Saturday, November 07, 2009 Last Update:07:14 pm ET

Ministries|Tue, Feb. 10 2009 01:07 PM EST

Christian Broadcasters Face 'Dark Clouds'; Affirm Commitment to Preach

By Eric Young|Christian Post Reporter

The nation’s largest association of Christian media professionals is sending a strong message to Washington, making clear their intention to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of what government restrictions there may be in the future.

  • Frank Wright
    (Photo: The Christian Post)
    In this file photo, Frank Wright, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, speaks to some 6,000 attendants at the 65th NRB Convention and Exposition in Nashville on March 8, 2008.

“The day has come when we need to say, ‘We will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ whether some government makes it illegal to do so or not,’” affirmed Dr. Frank Wright, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, during a press conference this past weekend.

Since Saturday, thousands of NRB members have been gathering in Nashville for the association’s annual convention – the world’s largest gathering of Christian broadcasters. The event draws participants ranging from A-list Hollywood producers and award-winning talk show hosts to overseas broadcasters and small-town pastors for four days of networking, fellowship, training, and product scouting.

Though every year religious broadcasters have been faced by looming threats including the Fairness Doctrine, hate crimes laws, and the Employment Non Discrimination Act, this year the “dark clouds on distant horizons” feel like they are much closer for many with Democrats dominating the government’s legislative and executive branches and as some experts predict the appointment of two or three new Supreme Court justices over the next few years that may shift the judicial branch toward the left.

“[W]ith the change in the political landscape, and the domination of the Congress of the United States and now with the change in the White House, the domination of the administration and the administration agencies, we are facing a new day,” said Wright on Saturday, according to Christian Web News.

“And we’re facing a day that is going to be challenging for us to continue to maintain the ability of Christian broadcasters to freely proclaim the Gospel,” he added.

With threats now looming more closely, Wright announced the NRB’s unanimous decision to adopt a Declaration of Unity in the Gospel in order to re-affirm what the NRB is and what it stands for.

He read the entire declaration to the convention later that night, stating “We declare our deeply held belief that religious liberty is the cornerstone of any truly free society and commit ourselves to work within the bounds of our nation’s laws to defend and preserve it.”

But, as the declaration concluded, “We fully accept our charge to faithfully obey the command of Christ to preach the gospel even if human governments and institutions attempt to oppose, constrain, or prohibit it.”

Following the reading of the declaration, Wright called on all those present to affirm their agreement with the declaration by standing – which all convention attendees did as they broke out in unanimous applause.

Established in 1944, the National Religious Broadcasters is an association of over 1,400 organizations dedicated to spreading the Gospel through electronic media.

Its annual convention, which was held Feb. 7-10 in Nashville this year, is touted as a "must attend" on the broadcast industry's calendar and is the largest internationally recognized event of its kind.

Sort by: Newest | Oldest | Agree | Disagree
All comments on this page are subject to our Terms of Use and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post or its staff.
1 | 2
  • Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:45 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    I've always look at unanimity not so much as having the same purpose or goal, but as we are all the same. We all have our different functions, ear, mouth, hands, heart, feet, ect. All different, serving differently working for unity. If everyone was exactly like me what kind of church would it be? If everyone was an ear, if everyone was mouth.......

  • Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:01 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Hi Prophet,

    I think that when we speak of unity, the definitions speak of having one mission and being in harmony but allowing for differnt parts to work to one goals whereas unanimous doesn't reall have that in the definition. (I didn't pull quote Websters because I din't want to waster space) Maybe I'm being picky wih semantics but I think being unanimous on the basics is required (otherwise we know not what we believe as a group) but unity or harmony with non-essentials would go along way these days. We seem to fall to one end of the pole (strict legalism) or to the other (carnivalism) and not much between.

    Just my 2 cents, doesn't buy much these days either! lol

    Grace and Peace,
    jim

  • Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:44 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    I would think that they are.

    Webster's definition of unanimous: Being of one mind. Agreeing. Having the agreement and consent of all.

  • Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:47 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Hey Prophet,

    Although I love living in the US, our attitude of individualism has flooded our churches and we have become a church of popes (as predicted by a certain pope in regards to Luther and personal interpretation--and no, I am not advocating the RCC or an episcopal hierarchy just to be clear). With my "right" to an opinion having the same weight as a person who knows what they speak of (my opinion on plumbing [although it is my right to express it] is not the same as a trained plumber's considered and educated opinion) overcoming the obvious hierarchy given to us in Scripture. That doesn't mean all non-elders are to be automatons but we must remember that not all of us have gifts of discernment, teaching, wisdom, etc.

    That is very sad about your sister, so many of us fall prey to it. How are we followers when we refuse to follow His words? Hard for a finger to operate without the tendons, muscles, bones and ligaments of the hand attached. And you are right, when we operate on our own, we fall prey to swings that can be tempered by His other children who can come along side us and help us as we are called to do.


    And if I find the perfect church some day, I will not attend and spoil it for the others. Unity doesn't mean unanimity does it Prophet?

    Grace and Peace,
    jim

  • Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:30 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Dr.,

    I appreciate your words and I have no problem with having made an accusation of irresponsibility because it is irresponsible to make a claim that is not true. To say the church is basically or essentially gnostic in our actions is not true. Making claims about others that are false is not responsible is it?

    In the main, Protestants don't believe that matter is evil. That is a linchpin of gnosticism and Protestants don't adhere to that belief.
    Protestants don't believe in becoming or realizing they are gods which are just lesser than the main god. Another linchpin of gnosticism that doesn't jive with Protestant belief.

    I am still attempting to see your assertion that our worldview is mainly or essentially gnostic. I am not understanding your "occupy until I come" point as being gnostic somehow. Please elaborate so I can understand your point better. I am obviously missing something. Scripture doesn't give us a dominion mandate any longer except in our own direct spheres of influence. we are to be salt and light but we are not told we will have dominion until He comes again so I am wondering what i gnostic about that.

    Brother Dr., if one runs on about a subject that is only tenuously attached to the subject matter, explains it not and then quotes Zappa lyrics, make a series of disjointed statements about watching the news and feeling hot in a basket while getting mail marked "occupant" and having said of us, "everyone can go back to sleep now" because we read an article you linked to and disagree with the assertions made in the article, yes, that is the classic definition of a rant from Webster's. It is also a sign of arrogance to put in an article link and after someone reads it and disagrees, make a rant about how others are asleep and quote Zappa to them.

    Yes, we do need people like the prophet Nathan (not preaching) to point out the sins when called to do so. Nathan was chosen specifically by Yahweh to prophesy for Him and to confront David about His sin. The president has had enough people point out his sin sin when he began his campaign 2.5 years ago, the knowledge is there. The difference is that Obama (and any other president for that matter) is not appointed by God through a prophet to lead His people under His covenant with those same people. We are now told we must operate within societies other than a godly one and maybe we will have a godly-type of society at some point but our roles are different from the OT office of prophet.

    We are commanded to be salt and light and to bring the Great News to those who have it not. We are told to use worldly wealth to make friends and bring others to Him. We are commanded to be holy and be true to His word. And the only way to do that is by being in and living His word.

    Grace and Peace,
    Jim

  • Tue Feb 17, 2009 11:51 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Old student,

    Amen! Yeah, my sister is one of those "cowboy Christians". It tears my heart out because she is so easily misled on so many things. She used to be such a strong Christian when we were growing up. But I'm not sure how someone could do that and still follow the Bible when it says that we should assemble together, and talks about unity. It just doesn't make sense.
    I'll never find a church that I agree with 100%. So I just go where God tells me to. That's so much easier than "church hopping".

  • Sun Feb 15, 2009 10:19 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    OS,
    I apologize if my dramatization seemed over the top & certainly with no intention of being "arrogant". I do find it interesting how people read things, especially with prior knowledge that can color it. Gnosticism, as you well know, is a "religion" that teaches that there is one "holy" spirit god that created a series of lesser gods progressively less "holy", down to the one who created this material, hence evil, realm. And as you stated "Gnosticism is about [this] "secret knowledge" and only a "holy few" having access to this "knowledge." [ie. working their way back up the ladder] It teaches material is evil and I think most Protestants don't consider material goods or their own bodies as evil."

