Saturday, September 27, 2025

Blessed is the Man

I first memorized Psalm 1 in 6th grade. It's a powerful, well-known psalm. As was common practice at the time, I learned it in the King James Version. My memorization involved words such as "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly," "standeth in the way of sinners," and "sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

I remember a fellow student asking why it was wrong to stand in the way of sinners. "Shouldn't we try to stand in their way and stop them?" she asked. Our teacher explained that it wasn't talking about standing in their way to prevent them from sinning, but standing with them in their sin.

Now, years later, the school I teach at (and my son attends) is focusing on Psalm 1 this month. We recite it daily in our assembly time. The biggest challenge to me is to say it in the ESV with everyone else. I keep wanting to revert to King James. Re-learning a scripture in a new translation is harder that initially memorizing it, because it's close, but there are different words here and there. The ESV has Psalm 1 talking about "scoffers," whereas King James says "scornful" and I slip up on that almost daily in our recitation! That's how deeply the original way I learned it is ingrained in me.

As we have said this passage, and as my first graders have worked on memorizing it, I have been convicted of something.

I am not actively walking in ungodly counsel, standing with sinners in their sin, nor sitting with scornful people. Yet, when I have a medical question, or am curious about something, I Google it. I don't know whose answers I'm reading. If the question is medical and it takes me to a doctor site, that might be okay, but often, there are multiple and contradictory medical opinions floating around out there. Where does faith fit into it? Am I seeking validation from a faceless, nameless world instead of praying about questions, or seeking godly counsel from people I actually trust? Many people online are the ungodly, sinners, and scornful mentioned in Psalm 1:1.

I recently did have something I wanted to check out and get info on, and it was all very contradictory, and opinion-based, and made me feel overwhelmed and even hopeless. That's not God's plan for any of us. He wants us to delight on His word and meditate on it day and night.

Through our memorization this month, God has shown me how I need to seek Him first, trusted advice second (godly counsel, actual doctors, people who really know the answers), and leave the rest.

I'll close with Psalm 1, KJV:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Why I Still Believe: A Response to “Post-Evangelical” Drift

Recently, I’ve noticed a growing trend: Christians publicly “deconstructing” from evangelicalism, often with bitterness, as if leaving the movement automatically grants them moral and intellectual superiority. Some do this because they’ve been hurt by people in the church. Others because they’re uncomfortable with biblical truths that don’t fit our culture’s values. Still others simply want to distance themselves from anything politically “Christian Right.”

I understand frustration with certain cultural quirks of evangelicalism — I have my own concerns. But I’m troubled when people throw out the core of biblical faith along with the cultural baggage. I’m a Bible-believing Christian. The labels “fundamentalist” and “evangelical” fit me in the historic sense: I believe the Bible is God’s inerrant Word, I hold to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I affirm that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Those truths don’t change because certain Christians fail to live them out.

What “Fundamentalist” Really Means

The term “fundamentalist” came about in the early 20th century when Bible-believing Christians stood against modernist theology, which rejected the supernatural claims of Scripture. This included defending a literal six-day creation against evolutionary theory — not because Christians are “anti-science,” but because we refuse to reinterpret God’s Word to fit human theories. True science is observable, measurable, and repeatable. Neither evolution nor creation meets that definition, meaning both are matters of worldview and faith. Many scientific discoveries go hand-in-hand with the Bible, and there are highly-intelligent, Bible-believing scientists who hold to the Creationist worldview.

Fundamentalists take the Bible at its word. That’s what puts us at odds with those who pick and choose what to believe. It’s why I find it easier to talk with an outright atheist than with someone who once believed the Bible but now keeps only the parts that suit them.

