Monday, February 18, 2013

Natural = Better? [UPDATED]

Posted by Sola Sisters

When it comes to food, does "natural" automatically equal "better?" If this is your thinking, I have some food for thought for you. While I do agree that eating food that is less processed is probably more healthy than eating food that is highly processed, we also should remember that Jesus himself declared ALL foods clean:
“Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’” After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.") (Mark 7:15-19, my emphasis)
Another thought: When Adam and Eve sinned and brought about the Fall, ALL of the world was cursed, including the plants.
"To Adam, God said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, You must not eat from it, Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life." (Gen 3:17)
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." (Rom 8:22)
So going back to nature and revering natural, plant-based food, treatments, etc. as automatically better, or somehow more pure, is faulty thinking. The plants were also subject to the curse.

Some more verses to consider:
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." (1 Tim 4:1-6, my emphasis)
Obviously, we need to follow biblical principles when it comes to food, and in this area, God's word is not completely silent on the matter: we ought not be gluttonous, we mustn't make food an idol, and we should give thanks for what the Lord has provided. But what I am finding today is that many Christians I run into have the most incredibly strong opinions when it comes to food, often to the point of attaching spiritual significance to their food choices. Now, perhaps I'm ultra-attuned to picking up on this, having once been enslaved myself to legalistic ideas about food that involved, yes, attaching spiritual significance to my food choices. You see, as a New Ager, I had been a militant vegetarian, who only ever ate anything organic, whole grain, and minimally processed. At the time, I don't think I would have said that I viewed my choices as being morally superior to other people's choices, but looking back, it's absolutely clear to me that I did. And then, even as a new Christian, I still held on to some of my (militant) ideas about food, and for a brief season in my early Christian walk accepted the Hebrew Roots teaching about following the Leviticus food laws. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but I was one of those who would chastise, brow-beat and question the intelligence and diligence of anyone who didn't have some arduous Food Plan for themselves and for their families.  However, as God began to sanctify me over time, He also was really working in my heart about my food legalism. But it has taken me 10 years to get to the place I am now. Ten years.

Please hear what I'm saying: I am not saying that anyone else is in bondage to food legalism, or that anyone who desires to make healthier food choices is automatically a legalist. What I am doing is sounding the alarm that Christians ought to be on guard against unwittingly taking on worldly concepts about their food choices. I'm saying this because the New Age teaching I was under has gone from being something that only a very small minority of people in this country believed and acted upon to becoming pretty much mainstreamed. This subtle New Age teaching is everywhere in the culture now, and the teaching is this: your food choices have a moral component to them. But this is simply not true, and I think I've biblically made my case about this.
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (1 Tim 4:1-5)
Please also understand, again, that I am not saying we shouldn't be wise about our food choices, but at the same time, we can take this too far, until it almost becomes an obsession with some. The problem I see is when Christians begin to equate eating processed food with being sinful, OR the inverse: they sometimes seem to equate eating unprocessed food as being somehow more righteous or more virtuous, as if there were some moral/spiritual component to our decisions about food. Having said all that, my personal preference is still to eat a minimally processed diet, lots of fruits and veggies, etc. In fact, I have been teased by some friends that I must be part Amish, because I grind my own wheat for making bread (yes, I really do). But at the same time, I want to be balanced in my thinking, and be able to be like Paul, content in any and every circumstance. What this means for me is that I desire, by God's grace, to be content whether I am eating as I prefer, that is to say, food that is fresh and minimally processed, or, whether I'm eating a Chick-Fil-A sandwich and waffle fries on the fly.
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
And one last thing: I would also add that it seems that people (even Christians) who go overboard with all of this stuff seem to forget that we all will die one day. We are so easily distracted from eternal things......looking for perfect health and/or long, physical life. Perhaps we should remember that our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and focus more on our glorified bodies that only union with Christ will bring (Philippians 3:20-21), though I am somewhat leery of even posting this comment, over concern that fellow Christians will say I am advocating mistreating our bodies, which I most assuredly am not. Fellow Christians, I am simply exhorting that we not make food - mere food - more important than it is. Let's not make food an idol.

For additional teaching on this from God's word, please see Colossians 2:16, Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8, 9 and 10.

 (Please note that the post above was made by a former health food idolator and "natural" junkie. Please bear this in mind before the knives come out.....this is not an issue I've thought through carelessly or lightly. In fact, this article has been brewing in my brain for many months now. I have been researching, discussing, thinking about, and basically living out my ideas about food for more than 30 years now, beginning when I was 14 years old and used my own money to begin buying Health magazine. I know that food is a highly charged topic in the time we live in, and with that in mind, may we all endeavor, by God's grace, to always be submitting all of our ideas to the authority of God's Word.)

photo credit: moirabot via photopin cc


 Additional Resources 

Does the Root Word of "Pharmaceutical" (Pharmakeia/φαρμακεία) Mean That Pharmaceutical Drugs Are Rooted In the Occult/Sorcery? (Sola Sisters)

Alternative Medicine: A Mind Blowing Magical Mystery Tour  (Free, online e-book exposing the unsubstantiated claims [both currently and historically] made about many "natural" remedies)

Are We All Syncretists Now? A Conversation About Evangelical Christianity and Alternative Medicine with Historian Candy Gunther Brown (Dr. Al Mohler)

The Debate About GMO Safety is Over (Forbes Magazine)

The Whole Foods Movement and the Developing World

Wellness: The New Age Trojan Horse in Healthcare (Marcia Montenegro)

Update: Ingrid Schlueter Interviews Marcia Montenegro and Christine Pack (Crosstalk at VCY America 4/26/11) to Discuss The Wellness Article - you may listen here

