Glenn Beck as our Cyrus?

Yesterday I went to the massive "Restoring Honor" Glenn Beck & Sarah Palin rally in Washington, DC.

I know some of you saints might have a sour taste in your mouth at the thought, especially some of you who think yourselves more apolitical. I went, partially out of simply liking Beck. I typically find his political analysis as spot on, though I don't always agree with him. But mostly, I was driven to go an observe this event as a spectator, and reflect first hand upon the "movement" that is happening in our country, of which I believe Beck has clearly emerged as the figurehead of.

Having listened to Beck for several years now, and having carefully weighed what he has been saying, I am convinced God is using Glenn Beck to speak to the Church in America. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that he is playing a Cyrus like role, as the "servant of the Lord."

That may come as somewhat of a shock to some of you. Especially considering Beck is a devout Mormon, and we know that Mormons are not saved, and do not have eternal life abiding in them. But be that as it may, we cannot ignore the fact that God has spoken through such people in the past, and may raise up such people in the present. Cyrus, the ancient Persian king was a complete pagan. Yet, God used him to commission the Jews to rebuild the temple. Indeed, he said that God told him to do that very thing. Beck claims a very similar inspiration.

I believe in many ways, God is using Glenn Beck in a similar fashion to speak to the Church here in America. No doubt, Beck's message is tainted by his unique political and religious views. What he says is not a 100% "thus saith the Lord." But I believe God has raised Beck up rally people behind a message that is largely geared towards us as Christians living in America, so that we might return to the Lord, and He heal our land.

Indeed, Beck's message on repentance and our personal need for revival, is a message that few in the Church have been willing to preach, and for that, I believe God has raised him up to preach a message that many otherwise might not hear. Indeed, I would be so bold as to say that God has raised up Glenn Beck as part of one last final call.

So, this is my thesis. I would be interested in your feedback.

That may come as somewhat of a shock to some of you. Especially considering Beck is a devout Mormon, and we know that Mormons are not saved, and do not have eternal life abiding in them.

God will not use a man that is pointing people to a false religion that will damn their souls. The fact that he has high morals and conservative values does not outweigh his utterly lost condition. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? I pray that he will come to repentance and true saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Exactly which God is Beck calling everyone back too? Is the revival that Beck seeks simply to bring this country back to a nation that would be considered more "moral"? How can you have revival without true faith?

Well, Beck many times says he's simply calling people back to God. Granted, because of his Mormonism and trying to have mass appeal, he leaves it yup to you do define what you believe about God.

Is the revival that Beck seeks simply to bring this country back to a nation that would be considered more "moral"? How can you have revival without true faith?

Don't get me wrong, Beck's message is a bit off. I'm not denying this. It is in no way pure gospel. In many ways, it's not unlike the moral majority type argument from the 80's. But even with that said, I would still argue that God could be using his message to speak to us just the same.

God will not use a man that is pointing people to a false religion that will damn their souls. The fact that he has high morals and conservative values does not outweigh his utterly lost condition. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? I pray that he will come to repentance and true saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

No doubt, I pray Beck gets saved. But though Beck is a Mormon, so far as I have ever listened to him (and I've listened to him a lot), he's never once try to push his Mormon beliefs.

And remember, God used king Cyrus, the pagan king of Persia, to revive the Jews.

Jimmy, I agree with you. God is using Glenn Beck to speak the truth concerning the lies and deception that is going on in this country. We are praying that everything that is done in darkness would come to the light, and Glenn Beck is one of many instruments that God is speaking through.

I have never heard Glenn Beck discuss Mormon doctrine. However, I have heard him lay out the plan of salvation on his program, and he was doctrinally correct.

If the Church of Jesus Christ would be the salt and the light that God has called us to be, this nation would not be in the shape that it is in today. But because most of the Church, most of the preachers, and most Christians have been silent and passive concerning the moral issues that we are facing today as a nation, God is using the Glenn Becks to expose lies and deception in the same way that God uses the world to expose false teachers, because the Church for the most part is not doing it.

Mike

So I have to ask is there any precedence in the New Testament of the Lord raising up someone outside of the Faith to speak into the lives of the saints that make of the Church or a nation.

In Galations 1:8 Paul sais if anyone declares another gospel other than the one that I bring, which Beck being a Mormon does,let that person or angel be eternally condemned. So how do you reconcile your understanding that God has raised this man up to speak to the Body with Pauls exortation that we are not to give an ear to such people. I could understand if you were saying that he is saying some relevant things that are worth our attention, but when you implicate God in this you do serious harm to the Faith itself.

Would you feel the same way if a Hindu or New Age person had the same platform and was commending the nation to turn back to God? Would you feel as if God was raising that person up. There is a war being waged today in society over the issue of Truth and the Church is the only entity in the earth that has been uniquely fitted by God to make sense of that struggle. WE must take care and ensure that we dont find ourselves on the wrong side of this battle.

I have not listened to Beck until I heard him making fun of Barak Obama's daughter on radio. He questioned Barak's daughter level of education because she questioned her dad about the oil leak. He had just spoken about 'Family' being off limits. So he lost me there. It seemed like a total flop of integrity and fairness. Even though I am a Republican I felt a sadness that an intelligent person such as Beck would make such a statement about the child of the leader of the nation whom God has commanded us to pray for. I am sure that many of the Christians that are so riled up over Obama are not following this most basic command of their Lord. Such a deception. If we would pour as much mental and emotinal energy into obeying that command mabye something would change in Obama's heart. Yet to do that we would have to lay down our political bend and take up the Apostolic perspective of the nations and there place in the purposes of God. 'Stab us my God with Truth. The things the way you see and percieve them how ever much they are at variance with our, we desire yours' - Art Katz.

hi, Jesus can even save a morman...even a mormon needs a redeemer...pray and do not berate. love and learn.jimp

Or better yet, how about if a Muslim was telling us to turn back to God? How well do you think that would be received?

GOD spoke to Balaam through his
donkey; so I suppose it is possible
GOD might even use a Mormon to wake
this nation up!!

