Answering the Critics

There are many that look with disdain on those who publicly defend the Christian faith. For whatever reason, they have been convinced that we should not have a say about anything. What if the early Church had taken their advice? We would not have any Christianity today. It would be so watered down and changed it would be just vestiges of a shell. Well that is exactly where we are heading to unless we take some hard stands and turn things around. We live in an age where being politically correct is the accepted way. Tolerance is the optimum condition for the masses as it stops any decisive thinking. It appears this tolerance has been adopted into the Church where we now have the "spiritually correct," those who have no stands on anything-- except those who have one.

Today much is reversed, those who notice and point out the wrong that are guilty and not those who teach the wrong. Scriptures says "Woe to those who call light darkness and darkness light." The Bible is clear --we are encouraged to examine and  discern, decide and to speak if necessary to save others from sin, bondage and even eternal condemnation. That is our heart, to help those headed for destruction.

So why do this? Because souls are at stake; their eternal destiny can be turned around by someone who has enough chutzpah to speak out. They should not be silenced. We believe those who claim to be "Christian" should be open to discuss things, even to be scrutinized and questioned on what they teach. True Christians are not insecure in their beliefs - they should be always ready to give an answer to anyone who challenges their faith as1 Peter 3:15 states, "...Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." This is more for non Christians, however there are times when Titus 1:9 is necessary " holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." This is done to help. but Paul says there also comes a time  “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).

Being on the receiving end of those who have been challenged, we have not seen much gentleness and reverence from the critics! They mostly do not deal with the facts nor the Scripture. We have not condemned anyone but we who are called Pharisee's, blasphemers, ungodly, slanderers and any other name people can think of. All because we have taken the time to examine their teaching in light of the Scripture and seen it false.

Before you join the crowd of "naysayers" you need to look at the history of your church, organization, persons or movement you are involved in. We have and have painstakingly taken the time to record as accurately as possible what is being CONSISTENTLY taught. We harbor no hatred towards those who teach these unbiblical doctrines nor the people involved. But we want to give the other side of the story that most people have not known, for whatever reason it has been hidden from them. We think it is fair and prudent to do so. Proverbs 14:15 says, "Only simpletons believe everything they are told!  The prudent carefully consider their steps." It is a rare person who is willing to seek answers on correct Biblical interpretation and not accept the status quo

I hear Matthew 18 being quoted to prove we have not done this biblically. People say "If you haven't spoken to the person you can't say anything about them" False doctrine is not the subject of Matthew 18, this Scripture applies to personal trespasses and offenses, not to doctrinal problems. It is to iron out relationships. In most cases there has been no personal offense (it is the body of Christ that is offended). We do not know these people personally. Those who have public ministries influencing large audiences by their books,  radio and television, are to be responsible for what they say. It is because they often have national TV  ministries they are not easily approached. This should not hinder one from speaking up. We already know that the majority of these ministers do not respond to any letters or calls when they are being asked to answer. Yet we have taken the time to write to a few of them and it was not a surprise to have no response. Those who are publicly well known ignore inquiries that are questioning their teachings. Let me give a practical example on this. If you knew someone was constructing a building and found proof that they were cutting corners and using 2nd rate material and the structure of the building could be hazardous, would you actually go to that person who you know is doing this to confront them? What if you did try to contact them and that person refused to do something about it? You would have no choice but to go public. This is exactly what is happening. Many ministries have voiced there frustration in trying to contact  the promoters of heresy inside the chruch.

False doctrine that is taught publicly is no a private matter and is to be dealt with publicly because it was spread publicly. If someone states something that is false publicly that is able to affect thousands or millions of people it would be utter neglect and a sin to sit by and say nothing. Discernment and watchmen ministries have no choice but to make a statement publicly. The fact is we do not have to approach these ministries each and every time when they already have a track record of not answering. If they are in error and we try to reach them for correction, if they do not receive it is necessary to take it to the church. It is because of a response of silence to peoples inquiries that this is done.

Whether you stand with us or not, it doesn't matter. Of course I'd rather see more people stand on the side of truth and be vocal in these perilous times, but it matters not. If I was the only one left (thank God I know I'm not) I would be doing this still. If you read the letters and met the people that some of us have, you would realize how many lives are being ruined and devastated by these false teachers, false prophets and cults. You too would be moved to tears and may want to do something about it. It's a matter of conviction to what the Word of God says.

We are open to dialogue, as I and others try to meet with many of the leaders and pastors of these churches and cults. Many letters have also been sent with no response back. The point is that people do not care to enter into a dialogue on what they perceive would be a challenge to what they believe. Some have, and I commend them for this. We may still disagree but at least an effort to dialogue and change was attempted.
 
I'd like to give an example of this, recently I had met with a representative of a Church we list as a cult when he was passing through Hawaii. We opened the Bible and had a peaceful yet passionate disagreement on the main issues that he and I felt were pertinent to the Gospel and the nature of God. We left as friends (at least I think we did) but we still disagreed. I do not wish ill on him and I hope he does not for me.

Paul commended the Berean's for checking the Scriptures daily on what he was saying. Sadly this is forbidden in some circles. In certain cults one is kicked out when they start asking questions, sometimes it can be no different in the Church.

At this point in history where most would agree the Lord is coming soon we should all be willing to make sure what the Bible says and see if we are following man or God. A mans interpretation of what it says, or what it actually states.

We are to be obeying the command of not having anything to do with the unfruitful works of darkness but expose them. The point is to rescue people so they may know truth and can have a true relationship with Jesus Christ.

I leave you with this 2 Corinthians 13:8 "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for it." I hope that you will agree that the truth will remain after all is said and done, what is done in and for the truth will last for eternity.