Billy Graham mag calls out 'lie of progressive Christianity'
The mantle of “progressive Christianity” is being claimed by more and more people these days – some megachurches, some old-line denominations and even some politicians.
It’s roughly a gospel that regards the Bible as a good book but insists it must be reinterpreted to comport with contemporary society.
But now Decision Magazine, the publication launched by Billy Graham and still run by his organization, has unleashed a broadside against that belief system.
Its June front-page headline, “The lie of ‘progressive Christianity,'” is plastered over the image of Pete Buttigieg.
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English Lad I was able to read your comment before it was removed, it was spot on. Thank you. Labeling me a 'feminist' is all the enemy can do, he cannot hurt me beyond that. It's strange how that comment is allowed to stand, yet others disappear. The SA 'click' delights in evil speaking and personal unwarranted attacks. Once upon a time, I exchanged emails with my attacker. It was when I started emailing other professing believers that all communication ceased, why? Because my 'spiritual mentor' [his words, not mine] was offended I dared go elsewhere to discuss theology or share personal info. Strange and creepy. God has a way of protecting the sheep from spiritually harmful people. Error is embraced and tolerated daily here. The 'pseudo jesus' is worshiped and promoted through Arminian false preachers, ecumenical false preachers, RCC mystics, and creeds of men, along with eisegetical practices. Misogyny disguised as Christianity is dangerous for the maidservants of Christ. If Aquila's wife Priscilla were alive today, she would be labeled and maligned here, why? Because she is a woman who DARES to correct a man.
As James Tippins rightly says, [my paraphrase] 'warn them then leave them in their darkness.'
In reading through the comments I would say to characterize dear sister ladybug as a feminist or an Arminian is not accurate and a retraction of such thoughts in an appropriate manner would be advised.
God sent His Son Christ Jesus to save sinners. The method of salvation in Christ is the blood of Christ shed by the crucifixion of Christ.
This method by the grace of God actually "saves" - ALL the elect of God.
If this act "of God" saves one only - Then how could a million lives be saved by God?
Is there a different method which God would use for one - two - three or billions of people??
NO! There is one method of salvation in the Blood of Christ. Therefore if this method is accepted and used by God for 'one' - It is then the method to save *ALL* the elect who are called and chosen by God before the foundation of the world.
If you change the quantity saved - You still never ever change the method.
SO God Saves. God's decision and choice. Method "One Crucifixion" This saves everybody elected before the crucifixion - AND after the crucifixion.
Thus it is the application of God to the sinner which is important.
IF (R) IF God had decided to save everybody (Universalism) then the METHOD would still be the same. The Crucified Christ Jesus had the potential to save everybody - *ONLY* - IF God had used it that way.
But HE doesn't God saves ONLY the elect - by the death and blood of His Son Jesus.
Mike wrote: You mean labels like: demented mindset haughty appalling liar your holy ego heretic Arminian absurd comment no clue immaturity There's enough of it to go around. That's plain enough.
Where I’ve used any term, it has not been as a pejorative but as descriptive. Take as an example John UK’s claim that those who argue that Christ did not die for every single individual and therefore does not love every single individual must be a hyper calv. That’s a plain lie. He even knows as much because he can point to a successful soul winner like Dr Masters who believes exactly that and is no hyper calv. To my knowledge I haven’t lumped together a group of people and attached pejorative labels to them.
Not every descriptive word is a label, but then again IFBs do generally struggle with language where all must always mean every single individual in the world.
John Ryle wrote: Christ is the anointed Priest, who alone can absolve sinners. Christ is the fountain of living waters, in whom alone we can be cleansed. Christ is the Prince and Savior, who alone can give repentance and remission of sins. In Him all fullness dwells. He is the way, the door, the light, the life, the Shepherd, the altar of refuge. He that has the Son has life — and he that has not the Son has not life. May we all strive to understand this. No doubt men may easily think too little of God the Father, and God the Spirit, but no man ever thought too much of Christ.
Let us observe, in the second place, the duty which Jesus lays on His disciples. He bids them "go and teach all nations." They were not to confine their knowledge to themselves, but communicate it to others. They were not to suppose that salvation was revealed only to the Jews, but to make it known to all the world. They were to strive to make disciples of all nations, and to tell the whole earth that Christ had died for sinners.
