Category: Progressive Christianity

Listener Comments and Questions

by Stand Up For The Truth | Nov 30, 2018 | Ask Mike, Christian Church, Creation, Culture & Morality, Education, Emergent Church, False Teaching, Globalism, Leaders, LGBTQ, Podcast, Politics and Faith, Progressive Christianity, Prosperity Gospel, Seeker Friendly, Social Justice, Word Faith | 0 |

Friday is your show! Mike and David cover questions and comments from our listeners. Here are some of the questions, comments, and topics that Stand Up for the Truth listeners want to discuss today:

Is the Bible clear on Christians tithing and giving?
Doesn’t President Trump promote violence just as much as the radicals on the Left?
Hyper-grace is becoming a cancer in the church, leading to ‘seeker-sensitive’ Christianity
How long should a church allow unrepentant sinners to remain in their congregation?
Eternal security: Hebrews 6 dilemma – can a true believer lose his or her salvation? What’s a balanced perspective?
Andy Stanley, Rob Bell, Jim Wallis, and a few other heretics
Writing from Canada, there are few voices here standing for the true faith, please pray for our leaders!
Weak, watered-down teachings in most modern American churches – how can we break this pattern?

One World Religion and Liberal ‘Christian’ Contradictions

by Stand Up For The Truth | Nov 12, 2018 | Christian Church, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, Environmentalism, Globalism, Jim Wallis, LGBTQ, Liberalism, One world religion, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Social Justice | 0 |

Today’s guest is Don Veinot of Midwest Christian Outreach. He recently attended the Parliament of World religions and gives us an update including a bit of history on this unbiblical movement. The meeting in Toronto, Canada included a United Nations workshop espousing the view that our salvation (and the salvation of the earth) depends on man – on our ability to shed exclusion and embrace our “common oneness.”

“This is an event which few Evengelicals pay attention to and will sneak up on them in the future, especially with their association to the UN.” Don Veinot

What is Behind the Modern Liberal Curtain?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 17, 2018 | Abortion, Apologetics, Christian Church, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Education, Emergent Church, False Teaching, gender confusion, Globalism, Homosexual Agenda, LGBTQ, Liberalism, Moral Relativism, Podcast, Progressive Christianity | 2 |

When you watch a movie with great special effects, what you see looks amazing (Buildings exploding, giant dinosaurs, super heroes flying). But when you look behind the curtain so to speak, and see how computer generated imaging produces these effects, the magic wears off and you realize it is all fantasy and illusion.

Today, we look at the hard core progressive movement in our nation and how it is built on contradiction and illusion, but sadly most Americans never take the time to look at what is actually going on or where we are being led. And this same deceit might just be infecting the very church you attend every Sunday.

John Loeffler of Steel on Steel radio is an authority on the real agenda and thought process of the hardcore Left joins us to help us take a peek behind the curtain of illusion that is modern Liberalism.

Quote from John Loeffler:

“Are we going to be a free society with the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of speech and religion and press and property – all of which have been under siege by judicial activism for the last 50 years – or will we go careening forward into some kind of oligarchic, progressive, socialistic dictatorship that we know from countries around the world that always fails with economic and social collapse?”

We discuss the difference between Left and Liberal, the contradictions within the very thinking of progressives, the long-term effects of the transgender movement and gender-fluid conditioning, and the failure of many churches to stand for the inerrancy of Scripture and biblical morality.

No Comment or Question Off Limits

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 12, 2018 | Abortion, Apologetics, Catholic, Christian Church, Culture & Morality, False Teaching, gender confusion, Government, LGBTQ, Listener Questions, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Spiritual Warfare | 0 |

So many controversial issues and debates, so little time! Here’s what listeners want to discuss today:

To what level can a Christian be depressed?
How much does our faith play into our emotional and mental health, and how much depends on trusting God?
I know spiritual warfare is real because we are warned many times about it in the New Testament, but to what extent can demons influence Christians?
My strong hunch is that a majority of Americans have bought the lies about Justice Kavanaugh because they no longer think logically.
What do you think the greater problem in most churches is – ignorance in the pulpit or cowardice?
Didn’t know how extensive the Burning Man movement has become. It seems like a combination of New Age, humanism, environmentalism, and a combo of religions: can you please boil this ideology down so it’s easier to understand?
With all the division and spiritual confusion in the church, it’s no wonder many young people want nothing to do with Christianity today.
I’m a newer Christian, could you please explain Replacement Theology? Is it a salvation issue?
Hillsong’s stance on issues such as evolution, homosexuality, and seeker-friendly movement are concerning to the Australian Council of Churches. Hillsong produced some wonderful music, but as a whole they seem to have exchanged traditional, historical Christian doctrines to seek fame and fortune.
I’m a former Catholic and know some good Roman Catholic friends, even though many of their Church doctrines are unbiblical: can a Catholic go to heaven or not?

