Berean Call, Are you no longer noble?
Didn’t Dave Hunt fight Calvinism?
Matt Slick in the screen shot below sure seems to thoroughly understand that Dave was ‘anti-calvinism‘.
What is the excuse for Tom McMahon and the Berean Call? Did Dave himself allow this compromise, and it became a slippery slope?
Matt Slick/CARM on Dave Hunt
I have seen many good things, also disappointing things with Berean Call for several years. Recently I posted to Rob Yardley of the Berean Call on his facebook page regarding their promotion of Lordship teacher Mark Cahill which Rob defended*. (Cahill opposes Calvinism but add works to the gospel). In his ‘What if’ Tract, he says this:”? What if you accept this offer, turn from your sins, and trust Him as your only escape from paying this eternal sentence in Hell?”4
But today, in looking up something for Tom McMahon, I ran across sadly his speaking schedule and was really shocked to see that he is speaking WITH (not in a debate) Calvinist Matt Slick, January 23-25th in Boise, ID. You can see the link here.
I don’t know all the players, one is a psychiatrist, but because I saw Matt Slick, I decided to do some research (Prove all things – 1 Thess 5:21). Since I have a family member in Boise, I sure wanted to know about the church.
Starting with the church (The Well) who is hosting this event, (I always try to go to the horse’s mouth, and see their statement of faith. That is, if you can find it). I look for their presentation of the gospel line up with the truth of God’s Word. I also search to see if they are promoting mystical, new age, or Calvinism and reformed preachers/founders. I unfortunately hit the gold mine of bad doctrine.
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 Jn 1:9-11
The Well Church – Pastor Josh Bales
The Church’s ‘Gospel Centered’ message (as they put it) is this; “This means that we passionately believe in the doctrines of grace1 recovered by the original Reformers, and we do not shy away from preaching them from the Scriptures on Sunday morning or in small groups….”
To be very clear, their ‘Gospel Centered Message’ = T.U.L.I.P. (As my friend Marian W. would say, they are not ‘tip-toeing through the tulip’s’, it’s right there in your face.)
So WHY is Tom McMahon participating in an event with Calvinists? I thought it would be interesting to check what ‘The Well church’ and the pastor Josh Bales thinks of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hippo, Augustine, founder of ‘Calvinism'(my next article I think).
Calvin and Augustine
Calvin seemed to worship Augustine. In his “Institutes of Christianity” you can see him quote him or name him favorably about a thousand times.
Seems that the Pastor at “The Well Church” feels favorably enough about Augustine to preach several sermons on him. I wonder if he has read the ‘conversion story’ of Augustine yet? Or were his ‘works’ proof enough to decide he was saved?
Seems the pastor Josh Wells also agrees with John Calvin, and also preaches seven sermons on sermon audio regarding his ‘Institutes of Calvinism’. He calls them ‘Doctrines of Christian Liberty’.
If you want to start by searching his church sermons just the name of Augustine, it will likely take you hours to get through and read each incident. Would Dave Hunt compromise this much if he were alive?
Matt Slick and baiting and raging
I would consider him a hyper-calvinist (though he denies this). His site is ‘Christian apologetics and research ministry – CARM. His daughter Rachael sadly testifies of her youth growing up, with her dad’s pop quizzes nightly on theological tend cent terms… She became quite good in ‘the faith’ as he liked to refer to those teachings, and is now an atheist. Matt says, “God has not yet given her the grace of redemption”.2 I wonder if he has ever considered it was because he never gave her the true gospel…so sad to me, she is well trained in apologetics. Many of the Calvinist bloggers even said she ‘displayed evidence of being the elect’, but nowhere does it say she believed the gospel… Read here for her tragic story.
We had occasion to have some exchanges over a few days in a group against the heresy of Calvinism on FB. I watched as he came into the group and started baiting people into an argument. He called everyone in there either ‘anti’s’ or ‘Arminians’. He asked, “Why is it so many antis are full of so much hatred?” In answer to a question of praying for all men, since Jesus was a ransom for all and He desired that none should perish, Matt Slick said this; “First of all, Jesus is the mediator for the believers, not the unbelievers. To me, “men” in this verse can only mean the elect, the Christians.”
