The Deception of "Christian" AI Slop

 “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, ESV)

(Props to the YT channel providing this video for exposing these deceivers.  They may or may not be doing it in the name of Ephesians 5:11, but the deceivers are exposed anyway.)

I have said this time and time again.  If anyone is trying to make merchandise of Christianity, then they're a fraud.

I have also said this time and time again, those who follow such merchants are not saved, because:

“A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”” (John 10:5, ESV)

Heretics, false teachers, etc. are the strangers Jesus is talking about.  If you are a true believer, you will flee from them.

The End of My "Gaybernation"

 "Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time."  --Amos 5:13

 For years, I have interpreted that Scripture to mean that I am to just keep silent and not make any religious rebukes during obvious times of evil, such as Pride Month (June), and the Christmas season (which I define as follows: Staring with the coming of Santa Claus at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, until Christmas afternoon, when most festivities are wrapping up).  The idea of withholding religious "rebukes", I admit, came from Darwin Fish, in his wording that on some occasions, "public rebuke is not wise", while citing Amos 5:13.  I may be totally wrong on his interpretation, and I am willing to be corrected (Proverbs 6:23). 

However, now that it's July 1, I feel somewhat free to go back to proclaiming Truth, which, yes, includes exposing heresy.  Here's a list of heretics I've discovered lately:

Wesley Huff (ecumenical towards Christians and Muslims)
New Creation Mission Ministries (cites several false teachers)
Josh Farrell (Calvinist)
The Lord's Giant (markets the Word for profit, against 2 Corinthians 2:17, hold on to this one, this will be a trend)

In fact, let me list the rest I wrote down (as well as others I've discovered since) as going against 2 Corinthians 2:17, just to simplify things:
 

Roughcutmen.org
Vlad Savchuk (maybe Lana as well)
Nelson Schuman

Faith and Dating Explained
Goded
Traci Coston
The Heart Posture Collective
James Bell (possibly, he has a paid Substack option)

Bryce Crawford (maybe, he has videos behind a paywall)

Jeepin for Jesus (maybe, because he has merch and donate links)
Colin Elliot, aka R3alism (in addition to refute the notion that God sends people to Hell, Matthew 25:42 is an explicit example)

The Bible tells us to "prove all things" (I Thessalonians 5:21), and as I've said before, once I look at one religious content creator, the algorithm thinks I'm interested, and sends me even more religious content creators.   Are they all heretics?  To be honest, it's hard to tell.  They all seem to be in the Truth.

Hmm...Jesus says in John 15:19, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own".  Anyone who is loved by the world, by definition, is of the world.  What about true believers?  Jesus says they're hated (Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, as well as John 15:19, etc.).  Would a worldly algorithm send me true believers, who are hated by the world?  Something to consider.

Anyway, I'm back.  I have some ideas on what I want to write on next (the world's reaction to American daily life during the World Cup is very telling).  Stay tuned.

Tony Evans: An Obvious Fraud

 This turns out to be another quick exposure of a false teacher. Why? These points:

1. He, like so many, markets the Word of God on his website (2 Corinthians 2:17). It's painfully obvious.

2. He is well honored, per his list of "Honors" which points to Luke 6:26:

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26, KJV)

3. On the "Know Jesus Christ" page of his website, Mr. Evans points to the same old "sinners prayer" path to salvation, which ignores the true meaning of believing in Christ, which is to take God at His Word, as illustrated by Abraham:

“And [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, KJV)

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3, KJV)

That's pretty much all I know for now.  Yes, there is the controversy concerning Mr. Evans resigning from church leadership due to undisclosed sin, but I don't know whether or not said sin was privately disclosed.

Examining Brian Kagyesi of Pneuma Word Ministries (and more Quick Exposures)

 “A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”” (John 10:5, ESV)

I used to write letters to a pen pal in Uganda.  He was likely involved in a ministry called Christ Fun, a comedy program.  One of the guests they had on their show was someone named Brian Kagyesi of Pneuma Word Ministries (I think).  Anyway, Mr. Kagyesi is called a prophet.  However, it is difficult to find much doctrine of his rooted in Scripture.  There is talk of prophecies and prosperity.  Yet, where's the Scripture?  Yes, there is some, but his doctrine appears to be full of spiritual buzzwords.

Am I simply ignorant, or do I recognize that his teachings are foreign to me?  Hence John 10:5.

For example, Mr. Kagyesi gives the following Scripture citation concerning "increase" (I am using the KJV here):

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6, KJV)

Concerning this, Mr. Kagyesi says:

"It's only God that causes a man to increase.The spirit of poverty is the mindset that causes people not to increase."

