Tim Keller is not someone I follow closely, but my understanding is that he is generally doctrinally sound on the gospel. However, I do not proactively recommend him due to his continuationist leanings, his views on theistic evolution, and things like the incident at his church a while back where he had male ballet dancers perform a “praise dance” during the worship service. Also, I read his tweets from time to time, and some of them have a nearly mystical quality to them.
I follow DA Carson even less closely than Tim Keller, but my impression of him is that he has it more together, theologically, than Tim Keller does, despite the fact that he also has continuationist leanings. I’ve linked to a couple of his theological articles here on the blog.
I’m not happy with the direction The Gospel Coalition has taken over the last few years, especially with the racial and political views expressed by Thabiti Anyabwile a couple of years ago, the constant comparisons between movies and the Bible, and some of the social justice positions TGC writers have espoused. However, there are still some solid bloggers at TGC, such as Kevin DeYoung, whom I recommend and appreciate.
Tim Keller is not doctrinally sound!! He is a self avowed Marxist who denys the Flood, Hell, Creation, the Rapture, promotes Catholic mystics, follows and plagiarizes apostate mystic C S Lewis. His false Gospel Coalition endorses Revoice, thru gay editor Sam Alberry. His social justice heresy is everywhere. He also uses CS Lewis “dancing with the Trinity” garbage to invoke worldwide ecumenical community. RUN from this grievous wolf!
Hi Laura- Thanks for the suggestions! Tozer and Tripp might make their way onto a future incarnation of this list, but I’m about to add MacDonald to the list of teachers I recommend against. Here’s just one of the resources demonstrating why.
Well, that was an interesting sad read about James MacDonald. Thank you for the link. I have a small group of women asking, “Where do we go to fellowship these days?” The more we delve into the Word, the more we see some very sad compromises within each of the churches we attend. We are all feeling like remnants of the Truth. Thank you Michelle for your continued dedication to bringing us faithful men and women we can listen and or read their materials without too much caution. I say that last part because we are seeing how the mighty are falling within the church, so anyone is capable of stumbling.
Hi Mandy- I haven’t listened to either of them, and I would probably disagree with Michael on various points of theology since he’s Presbyterian and I’m Baptist, but other than that, as far as I know, he’s doctrinally sound.
I have read that Charles Stanley is OK with women as pastors (so for that reason alone I would not recommend him), and I’ve listened to portions of a couple of his sermons which I found generally OK-ish, but very shallow, biblically.
I don’t know much about either of them, I’m afraid. I have read that Charles Stanley is OK with women as pastors (so for that reason alone I would not recommend him), and I’ve listened to portions of a couple of his sermons which I found generally OK-ish, but very shallow, biblically.
Run from Chuck Swindoll who promotes the heretical Spiritual Fromation now permeating and destroying Bible seminaries and Christian colleges worldwide. It’s Catholicism disguised as Evangelicalism and is merging the Church into a Monastic ecumenical “River.” Swindoll also promotes heretic priest Henri Nouwen who denied the sufficiency of Scripture, and whose “hear God” in “The Silence” has brought rampant mysticism into the Church.Swindoll also promotes Catholic occultic Richard Foster, and the occultic “Message”.
Hello! Michael Reeves – Delighting in the Trinity. I have an odd feeling about this one. I don’t know much about him but would love your opinion!
Thank you!
Baby Christian here, needing guidance. 🙂
Hi Natalie- I have not read it, but it is endorsed by several doctrinally sound people and ministries I highly respect. If you have questions about it, I would recommend asking your pastor. :0)
Some videos by Bill Thrall/True Face has been making the rounds in our family. I had never heard of him before, and am trying to do some research on him. As new Christians, my husband and I try to spend a lot of time researching people. Any thoughts on this man, and his ministry, if you’ve heard of him?
Can you please give me your thoughts on Michael Todd?
Do you consider him to be a false teacher and if so, what specific examples of false doctrine can you highlight in his preaching? I have concerns but am wondering if it’s more about his style / delivery than content.
