Should Youth Go To Winterfest?
First, for those who may not be familiar with
"Winterfest," it is an annual youth gathering in the Gatlinburg,
Tennessee area which has drawn hundreds and hundreds of youth from many congregations.
Second, be assured I am NOT against youth
gatherings as such. I have carried youth to, and participated in, some
excellent series which have resulted in good fruit. Youth are SO special
and very important. They are at a critical time in their lives.
Fervently we desire to teach, edify, support, aid and guard them as they mature
in Christ.
Third, I am NOT attempting to
"police" the brotherhood. Within the last two weeks I have been
asked in three separate conversations to help with information about this
gathering, advise leaders with the facts and specifically Jeff Walling (the
speaker for this year).
Fourth, personal preference, likes or dislikes
of a particular event or person, etc., must not determine the right or wrong of
going to such activities. We must be willing to "LET THE BIBLE
ANSWER" the matter. We MUST make our decisions based on principles
and commands found within the pages of inspired Scripture. God has
spoken! His Word can and must direct our steps in this age. If indeed we
love and are determined to obey God, then we MUST take notice of the
overwhelming testimony against support of such activities.
Time and space does not allow an exhaustive
study of these matters, but let's pose the following questions as very pertinent.
Then we humbly request an examination of the Scripture cited.
QUESTIONS: "Do we not need to address
the special needs of our youth? Can't we just go and 'hear' the good and
leave the 'bad' alone?" "Doesn't Jeff teach a lot of 'good'
along with the questionable things?" "Even if we attend, does
it mean we agree with (or support) what is taught?" "Do we have
the right to 'judge' and 'label' others?" "Well, just what has
Jeff Walling taught that is so wrong?"
Ephesians 5:11 -- "And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
them." FACT: The apostle Paul is clearly stating the
faithful follower of God CANNOT fellowship (have joint participation) with
teachers of evil or darkness. FACT: Instead of fellowship, we must
be willing to reprove them. (If you disagree with this, take it up with
the Almighty Father who inspired the writings of Paul.)
II John 9-11 -- "Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the
Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him
God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." FACT: It is possible
to be religious, a teacher of spiritual matters, a powerful and persuasive
speaker, but NOT teach the doctrine of Christ. FACT: A person such
as this has "transgressed" (sinned). FACT: In God's view,
such teachers are engaging in "evil deeds." FACT:
Faithful Christians must NOT "receive" and "bid" (support,
condone, encourage) God speed to them. FACT: If we bid God speed to
them, we become partaker of their evil deeds! FACT: We can bid God speed
to them by financially supporting them, encouraging them by purchasing their
books, tapes and supplies.
Galatians 1:6-9 -- ". . . there be
some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though
we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which
we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say
I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed." FACT: It is possible to
trouble and "pervert" the gospel of Christ (then and now).
FACT: To preach a different gospel than the gospel of Christ is to be
condemned in God's sight.
Titus 1:11-13 -- "Whose mouths must be
stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for
filthy lucre's sake . . . Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound
in the faith." FACT: False teachers destroy and subvert
whole houses. FACT: The mouths of false teachers MUST be
stopped if we are to follow Paul's instruction. FACT: It must be
accomplished by loving, strong, faithful Christians. Otherwise, we too
might be carried away (Heb. 13:9). FACT: False teachers must be
rebuked sharply, to help them be "sound in the faith."
Matthew 7:15 -- "Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves." FACT: A religious teacher, even a brother in
Christ may look like a sheep, but actually be a ravenous wolf!
FACT: We must be on guard and watch (Acts 20:31). FACT:
Characteristics describing false teachers should cause great concern and
alarm: deceitful (Eph. 5:6); seductive (Mark 13:21-22); dogs and evil
workers (Phil. 3:2); devils (I Tim. 4:1-3); evil men (II Tim. 3:13); hypocrites
(II Peter 2:1-3); false prophets (I John 4:1); ungodly men (Jude 4); corrupters
of the Word of God (II Cor. 2:17); have corrupt minds (I Tim. 6:5); creep in
(II Tim. 3:6); creep in unaware (Jude 4); unruly and vain talkers (Titus 1:10);
make God's Word of none effect (Matt. 15:6); teach commandments of men (Matt.
15:9); speak perverse things (Acts 20:30); transform themselves into ministers
of righteousness (II Cor. 11:13-15); speak lies (I Tim. 4:2); speak words of
vanity (II Peter 2:18).
RELATED QUESTIONS
Let us be open minded and willing to examine
facts about this destiny-determining matter.
"Can we not just go and hear (receive)
the good and reject anything taught that is bad (contrary to the Word)?"