The All-or-Nothing Nature of Scripture

Authors like Michelle van Loon, Addie Zierman, the late Rachel Held Evans, and others have left evangelicalism for what they describe as a “reimagined” or “evolving” faith. They criticize modesty standards, church outreach events, voting for pro-life candidates — even using biblical language like “born again.” They claim their faith is now freer, but it’s also far vaguer, with no solid answers. Michelle van Loon accused me of "marginalizing" everyone who disagrees with me, simply because I disagreed with her (and her blog was very "marginalizing" toward anyone who holds different views than hers).

Here’s the irony: they left a faith they said didn’t answer their questions, yet embraced a form of faith with no clear answers at all. If the Bible is not entirely true, then it cannot be trusted at all. God is an all-or-nothing God, and His Word is an all-or-nothing book. Picking and choosing undermines the very authority they still try to claim.

Salvation Is Certain, Not Vague

One of the most concerning statements I’ve seen from post-evangelicals is uncertainty about salvation. “Jesus and I are still working on that one,” sounds humble, but it directly contradicts Scripture. First John 5:13 says we can know we have eternal life. Romans 10:9 makes salvation plain: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Vague faith is not biblical faith.

Christianity Is Not an American Religion

Another claim I often hear is that Christianity is essentially an American religion chosen by Americans the way Middle Easterners supposedly choose Islam. This is historically false. Christianity began in Israel, spread through the Roman Empire, and is now present in every nation on earth — often thriving in places where believers face intense persecution. If someone claims to be Christian simply because they are American, they are not truly Christian.

Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:13–14 that the road to life is narrow and few find it. True Christians will always be a minority in this world — in America and everywhere else.

Politics and the Christian Life

This brings me to another reason people “deconstruct”: they reject the Christian Right as inherently corrupt or dangerous. I’ve even seen some claim that the January 6 rioters were all evangelicals — an unproven and deeply biased assumption. Meanwhile, they ignore or excuse the Left’s moral overreach, from celebrating gender ideology in schools to silencing dissent on matters of conscience.

I’m a Bible-believing Christian and a Conservative Republican. My faith in Christ is the foundation, but I also believe God calls some of us to engage in the public square. The Christian Right is not a monolith of extremists — it’s made up of people who love God, care about truth, and want to preserve freedom. We’re not perfect, but we’re also not the villains the media makes us out to be. If there are problems in the church or in politics, the answer is reform through truth — not surrendering the field to ideologies that openly oppose biblical values.

Are there Christians who have handled politics poorly? Of course. But Scripture calls some of us to contend for truth in the public square. Paul spoke to Roman governors (Acts 24–26). John the Baptist rebuked Herod (Luke 3:19). Believers are told to put on the armor of God — armor is for battle, not retreat. Political passivity is not a biblical mandate. My husband and I are politically involved. Not everyone is called to be involved to the degree that we are, and that's okay, but they shouldn't act like that makes them superior. I'm not called to be a gospel singer, but I don't criticize those who are.

The Real Danger

Post-evangelical voices often accuse conservative Christians of being “too political” or “too exclusive,” but then wield political arguments themselves, often with bitterness. Their real authority is not Scripture but personal preference — and that is shifting sand.

I refuse to give up my faith because of hypocrisy in Christian culture, disagreements in politics, or mistreatment by fellow believers. My faith stands on the finished work of Jesus Christ, not the approval or behavior of others.

Why I Still Believe

I’m a committed fundamentalist in the biblical sense — committed first and foremost to Jesus Christ. I believe His Word is true from beginning to end. I’ve had my own seasons of questioning and hurt, but I’ve come out on God’s side.

My plea to those leaving evangelicalism is this: If you see problems, address them with the authority of Scripture. Reform what’s wrong. But don’t replace the narrow way of truth with a wide road of vague spirituality. That’s not liberation — it’s loss. And it’s not intellectually honest to reject a faith for “unanswered questions” only to embrace a worldview with no answers at all.

If you want to know why I still believe — it’s because Jesus Christ is alive, His Word is trustworthy, and salvation is found in Him alone. No cultural flaw, political battle, or personal hurt will change that.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

What kind of Calvanist are you?