Let’s just say for now that as the conversations wore on, he became more offensive and basically railed at people. Maybe another time I’ll go more deeply into the problems behind CARM and Matt Slick himself, but for now this is about the associations of the Berean Call with the doctrine that they previously guarded against.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Tim 4:16
Pastor Jack Weaver of Expreacherman Ministries warned T.A. McMahon
Here is an excerpt regarding a conversation Jack Weaver had with Tom McMahon earlier regarding his quotes of Calvinist teachers and authors. (link found here to this comment)
This post is nearly two years old, and so we know that T.A. McMahon had to have eyes wide opened to have defended quoting and recommending these men, fully aware. (I have recommended Gendron before, not knowing he preached or ended up preaching Calvinism).
I asked Berean Call’s facebook Ministry site why Mr. McMahon was speaking with these people.
I finished with, “ Dave would not approve at all…. what a slap in the face I’m sorry…”
Berean Call’s answer as to why T. A. McMahon was collaberating with false doctrine and with these Calvinists
Pastor Jordan Hall
His site says; Pastor Jordan Hall is lead pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Sidney, Montana. JD holds a BA in Religious Education from Williams Baptist College and M.A. from Arkansas State University. JD has been married for ten years to Mandy, who teaches their three children at home. JD is a columnist for the Intermountain Christian News and other publications. He’s also the author of a new book “A Baptist Catechism.” FBC Sidney is currently planting churches in nearby North Dakota. It list three sites, one of which is Reformation Montana.
If that doesn’t convince you, look at his statement of faith on the church site. Oh wait, you’ll have to go to Amazon to buy a book first if you really want to know what he believes in “A Baptist Catechism”. Or, you can just assume since he recommends 9 Marks (Mark Dever–Calvinist) as a litmus test for a healthy church. Devers also approves of and teaches Calvinist doctrines. Gospel Coalition credits Devers with sparking “this resurrection of Reformed theology among younger American evangelicals”3. This is the one that T.A. McMahon says organized their original get together.
HAS ANOTHER MINISTRY BITTEN THE DUST?
The elders at Ephesus were exhorted: (Where are TBC’s elders?)
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:26-32
HOW CAN I COME TO HAVE JESUS AS MY SAVIOR?
1 – Doctrines of Grace – also known as Calvinism or Reformed teaching – TULIP. A term made popular recently by John MacArthur.
2 – http://carm.org/paltalk-westoftherockies
3 – http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/10/24/where-did-all-these-calvinists-come-from/
4 – http://markcahill.org/witnessing-helps/tracts/
*provide your email if you would like a screen shot of this.
Reblogged this on Intrepid Didymus.
Thank you for sharing… Not happy to write this, but not happy with the doctrinal compromise of those who have set themselves up as leaders.
Holly, I saw the imbedded reference to the “Baptist Faith and Message” in the Fellowship Church of Sidney’s screenshot:
It says: “We agree with the general spirit and truths found in the Baptist Faith and Message…”
My comment: The “Baptist Faith and Message” is an LS manifesto.
Thank you John. Berean Call answered on FB. Their basic answer was that Dave would have spoken at the Vatican had he been able to speak freely. They did double coverage by saying, Dr. Anthony Harper had invited McMahon before he knew who any of the guests were… I’ll include that later. Oh, By the way, Dr. Harper gives a nice recommendation to the “Baptist Catechism” written by the pastor of “Fellowship church of Sidney”,
He says,
[This book] is profoundly fitting in this day and age of spiritual confusion and uncertainty with regard to GOD’s Holy Word. The content of this book can be a helpful aid in bringing clarity to Biblical doctrine with application to your life and others.
Rev. M. Anthony Harper, Ph.D.
Editor, InterMountain Christian News
Calvinism is bondage and full of man made laws. I read the article by Matt Slick’s daughter and it ripped my heart out how she said freedom is her new god. Jesus said if you abide in my word and my word abides in you then you are my disciples indeed and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Calvinism twists scripture so that they cannot experience that freedom.