Hebrews 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

God may have spoken to His people through means outside of His people in times past. Yet I ask again where do we see in the New Testament God speaking through any other means than His Son. If God is going to speak He is going to speak through His Son and His SOn only has one earthly Body and mouth through which He will speak and that is His Body the CHurch. God Has placed Himself under this restriction.

So we can not correctly say that GOd will do something that He implicitly sais He will not do. Even though I know we like to say 'God can do anything'. Anything that God does has to be in keeping with His Character and if something is going forth that is contrary to His character (like a man who opposes the Gospel given at the first who seeks to point a nation back to God) then by that fact alone that something does not have its origin in God regardless of how poignant and relevant it may be.

Natan4Jesus and elanham have spoken the truth concerning Glenn Beck. What may one add to their words?

Christians beware!

Take heed!

The subtlety of the serpent is hissing again even as he did through Peter (Matt. 16:22,23).

Christ's displeasure against Peter for this suggestion of his, Matt.16:23.

We do not read of any thing said or done by any of his disciples, at any time, that he resented so much as this, though they often offended.

Observe, 1. How he expressed his displeasure:

He turned upon Peter, and (we may suppose) with a frown said, Get thee behind me, Satan. He did not so much as take time to deliberate upon it, but gave an immediate reply to the temptation, which was such as made it to appear how ill he took it. Just now, he had said, Blessed art thou, Simon, and had even laid him in his bosom; but here, Get thee behind me, Satan; and there was cause for both.

Note, A good man may by a surprise of temptation soon grow very unlike himself.

He answered him as he did Satan himself, Matt.4:10.

Note, (1.) It is the subtlety of Satan, to send temptations to us by the unsuspected hands of our best and dearest friends. Thus he assaulted Adam by Eve, Job by his wife, and here Christ by his beloved Peter.

It concerns us therefore not to be ignorant of his devices, but to stand against his wiles and depths, by standing always upon our guard against sin, whoever moves us to it.

Even the kindnesses of our friends are often abused by Satan, and made use of as temptations to us.

(2.) Those who have their spiritual senses exercised, will be aware of the voice of Satan, even in a friend, a disciple, a minister, that dissuades them from their duty.

We must not regard who speaks, so much as what is spoken; we should learn to know the devil's voice when he speaks in a saint as well as when he speaks in a serpent.

Whoever takes us off from that which is good, and would have us afraid of doing too much for God, speaks Satan's language.

(3.) We must be free and faithful in reproving the dearest friend we have, that saith or doth amiss, though it may be under colour of kindness to us. We must not compliment, but rebuke, mistaken courtesies. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Such smitings must be accounted kindnesses, Psalms 141:5.

(4.) Whatever appears to be a temptation to sin, must be resisted with abhorrence, and not parleyed with.

2. What was the ground of this displeasure; why did Christ thus resent a motion that seemed not only harmless, but kind? Two reasons are given:

(1.) Thou art an offence to me - Skandalon mou ei - Thou art my hindrance (so it may be read); “thou standest in my way.” Christ was hastening on in the work of our salvation, and his heart was so much upon it, that he took it ill to be hindered, or tempted to start back from the hardest and most discouraging part of his undertaking. So strongly was he engaged for our redemption, that they who but indirectly endeavoured to divert him from it, touched him in a very tender and sensible part.

Peter was not so sharply reproved for disowning and denying his Master in his sufferings as he was for dissuading him from them; though that was the defect, this the excess, of kindness. It argues a very great firmness and resolution of mind in any business, when it is an offence to be dissuaded, and a man will not endure to hear any thing to the contrary; like that of Ruth, Entreat me not to leave thee.

Note, Our Lord Jesus preferred our salvation before his own ease and safety; for even Christ pleased not himself (Rom. 15:3); he came into the world, not to spare himself, as Peter advised, but to spend himself.

See why he called Peter Satan, when he suggested this to him; because, whatever stood in the way of our salvation, he looked upon as coming from the devil, who is a sworn enemy to it. The same Satan that afterward entered into Judas, maliciously to destroy him in his undertaking, here prompted Peter plausibly to divert him from it. Thus he changes himself into an angel of light.

Thou art an offence to me.

Note, [1.] Those that engage in any great good work must expect to meet with hindrance and opposition from friends and foes, from within and from without.

[2.] Those that obstruct our progress in any duty must be looked upon as an offence to us. Then we do the will of God as Christ did, whose meat and drink it was to do it, when it is a trouble to us to be solicited from our duty. Those that hinder us from doing or suffering for God, when we are called to it, whatever they are in other things in that they are Satans, adversaries to us.

(2.) Thou savourest not the things that are of God, but those that are of men.

Note, [1.] The things that are of God, that is, the concerns of his will and glory, often clash and interfere with the things that are of men, that is, with our own wealth, pleasure, and reputation. While we mind Christian duty as out way and work, and the divine favour as our end and portion, we savour the things of God; but if these be minded, the flesh must be denied, hazards must be run and hardships borne; and here is the trial which of the two we savour.

[2.] Those that inordinately fear, and industriously decline suffering for Christ, when they are called to it, savour more of the things of man than of the things of God; they relish those things more themselves, and make it appear to others that they do so.
(M. Henry on Matt. 16:22,23)

Wicked men have been using Godly language to incite rebellious hearts within the children of light since the inception of this nation.

Beware of the leaven of Herod.

hi, some of you sound like the christians must have sounded when saul now paul started to speak of his love for Jesus and that he was an apostle... i am not comparing glen with paul... i am comparing the hearers and their probable attitudes.jimp

I think Beck learnt a lot of his economic/political analysis from Ron Paul. Ron Paul's at the helm of the libertarian movement, he's more interested in re-establishing Constitutional principles than spiritual matters.

I'm all for Beck defining which god he is talking about. It's the same "god" that no politician can actually define when mentioned in a public speech; it's almost like this "god" is more of an idea than an actual Person.

