10.1.23

Franklin Graham: The Eternal Peril of Progressive Christianity

For decades, a war has been raging against Biblical Christianity that goes under the seemingly innocent name of “progressive Christianity.”

 

It has cropped up in the halls of seminaries, infiltrated the pulpits of thousands of churches and been propagated by a godless liberal media. It is bent on casting doubt and undermining the foundational principles of God’s Word.

 

Many of the Apostle Paul’s letters were written to churches that were experiencing serious doctrinal errors. One of his sternest was penned to the church in Galatia, which is part of modern-day Turkey. In it, he launched into a stern rebuke for the teaching that had polluted the Galatian church:

 

“Progressive Christianity denies the divinely inspired, authoritative truth of the Bible as it intersects every facet of living.”

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:6-9, NIV).

 

In the case of the Galatians, Paul was specifically addressing their attempt to return to the demands of the law rather than continuing to live by grace through faith in the sacrificial, atoning work of the cross of Jesus Christ. Such an attempt wasn’t just a really bad idea; it actually would result in living under God’s curse, not His favor.

 

I would say the exact same warning applies today to the advocates of progressive Christianity. They deceitfully promote and proclaim what I believe is clearly a “different gospel, which is really no Gospel at all.”

 

Let me say that again—progressive Christianity is not a Gospel at all. It has nothing to do with the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It results in nothing but spiritual confusion and chaos.

 

Here’s the problem.

 

Progressive Christianity denies the divinely inspired, authoritative truth of the Bible as it intersects every facet of living. For example, although Scripture clearly says that marriage is between one man and one woman, proponents of progressive Christianity twist and distort the truth of God’s Word on sexuality, focusing on such nonsensical trends as gender identity. They deny God’s distinction of the sexes, and instead invent their own misguided standards, unguided by the Word of God. The degrading cultural influences that embrace such movements as gay marriage have more sway on their beliefs than the Bible does.

 

When the topic of justice is discussed, progressive Christianity is primarily concerned with the issues of social and racial justice (which the Bible does address), but most often neglects the far more fundamental issue of God’s justice—how a holy and just God deals with sinful and wicked men.

 

And when it comes to the matter of personal sin, progressive Christianity most frequently fails to see the ruinous consequences of mankind’s depraved, sinful state. Biblical teaching on the precious blood of Christ, the sacrificial, substitutionary, atoning work of Christ’s death on the cross, is too often neglected or distorted.

 

So the real, ultimate danger is that progressive Christianity can send a person to hell.

 

I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true.

 

To reject the deity of Christ is to deny Christ and doom yourself to an eternity spent in hell.

 

To love darkness more than light will end in an eternity in hell.

 

To hope that good works alone will earn salvation, while rejecting the gift of everlasting life through faith in Christ alone, will lead straight into the eternal abyss.

 

To deny the fullness of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—can risk a person spending their eternity separated from the glory and splendor of God Almighty.

 

“Biblical teaching on the precious blood of Christ, the sacrificial, substitutionary, atoning work of Christ’s death on the cross, is too often neglected or distorted.”

Do you see how anything other than orthodox, Biblical Christianity can be so dangerous and deadly? That’s why the Apostle Paul called down a curse on those who preach a different gospel than the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Here’s how Paul precisely defined the Gospel:

 

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, NKJV).

 

This is the only saving Gospel. Preachers must faithfully proclaim it from the pulpit if they want their congregants to be convicted of their sin and to trust solely in the blood of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Praise and worship have their place in the church, but there is no substitute for pastors preaching the power of the cross and the resurrection.

 

Pastors today must “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5, NKJV).

 

There’s certainly nothing very forward thinking about progressive Christianity. It actually regresses into unbiblical thinking and living, and it will put a person’s very soul in eternal jeopardy.

 

Evangelicals need to guard the truth of genuine Scriptural preaching and living, remaining true and bold about exactly what the Bible clearly teaches. There is no other way to be saved and secured for all eternity.

