Here’s another posting from a while ago.
Some of you do actually read books. I know this for a fact. I see you on the Orange line on the way into work in the morning and on the way back at night. However, much of what you read is stuff by T. Dexter Jakes, Eddie Long, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and (I’m especially holding my nose here) Benny Hinn and Marilyn Hickey. Most of these pimps and pimpettes have bad theology aimed primarily at separating you from your money. Worse, their regurgitations of the teachings of the Big Dogs of Word Faith weaken the Gospel, distort your view of the Christian life, and generally wreak havoc among Christians and their ability to stand for Christ in the world.
If you are interested in truly understanding what Christianity is and how it should look in your life, if you are tired of being told “This is the Year of Breakthrough”, or you just can’t take being loosed one more time, or if you’re tired of dancing in the aisles for a couple of hours only to have to go back to the same problems with no better understanding of how to deal with them, then I recommend you begin a program of prayerful reading that includes something weightier than Fred Prices’ “How Faith Works” published in 1976 and still in use by the Word Faith phonies today.
Here is the cover of that particularly odious tome. Click on the cover to see some of the text.
The entire book is basically about using faith substance, just like God did, to call a reality into existence. It has mostly nothing to do with being conformed to the image of Christ. Instead, this Word Faith pimp, like the rest of the pimps and pimpettes, erroneously focuses on conforming the world to my image through “faith filled words.”
Developing as a Christian
If you want to actually develop as a Christian, I would suggest some books of substance. These books would include, but certainly would not be limited to, the following.
“Charity and Its Fruits” by Jonathan Edwards. This is an entirely sentimentality free exposition of 1 Corinthians 13. Edwards hammers the reader over and over again to get into him, the habit of judging himself by the word of God and properly understanding what the Bible demands of us. Click on the cover to get a sample of the contents.
“Biblical Christianity” � An easy-to-read and abridged version of the classic �Institutes of Religion� by John Calvin. This is a very brief distillation of the eighty chapter theological classic. I suspect this abridged version will do much to encourage you to eventually tackle the full version. By the way, this work bears no resemblance to the various works accomplished by Marilyn Hickey.
“Interpretation of the Scriptures” by Arthur W. Pink. In this work, Mr. Pink emphasizes the importance of right interpretation of the Scriptures. He steps the reader through the process - and it is a process - and aids the reader in avoiding the shipwreck of the faith that many of the pimps cause in the church. (1 Tim 1:19)
“A Survey of Bible Doctrine” by Charles C. Ryrie. As the title implies, this is not an in-depth treatment of the various doctrines of Christianity. However, it is a very good start for the Christian committed to God’s word. The book provides you with an easy-to-understand overview of the various doctrines of the Bible. It includes, by the way, a section on the importance of doctrine.
“The Holy Spirit” is a comprehensive study of the work and person of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Walvoord does a thorough job of letting Scripture speak on the issues surrounding the person and His work. If you read this one, you must have your Bible open. Dr Walvoord takes you for a ride through the depths of the Bible. You’ll see parts of the Bible you didn’t even know were there.
“How Should We Then Live?” by Francis A. Schaeffer. The book is a personal analysis of the key moments in history which have formed our present culture, and the thinking of men who brought those moments to pass. Schaeffer traces the causes and effects of human thought and actions as they are played out in life and society. He examines the reasons for modern society’s sorry state of affairs and presents the only viable alternative: living by the Christian ethic, acceptance of God’s revelation, and total affirmation of the Bible’s morals, values, and meaning.
“He That Is Spiritual” by L. S. Chafer. Chafer’s book defines true Christian living and unfolds the teaching concerning spirituality - what it is, and how it is secured. He cuts through all of the Word Faith pimps’ teachings on anointing and other terms they use to bamboozle you. By the way, this book was written long before Cashflow Dollar, Dexter Jakes, and Copeland ever came on the scene.
“True Evangelism” by L. S. Chafer. Written in 1911, this book provides the reader with the basics, as shown in Scripture, of evangelism. It doesn’t purport to present a method. Instead, it makes clear to the reader the responsibility we have to present the Gospel and the responsibility God has to act on the individual’s heart.
“Know Why You Believe” by Paul E. Little. One of the reasons the Watchtower and Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses), the Mormons, Profit Jordan, and the Big Dogs can draw so many off from the denominations, is the fact that most of us don’t know much about Christianity and don’t know why we believe what we do know. Mr. Little hits the big items and working from Scripture, helps the layman (that’s you and me) understand what makes Christianity what it is.
“History of the Bible in English” by F. F. Bruce. This little books helps you and me to understand how we got the Bible most of us take to church every Sunday. Bruce traces the development of the English bible from its existence in Old English to modern translations.