Mormon No Longer

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 11, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, False Prophet, False Teaching, Gospel, Mormonism, Podcast, Progressive Christianity | 0 |

In the final segment this morning, Mike and David look at an important announcement from leadership of the Mormon Church: they will no longer call themselves “Mormons” so they can, in their words, emphasize their “Christian” doctrine. Those of us who understand the Bible compared to the foundational beliefs of Mormonism realize this is pure deception, and we’ll explore the potential reasons they are making this change in name only.

We’ll also look at an interfaith religious coalition’s “Peace Caravan” headed to Israel to promote a peace treaty between Israel and the nations committed to her destruction.

In the first segment, we continue our look at “30 Biblical People You Need to Know” with Pastor Randy White. Our subjects include Saul, King David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, John the Baptist, Nehemiah, King Herod and Daniel.

The Challenge and Opportunity of Islam’s Growth

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 1, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Evangelism, False Teaching, Islam, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Worldview | 0 |

When you see someone who is a Muslim, what is the first thing that pops into your mind? Fear that he might be a radical terrorist? Or an opportunity to share the Gospel with him? Truth be told many Christians probably experience both initial reactions to some extent. Or perhaps you feel nothing because you believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

The relationship and conflict between Biblical Christianity and Islam is a unique one; and there is a systematic attempt to blur the lines between Christianity and Islam, the world’s two largest religions. All of this creates a type of “spiritual paralysis” for Christians when the subject of Islam comes up.

James Walker of watchman.org has written a new book contrasting the “Jesus” in the Quran with the true Jesus of the Bible. He joins us to draw those distinctions and give some practical advise on how we can share the gospel with Muslims or people who think both religions worship the same God.

Listener’s Show: Your Comments and Questions

by Stand Up For The Truth | Sep 28, 2018 | Abortion, Christian Growth, Church Leadership, Creation, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, Government, Leaders, LGBTQ, Listener Questions, Podcast, Politics and Faith, President Trump, Pro-Life, Progressive Christianity, Religious Freedom, Seeker Friendly | 0 |

Here are some of the topics addressed today and questions our listeners asked:

Could you please expand the discussion a little more on the Parable of the Sower/Seed mentioned last week?
What does the expression, “the issue is never the issue” mean?
Not sure I agree this nation is trending conservative than it appears in culture and politics
How can any Democrat Christian continue to vote for their party after the disgusting display in the Senate hearings on Justice Brett Kavanaugh?
It’s hard to believe Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Church promoted hyper-progressives such as Corey Booker as examples of good leadership.
Please elaborate on yesterday’s discussion about the agreement between the Vatican and Communist China, and is this where the Christian Church in America could be headed?
I think the Roman Catholic Church will be joined by the Protestant and Evangelical churches coming together under the guise of “unity” to form the one-world religion that will support Anti-Christ.
Why are the books of Maccabees in the Catholic Bible but not in the Protestant Bible?
What on earth is with the Burning Man festival about other than a mix of New Age, humanism, environmentalism, occult, and a blending of a few other religions?
With America’s foundations of God, truth, creation, and the Constitution crumbling, it is no wonder young people want nothing to do with today’s splintered Christian church.

The War on Truth, Facts and Reason

by Stand Up For The Truth | Sep 24, 2018 | Abortion, Apologetics, Christianity, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, False Teaching, Government, Leaders, LGBTQ, Liberalism, Podcast, Politics and Faith, Progressive Christianity, Replacement Theology, Universalism | 0 |

Truth only comes from God because He knows all things past, present and future, and according to His Word He is incapable of lying. And if our pursuit of truth has any genesis but God we can easily be deceived. Today we cover three stories about how facts, reality, and truth is being subjected to man’s opinions and agenda.

We look at the agenda behind the last minute attacks by liberals on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, reiterating our ongoing concerns about movements like “MeToo” being taken too far and used as political weapons to silence opponents of the Liberal Movement.

Then we turn our attention to the professing Christian Church in America, where it seems truth is becoming a more frequent casualty of eloquent, ear-ticking mega-church pastors with their own agenda. In his apparent quest to create doubt about God’s Word, you will never guess the next attack on the Old Testament being engineered by Andy Stanley. It seems Stanley is leading to rewriting the gospel to say something like “Jesus loves you and you are going to heaven so forget about anything God said in the Old Testament…Jesus replaced all the laws.”

