The Sunday Blog… SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026

Offering practical truths from God’s Word to help us become more like Jesus.
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2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”


This blog is somewhat lengthy this week but it is imperative that you read it in its entirety. Please share it with others as well.
WHY IS FALSE TEACHING ON THE RISE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST TODAY?

In the contemporary era, many believers have observed a noticeable shift in the landscape of the Christian faith. While the core message of the Gospel remains unchanged, the methods and messages being broadcast from various pulpits and social media platforms have become increasingly diverse—and sometimes, dangerously distorted. Understanding why false teaching appears to be on the rise within the Body of Christ includes a combination of cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the fulfillment of biblical warnings.
One of the primary drivers of this trend is the prevailing culture of relativism and "subjective truth." In today’s world, there is a heavy emphasis on "your truth" versus "my truth." This cultural mindset has seeped into the church, leading some to prioritize personal feelings and experiences over the objective Word of God. When the Bible is treated as a buffet where individuals can pick and choose what suits their lifestyle, the door swings wide open for false doctrine.
Furthermore, the digital revolution has fundamentally changed how information is consumed. In the past, a teacher’s influence was often limited to their local congregation or a specific denomination with theological oversight. Today, anyone with a smartphone can reach millions. This means that self-appointed teachers can gain massive followings without any accountability, theological training, or elder oversight. This lack of "gatekeeping" allows "destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1) to spread at the speed of a viral video, often bypassing the discernment of those who are not well-grounded in scripture.
Another factor is the rise of the Prosperity Gospel and "Self-Help" Christianity. This brand of teaching often replaces the message of the cross and repentance with a message of financial gain, physical health, and personal empowerment. More on this later in the blog.
Identifying false doctrines can be challenging because they often contain a "kernel of truth" mixed with significant error. Today, many of these teachings thrive by appealing to modern cultural values or the desire for personal comfort.

THE MOST PROMINENT FALSE GOSPELS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHURCH TODAY
1. The Prosperity Gospel (Health and Wealth)
This doctrine teaches that God’s primary will is for believers to be financially wealthy and physically healthy. It often treats faith as a "spiritual force" or a contract: if you give money (often called "sowing a seed") or speak positive words, God is obligated to bless you. It ignores the biblical reality of suffering and the "theology of the cross." Jesus warned that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), and Paul spoke of finding contentment in both plenty and want (Philippians 4:12).
Three of the biggest ministries that preach this false gospel include: Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM), Joel Osteen Ministries (Lakewood Church), and Creflo Dollar Ministries (World Changers Church International). There are so many others as well but space does not permit me to name them.
2. The Hyper-Grace (Antinomianism) Gospel
Hyper-grace teaching suggests that because all sins (past, present, and future) are forgiven, believers no longer need to confess sin or repent. It often dismisses the Old Testament and even the moral teachings of Jesus as "Old Covenant" and no longer applicable. It turns grace into a license for immorality and ignores the call to personal holiness. 1 John 1:9 explicitly tells believers, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins." Jude 1:4 warns against those who pervert grace into a license for immorality. Three of the largest ministries that preach this heresy include: Joseph Prince Ministries (New Creation Church), Paul Ellis (Escape to Reality), and Andrew Wommack Ministries (Charis Bible College).
3. The Progressive Christianity (Moral Relativism) Gospel
This movement often prioritizes modern social justice and personal experience over the authority of Scripture. It may deny core tenets of the faith, such as the Virgin Birth, the physical Resurrection, or the exclusivity of Christ (the idea that Jesus is the only way to God). It treats the Bible as a culturally bound book that can be updated to fit current societal norms. 2 Timothy 3:16 asserts that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching and correction. Jesus stated clearly, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
The top three ministries that preach this false gospel include:
ProgressiveChristianity.org. A website. They teach that the Bible is a collection of human stories rather than the inspired Word of God, allowing for the "reconstruction" of Christian ethics to match modern social views on marriage, gender, and salvation. The United Church of Christ (UCC). Because they believe God's "new" word can override His "old" word (the Bible), their moral stances on sexual ethics and life are determined by current cultural consensus rather than biblical precedent. The Bible for Normal People (Pete Enns). Enns teaches that the Bible is "flawed" and "human," arguing that it contains contradictions and ancient myths that we should no longer take literally.
