Please allow me to ask you a question. If Jesus Christ IS the TRUTH as much as He IS the WAY and the LIFE would you say that anyone who blurts out something so incongruous, inappropriate and tactless as the following loves the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind and strength, and is one of his loyal followers?
Do I need to stand up for the truth? Or is there a better way?
“We need to stand up for the truth.” People like saying that. However, “standing up” is equal to religious protest for some. It is to unmercifully (and tactlessly) tackle sin and injustice. Does that help? No! I would be able to quote a couple of studies that show how those “standing up for the truth” efforts of religious people have no real healing effect on society. It only serves to highlight the boundaries between “us” and “them.” It makes religious folks come across more judgmental than ever. But it does not embody Jesus’ words that we need to let our light shine before people in order for them to see our GOOD WORKS and glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16). (Emphasis added)
Guess who said these prophetically fulfilling words? If you said Stephan Joubert you are spot on. (Read here). Why are they prophetically fulfilling words? Well, for the simple reason that Stephan Joubert, together with his emergent buddies, are fulfilling Bible prophecy to the letter. Consider the following
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy4:2-4).
Has Stephan Joubert turned his back on the God’s Truth as we find it embodied in Jesus Christ? Nah! He is merely advising South Africa and the rest of the world not to stand up for the Truth. The dictionary defines “to stand up for” as follows.
- to remain firm or steadfast, as in a cause.
- to uphold; support.
- to adhere to.
- to stand firm; to be resolute.
Countless Christians have lost their lives and many are presently facing death because they firmly and resolutely stood up for and are still standing up for the Truth. They did not lose and still do not lose their lives because they selfishly serve others; they lost their lives because they refused to turn their backs on the eternal Truth that Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY, the ONLY TRUTH and the ONLY LIFE and that NO ONE comes to the Father but through HIM. (John 14:6). Stephan Joubert has said some very shocking things in the past and resolutely refuses to recant and repent. One of his most recent posts on their e-church website confirms this. Let us now evaluate some of the shocking things he has said in the light of God’s Word.
[The] “standing up for the truth” efforts of religious people have no real healing effect on society. It only serves to highlight the boundaries between “us” and “them.” It makes religious folks come across more judgmental than ever. But it does not embody Jesus’ words that we need to let our light shine before people in order for them to see our GOOD WORKS and glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).
The purpose of Jesus’ salvivic mission to the earth was not to heal societies. He never promised to heal whole societies. He came to seek and to save lost individuals (Luke 19:10; Luke 15:4). In fact, there is but a small remnant amongst the Jews and the Gentiles who will be saved in the long run. Jesus Himself once said that the gate and the way that leads to eternal life is strait and narrow and that there are but few that find it (Matthew 7:14). They do not find it because they have rejected the Truth who is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. The truth is supposed to highlight the boundaries between “us” (the believers) and “them” (the unbelievers). Has Stephan Joubert forgotten what the Jesus, whom He claims to follow, once said:
Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword! For I came to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be members of his own family. The one who loves his father or mother more than me isn’t worthy of me, and the one who loves a son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. (Matthew 10:34-37).
According to Joubert anyone who stands up for the Truth is more judgmental than ever. What does he mean? Is he saying that you are being judgmental when you claim Jesus Christ is the only Way to God the Father and eternal life? The emergent fraternity has found a new way to bring lost sinners to God. You only need to do GOOD WORKS and God will do the rest. Not even Jesus who was sinless and who performed the most wonderful works was able to save lost sinners through his good works. He once said: “You are already clean because of the word [the Truth] that I have spoken to you. (John15:3). He also said that his followers are sanctified through, not good works, but his Truth (his Word) (John 17:17). Paul exemplified Jesus’ words when he said: “But not everyone has obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah asks, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from listening, and listening comes through the word of Christ. (Romans10:16-17)
Stephan Joubert should rather diligently study God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15) which is His TRUTH (John 17:17) in stead of quoting a couple of studies that show how those “standing up for the truth” have no real healing effect on society. Paul encouraged Timothy as well as Jesus’ followers throughout the ages to diligently study the Word of God [and not the couple of studies by Ron Martoia or anyone else] so that we may rightly divide the truth. The Amplified Bible says it thus:
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).
