FALLEN LEADERS & HERETICAL SOURCES

NUMEROUS SCANDALS

In recent years, the global church has been rocked by numerous scandals, particularly involving the moral failure of prominent church and ministry leaders. For many, it’s tragic but not surprising when such scandals emerge from figures connected to questionable movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Word of Faith (WOF). These movements and the individuals who spearhead them, are already associated with dubious doctrines and practices that have caused considerable harm to the worldwide church. Thus, when public figures from these circles are exposed for immoral behavior hidden for many years, it sadly comes as little surprise.

MORE PAINFUL

However, when it’s a leader who was highly respected—someone not previously associated with questionable doctrines—who falls into sin, the shock, heartache, and bewilderment are far greater. What happens when someone who held an honorable position in theological circles, authored multiple helpful books, and had a seemingly successful ministry is exposed as having led a double life of sin for years? This recent wave of shocking revelations raises difficult questions:

• How could such individuals fall so far?
• What should the church do with their books, sermons, and teachings?
• Can their works still be trusted or used by Christians?

Even more troubling, some have used the same arguments to justify the continued use of books, music, and materials produced by dubious movements like the NAR and WOF. They argue that as long as the content seems doctrinally sound, it should still be used to glorify God. But is this reasoning valid? Should we continue to use the songs and materials of heretical teachers and movements, even if they seem harmless?

UNAVOIDABLE QUESTIONS

In this article, we will explore these critical questions:

1. Why can the writings of biblical authors who later fell into sin or immorality still be used authoritatively by Christians?

2. What is the difference between the value of biblical writings and the materials of modern-day fallen Christian leaders?

3. How do these principles apply to the books, courses, and especially worship songs of questionable movements like the NAR and WOF, even when they seem doctrinally sound?

WHY CAN THE WRITINGS OF FALLEN BIBLICAL AUTHORS STILL BE USED?

THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE

The Bible is unique among all writings because it is divinely inspired by God. The authority of Scripture does not depend on the personal holiness of its human authors but on the fact that it is God’s Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) says:

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

This means that even if an author of Scripture, like David or Solomon, later fell into sin, their writings remain God-breathed and authoritative. God used these imperfect individuals to deliver His perfect Word. The truth of Scripture transcends the failings of its human authors.

HUMAN SIN DOES NOT INVALIDATE GOD’S MESSAGE

The Bible teaches that all people are sinful and fall short of God’s glory, even those He used to write the Bible. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) reminds us:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Consider King David. He committed adultery and murder, yet his Psalms, including Psalm 51, offer deep spiritual truths about repentance and God’s grace. David’s moral failure did not render his inspired writings irrelevant. The same applies to other biblical figures, such as Peter, who denied Christ but later wrote 1 Peter and 2 Peter (and is believed to assist John Mark in writing the GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK). Their personal failings are a reminder of God’s sovereignty and ability to work through weak vessels.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER IMPERFECT VESSELS

God’s plan is not dependent on human perfection. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NKJV) explains:

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

This shows us that God deliberately uses flawed people to demonstrate His power and glory. The authority of Scripture rests in God’s authorship, not the moral perfection of its human writers.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIBLICAL WRITINGS AND MODERN-DAY FALLEN LEADERS

While Christians can confidently rely on the writings of fallen biblical authors, the same cannot always be said for modern-day fallen Christian leaders. Here’s why:

DIVINE INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE VS. MODERN WRITINGS

The Bible is God-breathed and carries eternal authority. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) reiterates:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Modern Christian books, songs, and teachings, no matter how helpful, are not divinely inspired in the same way. They may reflect biblical truth, but they remain human interpretations of that truth. As such, these works are subject to fallibility and must always be measured against Scripture. Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV) gives a strong warning:

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

This finality of God’s Word means that no modern-day writing or teaching can claim the same authority as Scripture.

VULNERABILITY TO DECEPTION IN MODERN WRITINGS

Unlike the Bible, which is divinely protected from error, modern works can be affected by the character and integrity of their authors. When a Christian leader falls into sin or moral failure, it often reveals deeper theological blind spots or compromises that may affect their teachings. James 3:1 (NKJV) warns:

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”

A leader’s sin can significantly undermine the credibility of their earlier teachings, particularly if their moral failings reveal deeper issues in their theology or private life. Their writings must be carefully evaluated with discernment, especially if their sin involved hypocrisy, doctrinal error, spiritual manipulation, or a long-standing, concealed pattern of immoral behavior. Such hidden corruption can cast doubt on the integrity of their message and raise serious concerns about the reliability of their teachings.

CAN CHRISTIANS USE THE SONGS AND MATERIALS OF QUESTIONABLE MOVEMENTS LIKE THE NAR AND WOF?

The issue becomes even more complex when we consider the worship songs, books, and materials produced by questionable movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Word of Faith (WOF). Even if these materials seem doctrinally sound on the surface, they can carry significant dangers.

THE SUBTLE INFLUENCE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

One of the primary dangers is that materials from these movements often mix truth with error. 2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV) warns:

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

Worship songs from these movements may focus on themes like declaring health, wealth, or personal empowerment, promised revival, and signs and wonders, etc., which align with their false doctrines but subtly shift the focus away from Christ. Over time, even subtle theological errors can lead believers astray, making them more susceptible to overtly heretical teachings.

SHAPING SUBCONSCIOUS THEOLOGY THROUGH WORSHIP

Worship songs have a powerful effect on our theology, often shaping what we believe without us even realizing it. Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) instructs:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

If the songs we sing are rooted in false theology, even subtly, they can mislead us over time. Singing songs from questionable movements can normalize man-centered doctrines, leading to a gradual shift away from the true gospel.

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF MYSTICISM AND EXTRA-BIBLICAL PRACTICES

Movements like the NAR often promote mystical experiences and extra-biblical revelations. Their materials frequently encourage practices like “soaking in the Spirit” or seeking new prophetic words. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (NKJV) warns of the danger of being led away from the simplicity of Christ:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”

Engaging with materials from these movements can lead Christians down a path of mysticism and extra-biblical practices that deviate from the truth of Scripture.

ENDORSING AND SUPPORTING FALSE TEACHERS

By using the songs and materials from these movements, we may unintentionally support and endorse the false teachers behind them. 2 John 1:10-11 (NKJV) warns us:

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

When we use their content, we lend credibility to their movements and may cause others to explore their broader, often unbiblical, teachings.

DISTORTING THE TRUE GOSPEL

Many materials from the NAR and the WOF distort the true gospel, focusing on prosperity, health, and personal empowerment rather than on Christ’s sacrifice and the call to holiness. Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV) warns against turning to a different gospel:

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”

Over time, exposure to these teachings can shift the focus from Christ-centered salvation to a man-centered prosperity gospel, or a man-glorification gospel, which is ultimately a false gospel.

DISCERNMENT IS KEY

In an age filled with deceptive teachings, Christians must exercise great discernment. While the writings of fallen biblical authors remain trustworthy because of their divine inspiration, the same cannot be said for the works of modern-day fallen leaders or questionable movements like NAR and WOF. As Acts 17:11 (NKJV) instructs us:

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

Discernment and caution must be our constant companions in navigating the complex world of Christian teachings, books, and worship music. Let us always measure everything against the unchanging truth of God’s Word, allowing it to guide us in our worship, theology, and daily lives.