This is a perversion of Scripture.  Firstly, the "increase" in I Corinthians 3:6 concerns the increase in the faithful:

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7, KJV)

Is not the context of "increase", the increase of faith?

Secondly, Jesus says this concerning the poor (back to the ESV):

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, ESV)

Mr. Kagyesi is saying that poverty is not to be desired.  Is there anything I am missing here? (Proverbs 6:23)

Honestly, that's as much exposure (Ephesians 5:11) as I can confidently muster right now (I Corinthians 13:9).  Right now, I am super tired, maybe also because of the following:

“My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, ESV)

Also: another quick exposure as I was trying to find out more about "prophet" Brian Kagyesi, is of someone named Myles Monroe, leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries International.  In his Wikipedia page is a link to an article titled "Internationally Renowned Preacher and Transformational Leader, Dr. Myles Monroe Killed In Bahamas Plane Crash".  That was all I needed to see, that is, the "Internationally Renowned" part.  Jesus says in Luke 6:26: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!  for so did their fathers to the false prophets."

John Piper Exposed: Another Essentials Lie Believer

 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV)

And...I found it. John Piper believes in the essentials lie, which makes the case clearer that John Piper is a false teacher.

In the Affirmation of Faith of the Desiring God ministry, it says the following:

15.1 We do not believe that all things in this affirmation of faith are of equal weight, some being more essential, some less. We do not believe that every part of this affirmation must be believed in order for one to be saved.

In Matthew 4:4 and related, Jesus says LIVE and EVERY. John Piper denies this Truth.

Luis Palau, Yet Another Cookie Cutter False Teacher

 I first heard of Luis Palau when I volunteered at KRBW 90.5FM, an affiliate of American Family Radio (a false ministry, they have their "War on Christmas" like many others, thus promoting the false holiday, again, like many others).  So, again, in the spirit of "prove all things" (I Thessalonians 5:21), I examine Luis Palau.

It's the same old story.  First, according to his Wikipedia article, he had a close association with Billy Graham, another false teacher (Mr. Graham denied Christ on Hour of Power, another false ministry, by saying there are multiple roads to God), against I Timothy 5:22.  Second, his "strong appeal to young people" seems to fit Luke 6:26, concerning false prophets being well received.

Now, this one I cannot explicitly pin on Mr. Palau himself, since he is dead.  His ministry, Palau.org, asks people for money, against 2 Corinthians 2:17.  I cannot say whether Mr. Palau also practiced peddling the Word of God for profit, but it appears likely.

Also, like with Max Lucado, I see no mention of WHY you need to be saved on Palau.org.  They say "Salvation is within reach", citing Romans 10:13:

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13, ESV)

But again, where's the mention of Hell or the fear of God? (Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:5) Where's the mention of repentance? (see Luke 13:2-5) 

Luis Palau is just another cookie-cutter false teacher that must be fleed from:

“A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:5, ESV)

Update on the Examination of David Jeremiah (and Bonus Exposure of Max Lucado)

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)

All I needed to do was see David Jeremiah's page "Becoming a Christian" to find out that David Jeremiah is likely a false teacher.

He repeats the same evangelistic notion of a "relationship" with God, not that Christians don't have a relationship with God (believers are considered sons of God, says John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:6, etc.), but that the relationship is emphasized more than WHY we need a relationship.  Just look at Romans 1:18 to 3:20 to see how sinful humanity is and why we need a savior.

Looking through "Becoming a Christian", while it does reference sin and repentance, the implied penalty for sin it cites is "separation from God".  Seriously?  No mention of eternal fire?  Not even the word "Hell"?  Where's the FEAR?  Is it not written:

“By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6, ESV)

If anyone wishes to examine a ministry, check out what they say about how to become a believer.  If it doesn't imply that the need for a savior is because of eternal fire in Hell, then they're likely a false teacher diluting the Truth.

Bonus Exposure:  I looked at the Wikipedia article on Max Lucado.  It is said that he considers LGBTQ individuals and families to be children of God.  For the most part, the Bible calls this a lie, because if they were God's children, they would love Christ:

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42, ESV)

And what does it mean to love Jesus?  Jesus says it outright:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

According to Scripture, LGBT individuals (The Q I'm not sure of) do not love Jesus because they reject His Word, which prohibits homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22, etc.) and effeminacy (I Corinthians 6:9).  This, they do not display the characteristics of a child of God.

