New Evangelicalism

New Evangelicalism and the Purpose Driven 

and Emergent Movement

In this book you will discover and learn that there has been an intentional departure from believing the Bible is Inerrant and trustworthy, and has plunged the church of the 21st century down the treacherous slippery slope of accommodation and compromise. Paul Smith carefully documents the sobering truth in this book.

Some of the questions that will be answered are:
Are there clear historical markers that identify this paradigm shift?

Why have so many evangelicals identified themselves as “new evangelicals”?

What is the relationship between Fuller Seminary, the Purpose Driven Church, and the Emergent Church Movement?

How is the Emergent Church push for globalization harmonizing with the new world order in these prophetic last days?

Paul Smith answers these questions with case studies and documentation of the events that lead up to where we are now. The author shows the progression of ideas that were birthed in aberrant church beliefs and it’s historical origin. Smith writes that New evangelicals learned about the word “dialectic” from Karl Barth and neo-orthodoxy, and is today used by Emergent churchmen. This decline was only possible when the inerrancy of the Bible, it’s absolute truth was no longer believed by church and influential seminary leaders.

 

 

We must not forget that the church rests on the twin sufficiency of : the inerrant word of God - the Bible and the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. We must stand firm always on these truths. Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5 and 2 Timothy 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Publisher: Calvary Publishing
ISBN-10: 1597519774
ISBN-13: 978-1597519779

You can also order this book from: Olive Tree Ministries: www.olivetreeviews.org

See a review by Gary Gilley:  http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/6-church-history/727-new-evangelicalism-by-paul-smith-costa-mesa-calvary-publishing-2011-215-pp-paper-1200

Soul-Nourishing Preaching Should be the Goal

Why Johnny Can't Preach 

 This author has done an excellent work in this book. The main premise is how has the movement away from language-based media to image-based media and electronic media altered our sensibilities and how has this shaped the preaching and preachers of today‘s churches. 

The concern is that the Insignificant has become significant because of our media-driven culture and this is dictating the quality and content of the preacher’s message. Too often the Bible is read or studied for “Information”, and not for it’s instruction and training in righteousness.   2 Tim. 3:16,17

This book gives several examples of modern preaching styles and gives instruction on where improvement is needed to fully and precisely convey the redemptive gospel of Christ. T. David Gordon states: “Christological preaching feeds the soul and builds faith.”

The author gives a helpful list 4 common alternatives that are utilized in today’s preaching: Moralism, How-to, Introspection, and Social Gospel/Culture War and explains each and it‘s affect on it‘s hearers. (page 79) He explains how these methods miss the mark and shows the comparison to preaching that is Christological. T. David Gordon’s book is beautifully written and there is much to gleam from the richness of his knowledge in ministry. Excellent. Recommended Reading

Copyright 2009

Publisher P & R Publishing
ISBN 1596381167

Read/Reviewed: February 9, 2011

Thinking Christians Stand Firm in the Faith

Your Mind Matters

This book was refreshing, thoughtful and will stir your passion for God and His word. It will bring clarity and sense in how we are to use our minds as Christians in all phases of our life and witness. John Stott examines 6 areas in which the mind is absolutely necessary in: Christian living, worship, Faith, holiness, Christian guidance and Christian Evangelism.

In speaking of our evangelistic effort, the author addresses the need for the Christian witness that appeals to the whole person; to the heart, mind and will of a person, with the whole gospel; Christ incarnation, crucified, risen, reigning, coming again and more. It is upon these crucial areas, and appealing to the whole person that conviction and true lasting Faith is built. He gives examples from the Bible how this was done by Jesus, the Apostles and disciples.

Publisher's Description :

"Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service," writes John Stott. "If we do not use the mind which God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality." While Christians have had a long heritage of rigorous scholarship and careful thinking, some circles still view the intellect with suspicion or even as contradictory to Christian faith. And many non-Christians are quick to label Christians as anti-intellectual and obscurantist. But this need not be so. In this classic introduction to Christian thinking, John Stott makes a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the mind as well as the heart.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN 0830834087

Read/Reviewed October 2010

Current Trends Examined

This Little Church Had None: A Church in Search of the Truth

 This is Pastor Gilley’s latest addition in a series of books he has written, that addresses the contemporary evangelical movements and is discerning their affects on the church and the individual Christian. The author has written extensively on the culture’s affect on the church. The content is broken up into 3 parts: 1. Obstacles to Truth, 2. Te way back, and part 3. Evangelism. Gilley makes another pleas in this book for a return to biblical preaching and a renewed confidence in the word of god. In the final chapter dealing with evangelism, co-author Jay Wegter outlines a series of questions and discussions that are designed to simplify worldviews, and then gives practical, biblical ways the bible can address them.

