The following post was written by John Green in 1998. It was presented as a comment by Andrew Strom, a former Follower of Prophets (like Todd Bentley).
“Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe.”
Noah Webster of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1787
“[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually.”
George Mason of Virginia, 1788
As history has shown, it is a common tactic for the oppressing force to gain control of a nation by seizing the means by which individuals might defend themselves. Once the citizenry are disarmed, it is a relatively easy matter to exert complete tyrannical control. It seems to me that the same principal holds true in the spiritual realm.
The New Testament is replete with warnings of false teachers and teachings, of lying signs and wonders, and of corrupt men who would seek to draw followers after themselves. God has not left His people defenseless. He has indwelt us with His Spirit of Truth, provided us with the example of Christ, His teachings, the teachings of the apostles, and all the other writings found in the Bible. There is a gift of the discerning of spirits given to some, but more importantly, there the ability to test all things and to be discerning, which is the responsibility of all believers.
If the believer is to be armed against the deceptions of the enemy, and to remain free from his oppressive regime, then he must exercise discernment with continual vigilance. If this defensive weapon is seized and taken from you, then you are easy prey for any who would desire to take you captive.
Because of these things, it is very disturbing to me to observe a trend in the Body of Christ today. This trend is to scorn and belittle those who would exercise their God-given self-defense weapon of discernment. Those who would obey scripture and “test all things” are mocked and ridiculed and labeled ‘Pharisees.’
It seems that the Church has fallen prey to the pluralistic, non-judgmental mindset of our present age. The one unpardonable sin is to question someone’s belief, or dare to say that it might be wrong. These new leaders demand you climb on the bandwagon, and if you cannot agree, then you must remain silent at all costs. They call for us to experience now, and evaluate later.
Adam and Eve had no experiential knowledge of good and evil. The Serpent called their attention to the attractiveness and desirability of the fruit, and enticed them to experience for themselves. In their later evaluation, they knew that they had been wrong to ignore what God had said on the matter, but by then the damage had been done.
Those who would remove the defensive weapon of discernment are binding the hands of the Church. They are preparing God’s people for the slaughter. Why are they doing this? Why would they want to expose millions to the myriad deceptions of the enemy with no protection? Why do they take away what the Father has given?
The Church is becoming a slaughterhouse slick with the spilled blood of saints who have been seduced by false teachers. The faithful plod forward to the killing floor, their trusting eyes fixed on their leaders. Error and deception runs rampant. Charlatans rule the bestseller list. Pseudo-knowledge is dispersed around the world, speeding through electrical synapses. Make no mistake. It is a battle, and much is at stake.
Let us examine the logic (or lack of it) behind what some of these leaders are saying:
“You have to experience it yourself before you judge it.”
This is pure nonsense. It is the method the Mormons use to get people hooked in (pray about the Book of Mormon and see if you get a ‘burning in your bosom’). You don’t have to experience suicide to know that it is bad for you. Christians are never commanded to authenticate a questionable spiritual experience by submitting themselves to it.
“If you don’t jump in the River, then you may miss out on the move of God.”
If you don’t exercise your duty to test everything and hold on to what is good, then you may be deceived. God is not in a hurry. If you are walking with Him, seeking to please Him, then He will guide you into all He desires for you. Just because someone proclaims something is a move of God, doesn’t make it so. Beware of the salesman who pushes you to make a decision on the spot. He may have something to hide.
“God offends the mind to reveal the heart.”
I don’t know what this is, but it is not Scripture. It is true that God’s ways may be offensive to human wisdom. Often though, this quote is used to say that if you are offended by something going on in the Church, then your heart isn’t right. The real issue is are you offended because what is going on is unscriptural? If so, then stand fast.
“Don’t oppose what is going on, in case it turns out to be a move of God.”
This is the argument used by Gamaliel in Acts chapter 5. Although this argument worked in favor of the apostles, it must be pointed out that Gamaliel was a Pharisee making a pragmatic argument. His was not a directive from the Lord on how believers should conduct their discernment. If something is not from God, ultimately, it is true that it will not succeed. In the time that it takes for a false movement to runs its course however, many lives will be damaged, and many souls deceived and damned. Look at the phenomenal growth and apparent success of Mormonism. Christians rightly oppose Mormonism on a basis that it twists and deviates from Scripture. Things which occur within Christianity should receive no less scrutiny. Or consider the works of Satan. We know that he will not succeed, but we certainly do not sit back and allow him to do his work unhindered. When souls are at stake, we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing.
