What's sad is that so many Christians, churches and leaders do not teach this. To put trust in Jesus and not in themselves. To go to the Bible instead of only listening to them. It's so easy to become dependent on a church, pastor, evangelist or disciple-r, if only because they are tangible and doing the homework for us, but also because the worst truly do train us to depend on them instead of God.
I understand what you said re ‘keeping your eyes upon Jesus etc’. But God placed on earth teachers and preachers for us to grown in wisdom and understanding and so that our lifestyle has got kingdom values running although our lives and not just in part,that’s why we do look to people like Ravi for teaching etc. Not that we should place them up like an idol,definitely not,but for bringing the word to us and so it can be outworked within us etc. But there’s a huge difference to making a mistake say in having one affair to so many years of receipt and unrighteousness in a persons life. I’m obviously not excusing sin.But iin Carl Lentz’s case as with Ravi it was not just the once it had became a lifestyle. I believe the Hillsong church did the biblical thing in getting him to leave.
@@ruthtickner1326 brings to mind warning in 1John3:8-9 not to (habitually) practise sin for no one born of God (reborn in the Spirit) makes a practise of sinning for Gid's seed abides in him. Romans6:1-2 exorts us by no means to continue in sin that Grace may abound. Therefore it's good to examine myself if I am still IN the faith, unless I realize Christ is still IN me I may fail the test 2Cor.13:5
Exactly👍 , everybody is human being we should not follow them, follow christ and He being the Rock, the very foundation. Let all others be responsible for their own thing. Let God be the judge.
Because the devil is after, even the so-called ‘true’ Pastors ..... so I think we are responsible for our own life. So take whatever good from their gifting and be led by Holy Spirit.
Christian preachers aren't perfect----just forgiven. They are capable and annointed to talk about the Lord. Pray for them instead of judging them!!!!!! This type of presentation makes evangelism look incredible and judgmental. Allie needs to quit making profit off bashing Christians and get in her knees and pray fervently for those she is judging I'll pray for you, Allie, as well as all those fallible Christians you are criticizing and critiquing. !!!!!!!
@@susanlabar9591 Of course, we should pray for them, and I do, but the only Person I trust 100 percent is the Lord. I’m not judging, sister, just stating a Biblical principle. Blessings. 🙏✝️
Well, a mentor of mine said to my husband and me years ago... We follow THE MASTER NOT the pastor. A way of thinking that has kept us on solid ground.❤️🙏
We are not to put our TRUST in anyone but GOD. PSALMS 118:8, 9 makes this very clear. IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN TGE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN. IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN PRINCES. IT IS WRITTEN MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD. MATTHEW 4:4 LUKE 4:4 (IT DOES NOT SAY FROM THE MOUTH OF THE PASTOR OR THE POPE)
"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4;4
@@andrewmaldonado71 Andrew for a time I thought this world could be all there was but I realized that this world was too perfectly created for us! We ourselves are too intelligent to really believe that there is no God, He created us to need Him, we are wired to serve Him. I challenge you to pray to God and ask Him to open your eyes to see the Truth in His Word the Bible. You have everything to gain eternally! God loves you even though you dont believe in Him, the hard truth is that in our sinful nature we dont want God. Read John , 1 John for starters in the New Testament.
@@vicgogan5379 The Gospels are 4 stories, all of which accurately convey and record the life of Christ, Who Himself, as it turns out, is One Perfect Apologetic, as He fulfills a myriad of prophecies written hundreds of years before His birth. From there, however, tell me of what epistle isn’t an apologetic fir the overarching love and reality of Jesus Christ? And what does the apostle Paul tell us of himself? “... knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;” Philippians 1:16. And then what dies Peter instruct, “15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,” I Peter 3:15 The essence and heart of apologetics is understanding what you believe and why. It is, from there, natural to wish to share that understanding with others. In Christ Jesus, we have 🌿Eternal🌹Life🌿 It’s too good to fully fathom, really.
Mama Bear ▪ I don't see anywhere in the bible where it says the bible is "offensive" but it does say "..the preaching of the gospel is FOOLISHNESS to them that are perishing."
First time hearing about this Max Lucado person but on Carl and Ravi, their "scandals" have made me take a hard look at my own life and the state of my relationship with God. This can happen to all of us and I don't want to find myself being so far from God.
Absolutely. I am still saddened by Mr. Zechariah's double life, but feel compelled to put up guard rails for myself, rather than harshly judge these men.
It's a strange part of the devine interacting with our world. We look up to leaders with the assumption that God will sustain us like He sustains them. It is a form of strengthening our faith. And when they fall it becomes a crisis of faith.
Especially now that pastors have opportunity to get 'stinking rich.' In the old days, if you chose to be a pastor it was a guaranteed poor life (except for a blessed few). It's more hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel...
@@abdourjawara022 1 Tim.3.16 and without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh (Yeshua ben David) , justified in the Spirit , seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into Glory!!! Abdou ask Who He really is and He will reveal Himself unto you to save you from living dead in sin and only He is able and willing to quarantee you eternal life
We need to take some responsibility for our lack of discernment. We accept the showy, charismatic and self confident leaders and make them celebrities - we should instead be drawn to the humble, gentle and kind who avoid self promotion. The very notion of pastors is problematic to be honest - they are arguably necessary but their role should be minimal and they should not be in complete leadership
This is why one of my main requirements to watch a Christian pastor or read an author is if he's willing to point fingers to the world's depravity and to his congregation's sins. Two who often do that are john MacArthur and Paul washer. If the pastor or author have the boldness to tell the world, truths that it hates to hear... is 99.9999% chance that this is a trustworthy one
YESS!! I was just looking at a David Jeremiah mailing, and I was like, dude, you wrote this whole magazine?? and then bragged about it on the radio. I didn't even ask for this magazine, I just ordered a book once. false inflation
That's the best comment on here so far. But here's the deal, Jesus was rejected by this so-called church at the time because he spoke up and told the truth. Mega church pastors will never ever achieve that because they want to be liked too much. Trust me on this when I became born again with the Holy Spirit after baptism there was a hunger in my heart only for the truth. I rejected false teachers including family members who had lied in their ignorance. I rejected church leaders who didn't actually stand for the truth. I rejected everyone including the three people she's talking about today. But it wasn't me doing it oh, it was the Holy Spirit that dwells within me guiding me who to listen to and what to say. Unfortunately Miss Allie doesn't have that. She's too anxious to be liked and accepted. The word of God says seek not the world but seek every word of God. It isn't until you're willing to be rejected by the entire world that you can stand before God for his beliefs,
I agree with your comment except the last bit. The Bible says that teachers and leaders will be judged more strictly than the rest of us because of the influence they have and therefore the extra potential power to destroy. The Bible also tells us how to organise leadership, with elders and deacons etc. Their role is to keep the pastor (and each other) in line. We need to organise our churches according the the Bible model. The fact is that God gifts some people with the ability to preach, teach and lead, we're not all "equal" in terms of gifting; that's a communist idea. But people should go into leadership in fear and trembling, knowing that if they dishonour God in their behaviour or if they teach error then they're responsible for this before the God who sees.
I really appreciated the strong emphasis on what the Bible has to say on all this. Thanks Allie, for addressing difficult issues and being unashamed to quote the Bible authoritatively.
“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13, that IS the Gospel. For Christ alone IS the Giver of our Faith, and in Him IS our Hope.
The true gospel is offensive. Period. We can speak the truth in love and after that let the chips fall where they may. If people don’t realize they are sinners, they will not seek a Savior.
Absolutely! The Word is the Sword. What is the Sword for? It is to a weapon to destroy the destroyer. Satan the destroyer that sadly many have forgotten the destroyer comes to destroy, steal and kill.
Disagreeing with someone does not equate to hate. “ Love one another as I have Loved you.” To love someone means you would save them if you could, you would do them no harm. It does not mean we must agree on everything and it does not mean that we even need to like everyone.
Say that again. The secular world often equates disagreement to hate. If you don't condone everything that they want to do, you get labeled as hating or judging them. It's not the case. I suppose it's a way to find fault and try to make you the bad guy.
@@filiusvivam4315 2 Tim3.16 ALL Scripture is given by Inspiration and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in RIGHTEOUSNESS!!
I don't trust any preacher that is not doing what Christ commanded. Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and preach the Gospel. It seems a whole lot only preach.
Someone commented "our faith must be in Christ not in man" however Paul repeatedly spoke to leadership about THEIR responsibility and walk...he also said follow me as I follow Christ. KNOW YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF and know also that it's getting harder and harder to trust leadership especially in mega-churches because we can't know anything much about their daily walk.
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy
My family and I attend Oakhills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Where Pastor Max Lucado teaches, and I really believe that there’s a big misunderstanding in regards to Pastor Max. The church has been the very Body of Christ to those in need! The church is very family centered beginning with the mystery of marriage representing Christ and His bride, the church. It’s hard to pass judgment on anyone just by reading an article on them. We all fall short of the glory of God🙏🏼 As far as the other two teachers, all we can do is pray for their families and everyone who has been deeply hurt through the actions of these two men🙏🏼 “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ -for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:9-11 NLT
.....it does seem that Max is a easy "target".... In his humbleness and his true understanding of Agape; his loving preaching to all hurting, seeking, repenting and those building and continuing to build a loving relationship with God and for their families is what has kept Oak Hills on the lighted path. It is good homosexuals vist and or attend Oak Hills. The spirit of God guided them there. Let them receive through a loving church family true love, true guidance so they may see the truth and say " I was lost now found". "My old ways are gone". "I am new in Christ."
@@janebray9392 Apparently, his choice not to. God know his heart as he knows everyones. Respectfully, and I mean that, you can always email him and ask. The church is for all, Jesus is the head of the church in absolute truth and agape. Have a peaceful Sunday.
We also attended Oak Hills from 1999-2003 before we moved. Every time we entered the building to hear Max, we always felt the presence of the Holy Spirit..I believe you need to know Max to know his heart. He is a good and honest man!
I stopped having anything to do with Max Lucado after 2016 election. He cut Donald Trump down and praised Hillary Clinton and pushed for her election. I lost all faith in his teachings after that. Why would a true Christian want a person who is for abortion to be the president. I no longer have a desire to follow Max Lucado.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV Check my children’s book trailer th-cam.com/video/I3mBcOyXoU4/w-d-xo.html
Everyone falls short. Everyone sins. Yes. Yes. But let’s focus on the ones who were most hurt by the sins before we focus on the ones doing the most damage. And the leaders doing the damage need to have a true change of heart before we are talking about giving them a free pass. There is no reconciliation without humility and true repentance.
@@Etuffly I think you misunderstood my point. My point is that I don’t put my faith in a person and we shouldn’t be putting these pastors on a pedestal. Because my faith is in God alone, people can fail and it doesn’t effect my faith in God. These pastors whether in this life or in the next will be held accountable. Follow God not man.
@@juandelacruz46 really? Why would you even say that? Do you ever make a mistake? Maybe focus on your own short comings instead of those of others. This was not a helpful comment and the reason I deleted Twitter and Facebook. I thought that people commenting on a Christian World view video would be kinder.
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NKJV
I use to read Lucado's books and listen to his teachings. I have noticed over time that he was moving into a more liberal theology. I felt a conviction about not following him anymore. I do liken his early books to milk. They do not go very deep spirituality but are still solid. Once you move out of the milk stage, you need more meaty pastors who go much deeper into God's word. At the same time, myself included, we should be reading God's word and praying for discernment for ourselves. Definitely not relying soley on pastors and teachers for spiritual nourishment and growth.
We are living in the times of the separation of the wheat from the tares. The division in widening and we have to decide whose on the Lord's side. Sexual purity and things surrounding intimacy should be taught in the home. The church is a support for the home. Wise man once stated that no amount of success can compensate for failure in the home. These words are more true today than at any time in the past. God is good to us and the Light of Christ will guide us through the power of the Holy Ghost if we let it.
There is a reason Jesus turned the tables over in anger in the Temple. Ravi Z. could have never done what he did while remaining in ministry without many around him keeping blinders on.
Look what they have done with T Bentley. They nearly anointed him as king on that show (TBN?) where he supposedly had repented and they ordained him all over again. Who did this? The so called prophets and other evangelical leaders. Yah!!! They have so much discernment, Right? Why do Christians follow these posters???
These investigations are to cover the organizations’ backs. ‘See, we’re transparent... we really didn’t know this was going on (we cannt be sued ... here’s the evidence... we just didn’t know...)