“Balancing the Christian Life” by Charles C. Ryrie. An outstanding overview of the essential doctrines for living the successful Christian life � as God defines success. It includes such matters as true spirituality, using your gifts, confession and forgiveness, the process of sanctification, and how to know you are filled with the Spirit.
“Rightly Dividing the Word” by Clarence Larkin. The text looks funny and the charts are often stiff and complicated. But Mr. Larkin does an outstanding job of instructing and encouraging the committed Christian to study and rightly divide the word of truth.
Avoid books like the one below. Avoid any book by the man on the front cover. He preaches Word Faith heresies and according to a couple of folks who attend Club New Birth in Atlanta, he has also preached Jesus suffering in hell for our sins.
Besides, I somehow have a hard time trusting a fellow who believes he’s showing his spirituality by being driven around in a $200,000+ Maybach.
I also have a problem with preachers that drive way too expensive cars…I can see a well built $50k-70k merc or bmw…if its for more than
dependable tranportation then they are not focused properly. Everybody has gotten soooo materialistic….probably because in the early days christians were always poor and broke with only a hope of going to heaven where the streets were paved with gold…and all of sudden somebody said Jesus was rich and all the apostles were rich and all christians should be rich…so everybody started seeking to be rich and missing the point…but even still…you need to ease up a little
Melvin’s Note: If you could be more specific, where exactly should I “ease up”? Should I not talk about men whose theology says that Jesus suffered in hell? Or perhaps I should be silent about pimps like Jamal-Harrison Bryant, third generation pulpit pimp who doesn’t even try to hide the material focused approach he has. I’m kind of surprised you would make that comment on this posting. The main thrust of this posting is the need for the men and women of God (Christian laymen and women, not pulpit pimps) to study. I even provide you with recommendations on books to study. What, exactly, should I “ease up” on? Bad doctrine is very dangerous. If there were a robber in your house, would you “ease up” on him? Or if your house were on fire, would you want the firemen to “ease up” as they fought the fire?
BTW - the early days of Chrisitanity are about two thousand years ago. These pimps have only been around about forty years. No one is saying a preacher can’t be rich. Or that a Christian can’t be rich; fabulously rich for that matter. But when the preacher’s teaching makes him rich at the expense of the stupid saints (”Bless the man of God and God will bless you”, “Your breakthrough is coming, give me money” etc, etc, etc) then it should and must be spoken out against. To put it in non-spiritual terms: how little known theft should a person tolerate? Yet you are saying we should excuse the pimps and just kind of look the other way. Surely you recognize that Christianity is never more than one generation deep. If we allow the pimps to become the standard, they define the church.
CScott,
I guess my question is: What do you think of the reading list? Have you considered reading one or more of them? That, afterall, was the point of the entire posting.
Melvin
“…….if you are tired of being told “This is the Year of Breakthrough”, or you just can’t take being loosed one more time, or if you’re tired of dancing in the aisles for a couple of hours only to have to go back to the same problems ……….”
Melvin you sound like you was at this week’s revival service. Did you sneek in through the back door?
What’s more amusing is the host of so-called anointed ministers who buy into Jake’s program.
Yo,
Before God’s Grace brought me to Truth one of my Sister’s in Christ brought me (I hope she didn’t buy it) T.D. Jakes Hemotions. After reading the first 10 or so pages I was extremely confused. I immediately stop reading the book, because the point he was making was sooo elementary and I’d rather not even bother. And by looking at that Eddie Long book, I can only imagine the crap that in that.
I also recommend a book Called, “Open Theism,” by Bruce A. Ware. I really loved his presentation and demolishing of the Open Theistic View of God. The Next Book I’ll be reading is, “The Last Disciple,” by Hank Haneograff. I haven’t dippled in it yet, but I’ll be sure to put up my thoughts on it.
Thanks, Melvin for the Book mention. I’ve done a lot of studying on Calvin, but I’m going to try and pick up these books as soon as I can.
By the way Melvin, don’t ease up. I’ve only been on this site a day, but the stuff you have on here is extremely needed, for the Morons in the Pulpit nowadays.
Grace and Peace
seal
I recommend “The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen. It’s a classic.
“The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges. Matter fact you ought to read these two back to back.
“The Attributes of God” by A.W. Pink. You won’t find God suffering in hell for our sins here. Or that “Jesus was rich” theology, but you might grow in your understanding of God. Gee, wouldn’t that be something.
Melvin, I appreciate your tenacity on these homo-pimpians. I also enjoy reading your sarcasm, ahh, such of a gift, it’s an art form.
