Wolves In Wool

The following article was provided by Ben Galloway. He is a close friend of mine, primarily because he is married to my sister! Ben works with the West Fayetteville church of Christ (Fayetteville, TN). Although he is just embarking on his life as an evangelist, he is a very capable speaker and writer. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking for a speaker for a youth event, as he has a background in counseling young folks. This piece follows up the previous article (immediately below this entry) that examined the beliefs and teachings of Robert H. Schuller. Ben came across a brief video that shows Schuller interviewing Billy Graham. Neither of these pieces contain personal attacks on an individual, nor is any malicious intent contained therein. That being said, no apology is necessary for contrasting what these two men espouse with the words of Christ. The statements made by both parties in this brief conversation are eye-opening.

r2

Robert Schuller and Billy Graham (shown in a 1951 photo at right) are two of the most well known evangelicals in this nation. Through Schuller’s “Hour of Power” television program and Graham’s countless “crusades” they have entered the living rooms of millions throughout their careers. No doubt, they are two of the more respected “preachers” the denominational world has to offer.

Based on their sterling (and undeserved) reputations as men of God’s Word, the following conversation (on Schuller’s television program) between these men should come as a surprise to many…

Schuller: “What is the future of Christianity?”

Graham: “I think that everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they are conscious of it or not, they are members of the body of Christ. And that's what God is doing today. He's calling people out of the world, for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they have been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their heart that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved and they are going to be with us in Heaven.”

Schuller: “Fantastic. I’m so thrilled to hear you say this. You’re saying there is a wideness to God’s mercy!”

(You may see and hear this conversation for yourself in the video posted at the bottom of this article.)

Startling theory espoused by Mr. Graham, isn’t it. While I’d gladly break down the errors in the teachings of Mr. Graham, Jesus Christ says it far more succinctly and eloquently than I could ever manage.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Jesus clearly states that the wide path is the path to destruction. In the New Testament there is no mention of salvation for those who deny that Christ is the Son of God (Muslims) or for those who are idolaters (Buddhists) or those who deny the existence of our Heavenly Father (non-believers). That is the wide path to destruction that Jesus warns us of. Graham’s doctrine of universal salvation is in direct defiance of the teachings of Jesus Himself!

Isn’t it interesting that Christ follows that warning with this…

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15, ESV

Indeed, Robert Schuller and Billy Graham are those wolves in sheep’s clothing of which Jesus warned us. When they lack the courage to stand up for Christ -- to declare Him as the one path to the Father -- they become false prophets. Their doctrine would mean Christ hung on the cross in vain, and His teachings were false.

Sadly, many good intentioned souls have been lead down the wide path to destruction by these men. As Christians we must have a ready answer when presented with false doctrine and a willingness to teach, in love, those who lack the knowledge or understanding of what must be done to be saved!

-- Ben Galloway
BenGalloway@gmail.com

Christ Is Optional?

You may be familiar with some individuals and groups who profess to be followers of Christ that teach universal salvation. With the increasing pressure to be "politically correct," and pluralistic worldviews shaping the minds of upcoming generations, this comes as no real surprise.

However, most of these groups and individuals have traditionally been on "the fringe" of what the world sees as Christianity (as opposed to the New Testament). Most "mainstream" personalities and groups would never consider Christ to be optional -- take Him or leave Him.

One of the most prominent figures in the "mainstream" of denominational religion who has taught the supposed non-compulsory nature of Christ is Robert H. Schuller (pictured at right). You may know Schuller from his long-running nationally televised program, The Hour Of Power. Schuller and his son, Robert A. Schuller, preach at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California -- although the elder Schuller officially retired back in 2006.

Approximately five years ago, I watched Robert H. Schuller (the father) as he was interviewed on a news magazine program. Although I cannot give you his exact words (I am still trying to locate the transcript for that program), Schuller made several statements that indicated people of all faiths (i.e. Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.) would receive the grace of God and an entry into heaven. Certainly, this is nothing new. However, for individuals such as Schuller who most consider to be an "evangelical" or in the "mainstream," this is considerably more noteworthy.

Clearly, Mr. Schuller does not teach the divinely given method of redemption, nor does he teach the singularity of the Lord's church (i.e. "one body," Ephesians 4:4). Therefore, diligent students of the Bible know that Schuller is a false prophet -- not a Christian as that term is used in God's own word.

That fact notwithstanding, the world in general recognizes Mr. Schuller as a "Christian," and so do millions of individuals who comprise the multitude of denominations in existence today. What should we say to men like Schuller and those who agree with this false, pluralistic corruption of the gospel?

Say nothing -- only allow the word of the Lord to be heard. Jesus said...