Either God Is Sovereign Over Everything… or He Isn’t Sovereign at All

There’s something I’ve noticed among certain Christians—especially in some Reformed circles—and honestly, it troubles me.

These folks are quick to affirm the classic five points of Calvinism (TULIP). They’ll passionately defend the truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and that God alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

And on that, I agree.

But here’s where things start to break down:

Mention how God led you to a particular church…
Or how He brought your spouse into your life at just the right time…
Or how He provided a job that you didn’t even apply for…

And suddenly they say,

“Oh no, that’s not how God works today. You’re being too charismatic.”

Wait—what?

So God sovereignly saves you from sin, death, and hell…
But He doesn’t direct your steps in everyday life?

That’s not sovereignty. That’s compartmentalization.

Either God is sovereign over everything, or He’s not sovereign at all.

What the Bible Says

Let’s look at what Scripture actually teaches:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

“He works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
— Ephesians 1:11

“A man’s steps are ordered by the Lord.”
— Psalm 37:23

That’s not just theology—it’s reality.
God is not only sovereign over our salvation… He’s sovereign over our lives.
Every detail. Every day.

The Trap of Intellectual Calvinism

Some Christians—especially those shaped by academic, hyper-cessationist thinking—affirm salvation by grace but then live by self-effort. They believe God chose them for salvation but then operate as if they must rely solely on logic, instinct, or planning for the rest of their Christian walk.

That’s inconsistent.

It’s like they believe in justification by the Spirit…
But think sanctification comes by the flesh.

That’s not Calvinism. That’s Galatianism.

I’ve Seen God’s Hand

I’m not talking theory—I’ve lived this.

I’ve seen God open doors that no one could have predicted. I’ve watched Him use people, detours, disappointments, and divine appointments to bring about His plan.

On the mission field.
In churches.
In friendships and courtships.
In ordinary days that turned into turning points.

He didn’t just save me—He’s shepherding me.

If I start believing that God’s sovereignty stops at salvation…
Then what I’m really saying is that the rest of life is up to me.

But I know better.

I’m a Calvinist—The Whole Kind

I believe in a sovereign God who:

Chooses His people before the foundation of the world.
Regenerates dead hearts through His Spirit.
Orders our steps—even when we don’t understand the path.
Works all things for good and for His glory.

That includes marriages, moves, jobs, churches, conversations, delays, divine nudges, and even dreams.

This is not mysticism.
It’s not emotionalism.
It’s not charismatic chaos.

It’s biblical Christianity.

Final Thought

If your version of God’s sovereignty only covers salvation and not your story, your steps, or your sanctification—
then it’s too small.

I’d rather believe in a God whose rule is total.
A God whose will is good.
A God who doesn’t just save, but leads.

Because either God is sovereign over everything…
or He isn’t sovereign at all.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Exodus

I recently read a book that was gripping, relatable, and heartfelt, but ended on a disappointing note. Aside from the conclusions the author ultimately drew at the end, I would say it is a beautiful book, maybe one of the most enjoyable I've read lately. I am referring to My Exodus, by Alan Chambers. In it, Alan shares his story. He was born into a Christian family, coming to Christ at age six. Yet he had a problem. He had unwanted same-sex attraction. This did not align with his faith. What was he supposed to do with it? What is the right way for Christians to minister to those in his predicament, or to anyone identifying as LGBT (etc.)?

Alan shares his experience of receiving great help from the ministry Exodus International. With accountability and God's help, he committed to celibacy. Eventually, the Lord surprised him by bringing a wonderful Christian woman into his life. He was attracted to her, and they fell in love. Alan and Leslie have been happily married for almost thirty years now. It was very interesting to read about his experience of being attracted to his wife, and at the same time, having these struggles of same-sex attraction. His insights are invaluable.

