In an age when most self-proclaimed Christians are actually certifiable heretics (no really, check out the link – it’s not satire), where can we flee? Is it possible to filter out the heresy, and create a safe space for Christians fleeing from the wolves that have infiltrated the visible Church?
Diana Lesperance over at The Narrow Way says yes, and she has written Scattered Sheep and Little Lambs: The Case for a Separate Evangelical Identity, which I have republished with her permission, for consideration.
“I am a nobody. I don’t have a large ministry or platform. I am merely one of many nameless, faceless, little sheep who have been wandering in the evangelical wilderness for a long time. I don’t have much money, or even the strength and enthusiasm of my youth anymore. I’m not worth much to the typical pastor. Even so, I have something to say. And I hope that my obscurity won’t be a cause for dismissing my concerns.
Just in case those who are in positions of leadership haven’t noticed–the sheep are scattered. Many in the flock have given up on shepherds completely, forming home churches, or even quitting church altogether. Many are fed via the internet. They long for fellowship and love, but for them, the churches have become battlegrounds, rather than sanctuaries.
We are living in a time when many shepherds have gone astray from the truth of the Bible, yet they still carry the name of Jesus. It’s very difficult to know which shepherd is trustworthy. (It’s gotten so confusing that at this point in time, what one part of the church is calling apostasy, another part of the church is calling revival!)
This has caused some of the mature sheep to bleat loudly because they want to warn the flock, but it’s very bewildering to the little lambs who don’t understand why they can’t trust their shepherd. They don’t believe that the food or water they’re being fed is unhealthy or even poisonous. They feel love coming from the shepherd. Unfortunately, like a young, teenage girl, they aren’t able to discern between the language of true love and the language of seduction.
Because of this inability to discern, I believe that the pathway of truth needs to be made more clear . . . and I’m begging the good and faithful shepherds to provide well-lit trails of safety and refuge that the little flock can easily follow.
One day the hirelings will have to give an account to the Great Shepherd–whose heart’s desire was to gather his flock like a mother hen gathers her little chicks under her wings. Some of his last, precious words were those of a shepherd: “Feed my lambs . . . feed my sheep . . . feed my sheep.” He spoke this to Peter, who would later write to those who were to become elders:
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:2-4)
Are there no shepherds who take these words to heart? Are there no shepherds who desire to watch over the flock and long to gather those who are scattered? Are there no shepherds who have the courage to fight off the “grievous wolves” who will not spare the flock? (Acts 20:29) Are there no shepherds who have the heart of Jesus?
If these pastors exist, I cannot seem to find them in my corner of the world. My husband and I often spend a year in a church before we discover the heart of the shepherds and leaders. Often times the doctrinal statements and sermons are sound, but the further we venture into the congregation, the more book studies, prayer methods, and false doctrines we uncover. We feel like Ezekiel who discovered “greater abominations” as he was led further into the temple (Ezekiel 8).
The evangelical church is more like a minefield than a green pasture. There are dangers everywhere. The church has been decimated by prosperity preachers who use the flock for “dishonest gain” (and actually worship mammon), false revivalists who bring in lying signs and wonders, and postmodern preachers who lead the flock away from trusting in the Word.
The latest trend is toward “Cathangelicalism,” a blend of Catholicism and evangelicalism. The worst part of this Cathangelical movement is that it is rooted in the writings of the “ancient” Catholic mystics . . . those who knew nothing about repenting from dead works and putting their faith in the finished work of the Cross.
Consider this gallery of horrors:
- Kenneth Copeland (of the Charismatic/Word Faith stream) has led his flock toward union with the Catholics and Pope Francis.
- James Robison (a Southern Baptist) has met with Pope Francis and co-wrote a book with Catholic Jay Richards.
- John and Carol Arnott (of the Toronto movement) have met with Pope Francis and are now hosting ecumenical “Fire and Fusion” conferences with the Catholics.
- Brian Stiller, the Global Ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance, has met with Pope Francis.
