Rightly Handling The Word Of Truth

(2) Accusers of the Brethren or Good Bereans? by Debra Bouey, 1995
"It would seem that anyone who wishes to discuss the current movement proceeding forth from the Toronto Airport Vineyard in the light of the whole counsel of the Word of God has indeed become, at best, a "Pharisee", and, at worst, the enemy. There have been numerous references throughout a variety of Vineyard venues, both at Toronto, Anaheim and elsewhere, condemning anyone who calls into question biblically any of these bizarre manifestations taking place presently."

(3) Is It Right? To Judge, To Expose Error, & To Call Names? by E.L. Bynum, 1996
"Yes, it is right to expose error and to name those who are in error. It is right to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). It was once delivered and it has never been recalled for revision. We had better beware of "false teachers ... who privily shall bring in damnable heresies " (II Pet. 2: 1). Faithful messengers will warn the sheep of these heretics, and identify them by name. It is not enough to broadly hint of their identity, for the young lambs will not understand and will be destroyed by the wolves. "

(4) God's Word: Our Guard and Guide? by Dave Hunt, 1997
"The fruitful man in Psalm 1 meditates upon God's Word "day and night," and not from a sense of duty but because it is his "delight." In his heart and on his mind continually, God's Word guards and guides him. How essential this is! Common sense and logic are helpful. However, without God's Word (which transcends human wisdom) to guard and guide us, we are susceptible to temptation and error, especially when the latter is presented convincingly "in the name of God" by those looked up to as Christian leaders."

(5) Discernment of False Doctrine by Dean & Laura VanDruff, 1997
"God has truly "not lead" most of His children "into to temptation", and those who have fallen He has "delivered from evil". But I suspect this will change in the end, and many are unprepared. Satan will be given permission to "sift us like wheat", and many will fall when the Beast unleashes his lies about God in the last days. These are sobering times."

(6) Scripture Twisting by Daniel B. Wallace, Th.M, Ph.D., 1996
"Evangelical Christians base their lives on the Bible. We believe that the Bible is God's Word and that it is therefore authoritative for us in matters of faith and practice. The Bible indicates the great truths of who God is, how we can relate to him, how we can understand ourselves and the world. In short, the Bible contains the words of life. Believers use it to guide them in discerning God's will, from the monumental to the mundane. We read it to gain hope as well as to glean truth. It affects our beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. In short, the Bible is our pipeline to heaven: without it, we are adrift, unprotected in a hostile place. "

(7) The Authority of the Bible by Patrick Zukeran, 1996
"No book can match the Bible when it comes to prophecy. Understand that I have only touched the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of additional proofs for the Bible, yet I have only mentioned a few. I hope this study (will arouse) your interest to further study the Word of God."

(8) Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God by Jonathan Edwards, 1741
The sermon that brought repentance and revival in 1741. Compare it to what is being preached today in the "counterfeit" revival. "Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation. Let every one fly out of Sodom: "Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

(9) The Bible: Sound Doctrine by Paul Becker, 1997
"For many years people have jumped on the band wagons of "new ideas" as they follow various pied pipers. "For the time will come [is NOW HERE, ed.] when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers and turn their ears away from the truth." (2Tim 4:3-4)"

(10) Bibliology: The Doctrine Of The Written Word by J. Hampton Keathley III, 1997
"In the dumbing down we have witnessed in America with its happy-clappy kind of Christianity so prevalent today, we are witnessing a growing anti-intellectualism in the church. For many of the present generation, experience has become more important than truth, but experience without truth is the menace and misery of a mindless Christianity, and one of the issues we face is that God's truth is found for us in the Bible. So not only have we been faced with a battle for the inerrancy of the Bible, but for the need to return to the Bible as God's holy Word as the foundation of our faith and experience. Let me conclude with these words from the Savior: John 8: 31-32. Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." In praying for the disciples and for those who would believe after them (the church) He was praying that they might be protected from the evil influences of the world, the Savior said these vital words: John 17:16-17. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."

(11) Obedience To God (Uzzah's Disobedience) by Sandy Simpson, 1998
"The first obedience we should show is confessing our sins, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, and making Him the Lord of our life. The second obedience is to serve Him the way He wants us to serve Him. Worship without obedience is futile. In fact it makes the Lord angry. Getting excited and zealous for the Lord without obedience to God by living in accordance with His law and the doctrine of Scripture is futile and meaningless, and in fact, dangerous. There's a famous hymn that says it all: "When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus. but to trust and obey."

(12) Rebuttal To John Piper's Defense Of The Term "Christian hedonism" by Deception In The Church, 1998
"The following is a summary of John Piper's use of the term "Christian hedonism" from his books "Desiring God" and "Future Grace". I will rebut each item as they appear in his official defense of his attempt to coin the phrase "Christian hedonism".

(14) Experience Or God's Revealed Truth? by Oswald Chambers, 1927
"Be ruthless with yourself if you are given to talking about the experiences you have had. Faith that is sure of itself is not faith; faith that is sure of God is the only faith there is."

(15) Leaven In The Bread by Sandy Simpson, 1999
"It's time to expel the leaven from among us and separate ourselves to God."

(16) The Believer's Conditional Security by Daniel Corner, 1999
It has become my considered opinion that part of the delusion of the Third Wave is facilitated, not only by certain doctrines in Arminianism as is commonly thought, but also by certain extreme doctrines of Calvinism.

(17) Why We All Need The ABC's by J. Hampton Keathley III, Th.M., 1999
"We live in an anti-intellectual, anti-authority society, especially when it comes to religious matters. Ours is an existential (based on human experience, empirical) society devoted to the ‘warm fuzzy’ feel good, self-centered mentality that is so characteristic of the New Age movement which has bombarded the country—including much of the church. As a consequence, the terms doctrine or theology are not very popular in Christian circles. In fact, they are often denigrated or belittled. We hear statements like, “We don't need to know all that theological or doctrinal stuff. We just need to know Jesus.” Or, “Well, I am not a theologian and never expect to be. I just love Jesus.” But knowing and loving Jesus in truth is dependent on the teachings of the Bible. Doctrine is simply another name for teaching and theology means “the knowledge of God.” Often the term theology is used in a general way to refer to other areas of study that relate to the knowledge of God. Biblical theology is simply the truths of God's Word that give us the knowledge of God, of man, salvation, sanctification, the church, or life and life abundantly."

(18) Bible Versions by Jacob Prasch, 1999
"Modern Translations have been criticised by many believers, and the book by Gail Riplinger (New Age Bible Versions) has caused a stir in the Church. Is there a sound foundation to these complaints?" We are not going to take up a lot of space on this web site with this fruitless and divisive issue. This article articulates our view on Gail Riplinger's book which has needlessly caused all kind of division in the church over issues that turn out to be non-issues. Also, read this article called "Why Respond To Gail Riplinger". One of the biggest apologetics against other Bible versions other than the KJV is based on the argument that there are, for instance, translation errors in the NIV. However, there are also translation errors in the KJV. So where does that leave us? If you want to really study the Word, by all means study the original languages and make use of all good translations! Read this article "The Biblical Position on The KJV Controversy" by John MacArthur. For those of you who may be reading this and are KJV-Onlyites, here are the kinds of "Scriptures" you ought to be railing against, such as the "World Scripture" and also this "Good As New" Bible! One good balanced series to read by Gary E. Gilley is The Bible Translation Debate (Part 1) and The Bible Translation Debate (Part 2). Following are some other good articles to read on this subject:

(20) The Letters To The Seven Churches compiled and written by Sandy Simpson, 1999
A Bible study of Revelation 1:9 – 3:22, the letters to the seven churches. This study is especially timely for all Christians today.

(21) The Untouchables: Are 'God's Anointed' Beyond Criticism? by Hendrik H. Hanegraaff, Viewpoint, Christian Research Journal, Fall 1991
"During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ exhorted His followers not to judge self-righteously or hypocritically. Is this necessarily what Christians do when they question the teachings of God's 'anointed' preachers and evangelists? Many teachers who claim such anointing would say so, and many more of their followers
commonly reply to all manner of criticism: 'Touch not God's anointed.'"

(23) Beyond The Limits by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times Newsletter, 1999
"Recently a number of Christians have claimed that the Holy Spirit is falling upon people and causing them to do strange and unusual things. Although Bible-believing Christians readily acknowledge the miracle-working power of a supernatural God, the question is: Can such bizarre and grotesque displays actually be the work of the Holy Spirit?"

(24) The Crucified Life by Jacob Prasch, 1999
"People do not readily believe any more; they have seen too much hypocrisy and falsehood. The one thing that can still convince unbelievers of the truth of the gospel is a crucified life."

(25) The Sea Of Subjectivity by Jewel van der Merwe, Discernment Ministries Newsletter, March/April 1999
"When we leave the parameters of the Word of God, we drift onto The Sea of Subjectivity. In this Sea, spirituality becomes relative to whatever new revelation or vision that comes forth."

