News & Views, May 2001 - Edited By E. L. Bynum

Divorce and the Ministry - By E. L. Bynum

The New Theological Reformation - By Bill Mosley

Could it Just Possibly Be All True? - Dr. Ken Johnson

It Takes Time to Be Holy By By Pastor Bruce Oyen

Hybels' Willow Creek Carnality- From The Sword of the Lord

Help Stop This Hoax - Pastor Ronnie Wolfe

Worship and the Culture - FOUNDATION, March/April 2001

Conference Feed Back - March 2001

This subject is and always has been controversial. As divorce becomes more prevalent, it will be even more controversial in the future. Most of the arguments over divorced ministers involve feelings and personal opinions rather than what saith the Lord. My feelings and personal opinions really do not matter, but what the Bible says does matter because it is the Word of God.

We have recently read reports of David Hyles preaching in Conferences. In February he preached in a conference at East Coast Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia. David Hyles is the son of the late Jack Hyles who pastored the large First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, until he recently died.

While David was on his dad's staff, he had extramarital affairs which got him in trouble. He then became the pastor of the Miller Road Baptist Church in Garland, TX. This was the Church that his dad had pastored for a number of years, before he went to Hammond, Indiana. It was assumed that he went there with his father's blessing. Dave had multiple affairs in Garland, which led to him losing both the Church and his wife. After that he has remarried, and apparently intends to continue on in the ministry. In my opinion, he has no right to remain in the ministry.

A careful study of I Timothy 3:2-7, should settle the issue without any question. There are other Scriptures on this subject, but none that set these qualifications aside. Certain things are set forth that eliminate a divorced man from the ministry.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (I Tim. 3:2-7)

"A bishop then must be blameless" (v. 2). As a bishop he is an overseer. If he cannot oversee his own life, how can he oversee the people of the Church. A divorced man cannot be "blameless." To be blameless means he is "unrebukeable, 1) not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of 2) that cannot be reprehended, not open to censure, irreproachable." It is evident that a divorced man cannot meet these standards.

"A bishop then must be . . . the husband of one wife" (v. 2). This passage says nothing about one wife at a time. Polygamy would disqualify a man, but it is not polygamy which is in view. The bishop must be a one woman man, and not one that has been divorced and remarried.

He must be "vigilant" (v. 2). If he has not been vigilant in watching out for his own life and behaviour, how can he be vigilant in watching over the flock that he is pastoring?

He must be "sober" (v. 2). This means that he must curb his desires and impulses, and be self-controlled, temperate. A man that has not kept his marriage together cannot meet these qualifications.

He must be "of good behaviour" (v. 2). This means he must have his life well arranged. His behaviour must be such that there can be no question about his life. Divorce leaves plenty of questions that the world will always ask about, and which will cause them to reject his ministry.

He must be "apt to teach" (v. 2). How can a divorced man teach all of the Scriptures about marriage and divorce? He will have a tendency to skip over those passages that might point to his own failures. He certainly set a bad example before the youth as well as the married persons of the Church.

He must be able to show that he is "not covetous" (v. 3). The original prohibition against covetousness should be considered at this point. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's" (Ex. 20:17). It is evident that a divorced and remarried man would have this hanging over his head.

He must be "one that ruleth well his own house" (v. 4). It is evident that a divorced man has not ruled his own house. He did not rule or control his family and his household. If he had, his marriage would still be intact. The reason is given in the next verse.

He must be able to "take care of the church of God" (v. 5). "(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" It is an awesome responsibility to take care of the church of God. A man that could not rule and keep together his own house is certainly disqualified from ruling over the house of God.

He must have a good report of those outside the church. "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without" (v. 7). People outside the church must see that the pastor is a man with good morals, and that he practices what he preaches.

If he does not have this, he will fall into the "snare of the devil" (v. 7). When a preacher falls into the trap of the devil, his ministry will be finished.

We need preachers today, as never before, but we do not need those that are not qualified. Of course this passage of Scripture rules out a lot of other people from being in the ministry. Verse one makes it clear that only men can be preachers. The Bible says "man," and it does not say woman. Pastors are always spoken of in the masculine gender. Jesus had no women apostles, nor do we read about any women pastors.

Drinkers, women chasers, dishonest men, and many others cannot qualify for the pastorate. It is sad that such people are found in the ministry and bring shame upon the cause of Christ.

1. Some say that they have confessed their sin and that God has forgiven them. I know many women who have confessed their sin and been forgiven, but that does not qualify them to preach.

2. Some say, I know I have been called to preach. Who are we going to believe, will it be God, or will it be you? No one is called to do anything that is contrary to the Word of God. What God said, He meant, and He is never going to change it.

