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From the lens Andy Stanley, pray he doesn't go astray..
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d-artist Mar 7, 2012 @ 8:10 pm | delete
- Interesting subject...I can't really say anything about Andy and his preaching as I only watched him once and felt he geared to the young, which is fine but not my style to be inspired. But his father Charles is who I really like, his preaching is strictly from the Bible, I was Born Again after being introduced to his preaching.
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considerthis
Dec 25, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete
- I agree with Matthew's February post. The writer of this article totally misunderstood Andy's message and goes way in-depth about something that was never said or implied by Andy. The article paints a totally wrong picture that could mislead many people into forever having a negative bias toward a quite biblically sound pastor. That is dangerous and I'm saddened by this. No offense, sir.
Andy is illustrating the tendency of "politicians, athletes, and entertainers" to squander and misuse their success as a result of "deciding what you want to do before you have determined who you want to be" (Andy Stanley's words). I'm curious why the writer didn't comment on that part. The claim is that Andy is suggesting to look up to these people, but on the contrary, he points out that when their marriages fail, etc., we wonder how they could have gotten to that point with all their supposed power and credibility. He then rightly points out that the reason this happens is that they failed to determine who they want to be (in their character) before they reached their success, causing things to crumble.
Andy's message is about building a foundation on a rock rather than sand. Its all in there, if anyone cares to go back and watch it again without bias. : (
I humbly encourage people to always check things out for themselves, don't take everything you read at face value, and never forget that anyone can be mistaken at any time, because none of us are perfect.
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yourgoldenfuture
Mar 20, 2011 @ 5:53 am | delete
- Its always difficult to critique a pastor ... look at David and Saul...David was not killing Saul...he believed God would do the right thing. On the other hand your are right to warn of this mormon teachings. We are called to take the tree out of our own eyes before judging the brother...
This "success-teaching"-stuff came over to Germany a long time ago too. Lots of controversy here about that. Its not wrong to challenge people to get out of their comfort-zone - but not for egoistic reasons...
Just look at the lives of those preachers ... they will show you if they are real or not...There is not good fruit from a bad tree...
The lens is good...thumbs up
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Widemouth Mar 20, 2011 @ 4:08 pm | delete
- Thank-you for your detailed comment and encouragement. As you can see if you read below you are definitely in the minority category with me. I'm happy to have some company. Cheers!
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Matthew
Feb 24, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
- I believe where the writer of this post is miss guided, is the fact that they are taking Andy's message out of context.
Northpoint Church is not a church for churched people. It is a church for the lost. If you have a non-Christian enter the doors of your church, will you lead a message that speaks of biblical heros such as Job or Esther? If you do, you will quickly lose the connection with the struggling non-believer. I do not feel that Pastor Stanley was at all idolizing those individuals, but instead, speaking what we all feel about them lots of times. Whether it be the beautiful, in shape girl on the magazine you are reading, or your favorite contestant on American Idol, we all have those moments when we place a mere mortal on a pedestal for a reason that is outside the context of our faith.
You believe that his message is out of line, but I believe that is was relayed perfectly to the target audience, non-Christians. It gave them something they could understand, a pivotal part of the message they could grasp to make the connection to life-change. Near the end of the message, Andy informs the church that the significants between those earthly "idols" and the person that God wants us to be are related. That just like the person who is great at singing and performing strives to be the best, God also wants us to strive to be the best.. Or as he puts it "you will discover that God is actually working with you to become the person He designed you to be" and "that you will be working in sync with the Holy Spirit". He goes on to say that when you get over wanting all the stuff of this world basically, at the end of the day, if you are living a life seeking Christ, you will want to live the life he has designed for you.
I in no way believe that he is leading his church, Christians or non-Christians, into believing he thinks they should be rich, famous, or popular. As someone well versed in the faith, a critique like that about this message is highly possible. Because honestly, this message was never really designed for your level of maturity in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Which is great!
I too believe that we must keep a keen eye out for false doctrines (because the Word tells us too), but as a member of Buckhead Church, I do not believe this one of Andy's messages, or any other I have been exposed to in the last 4 years are in anyway misleading towards true Christianity.