(27) Judge With Righteous Judgment by Craig Branch, Watchman Fellowship,1995
"A very discouraging and destructive trend has been growing in the body of Christ. The world has formed people into its mold rather than the minds and lives of people being transformed by God's word. Too many Christians have adopted pragmatism or substituted feelings and experience in place of the truth of God's word."

(28) Biblical Reasons For Leaving A Fellowship by James R Buchan, Vanguard Magazine, 1999
"In the area of doctrine, I feel the Biblical teaching is that the Christian definitely needs to leave in situations where foundational truth is incorrect or ignored. Staying where a false gospel is preached will do us no good."

(30) "Touch Not the Lord's Anointed" - Is the Command for Today? by Thomas Williamson, Th.M, Ph.D., 1997
"It is clear that to touch the Lord's anointed is to commit an act of physical violence against the one anointed by God. It does not refer to those who verbally attack and criticize a preacher and his doctrine. Such verbal attacks
may be quite wrong and sinful, and in some cases they may be commendable and necessary (see Jesus criticizing the Pharisees in Matthew 23, Paul criticizing Peter in Galatians 2:14-21, Paul versus the Judaizers in Galatians
5:12, Philippians 3:2, etc.) but they are not covered by the idea "Touch not the Lord's anointed." A Baptist perspective.

(31) A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, 1998
"Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ's words, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to "judge righteous judgment' (Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28)."

(32) To Judge Or Not To Judge: The Rights And Wrongs Of Biblical Discernment by G. Richard Fisher, 1996
"Proper discernment is our privilege and right. The work is worth the effort and the reward will be not only the favor and blessing of God but our ability to truly enrich the lives of others."

(34) Please Contemplate This by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call Newsletter, 03/00
"Have you ever found the biblical gospel in any of the
classic or modern contemplative materials? Could there
be any significance in the fact that this movement
practically died out after the Reformation, only to be
revived today! How does one discern whether or not the
God being "heard" through the subjective, experiential mode of communication is truly our Lord speaking—especially if the authority and sufficiency of His Word is downplayed, even rejected?"

(35) A Critique of Experiencing God: A Biblical Analysis of the Popular Book by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King by Rev. Gil Rugh and the Pastoral Staff of Indian Hills Community Church
"In recent years, more than a million people have been influenced by the popular book, Experiencing God, written by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. Many hold that this book has finally given Christians the principles they need to experience God as they never have before. But do the teachings of this book accurately represent what the Bible says about experiencing God, or are its teachings in serious error? To help answer this question, Gil Rugh and the Pastoral Staff of Indian Hills Community Church have written, A Critique of Experiencing God: A Biblical Analysis of the Popular Book by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. By pointing out many startling and alarming statements within Experiencing God, this analytical review shows how the teachings of Blackaby and King depart from traditional Christianity in the areas of the nature of Scripture, the person of Jesus Christ, and how Christians can know God. " The above is a .pdf file. In all fairness to this issue, I want to give a counterpoint here with an e-mail I received from a pastor objecting to some of Rugh's arguments against using "Experiencing God". It also includes a response he received from Blackaby's organization that answers to rumors that have been going around about Blackaby's alleged involvement in the Third Wave movement.

(36) Warnings Of Deception In The Bible by Hughie Seaborn, 1999
"The Bible is replete with warnings as to what will take place in Christendom during the 'end time' or the 'end of
the age'. It speaks of a time of increasing deception and false teaching as the enemy of our souls makes a last
desperate bid to thwart the purposes of God. It describes the types of people who will deceive, and be deceived.
It also describes the types of doctrines that will be preached and how those doctrines will be received by a great number of professing Christians."

(37) Does Romans 16:17 Demand Separation On the Basis Of Doctrine? by David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, 6/10/00
"There are two different interpretations of Romans 16:17-18 today. One understands it to be a warning about the sin of divisiveness. The other understands it to be a warning about those who teach false doctrine. Which is correct?"

(38) Should Christians Make Judgments? by Ed Vasicek, 6/00
"Sometimes the "L" word (label) is a good word. The "D" word (discernment) is not only a good word, but is even a measurement of spiritual maturity. Truth is meant to be put to work, and you can't use it if you are afraid to get specific with it! Become a person of discernment! Gullibility is for squares."

(39) Proving All Things - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 by The Watchman Expositor, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1999
"This scripture is arguably the most important passage in the Bible for realizing the authority of the Bible in determining doctrine and equipping Christians for salvation. Understanding what this passage teaches, and the way in which some alternative religions attempt
to reinterpret the passage, is vital to all evangelical encounters with members of new religions."

(40) Accountability: The Way To "Touch" God's Anointed by Clete Hux, The Watchman Expositor, Vol. 10, No. 3, 1993
"Christians are to be accurate and balanced when giving criticism. When a person or group that claims to be Christian and yet seriously departs from the historical biblical doctrines of orthodox Christianity, one cannot stand idly by in silence. (Matt. 18:15-16). To not speak out would be dishonoring to God and unloving, not only to Christians, but also to the propagators of the error. When the Word of Faith (WOF) movement's leaders, who through their own revelation knowledge, bring extrabiblical doctrines into the church, one must be prepared to respond correctly in accordance with God's revealed will in scripture. Watchman Fellowship is not the first to call attention to the unorthodox doctrines of the WOF movement, sometimes known as the Positive Confession movement. Scores of scholars for years have spoken out. Those include Dr. Walter Martin, a charismatic theologian, and D. R. McConnell, also a charismatic and author of the recent book, A Different Gospel. Michael Horton, a well-known Christian
author, has addressed the doctrinal issues in his book, The Agony of Deceit, as well."

(41) Come Ye Out From Among Them by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Morning By Morning, June 27, pg. 181, Published 1984
"Come ye out from among them; be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17).

(42) God Never Violates Our Freedom Of Choice by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day, July 5
. . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 The fact of our creation as freewill beings goes to the heart of the false revivals we see upon the church today. Would the Holy Spirit force people to do things against their will? Uncontrollable laughter, shaking and other purported Spirit induced phenomena, when seen through the prism of freewill, become a moot point. God does not force salvation or any other thing on His creation. We are free to choose and are to be in our right minds while making those choices at all times. This is because there is a being that roams around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. If anything eclipses our God given freedom to choose, you can be sure that the source is not God.

(43) The Wisdom Of God In The Face Of Tribulation by Ed Tarkowski, 7/00
"Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Seeing we are going to live lives of trusting Him for all eternity, now would be a good time to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work in us to to make us individuals who trust their God to the fullest. Thus, God can turn tribulation to do us good in the end in spite of what we will have to go through."

(44) The Dangerous Dake Bible available at Inner-City Christian Discernment Ministry, 2000
"As a former member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Ann Arbor, I became familiar with the Dake study Bible and I was urged to save up my money to purchase one. It is in 1,000's of homes and Finis Dake's books have helped form the beliefs of many Pentecostal and Charismatic teachers on the scene today. Dake was called a great Bible Scholar by the late Lester Sumrall and Benny Hinn has been known to use Dake "insights" in some of his more outlandish teachings. I trust you will benefit from this Real Audio tape. If you enjoy this teaching (and I am sure you will) I urge you to visit the PFO web site and order this cassette and their other fine materials." Access the tape in RealPlayer format here.

(45) Is It Right To Judge? by Franklin G. Huling, M.A., 8/00
"The question “Is it right to judge?” is one that puzzles many sincere Christians. A careful and open-minded
study of the Bible makes it clear that concerning certain vital matters, it is not only right but a positive duty to
judge. Many do not know that the Scripture commands us to judge."

(46) A Guide To Testing The Spirits by Tom Smith, 8/26/00
"This document was put together, as a guide to help in some simple testing of these matters. This is by no means any substitute for studying and becoming familiar with the scriptures, but it is intended to be a guide for a new Christian, or a quick summary or reminder for a Christian
who has studied scripture for a number of years. I also do not claim that what is in here is complete - it is only intended as a guide."

(47) A New Decalogue - Thou Shalt Not Disagree by A. W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day, June 25
"A new Decalogue has been adopted by the neo-Christians of our day, the first word of which reads, "Thou shalt not disagree"; and a new set of Beatitudes too, which begins "Blessed are they that tolerate everything, for they shall not be made accountable for anything."

(48) Bible Or Babel? by Dr. David Allen, Vanguard Magazine, Issue 12, 8/00
"In just nine verses, at the beginning of Genesis chapter 11, the inspired writer tells a story that stands as a warning for all time — the story of the rise and fall of the Tower of Babel. A literary tour de force and the inspiration of numerous canvases, it is its message that chiefly concerns us today."

(49) How Many Gospels Are There? by Tony Pearce, Vanguard Magazine, Issue 6
"Gnosticism dressed up as New Age presents no moral challenge to repentance and faith as authentic Christianity does. Therefore it can fit in well with the permissive immoral lifestyle adopted by our age and ceaselessly propagated by the mass media."

