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Canfield, Carl Lentz, Hillsong, homosexuality, Josh Confield, Kelly, Lentz, Reed Kelly, same sex issues
We can see why Carl Lentz said nothing about this growing controversial in his own church but why Brian Houston on the other side of the planet did.
Because Hillsong have deliberately mislead Christians on their position on homosexuality in their media statements, many people have suffered. And sadly, both Christians and closeted homosexuals within Hillsong will suffer.
Christ’s name has been bought in to disrepute, Christians will feel betrayed with Hillsong’s lies and cover-ups. And people like Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly will suffer backlash because of Hillsong’s forever-changing social popularity contests because members will see their latest publication as an attack against Brian Houston and Carl Lentz’s spiritual authority.
Brian Houston and Carl Lentz: don’t you DARE condemn Christian’s for your spinelessness. You are the spineless cowards who have rejected the bible, hidden behind word games and created this apostate mess. And don’t you dare insight your Hillsong members to demonise, sledge and bully this poor gay couple for sharing their experiences publicly.
What is disclosed in these below insights has only confirmed that Brian Houston over the decade has been duplicitous behind the scenes to groom Hillsong church to be a gay-affirming church (See links at end of article). We will be reviewing the serious implications of what was said in another article in light of what we know of Hillsong.) For now, in light of the statement,
“This only confirms to us that personal relationships are transformative. This isn’t difficult to accept after one looks at this through the lens of personal relationship being a foundational tenet of the Christian faith,”
please understand that we created the below graphic for a soon to-be-released article. We think it is an appropriate graphic to release so you can see the dynamics at work in Canfield’s below response:
Josh Canfield writes,
To our friends…
We’re writing this post in response to so many of you who have kindly reached out. You’ve been wondering why we have been getting so many hateful comments on all of our social media in the past week, in which some of you have been tagged or engaged.
The drama that is unfolding at the moment all revolves around the fact that we have been heavily involved in our church, Hillsong NYC. Josh has been with Hillsong for eight years in a variety of ways: choir director, vocal director, and worship team. I’ve been there since the beginning of our relationship, over three years ago, and eventually began singing in the choir and opening my apartment as the gathering place for a connect group for Hillsong members in the Broadway and theatrical communities.
We have been open and forthright about our relationship from the get-go.
Due to our openness and very public appearance together on CBC’s “Survivor”, we have been in conversation with Hillsong NYC’s lead pastors regarding the church’s non-LGBT affirming stance. Hillsong has many campuses around the world, many in places where gay marriage is now legal, so this has been an ongoing dialogue trying to figure out how and where we, as part of the LGBT community, fit in. As a church family, we have been wading through these uncharted waters of shifting culture and social change.
Several days ago some faceless, end-of-days blogger decided to attack us and our church for allowing us to serve when we are “unrepentantly embracing [our] sin” as homosexuals. Sadly, yet unsurprisingly, most super-conservative news sources picked it up and ran with it — giving this man’s voice worldwide amplification it never should have had. Not to mention it worked up Christian communities around the world, as many look to our church as a model of modern Christianity to be emulated. (We’ve never been harassed in so many foreign languages before … and we live in NYC!)
This has now forced our church to globally reaffirm their hard stance as a non-LGBT-affirming institution and disallow any gays from being in a position of leadership within the church. It’s been frustrating and a bit crushing that one crazy person could interfere so easily with the healthy and steady dialogue we’ve been having, but in a new world of social media and instant exposure, we are left unsurprised. Thankfully we are led by pastors who are grace-filled and committed to continuing to try to discern God’s will on this matter.
All this being said, many of you ask: “why are you staying somewhere that doesn’t fully accept you?” This leaves us with a tough decision. If we, as gays, pack up and leave every church we feel less than welcomed in or where we feel spiritual resistance, how will there ever be growth? The flip side of this is: why would we, as part of the gay community who have been primarily outcast for all our lives, willingly subject ourselves to more marginalization? It’s been a lot to personally work though.
Many try to discredit biblical scholars and laymen alike who have shifted their stance from non-affirming to LGBT-affirming by saying “the only reason they have changed their mind is because they know a gay person”. This only confirms to us that personal relationships are transformative. This isn’t difficult to accept after one looks at this through the lens of personal relationship being a foundational tenet of the Christian faith.