When someone says "We need to turn back to 'God'" it leaves it up to the individual who this "God" is: is it the god that allows them to live in unrepentant sin? Is it the god of universalism? Is it the god who had "spirit children" with his wife?
See, that is the problem with using this ambigious term "God" without defining who it is- even outside of the the mainstream cults and other religions there are many idols that people have made in their minds concerning who God is, many of them quasi christian.

Oh yeah- same thing for Beck's use (or anyone else's) of "Jesus Christ". Which one? The new age "Christ"? The spirit brother of Satan? One of the prophets? Or the third person of the Trinity, God in the flesh.

hi,surely you all know the heart of this man and have watched the shows when he names Jesus as the saviour and traces the history of evangelical christianity from our founders til now so that you have all this wisdom to make these unloving,ungodly statements...as i said earlier keep quiet and pray for this man.he needs a redeemer like anyone else does...this is why Jesus hated the religeous people of his day.jimp

Hi,

This is bound to be a very active discussion. I would like to put in my two cents. I do not watch TV or listen to talk radio myself but have had the opportunity to see and hear a little while spending time with friends.

First looking at the hosting source of Glen Beck, FOX News, I find it sickening that the same company so many "Christians" adore for promoting their views also promotes the TV programming that is destroying their children through shows like The Simpsons, The Family Guy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and other directly demonic series), Gilmore Girls and many more.

The FOX News channel itself is guilty of producing what I would term as "Conservative Porn" or use of female correspondents dolled up and dressed just a smidge beyond what is generally acceptable in provocative clothing.

Then there is the fruit of their lips. Segments are either in blatant hatred of those in the opposing party or berating them in pride for acting so stupidly. Neither of these are fruits of the Spirit.

I have also seen that those who listen to these people become like them. They are not humble, are quick to speak, not apt to listen, quick to pass judgement, unforgiving and rude.

I beg of you brothers and sisters that listen to talk radio or watch FOX News to cut this thing off before it does more damage to you. Be saved from its deception and restored to a full relationship with Jesus Christ. America will be burned with fire and this entire world will pass away but in eternity the only truly righteous government of Jesus Christ will remain forever.

Luke 19:40 "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

The Lord has raised up "stones" to proclaim truth in these last days. (Beck, Savage, etc.)

Maybe I said too much???

Did I say that I was "edified" by these fellows???

Did I say they were proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom???

I simply said, If God can raise up a "stone" to glorify Jesus... He can use an "unsaved man" to point people to the Bible (which is Truth!!)

Beck has been quoted as saying, "read the bible", "fast", "find out who God is", "Know what you believe"

Jer 29:13* And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God used a donkey to point a man to God! God is not limited... He can use Beck...

Truth of doctrine and truth of heart are both necessary; sincerity to propound a right end, and knowledge of the word of truth to direct us in the right way to that end.
-William Gurnall

Stop! Calm down and breathe for a moment. Ok, good.

Brothers, I only meant this thread to be a friendly consideration and reflection, not an all out war. I never imagined my simple thought would explode as it has. Indeed, it seems like a run away freight train was let loose on here, something of which I had no intent to create nor imagined it would give birth to. Perhaps I did not articulate things as well as I should have, and brought some confusion out as a result. Seeing this thread take off like it has, I have desired all day to get back here and explain some things, for I fear some of you have imagined that I've said some things that I have not said, nor would ever say. Which I've found shocking, considering the history I have had here on Sermon Index. But never mind any of that, let me attempt to now articulate what I probably should've said more fully to begin with.

When it comes to Glenn Beck, SermonIndex.net probably has nobody that has listened to Beck as long and as closely as I have. There may be one or two of you that have, but such is unlikely. I've been listening to him long before he landed on Fox News, and long before he was popular. I've listened to him on the radio for several years, and even pay $7 a month to do so, since his radio broadcast comes on while I am at work, and no local station broadcasts him. On average, I listen to his radio broadcast 3-4 times a week, and usually listen to a full show (minus commercials), and have done so for some time now. Sometimes I manage to catch his TV show, and have read some of the things he has written as well.

I listen to Beck, in spite of the fact that he's a Mormon, and in spite of the fact that he's far from a godly man. I've had a lot of time to digest his message, and the means by which he articulates his message. I disagree fundamentally with him on a number of issues politically, theologically, and how he even conducts himself on the TV and radio. What he has to say is not a thus saith the Lord by any stretch of the imagination to me, and I have no doubt in my mind right now that if he died, he would burn forever in the torments of hell.

But be that as it may, I have deliberately chosen to listen to Beck, because I believe he has a unique perspective on things that challenges me to critically reflect upon what is happening in the world we live in. Sometimes I think he hits the nail right on the head, and at other times, I think he takes a swing and misses badly. Sometimes I think he has a very good and positive message. Other times, he makes me sick and I literally turn him off. But either way, I think he is a smart individual who really does his homework on a subject, and I think the investigative reporting he's done on certain issues have been very helpful in understanding some of the things we see going on in this world. How he interprets those things might not always be correct, but personally I have found "the facts" of his arguments to generally be true, even if his personal spin is flawed. Indeed, he brings far more facts to the table than any talking head on the TV or radio that I have ever personally seen, conservative or liberal, and I have always found that very refreshing. He will tell you what he has read, is reading, and plans on reading, and reveals all his sources. I would challenge you to find any political commentator who does that night after night after night. I've personally yet to find any.

As to my thesis that God is using Glenn Beck as a sort of Cyrus to the Church in America, I recognize you might find such a thing as theologically offensive. But so far as I have carefully read through this thread and reflected upon what people have said, I still haven't seen anything put forth that should cause me to change my mind on Biblical grounds. Yes, I realize Glenn Beck is a Mormon, and I am well aware of what Mormons believe. I also realize that Glenn Beck is very libertarian, and am well aware of what libertarians believe. And yes, I realize that Glenn Beck is far from being a godly man, and the tactics he uses on the TV and radio are just as dirty as any two bit politician, and that in many ways, Glenn Beck is a hypocrite.

