Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones on the Altar Call

from BannerofTruth.org:

Dr. Lloyd-Jones on the Altar Call

We are to preach the Word, and if we do it properly, there will be a call to a decision that comes in the message, and then we leave it to the Spirit to act upon people.

Early in the 1970s Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was the speaker at a ministers' conference in the USA and at a question session was asked the following question:

Q During recent years, especially in England, among evangelicals of the Reformed faith, there has been a rising criticism of the invitation system as used by Billy Graham and others. Does Scripture justify the use of such public invitations or not?

A. Well, it is difficult to answer this in a brief compass without being misunderstood. Let me answer it like this: The history of this invitation system is one with which you people ought to be more familiar than anyone else, because it began in America. It began in the 1820s; the real originator of it was Charles G. Finney. It led to a great controversy. Asahel Nettleton, a great Calvinist and successful evangelist, never issued an "altar call" nor asked people to come to the "anxious seat." These new methods in the 182Os and were condemned for many reasons by all who took the Reformed position.

One reason is that there is no evidence that this was done in New Testament times, because then they trusted to the power of the Spirit. Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost under the power of the Spirit, for instance, had no need to call people forward in decision because, as you remember, the people were so moved and affected by the power of the Word and Spirit that they actually interrupted the preacher, crying out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" That has been the traditional Reformed attitude towards this particular matter. The moment you begin to introduce this other element, you are bringing a psychological element. The invitation should be in the message. We believe the Spirit applies the message, so we trust in the power of the Spirit. I personally agree with what has been said in the question. I have never called people forward at the end for this reason; there is a grave danger of people coming forward before they are ready to come forward. We do believe in the work of the Spirit, that He convicts and converts, and He will do His work. There is a danger in bringing people to a "birth," as it were, before they are ready for it.

The Puritans in particular were afraid of what they would call "a temporary faith" or "a false profession." There was a great Puritan, Thomas Shepard, who published a famous series of sermons on The Ten Virgins. The great point of that book was to deal with this problem of a false profession. The foolish virgins thought they were all right. This is a very great danger.

I can sum it up by putting it like this: I feel that this pressure which is put upon people to come forward in decision ultimately is due to a lack of faith in the work and operation of the Holy Spirit. We are to preach the Word, and if we do it properly, there will be a call to a decision that comes in the message, and then we leave it to the Spirit to act upon people. And of course He does. Some may come immediately at the close of the service to see the minister. I think there should always be an indication that the minister will be glad to see anybody who wants to put questions to him or wants further help. But that is a very different thing from putting pressure upon people to come forward. I feel it is wrong to put pressure directly on the will. The order in Scripture seems to be this - the truth is presented to the mind, which moves the heart, and that in turn moves the will.

Preach Christ!

1 Corinthians 1:

17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

A Call to Christian TV to Correct itself

Lee Grady is the editor of Charisma Magazine. I have interviewed Lee on my daily radio program once before and find many of his editorials to be very compelling, and this piece entitled "Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover" hits the nail on the head!

Like many of the people replying to Gradys article I watch very little "Christian TV". The recent controversies involving TBN and its decision to drop Hal Lindsey and Zola Levitts program because they felt the two ministries were muslim bashing is a prime example of the trash being promoted as Christian television. Daystar is just as bad as they trot out Mike Murdock whenever they need money.

Check out Lee Gradys article "Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover".

Related links:
The Mike Corley Program from September 5, 2006 featuring clips of TBNs Paul Crouch and guest painting Islam in a different light, even claiming that Mohammed was misuderstood and was actually a "reformer".

Come out from among them and be seperate...

Check out the news article from the news agency of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Mormons, and see who was "performing" at a concert recently with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Sandi Patty joined the cults choir and Larry Jones' ministry Feed the Children will air the concert as part of a fund-raiser for that organization.

There has been a lot noted of Sandi Pattys lack of courage and commitment, but I am deeply disappointed in Larry Jones. But I guess when getting the cash is more important than where the cash comes from, you will do anything.

Mormonism is a cult and those who claim the Name and cause of Chgrist are forbidden from yoking themselves with unbelievers.

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4

A Picture Says a Thousand Words - "Power of Purpose" Gallery

Thank the Lord for believers like the folks at Lighthouse Trails Research. Their work is so vitually important today.

Check out this article, once again exposing the heretical actiosn of one Rick Warren as he was a guest at a recent "The Self Knowledge Symposium (SKS)". On their website, SKS describes themselves as a "a resource for students engaged in the spiritual search. The educational philosophy of the SKS draws extensively from the work of August Turak, which defines a methodology for self-directed, open-minded inquiry into oneself, through action, reflection, and dynamic interaction with one's peers. "

Again more evidence that Rick Warren is a false prophet and millions have and are falling for this deception called Purpose Driven.

Lighthouse Trails Research.com

Rick Warren is pictured on this "Self-Knowledge" web site. What kind of Christian would be found in this group? He would be hated by them, right, because, after all, the "flesh sets its desire against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please." (Galatians 5:17)...Yet, it seems he is being loved and lauded by these people, as if their spirits are kindred! What? A Christian pastor on a "self-knowledge" web site being lauded by New Age thinkers?Click here to read the rest of this article.