Questions and Comments from Listeners

by Stand Up For The Truth | Sep 21, 2018 | Abortion, Bill Hybels, Christian Church, Church Leadership, Emergent Church, Jim Wallis, Leadership, Liberalism, Listener Questions, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Seeker Friendly, Social Justice | 2 |

Rather than list many of the questions and comments this week, let’s sum them up this way:

Comments and questions discussed on today’s podcast include an overwhelming response to the current Willow Creek Church/Bill Hybels scandal. Over all listeners who sent in questions or comments on the issue, over 90% are opposed to the Willow Creek Association and Global Leadership Summit, and many have addressed their concerns with their pastor.

Some have already left their churches if it continued to be a part of the Willow Creek Association, while others plan to ask their pastor about it to see how they justify partnering with an organization having so many unbiblical approaches and teachings. In our experience, when confronted about WC, most church leaders double down and refuse to acknowledge the problems.

A few listeners mentioned politics and the fiasco the Senate hearings have become regarding Supreme Court nominee, Bret Kavanaugh. Someone also brought up the difference between being a Christian and a conservative which are often used interchangeably.

Another Christian couple wants to know how to strike a healthy, biblical balance in the home as campaign season is already upon us. One spouse is more active politically wanting to be salt and light in culture and the other just wants to pray and vote as God leads without getting immersed or frustrated with the political process.

The others we had time for today mentioned the importance of believers knowing and appreciating the Old Testament. Also, a new believer who asked about the parable of the Sower in Mark chapter 4 and does it refute the “once saved always saved” doctrine.

The Prayer of a Red Letter Christian

by Stand Up For The Truth | Sep 17, 2018 | Abortion, Beliefs, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, Globalism, Government, LGBTQ, Moral Relativism, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Social Justice, Tony Campolo, World Events | 0 |

Have you ever wondered how members of the “Red Letter Christians” pray when they gather together? How do you pray to God when you believe He cares more about social justice and immigration than he does the eternal souls of men? This morning, Mike and David will share the opening prayers cited at the Red Letter Christian “Lynchburg Revival.” See if you can spot anything missing.

Mike and David will also discuss the danger of the #MeToo Movement combining with politics and activism. Abortion is just one of the hot-button issues and the Left thinks nothing of destroying its opponents just to make sure they can go on eliminating the lives of innocent children in the womb.

In our first segment, Don Veinot of Midwest Christian Outreach joins the program as he prepares to attend the Parliament of World Religions in Canada in November.

The Garden of Eden Is A Real Historical Place

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 28, 2018 | Christianity, Creation, Hot Topics, Liberalism, Moral Relativism, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Religious Freedom, Theology, Universalism | 0 |

Today’s guest is Pastor Carl Gallups with a brand new book out: Gods of Ground Zero. He explains the importance of the Garden of Eden and how it is related to the holy mountain. Gallups points to the pivotal chapter of Genesis chapter 3.

Much of the real message of the Garden of Eden has been adjusted over time. Think of the eternal ramifications of that truth. Literally everything wrong with the world and our own personal lives, as well as the continual deluge of filth that you read in today’s headlines is directly linked to the Garden of Eden. Why is it then that we so frequently insist upon turning that vital chapter into an almost childlike bedtime story?

Mike and David also cover more of the disturbing trend of demonizing anyone who dares uphold a biblical view of sexuality. This time, Chicago Cubs’ pro baseball player, Daniel Murphy is coming under fire for comments he made back in 2015.

The Lure of Celebrity Pastors

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 15, 2018 | Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, Emergent Church, Evangelism, False Teaching, Gospel, Liberalism, Podcast, Progressive Christianity | 0 |

The growing fascination with mega-churches and celebrity pastors continues in the land of “bigger is better.” In the United States of entertainment, it seems many professing Christians would rather follow a man or what seems popular instead of God and His Word. Certainly not all large churches are bad, but the number of mega-churches and celebrity pastors drifting from sound doctrine is on the rise. So is controversy in the church.

Today, Mike and David hone in on one celebrity pastor and author, Andy Stanley. Stanley has never shied away from controversy, making outrageous statements in the recent past. His latest advice: Christians need to “unhitch” themselves from the Old Testament. His rationale? Paul and Peter told the first century church they should do the same! We’ll weigh in with what the Word of God says about the Hebrew Scriptures and try to figure out why Stanley would say something so outrageous.