Also, the same Wikipedia article mentions Mr. Lucado being called the "Best Preacher In America" by Reader's Digest.  Yeah, this fits perfectly with the following Scripture:

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26, ESV)

Update on the Examination of Francis Chan, and on Protestantism

 I saw the Wikipedia article for Francis Chan's "Crazy Love".  It says that the book was well received.  In Mr. Chan's article, it says that "Crazy Love" was a New York Times bestseller.  This appears to fit the following Scripture:

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26, KJV

On a side note, it would be inefficient to examine every single Protestant pastor.  Sure, there may be plenty of individual doctrines that are heretical.  However, what would examine and expose them all, at the very least, is the fact that, if true, Protestantism is false.  In addition, their adherence to the false holidays of Christmas and Easter would also cover it as well.  Correct me if I'm wrong on any of this (Proverbs 6:23)

Exposing "Effective Purpose"

2Co 2:17  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 

There are so many ministries that ask for money, and for that reason alone, you can easily discern them as false.  As the title suggests, the YouTube Channel "Effective Purpose" is one of them.  I'll get to his main heresy in a moment.  First, what he gets right.

This channel first came on my feed because of a video titled, "Why Christian Men Don't Understand What Women Want."  The video is here:

Firstly, the content is sound and Biblical.  I especially like the Scripture reference of I Timothy 5:8, which reads:

1Ti 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 

In this video, EP argues that men don't realize that what women want are men allowing women to survive, because in the world is out to "kill them".  The man is a woman's "shield" for protection.  So, this is why she will test the man for competence, confidence, the ability to provide, etc.  EP provides Biblical references to all of this, including mentioning that the OT laws include protections for women and responsibilities for men.

However, when I got to his description, I see "Access exclusive extras on Patreon" and "Support the ministry with a 1-time or recurring gift".  THIS is why he is a heretic, because he is violating 2 Corintihans 2:17.  It's unfortunate that EP is a false teacher because of this.

Oh, here's another red flag of EP.  He has a video called "Is Anxiety A Sin, or Are These Pastors Kicking You While You're Down?"  This title presumes that EP says that anxiety is not a sin.  Jesus says otherwise (ESV for clarity):

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

(Mat 6:25-34)

I looked at more of the anxiety video in question (It's about an hour long, so I skimmed through it).  EP is speaking mostly to those with a diagnosable case of anxiety and depression.  He mentions psychology, brain chemicals, etc.  One thing he doesn't mention (and the chapter headings don't even suggest it), is the concept of the SOURCE of the anxiety.  If you are anxious, there is a cause.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus suggests the source of anxieties come from focusing on food and clothing, which God will provide, provided that you seek His kingdom and His righteousness.  Even in Philippians 4:6, which reads:

Php_4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

The answer to anxiety is to trust in God, and this requires a change of mindset.  If you are anxious, it is evidence you are not trusting God with the problem.  If you were trusting God, you wouldn't not be anxious.  Now yes, Jesus was in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44), and EP suggests that it might also be anxiety.  However, Jesus trusted God, despite his body overclocking.  Your body can have butterflies in your stomach and your heart still not be anxious.  Thus, the "sin" of anxiety is when your heart believes the teachings of the body.  The overclocked body was not sin.  Jesus knew his body was in overdrive, and knew to go the Source to possibly remove the trial responsible for the overdrive.  Yet, it was not the Father's will, and Jesus accepted that.  So, Jesus wasn't anxious, he was simply weak in the "fight or flight" flesh.

To overcome chronic anxiety, it really is as simple as trusting in God via a different mindset, a "renewing of your mind" like in Romans 12:2.\

How AI Handles Biblical Exegesis

 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15, ESV)

I asked Google Gemini for a Scripture-only interpretation on whether or not foot washing is to also be done to non-Christians.  It told me that the practice is limited to Christians because of the "one another" line, and the notion of having a "part" in Christ (John 13:8).  

However, Gemini did cite sources from sermons and commentaries, among whom was Hopewell Church (Calvinist), Working Preacher from Luther Seminary (appears to be Lutheran), Providence Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian), For The Church (their SOF is the Baptist Faith and Message), and Life, Hope, and Truth (Church of God).  This I wanted to avoid, because it feels a little like a Galatians 6:6 thing, and because of what I learned about the prevailing world of false Christianity, I doubt any of the churches cited are in the Truth (which reminds me of I Timothy 5:22).  I don't have all the evidence (I should "prove all things" says I Thessalonians 5:21), I am mainly admitting my doubts.