Purpose Driven Threatening Bellevue Baptist

Recently I was told by a dear friend that the heresy of the Purpose Driven Life church growth movement was threatening a split at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, once pastored by Dr. Adrian Rogers. I was saddened by this but not surprised. Below is a story from Ethics Daily.com outlining the situation. I also encourage you to visit the website Saving Bellevue.com and read the unbelieveable turn of events at Bellevue.


Change Dividing Southern Baptist Mega-Church

Bob Allen
09-22-06

Rick Warren's "Purpose-Driven" church model is being blamed in a developing split in one of the Southern Baptist Convention's most prominent churches.

Two weeks ago the Wall Street Journal carried a front-page story saying Warren's church-growth methods--which include replacing hymns, choirs and pews with rock-style praise bands and laid-back sermons--were dividing the country's 50 million evangelicals.

Baptist Press defended Warren, a Southern Baptist, by implying the Journal story made a mountain out of a molehill.

"The 2,200-word story cites four congregations where upheaval occurred from a move toward the principles espoused by Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., and author of the best-seller Purpose-Driven Life," wrote a BP staff writer. "The story, however, does not relay any estimates of the extent of problems nationwide stemming from Warren's Purpose-Driven methods."

But a Web site nearing 60,000 visitors criticizes several changes at the 30,000-member Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tenn., since last year's retirement and subsequent death of its legendary pastor, Adrian Rogers.

One of the largest churches in the Mid-South, Bellevue has been led by just four pastors in the last 79 years: R.G. Lee, 1927-1960; Ramsey Pollard, 1960-72; Rogers, 1972-2005; and since last September, Steve Gaines, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Gardendale, Ala.

Gaines' honeymoon is apparently over for some long-time church members, who criticize what they view as excessive salaries, moving away from congregational leadership toward an elder-led system and unpopular staff changes, including forcing out and replacing a long-term music director.

They also criticize Gaines' leadership style, claiming he is arrogant, uses intimidation and pressed forward with changes instead of giving the church time to grieve following their beloved emeritus pastor's death from cancer in November 2005.

Gaines denied in the Memphis Commercial-Appeal the church is departing from its Southern Baptist roots or is part of the church-growth movement, but acknowledged that some had criticized the blending of contemporary and traditional church music in worship.

The "Saving Bellevue" Web site, however, includes articles seeking assurances the new pastor isn't trying to move the church toward "Warrenism" and quotations from Warren's "Ministry Toolbox" playbook on transitioning a traditional church to a Purpose-Driven model.

"Not only do we need to take a stand for our church, but we--EVERY BLOOD BOUGHT CHRISTIAN--needs to take a stand against this Rick Warren Revolution!" wrote one commenter in a blog section.

"I have been a member of Bellevue since 1952, when I was 17 years old," wrote another. "I have been in the choir since 1960. Every time my mail comes I look for the letter telling me that I am no longer needed in the choir, that I am too old. I do not clap and stomp. I do not wave my hands."

Other grievances include a story about Gaines sending staff to discourage a particular long-time church member from saying "Amen," during worship services. One version of the story says Gaines issued the order after hearing in a dream the man was under demonic influence and needed to be silenced before the next Sunday. Gaines denies the dream ever happened, claiming the "Amens" were a distraction and hurting his concentration.

Other rumors are that Gaines negotiated a salary twice the size of his predecessor, one figure tossed around was $500,000. Gaines and others said the church doesn't disclose salaries, but his isn't nearly that high. Questions about hiring, firing and staff compensation allegedly went unanswered, and church members were refused copies of the church bylaws.

One former deacon and long-time member gave an on-line interview describing how, after asking questions about compensation and other administrative matters, four uninvited visitors, including Gaines, came to his home in a gated community, climbing over a fence marked with a no-trespassing sign.

The four men said the visit was an attempt to seek reconciliation, but the homeowner, Mark Sharpe, who wasn't at home when it occurred, viewed it as intimidation.

He said Gaines called him after 11:00 one evening and told him he was "Hezbollah" and personally sending people to hell by his actions.

"I informed him that I didn't have the power to send anyone to hell," Sharpe said. "I have to admit, I was shaken by the words I heard my pastor speak to me. I was shaken to the bone but reminded that these were not the actions of a pastor."

Gaines said the Web site contains "insinuations and downright falsifications," and he believes it is creating confusion in the church.

The Sept. 5 Wall Street Journal story detailed criticisms of "Purpose-Driven" attempts to attract non-believers with lively worship services, practical sermons and chances to volunteer. Critics question the use of secular marketing methods and simplistic Bible study.

Among churches split after adopting Warren's techniques, the story said, is Valley View Christian Church in Dallas, the former church of failed Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers.

Ron Key, the church's senior minister, was demoted and later fired for criticizing the "Madison Avenue" approach advocated by Warren. Key and about 200 other members began worshipping in a hotel and later a college gym. Miers reportedly attends when she is in town.

Key's replacement at Valley View was Barry McCarty, longtime parliamentarian for the Southern Baptist Convention.

"Our church used the five purposes from the Purpose-Drive Life as the outline for our strategic plan, because they are the purposes for the church that are revealed in Scripture," McCarty told Baptist Press. "It ought to be noted that Rick Warren did not invent these five purposes" [worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism]. "He simply popularized them."

"Rick got these five purposes from the Bible," McCarty said. "Rick's heart is the same place that our hearts are: We want to do what God has assigned us to do as individuals and as a church."

Bob Allen is managing editor of EthicsDaily.com.