1. APOSTATE RELIGION

There are wolves among the sheep, just as Jesus warned: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). The Apostles echoed these words (Acts 20:29; 2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 4).

So, I would ask, WHERE ARE THESE "WOLVES"? Answer: They are in the Church, and Jesus told us that we can know who they are (Matt. 7:16). Oh, they are among us - believe it.

They stand day after day proclaiming that we are in the midst of a great "revival," but I believe that the words of God to Israel are appropriate words for the Church:

"[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof ... Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain." --- Ezekiel 22:25,27

We are not in the midst of revival, but of apostasy: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first ... " (2 Thes. 2:3; cf. 2 Tim. 3:1; 4:3; 1 John 2:18).

These teachers are "destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness" (1 Tim. 6:5), and should be easily identified by this most obvious heresy (Matt. 12:33). They are greedy and covetous, ignoring to their own peril the Apostolic qualifications for pastoral ministry (1 Tim. 3:3). Far from having "a good report of them which are without" (1 Tim. 3:7), these teachers have earned justified criticism from the world and brought reproach upon the name of our Lord Jesus.

"Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter" (Isaiah 56:11). "For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely" (Jer. 6:13; 8:10). God's house today is no less a "den of thieves" than when Jesus rebuked the moneychangers (Matt. 21:13)!

These thieves are rampant today, deceiving the sheep "through covetousness" and "with feigned words," making merchandise of God's people (2 Peter 2:3). "Woe unto them! for they have ... ran greedily after the error of Balaam" (Jude 11).

Jesus warned: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses" (Luke 12:15). How much plainer could He have been? Yet, though God charges believers that they should not trust in "uncertain riches" (1 Tim. 6:17), and should instead learn contentment (Phil'p. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:8), these false prophets teach gullible saints to follow them in their covetousness by intoxicating them with "signs and wonders"! God help His Church! "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have ... " (Heb. 13:5).

In a culture tailor-made for their heretical doctrines, these false prophets flourish under the noses of well-meaning, but deceived Christians who are getting their teaching from the wrong end (Isa. 9:15). I fear that many of these deceivers are not really believers at all - "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" (Matt. 7:22). Jesus answers: "Depart from Me ... I never knew you" (Matt. 7:23). Jesus warned against false "signs and wonders" as well (Mark 13:22).

"Who are these men???," you ask. "Such teachers should be avoided like the plague!," you cry.

Turn on "Christian television" - they are everywhere. The Scriptures warn against this type of "ministry," and discerning Christians must "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints" (Jude 3 - note the absence of any "revelation knowledge"). These teachers are they "whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:11). May God give us the grace to "mark them and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17). May we stand firm in the faith, and rebuke these self-proclaimed "prophets," as Jeremiah rebuked Hananiah (Jer. 28:15).

I love my Charismatic brethren, and (unlike some Reformed teachers) I don't "throw out the baby with the bathwater." But people - God help us - it is time to throw out the "bathwater"! I cannot tell you how many people I have encountered who have been/are being hurt by this idea that God is some sort of "genie," a spineless "Santa Claus" Who must respond to what amounts to witchcraft in Christian clothes. These teachers infuriate me! Let us all pray both for the deceived elect, the tares under their teaching, and (this is very important) these false teachers themselves.

"The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart" --- Jeremiah 14:14

2. OBEYING GOD RATHER THAN MEN

Lt. Cmdr. Philip Veitch is, or rather was, a U.S. Navy chaplain stationed in Naples, Italy. He is a minister within the Reformed Episcopal Church - very much Protestant and Evangelical. One day in January of 1998, he stood delivering a message in which he made the following statement:

"No saint, no minister, no priest, no person ordained or unordained, no one stands between us and God, but Christ Jesus."

I don't think I need to inform many of my readers that this statement is entirely Biblical (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15), and represents one of the foremost teachings of the Reformation - the priesthood of all believers. I daresay that similar statements can be found in the writings of Luther, Calvin, Knox, the Puritans, Bunyan, Spurgeon, and virtually every major Protestant spokesperson for the last four centuries. As Veitch later commented to a reporter:

"Standard, well-spoken, Protestant theology ... Period."

However, the Senior Chaplain, Capt. Ron Buchmiller (a Roman-Catholic) evidently heard in these grand words a significant threat to his own idea of "pluralism," the stated policy of U.S. military chaplain ministry. This distaste for Protestant theology ignited a verbal battle between Buchmiller and Veitch that lasted over a year, off and on. Finding an ally in liberal Episcopalian Lt. Cmdr. Steve Pike, Buchmiller eventually reacted by attempting to dictate to Veitch what he could and could not preach - calling his preaching "anti-priest" and "unpluralistic."

