JACOB PRASCH MAKE UP YOUR MIND: HOW LONG IS THE TRIBULATION?

Jacob Prasch now asserts that the tribulation is not a seven year period after all..  Astonishing!

The End Times Explained ( clearing up confusion ) Jacob Prasch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeAgSzjRDJc

This is a startling turn-around considering Prasch's previous messages in which he vociferously teaches the seven year tribulation myth. He has included the phrase "Seven Year Tribulation", in the titles of at least two of his previous messages and has made the assertion in another. This is demonstrably the kind of inconsistency and deliberate confusion we are dealing with where Prasch is concerned:

The Restrainer and Seven Year Tribulation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fMu5CR89L4

The Great Restrainer and Seven Year Tribulation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUgsRjEXHgw

The First 3 1/2 Years of Tribulation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_qwUKA5oUs

Prasch: "You can't prove the great tribulation is the full seven years.. They (the pre-trib camp) have no basis to say that the great tribulation is the full seven years - presupposition, and tribulation equals wrath. 'Therefore because we are not appointed to wrath we won't be here because wrath equals tribulation and tribulation is the full seven years.' Prove it!" (35:00).

The biblical passage in question refers to "tribulation" three times: Matthew 24:9, 21, 29.

Having differentiated between wrath (orge), and tribulation (thlipsis), Prasch points out that the 70th week of Daniel i.e. the final seven year period of history, is broken down into three periods: 

The beginning of sorrows, the great tribulation and the Day of the Lord. 
The wrath is of course applicable to the Day of the Lord, not the tribulation.

In Matthew 24:9 "tribulation" follows "birth pains", coinciding with betrayal amongst brothers, at, or just after, the mid-point of the "week". (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Revelation 12:17). Noticeably the tribulation is absent during the "beginning of sorrows" (birth pains), which are defined as wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes:

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. THEN shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:7-8).

I thoroughly demolished Prasch's teaching on the seven year tribulation in July 2017:
Jacob Prasch Moriel Ministries: Say What! The Seven Year Tribulation Debunked!

https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2016/07/jacob-prasch-say-again-tribulation-is.html

So much for clearing up confusion! Having taught so vigorously that the tribulation is a seven year period of time, I wonder that Prasch's followers are not now thoroughly confused! Incredible casuistry! 

JOHN DARBY DID NOT INVENT THE RAPTURE! BY DAVE MACPHERSON

     Darby is not the "father of dispensationalism" (the favorite feature of which is an imminent pretrib rapture)!
     While you may be gnashing your teeth, I'll share a present web quote from eminent Australian theologian Dr. F. Nigel Lee (owner of nine earned doctorates!):
     "Dave MacPherson, in his various books, has made a major contribution toward vindicating Historic Christian Eschatology. The 1830 innovations of the disturbed Margaret Macdonald documented by MacPherson - in part or in whole - immediately spread to Edward Irving and his followers, then to J. N. Darby and Plymouth Brethrenism, and were later popularized by the dispensationalistic Scofield Reference Bible, by Classic Pentecostalism, and by latter-day pretribulationists like J. F. Walvoord and Hal Lindsey."
     [In the following paper I will include pages in my book "The Rapture Plot" which have complete sources for all quotations.]
     Leading pretrib (and Darby) defenders like Charles Ryrie and John Walvoord declare that dispensationalism sprang from Darby's "distinction" between the church and Israel (Plot, p. 88)
     This reportedly led to Darby's strange belief that Matt. 24's "elect" are Jews and not the church.
     Incredibly, Darby wasn't first or original with any aspect of the same system including this bedrock known today as the church/Israel dichotomy!
     In the Dec. 1831 issue of "The Morning Watch," a journal published by Rev. Edward Irving and his followers, a writer focusing on Matt. 24 said that "the tribulation of those days" will be "poured upon the Jews..." (Plot, p. 71)
     Even Darby-idolizer R. A. Huebner, on whom Walvoord leaned almost exclusively in two of his books when opposing my research, admitted in his 1991 book that Darby did not believe that "the elect in Matt. 24 were Jewish saints" until "1832 or 1833" (Plot, p. 71) - both of which are after 1831 and the Irvingites, a group so original and innovative (and copied by Darby) that I'm tempted to refer to them collectively as the "Walt Disney of the 1830s"!
     In a moment when he was prophetically challenged, Huebner's 1991 book offered an early Darby quote that Huebner suggested could be a hint of pretrib as early as 1827 (which would have preceded Macdonald and the Irvingites). Even though Huebner had second thoughts and admitted later in the same book (p. 100) that he could be wrong, Thomas Ice keeps announcing publicly (and dishonestly) that Huebner "documents" that Darby was pretrib in 1827 (Plot, pp. 213-220)!
     What both Huebner and Ice have covered up: that Darby's own words at the time prove that he was posttrib from 1827 through 1838 and that he had no clear pretrib teaching before 1839 - nine years after Irving and his group had begun the clear teaching of it (Plot, pp. 95-120)!
     In addition to the church/Israel dichotomy and the pretrib rapture, the Irvingites also preceded Darby and his group on other dispensationalist aspects including the literal method; the Gentile parenthesis; rapture arguments based on unclear OT and NT types and symbols; and the "church-in-ruins" theme!
     Darby never once claimed to be the pretrib rapture originator. He even disliked the term "system." He wrote that "A system takes the place of godly subjection to the word," and added (in 1880): "Truths are sometimes simpler, when we take them simpler and do not make a system."
     At least we can view him as a zealous (almost arm-twisting) "popularizer" during his many worldwide trips while spreading what he referred to as the "new" (his term) pretrib rapture view (Plot, pp. 137-138).
     If Darby watchers had known all along about the historical bombshell revealed for the first time ever in my "Plot" book, they never would have called Darby the "father" of anything!
     In brief, here's what happened. After Darby's death in 1882, one of his influential disciples wrote and published a series of articles in his own journal supposedly detailing the history of the Irvingites as well as that of his own group, the Darbyist Brethren.
     His aim was to give Darby lasting fame. He accomplished this by furtively adding, subtracting, and changing many words in the earliest, hard-to-locate "rapture" documents - Irvingite as well as Brethren - thus giving the false impression that Irving and his followers had not been first to teach pretrib dispensationalism. By dishonestly covering up and eliminating the Irvingites who truly had been the first in everything, he was able to deceitfully and wrongfully elevate Darby as the "father of pretrib rapture dispensationalism"!
     The entire name-revealing exposure of this century-old fraud - perhaps the greatest money-making hoax in religion ever - is aired for the first time in my book "The Rapture Plot" (available at Armageddon Books).
     Sadly, the same Darby-exalting merchandising is still with us and I invite readers to Google "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty" for details that are even more shocking. (I am happy to add that many of my articles dealing with pretrib rapture origination and early development can be found right here on the excellent "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing" blog that is being produced by my friend, the very capable researcher and author Treena Gisborn.)

