Keep To Sound Doctrine

I Timothy 4:1-2, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the later times some will depart froth the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, (2) through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared,

II Timothy 4:3-4, “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 liking,(4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.”

I do not know if it is just me or if I am jumping to conclusions, but lately, the more I read news articles, blogs/commentaries, watch the news, or browse the internet--I see these two passages becoming known. Now, I am not a prophet, nor do I believe I can predict anything, but certain note worthy issues that are going on today have brought me to these two passages in The Bible. Now, I am sure these types of concerns have been going on for a long time, but because of the information age that we live in, these “new doctrines” are ever more dangerous, prominent, and bigger then ever before. Christianity is severely under attacked both internally and externally today--I am not talking about church burnings or Christians bickering over dress or music issues. These false doctrines are much bigger and much more destructive to Christians as a whole as well as humanity altogether.

Externally, Christianity throughout history has always been under attack, but lately, one of televisions most watched celebrities are leading millions to hell and causing born again believers to stray and doubt their faith in Christ Jesus. This new religion is called the New Earth and you might not have heard of it, but I am sure you have heard of its founder Oprah Winfrey: now there is a familiar name. This is no lie, I was shocked when my wife came home from work and told my about it and then she showed it to me on youtube. My wife was right: in the flesh--no look alike--Oprah denying Jesus on one of her shows, she stated to one of the audience members that there could not possibly be just one way to heaven that there are many ways and then the youtube clip immediately started into her internet broadcast of her newfound religion. Oprah states that there are many ways to salvation or just being a good person is good enough, she also states the goal is to overcome the Cross-not to cling to it, and that God was made in mans image. The concern I have is the overwhelming influence that Oprah has, there is a reason why millions of people watch her show everyday. Now, this is a scary statistic, the first week Oprah’s New Earth internet broadcast aired it had 300,000 viewers and only after three weeks it was over 2 million. The stats clearly speak of her popularity and influence and if that does not concern you as a Christian--something is wrong. To see the full length youtube video for yourself click>>link.

Internally, Christianity in regards to sound Biblical doctrine is being attacked by new a false doctrine that teaches a different Jesus, a different God, a different Holy Spirit, and a different Gospel that is nowhere to be found in The Bible, but it was, supposedly, given to these false teachers through visions from God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Why this movement is even more alarming than Oprah’s New Earth is because it comes from with in the Church. This new false doctrine is called The Word Faith Movement. Maybe you have heard of it, I did not until my pastor pointed it out in a sermon several weeks ago. What is so dangerous is that this movement is headed up by some of the most recognized and most watched TV. Evangelists, such as--Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Clefro Dollar, and Fred Price and the list goes further. This movement is nothing more than a cult, which as I pointed out earlier preaches a different God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and Gospel. They rarely use The Bible to justify this doctrine, well, and this might be going out on a limb, but maybe, because it violates and defies all sound Biblical doctrine. The shocking part is they have no problem saying that because they all claim these are new revelations apart from The Bible given by God. They teach that Jesus and His disciples were financially wealthy and because of that if, you believe in the doctrine God will supply all with wealth, health, and prosperity. In addition, they teach that we are like “little gods” or that we will eventually become like God because He created us in His image--sounds like Satan’s lie to Eve in the garden (Gen. 3). They also state that Jesus was just a mere man that when He died, He spent three days in hell fighting against Satan and his demons. Jesus eventually defeated Satan and became the officially first to be born again, which paved the way for everyone else. I could go on and on, but this movement seems to be endless on smearing mud on everything that is sacred about The Bible and Christianity. Now, if you are like me the first thought is who on earth would believe such direct lies and manipulation, even the most simple minded Christian could recognize this violates Biblical doctrine. Well, would it shock you that roughly several million every week buy into to these lies. They are clearly leading their Christians followers astray and leading the lost down a road to hell. Unfortunately, this doctrine along with its false teachers is increasingly gaining steam. Their books are becoming best sellers, their books along with other publications are being promoted at Christian bookstores, and their evangelism shows are being broadcasted on Christian networks like TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network). If you want to read a more in-depth commentary on this false doctrine click>>link.

My concern for the Christians and the lost who are buying into these lies are great. Oprah’s New Earth and The Word Faith Movement are not just mere cults leading a few hundred or even a few thousand astray. Now, do not get me wrong, I am not down playing those numbers, one is enough to show concern, but when we are talking about tens of millions of people--this is a crisis that needs to be corrected and stopped. I do not know about you, but I do not like the thought of millions being turned away from our Lord. Of course, there are many other false teachings out there, which we should be concerned about, but based on the numbers they are clearly the most destructive. More often today, we are turning into a tolerant society and sadly, many Christians are following right behind, feeling there is nothing that can be done. Well, that attitude needs to change; we need to get back to having passion about standing up for what is true and what is right, instead of calmly standing back and watching. Turn off all things that have to do with Oprah, turn off all things that have to do with The Word Faith Movement and yes, I mean TBN--they might have other good and sound shows, but that still does not erase the fact that they allow false teaching on their network. Walk into the Christian bookstores that are indorsing this junk and let them know how you feel. Educate people, tell as many people as you can about these things and more importantly WITTNESS FOR THE TRUTH and PRAY.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. I John 4:1