“Don’t you want more of God in your life?”
This is a sneaky one. Of course, any sincere Christian realizes that they need to grow closer to God, and they desire to do so. This should not lead us to embrace everything that comes down the pike however. Part of growing closer to God includes obeying His commands to test and be discerning. The desperation of some Christians reminds me of King Saul turning to the witch of Endor. He wanted an answer at any price. The price he ended up paying was his own destruction.
Look for yourself. See how many times the New Testament references false teachers, false teaching. Using your concordance, look up the commands to discern and test, to not be deceived. Shake off the chains of those who would seek to bind you. Exercise your “Right to bear arms” as a believer.
“The healthy soul, like the healthy blood system, has its proper proportion of white and red blood cells. The red corpuscles are like faith: they carry the life giving oxygen to every part of the body. The white cells are like discernment: they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it out to the drain. In the healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of the life stream.”
A.W. Tozer
I have a question, what is the difference between telling someone their lifestyle is wrong, and judging them? I work in a salon, where I’m around a lot of men and women who live alternative lifestyles. I have no issue with expressing my faith, and no one has an issue with me (at least not yet) lately a few people have asked me how I feel about certain issues, I want to tell them the truth without coming off as judgemental.
Unless someone’s a Christian, I wouldn’t tell them their lifestyle is wrong. The issue isn’t their lifestyle, it’s the eternal destiny. Speak to them about the latter issue and God will then speak to them about the former issue.
If it’s a Christian, it’s not judging if you tell someone their lifestyle doesn’t line up with the Bible because you aren’t making a judgment,the Bible is making the judgment.
It only becomes judgment if you tell a Christian their lifestyle is wrong and then proceed to tell them you know the motives of their heart which cause them to live sinfully.
My advice to you would be to seek God on the proper way to address the situation without coming off offensive. I have found that nine times out of ten when it comes to offending people, it’s not what you say to a person so much as how you say it. As a Christian, it should trouble our spirits when we see a fellow soul walking down the wrong path. When you speak to a person out of compassion, it shows them that you genuinely care about their plight and you’re not speaking out of judgement but rather out of love. When God gives you the words to say, that’s how you will come across. The Bible teaches us that in all our ways we should acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. God has placed you in the spot that you are in for ministry. Don’t let the enemy distract you from your ability to save others by something as small as offense. It seems like a big issue, but when you act in the love of Christ, it falls together just as everything else in your life. You will know what to say and how to say it because God will instruct the Holy Spirit who will direct you. Pray and seek God and when the time is right, if you are sincere in your request, He will answer. Peace and blessings. Red from NC
You are very correct in your post. I find that many people who have been deceived, have been so because of they are being destroyed because of lack of knowledge. In my past experience both as a preacher and student of WOF, I would often not study too much because much of what I was hearing being preached, was pretty much uniform and varied little from television preacher to small church pastor and/or traveling evangelist/prophet/apostle, etc.
I like many did not bother to fully investigate the credibility of the teacher or the authenticity of the message. Many like myself just took the word of those who were said to have the new revelation. They were anointed because so many people testified of how they were blessed by their ministry or because their ministries were prosperous and successful and that should be enough for people to take them at their word that everything happening to them was a result of their faith and anointing.
It wasn’t until I went to seminary (methodist) that I was challenged to think for myself. It was very difficult because most of what I thought I knew was very wrong! Many of the ministers that I once endorsed seem far out of line and with God and it was not only disappointing, but also very depressing. No one wanted me around because I stopped preaching like I used to and begin teaching sola scriptura, sola fidelis, and sola gracia. That was foreign because everyone around me was preaching works and words of faith, positive confessions, spiritual revelations and supernatural experiences that determined whether or not a person had what it took to get from God what they wanted. It was very sad.
Now, after pastoring for over 10 years, I am amazed at how many people are benefitting from my process of spiritual deliverance, growth, and discernment. I am constantly teaching sound biblical teaching even concerning certain charismata. I encourage the people to do as the Bereans, to search the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and impart knowledge. I also tell them never to judge people because we all at one time have walked in ignorance of something and we were told that our ignorance is bliss.
For those in bondage to WOF teaching and other bad experiences cloaked as Christian, ignorance is not bliss! If we do not continually proclaim that some teaching is flat out wrong, we will be the ones who will stand before God and defend why we were cowards. It is our right and our responsibility to state truth and not what is popular. As for me, I have stopped trying to be famous, rich and believe it or not, anointed. I’m simply following Christ and so far everything I thought Christ wanted me to do and to have has come to naught. I have come to discover that it is God’s ultimatum to me to “preach the word and be instant in season and out of season, rebuke, reprove, and exhort with great patience and instruction.” This is my first and foremost call and vocation which I shall ever strive to do.
