John MacArthur: How to Test the Spirits

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A Revoked Honorary Doctorate That Should Never Have Happened

In the Spring of 2023, I received news that my alma mater, East Texas Baptist University (ETBU), gave an honorary doctorate to Robert Morris, the former pastor of Gateway Church. Obviously, this took place before the scandal broke over allegations of sexual misconduct. 

When the news broke out, I took my concern on X a.k.a Twitter for Morris's honorary doctorate to be revoked. Before, I go any further, an honorary doctorate can be revoked based on moral and ethical reasons. An honorary doctorate is something that someone did not earn. If Morris did earn his doctorate at ETBU, it could not be revoked. 

I have tagged ETBU numerous times on this issue and never received word until recently. Although, I was not mentioned in a comment on X, I did find the following on ETBU's website dated August 25, 2024:

In August 2024, the East Texas Baptist University Board of Trustees members unanimously voted to revoke the honorary doctorate previously awarded to Robert Morris. The action was taken following the discovery of Morris’ past abuse of minor Cindy Clemishire. The honorary doctorate was originally conferred upon Morris during the University’s Spring 2023 Commencement.

"Our institution prides itself on recognizing individuals who exemplify excellence, Christian servant leadership, and a commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ," President J. Blair Blackburn said. "The Board of Trustees made the decision to rescind Robert Morris’ honorary doctorate after learning of his actions that directly oppose ETBU’s Christ-centered mission and core commitments. We remain dedicated to standing firm for God’s truths that guide our Kingdom work. ETBU strives to ensure that institutional honors and awards reflect those who truly embody our mission. The ETBU Family extends our prayers for Cindy Clemishire and her family.”

I am thankful this did happen because ETBU would have faced massive media backlash if this was not addressed. However, I wished I have found out about this sooner because I was never given this information when I mentioned this on X even though I searched numerous times online. I care for ETBU a great deal and still thankful to God for my time there even though it was not as glorious as it could have been. 

While I am glad Morris's honorary doctorate was revoked, it should not have happened in the first place. Morris is a word-of-faith preacher. He has led people astray and a Southern Baptist university gave him an honorary doctorate. However, I am not surprised because they gave an honorary doctorate to Beth Moore in 2019. This has shown the continuing lack of discernment among Christians regarding false teachers.

Our Christian Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries are suffering from a lack of discernment. We must pray for all the students attending these institutions that they will recognize truth from error and the faculty to repent from these false teachings and be on guard against the wolves wanting to come in so they can get into the church.  

A Look into Kenneth Hagin and the Word of Faith Movement

Remember, Who You Associate with Matters

Not too long ago, Michael Grant produced a video on Biblical separation which addresses certain Biblical preachers who have either appeared or have been affiliated with Daystar TV. Throughout the years there have been prominent Bible teachers and pastors who have appeared on various podcasts, YouTube channels and even preached at a conference that has cause other believers to scratch their heads.

Michael does a great job in the video to point out why Christians need to be separate from false teachers and those who promote false doctrine. About a year and half, I posted an article that needs to revisited on why it does matter about our association with certain ministries, Bible teachers, and even worship musicians, which was a response to Shane & Shane's association with Brian and Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music:

(In July 2023), Christian worship duo Shane and Shane released a social media post advertising their upcoming concert in Red Rocks, which is sponsored by Christian radio station Air1, a sister station with K-Love. There were only a few artists mention along with Shane and Shane, but the ones who got the attention of so many is Brian and Jenn Johnson. 

Brian and Jenn are the son and daughter-in-law of Bill Johnson, the pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, who have written several worship songs from Bethel Music. That should make any believe just simply stop and wonder why Shane and Shane are teaming up with a church such as Bethel. Bethel Church are part of the New Apostolic Reformation and teach the Word of Faith heresy that many such as Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Benny Hinn preach.

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) believe that new apostles will arise who will have more authority than the apostles of the New Testament. The Word of Faith is simply if you declare it, whatever it is, will happen. They also believe that God wants you to be healthy and wealthy. Bill Johnson believes that is not God's will for anyone to be sick and praying "God's will be done" is a lack of faith.

Bethel Church has preached some heresies over the years and yet churches love using their music. Individual Christians have no issue with these songs because they sound Biblical and give the people listening some kind of emotional response. By the way, Bethel Church are not the only ones who have done this. Hillsong and Elevation Church are heretical churches that produce music that churches even some Reformed churches have no problem singing.