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6, ESV

Without the WAY, you cannot go.
Without the TRUTH, you cannot know.
Without the LIFE, you cannot grow.

Friend, if "life" is what you desire, "truth" is what you must obey, and "the way" is what you must travel to attain it. There is no such thing as salvation outside of Christ...no matter who teaches anything to the contrary.

r2

A Secret And Hidden Wisdom Of God

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7, ESV

The God-breathed words written by the apostle refer to a certain "secret and hidden wisdom of God. Contextually, this section of Paul's epistle to the church of Christ in Corinth is contrasting the manner in which the world proclaims wisdom with the manner used by the apostle and his fellow laborers.

This "secret and hidden wisdom" (mystery, NKJV) to which Paul refers is simply that which had not been revealed of God's will until the time of Christ and the period immediately following his resurrection and ascension. Thus, by the preaching of the apostles, this divinely given wisdom was being conveyed to mankind.

In the words that follow the verses above, the Scriptures reveal at least six phrases describing how the "secret and hidden wisdom of God" was made known:

• They (i.e. secret and hidden wisdom) were prepared by God (v. 9)
• God revealed them to us through His spirit (v. 10)
  
• We have received the Spirit who is from God (v. 12a)
  
• We can know the things freely given to us by God (v. 12b)
  
• These things were spoken by the apostles (v. 13a)
  
• The Holy Spirit taught them what to speak (v. 13b)
  

How wonderful it is to know the words spoken and written by the apostles of Christ are trustworthy. The precepts of the New Testament are principles upon which a sound life is built -- not because they were spoken by wise and respected men -- but because they reveal to us the very mind and will of the eternal God.

r2

Patience Is The Virtue That Foiled The Getaway

A 22-year-old Georgia woman was arrested this past Wednesday for robbing a bank. Police nabbed Channel Monae Gaskin while waiting to catch a bus.

Gaskin had made her way out of the bank with a bag of cash containing a dye bomb. The dye bomb exploded, covering Gaskin's clothing in bright orange dye. She was able to make it to a public restroom where she changed clothes and stashed the cash.

Once she had changed into her new outfit, she walked to the nearest bus stop to wait for the next bus. Not surprisingly, police recognized and subsequently arrested Gaskin.

One might wonder what would possess someone to believe they could use public transportation as a "getaway vehicle." Interestingly enough, Gaskin admitted she had robbed another bank in a nearby town by using the same method.

How patient do you have to be to wait for a bus while an entire city's police force is hunting for you? Say what you will about Ms. Gaskin's lack of morality -- and maybe even her methods -- but one thing is for certain: Patience is a virtue she does not lack!

Fortunately for that bank and the citizens of Sandy Springs, Georgia, that patience is the virtue that foiled the getaway!

Let's cultivate patience in our own lives...and let's put it to better use than Ms. Gaskin.

The Bible says,

Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:4, ESV

r2

Do Words Have Meaning?

I sometimes wonder if words have lost all meaning.

Today on my lunch hour, I went by the Comcast customer service center to return our cable and internet equipment. Without even intending to do so, I noticed a very large sign on the door that read, "NO SOLICITING."

As I walked up to the window to turn in the equipment, I overheard the customer at the adjacent window say, "I'm not soliciting, but..." In my experience, when someone begins a statement by saying, "I'm not __________, but...," that generally means they are about to do or say exactly that which they just said they are not doing or saying.

This woman wanted to drop off coupons for her business. The sole purpose of her presence in that office was to direct increased traffic to her business...also known as SOLICITING. Despite the obvious flagrant disregard for the company's rule, the Comcast employee accepted the coupons.

So I ask, do words even have meaning anymore?

Much of our society has fallen into intellectual laziness -- the kind that bristles at the use of simple logic or proper use of terms. This has spilled over mightily into the spiritual realm.



For example, when the Bible says...

He who believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16),

The world says, "Baptism isn't necessary to be saved."

When the Bible says...

There is one body (Ephesians 4:4), the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23),

The world says, "There are many churches, and one is as good as another."

When the Bible says...

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24),

The world says, "There is no right way and wrong way to worship God."




My friends, there can be no doubt that when it comes to certain matters, for some, words have lost all meaning. Seeing that the method by which God has revealed His will to mankind is through the written and spoken word, this is a genuine tragedy.

The Holy Spirit guided inspired men to write "all the truth" (John 16:13). The truth has been conveyed by words, and it is these truths alone that have the ability to set the soul of every man free from the grips of sin and death (John 8:32).

It is time to renew our appreciation for words and their meaning -- especially when it comes to the words of the Almighty God.

r2

You Say, God Says

You say: It's impossible
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)


You say: I'm too tired
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: "I am able" (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: It's not worth it
God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: "I give you wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)

r2

Well, It Is A Boomerang, After All!

