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Confronting False Teaching
Since that very moment in the Garden of Eden when a single bite shattered the harmony of the world, man has tried to make his own way, be his own master, and set up his own kingdom. It’s nothing new. Nevertheless, if we want to be faithful followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this day and age, we must be alert and ready to boldly stand against the spirit of the age that seeks to (1) modify the message of Christ, (2) undermine His power to set us free from sin, (3) repaint Christ’s picture to make Him more acceptable to a wayward generation, and (4) rewrite the Gospel to remove the offense of the cross. For the last 2,000 years the church has been plagued with heresy after heresy seeking to tame the Gospel, and today is no different. Here are just a few of the popular beliefs in our current culture that threaten to infiltrate the church: If we want to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we must be ready to boldly stand against the spirit of the age. Universalism: the belief that all people will be saved or that all ways lead to God and eternal life. Many who subscribe to this theology claim that, for instance, Christians and Muslim worship the same God. The Prosperity Gospel: the belief that God’s primary concern is for believers to be healthy and wealthy. If Christians are sick, suffering, or poor, it is because of sin or a lack of faith. The New Age Movement: a belief system of Eastern influence that emphasizes universal tolerance and doing what feels good (moral relativism). It contends that man is divine and can create his own reality and identity. Legalism: the improper use of the law described in Scripture to try to attain or maintain salvation. Legalism also fosters judgment of fellow Christians for not adhering to one’s own ideas of holiness rather than encouraging them to imitate Christ, obeying God’s standards as explicitly outlined in Scripture. Hyper-grace: the over-reaction to legalism, resulting in abuse of God’s grace. Believers find themselves drawn to the modern hyper-grace movement because they are looking for freedom not just from legalism, but also from God’s standards. The Emerging Church: a movement that claims to be Christian but employs culturally sensitive methods to make the Gospel more palatable to a postmodern culture. Jesus’ life is treated more as an allegory or narrative rather than a true event. Of particular concern is the inclusive approach to various belief systems, an emphasis on emotions over absolute Truth, and the notion that there is no hell, judgment, or need for forgiveness. The Emerging Church movement also glorifies honesty and confession, but without repentance. Behind all these false ideologies is the belief that Scripture is not infallible and Truth simply changes with the times. A 2014 Gallup poll revealed that: 22% of Americans believe the Bible is the actual Word of God and should be taken literally 28% believe it is the actual Word of God, but with multiple possible interpretations 28% believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but should not be taken literally 18% believe it is an ancient book of legends, history, and moral precepts written by man How do we respond to such false teachings as they arise within the church? We preach Christ. We reinforce Biblical doctrine, clinging to the highest authority—the Word of God. For "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord" (2 Corinthians 4:4-5). We preach Christ who was promised by God back in Genesis. We preach Christ who was born of a virgin. We preach Christ who healed the sick, raised the dead, made the lame to walk, and set the captives free. We preach Christ who chose to die a criminal’s death on the cross in order to set us free from sin. We preach Christ who rose victoriously from the grave, never to die again, thus assuring everyone who places their trust in Him of eternal life with Him in heaven. We preach Christ who will come again to judge the living and the dead. So we can say: To the Universalists: No one will be saved apart from Jesus Christ. Only those who choose to repent and call on the name of Jesus will have eternal life (see Acts 4:12; Matthew 25:46; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6). To heralds of the Prosperity Gospel: Jesus promised us that we will suffer, but that He is with us and has overcome the world (see John 16:33; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; Luke 14:27). To the New Agers: There is only one sovereign God, Creator of all things (see Isaiah 55:8-9; Job 12:10; Hebrews 2:5-10). To Legalists: If righteousness were attainable through the law, Christ would not have had to die (see Matthew 7:22-23; Galatians 2:21; Romans 3:10-12, 28; James 2:10). We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ’s singular work on the cross, and even this faith is a gift from God not achieved by our own efforts (see Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8). And we are not to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ on debatable issues (see Romans 14:1-12). To proponents of Hyper-grace: God’s grace has freed us from the bondage of sin, but we should not receive His sacrifice in vain (see Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:26-29). We must repent and seek to live under the lordship of Christ, seeking holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2:11-12, 16; Romans 5:20-6:18). To the Emerging Church: If we dilute the Gospel, then we no longer have Good News to share (see Galatians 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Exodus 20:3-6; John 8:24). Only Christ can break the chains of sin, set the captives free, and conform us to His image (see 1 John 5:3-5; Philippians 3:7-9; Galatians 5:16). Brothers and sisters in Christ, arm yourselves with the Word of God. Know your Bible and speak the Truth in love. In this way, may we remain faithful by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you liked this article, visit our Bible & Theology page for more. Bible and Theology
February 6, 2023
Setting the Scene: Christ’s Life and Ministry