Shane and Shane is another group, or in this case duo, in Contemporary Christians Music (CCM) that have no issues with singing Bethel songs. They have a music ministry called the Worship Initiative, which have released nearly 30 albums filled with worship songs from various artists including Bethel.  They have a website where churches can get the sheet music to various songs. Granted they do have songs from trusted musicians such as Sovereign Grace and Matt Boswell, but it seems the Worship Initiative is only concerned with getting songs to churches that are easy to play without checking out the source.

Shane and Shane have produced many great albums over the years including a couple of them in the Psalms. This partnership is troubling because of what Bethel Church teaches as well as Jenn Johnson, herself. One of her most famous teachings in on the Holy Spirit, whom she says is like the Genie from Aladdin. Jenn also said that angles have farting contests around the throne of God.

These are just two examples of the lunacy that Jenn Johnson has taught and believes yet Shane and Shane are partnering with them for a concert. Now some may say that they could be preaching the gospel while giving the people good worship songs in this concert. That is a good point but Shane and Shane have performed Bethel songs not just in their Worship Initiative albums but also in worship at a conference which I got to hear livestream.

Shane and Shane is just one of many in CCM world that have associated themselves with false teachers. I remember seeing Matt Redman sharing on social media that he led worship as a Joyce Meyer conference. Joyce Meyer is a health and wealth prosperity preacher. She even believes she is not a sinner. I have enjoyed Matt's music over the years, but this concerning. Why would you lead worship for a false teacher? 

What does the Bible say about associating with false teachers. First, we are to mark and avoid them. The Apostle Paul said, "Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them" (Romans 16:17, LSB). We are to run from them. False teachers will say true things every now and then, but it does not mean we embrace them. 

Second, do not associate with them. The Bible says, "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting, for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11, LSB). We are not to give any hand of fellowship with them. 

Paul wrote, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has a sanctuary of God with idols? For we are a sanctuary of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16, LSB). Jesus told us we will know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20) so why would we want to do with anyone who preaches a false gospel, which is no gospel at all. 

Pastors, if you won't quote Bill Johnson, Steven Furtick, or any false teacher, then why would you use music from them? You are associated with those churches and even giving them support by using their music. The same thing with Shane and Shane. You sing their songs; you are supporting them. You do a concert with them, you say to the church, they are good to partner with. 

Proverbs 13:20 says, "He who walks with the wise will be wise, But the friend of fools will suffer harm" (LSB). Who you associate with matters. Shane and Shane, I pray that you will read the comments on your Facebook page and see the concern many have on your partnership with Brian and Jenn Johnson.

The Strategies and Tactics of False Teachers

I really appreciate the work in this video from Famine in the Land:

How Can Michael Brown Serve the "Critics" Better

Dr. Michael Brown is a very intellectual man. He definitely knows his stuff. he has written many books and articles on various subjects including spiritual gifts. He was featured in two roundtable discussions, one with Justin Peters, Sam Storms, and Jim Osman and the other with Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett.

One of the things about Michael Brown that has many Christians concerned is his affiliations with false teachers and his denial that the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) actually exists. Many have pointed out the errors of certain men he calls friend and would not call them a false teacher because he has "spent time with them." He believes NAR is a conspiracy theory. Those who have spoken out against he has called them critics or hyper-critics, whatever that means. 

In a recent discussion with James White on Bibledingers discussing unity, Brown said that he prays for a way he can serve his critics. Well, I am glad that he prays for those who have spoken out against him and I am glad he prays for a way to serve them better. As I was thinking about this, I can one way Dr. Michael Brown can serve his critics better. 

Dr. Michael Brown, if you are reading this, which I highly doubt you will because I am not a huge name in the blogsphere. I do not have a YouTube channel nor a huge following on social media, but I do pray you will see these words, however brief they are, and take them to heart as to serve your "critics." 

Here is how you can serve them and the body of Christ well:

Open your eyes.