(50) Time To Leave The Playpen by Andrew Gould, 10/00 "When I hear the phrase “that was so unloving”, sometimes I want to scream!"

(51) The Call To Discipleship by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newsletter, 11/00
"Christ didn't say, "Follow someone or some church claiming they represent Me." He said, "Follow me ... Learn of me" (Jn 1:43; Mt 11:29). We go to His Word to learn of Him. Each of us is expected to know it thoroughly. Yet many who think of themselves as Christians scarcely study the Bible seriously, expecting the pastor and Bible teachers to do that for them "

(52) Watchmen Who Are Not Watchmen by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 1/01
"We need people who are bible based, and who operate valid discernment ministries to alert the church and give understanding to the many, as Daniel predicted by the Holy Spirit would rise up."

(53) MOVING THE GOALPOSTS - The Unfolding Tragedy of the New Evangelicalism by Alan Morrison, Diakrisis, 2/00
"At one time there was just one orthodox, biblical view on a number of issues which were part of the fundamentals of the faith. These were generally agreed on, throughout the entire evangelical constituency. But all that has gradually changed. We have arrived at a situation now in which people who all profess to be evangelicals can have a wide variety of opinions on what were, at one time non-negotiable, essentially fundamental matters. How have professing evangelicals got into this situation? It has happened because people have "moved the goalposts" -- changed the rules which determine what is truth and what it isn't. In this 17,000 word article, based on two lectures, we ask 1) In which areas have the goalposts been moved? 2) What are the motives for moving them? 3) Is there any action we can take to restore those goalposts to their original situation?"

(54) TBN's Bible Code - The Bible Code Or Babel Code? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason, 3/00
"This is all mysticism and Gnostic interpretations. It takes us away from the clear interpretation and applicational teaching of the Bible."

(55) "Judge Rightly" Is Not Some Guy's Name! by Bob Enyart Live, Inc., Copyright © 1997 - 2000 All Rights Reserved.
"An absurd question has stymied the Church. Should Christians judge? Of course believers should judge. To not judge is to be indecent, not to mention inhuman. The only kingdom in which there is no judging is the plant kingdom. For of living things, vegetables do not judge. In the animal kingdom, though, judgment is a must, and members of the Kingdom of God must do the most judging. "

(55) The New Powerless Gospel by Sandy Simpson, Deception In The Church, 4/19/01
"I have been challenged lately to think again about what the Gospel message is all about. This has come as a result of hearing what I consider to be, at the very least, "gospel lite" and at the most no gospel at all being presented by a number of neo-evangelicals, Third Wavers and outright heretics. The interesting thing is that many seem to be preaching the same message. What is most intriguing is that false teachers like Benny Hinn, ecumenicals, and even some preachers I would consider to be orthodox in their theology are preaching a "gospel" that is very similar. The question is: Is this new gospel message really the Gospel at all?"

(56) Biblical New Testament Prayers by Sandy Simpson, Deception In The Church, 5/7/01
"With all the talk about "praying the Jabez prayer" making the rounds in so many churches, I thought it was time to revisit a short section I wrote in a booklet called "What Should I Say". It talked about biblical New Testament prayers. These are prayers that the apostles and Christians prayed. Since Christ and the apostles are our foundation, we ought to be emulating what they prayed and not some guy who prayed a prayer in the Old Testament that was never meant to be a model prayer. If you are interested in a model prayer then go to the Disciple's Prayer (most often called the Lord's Prayer) in Matthew 6:9-13."

(57) The Importance Of Sound Doctrine by A.W. Tozer, The Best Of A.W. Tozer, pg. 174-176, taken from Man, The Dwelling Place Of God
"It would be impossible to overemphasize the importance of sound doctrine in the life of a Christian. Right thinking about all spiritual matters is imperative if we would have right living. As men do not gather grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles, so sound character does not grow out of unsound teaching."

(58) A Cross-less Christianity, A Christless Christianity by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 5/01
"All of Christianity begins and centers upon the person of Jesus and his work on the cross. It was Paul who said the cross was everything to him. He had a greater education, knowledge, and revelation than any other apostle, even of those who knew Jesus personally in the flesh, having been called before him. Yet all he wanted to know was summed up in one saying, “Jesus Christ and him crucified."

(59) Pragmatism Goes To Church by A.W. Tozer, "God Tells The Man Who Cares", from The Best Of A.W. Tozer, 1980, pgs. 254-256
"...this philosophy of pragmatism has had and is having a powerful influence upon Christianity in the middle years of this century."

(60) Naming Names: A Biblical Approach by Kevin Reeves, 2/02
"In these last days the proliferation of false teachings assaulting both the Church and Scriptural integrity requires a closer look at how those promoting such doctrines should be dealt with. While no one with a genuine desire to follow Christ should eagerly want to accuse another of error in ministry, the prophets of the Old Testament, our Lord Jesus Himself, and the apostles make it clear that many will come in the name of the Lord who profess to follow Him, yet by their teachings actually deny or present a different image of God than what is demonstrated in the Scriptures."

(61) Bible Studies at Biblical Studies Foundation
Excellent resource for all kinds of Bible studies all the way from the ABC's For Christian Growth to studies on Bible characters, theology and many other areas for Christian growth.

(62) Servant Authority by Sandy Simpson, 10/99
"The church does not have the same system as the world. No lords, no kings, no dictators. Our only King, Lord and Master is Jesus Christ. The rest of us are servants -- slaves."

(63) Mistake Or Sin? by Sandy Simpson, 3/13/02
"Words have meanings. Third Wave false teachers are currently in the process of redefining both the English language and the truths of God's Word, and calling it "new revelation" and a "paradigm shift". Let's all be careful that we don't take a paradigm shift into foolishness and accept new revelation that drags us further into sin."

(64) There Is A Finality In The Biblical Revelation by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day Vol. 1, April 16
"Whoever, for whatever reason, denies the finality of the biblical revelation and insists upon a continuing revelation having the same authority as the sacred Scriptures has shut himself out from the name of Christian! He is simply not a Christian in the scriptural and historic meaning of the word."

(65) The Biblical Basis Of Division by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 2002
"There are cases where biblically we must divide. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth, not of error, and He is the spirit of holiness, not immorality. And where apostasy, with its twin pillars of heresy and immorality is found, God’s true people will not be found. There are cases where divisions are permissible (howbeit not necessarily desirable), but we must exercise the greatest caution not to equate personal
differences with doctrinal differences or attempt to ascribe a biblical motive for something where none exists."

(66) How To Discern, Test & Judge Rightly by Sandy Simpson, 7/30/02
Let me start this article by telling you what methods are being used for "discernment" today that have no biblical support, then I will move on to the ways in which the Bible does tell us to test teaching, prophesy and actions.

(68) Anti-spirits & False Teaching by Shirley Ann Miller, From the book, "Anti-Spirits and False Teaching" and Lampholder Ezine series on "Mind Control ", Lampholder Publications, 2002
Remember: Always investigate the source and test the spirits "...to see whether they are of God...(1 John 4:1).

(70) THE TEACHING OF THE LORD TO THE GENTILES BY THE TWELVE APOSTLES (also known as DIDACHE) Translated by J.B. Lightfoot, Adapt. and mod. (c) 1990, ATHENA DATA PRODUCTS
This is not Scripture, but is a historical document on the teachings of the twelve apostles. Noitce that apparently they had "televangelists" in the first and second centuries who plied people for money. Pay attention to what is said about false prophets, especially the following: "And whosoever shall say in the Spirit, Give me silver or anything else, ye shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on behalf of others that are in want, let no man judge him." Obviously we are to test false prophets, but if they are found to be true then we don't judge them. This does not mean that we do not test, discern and judge all prophesy according to the Scriptures as the Bereans tested Paul, but it means that we must accept true prophesy and stay away from false prophets who ask for money and lie in the name of the Lord."

(71) Exposing Doctrinal Errors: Heresy Hunting or Biblical Mandate? at Truth Watch New Zealand, originally produced by the Christian Research Institute (CRI)
We would, therefore, do well to heed Scripture’s explicit warnings to be on guard for false teachings (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; 2:1), and to point them out to brothers and sisters in Christ (2 Timothy 4:6).

(72) How To Recognize A Good Church by Mike Lloyd, based on a study by Richard W. De Haan, Truth Watch New Zealand
Within the Christian community there is a wide divergence of opinion, division, and even fierce competition among the different groups. Subsequently, many believers are confused about which church is the right one to belong to and which church being closest to the truth is therefore worthy of their support.

(73) Don't Touch the Lord's Anointed! by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand, 10/02
"Don't touch the Lord's anointed" is a common cry levelled against people who are trying to uphold Scripture by testing their leaders' teaching and practice against the Word. However, if this is a valid defence - why do we never see the Apostle or other leaders of the New Testament churches resorting to this argument? Is it possible that this phrase is being misused to justify an authoritarian leadership?