Hospitals: A New Dark Age? (Marcia Montenegro)

Tapping: The Next Big Thing in Alternative Medicine (Sola Sisters)

No Scientific Evidence For "Chi" or "Qi" (NYU Langone Medical Center)


Problems with Alternative Medicine (Marcia Montenegro)

 Warnings About Homeopathy 

 Warnings About Alternative Treatments 

Alternative Medicine: A Mind Blowing Magical Mystery Tour  (Online e-book exposing the unsubstantiated claims [both currently and historically] made about many "natural" remedies.....I highly recommend this eye-opening, FREE ebook)
The Truth About Nutritional Supplements (Fitness Magazine, 10-01-2009)

Safety and Regulation of Dietary Supplements (NPR radio interview, 7-16-2014)

Dietary And Herbal Supplements Could Interfere With Prescription Drugs (Medical News Today)

 Herbal Supplements May Not Mix With Heart Medicines (Mayo Clinic)

5 Risky Herbal Supplements: Even Though They're Natural, Some Herbal Supplements Can Be Dangerous (Web MD)

Warning: Herbal Supplements Don't Always Go Well With Heart Drugs (U.S. News and World Report)


Severe liver damage from certain dietary aid supplements  (Examiner, links to archived New York Times article, 11-3-13)


 Warnings About Essential Oils 

The Christian and Essential Oils: A Few Thoughts [UPDATED] (Sola Sisters)

Essential Oils Revisited (Sola Sisters)

Aromatherapy: Biblical Path to Healing or Demonic Deception? (Chuck and Julie Cohen)

A Critique of David Stewart's Healing Oils of the Bible (Marcia Montenegro)

How To Use Essential Oils: A Step-By-Step Guide (satire, warning: some mild language)


 Warnings About Essential Oil Toxicity 

Essential Oil Safety: Documented Side Effects, Injuries, and Deaths from Essential Oil Ingestion (Hub Pages)

Eucalyptus Oil and Essential Oils Poisoning (The Royal Children's Hospital - Melbourne, AU)

Can Aromatherapy Oils Poison You? How Tiny Particles 'May Damage Liver and Kidneys' (Daily Mail, UK)

Hidden Dangers of Essential Oils: The Frightening Truth About Natural Remedies Such as Olbas Oil Which Can Cause Heart Problems, Convulsions and Eye Ulcers (Daily Mail, UK)

Danger for Cats: Essential Oils (Articulate Animals Blog)

Warning About Peppermint Oil Overdose (New York Times)

Shannon: Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 4th ed.

Toxic Effects of Essential Oils - Addresses Oils Taken Orally and Externally (The Research Pedia)


 Sola Sisters Facebook Wall Threads - Essential Oils 

Sola Sisters Facebook wall - February 23, 2014
Sola Sisters Facebook wall - April 24, 2014
Sola Sisters Facebook wall -April 26, 2014
Sola Sisters Facebook wall - June 28, 2014 (general warning about essential oils) 
Sola Sisters Facebook wall - June 30, 2014 (critique of essential oils/YL by Chuck and Julie Cohen)
Sola Sisters Facebook wall - July 11, 2014 (should Christians partner with companies who market their products with unbiblical spiritual concepts?)
Sola Sisters Facebook wall - July 28, 2014 (discussion re: Sola Sisters' concerns about YL/alternative)

 John Ankerberg Resources and Articles 
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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Can't Be a Christian AND a Young Earth Scientist? Tell It To These Guys.