Always seems to be the primary response-pray for the (male) leaders. And this usually comes from men. Funny how the primary response is almost NEVER-let’s pray for the victims and those who are hurt by the “leader.” Jesus focused FIRST on the sheep (often women) who were wounded by the wolves. He might have ministered to the wolves, but they weren’t His first priority.
@@Etuffly I only added "Let's pray for them" because I saw that the comments section was devolving into a lack of charity towards them, not because I don't care about the victims. Jesus also condemned a lack of charity in speech. (Matt 5:22)
@@Etuffly the Word exhorts us to pray for all in 1 Tim.2:1-4 Also reminds me of old teaching of Derek Prince when he counseled as a pastor in the late 20th century, he learned that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities etc and he many times wished he could have started off their sessions with casting out demons to set the afflicted/suppressed free in Jesus name
Wow did not know that...but then again..I haven't followed him in years..Thank God! I read 1 of his books YEARS AGO. I watch n learn from John Mcarthur. He gets attacked but he always comes up on top...simply by speaking truth. Very rare these days.
@@akadwriter Have said this for many years. Much of the problem is that Christians set up gods of these well known preachers. As for Lucado... knew from the beginning something was ‘off’. I didn’t read or follow him long enough to understand where he erred. Just knew, don’t follow!
Ali your articulate clear wonderful vocabulary is a joy to listen to. Thanks for sharing this again since it was recorded a year ago. It is very timely now and an excellent reminder of truth! Thanks!
I love that I have someone so close to my age that is so sturdy and grounded in God's word. You are a great example to a younger generation! Also I love the strictly theological videos ❤️
People need to read, study, and meditate on Scripture. You would be surprised how much the Holy Spirit will give a check in your spirit about so-called Bible teachers and preachers.
All of them ... Jesus said ... "IF you love me, you will KEEP my commandments." He also said ... "Many will say to me LORD! LORD! And I will say, 'Depart from me for I never knew you.'" 1. Love God like he's number one in priority. 2. Don't give your devotion to and place your faith in created things. They are false idols. 3. Don't misrepresent the name of God. If you claim openly to be his, don't unnecessarily hurt others (people may be inadvertently hurt when you speak truth in love), mistreat others, or manipulate others, especially while claiming a relationship with God. 4. Remember that God set Saturday as the Sabbath and declared it starts at sunset Friday and concludes sunset Saturday. It was so important to him that we not change it to another day that he included it as one of his top commandments. Jesus' tomb was found empty at daybreak on Sunday morning, which was halfway through the first day of the Biblically defined week. However, scripture clearly tells us that he would have been raised from the grave by the previous sunset, thus fulfilling 3 days and 3 nights in the grave. He does not want us worshiping him on the day that was dedicated to worshiping the Sun gods. (He would have been crucified at about 3pm on Wednesday before the high Sabbath started for the feast of unleavened bread. This was the biblically appointed time for the Passover Lamb to be slaughtered.) 5. Be honoring to your parents and listen to their instruction, so that you may have a full life. Of course, there are parents that are outside of God's will, but as much as you can, you should honor your parents and seek out their wisdom and instruction. 6. Do not murder, but Jesus also says this means do not murder people's Spirit by being cruel and mean to them. 7. Do not commit adultery, but Jesus says that this also means to not commit mental or physical sexual sin with anyone that is not your spouse. 8. Do not take things that don't belong to you. That means don't keep the extra change that you are given, don't grab a few extra pens from the office, so you can have some at home, or walk off with someone's laptop when they're not looking. 9. Do not bear false witness against others. Don't lie about others to make yourself look better. Don't lie about others to cause them to have unjust punishments. Don't lie about others to damage their reputation. This commandment does not say don't lie ever. Every now and then, it is appropriate to lie. For example, many Germans lied about knowing the location of the Jews that were hidden in their walls or attics. 10. Do not burn with desire for things that don't belong to you. Be content with what you have and be glad for people that have things that you find pleasing. There's nothing wrong with working towards a goal to achieve something for yourself, but working to keep up with the image of the Joneses is an issue. Those are the commandments of God, the Creator. He also says to keep his special appointed days and Sabbath and to not fall into the trap of worshiping him in the same way that other gods are worshiped. You can say that God knows your heart and that when you were celebrating the fertility goddess holiday and calling it Resurrection Sunday that you are really honoring him, but he says don't do it. When you say that you are erecting a tree and decorating it with silver and gold that it is for him, you are in direct violation of his command not to do such things. Read Jeremiah 10 where he specifically says not to go cut a tree and decorate it with silver and gold. Yes, you have good intentions, but God's specifically told you not to do it, so why do it? If you really had good intentions, wouldn't you seek out ways to honor God on the days that he specifically told you that he wants to be honored? These aren't Jewish holidays. They're for all people at all times. if you are a follower of Jesus, then why would you follow other religions in their practices and ways rather than do the things that Jesus did, which is keep the sabbath, honor God's special appointed days, eat a diet from The riches of the things that God placed on Earth for the purpose of being our food, and keep his commandments? Jesus never said, walk the aisle, say a prayer, and you're covered forever. That doesn't make sense and is a lie that Satan inhabits to keep people deceived and away from a true and abiding relationship with the Father.
That k you for the reminder, Bill. That scripture alone has made me pause. It is one I have honestly struggled with, because I and most everyone I have known will say we love Christ. But do we love Him by the definition that matters to Christ? One that has eternal significance? I - and I’m sure many as well - need to do real soul searching on this verse alone as our salvation hinges on it.
@@DebiQ1830 Jesus told HIS disciples; If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my FATHER'S commandments, and abide in his love." We're not talking about keeping one set - and forsaking the other. But THIS is "plain speaking" by Jesus going on here. Jesus gave SPECIFIC commandments for US to follow. He DIDN'T say, go back into Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. They already KNEW those commandments. The Pharisees were already keeping them. Hebrew Roots wants to confuse the two of them, too. But THIS is a NEW covenant, Jesus's covenant. If we're not going to search out what HE says to us, then Jesus is NOT our Lord. The Jewish people KEEP God's commands. But they DON'T follow Jesus. The Catholics don't follow Jesus' commandments. The Protestants don't follow Jesus' commandments. HOWEVER, the Gospels are full of them! Who is going to step up and do it? Matthew 1 verse 1, Mark 1, Luke 1, John 1. It won't take you long before you start to realize, "Nobody's doing these things!"
@@DebiQ1830 bless you especially about truth of the Messias sign of being in the grave like Jonah full 3 days and 3 nights and the High Sabbath mid week after Seder/last supper on Tuesday night that started after sunset indeed. Since I discovered the RCC replacement of anything Jewish I can not celebrate White Thursday, Good Friday, Silent Saturday or Resurrection Sunday anymore. I follow Gods calendar and His Feasts but I can not yet find a Sabbath keeping church in NL
@@s.oudhoff519 Why do you even say SUCH a thing. Isn't this what all rebels do, make up their own rules? In Mt 4, Jesus said "Follow ME." In Mt 8 it says; The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of MAN is this? EVEN the winds and the waves OBEY him!” In MT 17 it says,"While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a VOICE came out of the cloud, saying, "THIS is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear HIM!" And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. In Lk 14 it says, "In the same way, those of you who do NOT give up everything you have cannot be MY disciples.
@@evah787 got that right. I listen to John MacArthur..& talk about 'attack'....oh my! Many folks do..besides govt of California...I was disappointed at Ravi...wha tha? As so many, regardless of age..thankyou Holy Spirit!
They are sadly the face of Christianity in 2020, when the world needs God's objective morality, His standards, His judgements and finally, His Son, far more than ever. These guys didn't work. Like the Pharisees of old, they had one job: get to know God.
Yes......and I struggle with this talk about him, speaking ill of the dead is never a good thing. Only wish that should these allegations be truth the person should have come forward when he was alive and been dealt with together as Christians. Now there is ONLY one side so we will never truly know. I’ve been praying on this to ask God on direction of thought in on this matter.
I agree with you about Ravi, but in all honesty when it came to speaking on the word of God, I believe maybe that's when he was the most genuine, however it seems that outside of that he failed, but maybe God allowed it as a lesson to us, that only he (God) is to be praised as perfect. I will never judge Ravi for his apparent weaknesses, I will let God do that🙏
@@slc1923 I was brought up to not speak ill of the dead either. But then I realized...speaking truth isn't speaking poorly or demoralizing a person. It isn't a bad thing. It is just speaking truth. Of course one needs to prayerfully consider what is truth in identifying the information and have a peace about disseminating that information. Hope this helps.
Thank you for emphasizing that it's not the man who saves, causes growth, but God. I learned a lot about Apologetics through Ravi Zacharais' videos. Those things I learned are valid.
So true. God will use whoever He wants for whatever purpose He has. And He will always make sure that we know He alone is God. He does not want us to put our faith in people.
@ pk's here while it's a blessing to have others that God uses to teach us his word (Ephesians 4:11-13), we must be like the noble Bereans who listened to Paul the apostle's preaching then went down to the synagogue for themselves to see if what he said was in line with the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11). Each individual believer is called to know the Lord (Jeremiah 31:34, Proverbs 9:12, John 17:3). Each of us must seek to be spiritually discerning (Job 34:3, Job 12:11, 1 John 4:1, Matthew 7:15-20) and not be led down a blind path because we've developed an affection for a certain teacher or teachers. Because then our loyalty and devotion will not be to the Truth (John 14:6) but to another person, which is idolatry (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Many professed believers will be deceived because they refuse to love the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Matthew 24:9-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). I encourage you to be diligent in your devotion to Jesus Christ the person. It's about cultivating our personal relationships with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. REMEMBER: Jesus is our Teacher and Lord (John 13:13). The Holy Spirit guides us into all the Truth.
I am not an anti-apologetics person. For example, I've listened to a lot of Voddie Baucham recently because of what's been going on in our country. God calls us to use our minds to his glory. But Paul warns us that knowledge puffs up while love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Paul also writes of how he didn't preach the gospel using eloquent speech lest the cross be emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). Especially as brothers we can fall in love with our intellects and the sound of our own voices rather than glorifying God. That's P-R-I-D-E, which goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). God opposes the proud but HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). We can also be impressed with someone else's intelligence and eloquence to the point of putting them on a pedestal, which is idolatry. God have mercy on each of us. Sin is ever couching at the door.
God bless you Allie Beth, Christ is the sold “Rock” , all others are sinking sand, as Paul said, Chris alone is my hope, and Him sacrifice on the cross for my sin..
Thank you for talking about purity culture and sexual shaming. I love the focus more on forgiveness, mercy, the Atonement and Christ’s undying love for us. I’m learning that when I understand and can feel of His love (even when I’m off the rails)...it makes me want to follow Him all the more.
Oh wow! Brand new subscriber...admittedly clicked when read the title as I’ve loved Max Lucado most of my life! Despite my disappointment in hearing the issues you’ve shed light on here, I have been SO unbelievably BLESSED and strengthened by this video. God BLESS you and thank you so much for such a sound, refreshing message.
““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
Amen! Alot of people are going to be shocked to be left behind. Check out the channel- Walking by the Spirit Always. Churches and ministries are full of sexual immorality and not many obey 1 Corinthians 5.
Allen Parr made a video similar to the question you were asking. He wanted people to make sure they were praying for the victims, Ravi‘s family, and the ministry.
I so agree with you.And Jesus said:Let the one without sin cast the first stone! And yes all sins are the same .... so can you cast that stone in your hand? Let us pray for them because God left the 99 sheep to look for the 1 that is missing
A lot of bad things coming to light but that is what is foretold in the Bible, so don't let news about Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, or any other preacher deter you from the Truth. Just keep your eyes on Christ Jesus and His love. Nothing else matters!
Have you heard of Doreen Virtue? she's put out a lot of good videos. She used to be New Age too. and Melissa Doughtery. Great ladies. But yeah, I feel like no one can be fully trusted. Only the Bible
God and His word are our standard, and no man should be. Let those of us who are without sin cast the first stone. We read how Peter lived a roller coaster life until later in life. Many Christians stumble, fall and fail and sometimes many times in their lives. If you haven’t yet, pray without ceasing lest your pride make you fall. Anyone can judge their behavior by God’s Word, but make sure you guard yourself from temptation. And before you judge their salvation or their relationship to the Lord, examine yourself. These men stumbled and some fell and failed. Did God wash His hands of them? Jesus said “My Father is greater than all and nothing or no one can snatch them out of His hand”. Analyze, yes; study, yes, make note lest YOU fall, yes. Learn, grow in and Stick to his word. And when you start judging too harshly, remember, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall”.
