Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Book Review: Changed By Faith

From the description of this book, I was really looking forward to it. And I was really disappointed. In the very first chapter, Mr. Palau's unbiblical theology is revealed. He talked about a 13 year old girl who came forward at one of his meetings, lonely and hurt. He asked her if she wanted more for her life and explained that God had a wonderful plan just for her. He proceeded to lead her in the sinner's prayer. He offered her a cure without ever explaining her disease. It was never explained to her that she was a sinner condemned to hell. It was never explained to her that she deserved God's punishment for breaking His holy law. She was just offered grace. Grace, which is meaningless apart from an understanding of what we truly deserve. I was crushed. This is the very reason so many "try out" God and then abandon their faith when life gets hard. Life in Christ is full of peace and joy, yes, but it is harder, not easier than a life of sin. It's easy to go with the flow, living in and loving sin. It's hard to fight against the current of the world and live for Christ.
Luis Palau preaches an unbiblical gospel. Please do not get this book for yourself or anyone you know.

Todd Friel, host of Wretched TV, confronted Mr. Palau at one of his evangelistic mega-events. Here's what he had to say:

I suggested he was giving the cure without explaining the disease of sin. Mr. Palau informed me that everyone has an overwhelming burden of guilt and it is not necessary for him to preach about their need for forgiveness.
Suspecting he might say that, I handed him a c.d. with a montage of people we interviewed on the street. We asked strangers, "Do you have an overwhelming burden of guilt?" The responses ranged from condescending disdain to outright laughter.
Mr. Palau ultimately patted me on the head and said, "Be careful that you don't fall into that Lordship salvation trap. Christians can be carnal."

That's not true!! You CAN NOT live like the world and still be a Christian. If you have been taught this deception, please, please go read 1 John.

1 comment:

Missional Family said...

DH and I have seen this a lot in the mainstream, 'pop culture' evangelists. They make it seem that all there is to being a Christian is just saying the sinner's prayer and poof, life is great.

There is no accountability, there is no real confession, there is no life transformation that HAS to happen.

I've seen a little of Mr Palau's teaching and it has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Thanks for your review!