Lessons From An Ass.
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” -2 Timothy 4:3
This is what I thought was going on in Nashville (regarding teaching on prophetic ministry such as that being given at Emanate). However, through much mediation, study, and discussion, I am both glad and humbled to find out that I was in fact wrong about that. As it turns out, those teachings are compatible with the truths I used to challenge them; just in ways I had not previously understood. As I stated in my last note, most of my arguments were based on personal misconceptions or ignorance of what was being taught. Unfortunately, I assumed…and we all know what happens when you assume. But fortunately, I take comfort in knowing that my God can use an ass – Balaam’s even prophesied 
I’ll share some of what I’ve learned.
- The Bible only allows for 2 kinds of prophets; true and false. Yes, but what is a false prophet?
“When David had settled into his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Look! I am living in a cedar house while the ark of the LORD’s covenant is under tent curtains.”
So Nathan told David, “Do all that is on your heart, for God is with you.”
But that night the word of God came to Nathan: “Go to David My servant and say, ‘This is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house to dwell in. From the time I brought Israel out of [Egypt] until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have moved from tent to tent and from tabernacle [to tabernacle]. In all My travels throughout Israel, have I ever spoken a word to even one of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, asking: Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?” -1 Chronicles 17:1-6
Here Nathan initially speaks a message in the Lord’s name that He did not command him to speak. Does that condemn him to death as a false prophet, according to Deuteronomy 18:20?
“who dares to speak in My name a message I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.”
God apparently didn’t think so, and Nathan was not killed or even discredited. Never caught that before. What gives?
Well, I believe the context of Deuteronomy 18:15-19 is talking about Christ…so verses 20-22 seem to refer to the occultists and diviners in 9-14, but are also compatible with Jesus’s warnings against false prophets, false messiahs, and anti-Christs in Matthew 7:15-23 & Matthew 24:11;24 . It is a matter of properly defining the term, “false prophet”. A false prophet, like the anti-Christ, is a poor copycat of the real thing. False prophets are either making it up, deluded, or demonically-powered — and their fruit will show that.
Nathan was not in the company of any such evildoers, but was called and empowered by Yahweh, so he was not a false prophet. He just made a human mistake. The test of a prophet is his fruit and to which god his message leads.
- “No prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). Yep, but “the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets” (1 Corinthians 14:32).*
Prophecy, the Word of Yahweh, is totally inerrant. The problem is: He uses fallible humans to convey His Word to the world. Why? That’s my question…but isn’t it wonderful? We can only attribute that to His grace. A bit more on that later.
I find it interesting that even Moses — perhaps the highest-regarded prophet – was apprehensive about his call because of his speech impediment. But God still sent him, and He didn’t take it away. Instead, He sent Aaron along to help Moses. Isn’t that good stuff?
Anyway, when a prophet makes a “mistake”, it is never prophecy which is to blame, but human error or misinterpretation. The Lord gives divine revelation, but many times it’s up to us to ask Him for the interpretation and what to do with it. This is exactly why we are instructed to test and weigh “what is said” in both the Old Testament and the New, such as in 1 Corinthians 14:29.
This is also a great reason not to boast or focus upon any person but Jesus Christ.
In Acts 10 Peter initially misinterpreted his vision, thinking it was contrary to Scripture — just like I did with this teaching on prophecy. As it turns out, the meaning of his vision was about men, not food. As it also turns out, this teaching is compatible with Scripture, just in a way I had not previously understood. Cue Princess Bride quote, “I do not think that word [false prophecy] means what you think it means”.
*sidenote: I know the context of 1 Cor. 14:32 really refers to speaking (or not speaking) a message, but I believe it shows the human element, so I think it fits here.
- “According to Scripture, prophecy is Yahweh speaking through the mouth of the saint.” Right-o, but sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly.