But for all their barking, Veitch turned out to be the proverbial "wrong tree." Veitch clearly made his feelings known: "We have a sense of repression here ... I am ordained by the Reformed Episcopal Church, and I will not have a Roman Catholic priest tell me what I can and cannot say. It won't happen. I can't have the government telling me what my denomination can or cannot say." Of course, he is right.

Veitch also stated: "True pluralism allows a chaplain to be what the endorsing denomination has sent him to be ... Pluralism is not homogenization ... As an American, real pluralism allows me to be what I was sent to be."

Buchmiller has pulled this before. Southern Baptist chaplain Greg Demarco, stationed in Naples until October of 1998, reports similar treatment for "daring" to end his prayers with "In Jesus' Name."

Upon filing a complaint specifying religious discrimination, Veitch was suddenly brought up on charges of "showing disrespect to the senior chaplain, Capt. Ronald J. Buchmiller, and failure to go to appointed places of duty" (in Feb., 1999). Veitch refused to attend a nonjudicial captain's mast (a sort of less official precursor to a court martial, as I understand it), a decision legally within his rights. He was then given an ultimatum: either resign, or be court-martialed. What a choice.

Veitch initially went for the court martial, but decided to resign instead. In July, Veitch sent a letter to Navy Secretary Richard Danzig in which he alleged that his resignation was coerced through a misuse of military authority. The battle continues.

Philip Veitch moved to North Carolina with his family nearly a month ago. His fight to preserve his right to preach the faith of the Protestant Reformation continues. Among those who have become involved are Marlin Maddux, James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Rush Limbaugh, and Pat Robertson of the 700 Club.

What does Veitch have to say?

"We fought and defended the right of Chaplains, particularly evangelical Chaplains, to exercise their Constitutional rights as per Articles 0817 and 0820 of the Navy Regulations, as per OPNAVINST 1730.7A 1.h.(2) and 1730.8A4 to mention a few USN instructions, and as per 10 USC 6031 (a) of the federal code. We resisted a Roman Catholic priest, protected by a mis-advised Roman Catholic Commanding Officer who tried 'to regulate' the Protestant pulpit numerous times ... a Roman Catholic priest who through his principal associate, a liberally oriented Episcopalian, tried to impose heretical Sunday School material contrary to the needs to 2 evangelical congregations among other discriminatory practices. We resisted the institutional bias against evangelicals as per the Ellis report, wherein, over many years, 90% of premier Chaplaincy positions were guarded and awarded to Roman Catholics and liturgical Chaplains, while only 10% of those positions went to evangelicals who represent 50% of the Chaplain Corps ... 50% of whom represent the most virile, motivated, and growing denominations in our country ... faith groups committed to God's sovereign, inerrant, powerful, piercing, inspired, convicting, illuminating and saving Word. An institutional monopoly has existed and is being threatened. The 'rice bowl' was attacked. It remains unaddressed ... "

At the time of this writing, Philip is preparing for a meeting with folks from the 700 Club concerning these events. The interview will be considered for airing on that show. Please remember Philip and Sharon Veitch and their four children in your prayers. Also ... pray for our nation.

* Steve Camp, Abandoned to God (CD/cassette) -

Yes, I know it's not a book! But I'm going to review it anyway : ) Steve Camp has always been one of the few CCM artists I ever liked, and I am pleased to find that, as both my theology and my musical tastes have matured, so have Steve's. I won't take the time to examine every song (though they are all good), but will mention just a few.

The title track speaks of being "abandoned to God" with all of our heart, soul, and mind - culminating in a list of great men of God reaching from Abraham to Sproul and MacArthur (Steve's pastor). As you listen to Steve's desire, you invariably find the same desire being intensified in your own heart. Similar, but a good song in its own right, is "Man of God."

"The Ministry" calls Christian musicians (but generally, all ministers) back to what "ministry" truly is. As Steve points out, much of what goes on today is far removed from the ministry we find in Scripture.

The song, "My America," hit me as somehow different from other such songs. The emphasis is squarely on prayer rather than changing society through legislation and picket lines.

Steve also provides us with a musical version of Bunyan's famous allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress. The song delivers the gist of Bunyan's essential message - warnings, exhortations, and promises we should all contemplate and heed.