- Thomas Schirrmacher, “the Pope’s most beloved Protestant,” and chairman of the theological commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, has met with Pope Francis.
- Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, former Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Evangelical Alliance, met with Pope Francis.
- Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer has met with Pope Francis. He has also promoted the works of Ignatious of Loyola and Teresa of Avila, Catholic mystics who opposed the Reformation.
- Rick Warren (a Southern Baptist) has met “our Pope” Francis and admits that he is a fan of EWTN, the Catholic cable channel.
- The line-up at “Together 2016” (which included a message from Pope Francis) included Francis Chan, Southern Baptist Convention president Ronnie Floyd, Ravi Zacharias, and many other popular evangelicals.
- At “Azusa Now” Lou Engle and Catholic Matteo Calisi kissed each other’s feet in a demonstration of unity.
- Megachurch pastor Joel Osteen has met with Pope Francis.
- Pope Francis even met with Stacy Campbell, the “hissing prophetess” who prayed and prophesied that he would be the next Pope.
- The Pope has met with Che Ahn.
- The pope has met with Kris Valloton of Bethel Redding Church.
- Luis Palau believes Pope Francis is a Christian.
- Many seminaries and universities are required to provide spiritual formation to be a part of their program in order to receive accreditation.
- Lutherans have taken communion with Pope Francis.
- The evangelical move towards Catholic, contemplative, mystical prayer has been well-documented by Lighthouse Trails and Ray Yungen.
- Catholics and evangelicals have joined together under two declarations: “The Manhattan Declaration” and “Catholics and Evangelicals Together.”
- Christian publishers such as Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, InterVarsity Press, and Multnomah have each published multiple books on contemplative prayer.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I could go on and on. And all of this compromise, idolatry, and corruption in the temple of the Lord has trickled down to the local church. It’s rampant! How are the sheep (or the little lambs!) supposed to make their way through this mess?
Is it necessary for me to remind the church of those who gave their lives in the flames of the Inquisition in order to preserve the truth? Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, and Tyndale were courageous and stood fast against the false teachings of Catholicism. As Protestants they separated from the Roman Catholic Church and lit the way of truth for their generation. And now, are we just willing to forget their efforts and become a generation that allows Christianity to be plunged into another thousand years of darkness?
Thoughts? Share in the Comments Section.
Maybe what is happening would make sense to us if we considered the similarities these have with the RCC? And maybe you will find that you have those same foundational beliefs.
The RCC and Protestantism believe that showing a person their sin means to show them where they have broken the law of Moses.
The RCC and Proptestantism believe that man’s basic problem is that man has inherited a sin nature from Adam.
The RCC and Protestantism believe that the law remains integral to the Christian’s life.
The RC and Protestantism believe that we must have a change of nature to be saved and that Jesus died to make that possible.
The RCC and Protestantism believe that breaking the law of Moses brings condemnation.
The RCC and Protestantism believe that the Holy Spirit empowers us to be able to keep the law.
These and many others are foundational issues regarding salvation. Can you now see why these ‘leaders’ in Protestantism are flocking back to their ‘mother’? They believe that with these foundational issues in common, there is no reason they can not fix those things they disagree on with an in-house discussion.
Satan is not called the most subtle of all the beasts of the field for nothing.
Blessings:-}
Catholicism and biblical christianity are not even remotely related to each other. Catholics believe that it is good to pray to dead people in order to have them intercede for them, despite Deuteronomy 18’s clear statement that necromancy is forbidden. Mary is considered a co-redemtrix, when she did nothing to save us from our sin. The catechism makes it clear that the sacrements are required for salvation. That is a lie from hell. Jesus came to show us that salvation is a free gift, offered through his blood. The mass is a a horrific, pagan act, allegedly recrucifying Jesus each time mass is taken. Hebrews 8,9 and 10 make it clear that Jesus offered himself ONE time for sin.