4. The Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) Gospel
Commonly found in "self-help" focused churches, MTD suggests that God is essentially a "cosmic therapist" whose main goal is to make us feel good about ourselves. It teaches that "good people go to heaven" and that God only gets involved when we have a problem. It removes the need for a Savior, the reality of sin, and the sovereignty of God. The Bible teaches that "none is righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10) and that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not a reward for being "good" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Here are 3 ministries that espouse this false teaching: Joel Osteen Ministries (Lakewood Church). His messages focus almost exclusively on self-improvement, God’s desire for your happiness, and "staying positive" to attract favor. There is little mention of repentance, the holiness of God, or the necessity of the cross—concepts that MTD tends to ignore in favor of making people "feel good" about themselves. There is the High-Production "Seeker-Sensitive" Mega-Churches. These churches offer more of a style of ministry rather than one single name, but churches like those in the Hillsong Network or various non-denominational "attractional" churches are often critiqued for sliding into MTD. The sermons often present God as a supportive friend who wants to help you achieve your dreams, which aligns with the MTD view of a God who exists primarily to solve human problems. Finally. Andy Stanley / North Point Ministries. By de-emphasizing the "difficult" parts of the Bible to make faith more accessible to "seekers," the message can unintentionally become a version of "just be a good person because Jesus was nice." Andy Stanley is the son of the late Baptist Pastor Charles Stanley.
5. Universalism Gospel
This is the belief that everyone, regardless of their faith or lifestyle, will eventually be saved and go to heaven. It suggests that a loving God would never allow anyone to be eternally separated from Him. It contradicts Jesus' frequent warnings about judgment and the narrow road. Jesus taught that the way to destruction is broad and many enter through it, but the way to life is narrow and "only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
The following churches/ministries fall under this false teaching: The Christian Universalist Association (CUA). This is the primary organizational hub for those who want to maintain a Christian identity while rejecting the doctrine of eternal punishment. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UAA). Most UU churches preach that there is no Hell and that salvation (if they use that term) is universal. They believe all spiritual paths are valid and lead to the same divine reality. Finally, The "Gospel of Inclusion" Ministries (Legacy of Carlton Pearson). This specific brand of universalism teaches that the work of Christ was so successful that all of humanity is already saved, whether they know it or not. It suggests that Hell is something humans create for themselves on earth, not a place God sends people after death. Yet the Bible and Jesus speak of it.
This list is short but it just about covers the major heretical teachings that are attacking and infiltrating the Body of Christ in the 21st century. Please beware. Pray for those who you know who may be part of one of these ministries. With God’s help and direction, they can be delivered!
Finally, we must recognize the spiritual reality that the rise of false teaching is a predicted sign of the times. Scripture is clear that as we approach the return of Christ, deception will intensify. In Matthew 24:11, Jesus explicitly warns that "many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." This isn't just a historical observation; it is a spiritual alert for the Church to remain vigilant. Mind you, this warning was given to the church almost 2000 years ago!
To combat this rise, the Body of Christ must return to a rigorous study of the Bible. By prioritizing sound doctrine over emotional hype and holding teachers accountable to the written Word, the Church can stand firm against the "waves and blown about by every wind of teaching" (Ephesians 4:14). Ultimately, the antidote to the lie is a deep, abiding intimacy with the Truth (Jesus Himself). In many modern settings, there is a tendency to measure the quality of a service or a teaching by the "vibe" or the emotional response it produces. However, emotions are notoriously unstable and can be easily manipulated. Sadly, our arch enemy, Satan knows this and he uses it to his advantage to deceive many!
Sound doctrine or "teaching" of the apostles provides us a fixed foundation. To "stand firm" means having a theological filter (Scripture) that allows you to process what you hear. When a believer is well-grounded, they can hear a persuasive speaker and immediately recognize if the message aligns with the whole counsel of Scripture. By carefully testing every message against Scripture and holding leaders accountable, believers can avoid being misled. Ultimately, knowing the truth is the only way to recognize and stand firm against a lie. Be watchful. Be alert. Be discerning.
Please share this with other believers. This is so vitally important in the day we live in! THE BIBLE: GOD'S COMPASS FOR OUR LIVES. READ IT! STUDY IT! BELIEVE IT! LIVE IT!