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yourgoldenfuture
Mar 20, 2011 @ 5:57 am | delete
- Jesus said very clear: Follow me and take up your cross. This "nice gospel" / church -thing is not biblical. The sinner comes to a church to get the truth clear and straight - not a watered nice and easy gospel. The sinner will enjoy tp hear about Hiob...God brought him there to hear it...
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- Thank-you again for your sharp comments. For clarification on your last sentence there are a few typos. I believe you were saying the following "The sinner will enjoy to hear about Job...God brought him there to hear it.... (Very well said. I completely agree!)
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Guest
Sep 20, 2011 @ 1:14 pm | delete
- You're not alone. We were members at two of the campuses for several years. It wasn't until a friend of mine expressed his concern with the gospel not being preached that my wife and I began questioning the "church for the unchurched." The majority of what I recall from his messages are catchy phrases that have nothing to do with Jesus (or maybe I wasn't paying attention).
Anyone can heed the advice of not going to lunch with a member of the opposite sex if they want to protect their marriage. And sure, that's non-threatening to a non-Christian. But at the end of the day, what the non-Christian (and Christian) really needs to hear is...the gospel.
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Concerned
Aug 31, 2011 @ 2:36 pm | delete
- I was quite concerned after the first part of this last series and the second part left my mouth open. Telling us we're racist? homophobic? I don't think that is Andy's position. He seems to be in with the Obama's and that in and of itself is scary. I won't be returning there.
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David Whited www.facebook.com/whitedsworld www.thewhiteds.com
Sep 17, 2011 @ 11:30 pm | delete
- Well put! I seriously doubt that the writer of this article has ever even sat through a sermon of Andy's.
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annieh
Apr 18, 2012 @ 2:49 pm | delete
- I understand what you are saying - however, what's most important is to look in your Bible as to who church is for, what it is to do and how it is to go about doing so. It's all there......
I don't know why God lays out a specific path for how the church is to be run - but He did. I'm not to argue with Him.
the message isn't to be for certain people (mature Christians I think you indicated) wow....maybe north point shouldn't be called a church? I don't mean that bad...I mean on several things I've seen recently he is listed as a "communicator" and author - the word pastor not there.....it's a great place to go - but a church? I don't think so and if it is a church like you said it's a church for unsaved people or those who don't won't the meat of the word just the milk. does anyone remember when church was for God alone never worrying about whether it was for mature christians or unchurched becuase it was the Day we worship and come before God and read the word?
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happynutritionist Feb 22, 2011 @ 3:42 pm | delete
- We have been blessed by many of Andy Stanley's sermons...I didn't hear this particular sermon, but do think to pick out one sermon and do a critique on a preacher based on that one sermon is a little out of line...it puts a negative spin on the man so that people reading it will not hear the good he is sharing, but will be listening for him to fail. JMHO
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- Hi happynutritionist, thanks for your comments. I was not critiquing Andy Stanley but the message he was giving and the same as you feel this one article is a little out of line I feel about the direction he pointed people in that message. I also encouraged readers about his follow up message for 2011. The negative spin is about the message not the man but people may have difficulty separating the two. In end times even the very elect will be deceived and we need more people to look at messages and doctrine with a critical eye to see if they contain spirit and truth. I don`t claim to be perfect and will be the first to apologize if I have erred but I endeavor like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 To search the scriptures to see, whether those things were so. Further on critiquing one message I will leave you with this link (http://www.impactministries.com/Resources/CreationtoCalvary/tabid/580/Default.aspx)which I reported to the speaker and staff due to a great error at min 3:25 where he calls Jesus a sinner saying "a sinner had to pay for your sin" you may enjoy many of this man's messages but underneath is a ministry that refuses to remove this message that is shared with new converts who then pray to "another Jesus" which the bible describes in 2 Corinthians 11:4. Many men are entertaining, have some good in their message but ultimately they must point to the true Christ or the message does not espouse truth which He is. Would you prefer to hear their messages and silence mine? I appreciate you calling me defend my position just as I call these men to defend their.
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surviving-2012
Jan 5, 2011 @ 10:06 am | delete
- Great stuff here! Thank you.