 

 

 

copied from:

 

https://decisionmagazine.com/franklin-graham-the-eternal-peril-of-progressive-christianity/

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing - Theological Liberalism


 

7.1.23

"Perfect" Greek Bible?

 The "perfect" Greek Bible would refer to a version of the Bible that is written in the original Greek language and is considered to be completely accurate and free from errors. The Bible was originally written in several languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The New Testament was written primarily in Greek, and many translations of the Bible are based on the original Greek text. Some Christian believers consider the original Greek text of the Bible to be the most authoritative and accurate version, and may refer to it as the "perfect" Greek Bible. However, it is important to note that there is no one "perfect" version of the Bible, and different translations and versions may be considered more accurate or useful for different purposes.


The term "Perfect Greek Bible" could refer to a number of different things, depending on the context in which it is used. It could refer to a Greek translation of the Bible that is considered particularly accurate or faithful to the original texts, or it could refer to a Greek Bible that is considered to be an ideal or "perfect" version in some other sense.

 

There are several Greek translations of the Bible that are considered to be particularly important or influential, including the Septuagint, the Textus Receptus, and the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece. These translations are all based on different manuscripts and textual traditions, and have been used by different Christian denominations and scholars over the centuries.

 

It is worth noting that, while there are many Greek translations of the Bible that are considered to be high quality and faithful to the original texts, there is no such thing as a "perfect" Greek Bible in the sense of being an error-free or definitive version of the text. All translations are interpretations of the original texts, and different translations may represent the meaning of the original texts in slightly different ways.

Gentle reminder

To all Calvinists, please do not try to be cleverer than John Calvin, do not say anything which John Calvin did not say.

To all the Reformed theologians and students, please do not try to be legalistic, and become a Pharisee.  

8.12.22

Revised Beatitutes of Far Eastern Bible College FEBC

 

Plaque of the Eight beatitudes, St. Cajetan Church, Lindavista, Mexico
Text of the Beatitudes at Our Lady of Peace Shrine, along I-80 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming (2016).

The eight Revised Beatitudes in FEBC

3Blessed are the rich in Greek language,
    for theirs is the church.
4Blessed are those who mourn for the perfect Greek Bible,
    for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are they when they are proud of the perfect Greek bible,
    for they will inherit the Earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for a perfect Greek bible,
    for they will be satisfied.
7Blessed are the perfect,
    for they will be shown perfection.
8Blessed are the perfect in Greek scripture readings,
    for they will see god.
9Blessed are the warmakers,
    for they will be called the sons of god.
10Blessed are those who are persecuting others because of a perfect Greek bible,
    for theirs is the Kingdom on earth.
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of a perfect Greek bible.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward on earth, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

15.11.22

Denomination and its emphasis and weakness

Pentecostal-Holy Spirit, Prosperity, and health Gospel

Charismatic-Spiritual gifts, Prosperity and health Gospel

Reformed-Bible Truth, self-centered.

Evangelical-Gospel, everyone is all right.

Methodist-people, people first.

Anglican-tradition, tradition first.

Baptist-baptism, more water more faith, less water less faith.

Presbyterian-elders and John Calvin, the elder is the king.

Lutheran-Martin Luther, pro-Nazism.

Roman Catholic-Mary, idols.


Denomination and its theological emphasis offer many aspects that are welcomed and respected, while others raise concerns.

Who asks you to fight inwardly? Do division and infighting come from God?

14.11.22

Gentle reminder for students and lecturers in Far Eastern Bible College, Singapore.

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt 16∶24).

If any man comes after Jesus Christ, let him/her deny his/her own imagination such as Verbal Plenary Preservation, stupidity such as total refrain from wine, lust such as division and infighting among brothers and sisters in Christ, and take up his cross and follow Jesus, if he or she did not deny his/her own imaginations, stupidity, and lust, he cannot follow Jesus.

Deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus.