But even with all that said, I still don't believe any of these things disqualifies God from using Glenn Beck in a Cyrus type of role to speak to the Church. These things no more disqualify Beck from such a position than they disqualified Cyrus from the role he played. Indeed, Isaiah went so far as to call Cyrus, "the Lord's anointed." Do many of you who have objected to what I have said even know who Cyrus was? I fear you have forgotten. Cyrus was a pagan king of the nation of Persia, who held to beliefs that were not exactly Jewish. He likely followed a "prophet" by the name of Zoroaster. He was far from a godly man, and his personal philosophies actually made him a bit of a pluralist. He issued the edict to restore Jerusalem, and said God told him to do it. But he also issued other such edicts for other cities that had suffered a similar fate at the hands of Babylon. He was very "ecumenical" in his policy, because by being so, he figured he'd make more friends politically. He wasn't called "Cyrus the Great" for nothing.

Do I believe Glenn Beck is saved? No. Do I believe he is full of the Spirit? No. Do I believe he has the gospel message right, and is preaching a pure gospel? No!!! But could he still have heard something from God, and be delivering a message from God to the Church? Absolutely. Cyrus did it with the Jews in exile, and I believe God could use Glenn Beck in the same manner. Indeed, Beck's "revival" message no doubt has other motives behind it which do not square away with the kingdom of God. But then again, king Cyrus had other such motives too. But mixed motives and being involved in a counterfeit faith doesn't mean God won't raise men like these up for His purposes, and direct them to speak to His people.

Indeed, I am confident I hear the Lord speaking through Glenn Beck. I'm certain of it. And I don't say that because I like the guy or because I am partial to his political leanings. But I believe the Lord has taken somebody like Glenn Beck, and is using him to try and get our attention. Much in the same way the Lord has been trying to get our attention through the 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, and a host of other events that have transpired in recent years. "God is trying to wake us up," is something I have heard the Lord saying to me long before Beck was on the scene. But "waking up" is something His people have by in large, have not done. So God has sent us disaster after disaster in an attempt to wake us up.

Likewise, I believe God has also raised up an offensive Mormon like Glenn Beck to speak that to us in order to get our attention. No, not in anyway as an endorsement of Mormonism, or that we should be ecumenical buddies with Beck, or become bleeding heart patriots and tea party members. Far from it. But I believe he has used this Cyrus to speak to us, in part, as an indictment against us for failing to preach the message we were supposed to be to preaching and living all this time. In it, I believe I hear God making a sort of final call for us to set things right as Christians here in America, to "rebuild the temple" that lay in ruins. Christ loves us deeply, and wants us to hear what He has to say, and I don't believe it is beyond the Lord to use such men to speak to us.

Indeed, some of the greatest messages the Lord has spoken into my life was through the mouths of people who were not Christians. They didn't say anything that I didn't know the gospel to already be saying. But in their saying what they said, and I have in mind two very distinct instances, God used these unbelieving blasphemers to speak to me through the Holy Spirit, and bring some much needed correction to my life. Indeed, I was so shocked to hear what I heard then, and to come out of the mouths of unbelievers, that I knew for sure the Lord was challenging me at a level I needed to be challenged at. Indeed, such is actually in keeping with the patterns of God in redemptive history. Indeed, God reminded His people in Isaiah 28:11 that when they refused to listen to Him, He would speak to them through the lips of a foreign nation whom He would raise up, and such was an indictment against them for not being the people He called them to be. And when they heard what amounted to gibberish, they were to know God was trying to get their attention, and calling them to wake up. I believe Beck speaks a lot of gibberish, but in the midst of his gibberish, I hear God speaking very loudly and clearly to the Church in America: Wake up already!

So, don't harden your hearts and clog your ears. God is trying to speak to us, and has raised up a Cyrus to do it. Hear what I personally believe God is saying through men like Glenn Beck.

Oh Frankie, go back to Scotland and tell them that Beck is king ;-)

LOL Frank. And I would say what David said, "I have become wiser than my teachers, because of your law" :-)

Hi Brother Jimmy...

I tried to read through all of the posts...and I think that everyone brings up some valid points (including you). Personally, I don't watch or listen to Glenn Beck. It isn't that I hate the guy or anything. I just don't really have the time or opportunity to sift through what he says on his radio program.

I also realize that he is a Mormon (which I agree is a filled with false doctrines and phony "Scriptures"); however, that doesn't necessarily make EVERY last thing that he says about government automatically wrong. I also know that he professes to be a libertarian with conservative views on morality...some of which I agree with.

Now, Mr. Beck does criticize quite a bit of the President's policy decisions and goals -- which I see nothing wrong with. After all, the President of the United States is NOT a king. He is merely an elected representative chosen by the will of the people every four years. Personally, I feel that he has been wrong in some of that criticism of President Obama and right on some of that criticism of President Obama.

Of course, there are some good and nice people here on SermonIndex who spent quite a bit of effort doing the same thing with President Bush -- even to the point of packaging harsh criticism in form of "words" from God that even openly questioned the sincerity of his claim to be a Christian (and ironically, right or wrong, remain silent during this current administration). Yes, Christians can be funny about this sort of thing.

Can God use Mr. Beck? I suppose that God can use anything and anyone for His purpose. I agree with many of the things that Glenn Beck supposedly believes -- such as the sanctity of unborn life. Before I was born, there was an unsaved man and woman who believe abortion was wrong...and urged my mother to not have an abortion (which my biological father was insisting upon). They convinced my mother -- and I am alive today. So, yeah, I believe that God can use an unsaved person to do something "good." After all, Rahab the prostitute "by faith" helped the spies (Hebrews 11:31).

Do I believe that Glenn Beck will bring about a religious revival? Nah.

However, I am happy that he at least made a public effort to get people to consider spiritual matters. Too often, I think that we Christians hide our faith under a bushel of the family, Church, Christian friends and Christian forums. This guy (who I think is obviously flawed) at least had the audacity to tell the world from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to consider spiritual matters. I wonder how many Christians in our churches have done that during the last year -- even on a local level?