Just like with Peter’s vision (and so many other examples like Ezekiel, Daniel, John, etc), revelation does not always come in clear sentences. Yahweh reveals Himself and His truth to His people in many different ways. Sometimes visions, sometimes feelings, signs, angels…whatever He wants to use, really – because He is sovereign! The beauty of that is: He leaves it to interpretation so that we must approach Him for the meaning. Prophecy requires relationship. We’re not just puppets. We’re His children. Somebody shout! We goin’ have some chu’ch!
- “What teaching is needed, and who taught the unlearned apostles on and after Pentecost? You may bring up Paul’s discussion of the use & misuse of prophecy and tongues in the Corinthian church. However, he was not teaching them how or how NOT to prophesy or speak in tongues, but about the appropriate settings for each.” Yeah, pretty much.
I really jumped the gun on this one. From what I can tell so far, Paul’s teaching is exactly the nature of that at Emanate. Although, Alyn’s focus is hearing the voice of God. Awesome.
- “I have had prophetic knowledge and have spoken prophetically into other believers’ lives, but it is always the Lord’s idea, not mine…1 Corinthians 14:1 says we are to ‘desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially to prophesy’…He will respect our desires (because they’re His, he gave them to us) as it says in Matthew 7:9-11, but will do so in HIS timing and by HIS sovereignty!” Like I said a couple points back, yes…but we’re already called to minister and to step out in faith.
It’s probably easy to see the Reformer in me here. The thing is: theology only goes so far. It serves as a foundation, but there’s more. Faith without action is no faith at all. We serve a loving, active, and powerful God who wants to use us to accomplish His purposes. John 14 says a lot to this. Ministry – like the prophetic – is not done by the saint’s own will, but by the Father’s love (1 Corinthians 13). If a prophet compelled by the Lord’s love for a person opens his mouth to deliver an exhortation (in faith), the Spirit will back him up. See, Jesus’s commands for us to be His witnesses and proclaim Him are open calling to “go”! The Sovereign King does deliver specific messages, missions, and callings, but also has already dictated for us to make disciples, serve, organize, heal, teach, evangelize, pray, cast out demons, raise the dead, prophesy……
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! – John 14:12-14
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” – Matthew 10:8
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:18-20
Funny how He also continually reveals new things to us in Scripture, no matter how many times we read it. Let’s boast in Jesus and make much of Him!
In Whom Is Your Trust? [part 2]
Well, I finally got a couple replies to my question, but still no answer. I received these replies via private message…I’m not sure if it’s fair to read into why they didn’t want to post their replies publicly, but I can’t help but wonder. Regardless, none actually addressed my question [How can you claim to know the heart of Yahweh and vote for someone as pro-abortion as Obama?] but gave arguments against John McCain’s moral qualifications or expressed laissez-faire attitudes toward the murder of innocent millions. That really bothers me, but it proves my preconception completely. Rebuttals were as such (please reply if you feel I have misrepresented your point):
- Donald Miller, author of emergent church best-seller Blue Like Jazz is campaigning for Obama.
Somebody shoot me in the face [but miss]. Apparently you are not aware that many regard Don Miller as a heretic. I don’t think I’d call him that per se (where’s the love?), but he does have some shoddy doctrine and that is a discussion for another place.
- This is an important election and there are other issues to vote on other than abortion. Nobody in the current political circuit is doing anything about it, anyway.
Did you not get what I’m saying? The right to life is greatly (dare I say most) important to Yahweh! I believe it is greedy to care more about economic issues than human life. Read some Matthew 6. Submit to the Lord’s will and He’ll take care of the rest. We’ll be taken care of…so that we can take care of others. Welfare is the church’s job,not the government’s. Just because we’re not doing our job doesn’t mean you as a Christian should shift your trust from God to man. That’s idolatry. It means we need to get off our tails and call our government into account for their wickedness. It means that you need to personally be proactive about taking care of the poor. The system will not fix itself; Yeshua’s willing, active hands and feet in this world will. Do not support a man who supports abortion just because ‘nobody else is doing anything about it’. You will answer to God for your advocacy. Note: some will think I’m saying all government aid programs are bad. I’m not! I’m saying don’t vote for other people to help the poor if you are too lazy or selfish to do it yourself. However, on the other hand…the more money our federal government hands out, the more the deficit grows.