Besides all this, another bit of insight:  Jeremiah 17:5 says:

“Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5, ESV)

I thought I could work around this since AI is not man, but machine.  Yet, I forget one thing:  AI is TRAINED by man.  I asked Gemini if it is capable of performing Biblical exegesis without commentary?  The short answer, no.  As Gemini itself says:

While I can avoid quoting specific commentaries, my "understanding" of the text is still derived from the patterns and insights found in the millions of pages of scholarship I was trained on.

Now, the source used for that answer was one website:  drcone.com, which is the website of Christopher Cone, who appears to be a theology professor.  Upon further examination (I Thessalonians 5:21), it appears that he is a Calvinist (per the book title "Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances The Reformed Legacy") and that he promotes Psychology (per the book title "Biblical Foundations of Psychology and Counseling").  I believe such positions are heretical (Calvinism promotes "limited atonememt", which is against Hebrews 10:10, 2 Timothy 3:16 refutes Psychology as the answer to problems)

As for the other churches mentioned in this post (This is a work in progress):

Church of God: According to one doctrinal statement on their official website, they say the Bible is against drinking alcohol, yet John 2:1-11 promotes wine, and I Timothy 5:23 says "use a little wine" concerning health.

Lutheran:  According to the Wikipedia article on Lutherism, they appear to be ecumenical, meaning, they consider and partner with those whose Biblical interpretations differ.  This is dangerous, because by logic, all but one, if not all, are believing false teaching, this a false Christ, which cannot save (see John 1:1, 1:14, I John 1:1, I John 5:7, Revelation 19:13, also see Luke 8:12 to prove that the Word saves, also see 2 John 9).

Southern Baptist (from which the BFM drives): One of their entities is LifeWay (LifeWay affirms this), which publishes books that I have doubts on their doctrinal faithfulness.  Further examination is pending.

Presbyterian: According to their Wikipedia articles, not only are they ecumenical, they also approve of homosexuality (against Leviticus 18:22, among others).

I think that's all I know for now (I Corinthians 13:9).  I welcome any and all correction (Proverbs 6:23).

Update on the Examination of Douglas Crawshaw Sr.

(Note, I refer to Doug Sr. as "D*d" and not as "my father", in order to not violate Matthew 23:9.  Again, I may be wrong about this (Proverbs 6:23), I still believe in honoring him (Exodus 20:12))

 

 Just now, I was studying D*d's sermons, when I came across something.  If you're familiar with ABC-USA, you know that they allow for female pastors (many false churches do this), which is a violation of I Timothy 2:12.  Anyway, there was a reference to a Jan Smith, a female pastor who spoke about her decision to enroll in Seminary.  D*d used this account to prove the point that we are to not waste the resources and abilities that God has given us (using the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, v. 30 was not preached on that day).  I believe this is a tolerance of female pastors, and a tolerance of heresy.

This, to my knowledge, made it clear to me that Douglas Crawshaw Sr. is preaching outside of plain Scripture.

Read the following to learn more and to be mindful of the warnings:

https://ibelievedthereforeihavespoken.blogspot.com/p/examining-douglas-crawshaw-sr.html

You Cannot Paint All ABC-USA Churches With A Broad Brush.

 I have said before that I grew up American Baptist, and I have also said that I have found beliefs within the organization that are contrary to Scripture (see exposure here).  Yet, while it is true that any church or minister in association with ABC-USA is likely being unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14, to what extent the association is UYT, I don't know), not every church or minister within the ABC-USA network believes the same thing (which, on a side note, is an ungodly thing in and of itself, see I Corinthians 1:10).

ABC-USA itself confirms this in their article "10 Facts About American Baptists":

9 American Baptist Churches USA celebrates the racial, cultural and theological diversity witnessed within its membership. 

American Baptist Churches USA today is the most racially inclusive Protestant body. Represented in our churches are equally diverse worship styles, cultural mores and approaches to Scriptural interpretation. The resulting challenges and opportunities have made us stronger —through fellowship, respect, mutual support and dialog, all based on a belief that unity in Christ involves growth and understanding.

Firstly, this diversity of Scriptural interpretation is a slap in the face to I Corinthians 1:10 (KJV):

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

This Scripture does not allow for "understanding" in order to be unified in Christ.  It requires God's intervention, as He promised in Jeremiah 32:39 (KJV):

"And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:" 

I have heard of at least two distinct styles of preaching and Scriptural interpretation, both of which are quite different.  The ABC-USA article simply confirms what I've witnessed.