After we inadvertently and unintentionally became public representatives for gay Christianity, we feel like we have been called and have a responsibility to continue to stand authentically in our truth — especially within the church family that we call home, Hillsong NYC — we are seeking the Lord, we are Christian, we are gay, and this is our journey.
We thank you for your concern, your prayers, and your support.
Big Smiles and 110% …
Reed and Josh
Source: Josh Canfield, To our friends…, TwitLonger, http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sn7km8, Published 07/08/2015. (Accessed 09/08/2015.)
Source: 09/08/2015
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Now THIS is sexy entertainment!
Ben Gresham exposes Houston lying in his media statement
Brian Houston admits he can offer “no great answer” on gay stance (Part 1)
Houston’s 2014 God-given “Vision” (Part 1): “New grace” scrutinised
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 1)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 2)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 3)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 4)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 5)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 6)
Hillsong grooming members to embrace Queerstianity? (Part 7)
Charisma Mag unhappy with Hillsong’s silent stance on queerstianity
Huffington post reports on Hillsong’s problematic stance on queerstianity.
Hillsong Church Watch 
Brian covered for a pedophile so of course he’s ok with the gay thing. Is it really such a shock?
Brian C Houston —
“Several months ago when one of our choir directors made an unexpected public statement regarding his engagement to a man who sometimes sang in the choir, it was a complete surprise to us as well.”
Josh Canfield & Reed Kelly —
“We have been open and forthright about our relationship from the get-go.”
It would seem Brian C Houston has great difficulties with telling the truth.
Instead on focusing on what a church or pastor is doing you should try to reach people to Jesus. At the end of the day our goal on earth is to bring people to Jesus and not trying to criticise a church or a pastor especially when you don’t have all the facts. It is very dangerous to speak about man of God, as you do not know what their relationship with God is. If you don’t like a church or a person just ignore it and move on with your life. At the end of the days thousands and thousands of people gave their lives to Jesus thanks to Brian Houston and Carl Lentz and I’m sure God will reward them both for being great leaders and pastors.
“At the end of the day our goal on earth is to bring people to Jesus and not trying to criticise a church or a pastor especially when you don’t have all the facts.”
Why do people like yourself condemn us for not “knowing the facts” when we clearly have the facts about Jesus and his teachings ?
It’s not hard to expose thieves, liars and frauds when they claim to be ministers of Christ. Why don’t you read your bible Riley? Get the facts first before you comment again.
I do read my bible and that’s why I’d rather spend my energy and time on bringing people to Jesus. If you prefer waste all your time on writing articles that won’t actually lead people to God but bring division into the church then that’s your business.
On that note I hope that the love and compassion that Jesus showed the world could rob on you.
God bless you
“I’m sure God will reward [Houston and Lentz] for being great leaders and pastors”.
Those two are going to a place where their worm will not die and their fire will not be quenched. If you wish to follow in their footsteps, that’s certainly your prerogative.
“Instead on focusing on what a church or pastor is doing you should try to reach people to Jesus. At the end of the day our goal on earth is to bring people to Jesus and not trying to criticise a church or a pastor especially when you don’t have all the facts. It is very dangerous to speak about man of God, as you do not know what their relationship with God is. If you don’t like a church or a person just ignore it and move on with your life.”
It’s a shame you weren’t around when the apostle Paul lived. You could have straightened him out on his correcting of entire churches. And he wouldn’t have wasted all his time writing Galatians and Corinthians.
“At the end of the days thousands and thousands of people gave their lives to Jesus thanks to Brian Houston and Carl Lentz ”
Riley you have such wisdom, of course God and His Bible had nothing to do with it, it was all due to Brian and Carl.
“I’m sure God will reward them both for being great leaders and pastors.”
No doubt they do deserve a very “hot” reward.