On another note: yes, there have been great strides made against abortion…by the incumbent administration, in fact. You don’t hear much good news about Bush in the media these days; you have to do your own homework to be informed. I’m not advocating him or McCain (it’s popular to say a vote for McCain is a vote for Bush), but under his rule, partial birth abortions were banned. Obama advocates late-term and post-birth abortion and seeks to turn that around. More on that later.
- Women who want abortions will get them. Be that with a clothes hanger, in a nasty illegal clinic or otherwise. It’s already legal anyway, so it can’t get worse.
Wow. So the legal status of an abomination makes it OK? Maybe Moses should have been killed, in accordance with the law at the time of his infancy. Maybe Mary should have submitted to the infanticide order of her king, Herod. What would have happened if the chief figures of Judaism and Christianity were aborted? It was legal.
Anything that is illegal is still going to happen in a society, but it is evil to legally endorse murder. What a flimsy argument.
Yes, it will get worse if Obama wins! He is the most pro-abortion candidate our nation has ever seen. He has a 0% approval rating from the NRLC. He has repeatedly voted against restriction of late-term and post-birth abortion. He believes unplanned babies are a “punishment”. That shows you where he stands on the value of a human life. He’s said the first thing he will do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which would make any further regulation of abortion – federal or state (this is where you Constitutionalists & Federalists get angry) – illegal.
“How do you know that, Bucky? The website Pro-Life Pro-Obama [http://prolifeproobama.com/] says he will make great strides to reduce abortions in America! ‘Senator Obama’s grass-roots, faith-based approach of support for women and families will help them when they most need it, preventing abortions by supporting women and families to choose life.’”
I know this because I’ve heard it from his own lips: [http://tinyurl.com/obamabortion].
“Faith-based”? We’ve already seen the brand of faith this man possesses…should we trust such a statement?
- Pro-life education and contraceptive education is where it all has to start. I don’t believe that anyone is in favor of killing babies but the health of mothers must be taken into consideration too.
Obama is clearly in favor of killing unwanted babies!
Yes, we who believe in family and the value of human life need to get off our fannies (great word, huh?) and do something! But what I’ve seen from these arguments is mainly logic-driven. What happened to faith? I’m picking up the vibe that Obama-supporting evangelicals have essentially given up on the Body of Christ to fight for the right to life and are turning their trust instead to the (albeit corrupt) system. I would be thrilled about a vote spent to advocate ending legalized abortion in any way…I just do not believe Obama is serious about doing so, given the evidence.
Any successful society has favored a younger life over an older one in a mortal crisis, as children are the future. Murdering and letting die are two different things.
- John McCain met his current wife only a few months before they were married and when they met he was already married. You show me the Godliness in that.
Again, why does this turn automatically to John McCain? Anyway….you are again proving my point; clearly this is a misunderstanding of grace. John McCain has publicly expressed his regret over that decision. My Messiah forgives him. By your standard, David should never have been the greatest king of Israel by which all who followed after were measured, and through whom God’s messianic covenant and everlasting Kingdom would be established. Remember Bathsheba? This is an insult to the very blood of Yeshua.
- The current Republican administration has not made the environment a priority, which is in blatant disregard of God’s plan for man to be the caretaker of the earth.
I’m not sure where John McCain or Barack Obama stand on environmental issues, really. They both talk jive which differs from their voting records, but in the debates both do seem to push for alternative fuels. Both believe in man-made global warming and finding solutions immediately, if that’s important to you. I can identify with this frustration, though. I’m a little bit hippie, and I am serious about proper stewardship of the earth along with everything else we’re entrusted with. Look at the signs of the times, though…it’s all going to burn up soon, anyway (if you read the same Bible I do). It will be destroyed and recreated again,” as in the days of Noah” (Matthew 27:34).
I really have yet to see a blatantly stated reason why voting for Barack Obama would please the Lord. Seeing this apathy toward innocent human life despite the heartbreak of Yahweh reminds me of Revelation 3:16-19:
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
God is literally sick with grief.