Posted by Christine Pack


I can't even begin to express how instrumental Answers in Genesis was in helping to form my biblical worldview. As a new Christian, I was still pretty evolutionary in my thinking. Then along came AIG.  I remember going through their LONG list of Young Earth scientists and just being amazed! And here's why: I had always been told and taught, from grade school all the way up through college, that science had "proved" evolution. Evolution was "fact." So, having had this life-long indoctrination, the first time I ever heard of "Young Earthers" as a new Christian, I immediately thought (okay, I'm just being honest here), "cult!" But then several years later, along came Answers in Genesis, and here were all these scientists, many of them with multiple and advanced degrees in the sciences.  In other words, it's not like these were guys with their PhDs in Literature or something, weighing in on subjects they hadn't studied. These were scientists who had studied Archaeology, Biology, Zoology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Palaeontology, etc., etc., and who, after studying the evidence, were saying, "It points to Young Earth, and here's why...." Bottom line: I just really like how these scientists, working alongside Answers in Genesis, have turned that condescending, worldly dismissal of the Young Earth view on its ear. There are no "village idiots" in this bunch, my friends. You can say a lot of things about this group of scientists, but one thing you can't say is that they're stupid. In fact, I believe that God is using the ministry of Answers in Genesis to respond to the mockers of this age:
"It is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:19-20)
From the Answers in Genesis website:
 Can Creationists Be Real Scientists? 
Many secular and atheist groups mock Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum for not being scientific. However, some of the most influential scientists past and present have been and are creationists (see below). 
Read our position 
See what others are saying 
 Some Modern Scientists Who Have Accepted the Biblical Account of Creation: 
■ Dr. William Arion, Biochemistry, Chemistry
■ Dr. Paul Ackerman, Psychologist
■ Dr. E. Theo Agard, Medical Physics
■ Dr. Steve Austin, Geologist
■ Dr. S.E. Aw, Biochemist
■ Dr. Thomas Barnes, Physicist
■ Dr. Geoff Barnard, Immunologist
■ Dr. John Baumgardner, Electrical Engineering, Space Physicist, Geophysicist, expert in supercomputer modeling of plate tectonics
■ Dr. Jerry Bergman, Psychologist
■ Dr. Kimberly Berrine, Microbiology & Immunology
■ Prof. Vladimir Betina, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biology
■ Dr. Andrew Bosanquet, Biology, Microbiology
■ Edward A. Boudreaux, Theoretical Chemistry
■ Dr. David R. Boylan, Chemical Engineer
■ Prof. Linn E. Carothers, Associate Professor of Statistics
■ Dr. Rob Carter, Marine Biology
■ Prof. Sung-Do Cha, Physics
■ Dr. Eugene F. Chaffin, Professor of Physics
■ Dr. Choong-Kuk Chang, Genetic Engineering
■ Prof. Jeun-Sik Chang, Aeronautical Engineering
■ Dr. Donald Chittick, Physical Chemist
■ Prof. Chung-Il Cho, Biology Education
■ Dr. John M. Cimbala, Mechanical Engineering
■ Dr. Harold Coffin, Palaeontologist
■ Timothy C. Coppess, M.S., Environmental Scientist
■ Dr. Bob Compton, DVM
■ Dr. Ken Cumming, Biologist
■ Dr. Jack W. Cuozzo, Dentist
■ Dr. William M. Curtis III, Th.D., Th.M., M.S., Aeronautics & Nuclear Physics
■ Dr. Malcolm Cutchins, Aerospace Engineering
■ Dr. Lionel Dahmer, Analytical Chemist
■ Dr. Raymond V. Damadian, M.D., Pioneer of magnetic resonance imaging
■ Dr. Chris Darnbrough, Biochemist
■ Dr. Nancy M. Darrall, Botany
■ Dr. Bryan Dawson, Mathematics
■ Dr. Douglas Dean, Biological Chemistry
■ Prof. Stephen W. Deckard, Assistant Professor of Education
■ Dr. David A. DeWitt, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
■ Dr. Don DeYoung, Astronomy, atmospheric physics, M.Div
■ Dr. Geoff Downes, Creationist Plant Physiologist
■ Dr. Ted Driggers, Operations research
■ Robert H. Eckel, Medical Research
■ Dr. André Eggen, Geneticist
■ Dr. Dudley Eirich, Molecular Biologist
■ Prof. Dennis L. Englin, Professor of Geophysics
■ Dr. Andrew J. Fabich, Microbiology
■ Prof. Danny Faulkner, Astronomy
■ Prof. Carl B. Fliermans, Professor of Biology
■ Prof. Dwain L. Ford, Organic Chemistry
■ Dr. Kenneth W. Funk, Organic Chemistry
■ Prof. Robert H. Franks, Associate Professor of Biology
■ Dr. Alan Galbraith, Watershed Science
■ Dr. Paul Giem, Medical Research
■ Dr. Maciej Giertych, Geneticist
■ Dr. Duane Gish, Biochemist
■ Dr. Werner Gitt, Information Scientist
■ Dr. Warwick Glover, General Surgeon
■ Dr. D.B. Gower, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Robin Greer, Chemist, History
■ Dr. Stephen Grocott, Chemist
■ Dr. Vicki Hagerman, DMV
■ Dr. Donald Hamann, Food Scientist
■ Dr. Barry Harker, Philosopher
■ Dr. Charles W. Harrison, Applied Physicist, Electromagnetics
■ Dr. Mark Harwood, Engineering (satellite specialist)
■ Dr. George Hawke, Environmental Scientist
■ Dr. Margaret Helder, Science Editor, Botanist
■ Dr. Harold R. Henry, Engineer
■ Dr. Jonathan Henry, Astronomy
■ Dr. Joseph Henson, Entomologist
■ Dr. Robert A. Herrmann, Professor of Mathematics, US Naval Academy
■ Dr. Andrew Hodge, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service