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION TAINTED BY ROCKEFELLER WEALTH

By their own admission, the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant denomination in the US, the Southern Baptist Convention, would not have come into existence without the financial support of the Rockefellers! 

Two resolutions of the 2018 SBC:

Resolution 12 - The founding of this ministry would not be possible without the generous gifts of the Sunday School Board and of both John D. Rockefeller Sr. and John D. Rockefeller Jr.. That we give thanks to the Rockefeller family for its generosity in providing the financial backing at the start of the ministry; {1} 

Resolution 14 - On Commemorating The Life And Ministry Of Billy Graham.. {2}

The history of the Rockefellers goes back to John D. Rockefeller Senior (1839-1937). Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company and became one of the world's wealthiest men. However the methods he used to gain his wealth were utterly despicable. Whilst claiming to be a devout Baptist, Rockefeller's love of money took precedence over every Christian virtue he supposedly possessed. (1 Timothy 6:10). In the early 1870s Rockefeller secretly implemented what he called "our plan", to devastating effect. He colluded with the railroads to eliminate his competitors and used underhand predatory price fixing in order to create a monopoly. He became a reviled capitalist and one of Americas most hated men. On May 15th 1911, the Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of Standard Oil Company, ruling that it was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Journalist Ida Tarbell was deeply impacted by Rockefeller's unscrupulous tactics as a child. Her own father's business was destroyed and she witnessed the ruin of many of her father’s colleagues at the hands of Standard Oil. Later in life, Ida Tarbell tackled Rockefeller head on and published a series of articles condemning Standard Oil in McClure’s Magazine from 1902-1904. Her book, The History of the Standard Oil Company, published in 1904 lead to the Hepburn Act in 1906 to oversee the railroads, the 1910 Mann-Elkins Act which gave the Interstate Commerce Commission power over oil rates, and the creation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1914.

Ida Tarbell: "In walking through the world there is a choice for a man to make. He can choose the fair and open path, the path which sound ethics, sound democracy, and the common law prescribe, or choose the secret way by which he can get the better of his fellow man. It was that choice made by powerful men that suddenly confronted the Oil Region. The sly, secret, greedy way won in the end, and bitterness and unhappiness and incalculable ethical deterioration for the country at large came out of that struggle and others like it which were going on all over the country an old struggle with old defeats but never without men willing to make stiff fights for their rights, even if it cost them all they ever hoped to possess." "Justin Kaplan has pointed out: 'As an independent in Titusville, he (Franklin Summer Tarbell) and his partner had fallen victim to Standard Oil; the partner shot himself, and Franklin Tarbell went into debt.'" {3}

How can the SBC be proud of their association with, and grateful to the Rockefellers and their tainted wealth?

Rockefeller later became known as a great philanthropist, but his so called "generosity" was a cover for "globalisation" i.e. the operation or planning of economic and foreign policy on a global basis. In effect the evil tactics Rockefeller inflicted through Standard Oil was quite literally the dress rehearsal for globalisation. The Rockefellers, amongst other so called "Luciferian elites", have taken control of the whole world's finances piecemeal behind the spurious facade of philanthropy! The globalist agenda perpetrated by these "elites" is no less than the spirit of Antichrist and the beginnings of the New World Order prophesied in the bible. The final world empire will be a global government, ruled by the man the scriptures identify as the Antichrist, aka the beast and the man of sin. (Revelation 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8). He will have “authority over every tribe, people, language and nation”, and he, along with the False Prophet, will compel all people to take his mark. This future global leader will control all financial transactions (Revelation 13:17) and all religious observance (Revelation 13:8). Refusal to worship the Antichrist will result in persecution and death for true followers of Jesus Christ. Those who yield to the Antichrist and take the mark will ultimately invoke eternal punishment from God. (Revelation 13:15; 14:9-11).

Ida Tarbell: "He has led a life devoted to charity and the church. True. And the principles of the religion he professes are so antagonistic to the principles of the business he practices that the very world which emulates him has been turned into hypocrites and cynics under his tutelage. While, in the world which look on, charity itself has become hateful to many a man – a cloak to cover a multitude of sins. Others actually withdraw their bequests from institutions which accept his funds. (It has been stated on the best authority that three wills making bequests to one of our leading universities have been changed because this institution has accepted money from Mr. Rockefeller). Not only has charity been tainted by the hypocrisy of his life, the church itself has been polluted and many a man has turned away from its doors because of the servile support it gives to the men of whom Mr. Rockefeller is the most eminent type. "{4}

Rockefeller's unregenerate nature surfaced again later in life as he developed a reputation as a dirty old man:

Ron Chernow: "Everybody notices that he's fascinated with women. If he meets a group of pretty young women, he will invite them to play golf or come to lunch. One of his many rituals was that every afternoon at 3:15 he and eight to ten other people would take a drive in the country. And John D. always sat in the middle of the back seat and he preferred to have a buxom lady on his right and one to his left. He would then take a blanket and he would draw the blanket up to their chins and then his hands would be straying underneath. The back seat became known as the 'hot seat'. And there is a recorded episode of a young woman jumping out of the hot seat, running back to the second car, and telling the driver, 'That old rooster oughta be handcuffed!' So he developed a reputation for these wandering hands..'" {5}

According to the New York Times, Rockefeller Snr's benefactions from 1855 to 1934 totalled $530,853,632. Most of this money went to the four foundations he established for the purpose of handling his charities. They were the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, and the General Education Board. The University of Chicago was another large beneficiary. {6} Roman Catholic Institutions have also benefited from Rockefeller wealth. {6}

The Sunday School Board, now LifeWay Christian Resources, was founded in 1891 after receiving approval from the Southern Baptist Convention. In February 2006, Dr. Thomas Rainer became the president and CEO of LifeWay. Rainer left his post as Dean of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to assume the presidency of LifeWay. LifeWay was noted to have "a bent towards ecumenism", by Emir Caner, president of Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga in 2012. {7} These days LifeWay promotes books by ecumenical false teachers Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer amongst others.