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus began teaching and performing miracles in a little-known corner of the globe. In spite of the obscure location, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed the world more than any empire. The better we understand the geographical, historical, and cultural reality of His life, the better we can understand His power and message. In spite of the obscure location, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed the world more than any empire. The setting The land of Israel (known as Palestine to the Romans) lay at the intersection of Asia, Africa, and Europe, offering a variety of geographic features: snowcapped peaks at Mount Hermon, lush hills in Galilee, a balmy coastal plain, and the wasteland of the Dead Sea. The Jordan River served as the eastern border, and Jerusalem was the social, political, and religious heart of the Jewish people, who traveled to the city multiple times a year for festivals, like Passover. the people Life for the first-century Jew was anchored to the land—a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Ex. 3:17), promised to Abraham and his descendants. Shepherds, farmers, and fishermen developed thriving businesses. Family was important, and religious life flowed in and out of the temple in Jerusalem, where priests offered sacrifices for the people, and the local synagogue, where weekly sabbath gatherings included readings of the Torah and prophets, prayer, and instruction in the Scriptures. the establishment The Gospels show repeated confrontations between Jesus and the Sanhedrin, the seat of social, political, and religious power for the Jews in the first century. Christ continually exposed the shallow, external nature of their religious practices, and they feared His influence. This body of priests and religious teachers included: Pharisees—Promoted strict adherence to Mosaic Law and separation from culture Sadducees—Rejected oral tradition and life after death Scribes—Interpreted and taught the Law the expectations In the century before Christ’s birth, there was growing expectation that God would soon send a Messiah to set Israel free and return them to their former glory. Some looked for a new king from David’s line who would destroy the unrighteous rulers with a rod of iron (Ps. 2). Others awaited a "prophet like Moses" to prepare the way for a messianic priest of Aaron’s line. Still others were looking for "one like a son of man" (Dan. 7) to usher in the end of time. In light of this expectation, is it any surprise that Jesus caused a stir when, calling Himself "the Son of Man," He began to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and declare the "year of the Lord’s favor" (Luke 4:19)? Learn 4 reasons why you can trust the Bible — and discover the incredible history of how it was formed, see a detailed comparison of the Bible to other religious texts, and get a glimpse of 38 prophecies fulfilled in Christ. GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD
August 5, 2020
Looking to the Coming King: Exploring the Message of the Old Testament (Candid Ep. 17)
As we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s coming this Christmas, Jonathan Youssef and fellow pastor and friend Zack Carden reflect on how the Old Testament pointed God’s people to their long-awaited Savior. May their conversation serve to help you remember the full story of redemption that began back in the Garden and marvel at the love of God displayed in the gift of His Son. This interview is condensed and excerpted from episode 17 of Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef. Listen today on your favorite podcast platform or online. Listen Now | Learn More About Candid "Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the life for the patriarchs just as He is the way, the Truth, and the life for the apostles and those who came after." Jonathan: Zack, we’re getting close to Christmas, and we’re thinking about the coming of Christ to our world and what that means. A lot of the conversation that’s happening in different churches is around this concept of covenants—old covenant, new covenant. My question is why can’t I just have Christmas and Easter and go on with my life? Zack: As long as we’re talking about Christmas, I think a great illustration is the Christmas tree. When Christmas comes around, you bring out all those special sentimental ornaments that you’ve collected over a period of time, and you hang them on a tree. Theology is like that Christmas tree; it gives us something to hang Biblical Truth on—the stories of the Bible, the memory verses that we have. The Christmas tree is like the history of redemption, the theology that runs behind the Bible stories. So you’ve got the kings and judges, you’ve got David, Noah, Abraham, and Adam, and all that hangs on this tree. And at the top you’ve got the star, which is Jesus, and [some] people see Jesus [and say,] "Just give me the star, and you can keep the rest of it." But without the rest of it—Jesus’ redemption, the cross—none of that makes any sense. Neither do the covenants. The new covenant doesn’t make any sense without the old covenant. Jonathan: Often when people think of Old Testament and New Testament, old covenant and new covenant, they think that one seems to be [about] Law, the other [about] grace. One seems to be judgment; the other, love. How do we bring clarity to that? Zack: Jesus said that the Law is good, and the Bible tells us even in the New Testament that the Law is good. The problem is that the Law is also deadly. It’s deadly if you are trying to justify yourself by the Law. If you’re trying to say, "I’m going to make myself right before God," the Law slays you. It tells you that you’re a liar; it tells you that you can’t live up to the standard of perfection; and that takes us all the way back to the Garden [of Eden]. That takes us back to the covenant that Adam had with God, [in which] he failed to live up to being the perfect person, the perfect man. And because he failed, we all, as his posterity, fail as well. So it took another Adam to come in and do what he couldn’t. Jonathan: A lot of people, when they first become believers or when they’re asking questions about Christianity, [wonder], "If Christ is the only way to salvation, how did someone in the Old Testament come to salvation without His coming yet?" Zack: The blood of bulls and goats and sheep, the Bible is very clear that [these] do not do anything for our sins (see Hebrews 10:1-10). [But] they do show us what our sin deserves: death. If you [were to go] to the temple, it [would] not be a pristine place like a church. It [would] be smelly, violent, with dried-up blood. It [would] be a horrible place. It [puts] on display what our sins deserve and then what Christ has done on the cross for us. So the faith in the Old Testament, the means of grace in the Old Testament—the sacrifices, the Word, Passover, circumcision, and all those rites—pointed toward the grace that we’d have in Christ. And the people [were saved by] faith in the one who would come. Likewise, we in the New Testament look back on what Christ did. Through the sacraments and the Word, we look back on what Jesus did. And if we can look back and be saved, they can look forward and be saved. Jesus is the only way. He’s the way, the Truth, and the life for the patriarchs just as He is the way, the Truth, and the life for the apostles and those who came after. [Just as] Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56). Listen to the full episode of Candid Conversations with special guest Zack Carden. LISTEN NOW
December 3, 2021
Your Story’s Not Over Yet: Clinging to the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection