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- Thanks for your encouragement. Looking forward to surviving 2012 too. Cheers!
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Brent Hughes
Jan 1, 2011 @ 9:15 am | delete
- Just ran across this review of Andy Stanley...I believe you formulated an opinion halfway thru and really did not "hear" what he brought it all down to....God's word and being obedient to it. When Andy says....that God says "duh, its all right here in the bible......etc.
I think there are many more things that you could do besides looking at someone who is not perfect but spreads the word of God biblically. Delve more into straightening out our politicians, tv stars, movie divas, and athletes who unfortunately (most) forget where to give credit too.
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- Hi Brent, thanks for you comment. This article was written as a warning not only because of the direction Andy was pointing people but also because of what was noticeably missing from the message that being a "Christ centered direction" a "take up your cross and follow me" message. It was instead replaced with a "look at the worlds idols" follow them message. I don't call this spreading the word of God biblically. I don't understand why you would direct me to delve more into straightening out those who Andy has said have "made it" unless you don't agree with him? Don't you think its important also that the ministry have their doctrine straight? If any of these so called "elite" as Andy has positioned them, listened to his message - they would think they were on track! As you point out they have forgotten God, something I believe Andy has done in this message.
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Mike Reilly
Dec 14, 2010 @ 3:07 pm | delete
- Andy Stanley's ability to relate the teachings of Jesus, to todays world and then bring it back to how we can live a Godly life today, is his strongest attribute!
I really think your LDS comparisons are WAY off base. Covey's book was just a practical guide to being productive in todays world, and Andy was able to apply some of those principals to his busy life. I think you'll agree being the Senior Pastor of the "3rd most influential Church in America" might require very good time management and people management skills. It seem's that you're judging what's in his heart and his head because he does think. I believe we are asked as Christians to use our minds along with prayer to preach the Word, and Andy does that better than anyone that I've ever heard preach. Having a congregation understand and deeply connect with his sermons BY thinking and praying, leads to congregation that will be in a better position to discern false teachings, that we all know are everywhere..
I've read all the comments and maybe you need to reconsider, maybe you mis-read Andy? Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
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- Hi Mike, Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your view on the LDS comparison but I'm dealing with subtleties and seducing spirits influencing our direction, the fact that Covey and his book are referred to instead of Jesus Christ and the Bible is reason enough to be cautious. Regarding judging Andy's heart, I took this comment very seriously and I reviewed the article and made changes to how it is worded to ensure that it reflects that I am concerned with doctrine and direction. I again reviewed the article to reconsider if I did mis-read Andy and after some minor revisions I feel clear in pointing out that this particular message he delivered is not pointing to Jesus Christ. I hope you appreciate that I considered your comments as they were helpful in fine tuning this article. Much appreciated. God Bless.
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Mike Reilly
Dec 15, 2010 @ 2:59 pm | delete
- Just out of curiocity, would you post a link to the comments that Andy has made that you're basing these accusations? And for each "count" which you're condemned him. That way it'd be easier to understand your context.
Have you ever listened to Andy's sermon on the Siani Code for one? It was absolutely brilliant, in my opionion.
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- Hi Mike, The article already has a link to the video message if you click on the "new you resolution" it will take you to the video so you can watch it in entirety. I think the words "accusations" and "condemn" are terms that do not describe what this article does which is "warn" and "expose" about "doctrine", "direction" and ultimately "relationship with Jesus Christ". I will try to take some time to listen to the message you mentioned although I am not looking for brilliance but simple truth.
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Sally G
Jan 3, 2011 @ 5:05 pm | delete
- I agree with you, Mike, and you, Brent - Andy Stanley is dedicated to encouraging us to be more like Christ - and he challenges us to think as well. I strongly disagree with the slick suggestions this article puts forth. This author has taken some of Andy's words and put his own spin on them....it's not an honest presentation of Andy Stanley's messages.