The Rockefeller Foundation funded Nazi racial studies even after it was clear that this research was being used to rationalise the demonising of Jews and other groups. {8}

In 1946 John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought an18 acre plot of land in New York and donated it to the godless United Nations. The Rockefeller family provided immense support, initially to the League of Nations, and later to the United Nations. {9} "It is clear that the Rockefeller and Rothschild families both created the United Nations, without them the development of this global organization would not be possible." {10} The Rockefellers also played a part in the United Nations Publishing House, Lucis Trust (formerly Lucifer Trust), which was established in 1922 by occultist Alice Baily in order to promote the books of the Theosophical Society.

In 1919, John D. Rockefeller Junior funded a new ecumenical organisation, the Interchurch World Movement (IWM). Although the IWM was short lived, it began the process of consolidating religions and watering down biblical dogma. Professor Charles Harvey, who wrote a history of the IWM, traced the roots of the “social gospel” and the resulting battle between fundamental Christians and liberalism back to Rockefeller’s Interchurch World Movement: "Upon investigating the IWM, Harvey found that the historical information that most historians and researchers were using to research the IWM had been directly prepared by the lawyer of John D. Rockefeller Jr., a man named Raymond B. Fosdick. The doctored information, writes Harvey, was '…compiled precisely to conceal the real role Rockefeller played in the organization.'” {11} In 1908 the Federal Council of Churches (FCC) replaced the IWM. In 1950 the FCC joined with other ecumenical bodies to form the National Council of Churches. Today, the World Council of Churches has strong links with the United Nations and continues to promote the ecumenical agenda globally. Chateau de Bossey, located in Switzerland, functions as the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Institute. The Institute was bought with money given to the WCC by John D. Rockefeller Jr. [11]

The Rockefeller family is said to be one of the thirteen satanic bloodlines that rule the world. It is strange that the world domination of the elites is called a "conspiracy theory". There is actually nothing theoretical about it. The Rockefellers make no secret of the fact that they are globalists:

David Rockefeller:“For more than a century ideological extremists at either end of the political spectrum have seized upon well-publicized incidents such as my encounter with Castro to attack the Rockefeller family for the inordinate influence they claim we wield over American political and economic institutions. Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as ‘internationalists’ and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure–one world, if you will. If that’s the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it.“ {12}

David Rockefeller's 1991 Bilderberg Speech: "We are grateful to the Washington Post, The New York Times, Time Magazine and other publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost forty years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subject to the bright lights of publicity during those years. But the world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march toward a world government. . . . The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries." {13}

The Rockefellers provide large amounts of money to various seminaries, universities and religious organisations like the SBC. Without the patronage of the Rockefellers, such organisation would not exist. The influence the Rockefellers wield also extends to the media so that their puppets are guaranteed favourable publicity.

Interestingly the Rockefellers supported Billy Graham's 1958 New York Crusade to the sum of $50,000. William Randolph Hearst, American businessman, politician, and newspaper publisher, built the nation's largest newspaper chain and media company Hearst Communications. Hearst worked closely with the Rockefellers and in 1949 he gave the order to his newspaper editors to "Puff Graham". American magazine magnate Henry R Luce also played a significant part in making Billy Graham a household name. It should be noted that both Hearst and Luce were Knights of Malta, as were John D Rockefeller Snr, John D Rockefeller Jnr, Nelson Rockefeller, David Rockefeller and Amschel Mayer Rothschild. The Knights of Malta aka the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is a Roman Catholic lay order that requires an oath of obedience to the pope and is universally associated with the Masonic Knights Templar. Incidentally, Queen Elizabeth II is a dame of the Order of Malta.

The "Jean Dixon Special Receipt", is a term that refers to regular monthly payments that Billy Graham received from self proclaimed psychic and astrologer Jean Dixon on behalf of the Illuminati. As well as being a "mystic", Dixon claimed to be a devout Roman Catholic. A copy of a letter Billy Graham sent to her in 1967 stated: "The Jean Dixon Special Receipt is excellent." 

In a national radio broadcast in the United States, titled Embrace America 2000, Billy Graham told his listeners, "We need to embrace the New World Order". {14}

Many mixed ecumenical messages proceed from the SBC, despite the fact that they have historically resisted ecumenism, at least outwardly:

Resolution on Southern Baptists and ecumenism, New Orleans 1996:

"True Biblical unity can only be realized in the bond of truth, and never at the expense of Biblical truth;" {15} Nevertheless their "cooperation" with various other groups in "..appropriate evangelistic enterprises, and on issues of justice, morality, and religious liberty both at home and abroad", should trigger alarm bells! {15} In 1994 the SBC pursued ongoing Southern Baptist-Roman Catholic conversation. Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Saddleback Church and false ecumenical teacher Beth Moore are just two examples of unacceptable Southern Baptist compromise!

My conclusion: The SBC is a hybrid denomination contaminated with the Luciferian leaven of the Rockefellers and is on course to become part of the global church of the Antichrist. Rockefeller sponsorship definitely should not be considered a blessing by any means since it is a cover for the spirit of Antichrist to progress the one world religion. The vehicle for the future one world religion is the ecumenical movement presently being spearheaded by the Roman Catholic Church. Supposed advantages gained from vile Rockefeller wealth is actually a curse not a blessing! It appears that everyone is happy at the SBC, at least superficially. How long this temporary situation will last is difficult to say!