First, on the same basis, why would we not go to Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggert,
or Oral Roberts gatherings (though we KNOW they fail to teach the whole truth
of God).
For ones who suggest such, I ask, how much
error would have to be taught to make it "wrong" to attend? A
little? Half? Folks, rat poison (I am told) is 98% harmless.
It's the 2% poison that can kill you. Error kills.
Further, while it might be possible for the
"mature" Christian to hear and "discern" truth from error,
surely we do not want to place our youth in such a treacherous position! Youth
are intelligent, but dear ones, many of them are still "babes" in
Christ.
"What has Jeff Walling taught that is
so wrong?" Space is insufficient to give thorough details to
speakers and topics. These have been examined and exposed in various
books and publications. A vast amount of material has been available for
some time, for any and all who seek the truth and desire to defend it.
How do we determine a teacher of TRUTH versus
a teacher of ERROR? Obviously, by taking what he has stated or written
(intelligent man is surely able to convey his beliefs clearly where it can be
understood).
In the early 1980's (over fifteen years ago),
at a youth gathering in Andover, Kansas, Walling was a guest speaker.
During a panel discussion, which was being moderated by Chuck Northrop (a
faithful gospel preacher) the question arose concerning the scripturalness of
instrumental music in worship. Brother Northrop correctly stated such was
not authorized and supported his statements with Scripture. Walling (who
was not a part of the panel) came to the podium and declared that instrumental
music in worship is simply "a matter of opinion . . . a gray
area." He has continued to defend that position in the years
since that time (Cf. Behold the Pattern, p. 215).
About eight years ago, at the Soul Winning
Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jeff taught false doctrine as he spoke on the
subject "That They All May Be One." Specifically he
spoke on John 17. The church of our Lord was described in denominational
terms. He advocated fellowship with denominations. He taught
degrees of fellowship.
In 1994, at the Pepperdine University
Lectures, he spoke on "The Community Church . . . of
Christ?" Those in attendance, taking his lesson at plain and
simple value, would believe the denominational community church is designed and
acceptable by Almight God. He advocated the community church as the
church of Christ in the New Testament also.
At the recent Jubilee (1998) in Nashville, the
video tape of Walling's three evening speeches include MECHANICAL MUSIC, a
woman giving public testimony before the whole assembly, as well as an apology
to the denominational world. The lessons also reflected sarcasm and
ridicule of the "old paths" and the faithful, while suggesting change
and restructure. From the initial "phone call" to God to his
closing speech, the audience was fed a steady diet of liberalism.
Often, Walling (as well as others) makes fun
and slurs others who are sincerely striving to walk in the steps of the
Saviour. In his book, "Daring to Dance with God" he advocates
that God is inviting us to come and dance with him . . . not at arms length;
rather he pulls us in tight, taking us for the "dance of a lifetime. .
." His play on words is offensive, as he associates the holy with
the profane. He talks about Christians whose "dancing shoes are
too tight." They need to let go and loosen up a little, he
teaches. Other Christians he calls the "Gospel Gestapos"
as ones ever on patrol for those who do or say things not exactly as they think
it should be. I suppose anyone who dares question anyone, or who exposed
another for teaching falsely would be so labeled.
It is quite revealing to note that Max Lucado
is the one who wrote the foreword to this book. This is the same one who
a few months ago taught his radio audience to just let God be their father, and
be saved. He told his listeners who had prayed that prayer (often
otherwise referred to as the "sinners prayer") they had been
saved! Walling acknowledges Lucado for his inspiration, encouragement and
letting him call him friend. (Yes, it is true that most often those of
like persuasion do associate). Can you imagine the apostle Paul using a
false teacher to promote some work in which he was involved, and thanking him
for his encouragement and for calling him friend.
"But isn't Jeff Walling also scheduled
to be the main speaker at David Lipscomb University soon?"
Tragically, this is true! The powers that continue to chart the course
for DLU seem determined to follow the movement of change and restructure.
They are aware. Pleas have been made and ignored. The popular
course is preferred instead of truth (doctrine).
"Should we 'judge' and 'label' one
another? Are we not all guilty of sin?" Yes, we are all
guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23) But this does not neutralize our obligation to
defend (Phil. 1:7,17) and contend (Jude 3) and guard and warn (Acts
20:28ff). We are commanded to judge righteously (John 7:24). How
can one possibly obey Romans 16:17 of marking and avoiding them which cause
division due to a "contrary" doctrine, if we do not judge? What
does it mean to "label" (draw attention to them) when it says
"mark" in Romans 16:17? How can we obey II John 9-11 of not
bidding God speed to a teacher of a doctrine other than of Christ, unless we
"judge?" The obvious conclusion, we must judge, mark, and
identify teachers of false doctrines. It will not be pleasant. It
is not enjoyable. It may involve a friend or family member, but it must
be done, if we are to obey our Father!"
