Martyn Lloyd-Jones Men’s Ministry Conference 2009

A group of us just got back from the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Men’s Ministry Conference 2009. God spoke clearly through the two speakers, Paul  Washer and Justin Peters. Paul Washer  presented two sessions (1) ‘Biblical Manhood, Then and Now’ and (2) ‘Where in the World is the Church?’. Justin Peters presentation entitled ‘A Call for Discernment’ was also a feature of the one-day conference. There must have been about 200 men in attendance and a bookstall was setup with Biblical material.

Paul Washer passionately shared in his usual preaching fervency and urgency the many truths that Christian men in the UK need to hear. Amongst those who came were many young men, street preachers, teachers, evangelists and even pastors. It was a wake up and shake up call for those who came as he preached a similar message to one he recently preached called ‘Ten Indictments -A Historical 21st Century Message’. I believe DVD’s will soon be made available of both sessions and I would highly recommend believers to purchase and spread the message. Alternatively you can visit Sermon Index (http://www.sermonindex.net) to download Paul Washer sermons. We praise God for brother Paul’s passion, uncompromising and God-fearing humility. This man is about the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Cross. This is not me praising the man, but I respect his stand in the midst of such compromised preachers. Now that’s a statement you can’t say about many preachers.

Justin Peters presented two sessions, both titled ‘A Call for Discernment’. Praise God for brother Justin. I was so humbled by this man. I hugged him, thanked him and spoke with him at the end of the conference. His love for God, His Word and his passion for truth is very contagious. You can read his testimony at the following link (http://www.justinpeters.org). Brother Justin’s presentation Biblically exposed the ‘Word of Faith’ movement and her televangelist starlets such as Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar and all the other names. Below are some typical examples of the errors which we looked at:

• In an interview with Larry King, Joel Osteen was asked if he believed Jesus was the only way. Joel Osteen persistenly refused to answer the question and make a proclamation. He said he met many hindus in India who he believed loved God too. Now Joel Osteen is suppose to be an ‘evangelical’ pastor of the largest church in the USA.
• Kenneth Copeland said ‘God was the biggest failure in the Bible’.
• Benny Hinn said ‘you can speak anything you want into existence’.
• Paula White said ‘Jesus wasn’t the only begotten son of God’ and that we are too.
• Creflo Dollar said ‘God made us little gods’.
• Myles Munroe said ‘God cannot do anything on earth until we give him permission too. Prayer is earthly license for heavenly interference’.
• Joyce Meyer told us that if we sow on earth in finances, we get a heavenly receipt which we can cash in.

Much more footage and evidence was shown which was disturbing. For many this was quite new, but I’ve seen much of this material before and have warned many about the televangelist charlatans. The phenomena and unbiblical manipulation and heresy is commonly accepted amongst many so-called evangelical churches.

I thank God for Justin and pray that God would use his ministry more. However, we must continue to pray, warn, correct and rebuke many. The love in truth (Ephesians 4:15). The Gospel is beautiful and when men turn it into a tool of lies and heresy, men must stand up. Justin Peters said ‘Do I believe in healing? Yes’. Do I believe it is God’s will for all to be healed?. No’.

I thank God for the MLJ Recording Trust and for putting on this much needed conference. I’m praying and hoping the Lord will open a door for this conference next year. I’ve already heard that a conference in 2010 is being planned.

P.S It was also a great privilege to  meet Gavin Peacock at the conference, (ex-premiership footballer) who is also a born again Christian.

In Awe and Reverence of God Almighty

Vic Gill