I have not even scratched the surface of the unfaithfulness that is really going on within mainstream Christianity, the SBC being only one example.

The Man of Lawlessness

1Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
(2 Thessalonians 2:1-12).

{1} http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/2295/resolution-12--on-the-centennial-anniversary-of-guidestone-financial-resources-of-the-southern-baptist-convention
{2} http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/2297/resolution-14--on-commemorating-the-life-and-ministry-of-billy-graham
{3} http://spartacus-educational.com/Jtarbell.htm
{4} http://www.reformation.org/john-d-rockefeller2.html
{5} http://libertyparkusafd.org/Jefferson/curriculum/PBS%20--%20%20The%20Rockefeller
s%20%20Transcript.htm
{6} https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/17/specials/rockefeller-gifts.html
{7} https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/baptists/concerns-voiced-about-new-lifeway-curriculum/
{8} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockefeller_Foundation
{9} https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/sgsm14498.doc.htm
{10} https://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/02/26/the-united-nations-exposed-who-is-in-control/
{11} http://www.oldthinkernews.com/2007/12/02/rockefeller-and-the-new-world-religion/
{12} David Rockefeller from his autobiography entitled “Memoirs” pgs. 404 & 405
{13} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuhzY7xwCsI
{14} http://www.spickardssigns.com/billygrahamjeandixon.htm
{15} http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/459/resolution-on-southern-baptists-and-ecumenism

THE RISE OF CALVINISM: JD GREEAR AND LEIGHTON FLOWERS

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a network of autonomous churches formed in 1845 based in the United States. The SBC is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant denomination in the US. {1}

The recent election of the new SBC president, JD Greear, has to a significant degree focused on the question of whether or not he is a Calvinist. This is important, because although the position is largely a symbolic, the president of the SBC has a major influence on whether Calvinists or non-Calvinists are nominated into leadership positions in various SBC institutions and seminaries. In other words the SBC will eventually be taken over by Calvinists if Greear wills it to be.

Greear studied at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) under Paige Patterson. Patterson, a staunch traditionalist, was amongst more than 1300 SBC leaders who signed A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation in 2012 countering New Calvinism (posted on the Connect316 website):

An excerpt from Article 3: "We deny that this atonement results in salvation without a person's free response of repentance and faith. We deny that God imposes or withholds this atonement without respect to an act of the person's free will. We deny that Christ died only for the sins of those who will be saved.

Psalm 22:1-31; Isaiah 53:1-12; John 12:32, 14:6; Acts 10:39-43; Acts 16:30-32; Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10-14; Philippians 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-20; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 9:12-15, 24-28; 10:1-18; I John 1:7; 2:2."  

Unfortunately the various scandals that have come to light surrounding Patterson's poor leadership have effectively played into the hands of the Calvinists. In fact Calvinist teachers are very adept at putting forward their theology, and there are few within the "traditional" camp to compete with them. A notable exception is Kevin Thompson, Beyond the Fundamentals. {2} I would sing Thompson's praises to the skies if it were not for his pre-trib rapture view. Leighton Flowers Soteriology 101 {3} puts forward a good case against Calvinism, and yet he is quite prepared to put up with a little Calvinist leaven. (1 Corinthians 5:6). Flowers' appeasement of Calvinists and his toleration of Calvinism is a total contradiction of all he says he stands for. To stand against the error of Calvinism and to refuse to call it heresy is doublespeak. In reality, Flowers shocking support of Roman Catholicism and various ecumenical teachers marks him out as someone to avoid. (Romans 16:17). Flowers claims that he was a "closet traditionalist" for a long time because he did not want to lose his friends! I didn't know we were in a popularity contest! (Matthew 10:34-39).

Some equivocators prolong the agony and relegate the debate between Calvinists and traditionalists as a secondary issue. Soteriology i.e. the doctrine of salvation, is of critical importance due to its implications about the very character of God. Calvinism is a philosophical system, it is not biblical Christianity. (1 Kings 18:21). Interestingly, the masonic phrase “Great Architect of the Universe” is attributed to John Calvin. Wherever Calvinism is found there is confusion and strife! (1 Corinthians 14:33). Those who gravitate towards Calvinism are often intellectuals or pseudo-intellectual wannabes. They often boast in their vanity that they have had a revelation of God's sovereignty and that they have a superior knowledge. (Luke 10:21; 2 Corinthians 1:12). We should resist such people and stand firm in the faith! (1 Peter 5:9).

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21).

Unfortunately Greear will not give a straightforward answer to questions about his Calvinist views, and many of his statements are plausible enough to be acceptable from either perspective. (James 5:12). The ordo salutis (Latin "the order of salvation") in the Reformed/Calvinist camp is: "election / predestination, followed by evangelism, regeneration, conversion, justification, sanctification, and glorification." {4} According to Calvinist RC Sproul, the doctrine that "regeneration precedes faith", captures the essence of Reformed theology, since it "solves" the problem of “total inability", the T in TULIP {5} Greear's view concurs with Calvinism 100%: "It takes the illumination of God's Spirit and his regenerative work inside our hearts before we will ever believe." {6} 

The Reformed Augustinian doctrine of total depravity has a devastating weakness.. it is not biblical! The phrase "regeneration precedes faith", belies several verses of scripture indicating that faith precedes regeneration e.g. but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31). The human will plays a part in whether or not a person's heart becomes calloused to the things of God. (Exodus 8:32; Acts 23:24,27). Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10: 9-10,17; James 1:21; John 1:12; Isaiah 45:22 etc.

Greear's evasiveness suggests that there is a devious agenda at work. (Proverbs 3:32). We should be aware that Calvinists are known to be deceitful! (Matthew 7:20). The unbiblical practice of stealth Calvinism is a tactic often employed by Calvinistic pastors i.e. they avoid declaring their true beliefs when they are interviewed by a search committee in order to avoid detection. The question posed by Leighton Flowers prior to the SBC presidential election was: "Would an SBC presidential nominee use the same tactics?"

