What I think about heretics.
Written by TheIrish
Posted on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 01:17 PM.
So I've been around Godtube for a while, (that's a slight understatement), but something I see continues to disturb me to the point that I thought I would throw out a couple of thoughts and see what everyone else thinks. It seems like we Christians really do love to accuse people of being false teachers. You see it all over the place, and you see people arguing about it all the time. Every well-known pastor on the website has been accused of leading people away from God in at least a couple of comments. A few of them have had entire videos made just to point out how they are secretly in league with Satan. I'm sorry if I get under anyone's skin with this, but I just think that as the Body of Christ, we could be doing so much more with our time.
Now I just want to make it clear that I'm not denying that there are false teachers out there, I definitely have my opinion on a few well known speakers, as I'm sure we all do, and I would also venture to guess that there are several people that we would all agree on. The thing is I think that a lot of times we get caught up in our zeal and end up attacking people instead of trying to show them that they are wrong. Let's face it, there's a pretty big difference between saying, "I disagree with what you're saying, I just don't see how your theology is biblical" and "You're a heretic! You're leading countless Christians to follow you into the fiery pits of hell!!!"
I guess what I'm trying to say is two things. First, we should remember that false teachers are God's children too. We need to be ready to defend against false teachings, but I think we should each focus more on protecting our home churches and children from false teachers instead of trying to rip them a philosophical new one. Secondly, I think that we need to remember what history teaches us about false teachers: God will deal with them. He's kind of protective like that. We just need to make sure that our own lives and those that have asked us to keep accountable are good. God will do His righteous judgment thing when the time comes.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say, I just hope that if anything, we can be more respectful and graceful in dealing with people we believe are heretics. That's all.
Peace and love all,
TheIrish
What about prayer for our leaders? God can change a heart. God is the one who gives out faith. God is the one who puts these people in there position of leadership.<br />
Personally I don't mind talking about heretics as long as a solution is being offered along with the discussion. I believe believers should stand up for the truth but in a biblical way and with kindness. There is a point to agree to disagree in love in some circumstances.<br />
I don't know if this was helpful. It is 2 AM, but my body is still on China time when I have been here in Tacoma for the pass five days. <br />
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Fan into flame, Boaz and the Band
I don't like the atmosphere of conflict, and would prefer to avoid it, especially in dealing with those who are part of the Body of Christ. I would prefer to encourage my brothers and sisters. I do believe there are times when one has to confront firmly and in Christ's love,( not our own mellow version), self proclamed prophets and teachers who preach obviously extrabiblical or antibiblical doctrines. I also believe that there are some members on Godtube who produce wonderfully and respectfully done videos drawing believers attention for the need for discernment in the church.<br />
And then there are others I've seen that come on angry and ready to take on the entire evangelical & or pentacostal world... <br />
I do concern myself with what I see here on Godtube, or what's going around in the States, cause sooner or later what the church allows in there, comes around here as established and OKed. So I'm okay with Biblical truth, Christian love and respect, discernment, good taste, and confrontation when necessary..but measured and polite.<br />
Maybe the abuse could be considered in the constant use of blasts to sermonize or preach at others... I guess we could all be more careful...if we are friends, not to abuse friendships by pushing or promoting our own agendas. It's here where I could probably say, "So sorry, if I have irritated you by including you in my confrontation." In Christ Linda<br />
PS..could you please give a chance to others to have their pictures on my friends space...??? I have seen you and Mark Riddell for months! Let's give some of my other friends a chance...what do you say? LOL
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Yes, there are plenty of false teachers and the Bible gives us so many warnings about them in the Old Testament and New Testament. The Bible tells us to use discernment, to test the spirits. JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF dealt with false leaders (pharisees and sadducees). HE pointed out thier falsehood, HE admonished them, but HE always offered them the way of repentance. <br />
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We should take a stand for the TRUTH! We need to be wise and Christ-like in how we do it! We need to admonish and confront in the right way--in Spirit and Truth and with Christ-love. We can't act all Holier than thou--that is just a turn off in my opinion. <br />
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I don't know if i was clear in this, but i tried.<br />
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GOD bless<br />
=+)
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John 5:45 (Jesus speaking of non believers)Do not think that I will accuse you to the father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses in whom ye trust.<br />
If Jesus himself would not speak against such, then should you?<br />
Mathew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. YE can not serve God and mammon.<br />
Mathew 7:1 JUDGE NOT, that ye be not judged.<br />
(Notice the period at the end of this statement by Jesus himself.)<br />
Mathew 12:25-26 And Jesus Knew their thoughts, and said unto them Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:<br />
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself: how shall then his kingdom stand.<br />
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These are words from my Savior himself. He came that we may know the way, the truth, and the life, but in doing so, in knowing truth, be careful that you judge not.
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The verses in 1st Corinthian 12:12-31 are ones that have always been such an encouragement and guidance and it has taught me how even though we each are from different denomination, but being on this path is deeper than what is on the surface, and what ties each of us into this family is Christ who has died for all of us and accepted us as His children: )) So the walls and barriers are already broken down by Him..And being able to fellowship with each one in this family of Christ, it can be such a true blessing that shows the heart of Christ being manifested through each one who experience His love and grace and is eager to grow through the relationship He has freely given in encouraging our hearts to love and be. <br />
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Here it is: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Unity and diversity in one body)<br />
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now they are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: 23 and those 'parts' of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely 'parts' have more abundant comeliness; 24 whereas our comely 'parts' have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that 'part' which lacked; 25 that there should be no schism in the body; but 'that' the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or 'one' member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, 'divers' kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all 'workers of' miracles? 30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.<br />
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Thank you once again brother JP for taking the time in voicing out your concern..May the Lord continue to touch your heart and life each day..God bless..