3. That all happened before I was saved, is the lame excuse that some give. The Bible makes no distinction as to whether the marriage failed before or after salvation.

4. Some divorced men say, God has called me and I must obey. If the divorce came after your call, then you disqualified yourself when you got a divorce.

5. God knows all about each one of us, and He knew it before we were born. God does not make any mistakes and He is not going to call those who are not qualified.

Divorced men can serve God and win souls, but they cannot be preachers or deacons. You can help some good pastor to stand by the truth, and when he preaches against divorce, you can say amen! Divorced people should know better than anyone, the heartache and sorrow that divorce brings.

I know this little article will not settle this issue, in the minds of some people. I know that some will strongly condemn me for writing this, and that it will cause pain to others. My obligation is to proclaim the truth, and I must do that. I am trying to warn those who have been called to preach. Beware of the opposite sex. Do not allow yourself to become open to temptation, because the flesh is weak.

1 Peter 1:16 makes it clear that Christians are to be holy. The verse says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." But holiness of life takes time spent in certain activities.

1. It takes time in prayer to be holy. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Chp. 5:23) Since he prayed for the holiness of others, he prayed for his own holiness. And if an apostle prayed to be holy, should not we do so? Let us pray for an increase of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Let us pray for Christ-like speech habits. Let us pray for pure thoughts. Let us pray that our lives will be dedicated to the Lord. Such praying can't be done hurriedly. Remember, it takes time in prayer to be holy.

2. It takes time in Bible reading to be holy. This does not automatically produce holiness. Our minds must be attentive, and our hearts teachable if Bible reading is to make us holy. The Lord himself believed in the power of the Bible to make us holy, for in John 17:7 he prayed for his disciples, "Father, sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth." And King David said in Psalm 119:11, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." It has wisely been said that the Bible will keep us from sin, or sin will keep us from it. So, we must discipline ourselves to read the Bible daily. If we read four chapters each day, we will read it once a year. And if we do so with open hearts, we will be made holier in the process. Remember, it takes time in Bible reading to be holy.

3. It takes time in church attendance to be holy. Regular church attendance does not guarantee holiness any more than sitting in a kitchen fills your stomach. But for those who attend church in search of nourishment from the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, such attendance will prove helpful in their aspirations after holiness, for the heavenly Father sanctifies his children through the truth of his Word, John 17:7 tells us. Moreover, the music in fundamental churches promotes our holiness, whether we hear it in special music, or sing with the congregation. And, participating in heartfelt, Scriptural prayer at church promotes our holiness. Remember, it takes time in church attendance to be holy.

4. It takes time in confession of sin to be holy. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Psalm 32:5 says, "I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."
Confession of sin need not be lengthy to obtain forgiveness. What counts is sincerity of heart. David's awful sins of adultery and murder were forgiven with a one sentence confession. 2 Samuel 12:13 says he said, "I have sinned against the LORD." He felt what he said, and was forgiven.

Sincere confession is not rushed through. In fact, the only rushed confession that God accepts is that which comes from one who is desperate to make things right with God. But even then the confessor wants to linger in God's presence until the burden of guilt has truly departed. And then they pour, out their hearts in thanksgiving to God for his forgiveness. Remember, it takes time in confession of sin to be holy.

One of the largest churches in America and probably one of the largest of all time, Willow Creek (Chicago area) Church was featured in Christianity Today (9/13/00). The article states, "Every weekend 17,000-plus people attend six services (two exclusively designed for GenXers) programmed with cutting-edge music, drama and teaching to reach the unchurched. The services' `wow' factor is aided by 50 vocalists, a 75-voice choir, 7 rhythm bands, a 65-piece orchestra, 41 actors, a video production department and an arts center with 200 students that serves as a farm club for future talent."

Hybels is the founding pastor of Willow Creek that celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. He signed the statement entitled "Men, Women and Biblical Equality" and promotes ordination of women. He has spoken a number of times for arch-heretic Robert Schuller. He was one of the preachers closest to President Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal ....

Willow Creek is at the epicenter of today's carnal church-growth movement that embraces everything worldly to attract the unsaved to their services. This is evident in Dr. Gregory Jackson's account of his visit to Willow Creek. Here is some of what he wrote:

Picture a large, attractive shopping mall in the suburbs. That is what Willow Creek looks like. There is no cross or religious symbol on the outside of the building or inside. The "worship" area is an auditorium with theater seats, no altar, no organ and no cross. My wife and I entered to the sound of rock music from a 20-piece group on stage. We passed by color TV monitors with the lists of activities on the screen ....