I am beyond shocked by this blog 😨😨😨 !! What I don’t understand is if you hate sooo much Hillsong why do you write about it ? It’s crazy. Do you see how you have dedicated your life to criticise a church that preaches Jesus – Christ ? It’s like you are fighting against God, please just stop. I don’t know why you are sooo angry with my church but I hope you will find peace. Hillsong is an amazing church, I’ve seen people getting transformed, healed and touched by God and what I love about my church is that we accept everyone without judging their past or they current situation, we might not agree with their lifestyles but we believe that Jesus is great enough to transforme lives.
No Riley, what is truly shocking is that people who call themselves Christians – especially those who claim to have READ the bible – think that Hillsong is a great church and attack Christians who are defending the Christian faith (including difficult aspects that the unsaved world openly rejects). That is the real tragedy.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
“….Or an angel from Heaven”: Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics also transform lives, change people, improve morals and people get touched by “God”. Do you give them a “pass conceded” grade also? Did Paul say “near enough is good enough” if enough people come forward after a service to make a decision for Christ, *say* they are now Christians and their lives appear changed *but don’t believe what the bible teaches*?
Listen to Houston’s speech carefully next time. When Houston reveals what topic he’s going to speak about open up you bible at/Google bible verses/passages he quotes.
*Are they in context?
What is Houston adding? What is he leaving out? What is he skipping over?
* How much attention is given to Hillsong/ people’s needs to need for faith/trust in *Christ alone* for salvation?
* How much obfuscation, word-gaming and evasion tactics “look over there – squirrel!” does Houston use when he mentions what the bible clearly condemns e.g. homosexuality but the unsaved world loves?
Q: one of the apostles were able to visit a Hillsong service and see Houston preach, would they give Houston a PASS or FAIL grade?
A: Compare Houston’s Gospel “message” to Peter’s speech in Acts chapter 2. They are poles apart. There is no ambiguity, confusion or “easy believism” [google that one] there.
“What I don’t understand is if you hate sooo much”
No, what’s hard to understand is why you would hate God so much as to throw in your lot with a pack of frauds.
“It’s crazy.”
Do you want to see crazy? Watch Brian Houston’s eyes when he gets angry – you might be able to discern that his body is playing host to some “guests”.
“Do you see how you have dedicated your life to criticise a church that preaches Jesus – Christ ?”
Jesus, yes – but Christ, no. They preach a fake Jesus and a false gospel, and they have charted their course for destruction. Are you happy to be aboard the good ship hillsong, knowing that it is going to founder with heavy loss of life?
“It’s like you are fighting against God”
I’ve got news for you: Brian Houston is not God, neither are any of his underlings or hangers-on, nor are any of his family members. Brian is a consummate nobody in the Kingdom of God, as are you also.
“I don’t know why you are sooo angry with my [cult]”
That’s right: it’s your cult, it is not God’s church.
“but I hope you will find peace.”
Your false Jesus has brought you a false peace. You wouldn’t know that it is written: ‘While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.’ So also you will not escape the consequences of your ill-advised fealty to Brian Houston.
“Hillsong is an amazing church”
hillsong is a filthy and disgusting sewer the deceptions and depravity of which know no bounds. But if you are happy to ignore the nauseating stench while you swim in their putrid mire, that’s up to you.
“I’ve seen people getting transformed, healed and touched by God”
Wow! It sounds like you have an angel of light at work in your midst!
“what I love about my church is that we accept everyone without judging their past or they [sic] current situation”
God will judge everyone who fails to repent. That includes both Brian Houston and you.
“we might not agree with their lifestyles but we believe that Jesus is great enough to transforme [sic] lives.”
“We” might not agree? “We”? So you admit that you knowingly and deliberately set aside the word and authority of God, and instead pass judgement as mere men. Obviously you are unaware that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, and that you, having professed yourself to be wise, have thus become a fool.
“I do read my bible”
And which part did you read, exactly? The title on the cover?
What’s shocking about exposing a multi-million dollar scam trying to pass itself off as a Christian church? You can see yourself how many people flock to places like Hillsong and C3 every weekend, and I’m sure we can both read our bibles well enough to know that what they teach there is not biblical. Those people need to be warned to read the Word and to not just swallow the sugar coded sound bites that people like Houston and Pringle feed them. Those guys are only interested in wealth and prestige, and they build that wealth through twisting scripture. Personally I wish this blog had been around when I went to C3, my eyes would have been opened much sooner. I don’t think this blog has anything to do with hate, but rather love for those who are being mislead.