In the meantime, if I am to "prove all things" (I Thessalonians 5:21), the individual church and the individual pastor must be examined.  If any believer knows of a local ABC-USA church and pastor, I implore you to do the same (the Bereans in Acts 17:11 are praised for this).  Their association with ABC-USA is problematic enough, testing the individual church and pastor will paint a clearer picture.

“10 Facts about American Baptists.” ABCUSA, 17 Apr. 2024, www.abc-usa.org/10facts/.

Learn To Discern (and others) Peddles The Word of God For Profit (Plus Bonus Exposure!)

 “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, ESV)

It's funny that the YouTube channel is called "Learn to Discern", who exposes false teachers and ministries, because I have "learn"ed "to discern"...that Learn To Discern is also a false ministry, for the same reason that hordes of others are false ministries, because they ask for money for their ministry.  Here's LtD's pitch:

Some may say, "But doesn't Galatians 6:6 and elsewhere teach that we are to share with our teachers?"  Yes.  However, they must be in the Truth, and being in the Truth, they must not peddle the Word of God for profit.  Thus, we are not to support them (I Timothy 5:22).

Also, I've found another YouTube channel, URFRIENDLYHOOD that puts some of his videos behind a "Members Only" paywall.

Bonus exposure:  Nowhere in Scripture does it teach that Mary was a perpetual virgin.  I debated that with Catholic YouTube channel "TruthHasSpoken".  So far, he shot back saying that my adherence to canon (even though I accept that there could be more Scripture) is a tradition of men.  I currently have no response to that, since I don't yet know how to respond to that.  Maybe I shouldn't, since I heard in Scripture that we are to drop the matter in case of contentions (not sure of the exact verse yet).

Here's some more space in case I find more YouTube channels I find that are heretically peddling the Word of God for profit.  Please comment with more false ministries of this type to warn others.  Thanks!

.

Quickie Thoughts About Lent

“And he said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophecy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” --Mark 7:6-8, ESV

 I have to go to bed soon, but I wanted to get this out there.  Obviously, according to the liturgical calendar, it's currently Lent.  I haven't really thought about it that much until recently.  I've always thought of it as suspicious, since it's really just a tradition of men, like many in the liturgical calendar.  

Now, I thought it originated in Catholicism, but it may have originated earlier.  (There is evidence that the 2nd century church was Catholic)  According to the Wikipedia article, one theory has Lent starting during the Council of Nicea in 325 CE, during the era of the "Early Church 'Fathers'".

Anyway, there was one quote that gave me serious alarm bells, and it was from Augustine of Hippo, when he said:

Our fast at any other time is voluntary, but during Lent, we sin if we do not fast.

Pardon the pun, but not so fast!  Where in Scripture is this true? (Proverbs 30:6)

Now, there’s nothing wrong with prayer (Matthew 6:5-15, I Thessalonains 5:17 for example), nor fasting (Matthew 6:16-18 for example), nor giving of alms (Matthew 6:1-4, Luke 12:33 for example). But why are you praying? Why are you fasting? Why are you giving alms? Matthew 6:1-18 gives instructions on how to properly do all three, alms, prayer, and fasting, respectively. We don’t do these things because religious tradition tell us to do it. We do it because Jesus tells us to do it.

Alms and prayers are to be done all the time, as Cornelius did in Acts 10:2. Fasting can be done for many purposes, such as, with a supplement of prayer, driving out demons (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29), or, during a time of a temporary mutual sexual break between a married couple (I Corinthians 7:5). Fasting can also be done for the sake of contrition, such as in Psalm 69:10. However, to fast in the name of Lent is damningly dangerous, because it is in the name of tradition (Mark 7:6-8, Colossians 2:8).

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” --Colossians 2:8, ESV

Wikipedia contributors. "Lent." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 Mar. 2025. Web. 25 Mar. 2025.

 

 

 

God Orchestrates The Good Times, And The Bad Times

 "In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him." --Ecclesiastes 7:14

A Tiny Teaching In A Larger Sermon

I have heard it said that God causes everything.  In fact, this is something I believe wholeheartedly.  Yet, after listening to a recent sermon by Douglas Crawshaw Sr. which taught that acts of God are not hurricanes and shootings and disasters (to be fair, the point of the sermon was not to debate what is or is not an act of God, but rather that bad things sometimes just happen, no rhyme nor reason, the Scripture was from Luke 13:1-9, the "repent or perish" teaching), I started to reconsider my stance, in particular my use of the word "cause".  

If I say that God "causes" disasters (even though it's technically true), it sounds as if I'm saying that God literally and physically came down and spun the clouds to form hurricanes, or that God literally and physically came down and marionetted a school shooter into action.  I doubt this.  Correct me if I'm wrong (Proverbs 6:23).