(74)Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand, 10/02
A common criticism levelled against those who seek to test modern claims to prophecy, miracles and healings by God's Word is that we are in danger of 'blaspheming against the Holy Spirit'. This is a very serious charge, which (if true) would mean that such people cannot be saved! Indeed, many are so intimidated by this charge that they bury any doubts, relying on the claimant's self-proclamation for proof of the validity of the claims, rather than testing it by the Word.

(75) Do not judge, lest you be judged! by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand, 10/02
There are a lot of accusations going around in Christian circles about people "judging" other people and not being "tolerant". Often the passage above (Matt. 7:1-3) is cited to support those bringing new teachings and practices into the church. Indeed, in our post-modern age - the greatest sin is "intolerance" and it seems this is also increasingly the case in many churches. Anyone who wants to critique something is instantly dismissed as 'judgemental' (so much for tolerance then!).

(76) What Is The True Gospel? by Al Dagar, Media Spotlight Ministries
When Jesus came He proclaimed what He called the Gospel of the Kingdom. The English word “gospel” means “good news.” It derives from the Greek euangelion (Eng., “evangel”). In the Bible the Gospel is the “good news” of the Kingdom of God and of salvation to eternal life, received by faith in Jesus Christ on the basis of His expiatory death, His burial, resurrection, ascension and coming again.

(77) Apologetics And The Dying Of Reason by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/02
What is it and how do we incorporate it in our lives.

(78) Discernment by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/02
The watchman ministry inside the church and the importance of discernment in the times we live in.

(79) Watchmen Arise by Steve Mitchell, Answers For India, 12/02
An article that will encourage those who pursue the rejected spiritual practice of discernment.

(81) Cheap Grace vs. The Pearl Of Great Price - An Expose Of Easy-Believismby Alan P. Medinger and Regeneration, In Plain Site, 1995
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

(82) Those Who Are Born Again by the Holy Spirit Continue In The Faith -- The Easy-Believism "Converts" Do Not by Brother Robinson, Santa Clarita Bible Baptist
There is a heresy that is being taught that says a person may "get saved," live a Christian life for a certain length of time, and then "get lost" again. Others teach that a person may "get saved" and live a Christian life for a time and then go back to his old ways. He goes back to sins and cannot be distinguished from a lost person. This school of thought affirms that such a person will still go to heaven when he dies because he is still saved (even though "carnal"). Let us look at the Scriptures which make it very clear what the truth is concerning this matter of salvation.

(83) What Constitutes "Saving Faith"? by Sandy Simpson, 1/30/03
There are many who claim to be saved today. Ultimately only God knows who is saved (eternal security) and we can have assurance of salvation through a commitment to holding on to faith (conditional security). But what constitutes a saving faith?

(85) Beware The Counsel Of Gamaliel! by Dr. Peter Masters: SWORD & TROWELL, The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Issue: 1995, No. 3.
Fellow believers--be warned and beware of the counsel of Gamaliel!

(86) The Lord's Prayer, Our Prayer by Sandy Simpson, 2000
But this prayer is more than an outline. It is not some thing we are to repeat mindlessly to get what we want from God. It is a prayer that should be at the very heart of our faith in the Lord. We show our complete worship and submission to our Father. We ask Him to meet our needs. We don't just expect Him to forgive us but we also forgive others. We ask Him to protect and deliver us from the evil one. We are completely dependant on Him for everything.

(86) The Blessed Three-in-One: The Christian Doctrine of the Trinity Proven from Scripture by Alan Morrison, 2003
The doctrine concerning the Trinitarian nature of God is probably one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Christian faith. This is hardly surprising. Firstly, the doctrine is rarely preached on and therefore there is a great deal of ignorance about it. Secondly, because of its seeming complexity and difficulty to be adequately comprehended, people assume it must be an invented teaching with no biblical references. Thirdly, because it is such a vital teaching — the very heart and revelation of true divinity and deity — it is especially vulnerable to attack. In this brief paper, it is not our purpose to concentrate on the historical controversies. There is a great deal of theological and historical literature already devoted to this. Our main concern here is to redress the rejection of Trinitarian teaching by many sincere Christians.

(87) Tares (Darnel) by Ed Tarkowski, STAND & COMFORT Newsletter, #44 (Vol 3 No 11)
Some are obviously darnel, while with others, it takes time to make the distinction. This I know for sure: the One who planted the good seed which bears fruit will come back to harvest His wheat, and not one grain of darnel will be found in the barn.

(88) The Role Of Women In The Church by Sandy Simpson, 7/03
If men were exercising true biblical authority over their daughters and wives in love, the debate over the role of women in the Church would not be such an issue. If women today were submissive to their husbands, we would not have many of the problems we have today in the Church.

(89) Admit, Commit & Submit by Sandy Simpson, 7/03
A study in the difference between the biblical Gospel and what is being preached in many churches today.

(90) Thou Shalt Not Judge? by Paul Proctor, 7/25/03
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” - Proverbs 27:6

(91) Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile? by Harry A. Ironside
Exposing error is most unpopular work. But from every true standpoint it is worthwhile work

(92) Why Halfway Christianity Will Not Work by Dean & Laura VanDruff, Acts 17:11
God likes the Gospel. It is one of His favorite things, His favorite melody, His overarching theme, what He thinks is really cool. It is nonsense to carnal men, but the very power of God to those who are being saved. It is oft fussed over in theory, like the tombs of the prophets decorated by the "Sons of Satan" in Jesus' day, but rarely tried. Will you, really? It works.

(93) Measuring The Mixture by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Vol. 8, No. 3, 2003
The Gospel is the core of the Church's message; the Church is to proclaim the true, pure Gospel recipe with no additives, no deletions, no distortion, no reversal. Each individual Christian (together, the Church) must "measure the mixture." That means each Christian must know the Gospel--know it well enough to realize when something is not right. Even if it is unpopular and viewed as arrogant presumption, we must post the warning signs of clear biblical teaching. We must, in loving and humble obedience to Christ, always be measuring the mixture!

(94)For The TRUTH by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/03
How important is the truth in a time of deception?

(95) Are You Tithing? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/03
What does the New Testament REALLY teach on the tithe and money.

(96) God Would Save Us From Spiritual Delusion by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day, September 23
THERE ARE AREAS OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT—and because of thought then also of life, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish that we are often hard put to escape complete deception!

(97) The Truth And Nothing But The Truth by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/03
Truth is a rare commodity these days. In a world filled with opinions, lies and deceit, the truth is often overlooked and ignored. Relative truth has become a fixation in our society and it is no different for those seeking to be religious or spiritual; it has become their friend.

(98) Use And Misuse Of Scripture by Gary Gilley, 9/03
Those who desire God’s approval must handle accurately, or literally, “cut straight,” the word of truth. They diligently study the Bible in order to interpret it correctly and then apply it properly.

(99) God Doesn't Want Your Sacrifices - He Wants Your Obedience! by Sandy Simpson, 2/9/04
1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

(100) The Vanishing Gospel by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newlsetter, 2/04
And to attract those thus corrupted, many of the largest and fastest-growing churches mimic the world in "seeker-friendly" and "youth-oriented" services that exploit sensuality and compromise the truth.

(101) Sixteen Facts Everyone Should Know About Israel by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 2004
If you are a Christian you need to stand by Israel, and support Israel as much as possible. God's ancient promise in Genesis 12:3 is still very much in effect: "I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse." And God, speaking to Israel, promises, "Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonoured; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent " (Isaiah 41:11-12).

(102) Tithing by Chris De Wet, Moriel Ministries, 2004
There is a lot of confusion taking place with regard to Bible doctrines today. One of the topics, is the question on tithing. Where did it originate and what does it mean today? Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(103) Let's Take A Look At The "Judge Not" Argument For A Moment! by Sandy Simpson, 6/3/04
It's very interesting to me how Christians are quick, these days, to pull out the old "judge not lest you be judged" excuse when they are angry at you for warning people away from their favorite false teachers and false prophets by name. They come down on those who test the spirits (1 Jn. 4:1), discern truth from error (Phil. 1:9-11, Prov. 3:21) and judge rightly (Jn. 7:24) when those are ways in which God has told us we ARE to judge. They use the "judge not" ploy to make themselves look like they are holier-than-thou and above the fray, and in so doing they are already in violation of Matt. 7:1 because they are judging those they say are being judgmental hypocritically. But think about the ways in which we all tend to judge in a whole variety of unbiblical ways every day.

(104) The Overseer - A Study In Titus 1:6-11 by Sandy Simpson, 6/25/04
There once was a shepherd who loved his flock of sheep. He fed them and watered them. He bathed them and tended to their hurts. The only trouble is he did not build a protected fence around their home. He had a habit of going to sleep at night leaving no one to guard them. They had always been safe in the past, but one night wolves came. In the morning when he woke up many of the sheep were missing or dead. That day he built a fence and made sure there was always someone there to guard the sheep at night.

