It has gone so far that almost all Christian bookstores now have a range of books written by heretics, therefore showing no discernment in the least. Many years ago I wrote to one of these bookstores, CUM (a chain of Christian retailers), and in their reply they said that they cater for all kinds of Christians. Sorry? I thought a heretic could safely be classified as non-Christian! Of course, not only stand-alone Christian bookstores are at fault here. There are Christian bookstores connected to reputable churches that have also fallen into this trap, such as the Impact Bookshop chain!
Now, apart from churches that don’t mind heresy in their pulpits, Christian bookstores and radio stations that have made time available for the pundits of heresy, Christian magazines are in on the act too!
I am a subscriber to Joy Magazine, and while most of the articles are of a good standard, it concerns me that it would allow the pundits of heresy to advertise within their pages. On page 95 of the May 2011 edition Life Store advertised books by Kenneth E. Hagin, whom, in my estimation, is a heretic. Of course, Joy Mag can say that it is just advertising. However, will they allow advertising for alcohol, cigarettes or pornographic movies?
False doctrine and heresy are just as insidious as a slow working poison. Eventually it kills. The apostle Paul made it clear that “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8)
Why is it that people will be pedantic about details of no consequence at times, but when it comes to the gospel truth, they pay no attention or dismiss it as unimportant? Is our love for God so little that we are not even willing to know God in the way He revealed Himself in the Bible. Would you tell your wife that her words are unimportant? Well, why do it with God’s word?
The evangelical church has allowed these wolves in sheep’s clothing to infiltrate its ranks. They have fallen so far from contending “for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3) Rather, instead of contending “for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” people are contending for experiences, feelings, musical styles and more. We have to walk in truth and in love. However, we cannot let the wolves devour our people!
