness?

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” -2 Timothy 2:24-26

The Conclusion

“If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord’s will but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their Savior, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel , insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.” -C.H. SPURGEON

“Grace is a provision for men who are so fallen that they cannot lift the ax of justice; so corrupt that they cannot change their own natures; so adverse to God that they cannot turn to Him; so blind that they cannot see Him; so deaf that they cannot hear Him; and so dead that He Himself must open their graves.” -G.S. BISHOP

Catholic churches in the Netherlands should use the name Allah for God to ease tensions between Muslims and Christians, says a Dutch bishop.

Tiny Muskens, the bishop of Breda, told the Dutch TV program “Network” Monday night he believes God doesn’t mind what he is called, Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported.

The Almighty is above such “discussion and bickering,” he insisted.

Muskens points to Indonesia, where he served 30 years ago, as an example for Dutch churches. Christians in the Middle East also use the term Allah for God.

“Someone like me has prayed to Allah yang maha kuasa (Almighty God) for eight years in Indonesia and other priests for 20 or 30 years,” Muskens said. “In the heart of the Eucharist, God is called Allah over there, so why can’t we start doing that together?”

Muskens thinks it could take another 100 years, but eventually the name Allah will be used by Dutch churches, promoting rapprochement between the two religions, he said, according to Radio Netherlands.

However, a survey published today in the Netherlands’ largest newspaper, De Telegraaf, showed 92 percent of the more than 4,000 people polled oppose the bishop’s view, the Associated Press reported.

Some letters to the paper were filled with ridicule for the bishop.

“Sure. Lets call God Allah. Lets then call a church a mosque and pray five times a day. Ramadan sounds like fun,” wrote Welmoet Koppenhol.

The chairman of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, Gerrit de Fijter, told the Dutch paper he welcomed any attempt to “create more dialogue,” according to the AP. But he said, “Calling God ‘Allah’ does no justice to Western identity. I see no benefit in it.”

A Muslim spokesman, for Amsterdam’s union of Moroccan mosques, said Muslims had not asked for such a gesture from Christians, the AP reported.

Tensions with the Netherlands’ 1-million-strong Muslim community have been high since the 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo Van Gogh by a Muslim avenging a film critical of Islam.

Last week, politician Geert Wilders talked about banning the Quran, shortly after the head of a group of former Muslims, Ehsan Jami, compared Islam’s prophet Muhammad with al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

Muskens made similar remarks several year ago about using the name of Allah, Radio Netherlands reported. He also suggested replacing the national Christian holiday Whit Monday – celebrated the day after Pentecost – with an Islamic religious day.

The bishop also has offended Muslims, saying in 2005 Islam was a religion without a future because it has too many violent aspects.

What on earth is the Church of England thinking?

As if the Simpsons are not enough relevant garbadge, the Church of England has now embraced witchcraft by introducing a Harry Potter ‘Youth Guide’.

Consider this outrageous quote regarding the ‘gospel according to Potter’.

The Anglican Communion should learn lessons from Harry Potter, the Bishop of St. David’s, Carl Cooper, said on the eve of the release of the final book in the long-running series. Cooper told the Western Mail and Echo newspaper that the Christian virtues of humility, respect and love portrayed in the stories about the teenage wizard should be replicated within the church.

Now, if we dare, let us consider the Word of God for a moment.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

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;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

[italics, emphasis mine]

Did you catch that; their ears will be turned unto fables rather than the truth. What more is Harry Potter than fables? You be the judge!

You can review some of the links found bellow and start praying for revival, you can know I am.

Harry Potter ‘Youth Guide’ Links:

Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3 | Link 4 | Link 5

Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God’s house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God.

What an outrageous statement!

For those Christians out there who question why we do what we do, maybe this quote will help you understand in a new way why we do what we do.

Why is this important?

Many pastors and professors are greatly attracted to Nouwen’s deep thinking. In fact, one of his biographers revealed that in a 1994 survey of 3,400 U.S. Protestant church leaders, Nouwen ranked second only to Billy Graham in influence among them.

The embrace of the Roman Catholic Church and its purveyors of false doctrine continues to grow among ‘Protestant Evangelicals’.

Church, we must pray and ask the Lord to remove the scales from the eyes of those so easily deceived. If there was ever a time we needed to pray and be a herald of truth, it is now.

Now is the time, this is the hour, now is the season to move !

Henri Nouwen quote courtesy of Lighthouse Trails.