In effect Paul was telling Timothy to study the Word of God so that he may stand up for the truth according to God’s will. The reason for standing up for the truth, is because it (the Truth) sets people free (John 8:32). Jesus said the truth will set people free. Stephan Joubert says it has no healing effect. Guess who’s the liar?
But let us continue. Stephan says:
Of course we don’t have to apologize for having Jesus as Lord. Still, that does not give us a license to act thoughtlessly or bullishly in the presence people living different lifestyles. Our calling is to live out the love of Christ that’s within us. . . . In any case, if we really believe that God loves the whole world according to John 3:16, then we can socialize with anyone – from the biggest sinner to the most dedicated child of God. We just need to ensure that Jesus is the Guest of honor during every encounter and then leave the rest up to Him.
Let’s briefly look again at John 3:16 and quote it “word for word” from “Scripture” [“the undiluted Truth”]. It says:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that we may socialize freely with anyone living with different lifestyles and to follow the most important route of building good relationships with them so that they may not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Stephan Joubert abhors Christians who stand up for God’s Truth but just adores everyone who stands up for his “truth” which supposedly is a better way. This is the kind of outrageous arrogance and religious conceitedness you find amongst the Emergent fraternity: They have no fear of God when they shun his Truth and replace it with their own “truth” which allegedly is a better way. I’m sorry Stephan, but your way is not a better way. It is a way that seems right but the end thereof leads to death (Proverbs 14:12 (and let me remind you that this comes from the lips of the Wisdom Teacher, your Sage and your Sophia). In the very same chapter the Wisdom Teacher says: “A true witness [to the Truth] delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. (verse 25).
Of course the building of relationships is of the utmost importance but we should never allow it to hamper the Truth. Jesus Christ, Stephan Joubert’s Sage and Sophia, once said:
The one who loves his father or mother more than me isn’t worthy of me, and the one who loves a son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37).
He is not saying that we shouldn’t love our fathers, mothers, sons or daughters; He is saying that if we compromise the Truth or remain silent about the Truth (or do not stand up for the Truth) for the sake of a better relationship with them or others, we cannot be his disciples. Then we are not worthy of Him. In fact, He is saying that we are none of his, that we do not belong to Him and that we are not saved when we do not stand up for his Truth for the sake of better relationships. In his prize-winning book Jesus, a radical leap Joubert articulates the importance of relationships over the Truth as follows:
The right relationships with Christ, one another and others is a purpose in itself for the millennium-three churches; it is not merely yet another way of getting more people on church premises. For them it is about an active being there in the Name of the Lord for each other and others. However, they do not want to be known as mere “friendly churches.” That’s why they feel at ease with diversity and differentiation because they believe in the words: “Belong before believe.”
One cannot deny that the Emergent fraternity has a benevolent aptitude to believe but it’s a pity that they believe in all the wrong things. “”Belong before believe” is a lie from the pit of hell. Yes! you may belong to an institutionalized church without having to believe in Jesus Christ but you will never belong to Him without having to believe in Him and his Gospel Truth (Romans 8:9b). Indeed, in Acts we learn that God Himself added to the church those who were being saved and that the “others” or “them” (as Stephan Joubert likes to call unbelievers) were too afraid to join a church where a husband and wife were slain by God because they did not stand up for the truth and lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-10). Today’s churches, especially the Emergent Church, invite every Tom, Dick and Harry to join their churches and in no time a once living church becomes as dead as all the unbelievers (Luke 9:60) whom it accommodates for the sake of better relationships.
Isn’t it just kosher for Stephan Joubert to admonish others not to stand up for the truth because there is supposed to be a better way when he himself constantly claims to stand up for the truth as he sees it. He is not abiding by his own rules and regulations. In fact, he can’t seem to stay away from the truth in the Bible and often refers to whole chapters in Scripture but, like a snake, very cunningly steers away from the context and meaning of the text. In order to under gird his interpretation of Matthew 10 he gives a whole new meaning to Jesus’ words “be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves.” He writes:
He tells us to be as cunning as snakes, and as inoffensive as doves. In other words, we need to be able to read situations and people well. We need to think carefully about what we do before we bring Jesus’ name into disrepute through our “standing up” actions.