An American who stole a boomerang from a museum in an Australian mining town back in 1983 returned it with an attached note. The American whose name was revealed only as "Peter" admitted to swiping the boomerang in his "younger and dumber" days.

Sure, it had been 25 years, but would we expect anything different? I mean, it IS a boomerang, after all, right? Those things are designed to return to their points of origin.

There's a profitable lesson in this for us. A penitent, contrite heart will compel one to do what is right. If restitution needs to be made, then restitution needs to be made. 25 years were not enough for the mystery boomerang caper to scrub the guilt from his conscience.

Sometimes, we allow Satan's lies to convince us that the passing of time corrects the wrongs we commit. Friend, time has no power whatsoever in absolving sin. If there is iniquity in your history that has not been forgiven (by God and/or your fellow man), make it right today while there is still time.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18, ESV

r2

The Fruit Of Disobedience

Obedience is greatly downplayed in Calvinistic theology. Consider, though, just a handful of truths from the Scriptures relative to the imperative nature of our obedience to the will of God.

Disobedience to God...

1. Forfeits God's favor (1 Samuel 13:14)
2. Deprives one of God's promised blessings (Jeremiah 18:10)
3. Provokes God's anger (Isaiah 3:8)
4. Brings judgment (Deuteronomy 11:28)
5. Shall be punished (Hebrews 2:2)

Regardless of what Calvin said, the eternal God would have us to know the indispensability of obedience.

r2

She Bit Her Tongue, He Was Impressed

Melina Salazar learned firsthand the value of being kind to one's fellow man.

Melina is the Texas woman who, at the close of 2007, was given $50,000 and a 2000 Buick. The money and the car belonged to 89-year-old Walter "Buck" Swords, a regular patron at the Luby's cafeteria where Salazar worked as a waitress.

For nearly seven years, Ms. Salazar put up with what was apparently one of the most cantankerous and cranky customers one could ever imagine. She put on a smile and showed remarkable restraint for all that time. Mr. Swords was most favorably impressed.

Swords died in July of 2007, but it was just days before Christmas in 2007 that Salazar received word that she had been placed in Mr. Swords' will.

There is a lesson here for all of us. Being kind to those who are kind is no great feat. Is that not what Jesus said?

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 5:46, ESV

Yes, part of loving one's enemy involves self-restraint (a big part!). Bringing one's emotions under control is a sign of spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22-23) and goes a long way toward becoming a "peacemaker" (Matthew 5:9).

The "reward" of which Christ spoke in the verse above refers primarily to the heavenly reward. But every so often -- as in the case with Melina Salazar -- there may be an additional reward for one's kindness.

Be conscious of how kind you are to those around you today, and every day!

r2

A Spiritual Barometer

Heaven. It's a place that has become a fairy tale to much of our world's population. Yet for the fruit-bearing child of God, heaven is a place one thinks about every day.

Truly, there is much we do not presently know about this place called heaven. I am not sure it would be possible for our finite minds that are so transfixed on an earthly existence to grasp the entirety of heaven's contents. The Lord does, however, utilize what might be termed "accomodative language" in helping us attain just a glimpse of what heaven is like.

Thus, many of these descriptions should not be taken literally. Rather, understand them as they are intended -- physical descriptions of a spiritual realm. God is Spirit in a spirit world (John 4:24). These pictures should motivate us to set our sights on making heaven our eternal home.

Heaven is...

• A place where God dwells (Matthew 7:21)


• Where Jesus has gone to prepare (John 14:1-3)


• A city, a country (Hebrews 10:34; 11:14-16)


• A place of glory, peace, and rest (Romans 2:1-22; Hebrews 4:9)


• A place of righteousness (1 Peter 3:10-14)


• A place of indescribable joy and happiness (Matthew 25:21-23)


• A vast, huge place (Revelation 21:16)


• A city made of pure gold (Revelation 21:18)

Now, that sounds like a wonderful place! Just consider the fact that these terms and phrases cannot begin to describe what awaits the redeemed (2 Corinthians 12:4).

How often does heaven "cross your mind"? Once per month? Maybe once every week on Sundays? To be certain, there is no formula or quota on our heavenly thoughts. However, the extent to which your mind is"set on things above" (Colossians 3:2) may be an effective barometer for gauging your spiritual condition.

r2

"God Made You. Be Happy."

The tallest man alive in the United States lives just down I-64 from Cold Harbor. George Bell of Norfolk, Virginia stands seven feet, eight inches tall, and works as a Norfolk sheriff's deputy.


Mr. Bell is a full two inches taller than the NBA's tallest current player, Yao Ming. He wears size a size 19 shoe (which actually isn't overly large for his height!), and wears pants that measure 43 inches at the inseam.