9.11.22

Problems at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:1–6:20)

 

Problems at Corinth (1:1–6:20)


After a short introduction (1:1–9) Paul explains how to deal with issues the Corinthians are facing, such as strife and division (1:10–4:21), immorality in the church (5:1–13; 6:13–20), and Christians taking each other to court (6:1–9).



FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH (1:1–4:21)


After a short introduction (1:1–9), Paul helps the Corinthians with the issue of strife and division in the church (1:10–4:21). This second part—from 1:10 to 4:21—is the first main section of the letter’s body. Beginning with an appeal for unity in 1:10, this section presents Paul’s arguments against factions and divisions within the church. Paul explains that the saints must focus on Jesus and be humble servants.



Thanking God for Them (1:1–9)


Paul identifies himself as the author of the letter (1:1) and addresses it to the saints in Corinth, who are spoken of as belonging to the universal church of saints all over the world (1:2). Paul expresses thanksgiving to God for the believers in Corinth (1:4), describes them as enriched in spiritual gifts (1:7), and demonstrates that he has a God-centered confidence that they will persevere to the end (1:8).



Greeting (1:1–3)


Paul’s greeting identifies himself and wishes God’s grace and peace on the Corinthians.


 1:1 Paul claims in the very first verse to be called by God to be an “apostle.” Generally, an “apostle” is an individual sent with a message. The New Testament, however, turns “apostle” into a technical term—a special gift and ministry limited to a select few (possibly to those who had seen Christ personally; 1 Cor 9:1). Paul has this ministry because God willed it for him, and he therefore bears authority that should cause the Corinthians to listen even when it goes against their cherished opinions and practices. (Sosthenes, possibly the former head of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth mentioned in Acts 18:17, is with Paul as he writes.)


 1:2 Paul speaks of the Corinthians as “saints,” a term that designates someone who is sanctified, or set apart for God’s use. “Saints” then, are not a faithful few but include even the troubled and sinning believers at Corinth—and therefore at any other place. (Note the parallel between saints and believers in 2 Thess 1:10).


 1:3 Paul asks for God’s blessing of grace and peace to be on the Corinthians.



Spiritual Gifts at Corinth (1:4–9)


Paul refers to spiritual gifts, which he will explain at length later in the letter (1 Cor 12–14). The Corinthians are not lacking any gifts.


 1:4 Paul thanks God for what he has given to the Corinthians.


 1:5 Paul specifically identifies the gifts the Corinthians have in abundance—speech and knowledge (gifts he will later regulate; see 12:28; 14:1–6).


 1:6 The Corinthians have, through their gifts, confirmed what Paul taught them concerning Christ. That is, God’s gifts to them are evidence of the truth of Paul’s apostolic message about Jesus.


 1:7 The Corinthians lack no spiritual gift and are anticipating the return of Jesus.


 1:8 The Corinthians will be revealed as blameless by Jesus when he returns. The implication is that this is true for all believers.


 1:9 While the saints to whom Paul writes are not consistently faithful, God is always faithful. God has called them through Jesus into fellowship with his Son and therefore with each other.



Sectarianism Is Sin (1:10–17)


The church is developing cliques and divisions that have formed around certain leaders (and likely without the knowledge of those leaders). Paul clearly identifies this party spirit as sin.



No Divisions (1:10–12)


Paul exhorts the Corinthians to be unified. Divisions are a hindrance to Christ’s church.


 1:10 Paul wants them to be unified and have no divisions among themselves. Not every Christian then or now agrees on every interpretation. Paul doesn’t expect them to agree on every gray area, but they are to strive to agree—or “say the same thing”—as much as they possibly can (compare Phil 2:1–3). He says elsewhere that disagreements over doubtful matters should not be used to create divisions (compare Rom 14:1).


 1:11 Chloe’s “people” have told Paul of quarrels in the church.