Catholicism is babylonian paganism repackaged, and it’s wicked lies and near-truths have and will send billions to hell. They glorify men, and steal money from the unwitting. They spent centuries murdering those who dared to translate or possess Bibles in their own languages. Pope Francis does not believe that homosexuality is a sin, and in his (in)famous christmas video, he made it clear that hinduism, islam, christianity and judaism all worship the same God. He will lead many to the antichrist. We are NOT to join with this demonic religion…although the vast majority of catholics do not realize what they are into. However, if they read the Bible for themselves, perhaps then Holy Spirit might just wake them up.
Come out from among them and be ye separate!!
https://followingjesuschrist3.com/2015/11/30/high-treason-against-the-living-god/
Sola Scriptura,
I agree with the differences that you stated.
But, they also believe all of the things I mentioned in my comment. And I hope you noticed that all of these things are foundational beliefs to what you refer to as ‘biblical Christianity’ today as well?
That is why I said that it is these things that both agree on that is drawing the so-called ‘leaders’ in the Protestant churches back to the whore. The RCC. And that these things I wrote that both groups hold in common are false doctrine.
The things I shared are similarities in both RCC and Protestantism. And what you shared are not.
Blessings:-}
I just wrote a column about the push to gather around a “core orthodoxy” in my recent column about Andy Stanley. There is a new willingness to overlook false teachings because the common doctrine on salvation is sound. Rex Koivisto wrote about this struggle in “The Search for a Core Orthodoxy for Catholicity.”
The problem I have with this is that Christians need to love ALL the truth and when we don’t, humanity suffers. For example, the abolitionists stood on Acts 17:26 (God hath made from one blood all nations) in order to oppose polygenism (otherwise known as scientific racism). Polygenism was the belief that there were many parental origins, not just Adam and Eve. This allowed those who held slaves to believe that some darker races were sub-human and not subject to the same dignity as the lighter races.
The London Ethnological Society fought against slavery and polygenism. Their motto was “ab uno sanguire” (from one blood). (Enlightenment thinkers such as Jefferson, Hume, and Voltaire held to the concept of scientific racism. They weren’t the epitome of all wisdom and virtue!)
It was one little scripture, one “detail”—outside of the doctrines concerning salvation—that could have hindered so much suffering if it would have been believed.
Andy Stanley says we need to rally around the statement, “I am the Christ, the Son of the Living God” and that we shouldn’t separate over “details,” but if we didn’t separate over the details in our past history…where would humanity be, where would the testimony of the church be?
No…we need to “guard ourselves in steadfast truth” as this blog is entitled. When we don’t do this the world is plunged into darkness.
https://narrowwayapologetics.com/2016/10/09/andy-stanley-and-the-7000-who-have-bowed-their-knees/
Diana Lesperance,
I missed writing the part where these beliefs that I stated that the RCC and Protestantism have in common are all heresy. None of the points I referred to are biblical doctrines. They are doctrines that were promoted and propogated by the RCC. And then during the reformation were held on to by the reformers.
They did very well in ridding themselves of many other heretical doctrines that are to this day still held by the RCC. But, failed in getting rid of these.
And these heretical doctrine’s that were kept by the reformers are the very ones that are drawing these church ‘leaders’ back to the RCC.
That is what I meant when I said “Satan is not called the most subtle of all the beasts of the field for nothing.” He was able to convince the reformers to keep a little leaven (heresy) so that it would eventually infect the whole lump.
Blessings:-}
What is happening was foretold, there will be a Great Apostasy before the man of sin is revealed, who will come in peace. A Roman pope will point to this man as the returned messiah, this why the hirelings of the Protestant camp are running to Rome, one apostate movement following the other, eventually it will all become what is called THE WHORE OF BABYLON. As they say all roads lead to Rome.
He will soon be revealed.
King of the North, Russia…..already in the Middle East (protecting Syria.) Just signed energy pact with Turkey who is renewing ties both economically and militarily with Russia.
Persia, America has given her billions in unfrozen bank accounts, it vows to erase Israel, very friendly with Russia AND China the (Kings Of the East.)
