tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post3895968857671376623..comments2023-10-07T04:07:56.527-04:00Comments on The End Time: A close look at "My Hope America with Billy Graham", decisional regeneration, and relationship evangelism (Part 2/2)Elizabeth Pratahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-80447808370349831702014-06-16T16:30:53.201-04:002014-06-16T16:30:53.201-04:00Bonnie, I say this with sadness and respect, but I...Bonnie, I say this with sadness and respect, but I feel sorry for anyone who has an idol so great that they respond not biblically, not even inquiringly, but with heat and attacks. Billy Graham does not promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ when He tells millions in an interview (several times in several interviews over different decades) that anyone can go to heaven not only thru Jesus.<br /><br />As far as not touching God's anointed, that also is a misapplication of what the verse is REALLY saying. If we were not to 'touch God's anointed' i.e. never examine their teachings, or never warn anyone about false teachings done in the name Jesus, then Acts 11:17 would be at odds with the verse you misquoted (1 Chron 16:22) and also with 1 John and most of Paul's writings as well as the statement from Jesus that we will know the wolves by their fruit. Do you think no false teacher ever comes? Do you believe the popularity or longevity of Graham excuses him from the possibility of having taught wrong things? Do you disbelieve the verse that warns us satan's ministers come in garments of light? O, you are destroyed for lack of knowledge! <br /><br />You obviously love Billy Graham. How much do you love *Jesus*, that you are willing to open your mind to looking into these things?<br /><br />Graham certainly has his reward on this earth, with accolades, University degrees conferred, acclaim and popularity, but you will find if you look honestly at his words, he declares a different Jesus and a distorted gospel. He calls Mormons and Catholics brothers, and idolizes the Pope as a great evangelist. If that alone doesn't tell you something, then nothing I can say within this small space will educate you sufficiently. <br /><br />Your trite and frankly stupid remark about jealousy is indicative of someone with little to no biblical knowledge searching for mud to sling in your anger. It is the same as two kids in a sandbox and when one does something to anger the other, in fury but a loss for words, the aggrieved one finally sputters out, "You poopyhead!'<br /><br />No, Billy Graham will not "go down in world history beside the apostle Paul as the greatest man of God that ever lived," because Jesus already reserved that spot for John The Baptist.<br /><br />"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist" Matthew 11:11a<br /><br />Search your heart, bonnie. You have an idol. It will be judged on His Day.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-33451147852180080012014-06-16T15:02:10.646-04:002014-06-16T15:02:10.646-04:00I feel sorry for anyone who can say damaging thing...I feel sorry for anyone who can say damaging things re: Billy Graham. He will go down in world history beside the apostle Paul as the greatest man of God that ever lived. Perhaps God will be merciful with you on the day of judgement, but I don't know, now that you have touched the Lord's anointed. Your jealousy will eat you up. Ask for forgiveness now.bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06498688592340487817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-1815698809529892802013-12-17T20:23:46.188-05:002013-12-17T20:23:46.188-05:00I agree, people should examine Mr Graham more clos...I agree, people should examine Mr Graham more closely, but he gets a pass because he's well, Billy Graham. He is an ecumenical, liberal compromiser whose stand on biblical truth is as holey as Swiss cheese. His views are not consistent with the bible's and unfortunately I believe he is an example of one who will be crying "Lord, Lord, did I not do many great works in your name?" Mt 7:22Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-10577763446512117302013-12-17T18:21:24.397-05:002013-12-17T18:21:24.397-05:00Do some research and take a look at the dark side ...Do some research and take a look at the dark side of Billy Grahm and his Billy Grahm Evangelistic Association. One word: FREE MASONRY. Billy has sold out. That is why that all that comes out comes out of these is a mixture of "truth and lies", the devil's own device.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-24862826551254547882013-11-11T05:31:35.002-05:002013-11-11T05:31:35.002-05:00Am I against "every" prominent evangelic...Am I against "every" prominent evangelical and prominent preacher in America? No. Just the false ones.<br /><br />"Do you not believe in the the power of the blood of the lamb and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?" Yes. I do.<br /><br />"Do you believe that Jesus Christ performed miracles and healing and then once he died and arose again on the 3rd day, just so that we would be left on earth to suffer?" Yes. As for suffering, Jesus said that we would be hated, persecuted, have trouble, and more (John 16:33; John 15:18). I recommend you read this blog's weekly essays from Foxe's Book of Martyrs, called "Sunday Martyr Moment." Then get back to me about lives of ease.