The saga continues…
From several reports of those who weekly visit Portland, there are pulpits proclaiming a more enlightened, “open-minded” path to salvation. These pulpits are silent on the narrow path’s challenge, “If you love [Jesus], you will obey [His] commands.” (John 14:15) Openly proclaimed as optional are daily prayer, daily evangelism, daily discipling, daily fellowship and daily Bible study. Confusing comments such as, “Seek discipling if you need it” or “do what you feel is right in your heart” are common. Some “prophets” shy away from or even mock that we are in a battle, a war in which our very souls are at stake. We are in a religious fog – warfare should be preached as part of the normal Christian life. (Ephesians 6:10-19) Yes, we are family, but a good shepherd is not naive about wolves. “Fuzzy-wuzzy,” “You’re okay, I’m okay” relationships are lauded as “mature.” Contrast the previous appealing but Satanic definitions of relationships to: be”baptized…and teach them to obey all [Jesus] commands.” (Matthew 28:20); “warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak” (1 Thessalonians 5:14); “for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31) Jesus’ mission was “to seek and save the lost.” Do not be naive. Satan’s is exactly the opposite! His mission is to “seek and lose the saved!” As the Emperor went after Anakin’s heart, so Satan is actively pursing every disciple’s heart to turn each of us to the dark side. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
What is this open-minded path to salvation? I look at Chicago’s study series and it is still clear that a person must believe in Jesus, repent of their sins and be baptized. I look at LA’s ‘First Principles’ and it is centered around Ephesians 2 (one faith, one Lord, one baptism, etc.). I look at other study series and they are not much different from the original. Phoenix’s series still deals with belief, repentance, and baptism, but with a different motivation that works. San Deigo’s series presents the gospel as Acts 2 and John 1 while dealing with the person of Jesus, as well as other important things. Our own study series is modeled after Phoenix’s with elements of our own study and the other series combined. Where is the open-mindedness? Baptism is still preached, as well as repentance of sins and faith.
Some clues are provided by the next statement, “Openly proclaimed as optional are daily prayer, daily evangelism, daily discipling, daily fellowship and daily Bible study.” Maybe he really has gotten reports that some places say that prayer doesn’t have to be daily. Just because I haven’t seen it, I can’t dismiss his claim. However, I can point out the “daily discipling” is being equated with a command of God. On the surface, this seems okay, especially in light of Matt 28:20. However, what he terms as discipling is not the same as the biblical command to teach others to obey.
What is discipling? Here’s a quote from A Great Light has Dawned:
Secondly, I call everybody to a decision tonight to rededicate yourself to discipling. I’ve asked several people, how is discipling coming, they say well I think we have discipling. Well, I say, who is discipling you? Well, I don’t know. Now let’s see, if we would have asked Peter, Hey Peter do you know who is discipling you? Maybe Timothy, Timothy, do you have any idea who is discipling you these days? I mean, you know, he discipled you when you were 18 and everything when you first started out, and we had that little thing we had to get right with you. But is he still discipling you at 35? What? He’s writing you from prison? That sounds like a lot of control. You’re telling me the dude is in prison and he’s telling you what to do? And he’s 35! Get out of here! Don’t you think you to just simply have just a friendship? I mean, you’re mature. What do you need people in your life for?
Discipling to him means that there is one person that is providing spiritual guidance to you. It’s not about growing, but answering the question, “Who disciples you?”. Peter and Timothy didn’t use this terminology. Supposing they did, what do you think Peter’s answer would be? Paul? The council in Jerusalem? James? Honestly, if asked who provides insight and wisdom about your life, I believe he would answer ‘everyone’.