The event began with a play, skillfully acted but rather tedious .... The congregation was invited to sing once during the service [weak] .... Hybels gave the announcements and introduced a very professional slide show of all the ministries at Willow Creek Church ...aimed at getting volunteers .... Hybels gave a "message"...about the "Message on the Mount" (text: Matthew 5:20). He had a great text, but he had little to say about it.

The article in Christian News (11/6/00) from which this was gleaned notes that in the twenties Aimee Semple McPherson packed in thousands with Vegas-like productions only to have her ministry collapse in scandal. Every true shepherd wants to reach all the lost he can. The Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep left us a manual (as well as the message) on how to do it the books of Acts. If we will follow that inspired pattern, He will use us to build His church. Resort to the carnal methods of Willow Creek, and what will be built will be wood, hay and stubble-all to perish in the fires of judgment (I Cor. 3:10-14). THE GIST From The Sword of the Lord

Many questions are asked of Christianity from today's generation of people who question the reality of life and the possibility of death. Those who are saying the most about it are in reality little believed and less convincing. The cause of all this seems to be seated in the weakness of the source. This source in America is Christianity and those who admit their belief in a Bible based concept of the Eternal God.

What is astounding in America is the influence of outside religions, inside religionists, and just plain ignorance of any real concept of God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit. It is not that we do not have Bibles; it is that we do not read, study, or believe the Bible. It becomes evident when one considers the facts of public attitude in the area of "religion." A good illustration of this is found in the Dalai Lama's "God-Free Religion" demonstrated before the Parliament of World's Religions in January of 2000. The Calvary Contender (Vol. XVII NO. 1) reported:

Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama was the keynote speaker at the 1999 Parliament of the World's Religions (12/15 CC). His message of spirituality without a deity is now said to be "the perfect way to satisfy the spiritual hunger of people living in a scientific and secular age" (12/6 CT). Buddhism, which has 358 million followers worldwide, is nontheistic. A Buddhist teacher says, "Now it's becoming the in thing to be spiritual. It's more cool, modern, and progressive to be spiritual. But without God."

Perhaps this might be a clue to the fall in attendance of churches across America in main line churches. It is reported from 1967 to 1997 four major NCC/WCC denominations declined by 25% and up to 51%. The major problems seem to exist among "liberal" churches that have left Biblical standards for contemporary modes of religious expression. [See the Calvary Contender of Vol. XVII N0.6 dated March 15, 2000.] It is also recorded the destination of these members is "...flocking in droves to charismatic churches." [Ibid.]

The move to churches of this magnitude and direction presents another startling revelation. One sees in these ranks what is called "Contemporary Christian Music," dancing in the choirs, tongues speaking in the pews, and a general attitude of seekers looking for the unusual. What rises to the surface is examples of total unbelief, rejection of the Bible as the revelation of God, and a practice of displayed action that is no where to be found in Scripture teaching. Hank Hanegraaff (not a Baptist writer of strict local church sympathies) accurately displays part of this problem in his book Christianity in Crisis. He quotes the theology of famous men who are TV favorites and who abandon truth for incoming treasure. Hanegraaff records examples of the theology (or should one simply admit it is pure heresy) of men of this status:

It is these self-proclaimed apostles who are leading the church into the kingdom of the cults. But don't just take my word for it:

"Satan conquered Jesus on the Cross" Kenneth Copeland

"You're not looking at Morris Cerullo you're looking at God. You're looking at Jesus." Morris Cerullo

"Never, ever, ever go to the Lord and say, If it be thy will ...Don't allow such faith-destroying words to be spoken from your mouth." Benny Hinn

"God has to be given permission to work in this earth realm on behalf of man ....Yes! You are in control! So, if man has control, who no longer has it? God." Frederick K.C. Price

"Man was created on terms of equality with God, and he could stand in God's presence without any consciousness of inferiority." Kenneth Hagin 1

From Baptists' (?) ranks such men as former President Jimmy Carter have expressed their conviction in terms that cheapen to a level of meaningless jargon doctrine from the Bible concerning the "gender" of the church's pastor. His position is one that declares one who believes and practices what the Bible teaches as `divisive and rigid' doctrine." 2 The author of this article (it is reproduced from The Philadelphia Inquirer) openly declares

Now citing an increasingly "divisive" and "rigid" doctrine, former President Jimmy Carter, a Southern Baptist deacon who still leads the Sunday school classes he began teaching as a teen-ager, has announced that he's ending his six-decade-long affiliation with the group. Religious scholars say his move underscores deep philosophical and theological divisions in the nation's largest Protestant denomination.