(Melvin’s Note: “Attributes” is definitely a winner. It’s one I cut my teeth on. And virtually anything by Owen is good. He did one a Worship. Nto quite the candy we get these days; God-centric rather than focusing on us. Thanks for the recommendations. Homopimpians. I like that. May I use it? )
“Re-Discovering the Kingdom” by Myles Munroe. An excellent book to read. How God gave man dominion. Its all right there in Genesis. Jesus is the King of “kings”. God said “subdue” and rule the earth. “May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to man.(Psalm 115:14-16)
(Melvin’s Note: I hate to be quite so prejudicial, but I put Myles in the same category as the last book in the list. He’s right up (or down) there with Pimpus Maximus Eddie Long. He is tightly linked to Betty Peebles - excuse me, Apostle Betty Peebles, the pastor of Jericho Circus of Praise. He presided at her “apostlement” a couple of years ago. If he hasn’t the sense to understand that women are not to be pastors, much less apostles in the sense of Peter, John, and the rest), then he certainly can’t be trusted for anything approaching orthodox Bible teaching. That’s not to say he never says anything right. But whatever you read from him, read with your filters up. And if it’s going to be that much trouble, why bother?
Besides, when’s the last time Myles went for a walk in a tiger infested Indian jungle, believing he can claim some sort of “dominion” over the animals? He’d be cat food in no time flat. )
I cant deny the fact that Myles Munroe is one of the greatest teachers of the bible. Also Joyce Meyer and Paula White are outstanding. Dont you find women all through the Bible with zeal. From Miriam to Deborah to those that followed Jesus. Also in Acts you find women that are spoken of doing the Lords Work. And Myles Munroe meant about dominion is: what are your clothes made of? We dominated animals for there skins. Just like when God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins. Everything Man uses to make a living came by dominating the Earth(resources).
(Melvin’s Note: Here, let me help with that. Say the following: “Myles Munroe is not one of the greatest teachers of the Bible.” There, wasn’t that easy? Do this twice a day and anytime you have any of those pesky Dominion thoughts and you should be fine. )
I am a female and I have heard Joyce and Paula, please believe me they are not outstanding! Ok, but now outstanding.
Yes, I thought you might be like that. Go ahead, it’s your website.
Come on, humble yourself. Sit back and listen to a gifted message about the Kingdom. Myles Munroe leaves you in the dust(flesh) when it comes to teaching about the Kingdom. Get off your high horse. “Saul, Saul, it is me you are persecuting”. Its good you fulfill to prophecies that Prophets will be hated and persecuted.
(Melvin’s Note: Sorry. Don’t hate’em, don’t hurt’em, don’t persecute them. Stating that someone has bad doctrine is not persecuting. Otherwise, Paul persecuted the Judaizers and other aberrant religionists. )
Why is it that no one holds to sound doctrine anymore? Joyce Meyers? Paula White? These two ladies would have been put to death back in the day had they taught the things they teach today.
Yes, by the Pharisees
( Melvin’s Note: Zeal - You’re saying Paul PERSECUTED the Pharisees? I think not. Rather, I think the Pharisees persecuted Paul. Don’t you think? )
PERSECUTE: oppress for the holding of an opinion (websters dictionary)
(Melvin’s Note: And I am opreressing (Merriam-Webster: to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority) him how, exactly? I have neither power nor authority over that joker. )
If you have no power or authority over any man, what gives you a right to call them bad names and start a website that stirs up strife and produces bad fruit.
(Melvin’s Note: Zeal, poor attempt at changing the subject. You accused me of oppressing Jakes and the rest. I’m asking how a powerless fellow like me can oppress media moguls like them? I have no power to oppress. )
I am saying the Pharisees would be persecuting Paula White and Joyce Meyer as they did Jesus. Jesus and Paul defended there ministry against the brood of vipers. The spirit of Truth is defending the REAL CHURCH today and it shows by there FRUIT. Salomon’s deliverance and testimony is the fruit of TBN and other Apostalic Ministries. Christ is not here in person but in Spirit and Truth.
(MN: We weren’t talking about the pharisees. You accused me of oppressing simply because I point out their errors. How is this oppressing?
By the way, the fruit of their ministry is the deadly doctrine that says Jesus suffered in hell for our sins, that we have great “dominion power” and other totally foolish, greed generating teachings. Those are the fruits we are to look at. )
I think Melvin needs to pray that Salomon dont eat the bad fruit produced on this website. If he was to fall back into darkness because what he heard on this site, Melvin would be responsible for causing him to fall.
Why did you erase my previous comments. Thats not fair. I was impressed at what I said. Its through the anointing we can speak at new levels.
(MN: This is why I erased your last comment. Just so folks know.
No more posts for you, as long as you natter on repitiously like this. )
the ZEAL of GOD has consumed me. it burns within my soul. a driving force that cannot be stopped. a FIRE that cannot be quenched.
