True and False Spiritual Warfare, Part 18 – The Lord’s Prayer Critical Issues Commentary 2024-10-21 | True and False Spiritual Warfare, Part 18 – The Lord’s Prayer
Gods Desire To Save All Kinds of Men Part 1 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-10-14 | 1Timothy 2:3-4 teaches that God desires all men to be saved. Pastor Eric Douma preached a sermon on this passage that covered many important issues that have arisen from this text. The first one we discuss is what does God's "desire" and who are "all men" in this passage. Since God is called "our Savior" in this passage, Eric sees implications concerning the deity of Christ. Since clearly Christ is the Savior and not merely the means God uses, Christ is God who saves. We then discuss the idea of coming to the knowledge of the truth with which the gospel confronts people. All who hear the gospel are faced with either welcoming the truth or rejecting it. The term "desires" as used here either means God's moral will, or His eternal decree. We discuss this distinction which arises from a long standing theological debate. The Roman Catholic Erasmus taught the freedom of the will and Luther taught the bondage of the will. We explain the issues and why they are important. The much earlier Pelagius had denied original sin and was rejected by the Roman church. In response to Luther, Trent taught what is called "semi-Pelagianism" which claims that the human will is released just enough from the sin nature to choose Christ. We also discus Jacob Arminius who later taught a similar view. This discussion will continue in part two of this series.
Greater Works than These, Part 2 – Comfort for God’s People Critical Issues Commentary 2024-10-07 | We continue our discussion of John 14:12-13. This passage was meant to bring comfort to the disciples as Jesus prepared for His departure. It was not that they were going to be greater than Jesus and do greater miracles than Him, but that God was going to be with them and do greater works through believers in general. God’s purposes would continue after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus was promising His disciples a place with Him in heaven, ongoing access to Him through prayer, and a continuance of His mighty works. We also show that the miracles in Scripture point to Christ. There are many claims of miracles, but a miracle from God will point to the truth of the gospel and will bring glory to God. God’s miracles are not dependent on us or our faith, but God is glorified in using His people to accomplish His purposes.
Greater Works than These, Part 1 – God Works Miracles Critical Issues Commentary 2024-09-30 | False dominionist teachers claim that if Christians become unified we will do greater miracles than Jesus did. In this episode we examine John 14:12-13 to show what Jesus meant by “greater works than these.” We show that God can and does work miracles for His glory, and that the purpose is to bring people to saving faith and give glory to God. God is always the one who determines when and in what context to do His mighty works. That He would continue to do them through believers, even after Christ’s ascension, is the meaning of John 14:12a. Rather than teaching that an elite group of latter-day apostles will do greater miracles than Jesus if they are unified, this passage assures us that God will keep His promises as we preach the gospel to a lost and dying world.
God’s Will and Christian Liberty Part 5, God Gives Wisdom Critical Issues Commentary 2024-09-23 | In this episode we conclude our discussion of CIC Issue 75 “God’s Will and Christian Liberty.” We begin by examining the lament literature in Scripture, showing that sometimes the wicked prosper while bad things happen to believers. A positive outcome is not always proof that we are using God’s wisdom, and we praise God even during difficult times. When we make decisions using Christian liberty, we learn more about God’s providence.We go on to discuss God’s promise of wisdom found in James 1:5-6 and James 3:13-17. Wisdom is grounded in faith in God and trust in His promises and providence. Wisdom has to do with the type of attitude we have in making all decisions, and it is about the motivations of the heart rather than obtaining a desired outcome.
God’s Will and Christian Liberty, Part 4 – Understanding the Perfect Will of God Critical Issues Commentary 2024-09-16 | In this episode we refute the claim that there is a third will of God besides His providential will and His moral will – the perfect will of God. Those who hold this position claim that we must hear from God directly in order to determine this “perfect” will. We show that in Romans 12:2 the perfect will of God is not the bullseye with good and acceptable being outside of the center. In this verse “good”, “acceptable,” and “perfect” are all modifying the same thing – the moral will of God. We show that “proving” is thinking and living according to what God has revealed as true. We are transformed not by direct revelation from God, but through following the revealed word of God in Scripture.