Hi M-
Let’s set the label of “false teacher” aside for a moment. I know very little about Michael Todd, and I haven’t listened to any of his sermons, but from what little I do know, he’s doing some unbiblical things and no Christian should be following him (whether or not you choose to use the label of “false teacher” for him). The first time I heard about Michael was when he allowed Beth Moore to preach the Sunday sermon at his church. He apparently has a close relationship with Joel Osteen, and he allows his wife to serve as co-“pastor”. All of these things – violating Scripture by allowing women to preach/pastor, and yoking with false teachers – alone are enough to biblically (1 Timothy 3/Titus 1) disqualify him as a pastor, regardless of the content of his teaching/preaching. I suspect he also teaches false doctrine as I’ve never run across a pastor or teacher who violates Scripture in either/both of these areas who doesn’t also teach false doctrine.
Here is a resource I hope you’ll find helpful as you further research him. I would also suggest you listen to some great preaching from the men under the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page. It will help you to develop an “ear” for what good, biblical preaching should sound like so that when you run across bad preaching, you’ll be able to quickly tell that it’s bad. (If you’re not familiar with any of the names there, I’d recommend starting with John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, Voddie Baucham, Josh Buice, or Gabriel Hughes. Just Google them or look for their sermons on YouTube.)
Can you please share your thoughts on Stephen Davey, Pastor of The Shepherd’s Church in Cary, NC? His radio ministry is called Wisdom for the Heart.
Also, l read a comment by you once and you mentioned that you wrote your first book ( l think it was about Moses?) before you knew how to correctly handle Scripture. I hope l have captured the essence of your comment. Can you share how to correctly handle Scripture or point me to some resources, study plan, etc?
Hi Michelle,
Is Calvinism biblical and sound doctrine? I notice 6 of the men you recommended that are ok to follow are Calvinists. Your thoughts.
Laura
Hi Michelle,
I have been following the late Pastor Stephen Armstrong of Verse By Verse Ministry International and think of him as a sound teacher. For me His studies and teaching are in depth and clear but I’m interested in knowing your thoughts as well. Thank you!
What about the book Listening and Inner Healing Prayer by Rusty Rustenbach? I also was wondering if you had any review on Marcus Warner. Thanks! I’m overwhelmed by how many are leading people astray and feel overwhelmed and paralyzed and who I should listen too! I have never gone through the Bible all the way through yet…sad to say I know! That is my goal this year. I’m praying the Holy Spirit and His word guide me in the right direction. Thanks for all you do!
Hi Tanya- I’m not familiar with either of those gents or the book, but if I were a betting woman, I’d feel confident betting scads of money that, with a title like that, that book is not doctrinally sound.
Congrats on your decision to read through the Bible this year! Way to go! And if it takes longer than a year, don’t worry about that. Just keep at it.
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Michelle Lesley 
Reblogged this on Truth2Freedom's Blog.
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Michelle what can you say about Tim Keller, DA Carson and the Gospel Coalition? Thanks 🙂
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Tim Keller is not someone I follow closely, but my understanding is that he is generally doctrinally sound on the gospel. However, I do not proactively recommend him due to his continuationist leanings, his views on theistic evolution, and things like the incident at his church a while back where he had male ballet dancers perform a “praise dance” during the worship service. Also, I read his tweets from time to time, and some of them have a nearly mystical quality to them.
I follow DA Carson even less closely than Tim Keller, but my impression of him is that he has it more together, theologically, than Tim Keller does, despite the fact that he also has continuationist leanings. I’ve linked to a couple of his theological articles here on the blog.
I’m not happy with the direction The Gospel Coalition has taken over the last few years, especially with the racial and political views expressed by Thabiti Anyabwile a couple of years ago, the constant comparisons between movies and the Bible, and some of the social justice positions TGC writers have espoused. However, there are still some solid bloggers at TGC, such as Kevin DeYoung, whom I recommend and appreciate.
Hope this helps. :0)
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Tim Keller is not a biblical sound teacher, study these links to get a good idea why that is: https://biblethumpingwingnut.com/2018/08/29/5-facts-about-tim-keller-follow-up-to-speaking-out-on-living-out-btwn-post/ and http://www.newcalvinist.com/tim-kellers-false-gospel/ if you love Jesus Christ, I advice to stay away from Tim Keller.
