It seems as more false teachers are highlighted in the news, that there are suddenly lots of people calling out false teachers. However, I have to state why I decided to call out false teachers who claim the Lord’s name and ensure I let it be known, that I DO NOT stand with everyone who claims they are calling out false teachers. Because not everyone is doing it in a fashion that strives to bring glory to God. Not everyone does it to plead with people to cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
The bottom line is this, when I started posting on this blog about false teachers, I did not see a lot of people calling out the false prosperity doctrine. So I started there, because I felt a need to help others who were still trapped in mess the Lord led me away from. Some claim I started calling out false teachers out of some anger towards my past experiences. That is far from the case. I forgave any false teacher who misled me long ago, Matthew 5:44. I do this because I desire to glorify God and He desires for each of us to help the sheep.
The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for the sheep.
John 10:11-18 (New American Standard Bible)
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After Christ’s resurrection, Peter proclaiming love for the Lord was told to tend to the sheep.
John 21:15-17 (New American Standard Bible)
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We the sheep, have been informed through scripture, that we should be watchful of and avoid those who might introduce doctrines that hinder the flock.
Romans 16:17-20 (New American Standard Bible)
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Warning sheep of a wolf that might scatter the flock is part of an effort of love towards fellow saints. Saints are to contend for the faith, Jude 1 and saints are to have impassioned love for one another, 1 Peter 4:8. I having seen the con game desire to have others avoid my own mistakes. So with a greater passion than a secular consumer reporter, I speak openly, to warn as many as possible. For the sake of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Unfortunately, not all sound the alarm with good intentions. Contending for the faith is not to be done for personal glory and gain. Nothing a saint does in the Lord’s name should be for themselves.
Romans 15:1-6 (New American Standard Bible)
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This walk of faith is not about self edification, but rather self sacrifice, for the good of others. Those who claim to contend for the faith, but desire to increase themselves over others are not actually contending for the faith. They only contend for themselves and are deluded.
Contending for the faith is not a task for trying to become rich. We are to speak against those who attempt to make merchandise of the Gospel, not be like them.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (New American Standard Bible)
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Contending for the faith, exposing false teachers, is not to be done out of anger.
Romans 12:19-21 (New American Standard Bible)
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I have no desire to replace God’s wrath, that will repay the wicked. I warn the sheep for their own good. Those who speak from anger will only fret and cause themselves to fall into evil, after having evil done to them. Meaning, they follow-up an act of evil by bringing evil upon themselves. That is not good.
Psalm 37:1-9 (New American Standard Bible)
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We who will inherit the gift of eternal life have no reason to fret, be angry or assume revenge for ourselves. The Lord will properly judge. During our time here, we saints are to help others.
Some speak about false teachers in their efforts to deny the truth of Christ. Many atheists and followers of cults enjoy speaking about false teachers who claim the Lord’s name. Because for them it is not about the salvation message, but finding someone they can claim fails to uphold the faith in truth. Atheists and followers of cults expose false teachers, hoping that someone will look at the false teacher as a sort of failed Christ. We who speak in truth expose false teachers, to proclaim there is One Christ, who is One with the Father and God in flesh, Colossians 2:9. That He is our only hope. So it is far better for a saint to expose a false teacher and proclaim the message of Christ, than for atheists and followers of cults to do it as an effort to deny Christ. It is the saints who are to judge and remove those doing evil that proclaim the Lord’s name, 1 Corinthians 5.
Some who know the faith, engage in efforts that they feel are efforts to yell at the devil. Yell at Satan all day, he’ll still be Satan tomorrow. Even angles don’t waste much conversation time on the devil.
Jude 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)
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My Lord will bring judgment to Satan, but we must be watchful of Satan’s workers, to avoid them and the devil who they are in the service of, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
It is a fact that those who do evil will only get worse, yelling at them won’t make them any less.
2 Timothy 3:13 (New American Standard Bible)
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Also please read 2 Thessalonians 2. No man can hold back what God has planned to work to the promised end and will end with God being glorified.