<br /><br />"Once you give your life to Christ and repent and are born again and receive the free gift of salvation does that mean we should live as powerless Christians?" I really don't understand how you connect powerlessness with the fact that there are false teachers in the world. Or powerlessness in general.<br /><br />"Why are you against preachers that preach that we should pray and ask for forgiveness?" I am against false preachers. God does not hear the prayers of the false or those who do not ask in His name according to His will, or who are offering polluted service to Him (James 4:3; Malachi 1:6-10; James 1:6-7)<br /><br />"And why do you believe it is wrong to be healed and prosper while on Earth." I do not believe it is wrong to be healed and prosper while on earth. Let's define "abundant life." It does not mean Christians can or should expect financial gain, ease, promotions, or a great parking space at the mall. God providentially orders our steps and works all to the good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28). However, read this:<br /><br />"Before we begin to have visions of lavish homes, expensive cars, worldwide cruises, and more money than we know what to do with, we need to pause and think about what Jesus teaches regarding this abundant life. The Bible tells us that wealth, prestige, position, and power in this world are not God's priorities for us (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). In terms of economic, academic, and social status, most Christians do not come from the privileged classes. Clearly, then, abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material things. If that were the case, Jesus would have been the wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true (Matthew 8:20).<br /><br />Read more here on what the abundant life actually means: http://www.gotquestions.org/absolute-truth.html#ixzz2kKbZvxl3<br /><br />So here are questions for you:<br />1. None of your questions have to do with the topic. Why did you ask them here?<br />2. What do you think of a teacher who says Jesus is only one of many ways to heaven? Is that biblical?<br />3. Why is your focus on "healing" and "prosperity" and you do not mention sin, justification, holiness, redemption or service?<br />4. The DVD promises 'lands will be healed,' so do you believe that our efforts in this era will heal them? What does it mean to you that 'lands will be healed? Is any land healed now? Even Israel, God's chosen land?<br />5. Did you read the entire essay, both parts, and/or any of the provided links?<br /><br /><br />http://www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.htmlElizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-65712287858185259592013-11-11T04:44:40.942-05:002013-11-11T04:44:40.942-05:00Why are you against every evangelical and prominen...Why are you against every evangelical and prominent preacher in America? What do you consider to be sound doctrine? Do you not believe in the the power of the blood of the lamb and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Revelation 12:11" And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." Do you believe that Jesus Christ performed miracles and healing and then once he died and arose again on the 3rd day, just so that we would be left on earth to suffer. Once you give your life to Christ and repent and are born again and receive the free gift of salvation does that mean we should live as powerless Christians. Why are you against preachers that preach that we should pray and ask for forgiveness? And why do you believe it is wrong to be healed and prosper while on Earth. In the book of Hebrews one learns how powerful the principle of faith is especially with examples from the old testament. So can a Christian not have faith in Jesus Christ for healing and to live an abundant life??God is love and God is lightnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-31442649561712410402013-10-25T21:33:07.583-04:002013-10-25T21:33:07.583-04:00Anonymous,
1. It's not slander when it is tru...Anonymous,<br /><br />1. It's not slander when it is true.<br /><br />2. As "Let Us Reason Ministries says, "Loyalty is a good thing if it is for the right purpose and for truth. One certainly does not want to be loyal and find they have pledged their allegiance to something that is false."<br /><br />“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 17:150<br /><br />As John MacArthur said in his essay "How to Treat False teachers"<br />"Paul speaks of the necessity of stopping false teachers in verses 3-11. Stopping them demands an understanding of four things: their error, their goal, their motive, and their result." "False teachers are not to be dealt with lightly, especially if you understand their error. Inevitably their error is a blow at the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. That is not a trifling matter."<br /><br />Titus 1:11- their mouths must be stopped.<br /><br />By my reckoning, you leave the sheep to the wolves so as not to hurt the wolf's feelings. And in so doing, you besmirch the holy and spotless name of Jesus. Decide whose side you are on, the side of truth and proclaiming it courageously, or error in the name of a false humility.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-77960917229613371702013-10-25T19:49:53.922-04:002013-10-25T19:49:53.922-04:00http://www.gospelway.com/morality/slander.phphttp://www.gospelway.com/morality/slander.phpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-7259250571231795512013-10-22T05:48:37.773-04:002013-10-22T05:48:37.773-04:00Thanks for thinking so deeply about the issue and ...Thanks for thinking so deeply about the issue and responding so perceptively. I'm blessed to receive comments like yours. :)Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-24165237600490995082013-10-22T05:45:53.046-04:002013-10-22T05:45:53.046-04:00thanks for the Tozer quote, it fits perfectly.thanks for the Tozer quote, it fits perfectly.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-92132096384335504802013-10-21T21:51:52.269-04:002013-10-21T21:51:52.269-04:00Stated,