Kings of the East, led by China. Revelation says they will march accross into the plain of Meggido. China has just finished a massive railroad from China into Tehran, it is involved in the Middle East (Syria) along with the King of the North. Anyone who understands logistics will tell you the best way to move vast numbers of soldiers, heavy armaments and supplies is not with aircraft, but with trains. Look at a map of Tehran, see how close it is too Israel.
Europe is melting economically her major banks are teetering close to insolvency. The strains of a massive influx of middle eastern are tearing the EU apart, Brexit being an example.
Time and space does not allow to illustrate the conditions that are coming to fruition in America, Africa and Europe that clearly show how close we are to receiving the antichrist. The rampant Great Apostasy and ecumenical mad rush to Rome are unprecedented and of course the biggest flag, Israel in her place sorrounded by her enemies……….. Folks what we are seeing is unique to our days. Great Apostasy, rabid ecumenism, political alliances as foretold, cultural rot and a world wide clamoring for a savior.
The Euphrates is drying up at an alarming rate because of damns built by Turkey on the headwaters. In the proper time it will dry out completely allowing the army of the Kings of the East to cross.
Very well done Manny1962. I loved reading it because it points to the soon return of King Jesus.
Blessings:-}
Thanks Ed, blessings to you and yours.
I find it troubling how so many brothers and sisters are not aware of the issues outside of “church.” Many just turn a blind eye to current events, while our Lord said to watch so we won’t be caught unaware. How can we watch and eagerly await His return when all focus is on heresy and apostasy (which we must call out, always.). It is my opinion we must have a balanced outlook, current world/political events mesh with scripture and must be paid attention to. On the other hand, many unbelievers see and understand the events occurring, but are blinded because they cannot put one and one together, they can’t grasp the spiritual element of what’s occurring since they’re blinded by the god of this age, the prince of this world and they don’t understand scripture and eschatology. What is happening in Churchianity and in the world is history unfolding before our eyes, it is frightening, but at the same time exciting, as we know our Lord is right at the door! These are not days of fear for believers, this is the time to get the word out, evangelize as many as you can, the days are growing short. Yes, we must be Bereans, call out heretics and apostates where they stand, make righteous judgement and pay attention (WATCH!) to the conditions around us! As our Lord said: watch! Maranatha! May our Great God protect His people!
Please evangelize Widows as defined in scripture. The biblical definition of a widow is a woman bereft of her husband. Scripture does not narrow this definition to the loss being caused by death alone. The loss could come through divorce, imprisonment, adultery and abandonment etc. Many of these widows have NEVER heard the true gospel (or have been deceived with another gospel) and are raising children. The world is so contemptuous towards mothers, labeling them “single mothers”, deserving of disdain, and their children are fodder for the fire of greed. In James we find “true religion is this, to care for widows and orphans in their distress”. The apostate evangelical movement is one of the largest participants in human trafficking of children both international and domestic.
You are correct Miriam. Women also lose their husbands to gambling, drugs, pornography and the vices promulgated by the world.
Thank you Miriam for your keen observation concerning widows. May I inquiry your source for your statement “The apostate evangelical movement is one of the largest participants in human trafficking of children both international and domestic”?
Thank you,
James
Thanks for the comments, Ed and Manny. I find myself in a situation where I have been “churched” for most of my life and I believe the Lord is leading me away from mainstream denominational churches because I am seeing more and more wide-path teaching. My problem is that it is so difficult to discern the difference because it is always one degree from the truth. I will admit that I was never properly discipled within the church which left me to mine own devices. I asked the Lord in prayer for discernment and wisdom through Scripture and the what He guides me to. Over the past couple of months, He has been opening my eyes to what you folks have been seeing all along. I suspect there are a lot good Christians out there that are just like me, but just don’t know where to look or turn for good teaching. The Lord has been faithful and has opened my eyes greatly over the past months and is continuing to lift the veil. May the Lord bless you and keep each of you.
Thank you Chad for the kind words.