I really like Max Lucado as well , his book Anxious For Nothing really spoke to me. I did hear a sermon the other day that set off an alarm in my heart. I am not going to judge a stranger, but I will listen with more discernment.
If your going to walk away from every person of God who falls you'll end up alone. Sometimes those moral failures lead men to become a better Christian sometimes it leads to their destruction. For example Peter the apostle who denied christ 3 times , and Judas. Peter's failure caused him to repent and enter into a deeper more profound relationship with christ while Judas led his to his destruction. Rather than walking away maybe we should pray for him and leave the character judgment to God because everyone has moments when we fall into sin
Hoping that these men have repented. King Solomon is a good example of a man who heard God’s voice and followed Him whole heartedly when he was a young man and then turned from Him for a big part of his life. When he wrote Ecclesiastes near the end of his life, I believe he repented after many years of sin.
Solomon led Israel into sacrificing their children to Molech. This continued for more than 400 years. These men are also people who influence believers. When they are wrong or out of line they should be widely exposed to the people they influence.
Max Lucado had been a big help to me, beginning 30 years ago and to whom I will always be grateful to for that, but over the last few years I have been seriously concerned by the unbiblical choices he has and spoken to that have been very concerning. I quit following,listening to or buying his books as a result. I appreciate you speaking to this as it helps confirm my concern and will continue to pray for him and his church and am so grateful we have Gods word to guide us, independent of any man.
The bible is our sword. It will make people uncomfortable, it shed's light on our sin so we will be convicted and go to Christ for forgiveness and a new heart.
Yes! Thank you! It is our sword, created to let us strike true on faleshood and sin. The Bible describes itself as a sword. Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: And the verse Allie stated, Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Max Lucado’s comments are being taken wrong here. He is NOT apologizing for what God says. He is essentially saying that you can be gentle with people individually and not offend them (Jesus said if you offend a little one, you should have a stone around your neck and be thrown into the sea), or you can be a bull in a China shop by offending them so much that they won’t even want to hear about Jesus and the gospel. Jesus was gentle with everyone but the Pharisees. The only people He would “tell it like it is” were those who thought they had all the answers and were self-righteous and judgemental. The book of Ecclesiastes says “there is a time for everything”. This means you don’t walk all over someone with the list in I Cor 6:9 and tell them the first time you meet them, that they are going to hell because they are gay. And by the way, people need to look at that WHOLE list.Did you know that “slanderers” are in this list? How many times do “good Christians” slander each other by gossiping about someone’s sin? Personally, I think some of what was said in this video borders on slander. You said some things in this video that really should not be talked about, like some of the Hillsong situations. For some of the comments about how “difficult” that pastor was to work with, those should have been kept confidential as a pastoral-team matter. And to put him in the same context as Ravi Z is totally wrong. One succumbed to temptation temporarily, and the other lived a carefully-cleverly-concealed secret life for over 7 years, hence the whole ministry corporation being in the dark and ruining reputations and mental health of the whistleblowers. Your comments about Max Lucado are full of assumptions. Unless you get to have a conversation with HIM about his comments and what he was thinking when he made them, it is pretty presumptuous to tell people he is off-track in what he said, which “must” mean he is off-track in his theology. And to set yourself up as some kind of “authority” to talk about these matters, is to me, also pretty presumptuos. There but for the grace of God go we, and let the one without sin cast the first stone. What was already published is sufficient, there really is no need to hash it all out publicly yet again. I have been a Christian for over 50 years, and have pretty much seen it all. You say God is love, his law is love, etc, and that IS correct. But the blood of Jesus covers ALL sin, and ONLY God sees the heart and can judge by it. We need to teach the Word, definitely, but we need to err on the side of “covered by the blood” in the way we treat both those who are saved, and those “pre-believers” not yet saved. Using the Word as a “pedestal” to stand on is not love, and it’s also dangerous (I Cor 10:12).
This was a very thoughtful comment not to mention well written. After reading your comment I asked myself why I am watching this video. Is it a desire for Christian scandal? I don't know Carl Lentz, nor Max Lucado. I loved Ravi's ministry and wept when he died. But to know these details adds nothing to me. Perhaps we'd be better off finding a message to listen to rather than listening to this type of commentary. Bearing in mind, Allie makes her money through a listenership/sponsorship, she doesn't really teach the Word.
@@jackgtx440 till your comment, I had not heard of contemplative prayer. So I researched. Crosswalk.com has a very thorough article about it, complete with definitions and explanations of what it is, how it is done, theology for and against it (apparently there is NOT just one way to do this, so some are scriptural, and some are not), and includes cautions. Not all forms of contemplative prayer involve “emptying your mind.” But of course the article says doing that is not scriptural and it is dangerous. So why don’t you go to Max Lucado himself and ask him what he thinks of contemplative prayer and how HE would recommend doing it? That is better than spreading slanderous rumors about him. (I Cor 6).
@@Carol-Bell nothing I said was slander. Slander is speaking untrue things about people to hurt their reputation. It is true he’s a proponent of contemplative prayer. He took part in a contemplative prayer little documentary with Beth Moore, Pricilla Schrier, and others that was terribly concerning. I am a brother, practicing discernment, sharing something concerning with the body of Christ. If you don’t like it, or disagree with it, that is your prerogative.
@@jackgtx440 thank you for your kind reply. The title of this video is “time to let go of Max Lucado?” I watched it because I thought, “oh no, now what?” My church has a women’s Bible study group, and right now we are going through Lucado’s book “Ten Women of the Bible”. And after very recently hearing the story of Ravi Z, I was concerned what might be up with Mr. Lucado. But the video was kind of disturbing because it just smacks too much of “cancel culture” we see so much these days, and many of the comments were, too. Someone has a belief or makes a statement that makes people uncomfortable and now they spread stories and say or infer the person should not be followed, or worse, should be disgraced or fired. Your comment had that flavor to it, too. The good part is it made me research what contemplative prayer is. Just like meditation, there are scripturallly sound ways to do this, and ways to do it that are scripturally unsound or even dangerous. (The Bible speaks about meditation, but if we are not careful, our brains can assume it’s the new age or Hindu kind.) so just because Max Lucado “supports” contemplative prayer, it doesn’t automatically mean he is doing the “empty your mind” stuff, etc. And that is why I took exception to your comment. People could just jump to erroneous conclusions about him based on your comment, and it was “oh yeah, he said those things at a church like this video says,, and besides that, he is also involved in contemplative prayer. “ Maybe YOU said nothing inaccurate, but you cast a shadow on Max Lucado nonetheless. Some things are better left unsaid. We “see through a glass darkly”. Nobody has the whole perfect truth of God, and anybody who claims to is a cult. We are only responsible for ourselves, not others. And only God can see hearts.... so we should not judge by appearance and get judgemental of each other (this principle and God’s allowing for different understanding is in Romans 14). Who knows? Maybe in the future Lucado will learn and grow and come to the conclusion that contemplative prayer isn’t the way to go, or maybe he will figure out and limit its use to the way scripture would support. It’s not for us to worry about. I have quite enough on my plate staying close to Jesus and walking with Him. Maybe I shouldn’t have even watched this video, cuz it was pretty upsetting. You, my brother, have a lovely day. God bless.
11:30 I think you're wrong there, Allie. Many people, for years, have felt like Ravi didnt preach the full Gospel, but instead, told stories and mixed the bible with philosophy.
I agree. Heard him talking to Ben Shapiro. When it came to the main difference between Judaism and Christianity, he did not share the Gospel or Jesus Christ as Ben's Messiah. Instead, he spoke philosophical gibberish....word salad.
All people are capable of any sin. People are people, and God is God. We have been given the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And, the Word of God. This is the narrow road. God will always "anoint" His Word. This breaks our hearts for sure. We then clearly see, we follow Jesus and we do not depend on man. Pray for our pastors now more than ever. Spiritual Warfare is at an all-time high. Help us all, Father God
Max L. said we are ALL "children of God". That is ONLY true IF we repent and BECOME a child of God. We are ALL made in His image, but not ALL are children of God.
Ravi didn’t seem to be a theologian, but a philisopher and apologist that supposedly believed in Christ. I listened to him for years and noted for most of those years, that he talked about Christ and God, but did not teach from the scriptures. I think there is a difference.
I agree and thought the same. He was waxing eloquent about Jesus all the time, but not teaching from the scriptures. Ravi was a fan of Jesus, not a follower.
Let us be careful not to judge one another. God is the altimate judge. The greatest of these is love! Follow his word and live it but let judgement up to him.
If he wants to remain “famous” he will eventually have to change his story about biblical marriage. It MAY just be a matter of time, but I sure hope not. His books were so impactful for me 20 years ago in college. He’s gifted. I will be really sad if he falls off the edge into progressive “Christianity”
Amen ! 🙏Christ is our leader and He will never fails us. Thank you for the information. Your program is very informative. We need to pray for our spiritual leaders. 🙏
A word for a time of confusion and decline in the church. " Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:19-26. It is time for Christians to separate from doctrinal and moral evil and peruse righteousness with those of like mind. Mr. Lucado should have declined to speak at that particular church.
We really need to take a good look at in who we place our faith! It’s so sad for me when I hear of people losing their faith because of fallen man! I love the hymn that say “my faith is built on nothing less than JESUS and HIS righteousness!”
@Mark OnTheBlueRidge No you are mixing him up with someone else. Max Lacado’s background is Church of Christ, which is now considered a cult due to the fact that they believe that you must be baptized by the Church of Christ to be saved. HOWEVER, Max Lacado left the Church of Christ quite some time ago due to this. He heads a nondenominational church now. He is retiring soon.
@@aly3560 I attend the church where Max is the Teaching Minister. OakHills Church broke away from the Church of Christ around 15 yrs ago. Max’s teachings were never geared toward the CofC beliefs, always been the non denominational beliefs. And no Max is not retiring anytime soon
The Bible is very clear on these matters. We should never compromise on God’s law and The Gospel. I love that you pointed this out. I’m sad that max said this to appease people. We Christians need to stand firm on what God says is wrong and unacceptable. We should ever apologize for God’s word and truth. Ever!
I recommend watching David Woods video of Ravi. It hurts my heart to hear of these men fall. The word reminds us on Jeremiah 17:5 “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and who's heart turns away from the Lord”. Let's keep our eyes and heart solely on the Lord. Men and women will fall but God will always remain true. He is whom I serve and follow. Love you all my beautiful family in the Lord. Stay the course. God is faithful and good all the time.
You are speaking the truth and thank God for people like you that are not afraid to stand up for the truth let's pray that those that have compromised will come back to the truth
About Ravi and the other guy I have nothing to say..all has been said that needed to be said.As far as Max Lucado is concerned...I don't agree with his response, but maybe just take into account that almost all of us have been manipulated/ bullied into guilt trips before and most of us probably tried to feel less guilty by apologizing for something we should not feel guilty about to start with because it is God's Truth. At least he didn't turn around and say that he completely agrees and supports their views. Let's pray for him and all who are currently in the same positions to have the courage to speak the Truth in love no matter the cost.
I don’t agree. As a leader, he should purport himself with courage. He also appeared at an interfaith group apologizing for his and all white people’s white supremacy. I watched the tape. He seems to be more interested in selling his books than he is in his loss of integrity. I’m done with him
@@mchevalier-seawell4438 I agree but disagree, who was that reformer who thrust his "unworthy right hand" first into the flames as he recanted before standing strong? Let's hope it's just a couple of weak spots that he has now seen and will work on...
I didn't know this about ML. The first question that came to my mind was why did this congregation invite him in the first place? I agree. We should never apologize for the Word.
👏 👏 👏 👏 YES!!!! Our society is walking away from concrete truth! Whether the foundation of our faith in Christ or the foundations of our country through the Constitution! We have to be able to weigh fact from fiction by the foundation of truth. We’ve lost that. I pray for a revival! What an excellent video I’ve come across. Thank you! ❤️
Allie, the point is not about how our value decreases with sin but how grateful should we be when God cleanses us, unless we clearly see our sin we won’t be able to appreciate His grace
Philippians 1:15-18: 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even [a]from envy and strife, but some also [b]from goodwill; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition [c]rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my [d]imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
I really liked Max's No Wonder They Call Him Saviour, but most of his stuff is saccharine and basically just over blown over priced Hallmark quality junk.
I feel fortunate that I've never been a people follower. I love following good teaching, but not the preacher. It matters very little to me if that person stumbles, although I feel very sorry about it and hope they deal with it before the Lord. We make a mistake to treat any person as our focus instead of God's word.