■ Dr. Kelly Hollowell, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacologist
■ Dr. Ed Holroyd, III, Atmospheric Science
■ Dr. Bob Hosken, Biochemistry
■ Dr. George F. Howe, Botany
■ Dr. Neil Huber, Physical Anthropologist
■ Dr. James A. Huggins, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology
■ Evan Jamieson, Hydrometallurgy
■ George T. Javor, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Arthur Jones, Biology
■ Dr. Jonathan W. Jones, Plastic Surgeon
■ Dr. Raymond Jones, Agricultural Scientist
■ Prof. Leonid Korochkin, Molecular Biology
■ Dr. William F. Kane, (Civil) Geotechnical Engineering
■ Dr. Valery Karpounin, Mathematical Sciences, Logics, Formal Logics
■ Dr. Dean Kenyon, Biologist
■ Prof. Gi-Tai Kim, Biology
■ Prof. Harriet Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jong-Bai Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jung-Wook Kim, Environmental Science
■ Prof. Kyoung-Rai Kim, Analytical Chemistry
■ Prof. Kyoung-Tai Kim, Genetic Engineering
■ Prof. Young-Gil Kim, Materials Science
■ Prof. Young In Kim, Engineering
■ Dr. John W. Klotz, Biologist
■ Dr. Vladimir F. Kondalenko, Cytology/Cell Pathology
■ Dr. Leonid Korochkin, M.D., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology
■ Dr. John K.G. Kramer, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Johan Kruger, Zoology
■ Prof. Jin-Hyouk Kwon, Physics
■ Prof. Myung-Sang Kwon, Immunology
■ Dr. John G. Leslie, Biochemist, Physician, Archaeologist
■ Dr. Jason Lisle, Astrophysicist
■ Dr. Alan Love, Chemist
■ Dr. Ian Macreadie, molecular biologist and microbiologist:
■ Dr. John Marcus, Molecular Biologist
■ Dr. Ronald C. Marks, Associate Professor of Chemistry
■ Dr. George Marshall, Eye Disease Researcher
■ Dr. Ralph Matthews, Radiation Chemist
■ Dr. John McEwan, Chemist
■ Prof. Andy McIntosh, Combustion theory, aerodynamics
■ Dr. David Menton, Anatomist
■ Dr. Angela Meyer, Creationist Plant Physiologist
■ Dr. John Meyer, Physiologist
■ Dr. Albert Mills, Animal Embryologist/Reproductive Physiologist
■ Colin W. Mitchell, Geography
■ Dr. Tommy Mitchell, Physician
■ Dr. John N. Moore, Science Educator
■ Dr. John W. Moreland, Mechanical engineer and Dentist
■ Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006), founder of the Institute for Creation Research.
■ Dr. Arlton C. Murray, Paleontologist
■ Dr. John D. Morris, Geologist
■ Dr. Len Morris, Physiologist
■ Dr. Graeme Mortimer, Geologist
■ Dr. Terry Mortenson, History of Geology
■ Stanley A. Mumma, Architectural Engineering
■ Prof. Hee-Choon No, Nuclear Engineering
■ Dr. Eric Norman, Biomedical researcher
■ Dr. David Oderberg, Philosopher
■ Prof. John Oller, Linguistics
■ Prof. Chris D. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biology
■ Dr. John Osgood, Medical Practitioner
■ Dr. Charles Pallaghy, Botanist
■ Dr. Gary E. Parker, Biologist, Cognate in Geology (Paleontology)
■ Dr. David Pennington, Plastic Surgeon
■ Prof. Richard Porter
■ Dr. Georgia Purdom, Molecular Genetics
■ Dr. John Rankin, Cosmologist
■ Dr. A.S. Reece, M.D.
■ Prof. J. Rendle-Short, Pediatrics
■ Dr. Jung-Goo Roe, Biology
■ Dr. David Rosevear, Chemist
■ Dr. Ariel A. Roth, Biology
■ Dr. Joachim Scheven Palaeontologist:
■ Dr. Ian Scott, Educator
■ Dr. Saami Shaibani, Forensic physicist
■ Dr. Young-Gi Shim, Chemistry
■ Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin, Food Science
■ Dr. Mikhail Shulgin, Physics
■ Dr. Roger Simpson, Engineer
■ Dr. Harold Slusher, Geophysicist
■ Dr. E. Norbert Smith, Zoologist
■ George S. Smith, M.S., Chemistry
■ Dr. Andrew Snelling, Geologist
■ Prof. Man-Suk Song, Computer Science
■ Dr. Timothy G. Standish, Biology
■ Prof. James Stark, Assistant Professor of Science Education
■ Prof. Brian Stone, Engineer
■ Dr. Esther Su, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Charles Taylor, Linguistics
■ Dr. Stephen Taylor, Electrical Engineering
■ Dr. Ker C. Thomson, Geophysics
■ Dr. Michael Todhunter, Forest Genetics
■ Dr. Lyudmila Tonkonog, Chemistry/Biochemistry
■ Dr. Royal Truman, Organic Chemist:
■ Dr. Larry Vardiman, Atmospheric Science
■ Prof. Walter Veith, Zoologist
■ Dr. Joachim Vetter, Biologist
■ Dr. Stephen J. Vinay III, Chemical Engineering
■ Sir Cecil P. G. Wakeley (1892–1979) Surgeon
■ Dr. Jeremy Walter, Mechanical Engineer
■ Dr. Keith Wanser, Physicist
■ Dr. Noel Weeks, Ancient Historian (also has B.Sc. in Zoology)
■ Dr. A.J. Monty White, Chemistry/Gas Kinetics
■ Dr. John Whitmore, Geologist/Paleontologist
■ Arthur E. Wilder-Smith (1915–1995) Three science doctorates; a creation science pioneer
■ Dr. Clifford Wilson, Psycholinguist and archaeologist
■ Dr. Kurt Wise, Palaeontologist
■ Prof. Verna Wright, Rheumatologist (deceased 1997)
■ Prof. Seoung-Hoon Yang, Physics
■ Dr. Thomas (Tong Y.) Yi, Ph.D., Creationist Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
■ Dr. Ick-Dong Yoo, Genetics
■ Dr. Sung-Hee Yoon, Biology
■ Dr. Patrick Young, Chemist and Materials Scientist
■ Prof. Keun Bae Yu, Geography
■ Dr. Henry Zuill, Biology 
 Is There Evidence of Discrimination Against Creation Scientists? 
Contemporary Suppression of the Theistic Worldview 
Do Creation Scientists Publish in Secular Journals?
Do Creationists Publish in Notable Refereed Journals?
Bias in Higher Education 
Peer Pressure and Truth
Revolutionary Atmospheric Invention by Victim of Anti-creationist Discrimination 
Science Magazine Refuses to Hire Creationist
(Online source)

