Andy Stanley's Unconditional Conference: The Truth

Dr. Michael Easley is joined by Dr. Charlie Boyd, Ron Rhodes, and Alan Shlemon to take an honest look at Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference.
Dr. Michael Easley graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and has been in ministry for over 40 years, pastoring four churches and serving as the eighth president of Moody Bible Institute. Michael Easley inContext is designed to help you form a Biblical worldview through sound Biblical exposition and real-life insights.
Links Mentioned:
Read the show notes here: michaelincontext.com/andy-sta...
Fellowship Greenville: www.fellowshipgreenville.org/...
Stand To Reason: www.str.org/
Reasoning From The Scriptures: www.ronrhodes.org/
Subscribe to stay up to date with new episodes!
Listen to the podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Follow on Instagram: / dreasley
For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and inContext
Visit: www.michaelincontext.com
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
3:35 Dr. Charlie Boyd
18:55 Ron Rhodes
27:35 Alan Shlemon
38:35 Closing thoughts

[@terriholter5239]

Many thanks to the Christian brothers for respectful, thoughtful conversations in calling out the false teaching of Andy and others on this subject. I realize this is a painful job of church leaders to do so and thank you for following Christ rather than your feelings. Blessings to you all.

[@genetobin7403]

Thank you Pastor and guest speakers. I too have watched many of Andy’s church videos. One of the things he has said is that “we have to unhitch ourselves from the Old Testament”. Sad and very troubling! Someone who loves and knows Andy should speak into his life concerning his teachings,and with gentleness call into question whether he has been genuinely saved. The most loving thing to do for Andy. ❤🙏

[@carllaney7897]

This is a very fair and biblical response to Stanley and his Unconditional Conference. Thanks for being respectful and yet firmly biblical.

[@Michaelincontext]

Thanks Dr. Laney.

[@ProudCapitalist-ko9ff]

Stanley calling his conference “Unconditional” seems appropriate. The problem is that there ARE conditions to God’s love and forgiveness as forgiveness requires sincere repentance and turning away from sinful behavior. Stanley has decided that in order to make Christianity more palatable to non-believers, he’s justified in ignoring scriptural teachings that conflict with his personal views toward homosexuality. Sadly, he has embraced a humanistic world view and - dangerously- is presenting that misguided view to millions of people as scriptural and acceptable. I understand his compassion for same sex attracted people who are Christians, or who want to be Christians, but God’s words and laws are not negotiable. Andy had lost his way scripturally and, worse, he’s potentially leading millions of other Christian’s away from God’s laws.

[@ericstogner2222]

Well said - you summed up this issue very well and simply. We cannot operate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil where man thinks he gets to choose what is good and evil and act like a god. That was the original sin- man choosing which of God’s laws they will trust and follow and obey. Once you put yourself in the position of being the one to decide (the knowledge of what is good or evil) then you are usurping God’s power and wisdom and calming you know better and have the right to change things based in your ever evolving thoughts, insights or whims. That is what Andy is doing - placing himself in the place of acid Where he and those like him feel they have the “knowledge of what is good va evil” therefore they can make modifications as they see fit.

[@evelynwelch8143]

This is an eye opening YT and I thank you for putting this on. My daughter once attempted Andy Stanley ‘ s church and thank God they’re going to a biblical focused church.

[@jvieceli]

Thank you Michael. Please keep bringing this perspective.

[@pammorgan706]

Amen, and thank you for speaking truth in love and not compromising God's Word.❤

[@glendagaskin151]

I moved from my church of almost 30 years sometime ago. One of my church deacons held a Bible study with one of Andy’s early videos. Something just went through my heart is to stay away.

[@kathiewarner5611]

This video was the best and most helpful critique of this conference that I have seen so far. The love and pain that you and your guests feel for Andy Stanley came through very clear.

[@Michaelincontext]

Very gracious of you. Thanks!