Carter made public his decision in an open letter being distributed by Texas Baptist Committed, a group of former Southern, Baptist who have grown disenchanted with the convention and what they see as its rising fundamentalism and political conservatism.

The fall out from such acts and statements is going to be far reaching among SBC churches and peoples. One "deaconess" in Huntsville, Alabama, is reported to have made this quite evident against all that the Bible plainly teaches on the matter in a statement in the Calvary Contender

Mainstream Alabama Baptists Ala. Baptists recently affirmed the new Baptist Faith & Message, but some walked out of the meeting and formed a separate Mainstream Alabama Baptists group. The Bible and women pastors are two main issues. Frances Jones of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, said she worries that the new faith statement will stop her from being a deacon in her church (11/16 Huntsville Times). She said her worries began over two years ago when Baptist women were told to be submissive to their husbands. "I don't want to be submissive to my husband," said Jones. 4

Another step is now being put before the public in a corridor of speculative ignorance few could anticipate only one generation removed. This involves science (?), the Second Coming, creating Deity, and theological questions ad infinitum. It is found in the Bible Review (commonly named BR but more accurately found to be Bible Rejecting) yet in a timely manner concludes the weakness explicit in answer to the proposal

Noting the proliferation of supposed relics of Jesus' body in churches through out the world (some of which claim to have his blood, his hair, even his foreskin), the Second Coming Project plans to obtain just one cell and then let the duplication begin. A "young virginal woman" has volunteered to carry the baby to term; she hopes to go into labor on December 25, 2001 ....

The group seems undaunted by the fact that every supposed relic of Jesus is surrounded by controversy ....They are also unfazed by the fact that no human being has ever been cloned (at least not publicly) and that cloning has never been successfully performed on such aged cells (at least not outside of Hollywood).

British evangelical leader David Hilbom has suggested that any such project will fail for theological reasons. "Divinity is what distinguishes Jesus from the rest of us, and divinity is not contained in DNA," says Hilbom. -there are no genes or chromosomes for God." 5

One wonders today just how far people will go in leaving the Word of God for a religion of total convenience. It is not the multitude who followed Christ; it was a remnant. When Christ tested the multitude by DOCTRINE, it is reported, "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?" (John 6:66-68.)
Several commercially printed form invitations have been sent to homes in our city which illustrate how shallow Christianity has become. The come-on is evident in the gestures of things offered to satisfy the carnal flesh: Casual DressContemporary MusicDrama and VideoPractical MessagesKids Adventure program, NO hard pews, SLEEPY hymns, DRY SERMONS, AND HUGE OFFERING PLATE, New friends, Teaching deals with Daily LivingPop/Rock Style Praise Band. BUT NOT FOUND are, NO Choirs, NO hymn Books, NO high pressure, NO uninvited visits RESULTING in "A church for people who don't like church!" (Emph. added.)

What a surprise then that one finds the evangelism of this sort is one that emphasizes EASY BELIEVISM, EXTRA BIBLICAL REVELATION, and ECUMENICAL CONNECTIONS WITH TOTAL APOSTASY. The results are as easily noticed. Eminent is a church growth that is trading of fish from bowl to bowl by those who are satisfied with keeping the status quo. Missions are a thing thought of as feeding, financing, and false doctrine.

What ever happened to churches that actually taught the Bible to their students and directly from the Bible itself? In our day, shall we submit ourselves to the fruit of the translation explosion that postulates a Bible everyone can understand because it is so simple in its teaching and then forget the Scripture declares:

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Cor. 2:14)

The Bible is a book with a Divine message. It claims to be the very Word of God. It is defined as having been "inspired of God." It came from the prophets of old as "The Lord said..." It contains this promise from Christ Himself, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Mt. 5:18.) Could it just possibly all be true? ? ?

1 Hank Hanegraaff, CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 1997), pp. 10,11.
2 News item in the Roanoke Times, October 21,2000.
3 Ibid.
4 News item in the Calvary Contender, December 1,2000.
5 Hershel Shanks, Editor. "Jots & Tittles," Bible Review, Vol. XV1, No. 6. December 2000.

Dear Friends,

I have received yet another copy of the so-called Petition 2493 that is supposed to take all religious programming off network TV. This Petition will go down in history as a legend of the longest running hoax of all time, I suppose. I have been trying to quell this thing for 25 years.

This hoax flows forth as a broken dam. The water from its flow is so strong and continuous that it is almost impossible to stop. This flood of water has been issued forth, some say, by Mrs. O'Hare herself in order to show the gullibility of Christians (they will swallow anything).