God’s Will and Christian Liberty Part 3, Providence is Freedom Critical Issues Commentary 2024-09-09 | In this episode we continue our discussion of God’s providential will and Christian liberty. Bob DeWaay defines Christian liberty as the freedom to make decisions about matters that are not revealed in Scriptures without fear of sinning against God. God’s providential will includes our decisions in matters of Christian liberty. When people seek to hear from God through subjective revelations rather than watching God’s providential will unfold through history it impinges upon Christian liberty. Believing that there is a special secret will of God for each person, they seek to hear from God outside of Scripture, and ultimately end up with no liberty at all. Rather than being fatalism, the doctrine of providence is freedom.
Gods Will and Christian Liberty Part 2 - Gods Providential Will Critical Issues Commentary 2024-09-02 | In this episode we continue our discussion about God's providential will. We answer common objections to the doctrine of providence and show that providence is not impersonal or mechanistic. We also discuss open theism, which says that God only knows part of the future.We show that the doctrine of providence is not fatalism; it's not saying that God is responsible for evil; it doesn't remove our motivation, nor does it remove human responsibility. Providence is personal.Deuteronomy 29:29 states "the things revealed belong to us." The doctrine of providence is revealed in Scripture, and providence shows that God loves His people and He will bring us all the way to glory. While that is happening we are still making decisions. God works in and through His people to accomplish His will.
Gods Will and Christian Liberty Part 1 - Gods Revealed Will Critical Issues Commentary 2024-08-26 | In this series we will discuss CIC Issue 75, "God's Will and Christian Liberty" which will lay a firm foundation for guidance and making decisions.This episode begins with a discussion of Deuteronomy 29:29. The "things revealed" are those things which God has chosen to reveal to us through His Word and those that we can know through general revelation. The "secret things" includes occult knowledge and other matters that God has chosen not to reveal.God's revealed will is that we come to Christ. Having done that, and not trusting in our own works, we see a revealed moral will about how we ought to live.We then discuss God's providential will and show that it includes everything that comes to pass in human history, both good and evil. We also discuss God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
What the Gospel Is and Is Not: Clarifying Gospel Issues Critical Issues Commentary 2024-08-19 | *Accept Christ as Personal Savior*Make a Decision for Jesus*Ask Jesus into Your Heart*Come to Jesus and Find Happiness and PurposeThese are some of the many phrases associated with the gospel in many Evangelical churches today. But are these biblical?In this sermon from 2005 Bob DeWaay clearly articulates the one true Gospel, and compares it to the man-centered gospel of modern Evangelicalism. DeWaay traces the man-centered gospel back to Charles Finney, and discusses the consequences of his teachings. Common, unbiblical Evangelical terminology is discussed and compared to Biblical terminology. When essential Gospel truths are compared to the modern seeker-sensitive gospel, it quickly become apparent that the seeker gospel is no gospel at all.
The Glory of God Alone Part 2 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-08-12 | In this episode, Andy Olson of Echo Zoe continues the discussion of the Reformation principle of the Glory of God Alone with Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. In this episode they explain why monergistic salvation is a necessary corollary of the glory of God alone. However small man's part is deemed to be, no salvation happens without it. Therefore God does not get all of the glory. We remind our listeners that in heaven all will be giving God glory. When we are glorified we will see and know things more fully; so therefore we cannot let our current emotional concerns determine what we are willing to believe and God and His glory. We address some of the emotional reasons that cause people to resist the solas of the Reformation. We must go by scripture alone because we are fallen and cannot trust our emotions and certainly cannot let them circumscribe what we are willing to believe about God and salvation. We have to believe what God has said and be certain that He will indeed be glorified in all things and that this glory will be displayed throughout eternity. God allows history to go on according to His purposes. One such purpose that is revealed is that more people will hear the gospel and be saved. We must faithfully preach it.