 Additional Resources 

Answers in Genesis Curricula

Answers in Genesis for Kids

Answers in Genesis Articles Archive

The Creation Museum
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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Former Sovereign Grace Ministries Founder Calls For Christian Leaders To Separate From CJ Mahaney Due To Class Action Sex Abuse Case

Posted by Christine Pack
Brent Detwiler, one of the Sovereign Grace Ministries founders, has called for prominent Christian leaders to separate from Sovereign Grace Ministries pastor C.J. Mahaney due to an ongoing sex abuse class action lawsuit that has been brought against Sovereign Grace Ministries. Mahaney, who is currently a member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and The Gospel Coalition, is a well-known speaker at Christian conferences, and is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Gospel Coalition National Conference, scheduled for April 8-10 in Orlando, Fl.

Some of the leaders Detwiler has called upon  to separate from Mahaney are John Piper, Voddie Baucham, Mark Driscoll, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Paige Patterson and Ed Stetzer.


 Janet Mefferd Interviews About the SGM Class Action Lawsuit 
 Additional Resources 

Former respected SGM youth leader Nathaniel Morales accused of abusing boys for decades in Montgomery Co. (ABC affiliate, WJLA) [UPDATE: Morales convicted]

Sovereign Grace Ministries and Abuse: Time to Speak Out (Patheos)

Lawsuit Claims Sovereign Grace Ministries Concealed Sex Abuse

Sovereign Grace Ministries: In Sex Abuse Case, Courts Shouldn't "Second Guess" SGM's Pastoral Counseling

Flagship Churches Prepare To Leave As Lawsuit Charges C.J. Mahaney's Sovereign Grace Ministries With Covering Up Child Sex Abuse

Copy of Lawsuit Filed Against Sovereign Grace Ministries
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Being Persistent In Prayer

Posted by Christine Pack


And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?  (Luke 18:1-7)

photo credit: SalFalko via photopin cc


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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Seeds Family Worship: A Recommended Resource

Posted by Christine Pack

Fathers and mothers, are you looking for a great resource for teaching Bible verses to your children? Well, here's a no-brainer. Seeds Family Worship is a ministry out of Nashville, Tennessee that has produced eight wonderful CD's with catchy, original songs that are basically straight Scripture. The eight CDs are:
Seeds of Courage 
Seeds of Faith 
Seeds of Praise 
Seeds of Purpose
Power of Encouragement
Seeds of Character
The Character of God
Purity
And the best part? The music is really, really good. Anyone who knows me knows that I am slightly obsessed with music. As part of their schoolwork, my children sing little ditties to learn grammar and composition rules. And for some mysterious reason that I don't quite comprehend, the fact that these ditties are set to music somehow makes the rules "stick" better. Why does music act in this way on our brains? I'm sure there have been scientific studies done on this that I'm not aware of, but for myself, I'm just glad to know this fact, and pleased to have a resource that has set Scripture verses to music in such an appealing way. When my children are struggling with discouragement or sadness, or any of the myriad of struggles we humans face in this dark and dying world, I'm happy to know that, alongside Shurley Grammar rules taking up residence inside their brains, there are also many Bible verses. Amen, parents?

To hear a sampling of Seeds Family Worship, you may go to their website here, or you may watch their video (below) of Psalm 55:22, from the Power of Encouragement CD. (Just a note: Seeds Family Worship has produced only a handful of videos, so don't get too attached to the videos. The bulk of their ministry is in their audio CDs.)



Some of my favorites from the Seeds Family CDs (in no particular order) are:
■ Undivided Heart (Psalm 86:11-13, Seeds of Praise)
■ Teach Them (Deut 6:4-7, Seeds of Character)
■ Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17, Seeds of Praise)
■ Walk In His Ways (Psalm 128:1, Seeds of Faith)
■ God Is Unchanging (Hebrews 13:8, The Character of God)
■ Do Not Be Anxious (Phil 4:6-7, Seeds of Courage)
■ He Humbled Himself (Phil 2:3-5, 8, Purity)
■ No Greater Love (Remain in Me) (John 15:13-14, Seeds of Faith)
■ Amen (Rev 7:10, 12, Seeds of Praise)
■ Sing Praise to Him (1 Chron 16:9-10, Seeds of Praise)
■ Listen To Me (Psalm 34:11-14, Seeds of Purpose)
■ Delight (Psalm 1, Seeds of Character)
■ If God Is For Us (Rom 8:28, 31, Seeds of Purpose)
■ God is Everlasting (Psalm 90:1-2, The Character of God)
■ Crushed (Psalm 34:18, Seeds of Courage)
■ Fishers of Men (Matthew 4:18-20, Seeds of Purpose)
■ Out of the Mud (Psalm 40:1-2, Seeds of Courage)
■ Be Still (Psalm 46:10, Seeds of Praise)
■ The Word of the Lord (1 Peter 1:24-25, Seeds of Faith)
■ Cast Your Cares (Psalm 55:22, Power of Encouragement)
■ Soar Like Eagles (Isaiah 40:29-31, Power of Encouragement)
■ Never Be Shaken (Psalm 62:1-2, Seeds of Courage)
■ God is Holy (Isaiah 6:1-3, The Character of God)
■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 
■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 
■ Be Joyful Always (1 Thess 5:16-18, Seeds of Purpose)
■ Young (1 Tim 4:12, Seeds of Courage)
■ We Trust (Psalm 20:7, The Character of God) 


 Additional Resources 

Christian Music
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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Finding God's Will?

Posted by Christine Pack

Have you ever heard or even believed yourself that there was a "perfect will for your life" that you somehow had to find? I believed this, as a new Christian. I was surrounded by dear and well-meaning Christians who talked a lot about "finding God's perfect will for your life," and I became very confused about what this meant. It was so distressing to me, thinking that there might be this mysterious "perfect will" somewhere "out there" that I was supposed to discern or uncover or dig for or find, like searching for buried treasure. And that perhaps I had somehow missed it, stumbled over it, gotten away from it, etc.


It was therefore a tremendous blessing for me, soon after I had become ensnared by this thinking, to find Pastor Bob DeWaay's very excellent and biblical  teaching on the topic of God's will for our lives. Bob's teaching helped me so much, and really steadied my thinking in this area. I therefore strongly encourage anyone who has been confused by this errant teaching to either read Bob's articles on the topic of God's will or listen to his Critical Issues Commentary radio programs on the same topic. Both are linked below.