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Justification by Faith by: John MacArthur The Reformation doctrine of justification by faith is, and has always been, the number one target of the enemy’s attack. It provides the foundation of the bridge that reconciles God and man-without that key doctrine, Christianity falls. But the doctrine that the Reformers so painstakingly clarified, even spilled blood over, has become so muddled today that many Protestants barely recognize it. Sadly, there are some who react against a clear presentation of justification, calling it nothing more than useless hair-splitting. The superficial interests of the seeker church have caused doctrinal issues to be downplayed and deemphasized-what “unchurched” person wants to come hear about theology? Under the influence of pragmatism, the seeker-sensitive movement has traded God-honoring doctrinal clarity and biblical purity for entertainment and motivational speeches. Social and political concerns have brought evangelicals and Catholics together in recent years to unite against the forces of secularism. Under the influence of ecumenism, it’s difficult for either group to remember what it was that divided them in the first place. The pragmatists and ecumenicists are aided in their forgetfulness by new theological movements that redefine justification in more Catholic terms. Under the influence of liberalism and postmodernism, proponents of the New Perspective on Paul, the Emergent Church, and others have so confused and redefined the doctrine of justification that it has become shrouded in darkness once again. The Christian church today is in danger of returning to the Dark Ages. The seeker movement has Christianity turning in its Bibles; the ecumenical movement urges Christians to use worldly means to accomplish temporal ends; and current theological movements look through the lens of philosophy-Enlightenment rationalism and postmodern subjectivism-rather than Scripture. The departure from sola scriptura has led to the departure from sola fide-justification by faith alone. Back to the Beginning In the 1500s a fastidious monk, who by his own testimony “hated God,” was studying Paul’s epistle to the Romans. He couldn’t get past the first half of Romans 1:17: “[In the gospel] is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith” (KJV). One simple, biblical truth changed that monk’s life-and ignited the Protestant Reformation. It was the realization that God’s righteousness could become the sinner’s righteousness-and that could happen through the means of faith alone. Martin Luther found the truth in the same verse he had stumbled over, Romans 1:17: “Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (KJV, emphasis added). Luther had always seen “the righteousness of God” as an attribute of the sovereign Lord by which He judged sinners-not an attribute sinners could ever possess. He described the breakthrough that put an end to the theological dark ages: I saw the connection between the justice of God and the statement that “the just shall live by his faith.” Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the “justice of God” had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love. This passage of Paul became to me a gate to heaven. Justification by faith was the great truth that dawned on Luther and dramatically altered the church. Because Christians are justified by faith alone, their standing before God is not in any way related to personal merit. Good works and practical holiness do not provide the grounds for acceptance with God. God receives as righteous those who believe, not because of any good thing He sees in them-not even because of His own sanctifying work in their lives-but solely on the basis of Christ’s righteousness, which is reckoned to their account. “To the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness” (Romans 4:5). That is justification. Declared Righteous: What Actually Changes? In its theological sense, justification is a forensic, or purely legal, term. It describes what God declares about the believer, not what He does to change the believer. In fact, justification effects no actual change whatsoever in the sinner’s nature or character. Justification is a divine judicial edict. It changes our status only, but it carries ramifications that guarantee other changes will follow. Forensic decrees like this are fairly common in everyday life. When I was married, for example, Patricia and I stood before the minister (my father) and recited our vows. Near the end of the ceremony, my father declared, “By the authority vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you man and wife.” Instantly we were legally husband and wife. Whereas seconds before we had been an engaged couple, now we were married. Nothing inside us actually changed when those words were spoken. But our status changed before God, the law, and our family and friends. The implications of that simple declaration have been lifelong and life-changing (for which I am grateful). But when my father spoke those words, it was a legal declaration only. Similarly, when a jury foreman reads the verdict, the defendant is no longer “the accused.” Legally and officially he instantly becomes either guilty or innocent-depending on the verdict. Nothing in his actual nature changes, but if he is found not guilty he will walk out of court a free person in the eyes of the law, fully justified. In biblical terms, justification is a divine verdict of “not guilty-fully righteous.” It is the reversal of God’s attitude toward the sinner. Whereas He formerly condemned, He now vindicates. Although the sinner once lived under God’s wrath, as a believer he or she is now under God’s blessing. Justification is more than simple pardon; pardon alone would still leave the sinner without merit before God. So when God justifies He imputes divine righteousness to the sinner (Romans 4:22-25). Christ’s own infinite merit thus becomes the ground on which the believer stands before God (Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9). So justification elevates the believer to a realm of full acceptance and divine privilege in Jesus Christ. Therefore, because of justification, believers not only are perfectly free from any charge of guilt (Romans 8:33) but also have the full merit of Christ reckoned to their personal account (Romans 5:17). Here are the forensic realities that flow out of justification: We are adopted as sons and daughters (Romans 8:15) • We become fellow-heirs with Christ (v. 17) • We are united with Christ so that we become one with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17) • We are henceforth “in Christ” (Galatians 3:27) and He in us (Colossians 1:27) How Justification and Sanctification Differ Justification is distinct from sanctification because in justification God does not make the sinner righteous; He declares that person righteous (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16). Notice how justification and sanctification are distinct from one another: Justification imputes Christ’s righteousness to the sinner’s account (Romans 4:11b); sanctification imparts righteousness to the sinner personally and practically (Romans 6:1-7; 8:11-14). • Justification takes place outside sinners and changes their standing (Romans 5:1-2, sanctification is internal and changes the believer’s state (Romans 6:19). • Justification is an event, sanctification a process. Those two must be distinguished but can never be separated. God does not justify whom He does not sanctify, and He does not sanctify whom He does not justify. Both are essential elements of salvation. Why differentiate between them at all? If justification and sanctification are so closely related that you can’t have one without the other, why bother to define them differently? That question was the central issue between Rome and the Reformers in the sixteenth century, and it remains the main front in renewed attacks against justification. Justification in Roman Catholic Doctrine Roman Catholicism blends its doctrines of sanctification and justification. Catholic theology views justification as an infusion of grace that makes the sinner righteous. In Catholic theology, then, the ground of justification is something made good within the sinner-not the imputed righteousness of Christ. The Council of Trent, Rome’s response to the Reformation, pronounced anathema on anyone who says “that the [sinner] is justified by faith alone-if this means that nothing else is required by way of cooperation in the acquisition of the grace of justification.” The Catholic council ruled “Justification … is not remission of sins merely, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inward man, through the voluntary reception of the grace, and of the gifts, whereby man of unjust becomes just.” So Catholic theology confuses the concepts of justification and sanctification and substitutes the righteousness of the believer for the righteousness of Christ. What’s the Big Deal? The difference between Rome and the Reformers is no example of theological hair-splitting. The corruption of the doctrine of justification results in several other grievous theological errors. If sanctification is included in justification, the justification is a process, not an event. That makes justification progressive, not complete. Our standing before God is then based on subjective experience, not secured by an objective declaration. Justification can therefore be experienced and then lost. Assurance of salvation in this life becomes practically impossible because security can’t be guaranteed. The ground of justification ultimately is the sinner’s own continuing present virtue, not Christ’s perfect righteousness and His atoning work. What’s so important about the doctrine of justification by faith alone? It is the doctrine upon which the confessing church stands or falls. Without it there is no salvation, no sanctification, no glorification-nothing. You wouldn’t know it to look at the state of Christianity today, but it really is that important. Adapted from makeThe Gospel According to the Apostles, © 1993 and 2000 by John MacArthur. All rights reserved. • Grace to You (Monday, March 21, 2005)