By the way, the "change agents"
often charge those who are contending for the faith as being
"unloving" and "brotherhood watchdogs" etc. These
often declare that we are sinning when we "condemn" others. I
have heard strong and vicious attacks made upon the Spiritual Sword journal or
Memphis School of Preaching. Surely these inconsistent folks should be
scolded themselves for "condemning" others. Are they
"unloving" for charging others as being "unloving?"
Are they "watchdogs" as they are "watchdogs" over
others? Brethren, condemning the condemners is condemnation too!
Be Willing To At Least Answer The Following Questions?
Before you make your final decision, or put
this grave issue aside, will you examine the following series of questions?
What would one have to teach to be a
"false teacher?" Would accepting and embracing mechanical music
in worship be enough? Would fellowshipping ones in man-made religions be
sufficient? Would advocating and practicing women leading the worship
assembly be adequate? Would teaching one to be saved by merely
"calling God your father" be enough? (The "change
agents" have done all of these and much more!)
Would it EVER be right to "mark"
others as false teachers? In view of the explicit commands in the Word of
God, what would it take for such to be necessary and right? Would the
passive and "love everybody" brethren be willing EVER to identify and
expose the false teacher?
Was the apostle Paul acting as God desired, in
a Christ-like manner, setting an example for us, when he spoke of Alexander the
coppersmith, Hymenaeus, Philetus as well as false teachers? He spoke by
the power of Almighty God. His words are inspired. He acted
righteously in these things. We should and must follow His example (I
Cor. 11:1).
We must love everyone, seek the lost with the
saving message of the Saviour, but are we not also COMMANDED to fight, war,
defend, contend, and stand? Are these a part of the faithful Christian
life? Do we have the right to "pick and choose" what we want to
do? Can we fulfill our obligation to the Saviour without a balanced, complete
obedience to ALL of God's commands?
If it would be acceptable to go to and support
Winterfest, would it be likewise acceptable to go to and support a Billy Graham
Crusade? We could take the good and leave the bad, as some suggest.
We could probably hear as much truth, as well as error, as many have done at
some previous Winterfest, Jubilee, Tulsa gatherings.
THINK! Go to the past for a great lesson. In the long ago a prophet of God was charged with being the one who "troubled" Israel. He was not guilty. He was, in fact, the one who was doing what God wanted. Those who charged the prophet were actually the ones who were guilty of being the "troublers" of Israel.
Winterfest Is Dangerous!
We Should NOT Send Our Youth There! We must
make decisions on the facts. If we don't have the facts and were to
attend an event and problems arise, then the problems could then be dealt
with. But when we KNOW the facts before time, we surely should avoid
dangerous situations. An eldership must make decisions for their local
congregation. Autonomy is God's way! Others cannot (and
should not) force opinions upon them. But dear brethren, elders MUST
follow the Word Of Almighty God. Elders can be encouraged to follow the
Word. Elders surely are open and receptive to such admonition.
Winterfest has proven itself to be a platform
for those who teach a "contrary doctrine." There is no doubt
concerning Jeff Walling being a "false teacher" ~ one who embraces
positions (doctrines) contrary to the doctrine of Christ. He teaches some
things right. But think, dear ones, is there anyone who is a religious
teacher but what teaches SOME things correctly? Most teach MANY things
accurately, but others through centuries of time shout "God demands
complete obedience!" "God will NOT tolerate
deviation!" "God won't accept error!"
Why would any eldership allow the flock (over
which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers, Acts 20:28ff), to graze among the
wolves? An elder who would knowingly support such an event and false
teacher is accountable in eternity for souls lost. They will give account
to their Commander-in-Chief for their action.
Why would any parent possibly allow their
precious young ones to go among and be taught (molded, guided, instructed) by
the wolves? Do you want to take the chance of your young people being led
astray?
Would we allow our youth to play with
poisonous snakes? Would we encourage them to drive reckless or extremely
fast (or similar dangerous activities)? Foolish questions?
Certainly! But we must NOT allow our young ones to fall prey to wolves in
sheep's clothing.
Jubilee, Tulsa Workshop, Pepperdine, Abilene
Christian, etc., have been places where "change agents" (wolves in
sheep's clothing) are (by their teaching) advocating a complete destruction of
the unique body of Christ. They are teaching and encouraging fellowship
with denominations.
Our youth are precious to us. We should
value and treasure each precious opportunity to teach and influence them.
Let us make certain, to the best of our ability, what they are taught is good
and right. Make certain it is NOT evil and false ways.