The Glory of God Alone Part 1 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-08-05 | In this episode, Andy Olson of Echo Zoe discusses the Reformation principle of the Glory of God Alone with Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We begin by laying out the solas of the Reformation and discussing how the "alones" end up being about monergism versus synergism. If synergism is true in regard to salvation, then humans doing their part is the key to salvation. We explain why that is. At the time of the Reformation, Luther claimed that humans adding their part to make salvation happen negated the truth that God must get all the glory. We also discuss how the truth of God's foreknowledge relates to this as well as the fact that some today deny God's comprehensive foreknowledge. Open theists deny foreknowledge in order to make God seem more fair, but thereby fail to give Him the glory that the Bible ascribes to Him. God's glory has to do with His "weightiness" which should weight strongly upon all that we do and say. Arminians teach that prevenient grace releases all humans just enough from Adam's sin that they can choose Christ without a special work of grace. We discuss how that doctrine fails to give God all the glory. We also speak about religious history in America in which Charles Finney created a man-centered approach to the gospel which givens no glory to God because it relies only natural cause and effect.
The Christian and Civil Government Part 2 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-07-29 | In this session we discuss how God rules His own world and what place civil government has in God's plan. One key point we make is that the government cannot bring about the kingdom of God on earth. The kingdom does not come through government action, but through the return of Christ. We begin in the OT with the Cain and Abel narrative. At that time God directly intervened and ruled over men. Then, starting with Genesis 9, this changes as God mediates His authority over human affairs through human government. In between was the incident in Genesis 6 where wicked beings "sons of God" rebelled in such a hideous fashion that God brought the Flood in judgment. Pastor Eric explains how Genesis 9:6 tells of the institution of human government. The table of nations in Genesis 10 reveals the beginning of boundaries and multiple civil governments. We explain why this is merciful, ordained by God, and for the purpose of making it possible for God's plan of Messianic salvation to go to all through Israel and her Messiah. It is through providence, which includes good and evil, that these boundaries happen in world history. We cover many important issues including mankind's wicked desire for direct contact with the spirit world. We discuss how God stopped Babel so that this would not happen and why it is kind and merciful that we have human rulers who though often wicked, are better than having the spirits rule. We end with a discussion of the temptation of Eve in the Garden and its worldview implications.
The Christian and Civil Government Part 1 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-07-22 | 1Timothy 2:1-2 instructs Christians to pray for those who have civil authority. This broadcast is an interview with Eric Douma about a sermon he preached on this passage of Scripture. We need to have a Biblical worldview about how God rules His own universe. Part of that involves the establishment of nations with civil governments. We mention how church history is filled with Christians getting this wrong and seeking to put themselves in charge of civil government by whatever means possible. It is not our role to rule over civil government or use military force to make people become "Christian." We discuss the categories of God's providential will and His moral will. Providence covers all things that happen, including good and evil. We have God's moral law revealed in the Bible and can make correct judgments about what is right and wrong in church history. Getting what the Bible says in passages like the one we are covering has led to much evil done in the name of Christ. Eric mentioned the 30 year war that happened right after the Reformation. The purpose of our prayers for the civil government is that we might live peaceable, dignified lives. When there is not horrible civil unrest, there is a better opportunity to preach the gospel freely and gather to worship God. History is heading toward future judgment, but as long as it goes on, we are to preach Christ so that people will come to Him and have eternal life.
Use and Misuse of the Law Part 2 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-07-15 | 1Timothy 1:9-11 says that the law is for the wicked and disobedient. In this section Paul discusses the "lawful" use of the law of Moses which is to restrain wickedness. This calls into question John Calvin's claim that there is a third use of the law that was to help the sanctification of Christians. Pastor Douma cites a number of scriptures that refute that claim. Paul's categories remind us of the 10 commandments. We point out that 9 of those are reiterated under the new covenant. The one that is not is the Sabbath law which is addressed in the New Testament. But when it is, we find that whatever day of worship is observed, those who fail to come to Christ are Sabbath breakers because true Sabbath rest is only found in Christ. Days of worship are a matter of Christian liberty. Paul continues in the 1Timothy 1 to say that the gospel is the standard that opposes evil doing. Those who teach that we are not under Moses but Christ cannot rightfully be called "antinomian" if they teach that Christ and His apostles give binding moral law. We address Calvin's three uses of the law and explain our areas of disagreement. Pastor Eric approvingly cites a scholar who suggested three ways to describe the proper use of the law: repudiate as a binding legal code, replace with the new covenant, and then reappropriate the OT as scripture.
