The Danger of Altar Calls Paul Washer Legacy Conference 2010

[jarochotx]

Where is the Holy Spirit guiding one church in real unity? Yes I'm Catholic but I would like to see all you guys in one church with a doctrine who really take us to Jesus.

[ReformedEklektos]

@jarochotx strange comment coming from a Catholic. There are over 200 denominations of Catholicism. Maybe Catholics should first unify into 1 church before you make claims like that about Christians.

[TennesseeOwnsMyBones]

@ReformedEklektos There are 200 Popes? Do tell.

[Marvive42]

Wow. That blew my mind when he started talking about how pastors should be trembling... It's true. The elders will be held responsible for the condition of the sheep entrusted to them... I'm studying to become a pastor. this is huge...

[theearstohear]

The gospel is NOT Christ offering eternal life to all of humanity on the condition of faith, it is the proclamation of "liberty to the captives" (Is 61:1); the liberation of God's people by the singular obedience of Christ (Rom 5:19) accompanied by the assurance that those who believe this truth HAVE eternal life (John 5:24) and the exhortation to save themselves, not from eternal damnation for that's what the LORD HAS done, but from this "untoward generation" (Acts 2:40) through obedience.

[gkirkman1990]

is paul on the rock he looks sick looks like hes lost 20

[thelumberjackjohn]

this is true there are alot of cults out there that use manipulation techniques. Cults are everywhere you may be attending one. believe in the lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,, that is the message of the bible simple.. if you believe, works will follow thru conviction from you;re heart..

[briteyes1980]

We have to remember that Paul is talking to a culture that is "emotionally" driven! Everything in today's world is based on what "feels good or right." I know from experience. Not only are we driven by emotion, but also by the need to excepted. Most churches don not even disciple there members! They just "save them" and then send them on their way! I don't think he is saying that ever conversion is a false conversion. We really need to make sure that we are doing things the way that Jesus taught

[paulrice007]

Please, sir. You make it sound as if a church who uses an alter call is automatically a cult. That is very presumptuous and just untrue. That is along the same lines as saying that believing eternal salvation gives you a license to keep sinning. No one I know has EVER believed that. You say that having an alter call is manipulation. And your "fear" tactics? Could not the same be presumed about that? As on Christian to another, please think about what you say and how you say it. 2 Tim. 2:24-26.

[jarochotx]

@paulrice007 I have a question for you cause you looks more in a position that altar calls are something should be rigth, first my english is not the best and I'm Catholic, I know in the protestant or evangelical world traditions are kind of forbidden, is this a tradition or it is somewhere in the Bible ?

[peyton072904]

Usually, along with the declaration that a person is saved because they prayed and responded to the alter call, the church then asks them to become a member of their church which is really what it is all about...NUMBERS, not true conversions. After you become a member, they no longer disciple people, nor examine them. All this can be done in a few days.

[zedrev01]

...For to make an altar call is very difficult for a non believer not yet in Christ. But the Holy Spirit wil convict every soul that has a heart for God in Jesus name. Amen

[zedrev01]

Not by might nor by power but by my spirit said the Lord

Live by faith not by sight

Judge not for you dont know the heart of the man that will come forward for Chirst

Let the glory of God n d name of Jesus be n your preaching & let God do His job. Focus on the power that God can do on every people that will make the altar call and not on mans weakness. ...

[RevGuitarzilla79]

The crux of the problem is that ppl trust in the walking the aisle and praying the prayer regardless if The Holy Spirit draws them or not, and trust in other works such as baptism ect and have reduced it to a common religious act. In turn voila, a false convert w/a false sense of security. The born again experience is a lifechanging, miraculous, supernatural encounter w/the most high God!! The goodness of God leads thee to repentance, and it must b present when one bleevs the gospel! Praze GOD!!

[RevGuitarzilla79]

Paul ministers at grace life church in beautiful muscle shoals al

[RevGuitarzilla79]

I like washers teachings. I can take what i need n leave the rest, such as calvanism, and predestination. We must be meek n teachable and recieve truth from whoever with whatever denominational differences. Washer serves at a baptist church about 1.5mi from my house. I just cant go for predestination/calvanism. Ir negates freewill and makes john 3:16's "whosoever" null and void

[klmartin1962]

I spoke with my Pastor for months as a child before he would let me be baptized. I was 8 or 9 years old, and I had to explain to him why and how I was called by God. I think that Paul Washer is a throw-back to the days of real Shepherds leading their flocks, not just filling seats. He preaches some powerful messages.

[monarkman1957]

Many have critisized Washer for heresy, I am sure of all the things involved, but as far as what sermons I have heard, he speaks hard Truths.

[monarkman1957]

One more comment, sorry for being so long winded. Does anyone know where Paul Washer ministers? I am in compromised Connecticut, and am looking for a Biblical New Testament, non compromising church to fellowship with.

Thank you.

