PULPIT AND PEN ~ JD HALL'S DEFECTIVE VIEW OF THE CHURCH

According to Reformed fundamentalist JD Hall, unless you are in "covenant membership" with a local church then you are not a Christian! Whatever happened to faith alone! (Galatians 5:6). He made this astonishing statement during a twenty-minute recorded telephone conversation with Joshua Chavez some time ago. {1} 

JD Hall has been challenged on a number of occasions concerning his aggressive/abusive treatment of others. One can only assume that his ungodly behavior is based on his deviant view of God as some kind of ogre who predestines some people to everlasting life and foreordains others to everlasting death as per the Westminster Confession Chapter 3. JD Hall graphically demonstrates how one's behavior reflects a defective mindset and unsound foundational beliefs. (Proverbs 23:7). The believer is instructed: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:2 cf. Ephesians 4:23 cf. Colossians 3:10). However, the desired transformation cannot take place on the back of a false foundation and faulty exegesis. (1 Corinthians 3:13). If your view of God is warped and you reject Him as the loving creator who desires every person to be saved, then inevitably the value you put upon others will manifest itself in some horrible distortion. (1 Timothy 2:4, Ezekiel 18:23, 32, John 3:17). 

Garret Mullet ~ Empowering JD Hall Hurts Good People and Worthy Causes 25th January 2020: "He wanted to know where I attended church and who my pastor, elders, and deacons were." {2} This is the standard weapon that JD Hall uses against those who dare to disagree with him. He regularly anathematizes and heaps condemnation upon those who are unwilling to submit to his own warped version of the church.

The true church consists of a remnant of faithful believers.

JD Hall's view of church membership is highly problematic from a scriptural perspective. 

The scriptures do not require believers to enter into "formal membership" or to "covenant" with a local church. A formal covenant often takes the form of a legally binding extrabiblical contract or an oath or a promise. This violates the biblical principle of going beyond a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. (Matthew 5:34-37). Church covenants become onerous when disputes arise that cannot be easily resolved at a later stage. Invariably people who are unwilling to sign a membership covenant are excluded from fully participating in the affairs of the church and are relegated as second class Christians. This undermines their true position in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13). The bible is clear that the nature of submission and authority is voluntary. (Hebrews 13:17). Fellowship with other believers depends upon how we walk, not upon binding one sided covenants according to man made structures. See the article published by the Wartburg Watch entitled “Church Membership Covenants – Legal Contracts That Are Not Biblical!”

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7).

JD Hall's popish anathematization of genuine believers who have withdrawn from the visible church is tantamount to verbal persecution. (Matthew 5:11-12). His reproaches are nothing less than a reversal of the biblical instruction to come out and be separate, not only from the world but from the corrupt church system that has overwhelmed Christendom. (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4). Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. (Hebrews 13:13). JD Hall has no scriptural authority to pronounce pontifical judgements of this kind against believers: "If you are not a part of a church you do not get to attack the church - you don't even get to admonish the church lovingly.." {1} Who is JD Hall to decide who is, and who is not, part of the true body of Christ? The Lord knows those who are His.. (2 Timothy 2:19). Instead of anathematizing others, JD Hall should examine himself to see whether he is in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 2:1). 

The overwhelming experience of large numbers of believers in these difficult times is that faithful churches are the exception rather than the rule. (Acts 20:29-10; 1 Timothy 4:1). Many believers have resorted to meeting in small groups out of sheer necessity in order to remain uncontaminated by the massive infiltration of false doctrines and ungodly practices within the visible church. (Matthew 8:20; 2 Corinthians 11:4). Whether JD Hall likes it or not, the Lord actually requires the faithful remnant of believers to separate themselves. Therefore do not be partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:7).

JD Hall's cult, I mean church: Fellowship Baptist Church in Sidney Montana. {3}

Does JD Hall seriously think that any true believer in their right mind would involve themselves with a church whose pastor reportedly bullies and abuses his own members, even to the point that those who have come into conflict with him are actually in fear for their physical safety? 😮 The Protestant tyrant John Calvin ran Geneva like a gulag from 1541 to 1564. JD Hall is Calvin's disciple indeed! 

Garrett Mullett: "Never before JD Hall had I encountered attendees, members, or leaders of a church – past or present – afraid for their physical safety or that of their family after conflict with a pastor. Yet I have heard such concerns more than once with regards to Jordan and his church." {2}  

JD Hall: "The church in Corinth had all sorts of problems - they were puffed up, they were embracing a sin. Paul rebukes the daylights out of that guy, he rebukes the church. What's interesting is that he doesn't tell the church to disband, he doesn't tell anyone to leave the church - they are to embrace that church in spite of its flaws .. trying to reform the church and call into ?? holiness lifestyle character and conduct.."  {1}

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians demonstrates the initial stages of correction and godly discipline. In Paul's second letter we see that his rebuke had produced godly sorrow and repentance, so much so that he could say: "I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you." (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). How would Paul have reacted if the Corinthians had not repented and expelled the immoral brother?  His earlier warnings indicate that their very existence as a church was at stake: Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). If the Corinthians had obstinately refused to repent, I have no doubt of the eventual outcome: But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Corinthians 6:9).. I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved (penthēsō) over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. (2 Corinthians 12:21). Strongs: "penthéō – properly, grieve over a death; (figuratively) to grieve over a personal hope (relationship) that dies, i.e. comes to divine closure ('ends')." {4} For JD Hall to say that we should 'embrace the church in spite of its flaws' is unbiblical. There are offences that believers should not 'put up with". (2 Corinthians 11:4 cf. Titus 3:10). 