    You say "Secondly, one needs to be able to discern between the truth and the lie." That's a good admonition. But coupled with your next assertion, "This claim of gnosticism is plainly irresponsible." it plainly becomes an accusation, an indictment of lack of discernment.

    My repost of this portion "essentially Gnostic worldview" was to counter your assertion by emphasizing the **operative words**. Yes, Protestantism does not believe the Gnostic's "theological" heresy, but **essentially**, for all **practical purposes** today's Christian **worldview**, our scriptural civic & humanitarian level of involvement, our duty to "occupy til I come" is Gnostic. In every covenant; Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic,etc. God has this theme: Yes, you surrendered the world to Satan, but if you go where I send you "in the world", take charge of what I give you "in the world", I will be your rear-guard.
    And I said "I hear Frank Zappa"... And as to your assertion that my "ranting is only tenuously attached to this article"...since the broadcasters are strategizing on how to circle the wagons, I thot the article was appropriate for why we're in the mess we're in. If we had more Nathans who would fearlessly preach righteousness against sin & point their fingers from the pulpits, in the city councils, the state & federal capitals, if...
    "ranting"...? Thanx, brother...
    PS. I'll be off-line, out in the boonies for a week, so hold that thot...

  • Sun Feb 15, 2009 10:42 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

    Dr.,

    Sorry for the confusion, it seems that gnosticism doesn't really mean gnosticism and I was confused. Please forgive me for not understanding that.

    BTW, I read the article and here is an interesting snippet from it;
    "We could list columns of names and situations of those filling pulpits who took responsibility for the condition of their flock, their community and their nation. However, beginning sometime in the last 100 years, a new "Gnosticism" asserted itself, an old heresy asserting that only the spiritual has value and that all things physical are evil."

    So the author is saying that the "new" gnosticism is like the "old" gnosticism in that material (physical) is bad and only the spiritual (non-material) is good. So how did someone falls asleep and start listening to Zappa? I think you should stop being so arrogant and calm down. Your ranting is only tenuously attached to this article and you insult others with your attitude and words. If the insult was because of my ignorance, it would make sense but since the responses were in reference to an article making the claim of gnosticism in Protestantism, maybe it was OK to respond in that vein.

    Finally, be careful with wnd, 1/2 the stuff on there is biased and certainly not in line with Scripture, even from the "Christian" commentary. There certainly is some good stuff there but it is among the bad.

    Grace and Peace,
    Jim

  • Sun Feb 15, 2009 10:31 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Hey Prophet,

    Excellent! Just to be clear, I didn't assume you weren't a member of a body, just making the point. Many are staying away from local bodies and doing the "cowboy christian" thing and it seems to be growing so I asked to see the situation.

    Paul murdered believers because He believed them to be perverting the children of Israel by leading them away from God. He spoke with a murderous breath and his zeal was probably unsurpassed. God does have a way of making one's education quite meaningful doesn't He?

    And I didn't assume that you were saying Protestants are really gnostic. Please excuse me if I was unclear.

    Grace and Peace,
    Jim

  • Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:26 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Did anyone read my snippet "essentially Gnostic worldview" & say "in what way?" & read what the author is actually saying??? Or does everyone go: "the classic definition of Gnosticism is thus & so...and, nope! We're all good here...Everyone can go back to sleep now... And somewhere in the background I hear Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention singing:
    It can't happen here
    It can't happen here
    I'm telling you, my dear
    That it can't happen here
    Because I been checkin' it out, baby
    I checked it out a couple a times
    But I'm telling you
    It can't happen here
    Oh darling, it's important that you believe me
    (Bop bop bop bop)
    That it can't happen here!

