Letters

Dear Berean Call,

[The resource] The Pilgrim Church is just what I have wanted for years. A pastor in my youth was a converted Catholic. I recall a church study which taught the history of the Church and explained that there are/were those who were never “Protestants,” but who were not part of Roman Catholicism. I have tried to pass that truth along; but had nothing to substantiate it to my children. I am 78 and will give this book to my children. Thanks. MS (TX)

Dear TBC, 

[Re “Can’t Find a Church?”] Great article! Wonderfully and doctrinally sound. The simple principle that is most often overlooked or disallowed is the first rule of interpretation: Keep it in context. Everything you pointed out about heresy is the result of [people] not following that simple rule. In our circle of Independent Baptist, to which I belong, there is arising a movement of the “Jews First” principle—and that the church is a continuation of the Old Testament church in the wilderness. They are teaching that we are to seek out the Jews before we go to the Gentiles everywhere we go. Your article is as good as I have seen to date on this, and further work on making this into a book might be of great help. Praying for you. CH (email)

Dear Berean Call, 

Just a note to say “thank you” for your ministry—I so appreciate the monthly newsletter and the materials obtainable from you. I’m reading Samuel J. Andrews’ book [Christianity and Anti-Christianity in Their Final Conflict] along with [Dave Hunt’s] Peace, Prosperity, and the Coming Holocaust. The New Age Movement, its history, and the plans for the future are frightening without the comfort of Scripture: The truth which shall prevail. CW (NE)

Dear T. A. and Staff,

Just wanted to comment on “Finding a Church.” Our church began changing with the 40 Days of Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. Our pastor embraced Rick’s ideas to be “seeker friendly.” Sermons are topical—how to do or not do everything under the sun—all daily living application oriented and filled with our pastor’s opinions and psychology. Doctrinal teaching is out, as are all of the important Biblical words—words like justification, sanctification, redemption.  Name an important doctrinal word—gone. In fact, do not use the word “doctrine.” Prophecy? Forget it—avoid at all costs. The music is becoming more like the world every day—special lights all over, sound system. Use of hymnals is almost eliminated although we still have them in the pews, but the large TV screens have the words. Almost gone are the great hymns in the church. Communion is not allowed on Sunday morning—only on some mid-week services. Real teaching of the Bible is essentially gone—God must be very displeased. LP (email)

Shalom,

Concerning [Search the Scriptures 24/7 radio transcript] “Jews, Gentiles and the Church,” I am happy to read Tom’s words as both a Christian and a Jew. One comment though: It is time for a real reformation of the “church.” And until the “church” is reformed to what Jesus (Yeshua) intended it to be, I believe that the word “church” should be replaced always with the “body of Christ.” Over the last 1800 years or so, the “church” has adopted one false doctrine after another, invented by men and women. The “church” has become religion. And as Dave Hunt said, religion is just another Tower of Babel. VR (email)