@Brandon Neifert I've often had to realize that it's the Holy Spirit that speaks to a person's heart. I can lead someone TO Christ, meaning I can help them understand what God is speaking in their hearts, but I will never convert the person whose heart is not open. Keep trying! You never know who is ready.
@Brandon Neifert keep going!! The Bible says people’s hearts will be hardened to the truths of the Word. “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Ephesians 4:18 Only God can save, but he uses us to spread truth to all people. Sometimes convos may seem like they go nowhere, but a lot of the time a seed is planted, and you don’t know if 10-15 years down the road some of the people you speak to open up to Jesus.
The Lord bless you Brandon. It is hard to talk to some people about Christ and also politics. People have the right to close their minds, but it certainly is hard to deal with. They are not children. We watch them burning down their own house and want to fix it. But we can’t. We can tell them about Christ but only they can open their hearts. I read somewhere that adults who become saved are usually approached by at least seven Christians. So sometimes you are only number three, and though they don’t accept Him when you talk to them, they may well accept Christ later.
@Brandon Neifert "Be still....and KNOW that I am God". Find peace in surrendering to what God has called YOU to do, and that's to love Him with all your heart mind and soul and your neighbour as yourself, rather than the culture of outcome....if I do this, then this SHOULD happen in MY time. We show seeds, He brings fruit. Some of the early missionaries spent their lives living with and sharing the gospel before seeing converts, as did the disciples.
The homosexual bishop, Gene Robinson, who claims that his community has “won” and that it knows how things will end, must either be totally unaware of scripture, be ignoring the verses refuting his claims, or is intentionally lying and leading followers away from the Word of God. There is no room for discussion about this issue if you believe the Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and inerrant.
@@margarethiwuafor615 You are being disingenuous saying we are not to expose evil regardless of the state of the perpetrator. The victims are still alive, and you cannot deny them their due, to validate the trauma and abuse they suffered. We especially must call out our alleged Christian leaders so that we believers are not part of a cover up, and that we do not act as the world does by dismissing, ignoring, and minimizing abuse. We have no problem holding other dead secular predators accountable like Epstein and Hitler, but they merely injured the temporal person. People like Ravi Zacharias have actually turned people from the saving grace of Jesus Christ, thus changing their eternity. So, you are dead wrong.
If you leave Church or turn from God due to the imperfectness and mistakes of a preacher, who were you really serving man or GOD?..... we are to pray for our leaders, not stone them, I'm not condoning their actions but also realising that they too are human and are not and invincible as people think
Sam Allberry - excellent source for issues on homosexuality. He has always struggled with same-sex attraction but gave his life to Christ and understands that God limits our behavior. He is now a Minister & celibate. He knows he must guard himself from becoming too close to some men. He says our culture has placed way too much emphasis on our sexuality! He refuses to define himself by his sexual attraction. He is a Christian, a child of God, saved by the blood of Jesus, a minister and someone who still struggles with a same-sex attraction but relies on God for strength to rise above his temptations. Sadly I believe it is the vernacular that gets in the way of many Christians loving & accepting people who call themselves gay or homosexual and are struggling to obey God. When they say “I’m gay” we hear “I’m a sinner & you must accept it” while they may be saying “I have a same-sex attraction but I want to be a Christian”. We must trust God working through the Holy Spirit to teach, instruct, convict and provide the desire or strength to change behavior. How many non-married, living-together couples do we embrace into the church w/ no hesitation but someone who refers to himself as gay is told repent, change, don’t be gay or you can’t be a Christian or come to church?
All Christians fall and stumble so we shouldn’t be surprised when a leader falls and stumbles. They need to given grace, I stumble daily and the Lord still shows me grace and mercy. Man puts labels on other men, God sees us all the same, we are His servants who need Him daily. Pray for those leaders that have fallen and pray for the leaders of your church. The enemy attacks them just like he attacks us, if not more.
God sees humans as made in his image, and knew us before we were conceived, and says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, it should not be a surprise that God has holiness guide lines so we can be close to him. God gives grace , men make excuses, yes pray for Leaders , but we must hold one another accountable.
@@marthabennett4788 I agree that we need to hold each other accountable, but we need to forgive them and give grace like Jesus did us. To many times the body of Christ plays the role of the Holy Spirit and condemns rather then loving them and helping them get back on the straight and narrow.
We need to treat each other, including leaders with grace. And I have a lot of time for people who fall into sexual sin and addiction. It's a horrible and stigmatised trap to be in so that people don't dare seek the help they need. But when someone in leadership persists in sin (while ministering) for many years without seeking help, apparently targeting vulnerable people and using his position and authority to gain the person's confidence, grooming them so that they comply, using fear and intimidation, and when this happens over and over with victim after victim without that leader seeking help, then he is a wolf who needs to face criminal charges, not just church discipline. It seems that this was the RZ situation. RZIM should have pulled the plug on this years ago.
@@sarahpiaggio2693 Only the Lord can judge and He will. If Ravi repented on his death bed and the Lord forgave him who are we to argue with God. If Ravi didn’t repent then his judgment was given and he is in hell burning for all eternity. But for Christians that are here on earth, we need to love all. Jesus Himself ate with sinners. Yet so many times Christians won’t dare speak to those who are in sin because we think we are better. We are called and commanded to share the good news in love and I think the church has forgotten how to love because we have forgotten who we are. We are filthy sinners who need Jesus daily just like the world.
@@stephenmeyer4565 I have not stated whether RZ went to hell or not since no one knows what he did or didn't do on his deathbed. But we MUST learn for the future and deal with sin in the leadership of the church in a biblical way. We are told to speak the truth in love, which means neither ignoring the truth nor sitting in self-righteous judgement on each other. I would say that Romans 2.21-24 applied to the RZ situation while he was alive. Sin in leadership MUST be challenged and dealt with (Gal 6.1, 1 Tim 5.20, Jas 5.19) rather than smoothed over, with those who know pretending nothing's wrong, becoming complicit in the sin through inaction (Jas 4.17). This compounds the misery of the victims, and brings the Name of Christ into disrepute so that unbelievers and struggling Christians are actually repelled from the Gospel because of a leader's refusal to repent. The very reason we need to deal with sin within the church, especially leadership, is so that it's possible to reach out to the world in compassion.
It is refreshing to see how grounded you are! I did want to comment about Max Lucado. His sermon in 2004 was kind of harsh, but what I object to most is that very few preachers will include heterosexual sin when talking about homosexuality, thus making Christians *elite* to those who don't know the Bible. I am sorry that he backpedaled because of guilt, and caused dismay to many believers. But like you, I say don't discount any revelation that the Holy Spirit gave on his teachings. Instead, let's get our senses trained to discern good and evil through asking the Lord to examine us with His word. Thank you for your balance and plain speaking. Thank you for rightly dividing the word.
So many people put Pastor's and other Teachers like this on a pedestal, when we look to other humans we will be let down. Studying scripture and praying and keeping our eyes on God will keep us on the right track.
Max Lucado is a man that I have Never been interested in hearing nor reading. He has always ( seemed to me ) always been about his books ; not God's Word.
I grieve with God, the Father over these situations. heart breaking to me... God is in control of His Family - The truth will always be the way to live. I feel humble and very close to Christ. I thank God for all He does for me.
If someone’s faith is destroyed by a teacher’s sin, then their faith was obviously in the teacher and not in the gospel of Jesus.
Amen
That pretty much summarizes American evangelicals.
Yup.
What's sad is that so many Christians, churches and leaders do not teach this. To put trust in Jesus and not in themselves. To go to the Bible instead of only listening to them. It's so easy to become dependent on a church, pastor, evangelist or disciple-r, if only because they are tangible and doing the homework for us, but also because the worst truly do train us to depend on them instead of God.
Amen
Keep your eyes on Jesus... not people or circumstances
That was my first thought, we should be concerned what is being taught not who is teaching
Exact same thing my pastor has ALWAYS told us!!
If you base your faith on and in Christ, he, Christ tells us that we cannot fail.
I understand what you said re ‘keeping your eyes upon Jesus etc’. But God placed on earth teachers and preachers for us to grown in wisdom and understanding and so that our lifestyle has got kingdom values running although our lives and not just in part,that’s why we do look to people like Ravi for teaching etc. Not that we should place them up like an idol,definitely not,but for bringing the word to us and so it can be outworked within us etc. But there’s a huge difference to making a mistake say in having one affair to so many years of receipt and unrighteousness in a persons life. I’m obviously not excusing sin.But iin Carl Lentz’s case as with Ravi it was not just the once it had became a lifestyle. I believe the Hillsong church did the biblical thing in getting him to leave.
@@ruthtickner1326 brings to mind warning in 1John3:8-9 not to (habitually) practise sin for no one born of God (reborn in the Spirit) makes a practise of sinning for Gid's seed abides in him. Romans6:1-2 exorts us by no means to continue in sin that Grace may abound. Therefore it's good to examine myself if I am still IN the faith, unless I realize Christ is still IN me I may fail the test 2Cor.13:5
Our faith must be in Christ, not in man.
Exactly👍 , everybody is human being we should not follow them, follow christ and He being the Rock, the very foundation. Let all others be responsible for their own thing. Let God be the judge.
Well said... plus we need to have the common sense to know what pastors are true men of God...
Because the devil is after, even the so-called ‘true’ Pastors ..... so I think we are responsible for our own life. So take whatever good from their gifting and be led by Holy Spirit.
Strongly agree!
Trusting in ex President Trump is insane. There are so many scriptures warning against following these type of men.
Christian leaders will let you down. Christ never will. This is similar to a quote I heard from someone else, and it’s very true.
Preach.. the issues with most christians they idolize the leaders instead of focus on Christ that's when the disappointment come.
Exactly.
Put ur faith and in Christ Jesus and not man let God be true every man liar
Christian preachers aren't perfect----just forgiven.
They are capable and annointed to talk about the Lord.
Pray for them instead of judging them!!!!!!
This type of presentation makes evangelism look incredible and judgmental.
Allie needs to quit making profit off bashing Christians and get in her knees and pray fervently for those she is judging
I'll pray for you, Allie, as well as all those fallible Christians you are criticizing and critiquing. !!!!!!!
@@susanlabar9591 Of course, we should pray for them, and I do, but the only Person I trust 100 percent is the Lord. I’m not judging, sister, just stating a Biblical principle. Blessings. 🙏✝️
Well, a mentor of mine said to my husband and me years ago...
We follow THE MASTER NOT the pastor. A way of thinking that has kept us on solid ground.❤️🙏
We are not to put our TRUST in anyone but GOD.
PSALMS 118:8, 9 makes this very clear.
IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN TGE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN.
IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN PRINCES.
IT IS WRITTEN MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD. MATTHEW 4:4
LUKE 4:4 (IT DOES NOT SAY FROM THE MOUTH OF THE PASTOR OR THE POPE)
@@judybooth110 Amen 🙏
"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4;4
@motorTranz, and that is exactly what so many in today's church don't want to hear nor believe. Thank you for posting your comment.
This world, this planet, this life is all we have. When we die its likely that our story is over. Happy to call myself a friend of the world.
@@andrewmaldonado71 you're in for a massive shock..... :-(
@@andrewmaldonado71 Andrew for a time I thought this world could be all there was but I realized that this world was too perfectly created for us! We ourselves are too intelligent to really believe that there is no God, He created us to need Him, we are wired to serve Him. I challenge you to pray to God and ask Him to open your eyes to see the Truth in His Word the Bible. You have everything to gain eternally! God loves you even though you dont believe in Him, the hard truth is that in our sinful nature we dont want God. Read John , 1 John for starters in the New Testament.
Is someone who talks to "un-Christian" people always friends with them?
Its SO IMPORTANT to get your theology FROM THE BIBLE yourselves!
Or you could just use your common sense
Amen to getting your theology from the Bible yourself!
Ravi Zacharias. That’s all I’ll say. His theology was rock solid and biblical. And yet. And yet.
@@GuyWithTheHat1 What does ROMANS 📖 CHAPTER 14 VS 1...
Kind of blows away APOLOGETICs...
Can you find APOLOGETICs in the Gospel 📖?
@@vicgogan5379 The Gospels are 4 stories, all of which accurately convey and record the life of Christ, Who Himself, as it turns out, is One Perfect Apologetic, as He fulfills a myriad of prophecies written hundreds of years before His birth. From there, however, tell me of what epistle isn’t an apologetic fir the overarching love and reality of Jesus Christ?
And what does the apostle Paul tell us of himself?
“... knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;” Philippians 1:16. And then what dies Peter instruct,
“15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,”
I Peter 3:15
The essence and heart of apologetics is understanding what you believe and why. It is, from there, natural to wish to share that understanding with others.