    We receive mail addressed to "Occupant", you know, the couch potato that comes home in the evening, hangs out & watches the worldly news saying "Where are we going, why am I in this basket, & why is it getting hotter? Jesus told His servants "occupy til I come..." Oh yea, occupant...I can do that. But it's a military term: be in charge, be in command! What? The world? We're "not of this world"! That's for the world & worldly politicians. We're not battling flesh & blood here, buddy...No siree! We're in our prayer closet battling "spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies", you know, purging our mind & spirit of those evil, "devil made me do it" thoughts ... Jesus said "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Matt. 10:8 We toss money at missionaries & local shelters. Heal the sick? We pray for them. Raise the dead? You know, the stuff we hear rumors of in 3rd world countries, stuff that missionaries see & do, but not here in "enlightened" western "civilization". Nope; we pray for the bereaved...'cause the Holy Spirit died with the last of the Apostles. [Read the book "When Heaven Invades Earth", Bill Johnson, www.iBethel.com, or get the "Finger of God" DVD & see with your own eyes -www.fingerofgodfilm.com.] Essentially Gnostic worldview, indeed! Humph! [Sorry, the devil made me do it...]

  • Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:50 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    salt,

    Yeah. As in getting to the "heart of the matter".

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:58 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    old student,

    Yes I am part of a body of believers. I am actually a deacon in my church, and I've attended this church for over 16 years faithfully now. I am a part of three other ministries within that church. There are even somethings that are taught within our church organization that I am not on board with, but I am where God wants me, and I will stay here until He says "move".

    As for the point on gnostism...that's why I put that word in quotations. I do not believe that protestants (for the most part) are gnostic.

    The reason why Paul killed the Christians was the same reason why the Pharisees had Jesus killed. To try and quiet the voice of Christianity.

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:51 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

    forsaltnlight,

    Good thinking but God never referred directly to he physical heart as the source of our sinful condition. In the Hebrew mindset, the heart represents the center of your emotions, feelings and will (side note-this is why Jesus when quoting the Shema+ added the word "mind" in his wording. The Greek mindset did not have your will and mind being centered in your heart as the Hebrew thought process did). In the Gnostics are correct, all material is evil from the beginning and only your soul/mind is good. You don't believe That hopefully.

    Grace and Peace,
    Jim

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:16 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

    Prophet,

    You wrote,

    "So what do we do? Protestantism is steped in "gnostisim", and Catholicsim is a perversion of the Scriptures....

    That's why I'm neither. I study and dissect the scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit...not under the guidance of a denomination. "

    Hopefully you are under the direction of good teaching and meeting together as a group to be edified and worship our Lord.

    Secondly, one needs to be able to discern between the truth and the lie. Protestantism is no closer to Gnosticism than it was back in the 2nd-6th centuries when the heretic (partial Gnostic) had a church that rivalled the orthodox church in size and influence. Gnosticism is about "secret knowledge" and only a "holy few" having access to this "knowledge." It teaches material is evil and I think most Protestants don't consider material goods or their own bodies as evil.

    This claim of gnosticism is plainly irresponsible. Lord knows the church in every denomination and shade has much to repent for and to work on as the Spirit guides but this claim is just not true.

    And BTW, Paul's knowledge of the Law, the Greek world and all other areas didn't force him into killing Christians. In fact, that same educational experience brought us such a deeper understanding of His thoughts that Paul was used to deliver His word and write a sizable chunk of the NT. it was the murder and pride in Paul's heart that led him to kill Christians. He stopped trying to learn and listen to that small still voice until the Dmascus Road.

    Grace and Peace,

    Jim

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:43 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    So what do we do? Protestantism is steped in "gnostisim", and Catholicsim is a perversion of the Scriptures....

    That's why I'm neither. I study and dissect the scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit...not under the guidance of a denomination.

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:53 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Excellent article: The pulpit is responsible -Dave Welch
    http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88438
    ..."The studied creedlessnes of American Protestantism...its ignorance of the teaching of Scripture, its preoccupation with millennialism, its anti-sacramental and anti-ecclesiastical bias are all indicators of an essentially Gnostic worldview."

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:52 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Excellent article: The pulpit is responsible -Dave Welch
    http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88438
    ..."The studied creedlessnes of American Protestantism … its ignorance of the teaching of Scripture, its preoccupation with millennialism, its anti-sacramental and anti-ecclesiastical bias are all indicators of an essentially Gnostic worldview."