[@JohnMGibby]

Thank you Michael. Was looking forward to watching this when I saw the notification. Very well said, just everything was well done in love. Enjoyed the guests and the insights and wisdom they shared as well as you. I've often thought that had the church (at large, all denominations) and Christians individually had handled their responses to abortion and the homosexual revolution in love, with grace & truth, how it might have impacted the world much differently. Growing up in independent, fundamental Baptist culture, I know our churches and I did not treat them in love, but reviled and shamed them. Not wanting to have anything to do with them. Not following the example of our Savior. Thank you again for this channel and your continuing to rightly divide the Word of Truth!

[@randallleehall]

Always appreciate your thoughtful, measured, Biblical approach to sensitive topics MJE.

[@Michaelincontext]

Thanks brudder. Trust you are well!@@randallleehall

[@maryr8627]

I disagree. I did grow up in a church age that denounced all those things mentioned. We did fight back, had huge revivals. Saw lots of people come to faith and are still doing it today. If the WORD prophesied that humanity would grow worse and worse as time went on, abs that the church would be surrounded by the evil in this world, we are not to blame for the influences of other cultures and sin among the pagan because Christ had already determined this from the beginning. That He would one day come oh the flesh to offer man redemption. It was already under judgement. Gospel of John. He told us that the gate was narrow and the path small and that few would find it. And even if they did would reject it. Parable of the seeds spread. More that fall away or turn away, or get caught up in the cares of the world than those who hear and follow in growing where they were planted when they first heard it. Christ already predicted the outcome of the lost and saved. Best thing to do is pray for those who've lost their way and won't listen to sound doctrine advice. Any who attend these and believe what is being taught without regard to knowing God's word for themselves are looking for the itching ears type preaching anyway. What does that day about those who continue to support this ministry and love fake teaching? Look at smiley Joel. Has a huge congregation of the group who only wants to hear the nicer things in the Bible and create a delusional god in their minds that allows them to feel good about themselves. We didn't generate that. The devils world did. Wec cannot defeat him. If we could have Christ wouldn't have came and we wouldn't have needed his prayers or protection from evil.

[@dianealbert3]

Bravo for your guests and your very acurate teaching that you bring ! 👌

[@morning77light]

Thank you for sharing this. God's way is working fine for me. I believe His Word and All of it.

[@LindeeLove]

Why do you believe? Could this all just be in your head?

[@sherrypuckett6686]

Stand on the word. 😊😊😊😊

[@louannsammons9530]

You can not leave out old testment God put it in the bible Avery word is true then and now, always!!!!!!

[@cindymorris564]

Thank you for sharing your insights on this. Blessings to you!

[@brittpeace2764]

I faithfully go to Andy's Church, Perimeter Church, and recently Free Chapil. I firmly believe marriage should be between a man and women as written in Genniss. However, I believe, that the division in Churches has hurt Christianity. If people jump on the Jesus train from either point of view, at least they are on the train. Once they get on the train let God determine if they get into Heaven. If we let this level of division get into our minds we will all lose. This division just like racism is a product of the Devil and the Communist manifesto! I pray 🙏 for less division, and letting God judge once the time has come.; And ultimately, if they see the word of God they will be saved! Please let's unify with the word of God! Only God recognizes the path to true salvation!

[@kaycurrie9356]

Thank you Thank you Dr.E!!!!! I was HOPING you were going to address the Andy Stanley conference!!!! Praise God you did!!! Know God will bless you for the courage & obedience addressing this horrific thing that happened!!!! God help us! And please continue to take a stand & have these gentlemen back again soon . . .

[@kimsteinke713]

I cannot see the sun right now for the clouds are in my way I cannot hear a song from the birds a sign of a brand new day I'm in the midst of the storm a foreign place to be a place where you cannot turn around and a place where you cannot see All you have is your faith and you pray for it to grow For only in the storms of life is there one to comfort your soul In the storms of life is where a man is truly made where souls are being perfected restored and saved I will wait on you o Lord and know that you are near I won't trust in what I see ahead but only what I hear and I hear you're still small voice telling me to be calm To rest assured in your peace and be still. 🙏😇

[@damazingmama]

Beautifully said.