Leighton Flowers: "In the same way Calvinistic pastors often 'go stealth' while being interviewed by a search committee so as to avoid detection, could it be that a presidential nominee may not be all that forthright about his own beliefs or agenda regarding this highly controversial issue? If you were a Calvinist with political aspirations within a convention that overwhelmingly rejects Calvinistic soteriology would you downplay and distance yourself from those beliefs so as to be a more likeable candidate? More importantly, would Greear?" {7}

Actually Flowers clearly established Greear as a Calvinist in 2017 in his video: Ephesians 1 Critique of Calvinist JD Greear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6F9S6H-8JM

Flowers suggested that Greear was keen to conceal the fact that he is a Calvinist in January 2018: JD Greear on Romans 9: Concealing Calvinism or Contradictory Calvinism?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6F9S6H-8JM

Flowers latest update is that Greear is in fact a "traditionalist": Traditionalist, JD Greear, elected SBC President: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etfs7T1XPAk

Either Flowers is very naïve, which I doubt, or he is playing games! It seems that the SBC will do anything to avoid a split, even if their leaders have to play politics to keep the SBC together. This is called people pleasing and contradicts the scriptures. Unity at the expense of TRUTH is an affront to God and an abomination. (Proverbs 11:20). Sound doctrine must always triumph over human agendas. (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:3). Greear cannot be both a Calvinist and a traditionalist - the two positions are incompatible. Either Jesus died for everyone, all, whosoever, or he did not!.

Although Flowers says that he believes that Greear has "changed sides", and is now a traditionalist, I am unconvinced. Greear was described as a "whosoever will gospel preacher", by Ken Whitten during his nomination speech. Whitten continued: "He (Greear) believes that anybody, anytime anywhere can be saved." {8} Greear is obviously very shrewd, saying nothing to offend either Calvinists or traditionalists in the final sermon of the conference:"How God builds His church", with four ideas from Matthew 16. {9}

Whatever Greear's true position, he cannot play both sides of the fence indefinitely. It remains to be seen where his true allegiance lies. 

{1} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Baptist_Convention
{2} http://beyondthefundamentals.com/
{3} https://soteriology101.com/
{4} https://www.gotquestions.org/ordo-salutis.html
{5} gallery.myff.org/gallery/1281301/What+Is+Reformed+Theology+Study+Guide+Sproul.pdf
{6} https://jdgreear.com/blog/three-tips-as-you-share-christ-with-your-muslim-friend/
{7} https://soteriology101.com/2018/02/05/is-jd-greear-a-calvinist/
{8} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etfs7T1XPAk
{9} http://bpnews.net/51060/pastors-conf-elects-danny-wood-president

LEIGHTON FLOWERS SOTERIOLOGY 101: RESERVING JUDGEMENT ON PAIGE PATTERSON

https://soteriology101.com/2018/06/02/reserving-judgement-be-patient-and-show-mercy/

Leighton Flowers refers in the link above to the allegations of sexism against Dr Paige Patterson, former President of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS). It is true that we should not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. The scriptural procedure for establishing the truth of a matter is clear. (1 Timothy 5:19). In this particular instance, the board of SWBTS were presented with irrefutable conclusive evidence, and as such they were justified in acting decisively and immediately terminating Dr Patterson's employment.{1} Flowers insists that we do not know all the facts, but in my view, if the matter were left to him then precisely nothing would be done! Flowers goes round in endless circles justifying apostates and "clarifying" matters which are already patently clear to the rest of us mere mortals. I adhere to the principle: "Think the best of someone until you know the worst", but when we do know the worst, then we should not equivocate!

Outgoing SBC President Steve Gaines has publicly condemned Patterson's behaviour in an official statement: "I disagree with the counsel he gave to a woman who was married to an abusive husband. I personally believe that if a husband abuses his wife physically, the wife should immediately: 1) notify the police and follow their instructions, 2) remove herself and her children physically from the abusive husband under the protection of police for her safety, and 3) notify the family's pastor so the church can engage in church discipline toward the abuser. The church should also seek to come alongside the woman and help her in any way possible to ensure her protection and care.. Regarding Dr. Patterson's more recent remarks about a teenage girl, I believe they were improper." {2} 

Contrary to Flowers often repeated out of context opinion that we should not judge, Christians ARE called to judge matters within the church. However, we are not to judge outsiders, that is God's business. (1 Corinthians 5:12). God hates hypocritical judgement i.e. when we condemn someone and are doing the same things. If this is the case then we can expect God's judgement to fall upon ourselves. (Romans 2:3).

We all stumble in many ways. (James 3:2; 1 John 1:18). Nevertheless, if we are truly Christian and have made bad decisions, then we should repent and put things right quickly so that restoration can take place. To the shame of the SWBTS and Patterson, this matter has been reported publicly in the Washington Post! It is astonishing that Patterson has an attorney and that this dispute cannot be settled quietly between believers. (1 Corinthians 6:5-6). Patterson has actively discouraged female abuse victims from going to the law, and yet he is quite prepared to avail himself of legal redress in this situation rather than simply "forgive". There is a word for that somewhere! Why not rather be wronged (if indeed he has been wronged)? (1 Corinthians 6:7). Perhaps Patterson should take his own advice and pray! {3} We should of course expect nothing remotely Christian from a big game hunter who kills animals for pleasure! Apparently they don't matter either! (Proverbs 12:10). Patterson will no doubt have time to reflect on these things as he enjoys his grotesque taxidermy collection. {4} What a sad reflection on the state of Christianity in these last days that many church leaders despise the vulnerable and seem incapable of repenting. We should ALL humble ourselves, otherwise God will do the job for us! (Matthew 23:12).