Next Sunday’s Blog: WHY WE HAVE TO HAVE GOOD DISCERNMENT IN THESE LAST DAYS…
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The Sunday Blog… SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026 Offering practical truths from God’s Word to help us become more like Jesus. ___________________________________________________ 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” This blog is somewhat lengthy this week but it is imperative that you read it in its entirety. Please share it with others as well. WHY IS FALSE TEACHING ON THE RISE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST TODAY? In the contemporary era, many believers have observed a noticeable shift in the landscape of the Christian faith. While the core message of the Gospel remains unchanged, the methods and messages being broadcast from various pulpits and social media platforms have become increasingly diverse—and sometimes, dangerously distorted. Understanding why false teaching appears to be on the rise within the Body of Christ includes a combination of cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the fulfillment of biblical warnings. One of the primary drivers of this trend is the prevailing culture of relativism and "subjective truth." In today’s world, there is a heavy emphasis on "your truth" versus "my truth." This cultural mindset has seeped into the church, leading some to prioritize personal feelings and experiences over the objective Word of God. When the Bible is treated as a buffet where individuals can pick and choose what suits their lifestyle, the door swings wide open for false doctrine. Furthermore, the digital revolution has fundamentally changed how information is consumed. In the past, a teacher’s influence was often limited to their local congregation or a specific denomination with theological oversight. Today, anyone with a smartphone can reach millions. This means that self-appointed teachers can gain massive followings without any accountability, theological training, or elder oversight. This lack of "gatekeeping" allows "destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1) to spread at the speed of a viral video, often bypassing the discernment of those who are not well-grounded in scripture. Another factor is the rise of the Prosperity Gospel and "Self-Help" Christianity. This brand of teaching often replaces the message of the cross and repentance with a message of financial gain, physical health, and personal empowerment. More on this later in the blog. Identifying false doctrines can be challenging because they often contain a "kernel of truth" mixed with significant error. Today, many of these teachings thrive by appealing to modern cultural values or the desire for personal comfort. THE MOST PROMINENT FALSE GOSPELS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHURCH TODAY 1. The Prosperity Gospel (Health and Wealth) This doctrine teaches that God’s primary will is for believers to be financially wealthy and physically healthy. It often treats faith as a "spiritual force" or a contract: if you give money (often called "sowing a seed") or speak positive words, God is obligated to bless you. It ignores the biblical reality of suffering and the "theology of the cross." Jesus warned that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), and Paul spoke of finding contentment in both plenty and want (Philippians 4:12). Three of the biggest ministries that preach this false gospel include: Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM), Joel Osteen Ministries (Lakewood Church), and Creflo Dollar Ministries (World Changers Church International). There are so many others as well but space does not permit me to name them. 2. The Hyper-Grace (Antinomianism) Gospel Hyper-grace teaching suggests that because all sins (past, present, and future) are forgiven, believers no longer need to confess sin or repent. It often dismisses the Old Testament and even the moral teachings of Jesus as "Old Covenant" and no longer applicable. It turns grace into a license for immorality and ignores the call to personal holiness. 1 John 1:9 explicitly tells believers, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins." Jude 1:4 warns against those who pervert grace into a license for immorality. Three of the largest ministries that preach this heresy include: Joseph Prince Ministries (New Creation Church), Paul Ellis (Escape to Reality), and Andrew Wommack Ministries (Charis Bible College). 3. The Progressive Christianity (Moral Relativism) Gospel This movement often prioritizes modern social justice and personal experience over the authority of Scripture. It may deny core tenets of the faith, such as the Virgin Birth, the physical Resurrection, or the exclusivity of Christ (the idea that Jesus is the only way to God). It treats the Bible as a culturally bound book that can be updated to fit current societal norms. 2 Timothy 3:16 asserts that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching and correction. Jesus stated clearly, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The top three ministries that preach this false gospel include: ProgressiveChristianity.org. A website. They teach that the Bible is a collection of human stories rather than the inspired Word of God, allowing for the "reconstruction" of Christian ethics to match modern social views on marriage, gender, and salvation. The United Church of Christ (UCC). Because they believe God's "new" word can override His "old" word (the Bible), their moral stances on sexual ethics and life are determined by current cultural consensus rather than biblical precedent. The Bible for Normal People (Pete Enns). Enns teaches that the Bible is "flawed" and "human," arguing that it contains contradictions and ancient myths that we should no longer take literally. 