Next, please.
NOTE: This is imported from Facebook. If you’d like to join the discussion, the original post & comments can be found here.
In Whom Is Your Trust?
Well, it’s been over 5 hours today since I posted this open question in my status and have not yet gotten a response:
“Bucky is straight up asking liberal Christians: how can you claim to know the heart of Yahweh and vote for someone as pro-abortion as Obama?”
I also posted a link to this video [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md2bf9DNVB4], wherein Barack Obama candidly reveals the brand of “Christianity” he believes in. In brief, he makes it very apparent that he disbelieves in absolute truth, he clearly does not understand the fundamental gospel doctrine of grace and salvation, and he does not think that his religious beliefs should have any influence on his decisions as President. Argue the latter if you’d like – with your BS ‘separation of church and state’ rhetoric – but the fact of the matter is that ethics are grounded in morality, and those beliefs have to be rooted in something. Our founding fathers chose the Judeo-Christian values from the Bible. If you disagree with this, you have some homework to do. I will set that debate aside now, however, as it’s not the central topic of this note.
I also asked in the comment of that posted item for my Obama-supporting Christian friends to respond to his statements:
“Enlighten me. I really want to know how this works…I’m going to be honest and say that I assume that – evidenced by your support for Barack Obama – you care more about monetary issues than Truth or human life. Please prove me closed-minded and ignorant; if you can”
I am not motivated by arrogance in asking these questions. I really, seriously, honestly DO NOT GET IT, and would like to figure out what I’m missing. I must be transparent and reveal that I most certainly do have an agenda for these questions and this note, though. I believe what’s stirring me to speak against Barack Obama’s presidency is not political, but prophetic. Call me radical if you will…call me closed-minded if you will…but I believe in something Barack Obama does not; absolute truth.
Since I have yet to receive an answer to those questions, I decided to do a little research to find out why Obama supporters as a whole have decided to give him their loyalty. Here are the top reasons I found (in perceived ranking order):
- They believe in his promise of change.
- He’s young and educated.
- He’s black [I'm not even going to touch that civil rights contradiction this go-round].
- They’re tired of the current Republican administration [many prefer the term 'regime'].
Unfortunately, the truth in this case is that no man (Obama, McCain, Ron Paul…anyone) can turn this country around, fix this economy, or put into effect the ‘change we need’. It is easy to see from our recent history – the economic crisis, corruption in Congress, the war, etc. – that at a point, politics fail and faith must take over. What I mean is; political legislation has so far not fixed these problems, but made them worse. We The People are no longer being represented in such legislation, as our representatives and senators just do what they want. Congress has a lower public approval rating than President George W. Bush. If politics can’t fix it, who can?
Not Barack Obama; he’s NOT some sort of messiah. He is just another politician. So is John McCain.
Shall we as a nation give faith a desperate shot since nothing else appears to work? I know our forefathers would approve of such. This – if you haven’t figured it out yet – is my agenda for this post. I am, with many other like-hearted friends, trying to call the attention of American Christians (and hopefully the whole nation if they will listen) to the heart of the Father. If you think He has no interest in our political or economic situation, consider this promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Abortion – the murder of over 50 million innocents – is the wickedness I believe grieves the Lord’s heart most. I’m not sure how realistic a scenario like nation-wide repentance from abortion is for this country…. but there we have it straight from the mouth of God that if we were to do that, HE will restore our economic well-being.
As ready as I am for Messianic rule (by the true Messiah, Yeshua!), we’ve got to elect another president. I am not telling anyone for whom to vote, but asking that you bear these things in mind as you do. As a brother I would ask my evangelical friends not to vote for Obama (it would not please the Lord), but as a patriot I fully support their freedom of decision. Please, please vote and do it responsibly as an educated voter. Do your homework and know forwhomyou’re voting and for what they stand.
God bless America…please, Father, do.
NOTE: This is imported from Facebook. If you’d like to join the discussion, the original post & comments can be found here.