The irony is, in contrast to Joubert’s call not to stand up for the truth, that Jesus emphatically taught his disciples to stand up for the truth and not to shy away from the bold declaration thereof. This is evident from his command that they should proclaim his word (the truth). He told them that when they entered a town or a village they should find out who was worthy and to stay with them until their departure to a next town or village. “Worthy” here refers to those who were benignly disposed to the truth and who treated them kindly. Those who listened and responded to God’s truth were blessed with God’s shalom but those who refused to listen to God’s truth and were hostile to the disciples did not receive God’s shalom (verses 10-14). The dust off the disciples’ feet was shed in disgust on their towns and villages because it would be more tolerable for the extremely sinful Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for them. Did you hear that Stephan? The sodomites, gays, lesbians and those who live alternate lifestyles will encounter more tolerance in the day of judgment than those who reject the truth and are reluctant to stand up for the truth. Jesus’ command to be as cunning as snakes and as innocent as doves relates to the dangerous attitude of the people who refused to listen to their words (the truth). Jesus called them ravenous wolves who were apt to turn on the disciples and harm or even kill them. Serpents are known for their wisdom and cunning (Genesis 3:1) and especially for their adroitness to avoid danger and harm. No other animal has the keen adeptness to avoid danger so quickly than a serpent. Therefore, Jesus actually warned them: “You need caution and wisdom in the midst of a world that will seek your lives.” He directs them, also, to be harmless, not to provoke danger, not to do injury, and thus make their fellow-men justly enraged against them. Does it mean that we should not stand up for the truth in order not to provoke danger and to avoid confrontation with the enraged masses who stop their ears to the truth? Stephen was stoned because he stood up for the truth and so was Paul. The Jewish rabble wanted to stone Jesus because He stood up for the truth. When we take these latter incidents into account it is abundantly clear that Jesus did not have the proclamation of his truth in mind when He told his disciples to be as cunning a snakes and as innocent as doves. He did not advise them NOT to stand up for the truth for the sake of a better relationship with those who rejected his truth. He commanded his disciples to avoid the rebellious with wisdom and cunning and to shake the dust off their feet in stead of wanting to engage them in a relationship. God’s truth is a sword that needs to be wielded with wisdom, cunning and innocence (Hebrews 4:12).
What about Romans 12? Should we accept Stephan Joubert’s interpretation of Romans 12? He wrote:
Paul’s starting point in Romans 12 is that we always do good things to those across the faith-border. Instead of correcting them, we should give them cups of cold water. In this way we make them red of shame through love, and not red of anger through judgmental behavior.
Paul is definitely not saying that we should give our enemies cups of cold water in stead of standing up for the truth and correcting them. Had this been the meaning of Romans 12:20 he would never have written down 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Stephan Joubert just loves to talk about GOOD WORKS while he downgrades the necessity for correction. Paul very distinctly and clearly says that you cannot do any GOOD WORKS when you shun correction and instruction. Only the man who listens and obeys correction and instruction is capable of doing good works to the honour and glory of God. Good works go hand in hand with a teachable spirit. The bottom-line is: No teachable spirit amounts to no good works.
The last paragraph in Stephan Joubert’s illustrious post is the proverbial cherry on the cake. He wrote:
Jesus never threatened sinners with hell. Please read the gospels – all his statements about punishment deal with “religious” people. It’s sad how some don’t twist his words around today! Some church attendees only send forth judgments against those who think differently – that while Jesus placed words of life and healing on our tongues. Judgment is truly God’s very last resort. Jesus is the heavenly Fireman. He came to put out the fire, not to add coals to it. Please learn from Him how to live among his favorite people.
Jesus NEVER threatened sinners with hell? Really? No! He never threatened; He merely put the facts on the table and warned everyone who refused to repent of their final destination in hell. Consider the following.
There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:1-5) (Emphasis added)
The word used here for “perish” (“apollumi”) is the same word that is used in John 3:16 and does not mean to merely die; it means to perish in hell. There are many more examples where Jesus warned about an impending punishment in hell for those who reject his truth and refuse to repent. I am not going to elaborate on those examples. But, have you noticed . . . .? Stephan Joubert believes that only the religious people are going to be punished in hell. In his opinion anyone who believes that people other than the religious are going to hell is twisting his words around. I wouldn’t talk about “twisting his words around” if I were Stephan Joubert, considering the way he has twisted around his words in Matthew 10 and Romans 12.