The best thing to do Chad when you read the scriptures is to continue to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit. And while reading it, make sure it actually says what you decide to believe about it.
Here is an example.
When most people read in Genesis about the sin of Adam and Eve, they read into it what they have been taught in church. Then when they are asked questions about the passage their answers are not what the scripture actually says at all.
If I asked you why Adam and Eve hid from God after they ate the fruit and saw they were naked, what would you say? I have heard it taught and asked this question of pastors and paritioners alike. The answer is always the same and never what the Bible actually says.
They always say it was because they were ashamed that made them hide from God. But, a simple reading of the passage will show that this is not why they hid at all. The scripture says that they answered God that they hid because they were AFRAID. Not because they were ashamed.
This is just one example of many that express the fact that we need to be sure what the scripture actually says before we incorporate to ourselves and repeat to others what we believe it says.
This will help in your understanding of what God is trying to teach us about Himself and our relationship with Him. I know it has for me.
Blessings:-}
Thank you for this teaching! I just shared it with my son and daughter. We have an ongoing study of what the bible teaches about being “sober minded” and this teaching about leaning on the Holy Spirit versus one’s own understanding is so important. This is also why we choose not to watch movies that profess to be based on the bible. As my young son says, “I wouldn’t eat what looked like a cookie from the street gutter, why would I let my eyes eat images that are ungodly and trade truth for a lie?”.
God bless you and yours Miriam. And may He continue to lead you in the truth.
Blessings:-}
Chad:
Just wanted to add another comment. A lot of people in churches have gone astray because they are following the leaders instead of being personally responsible in studying the Scriptures. I think there is a place for good sound and mature teachers of the Word, but I have found that even with the best of them, they have their strengths and weaknesses, Same with Bible commentaries. Some are very good in some areas and not so good in others. I have really enjoyed sharing Bible study with other Christians where we just read the Bible passages together and discuss what we have read. Often it leads to doing further research on some topic, and everyone in the group benefits from this further study. In my individual study, I like using the online resources on Biblehub.com.
Chad,
I started on a path of tremendous growth in understanding Scripture when I was faced with some false teaching, but didn’t understand what was exactly wrong. The discernment ministries helped me to discern between wrong, right and almost right. I benefited from the work of people who had already done the heavy lifting before me. Thank you for sharing, Chad, it is an encouragement. God is faithful!
Good afternoon Chad!
I believe The Lord is leading many today out of “Churchianity,” The Lord has always seperated, from Genesis to Exodus to the New Testament we can see Him separating good from bad. My humble advice to you is simple, keep doing what you’re doing, The Holy Spirit was sent as a guide and a teacher for us, the bride of Jesus Christ. Jesus promised we would never be left alone nor without guidance. They key to a successful walk with The Lord is PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER! And scripture reading! God will lead you, As we humble ourselves in prayer our mighty Lord will see us through. I’m more than convinced that. We are very, very near to His return. Israel in her place, mass apostasy, world wide utter decay, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes in divers places! One would have to be utterly blind not to see the hand writing on the wall! God bless Chad! Keep on praying!
Manny1962,
I second all that you said to Chad:-)
Blessings:-}
I very much appreciate the list Diana gives in her informative article. Number #20 is a real shame. Today, more than ever, as long as the “check clears the bank” almost anything goes. Sadly, even the Christian publisher that published Diana’s book, publishes books by those who deny cardinal teachings of the Christian faith. TATE Christian Publishers has a decent “statement of faith” Unfortunately, they also have published Jerry Brown’s book (Among Others) “A New Christianity” In this book Brown denies the deity of Christ, the Trinity, Hell, and even mentions the founder of the cult, he was associated with. How did this get pass the publishing department? Another Christian publisher, XULON also published a book that denies the deity of Christ, and the Trinity. “Worshipping The One True God”, by Keith Daniels. After contacting the CEO of Salem Communications, Daniels book is now out of print. Cannot TATE do the same? Speaking of Joel Osteen( some like to call him Dr. Osteen) Osteen received his Doctor of letters (Honorary), from Life College. One of the presenters was the anti-Trinitarian Bernie L. Wade. Not only does Wade deny one of the cardinal teachings of the Christian faith, but he likes to throw around that he attended Dallas Theological Seminary. I contacted DTS and was informed that they never heard of a Bernie L. Wade. Wade had the references to DTS deleated from one of his Facebook pages, and from LinkedIn. On another of Wade’s Facebook pages, he has “Doctor Of Divinity” Dallas Theological Seminary.