A special Easter message from Dr. Michael Youssef. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can give you what you need most: peace with God, the love of the Heavenly Father, and hope for true life both now and forever. It was early Sunday morning, and they had just arrived at the tomb. These three women had faithfully supported the ministry of Jesus for years. They had placed all their hope in Him. Then, suddenly, they found themselves standing at the foot of the cross—watching their dreams bleed to death. They witnessed their hope being crucified. And as they did, they resigned themselves to their loss. In their unspeakable anguish, they came to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday morning. They came depressed, despondent, and defeated. But they came. They made plans. They decided to go to the tomb and anoint the body of their crucified King. They decided to do something in the face of their pain and loss. As these three women arrived at the tomb that Sunday morning, they began to discuss the biggest obstacle in their path—the stone. "Who’s going to move the stone?" they asked one another. Have you ever been in a situation like this, where it’s one thing after another, and every time you think you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel—it turns out to be a train? Have you ever been there? I know I have. What keeps you up at night? What causes you anxiety? What deep disappointment haunts your waking hours? What are you trying to numb or forget? These three women were nearly overcome by their hopelessness and helplessness. But they did not give up. And as they arrived at the tomb, they were shocked to see that the stone had already been rolled away—and the tomb was empty! Against all odds, against natural laws, by the power of God—Christ had risen from the dead. With this cataclysmic revelation, they suddenly understood that God’s plan was far, far greater than anything they could have ever hoped for or imagined. Jesus rose from the dead to prove that He is the only one who can deliver us from the hopelessness of hell. In fact, He is the only one who can guarantee our resurrection. He is the only one who can forgive all our sins—past, present, and future. He is the only one who can deliver us from the seeming futility of this life. And He is the only one who can conquer our greatest and most powerful enemy—death. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday this month, I want you to remember that there is no large stone in your life that Jesus cannot remove. There is no tomb that threatens to bury you that He cannot empty. There is no mountain of shame, guilt, or sin that He cannot obliterate. There is no pain or sorrow that He cannot replace with His comfort and peace. There is no death that He cannot conquer. Whether you are living behind a stone of guilt and despair, overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness, experiencing crushing anxiety about your family’s future—whatever your stone may be—your sense of hopelessness is premature. The resurrected Jesus can remove all the stones of impossibilities in your life, shatter the prison of worry and anxiety, and remove all depression, anxiety, and shame. The Bible said He removes them as far as the east is from the west. All you need to do is come to the end of yourself. If you have been striving in your own strength, come to the end of trying to save yourself. Come to the end of trying to earn God’s mercy. Come to the end of thinking that you can figure things out on your own. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can give you what you need most: peace with God, the love of the Heavenly Father, and hope for true life both now and forever. Remember, it was your sin and mine that took Jesus to the cross. It was His love for us that kept Him there until He died. And it was the Father’s love that raised Him to life on the third day and made Him our death-defying King. So how will you respond to His inexplicable love today? Will you turn to Him in repentance and faith? Will you trust that He is working for your good and His glory—even if the outcome is not quite what you’d imagined? On that first resurrection morning, Jesus dispelled the hopelessness of those three women. He destroyed their despair. He comforted them in their calamity. And He can do the same for you. The price is paid. The work is done. Come and receive. Allow the hope and the glory of the resurrection to fill you—today and every day. Do you have questions about the Christian faith? Our pastoral care team is here to serve you. Connect with them today. GET ANSWERS
April 1, 2020
6 Covenants Fulfilled in Christ
As we celebrate Easter, it’s important to remember that the Gospel story of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment of a salvation plan that God had been promising His people since the very beginning. Throughout Scripture, God made covenants of grace, each one revealing more and more about His perfect plan to make us His people and to be our God. Throughout Scripture, God made covenants of grace, each one revealing more and more about His perfect plan to make us His people and to be our God. A COVENANT WITH ADAM GENESIS 2-3 | A promise that a Son of Adam would bring victory. In the Garden of Eden, God instituted a loving relationship with Adam and Eve, the part of creation He crafted in His likeness. He provided them a beautiful garden, good work, good food, and one another. What is more, the Almighty God humbled Himself, that mankind might personally know Him. He gave them clear parameters for living in His presence, but Adam and Eve rejected His wisdom and love, allowing sin to take hold. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful. In His immeasurable love, the great I am promised all humanity victory over Satan and sin, through a coming Savior—a child from the line of Adam and Eve—who would crush the head of Satan but would Himself be stricken. THE COVENANT WITH NOAH GENESIS 6:9-22, 9:1-17 | A promise to protect mankind and thus the coming Son of Adam. In order for God’s previous promise to be fulfilled, God had to sustain and protect mankind. But wickedness and violence had become rampant—so He chose Noah to be like a new Adam on a new earth (9:1, 7)—not a redeemed earth nor a redeemed Adam, but a man who would preserve mankind. In this way, God ensured the Seed of Eve would come to fulfill the covenant of redemption. THE COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM GENESIS 12:1-3, 15:1-21, 17:1-27 | A promise to bless all nations through a miraculous birth. From the midst of a glory-hungry society (Genesis 11:1-9), God called out Abraham, promising to miraculously provide him a son through whom Abraham would father nations and kingdoms. God also promised Abraham the land of Canaan, a land that would belong to Abraham’s children eternally, pointing us to a coming Kingdom without end—one that, through Abraham, would bless all nations on earth. Over and over again, God demonstrated that this covenant would not fail because it wasn’t up to Abraham but up to God, who promised by His own blood that these things would come to pass. THE COVENANT WITH MOSES EXODUS 19-31 | A promise to not forsake His people—a once-for-all sacrifice would come. As God foretold, Abraham’s descendants became slaves in a foreign land—but with incredible displays of power and sovereignty, God freed them, calling Moses to lead His people out. Then He