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Archive of radio program can be found here.

Host: Jim Schneider
Guest: Mike Gendron

Mike Gendron is the Director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries. He is the author of books such as Preparing Catholics for Eternity, and Roman Catholicism: Scripture Verses Tradition.

The Emergent Church movement is growing. It’s a church that rejects the current seeker friendly movement and instead offers an experience with God. The problem with this is that subjective experience is replacing the objective truth of God’s Word. It’s this desire for an experience with God that has the Emergent Church taking on some of the traditions of medieval Roman Catholicism. In fact, because of subjective experiences, some evangelicals and Protestants, from lay people to pastors, are bypassing the Emergent churches and going right back to the Catholic faith.

Learn more concerning how these two religious branches are connected, where and why the Catholic faith contradicts Scripture, and more on this edition of Crosstalk.

More Information

Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries
P.O. Box 940871
Plano, TX 75094
972-495-0485
http://www.pro-gospel.org

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BILLY GRAHAM: A SOUTHERN BAPTIST PREACHER IN HIS TWILIGHT YEARS FADING IN APOSTASY

I think it’s worth pointing out, as you read Pastor Silva’s post, that former Presidents Clinton and Carter spoke at the dedication of the Billy Graham Library. It’s important to note because both men are right in the middle of what seems to be an attempt to start a new ‘Baptist’ denomination. I am talking about The New Baptist Covenant, a gathering of mostly liberal ‘Baptist’ (moderate really is not fitting). Check out the site and do some research. I think you will find reason for concern. It is my humble opinion that the presidency of both these men was disgraceful primarily due to their liberal ‘Christian’ worldview. Make your own assessment and share it with us all.