[@sandradarlene8756]

Thanks for sharing... It's wonderful the Holy Spirit gave it to you. Beautiful !!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@margestickel3816]

Yes!!❤❤

[@OklaBoondocks]

If you are truly a friend with Andy, you’d follow scripture and call him out with his false heretical teachings and if he doesn’t repent, walk away, otherwise you are a partaker in their evil acts.

[@gkarenstratton]

ok PLEASE provide the Scripture(?s?) for this exhortation to "walk away" ... We MUST base our actions and beliefs on GOD's words...and be able to tell others His words, rather than just our opinion. Im not saying i disagree, just what verse says that?

[@gkarenstratton]

Did my comment/question get lodt? I was lookingv d or yhe verse that tells us to "walk away." I KNOW about calling out sin. Thank you

[@068067]

Well there is that bit in Matthew about removing the dust from your feet, but then there is also 1 Corinthians chapter 9. I don’t think god means we should abandon our friends if they disagree or have a different view point, but I do think this would be a good time to tell your friend to stop teaching fake Christianity.

[@maryr8627]

​​@@gkarenstratton, @068067 Paul comes back in the second letter to that Church, about the one who is seeking forgiveness, and tells the leadership to allow the man back into the congregation. Obviously, he broke off the sinful life with his step-mom. But did he also repent of all sexual sin with another female later? We don't know. We do know that Paul, early in his ministry refused to have John Mark travel with him because he wimped out the first time and went home. He and Barnabus (the encourager) argued so strongly with each other that it cost Paul his close friendship with Barnabus, who refused to travel with Paul anymore. He went home to the Jewish church as well. Hadn't been for Barnabus, there might not have even been a Paul to write the majority of the New Testament. Guaranteed though, there would've still been the Gospel of Mark. And when Paul was older and in need, he asks for John Mark's help. Barnabus was all about helping a new Christian become a mature one. So, try not to take single verses or text as evidence of "That's the way it is, by golly". Jesus says treat your enemy as your friend. These men made mistakes, but they weren't chosen for being perfect. They were chosen for the opposite... their ability to admit they made a mistake and try to right it because they knew how to be humble. Now, if you can find a handful of people on any given day that don't try to justify themselves behind a crown of piety before admitting they were wrong (not might be) and go to whoever and ask for forgiveness...? Truly meaning it? Well, you must live around some really God-fearing people. Good for you. Leave your approx vicinity in the comments. I would love to move there. Please God 🙏🏻 don't let it be CA. 😅 JK I know some great Christ loving people in CA. It's on broadcast youtube channels like this one, that I find the most sanctimonious do-gooders on the planet. Andy Stanley did not denounce the inerrancy of the Bible. He just believes that he is helping with a problem that is very unique to this culture in America today. And he believes he is led by the Spirit to do so. If he is, they all will need to ask his forgiveness. They have no way of knowing if he might be helping the "LGBTQ+" community to serve God only, repent, and no longer practice self passion as 1st supremacy in their lives. It's a 50/50 shot no one else, is willing to take. Even Andy acknowledged that, as the reason so many refused to speak at that conference. They didn't want to lose their following, expose their family to censure, be known as a heretic, without evidence or a hint of being one. Stanley is willing to at least take the chance to rush into the burning house to try to save someone. That's called love in action. Even if we all think it's a misplaced love for the very community that is doing it's level best to destroy Christianity. Don't agree with the Muslims, Hindu's or Buddhist's religions, but I do respect their devotion to following it religiously. Way better than most Christians.

[@donnasloan2455]

Amen! We’re called to mark & avoid them - & to your mockers I say, it’s YOUR responsibility to search the scriptures for your own good. It’s not mine or anyone else’s place or responsibility to prove the Word to you.

[@randallleehall]

Always appreciate your thoughtful, measured, Biblical approach to sensitive topics MJE.