Dr. Brown, NAR is real. There have been many who been part of this movement and by God's grace embraced the gospel and got out. NAR has hurts so many that some have rejected Christianity altogether. Churches such as Bethel Church in Redding, CA are causing the name of Christ to be dragged through the mud because of their false teaching and their antics such as grave soaking and fire tunnels. NAR is very real. To say it is not real is no better than those who deny there is a liberal drift in the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Dr. Brown, a lot of the people you associate with are false teachers. They preach a different gospel. They preach looney tunes theology. Sid Roth also invites anyone who visits heaven based on my observation. You did not even tell Benny Hinn to repent until Mike Winger released his video exposing Benny Hinn's teaching. Kenneth Copeland is a health and wealth preacher. He is false teacher who needs to repent and turn to Christ. Yes, you may differ on his teaching, but there are number of sites and videos exposing his teaching.

Dr. Brown, the Bible says we are to mark and avoid "those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching which you learned" (Romans 16:17). We are not even to receive them in our house (2 John 9), yet you they are coming into many Christian homes and various churches because you have given them your seal of approval because you have "spent time with them." Your spending time with should show their heart and the fruit that Jesus did tell us to look for when it came to false prophet (Matthew 7:15-20). 

Dr. Brown, I pray God will you a heart of discernment so you may have your eyes opened to the false teaching that you have so easily looked over and begin to preach against them. I am not asking you to become a Calvinist or Cessationist. A lot of videos exposing NAR and false teachers associated with them as pointed by David Lovi are not Calvinists. They are either Lutheran or Continualist. There are some Continualists who believe the signs gifts are still around, but they reject the teachings of Bethel Church.

Dr. Brown, if you want to serve your "critics," have discernment. Open God's Word and compare it to the theology of NAR and those you refuse to dub false teachers. Having you in this fight will honor the Lord and serve the body well.

Scott Aniol on the Issue of Bethel and Hillsong Music

Recommended Resources:

My Issue with Music in the Church

The New Worship War

Should We Be Theological In Our Worship Songs?

Should A Church Play Music From Hillsong and Bethel?

Be Mindful of What You Sing

Don't Let Them In

Who You Associate With Matters

The Tactics of Michael Brown

Dr. Michael Brown has been known as a defender of false teaching charismatics and one who denies the New Apostolic Reformation. He claims he does not have enough time in the day to look at the claims of many false teachings, but he will take time to defend them.

Over at The Messed Up Church YouTube channel, Steve and his wife, Paulette, are joined by David Lovi, one of the producers of the Cessationist movie, to discuss Brown and his tactics:

That Time When I Review a Robert Morris Book

There are times when I have looked back on my Christian life and thought what I was thinking during that time. This post happened to be one of those times. If you have noticed the title, you could see why. Back in 2011, I reviewed The God I Never Knew by Robert Morris. Yes, the same Robert Morris who was the pastor of Gateway Church, who recently resigned over his sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl when was in his 20's.

There have been many videos and articles that have been released what has happened, but before all this took place, many were warning people of Robert Morris' false teaching. In light, of all that has happened, I decided to look through my past blog posts to see if I wrote on Morris, which I did, but not in the way I should have.

Basically, my little review was giving Morris' book a positive review even though I did not think it was up to par with books on the Holy Spirit written by Francis Chan and Billy Graham at that time. I did not warn people of Morris' false teaching because I was not aware of it at the time.

2011 was three years after I embraced Reformed Theology and was still learning appropriate doctrine and reviewing books for the blog. I knew about Gateway but had no idea they were word of faith. Had I read Morris' book along with Chan and Graham's book, I would definitely would have exercise more discernment as I am these days. 

As far as reading the book, I am not sure where my copy of the book is, nor do I care about buying a new one in light of everything going on with Morris. However, what I know of Morris now, he is a false teacher and should have been marked and avoided. I pray that Morris repents of his sin, turn to faith in Christ, but also turn himself in since what he did was a crime. 

For those who have read that book review, I do not endorse Robert Morris nor embrace his unbiblical teaching. 

Costi Hinn on Discerning the Voice of the Holy Spirit

John MacArthur on Macro-Discernment

John MacArthur recently preached a two-part sermon on what he calls Macro-discernment over at Grace Church of the Valley:

Costi Hinn on Testing Prophecy

Who You Associate With Matters

Last week, Christian worship duo Shane and Shane released a social media post advertising their upcoming concert in Red Rocks, which is sponsored by Christian radio station Air1, a sister station with K-Love. There were only a few artists mention along with Shane and Shane, but the ones who got the attention of so many is Brian and Jenn Johnson. 