gave them the Law along with the tabernacle and its ritual sacrifices, which all testified to the impossibility of defeating sin apart from God. This covenant, though on the surface appearing to promote a works-based righteousness, demonstrated to the people the terrible cost of sin (death and the shedding of blood) and the inadequacy of the blood of animals to atone for sin once and for all—pointing them to the incredible grace of God in His longsuffering with them and fostering a longing for that promised Savior to come (Genesis 3:15). THE COVENANT WITH DAVID 2 SAMUEL 7:1-16 | A promise that the everlasting King, the Savior, would come from the line of David. In the course of time, God established a king over His people—a king after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14): David. When David brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, God gave him an incredible promise: He would establish David’s throne forever before Him. And though God would discipline David’s sons when they strayed, His gracious love would never depart from them because, one day, the perfect, sinless King would be forsaken in their stead—and ours. THE NEW COVENANT HEBREWS 8-9 | A promise to redeem forever all who call on the name of Jesus, making them God‘s chosen people. Finally, King Jesus, the Savior, the perfect sacrifice for the remission of sins forever, fulfilling each and every covenant—He arrived. Jesus, God with us, humbled Himself to be born a man, according to the promise (Genesis 3:15). He came from the line of Abraham, a son of David (Matthew 1:1-17). He perfectly fulfilled the Law (Hebrews 4:15), then poured out His own blood to cleanse all who call on His name from their sin, that they might serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). He defeated sin and death once and for all and will come again to bring His people into the new Promised Land where God will dwell with them (Revelation 21). Learn more about the prophecies Christ fulfilled in this FREE download. DOWNLOAD NOW
April 1, 2023
Believing a Miracle-Working God
Toward the end of his life, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and former president of the United States, worked diligently in his library over a collection of old Bibles. He carefully removed paragraphs from the pages with a razor and glued them onto blank pages. The resulting work would remain private within his family until it was sold to the Smithsonian Museum in 1895. Jefferson’s creation has come to be known as the Jefferson Bible. It is the story of Jesus and His teachings—but with His miracles, resurrection, and ascension deliberately removed. It is Jesus minus the supernatural. There is a cultural movement that follows Jefferson’s lead, rejecting everything that cannot be verified with the five senses. A few loaves of bread feeding 5,000? Never seen it. A spiritual realm affecting our world? Never touched it. For many, these Biblical realities are seen as fairy tales or myths, leaving a Christianity without an active God—no virgin birth, no resurrection, no Holy Spirit, no miracles, no transformation. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we find many people who are open to vague spiritual powers. They chase ghosts, seek their future through a spirit guide, or use elements of Eastern religions to achieve self-fulfillment. Modern man, who for so long shunned the supernatural, has now turned the “Universe” into a benevolent force guiding their lives. They say things like, “I guess the Universe thought I could handle this,” and, “The Universe must have a plan.” Even in the church, we see some using the supernatural as a magic “name-it-and-claim-it” tool to get what they want, while others chase after emotional experiences with no intention of obeying the Lord. One segment of society denies the supernatural realm, while another embraces it—as long as it doesn’t make demands on their lives. CREATED FOR THE SUPERNATURAL While we can reject spirituality, reasoning away the miracles that point us to an all-powerful God, we cannot escape the longing for something bigger than what we can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. God put this longing in our souls. It is a purpose found at the very center of the Gospel: We are made to be with Him—to delight in and glorify our Creator. As believers in Jesus, we must grapple with the aspects of our culture that seek to ignore the impossible things of God. While we might not physically cut out bits and pieces of the Bible, we can be tempted to live as if the miraculous work of God ended with the last words of Revelation. But our faith is not a conventional religion that we can contain or control. Our faith is full of wonder, amazement, and adventure. Its Lord is the Lion of Judah. Its seal is the very Spirit of God indwelling all who believe. Ours is not a tame faith—it is supernatural. We are a community founded on a supernatural event—the resurrection. We enter this community by means of a supernatural event—death-to-life transformation. We are daily sustained by a supernatural event—the Holy Spirit at work in His people. And we look forward in hope to a supernatural event—the new heavens and new earth. May we never treat the Lion of Judah like a house cat. May we never turn the church of God into a museum. The very God who made us spiritual beings continues to work in us through His supernatural power. THE PROMISES THAT SUSTAIN US IN DARKNESS During Jesus’ last night with His disciples before His betrayal and crucifixion, He told them two things that can help us “live by faith, not by sight” as we navigate this world (2 Corinthians 5:7). He told them He would send a Helper, “the Spirit of truth. . . . [Y]ou know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). If you are a follower of Christ, the very power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you. God has given you a special Comforter and Friend, who will never leave your side. He is the one who opens your eyes to the Truths in His Word. He is the one who enables you to obey the Lord. Call on Him, lean on Him, trust Him, and see what supernatural fruit He will bring to bear in your life as you walk next to Him by faith. He also promised His disciples, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). We can bring God our needs, and like a good father, He will meet them in His love and power. What seemingly impossible things are you asking for in Jesus’ name? Is there a hardhearted family member in need of transformation? Are there barriers to the advancement of the Gospel in your community? Are there sinful patterns in your life? Ask God to work. Be specific in your request. Be consistent in your prayers. Your request will neither surprise nor overwhelm Him. Now is not the time to eliminate God’s power from our faith. Now is the time to trust that the God of the Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we look to Him expectantly, our lives will display the power of the miracle-working God. Sign up for a FREE 6-month subscription to MY Journal, Leading The Way’s monthly magazine. GET MY FREE SUBSCRIPTION
August 2, 2021