Use and Misuse of the Law Part 1 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-07-08 | From the archives:1Timothy 1:5-8 refers to how some have misused the law to preach false doctrine that denies the sufficiency of Christ. Paul discusses the relationship of the Christian to the law of Moses. The false teachers at Ephesus were trying to take people who had come to Christ back to the law as if it were a remedy for sin for those under the new covenant. We claim that the apostle's teaching which came from Christ did not bring people back to the law, but to faith in Christ. Pastor Eric exposes how false teachings about food are often introduced into churches and attack the sufficiency of Christ while harming the saints. What may appear outwardly as a higher form of piety is in fact a rejection of the truth of Christ alone. Not only were some in Asia Minor thinking dietary laws would make them more pious, they even thought that they could find protection from evil spirits by such rules and regulations. We discuss the purpose of the old covenant law to keep Israel separate in order to preserve the seed promise that led to the birth of Messiah. False teachers often have much boldness and self-assurance when they spread their error. We warn our listeners to not be deceived because these self-appointed law-givers are leading away from the gospel of grace and sufficiency of Christ. In our day, the Roman Catholic Church is an example of false law-giving that leads not to righteousness, but unrighteousness. We end this program by defining the boundaries for the proper use of the law.
Eschatological Feasts Part 5: A Lavish Banquet for All Peoples Critical Issues Commentary 2024-07-01 | The amazing consistency of the theme of honor and shame is revealed in banquets throughout the Bible. This is an important topic. Luke 13:26-30 again uses the context of an eschatological meal to reveal salvation and judgment.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue126.htmFeaturing:Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma
Eschatological Feasts Part 4: Jesus Dines with Sinners Critical Issues Commentary 2024-06-24 | Luke describes feasts where Jesus dines with sinners, to the dismay of the religious elite. Mary uttered a prediction of this in Luke 1:51-53. She predicts that there will be a reversal of status. One example of this is found in Luke 5 at Levi's banquet.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue126.htmFeaturing:Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma
Eschatological Feast Part 3: The Removal of the Veil Critical Issues Commentary 2024-06-17 | The Biblical writers lived in a shame/honor society. Shame and/or honor is often portrayed in feasts. Following the theme of reversal, people who think they are honorable/have status are brought low while those who are shamed/have no status are blessed.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue126.htmFeaturing:Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma
Eschatological Feasts Part 2: Reversal of Status Critical Issues Commentary 2024-06-10 | One important part of eschatological feasts in the Bible is that of reversal. Unexpected people are honored and exalted while those who were normally honored are brought down. We discuss the Abigail and Nabal narrative and another example of mishteh...Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue126.htm
Eschatological Feasts Part 1: Gods Grace Revealed in Feasts Critical Issues Commentary 2024-06-03 | There is a theme found throughout the Bible where feasts are occasions for salvation of some and judgment of others. They have eschatological implications. David's unexpected kindness to Mephibosheth illustrates God's grace to undeserving sinners.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue126.htm
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 10 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-05-27 | In Invading Babylon Lance Wallnau claims that we are kings right now, ruling over the human and demonic realm. Bob and Eric clearly demonstrate that this is the role of Christ and that we reign with Christ after He returns. God currently rules over the world through providence. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 9 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-05-20 | Bob and Eric continue their discussion of the Seven Mountain Mandate as taught in the book Invading Babylon. They show the problems with doctrine that is built upon extra biblical revelation and the moralism of the Seven Mountain Mandate. They also discuss Philippians 3:20, showing that our citizenship is in heaven as we await the coming of the Lord. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 8 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-05-13 | Bob and Eric continue their discussion of the postmillennialist misuse of the Lord’s Prayer. They show that the Lord’s Prayer tells us to depend on the Lord who rescues us both now and in the future. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 7 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-05-06 | Bob and Eric discuss passages that those who teach the Seven Mountain Mandate use to support their postmillennial view. One important passage is the Lord's Prayer. They show that Matthew 6:9-10 is a prayer for the return of Christ, asking Him to vindicate the holiness of His name.