We pray that as the Lord wills, He turns those who do evil from their sinful ways. That they might repent, follow Christ in truth as Savior and Lord. To partake of the reward God has for those who love Him. We all were at some time enemies of God, but He loved us who are saved enough to save us. As He wills we pray those who do evil are turned to good. Those who continue in evil, will soon regret it, Revelation 21:8.
Our hope is in Christ. I pray that all who proclaim His name hold fast to Him.
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December 17th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Well said IC………..
December 17th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Thank you my brother. I have felt great conviction from reading this article. Let our aim be to win souls and not arguments. James White’s ministry has a new T-shirt with a slogan that should be ours as well. It says "What you win them with, is what you win them to." It is based off of 1 Cor 1:17. You can purchase the shirt at http://www.cafepress.com/reflections06/2682330
Let us continue in the faith. Amen
December 17th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Yes, IC, it is easy for the anger of man to dominate one’s own zeal in seeking to bring correction; yet as we are told, it does not work the righteousness of God. Much of the anger I have felt was from the realization of being hoodwinked for so many years by the wolves prowling at will among the American churches, who even had my soul in their hands, until the Lord, as figured by David, rescued me from the mouth of the lion.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
These are very encouraging scriptures I believe 2 Thessalonians 2 supports predestination big time. When His sheep hears His voice, they would hear it. If they never hear it, they weren’t His to begin with.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I.C. another great post. Thanks and keep up the good work.
December 18th, 2007 at 7:37 am
IC, Would you happen to have read G Craig Lewis’ blog on this same subject? The timing of your article seems to have been similar to that of Lewis’ blog.
Even without the article above, I don’t believe I could ever doubt the root of your intent for this site. After all, I was able to spot (and subsequently, avoid) a "bootleg" prophet by remembering some of the things you have posted here. Even if you just helped one little sheep to avoid the wolves, then your Jude 1:3 mission was accomplished. Thank God!
December 18th, 2007 at 9:13 am
No, I have not read and knew nothing of him making a post on the same subject.
Honestly, when I first started this blog I had no clue some things addressed now would be the things that are addressed here. But it seems the Lord desires something else be addressed here more often than affairs of publicans and surface level "religious" matters.
I’m honestly glad and praising the Lord, that something here helped you. His plan is awesome.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
IC, you have evolved in some ways since I first started reading your blog. For instance, you didnt allow nearly as many comments
On the serious side, you have stated this case well. There are those who are angry and hateful and are attempting to "expose" someone because they have personal animus against them. But this is the work of the kingdom and it is not to be done for vain glory or to settle a score, but that precious souls would be snatched out of the mouths of vicious wolves, thus giving God the glory.
Im not sure if you mentioned it, but we talked about this on my blog. Using the tough language of the Bible in dealing with these issues are appropriate, but intentionally using punitive, defamatory language (such as Min Lewis does at times when referring to homosexuals) is unacceptable. That brings no glory to God.
You are doing an outstanding job which takes maturity, skill and spiritual compassion (and good writing skills!). I always say the same WORD that heals will kill in the wrong hands. This is certainly not something someone wants to do as subjects you to an inordinate amount of hateful invective and the likes.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
If I may say, Brah, I definately feel the same way ( to a degree) about what your site does.
Though there are many things I disagree with it about, that does not change the fact there are many things about it which are SPOT ON/NECESSARY to the Body of Christ. I was just telling my friend the other day how there’s a lack nowadays of Christians willing to be engaged in the political issues of their day, to know where people stand, and to speak out against it when it goes contrary to the Word of God.
Nowadays, it seems to be a matter of people placing their heads in the sand/hoping things will go away, but unless you’re willing to face the things, people will get injured……& YOUR BUTT IS STILL UP IN THE AIR TO GET KICKED. We have no choice but to be involved in the culture/knowlegable about what’s going down.