As a Christian who loves God and people, and wants to stand on biblical truth, I was very interested in this book. Alan's story has many beautiful parts, especially his love story with Leslie. In spite of his general attraction to men, Leslie was his first and forever choice, and he is attracted to her. They share a beautiful marriage and sex-life (nothing graphic was shared about that, but it was addressed). He fully acknowledges God's work in his life. He honestly shares his story. It was engaging to read how a Southern Baptist boy with same-sex attraction went from afraid and alone to being the president of a major ministry that had helped him. He ended up married to a woman he loves with all his heart. They have two children.

It is clear to me that homosexuality is a complicated, nuanced experience that can't be summed up simply. There is a "bottom line" biblically, in that both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible refer to marriage being created for one man and one woman, and also refer to homosexual acts as being outside of God's will (Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; Matthew 19:5; Romans 1:26-27). We need to stand with that truth. Period. However, in ministering specifically, everyone is different, and, while we are sticking with God's Word on this issue, we need to pray for guidance in addressing each case with grace and truth. There are disagreements among Christians about how to best minister to the LGBT (etc) community. Exodus International started off as a place where those with unwanted same-sex attraction could get help and accountability.

There was disagreement about whether someone could "become straight" with no further homosexual desires at all, or if it was a "thorn in the flesh" that the person would have to fight all their lives. Both positions have biblical basis. First Corinthians 6:9-10 lists several sins, including homosexuality, concluding in verse 11 with And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Likewise, Second Corinthians 5:17 says that those who are "in Christ" are new creations. God can deliver us from all our temptations and sin areas, including homosexuality. On the other hand, Paul had his thorn in the flesh, shared in Second Corinthians 12:7. Paul pleaded with God to remove it, but instead, in verse 9, God said, My grace is sufficient. While we don't know what Paul's problem was, this truth can be applied to all areas, including homosexual desires. No matter what we're going through, God's grace is sufficient. Alan said almost all of the people he served in Exodus continued having same-sex attraction to some degree, so experience would seem to indicate the "torn in the flesh" reality was more common than the miraculous deliverance, though there are testimonies of changed lives, such as that of Dennis Jernigan (who wrote the beautiful worship song You are My All in All). You can read his thoughts and story here.

Exodus itself didn’t even have an agreed-upon position about what the participants could expect. Everyone's story was different. Alan himself said his attraction to men never diminished, but the temptation did as he enjoyed his wife. He even likened it to heterosexual people still finding others attractive, but being faithfully committed to their spouses.

Alan shares about how Exodus helped him tremendously, and he rose in the ranks to become President in 2001. He stewarded the ministry until 2013, when the organization closed for good. There are other, similar ministries in operation today, such as Restored Hope Network (you can look at their website here.).

The odd thing was that Alan himself made the choice to close the organization. His beliefs about homosexuality changed. He didn't have some "ah-ha" moment while reading the Bible or seeking the Lord. He just felt it was more compassionate to recognize that homosexuality could be a valid lifestyle. After everything he had gone through, that was so disappointing to me. He is still a professing Christian, going to a godly church (from what I can gather), and happily married to his wife. But he closed an organization of which he was their greatest success story. He is now deeply critical of what are termed "ex-gay" ministries. That is, these are ministries that help homosexuals who don't want to live in that lifestyle.

Many are critical of groups like Exodus or Restored Hope. I don't know everything that has gone on in them, so I can't make a statement. Perhaps there was false teaching. Perhaps abuses have happened. I don't know all that is involved. What I do know is that people have a free will. If someone has same-sex desires and wants to be counseled in a particular way, he or she has a right to attend a group like this if he or she so wishes. If not, no one is required.

Alan is clearly compassionate, and was deeply saddened by those who shared how they were hurt in Exodus. In some cases false promises of making participants straight broke their hearts when they weren't able to shake their same-sex attraction. In other cases, people share that they were hurt by the ministry itself. Alan decided to become more grace-focused, showering everyone with the love of God. That is great, however, this is where Alan took steps away from biblical positions. God's grace and love for all (including LGBT) are biblical. But God calls all of us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. Homosexuals don't get a free pass on that.

