1 Timothy 4: 1,6 “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…… In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, {constantly} nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
Apostasy in the News HISPANICS ARE 'FASTEST GROWING'-There are 37 million Hispanics in the U.S., more than the population of Canada, and they now outnumber African-Americans as the nation's largest minority (3/17 USN&WR). An estimated 9 million of them are evangelical (3/03 Charisma). Of that number, close to 70 percent are Pentecostal [mostly charismatic?]. LARRY KING'S PANEL ON CHRISTIANS AND WAR-Larry King had a panel (Mar. 11) of five "Christian" leaders who discussed what Christians believed concerning war. Bob Jones was one of the five, along with John MacArthur, Max Lucado, a Roman Catholic priest and a United Methodist bishop. Bob Jones of course was as straight as an arrow, as was John MacArthur (despite whatever other problems we may have with him). Max Lucado was a typical New Evangelical, trying to stick somewhat with the Bible, while rubbing the backs of the Catholic priest and the Methodist bishop. Jones and MacArthur quoted John 14:6, Acts 4:12, etc., to show that Christ is the only way to heaven. Lucado said that Christians believed in salvation through what God did for man in sending Christ to die on the cross, whereas Muslims believe we are saved by what we do for God. Lucado said that he "preferred" the Christian way. How close to the edge of the cliff can you get without falling over? The Methodist bishop stated that he believed in Christ, but that there were certainly other ways to heaven. The Catholic priest said that Christ rejoiced when people worshipped His Father; and that he couldn't imagine Christ jealously saying "look at me." Therefore, when Muslims worship God, Christ is pleased. Such blasphemy. [Brad Gsell] PK SPEAKERS, 'PARTNERS'- Promise Keepers claims to have reached over 5,000,000 men during the past 12 years of conferences. Even though they have 18 events planned for 2003, the attendance and interest are declining. Only 9 or 10,000 showed up at Phoenix, though 50,000 had been predicted. Ecumenism was evident by the speakers, who, for the most part, were among the best communicators of our day. They include: Bruce Wilkinson (Jabez fame), Max Lucado, Joe Stowell, Jack Hayford (moderator), Bill McCartney, Tony Evans, James Merritt (former SBC Pres.), and Messianic Jewish rabbi Jonathan Bernis. “Partners” with this PK conference included: Alpha, Answers in Genesis, BGEA, Campus Crusade, Focus on the Family, Jews for Jesus, Mission America, World Vision, Seventh-day Adventists, NAE, and American Bible Society. World Vision is liberal, SDA is cultic. We are admonished in Eph. 5:11 to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Dr. Ralph Colas, whose first-hand report is the basis for most of this article, said the PK meeting began (the first night) with the big beat of the Maranatha! Promise Band and Marcus Witt as Worship Leader. He said “For over 30 minutes the large group clapped, cheered, raised their hands and swayed back and forth to the pulsating beat of the music.” This “big beat” music is fast moving into churches. Belgium has become the second country. in the world to give official recognition to gay marriages. “It makes it clear that any enduring and loving relationship is appreciated in the same way in our modern society,” said a politician in favor of the measure. (Yahoo News, 1/30/03) A United Methodist bishop who said “The myth of the virgin birth was not intended as historical fact” has been acquitted of heresy charges by a panel of other UMC bishops. Bishop Joseph Sprague also has said, “Jesus was not born the Christ, rather . . . he became the Christ,” and has denied that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. The panel of bishops which acquitted Sprague actually rebuked the 28 clergy and laymen who filed charges against him: “It is the humble, but considered, opinion of the supervisory response team that the real threat may well be our arrogance and parochial attitudes,” the bishops said. “Let us cast out our penchant to power and control.” (Washington Times, 2/20/03) A religious scholar at Princeton has denounced President George W. Bush for confusing civic discourse by utilizing the word “evil.” The “language of good and evil is the language of religious zealots” and of “children’s stories” said the scholar, Elaine Pagels, who styles herself “an authority on the concept of evil.” She took specific issue with Bush’s use of the word to describe military dictator and mass murderer Saddam Hussein. (Rocky Mountain News, 2/15/03; Religion Press Release Services, 2/3/03) Texas Tech biology professor Michael Dini will not recommend students to medical school unless they subscribe to the theory of evolution. The Boston Globe (2/6/03) weighs in on his side: “Dini’s refusal to recommend a creationist for a graduate degree in medicine or science is not like refusing to recommend an African-American. It’s like refusing to recognize someone who doesn’t believe in gravity for a PhD program in physics.” A conservative advocacy group is challenging Dini in a lawsuit.