Also, for those who are concerned about Bob DeWaay's health, which has been poor in the last few months, here is an update from his daughter.  Prayers for Bob and his health would be greatly appreciated.

photo credit: somebaudy via photopin cc

 Articles 
God's Will and Christian Liberty
God's Revealed Will
 Radio 
God's Will Radio Series

 Additional Resources 

Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.  - by Kevin DeYoung

Just Do Something - by Kevin DeYoung (audio)

Unbiblical Teachings on Prayer and Experiencing God

Is That You Lord?: Hearing the Voice of the Lord, a Biblical Perspective (Pastor Gary Gilley)

Christian Dream Interpretation?
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Most Repeated Word...."Baby"

Posted by Christine Pack



TRANSCRIPTION: (sexy music playing) "Hey, baby. Did you think I forgot? I didn't forget. How could I ever forget our anniversary? All these years. So many people said we'd never make it. They've been trying to tear us apart. Take you away. Put limits on you...on me.....on us. (laughter) But every time we've proven ourselves stronger. An anniversary like this is not something that you forget, no, no, no, no, baby. It is something that you fight for. And that's exactly what I'm gonna do, baby.....fight. A few of us.....well, actually a couple hundred thousand of us, have chipped in to get you something mighty special, baby. We're gonna be standing right by your side. Today....tomorrow....and the years to come. Because that is how much you mean to me, baby.....to us.....to all of us. (laughter) So with that, happy anniversary, baby. Lookin' good for 40...."

Tagline: Happy 40th Anniversary, Roe v. Wade
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32
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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Andy Stanley Thinks President Obama Should Be Known as "Pastor In Chief?"

Posted by Christine Pack

From the Washington Examiner (1/21/13):
"President Obama’s recent response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., convinced the pastor who preached at this morning’s pre-inaugural church service that the president has the cleric’s touch.......Obama should be called 'Pastor in Chief,' said Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga., after he 'thanked POTUS for work after Newtown shooting tragedy when he spoke to mourners.'"
My friends, are these the words of a biblical pastor? Please bear in mind that Andy Stanley, Atlanta megachurch pastor and son of Pastor Charles Stanley, is heaping praise upon the same President who said in yesterday's Inaugural Address:
"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (Source)
Stanley is, unfortunately, giving the appearance of being bound to numbers and political access rather than fidelity to Scripture. But then again, perhaps gay-affirming President Obama and Andy Stanley have more in common than meets the eye at first glance. After all, Stanley is the same pastor who appeared to give tentatively gay-affirming signals over a recent conflict that he openly addressed in a sermon and which played out at his church. (The conflict in question involved a woman, her ex-husband, her ex-husband's male lover, and the male lover's wife. Yes, really.)

One wonders how this will all play out. In Atlanta where I am, Andy Stanley is considered to be solid, biblical and conservative. Perhaps stories such as these will open the eyes of the faithful remnant.


 Additional Resources 

Problems At Andy Stanley's North Point Church?

Is This Andy Stanley's Gay Affirming Shot Across the Bow?

Is The Megachurch the New Liberalism? (Chris Rosebrough's Fighting For the Faith radio show)

Homosexuality, Megachurches and Andy Stanley (Apprising)

Pastor Andy Stanley Responds to Questions Over Homosexuality Stance (Christian Post)

Andy Stanley Avoids Gay Issue in Last Sermon of Controversial 8-Part Series (Christian Post)

The Need for Elders Who Guard Their Flocks (Criticial Issues Commentary, Bob DeWaay)
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Paul Taylor Discusses Water on Mars, Earth

Posted by Christine Pack
“Isn't it interesting that many scientists look at the planet Mars these days, and they see this canyon across the center of Mars. And they say, the only way that could possibly have been formed is if the planet Mars was completely covered once with water. They even call it the 'Noachian epoch' on Mars. Isn't it amazing? That serious scientists will tell you that a planet which today has next to no water on it must at one time have been completely covered with water. But you try telling them that a planet which is seventy percent covered with water was once a hundred percent covered with water, and they laugh at you.” (Paul Taylor, Creation Today)
Biographical information on Paul Taylor, from the Creation Today website:

Paul Taylor,
Creation Today
Born near Manchester, England, Paul graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, and later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Cardiff. Both are part of the Russell Group, the elite group of 20 British universities, approximately equivalent to the Ivy League colleges in the United States. He was a science teacher in state comprehensive schools for many years, the equivalent of U.S. public schools. He taught in the North-West of England and then in South Wales, eventually becoming a Head of Department. Later he ran a business that trained people in industry and government in general ICT skills and web development. Most recently, Paul was the senior speaker and manager of Answers In Genesis (UK/Europe), the United Kingdom branch of the creationist organization based in Kentucky. In his role at AIG–UK, Paul authored more than eight books, was an itinerant speaker around the country, appearing on radio and TV programs, including brief debates with atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Steve Jones.
“You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.” (Psalm 104:6-9)

 Additional Resources 

Download the first chapter of Paul Taylor's book The Six Days of Genesis
The Six Days of Genesis
Talks Given By Paul Taylor
More Talks Given By Paul Taylor
The Historical Account of the Global Flood, Paul Taylor

 Young Earth Apologetics Resources 

Answers in Genesis
Answers in Genesis Video
The Creation Museum
Creation Ministries International
Already Compromised
Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church (And What You Can Do To Stop It)
The New Answers Book, Volume 1
The New Answers Book, Volume 2
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 1: Creation and the Fall
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 2: Dinosaurs and the Flood of Noah
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 3: God and the Bible
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 4: Sin, Salvation, and the Christian Life
Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1
The Lie: Evolution
Big Book of History
Adam's Synchronological Chart of History (James Ussher)
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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Psalm 46:10 and Hearing God Speak