Why Billy Graham would want these men speaking at any event honoring him is beyond my understanding. Actually I do understand it, I just think it is sad. As Pastor Silva laments, we have seen Mr. Graham’s expression of Christian faith fade considerably. — Shane Trammel

Pastor Ken Silva “calls a spade a spade” regarding the condition of the SBC…

BAPTIST MEGACHURCH PREPARES FOR FEMALE SENIOR PASTOR
It’s simply a matter of time when an organization lacks real men in leadership. And here’s more drift toward apostasy for the SBC (Soiled By Compromise) as it continues licking the feet of its idol of autonomy. Christian Post reports:

A Baptist megachurch in Decatur, Ga., is preparing to take the rare step of calling a female pastor to lead its congregation.

First Baptist is affiliated with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – a moderate splinter group of the Southern Baptist Convention – but still maintains ties with the SBC.

Isn’t there one SBC leader with any spiritual guts to speak up?

Revelation 18
4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

It’s also noteworthy that Julie Pennington-Russell (the candidate for Pastor) will be in attendance at the New Baptist Covenant in Atlanta. This is a meeting of mostly liberal Baptist with notable personalities Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Al Gore also in attendance at this convention. — Shane Trammel

Is it possible that someone actively and ernestly contending for the Faith could be perceived and thus labeled a bigot? I think the answer is YES !

In todays religious climate, it is very unpopular to make a clear stand for truth. The Church is bursting at the seams with false teachers, yet addressing the problem openly and biblically is considered unloving and hateful. Even more, lovers of Truth, willing to fight against false religious systems like the Roman Catholic Church, are labeled hatemongers.

Many Christians today are weary of the long war over truth. They are uneasy about whether doctrinal disagreements and divisions are a blight on the spiritual unity of the church and therefore a poor testimony to the world. These and similar questions are constantly heard nowadasys: “Isn’t it time to set aside our differences and just love one another?” “Rather than battling people with whom we disagree over various points of doctrine, why not stage a cordial dialogue with them and listen to their ideas?” … Conflict is not always avoidable. That is Jude’s whole point in writing his epistle. To remain faithful to the truth, sometimes it is even necessary to wage “civil war” within the church — especially when enemies of truth posing as brethren and believers are smuggling dangerous heresy in by stealth. — John MacArthur, The Truth War, pg. 73

“Weary” Christians are all to willing to set aside essential doctrinal truths in the name of unity. The ecumenical movement (reconciliation with Rome), is gaining momentum daily and in my humble opinion is a sign of the end of days. For those who champion truth, we must stand up and be counted regardless of the cost to our own well being.

Evangelical Christian leaders of all stripes are in record number affirming ecumenical statements of faith and proclamations of unity. It is said by these leaders that the tie that binds Evangelicals and Catholics together is the saving work of Jesus. The truth however is this, Orthodox Evangelicals and Roman Catholics have a very different concept of ’salvation through Jesus’ or Justification. It is this very real difference that creates an enormous gulf between them. This gulf will remain until Rome dismantels here man-made, man-centered religious system. The only hope for Rome is that she returns to an orthodox, biblical understanding of Justification (by faith alone, in Jesus alone, as understood through His Word alone).

Rise up, join the fight for truth, be a part of this worthy battle. May the Lord be glorified as we proclaim the truth in all humility and love.

– Shane Trammel

Noteworthy Links:

1. http://www.apprising.org/archives/2007/05/rick_warren_joi.html
2. http://www.apprising.org/archives/2007/05/roman_catholici_2.html
3. http://www.symphonyofscripture.com/?p=73
4. http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/?p=175
5. http://www.helpforcatholics.org/
6. http://www.apprising.org/archives/2007/05/the_roman_catho_1.html
7. http://christianresearchnetwork.com/?p=2005
8. http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/2007/05/sbc-pastor-echoes-silence-of-sbc.html

Here are the “helpful links” from Purpose Driven Catholics at Purpose Driven.com which clearly show Rick Warren is actively promoting apostate Roman Catholicism. For example there’s the Catholic Currier.com