Copyright © 2009

Publisher Evangelical Press
ISBN 0852347081

Reading/Review date: July 2010

Affirming and Important Reading

10 Lies about God: And the Truths That Shatter Deception

Purchased this book in October at our local Christian bookstore, and include it in the reviews here. We found this book to be excellent and important reading. It is one of the best books we’ve read this year, among some others. 

The book has ‘real’ answers for spiritual seekers, and for those who have questions about Christianity, or more importantly about God., and what the Bible teaches, and also what the Bible does not teach as well. Lutzer explores some answers that are given for God that reveal half-truths and deceptive beliefs. There is a lot of misconceptions and opinions about God, and how God deals with man. This book covers these questions.

Erwin Lutzer is an accomplished Author, Pastor and Bible teacher. He is biblical in his approach to the questions that most often come our way as Christians from unbelievers and people of other religions and faiths, and is well equipped to instruct, teach and give answers to the questions of people who do not believe in Christ as Savior of the world. The book is an exceptional volume that is an apologetic, as well as it is strengthening reading for the long-time or mature Christian.

The Author searches the deeper questions of our faith and aids the reader in being able to know the Savior, grow in discernment so you are able to stand firm in the faith, and equip your witness for Christ to be effective with well reasoned answers. (1 Peter 3:15). There is a study guide in the back, with questions that will assist the reader with questions for each chapter that will help you retain what you’ve read, and can also be useful as a helpful guide for churches and bible study groups.

Erwin W. Lutzer  has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years and has written numerous books. He is also featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.” Running to win radio - http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/  and is the author of many Christian books.

Copyright © 2009 Erwin W. Lutzer

Publisher Kregel Books

ISBN - 978-0-8254-2945-3

Reading / Review Date: December 2009

The Idol Makers

Hollywood Be Thy Name 

Christians have a responsibility when they see Hollywood films and TV programs to discern them and stand firm in the faith, and show their faithfulness to God and His Word rather than having a fascination with Hollywood’s latest enticement. This is an evangelistic book, to those who are a part of Hollywood, as well as to those who idolize the Actors and anyone who is a movie lover.

This book is not light-weigh reading. The Author puts the fear of God into his writing and carries the gospel message through to the reader. Those things that are taken in with the eyes and ears do very much effect our own conscious and morals, (Matt 6:22-23) and do have a spiritual consequence whether we may believe it or not. The Author asks “Why are so many who claim to be Christians watching R-rated movies? And “What do you do when you hear the Lord’s name and God Blasphemed? Blasphemy of God and Jesus Christ is heard in many movies these days and in other forms of entertainment. It has become more and more prevalent and unrestrained. Where is Hollywood’s responsibility in what it produces?

Ray Comfort writes how there was a rating code enacted in the 1930’s called “The Hay’s Code” due to an outcry from the public because of movies containing sex and violence, and actors personal lives were giving Hollywood a bad image. In the chapter titled: Charlie Chaplin and underage girls, the Author writes:

“Hollywood was getting a bad image, so some studio heads hired a Presbyterian senator, William Hays, to try to clean up Hollywood and convince the nation that it wasn’t all bad. Hays persuaded the studios that abiding by a set of moral standards was the safest and cheapest answer to their troubles. If the movie industry policed itself, government censorship wouldn’t have to step in. Plus, the new “Hay’s Code” was a big money-saving measure. Instead of paying to fix moral content after the film was done, the studios could simply follow the code before making their movies, and everyone would be happy. So it was adapted in 1930.

The Author writes that in 1934 the code was enforced, and by it, it had the authority to review all movies and have script changes, and says if a theater ran a film without the proper seal of approval it was fined $25,000, and the code successfully forced the studios to toe-the-line. During that time period good family movies and Biblical epics were being produced. But in the 1950’s some found a way around the “Hay’s Code” through the free-speech clause and first Amendment, studios started pushing the moral standard back. “Then in 1968 Hollywood officially abandoned the filmmaker’s code and shifted the moral responsibility to parents with what we now know as the Rating System.”