Yet, like the pleasant times, God also orchestrates the unpleasant times:

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7, KJV)

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36, KJV)

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6, KJV)

So why the nitpicking, if that teaching was a tiny fraction of the entire sermon, which for the most part, I can accept?  

Mainly, to me it stuck out like a sore thumb, especially since I started to look up all the Scripture that the extreme preachers were talking about, when they say "Jesus Caused 9/11" or "Thank God for IEDs", and the like.  I had to read the Bible for myself, and lo and behold, in a way, it's true.  This is an uncomfortable truth, yet it's true. 

Atheist Stephen Fry once said to a reporter when asked what he would say to God if Fry was in Heaven:

"Bone cancer in children?  What's that about?  How dare you!  How dare you create a world in which there was such misery that is not our fault.  It's not right; it's utterly, utterly evil.  Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?"

Mr. Fry essentially calls God evil because he rejects God's sovereignty.  Here's what I mean:

Let me expand on Romans 11:36 because it requires some context.  In the latter part of the chapter, Paul taught that Israel's disobedience to the Gospel led to the salvation of the Gentiles, while at the same time made the Jews jealous.  Paul then said in v. 32 that, according to the ESV, God has "consigned them all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on them all."

Paul later writes that God's judgments are unsearchable and His ways inscrutable (v. 33).  It is impossible for someone to figure out why God does what He does.  After expanding on this thought in the next two verses, Paul finishes in v. 36 with this concluding fact:

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36, KJV)

The Experience of Job

There is another teaching about God's direction over all things through the experience of Job. Now, while it is true that Satan did the dirty work of creating Job's grief, who was the one who authorized it? God!

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:12, KJV)

Yet how did Job respond?

"And he said, 'Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21, KJV)

And what was the outcome?

"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:22, KJV).  The ESV says Job did not "charge God with wrong."  

Think about that!  Job acknowledged that God was responsible for his affliction, yet he never "blamed" God or called it "wrong".

Then in Chapter 2, God spoke to Satan again about Job:

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” (Job 2:3, KJV)

Even God acknowledges his part in Job's affliction, even though Satan did the dirty work.

Then in v. 6, after Satan made another accusation thinking that Job's fidelity is disingenuous ("Skin for skin") (v. 4-5), God authorizes Satan to afflict Job again, this time afflicting his health. Yet, hear what Job himself had to say about all this, after his wife tells Job to "curse God and die":

“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10, KJV)

Job again acknowledged the "hand of God", even though Satan again did the dirty work.  Job also accepted what God has dealt him, whether in good or evil times.

So why am I so focused on God causing disasters, and not acknowledging with equal time that God causes pleasant moments, including extreme happiness and elation (of which I was a recipient of)?  I remember a quote from atheist George Carlin who exposed the double standard of the world when it comes to acts of God:

"And what can we do to silence these Christian athletes who thank Jesus whenever they win, never mention his name when they lose? Not a word. You never hear them say "Jesus made me drop the ball." "The good lord tripped me up behind the line of scrimmage." According to these guys Jesus is undefeated, meanwhile these a**holes are in last place. Must be another one of those "miracles.""

This is why we must respect both sides of the experience coin.  The highs, and the lows, and acknowledge that God is the author of both.

 

“Stephen Fry on God.” YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-suvkwNYSQo. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025. 

"George Carlin quote: And what can we do to silence these Christian athletes.." AZQuotes, https://www.azquotes.com/quote/759417.  Accessed 23 Mar 2025.

 

The January 6 Rioters Are Damned Unless They Repent

 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." -- Romans 13:1-2

While doing research on the American Baptist Churches USA (a heretical organization), I put more emphasis on ABC-USA's resistance to the God-ordained power of the State to put evildoers to death (ABC-USA rejects the death penalty).  I then thought about another group that resists the government.  The rioters on January 6, 2021, when they broke into the Capitol building in order to stop the lawful counting of electoral votes to elect Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States.  

Even IF the election was fraudulent, even IF the election was rigged in favor of Mr. Biden, it was still an act of wickedness to resist the lawful electoral process.  It is like the common adage, "two wrongs don't make a right".  It is still evil to return evil for evil (Romans 12:17, I Peter 3:9, etc.) (presuming evil even initially took place).

Repent (Matthew 3:2, Mark 1:3, Mark 1:15, etc.) January 6ers!

Mainline Theology Leads To Hell

(Scripture passages are from the ESV.)