[monarkman1957]

I believe God has sent a man like this, ( like Dave Wilkerson), sort of like a modern day prophet who is speaking "tough" messages to shake and wake up the Laodician church in America. Grace be with you Mr. Washer...please, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER compromise your preaching. This type of preaching is what this dry, dead land needs today to wake people (including the "church") onto repentance towards a very Holy God.

[monarkman1957]

I think this guy "gets it" more than most people think. I was attending a church that had altar call. After a seeker friendly, 1 minute+ message, devoid of sin, righteousness, repentance, etc. people are asked to recieve Jesus on the spot, after a little prayer from an appointed prayer minister.

He is RIGHT ON THE MONEY with this ermon. Sorry, if you disagree, get on your face before God and seek his Truth, and you will see how relevant this message is. He/she who has ears, let them hear.

[jmcsparin]

Wow, this guy truly doesn't get it. I've experienced hundreds of altar calls in my lifetime, and never have I thought people were being misled/tricked into walking the aisle. While this man might have had a bad experience somewhere, this picture he is painting as if they all are trickery is just FALSE. And the Great Commission didn't call for just pastors/elders to be witnesses. This teaching is just really off target.

[MemorizingRevelation]

Amen! Couldn't have said it better myself! Social pressure and manipulation to "get the numbers"!

[626sharp]

God help us. Paul Washer is THE TRUTH!!! True Saints of God, we must listen to Paul Washer!!!!!

[nathan31nc]

I agree that there should be extensive meetings concerning the conversion experience but to say that you need an elder to pray with someone in order for them to accept Christ is totally ABSURD! You my friend are out of touch with the word.Salvation isn't complicated and doesnt require months of studying to obtain.God bless!!

[luvlylola01]

I so agree with this, just saying those words means nothing except shows a desire but it must be clear what the desire is for what is the healing that is needed,so many leave feeling alone like nothing happened, sad perhaps feeling even that god deosn't love them where are the lights how come I didn't faint

[DickOPlenty]

i bet i can get him to sin lol

[SAMSONSLION]

hey Evangelist777- I wonder if you even watched the whole video ? I dont know about the Jesus Movement or when that was, but now a days, in most churches in America, the alter call is done in a very unbiblical way and its fruit is that 90% + of all "saved" church goers were never really saved and they are false converts, pew warmers who's only activity in following Christ is going to church on Sunday. They act like the world, and live like the world, and love the same things the world loves.

[Evangelist7777]

@SAMSONSLION And that's very true but it has nothing to do with alter calls. The key lies behind the individual. It's determined whether he are she is sincere in their hearts of wanting to serve God or whether they just want a quite fix.

[dante1613]

@Evangelist7777 paul washer is saying u shouldnt call someone saved just because they say they are u shoudl wait and diciple them look for their fruit, because if someone thinsk they are saved but arnt then they ghave a false security and will go to hell and never even repent because gthey think theyre already saved

[Evangelist7777]

@dante1613 The Bible clearly says a cry out to God and you are Saved. Yes there are those who do lip service just as the scripture says. They honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. Whe a person first gets Saved they are like a new born baby and if that baby isn't fed it will die. If a people sincerely means business with God then God Himself will provide a way. The scriptures also say He who had begun a good work in me is faithful and just to complete it.

[dante1613]

@Evangelist7777 no if someone really gets saved its more than a word when u are saved it means christ frees u from the slavery of sin and u are born again of the spirit and u love the thingas God loves and hate the things God hates and u hate your sin and that only happens when u truely believe in christ and want to stop sinning then by the grace of God he will save you, crying out to God means beliving in christ with all ur heart and turning from ur sin wanting to be saved,not a quick prayer

[Evangelist7777]

@dante1613 lol My friend I been a Born Again Christian before you were even born . I believe I know The Word Of God Better than you do. When a person get's Saved he/she is not automaticlly Born Again. You have to go forward and be prayed for to recieve The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit. You sound like a Church Of Christ or Seventh Day Advent goer. One does not get Saved and then automaticly stop sinning. A baby has no knowledge of sin. One step at a time.

[Evangelist7777]

@dante1613 Example. When I first got Saved I was into smoking pot. And I was going to quit for nobody the only thing the changed in my life at the time was I was reading The Word. When I got Baptised in the Holy Spirit 6 months later God Supernaturally delivered me from pot. He knew my true desire was to follow Him and know His Will for my life. 6 months later He did the same thing with cigarettes.

[Evangelist7777]

@dante1613 Paul Washer's job just like anyone else is to preach The Word Of God. He is not called to be a critic of the Christian Faith that's the work of the Holy Spirit. It's ok to expose the false teachers and preachers like Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen,and all those assoicated with TBN.But when you come against the Church beware for you will be held accountable for it. I already know why there is no revival in the Church and have known it for over 10 years.No one wants to followup on new converts

[Evangelist7777]

Paul Washer is wrong and judgemental about alter calls. The Holy Spirit draws men to the alter not man. The Jesus People Movement was birthed out of alter calls and I've personally have seen true Born Again men raised up to be mighty men of God and it started with answering an alter call. Were the problem lies is that now days nobody want to do followup. You will always have people do lip service no matter what. God can and does use different ways of bring people to Him. EVEN ALTER CALLS.