“I am beyond shocked by this blog 😨😨😨 !! What I don’t understand is if you hate sooo much Hillsong why do you write about it ?”
You only think like this Riley because you lack the biblical discernment to distinguish between a Christian church and a dangerous New Age cult.
“What I don’t understand is….”
What you don’t understand is The Bible.
“I’ve seen people getting transformed, healed”
Transformed into what? Jehovah’s Witness detox and rehab programs transform lots of people too, so what?
Healed of what? Let’s forget your imagination and hear some specifics YOU HAVE SEEN.
“what I love about my church is that we accept everyone without judging their past or they current situation”
What you are experiencing starts at the top (Brian Houston) and flows down to the ranks. Brian Houston has never in his life preached a sermon against sin, and he won’t start now, he has too much to lose rocking the boat (in his case his worldclass luxury yacht).
“Do you see how you have dedicated your life to criticise a church that preaches Jesus?”
Which ‘Jesus’ would that be ? The false ‘Jesus’ in 2 corinthians chapter 11 verse 4 ?
“I am beyond shocked by this blog”
What’s really shocking is that dude you chose to follow (Brian Houston) is not even a real Christian, but has instead profaned the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for his own (Brian Houston’s) personal financial gain and unquenchable lust for power.
“I don’t know why you are sooo angry with my church”
Please quit referring to Hillsong as a ‘church’, it is a business venture and in reality has nothing whatsoever to do with the Bible. It has nothing more to do with the Bible than Joe’s Pub down the street.
Houston and Lentz are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are the type of false teachers, deceivers, evil men and impostors that the Bible warns us about and says will be prevalent before the return of Jesus. This site does a good job of warning people. If you think this site is wrong, perhaps you aught study your Bible and you will find they are doing a good job of exposing frauds like Houston. By the way, no man or congregation saves anyone, salvation is the work of God, through Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit. If someone who attends Hill$ong manages to get saved, no credit is due to the organisation, God has spoken out of the mouth of a donkey before.
Wow it’s amazing how you are all showing hatred instead of love, I’m sure God will be extremely proud of you all for being mean and insulting.
How dare you say that the Jesus I’m praying is false ? You guys don’t know anything about my faith or life so don’t speak unless you have all the facts. All I see in this blog is hate, hate and more hate, I do not see anything positive or edifying.
You can all pretend to be like Paul or any of the apostles but don’t fool yourself you are nothing like the apostles or Jesus-Christ for that matter.
This will be my last comment as this back and forth is getting ridiculous. I am soooo thankful to Jesus-Christ that I never encounter people like you full of hate and animosity.
While you are all hating on MY CHURCH, we are reaching cities like NYC, LA, London, Paris, Barcelona, Cape Town, Sydney and more to Jesus – Christ.
✌
“You guys don’t know anything about my faith or life so don’t speak unless you have all the facts.”
We already concluded by the way you argued that you came from Hillsong, thus our conclusion was that your faith and the god you worshiped is just as useless as Baal.
Fact: If you knew Jesus, you wouldn’t be in Hillsong. And if you had love, you wouldn’t be so hypocritical.
“I never encounter people like you full of hate and animosity.”
Umm… You’re defending Brian Houston and his leadership. You couldn’t get people any more deceitful and hate-filled. Do you not listen to their sermons where they always trash Christians and churches that are not like them?
“While you are all hating on MY CHURCH”
It’s not a church. And it’s not loving to call it a church- otherwise we would be misleading people.
“we are reaching cities like NYC, LA, London, Paris, Barcelona, Cape Town, Sydney and more to Jesus – Christ.”
No you’re not. You’re expanding your empirical cult by targeting Christians and sucking them in with your music, converting them to be a Kingdom Builder, emptying their pockets on a weekly basis, and spitting them out when they have nothing to offer. That’s not the point of Christianity.
There’s a big difference between Christian love and Hillsong love – and you’re absolutely clueless to discern the difference between the two. We suggest you cure yourself and read the bible or find a church where you actually get the gospel which can remove your blindspots.