Quote; "The gracious work of redemption also manifests God's sovereignty. He promises covenants, and works redemptive history. The Messiah is Himself "Mighty God" (Isaiah 9:6-7) "the Son of the most high" whose "kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33). From the beginning of His public ministry to its end Jesus' message concerns "the Kingdom of God" (Mark 1:15; Acts 1:3; more than a 100 instances in the Synoptics). After the resurrection Christ claims "all authority in heaven and earth" (Matt 28:18) and the ascended Christ is exalted "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion" (Eph 1:19-21; Phil 2:9-11; 1Cor 15:24-28; Rev 5:9-14). Hence the earliest Christian confession was simply: "Jesus is Lord" (Rom 10:9).
The Gospel itself displays God's sovereignty; it is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16), and "to those whom God has called" Christ is "the power of God" (1Cor 1:24; cf Eph 1:18-22)." (Elwell Theol dictionary)
English Lad wrote: --- That’s progressive leftist liberal identity politics strategy viz. when one can’t address the substantive issue throw out labels and other ad hominems to mischaracterise the opposition. ---
You mean labels like: demented mindset haughty appalling liar your holy ego heretic Arminian absurd comment no clue immaturity
There's enough of it to go around. That's plain enough.
Frank wrote: My brothers in the Lord: If women are not giving truth, then we should correct them and if they still want to argue, we should make our case and if their minds are not changed, then we should tell them and if they still want to argue, ignore them. Arguing with feminists will never work out because many simply want to argue for the sake of arguing (go figure). A feminist will see a strong Christian male as the enemy - period. Weak males are fine though. Correct and then ignore the evangelical feminists...
It is sound advice, Pilgrim. The subject matter of the argument is not the important point, it is arguing itself; that is the all-important thing for these women.
It's too bad grown men resort to name calling. May God reveal what lies in ALL our hearts as some bite and devour, falsely accuse and malign those for whom Christ died.
No woman should be ignored by her husband unless she 'repents' to him. No wife should have profanity shouted at them. A low view of women leads to harsh verbal abuse. The person who does this knows who they are. That is not loving your wife like Christ loved the church. My point? -- We ALL need to self examine. IF some here keep insisting on a salvation that is 'sufficient' for all, then why not address Rev. 5:9 and leave accusations where they belong --- on a grade school playground? No one will because it shows the true meaning of 'redemption' and who Christ actually purchased 'out of' the marketplace.
Adriel, I understand if you do not answer, at this point I prefer you don't. My intentions were never to offend you or anyone else here.
I won't worship the 'arminian/calminian/ecumenical/duty faith jesus. The Spirit will guide the elect in all truth.
If women are not giving truth, then we should correct them and if they still want to argue, we should make our case and if their minds are not changed, then we should tell them and if they still want to argue, ignore them. Arguing with feminists will never work out because many simply want to argue for the sake of arguing (go figure). A feminist will see a strong Christian male as the enemy - period. Weak males are fine though.
Correct and then ignore the evangelical feminists and we will all sleep better.
Now this advice is simply my personal opinion and I cannot cite a biblical verse to prove I am correct. I will not even read any comments by naysayers and of course I know who you are.
Adriel, Your own words, "Because it came to us through the Son of God atonement is perfect. Sufficient to save every sinner ever born." where does the bible say this Adriel? I do agree, only the elect are saved. BTW, I don't restrict His redemptive work, He does Rev. 5:9-And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation'- redeemed- to buy in the marketplace, purchase - from the Greek 'agorazó' - defined as 'to buy in the marketplace, purchase'. What He purchased became His own personal possession. In the Greek, 'agorazo' in the indicative mood, which means -'the action or the event as something real or certain, in other words as an objective fact.' It isn't just a 'possibility', it is a 'done deal'. What was the method of payment? His own blood- 1 John 1:7 states that same blood cleanses us from 'all' sin. Also, take note of the phrase 'out of', it means Christ selected a certain one, not every one. He did not purchase the entire marketplace! Out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. Can you address this Adriel? "I lay down my life for my sheep" seems clear.