Flowers states that he wants to avoid the drama. Oh dear, I fear he is in the wrong profession then. These remarks from Flowers are typical of his insipid rhetoric and his constant excuses for his "friends". He is such a nice guy and wants good relationships with all and sundry, including those who teach doctrines of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1). Drama followed Jesus Christ and His apostles wherever they went! We are actually promised trouble if we are true followers of Jesus Christ. (John 16:33). Why would Jesus' followers experience trouble if they do nothing and offend no one as Flowers is at such pains to do? The very cross of Christ IS an offense! (Galatians 5:11).

Putting the Patterson issue aside, Flowers reveals in his statement that he holds an utterly flawed understanding of Christianity. That old humbug: "You do not understand", is a phrase used repeatedly by Flowers in various contexts. This is an insidious device to suppress freedom of expression! Flowers spends an inordinate amount of time accusing others of a lack of understanding. This makes me very suspicious of his real agenda. Who is Flowers to say that believers "do not understand", and that they do not have the right to speak out about critical issues affecting the church? (Ephesians 5:11). Concerning Calvinism, actually the issues are very simple: Calvinism depreciates the very nature of God Himself and severely impedes the Gospel - the Good News, the very message of salvation to everyone, all, whosoever, the whole world.. (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2). It doesn't get much more blasphemous than this, and yet incredibly, Flowers does not refer to Calvinism as heresy! In refusing to condemn Calvinism outright, he actually gives it a perverse kind of acknowledgement. (2 John 1:11-12; Ephesians 5:7). Flowers actually defines a heretic as someone intent on dividing the church, and he applies the term to anyone who exposes false teachers. Biblically heresy refers to those practicing and teaching things contrary to sound doctrine. (Acts 5:17, 24:5, 14; Galatians 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:10). Jesus' letter to the church at Pergamum warns against tolerating those teaching false doctrines.(Revelation 2:14-16 cf. 2 Corinthians 11:4). The Apostle Paul states that divisions are a sine qua non:

..for there MUST be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corinthians 11:19).

Heresy (N) from a Greek word signifying (1) a choice, (2) the opinion chosen, and (3) the sect holding the opinion. In the Acts of the Apostles ( 5:17 ; 15:5 ; Isaiah 24:5 Isaiah 24:14 ; 26:5 ) it denotes a sect, without reference to its character. Elsewhere, however, in the New Testament it has a different meaning attached to it. Paul ranks "heresies" with crimes and seditions ( Galatians 5:20 ). This word also denotes divisions or schisms in the church ( 1 Corinthians 11:19 ). In Titus 3:10 a "heretical person" is one who follows his own self-willed "questions," and who is to be avoided. Heresies thus came to signify self-chosen doctrines not emanating from God ( 2 Peter 2:1 ). {5} 

Flowers: "What concerns me most about the recent developments in the SBC over the last few weeks and months is not so much the uncovering of mistakes made by the leadership; after all, that really is not that uncommon throughout church history. If you do not believe me just read back through the history of Catholic and Protestant leadership, or even more evident is the history of Israel’s leaders. People are sinners and they will fail. That’s nothing new."

Above we have Flowers acknowledgement of Roman Catholicism, which in reality was never true Christianity!!! The apostate ecumenical Protestant Church is despoiled and cannot seriously be categorised as biblical Christianity! (2 Timothy 3:5). Israel became apostate to the point that they rejected and killed the prophets and rejected and betrayed their own Messiah! (Matthew 23:31; Luke 20:14). Flowers nonsense gives credence to that which is evil! (Isaiah 5:20). The failure of so many denominations is prophesied in the scriptures and is due to the infiltration of deceivers, not "mistakes". (2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1-3). Frankly we should expect all kinds of shenanigans amongst false teachers! (Matthew 7:20). However, we should expect faithful leaders to act with integrity and to be examples to the flock! (1 Peter 5:3).

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (Acts 20:29).

Flowers: "People are sinners and they will fail." !!! I have some news for Dr Flowers: THE TRUE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST WILL NOT FAIL. ..I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). 

{1} https://swbts.edu/news/releases/statement-kevin-ueckert-chairman-board-trustees/

{2} http://www.bpnews.net/50882/gaines-addresses-patterson-racial-diversity-sbc

{3} https://archive.org/details/PaigePattersonsbcAdviceToVictimsOfDomesticViolence

{4} http://www.bpnews.net/downloadhires-/images/IMG20039198567HI.jpg

{5} https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/heresy/

THE INSANITY OF CALVINISM: JOHN PIPER, DAVID MATHIS

The following excerpt is from a series by David Mathis, Executive Editor of desiringGod, the Calvinist web ministry founded by John Piper who acts as lead teacher for the ministry. {1}

The Question posed by Mathis: Does God 'Cause' Sin? We should not be intimidated by Mathis' use of philosophical terms such as "proximate cause", "remote cause", and the argument that sin is by God's "ordination". Mathis' argument is based on human reason rather than the word of God. (Colossians 2:8). It is noteworthy that Mathis relies heavily upon Calvin, rather than the biblical texts for his irrational theory:

"The older theologians denied that God was the efficient cause of sin . . . [in part] because they identified cause with authorship. But if . . . the connection between cause and blame in modern language is no stronger than the connection between ordination and blame, then it seems to me that it is not wrong to say that God causes evil and sin. Certainly we should employ such language cautiously, however, in view of the long history of its rejection in the tradition.

At least, the above discussion does indicate that Calvin is willing in some contexts to refer to God as a cause of sin and evil. Calvin also describes God as the sole cause of the hardening and reprobation of the wicked:

'Therefore, if we cannot assign any reason for his bestowing mercy on his people, but just that it so pleases him, neither can we have any reason for his reprobating others but his will. When God is said to visit mercy or harden whom he will, men are reminded that they are not to seek for any cause beyond his will.'" {2} 

If God is the cause of sin, does this not also make Him the author of sin? The definition of cause is source, root, origin, author etc. The Calvinists cannot avoid this line of human reasoning due to their reliance upon Calvinism's deviant philosophical system, TULIP, and the original writings of John Calvin, rather than the Word of God. To make God the author of sin is rank heresy. God's own revelation of His righteousness and holiness absolutely preclude such vain speculations.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5).

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:13-14,17).