Brian and Jenn are the son and daughter-in-law of Bill Johnson, the pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, who have written several worship songs from Bethel Music. That should make any believe just simply stop and wonder why Shane and Shane are teaming up with a church such as Bethel. Bethel Church are part of the New Apostolic Reformation and teach the Word of Faith heresy that many such as Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Benny Hinn preach.

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) believe that new apostles will arise who will have more authority than the apostles of the New Testament. The Word of Faith is simply if you declare it, whatever it is, will happen. They also believe that God wants you to be healthy and wealthy. Bill Johnson believes that is not God's will for anyone to be sick and praying "God's will be done" is a lack of faith.

Bethel Church has preached some heresies over the years and yet churches love using their music. Individual Christians have no issue with these songs because they sound Biblical and give the people listening some kind of emotional response. By the way, Bethel Church are not the only ones who have done this. Hillsong and Elevation Church are heretical churches that produce music that churches even some Reformed churches have no problem singing.

Shane and Shane is another group, or in this case duo, in Contemporary Christians Music (CCM) that have no issues with singing Bethel songs. They have a music ministry called the Worship Initiative, which have released nearly 30 albums filled with worship songs from various artists including Bethel.  They have a website where churches can get the sheet music to various songs. Granted they do have songs from trusted musicians such as Sovereign Grace and Matt Boswell, but it seems the Worship Initiative is only concerned with getting songs to churches that are easy to play without checking out the source.

Shane and Shane have produced many great albums over the years including a couple of them in the Psalms. This partnership is troubling because of what Bethel Church teaches as well as Jenn Johnson, herself. One of her most famous teachings in on the Holy Spirit, whom she says is like the Genie from Aladdin. Jenn also said that angles have farting contests around the throne of God.

These are just two examples of the lunacy that Jenn Johnson has taught and believes yet Shane and Shane are partnering with them for a concert. Now some may say that they could be preaching the gospel while giving the people good worship songs in this concert. That is a good point but Shane and Shane have performed Bethel songs not just in their Worship Initiative albums but also in worship at a conference which I got to hear livestream.

Shane and Shane is just one of many in CCM world that have associated themselves with false teachers. I remember seeing Matt Redman sharing on social media that he led worship as a Joyce Meyer conference. Joyce Meyer is a health and wealth prosperity preacher. She even believes she is not a sinner. I have enjoyed Matt's music over the years, but this concerning. Why would you lead worship for a false teacher? 

What does the Bible say about associating with false teachers. First, we are to mark and avoid them. The Apostle Paul said, "Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them" (Romans 16:17, LSB). We are to run from them. False teachers will say true things every now and then, but it does not mean we embrace them. 

Second, do not associate with them. The Bible says, "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting, for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11, LSB). We are not to give any hand of fellowship with them. 

Paul wrote, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has a sanctuary of God with idols? For we are a sanctuary of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16, LSB). Jesus told us we will know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20) so why would we want to do with anyone who preaches a false gospel, which is no gospel at all. 

Pastors, if you won't quote Bill Johnson, Steven Furtick, or any false teacher, then why would you use music from them? You are associated with those churches and even giving them support by using their music. The same thing with Shane and Shane. You sing their songs; you are supporting them. You do a concert with them, you say to the church, they are good to partner with. 

Proverbs 13:20 says, "He who walks with the wise will be wise, But the friend of fools will suffer harm" (LSB). Who you associate with matters. Shane and Shane, I pray that you will read the comments on your Facebook page and see the concern many have on your partnership with Brian and Jenn Johnson.

John MacArthur on Hearing the Voice of God

There is a popular teaching among evangelicals that you can hear the voice of God outside of Scripture. There are some in Reformed circles that believe that as well. Can we truly hear the voice of God outside of Scripture. In this video, John MacArthur was asked how to counsel someone who believes God speaks outside of the Bible. 

Recommended Reading:

God Doesn't Whisper by Jim Osman 

Don't Let Them In

The Twilight series was an interesting take on the vampire genre. Yes, the books are for the heartless romantic that produced five movies which were hits at the box office even though they also received a few Razzies, which are the Oscars for bad movies. 