"...We are often guilty of giving p...Stated,<br /><br /> "...We are often guilty of giving people a false assurance that is based more on the ‘sincerity’ of their decision than on the presence of a transformed life."<br /><br />The salvation of mankind<br /><br />"...has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such manner as actually to bar men from the knowledge of God. The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the adamic ego. Christ may be received without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver. The man is saved but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God. In fact he is specifically taught to be satisfied and encouraged to be content with little." A.W. TozerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-35865783917490740412013-10-21T21:50:25.474-04:002013-10-21T21:50:25.474-04:00Stated,
"...We are often guilty of giving p...Stated,<br /><br /> "...We are often guilty of giving people a false assurance that is based more on the ‘sincerity’ of their decision than on the presence of a transformed life."<br /><br />The salvation of mankind<br /><br />"...has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such manner as actually to bar men from the knowledge of God. The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego. Christ may be received without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver. The man is saved but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God. In fact he is specifically taught to be satisfied and encouraged to be content with little." A.W. TozerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-47626858127732593872013-10-21T20:35:12.016-04:002013-10-21T20:35:12.016-04:00Yes. Elizabeth, YES and AMEN to this post. With ...Yes. Elizabeth, YES and AMEN to this post. With a perfect balance of grace and truth, the Lord led you to express a very well thought out review of this newest - and likely final - "evangelistic crusade" of Graham.<br /><br />Individual points I'd like to comment on (I will try to be brief):<br /><br />"So though on the surface, the BGEA strategy of relationship evangelism does have roots in the bible, the use of it as a strategy and a method can come across as too slick and faddish to the non-believer, they could well wind up feeling used."<br /><br />Yes. Matthew didn't use his friendships as a strategy, he genuinely wanted them to be reconciled to God as he was, according to the truth he received, that is, through Christ. Thank you for not knocking "relationship evangelism" as many do, because it is Biblical, and that is how I got saved. <br /><br />"Man is saved by Jesus but he is always responsible for his sins. Where that ground meets between sovereignty and responsibility is the gray line in decisional regeneration.<br />However at many churches and especially at Billy Graham crusades, "making a decision for Christ" easily becomes much more shallow. The practice is actually foreign to the scriptures..."<br /><br />Yes, regeneration cannot be manipulated, and that is what I fear happens more often than not at many of these crusades. Our job is to simply to speak the truth in love, and pray, while living a life "worthy of the calling we received". <br /><br />"I AM saying that the decisional regeneration method combined with fad Matthew Parties and promoted as a strategy that WILL get results is dangerous and shallow."<br /><br />YES!<br /><br />"The BGEA promotes the strategy of decisional regeneration and it focuses on results. This is the prophesied 'merchandising' part, even though no money passes hands. It is touted to be man-centered and results-oriented. In one of the promotional videos, it is stated that viewers of the My Hope DVD in other countries have "since 2002, 'made average of 2 decisions for Christ per home." "<br /><br />Yes! I heard the promo and those comments, and thought to myself "but wait, there's more, if you call within the next 5 minutes, we'll throw in a bonus..." Ugh.<br /><br />Sadly Christians who share the Gospel but don't see salvations (myself included) get tempted to think "what did I do wrong?", and then get tempted to try other ways to "reel 'em in", which can end up resulting in that emotional/decisional claptrap and a bunch of false conversions.<br /><br />Graham - for what it's worth - have people been saved through his ministry? I believe yes. Have there been serious concerns with his beliefs, not just recently, but over decades? Sadly yes. What does that mean? As I said in the other post, I do hope he is truly saved, and will just have a loss of rewards. The other alternative is heartbreaking. That "many" have come to faith from his efforts does not negate his wrong beliefs. (Of course, as Andrews pointed out, "many" of the decisions haven't born any real fruit...)<br /><br />May the Lord help all of us in these confusing times.<br /><br />Thanks for this well done post, Elizabeth, and for your patience with my comment!<br /><br />-Carolyn Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com