Thanks for the warning. I run into these types on occasion and sometimes get caught up in their arguments. To argue from the written word to the living word, and vise versa, is impossible. It is refreshing to come across one like Prodigal, who has been given sight, and sees beyond the written word to truth and revelation. I was on the other side for many years, but now I refuse to be drawn into a battle of wits. The victor in those wars are the ones who have prepared themselves mentally for battle in the flesh. Their pride is bolstered because they have debated well, but their ignorance is apparent to those less versed but spiritually alive. To pull back from those types of encounters has the appearance of defeat, but it is merely “not” answering a man according to his folly. I look for those sparks of true enlightenment, as I see in Prodigal, and there I find fellowship, brotherhood, and the mutual presenting of each other, perfect, to our Lord.

Again, thanks,

Steve Blackwell
http://www.indywatchman.com

The man on ProdigalKnot’s blog, under the aka “churchesofchrist” Randy, is looking for a contentious argument over Acts 2. Please don’t fall for his game. We are called to seek the lost and tell them about Jesus and the love He has for them. Whenever Randy tries this argument I tell him we should look at all of Acts and all the Bible, and bring up Acts 10:44-48, thru Acts11:15-18 and Acts 15:6-11, which shows being baptized does not save us. Look over at his blog under the post “Is Hell Forever?” and you will see how these arguments go they try to make.

I’m having trouble getting logged in ProdigalKnot’s blog, but will try again. Like I said the man on there, “churchesofchrist” Randy, all he is looking for is a contentious argument and some of these guys are nothing but bully’s. So please be careful.

I hear you. God’s word is so precious, and so needed in this late hour. I fail to understand how anyone can charge to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. It really matters little whether it is Rick Warren, or John MacArthur, or Brian McLaren, or John Piper, the Bible forbids the selling of truth. I know that these commercial churches need massive amounts of cold cash to finance their operations, and many ways have been used to justify the extravagant prices they charge to promote their businesses. Many look to J. M. as the latter day epitome of truth, and the standard for those who stand for the Gospel, but they are deluded and lack discernment. All of these men sell the truth for a profit, and some preach the truth more than others, but a quick check with their accountant will, no doubt, reveal that they take home a healthy salary and accommodate the world by accepting its offer of a handsome 501C3 tax break. The Lord’s desire for the Church to lay down its life is being short circuited by the faulty example of these false “churches.” We will search in vain to find approval by our Lord for their actions. While the masses are running to these religious organizations the Lord is calling His true followers away. I grieve for those who will be caught giving care and support to an adulterous backslidden apostate church. His call to us is outside the camp, to those who have rejected the harlot’s enticements. I pray that there remains those who can hear His plea through the mesmerizing sermons of the siren’s song.

Steve Blackwell

I get a quarterly glossy magazine from “Let the Bible Speak” and the last issue was almost as thick as a US News mag. It has many articles by ministers writing on the same theme and it’s very professionally done. The kicker is that it’s FREE!

Rick Warren is a multi-millionare and he is charging to publish a magazine that is all about him? It’s just so self promoting I cannot see how people can pay that much for such self centered tripe. I wonder if any of the articles present the gospel in any way? Or employ scripture for the sake of exhorting or building up faith in God and His Word? I’m sure it’s neither.