Unprofitable Servant wrote: God has no delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn from their wickedness and live, .... In our time here below we should sow in tears that by God’s grace, Who alone can give the increase, we can reap in joy.
Agreed brother. The Lord uses means to bring in the elect and alongside the preaching of the gospel, he uses the witness of believers, our burdened and even tearful prayers etc.
ladybug wrote: No Adriel, you believe Christ made it possible for ALL to be saved,
That's ridiculous LB. Your comment is a complete contradiction on my point about election.
If anybody is being Arminian - It is you. They are the ones who diminish God's attributes as you are doing. You are undermining and underestimating God of creation and divine Sovereign attributes.
Mk 14:36 All things are possible with God. Luk 1:37 Nothing impossible Isaiah 14:24 Divine power possible. These verses illustrate the incredibly immense potential with God. His act of creation itself should demonstrate this.
By restricting redemption you are actually applying your restrictions to God Himself.
God is infinite. God's infinite mercy and compassion is ONLY restricted by HIS infinite holiness, righteousness and justice. NB:- Ex 34:6,7. - Psalm 86:15, 89:14, 145:8,9.
Look at Noah's flood - The justice and punishment of Divine wisdom.
Humbled wrote: Most of what has been posted on here day after day is nothing more than a feeding of the flesh. I, in times past partook in these endless debates thinking I was doing God’s service for His Glory.Praise Him that he chastised this poor dumb sheep sorely, and showed me my sin.I kiss the hand that bore the rod. ** Stated nicely, US.
If I am, in your humble estimation, so far from God as you observe the 'goings-on' from your pedestal and are able to "discern" the thoughts and intents of my heart (which you say is impossible for a man to do) simply by changing what was actually said to fit your latest fantasy scenario, please tell me where is the "love" in your words to "bring me back into the fold" from which you say I have fallen? Oh, I forgot, you are all above answering questions, especially those of such a "pesky nature" that if answered with Biblical honesty would destroy your house of cards and great untenable humility. News flash!!! When God brings down a heretic it is nearly always with great PUBLIC HUMILIATION. But you, being the astute and learned physicians of the Word, know this already, don't you? (Sorry, another unanswerable question). Don't you teach that "love" is the root of everything in your scheme of doctrines? Why, yes, you do, SO WHERE IS THE LOVE FOR ME? I'm so glad your hypocrisy is on full display for all the world to see---that would be ALL men, EVERYWHERE. Keep up the great work.
John UK wrote: This is a great Holy Ghost-wrought attitude, Bro US. Every Spirit-filled believer could say , "Amen!" to such a biblical thought. Oh that we might all have a longing to "rescue the perishing, and care for the dying, snatching them in pity from sin and the grave; weeping o'er the erring one, lifting up the fallen, telling them of Jesus who is mighty to save"!
Most of what has been posted on here day after day is nothing more than a feeding of the flesh. I, in times past partook in these endless debates thinking I was doing God’s service for His Glory.Praise Him that he chastised this poor dumb sheep sorely, and showed me my sin.I kiss the hand that bore the rod.
Unprofitable Servant wrote: In our time here below we should sow in tears that by God’s grace, Who alone can give the increase, we can reap in joy.
This is a great Holy Ghost-wrought attitude, Bro US. Every Spirit-filled believer could say , "Amen!" to such a biblical thought.
Oh that we might all have a longing to "rescue the perishing, and care for the dying, snatching them in pity from sin and the grave; weeping o'er the erring one, lifting up the fallen, telling them of Jesus who is mighty to save"!
Please note this is what happens when you worship Calvinism and not God. So I am not speaking against all who follow and adhere to its doctrines
DD speaks of those he claims are lost (his premise is wrong about those of whom he speaks) with disdain and glories in their destruction not wishing their deliverance. God has no delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn from their wickedness and live, DD delights in their deserved eternal destruction. What caused tears in the eyes of Paul and caused him to even wish himself to be accursed from Christ finds a heart of stone in DD. There will be a time in eternity when we will rejoice in God’s righteous judgment of those who know not God. In our time here below we should sow in tears that by God’s grace, Who alone can give the increase, we can reap in joy.
Note the difference between what the Bible says and DD's attitude (II Timothy 2)
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will