That’s something I really do appreciate about your site. From the many insightful video clips to news coverage, it keeps you informed about what’s going down…..& even when people may not agree with the way it’s done 24/7, at least they’re being challenged to look into the issues and make sure they know where they stand.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
DL Foster said:
And let’s not even talk about when you ran across me on a message board of another site I used to run
. Praise God I’m not what I was, even in my walk with Christ. Although you know even there I was making an effort to shine what light I had. Praise God for continually working on me.
The kind words are appreciated and God is good.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Gxg, Proverbs 24:11-12 was a good scripture to note brother. I also feel James 5:19-20 relates to the work of contending for the faith. Because some people who come from under false teachers later figure out they were not actually saved, because they were in so much error. Some of us were saved and momentarily fell for a bad doctrine for lack of our staying in study of scripture, but others get into it unsaved and think they can do things like buy salvation. Which scripture such as Acts 8:20 warns against. How many old ladies give all their money to some guy on TV (or radio) at or near their physical death thinking it will get them into Heaven?
December 18th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
By the way, Bro IC…
As Bro Gary said earlier, Well said IC………..excellent post on the issue , especially on the part describing how not EVERYONE exposes false teachings/errors for the right reasons, which is just as much of an problem/sin before Christ as it is to either tolerate things or ignore them (Revelation 2:1-7.)
As CRITICAL ISSUES COMMENTARY said on the issue:
I believe the situation occurring with OLD Anthony (as well as with many other discernment ministries going on the offensive) is living proof of that…as well as the interactions with Jesus/the Pharisees & how they were doing all of the right things but FOR THE WRONG REASONS ( October 17th, 2007 at 5:49 pm, where I wrote on the issue). And for any kind of discernment ministry, I think the first church in Revelation 2:4, 5 should be kept in mind at ALL TIMES……
December 18th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Agreed, Brah……(though in all honesty, you should probably consider doing an entire post on James 5:19-20, seeing that we live in a time where more Christians are encouraged to remain SILENT on issues of sin/deadly errors that could lead to APOSTASY in the name of KEEPING THE PEACE…….something I’m wrestling with currently with myself)
I think something else to keep in mind when it comes to defending the Faith is is II Timothy 2:23-26.
As another said on the subject,
Also, another one to consider (which RARELY gets brought up nowadays when it comes to Apolegetics):
It’s crucial to remember that The Deceived VARY in class…… & remembering this is VITAL when dealing with apostasy/cultic groups ( http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg2127.htm )(http://www.biblebb.com/macsg.htm) Sadly, however, what often happens is that many choose the “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” approach by labeling EVERYONE/EVERY SITUATION the same (as well as the fact that many will attempt contending for the faith & forget to PRAY/BE IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD, much like a soldier going out into battle based on some instructions his commander gave him but never making certain that the commands his commader gave in one situation are the same he wishes for the next….or never studying the battle to see what weapons would be appropiate and using whatever he wishes)……& that’s dangerous in our battle to contend for the faith.
(Edited by IndependentConservative: Rest of comment removed, because it speaks of material that is only available to people registered with that site. Gxg, don’t bother bringing up sites that force registration here. We’ve all got a Bible we can read and you’ve given enough of your thoughts in this comment for anyone of sound mind to get the point. If you want to note sites that have compulsory registration, you can always make a post [on your blog] with your thoughts and refer to that site on your blog and use the “trackback” feature to ping this post, so your post [a link] appears in the comments of this post.)
December 18th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
IC, what about the ones who are actually saved and elect and fell into so much doctrinal error and not just momentarily and thought they could buy their salvation? Or unsaved who knows the scriptures maybe back and forth, but I cannot say if some of the scholars are saved or not. I say this because the enemy Satan tempted Jesus with the word and He defeated him with the word. There’s a certain scripture however that states that Jesus says that the mysteries of heaven was not revealed to the wise but to the babes if I said it right. Are you familiar with it? Jesus himself said that if it were possible, these false prophets would deceive the elect in Matthew 24:24. However in this same chapter says false prophets would deceive many. I truly believe it doesn’t matter what their spiritual situation, whether elect or not, God has already laid the blue print.