• This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 6 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-04-29 | Bill Johnson uses Luke 19:13 (KJV) to support his claim that we must take dominion and "occupy" until Christ comes. He claims we are to be like a military and invade. Bob and Eric show that "occupy" in Luke 19 means to do business or trade. This passage is showing that we are to be about Christ's business to preach the gospel until He returns.• This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 5 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-04-22 | Bill Johnson claims that we will transform the kingdoms of this world as we invade the systems of society and take dominion to establish Christ’s kingdom. Bob and Eric show that the message of the New Testament is rescue from the coming judgment through conversion. They read 2Peter 2:4-9 showing that in each case of exemplary judgment the people of God were rescued and then the wrath came. They discuss 1Thessalonians 1:10, which also shows that we are waiting for Christ to return and rescue us from the wrath to come. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 4 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-04-15 | Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma discuss the book Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson (published by Destiny Image Publishers). Johnson uses the parable of the leaven to support his dominion theology. Bob and Eric discuss the text in Matthew 13 and show that the path is narrow in every generation, and Christ’s kingdom is being built as people are added to the church through conversion. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:cicministry.org/scholarly/sch001.pdf
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 3 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-04-08 | Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma discuss the book Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson (published by Destiny Image Publishers). Johnson claims that we must invade the “seven realms of society” to bring about the Kingdom. Bob and Eric show that it is Jesus who invades when He returns for His Church, pours out His wrath upon the world, and establishes His Kingdom. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:cicministry.org/scholarly/sch001.pdf
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 2 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-04-01 | Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma discuss the book Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson (published by Destiny Image Publishers). They reject the postmillennial claim that we must establish dominion before Christ returns. They show that the kingdom comes through conversion alone. They cite Scripture to prove that our dominion happens after Christ returns. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue142.htmcicministry.org/scholarly/sch001.pdf
A Critique of the Seven Mountain Mandate, Part 1 Critical Issues Commentary 2024-03-25 | Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma discuss the book Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson (published by Destiny Image Publishers). The claim of this book is that we need to survey contemporary prophets to determine God’s plan for this generation so that we can “invade Babylon” and Christianize the culture as we establish the kingdom of God on the earth. Bob and Eric show that we must search the Scriptures to know what God said and what He is doing in this age. They reject modern prophets and apostles and claim that we enter the kingdom of God through faith alone. They define the Seven Mountain Mandate, which will be covered in future episodes. • This is a critique of Invading Babylon by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson published by Destiny Image Publishers, Jul 16, 2013 Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:cicministry.org/commentary/issue142.htm
Prayer Request and Podcast Update Critical Issues Commentary 2023-09-11 | Dear CIC Readers and Listeners,We are asking for your fervent prayers. On August 8th Jessica ended up in intensive care with what turned out to be a stroke. After several days hospitalized, she was sent home having some loss of feeling and function on her left side. She is receiving physical and occupational therapy. This is a slow process. Please pray for her healing and recovery. Every aspect of ordinary life is difficult with much relearning involved. We so appreciate your love, support and prayers over the years. God is gracious and keeps His promises.In Christ,Bob DeWaay and Jessica Kramasz We will be replaying the Kundalini to Christ podcast series during this time. Due to Youtube limitations, we cannot re-upload these, but you can find the playlist here:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbjAWANmURoP1gmfzGf0JuTEI4g4K6wpCards may be sent to: Gospel of Grace Fellowship PO Box 390334, Edina, MN 55439. We will be sure to deliver the cards to our dear sister in Christ.