Ray Comfort effectively proves how Hollywood has it’s own concept of God, and it’s own moral agenda. The Author shows what that is, and then writes what the Bible has to say about it. The Author cites that 79% of the total domestic box office sales were from church-going Christians in 2005 - per Barna group survey. This 79% shows that Christians are compromising their convictions. In this book Ray Comfort offers an evangelistic message that is sure to make you think about what influence Hollywood is having on your life, conscience and rather you believe what you say you do. Ray Comfort writes about what the Christian should be looking for, how and what we see and hear effects our conscience and what we as Christians can do to make a difference by Standing Firm in the Faith.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher Bridge-logos Publishing
ISBN 0882703943


Reading / Review Date: October 2009

Spurgeon V. Hyper-Calvinism - The Battle for Gospel Preaching

“C.H. Spurgeon is best remembered today for the remarkable ministry he exercised in London during the Victorian era. His influence was incalculable. Thousands listened to his preaching every week, while hundreds of thousands throughout the world later read his sermons in published form.

A man of great natural gifts, charm and wit, Spurgeon’s master passion was evident in everything he did - to preach Jesus Christ to all as the only Saviour. But as early as 1855 this brought him into a serious and prolonged doctrinal controversy with Hyper-Calvinism.

By tracing this conflict, exploring the issues involved in it and showing what was at stake in them, Iain H. Murray underlines the contemporary relevance and importance of sharing C.H. Spurgeon’s convictions. “

The above best describes the book and is quoted from the inside cover.. This book is exquisitely written by Iain H. Murray.  The Author gives a thorough historical account of Spurgeon’s ministry and life, and the book was helpful in understanding not only the life of Spurgeon and who he was, but what was going on within the Baptist denomination at that time of the controversial issues that are written about which is best remember as “The Downgrade Controversy. This book gave me a better understand of the issues that revolve around Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism.

For Further Research on “The Downgrade Controversy” - From John MacArthur's book: 'Ashamed of the Gospel' -  http://www.spurgeon.org/downgrd.htm

　

Copyright © 1995 by Banner of Truth Trust

Publisher Banner of Truth Trust

ISBN - 0 85151 692 o

Reading /Review date: Sept 2003

Christian Love and Responsibility

Love, the Ultimate Apologetic: The Heart of Christian Witness

What is it about Christianity's position on love that is different than that of other belief systems and world religions?

This book presents the uniqueness of Christian love. Parts of this book are written in a narrative that establishes the topical study for discussion in each chapter, with the Author expanding on explaining an apologetic responds for Christian love and belief in the gospel.  We must stand firm in the faith without compromising the truth, and this can be done in love.

Art Lindsley gives an apologetic for the powerful witness of Christian love and gives a comparison with other worldviews.  Each chapter’s topic is best summed up like this:

Love is never sure apart from commitment
Love is never sane apart from conscious
Love is never safe apart from character
Love is never stimulated apart from community
Love is never seized apart from courage

The sub-title of the book - “The heart of the Christian Witness” reveals our responsibility as believers to proclaim hope to those who do not know Christ as their Savior and to apologetically defend the gospel in a way that is loving and selfless. The Author also touches on our relationships with other Christians, and points out that it is essential that we demonstrate love and forgiveness for one another. The holds some valuable insights on how to dialogue respectfully and lovingly with those who are atheist or new agers. Although the book is listed as Christian theology, there may be better books addressing this, but in all, it was a good read. 1 Corinthians 16:13,14 “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Copyright © 2008

Publisher IVP Books

ISBN 978-0-8308-3427-3

Reading / Review date: October 2009

Loving in a way the world can see

The Mark of Jesus  

Christians need to be aware of how our actions look to the world, we also need to stand firm in the faith and be ready always to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15). That is a summation of what this book is about. The Authors teach much to be considered, studied, and thought about. The book covers the Bible’s meaning of ‘love’ and how we as Christians are to love our neighbors, even when it seems impossible, and gives reasonable and scriptural examples to apply.

The book goes over the biblical definition of evangelical ‘unity’, and tells us “Unity” must be based upon the truths found in scripture, and not for purely humanistic reasons.” Some very good points were made in this chapter that are worthy of further study. It also covers how to respond when the world calls us hypocrites. Christians are to be living lives of peace and righteousness that testify to the redeeming power of Christ. This in fact shows that we as Christians bear the mark of Jesus.

Observable ‘love’ is seen by how Christians treat one another before a watching world. Most Christians will tell you they believe in The Fundamentals of The Christian Faith, (those things which are essential to our beliefs from biblical principles ). But they are quick to be divisive when it comes to agreeing that they are not fundamentalists! Some Christians mistakenly have taken the position that believing the ‘Fundamentals’ that are taught from scripture, makes them an Extremist, which is far from the case and is not an accurate appraisal. The authors point out that Evangelicals in the last recent decade don’t want to be associated with the name; “Fundamentalists” or “Fundamentals of the Faith,” but the ‘Fundamentals of the Faith are and have been a distinguishing quality of Christianity and Evangelicalism.