I’ve noticed that they are so hung up on theological terms and the depravity of man that they rarely see and acknowledge the glory of God and His love.
Hi Dennis, not sure why I am just now seeing this today, but I agree with you, I thought it was so tragic when I read some of the articles. Why would they not rebel when they had no choice in the matter anyways…
I understand there is a purpose for theological terms in certain discussions between students/professors/teachers, and it’s helpful to know and understand, but is it necessary? I saw someone the other day chide Facebook for not doing enough ‘reading of the newspaper’, ‘history’ and ‘understanding theological terms’ (something to that effect). I kind of had to smile thinking, what truth is in the newspaper, and what real truth is there in history, and lastly, where does wisdom of words get us unless it’s the wisdom of God?
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Cor 2:1-5
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:13-16 (praise God!)
And Dr. Anthony Harper who invited T.A. McMahon has also been on radio shows with Matt Slick regarding the emergent church.
“Dr. Harper and Matt Slick are guests on the Chris Kelly show on KBXL 94.1FM in the Boise, Idaho area.”
Hi Holly.
This is so disturbing I too have been watching the downfall of the Berean Call, Dave Hunt was such an amazing man and has taught me so much. Mark Cahill, is an arminian, how do we know he is a lordship man can you direct me to information proving that. Brenda Nickel has written against reformed teachings how can they both be lordship proponents. It gets so confusing. Is the church of Two Well, the Church of Two wells, in Texas all over the media with the kidnapping of Catherine Grove, they are a calvanistic and arminian church and they street preach, but in a condeming way. These legalistic and condemming churches have no love, there are people even in baptist churches being held spiritually captive and families are losing their loved ones in these churches as they are cutting themselves off their families. So heartbreaking to watch.
Tom Macmahon is compromising by hanging out with the Calvanists and the Arminians its sending out doctrinal confusion to the body of christ. Berean call are having another conference this year. People from all over the world will attend and become confused in their doctrine and won’t know what they believe in time. Especially which gospel is the right one.
Mary, Arminians and Calvinists have something in common; basically perseverance of the saints, just called different things. Now Calvinists will say that this means eternal security, but truly, the two camps believe about the same. It is about the person themselves persevering either as proof or to keep their salvation, whichever way they word it, neither truly believes they have been saved at the moment of belief eternally. It is definitely as you say doctrinal confusion…
CARM calls for unity with Cahill. They could have unity, but can Bible believing Christians? This is what is happening quite a bit, but can there be unity with one who says basically we are not eternally sealed? Is this not the gospel?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24
If you have the book by Mark Cahill, “One thing you can’t do in heaven”, try reading the “sinner’s prayer” on page 221 and see if you agree that is the gospel. I don’t have the book to share the quote, will see if I can find it.
Here is a free booklet I recommend for those who wonder, is my salvation secure?
http://expreacherman.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/cucuzza-the-permanence-of-salvation.pdf
Reviewer on Amazon regarding Cahill’s book:
Unfortunately, Cahill redefines saving repentance (repentance wherein salvation from hell to heaven is the context/consequence) from it’s biblical meaning of “change of mind” (Greek word metanoia), to “turning from sin” which is of course a work of man. In effect, Cahill is telling the lost person that in order to be born-again he must first reform his life (i.e. turn from his sins…which means to stop sinning), then place his trust in Christ. It’s akin to telling somone to get cleaned up before they take a shower. Foolish. This is NOT a minor error, but rather strikes at the very heart of the Gospel. Cahill’s salvation equation, therefore, would look like this:
Works (i.e. “turn from sin”) + faith in Christ = salvation.
Such is not the Gospel of the grace of God (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Rom 4:4-5, etc.), but rather a gospel of REFORMATION–“another gospel” which the apostle Paul pronounced anathama upon anyone preaching it (Gal. 1:6-9). Such a gospel attempts to add works to grace for salvation, but God’s Word will have none of it. Salvation is either by grace or it is by works, but it can’t be by both (Rom. 11:6).