Annoyed-
That is a very good question. I have found it best to ask people if I may give them some scripture to help express what I believe (2 Timothy 3:16). I usually share the law (standard) God gave about the “issue”. Then I would share a law (standard) that I have broken. Explain that no one can meet God’s standards (Romans 3:9-10). But the good news is that God loves us so much He reached down to us. You can then share the Gospel. I use the Roman Road approach, because it is scripture based. You can find it here http://www.contenderministries.org/romanroad.php
The key to it not coming across as judgemental is HOW you say it. Do not get yourself caught-up in arguing about the “issue” with them. If they insist on getting away from the Gospel, end the conversation. Because unless they accept the Gospel their eyes are currently veiled to what you are saying.
“2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthains 4 :2-4
“God offends the mind to reveal the heart.” I’ve heard that a thousand times! That’s just what lot of doofs are saying on various blogs. They support Bentley’s “revival” of course. Hey Melvin how about this one, “You just have a religious spirit!” Or, “you need that religious spirit cast out of you!” both of these quotes are favorites of the “WOF” teachers in general and Rodney Howard-Browne in particular. Bentley is now “Apostle/Prophet” Bentley. Peter Wagner just commissioned him. Wagner is just as kooky as Todd!
Oh yeah, don’t forget, “You’re so heavenly minded, you’re no earthly good.”
The righteous are worthy to judge! do you not know that you will judge angels? Judge not lest ye be judge is an admonition to get saved because the righteous have no fear of the judgement. Correction naturally includes judgements because one judges right and wrong, otherwise you cannot correct or admonish. Twisted scrpture teachers are all on the prowl.
Melvin - this post truly touched me. I’ve only posted here once or twice in the past. I really enjoy this site so, I mostly just read and learn. But right now, I am at a crossroads. I have been involved in WOF type churches all of my christian life and I have come to a place of discouragement and disappointment and my faith is really shaky right now. Because everything that I have been taught over the years has turned out to be false, I no longer know what to believe. All I know right now is that I believe in God, I just don’t know what it is about God I believe. Your post and the response posted by “prophepsi” was truly encouraging. I was ready to give up, but because of you and people like you - I will continue to seek God until all of the WOF faith gunk is purged from me and I discover who God really is. I will continue to visit your site daily - I may not post often, but I will be reading and learning. If you or any one else has any suggested readings for a recovering WOFer, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
(MN: Start here. You likely won’t be able to find it in your typical “Christian” bookstore so you may have to order it on the internet. If you buy it, read it with your Bible opened. Try Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a general Google/Yahoo search to see if you can find a cheap, used copy. Go back to the basics, start over again and find yourself a solid church. Visit http://www.9marks.org and find a church in your area. I don’t know if you are Black or White, but it really doesn’t matter. If you are the only White there or the only Black there, it’s the doctrinal accuracy you are chasing at this point, not the socializing. Discover the God of the Bible for yourself. God bless you on the journey.
Readers, feel free to help the lady [assumption based on the flower name] out. )
Orchids-
Thank you for opening yourself up with us. I will tell you that to renew your mind you must, must, must…take in the Word of God. Their are great teachers of the Word, who can teach you how to study. I would suggest a book, Kay Arthur’s “How to Study Your Bible”. Also, there are Precept (Kay Arthur studies) classes all over. Check out this and see if there is one in your city: http://www.precept.org/PreceptClasses.htm
I will leave you with this scripture: “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
(MN: “How to Study” - excellent recommendation. I used it while teaching a class at First Baptist Church of Glanarden on the Kettering before they moved to the kettering. )
Orchids..
I have found that the postings at TheSchoolofChrist.org. are very informative and
Bible driven and balanced. Go there and sample what
Chip Brogden writes.
Great Tozer quote. Keep discerning, for we know these Laodicean times…familiar spirits run rampant in the church today. Just to share a word with you, one of my brothers in Christ and I was discussing the pimps of the day and my brother stated the following, “The pimps are in the church, but we are pimples to their face. No matter how much make up they put on…they can’t cover us up. God will always raise up pimples unto the faces of the pimps, no matter how much they try to pop us…” With that said, keep exposint the difference between truth and error!