In Christ Jesus, we have 🌿Eternal🌹Life🌿
It’s too good to fully fathom, really.
And remember the Bible is offensive to those who are perishing
Very very offensive
I think Max's apology is "false love" and not true love for the sinner.
Amen Mama Bear
Mama Bear ▪ I don't see anywhere in the bible where it says the bible is "offensive" but it does say "..the preaching of the gospel is FOOLISHNESS to them that are perishing."
Truth is offensive to liars. All truth not just the Bible.
First time hearing about this Max Lucado person but on Carl and Ravi, their "scandals" have made me take a hard look at my own life and the state of my relationship with God. This can happen to all of us and I don't want to find myself being so far from God.
Absolutely. I am still saddened by Mr. Zechariah's double life, but feel compelled to put up guard rails for myself, rather than harshly judge these men.
How can u compare someone who had a affair and the women wanted to sleep with him to a serial sexual abuser who bought a spa to abuse more
"Me Too"
@@abzda1700 sin.
Yes, in our materialistic, me-focused western societies it is very easy to relegate Almighty God to the background.
Why does it surprise us that many, including our leaders, fall away from the Faith? Were we not told that this would happen?
It's a strange part of the devine interacting with our world.
We look up to leaders with the assumption that God will sustain us like He sustains them. It is a form of strengthening our faith. And when they fall it becomes a crisis of faith.
Especially now that pastors have opportunity to get 'stinking rich.' In the old days, if you chose to be a pastor it was a guaranteed poor life (except for a blessed few).
It's more hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel...
Faulty understanding of leadership?
Yes we were told in Matthew 24 about deception and apostasy. Come Lord Jesus!!!
JESUS CHRIST is the only one to exalt and model our lives after. No other person comes close.🙌🏼❤️👏🏼
Never put a man on a pedestal. God alone through Jesus the Christ is worthy of praise. A man or woman will let you down.
You put Jesus in a pedestal... equal to the God he worship
truth
@@abdourjawara022 Jesus is God the Son.
@@abdourjawara022 1 Tim.3.16 and without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh (Yeshua ben David) , justified in the Spirit , seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into Glory!!!
Abdou ask Who He really is and He will reveal Himself unto you to save you from living dead in sin and only He is able and willing to quarantee you eternal life
Understood but that's cold....it still hurts.
We need to take some responsibility for our lack of discernment. We accept the showy, charismatic and self confident leaders and make them celebrities - we should instead be drawn to the humble, gentle and kind who avoid self promotion. The very notion of pastors is problematic to be honest - they are arguably necessary but their role should be minimal and they should not be in complete leadership
This is why one of my main requirements to watch a Christian pastor or read an author is if he's willing to point fingers to the world's depravity and to his congregation's sins. Two who often do that are john MacArthur and Paul washer. If the pastor or author have the boldness to tell the world, truths that it hates to hear... is 99.9999% chance that this is a trustworthy one
I don’t look up to anyone greater than the next. We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is the only master leader rabbi. HIS WORDS NOT MINE
YESS!! I was just looking at a David Jeremiah mailing, and I was like, dude, you wrote this whole magazine?? and then bragged about it on the radio. I didn't even ask for this magazine, I just ordered a book once. false inflation
That's the best comment on here so far. But here's the deal, Jesus was rejected by this so-called church at the time because he spoke up and told the truth. Mega church pastors will never ever achieve that because they want to be liked too much. Trust me on this when I became born again with the Holy Spirit after baptism there was a hunger in my heart only for the truth. I rejected false teachers including family members who had lied in their ignorance. I rejected church leaders who didn't actually stand for the truth. I rejected everyone including the three people she's talking about today. But it wasn't me doing it oh, it was the Holy Spirit that dwells within me guiding me who to listen to and what to say. Unfortunately Miss Allie doesn't have that. She's too anxious to be liked and accepted. The word of God says seek not the world but seek every word of God. It isn't until you're willing to be rejected by the entire world that you can stand before God for his beliefs,
I agree with your comment except the last bit. The Bible says that teachers and leaders will be judged more strictly than the rest of us because of the influence they have and therefore the extra potential power to destroy. The Bible also tells us how to organise leadership, with elders and deacons etc. Their role is to keep the pastor (and each other) in line. We need to organise our churches according the the Bible model. The fact is that God gifts some people with the ability to preach, teach and lead, we're not all "equal" in terms of gifting; that's a communist idea. But people should go into leadership in fear and trembling, knowing that if they dishonour God in their behaviour or if they teach error then they're responsible for this before the God who sees.
I really appreciated the strong emphasis on what the Bible has to say on all this. Thanks Allie, for addressing difficult issues and being unashamed to quote the Bible authoritatively.
“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13, that IS the Gospel. For Christ alone IS the Giver of our Faith, and in Him IS our Hope.
😊
Ironically you just quoted a verse that refutes the “ once saved, always saved” fallacy, one of the pillars of evangelicalism
@@Cobe1976 th-cam.com/video/wIxWFBE7Djs/w-d-xo.html -- Salvation is not an event and should not be understood as merely individual.
The true gospel is offensive. Period. We can speak the truth in love and after that let the chips fall where they may. If people don’t realize they are sinners, they will not seek a Savior.
Absolutely! The Word is the Sword. What is the Sword for? It is to a weapon to destroy the destroyer. Satan the destroyer that sadly many have forgotten the destroyer comes to destroy, steal and kill.
@Karri Compton - Very well said
What a load of crap. Everyone knows that. He offers us. Eternal life instead of death
True! And if they know they are not born a sinner they know they do not need a saviour.
Amen!
Jn3:16
Disagreeing with someone does not equate to hate. “ Love one another as I have Loved you.” To love someone means you would save them if you could, you would do them no harm. It does not mean we must agree on everything and it does not mean that we even need to like everyone.
Say that again. The secular world often equates disagreement to hate. If you don't condone everything that they want to do, you get labeled as hating or judging them. It's not the case. I suppose it's a way to find fault and try to make you the bad guy.
What a sad day that so many ministers don't believe the entire Bible to be the final authority.
Hmmm, the Bible says the Church is the pillar and bulwark of Truth. Bible is Profitable, but not sufficient as final authority. see 1 Tim 3:15
@@filiusvivam4315 2 Tim3.16 ALL Scripture is given by Inspiration and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in RIGHTEOUSNESS!!
I don't trust any preacher that is not doing what Christ commanded. Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and preach the Gospel. It seems a whole lot only preach.
If your ashamed of the gospel he will be ashamed of you. A Christian should never apologize for God’s word
You aren't understanding ~
@@pertnear3372 very few here do
If it is Yah's word
Please look up definition of apologetics (as commanded e.g. by Peter) versus verb to apologize and then edit your second line
@@s.oudhoff519 Never apologize for Yah's word.
Someone commented "our faith must be in Christ not in man" however Paul repeatedly spoke to leadership about THEIR responsibility and walk...he also said follow me as I follow Christ. KNOW YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF and know also that it's getting harder and harder to trust leadership especially in mega-churches because we can't know anything much about their daily walk.
So you disagree that our faith shouldn't be on man but on Christ? How does Paul teaching on the integrity of leaders change that?
@@oskie316 That's not what I said.
Paul also said there are many antichrists in the church.
@Jim Bar What do you mean by show me Paul today?
So much time criticizing others takes time away from looking at yourself.
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy
Amen
My family and I attend Oakhills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Where Pastor Max Lucado teaches, and I really believe that there’s a big misunderstanding in regards to Pastor Max. The church has been the very Body of Christ to those in need! The church is very family centered beginning with the mystery of marriage representing Christ and His bride, the church. It’s hard to pass judgment on anyone just by reading an article on them. We all fall short of the glory of God🙏🏼 As far as the other two teachers, all we can do is pray for their families and everyone who has been deeply hurt through the actions of these two men🙏🏼
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ -for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”
Philippians 1:9-11 NLT
.....it does seem that Max is a easy "target"....
In his humbleness and his true understanding of Agape;
his loving preaching to all hurting, seeking, repenting and those building and continuing to build a loving relationship with God and for their families is what has kept Oak Hills on the lighted path.
It is good homosexuals vist and or attend Oak Hills.
The spirit of God guided them there.
Let them receive through a loving church family true love, true guidance so they may see the truth and say
" I was lost now found".
"My old ways are gone".
"I am new in Christ."
Amen!
If this is as you say, why has he not come out to refute this article that you claim has put words in his mouth?
@@janebray9392 Apparently, his choice not to.
God know his heart as he knows everyones.
Respectfully, and I mean that, you can always email him and ask.
The church is for all, Jesus is the head of the church in absolute truth and agape.
Have a peaceful Sunday.
We also attended Oak Hills from 1999-2003 before we moved. Every time we entered the building to hear Max, we always felt the presence of the Holy Spirit..I believe you need to know Max to know his heart. He is a good and honest man!
Take everything and bring it under The Word and test the spirits. As time goes on there will be more falseness in the church circle.
I stopped having anything to do with Max Lucado after 2016 election. He cut Donald Trump down and praised Hillary Clinton and pushed for her election. I lost all faith in his teachings after that. Why would a true Christian want a person who is for abortion to be the president. I no longer have a desire to follow Max Lucado.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
Check my children’s book trailer th-cam.com/video/I3mBcOyXoU4/w-d-xo.html
Amen, Bro.
@@lauraf.c.1593 by their fruit!
@@loisrader8089 Wow didn't realize that
Never follow a man. Read, listen think and follow Christ first.
Our hope and faith should lie solely in Christ never in another human being. People are fallen we all fall short no matter who we are.
Everyone falls short. Everyone sins. Yes. Yes. But let’s focus on the ones who were most hurt by the sins before we focus on the ones doing the most damage.
And the leaders doing the damage need to have a true change of heart before we are talking about giving them a free pass. There is no reconciliation without humility and true repentance.
@@Etuffly I think you misunderstood my point. My point is that I don’t put my faith in a person and we shouldn’t be putting these pastors on a pedestal. Because my faith is in God alone, people can fail and it doesn’t effect my faith in God. These pastors whether in this life or in the next will be held accountable. Follow God not man.
@@smurphettem9042 affect instead of effect bro.
@@juandelacruz46 really? Why would you even say that? Do you ever make a mistake? Maybe focus on your own short comings instead of those of others. This was not a helpful comment and the reason I deleted Twitter and Facebook. I thought that people commenting on a Christian World view video would be kinder.
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NKJV
Avel Ocampo God Bless your soul. Amen.
I use to read Lucado's books and listen to his teachings. I have noticed over time that he was moving into a more liberal theology. I felt a conviction about not following him anymore.
I do liken his early books to milk. They do not go very deep spirituality but are still solid. Once you move out of the milk stage, you need more meaty pastors who go much deeper into God's word.
At the same time, myself included, we should be reading God's word and praying for discernment for ourselves. Definitely not relying soley on pastors and teachers for spiritual nourishment and growth.
We are living in the times of the separation of the wheat from the tares. The division in widening and we have to decide whose on the Lord's side. Sexual purity and things surrounding intimacy should be taught in the home. The church is a support for the home. Wise man once stated that no amount of success can compensate for failure in the home. These words are more true today than at any time in the past. God is good to us and the Light of Christ will guide us through the power of the Holy Ghost if we let it.
Yes!Amen!
Lo
Timeless counsel from David O McKay!
That's an excellent point!
There is a reason Jesus turned the tables over in anger in the Temple. Ravi Z. could have never done what he did while remaining in ministry without many around him keeping blinders on.
Precisely
Look what they have done with T Bentley. They nearly anointed him as king on that show (TBN?) where he supposedly had repented and they ordained him all over again. Who did this? The so called prophets and other evangelical leaders. Yah!!! They have so much discernment, Right?
Why do Christians follow these posters???
These investigations are to cover the organizations’ backs.
‘See, we’re transparent... we really didn’t know this was going on (we cannt be sued ... here’s the evidence... we just didn’t know...)
Love your channel, I have kids your age and it’s such a relief to hear you speak the Word! and the Truth. God bless you and your work. 🥰✝️
Let's pray for these men and all those in leadership positions!
Always seems to be the primary response-pray for the (male) leaders. And this usually comes from men.
Funny how the primary response is almost NEVER-let’s pray for the victims and those who are hurt by the “leader.” Jesus focused FIRST on the sheep (often women) who were wounded by the wolves. He might have ministered to the wolves, but they weren’t His first priority.