If you have seen me you have seen the father... You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.1 John 3:5 cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8 cf. John 8:44).

God brings calamity upon people for various reasons, typically because of their own sin; it does not logically follow that God is the cause or author of sin:

Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. (Daniel 9:14).

How can God be the author of something he condemns and abhors?

..but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! (Matthew 18:6-7).

John Pipers Insanity

When asked the question: "Has God predetermined every tiny detail in the universe.. including all our besetting sins?": Piper: "Yes.. Every horrible thing and every sinful thing is ultimately governed by God." {3} Piper goes on to say that we will go insane unless we accept this perverse line of reasoning. Thankfully, the prospect of insanity does not apply to those who trust in the Lord and reject the unhinged notions of Calvinism! (Proverbs 3:5-6). In effect, Piper asserts that God's sovereignty cancels out His goodness and righteousness. Piper: "God is absolutely sovereign. He can do whatever he wants to, and he can do it whenever he wants to. He has that kind of power."

Do Piper, Mathis and their associates imagine in their arrogance that they have solved the mystery of iniquity? Sin is the outworking of iniquity, culminating eventually in the man of sin. (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The "mystery of iniquity" is precisely that, it exceeds the grasp of human reason. (1 Corinthians 13:12).

"The revelation of it is still future; for (γὰρ), though it is in a sense already present and at work, it works now only as a mystery, not as a thing revealed." {4}

What we can say for certain is that it is a logical impossibility for God to be the cause of sin and evil, since causal determinism is contrary to God's very nature. Although God can do anything He wants to, He clearly does not "want" to do evil! (James 1:13-14,17; 1 John 1:5; Psalm 34:16).

Calvinists like Piper and Mathis turn the Word of God on its head - anything that reverses the scriptures is satanic. (1 Timothy 4:1).

Jesus died for all people everywhere v Calvinism: Jesus died for a few people.
God does not desire anyone to perish v Calvinism: God determines that many people do perish and go to hell.
God hates sin v Calvinism: God is the cause of sin.
God desires all people to repent v Calvinism: God determines that many are incapable of repentance.
People can resist God v Calvinism: People cannot resist God.

What is not to understand about the plain reading of the scriptures?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.. (Acts 17:30).
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." (Acts 7:51).

Calvinism is a wicked system and a loathsome misrepresentation of Christianity. (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:20).

Calvinism has the appearance of godliness and its proponents say many "religious" sounding things, but by inverting the Word of God, they deny the power of the Gospel. The scriptures tell us plainly: Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:5).

An Event to Avoid

Church of England minister and ecumenist Richard Coekin, Director of the Co-Mission group of churches in south east London has been promoting New Calvinism for the last decade. The keynote speaker at this year's London Men’s Convention on the 2nd of June will be false teacher John Piper. {5}

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).

{1} https://www.desiringgod.org/about-us
{2} https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/does-god-cause-sin
{3} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmMvatMyUfI
{4} http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm
{5} https://christianconventions.org.uk/lmc/convention

THE COMPROMISE OF LEIGHTON FLOWERS! SOTERIOLOGY 101

Dr Leighton Flowers has an impressive CV. He is a Professor of Theology and a former five-point Calvinist. He is a former pastor of over ten years experience. Flowers was named the Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists in 2018. He is also Adjunct Professor of Theology for Trinity Seminary. {1}

Flowers rebuttal against Calvinism is very good technically, BUT there are some questions surrounding his ministry that leave me very puzzled.

One would expect Flowers to have a bible verse on the "Our Beliefs" page of his website, but his primary text is a quotation from AW Tozer! {2} In fact there are many scripture references, but no actual bible quotations on this page at all.

I notice that Flowers also frequently quotes CS Lewis in his videos. Both CS Lewis and AW Tozer were ecumenists and closet mystics. As I look down the list of non-Calvinistic scholars Flowers lists as reading material, I am very troubled indeed. For example, he lists false teachers such as ecumenist Billy Graham, false deliverance teacher Derek Prince, ecumenist Greg Laurie, open theist and annihilationist Clark Pinnock, ecumenist Ravi Zacharias, ecumenist David Jeremiah.. I could go on.. and on... This tells me that Calvinism is not the only serious problem that needs to be addressed within the Southern Baptist denomination. The ecumenical movement is THE biggest threat to biblical Christianity in our time, and yet inexplicably, Flowers actively promotes ecumenical teachers and apostates on his website!

Flowers video: Tiptoeing through the TULIP {2} is well-named. Flowers is at great pains not to tread on anyone's toes! I am surprised he has even started this ministry. Flowers asserts at the outset that he is not anti-Calvinist. This seems a very strange thing to say since his entire website is a rebuttal against Calvinism. His principle point is that Traditionalists and Calvinists interpret certain texts differently and that the discussion does not have to be divisive. However, elsewhere he can't avoid the inevitable conclusion i.e. if Calvinism is correct, then God is the author of wickedness. Is Calvinism another gospel or is it not? If Calvinism is another gospel, then why do Flowers and the Southern Baptists ..put up with it readily enough? (2 Corinthians 11:4). "..ye might well bear with him (or it)] These words have generally been regarded as ironical, nobly would ye bear with him (Alford, Plumptre), and explained of the ready reception which the false teachers had met with.. He (Paul) means, of course, that they have done much more than tolerate the preachers of the false gospel, and have paid them an extravagant deference." {3}

The distortion of the gospel of Jesus Christ is so very weighty a matter that Paul repeated twice: If anyone preaches another gospel.. let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:7-9). Flowers opinion that this is not a divisive subject is unscriptural: ..for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corinthians 11:19).