(105) Building Up The Body by Gary Gilley, Think On The Things, July 2004
One of the most insightful of recent books concerning the church is actually written by an unbeliever. Alan Wolfe, a social scientist, has been observing the changing American religious scene for years. Last year he shared his research in The Transformation of American Religion. The message of his book is that “religion in the United States is being transformed in radically new directions.” [1] Wolfe claims, “Talk of Hell, damnation, and even sin has been replaced by a nonjudgmental language of understanding and empathy. Gone are the arguments over doctrine and theology…. More Americans than ever proclaim themselves born again in Christ, but the Lord to whom they turn rarely gets angry and frequently strengthens self-esteem. [As a result] the faithful in the United States are remarkably like everyone else.” [2]

(106) Losing My Discernmentby Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/31/04
A new song the church is singing.

(107) The Diminishing Message Of The Cross by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/31/04
Welcome to a new era of rock stars, movie stars and their producers.

(108) Seeds, Soil & Fruit by Sandy Simpson, 9/19/04
Some seeds have been genetically altered. Something has been added to the seed to produce a certain result. What has been added is indoctrination, brainwashing, diaprax, false prophecy, false apostolic edicts, false anointings. These additives produce seeds that will, in turn, grow bad trees, producing bad fruit, which in turn produce more bad seeds as the process renews itself over and over again.

(112) Preaching Is Dead by Anton Bosch, Discernment Ministries Newsletter, November/December 2004
This is a .pdf file.

(113) The End Of The World by Bill Randles, Believers In Grace Ministries, 11/04
A meditation on Isaiah 24 by Pastor Bill Randles. Read Part 1 & Part 2.

(114) Paul's Mars Hill Approach by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/1/04
What did Paul actually do to proclaim the gospel on Mars Hill?

(115) Love for an Offensive Gospel by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, November 2004 - Volume 10, Issue 11
What would provoke an evangelical, evangelistic-minded church to so alter the gospel message as to gut it of, as Carson says, “its historical and biblical sense?” Almost certainly their motivation is a noble one – the desire to see people get saved. But they fear that very few will respond to a gospel which calls sin “sin” and identifies unbelievers as ungodly, rebellious enemies of God.

(116) The Duties Of Christian Leadership by Sandy Simpson, 1/12/05
Christians, and especially Christian leadership, are called to be salt and light in a dark world.

(117) Getting Glory for God—or for Ourselves? by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day, January 22
I THINK THAT WE OUGHT TO BE MATURE enough to confess that many have been converted to Christ and have come into the church without wrestling with that basic human desire for honor and praise. As a result, some have actually spent a lifetime in religious work doing little more than getting glory for themselves!

(118) True Vine, True Fruit -- False Vine, False Fruit by Sandy Simpson, 2/2/05
There is one true Vine, that is Jesus Christ. Those attached to this Vine, who have a connected relationship to the Vine through obedience, will be branches that bear true fruit.

At the core of maturity in Christ is the issue of training to be able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong. But in today’s churches this issue has not only been downplayed, but actually swept aside.

(120) Unity Of The Faith & Maturity by Sandy Simpson, 02/05

Those who are mature in Christ are those who are reaching unity in the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Those who are not mature strive for ecumenical or interfaith unity thinking that they are growing in the Lord, and it is usually a point of pride to them. But they have mistaken what Paul was talking about. Unity in the Faith is talking about coming to a common understanding and practice of the core truths of the Faith as taught to us in the Bible through Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

(121) The Reign Of King Asa by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 02/05

The reign of King Asa, God’s warning to good men. God’s warning to good women. God’s warning to all of us, but especially God’s warning to good leaders and to good pastors.

In many churches around the world the concept of "worship" has been redefined and narrowed to mean the time when Christians come together to sing songs, raise their hands, dance around, and get all excited about the Lord together in church. For most of the younger postmodernist relativistic generation the concept of "worship" has become a thing you do once or twice a week to absolve yourself of guilt. The more you can work yourself into a state of bliss in feeling like you are really achieving a state of "worship" by letting yourself go in the music and rhythm of the "worship" time, the more you can justify what you are doing the rest of the week when you are not "worshipping" God. This "worship" then becomes an excuse and justification process whereby Christians can rid themselves of the guilt of not obeying the Lord in their lives. This is not to say that true worship is not done in the time now called "worship". It can be a time of worship, but worship without obedience is no worship at all.

(123) Expository preaching necessary for true revival, Stephen Olford says by Jeff Robinson, SBA Baptist Press, May 9, 2002

Anointed expository preaching is absolutely necessary if the church is to experience true revival, Stephen Olford recently said at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

(124) What We Need Is A Reverse Paradigm Shift! by Sandy Simpson, 3/30/05

I'm going to warn you now. I am going to let you in on some information tonight that is going to radically change your world view. You are likely going to experience the beginnings of a reverse paradigm shift and after tonight there will be no way to go back the way you came. You will be faced with choices that you may never have known you had. You will be faced with a new way of looking at things that is going to cause you to rethink everything that is being taught in the Emerging Latter Rain churches. It is going to be radical because the basis for this message doesn't come from Jesus Christ visiting my room last night bodily, but from His holy written Word. So buckle down your seat belts, you're likely in for a bumpy ride!

(125) Should Biblical Churches Be Christocentric? by Sandy Simpson, 4/1/05

Should biblical Christian churches be Christ-centered (Christocentric)? Should the doctrines of the Father (Patriology) and the Holy Spirit (Pnematology) also be equally emphasized? Can a church be Patriocentric or Pnemacentric and be biblical?

(126) Study In Ephesians by Sandy Simpson, 4/05

This is a ten part study in Ephesians. Click on the following links to go to a particular study:

(1) Predestination And The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:1-14
(2) Jesus Christ Rules & The Problem Of Sin And Salvation
Ephesians 1:15– 2:10
(3) A Building Of Peace
Ephesians 2:11-22
(4) A Mystery Revealed
Ephesians 3:1-13
(5) The Prayer & The Calling
Ephesians 3:14-4:10
(6) Why Were The Grace Gifts Of Servant Leadership Given?
Ephesians 4:11-13
(7) Put On The New Self
Ephesians 4:17-32
(8) Don’t Be Deceived
Ephesians 5:1-20
(9) Submission & Love
Ephesians 5:21-6:9
(10) Put On The Armor
Ephesians 6:10-23

(127) Have You Been Saved by the Gospel? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 4/26/05
Do you really understand the gospel of grace or have we come another way to Christ?

(128) A Departure from Sound Doctrine by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 4/27/05
What the church is now facing in epidemic proportions.

(129) Current Interpretations of the Bible that are wrong by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 6/6/05
Modern interpretations from by the trends of our day.

(130) Prophecies Of Jesus Christ As Messiah by Evidence for God from Science
Prophecies of Jesus Christ and their fulfillment.

(131) The Disappearing Doctrine Of The Evangelical Church by Mike Gendron, Proclaiming The Gospel Ministries, 9/16/05
This newsletter is often used to correct the false doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church but in this issue we will address the disappearing doctrine of the Evangelical Church. Many professing Christians now think it doesn't really matter what you believe, as long as you label it Christianity. Their only test for becoming a Christian is a simple acceptance of Jesus as a historical figure. In our post-modern church, doctrine is out and tolerance is in. We are told that for the sake of unity, doctrine should not be tested or contested. We are not supposed to draw any definitive lines or declare any absolutes. Doctrinal and moral issues which were once painted black and white, are now seen as gray. The state of the church is now in a state of confusion.

(132) Philippians Study by Sandy Simpson, 10/01/05
Ten study series on the book of Philippians!

(133) Explain Or Explain Away?by Sandy Simpson, 10/25/05
A proper balance of Biblical teaching, as demonstrated by the Apostles, is to both explain God's Word (good hermeneutics, exegesis) and to explain away false teachings of any particular passage (polemics and/or apologetics).

(134) Men With No Reputation On Earth by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/16/05
Those whom God recognizes are doing His work.

(135) "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes." by Sandy Simpson, 1/1/06
This article is a warning to all those who think they can rewrite Christianity in their own image. Think again!

(136) The Necessity of Separation from Heresy by Jewel Grewe, Discernment Ministries, Discernment Newsletter, Volume 17, Number 1, January/February 2006
This neo-evangelical “repudiation of separation,” and its resultant seduction into heresy, is indicative of the condition of the Church in the last days. Jude 18 warns that there will be mockers in the last time who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Paul prepared Timothy for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Tim. 3-4). The sinful nature of man wants to justify sin, even to the extent of finding false teachers to teach ear-tickling fables. 1 Peter 1:13 advises believers to gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Peter further admonishes that the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer (vs. 4:7).