Have you noticed how Stephan Joubert is indicting himself of being judgmental while he accuses “some church attendees” of “send[ing] forth judgment against those who think differently?” He unceremoniously judges some religious church attendees and sends them to hell while he exonerates those who think differently. He is of course referring to people of other faiths. Allow me to elaborate on Joubert’s enigmatic wisdom. The religious are those who stand up for the truth (i.e. the fundamentalists); they are obviously the ones who are going to hell. Who are Jesus’ favorite people? Not the religious, because they are going to hell. So it must be those who think differently. Well, if they are Jesus’ favorite people then it is completely unnecessary to stand up for the truth in their midst. His favorites do not need the truth that sets one free.
“Jesus came to put out the fire of hell” Really? I really don’t think so. In fact He created it. Listen carefully, Stephan. Listen to the truth and you may learn how to stand up for the truth.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41)
The eternal lake of fire was not made for man but for the devil and his angels. However, those who prefer to follow the devil and his lies instead of Jesus Christ and His Truth must of necessity follow Satan into hell.
I have already given you Stephan Joubert’s interpretation of John 3:16. Shall we now look at his rendition of what happened on the Day of Pentecost? Here goes:
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them. You men of Judea and all of you who live in Jerusalem, hear this. We have not come here to unmercifully (and tactlessly) tackle sin and injustice and therefore burden you with the facts. We honor and respect your protests against anyone who stands up for the truth and we acknowledge with humility all the great scholarly studies men have done to prove that standing up for the truth has no real effect on society. On behalf of myself and my eleven brothers who have stood up with me now, I want to assure you that we want to foster an intimate relationship with you. NO! please do not feel threatened; we are not going to command you to repent of your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour. That, my dear friends, is akin to “standing up for the truth” and we really don’t want to do that, do we? You see, we want you to feel at home, safe and sound in your own chosen lifestyles and religious affiliations. Please believe me when I say this: We honestly and truly don’t want to highlight the boundaries between us and you. As a matter of fact I would rather want to highlight the lies Jesus of Nazareth spread when He said that He did not come to bring peace on earth but a sword of division. What a lot of baloney! How for the love of Mike can someone who wants us to form a close relationship with those who have different lifestyles and religions say something so cruel as the following nonsense?: I came into this world for judgment [as a Separator, in order that there may be separation between those who believe on Me and those who reject [Me]. (John 9:39). I want you to ignore Him. On second thoughts, I now remember to whom He said these words. Those of you who are religious, please put up your hands. I see a hand there, thank you. There’s another hand, and another and another, thank you. John, would you be so kind and count the hands while I continue. Well guys I’ve got some really bad news for you. Jesus spoke these words to you religious fanatics or as you are called “fundamentalists” who are always just standing on the truth. You pitiful guys are going to bear the full brunt of his judgment in hell and not his favorites. What’s that you said, sir? Who are his favorites? His favorites are the outcasts, the poor, the destitute, the downtrodden, no matter what kind of lifestyles they follow. They may be poor because of alcohol abuse but that does not matter; they are still his favorites. No! we are not going to warn his favorites to repent; we don’t want to be judgmental. OK! I’ve said enough. We don’t want you guys to think that we want to win you for Christ through much speaking. Rather look at the light that emanates from us and look at our good works. “Of course we don’t have to apologize for having Jesus as Lord. Still, that does not give us a license to act thoughtlessly or bullishly in the presence people living different lifestyles. Our calling is to live out the love of Christ that’s within us. . . . In any case, if we really believe that God loves the whole world according to John 3:16, then we can socialize with anyone – from the biggest sinner to the most dedicated child of God. We just need to ensure that Jesus is the Guest of honor during every encounter and then leave the rest up to Him.” But whatever you do, don’t stand up for the truth because it has no healing effect on societies.
Hallelujah, 3000 souls were saved that day when Peter delivered his sermon according to Stephan Joubert.