Vampires are the most popular of all the horror creatures with a few weaknesses. Sunlight would kill them (they sparkle in Twilight), garlic burns, they run away from a cross, and a wooden stake through the heart will kill them. Yet, in certain stories, although I cannot confirm it is in every vampire story, there is one power that people have over them that does not make sense: they cannot enter a house unless they are invited in. A fictitious, supernatural creature that move fast, is stronger than the average man, and can transform into a bat cannot simply go through the front door unless the people in the story let them in. 

Once someone lets a vampire in, well, you can imagine what happens. It ends up with someone dead or being turned into a vampire. So the moral of the story is simply, don't let them in.

In the church today, many have let something in that is not make-believe. There are times it looks innocent and even pleasant. It can even come under the guise of a gospel ministry or church. Most in the church will never know it has entered the church unless you have discernment and knowledge of the Bible. What is this you ask? The answer is false teaching.

False teaching has been let into the church since the day of Christ's ascension. One church that allowed false teachers in that caused many to abandon the gospel of grace for a gospel of works were the Galatians. They listened to Judaizers who taught that faith in Christ is not enough, you must also obey the Law of Moses to be saved. The Apostle Paul refuted this false gospel in his letter to the Galatian church, which I highly recommend that you read. 

It is not clear how these false teachers got into the church, but they were let in somehow. They might have even been pretending to be true believers when they really were not. Jesus said in Matthew, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-16a, LSB). 

The Apostle John in his first epistle wrote, "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. From this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they were of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be manifested that they all are not of us" (1 John 2:18-19, LSB). These false brothers were in the church, but they were not actually part of the church. They professed Christ yet they did not believe in the gospel.

False teaching has come into the church because they sound or even look like they are from God when they are really not. Some in the church have unintentionally let false teaching in not only to their churches but their homes as well. They let them in because an organization have the words Gospel, Bible, Jesus, God, or Reformation in their name. 

How do we combat false teaching? The first thing we do is test them:

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

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world hears them. 

We are from God. The one who knows God hears us; the one who is not from God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:1-6, LSB).

The Bible also says not to despise prophecies, but to examine everything (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). We are not believe everything we see and hear. We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17, who "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11, LSB). Know the scriptures and put them to the test. 

If false teaching is happening at your church, I pray your elders will put a stop to this because it will produce confusion and, God forbid, apostacy. This leads me to my next point of stopping false teaching, which really should be the first thing we do, but sometimes we will not be aware until, we study the Scriptures and that is don't let them in. 

Do not let false teachers with their counterfeit Christianity enter your church. If you are not leader in the church, make them aware of false teaching you have discovered so that it will not enter in your house of worship as well as your own home. In his second epistle, the Apostle John wrote:

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

See to yourselves, that you do not lose what we accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting,

for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds (2 John 7-11, LSB).

Simply put, if anyone does not teach with what Christ has given us, do not even let them in your own home. Sadly, our home is where many have wandered into false teaching thanks to Christian television and the Internet. Many think it is okay because it sounds Biblical when it is not. Take a look at the worship songs that being sung in most churches. Most of the lyrics will pass a theological smell test, but that you get into the church's teaching, anyone with Biblical knowledge will know they are not of God. 

I remember hearing the story of one man who became a Christian and played Hillsong worship on his guitar. He loved the songs he was playing when he decided to listen to a sermon from them. His thinking was, if the songs are great, the preaching must be good. He listened to one sermon and was astonished at what they were proclaiming. He could not believe a church with good worship music preaches the prosperity gospel. He never played a song from Hillsong ever again. He refused to let their teaching, even the music, into his house.

The church is suffering from a lack of discernment and it needs to start with examining the Bible and not letting false teaching into our homes as well as our churches. 

Truth Never Changes, Heresy Does

Truth never changes with the times, but heresy always does. In fact, heresy’s sublety is seen most clearly in the ever-shifting tides of change. The church is threatened by some grave error until a defense is finally mounted, and the threat is defeated. But then the polar opposite of that error springs up somewhere with a totally different, but equally grave, threat. Then the trend shifts back to a variation of the first error. And thus it has been throughout the history of the church. No error can ever comfortably be counted as dead and gone, because the same old errors keep springing up in new dress.