Confronting False Teaching
Since that very moment in the Garden of Eden when a single bite shattered the harmony of the world, man has tried to make his own way, be his own master, and set up his own kingdom. It’s nothing new. Nevertheless, if we want to be faithful followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this day and age, we must be alert and ready to boldly stand against the spirit of the age that seeks to (1) modify the message of Christ, (2) undermine His power to set us free from sin, (3) repaint Christ’s picture to make Him more acceptable to a wayward generation, and (4) rewrite the Gospel to remove the offense of the cross. For the last 2,000 years the church has been plagued with heresy after heresy seeking to tame the Gospel, and today is no different. Here are just a few of the popular beliefs in our current culture that threaten to infiltrate the church: If we want to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we must be ready to boldly stand against the spirit of the age. Universalism: the belief that all people will be saved or that all ways lead to God and eternal life. Many who subscribe to this theology claim that, for instance, Christians and Muslim worship the same God. The Prosperity Gospel: the belief that God’s primary concern is for believers to be healthy and wealthy. If Christians are sick, suffering, or poor, it is because of sin or a lack of faith. The New Age Movement: a belief system of Eastern influence that emphasizes universal tolerance and doing what feels good (moral relativism). It contends that man is divine and can create his own reality and identity. Legalism: the improper use of the law described in Scripture to try to attain or maintain salvation. Legalism also fosters judgment of fellow Christians for not adhering to one’s own ideas of holiness rather than encouraging them to imitate Christ, obeying God’s standards as explicitly outlined in Scripture. Hyper-grace: the over-reaction to legalism, resulting in abuse of God’s grace. Believers find themselves drawn to the modern hyper-grace movement because they are looking for freedom not just from legalism, but also from God’s standards. The Emerging Church: a movement that claims to be Christian but employs culturally sensitive methods to make the Gospel more palatable to a postmodern culture. Jesus’ life is treated more as an allegory or narrative rather than a true event. Of particular concern is the inclusive approach to various belief systems, an emphasis on emotions over absolute Truth, and the notion that there is no hell, judgment, or need for forgiveness. The Emerging Church movement also glorifies honesty and confession, but without repentance. Behind all these false ideologies is the belief that Scripture is not infallible and Truth simply changes with the times. A 2014 Gallup poll revealed that: 22% of Americans believe the Bible is the actual Word of God and should be taken literally 28% believe it is the actual Word of God, but with multiple possible interpretations 28% believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but should not be taken literally 18% believe it is an ancient book of legends, history, and moral precepts written by man How do we respond to such false teachings as they arise within the church? We preach Christ. We reinforce Biblical doctrine, clinging to the highest authority—the Word of God. For "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord" (2 Corinthians 4:4-5). We preach Christ who was promised by God back in Genesis. We preach Christ who was born of a virgin. We preach Christ who healed the sick, raised the dead, made the lame to walk, and set the captives free. We preach Christ who chose to die a criminal’s death on the cross in order to set us free from sin. We preach Christ who rose victoriously from the grave, never to die again, thus assuring everyone who places their trust in Him of eternal life with Him in heaven. We preach Christ who will come again to judge the living and the dead. So we can say: To the Universalists: No one will be saved apart from Jesus Christ. Only those who choose to repent and call on the name of Jesus will have eternal life (see Acts 4:12; Matthew 25:46; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6). To heralds of the Prosperity Gospel: Jesus promised us that we will suffer, but that He is with us and has overcome the world (see John 16:33; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; Luke 14:27). To the New Agers: There is only one sovereign God, Creator of all things (see Isaiah 55:8-9; Job 12:10; Hebrews 2:5-10). To Legalists: If righteousness were attainable through the law, Christ would not have had to die (see Matthew 7:22-23; Galatians 2:21; Romans 3:10-12, 28; James 2:10). We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ’s singular work on the cross, and even this faith is a gift from God not achieved by our own efforts (see Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8). And we are not to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ on debatable issues (see Romans 14:1-12). To proponents of Hyper-grace: God’s grace has freed us from the bondage of sin, but we should not receive His sacrifice in vain (see Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:26-29). We must repent and seek to live under the lordship of Christ, seeking holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2:11-12, 16; Romans 5:20-6:18). To the Emerging Church: If we dilute the Gospel, then we no longer have Good News to share (see Galatians 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Exodus 20:3-6; John 8:24). Only Christ can break the chains of sin, set the captives free, and conform us to His image (see 1 John 5:3-5; Philippians 3:7-9; Galatians 5:16). Brothers and sisters in Christ, arm yourselves with the Word of God. Know your Bible and speak the Truth in love. In this way, may we remain faithful by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you liked this article, visit our Bible & Theology page for more. Bible and Theology
February 6, 2023
Setting the Scene: Christ’s Life and Ministry