About 25 years ago I researched this same letter (which now has minor changes to include "Touched By An Angel," etc.) and found that there is no such petition and that no network stations have any compulsion to remove any of these religious programs. I spoke with religious stations which air free cable programs, and they have had no threat, either.

In fact, "Touched By An Angel" is so popular that it is being shown on a daily basis on many cable and satellite stations at this time. It seems to me that a letter and petition which is 25 years old would have had some impact by now, which is not the case. There are many more religious broadcasts now than ever before.

"Your vote is needed" to squelch this ever-flowing hoax. Please help me stamp it out now. I have been trying for 25 years to squelch it, but it keeps on flowing. I need help.

Pass THIS along to everyone you can. Thanks for your help.

Pastor Ronnie Wolfe

The new theological reformation emerging today is not new. True biblical theology is a study of the character and attributes of the holy God. A study of the Creator of the universe cannot be properly conducted apart from Holy Spirit inspired instructions. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:16,17) The prophetic writings of the Old Testament were spoken by God and recorded by men moved by the Holy Spirit. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet. 1:21) If fallen man's opinion of God and His relationship with mortal man is not formed by the instruction found in the Bible, opinions will be as varied as the Mars hill setting. (Acts 17:22)

To examine the holy attributes of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is impossible, unless man is taught by God Himself. Man left alone to his own thoughts about God will come to a wretched conclusion that will need revising as often as his own thoughts change. It is impossible for profane humanity to think or reason on the level with our eternal God. God gives the reason for this. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:8,9)

No doubt the modern attack upon the King James Version is no more or less than Satan's original slander against what God has said. "Hath God said . . . ?" (Gen. 3:1) permeates new theological reformation circles today. This results in humanistic philosophies about an imaginative god that agrees with the ideals of the status quo of society. "Political Correctness and Situation Ethics 101" appears on the curriculum for students in the seminaries of unbelief. For a true believer to earnestly contend for the faith against humanistic theological reformation, instruction from God must be heeded. Paul's remedy against man-made theology is "let God be true, but every man a liar . . ." (Rom. 3:4) The only thing that is consistent with the new theology is that it is consistently changing.

All theology, or the study of our holy God, must be based upon the unchanging record from an unchanging source. God's account of all happenings, past, present, and future, are leaded in the rock of the eternality of God. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isa. 40:8) God's word will not only stand for ever from the day of Isaiah's inspired record, it has also been established for all eternity. "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psa. 119:89) It is impossible for God to lie, therefore His word is truth. (Heb. 6:18; John 17:17) This truth is not only possible, it is also plausible since God is immutable. (Heb. 6:17) Jesus Christ also is the "same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Heb. 13:8) The attributes of the entire unchangeable Godhead is fully represented in Jesus Christ. "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Col. 2:9) Such a great mystery can only be explained by God's infallible Word and accepted by faith. "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Tim. 3:16)

Modern reformed theology is not a study of the God of heaven. It is a humanistic evaluation of a conceived deity that does not exist outside the mind of mortal beings. Unclean spirits and demons readily acknowledged the presence and being of Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:24) They know their time is limited and that final retribution awaits them. (Matt. 8:29) Yet when the thoughts of the immutable God enters the human mind, man immediately begins to mix his own pot of wild gourd stew wherein lies eternal death.

When the `God is dead' false theology wilted on the vine, a new theology was counterfeited and passed off as legal gospel tender. Theism, or the belief in the existence of a god or gods as a way of defining God, is blasphemous and damning to lost souls. The thought that any god will be adequate for eternal needs was first implemented by Satan. "Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" was the seed of self aggrandizement sown by the devil in the heart of our first parents. (Gen. 3:5)

Since proving God is dead is impossible, a new theology reform is necessitated. A proper study of God's eternal existence must also be declared dead. False religion dupes a gullible religious society into believing that "most theological God-talk is meaningless." This results in the idea that a new way to speak of God must be found. What a foolish concoction the devil serves up in his cup of deceitful sin. Deceitful hearts abound who are ready to embrace a new theology. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9) It is a foolish direction to take in both denying the existence of God and to dishonor the study of His holy attributes. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good." (Psa. 53:1)

The psalmist plea should be every believers desire. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psa. 139:23,24) His plea was for God to search and point out any course of action or path that led away from God. The wicked path of the new, yet old, theological reformation is forming its own idol to worship. What bodily and mental pain it causes to souls walking in darkness. It was a new theology the seven sons of Sceva tried on those possessed by evil spirits. (Acts 19:13) False prophets can quickly be recognized by evil spirits yet gullible religionist blindly follow.