Adapted from The Truth War by John MacArthur

Around The Web-July 5, 2019

Costi Hinn- The Dangers of the Prosperity Gospel and What To Do About It from Equipping You In Grace

The Frozen Chosen by Guy Richard

The Test of True Worship by H.B. Charles, Jr

Social Media and Digital Discernment by John MacArthur

The Faithfulness of Christ in the Little Things by Sinclair Ferguson

Tom Ascol and Jared Longshore discuss singing in church, Christian ministry & storing up treasure on the Sword and the Trowel

Around The Web-March 1, 2019

50% off the New Studies in Biblical Theology series

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Ask Pastor John: Can a Coin Flip Reveal God’s Will for My Life?

The Power of the Cross by Michael Milton

Revisiting Andy Stanley’s “Unhitch” Remark by Garrett O'Hara

A Healthy Church and Her Scars from Doctrine and Devotion

The Sin-Bearing Sufferer of Psalm 38 by Timothy Brindle

Church History Made Before Our Eyes: United Methodists Make History, Affirm Biblical Standards of Sexuality by Albert Mohler

The Extent of the Atonement: A Brotherly, Biblically-Based Discussion and Disagreement with Michael Brown and James White

Christians and Horror Movies

A few weeks ago, I did a poll on Twitter asking the question, "Should Christians watch horror movies?" I think it is a fair question considering that there are many movies in that genre. Some become blockbuster hits while other get a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Not many participated in this poll, but to my surprise the results were split down the center, 50% voted yes and 50% voted no.

With Halloween approaching, its time to consider if Christian should be engaging themselves in horror movies. One person on Twitter said no because Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." We are fill our minds with pure things and things that will cause to ponder on the things of God. Most horror movies deal with the occult or demons with a twisted view of God mostly from the Catholic church. So, I guess that is case closed, right? Let's dive a little deeper.

Another person on Twitter said a better question would be, "Is it permissible for Christian to watch horror movies?" Sounds like a fair question. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." Does apply to horror movies? Yes. Does this apply to all forms of entertainment? Indeed. When it comes to horror movies or any forms of entertainment, we should always approach it with a discernment. We should be aware of what kind of movie this is.

Some horror movies do contain sex scenes, so we have to be very careful about that and really wonder is this a movie that we should be seeing. There are places on the internet where you can search for a movie to see why it is rated R or any other rating such as Film Ratings.com and IMDb.

Granted we have the tools to help us know if a movie is appropriate or not to see, but we really to ask the question if a horror movie is something a follower of Christ should be watching. The same can be true with crime drama and sporting events. Do I have the freedom to watch horror movies? Yes, but, as I said earlier, you need to be discerning when approaching them movies or any form of entertainment. Is watching them permissible, yes, but is it helpful.

I really wish I can give a more direct answer, but this lies within where you are in your walk with Jesus. Some may feel like those movies should be avoid while others do not. If you are a brother or sister that watches horror movies, let me give you some caution from the Bible, "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9). Yes, this passage is in context to food being sacrificed to idols, but the principal is the same. We should never use our freedom as a stumbling block. If you are a brother or sister that avoids horror movies, do not judge those who watch them. Once again, this is a Christian freedom issue, but, like all things we do, must be approached with discernment.

Beware of False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).

Jesus told the people during the sermon on the mount to watch out for false prophets. These are people claiming to be speaking for God which they are only doing it for their own personal gain. False prophets/teachers have been in plaguing the church since day one.

To give you an example, There were people in the church who said that must obey the law of Moses in order to be saved along with faith in Christ. These men infiltrated the church in Galatia where Paul wrote a his letter to them denouncing this teaching and showing the gospel of grace.

In our modern day, we see false teachers all over the place. We see them in our bookstores, television, radio, YouTube, and even podcasts. They preach a different gospel completely different than the one God has given us in scripture, or they add something to the gospel as a means of having control over those who listen.

These false teachers may sound genuine but they only want selfish gain. Some of them may sound like they are preaching the whole gospel when they are really not. They preach only to appease the itching ears of their listeners, which Paul wrote to Timothy:

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

How do we recognize false prophets? Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. What fruit is produced in the lives of those he/she are reaching? Does it produce a fruit for righteousness to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord?

How do we defend ourselves from false prophets/teachers? The best and most simplest way is to know the Bible. False teachers will twist the Bible to suit their desires. We must know what God has said in His Word if we want to discern truth from falsehood. Even Satan tried to tempt Jesus by twisting scripture and Jesus replied back using scripture knowing what Satan was trying to do.

False prophets/teachers are out there so be on guard whether you are at home or with your church family.