So...I think that everyone has made some good points. I did read a bit about the rally in DC. I even saw some of it some online. However, I still won't turn on my radio to listen every day. Still, I think that it is sad that there was a sinner doing the work that most Christians won't do...proclaiming (amongst other things) that the people in this country of our temporary dwelling need "to return to God."

I'm still all for starting at the foundation and getting definitions... Jimmy, is there a New Testament example that you can think of that would substantiate your initial thesis? Just curious.
Joe

A New Testament example:

Caiaphas the high priest prophesied the death of Christ.

Cornelius had a vision and word from the Lord prior to his conversion.

But even if these examples don't suffice, the Old Testament is full of examples, of which Paul said that those things we read about happened for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages have come. God using pagans, and even an ass to deliver a word from the Lord are frequent occurrences in the Old Testament.

Not to sound crass, but I bet if I bet I had entitled this thread, "Glenn Beck is an ass" (in the KJV sense of the term), people would have been more willing to accept my thesis. Indeed, I bet even Frank would repent in sackcloth and ashes if I changed it right now, wouldn't you Frankie? :-)

*edited for content after the fact*

Do I believe that Glenn Beck will bring about a religious revival? Nah.

Such I would never assert myself. But I don't doubt that God is using him, in part, to give us a sort of wake up call.

Good thoughts Frank. I agree. We need no such liberation theology, either left or right verions. The last thing we need is another "moral majority" or "Christian coalition." What we do need is a heaven sent revival on a national scale, without which our nation will surely perish in a fiery apocalytpic style end. And anytime such a revival has happened in the past, the fabric of entire nations changes. Economically, politically, and morally.

Interesting piece. But in all this Frank, you've still yet to address the fact that God used a man by the name of Cyrus to address the Jews concerning the rebuilding of their temple. This man named Cyrus definitely had perverted political motives in his action. The man was also the follower and propigator of a false and counterfeit religion. We can demonize the motives of Beck all we want. We can even demonize the motives of those who have assembled to hear what Beck has been saying. But, the reality and Scriptural truth of the matter is, historically God has used such situations to ultimately accomplish His will.

Please deal with the Cyrus issue. Such is something that has been tap danced around thus far. And appeals such as "wee little brother, I'm older than you" while I know said in love, don't undo the validity of the Biblical argument I've asserted. And in love brother Frank, as I know you and are of the same Spirit in the Lord and cherish your feedback greatly, to challenge you, please stick to the Scriptures. Unless you can show me how contextually from the Scriptures how Beck doesn't fit a type of Cyrus, then I cannot accept your counter arguments.

Cyrus was a pagan.
Beck is a pagan.
God used Cyrus to give a word.
Thus, I believe God can use Beck in the same manner.
Cyrus' word was: rebuild the temple.
Beck's word is: rebuild the temple (you and me).

That is the logic of my argument. Please show me where I'm wrong.

*edited for clarification*

a theory that allows and justifies your admitted countless hours of watching and listening to this man for years

Actually, I'm not using the theory to justify listening to Beck. I listen to Beck for a variety of personal reasons, none of which have to do with my theory about him being a Cyrus like figure. Far from being "flimsy," I see striking parallels.

You yourself were asked for New Testement examples and the results were, to say the least, sad.

Well, I believe in using the entire counsel of God's word, and not just limiting myself to the New Testament. But somebody asked for some New Testament examples, so I shot off a couple off the top of my head. There might be more. Maybe not. But Paul's use of the Old Testament as a means of understanding the world we live in, and telling us such was written for our instruction is more than enough justification.

But if you don't believe God can speak through an ass or a Cyrus anymore, the burden of proof is upon you to show He cannot, as I can easily show countless examples where He has. Personally, I see a great deal of continuity between testaments, and liberally make use of both, and do so through careful analysis and exegesis. And if you just wish to say, "oh that was Old Testament," type of arguments, I think it is sad you would put such a limit upon God, and the situations you can hear Him in.

Do you agree with this statement that was shouted loudly in the public square? Who could disagree?

Such is a fair point. But so far as I can tell, Glenn Beck is not possesed by a devil. He seems like Cyrus, a good old fashioned pagan, who though lost, God is using his words to speak to us through.

And as it is, I've heard the voice of the Lord speak to me through unbelievers, and even such things as circumstances. God likes to do things like that too you know :-)

Many blessings in Christ....

I applaud you for thinking critically about this matter. I'm not sure I agree with your thesis, but at least you are using your "bean".

I've been tempted to just treat him as another false prophet amongst many talking heads, like Oprah. But I don't believe I can easily dismiss him in such a fashion. No doubt, he says some things that are very, very wrong from time to time, and are in keeping with his Mormon idealogy. But as I pause and think, I suspect Cyrus perhaps said some such things too. The only difference is we have a large record and daily live broadcasts of Beck. Cyrus, his words are not as well preserved, and he didn't have a 24 hour news network to speak on.

is Theology and doctrine so important?

Theology and experience are supposed to be married to one another. Truth matters. For example, I might imagine I am married to some super model TV celebrity. And one day, when I get off work, I decide, "I'm going to go home and see my wife." But as I attempt to let myself in her house, the truth and reality of the situation will quickly show that I am not married to this person. For I will likely be greated with a guard dog, security officer, and a room full of police officers. Ultimately, what I feel, while important, must be one with truth and facts. Otherwise, I am living and believing a lie.

Brother Frank, the next time I go to such a rally, I will probably go in order to preach. :-) I'll be sure to invite you though. I had thought about preaching at this rally, but, I went mostly just to observe and listen more than anything, and attempt to get a feel for what was happening. And I felt like I had nothing in and of itself to preach, so, I stayed silent.

And for the record, there were some street preachers at the rally site and around it. I only stopped to listen to them for a minute or so. But, it was clear to me they didn't understand what Beck was up to, as they preached points that simply didn't have anywhere to land. Like one guy was saying, "Government isn't the answer." And somebody else shouted back at him, "We know that already. You are preaching to the choir." I don't think very many, if any people at the rally that day, believe that the government is anyway the answer to the problems we face in society. If anything, most of them believe government is the problem.