(137) Earnestly Contend by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 01/04/06
Hundreds of fulfilled prophecies prove God’s existence, that the Bible is His inerrant Word, the Jews His chosen people, and Jesus of Nazareth the promised Messiah who died for our sins, has resurrected, and is coming again. Yet prophecy is neglected by most Christian preachers and writers. No wonder that the “last-days” apostasy warned of in God’s Word is now upon us with a vengeance!

(138) How to Avoid Heresy by Discernment Research Group, Herescope, 01/05/06
Neo-evangelicalism relies upon marketing strategies to spread its leaven. For over a century American consumers have been trained by advertising to buy anything new – a new detergent, a new vacuum cleaner, a new style of dress, a new car, a new computer. In the same way, New Evangelicalism has advertised all of its doctrines, methods and teachings as “new.” There is therefore a very simple, easy way to avoid the heresies of neo-evangelicalism.

(139) Is It Right:To Judge, To Expose Error & To Call Names? by Pastor E. L. Bynum, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas, 1/06
Many today believe that it is wrong to expose error and to name names. Liberals have always seemed to believe this, but in recent times it has been widely espoused by evangelicals and charismatics. Now we are seeing the same fatal error being declared by those who profess to be Bible believing fundamentalists. Those who are faithful in exposing error according to the Bible are now being widely denounced, and are accused of being unloving and unkind. We intend here to present the teaching of the Bible on this vital subject.

(140) Deviant Worship by Mark Minnick, Frontline, March/April 1997, Vol 7 N 2
This is the age of the "designer church," the "fellowship community," the "family worship center." But is all that calls itself "worship" acceptable to God? What is the benchmark of true worship? Is it sincerity? A positive experience? A good feeling? A full auditorium? Or is there an objective standard by which we can measure what pleases God in this regard?

(141) Pastors Who Compromise Their Call by Steve Cornell, Senior Pastor, Millersville Bible Church, 2/06
Scripture speaks with clarity and directness about sin and salvation; godliness and ungodliness; heaven and hell. You are welcome to reject such teaching or to try to make it a matter of personal interpretation, but one day you will answer to God for offering a revision of His truth. There is a great need today for pastors who refuse to compromise their call to speak the truth in love.

(142) Satan's Six Strategic Assaults on the Christian Faith by Mike Gendron, Proclaiming the Gospel, Jan/Feb 2006
Some evangelical leaders have been joyfully announcing there is a great spiritual revival taking place in our country. However, a closer and more discern¬ing look reveals there is a countless mfiltra¬tion of deceivers masquerading as messen¬gers of Christ who are counterfeiting the Christian faith. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14). These legions of liars are all part of Satan’s insidious assault on the only true faith. Satan’s ultimate goal is to thwart God’s harvest of lost souls by holding them captive with his fatal lies. His relentless at¬tacks are strategically aimed at six targets: The Supremacy of God’s Word, The Sufficiency of God’s Son, The Singularity of God’s Gospel, The Sovereignty of God’s Grace, The Security of God’s Children, The Sanctity of God’s Church

(143) The Trinity tract produced by Calvary Chapel, 2006
The doctrine of the Trinity explained in simple terms. A good tract to give out on the subject. For a more detailed explanation of this doctrine, read The Five Basic Doctrines here.

(144) The Prayer Of Faith by Derald Skinner, Calvary Chapel, 2006
The prayer of faith is answered because God has promised to answer our requests when we start (the following).

(145) “Touch Not The Lord’s Anointed?” – Give Me A Break!! by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Seven March 2006
IN DEFENSE OF THE TBN ELITE I recently received an e-mail from a very angry person. What did I do to set off their anger? What did I say? Well, My guess is because it was due to one of my previous newsletters in regards to TBN. That’s right! I had the complete audacity to dare speak against the great spiritual giant TBN! I would like to share this e-mail with you and give my reply in this newsletter, considering the fact that this person did not want a reply from me (as you will see at the end of the e-mail). So hold on to your hats, here we go!

(146) From Traitor to Hero? Responding to the "Gospel of Judas" by Albert Mohler, Friday, April 07, 2006
Informed Christians will be watchful and aware when confronting churches or institutions that present spurious writings, rejected as heretical by the early church, on the same plane as the New Testament. The verdict of Athanasius, one of the greatest leaders of the early church, still stands: "Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these, for concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, 'Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.' And He reproved the Jews, saying, 'Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.'"

(147) Do you Love or Hate the truth? by Mike Oppeneheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 5/20/06
Where do you stand on what is taking place?

(148) Holding Pastors Accountable by Steve Camp, 6/06
Though elder-rule is a good biblical concept, the term can be misleading and doesn't accurately represent the Scriptural heart of biblical leadership. Rule too many times suggests unquestioned authority, religious despotism, or spiritual heavy-handedness. However, the office and title of elder is quite different; it is one of servant-leadership.

(149) The Current Downgrade in the Doctrine of the Atonement by David H. Linden, Action International Ministries, 6/06
The gospel is fading in our consciousness and understanding. It is ordinary and commonplace. It is our assumed treasure (we would all sat that!) but it is still the object of our neglect. When I say the gospel slipping, Hebrews corrects me to state the issue more sharply, that it is we who are slipping not the gospel. The gospel is the dock to which we must be tied. The dock is not floating away from us; we are drifting away from it. There is only one place to drift when we stray from the sacrifice of Christ, and that is into hell itself. Such is the warning of Hebrews. We are presented with this great salvation that must not be ignored, as in Hebrews 2, OR it is the consuming fire when the Lord will judge His people, as in Hebrews 10. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Hebrews 10:31. Yet the gospel is that Christ by the grace of God fell into the hands of God for us. On the cross He faced the consuming fire our sins earned for Him.

(150) Imputation by Warren Doud, Grace Notes, 6/06
Imputation is a wonderful principle of the Plan of God, and you have been involved with imputation since the day you were saved.

(151) Discernment in an Age of Deception - Defining the Believer's Biblical Call to Judge by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues Commentary, Issue 94 - May / June 2006
Many times, after publishing an article that disputes the claims of someone's published work, I am asked if I had talked to the person privately. There are those who claim that debating ideas in the public arena should not happen unless there was a prior Matthew 18 process of adjudication. It is my position that Matthew 18 does not apply to the public interaction of theological ideas. In this paper, I shall examine various New Testament passages that explain what we must and must not judge.

(152) Scriptures For Our Times by Berit Kjos, Kjos Ministries, 7/06
God's people have always tended to drift toward earth-based religions (various blends of pantheism, polytheism and monism) whenever apathy dimmed their desire for Biblical truth. But never before have occult beliefs and practices been promoted as shrewdly as today--nor have God's people been more ignorant of their dangers or more vulnerable to their lures. As deception spreads, let us heed God's Old Testament warnings as well as His New Testament prophecies.

(153) Today's Christianity: Let Us Entertain You! by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Eleven - July 2006
There is no mention in the New Testament that Jesus or the apostles ever tried to make the Gospel appealing to the masses by entertainment, or to make it a more positive, feel-good message. They never used gimmicks, games or free giveaways. If you want to see a great example in the Bible of how people reacted to Jesus’ preaching, read John chapter six. He lost a lot of so-called “followers” because they considered His preaching of the truth as a “hard saying” which was not positive, or what they wanted to hear! Jesus was not concerned about offending people or if His numbers would drop (which of course they did!).

(154) Another Perspective For Your Consideration by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 8/2/06
In this piece I’m going to present a brief synopsis of a point of view that has become all too common in the evangelical community today concerning those of us in the field of discernment being critical of another’s ministry.

(155) Redefining Jesus? by Chris Lawson, Spiritual Research Network, Newsletter, August 2006
More than any other time in history, the world today is filled with false ideas and concepts of who Jesus Christ really is. What Paul the Apostle called ‘another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel’ is plaguing the world with full force as people on all six continents and every walk of life have “redefined Jesus”.

(156) Quoting Heretics: The New Trend for Christian Authors by Ingrid Schlueter, Slice of Laodicea, 8/3/06
Either these people do not read the material they quote, which is absurd, or they don't care that they are quoting someone who long ago left the Christian faith of the Bible. When cardinal doctrinal issues are at stake, I do not ever want to favorably quote someone to make a point. What about those who like the quotes Dr. Jeremiah uses from Sue Monk Kidd in his book, Life Wide Open and who decide to pick up her book, Dance of the Dissident Daughter, where Kidd details her journey from being a Baptist Sunday School teacher to a proponent of goddess spirituality and pantheism? Does he have no responsibility for whom he quotes? The answer to that is yes. We all do.

(157) Modern Macabees by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/21/06
Those who defend the temple and rescue people.