Posted by Christine Pack

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

 Writes Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren in his Daily Hope blog (1/17/13):
"You say, 'I want to trust God, but I don't hear him.' To hear God, you have to get near God. You don't hear God when your mind is filled with a thousand other distractions. You've got to get alone with God and be quiet. The Bible says, 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10 NIV). That means sit down and shut up. That's how you hear God and get near to God. You have to sit alone and just be quiet with your Bible and say, 'God, is there anything you want to say to me?' You read God’s Word, and you talk to him about what's on your heart. Pray this today: 'God, I want to listen to you, not the voices of doubt. I want to hear you, and I promise to then obey you. I want to be one of the people that you can use and bless in the next 10 years. I want those years to be a decade of destiny for me and my family.'" (source)
Is this true? Do we need to get still and wait for God to "speak" to us, as Pastor Rick Warren teaches? Absolutely not, and Marcia Montenegro of Christian Answers For the New Age has written a great article in response to this now commonplace (but incorrect) teaching in today's church that Psalm 46:10 is about getting still and "hearing" God speak to you. Marcia, a former New Ager/professional astrologer, is now a born again Christian in full-time ministry, and is devoted to exposing how many of the things she once believed as a New Ager (such as the oft-misinterpreted Psalm 46:10) are coming into the church.

From Marcia's article:
"God's word teaches us to think and use our mind. Rational thinking and reason flow from the nature of God. We can be still or quiet, of course, in order to contemplate God and His perfect love, justice, and mercy. We can be still and appreciate His might. But we do not need to numb our brains or create a mystical experience to do so; in fact, these techniques will hinder us from practicing true contemplation."
Continue reading Marcia's article here.


photo credit: Connor Tarter via photopin cc


 Additional Resources 

Christian Answers For The New Age

What Is Mysticism?




Mysticism: Who Needs Crack?
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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Why Passion 2013 Is Such A Big Deal

Posted by Christine Pack


It's a big deal because come on, we've all been to conferences. You know the drill. You buy your ticket, and then wait for weeks, maybe even months, and then, with your ticket clutched in your sweaty hand, and maybe even all geeked out in a conference t-shirt, you carpool to the event with 6 of your best friends. When you get there, the stage is worthy of a John Mayer concert. The lighting and sound are ridiculously professional. And this is what happens: after each session of being whipped into an emotional frenzy by sing-songy speakers or repetitive musical cords or both, you and your friends rush out to the lobby in your semi-trance to buy all the books-sweatshirts-CDs of whoever was just on stage.

That's why it matters. Because guaranteed, a large percentage of the 60,000 attendees at Passion 2013 went home with Jesus Culture CDs. Still don't know who Jesus Culture is? what they believe? where they come from?
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Eph 5:11
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Cor 6:14
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Tim 4:3-5

 What they believe 




 Where they come from 



photo credit: marfis75 via photopin cc

 Additional Resources 

"Christian Fascism" Targeting Our Youth? (Sola Sisters)

Has John Piper Lost His Mind? (Sola Sisters)

Problems at Passion 2013 (Sola Sisters)

Resistance Is Futile: You Will Be Assimilated Into The Community (Fighting For The Faith)

More Problems at Passion 2013 (Fighting For The Faith)

Even More Problems at Passion 2013 (Fighting For The Faith)

Jesus Culture - You Sure It's The Real Jesus? (Apprising)

Louie Giglio, Passion 2013 and Jesus Culture (Apprising)

More About Jesus Culture (youtube)

Those Who Received His Word (Pyromaniacs)
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Saturday, January 5, 2013

"Christian Fascism" Targeting Our Youth?

Posted by Christine Pack

"God is a community, so He wants us to live in community....
The world will not see God without community." 
(Judah Smith, teaching at Passion 2013)


Why is "Community" so critically important to this new crop of idealistic young pastors (like Judah Smith, quoted above from the recent Passion 2013 Conference in Atlanta, GA)? Christian apologist Chris Rosebrough has put forth a compelling argument that it is because they misinterpret that, since God reveals himself in a Trinitarian way as Father-Son-and-Holy-Spirit, this means that God is a God of Community, and that Community is therefore what every Christian must strive for. Community becomes some kind of holy ideal. But Christians are called to live in unity, not community, and there is a distinction. A Utopian community is what the Soviet Union and other high-minded Marxists have long sought to enforce through Communism. But does this really work on earth? And more importantly, is that what God commands of us?
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
Parents, you need to be aware that, in varying degrees, Communitarian Groupthink was being taught at the Passion 2013 Conference, which just wrapped up in Atlanta, GA. Modern day "Christian Fascists" target our youth because they know that youth are particularly vulnerable to such high-minded communitarian talk. It's very enticing, this language they use, about the youth being a part of The Next Big Thing or The Cause That Will Change The World. After all, who believed, when they were younger, that they could slay all the world's dragons? I know I did. It's only when you have left your youth behind that you can begin to grasp certain verses: life is but a breath (Job 7:7, Psalm 144:4), a vapor (James 4:14), and it actually becomes a comfort, knowing that only God's works are great and will prevail (Psalm 92:5, Prov 19:21, Psalm 33:11). But this Christian Fascism movement, with its communitarian ideology, is fast moving, fast growing, and is actively engaged in capturing our children's minds.