I don't want to simplify how complex it is. I'm not homosexual, and can't rightly imagine wrestling with this. I CAN imagine, however, having to deny raging desires that cannot be righteously fulfilled. I remained celibate until my wedding night. That wasn't easy! I married at 33, so I went through my teens and twenties with these urges I had to deny. Not only did I have those burning passions, but I also experienced mockery from a world that doesn't know God. Even some people I love made fun of my commitment to wait until marriage. Shortly before meeting my husband, I had an attraction (which was mutual) to a male in my life, and it would have been 100% wrong to indulge. That was a battle I had to fight, but God's grace was sufficient, just as He promises. God doesn't just ask LGBT folks to deny their desires. He asks all of us to do right and be conformed to the image of Jesus.

You are not your sexual attractions. You are not your raging passions. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (Second Corinthians 5:21). You have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). That is how you should "identify." We have been told a lie by our godless society, that we are our desires, and we can't control them and have no choice but to indulge. In fact, not indulging is often seen as living a lie, though it isn't. God gives us a better way.

We all have to fight the good fight. Alan did not share any scriptural revelation that told him it was "okay" to encourage people to embrace the gay lifestyle (because there isn't any scripture that would say that). He saw some errors in Exodus' premise (some felt they were guaranteed the program would make them straight, which I would agree is a mistake that could have been corrected). Other people shared that they had been hurt in the ministry (again, I agree that is wrong and should be addressed--but it should also be noted that people have been hurt in all sorts of organizations, not just Christian, and not just those related to homosexuality. It should all be addressed, but that doesn't mean the whole organization needs to close).

Ultimately, though, Alan just felt that encouraging people to go with their desires was kinder than helping them have mastery over them. That was his error, even if his motives were compassionate. It might have been compassionate in the immediate sense, but not ultimately. Leading people away from obedience to Christ leads to destruction, and that is not a kind thing to lead anyone into. In helping people with any issues at all, we MUST go back to the Bible. While using the Bible, we MUST also be very merciful, acknowledging what the person is going through, and that we ourselves need that grace as much as anyone. But we still can't compromise truth, and I feel that's what Alan did in the end. Being kind, preaching the Gospel, and letting the Holy Spirit convict are good things. Approving of sin is a step too far.

There aren't easy answers in ministering to those in the LGBT (etc) community. Everyone's story is different. But God is faithful to His children. His word is full of promises for believers in their struggles. The Holy Spirit is the Helper.

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Hero Worship and Red Flags

"This is what I believe, and I won't change my mind!" he told me emphatically. "So-and-so wrote a book about it, and that has me convinced. If you read this book, you'll be convinced too!"

"If you can show me in the Bible, that would convince me," I told him, and that ended the discussion.

The "so-and-so" he had mentioned happened to be a well-respected pastor with widely-accepted orthodox Christian beliefs. He held a specific position about a non-salvation issue Christian may disagree on (which I don't go into now, as it doesn't contribute to my point here), and had written a book that many believe proved his point.

What scared me about that conversation was that this man--a fellow missionary, in fact--was basing his beliefs more on this well-known preacher, when the Bible alone didn't give conclusive reason to hold this particular position conclusively--or at least not this vehemently.

I'll say that this particular doctrinal belief wasn't "wrong." It is one held by many believers. But many other Christians, who love the Lord and the Bible just as much, have not found the same reasons to hold this belief. Upon studying the Bible for myself, I also did not take this position. It wasn't related to salvation, or the inerrancy of scripture, or anything I would consider the important doctrines. This man was unwilling to agree to disagree. This was vital to him.

This conversation happened several years ago. I have been reminded of it this week, and, after conversations all week with my husband Walter, and my friends, Deb and Cindy, I have felt led to write about what I'll call hero worship.