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:22 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    blacksho89,

    Actually, Peter interpreted the prophet Joel during his sermon. Most Jews would not have taken that interpretative view. Certainly Peter was interpreting Joel and not just stating facts when he said the time of the miraculous signs of the moon, sun, billows of smoke, blood and fire from Joel had come to pass. There are no signs in Scripture of these being physically fulfilled during that time so interpretation was certainly made.
    prophet, a.s., believer,

    As for preachers being educated (in an institution [no bad jokes please! lol]), being "anointed", being called or not, Scripture tells us that there are some who are gifted to be preachers, teachers as well as other gifts from the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12 (among other passages) shows that people are given at least one gift and some receive the gift of preaching. Paul doesn't leave the preachers to be lazy or uneducated either. In the Pastoral Letters (Timothy 1 & 2 and Titus) we find that Paul instructs Timothy in ALL areas of his life and sets forth guidelines for elders (all elders are pastors and must be teachable and able to teach others)on the character issues. First and foremost, preachers, teachers and really all believers are to model these qualities. Education isn't mentioned in those letters. What Paul does say about education for preachers is that they must instruct others with what has been given through the Scriptures and passed down. An education from a decent institution is a good and righteous thing but not required by any means.

    As a trained person I can say I see people with alphabet soups in front of their name and they know little or nothing. I see people with no formal education and they know much. The real questions is, "is this man one who displays the character qualities of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus, does he demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit and is he a gifted preacher or teachers?" Notice that the "gifted-ness" comes last on the list, it is is the place of prominence given it in Scripture. Character comes first.

    Grace and Peace,
    Jim

  • Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:09 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    The RF spectrum is a limited resource that belongs to all. To prevent chaos rendering this resource unusable the governments of the world had to take managing the resource. Where it's permissible for the US government to prohibit the use of certain words during certain times, it stand to reason they can also prohibited other language as well. Anyway this reads like more fear momgoring based on little evidence. Similar to what I have heard from rabid 2nd. amendment types.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:20 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    salt, totally concur with your post on the judging cop-out!

  • artm »
    Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:44 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

    A mans education is not what makes him a Preacher. They must first be called by God to stand in that position, Then they must be Anointed by the Holy Spirit,

    The Anointing gives the man ability to preach, Without that Anointing the man is not qualified.

    He may have all the honors a instution can afford hin, but without that Anointing, he cannot preach.

    And the God called, Anointed Preacher will declare the Oracles of God, The Whole Word of God.

    He will preach against sin, He will say and declare what God says and declares. And he will Preach it without fear and comprimise.

    God give us some Preachers while there is yet time.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:12 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    Peter spent three years receiving a first class Christian education from Jesus himself. I'd say that qualifies.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:21 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

    Peter, a fisherman who never went to seminary, preached a sermon than convinced 3000 to listen to the Holy Spirit and be saved.
    He stated facts, with no embellishment, and no interpretation. Acts 2:22-41

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:59 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 3

    ms, get real the pope has no more ability to correctly interpret the Word of God than any other believer who is wholeheartedly surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and the control of God's Holy Spirit. But a prerequisite for correctly discerning the Word of God is to believe that in its original autographs the Bible is the God-breathed, inerrant, plenary, Word of God, literally God's Word. If a believer does not hold to that truth then there is a good chance he will not rightly interpret God's Word. He may be good in hermeneutics but sadly lacking in trusting the Bible to truly being God's Word.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:51 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    chicago, as I said in my original post to this issue. Preachers need to preach messages that are grounded in God's Truth as taught in the Word of God. Congregations do not need to hear his opinions or feelings, they need to hear God's Word in a way that will challenge their hearts to the point of being saved and if they are saved challenged to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God. And although I have nothing against formal education, one does not need a formal education to do those two things, just ask the Apostles and the early church who were used of God to powerfully impact their world with the Gospel.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:39 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Do not blasheme the Holy Spirit by blaming man's behavior on Him.

    "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

    That sounds like an invitation to ALL who are in the faith, not just the "Pope".

    The Holy Spirit is claimed by some to say some very unbiblical things...many decievers have gone out, false teachers and prophets have claimed God but have taught against His Word. That is why we are called to "test the spirits" against the Word of God;

    "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

    The test of Truth is found only by rightly dividing the Word, NOT FINDING AN INTERPRETATION, but to DIVIDE the MEANING of the Word:

    "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

    "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    The Holy Spirit is not found in a religious classroom, but is found in the pure of heart; approved of God:

    "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
    "... the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith."

