By Paul Proctor

The Christian Post reported recently that NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas, scheduled a Global Faith Forum for Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and atheists in hopes they would “listen to one another and even build friendships.” The report stated, “the forum isn't a gathering of theologians to debate religions,” but instead, an “opportunity for people of multiple faiths to get to know one another, start conversations, and learn from each other.”

Yeah, try and find that in your Bible. I guess the Apostle Paul blew it. Just think what he could have learned from that infamous gathering of religious diversity on Mars Hill and all of the friends he might have made if he hadn’t been so intent on preaching Christ.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” – James 4:4

The Christian Post piece contained so many unbiblical comments, I hardly know where to start; but start I will, with some curious quotes from NorthWood Church’s senior pastor, Bob Roberts:

1. Roberts: "…there is a better way than hate and fear."

So, if Christians obey God’s Word, more specifically, the call to “come out from among them, and be ye separate,” they are being hateful and afraid? Kind of plays right into the whole hate crimes designation being thrust upon bible-believers today, doesn’t it? How gratifying it must be for globalists to have an understanding pastor in their corner.

2. Roberts: "I’ve come to acknowledge that theologically there are irreconcilable differences in some of what I believe and what others believe. But, how we relate to others, and how we work together in the world is everything."

“Everything” to whom?

Remember, we’re not talking about “irreconcilable differences” between Christians here. And, there’s clearly no scriptural directive from the Bible instructing or encouraging followers of Jesus Christ to relate to or work with representatives of the world’s other religions and/or belief systems; but there are, in fact, numerous scriptures to the contrary.

3. “He [Roberts] pointed out that evangelicals are not viewed in a favorable light by most of the world.”

Well, we probably would be if it weren’t for all those intolerant verses of scripture, like Ephesians 5:11, that tells us to “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Furthermore, Jesus never said His followers would be viewed in an unfavorable light; He said we would be “hated” for His name’s sake.

4. Roberts: "It’s time to begin to understand that and change that. The Great Commission demands it…”

The Great Commission demands no such thing! Nor did Jesus ever say that Christians should set out to win the world’s favor by keeping our theological differences to ourselves for the sake of relationship. These bogus assertions actually undermine the Great Commission and have nothing to do with Christian “love” at all, but are instead a humanistic approach to “ministry,” if you can even call it that.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” – 2nd Timothy 4:2

I’d say the Lord would be better served by our hearing, obeying and proclaiming His Word rather than setting it aside to make friends.

5. Roberts: "He (Jesus) shared his views, but he did life with people and shared it along the way…"

Jesus didn’t share His “views” – He spoke the Word of God and is, in fact, the Living Word of God – the absolute Truth! To say He “shared His views” implies that His was just one of many opinions voiced ”along the way.” And, to say “He did life” only distorts His true identity and purpose, effectively hiding the fact that He is the Way, He is the Truth and He is the Life! (John 14:6

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