“While you are all hating on MY CHURCH,”
Here’s your problem pal, it is actually you who are the hater.
You hate truth.
Since you’re not mature enough to deal with the truth about your church, therefore you refer to the “truth” as “hate”, and you refer to those “speaking the truth” as “haters.”
“You guys don’t know anything about my faith or life […]”
Actually we know everything about your “faith” and “life”: you have placed your faith in Brian Houston rather than in God, and consequently you don’t have a life, but remain dead in your sins.
Just because something is legal, does not make it right ….sad hiw we so easily slip into the worldly perspective. If u are actively being sexual with same sex person and are non repentent, I honestly have a hard time thinking that u are really wanting to walk in God’s will. That goes for any sin that is on going an non repentent.
Wow reading thru comments I only see pride and the enemy using each of u to turn on each other….what is with the MY CHURCH? Aren’t we all thee church? U aren’t being used by Gos…ur allowing the enemy to use u and tear christians apart. Satan starts with the weak links…just saying
If all you see is pride etc. please open your bible and compare what is being said by Hillsong to what the bible says *in context*. It is worth the effort.
Are they agreeing with/ disagreeing with/ adding to/ leaving out verses from the bible?
“Aren’t we all thee church?”
diane, no. brian houston has nothing to do with the true Church. we have no relation to him, and he has no relation to us.. don’t ignore all the n.t. warnings. read these verses for more understanding.. you need to educate yourself (i mean that for your own good, not in a condescending way).. nfg
——————————————————
Watch out for FALSE PROPHETS. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are FEROCIOUS WOLVES. (matt 7:15)
on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from FALSE BROTHERS; (2 for 11:26)
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect THE WEEDS and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn. (matt 13:30)
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you WORKERS OF LAWLESSNESS. (matt 7:21-23)
For such men are FALSE APOSTLES, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. (2 cor 11:13)
And many FALSE PROPHETS will arise and lead many astray. (matt 24:11)
Having the APPEARANCE OF GODLINESS, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 tim 3:5)
I know that after my departure FIERCE WOLVES will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (acts 20:29)
And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. (matt 24:4-5)
Yet because of FALSE BROTHERS secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery (gal 2:4)
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (matt 24:24)
and this verse. notice how brian houston has introduced several destructive heresies to the true Church. notice how much shame he has brought to the name of Christ because of his lawless behavior, constantly denying what various Scriptures say, why you might ask? because he thinks his ways are better than the Scriptures.. nfg
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their unrestrained ways, and the way of truth will be blasphemed because of them. (2 pet 2:1-2)
Houston lives on the other side of the world and doesn’t attend Hillsong NYC. He has thousands of members and employees in his church and you expect him to know the facts about 2 guys? I’ve seen comments on this page that I’m very much aware that God is not pleased with. You’re totally misunderstanding Houston’s statement. He’s basically saying, “hate the sin, but love the sinner.” I’m against homosexuality, but I don’t hate homosexuals. Those of you who have said that Houston and Lentz are “going where the worm dieth not” need to reread your Bible (most likely KJV) about who actually gets sent to hell. Please tell me the verse where someone that loves and tries to help sinners goes to hell cause if that’s true, then you caring about and loving your lost relative or coworker is also punching your ticket to hell. God doesn’t want His church divided, so the fact that you’re trying to divide on a matter that you know nothing about is a disgrace to the name Christian, but the more of these that I read, the more I remember that the Pharisees “knew that Jesus was a sinner”. These things that you “know” may not be as true as you think. I also think about where Jesus said that people will basically hate everything that Christians do because it’s right. Makes me like Houston that much more because he’s being criticized for doing something for God and loving people like Jesus does.
“He’s basically saying, “hate the sin, but love the sinner.” I’m against homosexuality, but I don’t hate homosexuals.”
No he’s not. He’s saying, “I will say the right thing to Christians because I need to keep these Christians spending their money on my Hillsong music empire.” Hillsong have been actively conditioning their members to embrace homosexuality. It’s in their sermons, in their over-arching behaviour and even in some of their written materials.