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets Part 45 – Scripture, not human interpretation, brings revelation Critical Issues Commentary 2023-08-21 | Dutch Sheets claims that biblical revelation originates in the human heart, and he uses John 6:63 to support his claim that this heart revelation brings “spirit and life.” This passage clearly states that the words themselves are spirit and life; they don’t become spirit and life through a secondary revelation experience. The Holy Spirit comes to us through the Word of God, and Scripture is God’s binding and authoritative revelation. Singularly speaking, the Bible is revelation; the problem is unbelief, and not a lack of revelation. Bob shows that this is like the denial of divine revelation’s objectivity in the Genesis 3 account of the Fall.This is part 45 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:Emergent Delusion:A Critique of Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxycicministry.org/commentary/issue87.htm
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 44 – The Clarity of Scripture Contrasts Unbelief Critical Issues Commentary 2023-08-14 | Bob and Jessica discuss the progression from liberalism to neo-orthodoxy and show that Dutch Sheets’ teaching is neo-orthodoxy. They discuss his view of biblical revelation (with the Bible becoming the Word of God through a subjective secondary experience) rather than being the Word of God and show its similarity to the neo-orthodoxy of the Emergent/Progressive movement. The Bible is the Word of God and is clear and understandable. The problem is not with the clarity of Scripture – the problem is unbelief. This is part 44 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:Emergent Delusion:A Critique of Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxycicministry.org/commentary/issue87.htm
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 43 – Biblical Revelation Originates at Conversion Critical Issues Commentary 2023-08-07 | Dutch Sheets cites Acts 26:18 to support his claim that biblical revelation originates from one’s own heart. Bob and Jessica show that this passage does not support Sheets’ claim. In the Old Testament the “heart” was the whole person alienated from God. The whole person is lost, and the whole person is redeemed. They also address Sheets teaching on “revelation knowledge,” which Sheets says is a process. Bob explains that revelation happens at conversion, not through a process. We must understand the difference between meaning and significance. Unbelievers can know meaning, but at conversion we understand significance. The meaning of Scripture doesn’t change, but when we are born again we understand the significance and live accordingly.This is part 43 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 42 – Lifting the Veil of Unbelief and Erroneous Teaching Critical Issues Commentary 2023-07-31 | In the context of spiritual warfare for the lost, Dutch Sheets claims that we must destroy strongholds (places from which demons rule) to “lift the veil off the mind of the unbeliever.” He takes this from 2Corinthians 4:3-4. Bob and Jessica reject this claim and examine the context of that passage and show that this had to do with the motives of the preacher. The veil is an allusion to the veil that Moses wore to cover his face after seeing the glory of the LORD, so that the hard-hearted people wouldn’t see the reflected glory. Paul takes the term “veil” and uses it to imply that preachers with bad motives, who aren’t clear and forthright in the preaching of the gospel, are veiling that which needs to be unveiled. What God has unveiled in Christ shouldn’t be veiled by people failing to proclaim the truth of the gospel in a clear and forthright manner. The passage that Sheets uses to promote false spiritual warfare teaching is in fact about the need for clear preaching of the Gospel. This is part 42 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:Spiritual Warfareyoutube.com/watch?v=912rNAhT4wg&list=PLPbjAWANmURriGDWgwyRueSf6hCKKu2V-The Dishonoring of God in Popular Spiritual Warfare Teachingyoutube.com/watch?v=N-V-eJj_HXY&list=PLPbjAWANmURo3oSfeka8T9jOOYj0SR0Sn
A Review of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 41 - Rebuking Paganized Christianity Critical Issues Commentary 2023-07-24 | In his book Dutch Sheets describes a situation where “power and anointing” were released into a prayer cloth. It was split into 12 pieces as they declared that the anointing breaks the yoke of sin. Bob and Jessica compare this to the book of Acts, using the story of Simon Magus in Acts 8 and the handkerchiefs and aprons from Acts 19. They show that the laying on of hands is not a technique to transfer spiritual power; it’s a sign of unity. Simon Magus saw the laying on of hands as a spiritual technique and was rebuked. They show from Acts 19 the belief that handkerchiefs or aprons or even the name of Jesus is magical is in fact pagan. In each passage, the error of making these prescriptive spiritual techniques is redirected to the need of a relationship with Christ through the Gospel. This is part 41 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Review of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 40 - Christian Shamanism Critical Issues Commentary 2023-07-17 | Dutch Sheets tells a story of how a family anointed their son’s room, car, and