 1:12 Paul illustrates the divisions by naming leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. Often cliques revolve around personalities rather than biblical issues or doctrines. This is not to say individuals don’t fight over doctrines, but in this verse it is all about personalities.



Mangum, Douglas, ed. 2020. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Lexham Context Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Jeffrey Kh00, Quek Suaan Yew, Prabudas K0shy, Charles Se-eat are compromisers

Nehemiah would soon discover that his biggest problem was not the enemy on the outside but the compromisers on the inside, a problem the church still faces today.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Jeffrey Kh00, Quek Suaan Yew, Prabudas K0shy, and Charles Se-eat, these so-called disciples of Jesus are compromisers, they are fighting each other until today for petty little matters.


Some Bible-Presbyterian Churches are simply irrelevant

The problem is not hostility to the church; it is indifference. For many the church is simply irrelevant; it is not even worth criticizing, it is simply to be ignored.

 

William Barclay

31.10.22

Life Bible-Presbyterian Church v Khoo Eng Teck Jeffrey and others and another suit

https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2010_SGHC_187 

Click the link above to read the perfect and full text:

...The first, second and sixth defendants are respectively, Khoo Eng Teck Jeffrey (“Dr Khoo”), Quek Suan Yew and Boon Yean Leong (aka Boaz Boon). These individuals are the plaintiffs in Suit 278 in which the Church and six individuals (including Rev Timothy Tow) are the defendants and they sued in their capacity as directors of the board of the 2004 College. The six individuals in Suit 278 were sued in their capacity as registered proprietors of certain pieces of land which they hold as trustees for the Church and, it is contended by the defendants, also for the 2004 College.

Note: Pastors sued pastors, Church sued Bible College. Great!

Why children and siblings fight

Having lost that theological battle in tongue speaking, contemporary music, separatist stand...

A group of Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore, headed by Jeffrey Khoo, Quek Suan Yew, Prabudas Koshy, and Charles Seet turned inward to battle among themselves about issues less important—in some cases, far less important—than liberalism.

They fought for land titles and sued each other in civil court, then they fought among themselves regarding the perfection of the Bible's Greek Texts.

These Machen's disciples are children, not men, they are babes in Christ, following the devil's path.


Kids fighting: the basics

Disagreements among children are very common – they’re part of learning how to get along. Fighting happens when a disagreement becomes aggressive – for example when it involves shouting or hitting. Children are still learning to control their emotions, so this isn’t unusual.

 

Children’s fights often start when children see a situation as unfair, are trying to assert what they think are their rights, feel that others don’t see their perspective, or view the same situation in different ways. For example, an older child might see it as a joke to tease a younger child, but the younger child might not like it.

 

And for siblings, fights can happen when they compete with each other for their parent's attention or approval. The closer siblings are in age, the more they tend to fight.

 

Disagreements, fighting and problem-solving: opportunities to learn

Disagreements can be a great chance for your children to practice the social skills they’ll need as adults. When disagreements lead to fighting, it can be an opportunity for children to learn other ways to resolve conflict, particularly if they learn that fighting doesn’t get them what they want.

 

When disagreements among children get worked out fairly and without anyone getting hurt, children start to build problem-solving skills like negotiating. They also learn the importance of seeing another person’s point of view and respecting other people’s rights, feelings and belongings.

 

There’ll be less fighting as your children grow and develop better social skills.

 

If you need to handle a fight, it’s important to stop things before anyone gets hurt. Let everyone cool down before you talk about solutions or consequences.

 

How temperament affects kids fighting

Children are born with their own temperaments – the way they react to the world and behave. For example, they might be flexible or persistent, sociable or shy. Children’s temperaments make it more or less likely that they’ll negotiate, argue or avoid conflict.

 

Temperament might also be why some people are quicker to anger than others, or less able to control angry feelings. It’s not always easy for grown-ups to resolve conflict without resorting to bad behaviour – imagine how much harder it is for children.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/behaviour/friends-siblings/why-children-fight


 

 

 


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