Timothy George is the founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School and a Professor. He has written more than 20 books and regularly contributes to scholarly journals, and is a popular conference speaker.

John Woodbridge is research professor of Church History and the History of Christian Thought at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois and is the author of many books.

Copyright © 2005
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 080248123X

Reading / Review Date: June 8, 2009

This book can be purchased at  Christianbook.com 

Can a Christian have a demon?

Dilemma Over Demons DVD

This is one of the best dvds exposing the new unbiblical teachings on demonism of christians that has been popularized in the Christian Church today. These teachings regarding spiritual warfare and generational curses are being accepted by undiscerning Christians through ‘deliverance ministries’, and by some Christian counseling. Lorri MacGregor has researched well the biblical issues and errors from those who promote these teachings, and gives biblical answers why the Christian should not be duped into believing these distortions and errors.

The DVD shows how these extreme teachings come through a distinct theology and movements such as Kingdom Now, Dominion theology, Joel’s Army and other similar teachings where a Christian plays a dominant role over demons as well as playing a dominant role over the Christians they minister to. The DVD shows clearly how these error are promoted because of a poor biblical understanding of the verses they use.

Personal responsibility for sin is avoided and blame is put on the person’s past. But, the Bible does not support generational curses for Christians. Religious pride is also a factor with those promoting these unbiblical concepts. The DVD also shows a word study on some of the verses used by those who are involved and promoting these teachings, and will help assist you in your own personal study. The MacGregor’s have been serving the body of Christ since 1979 and have produced several excellent videos/dvd’s. Visit their website for more information. MM Outreach website http://www.mmoutreach.org/

You can purchase this DVD from the product page website and see a short presentation of the DVD here: http://mmoutreach.org/video/dod.htm   

Copyright © 2004

MM Outreach

Keith and Lorri MacGregor

Reviewed: March 2008

Finding Peace In Life's Storms

Encouragement for the Hurting and Weary

  The blessing of reading this book was having scriptural guidance to lead us through the storms of life. Psalms 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God’s grace pours forth to comfort and guide us. Our faith is increase in Christ Jesus, and realize an abiding hope in God through life’s difficulties.

This beautifully written book by Charles Spurgeon would encourage anyone through hard times. It could bring healing and hope to a Christian or perhaps an unbeliever as well. Spurgeon brings scripture to bear on the heart of the soul that is hurting and weary.  This is by far one of our favorite books by Spurgeon.

Copyright © 1997

Publisher: Whitaker House Publishers   http://www.whitakerhouse.com/
 ISBN: 0883684799

Reading / Review Date: December 30, 2007

Fool's Gold ? : Discerning Truth in an Age of Error

 Discerning Truth in an Age of Error - Test all Things

Grace to You 　

 

In an age of open-mindedness, many believers accept too much, using little discernment resulting in confusion. False teaching and trends need to be evaluated for their soundness. 1 Thess 5:21, 1 John 4:1.

This book is a collection of essays from various authors that encourage the reader to have a miner’s discrimination and fortitude applied to discerning truth from error. Returning to the authority of Scripture is stressed, which is much needed today. Sound biblical teaching is in short supply and this book was a refreshing find.

Detecting a spiritual counterfeit requires discipline. Titus 1:9 says; “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

Each chapter of this book addresses a different subject on trends and false teaching. Part Two titled: Practicing discernment in your local bookstore was one of the most helpful sections of the book. An evaluation of four popular best-selling books are biblically discerned by the writers with Scripture. The concluding chapter gives practical and biblical instruction on applying discernment by the sufficiency of Scripture. God’s Word is an anchor in our faith, and it provides instruction on how to evaluate and test - every spiritual message we receive and discern between trends, traditions and truth. This book will equip you with a solid foundation for which to exercise the practice of biblical discernment.

Some of the authors who contributed individual chapters in this book are: Nathan Busenitz, Phil Johnson, Daniel Gillespie, Rick Holland, Carey Hardy, Kurt Gebhards, Dan Dumas.

John MacArthur is pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California and president of The Master’s College and Seminary. He is the author and editor of many books. John MacArthur can be heard on “Grace to You” radio program which broadcasts daily across the country on nearly 300 stations.

Grace to you website-  www.gty.org

Copyright © 2005 by the Shepherd’s Fellowship

Published by Crossway Books - www.crossway.com

ISBN- 1-58134-726-X

Can be ordered from Grace to You  resource page

Reading / Review Date: February 2007