personal possessions and anointed prayer cloths to break the power of sin over him. Bob and Jessica call this Christian shamanism. Under the new covenant believers are anointed; things are not. They show that salvation is relational and not based on spiritual technology or manipulation. They use the example of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah had a true relationship with Yahweh; the prophets of Baal had shamanism – spiritual techniques not ordained by God. They remind listeners of the importance of the book of Hebrews and exhort them to trust the Holy Spirit to work through His Word. Rather than using spiritual techniques, believers are to raise their children in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord and trust God for the outcome. This is part 40 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
The Anointing and the Christian, Part 2 - All True Believers Have an Anointing Critical Issues Commentary 2023-07-10 | Bob and Jessica demonstrate that Christ is the only Anointed One, and that antichrists claim an anointing that didn’t come from Him. These false anointed ones claim to have teaching that you can only get from them, which is unbiblical. One cannot gain more anointing by attending meetings or seminars put on by these antichrists (false anointed ones). All true believers are anointed. We must stand firm on Scripture alone and the priesthood of every believer. Links:The Anointing and the Christiancicministry.org/commentary/issue5.htm
The Anointing and the Christian, Part 1 - Beware of False Anointed Ones Critical Issues Commentary 2023-07-03 | It's common to hear NAR/Charismatic leaders claim to have an anointing that other Christians don’t have, and their response, when corrected is, “Touch not the Lord’s anointed.” Bob and Jessica examine the Old Testament practice of anointing with oil to show that only priests, kings, and one prophet (Elisha) were uniquely anointed by God. They then discuss Psalm 105:10-15 to show that “touch not the Lord’s anointed” was referring to the patriarchs and their descendants who wandered among the nations. They show from the New Testament that Christ is the Anointed One, and others who claim to be specially anointed are false christs (antichrists) and must be rejected. Every true Christian is anointed, and the only specially anointed one is Christ. Believers have different ministries and callings, but no one has a superior anointing except for The Anointed One – Jesus Christ Himself.Links:The Anointing and the Christiancicministry.org/commentary/issue5.htm
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 8 - Charismatic Leaders Are Not Who They Say They Are Critical Issues Commentary 2023-06-26 | Popular NAR/Charismatic leaders often boast of miracle meetings where attendees are certain to experience supernatural events, as they commend each other as prophets, apostles, and mighty men of God. Bob and Jessica discuss 1Cor 4:5 and 2Cor 10:12 and show that these leaders are doing the very things that Paul warned against. They measure themselves by themselves and show that they are without understanding. A Fifteen Hundred Dollar Cat or an Apostle?cicministry.org/commentary/worldview0005.htm
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 7 – God Bestows Gifts on all True Believers Critical Issues Commentary 2023-06-19 | NAR/Charismatic leaders often claim to have great and glorious gifts of power they can teach you through courses or seminars, including various "schools of miracles." Bob uses 1Corinthians 12:18-25 to show the error of this. All who are born of God are saints, and we are all part of one body. Trust Christ and show up and serve, and it will become evident what kind of gift you have. The gifts are given to us by God, not learned at school, and they all are important. Bob reminds listeners that we can't earn status by following these teachers - we have the status we need in Christ.
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 6 – Living in a Perverse Culture Critical Issues Commentary 2023-06-12 | Bob and Jessica continue their discussion of the NAR/Charismatic claims about visits to heaven and angelic visitations. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was given to him to keep him for exalting himself. We must reject stories that exalt the storyteller. They discuss current cultural issues and show that the answer is to go before the throne of grace in prayer. Believers don’t need secret knowledge from the spirit realm or visits to heaven when we have access to God. We can rest in the knowledge that His grace is sufficient. Christians must care for one another, pray for one another and be bold witnesses for Christ as we call people to repentance.
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 5 – Spiritual Currency or a Thorn in the Flesh Critical Issues Commentary 2023-06-05 | In 2Corinthians 12 Paul distances himself from the heavenly vision because it was inappropriate to speak about it, yet NAR/charismatic leaders often boast in their visions and revelations. Bob DeWaay calls this the “currency” of their movement. Bob and Jessica go on to discuss the thorn in the flesh. The reason it was given is the significant part of this passage – to keep him from exalting himself. They encourage to appeal to God through prayer and trust in His provision - not seek forbidden knowledge.