The Catholic Courier, weekly newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, New York, was founded by lay Catholics in 1889 as The Catholic Journal… Bishop Matthew H. Clark, leader of the Diocese of Rochester, is both publisher of the Catholic Courier and president of the RCPA. (Online source)

At Purpose Driven Catholics you’ll also find the link to The Georgia Bulletin, the online “Newspaper of the [Roman] Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta.” And finally there’s Saint Theresa of Avila Parish – The Mother Roman Catholic Church of Southeast Washington named after the so-called “Christian” mystic and Carmelite nun Teresa of Avila. We’re told there that Father Ray East is the “grandson of Baptist missionaries to South Africa,” and he “has served in six Washington parishes before being named director of the Office of Black Catholics and Vicar for Evangelization” (Online source)

That’s right, above we see that America’s Mega-Pastor Rick Warren, a Southern Baptist “evangelical,” is providing as a helpful link the church for the Vicar for Evangelization in the Office of Black [Roman] Catholics. Can someone please explain to me how the Southern Baptist denomination, allegedly one of the largest “Protestant” denominations in the world, says absolutely nothing while one its most prominent pastors is actively promoting apostate Roman Catholicism and even helping them to build bigger churches.

Do we seriously think that God is going to bless the SBC while no one says anything while this kind of purpose driven lunacy in the Lord’s Name is going on?

This is a very helpful resource to those interested in understanding more about Catholicism.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5  |  Part 6  |

By Greg Warner

Published May 8, 2007

WACO, Texas (ABP) — Renowned evangelical philosopher Francis Beckwith has become a Roman Catholic and, as a result, has resigned as president — and also as a member — of the Evangelical Theological Society. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, said the decision he made to seek “full communion” with the Roman Catholic Church grew from his desire to find “historical and theological continuity” with the early Christian church.
Beckwith has been a member of the Evangelical Theological Society since 1984. He said his return to Catholicism was unexpected.

“[M]y work in philosophy, ethics, and theology has always been Catholic-friendly, but I would have never predicted that I would return to the Church, for there seemed to me too many theological and ecclesiastical issues that appeared insurmountable,” he said in his blog. “However, in January, at the suggestion of a dear friend, I began reading the Early Church Fathers as well as some of the more sophisticated works on justification by Catholic authors.

“I became convinced that the Early Church is more Catholic than Protestant and that the Catholic view of justification, correctly understood, is biblically and historically defensible. Even though I also believe that the Reformed view is biblically and historically defensible, I think the Catholic view has more explanatory power to account for both all the biblical texts on justification as well as the church’s historical understanding of salvation prior to the Reformation all the way back to the ancient church of the first few centuries.

Notice, Beckwith basically says much of his decision is based on reading the works of men rather than the Scriptures.

Read the complete article here at Associated Baptist Press.

Here is a rendering of the programming page for Life Is Worth Living on TBN.

Bishop Fulton J Sheen — Life Is Worth Living Life Is Worth Living; His timeless insights give wise, personal and inspiring guidance on the problems affecting our lives in today’s world cover an amazing variety of subjects. He discusses education, Christianity, relativity, and world affairs. He speaks about love, conscience, fear, motherhood and work. Bishop Sheen offers his timeless insights to give wise, personal and inspiring guidance on the problems affecting our lives in today’s world. For more than 30 years,

Archbishop Sheen was the most famous Catholic leader in the United States with a worldwide radio and TV broadcast ministry. When it came to authoritative Church teachings, Catholics and non-Catholics listened to the Bishop because he was someone they could trust to ‘tell it like it is.”

You can visit the website at www.catholicfamilycatalog.com/fultonsheen.htm

If you like this show, you may also like:

Pastor John Hagee | Billy Graham | Juanita Bynum | Kirk Cameron | Dr. Myles Munroe

We are told that Bishop Sheen’s teachings are authoritative and can be trusted by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This is an absurd statement. On the contrary, Bishop Sheen is rather a source of damnation and apostasy to all those who would follow his teachings.

Here are just a few of the False Doctrines discussed in the program Life Is Worth Living:

• Purgatory
• Praying for the Dead
• False Doctrines of Mary (read Mary And The Moslem)
• The Mass (the real Body and Blood of Christ)
• Baptism (Sheen teaches baptism as salvivic)

Why does TBN put such nonsense on their network? Again, I am encouraging all bible believing Christians to cease all financial support of TBN or ministries associated with TBN. This would include ministries who broadcast their programming on TBN. I am praying for God to raise up a Christian TV network that will be faithful to the truth of the Word of God.