Challenging Don Finto’s Teaching on Prophecy
This is from my email conversation with Don Finto about his theology on prophecy (as a spiritual gift). I was going to keep it anonymous, but I think it’s important that Nashvillians are aware of his teaching so they can test and judge it for themselves.
[My words are in Italics, Finto's responses are in bold]
It seems to me – from Belmont’s support of “Powerhouse Ministries” with Sandy Powell and from the messages that I’ve listened to – that you tend to believe that spiritual gifts can be ‘practiced’ by human effort and will; specifically, prophecy. Is that the case? I wish not to debate this with you, but I think 2 Peter 1:21 is pretty clear.
Paul says we know in part and we prophesy in part. All prophesy has to be judged, no matter who gives it. Jesus is the only perfect “prophet” who ever lived, However the Holy Spirit inspired the apostles and prophets for the for-us kept revealed Word. But for the rest of us, we “desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially to prophesy.” (! Cor 14:1)
At one point you stated that to get the aroma of fresh air (representing prophecy, right?), you have to open the window….but if you do that, you let flies in, too (that’s errant prophecy, right?). You also said that it’s great to keep the stable fresh, orderly, and clean..but if you do that, you have no horse in the stable. If you want a horse in the stable, you have to tolerate the mess (being errant prophecy?).
When we risk moving out in faith, we will always make mistakes, but he who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of doing nothing. God can correct people in motion (as Paul the apostle before he became a believer) better than He can move a person sitting still. Move toward and with God in as much as you know. He loves a heart that desires to follow Him. He is totally capable of correcting us.
Be sure always to keep reading the Word, the Bible, It is God’s barometer to help us see that we are on track.
I want to make no incorrect assumptions about the point of those metaphors, so will you explain them to me?
Speaking about prophecy, Scripture does say to “keep what is good”, but were you advocating the intentional tolerance of false teaching and prophecy in order to get a few good nuggets?
If we wait until we hear in perfection we never will move. We listen and we learn. the more we practice hearing and obeying the more we will listen and obey.
I will be honest and say I do have more questions for you, but I will give you time to address this concern first.
One more quick confirmation, though, if I may: James Goll taught (or teaches, not sure if that still goes on) a class about how to talk to your guardian angel. Do you support that, and if so, why? Sounds New Age to me, and like a great opportunity for demonic deceit.
I have never heard James Goll teach this. I would not encourage speaking to your guardian angel, but would encourage to be thankful for guardian angels, but talk to Jesus, to God, invite the Holy Spirit.
Interesting how he dodged most of my questions, but whatever……
Personally, I think Don Finto has trouble distinguishing between false teaching and false prophecy. Of course humans can teach things that are not true that they misinterpret, and they should be extended grace (but should be corrected in love). However, true prophecy is NOT from human effort, thus it is inerrant. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God”. If prophecy can be in error, then Yahweh is fallible. But Finto says that Yeshua was the only perfect prophet who ever lived. Now obviously, He was the only sinless human who ever lived. Duh. But see, Finto puts a lot of emphasis on the person who prophesies…because he believes it is by human effort. Perhaps I’m wrong about that assumption. If so, then he’s still saying that Yeshua was the only prophet whose every prophecy was true. In such a case, HOW do we know that the Bible is inerrant? In such a case, why should we believe scripture at all?
The Bible only has two designations for prophets: true and false (somebody challenge this with scripture, if you can).
“But the prophet who dares to speak in My name a message I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die”(Deuteronomy 18:20)
Even in the New Testament:
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name? Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!” (Matthew 7:15-23)
As you can clearly see above, Don Finto advocates the proactive tolerance of false prophecy in order that the church might reap at least some legitimate fruits of spiritual gifts. Is the Holy Spirit really that clumsy? What is especially dangerous about this advocacy is that:
“Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” “False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:11;24)
Give Jeremiah 23:16-40 and Ezekiel 13:1-14:9 a good read. Some people really, sincerely think they have a message from the Lord, but it is really their imagination or pursuit of spiritualism. Those people do more harm than good.