https://www.facebook.com/bishopbernie.lwade
Folks this just keeps growing on a daily basis! This is only the tip of the iceberg! There’s so much going on that we just don’t know. Personally I believe we are extremely close to The Lord’s return. If anyone here follows politics/economics, you’ll agree…….exciting time to be alive! Maranatha!
I found this so chilling I just had to share, I know it’s a bit off topic, but given today’s climate I thought it was important for fellow Brereans to see how far along we are in the timetable laid out in scripture.
http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/179901454620206363/Jan-2016-ID4D-Strategic-Roadmap.pdf
http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/id4d
This is just chilling…..
http://findbiometrics.com
The scattered sheep should know how near our Shepherd is…….
Hi Amy,
Under the guise of alleviating hunger and misery, they’re pushing this on the poor countries, by the World Bank no less! Talk about an insidious name! India has an ID system in place that rivals many employed by western nations, from cradle to grave citizens are catalogued and “branded.” Eventually as the pilot program shows success, it’s going to be deployed in developed nations. We have an insatiable appetite for technology, it will be our undoing! I personally believe this is the framework being rolled out hat will lead to “the mark.” It’s curious and many miss it, the bible doesn’t say there will be a one world currency, but a one world mark, it sounds like you can use the currency of your country, but the mark must be presented along with the medium of exchange! If this is correct, then we don’t have to wait for “a one world currency.” Frightening because as the monetary system exists right now, the “mark” can be deployed today, all that is needed is some sort of banking/economic/monetary crisis! I’m interested in your thoughts!
Excellent observation Manny. What a blessing you are. There truly is nothing between us and the rapture except God’s timing.
Blessings:-}
Amen and amen brother! Thank you Ed. There’s so much research I come accross, but I don’t know where to post it. I found this so chilling I just had to share with my fellow brothers and sisters as encouragement! I’m not afraid of this, I’m encouraged and I’m elated as the day gets nearer! All the framework the antichrist and the false prophet need for their world wide control is in place, all we need is God’s perfect timing to set it all in motion! God bless everyone here, God bless our brothers and sisters paying with their lives in the Middle East, the few loyal pastors left and the small, but vibrant bride of Jesus Christ. The days maybe getting dark, but our Lord is a lamp unto our feet! Maranatha!
Two more points I just remembered:
The book of Revelation speaks of the revived Roman Empire as the kingdom of the beast, it says it’s partly clay and partly iron, well I do believe this was shown as Britain is pushing to leave the EU and other countries grumbling making the “empire” strong and fragile at the same time, they need a leader to step in and rule them with an iron fist.
I also believe what is happening in the US political realm, is God showing His sheep not to trust in government, man, nor institutions invented by man no matter how civil they look, as thousands upon thousands leaked emails have shown that this government is beyond corrupt, broken and essentially smoke and mirrors. I have always repudiated he left/right political spectrum, it does not exist, it’s money at the highest levels that controls all things, as the bible says man will worship Mammon, the antichrist will use Mammon as a controlling agent and Revelation says he worships god of fortresses, meaning he worships military might and war. The Bushes were a judgement against this nation, Barack Obama is a judgement against this nation, whoever gets “elected” or more to the point SELECTED, will prove the same. God’s warning His people by showing us all theses things, they’re becoming clearer because knowledge is growing, as foretold. We see and understand, the blind do not see and get caught up in the growing deception! Pray brothers and sisters, we don’t know how much longer we have! God bless you all!