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus began teaching and performing miracles in a little-known corner of the globe. In spite of the obscure location, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed the world more than any empire. The better we understand the geographical, historical, and cultural reality of His life, the better we can understand His power and message. In spite of the obscure location, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed the world more than any empire. The setting The land of Israel (known as Palestine to the Romans) lay at the intersection of Asia, Africa, and Europe, offering a variety of geographic features: snowcapped peaks at Mount Hermon, lush hills in Galilee, a balmy coastal plain, and the wasteland of the Dead Sea. The Jordan River served as the eastern border, and Jerusalem was the social, political, and religious heart of the Jewish people, who traveled to the city multiple times a year for festivals, like Passover. the people Life for the first-century Jew was anchored to the land—a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Ex. 3:17), promised to Abraham and his descendants. Shepherds, farmers, and fishermen developed thriving businesses. Family was important, and religious life flowed in and out of the temple in Jerusalem, where priests offered sacrifices for the people, and the local synagogue, where weekly sabbath gatherings included readings of the Torah and prophets, prayer, and instruction in the Scriptures. the establishment The Gospels show repeated confrontations between Jesus and the Sanhedrin, the seat of social, political, and religious power for the Jews in the first century. Christ continually exposed the shallow, external nature of their religious practices, and they feared His influence. This body of priests and religious teachers included: Pharisees—Promoted strict adherence to Mosaic Law and separation from culture Sadducees—Rejected oral tradition and life after death Scribes—Interpreted and taught the Law the expectations In the century before Christ’s birth, there was growing expectation that God would soon send a Messiah to set Israel free and return them to their former glory. Some looked for a new king from David’s line who would destroy the unrighteous rulers with a rod of iron (Ps. 2). Others awaited a "prophet like Moses" to prepare the way for a messianic priest of Aaron’s line. Still others were looking for "one like a son of man" (Dan. 7) to usher in the end of time. In light of this expectation, is it any surprise that Jesus caused a stir when, calling Himself "the Son of Man," He began to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and declare the "year of the Lord’s favor" (Luke 4:19)? Learn 4 reasons why you can trust the Bible — and discover the incredible history of how it was formed, see a detailed comparison of the Bible to other religious texts, and get a glimpse of 38 prophecies fulfilled in Christ. GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD
August 5, 2020
Looking to the Coming King: Exploring the Message of the Old Testament (Candid Ep. 17)
As we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s coming this Christmas, Jonathan Youssef and fellow pastor and friend Zack Carden reflect on how the Old Testament pointed God’s people to their long-awaited Savior. May their conversation serve to help you remember the full story of redemption that began back in the Garden and marvel at the love of God displayed in the gift of His Son. This interview is condensed and excerpted from episode 17 of Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef. Listen today on your favorite podcast platform or online. Listen Now | Learn More About Candid "Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the life for the patriarchs just as He is the way, the Truth, and the life for the apostles and those who came after." Jonathan: Zack, we’re getting close to Christmas, and we’re thinking about the coming of Christ to our world and what that means. A lot of the conversation that’s happening in different churches is around this concept of covenants—old covenant, new covenant. My question is why can’t I just have Christmas and Easter and go on with my life? Zack: As long as we’re talking about Christmas, I think a great illustration is the Christmas tree. When Christmas comes around, you bring out all those special sentimental ornaments that you’ve collected over a period of time, and you hang them on a tree. Theology is like that Christmas tree; it gives us something to hang Biblical Truth on—the stories of the Bible, the memory verses that we have. The Christmas tree is like the history of redemption, the theology that runs behind the Bible stories. So you’ve got the kings and judges, you’ve got David, Noah, Abraham, and Adam, and all that hangs on this tree. And at the top you’ve got the star, which is Jesus, and [some] people see Jesus [and say,] "Just give me the star, and you can keep the rest of it." But without the rest of it—Jesus’ redemption, the cross—none of that makes any sense. Neither do the covenants. The new covenant doesn’t make any sense without the old covenant. Jonathan: Often when people think of Old Testament and New Testament, old covenant and new covenant, they think that one seems to be [about] Law, the other [about] grace. One seems to be judgment; the other, love. How do we bring clarity to that? Zack: Jesus said that the Law is good, and the Bible tells us even in the New Testament that the Law is good. The problem is that the Law is also deadly. It’s deadly if you are trying to justify yourself by the Law. If you’re trying to say, "I’m going to make myself right before God," the Law slays you. It tells you that you’re a liar; it tells you that you can’t live up to the standard of perfection; and that takes us all the way back to the Garden [of Eden]. That takes us back to the covenant that Adam had with God, [in which] he failed to live up to being the perfect person, the perfect man. And because he failed, we all, as his posterity, fail as well. So it took another Adam to come in and do what he couldn’t. Jonathan: A lot of people, when they first become believers or when they’re asking questions about Christianity, [wonder], "If Christ is the only way to salvation, how did someone in the Old Testament come to salvation without His coming yet?" Zack: The blood of bulls and goats and sheep, the Bible is very clear that [these] do not do anything for our sins (see Hebrews 10:1-10). [But] they do show us what our sin deserves: death. If you [were to go] to the temple, it [would] not be a pristine place like a church. It [would] be smelly, violent, with dried-up blood. It [would] be a horrible place. It [puts] on display what our sins deserve and then what Christ has done on the cross for us. So the faith in the Old Testament, the means of grace in the Old Testament—the sacrifices, the Word, Passover, circumcision, and all those rites—pointed toward the grace that we’d have in Christ. And the people [were saved by] faith in the one who would come. Likewise, we in the New Testament look back on what Christ did. Through the sacraments and the Word, we look back on what Jesus did. And if we can look back and be saved, they can look forward and be saved. Jesus is the only way. He’s the way, the Truth, and the life for the patriarchs just as He is the way, the Truth, and the life for the apostles and those who came after. [Just as] Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56). Listen to the full episode of Candid Conversations with special guest Zack Carden. LISTEN NOW
December 3, 2021
Your Story’s Not Over Yet: Clinging to the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection
A special Easter message from Dr. Michael Youssef. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can give you what you need most: peace with God, the love of the Heavenly Father, and hope for true life both now and forever. It was early Sunday morning, and they had just arrived at the tomb. These three women had faithfully supported the ministry of Jesus for years. They had placed all their hope in Him. Then, suddenly, they found themselves standing at the foot of the cross—watching their dreams bleed to death. They witnessed their hope being crucified. And as they did, they resigned themselves to their loss. In their unspeakable anguish, they came to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday morning. They came depressed, despondent, and defeated. But they came. They made plans. They decided to go to the tomb and anoint the body of their crucified King. They decided to do something in the face of their pain and loss. As these three women arrived at the tomb that Sunday morning, they began to discuss the biggest obstacle in their path—the stone. "Who’s going to move the stone?" they asked one another. Have you ever been in a situation like this, where it’s one thing after another, and every time you think you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel—it turns out to be a train? Have you ever been there? I know I have. What keeps you up at night? What causes you anxiety? What deep disappointment haunts your waking hours? What are you trying to numb or forget? These three women were nearly overcome by their hopelessness and helplessness. But they did not give up. And as they arrived at the tomb, they were shocked to see that the stone had already been rolled away—and the tomb was empty! Against all odds, against natural laws, by the power of God—Christ had risen from the dead. With this cataclysmic revelation, they suddenly understood that God’s plan was far, far greater than anything they could have ever hoped for or imagined. Jesus rose from the dead to prove that He is the only one who can deliver us from the hopelessness of hell. In fact, He is the only one who can guarantee our resurrection. He is the only one who can forgive all our sins—past, present, and future. He is the only one who can deliver us from the seeming futility of this life. And He is the only one who can conquer our greatest and most powerful enemy—death. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday this month, I want you to remember that there is no large stone in your life that Jesus cannot remove. There is no tomb that threatens to bury you that He cannot empty. There is no mountain of shame, guilt, or sin that He cannot obliterate. There is no pain or sorrow that He cannot replace with His comfort and peace. There is no death that He cannot conquer. Whether you are living behind a stone of guilt and despair, overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness, experiencing crushing anxiety about your family’s future—whatever your stone may be—your sense of hopelessness is premature. The resurrected Jesus can remove all the stones of impossibilities in your life, shatter the prison of worry and anxiety, and remove all depression, anxiety, and shame. The Bible said He removes them as far as the east is from the west. All you need to do is come to the end of yourself. If you have been striving in your own strength, come to the end of trying to save yourself. Come to the end of trying to earn God’s mercy. Come to the end of thinking that you can figure things out on your own. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can give you what you need most: peace with God, the love of the Heavenly Father, and hope for true life both now and forever. Remember, it was your sin and mine that took Jesus to the cross. It was His love for us that kept Him there until He died. And it was the Father’s love that raised Him to life on the third day and made Him our death-defying King. So how will you respond to His inexplicable love today? Will you turn to Him in repentance and faith? Will you trust that He is working for your good and His glory—even if the outcome is not quite what you’d imagined? On that first resurrection morning, Jesus dispelled the hopelessness of those three women. He destroyed their despair. He comforted them in their calamity. And He can do the same for you. The price is paid. The work is done. Come and receive. Allow the hope and the glory of the resurrection to fill you—today and every day. Do you have questions about the Christian faith? Our pastoral care team is here to serve you. Connect with them today. GET ANSWERS
April 1, 2020
6 Covenants Fulfilled in Christ
As we celebrate Easter, it’s important to remember that the Gospel story of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment of a salvation plan that God had been promising His people since the very beginning. Throughout Scripture, God made covenants of grace, each one revealing more and more about His perfect plan to make us His people and to be our God. Throughout Scripture, God made covenants of grace, each one revealing more and more about His perfect plan to make us His people and to be our God. A COVENANT WITH ADAM GENESIS 2-3 | A promise that a Son of Adam would bring victory. In the Garden of Eden, God instituted a loving relationship with Adam and Eve, the part of creation He crafted in His likeness. He provided them a beautiful garden, good work, good food, and one another. What is more, the Almighty God humbled Himself, that mankind might personally know Him. He gave them clear parameters for living in His presence, but Adam and Eve rejected His wisdom and love, allowing sin to take hold. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful. In His immeasurable love, the great I am promised all humanity victory over Satan and sin, through a coming Savior—a child from the line of Adam and Eve—who would crush the head of Satan but would Himself be stricken. THE COVENANT WITH NOAH GENESIS 6:9-22, 9:1-17 | A promise to protect mankind and thus the coming Son of Adam. In order for God’s previous promise to be fulfilled, God had to sustain and protect mankind. But wickedness and violence had become rampant—so He chose Noah to be like a new Adam on a new earth (9:1, 7)—not a redeemed earth nor a redeemed Adam, but a man who would preserve mankind. In this way, God ensured the Seed of Eve would come to fulfill the covenant of redemption. THE COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM GENESIS 12:1-3, 15:1-21, 17:1-27 | A promise to bless all nations through a miraculous birth. From the midst of a glory-hungry society (Genesis 11:1-9), God called out Abraham, promising to miraculously provide him a son through whom Abraham would father nations and kingdoms. God also promised Abraham the land of Canaan, a land that would belong to Abraham’s children eternally, pointing us to a coming Kingdom without end—one that, through Abraham, would bless all nations on earth. Over and over again, God demonstrated that this covenant would not fail because it wasn’t up to Abraham but up to God, who promised by His own blood that these things would come to pass. THE COVENANT WITH MOSES EXODUS 19-31 | A promise to not forsake His people—a once-for-all sacrifice would come. As God foretold, Abraham’s descendants became slaves in a foreign land—but with incredible displays of power and sovereignty, God freed them, calling Moses to lead His people out. Then He gave them the Law along with the tabernacle and its