Overall:
Cahill has much good in his book, but tragically undoes all the good by presenting a gospel of reformation (i.e. false gospel by addition) to his readers…hence the one star rating. Those who believe his false gospel, if they’ve not been born-again prior to, will sadly go to Hell with bible in hand lest they repent of the error (i.e. change their mind), and place their trust alone in Christ and His finished cross-work alone for salvation.
NOTE: As the late Dr. Curtis Hutson stated, “There is no doubt that all men from Adam on have had to repent in order to have a right relationship with God. The importance of repentance is demonstrated by the fact that men of every biblical age preached it (e.g. John the Baptist–Mark 1:15; Apostle Paul–Acts 20:21; Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself–Luke 13:3). The problem is not in preaching saving repentance, but rather in giving the word an unbiblical definition.”
There are many good books on salvation and how to share the Gospel. A few I could mention are “Salvation Crystal Clear” by Dr. Curtis Hutson, and “Secure Forever!” by Tom Cucuzza. Both excellent books! As for a biblical understanding of saving repentance, Ron Shea has done the heavy lifting for all of us on this subject. One can read his work on this subject (and many others) at his wonderful site Clear Gospel Campaign.
If you google Mark Cahill and Caryl Matrisciana, you will find them defending his Lordship stance.
Another Amazon review of another Cahill book, “One Heartbeat Away”…
“We have each broken the commands of Almighty God” (p167), will all die (and have no idea when we will die), and will be guilty on Judgment Day. Therefore, we need to turn away from our sins and receive God’s forgiveness.
From Mark Cahill’s ‘infinity’ tract:
Reconcile you to God so you can have a relationship with Him and Empower you to live a Holy life. If you will Repent of your sins (turn from them) and Trust Christ He will save you and change you! Do it today before you step into Eternity!
It is a good thing you are warning the brethren of this compromise by McMahon and the broken remains of the Berean Call towards the Roman Catholic ecumenical spirit that is behind all of this.
I’m not certain whether Warren Smith is another false teacher or not, but I have read some things along the line.
But McMahon does appear on a later conference with him and other speakers.
It’s on the same speaking schedule webpage: http://www.thebereancall.org/tom
And here’s a screenshot I made: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Barachem/Carl_KerbyWarren_SmithDavid_HockingT_A_McMahon_zpscc76a3d2.png
Maybe it is worth adding an addendum to the current entry or make a new entry to warn people about this connection, if this connection is also compromise.
Thank you for this article, I found it very helpful. EXPOSE!
Hard to read the tiny and very light font on this page
Thanks Craig for the input. When I switched to this software, it changed everything to this font unless I go back in and change in. I will fix this one, trying to fix a little as I am able. God bless you, appreciate your help. In Christ, Holly
Thank you Holly for this article. I followed Dave Hunts Berean Call site and really found Dave’s hard work of exposing false gospels and churches extremely valuable and comforting. After T A took over I saw a Calvinist tone coming through in his articles and stopped using Berean Calls site. So sad to see Dave Hunts Berean Call becoming that which he worked so hard to expose. Thank you Holly for all you do to warn about these wolves…we really must be extremely discerning in these times.
Thank you Kerin for coming to comment, I appreciate it. I agree with you regarding Berean call. I remember when Dave was alive, it seemed that he was too compromising regarding his ‘Calvinist brothers’. I wouldn’t want anyone to misunderstand, I don’t judge their salvation one way or another, but how would he know they were brothers when many of them believe you are saved by persevering no matter how they might say differently? I remember it being perplexing to me, especially when he did the same for Rick Warren. When he died and T.A. was going to a conference that had all Calvinists, I wrote to them. The response was not something I remember more than it was entirely unsatisfactory and I knew that it was just more of the same of these online ministries, joining hands with whoever they can to become more popular at the expense of the truth.
I really thank God for the truth of His Word, and for others who see the same and are continuing in His Word. God bless you and your family these last days.