Yes, this is a clickbait post for a reason.  I need to let this out.

I also wanted to emphasize that "Mainline" theology leads to Hell, and not only specific preachers and churches.

Yes, many progressive and fundamentalist churches are also false and lead to Hell, but that's not the main focus of this piece.

First, what is a Mainline church?

According to Wikipedia's article about "Mainline Protestant" churches, there are seven denominations that are the largest by membership.  In order, they are:

• 1. United Methodist Church (5.7 million)
• 2. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (2.9 million)
• 3. Episcopal Church (1.6 million)
• 4. Presbyterian Church USA (1.1 million)
• 5. American Baptist Churches USA (1.1 million)
• 6. United Church of Christ (710,000)
• 7. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (278,000)

Here are some things that I found about these churches, according to the article, and boy, are they damning:

Mainline Christian groups are often more accepting of other beliefs and faiths, affirm the ordination of women, and have become increasingly affirming of gay ordination.

This is quite damning.  True churches are to be INtolerant of other faiths, in particular, teaching them in church.  Paul says in Galatians:

Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

(Gal 2:4-5)

Jesus says to the Ephesians in Revelation:

Rev 2:2  “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 

On the ordination of women, I Timothy 2:12 says:

1Ti 2:12  I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 

On the ordination of homosexuals, firstly, homosexuals have no business being pastors (I Timothy 3:6 prohibits new CONVERTS from the pulpit, which also means that only converts can become pastors), because the homosexual is not a believer.  If he were, he wouldn't be a homosexual, or at least he would cease from homosexual activity. (see Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:27)

The Wikipedia article also says about the Mainliners:

Mainline denominations generally teach that the Bible is God's Word in function, but that it must be interpreted both through the lens of the cultures in which it was originally written, and examined using God-given reason.

Seriously?  Isn't it just enough to take God at His Word?  Isn't that what saving faith is (Luke 8:12)?  Just to believe what is written, and to do what God says?  Abraham certainly took God at His Word, and didn't require further interpretation:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

(Jas 2:21-23)

In addition, look at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 through 7.  There are lots of places where Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said...but I say to you..."

And what was the crowd's response?

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

(Mat 7:28-29)

Jesus preached with AUTHORITY.  No interpretation needed.  Just do what He says, period.

Mainline churches, if by Mainline meaning neither very loose or very tight on theology, are those similar to the church in Laodicea in the Book of Revelation:

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

(Rev 3:14-19)

Sources:

Wikipedia contributors. "Mainline Protestant." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 Feb. 2024. Web.

The Episcopal Church Exposed

 I received a group text from someone which simply read "Stop".  Upon doing further research, I found that the person making that text message was simply trying to stop further texts from someone claiming to be a lottery.  I called the person, and it turns out she is an "Episcopal deacon".  This led me to look into the Episcopal Church again, also seeing as one of their own, a "bishop" named Mariann Budde, asked President Trump to "have mercy" on illegal immigrants and the LGBT.

Here are the main reasons why the Episcopal Church is a false church whose leaders and adherents (John 10:5, 2 John 1:9-11) are going to Hell ("swift destruction" says 2 Peter 2:1):

1. They ordain women into the ministry.  On their website, if you search for "ordination of women", you find a few articles such as "40th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women Priests" and "Women Ordination Vote Passed In the Church of the Province of Central Africa".  Not to mention the popularity of female bishop Mariann Budde.  It is obvious that they approve of this, which is in violation of I Timothy 2:12:

"But I suffer not a woman to each, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."

2. They promote the abomination of homosexuality, the LGB portion (Leviticus 20:13), and the wickedness of effeminacy, the T portion concerning males to "females" (I Corinthians 6:9) in promoting the LGBT.  If you search for "lgbt" on their website, a May 16, 2024 article shows up with the title "Episcopal Church unveils new Pride shield in celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion".  They tolerate this!  

3. Not only that, they allow such homosexuals to be in the clergy!  In their section titled "What We Believe", they say:

"...people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church..."

I Timothy 3:2 begins this way concerning bishops:

"A bishop must be blameless..."

How can you be blameless when you're living in gross sin!

So, this is a simple exposure (Ephesians 5:11).  There's likely more damnable heresies to be found within this church, but these three points are starters in making it plain.

