In a way, this is part two of my previous post. As I see it, there is a link between economic improvement and the advancement of the gospel in Eddie Villanueva's thought. Let me explain.
I was an avid viewer of Villanueva's Jesus the Healer TV Program. One of Villanueva's passions way back then is Bill Hamon's prophecy in 1992. Hamon prophesied that within the span of 20 years, God will use three presidents to transform the Philippines into "The America of Asia". There will be so much economic prosperity that the Philippines could afford sending missionaries. The Philippines will be the "launching pad of the gospel" says the (false) prophecy.
Thus, Villanueva has two great dreams:
1. economic glory for the Philippines that will lead to
2. the advancement of the gospel message to the nations with the Philippines as the launching pad.
Let's suppose Villanueva wins and resides in Malacanang for the next six years, will the cause of the gospel be advanced if Villanueva refuses to repent?
Again, I DON'T THINK SO.
On the contrary, I think the witness of God's people will be severely impaired if Villanueva's sin will not be dealt with. The Apostle Paul teaches that sin will not restrict its effect to the offender. Like a little yeast, it will affect the entire batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6).
Given the prominence of Villanueva within the evangelical community, his sin is no small yeast. The extent of his influence will not be limited to the JIL churches. It threatens to affect us all.
Oh God, have mercy on us!
No small yeast. Nice way to put it, Bro. Indeed, his effect on the church is immense.
ReplyDeleteYou have been very brave. May the Father protect you from the rabid. :-)
Thanks for the visit John! Let me share here a commentary by another John (what a blessed name) :
ReplyDelete"Leaven in Paul’s illustration, as throughout Scripture, represents influence. Usually it refers to the influence of evil, though in Matthew 13:33 it represents the good influence of the kingdom of heaven. In this case, however, evil influence is in view. The whole lump of dough is here the local church. If given opportunity, sin will permeate a whole church just as leaven permeates a whole loaf. Sin’s nature is to ferment, corrupt, and spread."
(John Macarthur; 1 Corinthians, The Macarthur New Testament Commentary)
John McArthur is quite correct referring the lump of dough to LOCAL CHURCH; not Local Churches.
ReplyDeleteVillanueva has no influence in my church nor in many other local churches except in some JIL chapters, hmmm but not our church. Thus, the Pastors influences the members; that, I would agree.
I don't know why brethrens were taking this issue beyond its bounderies. Linking Villanueva to every aspect of every christians life..As if, there is only one bakery that makes that dough... Errrr.
And please enlighten me specifically of Villanueva's sin.. his evil influence to JIL, not in other local church..
Be very careful..(Mat 7)
LArc, you mean the man mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5 can't fellowship with the Christians at Corinth but he is free to do so at Thessalonica, Galatia, Crete, Ephesus and everywhere else?
ReplyDeleteThe man mentioned in 1 Cor 5 was a fornicator, thus influencing the whole bunch in Corinth not all over the world..So, the Pastor of that local church has the authority, in Villanueva's case, JIL...
ReplyDeleteIf I consider him as fornicator, then I would ask JIL's leadership to put him into DA..
Never also that I have intimate association with Villanueva, so it is never applicable in my part..He is in Corinth, I'm in the other bakery...
Therefore, contextually, 1 Cor 5 applies in a local church, what a leader should be doing in case such problem arises..That's not very complicated...
If we have to apply it to the WHOLE CHURCH, then who will be our HEAD? that would be CHRIST Himself, and in this case, it would be an individual petition, thru Prayer of course..
I'm hoping you'll see where I'm getting into...
Thanks for a warm welcome Brothers...
God bless!
~Brother, verses 9-11 of that chapter goes beyond fornication.
ReplyDelete~If yeast means influence, I'm sure you will agree with me that Villanueva's clout goes beyond the borders of JIL.
~In another texts relevant to the topic of church discipline, even unrepentance from an offense against an individual could be a ground for putting a person outside the church --"treat him as a pagan or tax collector" (Matthew 18:15-17)
~Yes, it is the duty of the the local church to chastise its offending members. But if a church refuses to do it, what should other churches do? JIL is not in there yet, but what do you think should be our attitude towards the liberal apostate churches who condone such sins as homosexuality? Should we continue fellowship with them? No-- we must come out from them and be separate for we are told to touch no unclean thing (2 Cor.6:17)
~Our brothers who subscribe to the Westminster standards would even include church discipline as a mark of a true church. The absence of church discipline threfore makes a church false. Again, JIL is not in there yet but I hope you see the seriousness of this matter.
Then in your case, you can consider JIL as a false church....
ReplyDeleteAbout me, I have lots of issues with JIL...but I still consider them as brothers in Christ.
I'm not considering Villanueva as fornicator nor a slanderer..or any of this>>> a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; Yes, he made mistakes, but he never denounce his faith.
The issue about his remarks on ACQ's assembly is political affecting everyone's opinion..but let's be open-minded; ECV never implied denouncing evangelical faith..yes it is not right to hail ACQ's group because of its false doctrines and beliefs, but ECV's response internally thru Bishop Balais e-mail correspondence (I believe you already had a copy) is enough for me...I cannot judge him no more..
Even if I'm in his shoe, I will not bother answering individual criticism, but in a channel that will not affect his campaign...He is a presidentiable..
I believe that the duty of a church is to win souls for Jesus..As always, ECV is just one soul, I'm hoping he is up for the millions who had serious problems spiritually..
I made it clear that JIL is not in there yet. But if they shall persist, they will be going in that direction. This is really serious that's why I am bringing this issue before them for every chance that comes. I will continue doing so long after the election period.
ReplyDeletealso, I find Balais' explanation unconvincing.