(158) The Rot of Religion...the idolatry of self-love by Steve Camp, 8/28/06
Self has always been the most destructive and dominating plague to hinder true Christianity. Self-love (self-righteous pride) is the cancer of the church and sadly, much the hallmark of modern faith. An unfortunate example of this would be Robert Shuller's toxic tome, "Self...The New Reformation" which represents much of this move away from biblical Christianity (towards the focus on self) and, therefore, away from the worship and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and sacrifical service to others. The two great commandments of "Love the Lord Thy God" and "love thy neighbor..." has now been eclipsed with this third hell-inspired commandment: "love thyself."

(159) The Prophetic Calling of Every Believer by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues Commentary, Issue #95, July/August 2006
We need to return prophecy to the members of the church. Every member of the congregation, whether in a position of leadership or not, has access to the authoritative Scriptures and may bring forth valid implications and applications from them. Together, as we prophesy, we benefit from edification, exhortation, and comfort. The lost are convicted of their sins while the saved grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

(160) God of Jacob, God of Israel - Part I by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newsletter, 8/06 - See also God of Jacob, God of Israel - Part II "Has The Church Replaced Israel?"
If “everlasting,” concerning Israel, doesn’t mean everlasting, then how can we trust the promise in John 3:16 of everlasting life to those who believe on Christ? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel, is the only true God. The Messiah promised to Israel by Jewish prophets of God came 2,000 years ago. He is the Savior of all who believe on Him as the one who, in fulfillment of what the Hebrew prophets foretold, died for the sins of the world, rose from the dead, and ascended to the Father’s right hand. He is coming in power and glory to punish the world for its abuse of His people Israel and to rule the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Let us stand firm on the truth of Scripture and preach the true gospel of God, to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.

(161) Spot The Wolf by Anton Bosch, 10/06
Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. One of the e-mails I get all too frequently and that really breaks my heart is when people tell me how their leaders have disappointed them, broken their trust and, far too often, abused them emotionally, financially and spiritually. The very men who should have protected the sheep turn out to be wolves amongst the sheep devouring and destroying. Every time this happens my blood boils and I weep for those sheep who have been led to the slaughter and scattered by unscrupulous thieves and robbers.

(162) Trying The Spirits by J.C. Phipot, Preached at Zoar Chapel, Great Alie Street, London, on Thursday evening, August 1, 1844
There are two evils in the human heart, which, when thoroughly ripened and brought to a head, become, the one, gross superstition, and the other open infidelity; superstition crediting everything, however false; infidelity believing nothing, however true. These two opposite evils, being closely bound up in the heart of every man by nature, assume various shapes and gradations in different persons; and do not, in every individual, reach the same height, or attain to the same development. And, indeed, one of these evils will be usually more marked in some individuals than the other; the bias of some being more to superstition, and the bias of others, more to infidelity. Generally speaking, the weaker the mind, the more superstition preponderates; and the stronger the mind, the more docs infidelity prevail.

(163) The New Testament Gospel Without Paul by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Minsitries, 9/06
There is a movement today (mainly coming from the sacred name camp and law keepers) telling us that God did not choose Paul, and that his gospel is false. The reason they have arrived at this conclusion is because they are mostly law keepers who do not understand the covenants, nor understand the differences in the Mosaic and the new covenant based on the grace of God and the work of Yeshua (Jesus) on the cross. There have always been attacks on the Bible and its acceptance. In the early church about A.D. 140, a man named Marcion instituted the first real controversy. He rejected the majority of the New Testament He believed God rejected Paul and accepted Peter. He threw out Matthew, Mark, and John and made a canon of his own consisting of Luke which he rewrote. There are others today who want to rewrite the Bible, add other books (Gnostic books) or reject some that we already have. There are at least 86,000 quotations from the early church records tha believed Paul’s writings were part of Scripture. These are found in several thousand Lectionaries that are church-service books. After nearly 1900 years of the canon being established these rebels are causing a lot of confusion.

(164) Tithing - Is It Taught In The New Testament And Does It Really Matter If It Is Or Isn't? by Philip Powell, CETF, Volume 12.3, Issue 37, September 2006
Tithing was an Old Testament practice to support the theocratic governance of Israel. It is impossible to honestly duplicate it as a means of financing the New Testament church or Kingdom of God. It is not taught in the New Testament and those who try to teach it today end up like the hypocritical pharisees.

(165) The Role Of Women by Juanita Simpson, 10/06

In conclusion, I think that we have been brought face-to-face with some of our problems as men and women in these passages. Men have been put in authority by God, both in the home and in the church. But men don't always take their God-given authority seriously and live up to it, as Adam failed to protect and correct Eve. Men have the primary responsibility of prayer at home and in the church, but that is often neglected too. Women are more easily deceived and so should be very discerning and come under the leadership of their husbands and church leaders. Women can also be very disruptive in church meetings and need to learn when to be quiet. Another problem is that women can be used by the enemy to distract men from worship and from holy living. Men need to keep their eyes on the Lord and women need to be careful not to entice them to evil. Col. 3:1-5

(166) To Dream A Dream by Mike Oppenheimer, 11/01/06

What role do dreams play in the Christian experience?

(167) ... and all liars ... by Sandy Simpson, 11/05/06
There is a lesson for all true believers in recent events. Have nothing to do with deeds of darkness perpetrated by false brothers. Reject heresy. Mark and avoid false teachers.

(168) To judge or not to judge: The rights and wrongs of biblical discernment by G. Richard Fisher, 1996
It seems clear, since Jesus Himself said, "Judge not," (Matthew 7:1), that we cannot "judge." At first glance it appears that Jesus not only forbids judging others, but that He catches Himself in a glaring contradiction. Verse 1 seems obvious, "Judge not," yet in verses 6, 15-16, we are to judge "swine," "dogs," and the "fruit" of false apostles. How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction?

(169) Dangerous Christianity - In Pursuit Of Biblical Christianity by C. Stephen David, 1/19/07
Dangerous Christianity presents a God who is always loving, gives whatever people ask, blesses everyone, forgives whenever people sin, gives good health and wealth, offers peace and joy. Now that’s true! However, the other undeniable aspects of God’s character - such as holiness, justice, discipline and judgment are ignored in their Christianity.

(170) Artificial Milk - Weaning Evangelicals Off The Word by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 2/07
Apostasy is rampant within the evangelical church today. At least that’s my perspective as one who has observed religious trends and developments for three decades. Read Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3.

(171) Stand Up For Jesus by Walter Martin
When we see idolatry, we are supposed to be provoked. When we see evil, we are supposed to get exercised about it. If you can calmly walk through this upholstered cesspool of earth; if you can see evil, filth, degeneracy, and hear vile language; if you can see the corruption of the media and the perversion of the gospel; if you can see the multiple forms of idolatry—the worship of things and of the creation more than the Creator; if you can see this today and you are not provoked about it, then you are not in touch with God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is provoked by evil, and he stirs up the Church so that we may do something about it.

(172) Is It Right To Judge? by Franklin C. Huling, MA, Fundamental Evangelistic Association
THIS QUESTION- "IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?" is one that puzzles many sincere Christians. A careful and open minded study of the Bible makes it clear that concerning certain vital matters, it is not only right but a positive duty to judge. Many do not know that the Scripture commands us to judge. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "Judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). He told a man, "Thou hast rightly judged" (Luke 7:43). To others, our Lord asked, "Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" (Luke 12:57).

(173) The Compromising Church Of America by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Seventeen – February 2007
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the simplest message man has ever heard! Really, it’s true! The Gospel is so simple! Here it is, in simple plain to the point words of the apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. That’s it! Jesus died for our sins, according to the scriptures, was buried and rose again on the third day according to the scriptures. How hard is that? Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross to bring reconciliation back between God and man that was lost by Adam in the Garden, because of one three letter word: SIN, and has given us eternal life and kept us from going to a place of everlasting torment, and separation from God called: HELL! Simple, isn’t it? But, like most everything, man has complicated it by trying to put his own spin on God!

(174) What Does The Bible Say About Lawsuits/Suing? by John MacArthur, The Freedom And Power Of Forgiveness, 2007
The Bible instructs believers not to go to court against one another.

(175) How to Identify Terrorists in the Church by John MacArthur, Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Within the church . . . who are Satan's Al-Qaeda? What are their motives? Are spiritual terrorists out to destroy church doctrine at large . . . or might they be specifically targeting your faith and the faith of your family? Listen to Part 1 & Part 2.

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(176) Devoted To Prayer: Wrestling With God In Ernest Prayer by Virginia Stem Owens
Christians have always interpreted the splitting of the temple veil during the crucifixion as symbolic of their liberation from the mediated presence of God. Henceforth they were “free” to approach Him directly—which is almost like telling someone he is “free” to stick his head in the lion’s jaws. For once you start praying there is no guarantee that you won’t find yourself before Pharaoh, shipwrecked on a desert island, or in a lion’s den.

