Let us begin by defining terms Assertion is defined as (noun) a positive assertion or proclamation, often made without justification or reason: Assumption is defined as (noun) something taken for granted; a supposition: for instance, She didn’t investigate the facts to see if they were correct; she just assumed. Memes are cultural or behavioral elements that are handed down through imitation (word repetition) or other non-genetic mechanisms. Have you ever received one of those ridiculous emails that claim you are the recipient of a multi-million-dollar fortune from somebody in another country? But in order to claim your money you have to send a smaller amount of money to the stranger that sent you the email? The scam emailer is making an assertion. (“I’m telling the truth-really! I’ve got millions of dollars to give away-trust me!!”) The scammer anticipates the recipient’s assumption. (“This email must be true, I believe it and will send the money”) Most of the time, these frauds succeed since the allegation is blatantly false and those who are duped do not assume it is incorrect. Similarly, most of the bad teaching in churches has both of these characteristics. The pastor/teacher makes assumptions, and others listening just assume such assertions are true. It appears to be as follows: The pastor/teacher asserts something, frequently fairly forcefully; he expresses it with confidence and enthusiasm, or he claims it came directly from God Himself. People who are listening assume that the pastor is delivering the truth. Why would he tell the truth? He’s a really pleasant man, or he appears to be really sincere, or he went to some college somewhere… he’s teaching from experience since he’s wealthy himself, there are a million reasons why people believe they’re being given the actual truth. Christians frequently employ catch phrases that appear to be real, and the more these phrases and ideas are repeated, the more frequently they are thought to be true. Popular pastors frequently have memes with their own sayings that are nothing more than claims aimed at making people feel good. For example, the following Joel Osteen memes appear and sound lovely, but if you read them all, you’ll notice that they don’t mention anything Biblical: All of the sayings make claims (“You’re going to do something great, and it’s right around the corner,”) Before the end of the year, you will be a billionaire, this year you will not lack anything, this week you will be astounded with big miracles, those who saw you poor and begging will kneel before you because God is going to bless you astronomically, there will be no death in your family this year, this week God will surprise you with unusual miracles for which you will give testimonies, and so on.). These claims are generally based on a non-Christian, man-centered perspective. They are derived from psychology, which is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, particularly those influencing behavior in a certain environment. Because these assertions give us what we want to hear, it’s no surprise that many people believe them to be true. If you understand the Word of Faith movement (combined with some Positive Thinking), you’ll see where these sayings come from. I’ve authored a book about Word of Faith Theology, which has historical connections to New Thought Philosophy and the Law of Attraction. Let’s go over the ideas conveyed in the memes below from Bethel Church, where Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton teach: These memes convey a mystical, gnostic belief system; the only thing they have in common with Christianity is the usage of particular Bible terms and phrases. Take note of how the mysterious “Yoda” meme appears to fit in? A section of the New Testament was written to oppose gnostic teachings, which were a persistent danger to the early Church. From the Pirate Lexicon, here’s a fundamental Christian definition of gnosticism: “Gnosticism is an early heresy that demanded secret knowledge in place of the Gospel.” The only way to be saved, according to Gnostics, was for the spirit to be liberated from the material order, which they considered evil. Gnosticism is still present in modern Pentecostal charismatic congregations (new personal discoveries, secret knowledge, and mystical experiences).” These arguments, like those made by Joel Osteen previously, place man at the center of our faith, but they also devalue the use of thinking, reasoning, and the objective, written Word of God- making it a poisonous gimmick. Paul advised the Corinthians not to believe anything other than what was contained in the Bible (1Corinth 4:6). This concept teaches that dogma and tradition are inherently evil. This lesson teaches that expository instruction is harmful. According to this religion, God wishes to be known internally and subjectively through a personal mystical experience. In this religion, He only distributes His amazing power with individuals who exhibit tremendous intimacy, passion, and submission. This is more akin to pagan mysticism and Gnosticism than Christianity, but because these assertions are rarely verified, too many people assume they must be Christian and accurate. The Bereans did not accept Paul’s messages wholeheartedly, but instead used the plumb line of scripture to evaluate what he preached. Acts 17:10-12 explains how to use the texts to determine the truth. When you try to submit what a pastor teaches to the plumbline of scriptures today, you are labeled as a mole, a troubler of Israel, a backslider, a carnal minded and unspiritual, a rebel, and so on
Now, for a stark contrast, consider the following deductive claims from God’s Word: According to Titus 2:7-8, “…in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good…” 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 2:15 2 Thessalonians “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 16:13 1 Corinthians “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 3 Jude “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” Have you noticed how these Bible verses emphasize the need of sound instruction? And this beneficial instruction does not come from within us; God’s Word exists independently of us. Notice how these Bible verses tell us to thoroughly examine and test everything? The Bible nowhere says to uncritically accept a theology from a self-proclaimed “prophet” or new “apostle,” but rather to be skeptical of men’s teachings. The brief mention of Paul and Silas visiting the Jewish synagogue at Berea is one of the book of Acts’ most interesting moments. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so,” Acts 17:11-12 says. As a result, many of them believed, including many Greek women and men of high standing.” The Bible invites us to follow in the footsteps of the Bereans, who “received the word with all eagerness, and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” We should never simply believe what someone says; instead, we should examine the Scriptures to see if it is accurate. We should never simply assume anything is real; rather, we should investigate the Scriptures to see if it is true. God has spoken to us through His Word. He didn’t merely “sort of” give us His Word. He did not provide us His Word with a slew of exceptions and exclusions, making us reliant on fresh “prophets” and “apostles.” And He surely did not provide anyone the authority to add or take from his Word (Rev 22:18-19). The church of Laodicea was lukewarm and professing affirmatively how affluent with abundance and lacking nothing, but God reprimanded them and saw them unhappy, poor, blind, and naked (Re:3:17). God praised churches like Smyrna for refusing to admit those assertions/memes and instead addressing their difficulties directly to God.