A timely post, Melvin. Christians must read the Word of God. All of it. Maybe this site will help someone. If you’ve read the bible Genesis to Revelation, maybe try reading it chronologically, or historically, etc. No time to read the Word, then make a rule for yourself: No bible, no food. I also make sure to listen to sound doctrine. It begins with checking the speaker’s Statement of Faith and follows with checking everything they say with scripture. I admit to being um..anal, so I installed a product called e-Sword whereby I installed my bible, the Strong’s Concordance, and a few other goodies. This enables me to keep up with someone quoting scripture. By the way, this software is FREE. Some time ago, Melvin suggested a book, The Complete WordStudy New Testament, by Zodhiates - it’s valuable no matter the translation being used because you’re able to see ‘under’ the English and verify context. If someone’s eyesight is an issue, other than Giant print bibles, check out Max McLean and get the bible on CD, MP3, or the GoBible.
Another way to help guard against heresy is to listen to those who preach/teach sound doctrine. Of my favorites, here are the top five:
Voddie Baucham
Alistair Begg
Reddit Andrews
John MacArthur
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Passion for Christ Movement
All of this is free.
Christians have the time but Christians must make a decision. Who exactly is seated on the throne of our lives? Is it me or is it God? If it is God, then I will make the time to read His Word and hear it daily. To be a doer of the Word; not just a hearer. To hold in contempt those things that God has promised to destroy. To guard not only my eye gate but the ear gate, too. To turn off the TV unless there is something that is edifying to watch. Silence is golden, let me testify.
If I did not love the Word of God and hearing it taught, I would doubt that I were actually saved from the Wrath to come
Sola scriptura!
Orchids,
Glad you could stop by. Your on your way to the real truth. And as for your faith being shaky don’t worry about it. Chalk it up as a learning experience and move on. This is important. You are the one of the very elect of God. God calls us to a life of holiness and earnest prayer. Our Christian walk is one of relying on God daily and dying to the flesh. Never be discouraged especially now that you have found the truth. And please come back and post often especially if you have questions or opinions about the Prosperity/WoF that you might need clarification with. All of us will help out.
God Bless,
Kyle
Thank you all for your encouragement. I’m going to check out the resources recommended to me and I will begin actively seeking a church that teaches truth. I tend to be a little shy, new places/people are hard for me, but I will give it a shot. (My whole family belongs to a WOF church, which made it convenient for me. I didn’t have to worry about getting to know anyone because I had my own little built in posse). Again, thank you and God bless you all.
(BTW - Yes, I’m a lady.)
Simply put, Todd “the tool of Satan” Bentley is just that - a tool of Satan who is masterfully deceiving Christians (and those who think they are) because he’s ramped up the entertainment level to about 100.
I’m tired of mincing words when it comes to Todd “the tool of Satan”, and I hope that the sheep get tired of hearing us call him out on his lies - so much so that they decide to pick up the bible to learn the truth.
And now, since Todd “the tool of Satan” has the dual pleasure of being a demonic tool AND a pulpit pimp (he’s raking in cash by the truckload down there in Florida), he’ll be standing next to Fast Eddie, TD, Joel, Ken & Gloria, Creflo, and every other money-grubbing wolf in no time.
And we are now seeing the mass apostasy that Jesus and the Apostles forewarned of.
May God have mercy…
Oh, and BTW Orchids, these folks have given you excellent advice on getting away from that Word of Faith heresy (I was neck deep in it for 12 years - and was climbing the ministry ladder in blind allegiance to my former pimp before I fled the plantation. The 9 Marks is a great resource, and I recently did a post on some of the sound theological minds confronting the mass heresy of the day - so you might want to take a look at some of their works as well.
Of course, the bottom line is get into your bible (prayerfully a good study bible) and let the Lord speak through His perfect Word
Melvin,
You’re right on with this. I’d like to add two thoughts, though. First, one reason Evangelicals think this way (I no lnoger call myself an Evangelical) is that they have forgotten that Christians are in a war. They think they are at peace with the world. Of course, most of them are. They don’t know it, but this means they hate God because friendship with the world is enemy-ness toward God.
Second, we are asked, “How can two walk together unless they be agreed?” If someone is constantly heckling the man who discerns, isn’t this one on the side of the heretic no matter what they say otherwise?
If you warn about Jesse D. and someone is always taking you to task are they on your side or Jesse’s?
So you see. Those who hate discernment aren’t saved folks. They are heretics at heart, just those they defend.
In Christ,
Phil Perkins.
Phil,I’m right with you brother……..I stopped using the tag “Evangelical” in reference to myself years ago because of how the term has been sullied by these evil pimps.