"Glenn Beck bodly talks about God, and Jesus Christ, in the public square, more than most evangelical Christians. He warns about coming judgment upon this nation, he calls for repentance and obedience, he exposes evil, he quotes from the bible, and he calls for and prays for revival...I thought that is what this whole web site was about!"

Beck's using the same words as you but speaking a totally different language.

Jimmy, I've enjoyed your thoughts, and if your thesis is, "can God use Beck as a 'Cyrus'", sure He "can" if He so desires, but that's as self evident as the thesis gets. The question of "is He" is nothing more than speculation. Good question though :)
Joe

hi, your thoughts on mormons is exactly the same as a jews thoughts on a semaritan. even one who was shacking. and the one who was loving his nieghbor.jimp

ok...but how do we know he is not a Christian?

Well, Glenn Beck is a confessed Mormon. Assuming he believes what Mormonism teaches, and he says he does, then his theological convictions are in grave error, and are nothing that resemble Christianity, except perhaps a few names and catch phrases. Last I checked, polytheism, that is, the belief in many gods, is something that Mormonism teaches. Polytheism is completely incompatible with the Scriptures, and anybody who believes such is in grave error and cannot in anyway be considered a Christian. Many invoke the name of Christ who are not in fact, Christian.

The question of "is He" is nothing more than speculation. Good question though :)

Agreed. And I don't think it really matters one way or the other what you believe concerning Beck, as what you believe concerning him isn't an essential of the faith by any stretch of the imagination. Whether God is speaking through him at the end of the day doesn't really matter whole heck of a lot.

However, I think if you believe there is no way that God could speak through such a man, such (to me) at least reveals that you probably have some major religious walls in your life that you need to allow God to tear down. In fact, you are probably missing God say a lot of things these days to you. Which I think is sad. I look for God to speak to me in my everyday life through trials, circumstances, other people, men, women, believers, unbelievers, and even a donkey if He must.

Of course, ultimatley He is speaking to me through His word and the Holy Spirit. His indwelling Spirit teaches me all things, and sometimes through the words of complete pagans, the Spirit will quicken something to my attention, and minister unto me.

Here is Glenn Beck talking about his conversion to Mormonism

http://www.glennbeckmormon.com

We know a christian, one of God's children, a convert, a spirit filled believer, "one of them", a follower of Jesus Christ,

by the fruit they bear, and the love of Christ that is shown one toward a another, that is to the brethren, is he displaying his love for the church body as a whole? for the brethren in loving kindness?

Some of the things that Mr. Beck states is heretical, racist, and extremely offensive to saint or sinner, we r sinners saved by a loving God's grace.

I have no judgement for Mr. Beck, I can only state what I have heard him speak. He appears to be fixated on president Obama being a muslim instead of getting behind the President with Hot prayer!

THis is one way that one can distinguish a Christian, our fixations....

With Love to all
manofGod

I dare say that if Glenn Beck was a Muslim calling America back to God this conversation wouldn't even be happening.

To me there is no fundamental difference between Beck and a Muslim and a follower of Zoroaster. Again, my argument is: Beck is a type of Cyrus. When you reflect upon who Cyrus was, I say if God could use the pagan persian King Cyrus to speak to the Jews, then he can use Beck to speak to us.

So far in this thread, all the people who I've seen disagree with my thesis (which may be wrong), have totally dodged who Cyrus was.

My thesis is Beck is a type of Cyrus.

I didn't dodge Cyrus. Hebrews 1:1 supersedes him.

Well, interpreting Hebrews 1:1 to mean that God doesn't speak through other people anymore isn't good exegesis. Because a lot of people have come after Jesus Christ was crucified and risen that God has spoken through. I.e. The author of Hebrews.

Can you say FOR SURE say that God is speaking through Beck they way he spoke through Cyrus? Of course not! Why? Because your thesis is based on your opinion and not the inspired Scriptures.

I cannot say for sure. I could be wrong. But, I think there is a strong parallel. Yes, that is simply my opinion. It is not a thus saith the Lord.

Have you read the account of King Cyrus?

Yes I have. And Beck is saying the God of heaven has told him to say the things he's said. This is no different than Cyrus... who by the way... was a pagan.

You dodged the fact that Cyrus specifically referenced Lord, also known as Yahweh the One True God. In the text he is speaking to the children of Israel who are following Yahweh.

And I don't think Beck claims to be invoking another God. He believes he is speaking for the one true God, even as Cyrus did.

Thank you Neil for your tender disagreements and brotherly affections. I appreciate it.

because as the Holy Spirit testifies to my spirit, what we are seeing in our beloved America is the begininngs of fascism

I totally agree with this. Our America is not the same as it once was, and though ALL nations ultimately have a death certificate attached to them from the moment they are born, I do believe with all of my heart in the Spirit that God has begun to let us spin entirely out of control, and soon we will be destroyed. In my opinion, 9-11 was the beginning of our end.

But even with that said, I still believe like the nation of Judah under the reign of Hezekiah, while our destruction is certain, a national sized revival would stay the hand of God for a season. But all Hezekiah's revival did was tap the brakes a little bit, and as soon as it was over, a vacuum was created and quickly filled with the Babylonian army.

I watched his speech, and it didnt ring sincere, i didnt smell the Sweet Frangrance of Christ

Well, having listened to Glenn Beck for several years now, even before he was at Fox News, one thing I do believe about him is that he is entirely sincere. No doubt, you will not smell the fragrance of Christ on him or in his words. For he does not know the Lord. But at Saturday's rally, he was probably the most sincere I've ever seen him.

Sometimes God brings Revival to annoint us for burial, and that might be the case.

That's a powerful thought. I will have to ponder that more. It certainly makes sense in light of Hezekiah's revival, before Judah was destroyed at the hands of Babylon.

i have seen visions of this beautiful land on fire from the east coast to the west.