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- Hi Sally, Thanks for your note. After watching Andy's 2011 message I would agree that Andy seems to be encouraging listeners to be more like Christ. I'm glad you voice your disagreement and since I have updated the article today it may be that you find it a little more balanced although it is not you I am trying to please. I can only write about what I interpret and although you feel it is not an honest interpretation I can only say that I do not intend dishonesty. Just as I would say Andy's 2010 message was not an accurate interpretation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After listening to his 2011 message I can say I don't think he intended inaccuracy either. We both need grace, we both need mercy, we both need forgiveness and we both need Jesus.
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Howard Halluck
Dec 5, 2010 @ 10:23 am | delete
- It is clear Andy is for God and gifted in leading people to God. It is clear you disagree with some of his points. It is clear that love isn't the driving force in your life, but fear. It is clear that your fear is causing you to publish this site. It is unfortunate your heart is dark enough to commit yourself to this smear campaign. You should remove this site and work on yourself, as a fear based Christian to a love based Christian. You do damage to the Kingdom through your fear attacks. It is a shame and a disgrace and why most of the public avoid Christianity. Fear and control and threat don't win hearts. They bruise and repel them.
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- Hi Howard, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Unlike your comments I did provide supporting evidence. I would be happy to discuss any of the points that you disagree with unfortunately you didn't share any. Perfect love casteth out all fear, that love comes from Jesus and I am not afraid to speak out against any false way.
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Valerie
Nov 23, 2010 @ 1:32 pm | delete
- Um, I love listening to Andy Stanley. I feel that he's relatable and honestly, I feel that God gave him a gift to take the bibical word and bring it to our time. I don't think he's leading anyone astray. In fact, it might be that you're 'out-growing' him. If you remember in the bible, Paul was talking to one group of individuals and saying that they are like babies who needs to be fed by milk? That's what I think is happening to you. I mean, it has happened to me with other pastors
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- Hi Valerie, Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate your thoughts and definitely identify with your point of "out-growing" him. Not that I couldn't learn something from Andy but further than the idea of outgrowing I am genuinely concerned that he's feeding people the wrong milk (the milk of mammon) and tickling people's ears which always makes for something enjoyable vs. something that is necessary or unpopular and hard to hear. I'm encouraged by your obvious growth, and your ear which is tuned to the voice of God and not man. God Bless you :)
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Isaac Ramirez
Nov 9, 2010 @ 9:22 am | delete
- I guess I might be a little late. I have heard Andy Stanley. He often starts with some contradictory statements, go around the logic of them. Then he turns and show how false they are in the light of the word of God. He tries not to reach Christians and non-Christians. Are you sure you listened to the whole sermon? It sounds like him, but without the conclusion.
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- Hi Isaac, Yes I was very thorough in listening to his message multiple times - there is a link on this page so you can listen to the wholes message as well. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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Isaac Ramirez
Nov 11, 2010 @ 10:31 am | delete
- At the end we realize it is the best to become what God wants us to be. It's not what we achieve in the world, how much money you get, but our name, our moral self. Through the Bible we discover what God wants us to be. That was Andy's conclusion. What did you miss? What did I miss? He described how he became aware of what he wanted and needed to be. The prophet Daniel. Do we see and hear only what we want to? Forgive my wide mouth.
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- Yes, you make some good points and we certainly do hear through filters and red flags. I would say that my main issue with the message is that even though you can separate the conclusion from the rest of the message most people won't naturally do that and ultimately looking at it through what I understand your interpretation to be combined with my own understanding Andy's message would then be providing the wrong road map to get to the right place which in itself is a contradiction and does not provide direction but mis-direction. What do you think?
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borntoserve
Oct 4, 2010 @ 11:19 pm | delete
- I like this article...in life we either live to glorify ourselves or we live to glorify God. And we either worship at the altar of Cain...we do it our way, with our own offering doing it in our own strength and receiving glory for it ..or we worship at the altar of Abel and worship God's way with a blood sacrifice, and give God the glory...
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catstevens
Aug 10, 2010 @ 10:22 pm | delete
- Andy Stanley is one of the most humble, God fearing man I know. Andy speaks truth!
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- Thank you for sharing your comments. Do you disagree with my comments on the message he preached?
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Edd
Jul 5, 2010 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- Wow, you really have no clue who Andy Stanley is. Stop your trash talk, please.