When I hear the term hero worship, I think of a teenager going wild over their favorite rock band, or having posters of their favorite actors and actresses all over their bedroom walls. But anyone can fall prey to hero worship, including godly people who like their favorite commentators and preachers too much.

It is not wrong to have a Bible teacher you look up to, or even see as a mentor. I feel that way about Mike Allred, the pastor who performed my wedding, as well as Steven Smith, the pastor my husband and I sat under for about 4 years when we first moved to Arkansas. Both of these men were deep, expository Bible teachers, and we were spiritually fed by both.

Sometimes, the pastor you admire isn't even someone you know personally, but is a famous pastor. Perhaps he has a large church, or even a seminary under him, and people all over the world listen to his teachings on the radio and online. There are some preachers like that I also admire, though not as much as the two I mentioned.

I love the teaching of the late pastor Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel in Southern California. I also really enjoy listening to evangelist Greg Laurie, a protege of Chuck Smith's who is a preacher in his own right. While Chuck Smith was a gifted Bible teacher, Greg Laurie has the gift of evangelism. His teaching is good, but not as deep as Pastor Chuck's. His evangelism, on the other hand, is powerful, and many are saved every year from his crusades. I grew up in Riverside, California, the city where Greg Laurie's church is located. My high school graduation was even held there. I took unsaved friends to his crusades. Another pastor I have more recently become familiar with and appreciate a lot is Andrew Farley, in Lubbock, TX.

Chuck Smith

Greg Laurie

Maybe you have other well-known ministers you look up to. My husband loves listening to Jack Hibbs, also affiliated with Calvary Chapel. There are numerous Bible teachers we can like and enjoy. We can be fed by them, and it is easier than ever to listen to multiple pastors, due to the internet.

Here is where there can be a problem. Some people start to see these pastors as their lifeline to God. They take everything they say as if God Himself is saying it. They don't leave room for human error, or differing beliefs within biblical Christianity (because Bible-believing Christians do disagree sometimes). It becomes "wrong" to disagree with this favorite pastor. We quote everything he says, rather than going to the Bible itself for the answers.

Some people are prone to believe that in order to like and appreciate a pastor's ministry, they have to agree with him on everything. You don't! As much as I love Chuck Smith's teaching, and more recently Andrew Farley's, I don't 100% agree with everything they said. I don't take every exact theological position they have. That's okay! It is okay to disagree with a pastor you admire. Maybe you're wrong. Maybe the preacher is! Maybe you both are! If you don't think a certrain preacher can be wrong, that is a red flag that you are starting to worship him.

If you hear yourself constantly quote a pastor, rather than the Bible, combined with what the Holy Spirit has taught you, that is another red flag. These pastors are used of God, but they are not to do your thinking and spiritual work for you.

There is an important doctrine many forget, and that is the priesthood of ever believer. This is the teaching that every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus, and we don't need another human mediator in order to access God, study the Bible, or hear from the Holy Spirit. God deals with us as individuals.

Jeremiah 31:34 says, And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. This does not negate the importance of pastors or leaders, but it does mean that they aren't our lifeline to God. We answer directly to God. It is okay to disagree with a pastor, but it is not okay to disagree with God. God has told us undeniable truth in His word, so we must always align with the Bible. But on things that Christians may disagree, due to lack of conclusive clarity in scripture, we have to hold it loosely. We may draw different conclusions than other believers, even pastors, and that is okay! We're probably all a little bit wrong about some of these minor things, and we will be righted in Heaven!

We are to study the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13, Jesus promised, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. We have that Holy Spirit in our hearts right now, if we are saved. He is our teacher so much more than any pastor. Don't listen to any leader at the expence of hearing from the Holy Spirit for yourself. First John 4:1 says (I'm quoting out of the Living Bible here), ...don’t always believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God: test it first to see if it really is... If you unquestioningly follow everything a pastor says without testing it against the Bible and the Holy Spirit, that is yet another red flag.