I've not seen such myself, but once I did have a vision where I saw the sky painted red and a great multitude trembling in fear concerning the things that were coming upon the world. In the vision God told me to not fear the things that the people fear, for though they shake in fear, He is able to make us stand, for He is with us.

The word the Lord keeps telling me time and time again: violent days are ahead.

It was geopolitical strategy to shore up his west flank, and insure good will with the Jews.

Agreed. And it is my understanding of history that the Jews were not the only people that Cyrus treated in such a fashion. It was all ultimately a political ploy by him to enhance his own kingdom. But whatever the case, he seems to have definitely heard from the Lord in some fashion, and spoken on his behalf, even if he definitely had mixed motives in what he did, and in spite of the fact that he was a pagan. He wouldn't be the first or last such person to do such in Scripture.

my pen is "running dry", but tommorrow morning i will prayerfully read the pertinent Scripture with an OPEN mind and soul....

That's what I hope :-) Especially consider it in light of what Isaiah said of him in Isaiah 44:28-45:25

He is speaking for the One True God as he locks arms with others who DO NOT follow Yahweh?

Cyrus did, did he not? Isaiah 45:4 states that that Cyrus didn't know the Lord, and history says he was a follower of the "prophet" Zoroaster. Zoroasterism was the primary religion of Persia, if I'm not mistaken. So, why couldn't Beck, like Cyrus, claim to speak in the name of the God of the Bible, yet at the same time, be the pagan he is?

Glenn Beck just like the religious right and the leberated left are all lost, there may be some of these men who are sincere in their hearts, but as a whole these men are lost an far from the friendship and peaceful shores that God provides.

They still fight and bicker like arch rivals, they complain and fight for the liberation or the freedom of America. Glenn Beck sounds like a type of Paul Revere to me.

But I would be remissed to even compare him to Paul Revere.
He is rebellious, man looks at the outward, but God searches the heart.

We know our brothers and sisters by the fruit they bear, and the unfeigned love that is expressed through one another.

For example the apostle PAul dealt graciously with King Agrippa, in love, but with the utmost of truth, Pauls' anointing was indeed from Christ, and his dealings with the likes of men, his wisdom, his life was led of theholy spirit.

Glenn beck speaks viciously about men of rule and office, not in the spirit of prayer, patience, not in love, but vehemently.

Let us just lift the man up b4 the Lord so he can understand the measure of these days and of his own for that matter.

"i have seen visions of this beautiful land on fire from the east coast to the west."

"I've not seen such myself, but once I did have a vision where I saw the sky painted red and a great multitude trembling in fear concerning the things that were coming upon the world. In the vision God told me to not fear the things that the people fear, for though they shake in fear, He is able to make us stand, for He is with us."

One poster accentuated that what one believes is tantamount to how one interprets not only Scripture but events.

The two quotes above are just the tip of the iceberg regarding the underlying deception of what is being brought to the surface in this thread.

STOP the foolish speculation
STOP poisoning the minds of all who read your twisted surmising

START proclaiming HIS WORD
START repenting of your mindless confusion

Hear ye the WORD of the LORD through HIS prophet Jeremiah:

Jer. 23:16-32 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No disaster shall come upon you.'"

For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened?

Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked.

The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly.

"I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.

But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.

"Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away?

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.

I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, 'I have dreamed, I have dreamed!'

How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal?

Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD.

Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who steal my words from one another.

Behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who use their tongues and declare, 'declares the LORD.'

Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the LORD, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the LORD.

The false eshatological views of those who are engaged in this foolery, are as well flowing through this mesmerizing messy muddled maze.

Luke 16:16 The Law and the Prophets were until John; from then the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

Heb. 2:8 "You subjected all things under his feet. For in order to subject all things under him, He left nothing not subjected to him. But now we do not yet see all things being subject to him;"

...but remember, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

...and that, "for through faith we walk, not through sight" (2 Cor. 5:7)

Brother Neil, there are times you write stuff that really makes me wish I could poke you in the eye. But then you say something that so reasonates in my spirit that I want to hug you.

i am a patriot, but way way before that, i am a worm of Christ, and God give me strength and calling, but i will speak the Word, and i have NO interest to tickle ears, or to wrap Jesus in ANY FLAG.

Jimmy, I haven't been commenting lately, but I've been reading the forums none the less. I agree with your thesis. God can use donkeys, rulers, anyone. You are not saying to jump on some ecumenical bandwagon and sing songs on a hay ride. What I hear you saying is that because of a lack in the Church God has used a donkey to slap our knuckles. I do believe there are some people on here these days who would rather split hairs than deal with the real issue being discussed.

The church has wrapped itself up in a straight jacket and is twisting and turning knocking over everything in its way and accomplishing nothing. We have politicized Christ and cheer as we send our young people off to war to die in an earthly conflict while the world goes to hell and we counsel other young people to be "real sure" God has called them to missions. God has to appear bodily to convince us to serve Him but a recruiter with alcohol on his breath is all it takes to drag our sons and daughters off to war. Now I fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and have the ribbons and awards to prove it before anyone says anything.

We need to wake up and start serving God and not our own interests. The straight jacket is our own rebellion and not the fault of any earthly authority. Did we forget that we wrestle not against flesh and blood? If it takes a mormon to stir us from our slumber than it simply reflects poorly on us. God (yes, the God of heaven) is still God and truth is still truth. I hope some of this made sense. We need to stop messing around and get down to the core issue and that is loving the Lord our God with all of our heart mind soul and strength. If we do that everything else will become so much clearer and we won't need God to use alternate means to wake us. We need to stop making marches and start making disciples.

I have missed reading your posts hoohoou.

As I yours Areadymind. God's just been leading me along different paths as of late. I've been keeping up some but haven't felt free to post.

"well then, which is it, do i get a hug, or do you get hurt?" Very nice. Just know that I'd never want to blind you, but just make your eye water a little:) You know I'm joking with the eye poking, but hopefully everyone else does too. Thought provoking comments often cause emotional responses, that was my point.

Ok, back to my hairshirt.