Gary,
Yeah, this weekend I was just thinking as I was walking around. I’m going to from now on say, “No, I’m not a Modern Evangelical. I’m a biblical Christian.” That ought to get some conversation going!
Phil
AMEN! Bible Believing Chrisitan.
I could not agree more.
Peace
Excellent article. The last church I left had some of the same cultish views that you listed here. Contend for the Faith.
Orchids,
It is always wonderful to see when the Father through Christ draws His own unto Himself. I am so happy for you in this journey, and I want to emphasize the fact that you are not alone in this. There are so many of us who have been called from the darkness of bad teaching, word of faith dogma and money-grubbing pimps into the marvelous light of God’s truth, and we are eager and willing to assist you in whatever way we can. I know how it feels when your whole family is steeped into the doctrinal error that God has called you out of (in fact, I’m still dealing with that). The resistance will come, but trust me, knowing the truth and gaining a relationship with the risen Christ through proper doctrinal understanding and biblical accuracy will pay off for you. I know that you’ve already been bombarded with websites, resources, tools and such, as this is customary of the pulpit-pimp family. However, if you have the time, I’d like to mention just three more. First, some time back Mel was giving out a free book to some folks entitled “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church”. You’ll be happy to know that this book is now available in pdf format for free.
http://content.christianity.com/2/26594/2_26594_NineMarks.9_Marks_of_a_Healthy_Church.pdf
Read it and engage yourself with the questions and so forth that are provided. You’ll be glad you did.
Secondly, there’s a website that helped me tremendously when I was in the valley of decision concerning my walk, and I still benefit from it today. Here’s the site:
http://www.studylight.org
I think you’ll find the articles, study helps, forums and bible study tools useful and very user-friendly.
Last but not least, being from a heavy word of faith background I’m sure you are familiar with the mass media flow of all the garbage books, tapes, conferences and dvd’s that presumably “empower you”, “take you to the next level”, “give you supernatural overflow”, yada, yada, yada. All this is promised while you pump exorbidant amounts of money to their “ministry”. They then pocket most of the cash and use what’s left to advertise and plan for their next big money making scheme—err, uh—I mean “conference” (Mel you gotta teach me how to use that strikethrough button) that will be “like no other conference or gathering has been”, and the cycle just keeps repeating itself. Well, there is a biblical alternative to this madness, and it’s found at this address:
http://www.oneplace.com/
It is for the most part doctrinally sound, has excellent articles, devotionals and mp3 downloads or streaming, features some of the bible teachers already mentioned in this post (Demoss, Macarthur, Begg and many others), and yes, just as walksbyf8h alluded to, IT’S FREE! You don’t have to become a covenant partner or sow a seed into the ministry to access the teachings.
I hope this helps you, and I’m excited to see what God has planned for you in the coming days (hope I didn’t sound too much like a WOF preacher with that!!! LOL!!!). Be encouraged and keep us posted on your journey…
Solus Christus,
R4C
Hello, ready4change:
If this turns ugly, I will try again. If not, then you will have a nice little tutorial.
yer stuff
no spaces between tags and yer stuff
BTW: the site that enabled me to teach myself out of the Arminian doctrine of the “church of Christ” is A Puritan’s Mind.
Let’s keep studying, r4c: 2 Peter 3:16.
Love,
Peter.
OK. It turned ugly.
To strike out, type the following:
1) < strike >
2) yer stuff
3) < /strike >
Machine guns are < strike > still < /strike > not allowed on the Internet.
Without the spaces, the lines should look like this:
yer stuffMachine guns are
stillnot allowed on the Internet.Peter,
Thanks for the tutorial. I will try this out to see if it will
notwork.For the record, I always understood your machine gun references…
Solus Christus…
and Semper Fidelis…
R4C
Hello, R4C:
You are welcome, as the aggregate of your postings clearly showed you would
notbe a “quick study.”And to Him who is Semper Fidelis and “with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17) be the glory.
ready4change!
May we day and night never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)
Peter
(MN: Only Dickkopf could have gotten away with making Jesus a Marine. )
Hello, Magnanimous Melvin:
You have me shaking in my jungle boots with your comment.
Please, I was not - in any way - equating our precious Lord and Savior with a United States Marine; just taking the cue from R4C’s valediction: “Solus Christus . . .
and Semper Fidelis.”
That got my wheels turning with the idea that Jesus is “Semper Fidelis,” that is, the Always Faithful One! (Revelation 19:11, NAS95S)
In that regard, for those who ever were disposed to be on the “business end” of a Marine Infantry Battalion: far, far worse will it be for all who are found on the “business end” of His White Horse Army at His return (Revelation 19:14-15).