Paul witnessed before Agrippa and Festus concerning the writings of Moses and the prophets. His testimony was how Christ was to suffer for lost humanity. Jesus resurrection and ascension back to the Father to intercede for believers until He returns to catch them away, was Paul's theme. Festus' theological assessment of Paul's preaching was, "Much learning doth make thee mad." (Acts 26:24) Feminist theologian, Phyliss Trible, may join men like Festus against `Bible thumping' preachers, but it is God's word that declares it is the fool who said in his heart there is no God. Billy Graham has joined Robert Schuller is their reformed theology of salvation apart from Jesus Christ. (See PBC 9/00; 2/01) Following men with such a distorted view of God's plan for redemption is shocking. For members of the Lord's church to heed or financially support such ministries is unbelievable, yet some do.

The biblical account of a perfectly constructed and finished creation has been stricken from public schools. That our first parents were Adam and Eve and through Adam the entire human race is born in sin, is no longer acceptable to reformed theology. Teaching Jesus' incarnation becomes a myth to those who believe and teach that the eternal God does not exist. Those born from above are readily aware that such a foolish theology is the primary cause of America's spiritual dilemma. Under such a counterfeit theology, society has been sold a sordid bill of goods of political correctness. Gay no longer means lightheartedness but a sexual orientation. Being right with God by spiritual birth, complete surrender, and walking uprightly was once highly regarded. Those who fall into this category today are called `right-wingers' and out of touch with reality.

An amended theology declares Newton's findings of a fixed physical law of the universe as proof that the universe happened by chance. On the contrary, it only further reveals God's involvement in the creation of all things and their consistent, continual operation. "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Gen. 8:22)

Atheist Charles Darwin beguiled many into believing that the Christian world was not knowledgeable of the part their conscience played in their belief. Darwin promoted a concept of the human mind that was entirely different from a Christian position. This was little different from Sigmund Freud's analyzing Christianity as a "deep-seated infantile neurosis." Both of these men know better now. They have a different view of our Lord's statement in Matt. 19:14: "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Hear what homosexual Episcopalian Bishop John S. Spong's considers necessary for a new theological reformation. This should be enough to alert any sleeping, unconcerned church member to perils which are ahead. Here is a church leader considered by his denomination as being worthy of taking notice. He favors the blessing of same-sex unions, along with Methodist, Presbyterians, and others. He also endorses the ordination of non-celibate homosexual priests who are in long-term monogamous relationships. His church heeded his views. His new theological reformation "will recognize that the pre-modern concepts in which Christianity has traditionally been carried will never again speak to the post-modern world we now inhabit." He further claims his new theology reformation "will examine the very nature of the Christian faith itself. It will ask whether or not this ancient religious system can be refocused and re-articulated so as to continue living in this increasingly non- religious world." The gay Bishop and other supporters of the new theological revolution will one day try to hide from the One who sits on the throne. (Rev. 6:15,16) The raging heathen and those who are vain in their thoughts will tremble at His laugh. "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psa. 2:4) Not only has the Lord's true church survived in a "non-religious world," it grew stronger while the religious world and godless governments persecuted it. Before the reasoning of Spong is disregarded as a threat to us, let us examine what is happening in traditional and non-traditional religious circles.

Why all the fuss? New cults are springing up all over the world. Many such sects are entering America daily. Most of which have no appearance of Christ centered worship. Secret organizations span the globe. Those belonging to such organizations share in a brotherhood of mixed religious convictions. It is a global league of religious activity far removed from service to the true and living God. Does being a member of such a secret association have an effect on the membership of the Lord's churches? In my last pastorate a man who was a member in such a secret organization privately challenged my preaching that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the only true God. That salvation is through Christ alone and there is none other name "under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) His statement was that other religions believed the same of their god. This was a man who was a member of a Baptist church.

Before you criticize my lack of pastoral abilities, which are many, how many men in your congregation pledge devotion to the god of a secret society? While Newton, Darwin, Spong and others like them may never touch the lives of `our' people, imaginative men under the endorsement of Satan will come up with many spiritual inventions. ". . . God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions." (Eccl. 7:29) Spong's reformed theology that the "miracle stories of the New Testament can no longer be interpreted in a post-Newtonian world as supernatural events performed by an incarnate deity," are anything but new. Secret organizations, that claim thousands of years of succession, pray to a generic supreme being without a name. Praying in the name of Jesus Christ is forbidden, even by Christian members, for fear of being offensive. Serving Jesus Christ unashamedly will cause a consecrated believer to be appraised by the world even as the Apostle Paul. "Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day." (1 Cor. 4:13)