@@Etuffly I only added "Let's pray for them" because I saw that the comments section was devolving into a lack of charity towards them, not because I don't care about the victims. Jesus also condemned a lack of charity in speech. (Matt 5:22)
@@Etuffly the Word exhorts us to pray for all in 1 Tim.2:1-4
Also reminds me of old teaching of Derek Prince when he counseled as a pastor in the late 20th century, he learned that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities etc and he many times wished he could have started off their sessions with casting out demons to set the afflicted/suppressed free in Jesus name
I stopped trusting Max's theology when he promoted Joel Osteen.
If that's not a red flag, I don't know what is. So many so called Christians have ZERO discernment...very troubling!!!
Wow did not know that...but then again..I haven't followed him in years..Thank God! I read 1 of his books YEARS AGO.
I watch n learn from John Mcarthur. He gets attacked but he always comes up on top...simply by speaking truth. Very rare these days.
@@bluegrassgal7856 Give Paul Washer an ear... shares sound doctrine.
@@akadwriter Have said this for many years. Much of the problem is that Christians set up gods of these well known preachers. As for Lucado... knew from the beginning something was ‘off’. I didn’t read or follow him long enough to understand where he erred. Just knew, don’t follow!
Never got into Max Lucado but approving olsteen woukd be a tip off to not folllow. Unaware if Lucado falling???
Keep your faith and eyes on Jesus and Him alone. Men will always fail us, count on it, but Jesus never will.
Ali your articulate clear wonderful vocabulary is a joy to listen to. Thanks for sharing this again since it was recorded a year ago. It is very timely now and an excellent reminder of truth!
Thanks!
I love that I have someone so close to my age that is so sturdy and grounded in God's word. You are a great example to a younger generation! Also I love the strictly theological videos ❤️
People need to read, study, and meditate on Scripture. You would be surprised how much the Holy Spirit will give a check in your spirit about so-called Bible teachers and preachers.
Amen!
Jesus said,
"IF you love ME,
you will keep MY commandments."
There's your hint.
All of them ...
Jesus said ... "IF you love me, you will KEEP my commandments." He also said ... "Many will say to me LORD! LORD! And I will say, 'Depart from me for I never knew you.'"
1. Love God like he's number one in priority.
2. Don't give your devotion to and place your faith in created things. They are false idols.
3. Don't misrepresent the name of God. If you claim openly to be his, don't unnecessarily hurt others (people may be inadvertently hurt when you speak truth in love), mistreat others, or manipulate others, especially while claiming a relationship with God.
4. Remember that God set Saturday as the Sabbath and declared it starts at sunset Friday and concludes sunset Saturday. It was so important to him that we not change it to another day that he included it as one of his top commandments. Jesus' tomb was found empty at daybreak on Sunday morning, which was halfway through the first day of the Biblically defined week. However, scripture clearly tells us that he would have been raised from the grave by the previous sunset, thus fulfilling 3 days and 3 nights in the grave. He does not want us worshiping him on the day that was dedicated to worshiping the Sun gods. (He would have been crucified at about 3pm on Wednesday before the high Sabbath started for the feast of unleavened bread. This was the biblically appointed time for the Passover Lamb to be slaughtered.)
5. Be honoring to your parents and listen to their instruction, so that you may have a full life. Of course, there are parents that are outside of God's will, but as much as you can, you should honor your parents and seek out their wisdom and instruction.
6. Do not murder, but Jesus also says this means do not murder people's Spirit by being cruel and mean to them.
7. Do not commit adultery, but Jesus says that this also means to not commit mental or physical sexual sin with anyone that is not your spouse.
8. Do not take things that don't belong to you. That means don't keep the extra change that you are given, don't grab a few extra pens from the office, so you can have some at home, or walk off with someone's laptop when they're not looking.
9. Do not bear false witness against others. Don't lie about others to make yourself look better. Don't lie about others to cause them to have unjust punishments. Don't lie about others to damage their reputation. This commandment does not say don't lie ever. Every now and then, it is appropriate to lie. For example, many Germans lied about knowing the location of the Jews that were hidden in their walls or attics.
10. Do not burn with desire for things that don't belong to you. Be content with what you have and be glad for people that have things that you find pleasing. There's nothing wrong with working towards a goal to achieve something for yourself, but working to keep up with the image of the Joneses is an issue.
Those are the commandments of God, the Creator. He also says to keep his special appointed days and Sabbath and to not fall into the trap of worshiping him in the same way that other gods are worshiped.
You can say that God knows your heart and that when you were celebrating the fertility goddess holiday and calling it Resurrection Sunday that you are really honoring him, but he says don't do it. When you say that you are erecting a tree and decorating it with silver and gold that it is for him, you are in direct violation of his command not to do such things. Read Jeremiah 10 where he specifically says not to go cut a tree and decorate it with silver and gold. Yes, you have good intentions, but God's specifically told you not to do it, so why do it? If you really had good intentions, wouldn't you seek out ways to honor God on the days that he specifically told you that he wants to be honored? These aren't Jewish holidays. They're for all people at all times. if you are a follower of Jesus, then why would you follow other religions in their practices and ways rather than do the things that Jesus did, which is keep the sabbath, honor God's special appointed days, eat a diet from The riches of the things that God placed on Earth for the purpose of being our food, and keep his commandments? Jesus never said, walk the aisle, say a prayer, and you're covered forever. That doesn't make sense and is a lie that Satan inhabits to keep people deceived and away from a true and abiding relationship with the Father.
That k you for the reminder, Bill. That scripture alone has made me pause. It is one I have honestly struggled with, because I and most everyone I have known will say we love Christ. But do we love Him by the definition that matters to Christ? One that has eternal significance? I - and I’m sure many as well - need to do real soul searching on this verse alone as our salvation hinges on it.
@@DebiQ1830 Jesus told HIS disciples;
If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my FATHER'S commandments, and abide in his love."
We're not talking about keeping one set - and forsaking the other.
But THIS is "plain speaking" by Jesus going on here.
Jesus gave SPECIFIC commandments for US to follow.
He DIDN'T say, go back into Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
They already KNEW those commandments.
The Pharisees were already keeping them.
Hebrew Roots wants to confuse the two of them, too.
But THIS is a NEW covenant, Jesus's covenant.
If we're not going to search out what HE says to us,
then Jesus is NOT our Lord.
The Jewish people KEEP God's commands.
But they DON'T follow Jesus.
The Catholics don't follow Jesus' commandments.
The Protestants don't follow Jesus' commandments.
HOWEVER, the Gospels are full of them!
Who is going to step up and do it?
Matthew 1 verse 1, Mark 1, Luke 1, John 1.
It won't take you long before you start to realize,
"Nobody's doing these things!"
@@DebiQ1830 bless you especially about truth of the Messias sign of being in the grave like Jonah full 3 days and 3 nights and the High Sabbath mid week after Seder/last supper on Tuesday night that started after sunset indeed. Since I discovered the RCC replacement of anything Jewish I can not celebrate White Thursday, Good Friday, Silent Saturday or Resurrection Sunday anymore. I follow Gods calendar and His Feasts but I can not yet find a Sabbath keeping church in NL
@@s.oudhoff519 Why do you even say SUCH a thing.
Isn't this what all rebels do, make up their own rules?
In Mt 4, Jesus said "Follow ME."
In Mt 8 it says; The men were amazed and asked,
“What kind of MAN is this? EVEN the winds and the waves OBEY him!”
In MT 17 it says,"While he (Peter) was still speaking,
behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them;
and suddenly a VOICE came out of the cloud, saying,
"THIS is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear HIM!"
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
In Lk 14 it says, "In the same way, those of you who do NOT
give up everything you have cannot be MY disciples.
There are no pastors who are worthy of a "following." Listen to preachers if you must, follow Christ!
1000% correct! The great DIVIDE has begun... in the World and the church "family".
@@evah787 got that right. I listen to John MacArthur..& talk about 'attack'....oh my! Many folks do..besides govt of California...I was disappointed at Ravi...wha tha?
As so many, regardless of age..thankyou Holy Spirit!
Therein lies the greatest error-- people have usurped Jesus' place as head of the Church. And the Clergy has hijacked the 5-fold Ministry.
Who really didn’t know Carl Lentz was a narcissist more concerned with his celebrity than his roll as pastor?
Ravi now, was a bit of a surprise.
They are sadly the face of Christianity in 2020, when the world needs God's objective morality, His standards, His judgements and finally, His Son, far more than ever.
These guys didn't work. Like the Pharisees of old, they had one job: get to know God.
Yes......and I struggle with this talk about him, speaking ill of the dead is never a good thing. Only wish that should these allegations be truth the person should have come forward when he was alive and been dealt with together as Christians. Now there is ONLY one side so we will never truly know. I’ve been praying on this to ask God on direction of thought in on this matter.
Ravi didn't surprise me but that's only because I have experience with guys like that. The clues were subtle.
I agree with you about Ravi, but in all honesty when it came to speaking on the word of God, I believe maybe that's when he was the most genuine, however it seems that outside of that he failed, but maybe God allowed it as a lesson to us, that only he (God) is to be praised as perfect. I will never judge Ravi for his apparent weaknesses, I will let God do that🙏
@@slc1923 I was brought up to not speak ill of the dead either. But then I realized...speaking truth isn't speaking poorly or demoralizing a person. It isn't a bad thing. It is just speaking truth. Of course one needs to prayerfully consider what is truth in identifying the information and have a peace about disseminating that information. Hope this helps.
When I think of false believers, I think of the saying, "Even a broken clock is right 2 times a day."
Interesting thought and so true
I'm crying already...just started watching...Max Lucado has been a big influence in my Christian growth..
Thank you for emphasizing that it's not the man who saves, causes growth, but God.
I learned a lot about Apologetics through Ravi Zacharais' videos.
Those things I learned are valid.
So true. God will use whoever He wants for whatever purpose He has. And He will always make sure that we know He alone is God. He does not want us to put our faith in people.
@ pk's here while it's a blessing to have others that God uses to teach us his word (Ephesians 4:11-13), we must be like the noble Bereans who listened to Paul the apostle's preaching then went down to the synagogue for themselves to see if what he said was in line with the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11). Each individual believer is called to know the Lord (Jeremiah 31:34, Proverbs 9:12, John 17:3). Each of us must seek to be spiritually discerning (Job 34:3, Job 12:11, 1 John 4:1, Matthew 7:15-20) and not be led down a blind path because we've developed an affection for a certain teacher or teachers. Because then our loyalty and devotion will not be to the Truth (John 14:6) but to another person, which is idolatry (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Many professed believers will be deceived because they refuse to love the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Matthew 24:9-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). I encourage you to be diligent in your devotion to Jesus Christ the person. It's about cultivating our personal relationships with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. REMEMBER: Jesus is our Teacher and Lord (John 13:13). The Holy Spirit guides us into all the Truth.
I am not an anti-apologetics person. For example, I've listened to a lot of Voddie Baucham recently because of what's been going on in our country. God calls us to use our minds to his glory. But Paul warns us that knowledge puffs up while love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Paul also writes of how he didn't preach the gospel using eloquent speech lest the cross be emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). Especially as brothers we can fall in love with our intellects and the sound of our own voices rather than glorifying God. That's P-R-I-D-E, which goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). God opposes the proud but HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). We can also be impressed with someone else's intelligence and eloquence to the point of putting them on a pedestal, which is idolatry. God have mercy on each of us. Sin is ever couching at the door.
Yes me too. Read all his books
God bless you Allie Beth, Christ is the sold “Rock” , all others are sinking sand, as Paul said, Chris alone is my hope, and Him sacrifice on the cross for my sin..
Thank you for talking about purity culture and sexual shaming. I love the focus more on forgiveness, mercy, the Atonement and Christ’s undying love for us. I’m learning that when I understand and can feel of His love (even when I’m off the rails)...it makes me want to follow Him all the more.
Excellent differentiation between "wounding" and "convicting"! Uncompromising, loving presentation of truth refreshing!
Your FOUNDATION is always The HOLY BIBLE. The very Word of GOD.
Absolutely!
Oh wow! Brand new subscriber...admittedly clicked when read the title as I’ve loved Max Lucado most of my life! Despite my disappointment in hearing the issues you’ve shed light on here, I have been SO unbelievably BLESSED and strengthened by this video. God BLESS you and thank you so much for such a sound, refreshing message.
The single greatest cause of atheism, those who profess Jesus with their mouthes yet deny Him with their lifestyles.
@Jeffrey Carlson Why's that?
Tyrone is quoting DC Talk.😆👍🏼
@Brandon Neifert Truth right there.