December 18th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
If you’re trying to actually "buy" salvation, (not “you”, but anyone doing that) you don’t know what it is at all and don’t have it. Salvation is not simply saying some recitation, but having real faith that true belief on Christ is your ONLY hope. Looking to money for salvation is works based and shames the work of Christ. A bountiful knowledge of scriptures does not save anyone. Lots of academic scholars have read and even memorized scriptures, only to put it at a level in their minds that is not deserving for the Word of God.
Regarding mysteries and babes, that is in Matthew 11:25-30. You’re talking about verse 25, but notice verse 27 notes that the Son wills who the Father is revealed to and they/we come to Him as babes.
The "many" who will be fully deceived are non-elect. Names never in the Lamb’s Book of Life since the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
There are many false teachers whos motovation is greed. Its great to know that You and other defenders of truth are driven by something these teachers have no concept of, the true will of God.
December 19th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
First of all, I would like to commend IC for the tact they you use when exposing. I have observed from afar for almost a year in how you have presented the information that you have on different ministries. I could not go without posting something today. I have seen other blogs that say that they have a christian atmosphere and I can’t tell because of the name calling, and a lot of derogatory remarks are made then in turn want you to respect what they have written. Thanks for keeping it classy and not trashy….
December 20th, 2007 at 3:45 am
Ditto (to a great degree) on what Ms (or Mrs.) Diamond65 said, Brah….
December 20th, 2007 at 4:19 am
By the way, the entire issue with Simon is a a huge issue in itself/deals with your post. As Acts Acts 8 shows, there were many by-products (both directly and indirectly) of Stephen’s death/the persecution following that were benefical to the church…such as Philip’s evangelistic tour (Acts 8:4-40), Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-30), Peter’s missionary tour (Acts 9:32-11:18), and the church of Antioch in Syria being founded (Acts 11:9).
However, one of the byproducts had a DIRECT IMPACT on the influence of Simon, who’d been “…claiming that he was someone great” (Acts 8:9). Whereas Phillip miracles turned people toward to Christ, Simon’s sorcery amazed but didn’t help….. nor did he attempt to teach people in following God. He only wanted them to follow HIM……
Upon hearing good preaching and the Power of the Spirit by Philip in Samaria (which lowered Simeon’s influence), the man became gung-ho about Christianity. Simon’s interest, however, was not actually a matter of true repentance and conversion. Despite the form of godliness displayed by him (2 Timothy 3:5), he still continued under the power of sin, hungry to “have the honor of an apostle, but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian” and was “more desirous to gain honor to himself, than to do good to others.”
To him, Christianity was simply a means for prestige/money & power….. “Magic”………., consequently leading him to try “buying” the Holy Spirit’s, despite the fact of how God doesn’t give abilites soley for the enhancement of self but rather for BUILDING UP. Go figure as to why he was denied (Acts 5:32, 1 Peter 4:7-11)…..but the same thing happens today still…& scary considering how easily all of us can fall into the same mentality when we operate in our giftings coveting an ability others have that’d place us in the limelight rather than spending time serving God/others with the gifts WE DO POSSESS
. As Peter made clear to Simon, BITTERNESS (over losing his prior position of influence) WAS PART OF HIS PROBLEM (Acts 8:23 ) and that is something that seems to subtley/greatly infect THE MAJORITY of BELIEVERS IN CHRIST TODAY (Ephesians 4:31-32)(
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=3546
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=156
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=837
Gotta check our motives on things……
December 20th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Keep up the good work, Brah….
December 21st, 2007 at 9:33 am
Would you get a load of this link http://www.millionairesforjesus.com I saw this at pulpit-pimps website from Kyle.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:00 am
art123 - That is absolutely insane! And once upon I time I was of the opinion that was OK, till the Lord guided me out of that heresy. Trying to claim godliness as a means for gain, everything 1 Timothy 6 warns about, when read with an honest and open heart.
Another money changer trying to cut his way into the temple!