The Bible which declares the reality of God is not for those who deny His existence. Certainly not for the agnostic that denies any possibility of knowing whether there is a God. It is neither for the Darwinian infidel who rejects the revelation of God. However, all three classes of unbelievers will one day soon bow their knees before God and acknowledge the deity of Christ. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Rom. 14:11; cf. Isa. 45:23)

Very soon reformed theology will be making its fateful finale. Although it has left its mark on society in a shallow, unreliable form of so-called Christianity, its inventions will soon be exposed. All believers will one day give an account to God. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:12) How believers have reacted to, or become involved with modern reformed theology, will be faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10)
To deal at length with the finale of reformed theology would require more space than is used to this point. Some things must be mentioned. Its grand finale will be to deceived those left behind after the rapture of the saints. During the great tribulation the simulations of good times will usher in a reformed theology never before seen. A society destined to eternal hell will fall unashamedly before this newly generated false god. "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (Rev. 13:4) However, the end result of this Christ rejecting theology is found in Rev. 20:11-15. All who are in hell today, along with those who will descend there until the end, will be emptied into a lake of eternal fire. When death and hell have given up their captives, they will join the unholy trinity, the devil, the beast, and the false prophet in this burning abyss.

Religious leaders who have sown seeds of spiritual corruption are making their final stand. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal. 6:7) Faithful pastor and followers of Christ, recognize, renounce, reject, and reprove every false way. "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way." (Psa. 119:128)

Rick Warren, senior pastor of the Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest, California, is widely recognized today as one of the primary leaders of the church growth/marketing movement. Warren, author of the best-selling book The Purpose Driven Church, has influenced thousands of pastors and church leaders through his seminars in which he reveals his techniques, experiences and discoveries concerning how to build and grow a church. A central tenet of Warren's teachings is the belief that in order to effectively draw the lost to the church and win them to Christ, the church today must give the unsaved, the "seeker," that which he desires in a church. He believes the church must market itself to the desires of the unsaved in the community and change its style to accommodate and attract unbelievers within the church's locale.

In a recent article distributed by Baptist Press titled "Let Culture Determine Your Style of Worship," Warren relates how the thinking of today's church must change if the lost are to be reached in this century. "We have to start thinking differently," he writes. "I think the target on Sunday morning should be the lost. The church should focus on making unbelievers feel comfortable by singing songs they can embrace, by voicing prayers that help them relate, and by preaching messages they can understand." Warren decries the use of traditional hymns accompanied by pianos and organs in Sunday worship services, stating that churches will not attract many people with that kind of music. He says that while the message must not change, the methods must change.

Apparently, thousands of churches around the world are beginning to implement the philosophies of Warren and other church growth experts. These local congregations are using the lures of the world system to attract the unsaved to the church and to the Gospel. Not only do evangelical churches embrace this new paradigm for church growth, but Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant churches are trying it as well-especially those churches that are attempting to lure younger members. Note just a few recent examples:

A recent article in The Detroit News highlighted several churches in the Detroit, Michigan, area that lure youth through various unorthodox approaches. The report noted that the local Gen X churches, such as The Bridge, Ground Zero and Genesis, aim to reach youth who are disillusioned with traditional churches. Such churches often attempt to be more relevant through their use of rock-and-roll, dance, videos, drama and art and often meet in non-traditional locations. According to the report, "observers say there is a strong entertainment element in the services but if they're a springboard for a religious message, they can work" (The Detroit News, "Ministers Get Hip to Lure Young," 2-16-01).

Crossover Community Church in Tampa, Florida, is now known as "the hip-hop church" because it uses "hip-hop" music to lure young people. Over 160 youth now attend this local assembly in which "youth services and outreaches include Christian rap concerts, break-dancing classes and gospel block parties" (Charisma News Service, 2-15-01). Senior pastor Al Palmquist told Charisma Nevus Service, "A lot of churches are really resistant to the hip-hop music . . . but this is the number one musical style in the country ... some of the traditional pastors see [hip-hop worship] as the gangsta rap the filthy stuff that's on the radio. But this is something new. This glorifies God."

"The Rock" is the popular place to be for many students at Iowa State University in Ames. A recent article in the Des Moines Register begins, "Techno music pumps at concert volumes as hundreds of college students and twenty-somethings fill a packed room on a Friday night in Ames ... Someone dives off the stage into a high-jump pit. A beach ball surfs the crowd. It isn't a bar. It's church." The Rock is affiliated with Cornerstone Church in Ames. The Register article noted that "The Rock in Campus town is proof that religion has become trendy in college, a place where students sometimes abandon their religious roots." It added, "The groups have a liberal exterior, but worshipers adhere to strict doctrine when the music is turned off." Jeff Dodge, pastor of Cornerstone Church, said, "This is not a revolt against tradition, but it's the freedom to step away from it in a contemporary setting."

