Advice

[danlirette]

Recently I switched churches....from Baptist to Charismatic.

This church is where my mom attends and my mom is a godly person who's lifestyle reflects Jesus. I mean she reflects Jesus!

The Pastor was my professor in Pneumatology (The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit) and is certainly a godly man.

All of that said, I am a "little bit" uneasy as the weekly bulletins feature snippets from Kenneth Copeland....whom we know teaches heresy.

Nonetheless, this particular church, while it has it's weaknesses (as we all do!) appears to be truly seeking God.... at least the Pastor seems to be.

His lifestyle seems to be one of prayer and he recently called the church to prayer and fasting and preached on repentance and a turning to God on our faces.

They don't subscribe to all Word of Faith teachings (at least not the extremes) and are more in line with Charismatic teaching, which I don't have many issues with as I myself am a Charismatic (if we're to get into labels).

The great thing is that I haven't heard any heresy and since I know Pastor Steve a bit and since my mom attends the church and her life is a living testimony to Jesus, I can say that for the most part I can look past the Kenneth Copeland snippets on the weekly bulletins.

There seems to be a sense of God in the house when Pastor Steve begins to worship and then preach; there doesn't appear to be anything evil or heretical coming from the pulpit.

Pastor Steve is certainly a godly man who seeks to walk with Jesus.

My mom is a godly Saint who simply lives the life of a Believer and who I can go to in tears for prayer.

The fruit in my mom's life seems to testify to this church's authenticity and also the Pastor is someone whom I know on a small level and I am confident he's a godly man.

He's not out for money or to fleece the sheep and is a man who I believe I can go to for prayer and counsel and such things.

The only concern I have is seeing that Copeland stuff... that threw me off.

My question is this...

Do you think it unwise to attend this church due to the Copeland link?

I know this is most likely silly on my part, but I just want to be sure.

The Pastor certainly doesn't preach a greed gospel....so perhaps he isn't even aware that Copeland does.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[runner4jesus]

Hi Danny: The only thing I thought of while reading your post is, if you like the pastor and he's a blessing and your happy about your mom being there and that is a blessing; the best thing to do is go to the pastor and personally express your concerns about Copeland and share with him the facts about him. I'll provide you with some facts.

Right off the top, Copeland believes he's a "god" among other things. I'll be back with some info that you can share with your pastor if you feel led. It is serious enough to approach him. Your pastor may not be aware of the facts about Copeland. This man is the leader of the pack of prosperity preachers. Bringing these things to your pastor's attention might help him. He sounds like a man that would listen.

[runner4jesus]

Here's a good piece about WOF that might help. The list at the bottom shows Copeland.

www.biblicist.org/bible/wrdfaith.shtml

Another good link with info on materials that would help explain WOF.

www.rctr.org/cwr16.htm

Ten reasons we should reject the Word of Faith Movement

www.intotruth.org/wof/tract3.html

This is a very good link on the teachings of the WOF.

www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/char/more/w-f.htm

[Eli Brayley]

Is the gospel, the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ crucified alone, going forth? Without it there is no church, for the Church is built on this foundation.

[runner4jesus]

In the links provided, we will show what is behind Kenneth Copeland. If you know anything about the 33rd degree Masonic level; this man serves the devil not God. This is documentation of this fact. href="http://newsletters.cephasministry.com/copelandmason1.99.html">http://newsletters.cephasministry.com/copelandmason1.99.html

This is an article with facts about Copeland's connection with the Masonry.
href="http://www.cephasministry.com/word_of_faith_copeland_mason.html">http://www.cephasministry.com/word_of_faith_copeland_mason.html

[danlirette]

Runner: I'm definately going to check out the links for sure! Thanks! Your posts are greatly appreciated!

Eli: Yes, Pastor Steve preaches Salvation by Grace through Faith. I would say he's opposed to any message which doesn't bring this out.

[danlirette]

Well, here's a small update....

I chatted with the Pastor yesterday afternoon and while he's Charismatic, he has real issues with the now defunct "Florida revival".... he also stated he's heard about two or three kenneth Copeland sermons in his life and he's not a "follower" of the late Kenneth Hagin or the current Kenneth Copeland. He also stated he's not one to teach you can "confess a cadillac into existence."

He seems to be well blanaced.

As well, my wife and I went to Wednesday service and the whole entire message was about false brethren who aren't enemies of the "church" but of the Cross. He made it clear that false signs and wonders will take place among us and we're not to look to gifts but to see whether or not the Character of Jesus Christ is the fruit of one's private life.

His message was more of a Paul Washer message; it's the clearest call to Holiness and clinging to the cross alone that I've heard in this city since I can remember.

He then called for small groups to gather for a time of prayer; first in personal examination and then prayer one for another.

The Pastor didn't play with words in his sermon but laid it out quite clearly and plainly: "Give yourself to the Cross."

[runner4jesus]

WOW! That's wonderful news Dan. So happy for you folks. It's hard to find a good church today.