Scott Silverii Ministries Exposed

 Here is a recent exposure for you all.  I found him on Facebook.  His ministry mainly focuses on manhood, and how perpetutating the concept of adolescence is ungodly (which it is, see I Corinthians 13:11).  Yet, he is a false teacher for the following reasons:

1. Peddling The Word of God For Profit

"For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." --2 Corinthians 2:17, ESV

"like so many", Mr. Silverii's church, Five Stones Church in Midlothian, Texas, solicits donations for his ministry, which is against the Word of God.  Not that true pastors are undeserving of compensation (I Corinthians 9:1-14), but that the Word of God must NOT be used as something for "sale".  Anyone who solicits donations for a church or a similar ministry is doing just that.  It is wickedness.

2. Anti Corporal Punishment

Proverbs 23:13-14 (KJV) says:

"Withhold not correction from the child, for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.  Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."

 

In this picture, Mr. Silverii compares a weak father to a strong father.  A "strong father" to him is one who "doesn't spank", wheras a "weak father" "punishes".  

Corporal punishment is MANDATORY to raise a righteous child and keep the child from going to Hell.  To say otherwise is violate Deuteronony 12:32 (KJV):

"What thing sowever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereo, nor diminish from it."

3. The Lie of "Taxation Is Theft"

Romans 13:6-7 (ESV) says:

"For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.  Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes is owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."

Check out this other Facebook post from Mr. Silverii:

Look at the last panel.  It is suggesting that you should teach your children that "taxation is theft".  THE BIBLE SAYS NO SUCH THING!!! (Proverbs 30:6)  Now, is it possible for the government to misuse taxpayer money?  Of course.  However, it still doesn't change the fact that taxation is a Biblical concept, and not theft.

Chuck Swindoll and the Essentials Lie

(Update: Chuck Swindoll is not the only person who believes and preaches the essentials lie.  Thy are also found among the Southern Baptists (see the SBC Wikipedia page), and others like Harold Welwood of Quora (not sure if he is a teacher, but he does espouse the essentials lie, likely not the only one who answers religion questions on Quora.)  Seriously, there are so many false teachers out there.)

Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

I have heard that Chuck Swindoll was a false teacher.  One has said he was an "OSAS wolf" (OSAS being "once saved always saved").  I even asked an AI to tell me the controversial teachings of Mr. Swindoll.  I was told that conservatives criticize him on focusing more on grace and less on performative action.  As for he who called Mr. Swindoll an OSAS wolf, I asked the person if he knew of any exact quotes of Mr. Swindoll's, response pending.

Yet, I had to find out for myself.  So, I went to insight.org, the website for Mr. Swindoll's ministry Insight for Living, and immediately, something caught my eye: "Essential Beliefs".  Oh great.  Is Mr. Swindoll another one of those "essentials" teachers?  Let's see:

And while a grace-based ministry such as ours allows for freedom of interpretation and expression in many areas of Christian practice, we believe that the following essential beliefs are absolute and non-negotiable.

Ah.  There it is.  "freedom of interpretation".  This is a classic heresy.  In order to "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), interpretations of Scripture must not be loose.  The Bible must mean what it says, and say what it means.  Otherwise, is the Bible really that authoritative?

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

(Mat 7:28-29)

As for "essential beliefs", which in most modern false churches, include the 66-book Biblical canon, the "Trinity", man's sinfulness, the way of salvation, the final resurrection, the Church, etc (most of these doctrines I take no issue with btw), two problems.  Firstly, if we are to talk about foundational doctrines, why is the modern list different from a list such as this:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

(Heb 6:1-3)

Is Chuck Swindoll saying that repenting from dead works, baptism, and laying on of hands, are non-essential doctrines?  The writer of Hebrews includes them in Christianity 101!  Obviously, the writer of Hebrews is not saying that all other doctrines besides that list are non-essential, lest he himself doesn't believe that man lives by "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God".

Secondly, is Chuck Swindoll suggesting that the doctrines of the Sermon on the Mount are non-essential?  Some of which speak of Hell, not going to Heaven, or not being forgiven of sins? (Matthew 5:20 on exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, v. 22 on "thou fool", v. 29-30 on removing sources of temptation, 6:15 on nonforgiveness, 7:13 on the broad road to destruction, 7:21-23 on "I never knew you").

To be a Christian and be saved, you must believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31), who is the Word of God (John 1:1, 1:14, etc., also see Luke 8:12).  To believe in the Word of God is not to believe part of it and ignore the rest.  You must believe ALL of it, or you don't believe it at all.

If Chuck Swindoll's teachings are rooted in the essentials lie, he is a false teacher, and he is not saved, and he is leading many to Hell.

Original Citations:

“Essential Beliefs.” Essential Beliefs - Insight for Living Ministries, www.insight.org/about/essential-beliefs. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.