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 4 – Paul Opposes Boasting in Visions and Revelations Critical Issues Commentary 2023-05-29 | Paul’s opponents in Corinth were boasting in their visions and revelations, much like charismatic and NAR leaders do today. Paul called it foolish to boast about those things, and was compelled to do so to bring them back to the clear teaching of the gospel. Bob DeWaay and Jessica Kramasz discuss the context of 2Corinthians 11-12:5, and show how it relates to both typical American evangelical pietism and the abuses of the charismatic movement. Links:Visiting Heaven and HellWhy the Claims of Afterlife Experiences are not Reliablecicministry.org/commentary/issue54.htmColossian Heresy, Part 3How Rick Joyner's Claimed Visit to Heaven is a Direct Example of the Colossian Heresycicministry.org/commentary/issue71.htm
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 3 - Sophisticated Unbelief Critical Issues Commentary 2023-05-22 | Many mystics and charismatic leaders claim to have visions and revelations from the spirit realm, including visits to heaven. Bob DeWaay and Jessica Kramasz discuss this considering Colossians 2:18. We must reject the claims of those who say they have “access to the visionary realm.” We must flee from mysticism, which Bob calls sophisticated unbelief, and cling to the means of grace that have been ordained by God. Links:Rejecting Asceticism and Clinging to Christ (Colossians 2:18-19)youtu.be/h8z2nahc2BIColossian Heresy, Part 3How Rick Joyner's Claimed Visit to Heaven is a Direct Example of the Colossian Heresycicministry.org/commentary/issue71.htmMystical Tents of Meeting or The Objective Tent of Meetingyoutu.be/4Jju7xhdYCw
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 2 – Will You Trust Scripture Alone or Eat from the Tree? Critical Issues Commentary 2023-05-15 | Bob DeWaay and Jessica Kramasz warn listeners not to figuratively eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil by seeking visions and revelations. Christians don’t need to know what the angels and demons are doing in the spirit realm; they need to cling to Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) and the promises of God. They also address the claim that our prayers strengthen or deploy angels who fight for us. 2Kings 6:16-17 shows that Elijah’s prayer didn’t summon or control the spiritual army, it was to show the servant that God’s army exists.
Secret Knowledge or God’s Word, Part 1- Beware Mystics Playing the Serpent Critical Issues Commentary 2023-05-08 | Bob DeWaay shows that mystics take the role of the serpent in the garden by twisting Scriptures and seeking new revelations. Like Eve in the garden, people aren’t satisfied with what God has given them, so they seek sensual spirituality through forbidden knowledge. He encourages listeners to reject mysticism and seek truth from Scripture alone.
A Review of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 39 – Reject False Creation Analogies Critical Issues Commentary 2023-05-01 | Dutch Sheets claims that the Holy Spirit was giving birth to what Christ spoke as He hovered over the waters in Genesis 1:1-2, and that this is what Holy Spirit wants to do through our prayers. Bob DeWaay and Jessica Kramasz demonstrate that the creation was not a birthing principle or analogy for prayer; it was the creative act of the eternal, non-contingent Godhead. This is part 39 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.Links:The Roots and Fruits of the New Apostolic Reformationcicministry.org/commentary/issue103.htm
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 38 – Contrived Theology Searching for a Proof Text Critical Issues Commentary 2023-04-24 | Bob and Jessica continue their discussion of Dutch Sheets’ claim that there exists prayer that releases the Holy Spirit and causes a “birth.” They address his proof texts and show that rather than a prayer that births, there is a message to be preached – the gospel. They also discuss signs and wonders, showing that miracles do not produce conversions. We must humbly proclaim the truth of the gospel. This is part 38 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
A Review of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Part 37 – Salvation Comes through the Gospel Critical Issues Commentary 2023-04-17 | Bob and Jessica continue to discuss Dutch Sheets’ claim that travailing prayer can give birth to a miraculous outcome or salvation. They examine one of Sheets’ proof texts, Isaiah 66:7-9, and demonstrate that it means the opposite of what Sheets claims. They also discuss the claim that “prayer births things in the Spirit” and that we are the “womb” of God. Listeners are encouraged to reject these teachings and to preach the gospel, pray for their loved ones and trust God for the outcome.This is part 37 of a critique of Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, Bethany House, 1996. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