If we only perceive the ‘miracles and signs’ and a few prophecies that happen to come true as proof of true prophets, then we’re in trouble. The verse above shows us explicitly that false prophets can perform those signs under demonic power specifically to deceive and mislead the people of God. Ever heard the term “spirit of the anti-Christ”? That’s exactly what this is! What’s further interesting in that vein is how Finto seems (notice I said ‘seems’..go easy on me) to reduce Jesus to a human prophet, albeit “the only perfect” one. How Muslim is that?
I don’t mean to attack Don Finto. If you listen to his sermons, he really does have a lot of great teachings, which do happen to be rooted in scripture. I appreciate his obvious deep love for the believers in Nashville, and I love him as a brother in Christ and as one of Yahweh’s children. However, I am challenging this theology…anyone can be deceived.
Thoughts?
Bucky on “Grey’s Anatomy”
[This post is in response to a wall-to-wall convo I've been having on Facebook with a couple of my good friends. I decided to move this post to LJ instead of someone's wall since it's so long. Also, I know that some other people are curious as to what the heck I'm talking about regarding "Grey's Anatomy" being demonic, so if that's you, feel free to read]
Israel: “I have no clue, as I haven’t seent it. Demonic might be a bit hyperbolic to say, though.”
Well, we apparently have different worldviews on this issue. However I think I know where you’re coming from, because even about a year ago, I probably would have agreed with that statement. But recently the Lord’s taught me a lot about the battle we’re in, and unfortunately I’ve had to learn it pretty much by myself…because churches — at least the one’s I’ve grown up in — tend to avoid the topic (probably because it seems so “off the deep end” to western society and would run off a lot of folks. That’s a whole other issue though). But let me tell you this; when you SEE demons manifest, that’s when it hits the fan. That’s when you start to realize how the world really works.
I say all that basically to convey the fact that, because of our different perspectives, we have different definitions/understandings of “demonic”. I don’t want to go any further into that, though. I know it would make me sound like a nutjob to most people. Don’t get me wrong; risking persecution and the loss of my credibility or even friendships is worth truth and freedom to me. But it would be stupid to risk all that if it’s going to fall on deaf ears; to go around explaining this to whom it’s not relevant, or to those who won’t understand or receive it. Don’t take that the wrong way…I’m just saying that I feel that I’m supposed to share that message with Christian brothers and sisters who ARE ensnared by things like Grey’s Anatomy, and that’s not you.
Israel: “Anything can cause someone to ‘slip.’ Like pokemon.”
Josh: “Better start avoiding all that Indiana Jones stuff too. Dr. Jones is quite promiscuous himself.”
First, I’ll say that I don’t have to defend myself against the judgment of men; I’ll answer to my Lord, since only He really knows my heart. I’m not one to go around saying some things are inherently bad and some things are ok. Scripturally, “everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
I agree with your thinking that there are plenty of shows, movies, music, attitudes, etc. that can be used by the enemy to draw believers away into temptation. But that doesn’t mean Christians should just avoid EVERYTHING…the fact is we live in a sinful world, so there is temptation and sin everywhere. Sinners are slaves to sin and don’t realize it; so we’ve got to meet them where they are — in this world. So most of us aren’t called to be monks, but to live in the world yet remain holy (good article on that concept: http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html). And because of the freedom that Christ gives, the decision to submit to or disobey the leading of His Spirit (and the discernment He gives) is up to us. And like I said, only He really knows the intent of our hearts. Refer to this post that I wrote about relevance: http://dcjedi.livejournal.com/92455.html
[Now I'll speak to everyone reading this]
See, I never said “Grey’s Anatomy” itself is any worse than anything else. But I do know there are a ton of Christians out there who are watching it — or even admit they are addicted to it — for their own enjoyment. One problem with that is; what redeeming value does it have, or how are they using it to glorify Elohim (1 Corinthians 4:31) or to reach lost people who watch it? I haven’t seen any evidence of this. If some of them are, great! I pray protection over their minds as they do that. Unfortunately, though, most of them (so far as I can tell) are not doing that. Is that sin? It’s not my place to say, but if you are one of these mentioned people who happens to be reading this right now, judge for yourself (well, you know…in submission to the Lord):
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
-James 4:4-7
More troublesome things (among many) about it: I feel that when you watch the show and root for (or are curious about) certain extramarital sexual relationships, you are celebrating adultery [Disclaimer: like my friend Israel, I admit I don't watch the show. However, I'm assuming these things from everything I hear around me from fans of the show and things I see on Facebook]. What’s not demonic about that? What I mean by that is: it gives satan glory, not God. Personally, that enrages me. Desensitizing people to adultery is a stepping stone the enemy uses toward the agenda of destroying marriage and intended family structure. Another problem is that, if you’re a Christian, when you indulge in something that has that much worldly and potentially tempting/sinful content, you are opening yourself up for demonic influence.