Note: Paul's change of tone in chapters 10-13 suggests a further deterioration in his relationship with the Corinthian church. However, the general consensus, following Semler's argument, is that the book is not chronological and that these chapters represent an earlier stage in the conflict. {5} 

JD Hall erroneously claims that communion can only take place in a church building overseen by an ordained minister. Once again he defers to the traditions of men in the form of the Westminster Confession Chapter 29. (Mark 7:13). The scriptures make no such stipulation. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Reading through the various disgraceful episodes of JD Hall, it appears that he is nothing less than a Reformed version of reviler Jacob Prasch: 

The Wartburg Watch 2020: JD Hall and Friends: "Theological Thuggery'" and Braxton Caner’s Suicide: "It is the opinion of TWW that JD Hall, Dustin Germain, and Alan Maricle overstepped the boundaries of decency, love and good judgment in engaging or speaking about Braxton Caner. Even more despicable, one has judged him as unsaved after his death. I believe that we speak for the majority of the Christian community in condemning these men for their actions and words. They all need to step down from their positions of leadership for 'a meaningful period.'" {6}

The Phoenix Preacher: "In harassing young Braxton Caner he was harassing Ergun Caner by proxy.. It was immature, cruel, and unworthy of a Christian minister.. often the thinnest of lines separate being a reformer from an abuser.." {7} 

On The Rocks Blog: On The Ejection of Pastor Jordan Hall From a Dickinson Church {8}

JD Hall's confrontational style is unlikely to win him any converts. I have no doubt what would happen if anyone interrupted his church service complete with body cameras as a publicity stunt.

The Rosaria Butterfield spat between James White and JD Hall in 2019 is a perfect example of JD Halls unbridled aggression. Even though I have no affinity with James White, and even though I disagree with him about Rosaria Butterfield, I found myself listening to a reasonable person calmly putting his points forward in a sane manner. In contrast, JD Hall's response was an ugly example of truth minus grace. (John 1:17). JD Hall may have won the "argument", but his performance did nothing for his reputation as a reviler and a bully. {9}

James White: "Tis the season to have to respond to another low in internet 'polemics,' and so we did, responding to JD Hall’s show, which featured a picture he trolled from my social media feed, “'James White is What Would Happen if Ignorance and Arrogance Had a Love Child.' Yep, that’s the title, and the substance matched the same level of childishness. It is particularly worrisome that JD’s memory is becoming twisted by his insistence upon being RIGHT about everything. He is now making things up as he goes along. In any case, we demonstrate the massive holes in his diatribe and continue to stand against his efforts to bully and slander others with impunity." {10}

JD Hall has no problem dishing out directives to others, but when it comes to obeying the law of the land he operates by a different set of rules. (Romans 13:1-7). His response when challenged about texting whilst driving at 70mph: “I’m perfectly fine with the entire world knowing I text and drive. I also refuse to wear a seatbelt because I don’t like being told what to do.” {11}

Following JD Hall's gutter press tactics regarding the fake marriage of Joshua Chavez. {12} 

JD Hall: "In the days since we first reported this incident, using his wife’s words publicized in various public formats, she has since reached out to us one-on-one. We have put her in touch with a Titus 2 type older woman (we promised not to have any knowledge of their private counseling, which would remain confidential) who could provide counsel from the Bible. We have offered her all of our resources for her to receive counseling near her home." {13} No doubt Chavez's "wife" does need counselling, but I question the wisdom of reaching out to Pulpit and Pen for spiritual guidance. Given JD Hall's past performances, I would not count on his confidentiality if it happens to conflict with his agenda!

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:7-9).

1.   https://pulpitandpen.org/2018/02/24/video-six-degrees-kevin-bacon/
2.   https://onthe.rocks/empowering-jd-hall-hurts-good-people-and-worthy-causes/
3.   https://fbcsidney.org/leadership/
4.   https://biblehub.com/greek/3996.htm

5.   http://paulbarnett.info/2011/09/paul-chronology-and-the-unity-of-2-corinthians/#_ftn24
6.   http://thewartburgwatch.com/2014/08/05/jd-hall-and-friends-theological-thuggery-and-braxton-caners-suicide/
7.   http://michaelnewnham.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-j-d-hall/

8.   https://onthe.rocks/jordan-halls-ejection-dickinson-church/

9.   https://pulpitandpen.org/2019/12/03/podcast-jd-responds-to-james-white-in-real-time-exposes-rosaria-butterfield/
10.  https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/personal/a-study-in-projection-responding-to-jd-hall/
11. https://brucegerencser.net/2020/01/fundamentalist-pastor-jd-hall-brags-about-breaking-the-law/
12. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2020/08/pulpit-and-pens-big-scoop-on-servus.html
13. https://protestia.com/2020/09/25/an-open-letter-regarding-servus-christi-jacob-prasch-and-their-followers/?fbclid=IwAR0KHnJqCcuhmZj96YUcAO9_hCkJ9TebnECbZzOEgfG7yqzBeyQBuuiDGio

Further Links:

False Fears Created by Calvinism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VagnNmhiurM
Church Membership Covenants.. unbiblical
https://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2014/10/church-membership-covenants-unbiblical.html

Pulpit and Pen’s over-wrought response to online church

https://c3churchwatchwatch.wordpress.com/2020/04/05/pulpit-and-pens-over-wrought-response-to-online-church/
Christianity Corrupted
http://www.the-gospel-truth.info/bible-prophecy/christianity-corrupted/
Apostasy in the church and false doctrines of men
https://sites.google.com/site/antiblasphemycentral/Home/apostasy-in-the-church-and-false-doctrines-of-men