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Tim Keller is not doctrinally sound!! He is a self avowed Marxist who denys the Flood, Hell, Creation, the Rapture, promotes Catholic mystics, follows and plagiarizes apostate mystic C S Lewis. His false Gospel Coalition endorses Revoice, thru gay editor Sam Alberry. His social justice heresy is everywhere. He also uses CS Lewis “dancing with the Trinity” garbage to invoke worldwide ecumenical community. RUN from this grievous wolf!
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Hi Michelle,
How about A.W. Tozer, Paul David Tripp and James MacDonald ( Founder of Harvest Bible Chapel)?
Thank you😊😊
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Hi Laura- Thanks for the suggestions! Tozer and Tripp might make their way onto a future incarnation of this list, but I’m about to add MacDonald to the list of teachers I recommend against. Here’s just one of the resources demonstrating why.
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Well, that was an interesting sad read about James MacDonald. Thank you for the link. I have a small group of women asking, “Where do we go to fellowship these days?” The more we delve into the Word, the more we see some very sad compromises within each of the churches we attend. We are all feeling like remnants of the Truth. Thank you Michelle for your continued dedication to bringing us faithful men and women we can listen and or read their materials without too much caution. I say that last part because we are seeing how the mighty are falling within the church, so anyone is capable of stumbling.
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Reblogged this on Truth2Freedom's Blog.
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A good listing!
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I can confidently recommend Dr. Anthony George (Sr. Associate Pastor at First Baptist Atlanta). He is highly respected and I think you’ll agree!
https://www.fba.org/messages/teacher/anthony-george
https://christianindex.org/an-interview-with-first-baptist-atlantas-anthony-george/
https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/who-anthony-george-the-successor-for-atlanta-megachurch-pastor-charles-stanley/kiSiogevinOlV02wVZfDoJ/
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Michelle, what do you think of the White Horse Inn podcast and Core Christianity podcast hosted by Dr. Michael Horton?
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Hi Mandy- I haven’t listened to either of them, and I would probably disagree with Michael on various points of theology since he’s Presbyterian and I’m Baptist, but other than that, as far as I know, he’s doctrinally sound.
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What are your thoughts on Dr. Charles Stanley?
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I have read that Charles Stanley is OK with women as pastors (so for that reason alone I would not recommend him), and I’ve listened to portions of a couple of his sermons which I found generally OK-ish, but very shallow, biblically.
This article may help as you research him.
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What do you think of CHARLES Stanley and Charles Swindoll?
Thank you!
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I don’t know much about either of them, I’m afraid. I have read that Charles Stanley is OK with women as pastors (so for that reason alone I would not recommend him), and I’ve listened to portions of a couple of his sermons which I found generally OK-ish, but very shallow, biblically.
This article may help as you research them.
LikeLike
Run from Chuck Swindoll who promotes the heretical Spiritual Fromation now permeating and destroying Bible seminaries and Christian colleges worldwide. It’s Catholicism disguised as Evangelicalism and is merging the Church into a Monastic ecumenical “River.” Swindoll also promotes heretic priest Henri Nouwen who denied the sufficiency of Scripture, and whose “hear God” in “The Silence” has brought rampant mysticism into the Church.Swindoll also promotes Catholic occultic Richard Foster, and the occultic “Message”.
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Thank you my eyes are being opened and I thank the Holy Spirit!
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I rejoice with you at what He is doing in your heart! :0)
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Hi Michelle. What are your comments on Max Lucado, CS Lewis, Myles Munroe, John Piper, Kris Vallaton, David Platt, Mark Driscoll, and Craig Groeschel?
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Hi Carien- I’ve answered some of your questions in today’s Mailbag article, and will answer more in the future.
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Hello! Michael Reeves – Delighting in the Trinity. I have an odd feeling about this one. I don’t know much about him but would love your opinion!
Thank you!