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- Edd, Which of my comments do you find to be "trash talk"? Please support your comments with research, quotes or scripture as I have done and I will certainly consider your comments. Thanks.
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Patrick Weaver
May 3, 2010 @ 11:48 pm | delete
- To your "questions" (I quote, 'cause we both know you're not really asking - you're insinuating, as most smear artists do) -
"Andy Stanley gone Astray?", "Is Andy Stanley Becoming a New Age Leader?" and most hilarious, "Spiritual Guidance or New Age Mysticism?" ...
...the answer, is uh, no.
Seriously. Try new Clue Flakes. You have no idea about what you are talking about.
Let me help you out here. I'll use small words; pay attention. Andy quotes Steven Covey and other successful people, NOT because he believes he should imitate them spiritually or accept their spiritual teachings in ANY way!
If you bothered to listen to Andy's messages with anything other than a heart full of judgement, you'd understand why. Andy tries to find WHAT WORKS; that is, WHAT SUCCEEDS in the teachings, training and performance of these achievers, and use those insights to help himself and other pastors in ministry be successful in reaching the unchurched, growing churches, motivating staff, etc. He gleans these nuggets from the secular - particularly, the business world, to help his congregation/audience use time, money more wisely, and other practical matters of everyday living. But this is far from all he teaches. He preaches God's word, salvation through faith, obedience to Scripture, all the important tenets of faith. But he doesn't ignore good ideas from secular culture to help people succeed.
Another example of what I mean: I have a very talented mechanic, who fixes my car for very reasonable rates, and does quick, quality work. He's also Indian, and a Hindu.
Should I shun and rebuke his advice about my shocks and carbeurator, because to heed it would be to embrace a heathen, pagan approach to auto care?
No - how ridiculous that would be! So too, is your ridiculous assertion that using Stephen Covey's "7 Habits" time management principles is to embrace "Mormonistic" philosophy.
Honestly, please tell me you're not quite this crazy. I may like Covey's Day and Monthly Planners; that doesn't mean I'll be donning any magic underpants at the Temple in Salt Lake City soon. That's just nutty.
"Shocking insights?" Again, uh, sorry no - just the same old same old from the usual suspects, evangelical Pharisees. Sadly, I suspect these comments come from the same place they always do; from just another benchwarmer, smearing people actually on the playing field who are bringing unsaved and unchurched people who would NEVER darken the door of most evangelical churches in and introducing them to Christ.
Seriously. Go get a job, and stop taking potshots at people God is using to build his kingdom. And if you're going to post, at least do it with a real name ... or consider shrinking your mouth and growing a brain.
You "speak the truth?" Don't flatter yourself. I'm again, thinking "no" - but let's let God decide... a courtesy you fail to give to Stanley.
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- I appreciate that you took a lot of time to share your views, out of respect for your efforts I have approved this post. It does confirm that I needed to preserve my identity since you have resorted to personal attacks about (my brain size, employment status, benchwarmer etc) rather than address my attempt to warn people about following "self" and not "Christ". While asking for prayer for Andy and the church members.
I can see that you don't feel it is a problem to take life direction advice from an LDS preacher - we are not talking about secular work or mechanics here but "life direction" - many people would not agree with you on that myself included. Spiritual seduction is not something that finds you a Christian one day and wearing "magic Mormon underpants" the next. It is a slow insidious process and we are all at risk.
Of what benefit is it to win people to a more improved version of themselves rather than to Christ which is what Andy does in this message. I see that your main goal is to defend Andy but more importantly do you disagree with my comments about following Christ rather than "self".
Many men who have started out building God's kingdom have converted and started building their own. I have been an assistant pastor to men this has happened too and have chosen to follow Christ and not them. How will you know when this happens? Maybe you will have to heed someone's warning - how will you know its from God - maybe it will point to Him rather than themselves or some other man.
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jason Garcia
Apr 17, 2010 @ 1:04 pm | delete
- i cant believe you are taking shots at andy stanley...shame on you
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- Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
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by Widemouth
I'm a research maniac that opens wide and tells it the way I see it. I care about people more than money and love to debate with those who know their... more »
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