To learn more about Communitarianism, what it is, where it comes from, etc., you can listen to an excellent program by talk show host Chris Rosebrough of Fighting For The Faith radio. In his show entitled Resistance Is Futile: You Will Be Assimilated Into the Community, Rosebrough makes the case that Communitarianism is basically fascism rebooted for a new generation. He also explains why we can't just dismiss this ideology as something antiquated and out-of-date, since its language and ideals are actively being employed in seeking to shape the worldview of our children. Listen as Rosebrough explains why parents MUST understand these ideologies, and how and why these ideologies capture our children.


 Additional Resources 

Resistance Is Futile: You Will Be Assimilated Into The Community

Has John Piper Lost His Mind?

Problems at Passion 2013

Mark Driscoll Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Rick Warren Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Lectio Divina Lite At Passion 2012 Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Jesus Culture Gets Dr. Piper Stamp of Approval

More About Jesus Culture
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Friday, January 4, 2013

"Has John Piper Lost His Mind?"

Posted by Christine Pack

So said my sister in a phone call shortly after the start of this year's Passion Conference, taking place now in Atlanta, GA (Jan 1-4). I'm sure she said this with all due respect to Dr. Piper, who has long been looked to as a solid teacher of the Reformed tradition. And yet in recent years, Dr. Piper has gone about giving his stamp of approval to various and sundry teachers, many of them solid and trustworthy, but some of them quite dangerous.

This stamp of approval first reared its ugly head when Dr. Piper brought out a young whippersnapper named Mark Driscoll as his keynote speaker at a Desiring God conference, years ago. In 2006, to be exact. This was the same Driscoll who went on later to shock us with his pornographic divinations and his fascist like handling of church members.  And yet, no public rebuking or distancing has gone on, that I know of, between Dr. Piper and his protégé.

Then Rick Warren got Dr. Piper's stamp of approval at the 2010 Desiring God Conference. Yes, that's right, Rick Warren. To paraphrase my friend Pastor Bob DeWaay, what made this particular alliance so very shocking was that Dr. Piper, who has long been regarded as one of the faithful few guarding the flock against false teaching was the very one who had opened the pen gate and ushered the wolf (Warren) right into the fold of his Desiring God conference.
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." Matthew 7:15 
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" Gal 1:8 
"Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what wea have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." 2 John 1:8-11
"I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Romans 16:17
Then, out came the approval stamp again at last year's Passion 2012 Conference, when Dr. Piper stood benignly by on stage as Louie Giglio exhorted the audience members to "(hear) the voice of God speak," during a Lectio Divina-ish type mystical prayer exercise.

And now we have this year's Passion 2013 Conference, currently underway in Atlanta, GA, at which John Piper is sharing the stage with false teachers Jesus Culture. Don't know who Jesus Culture is? Oh well, let me fill you in: Jesus Culture is an offshoot group out of Bill Johnson's heretical Bethel Church in Redding, CA. That's right, the same Bill Johnson of the glory dust and the angel feathers fame.


So why doesn't Dr. Piper storm out on the stage at Passion like a man on fire and rebuke this madness? Or, he could leave the conference and write an eloquent and heartfelt apology for his part in confusing the flock in his care by knowingly linking with false teachers.  I'd be all for that. And yes, I get that he's just a man, and no man is perfect. I'm not expecting perfection, but what I do desire to see is him seriously taking to heart the admonition in Scripture that not all should teach because those who do are judged more strictly (James 3:1). BUT, if Dr. Piper is unwilling to repent of going around giving false teachers his stamp of approval, then maybe one of our Godly pastors could fly to Minneapolis and wrestle the stamp away from him to keep him from further harming the flock. Just a thought.
"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." Titus 1:7-9
photo credit: SeattleClouds.com via photopin cc
photo credit: jjay69 via photopin cc

 Additional Resources 

Problems at Passion 2013

Mark Driscoll Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Documenting the Problems with Mars Hill Pastor Mark Driscoll [UPDATED]

Rick Warren Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Lectio Divina Lite At Passion 2012 Gets Dr. Piper's Stamp of Approval

Jesus Culture Gets Dr. Piper Stamp of Approval

More About Jesus Culture
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Problems at Passion 2013

Posted by Christine Pack


Do you know any youth currently attending Atlanta's Passion 2013 Conference (Jan 1-4)? If so, you need to read this article and follow the links below, because apparently Passion leaders John Piper, Beth Moore, Louie Giglio and Francis Chan want to introduce your teenagers to the Jesus Culture band (who are out of Bill Johnson's church in Redding, CA, he of the "glory cloud" infamy) and Judah Smith (whose wife is an ordained pastor in rebellion to God's word which states that women are not to teach men). Still think it's okay? Read on.

This year's Passion Conference features a mixed bag of teachers, from those perceived to be very solid to the very questionable, doctrinally speaking. Below are a few articles and talk shows about this year's conference, and I will add more as they become available:
Louie Giglio, Passion 2013 and Jesus Culture 
Jesus Culture - You Sure It's The Real Jesus? 
Problems at Passion 2013 - Louie Giglio at Session 1 
Jesus Culture (of Bill Johnson's Bethel Church) and Raising The Dead? 
Chris Rosebrough Discusses the Problems at Passion 2013 
Jesus Culture and Judah Smith to Join Piper, Moore, Chan and Others at Giglio's Passion 2013

 Additional Resources 

Has John Piper Lost His Mind?

Beth Moore and John Piper Lead "Lectio Divina Lite" Prayer at Passion 2012 Conference

We're Really Not Out To "Get" John Piper and Beth Moore

John Piper Encouraging Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina and "Hearing God's Voice"

On John Piper and Lectio Divina
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