[ImSoPeeved]

@Evangelist7777 I don't think Paul is saying all alter calls are heresy. He's saying churches in Western countries are playing on emotions, rather than relying on the Holy Spirit to bring them forth. And it's true, a five minute conversation is all it takes for a big Baptist church to pronounce someone saved to the congregation. They love to boast about their ability to save souls when they have nothing to do with it in the first place.

[filoIII]

@Evangelist7777 He said in the vid the alter call is ok. It's the manipulative musick he has a prob w/.

[Evangelist7777]

@filoIII How can music manipulate people? It can't The bottom line is this. To many preaches are critics and operate out of the flesh and not the spirit. NO MAN CAN COME TO GOD unless THE SPIRIT draws him. It's the WORD OF GOD that draws men unto Him though the power of HOLY SPIRIT ( His Spirit ). You can say all the right words make all the right moves do all the right things though head knowledge but if the Holy Spirit isn't in control or there then nothing will happen.

[filoIII]

@Evangelist7777 If you have to have slow, emotional musick to get people to the alter, that's not much faith in the H.S. being able to do it by Himself. How bout call men to Christ, and let the Spirit deal w/ them. Did you not listen to the techniques he talked about? Man gets in the way. But, such is amerikan Christianity.

[Evangelist7777]

@filoIII Again has I just said the music has nothing to do with it PEROD.No man seeks after God, they are drawn to Him by His Word and His Spirit.How is it you people are so dull in your mind. It's because you operate out of the flesh and not the Spirit.In the old testament what did the King do to calm his spirit?He had the musican come in and play music.Music has a very important part in the spiritual world..Whenever the Israelites went to war it was the worship group that went before the army

[filoIII]

@Evangelist7777 I understand musick has its place. But you won't find it during the preaching. I said to get man out of the way so the Holy Spirit can do His work WITHOUT man's influence and you say I'm operating out of the flesh. Ok. You win. ?????????????????

[nicwright09]

@Evangelist7777 You realize David was an ANOINTED musician, and the spirit that grieved Saul left him...TEMPORARILY... it came back sir, so...

[princessliz15]

@Evangelist7777 Truth behind hiphop, rock concerts,and love songs...each alike has an effect on us,subconsciously. But dont take my word for it,the research is available ^_^.

and for sure,some can respond to alter calls,and certain worship music cause its emotional,and they sometimes 'feel' sorry for what happened to God....

[Evangelist7777]

@princessliz15 lol That only apllies with worldly music.I know all about Rock-Roll Music.Who do you thing was the Worship Leader in Heaven before he sinned? Luifer of course.What better way to deceive people though worldly music.You can Blah Blah Blah all you want but the truth of the matter is when a person speaks it comes from the heart.That person did not go forward on his own, he was drawn to the alter by the Holy Spirit. No man seeks after God unless he is drawn by God's Spirit. Luke 6:45

[feb0409turn]

The worse thing I find with the Altar call is wat I use to say the parrot-praying -practice. (Say these words after me). It is so manipulating and unbiblical!!!: You have to say the words THEY want you to say. You must repeat the toughts THEY have for you to say to God. And you are just a parrot. You don't have the freedom to choose your own words. ( My English is not my native language but i hope you understand).

[savedc1995]

THANK GOD! A person speaking the truth. Myself coming out of a pentacostal church and seeing it for what it truly was. I am so blessed where I am now. In a family church accountable to each other.................not a cult leader. AMEN!!!!

[mrjoshua1414]

Alter Call's are not based on the scriptures! Salvation belongs to the LORD! (Jonah 2:9b) not to the works of man!

[houseguy4]

I don't remember Jesus doing an altar call.

[rossdaboss1959]

@houseguy4 The church wasn't started in Jesus time. But the alter call of Jesus time was telling and preaching the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom and on Pentecost when the church was started, he said in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and u shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Many were glad to hear and obeyed. They were added to the church. We have to do the same thing.

[CantStopTheHopp]

"People are not numbers....They all have a soul that will pass eternity in Heaven or Hell. Stop treating them as numbers."

If only this were said in more churches today, we might actually see true converts.

[RMCDisciple]

I heard a worship leader once describe how certain chord progressions played on the guitar elicit a greater response. I got a sick feeling over it.

[naaragonzalez]

@RMCDisciple I heard one who said that when people worship God anda worship is "great" people release lots of money :'(

I just stayed annoined, with big eyes and opened mouth! :'(

So sad, leaders situation in Mexico :'(

[CallmeMell]

AMEN Paul!