Modern Technology, good or bad? Most of Americans benefit from modern technology. The benefits have a wide range, whether it's a washer and dryer or a pencil sharpener. Could it be that modern technology is a great evil in our society today? Before you think I want to take us back to the 15th century, I would like to say I am grateful for some of the technology that has come our way. Sounds contradictory to you? Let me explain. First, we must ask the question: "What is the purpose of modern technology?” Besides making our lives easier, it is suppose to save us time. Think about it. Doing laundry years ago was a real chore. The women would have to gather the water and heat it. Then they would get their washer-board and scrub. Don't forget about rinsing and drying the clothes. It was an all day process. But today, in about an hour, one load of laundry is done. Look at all the time that is saved, and we still complain about doing laundry. Think of your kitchen; almost everything there is designed to save time. What about grocery shopping? Imagine raising a chicken, then killing it, and pulling the feathers off just to get started cooking. Want something to drink? Go milk the cow, or walk to the well for water. As you can see, modern technology is supposed to make our lives much easier. But, could it be that it only makes our lives more complicated? Now that we have all this "free time", what are we supposed to do? With all that saved time, we have a chance to spend our time on what we love. But, as Christians, do we? People will spend their time on what they love to do. What does that say about the person with no time to spend with the Lord? Remember these modern technologies are supposed to let us spend more time with what we love. If we don't love the things of God, then what does that say of us? (2 Timothy 3:2-5) Unfortunately, along with useful advances come harmful ones. I would like to present these harmful ones as idols. Idols? Isn't that being ridiculous? Probably, considering these are worse than idols. These idols actually need our time and focus. They are no longer a little rabbit’s foot that we hope does something for us. We have a relationship with these idols, and they have replaced God in our lives. What are some of these idols? I think it would be wrong for me to label one particular thing, but you know what takes up your time. What's worse is that we not only spend time with our idols, we work over-time or have our wives take a job, all in an effort to serve our idols. Our society is reaping the destruction of our worship. Divorce, rebellious children, and violence are everywhere today. I believe it is all because of our idols and what they have replaced: God and family. (Psalms 106:34-40) We need to repent of our idols and replace them. With what are we going to replace them? Well, lets start with prayer. If you don’t know what to do with your time, or you’re bored, then PRAY! The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. (1 Thes. 5:17) What about the great commission? (Matt. 28:19-20) Where is our witness and discipleship? Those would be enough to fill our time, but there is more. Here is a big one for parents, train up a child in the way he should go. (Prov. 22:6) Wow, that is a tough one, and no vacations from that one. Don’t forget about the Church. We are to serve one another with gladness. (Gal. 5:13) If you still find yourself with a lot of free time, pull your Bible out and study it. (2 Tim 2:15) As you can see, we have a lot of things to do and little time to do it. These are just a few of the things we should be doing with our time. Doing what God says shouldn’t leave time for idols or ourselves. Our focus would be on others, just like Christ’s was. What a revelation, to be more like Christ and to be separated from this world and its idols. It is very obvious we have a lot to do with our time. (Eph. 5:16) I believe it comes down to a matter of love. Are we willing to give up some of the pleasures of this life so we can do what the Father wants? Are we willing to take away every distraction and provision for flesh! (Rom. 13:14) How much do we really want to do the work of the Lord? To try to enjoy both the world and Christ is a slap in His face. (James 4:4) Separate yourself from this world and its desires!
I know this article sounds harsh, but I want us to look at where our heart and desires are located.
Are they with Christ or with the world? If it is with the world, then repentance is needed. It is
so easy in our culture (America) to become complacent and think every thing is all right.
The Laodicean Church thought they were just fine, and we know they were not. (Rev. 3:14-19)
I believe we need to do a little heart check. Go pray and ask the Lord to show you your heart
and where it lies. Modern Technology may not be “the great evil”, but it sure has helped evil along quite well.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, |