My friend Cindy and I recently had a very in-depth conversation about this. She wisely said, "I think a huge issue with most Christians is that they rely on men and women to interpret and apply the Word for them. They don't trust the Holy Spirit to teach, reproof, correct. etc. them. So they place their faith in various men and women to fulfill the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives...Surely we need to learn historical context, etc. so we better understand, but [studying the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Sprit] is a very good beginning." If you are not in the Word yourself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (as opposed to just reading a pastor's commentary), that is a red flag!

I recently heard someone say that a certain well-loved pastor was the Apostle Paul for our day. That really struck me as a red flag, because no one today can be the Apostle Paul. There was only one, and he died about 64 or 65 AD. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, while as human as us, and having equal (not greater) access to the Holy Spirit as us, was specifically given a task of writing books of the New Testament. His words in those books are inspired by God in a way no preacher's today can be. Don't believe something just because a preacher you think is like the Apostle Paul said it. He isn't being guided in quite that way. I do believe the Holy Spirit leads and guides our pastors, but they do not have words equal in authority to scripture. Don't place that on anyone you know. You can guess what I say about that--red flag.

Someone's ministry may be a blessing to you. That's great! That's the purpose. But please be careful not to get into hero worship. To recap, here are the red flags I shared (and then I'll close with a couple more):

1) You don't think a certain preacher can be mistaken or wrong

2) You hear yourself quoting this person often, more so than the Bible itself.

3) You follow everything this pastor says without checking the Bible or letting the Holy Spirit speak to you about it.

4) You are not in the Word by yourself, letting the Holy Spirit speak to your heart before checking commentaries or listening to your favorite preacher.

5) You compare your favorite pastor to Jesus, or the human authors of the Bible, who were under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in a way no one today can be.

Here are a few more red flags for you to think and pray about:

1) You are unwilling to hear any sort of criticism about your favorite pastor. There is a very loved pastor who recently went to be with the Lord, and I personally had a lot of concerns about him. My concerns were not popular at all. Most believers adore him. To be clear, I didn't disagree with him about the things others love about him. I just saw and expeirenced some other things that concerned me. But his followers told me I wasn't really saved if I didn't agree with him on everything. I was told that to disagree with him means I'm going to hell, and that I have a victim mentality. The fact that these people weren't willing to even hear a different view (stated kindly) shows that this man had too much control over them. That is dangerous. If you don't like Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, or Andrew Farley and you tell me what your concerns are, I will never, ever jump on your case. I'll listen and take what you say seriously. I may or may not agree, but I don't think disliking them is the same as disliking Jesus!

2) You are not allowed to question or disagree with this person, or you feel guilty for questioning or disagreeing with him. It is never, ever wrong to ask questions. God allows it! In Acts 17:11, the Bereans were commended for searching the scriptures to make sure what Paul told them was right. Many cults don't allow questions, and if your pastor or favorite leader doesn't want to be held accountable or questioned, that is a red flag! If you simply feel guilty for questioning and disagreeing, this person himself might not be the problem, but you might be holding him in too high a regard.

3) Fellow Christians who disagree with this person are viewed as your enemies. Christians are not your enemy!

4) You don't read or listen to godly people with different views on these non-essential doctrines from your favorote preacher. I am Baptist, but I respect and listen to biblical teaching from some who may differ from me on certain teachings, such as the late R.C. Sproul (who was Presbyterian), Shane Idleman (who is more charismatic than I am), and several from Methodist, Pentecostal, and even one particular Seventh-Day Adventist. I glean a lot from all of them, but I always go back to the Bible for what I really believe.

In Conclusion, don't follow any leader at all cost. Don't put them equal to or above God or the Bible. Don't get into hero worship. This leader has nothing you don't have! You have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit! You need solid teaching, but not to replace the Holy Spirit and the Bible for you, personally! Read your Bible, pray every day, and you'll GROW!

Missionary at Rest