Chipping Away at Christian Freedoms

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 13, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Discrimination, Education, Evangelism, Globalism, LGBTQ, Persecution, Podcast, Religious Freedom | 0 |

We see and hear the stories every day of Christians in China, Iran, Pakistan and Africa being harassed, imprisoned and sometimes murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ. We see the stories here in America of Christians being bullied and intimidated into silence. Yet, we cannot seem to connect the dots. This bullying and intimidation is a precursor to the coming violent persecution of Christians here in America—a persecution few churches and individuals are prepared for.

This morning, Mike and David look at growing persecution in China, along with ways technology is being used to soften our resistance to “Big Brother”, setting us up to walk into slavery as a people.

We also visit with Travis Barham of Alliance Defending Freedom to discuss a legal battle against the University of Colorado’s campaign to kick a Christian Ministry, Ratio Christi, off College campuses.

Is a True Believer’s Salvation Eternally Secure?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 12, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, Evangelism, False Teaching, Gospel, Leaders, Listener Questions, Podcast, Prophecy, Salvation | 1 |

A couple weeks ago we interviewed Pastor Mike Abendroth on the doctrine of eternal security of the true believer through faith in Jesus Christ. Some listeners have written claiming our belief is wrong and that the belief in the eternal security of the believer is wrong and dangerous. So today Pastor Abendroth joins us again to address those concerns on this very important doctrine.

We will also talk with Mike about sincere questions unbelievers have about God and The Bible and how the Church has a responsibility to answer their sincere questions honestly, because if we cannot they will find the wrong answers in the world.

Keeping an Eye on Israel, Prophecy

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 10, 2018 | Apologetics, Christianity, Environmentalism, Globalism, Government, Humanism, Islam, Israel, Podcast, Politics and Faith, Religious Freedom, Social Justice, Worldview | 0 |

As our nation continues to be distracted by media spin, alleged Russian collusion, politics, social issues, holidays, and the daily drama of the Stock Market, many are ignoring events in Israel and the Middle East that may be pointing to the continuing fulfillment of biblical prophecy. While it is currently in rebellion against God because of rejecting Jesus as Messiah, Israel is nonetheless very important to God and His final plans for this world are centered on Israel…and a lot is going on there that most are ignoring.

Pastor and bestselling author, Carl Gallups, a student and teacher of biblical prophecy, joins us to share details on interesting news many are ignoring about Israel.

In our final segment, you’ll never guess who Democrats and Humanists in Massachusetts are blaming for all the world’s problems from racism to climate change. We look at the continuing campaign to silence the Christian worldview in the public venue.

Questions, Comments, and Biblical Answers

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 7, 2018 | Ask Mike, Christian Church, Christianity, Emergent Church, Gospel, Podcast, Prosperity Gospel, Word Faith | 1 |

Questions and comments from listeners today include:

Is it wrong that I don’t tithe to my church but instead support Christians organizations and ministries that are spreading the gospel and equipping believers? My pastor said this is wrong, but my church is not making disciples.
Are Word Faith or prosperity preachers crooks for making promises that God will bless people financially if they give money to them?
As believers, can we sanctify ourselves?
I am a former Muslim and appreciate the grace you exhibit in reminding people not all Muslims are terrorists in waiting.
Listening from Alberta Canada, we attend a large church that is biblical and has good leadership. But groups are growing within our church following a lot of Bethel propaganda believing everyone should speak in tongues and prophesy. Some claim those who do not aren’t filled with the Spirit. What can I say to my friends about this?
Regarding the Mark of the Beast, I have friends who claim that when a person allows an electric device to be installed, even a pacemaker or does electronic banking, it’s wrong. Aren’t they overreacting?
Is Hebrews 6 referring to those who were not saved to begin with or those who lost their salvation?
Israel is a free republic like America, but aren’t the two nations spiritually “un-Christian” considering only a small remnant are true, converted believers in Jesus Christ?
Love the show on creation and evolution with Jay Seegert (December 5). Too many debates about creation focus on science rather than Scripture and end up veering away from the fact of a literal six-day creation and the age of the earth being thousands of years old, not millions.

Feelings and Opinions Vs Beliefs and Truth

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 6, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Contextualization, Culture & Morality, False Teaching, LGBTQ, Podcast, Religious Freedom | 0 |

Feelings, opinions, beliefs and truth are parts of the thought process that leads to our ultimate actions and behaviors. But the order in which they form our complex thought and subsequent action makes all the difference in the world. If we get them in the wrong order we can start down a slippery slope where our beliefs and actions contradict what God says in His Word, and nothing good will come out of that. But if we align them correctly according to the teachings of the Bible, we can lead a life of joy, victory in Christ, and the peace of God.

Dave Wager of Silver Birch Ranch and Nicolet Bible Institute joins us to discuss how to correctly line up these elements comprising our human thought process, and the dangers of incorrectly prioritizing them.