Baby Christian here, needing guidance. 🙂
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Hi Natalie- I have not read it, but it is endorsed by several doctrinally sound people and ministries I highly respect. If you have questions about it, I would recommend asking your pastor. :0)
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Thank you is all I can say
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You’re welcome. It is my pleasure to serve you in Christ. :0)
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Hello!
Some videos by Bill Thrall/True Face has been making the rounds in our family. I had never heard of him before, and am trying to do some research on him. As new Christians, my husband and I try to spend a lot of time researching people. Any thoughts on this man, and his ministry, if you’ve heard of him?
Thanks so much!
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So sorry, I haven’t heard of him or that organization. Here’s a resource that may help as you research them.
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Hi Michelle,
Can you please give me your thoughts on Michael Todd?
Do you consider him to be a false teacher and if so, what specific examples of false doctrine can you highlight in his preaching? I have concerns but am wondering if it’s more about his style / delivery than content.
Thanks in advance.
LikeLike
Hi M-
Let’s set the label of “false teacher” aside for a moment. I know very little about Michael Todd, and I haven’t listened to any of his sermons, but from what little I do know, he’s doing some unbiblical things and no Christian should be following him (whether or not you choose to use the label of “false teacher” for him). The first time I heard about Michael was when he allowed Beth Moore to preach the Sunday sermon at his church. He apparently has a close relationship with Joel Osteen, and he allows his wife to serve as co-“pastor”. All of these things – violating Scripture by allowing women to preach/pastor, and yoking with false teachers – alone are enough to biblically (1 Timothy 3/Titus 1) disqualify him as a pastor, regardless of the content of his teaching/preaching. I suspect he also teaches false doctrine as I’ve never run across a pastor or teacher who violates Scripture in either/both of these areas who doesn’t also teach false doctrine.
Here is a resource I hope you’ll find helpful as you further research him. I would also suggest you listen to some great preaching from the men under the “Recommended Bible Teachers” tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page. It will help you to develop an “ear” for what good, biblical preaching should sound like so that when you run across bad preaching, you’ll be able to quickly tell that it’s bad. (If you’re not familiar with any of the names there, I’d recommend starting with John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, Voddie Baucham, Josh Buice, or Gabriel Hughes. Just Google them or look for their sermons on YouTube.)
Hope this helps. :0)
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Hi Michelle,
Can you please share your thoughts on Stephen Davey, Pastor of The Shepherd’s Church in Cary, NC? His radio ministry is called Wisdom for the Heart.
Also, l read a comment by you once and you mentioned that you wrote your first book ( l think it was about Moses?) before you knew how to correctly handle Scripture. I hope l have captured the essence of your comment. Can you share how to correctly handle Scripture or point me to some resources, study plan, etc?
Thank you! GOD bless you!!
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Hi Michelle,
Is Calvinism biblical and sound doctrine? I notice 6 of the men you recommended that are ok to follow are Calvinists. Your thoughts.
Laura
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Hi Laura – Why, yes it is. You might want to check out my Statement of Faith page (in the blue menu bar at the top of this page) for more info. :0)
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Hi Michelle,
I have been following the late Pastor Stephen Armstrong of Verse By Verse Ministry International and think of him as a sound teacher. For me His studies and teaching are in depth and clear but I’m interested in knowing your thoughts as well. Thank you!
LikeLike
I’m afraid I’m not familiar with him, but this article may help as you research him.
LikeLike
What about the book Listening and Inner Healing Prayer by Rusty Rustenbach? I also was wondering if you had any review on Marcus Warner. Thanks! I’m overwhelmed by how many are leading people astray and feel overwhelmed and paralyzed and who I should listen too! I have never gone through the Bible all the way through yet…sad to say I know! That is my goal this year. I’m praying the Holy Spirit and His word guide me in the right direction. Thanks for all you do!
LikeLike
Hi Tanya- I’m not familiar with either of those gents or the book, but if I were a betting woman, I’d feel confident betting scads of money that, with a title like that, that book is not doctrinally sound.
Congrats on your decision to read through the Bible this year! Way to go! And if it takes longer than a year, don’t worry about that. Just keep at it.
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