You are not saying to jump on some ecumenical bandwagon and sing songs on a hay ride. What I hear you saying is that because of a lack in the Church God has used a donkey to slap our knuckles. I do believe there are some people on here these days who would rather split hairs than deal with the real issue being discussed.

Well said. Exactly my thought.

Brethren,
Let us be very careful…

Remember how Paul dealt with the slave girl who had a spirit of divination: he did not let her speak, even though her message seemed to be a good one (Acts 16:16-18). Meditate on this passage, and consider the difference between this situation and Balaam’s situation or Cyrus’s. God restrained Balaam’s madness and turned a curse into a blessing. This did not give Balaam any credibility to become Israel’s prophet though… As for Cyrus, it is true that God uses governing authorities to accomplish His purposes, even pagan authorities. However, once again, this does not give pagans credibility to lead God’s people.
Let us be very careful…

Please, I beg you to read 2 Peter 2:1-3, and seriously pray about it. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing…

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.” (Acts 20:28-31)

To explain what I mean by fixations, since I have to do to do that. It is simply that we as a body tend to get all hot and bothered over issues that we feel we have to personally defend and place "our" solid stand against. It isnt the Lord much of the time at all.

A prophet or a follower of Christ emanates and shines like a light even among heathen, then shed understanding as given by the holy ghost, it enlightens, not out of knowledge but out of inspired love that from God that renews, refresh, ticks-off people, but their love and concern is so done out of a God led, God-loved burden for HE and the people.

Glen Beck appears to me as a selfish man insistent that he will have a voice, he is absolutely filled with "self-righteous indignation", what will it profit him if he hasnt sought God and called out unto the deep?

Not only that, but I will only declare this one time, politics and the Christ we stand for do not mix. many will have a different take or opinion, but i could care-less about the right or the left. The O reilly's, the Hannity's, Sharpton's, cnn or Mr Beck, they are modern day Zealots, that have missed HIS coming, and they will resume to miss HIS coming because of such fixations, the Holy ghost knows how to speak through qualified men and women of His choosing to get the message across under the power of HIS anointing.

Why do they miss His coming? They are still looking to be liberated or delivered by that which is carnal and suprficial. Jesus is the absolute answer!
Mahoney,

God uses anyone, yes, and the anointing destroys yokes, bondage, and all manner of wickedness.

If I may, I would like to see if I understand everyones heart on this issue. (It's obviously an important matter.) I won’t attempt to speak for anyone, but to echoe back the very best of what I am hearing. I'll then share my own point of view:)

Jimmy’s thesis was that Beck could be a type of Cyrus, because historically God has used unbelievers to help restore the state of Israel, or to give aid to the early church. This thesis rests on the idea that Christians can publicly associate with unbelievers in the realm of moral and political aspirations, while at the same time disassociate with their heretical spiritual doctrines and low views of scripture. Realizing this two-tier approach is problematic, Jimmy proposed the idea in the form of a thesis.

Even so, the heart behind the thesis is a hope that perhaps real Christians are finally starting to address their consciences before God, assuming responsibility as individuals, rather then looking toward politicians to bail them out. GK Chesterton Once observed “America is a nation with the soul of a church.” This is quite a different thing then saying “America is a Christian nation.” Nevertheless, Beck could be attempting to speak to that “soul” of America...to stir and wake us up before we become a soulless nation of heathens who have lost all religion, and thus have no reason to practice self-control morally or economically.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.(Proverbs 14:34)

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (Proverbs 29:2)

---------------------------------------

Now, I have heard essentially two distinct critiques of this thesis, that I believe are valid concerns.

As it was observed below by Frank and Krispy, the two distinct critiques being brought against Jimmy’s thesis are represented by two of our brethren who don't always see eye to eye politically speaking. That is significant to me.

The first critique was a warning for Christians to beware of implicating the cause and reputation of Christ into the quasi-religious cause of Americanism. The concern is that in the ideology of Beck, one can hear nationalistic crusading anthems rising up against other peoples and races, conjuring up the darkest memories of western history where the state became a cult that used religious symbols with terrifying power over the masses. Our present storm clouds of economic depression and terrorism are weather conditions ripe for fascism. In addition to this vision, I also heard a shepherds tender burden to protect the sincere but naive American sheep who is frightened by the idea that their nation may be in decline. They are admonished to seek comfort in God, and not in an American resurgence, lest they sacrifice themselves and their children in the bloody and greedy gears of state machinery.

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36)

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.(John 17:14-15)

The second critique was a warning for bible believing Christians joining into an overtly spiritual mission with a non-believer. This comes from a heart fueled by a vigilance for the truthfulness of scripture over all other priorities. The idea that a mormon could be treated, if not heralded, as a prophetic voice on a national level among conservative evangelical Christians suggests that the great apostasy is underway. If apostolic doctrine is dispensable to our objectives, then we can know for sure we have the wrong objective, and in our pragmatism we are no longer contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints. (see Jeff's thread on ecumenical concerns also.)

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2).

------------------------------------
This is how I hear all three points of view. I can happily fellowship with any brethren who sees Glenn Beck through one of these points of view. I sincerely empathize with and respect all three.

In the end, while I heartily agreed with the merit within all the concerns expressed, Krispy’s concern for doctrinal integrity expresses for me the most clear cut objective reason to not associate with Glenn Beck. Beck, in my opinion, is being rather exploitive of his audience when he uses the language of a spiritual leader. (Whether unintentional, or with good intentions, I do believe he wants to resonate with Christians not just politically or morally, but spiritually.)

While I do believe it is permissible in the Holy Spirit for a Christian to prayerfully hold political opinions, whether they be conservative or liberal, I do not believe the Holy Spirit would give me the liberty to risk lowering the authority of scripture publicly, especially when there has never been a lower regard for scripture in the church then there is presently. The chance for being misunderstood as endorsing Glenn Beck’s spiritual doctrines is simply too real for me to in good conscience to identify my life with his cause.

I love all of you guys in the Lord!

Blessings,

Mike

I thank God for your insight as well Frank.

Mike