@Brandon Neifert No problem. We know that the Enemy is cunning but God never gives up. His love is unending and wonderful.
@Brandon Neifert Exactly! I'm sure many are upset and wondering why God hasn't stepped in yet but we know that He has a plan to help. Keep the faith!
““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
Amen! Alot of people are going to be shocked to be left behind. Check out the channel- Walking by the Spirit Always. Churches and ministries are full of sexual immorality and not many obey 1 Corinthians 5.
We need to believe the bible, God word says trust in no man but me, the heart is wicked no man can know it.
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU PRAYED FOR RAVI ZACHARIAS?.... a question our pastor asked on Sunday. 💔 We need to pray for each other!
Can’t now he is deceased.
Allen Parr made a video similar to the question you were asking. He wanted people to make sure they were praying for the victims, Ravi‘s family, and the ministry.
I so agree with you.And Jesus said:Let the one without sin cast the first stone!
And yes all sins are the same .... so can you cast that stone in your hand?
Let us pray for them because God left the 99 sheep to look for the 1 that is missing
Man that's a shame... I liked Max Lucado. He helped lead me to wanting and developing a relationship with Jesus after coming from The New Age..
A lot of bad things coming to light but that is what is foretold in the Bible, so don't let news about Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, or any other preacher deter you from the Truth. Just keep your eyes on Christ Jesus and His love. Nothing else matters!
Have you heard of Doreen Virtue? she's put out a lot of good videos. She used to be New Age too. and Melissa Doughtery. Great ladies. But yeah, I feel like no one can be fully trusted. Only the Bible
God and His word are our standard, and no man should be. Let those of us who are without sin cast the first stone. We read how Peter lived a roller coaster life until later in life. Many Christians stumble, fall and fail and sometimes many times in their lives. If you haven’t yet, pray without ceasing lest your pride make you fall. Anyone can judge their behavior by God’s Word, but make sure you guard yourself from temptation. And before you judge their salvation or their relationship to the Lord, examine yourself.
These men stumbled and some fell and failed. Did God wash His hands of them? Jesus said “My Father is greater than all and nothing or no one can snatch them out of His hand”.
Analyze, yes; study, yes, make note lest YOU fall, yes. Learn, grow in and Stick to his word. And when you start judging too harshly, remember, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall”.
I think God uses teachers for the season we are in. Sometimes we out grow them.
I really like Max Lucado as well , his book Anxious For Nothing really spoke to me. I did hear a sermon the other day that set off an alarm in my heart.
I am not going to judge a stranger, but I will listen with more discernment.
If your going to walk away from every person of God who falls you'll end up alone. Sometimes those moral failures lead men to become a better Christian sometimes it leads to their destruction. For example Peter the apostle who denied christ 3 times , and Judas. Peter's failure caused him to repent and enter into a deeper more profound relationship with christ while Judas led his to his destruction.
Rather than walking away maybe we should pray for him and leave the character judgment to God because everyone has moments when we fall into sin
I find your words refreshing and Bible centered. This is exactly the position God wants us in.
On our knees.
You clearly have a heart after Jesus.
Hoping that these men have repented. King Solomon is a good example of a man who heard God’s voice and followed Him whole heartedly when he was a young man and then turned from Him for a big part of his life. When he wrote Ecclesiastes near the end of his life, I believe he repented after many years of sin.
Solomon led Israel into sacrificing their children to Molech. This continued for more than 400 years. These men are also people who influence believers. When they are wrong or out of line they should be widely exposed to the people they influence.
Max Lucado had been a big help to me, beginning 30 years ago and to whom I will always be grateful to for that, but over the last few years I have been seriously concerned by the unbiblical choices he has and spoken to that have been very concerning. I quit following,listening to or buying his books as a result. I appreciate you speaking to this as it helps confirm my concern and will continue to pray for him and his church and am so grateful we have Gods word to guide us, independent of any man.
The bible is our sword. It will make people uncomfortable, it shed's light on our sin so we will be convicted and go to Christ for forgiveness and a new heart.
Yes! Thank you! It is our sword, created to let us strike true on faleshood and sin.
The Bible describes itself as a sword.
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
And the verse Allie stated,
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Max Lucado’s comments are being taken wrong here. He is NOT apologizing for what God says. He is essentially saying that you can be gentle with people individually and not offend them (Jesus said if you offend a little one, you should have a stone around your neck and be thrown into the sea), or you can be a bull in a China shop by offending them so much that they won’t even want to hear about Jesus and the gospel. Jesus was gentle with everyone but the Pharisees. The only people He would “tell it like it is” were those who thought they had all the answers and were self-righteous and judgemental. The book of Ecclesiastes says “there is a time for everything”. This means you don’t walk all over someone with the list in I Cor 6:9 and tell them the first time you meet them, that they are going to hell because they are gay.
And by the way, people need to look at that WHOLE list.Did you know that “slanderers” are in this list? How many times do “good Christians” slander each other by gossiping about someone’s sin? Personally, I think some of what was said in this video borders on slander. You said some things in this video that really should not be talked about, like some of the Hillsong situations. For some of the comments about how “difficult” that pastor was to work with, those should have been kept confidential as a pastoral-team matter. And to put him in the same context as Ravi Z is totally wrong. One succumbed to temptation temporarily, and the other lived a carefully-cleverly-concealed secret life for over 7 years, hence the whole ministry corporation being in the dark and ruining reputations and mental health of the whistleblowers. Your comments about Max Lucado are full of assumptions. Unless you get to have a conversation with HIM about his comments and what he was thinking when he made them, it is pretty presumptuous to tell people he is off-track in what he said, which “must” mean he is off-track in his theology.
And to set yourself up as some kind of “authority” to talk about these matters, is to me, also pretty presumptuos. There but for the grace of God go we, and let the one without sin cast the first stone. What was already published is sufficient, there really is no need to hash it all out publicly yet again.
I have been a Christian for over 50 years, and have pretty much seen it all. You say God is love, his law is love, etc, and that IS correct. But the blood of Jesus covers ALL sin, and ONLY God sees the heart and can judge by it. We need to teach the Word, definitely, but we need to err on the side of “covered by the blood” in the way we treat both those who are saved, and those “pre-believers” not yet saved. Using the Word as a “pedestal” to stand on is not love, and it’s also dangerous (I Cor 10:12).
This was a very thoughtful comment not to mention well written. After reading your comment I asked myself why I am watching this video. Is it a desire for Christian scandal? I don't know Carl Lentz, nor Max Lucado. I loved Ravi's ministry and wept when he died. But to know these details adds nothing to me. Perhaps we'd be better off finding a message to listen to rather than listening to this type of commentary. Bearing in mind, Allie makes her money through a listenership/sponsorship, she doesn't really teach the Word.
Max Lucado is a proponent of contemplative prayer. That is extremely concerning.
@@jackgtx440 till your comment, I had not heard of contemplative prayer. So I researched. Crosswalk.com has a very thorough article about it, complete with definitions and explanations of what it is, how it is done, theology for and against it (apparently there is NOT just one way to do this, so some are scriptural, and some are not), and includes cautions. Not all forms of contemplative prayer involve “emptying your mind.” But of course the article says doing that is not scriptural and it is dangerous.
So why don’t you go to Max Lucado himself and ask him what he thinks of contemplative prayer and how HE would recommend doing it? That is better than spreading slanderous rumors about him. (I Cor 6).
@@Carol-Bell nothing I said was slander. Slander is speaking untrue things about people to hurt their reputation. It is true he’s a proponent of contemplative prayer. He took part in a contemplative prayer little documentary with Beth Moore, Pricilla Schrier, and others that was terribly concerning. I am a brother, practicing discernment, sharing something concerning with the body of Christ. If you don’t like it, or disagree with it, that is your prerogative.
@@jackgtx440 thank you for your kind reply. The title of this video is “time to let go of Max Lucado?” I watched it because I thought, “oh no, now what?” My church has a women’s Bible study group, and right now we are going through Lucado’s book “Ten Women of the Bible”. And after very recently hearing the story of Ravi Z, I was concerned what might be up with Mr. Lucado. But the video was kind of disturbing because it just smacks too much of “cancel culture” we see so much these days, and many of the comments were, too.
Someone has a belief or makes a statement that makes people uncomfortable and now they spread stories and say or infer the person should not be followed, or worse, should be disgraced or fired. Your comment had that flavor to it, too.
The good part is it made me research what contemplative prayer is. Just like meditation, there are scripturallly sound ways to do this, and ways to do it that are scripturally unsound or even dangerous. (The Bible speaks about meditation, but if we are not careful, our brains can assume it’s the new age or Hindu kind.) so just because Max Lucado “supports” contemplative prayer, it doesn’t automatically mean he is doing the “empty your mind” stuff, etc. And that is why I took exception to your comment. People could just jump to erroneous conclusions about him based on your comment, and it was “oh yeah, he said those things at a church like this video says,, and besides that, he is also involved in contemplative prayer. “ Maybe YOU said nothing inaccurate, but you cast a shadow on Max Lucado nonetheless.
Some things are better left unsaid. We “see through a glass darkly”. Nobody has the whole perfect truth of God, and anybody who claims to is a cult. We are only responsible for ourselves, not others. And only God can see hearts.... so we should not judge by appearance and get judgemental of each other (this principle and God’s allowing for different understanding is in Romans 14). Who knows? Maybe in the future Lucado will learn and grow and come to the conclusion that contemplative prayer isn’t the way to go, or maybe he will figure out and limit its use to the way scripture would support. It’s not for us to worry about. I have quite enough on my plate staying close to Jesus and walking with Him.
Maybe I shouldn’t have even watched this video, cuz it was pretty upsetting.
You, my brother, have a lovely day. God bless.
11:30
I think you're wrong there, Allie. Many people, for years, have felt like Ravi didnt preach the full Gospel, but instead, told stories and mixed the bible with philosophy.
A whole bunch of word salad..
Thank you! That's exactly what I've thought for a long, long time but felt completely alone in that.
@@ashleycnossen3157 spot on, agree
I agree. Heard him talking to Ben Shapiro. When it came to the main difference between Judaism and Christianity, he did not share the Gospel or Jesus Christ as Ben's Messiah. Instead, he spoke philosophical gibberish....word salad.
Its all about JESUS! Change churches if you doubt a leader.
Bible said to talk to him first about your concerns. He might repent.
All people are capable of any sin. People are people, and God is God. We have been given the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And, the Word of God. This is the narrow road. God will always "anoint" His Word. This breaks our hearts for sure. We then clearly see, we follow Jesus and we do not depend on man. Pray for our pastors now more than ever. Spiritual Warfare is at an all-time high. Help us all, Father God
Pray for the sheep who have been abused by wolves pretending to be shepherds.
Max L. said we are ALL "children of God". That is ONLY true IF we repent and BECOME a child of God. We are ALL made in His image, but not ALL are children of God.
God is every human being’s God, but not every human being’s Father
Ravi didn’t seem to be a theologian, but a philisopher and apologist that supposedly believed in Christ. I listened to
him for years and noted for most of those years, that he talked about Christ and God, but did not teach from the scriptures. I think there is a difference.
Thank you for the information.
I agree and thought the same. He was waxing eloquent about Jesus all the time, but not teaching from the scriptures. Ravi was a fan of Jesus, not a follower.
Let us be careful not to judge one another. God is the altimate judge. The greatest of these is love! Follow his word and live it but let judgement up to him.
If he wants to remain “famous” he will eventually have to change his story about biblical marriage. It MAY just be a matter of time, but I sure hope not. His books were so impactful for me 20 years ago in college. He’s gifted. I will be really sad if he falls off the edge into progressive “Christianity”
He’s already fallen off the edge.
I’ve been holding my breath hoping it’s not true.
Amen ! 🙏Christ is our leader and He will never fails us. Thank you for the information. Your program is very informative. We need to pray for our spiritual leaders. 🙏
It's so refreshing when I see young people who love God...Blessings to all 💞🙏💞🕊🔥💯🇺🇸
You hit the nail on the head!!! Narcissistic issues and gaslighting. He will be the churches worst nightmare without any repentance
1St commandment, " I am the Lord thy God , there is no other God before ME". Do not set yourself up as your own God.
We all, even as Christians, are broken.
A word for a time of confusion and decline in the church. " Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:19-26. It is time for Christians to separate from doctrinal and moral evil and peruse righteousness with those of like mind. Mr. Lucado should have declined to speak at that particular church.
We really need to take a good look at in who we place our faith! It’s so sad for me when I hear of people losing their faith because of fallen man! I love the hymn that say “my faith is built on nothing less than JESUS and HIS righteousness!”