My favorite songs, and I believe the tunes that make this album a classic, are those which invoke the Reformation. "Pounding on Wittenberg's Door" invites us to follow in Luther's footsteps by rekindling the Reformation. "Here I Stand" calls us back to Scripture alone as our source and our authority. "Cornerstone," my favorite, points out the folly of works-righteousness, triumphantly proclaiming Biblical salvation:

"By grace alone. Through faith alone. On the Word alone. Because of Christ alone. He is our only hope. He is ... the Cornerstone."

Taken as a whole, this album is a word from God to the Church - squarely rooted in Reformed (read: Biblical) theological distinctives. The music is contemporary in style, but is beautifully mixed with an "old Church" sound that brings a sense of majesty to the songs (utilizing such instruments as the pipe organ and flute, and choirs - rare in contemporary Christian music these days). Steve has definitely left behind straight "Christian rock," traveling upward to a higher sound. But the music retains its upbeat quality on some tracks. It's a different combination that works very well and compliments the convicting lyrics. If you are strict Southern Gospel, or shudder at the thought of any Christian music not found in the hymn book - this is not for you. However, if you enjoy more contemporary sounds (as I), yet remain unsatisfied with the common fare on Christian radio - then this is for you - most definitely.

One final note. The extensive liner notes are worth the price of the album. Steve gives a brief introduction to each song, writing from the heart of the Reformation. An added bonus is his explanation of the "Lutherose," a symbolic emblem that teaches Reformation truths when rightly understood.

Keep singing for His glory, Steve!

"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." -- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17 (KJV)

This is the famous (INfamous?) passage used for generations of American fundamentalists in sermons against those nasty cigarettes (never against gluttony, though!).

But is this what the passage is teaching? Will God really destroy anyone who partakes of anything other than the most pure and organic substances? Going by the "fundamentalist" application - that would be the logical conclusion, would it not? Since such a mandate would contradict Jesus speaking in Matthew 15:17-18 and condemn about 99% of us (goodness, consider the American diet!), I guess it is a good thing that such an interpretation is a misinterpretation. Let's examine the verse in its context to see what Paul is really saying here.

The context is easily established when the entire chapter is read. In a manner of speaking, the whole chapter has Paul discussing the teachers and the "teachees." Verses 1-4 rebukes those learning as "carnal" due to their apparent tendency to gather around particular teachers with an idolatrous allegiance. Thus, they are divided and stagnant in their growth.

In verses 5-7, the focus turns toward the teachers themselves. Paul stresses here that such men are simply God's "ministers," and fulfill a function that is rooted not in themselves - but in "God Who gives the increase."

Verse 8 speaks of teachers, God's "ministers." The phrase "he who plants and he who waters," in light of verses 6-7, can only refer to teachers. In verse 9 this is further revealed, as Paul identifies two groups. The "we" group includes Paul, and refers to teachers (as shown by the same terminology used since verse 6). The "you" group refers to those learning from these teachers - i.e., believers in general. It is very important to see the corporate description used by Paul of believers - "you are God's husbandry, (you are) God's building."

Verse 10 is pivotal. Paul writes:

"According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon."

Did you see it? Paul's warning, in context, concerns how every man "builds" upon the foundation that is laid. Paul then goes on, in verses 11-15, to describe an aspect of the Judgment in which believers will be rewarded or "suffer loss" based on how they "build."

Verse 16 reads: "Know you not that you are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?" Here we can define this "temple" by simply asking who the "you" refers to. An individual? No, but the local church in a corporate sense. Thus, verse 17 refers also to the local body in a corporate sense. Verse 17 has nothing to do with the physical body of the individual believer.

Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart (both professors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), in their excellent book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Zondervan, 1982), write:

"The text that follows, [1 Cor.] 3:16-17, has also frequently been misapplied, partly because it is well known that a little later (6:19) Paul calls the Christian's body 'the temple of the Holy Spirit.' Thus this text, too, has been individualized to refer to one's abuse of the body or neglect of his or her spiritual life. Elsewhere, however, Paul uses the temple metaphor in a collective sense to refer to the church as God's temple (2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19-22). That is surely his intention here, which the NIV tries to bring out by translating 'you yourselves are God's temple.'" (p. 53, emphasis mine.)

Verse 17, in context, is a warning to both teachers and those being taught concerning how they "build" on the one foundation - Jesus Christ. If we gather around personalities and glory in man (note verses 18-23), we defile "the temple" - i.e., the body of believers, the Church. Likewise, if teachers - who receive the "stricter judgment" (James 3:1) - allow and encourage such a personality cult, they too are guilty of defiling the temple.