4. The Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) Gospel Commonly found in "self-help" focused churches, MTD suggests that God is essentially a "cosmic therapist" whose main goal is to make us feel good about ourselves. It teaches that "good people go to heaven" and that God only gets involved when we have a problem. It removes the need for a Savior, the reality of sin, and the sovereignty of God. The Bible teaches that "none is righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10) and that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not a reward for being "good" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here are 3 ministries that espouse this false teaching: Joel Osteen Ministries (Lakewood Church). His messages focus almost exclusively on self-improvement, God’s desire for your happiness, and "staying positive" to attract favor. There is little mention of repentance, the holiness of God, or the necessity of the cross—concepts that MTD tends to ignore in favor of making people "feel good" about themselves. There is the High-Production "Seeker-Sensitive" Mega-Churches. These churches offer more of a style of ministry rather than one single name, but churches like those in the Hillsong Network or various non-denominational "attractional" churches are often critiqued for sliding into MTD. The sermons often present God as a supportive friend who wants to help you achieve your dreams, which aligns with the MTD view of a God who exists primarily to solve human problems. Finally. Andy Stanley / North Point Ministries. By de-emphasizing the "difficult" parts of the Bible to make faith more accessible to "seekers," the message can unintentionally become a version of "just be a good person because Jesus was nice." Andy Stanley is the son of the late Baptist Pastor Charles Stanley. 5. Universalism Gospel This is the belief that everyone, regardless of their faith or lifestyle, will eventually be saved and go to heaven. It suggests that a loving God would never allow anyone to be eternally separated from Him. It contradicts Jesus' frequent warnings about judgment and the narrow road. Jesus taught that the way to destruction is broad and many enter through it, but the way to life is narrow and "only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). The following churches/ministries fall under this false teaching: The Christian Universalist Association (CUA). This is the primary organizational hub for those who want to maintain a Christian identity while rejecting the doctrine of eternal punishment. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UAA). Most UU churches preach that there is no Hell and that salvation (if they use that term) is universal. They believe all spiritual paths are valid and lead to the same divine reality. Finally, The "Gospel of Inclusion" Ministries (Legacy of Carlton Pearson). This specific brand of universalism teaches that the work of Christ was so successful that all of humanity is already saved, whether they know it or not. It suggests that Hell is something humans create for themselves on earth, not a place God sends people after death. Yet the Bible and Jesus speak of it. This list is short but it just about covers the major heretical teachings that are attacking and infiltrating the Body of Christ in the 21st century. Please beware. Pray for those who you know who may be part of one of these ministries. With God’s help and direction, they can be delivered! Finally, we must recognize the spiritual reality that the rise of false teaching is a predicted sign of the times. Scripture is clear that as we approach the return of Christ, deception will intensify. In Matthew 24:11, Jesus explicitly warns that "many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." This isn't just a historical observation; it is a spiritual alert for the Church to remain vigilant. Mind you, this warning was given to the church almost 2000 years ago! To combat this rise, the Body of Christ must return to a rigorous study of the Bible. By prioritizing sound doctrine over emotional hype and holding teachers accountable to the written Word, the Church can stand firm against the "waves and blown about by every wind of teaching" (Ephesians 4:14). Ultimately, the antidote to the lie is a deep, abiding intimacy with the Truth (Jesus Himself). In many modern settings, there is a tendency to measure the quality of a service or a teaching by the "vibe" or the emotional response it produces. However, emotions are notoriously unstable and can be easily manipulated. Sadly, our arch enemy, Satan knows this and he uses it to his advantage to deceive many! Sound doctrine or "teaching" of the apostles provides us a fixed foundation. To "stand firm" means having a theological filter (Scripture) that allows you to process what you hear. When a believer is well-grounded, they can hear a persuasive speaker and immediately recognize if the message aligns with the whole counsel of Scripture. By carefully testing every message against Scripture and holding leaders accountable, believers can avoid being misled. Ultimately, knowing the truth is the only way to recognize and stand firm against a lie. Be watchful. Be alert. Be discerning. Please share this with other believers. This is so vitally important in the day we live in! THE BIBLE: GOD'S COMPASS FOR OUR LIVES. READ IT! STUDY IT! BELIEVE IT! LIVE IT! Next Sunday’s Blog: WHY WE HAVE TO HAVE GOOD DISCERNMENT IN THESE LAST DAYS… ___________________________________________________________
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