(MN: Sounds more like The pepperoni of Domino’s you consumed . Take two Alka Seltzers and call me in in the morning. )
Zeal,
Myles Monroe is definitely bad for your Health my friend. I mean my goodness, his claims to us being in a God Class are the same Heretical Concepts Satan used with Eve in the Garden. Satan told Eve she would be just like God and guess what? She ate, then gave some to Adam to eat…Don’t fall for the Oldest Satan Trick in the Good Book, then you’ll really look bad standing in front of a Holy God fooled by the same Trick that started in the Garden….
Genesis 3:4-6 (NLT)
“4″You won’t die!” the serpent hissed. 5″God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.”
6The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. ”
Joyce Meyers preaching that you have to believe that Christ suffered for your sins in Hell in order to be Saved? Heresy
Paula Whites says…let’s just skip to the point…Heresy…I can write a book on Paula, I use to attend her Church, thank You Lord Jesus for your Providence.
Grace and Peace
seal
Sounds like you were proven wrong and became WILLING to be deceived by the GOD of this fallen world, WHO is at work in the sons of disobedience. God created man is HIS IMAGE and LIKENESS. Adam disobeyed God. Satan tricked Eve.
Sounds like Zeal and Salomon spoke with such truth, they were kicked off
(Melvin’s Note: Sounds like Zeal and Salomon spoke so incoherently they were a waste of my time and the valued and respected readers. You can say anything you want as long as you back it up with a rational citation of Scripture. Neither of them did that. )
Melvin mocks what he doesn’t understand about having zeal. The final church of Revelation will lack Zeal and be Lukewarm. Sounds just like Melvin.
TO: melvin FR: Salomon, ZEAL, and Paul I come to the conclusion you are all PAGAN (religious) fools. When confronted by real Spirit filled saints (pentacostals) you become cowards and rebellious. Keep in mind all my posts because I still believe the SPIRIT OF CONVICTION will over- run you IN JESUS NAME. It was funny the way you with held the Wisdom of ZEAL. Those words were the BOM.
(MN: It’s amazing. I don’t have to make fun of these guys. They do it much better than I ever could.
Remember fellas, you can say what you wish in the comments. But you have to able to argue your point, not just repeat a WoF mantra. You have failed repeated to do this. )
ALL DONE HERE.
Paul,
I guess you guys are making your pastor proud, because its my bet that you all attend the same church, or at least know each other. James 3:10-11 talks about blessing God and cursing others with the same mouth. In three months on this site, I have seen “christians” call “fire” on Melvin, call him Pagan, curse him with various curses (some in “Jesus’ Name”) , and say all of us who agree with this website are his “followers” and condemn all of us to hell also. Without knowing me, or my background, (or MJ’s) will you so quickly call me a pagan too? Choose your words carefully, because I am able to respond with actual scripture!!
Melvin got PIMP SLAPPED again.
Yo,
Paul, you will be judged for every Idle word that proceeds out of your mouth, calling yourself a teacher of Truth. Man you so High on a Lie, you can’t even comprehend that you have not backed up one of your points in scripture (In Context of course). I am deeply sadden that people think they are TOO SPIRITUAL EVEN FOR THE TRUTH OF SCRIPTURE. Infact that scares me because IGNORANCE has run amuck in the Church of the United States of America. Claiming Penecostals are more Spiritual then people like Mel and myself reveals YOUR SO-CALLED SPIRITUAL PRIDE, EVEN THOUGH IT’S MORE OF YOUR FLESH THAN ANYTHING SPIRITUAL DUE TO YOUR LACK OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT.
It’s funny that you use “In Jesus Name” to validate yourself as Spiritual, yet, none of “Jesus’s Words” to go along with his name. That’s a shame.
Grace and Peace
seal
(MN: Seal - Play nice. )
Melvin knows better than to get TKOed by my words. The coward wont post them.
(Melvin’s Note: Whatever you say Paul. But I’m afraid that from this point on - - NO more posts for you. At least not as long as you natter on pointlessly. )
Yo,
Mel my apologies to you and to our friend Paul.
Grace and Peace
seal
This website is always so riviting, reviting, rivot, revit, one of ‘em.
Typical WoF prayer = what one wants + Jesus’ name. Rather than praying for your physical enemies to be saved, y’all curse them, using the name of Jesus. I hope those curses don’t come true because you’d have blood on your hands on Judgement Day…
btw, why do Pentecostals claim to be the only Spirit-filled denomination? If you say you’re non-denominational, they stare you down. Anglican, oooh boy. Baptist, ooohhh nooo. I am filled with the Spirit and I know it, so bring it on. The young apologist’s got her word.
:- )
Just one quick note to Neeci: The non-denom statement should arouse anyone until you listen to them and see their fruits.
Sometimes a church claims to be non-denom because they really dont have a solid foundation. Like I heard before,
“If you dont stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”.