Barna Report: Apostacy in "Mainstream" Denoms

The promotion of false doctrines against the truth is the enemy of fundamental Christianity. The elevation of opinions, feelings, sentiments, and traditions to the level of doctrinal truth destroys just as surely as the introduction of new activities does.

KJVOnlyism is far more dangerous to fundamental, biblical Christianity than Christian rap or homosexual preachers will ever be. Those who raise heresies on the outside aren't very dangerous. It is those willing to call the Word of God "polluted" that will bring the house crashing down.

With respect to the old ways, the altar call is an invention of the last 200 years but how many ol' time religionists would go nuts if the pastor didn't give one?

I in no way approve of the non-sense being promoted in churches today. John MacArthur's "Ashamed of the Gospel" is a examination of the recent religions as entertainment phenomenon. Interestingly, he relates this movement back to the same era as you do. Rather than blaming the liberals and higher critics as you do, he demonstrates that Charles Finney (credited with popularizing the altar call) worked off of the same basic principles; weak on doctrine, strong on flesh pleasing entertainment.

Legalism and traditionalism are more subtle and therefore more dangerous than the obvious affronts to godly doctrines and practices.

 

The Squire:
Excuse me?? Who is talking about "individual" posters? Seems the thread is talking about movements within the churches, like "christian rap," KJV only, homosexual pastors, the feel-goodism of the modern day church.

But whatever you say. Maybe I'm missing something here.
James2

 

I can only say amen. I have talked to so many believers since 09/11 who are more than ready for the trumpet to sound...and say, how long, how long, Lord Jesus? The whole earth is unbelievably corrupt but there are still people being saved especially in foreign lands where they are hungry to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Surely, He will come quickly!

 

James2 you feel exactly the way I do about the whole issue, and I do think the truth hurts....refining and purging thru the truth is like child labor, (no fun while it lasts, but the outcome is a miracle).

and javalady, I wholeheartedly agree with you that if there is no solid bible believing doctrine teaching church within your grasp, start one.....YEAH....we did!!!

5 years and satan is throwing all he can at us right now....we live in a community dominated by convention baptist churches that seek to entertain, twist the word, or plain downright ignore the word. we came out from that 5 years ago, and they'd have to drag me kicking and screaming back.

Christians on the whole today....may know what the bible teaches, even say they believe the bible is all God's word, but out of the other side of their face they say "but, I feel"!!!!!

...everyman did that which was right in his own eyes.....

90% of christians today don't believe God's word has power , and obedience is the path of faith.

They want instant formulas, and special catch phrases to prompt God to move, and neo-evangelicalism is rampant(infiltrate,don't bother coming out from apostasy).

I see God already dividing the wheat from the Tares.....even within His church...He's making it very obvious who is walking according to the word, and who is making it up as they go.....

Sad, very very very sad.....thanks for allowing me to ride my hobby horse....hope it has enough life left in it for someone else to ride.

 

Carly33:
I'm praying for the success of your church.
James2

 

[ April 08, 2002, 04:59 PM: Message edited by: JAMES2 ]

 

I appreciate all prayers, satan is working hard to close our doors....when the rubber meets the road, even some fundamental believers aren't willing to do what it takes.

Sometimes the cost is too high!!

 

LOL! [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]All you have to add is, na, na, na, boo, boo....

Guys, I’ve read everyone’s post before and I’m sure that you don’t have that same glee about the wicked being taken unaware…..

I’m almost sure that Noah, Abraham, Lot, or even the Lord Jesus would not have worded that post quite like you did... As a matter of fact Jesus admonished a disciple that would call lightning down upon unbelievers.… Paul said he would be accursed if it would save his brethren, in the flesh….. Maybe we should be a little more sympathetic to those blind lost souls, after all, if not for the grace of God, there go all of us....

[ April 23, 2002, 01:21 AM: Message edited by: Graceforever ]