Mel, a Marine can only kill the body . . . Matthew 10:28.
Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet. - Thomas Watson
i love the quote. and amen.
oooh, my turn! my turn! let me see if i’m any good at this. i’ve been trying to do this for a
verylong time. what’s my score?(MN: You get
a “B”an “A”. )Hello, mrs. maverick:
Through and because of Him, you got your “A” a long, long time ago! (Ephesians 1:2-6)
Now, sister, let us all fall on our faces.
Peter.
bro. petros,
i’m with you here. it’s only by falling on my face that i am able to rise to the challenges of this life. but even in my rising, i don’t rise on my own but only by the power of His Spirit.
God bless you for that admonishment.
love, mav
Hello, mrs. maverick:
My apologies for the miscommunication; I did not mean to admonish you in any way, rather to edify.
This is a good lesson for me: writing skills to refine.
Thank you!
oh petros,
i must have miscommunicated myself, for i was indeed edified. (warm smile)
perhaps, admonish was the wrong word (but it does mean to mildly caution) and i figured you were trying to remind us that although we participate in levity at times, we need to remember that we still must be sober minded (demonstrated by our falling on our faces before our Lord).
obviously i need to refine my writing skills as well. i don’t always communicate as effectively as i wish. God bless you, friend.
I really appreciate this site I am learning so much I have lost confidence in some of the ministers on tv. I would like to find a good church in my city that preaches good sound doctrine. I live in Cleveland, Ohio I hope someone can recommend a good church .
Hello, ann moore:
Welcome to you! and can confidently speak for all the Melvinites: stick around and learn with us.
Spiritually safer to turn off the TV and open the Book (Psalms 119:97), IMHO.
I cannot recommend any congregation in the Cleveland area, as I am ensconced here at the base of America’s Mountain: Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs.
Love,
Peter
can anyone recommend a good study Bible for me? I have wonderful software on my PC but would love a study Bible
Hello, daughter:
My love is The MacArthur Study Bible (NASB), and I also use the Accordance Software on my MacBook.
Good luck to you!
Peter.
I would also recommend the Ryrie Study Bible - available in both in King James and the NASB
I agree, the NASB Ryrie Study Bible is one of the best. Would definately recommend.
i would suggest the women’s king james study bible. it is very enriching
Hi daughter,
I’ll throw my two cents in the pot on this one. I find the Reformation Study Bible (ESV) to be one of the best, or it’s NKJV counterpart the New Geneva Study Bible.
Irwyn
Shalom Alechem,
Just a F.Y.I.
This past Sunday I was shocked to hear T.D. Jakes actually rebuke anyone who assumed that material things proved they were blessed and this had nothing to do with the gospel and that we should learn to be content, etc. Of course the congregants erupted in shouts of praise INSTEAD OF shock due to his self contradiction.
However, I realized that this is an obvious response to the goverment’s investigation and/or the rise of discernment in the laymen.
May His Kingdom Come,
Avishalom
Well you got to hand it to Jake’s he sure knows how to put his finger in the air and see which way the wind is blowing. But seriously, these Pimps are not only some of the best Charlatans but also the best Chameleons. There going to change their tune to fit the environment. It’s not sincere. If it were he would repudiate everything he once stood for.
Kyle
It does encourage me to see others brought into the marvelous light of truth by the grace of God. I don’t believe it is coincidence there appears to be a gradual increase of those who are being moved (read drawn) into the light of Christ.
The bible says our Lord is returning for a church without spot or wrinkle and we all know it is not the “church” as we have known and seen and discussed on this site, but the true church, those who seek the True and Living God.
Orchids, continue to ask, seek, and knock for the truth of God, and as you have witnessed from the response here, you will find the answers. By the way, so many great resources, so little time.
Sola Scriptura,
DOC
Bible spews hate - gets publisher sued.
And so it continues….First the publishers…then the Pastor’s….Blogs will be next…Time for real Christians to begin to stand together or fall apart.
Melvin,
Excellent article here, Melvin. Permission to reproduce it on my blog (with appropriate credits)?
Phil Perkins,
You sure have a way of putting some things!
(MN: You are always free to repost my articles. Links back to the site would be appreciated but aren’t reauired. )
(MN: Looks like a great site. I use Logos bible software at home and a quick look at the site seems to indicate that the site has an awful lot of the stuff I have in my computer bible.
Nice find! )