One of the most notable declines in the last year is Max Lucado. In the beginning of 2020, Max Lucado appeared on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast and endorsed her ministry. This broadcasted a deviation from biblical sexuality by endorsing a flagrantly pro-homosexuality and pro-transgenderism teacher like Jen Hatmaker. Moreover, we saw in August, 2020, in wake of the Black Lives Matter riots, Max Lucado gave a woke message on the streets of San Antonio. The video begins with clips from that event. It’s worth noting that Max Lucado joins a host of others who have bent on both biblical sexuality and Critical Race Theory, like JD Greear and Beth Moore. Critical Race Theory and subverting biblical sexuality are two prongs of the Social Justice Gospel. In 2021, Max Lucado would give a sermon at Washington National Cathedral on February 7th. Preaching at or for this pagan institution is selling out as it is because he is legitimizing the Christian faith of pagans, but according to Reformation Charlotte, the message undermined the Bible’s teaching on the Holy Spirit. But under the slightest bit of pressure, it seems that Max Lucado had to apologize for backlash, not from what he said on February 7th, but for what he said in 2004. Read the statement below.
There are many glaring errors in this statement. First, he is apologizing to pagans for preaching what was probably a biblical message. So the entire premise is wrong. Secondly he states that Christians can disagree on what the Bible says on homosexuality. This is also false. The Bible is exceedingly clear on homosexuality as it is in Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. If the Bible is not clear on homosexuality what can the Bible be clear on? This is one of two things or both. First is Gnosticism to proclaim that the Bible is not clear about homosexuality, in that this requires special insight that goes beyond a standard reading of the text. The second is antinomianism where we are denying God’s law.
Max Lucado virtue signals to theological conservatives by say he personally does not hold a pro-homosexuality view of the Bible but he is publicly giving enthusiastic approval to those who do. The issue of homosexuality in the church is really an issue about the authority of Scripture. It’s the age old debate over the question: Did God really say?
Max Lucado goes on to say that Bible must never be used as a weapon to hurt others. This blatantly contradicts Ephesians 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians employs heavily combative language. And while I maintain that our enemy is not our neighbor but the principalities and powers of this world, we cannot prevent casualties who may be hurt by the sword of the Spirit. Speaking the truth in love does not always make the other person feel loved.
But what Max Lucado is suggesting s that we disarm ourselves on salient issues. The Sword of the Spirit is our most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. We must wield it! But Max Lucado is a sell out. He would much rather preach this effeminate mentality that bows to cancel culture under slight pressure so that the pagans will keep buying his books.
5 Responses
the giants are falling
I completely agree. Thanks for preaching the truth on these issues. Our goal is to speak the truth in love.
This often leads to people “feeling” attacked or slighted. However, this feeling is the voice of their flesh or evil speaking back at the conviction felt from the truth. The truth, even in love, will always have an element of pain and conviction to it. That’s why they say “the truth hurts.” We can deliver it well, but it is not a soft and warm experience. Keep up the good work Ray!
The Lord said love your enemies. But he doesn’t mean have sex with them. He would have to apologize for Sodom and Gomorrah. He also said love not the world nor the things of the world. At the same time there must remain a standard of right and wrong. It is a shame when a supposed Christian leader holding the plow encourages others to look back. I guess he is thinking no one is unfit for the kingdom?
Lucado also says pagans/sexual deviants are children of God because they were created in the image of God. This stems from a 60’s cult and is in direct contradiction to the Bible. He gave those that receive Him the right to become children of God (John 1:12). It’s conditional. Max Lucado is very deceptive or very deceived (maybe both), but sounds all squishy and nice. That seems to be all that matters in these days of nihilism and self-indulgence.
Max Lucado has been so gifted with biblical love for Christ’s message in the past, I pray he realizes this has been a test. One weakens the body when yielding to the ‘your truth my truth’ crowd. It appears double-minded. John MacArthur writes books, but he is willing to suffer persecution rather than be unclear. He is kind and strong, like Jesus at the well with the Samaritan women, “go and sin no more”. Apologizing for how the Bible hurts feelings (lifestyles) isnt the message that has encouraged me in reading some of Pastor Lucado’s inspiring books. These recent actions, though, remind me of Osteenism, which maintains, “only preach on things that lift people up”(Oprah /Larry King interview) That’s not the whole Gospel. As a Christian, a sinner, who by God’s mercy and grace have received forgiveness, I need a clear message. Fearfull as it is sometimes, it convicts me continually, and keeps me
in the love and peacefulness of God’s truth.