When asked how he feels about being so tall, Mr. Bell responded, "I have no choice but to like it."


Bell, 50, credits his late great-aunt for his positive attitude: "She always told me, 'Don't feel ashamed of yourself. Stand tall. God made you. Be happy and show your pride.' "


There is wisdom contained in such an outlook. No matter how big or how small, no matter where we have come from or where we're going, regardless of the color of our skin or how many friends we have, genuinely happy and content people are such by choice. If we live long enough here on earth, we will be faced with difficult days. People will be cruel, and those we count on will let us down.


Thus, we will be well served if we remind ourselves daily that we have inherent value in the eyes of the Lord by virtue of the fact that we are created in His image (Genesis 1:26). We set ourselves up for great disappointment when we lose sight of the fact that human relationships cannot provide all we need in life. Truly, "the arm of flesh will fail you," but the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)!!


Be loyal to Him who made you, sustains you, redeems you, and loves you without measure.

r2

G.R.A.C.E.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people...
Titus 2:11, ESV

The grace of God Brings:

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense


Thus, the grace of God ought to be...

...training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age...
Titus 2:12, ESV

r2

The Heart Of The Holy Spirit

Sometimes, we shy away from studying the Bible's teaching on the Holy Spirit of God. Without a doubt, this is primarily due to the abundant misunderstanding and rampant false teaching regarding this third person of the Godhead.

Admittedly, there are certain facets of such a study are difficult. Some questions we may not be able to answer. However, that which we can know and understand with regard to this Being should be studied and considered on a regular basis.

One area that has been plainly revealed is the emotional character possessed by the Spirit of God. We see language that implies the nature of God includes many of the same emotions you and I possess. Additionally, the Scriptures declare our thoughts and deeds to be directly linked to the Holy Spirit -- a truth that is attributable to the Holy Spirit's role in revealing God's word to the hearts of men (John 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 2:13).

Consider this: God's people can...

1. Grieve the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30)
2. Resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51)
3. Lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3)
4. Test the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:9)
5. But we can -- and should -- hear His voice (Revelation 2:7)

Let us never shy away from the rich and rewarding study of the Holy Spirit!

r2

He Didn't Choo-Choo-Choose His Counsel Wisely

My wife, Kelly, and I purchased a Garmin GPS navigation unit in early 2007 as a means to learn our w around our new hometown of Richmond. Kelly was skeptical of the merits of such a product at first. Ask her how she feels now about "Emily" (that's the name of Garmin's British-accented female voice), and she will gush about how essential it has become in finding her way about town. Yes, "Emily" has become a vital part of the Roark family.

Despite her fantastic talents and abilities, Emily is not always right. From time to time, Emily will become confused on a particular route. Other times, she just plain gets lost herself. But those occurrences are few and far between. One such rare occurrence recently popped up at the wrong time for one California man traveling in Upstate New York.

32-year-old Bo Bai, a computer technician from Sunnyvale, California, had rented a vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system as he made his way around the Bedford Hills area of New York. As Mr. Bai was crossing a set of railroad tracks, the GPS system instructed him to turn right.

Placing his unquestioned trust in the little computer on his dashboard, Bai took a hard right and drove for a short distance on the tracks. The Ford Focus Bai was driving became stuck on the tracks, and his efforts to free the vehicle were unsuccessful. He abandoned the vehicle just minutes before it was slammed by a northbound train. Thankfully, no one was injured, but about 500 passengers were stranded for more than two hours.

Mr. Bai will be held liable for the damage to the train and track, as well as other costs such as loss of revenue. No word on the condition of the GPS unit.

There is a lesson here: We simply must choose our counsel wisely. Beyond that, when we receive counsel, we must take every measure at our disposal to be certain what we have been taught is truth. There seems to be an endless supply of teachers who, either out of malice or ignorance, will lead a soul down the pathway of error.

My friend, take everything you hear and lay it alongside the Scriptures. Any doctrine that implies a false doctrine is itself false.

Remember the words spoken by the prophet, Jeremiah, to the people of God:

Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, 'It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No disaster shall come upon you.' "
Jeremiah 23:16-17, ESV

The Lord has entrusted you with only one soul. To lose that soul by blindly following false teaching would be unmatched tragedy.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:12, ESV

Had Mr. Bai compared what he could readily see with what he was being told, he would not have made that fateful turn onto the railroad track. Similarly, if more men and women would compare "what is written" with what they have been told, they would not be wasting away in a denominational perversion of Biblical Christianity. The case of Mr. Bai has temporary consequences, but in what may be the case of our friends, family, co-workers, or even ourselves, the consequences will be eternal.

Choose your counsel wisely!

r2