24 October 2007
Descending into greatness, Part 2
Wow! Looks like my take on “true or false” teachers and religions caused quite a stir.
I’m not surprised. In a politically correct, tolerant, anti-Christian, truth is relative kind of climate, what I had to say sticks out like a fat man wearing a speedo at Newport Beach. I’m also not surprised because of what this scripture says. What does surprise me is the almost total absence of accountability among ‘teachers’ (and I use that term loosely for some who are parading as such) who set themselves up on equal par with the apostles.
Listen gang, it takes a whole lot more to be an apostle than simply a ‘declaration.’ In fact, Paul made it clear that one of the qualifications was to have seen Christ. Some of these self appointed prophets are making that claim, but are we simply supposed to take their word for it?
Tell you what, I’ll take God’s Word for it.
Current score:
God’s Word 100%
Self appointed apostles 0%
For more on this see yesterday’s post here.
5 Comments currently posted.
K says:
Southbrook Rocks says:
Seems like to me that it doesn’t really matter if it’s Christian-lite or positive message or whatever it’s called. If a person believes in Jesus as their savior, isn’t that all it takes? Given that we should want to be in a church body, small group, tithe, volunteer, bible study, etc., the truth of it is that if we believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, then ultimately that’s our golden ticket into heaven. Am I right or am I missing something?
Bob says:
In light of Rob’s recent challenge this past Sun. to help someone in need.I encourage anyone who feels the need to do something but doesn’t know anyone who could use some help,to read the comments on the Oct. 1 blog.Just a hunch but maybe since I read in the evenings and comment kind of late, many folks have already read the blog and don’t or didn’t see my first comment about helping anonymous.
Kati says:
funny, when i read this, this morning.
i had just finished reading Acts 13:46-52
which talks about how when you speak out in truth and you share your faith, that you should expect persecution, because Satan realizes that his power is slipping again and again.
makes me think that all those people out there who don’t share the REAL truth of Jesus Christ might just be afraid of persecution. Afraid of making people uncomfortable.
Thats one thing I love about Southbrook. It makes you uncomfortable. Becuase if we sat around comfortable all the time. we really wouldn’t move anywhere, and if we aren’t advancing God’s Kingdom. Whats the point of being alive?
Glad you follow the Word of God to the best of your abiltiy Rob!
K says:
Being uncomfortable is good. Years ago my husband came to SB wanting to seek truth. He was uncomfortable here for years, but he stayed because there was truth and it changed him. If you’re a true seeker or believer, you’ll allow yourself to be uncomfortable while being taught.
And if you are a true seeker or believer, going to a false prophet that tries to make you comfortable by twisting truth to be popular reeks of hypocrisy and the Holy Spirit will allow you to see it. The hypocrisy will make you even more uncomfortable than hearing truth.
Rob, thanks for you’re real instruction on Sundays. My husband would see false prophets on TV and turn them off in disgust, all the while debating about your messages, but sticking around. I think the Holy Spirit helped him “enjoy” being out of his comfort zone for the right reasons.. Even at the seeker level, he could see the difference between a teacher of truth and a false prophet.
Thanks for being discerning about teachers of the Word. Olsteen has been given a huge flock to lead in the Word, but he slips and teach false doctrine and then dismisses what he says or doesn’t say with an apology. That pattern is more damaging than a church leader falling to sin. In Olsten’s case, masses have heard him present false doctrine and believed it because he is so likable. Other followers may have heard the apology and corrected the truth in their minds, but have swallowed a another horrible truth and accepted it that their leader misses big opportunities with obvious truths of the Word. Is that really okay? Either way, Olsteen has led many away from the Word. How awful. The damage doesn’t seem so huge from a worldly point of view because he appears to still win friends and popularity. I respect the leader who is willing to accept that some won’t appreciate hearing truth.