(177) The Baptism Of Boldness by Walter Martin, Posted 5/6/07
Though Wlater Martin has passed on his legacy of of standing for the truth remains. Watch this video to get back to what the Gospel is all about.

(178) Another Jesus? A Different Gospel? A Different Spirit? by Rita Sanders, March 25, 2007
These are the days of great and maybe final deception! I am eternally grateful to Almighty God for granting me repentance and leading my family out of the deceptive and self-centered gospel of greed being promoted in the pulpits of the churches today. Today's believers are replacing the call to "deny themselves" with the desire to pursue "their best lives now". We have ignored the command to "test the spirits" because of the perverted use of "touch not My anointed" by today's pulpiteers.

(179) Hank Hanegraaff's Conference on Preterism and Replacement Theology, Essay written by C.C. (LTW Research Team), Thursday, June 07, 2007
It is obvious to any thinking Christian that Hanegraaff’s “Exegetical Eschatology” is nothing more than the use of his presuppositions to cloud the natural meaning of the holy Scriptures. If I were a teacher in Hank's position, I believe I would have trouble sleeping at night doing such a thing to Scripture interpretation.

(180) The Ongoing Need for Discernment by Prof. Johan Malan, Middelburg, South Africa, Discernment Newsletter, Volume 18 Number 4, July/August 2007
We should be involved in a contrary movement of increased righteousness and holiness, while discerning the signs of Christ’s soon return. Fellow-believers should be assisted to correctly understand biblical doctrines. That is the only way to become discerning Christians who will not be deceived by the many wrong doctrines of our time.

(181) Does the Bible call for UNITY in spite of DOCTRINAL differences? by John MacArthur, 6/07
Are believers who hold to DOCTRINAL PURITY divisive, intolerant, unloving and ungracious?’ “False teaching will always cry ‘intolerance’ because it can only survive when it doesn’t get scrutinized…False doctrine cries the loudest about UNITY…Listen carefully when you hear the cry for UNITY because it may be the cover of false doctrine encroaching…If ever we should follow 1 Thessalonians 5 and examine everything carefully, it’s when somebody is crying ‘unity, love and acceptance.’” Audio file.

(182) Designing your own Christianity by Pastor Steve Cornell, 6/07
Those who reject major themes of the bible have no reason to believe any of it. The God they believe in is a creation of their own imaginations. He is a custom designed deity to fulfill their own desires. But, why do such people feel compelled to hold to selective forms of Christianity? Why not reject it entirely and embrace something else? Perhaps they attend their designer Churches and listen to their appointed teachers to pacify their guilty consciences. How sad to pacify what God is willing forgive and cleanse. But such forgiveness would require a savior who saves sinners and this is just too much for proud of hearts to accept.

(183) The Near-Beer Gospel - The Search for Pale Substitutes by Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 12., No. 4, July/August 2007, Assessing Current Teachings, Issnes and Events with Scripture
In this issue I am going to highlight two examples of how the church is unwittingly calling for pale substitutes from the faith once for all delivered to the saints. Each of these examples will be drawn from two movements, which are seemingly separated far from each other. But it is my belief that they both represent the same basic error, that the church itself can manufacture a Near Beer Gospel either apart from or in addition to the unchangeable word of God. In both cases the church has been shorn of God's actual glory as Sampson of old. The first of these could be called the "marketing and therapeutic" movement. In it's quest for cultural acceptance and numerical success, they have marginalized the "word of God" and imported marketing methodologies as the focus of ministry. Work the system and you will be numerically successful. It seems to me to echo the first half of Jesus reply to Satan when tempted in the wilderness. Rather than, man cannot live on bread alone, it has the feel of yes! we can live on bread alone, rather than every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. At the other end the spectrum, God's authorized word has been succeeded by a succession of new words from God at the hands of thousands of newly restored so-called prophets. Thus, the scriptures languish and are called by Tommy Tenney "old love letters." In the one the trust is in the new technology and tools of the culture. In the other the trust and dependence is upon a continual flow of so-called oracles from God at the hands of those who struggle to claim less than 50% accuracy. The above analogy of Near-Beer calls for some explanation. First Near-Beer. Near-Beer was originally a term for malt beverages containing little or no alcohol (one half of one percent or less by volume), which were mass-marketed during the Prohibition in the United States. Today the term "Near- Beer" has been revived by some people to refer to modern versions of non-alcoholic beer. By the use of this analogy I am suggesting the current evangelical church can be illustrated by the Near-Beer phenomena. It’s all about substitutes which only give the appearance of the real thing.

(184) A Roadmap To Apostasy by Mike Gendron, interview with Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries, 6/30/07
What are the tell-tale signs? What can one do? Is it too late to stop this engine now on a slippery slope? Around the world it follows a pattern that goes in stages outlined by Mike.

(185) Berean Behavior: Naughty or Noble? by Sherry Neese, July 17, 2007
Bereans in the trenches, Bereans in broader ministry, and shepherds – we are all on the same battlefield. Discouragement, Satan’s favorite weapon, lurks around every corner. We need to work as a team, praying for one another and valuing each other and if necessary, correcting one another, following the biblical procedure for correction and refrain from engaging in gossip. Then and only then will we see the flocks protected from wolves and the Word of God held in high esteem as did our Berean ancestors.

(186) Discernment and the Watchman by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/07
Just as 1 Peter 3:15 commands us as Christians to always be ready to give a defense of your faith to those outside (apologetics) the church, Jude 3 to defend it within the Church (polemics). Jude had to have been aware of Peter’s proclamation because his book extends off of Peters second epistle on the false teachers who were beginning to come into the church.

(187) Preterism - Is it an intentional lack of understanding of tprophetic scriptures? by Mike Oppenheimer, 8/08/07
What are the different views in eschatology and why is preterism the least biblical?

(188) Transforming The World Within by Herescope, 9/1/07
In this day of evangelical fervor over changing the outward world, which is called "transformation," the truth of the Gospel -- the transformation of the inner man -- is neglected. This outward focus on dominionism always supplants the inner workings of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and conscience. What folly! What arrogance! True transformation of the inner man (Romans 12:1-2) is inextricably connected with the Cross. J.C. Philpot, in the excerpt from his sermon "Crucifixion with Christ" below, begins by noting that this is a mystery:

(189) How To Smell A Rat by Anton Bosch, 9/10/07
A toddler will eat anything. It does not matter if it is nutritious or poison, it has no ability to discern between food and poison. As Christians mature in the faith they should learn to discern between spiritual poison and spiritual food. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). The problem is that the vast majority of modern-day “Christians” are either not born again or have been kept in a perpetual state of babyhood, and are thus unable to discern the difference between truth and error. Because of this, and because we have a new generation of church-goers who do not know the Bible, false teachers have multiplied, and millions believe anything these preachers say.

(190) Novelty and Change Will Lead Them by Orrel Steinkamp,The Plumbline, Volume 12, No. 5, Sept/Oct 2007
There exist today hundreds of people in Christian think tanks and agencies whose whole view of ministry is to promote and induce cultural change into the church. It is called contextualization or transformation. But transformation is basically inducing change into the Christian church. Pastors who are properly trained in transformation and contextualization principles are known as transformational pastors. Pastors are also called to be "change agents." For further reading on this topic, please refer to my earlier newsletter, entitled "Transformation Thinking for Dummies." The overriding feature of seeker-sensitive and transformational activities is to change the church to resemble the culture as closely as possible and thereby insure survival and success in today's changing society. There is more to it than outward appearances. Seeker-sensitive churches low key their doctrinal statements, lest they scare away the seekers. Although doctrinal stances do not officially change, the week-by-week teaching exhibits the church as fellow travelers in the culture. The process of transformation calls not only for change but perpetual, ongoing change; in order to entice an ever-~hanging seeker population. Forgotten entirely these days, is the fact that God's people are meant to be a leaven within the culture, a pocket of resistance to the foibles and ethos of the flesh. However, I suspect there are still some seekers left who expect to find something unique and noticeably different at church than in the world at large.

(191) Was Jesus God on earth or just an anointed man? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/25/07
The cults deny that Jesus was ever God before he added a human nature to His deity. The word faith movement teaches that His deity was left in heaven and He came to earth as only a man and was anointed. Because the Spirit rested upon him he was given power, and it can rest on us and we can do all the same miracles he did. They forget that he had NO sin- was perfect and was God before he was born and was God while on earth. Not even the apostles who were given the authority directlly duplicated his miracles.

(192) Looking For A Church (According To David Foster) by The Berean Call, 9/26/07
It is instructive to consider a recent list of questions purporting to help believers find a good church.

(193) A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 1998
Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ’s words, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to “judge righteous judg-ment’ (Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28).

(194) Preterism by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/07
What are the different views in eschatology and why is preterism the least biblical?

Preterism pt.1- Is it a intentional lack of understanding the prophetic scriptures?
Why Preterism fails pt.2 - Mt.24 - this generation- Has the majority of Bible prophecies already taken place?<