    Anyone who seeks to proclaim the Holy Spirit must be free of idols and serve only one Master and rightly divide the word of God.

    But many preach for profit or preach to justify sin, we must judge righteous judgment and hold up their words and ideas against the pure Word of God; the light of Scripture.

    God is not the "author of confusion", the Holy Spirit will always be in one accord with the Word of God. Jesus didn't hesitate to claim, "It is written"...putting His Faith in the written Word, I will follow and hold up the Word as Jesus has shown us.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:29 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Mike,

    Amen . . . unfortunately, history repeats itself . . . this union appears to be the biblical forecast just ahead of us.

  • mike »
    Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:19 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    you still live in a free country. nobody has prevented you from worshiping the religion you like.

    what is dangerous is the UNION OF CHURCH & STATE. in the middle ages, the catholic church has become the church & state. they made all the decisions in state matters because when you oppose their teachings, you are labeled a heretic & are miscommunicated from the church.

    the book of daniel described that nebuchanezzar will throw people in the fire if you do not worship the image he has created. CHURCH & STATE

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:10 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    msupertekk,

    Throughout history there have been times when two or more popes claimed to be the head of the church . . . Which one had the Holy Spirit?

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:52 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 4

    There are thousands who say they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. YET, each one interprets the Bible differently and out of context.
    Sooo--- Either they are wrong or the Holy Spirit is a scitzophrenic (spelling?). Hmmm, I wonder which it is.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:35 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 4

    Chicago 24 question : So, that's my point. Who's to say what is authentically from the Holy Spirit?

    Easy answer = THE POPE

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:04 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    >> Some preach that one should handle poisonous serpents, 150 years ago many were preaching that slavery in this country was God's will because it brought Africans to a Christian nation, and they all back it up with scripture. <<

    Chicago24, one could make the argument that preachers throughout history have tried to loosely interpret Scripture (way out of context) in order to justify their own worldy ends.

    Ex) One preacher recently attempted to use scripture to support the notion that homosexuality is a "gift from God". (I suspect he's not the only one). This goes on all the time, and is clearly NOT from the Holy Spirit.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:54 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    I had heard recently of an effort to push "International" laws criminalizing insults against Islam.

    Does anyone have any decent web refs/citations of that? It would probably be relevant to this thread.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:02 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 3

    Believer: You hit exactly upon my point -- that preachers often preach a number of viewpoints and claim it's infused by the Holy Spirit. Some preach that one should handle poisonous serpents, 150 years ago many were preaching that slavery in this country was God's will because it brought Africans to a Christian nation, and they all back it up with scripture.
    So, that's my point. Who's to say what is authentically from the Holy Spirit?
    Regarding education, I still think that one should have an extensive theological education before preaching the word of God. Sure, there are a lot of preachers out there who don't have such an education, but their sermons are usually little more than sensationalism and of little substance. Yet, their audiences flock to them because they hear what they want to hear.
    Conversely, I'll have to admit that I've heard some highly educated preachers that were just horrible and should never have been allowed near a pulpit!

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:28 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    You can explain and preach the Word regarding homosexuality, but you must let God punish and judge. In Romans 2:11, God says, "For God judges all people the same way." Drop your stones!

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:19 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    artm, I hope your not holding your breath on that one, especially since no one can show any Scripture that does!:)

  • artm »
    Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:15 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    Well, here we go again, " Would someone please show me in Scripture where homosexuality "is " acceptable to God.

    Please give me just one verse even where you feel God is condoning homosexuality.

    If you cannot show me in Scripture, then I must continue to condemn the practise of homosexuality.

  • Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:55 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    chicago, I agree but your argument goes in both directions, there are those preachers who are pro-homosexual who will say that the Holy Spirit is showing them that same-sex marriage is of God as well as sexual intimacy between homosexual couples. But as far as education, I agree we should all take advantage of any opportunities God gives us to improve our ability to understand and to teach His Word, but I've sat under the preaching of both highly educated and "uneducated" preachers and teachers and to be honest many times I gleaned more from the "uneducated" preachers and teachers than I did from the highly educated ones. The reason I put uneducated in italics is that one does not necessarily have to go to seminary to learn how to study God's Word and to preach/teach God's Word. In fact my wife's Mom was a very gifted teacher of the Word and she never even graduated high school and yet was called on to teach at her association's various Bible study events and was often asked where she went to college or seminary.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:28 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    chicago24

    >>>Just don't address anything having to do with homosexuality from the pulpit. It has nothing to do with the Gospel message anyway. <<<

    Oh, really? Homosexuality is a sin. Sin doesn't have anything to do with the gospel? And you have an advanced degree in theology?