Ravi's lies about his credentials were well documented but people ignored them. Lucado's mealy-mouthed message is a good reason to ignore him.
Wonderfully stated. Thank you
ignore ..,
Perhaps, we know how the disciples felt when they found out about Judas' "faith."
@Mark OnTheBlueRidge No you are mixing him up with someone else. Max Lacado’s background is Church of Christ, which is now considered a cult due to the fact that they believe that you must be baptized by the Church of Christ to be saved. HOWEVER, Max Lacado left the Church of Christ quite some time ago due to this. He heads a nondenominational church now. He is retiring soon.
@@aly3560 I attend the church where Max is the Teaching Minister. OakHills Church broke away from the Church of Christ around 15 yrs ago. Max’s teachings were never geared toward the CofC beliefs, always been the non denominational beliefs. And no Max is not retiring anytime soon
The Bible is very clear on these matters. We should never compromise on God’s law and The Gospel. I love that you pointed this out.
I’m sad that max said this to appease people. We Christians need to stand firm on what God says is wrong and unacceptable. We should ever apologize for God’s word and truth. Ever!
I recommend watching David Woods video of Ravi. It hurts my heart to hear of these men fall. The word reminds us on Jeremiah 17:5 “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and who's heart turns away from the Lord”.
Let's keep our eyes and heart solely on the Lord. Men and women will fall but God will always remain true. He is whom I serve and follow. Love you all my beautiful family in the Lord. Stay the course. God is faithful and good all the time.
You are speaking the truth and thank God for people like you that are not afraid to stand up for the truth let's pray that those that have compromised will come back to the truth
About Ravi and the other guy I have nothing to say..all has been said that needed to be said.As far as Max Lucado is concerned...I don't agree with his response, but maybe just take into account that almost all of us have been manipulated/ bullied into guilt trips before and most of us probably tried to feel less guilty by apologizing for something we should not feel guilty about to start with because it is God's Truth. At least he didn't turn around and say that he completely agrees and supports their views. Let's pray for him and all who are currently in the same positions to have the courage to speak the Truth in love no matter the cost.
I don’t agree. As a leader, he should purport himself with courage. He also appeared at an interfaith group apologizing for his and all white people’s white supremacy. I watched the tape. He seems to be more interested in selling his books than he is in his loss of integrity. I’m done with him
@@mchevalier-seawell4438 I agree but disagree, who was that reformer who thrust his "unworthy right hand" first into the flames as he recanted before standing strong? Let's hope it's just a couple of weak spots that he has now seen and will work on...
So good! I'm thanking God for the gift he has given to speak wisdom and truth in these times!
I didn't know this about ML. The first question that came to my mind was why did this congregation invite him in the first place? I agree. We should never apologize for the Word.
👏 👏 👏 👏 YES!!!! Our society is walking away from concrete truth! Whether the foundation of our faith in Christ or the foundations of our country through the Constitution! We have to be able to weigh fact from fiction by the foundation of truth. We’ve lost that.
I pray for a revival!
What an excellent video I’ve come across. Thank you! ❤️
Please pray for Pastors wether they are your leaders or not. We don't know what they face
The seed of every sin is in every heart
Allie, the point is not about how our value decreases with sin but how grateful should we be when God cleanses us, unless we clearly see our sin we won’t be able to appreciate His grace
Philippians 1:15-18:
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even [a]from envy and strife, but some also [b]from goodwill; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition [c]rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my [d]imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
It's time we quit giving these guys our hard earned money. They are mere apparitions. Please stop enabling them.
I agree. They are selling fraud. They are preaching woowoo.
I really liked Max's No Wonder They Call Him Saviour, but most of his stuff is saccharine and basically just over blown over priced Hallmark quality junk.
@@ginoferiante7140 that is just what it is. Thank you for putting the right words to it.
@@ginoferiante7140...Well said...Hallmark feel good...those last minute gift ideas that look "right" to give someone.
14:56 Ravi Zacharias We used to listen to his radio program Sunday mornings. Sad to see him fall. Didn't see that coming.
I feel fortunate that I've never been a people follower. I love following good teaching, but not the preacher. It matters very little to me if that person stumbles, although I feel very sorry about it and hope they deal with it before the Lord. We make a mistake to treat any person as our focus instead of God's word.
@Brandon Neifert I've often had to realize that it's the Holy Spirit that speaks to a person's heart. I can lead someone TO Christ, meaning I can help them understand what God is speaking in their hearts, but I will never convert the person whose heart is not open. Keep trying! You never know who is ready.
@Brandon Neifert keep going!! The Bible says people’s hearts will be hardened to the truths of the Word.
“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Ephesians 4:18
Only God can save, but he uses us to spread truth to all people. Sometimes convos may seem like they go nowhere, but a lot of the time a seed is planted, and you don’t know if 10-15 years down the road some of the people you speak to open up to Jesus.
The Lord bless you Brandon. It is hard to talk to some people about Christ and also politics. People have the right to close their minds, but it certainly is hard to deal with. They are not children. We watch them burning down their own house and want to fix it. But we can’t. We can tell them about Christ but only they can open their hearts. I read somewhere that adults who become saved are usually approached by at least seven Christians. So sometimes you are only number three, and though they don’t accept Him when you talk to them, they may well accept Christ later.
@Brandon Neifert "Be still....and KNOW that I am God". Find peace in surrendering to what God has called YOU to do, and that's to love Him with all your heart mind and soul and your neighbour as yourself, rather than the culture of outcome....if I do this, then this SHOULD happen in MY time. We show seeds, He brings fruit. Some of the early missionaries spent their lives living with and sharing the gospel before seeing converts, as did the disciples.
We have been duped by many we must listen only to the voice of God. 🙏Glory to God🙏🤴.
The homosexual bishop, Gene Robinson, who claims that his community has “won” and that it knows how things will end, must either be totally unaware of scripture, be ignoring the verses refuting his claims, or is intentionally lying and leading followers away from the Word of God. There is no room for discussion about this issue if you believe the Bible is God-breathed, infallible, and inerrant.
He is Definately living in sin.
I think the book of Jude speaks to this issue.
They wrote their own Bible.
Let's all be careful looking unto Jesus not unto man, man will fail us, but Jesus never fails. Please let's stop judging the dead. We are not God.
@@margarethiwuafor615 You are being disingenuous saying we are not to expose evil regardless of the state of the perpetrator. The victims are still alive, and you cannot deny them their due, to validate the trauma and abuse they suffered. We especially must call out our alleged Christian leaders so that we believers are not part of a cover up, and that we do not act as the world does by dismissing, ignoring, and minimizing abuse. We have no problem holding other dead secular predators accountable like Epstein and Hitler, but they merely injured the temporal person. People like Ravi Zacharias have actually turned people from the saving grace of Jesus Christ, thus changing their eternity. So, you are dead wrong.
Our salvation is not base in our efforts but in God's work! Salvation belongs to God! We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
If you leave Church or turn from God due to the imperfectness and mistakes of a preacher, who were you really serving man or GOD?..... we are to pray for our leaders, not stone them, I'm not condoning their actions but also realising that they too are human and are not and invincible as people think
Sam Allberry - excellent source for issues on homosexuality. He has always struggled with same-sex attraction but gave his life to Christ and understands that God limits our behavior. He is now a Minister & celibate. He knows he must guard himself from becoming too close to some men. He says our culture has placed way too much emphasis on our sexuality! He refuses to define himself by his sexual attraction. He is a Christian, a child of God, saved by the blood of Jesus, a minister and someone who still struggles with a same-sex attraction but relies on God for strength to rise above his temptations. Sadly I believe it is the vernacular that gets in the way of many Christians loving & accepting people who call themselves gay or homosexual and are struggling to obey God. When they say “I’m gay” we hear “I’m a sinner & you must accept it” while they may be saying “I have a same-sex attraction but I want to be a Christian”. We must trust God working through the Holy Spirit to teach, instruct, convict and provide the desire or strength to change behavior. How many non-married, living-together couples do we embrace into the church w/ no hesitation but someone who refers to himself as gay is told repent, change, don’t be gay or you can’t be a Christian or come to church?
Never put your faith in man, your faith must be in Jesus and you should follow him only! Sad to see this happen!
AMEN!! Keep sharing truth, sister in Christ!!
All Christians fall and stumble so we shouldn’t be surprised when a leader falls and stumbles. They need to given grace, I stumble daily and the Lord still shows me grace and mercy. Man puts labels on other men, God sees us all the same, we are His servants who need Him daily. Pray for those leaders that have fallen and pray for the leaders of your church. The enemy attacks them just like he attacks us, if not more.
God sees humans as made in his image, and knew us before we were conceived, and says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, it should not be a surprise that God has holiness guide lines so we can be close to him. God gives grace , men make excuses, yes pray for Leaders , but we must hold one another accountable.
@@marthabennett4788 I agree that we need to hold each other accountable, but we need to forgive them and give grace like Jesus did us. To many times the body of Christ plays the role of the Holy Spirit and condemns rather then loving them and helping them get back on the straight and narrow.
We need to treat each other, including leaders with grace. And I have a lot of time for people who fall into sexual sin and addiction. It's a horrible and stigmatised trap to be in so that people don't dare seek the help they need. But when someone in leadership persists in sin (while ministering) for many years without seeking help, apparently targeting vulnerable people and using his position and authority to gain the person's confidence, grooming them so that they comply, using fear and intimidation, and when this happens over and over with victim after victim without that leader seeking help, then he is a wolf who needs to face criminal charges, not just church discipline. It seems that this was the RZ situation. RZIM should have pulled the plug on this years ago.
@@sarahpiaggio2693 Only the Lord can judge and He will. If Ravi repented on his death bed and the Lord forgave him who are we to argue with God. If Ravi didn’t repent then his judgment was given and he is in hell burning for all eternity. But for Christians that are here on earth, we need to love all. Jesus Himself ate with sinners. Yet so many times Christians won’t dare speak to those who are in sin because we think we are better. We are called and commanded to share the good news in love and I think the church has forgotten how to love because we have forgotten who we are. We are filthy sinners who need Jesus daily just like the world.
@@stephenmeyer4565 I have not stated whether RZ went to hell or not since no one knows what he did or didn't do on his deathbed. But we MUST learn for the future and deal with sin in the leadership of the church in a biblical way. We are told to speak the truth in love, which means neither ignoring the truth nor sitting in self-righteous judgement on each other. I would say that Romans 2.21-24 applied to the RZ situation while he was alive. Sin in leadership MUST be challenged and dealt with (Gal 6.1, 1 Tim 5.20, Jas 5.19) rather than smoothed over, with those who know pretending nothing's wrong, becoming complicit in the sin through inaction (Jas 4.17). This compounds the misery of the victims, and brings the Name of Christ into disrepute so that unbelievers and struggling Christians are actually repelled from the Gospel because of a leader's refusal to repent. The very reason we need to deal with sin within the church, especially leadership, is so that it's possible to reach out to the world in compassion.
It is refreshing to see how grounded you are! I did want to comment about Max Lucado. His sermon in 2004 was kind of harsh, but what I object to most is that very few preachers will include heterosexual sin when talking about homosexuality, thus making Christians *elite* to those who don't know the Bible. I am sorry that he backpedaled because of guilt, and caused dismay to many believers. But like you, I say don't discount any revelation that the Holy Spirit gave on his teachings. Instead, let's get our senses trained to discern good and evil through asking the Lord to examine us with His word. Thank you for your balance and plain speaking. Thank you for rightly dividing the word.
I am a member of Lucado’s church- though I haven’t gone in a while. He does not rebuke the way Paul would have.
So many people put Pastor's and other Teachers like this on a pedestal, when we look to other humans we will be let down. Studying scripture and praying and keeping our eyes on God will keep us on the right track.
Allie NEVER pauses...she's nonstop ... like a locomotive.
Worshipping Christian celebrities is just as sinful as worshipping secular celebrities.
Scripture says that when a Christian is tempted; Our Lord will give us a way out ! We must take it, though.🙏
Max Lucado is a man that I have Never been interested in hearing nor reading. He has always ( seemed to me ) always been about his books ; not God's Word.
Allie is what is referred to as a "chatterbox". :)
Be kind.
I grieve with God, the Father over these situations. heart breaking to me... God is in control of His Family -
The truth will always be the way to live. I feel humble and very close to Christ. I thank God for all He does for me.
This is about the best analogy of pastors, who fall off their pedestal, thru Biblical eyes. Thank you.
Allie--God bless your adherence to God's Word and accurately wielding this sword of truth.