The mixing of the world and the church is becoming increasingly popular in an effort to reach out to the unchurched. Yet such tactics and philosophy of ministry do not harmonize well with Scripture. The walk of the believer is to be distinctly different from that of the world and certainly is not to mirror the walk of the world (Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:13-16). Believers must evangelize, but they must not minimize the Gospel message nor the power of the Gospel to change the heart of the unsaved. by Pastor Dennis Costella. FOUNDATION, March/April 2001

Our 40th Anniversary Missions Bible Conference was greatly blessed this year. As Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, I want to thank all of those that attended this year. We were blessed by people who came from many States to have a part. We appreciate all of those who preached during the Conference. They did an outstanding job in preaching the Word of God. Below you will read excerpts from some of those who wrote to us.

Dear Bro. Bynum: Greetings to you my friend and brother. You've heard it before, but you and Bro. Moser are my heros. Your eternal reward stretches far beyond just being pastor of TBC. No, let me rephrase that, your influence as the pastor of TBC (or from your pastoral reaching ministries) has stretched far over the walls of TBC in Lubbock.
I never got to meet the first Mrs. Bynum but the current Mrs. B. is a Jewel.
If there is a next year and our Lord has not come for us I plan to return but with my wife. She has never been to your conference and I know she would truly love it.
Again, I want to thank you for your friendship personally and the conference specifically. What a blessing it was, both to me and to the two Thompson brothers. Amen and praise the Lord, or Charge!
Dr. Ron Tottingham, Pastor of Empire Baptist Temple, Sioux Falls, SD

Bro. Bynum, I just wanted to drop a note and say thank you and the church for the wonderful conference. It was such a blessing to hear the great preaching of God's Word. Tabernacle Baptist Church is always a tremendous host and does their pastor proud. Please relay my gratitude to the people and again thanks so much. Lord Bless!
Bro. Jeremy Taylor, Walters OK

Dear Bro. Bynum and church, Thank you so very much for your kindness, hospitality, and sacrifice on the behalf of myself and others who attended your Bible Conference March 19-21. Everyone was so friendly, and the way you accommodated me, from arranging transportation to providing meals, to ministering to me in so many other ways, was truly a blessing. My spirit was revived, too, by the good preaching and fellowship with men of God.
Bro. Bynum, I was honored that you asked me to preach, and I appreciated the privilege. The sweet, godly spirit you, your wife, and your people exhibit causes me to appreciate and thank the Lord for you all.
May the Lord bless you for your service to the saints, and to the Saviour!
Pastor Mike Custer, Pastor of Bible Baptist Church, Grand Forks, ND

Dear Pastor Bynum and members of Tabernacle Baptist Church, For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground (Isa. 44:3). Truly our spiritual cups were filled to overflowing! What a blessing it is to go to a conference were God is present in everything that goes on (the preaching, the music, the fellowship, etc.)
I want to personally thank all those who had a part in the conference. Thank you for providing a place for David and me to stay. Praise the Lord for his wonderful goodness, blessing and supply! My only regret was that it went too fast. I'm already looking forward to next year. God bless you as you continue to serve Him.
His Servant, D. Curtis Martin, PhD, Pastor of New Testament Baptist Temple, Rochester, MN

Dear Brother Bynum and Tabernacle Baptist Church,
This letter is to thank you and all your people for the hospitality that was shown at this years conference. My wife and I had a wonderful time and the Spirit of the meeting was good. The preaching on "Back to Bible preaching," was an encouragement to me. I get all the advertisements of how to build the new aggressive church it was refreshing to hear the Word of God preached from your pulpit.
Personally let me thank you for having me speak I always think of it as an honor to speak at any meeting, but yours will always be special because you were the first to have me preach after surrendering to the ministry and having Pastor Burleigh setting there while I spoke at my first conference.
Short note on Pastor Burleigh while we were at your meeting he was sent from the hospital to the nursing home. However after my being home one day he was taken back to the hospital with congestive heart failure. He is resting well, and is suppose to be sent back to the nursing home today. I will try and keep you posted on his health. But he has gotten a lot weaker and is not doing very well at all. Keep Pastor Burleigh, the Van Born Baptist Church, and myself in your prayers.
Saved by His Grace,
Gregory A. Albright, Co-Pastor, Van Born Baptist Church, Dearborn Heights, MI