Dr. Eric Hankins: "For the most part, Southern Baptists have been glad to relegate disagreements over Calvinism to secondary status along with other important but “non-essential” theological matters. The Southern Baptist majority has fellowshipped happily with its Calvinist brethren while kindly resisting Calvinism itself. And, to their credit, most Southern Baptist Calvinists have not demanded the adoption of their view as the standard. We would be fine if this consensus continued, but some New Calvinists seem to be pushing for a radical alteration of this longstanding arrangement." {2}

How very agreeable of Satan to play nicely for so long! Seriously though, if you appease Satan for long enough, then he will ultimately push things to breaking point, and this appears? to be exactly what is happening to the Southern Baptists. (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7;1 Peter 5:8). The thin end of the wedge (idiomatic), is something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment. Is the current threat from radical Calvinists a judgement from God upon the Southern Baptists? (Hosea 11:5).

Flowers calls his excessive approval of Calvinist teachers "grown up"; I call it "weakness" ..at best! I find that I cannot rule out a more sinister motive however, due principally to Flowers dubious choice of non-Calvinist reading material and his flattery of many false teachers. Surely Flowers spiritual discernment and excellent exegeses is not limited to one area of expertise? If Flowers really does not have spiritual discernment beyond Calvinism, then I cannot account for it at all, other than to put it down to his employment of Hegelian dialectic. If this is the case, the Southern Baptists are in much more trouble than I originally perceived them to be. If it is not the case, then Flowers and the Southern Baptists indulgence of Calvinist teachers may be an avoidance technique ..that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. (Galatians 6:12).

Some observations from a previous post:

Sometimes it seems that Flowers would rather condemn those who call out false teachers than the false teachers themselves! A number of people involved in apologetics are called to.. contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3). "Winning the argument", in human terms, as Flowers puts it, is the last thing they are interested in doing! I find Flowers reductionism and his condemnation of those speaking out against apostasy highly offensive! Perhaps more attention to the damage being done to the flock might be in order! (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3). The practice of "Stealth Calvinism" is particularly despicable i.e. the Founders Ministries advice to Calvinistic pastors to avoid full disclosure while interviewing in order to gain leadership positions!

Flowers advice to those finding themselves under the authority of a Calvinist pastor who has insidiously taken over leadership of a "traditional" church: ".. bear with the pastor and pray for him ... ask questions, be patient, serve him, support him and to speak to him.." {7}. This counsel seems very tolerant and loving, but is it? Paul warned about the problem of false teachers who creep in unnoticed. (2 Peter 2:1). If a man has hidden his Calvinism prior to taking up a position as a pastor, then his personal integrity comes into grave question. (Luke 16:10). An elder should be above reproach and an example to the flock. (1 Timothy 4:12). ..to 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 1:6-9 cf. James 3:1). The new pastor has created the problem, not those who are upset by his teaching. Not everyone is strong (Romans 14:1); and yet all will be obliged to come under the authority of, and be subject to, false teaching.. actually a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4). Must a whole congregation suffer and be sacrificed because of one man's dishonesty? (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). I thought that shepherds were supposed to lay down their lives for the flock, not the reverse! (John 10:12-13). I do not think that Flowers would have got on very well with some of the advice the apostle Paul gave at times! (Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 11:13). My advice is to politely ask questions, at the beginning, and obviously to pray. After patiently exhausting the possibility of a resolution, failure to act decisively is tantamount to putting up with another gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). The sad fact is that Calvinism does split churches, and there comes a time when separation becomes inevitable. (2 Corinthians 6:17). {4}

Jesus warned: You will recognize them by their fruits.. (Matthew 7:16). Who are they and what are their fruits?

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 cf. Matthew 24:11; Colossians 2:8).

I have heard Flowers say that John MacArthur is a "good teacher". !!

Can anyone teaching another gospel be a "good teacher"? !!
Quite apart from Calvinism, MacArthur says that we can take the mark of the beast and be saved! (Revelation 14:9, 22:18-19). {5}

I have also heard Flowers say that John Piper is "a humble and a godly man". Really?

John Piper: "The intellectual appeal of the system of Calvinism draws a certain kind of intellectual person.. ..Do Calvinists want to make everybody else Calvinists? Absolutely we do!" {6}

*Piper falsely teaches supersessionism (replacement theology).
*"John Piper opened up Warrengate when he made a mistake by inviting Purpose Driven Pope Rick Warren to be a keynote speaker at the Desiring God Conference 2010." {7}
*Piper promotes the false teaching known as "Christian Hedonism".
*Piper led the ancient spiritual Roman Catholic monastic mystical practice of Lectio Divina at Passion 2012 with Louis Giglio, Francis Chan and Beth Moore. He has since apologised and removed this material from his website. {8}
*Regarding Pipers Book: A Hunger for God, Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer: "But of even greater concern is that Piper draws from a number of disturbing sources. There are spiritual formation leaders such as Richard Foster (pp. 19, 58, 202-203) and Dallas Willard (pp. 203-204), Roman Catholic priests and monks (p. 210), and the Desert Fathers and early church mystics from which much of modern fasting practices originate (p. 210)." {9}
*Flowers recently highlighted the negative effect of Piper's theistic determinism in a counseling situation. {10} Flowers advice to look to ourselves and our own past experiences if we are struggling with unbelief, is, in my view, unsound and entirely misses the mark. The antidote to error is truth. (John 8:32, 36; Matthew 11:28).

I find Flowers tactic of censuring those who speak out strongly against false teachers highly offensive. Ad hominem attacks aside, the Gospel IS worth fighting for! (1 Timothy 6:12). I am quite prepared to throw my toys out of the pram rather than accept another gospel! (Matthew 21:12; 2 John 1:10; Titus 3:10).

I call upon Flowers to think about the consequences of his prevarications.

Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16).

{1} https://soteriology101.com/about-2/
{2} https://soteriology101.com/about-2/statement-of-faith/
{3} http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-4.htm
{4} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/calvinism-horrible-decree.html
{5} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/john-macarthur-false-teacher-wolf-in.html
{6} https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-are-calvinists-so-negative
{7} http://apprising.org/2010/04/07/crosstalk-bob-dewaay-on-warrengate-and-john-piper/
{8} https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-system-for-praying-in-2012
{9} http://tottministries.org/a-hunger-for-god-desiring-god-through-fasting-and-prayer-by-john-piper-wheaton-crossway-1997-pp-239-paper-10-99/
{10} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz2emj_LSx0