    Are you really saved? Care to share your salvation experience with us?

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 10:01 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Sorry, Paul had a theological education and how did it work for him? Well, he murdered countless Christians due to it.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 10:00 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    I wonder what theological education the disciples/apostles had? Oh yeah. NONE.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:25 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 6

    Believer: It just seems that there are way too many preachers who have very little theological education, don't know the first thing about scriptural exegesis, and then say that the holy spirit guided them to preach on homosexuality. When in fact, they're using the holy spirit as an excuse to spew their own bigotry and then hide behind it.
    That is just about the most immoral act I can think of.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:40 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    chicago, a preacher should always preach sermons grounded in the Word of God, but as far as subject that is truly between him and the Holy Spirit and if the Holy Spirit is convicting him to preach a message on the issue of homosexuality he dare not disobey and we dare not encourage him to disobey.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 7:50 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    If the religious Broadcasters will tell to the audience,
    the simple and pure gospel of Jesus Christ, God will
    send a revival in the U.S.A. I have watched many
    T.V. preachers, they all preach attractive or terrifying
    Biblical subjects and sell books. This is the right
    time to change the sermon titles to the simple way to
    preach the way of salvation.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 7:21 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    yes RalphW... I agree that when one group preaches to others about who has found Jesus and who won't be saved because they have not found Jesus but say they are Christians are doomed. I have some friends like that...they are full on Pentecostal and unless you have 'been saved'and are 'spirit-filled' then you are not as holy as them and we will not be with Jesus at the 'end times'. They are constantly trying to get me to go to 'Their Church' to be born again'. She even feels soory for her mum coz she is only orthodox Christian and has not be born again like her. What gives anyone the right to judge others on the level of belief...there is only one who can do that. God himself through Jesus Christ.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:25 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    It is a sad day when those that preach are dictated by those that dont believe of what they may or may not preach. I supposes that we are then at the time that the teachers are not allowed to teach what they know to teach just because someone there doesnt see it the way the teachers are teaching. There does happen to be a difference between a preacher and a teacher. for those that are both "born again" and "Spirit filled" realize the difference thru the scriptures and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but those that have neither seem to be putting themselves up as the judges for the rest of us. Might take a look at John 3:16 thru 21 of which most want to end at 16 from the religious angle and end there, sorry, the whole word is the whole word whether agreed upon or not. (2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,) thats what it says. Who wants to argue with God. That one looses automatically. (Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.) even the Lord wants to reason with us, so who do we think we are for not?

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:19 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

    chicago,

    Actually, yes it does.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:01 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

    Don't know about you but such pressure just makes me more determined to speak the truth. We do need to use wisdom and tact towards others without diluting our message of God's redemptive love and forgiveness.

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:59 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 18

    Just don't address anything having to do with homosexuality from the pulpit. It has nothing to do with the Gospel message anyway.
    (Ted Haggard: Please take note)

  • Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:34 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

    For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1Peter 4:17).

Please help us to monitor our message boards by flagging comments that are unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.
Contact Us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Comment on this story
ID Password

Don't have a Christian Post ID? Signing up is easy. Click Here

  • icon1
  • icon2
  • icon3
  • icon4
  • icon5
The Christian Post reserves the right to terminate the account of any User who violates our Terms of Use.
Advertisement
Advertisement
CP Shopping
  • Jewelry
  • Health
  • Gifts
  • Church
  • Coins

Bracelets | Chains | Crosses | Earrings | Gemstone |

Featured contents & Giveaways
Zondervan

Struggling to succeed in the Nashville music scene, talented singer/songwriter Parker James finds the competition fierce even deadly. A young woman's murder, industry corruption, a

Featured Advertiser Links