“WHAT?!” you say? “That’s so charismatic! It’s not Biblical!”
Is that so?
“And do not give the devil an opportunity” -Ephesians 4:27
“And do not offer any parts of [your body] to sin as weapons for unrighteousness…” -Romans 6:13
“What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey —either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?” -Romans 6:15 & 16
The main thing is, though, that of course anything (even religion, i.e. false teaching or legalism) can make a Christian “slip”. Unfortunately, this is because the adversary has been around for a very long time and really knows how to decieve and tempt humans. This is why if you do find yourself as one of those Christians who are “addicted to Grey’s Anatomy” and you are in fact being led astray, you probably didn’t even realize it. Thus I’m not calling any of those people bad individuals. You still live in your fleshly body and have to fight against it, so nobody should expect you to be perfect. I’m just trying to share a wake-up call as I believe the Lord burdened me to do.
Anyway…..the fact is, however, that SOME things are like “secret weapons” for the demonic realm. I believe “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of those. Look how popular it is, especially among Christians here in the south [Side note: on Facebook, look at the TN Tech or Nashville network stats. We're totally in the 'Bible belt' (note the most popular book), yet this show is #1]. Is it not pretty much just a fancy, well-made soap opera? I believe there is a power behind its popularity. Also disturbing: look how many groups are called “Addicted to Grey’s Anatomy”. I know the name is probably tongue-in-cheek, but since when is an addiction something to be proud of? I actually think most — if not all — addictions are demonic strongholds!
Furthermore disturbing: search for groups with the keywords, “jesus grey’s anatomy”. Look at the results for a minute, then read about the group called, “Does Grey’s Anatomy Count As Religion?”. Just a sample from that: “For Every devoted fan who think NOT what would moses/jesus/god/the gods do but what would [enter favorite character's name from GREY'S ANATOMY] do?”, “For ever fan who uses Grey’s as an anti-drug to forget about there own lives”.
I’m sorry….but that’s how you specifically offer up Yeshua’s place in your life to something else. That’s called the “spirit of the anti-Christ”. Now, given; this is probably a secular group, but it shows you the demonic deceit/influence associated with the show.
You’ve asked, and now you have my answer (this is just the brief version of it!): THIS is why I hate “Grey’s Anatomy”.
If you are in fact a Christian who is using this show to bring the Lord glory, please tell me about it…I seriously want to know. That would be quite a victory. The Lord gets SO much glory from using a tool of the enemy for something holy, so I’d love to hear about it.
Now, Josh…. in case you were really wondering: yeah, I do think “Indiana Jones” has redeeming value to it, and it doesn’t cause me to struggle with sin. Granted, Dr. Jones does enjoy the ladies and the movies could possibly draw someone’s curiosity about the supernatural/relics toward the occult, but like I said two sentences ago, Elohim gets glory from redeeming something of the world to be used for His purposes. One example: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” can be used to start spiritual conversations with Jews, archaeologists, historians…even neo-nazis! The thing is…we Christians must be relevant to reach the world, and I believe it all boils down to personal conviction, the intent of a Christian’s heart, and obeying the prompting of the Spirit.