“Those of you who have said that Houston and Lentz are “going where the worm dieth not” need to reread your Bible (most likely KJV) about who actually gets sent to hell.”
Them. They have accurately been desribed by Christ and His Apostles as false prophets, anti-Christs and lawless ones. People have documented these people’s lawless behaviour. Jesus said that he will personally send them there.
“Please tell me the verse where someone that loves and tries to help sinners goes to hell cause if that’s true, then you caring about and loving your lost relative or coworker is also punching your ticket to hell.”
Easy:
“On that day many [False prophets] will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:22-23
They loved men but not God – and because they did not know God, they did not truly love men. This scripture swears true to what we are seeing with the leaders in Hillsong. Look how much they flatter men and make people feel good at the expense of Gods word.
“God doesn’t want His church divided, so the fact that you’re trying to divide on a matter that you know nothing about is a disgrace to the name Christian,”
False – God SENDS division into His Church to actually test who love him just like he sent false prophets into Israel to test the sincerity of their love.
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut 13:1-3
“For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,d 19for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” 1 Cor 11:
However, he uses those who have given themselves over to the delusion.
“These things that you “know” may not be as true as you think.”
Which is why we research Brian Houston and his person as best we can. So please don’t rebuke us in your ignorance when we have dedicated ourselves to accurately handle information about Houston and Hillsong. We do correct people who say wrong things about Houston and Hillsong.
“I also think about where Jesus said that people will basically hate everything that Christians do because it’s right.”
Once again, Hillsong ticks that box. We’ve never seen an organisation that so brazenly opposes God’s Word. Simply look at Bobbie Houston insisting that women can be pastors/leaders over men.
“Makes me like Houston that much more because he’s being criticized for doing something for God and loving people like Jesus does.”
Then you need to do a bible study on the gospel. If you knew what Jesus did on Calvary, your conscience, your faith and the Holy Spirit in you will be telling you to leave Hillsong.
For the sake of your soul, do a bible study on what the gospel is. It is the best thing you can do.
I’ve already left this comment for someone else but I think it applies here so I’m just copying it. You know me and you can argue for the rest of eternity in this matter and neither one is going to change the other ones mind, and what’s funny is that neither of us have to. You said that you’ve dedicated yourself to learn about Houston and Hillsong when you should be focused on One Man who did something great and beyond measure for us. Jesus didn’t say “go out into all the world and sniff out all the false prophets and liars and tell everyone how bad they are. And you will be witnesses in Australia and New York and los Angeles and to every Hillsong location.” It’s like my pastor, Steven Furtick, said, “if you don’t like the way that I run or handle my church, then go start your own.” One day we’re all gonna stand before God and give an account of what we did with our talents and what God gave us. I don’t think Jesus is gonna be very proud if your answer is “I told a lot of people about the evil of Hillsong!” Yes there is false prophets today. Is Brian Houston one of them, only Hod knows, and one day He will separate the wheats from the tears and He will handle it. It’s not our job to do that. If you want to waste your life on sonething that God has already taken care of then that’s your call, but until God, not a crappy website, tells me otherwise I’ll continue listening to Houston, Furtick, Judah Smith, Levi Lusko, Christine Caine, and all the other preachers that I watch and get my convictions from the Holy Spirit.
“Makes me like Houston that much more because he’s being criticized for doing something for God and loving people like Jesus does.”
Why do you like him much more? Because he’s teaching the obey-gooey love gospel that practically says noone goes to hell? Jesus loved people enough to die on the cross for them, but that does not mean most of them are not going to hell. The Houstons don’t really believe it or they’d stop telling people what they want to hear just so they can take their money. You really think the Houstons love them then? Wake up chump. All they love is a big bank account and a secure financial future.
You know me and you can argue for the rest of eternity in this matter and neither one is going to change the other ones mind, and what’s funny is that neither of us have to. Jesus didn’t say “go out into all the world and sniff out all the false prophets and liars and tell everyone how bad they are. And you will be witnesses in Australia and New York and los Angeles and to every Hillsong location.” It’s like my pastor, Steven Furtick, said, “if you don’t like the way that I run or handle my church, then go start your own.” One day we’re all gonna stand before God and give an account of what we did with our talents and what God gave us. I don’t think Jesus is gonna be very proud if your answer is “I told a lot of people about the evil of Hillsong!”