ritual sacrifices, which all testified to the impossibility of defeating sin apart from God. This covenant, though on the surface appearing to promote a works-based righteousness, demonstrated to the people the terrible cost of sin (death and the shedding of blood) and the inadequacy of the blood of animals to atone for sin once and for all—pointing them to the incredible grace of God in His longsuffering with them and fostering a longing for that promised Savior to come (Genesis 3:15). THE COVENANT WITH DAVID 2 SAMUEL 7:1-16 | A promise that the everlasting King, the Savior, would come from the line of David. In the course of time, God established a king over His people—a king after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14): David. When David brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, God gave him an incredible promise: He would establish David’s throne forever before Him. And though God would discipline David’s sons when they strayed, His gracious love would never depart from them because, one day, the perfect, sinless King would be forsaken in their stead—and ours. THE NEW COVENANT HEBREWS 8-9 | A promise to redeem forever all who call on the name of Jesus, making them God‘s chosen people. Finally, King Jesus, the Savior, the perfect sacrifice for the remission of sins forever, fulfilling each and every covenant—He arrived. Jesus, God with us, humbled Himself to be born a man, according to the promise (Genesis 3:15). He came from the line of Abraham, a son of David (Matthew 1:1-17). He perfectly fulfilled the Law (Hebrews 4:15), then poured out His own blood to cleanse all who call on His name from their sin, that they might serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). He defeated sin and death once and for all and will come again to bring His people into the new Promised Land where God will dwell with them (Revelation 21). Learn more about the prophecies Christ fulfilled in this FREE download. DOWNLOAD NOW
April 1, 2023
Believing a Miracle-Working God
Toward the end of his life, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and former president of the United States, worked diligently in his library over a collection of old Bibles. He carefully removed paragraphs from the pages with a razor and glued them onto blank pages. The resulting work would remain private within his family until it was sold to the Smithsonian Museum in 1895. Jefferson’s creation has come to be known as the Jefferson Bible. It is the story of Jesus and His teachings—but with His miracles, resurrection, and ascension deliberately removed. It is Jesus minus the supernatural. There is a cultural movement that follows Jefferson’s lead, rejecting everything that cannot be verified with the five senses. A few loaves of bread feeding 5,000? Never seen it. A spiritual realm affecting our world? Never touched it. For many, these Biblical realities are seen as fairy tales or myths, leaving a Christianity without an active God—no virgin birth, no resurrection, no Holy Spirit, no miracles, no transformation. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we find many people who are open to vague spiritual powers. They chase ghosts, seek their future through a spirit guide, or use elements of Eastern religions to achieve self-fulfillment. Modern man, who for so long shunned the supernatural, has now turned the “Universe” into a benevolent force guiding their lives. They say things like, “I guess the Universe thought I could handle this,” and, “The Universe must have a plan.” Even in the church, we see some using the supernatural as a magic “name-it-and-claim-it” tool to get what they want, while others chase after emotional experiences with no intention of obeying the Lord. One segment of society denies the supernatural realm, while another embraces it—as long as it doesn’t make demands on their lives. CREATED FOR THE SUPERNATURAL While we can reject spirituality, reasoning away the miracles that point us to an all-powerful God, we cannot escape the longing for something bigger than what we can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. God put this longing in our souls. It is a purpose found at the very center of the Gospel: We are made to be with Him—to delight in and glorify our Creator. As believers in Jesus, we must grapple with the aspects of our culture that seek to ignore the impossible things of God. While we might not physically cut out bits and pieces of the Bible, we can be tempted to live as if the miraculous work of God ended with the last words of Revelation. But our faith is not a conventional religion that we can contain or control. Our faith is full of wonder, amazement, and adventure. Its Lord is the Lion of Judah. Its seal is the very Spirit of God indwelling all who believe. Ours is not a tame faith—it is supernatural. We are a community founded on a supernatural event—the resurrection. We enter this community by means of a supernatural event—death-to-life transformation. We are daily sustained by a supernatural event—the Holy Spirit at work in His people. And we look forward in hope to a supernatural event—the new heavens and new earth. May we never treat the Lion of Judah like a house cat. May we never turn the church of God into a museum. The very God who made us spiritual beings continues to work in us through His supernatural power. THE PROMISES THAT SUSTAIN US IN DARKNESS During Jesus’ last night with His disciples before His betrayal and crucifixion, He told them two things that can help us “live by faith, not by sight” as we navigate this world (2 Corinthians 5:7). He told them He would send a Helper, “the Spirit of truth. . . . [Y]ou know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). If you are a follower of Christ, the very power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you. God has given you a special Comforter and Friend, who will never leave your side. He is the one who opens your eyes to the Truths in His Word. He is the one who enables you to obey the Lord. Call on Him, lean on Him, trust Him, and see what supernatural fruit He will bring to bear in your life as you walk next to Him by faith. He also promised His disciples, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). We can bring God our needs, and like a good father, He will meet them in His love and power. What seemingly impossible things are you asking for in Jesus’ name? Is there a hardhearted family member in need of transformation? Are there barriers to the advancement of the Gospel in your community? Are there sinful patterns in your life? Ask God to work. Be specific in your request. Be consistent in your prayers. Your request will neither surprise nor overwhelm Him. Now is not the time to eliminate God’s power from our faith. Now is the time to trust that the God of the Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we look to Him expectantly, our lives will display the power of the miracle-working God. Sign up for a FREE 6-month subscription to MY Journal, Leading The Way’s monthly magazine. GET MY FREE SUBSCRIPTION
August 2, 2021
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