I was concerned indeed with the reports of this situation coming out of Hillsong. I am not a hillsong member, but like many I watch and discern.
I saw this blog for what it was though – not watching and discerning, but simply taking delight in accusing and condemning. People, that’s not God – you are in grave danger with your judgements, it is clear they are not rooted in love, and God is love and His judgements, though they can be furious, always flow from love.
We are also called to judge, yes, but judge righteously…I just see self-righteousness here.
Nevertheless other more balanced sources were confirming some concerns I had about Hillsong’s handling of this matter. I read further and came away believing they were in danger of not heeding to Paul’s teachings on such things.
I was pleased to hear Hillsong had taken steps to re-affirm their stance on marriage – and that they had done so directly with the two men involved also. I was pleased Hillsong had asked them to step down from leadership. I wasn’t convinced they had gone far enough with that though, and that sin would be left to fester.
Therefore, I was pleased that Hillsong had not left these two young men to their own devices but were giving them on-going counsel.
This was all unfolding last year, and so I wondered where the fruit of this was. So I went looking again.
And I uncovered an interesting update to this story.
Reed Kelly has made a recent statement stating that he is no longer in a relationship with josh Canfield due to “incapability”. He also made a comment “not to hurt for me, I am trying to make a responsible decision for the institution of marriage.”
Time will tell how these words will play out in Reed’s life. But as it stands now, he has ended his relationship with another man, and it was for a reason greater than his own.
That in itself is huge.
So I say praise God that Hillsong leadership loved this young man enough to see that he was not completely lost to God. They gave both these young men ongoing counsel which may have just resulted in one of them having a conviction from God.
As far as I understand, Josh is not in agreement with Reed’s decision, and only time will tell how this will play out.
All I can say is I tip my hat for a church that can see beyond the sin, and keep their arms open to the sinner. If this young man is having a transformation take place in his heart, it will be a massive glory to God, and also a testament to Hillsong’s handling of this situation.
Perhaps we can pray for Reed. To make a statement such as he has is no small thing, and it will incur the wrath of the LGBT community. hillsong will also cop it from the community and media no doubt for “brainwashing and encouraging” this man to make the decision he has.
Are you aware that Reed Kelly has recently ended his relationship with Josh Canfield, citing “incapability” and also made the comment “please don’t hurt for me, I am trying to make a responsible decision for the institution of marriage.”
Time will tell how this plays out.
In the meantime I believe Hillsong’s ongoing counsel to these two young men may have resulted in one of them experiencing a deep conviction from God.
If so, praise God for a church such as Hillsong that didn’t throw this young man to the devil, but fought against judgement from both the LGBT community AND sadly, many churches and blogs to work towards the best outcome possible – a man saved and transformed for the glory of God.
I was skeptical but you’re right – it appears that Reed and Kelly have broken up. http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sof2tb
If Hillsong helped Reed Kelly to see the truth about marriage they should be applauded for their efforts. They shouldn’t hide this major achievement as if it’s dirty laundry either. If Hillsong successfully defended Christian marriage in private counselling sessions they should definitely do the same via public preaching.
Whoops – first sentence meant Canfield and Kelly.
It will be interesting to see if Reed Kelly makes a ‘responsible decision’ (repent) about his homosexuality, as well as his ‘trying to make a responsible decision for the institution of marriage’.
Josh Canfield, as Thinker noted and we were aware of, states he still ‘believes in everything we stood for, a strong gay marriage based in faith and I know that it is possible.’
Cheers, Team Churchwatch.
Hi churchwatch – yes I did find that statement from Josh, and it certainly seems he is unrepentant.
I am still encouraged by Reed’s decision however to end the relationship. As you say, it will be interesting to see where he goes from here – but it is a step in the right direction, and it shows he is having trouble reconciling his lifestyle with his faith.
“Nevertheless other more balanced sources”
Sherry/Casey/Troll… Name your ‘more balanced sources’ and explain why you have cast your judgement on this site.
In other words, put up or shut up.