[@kathylocke1429]

As a parent of a 30 year old son who has decided he is a woman I do have a problem with how to minister to him. How do we minister to the lost who have been raised to know the truth and has memorized scripture in his head?!!! I keep asking the Holy Spirit to convince him of the truth!!!! My son has blatantly decided he does not believe Jesus is who he says He is. I do choose to love my son and we walk on egg shells trying to walk in truth while loving him. However I have reminded him repeatedly, I LOVE YOU! I value you! You will always be my child who has my heart!!!! He can think I am a bigot for not affirming and accepting his beliefs but I do want us and Christian leaders to speak the truth in love! The enemy of this World has majorly deceived our children!!! And we must walk in love…not arrogance! Thank you for attacking this issue and calling it what it is! Yes to following Christ!!! Yes to landing firmly on what scripture says!!!!

[@LULU-nj3cc]

My dear i am so sorry. I know it can be very difficult situation to face. All you can do is LOVE HIM. Keep showing him unconditional love and just Pray fro him contiinually that the scales of deception be removed from his eyes and that he would one day accept Jesus Christ. Keep Praying Keep Praying Keep Praying. I will also be praying for your son. In JESUS name. Amen

[@glendagaskin151]

The thing that concerns me is that some think Andy Stanley believes the Bible of preaches the gospel. We can’t assume that Stanley is a believer. If you don’t preach sin or repentance how can you be a church following Jesus.

[@Solidrock-jq6rp]

He’s openly said he doesn’t believe the Bible is Gods’s Word.

[@gritsgalraisedinthesouth]

Andy no longer references the scripture as God's word. Today it is "Paul said...John said..." not GOD said...

[@Mutasis_Mutandis]

I question whether Stanley is a brother in Christ. He has many, many detractors.

[@kelsowins]

Thank you, Dr. Easley! I appreciate the well-founded, scriptural bases presented here for following what some may regard as difficult positions to stand on.

[@kimsteinke713]

Well maybe one more thing when I was in my most stressing part of life and it was a long health and a lot of things I wrote this poem and I feel the holy Spirit gave me and it cleared up a lot anyway I was going to leave this with your guys it's a prayer

[@julianh4]

i hold to the scripture and live as a gay man in a loving relationship. it boils down to interpretation in the end. they interpret certain verses in one way and i interpret them in a different way. we all add our own biases and filters when we come to the scripture. i am satisfied that my interetation of scripture does not pervert the truth

[@CarmonBenford]

i practiced homosexuality and i knew i had to change. i'm following Jesus Christ and depending more and more on God's Word. Thank You, Jesus, for paying for my sins. You gave me the wisdom to change. i may not have wisdom when it comes to other things, but in this area, i obey.

[@Michaelincontext]

Thank you so much for sharing your comments. May Christ continue to bless and encourage you!

[@damazingmama]

God bless you and I pray you surround yourself with the truth and allow Jesus to change you, even if it takes many years. Don’t give up!!

[@sandradarlene8756]

Welcome !!! Thanks for sharing...😊🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@dougjensen8838]

How can we say, God can heal us, if we also preach that we can do little or nothing about our sin? How can we knowingly sin and say we have fellowship with God? I don’t get this acceptance of sin. This makes all sin appear as though we can do nothing about it but love and be loved. How sad to continue to live in darkness but pretend we are living in light….. Kathy J.

[@damazingmama]

Here’s the thing. It isn’t important what we say is sin. The only authority is the word of God. And if Jesus had to die for that sin and I am called to obedience, I have to abandon that sin, repent and sin no more. Doesn’t mean I won’t sin ever again. Doesn’t mean I won’t be tempted. But I should seek to walk in the new life I was re-born into. Not continue to wallow in the mud of my sin.

[@genetobin7403]

Yes, Andy is clever. It’s called bait and switch!

[@Saratogan]

I am thinking about 2 Peter 2: 6-10. What would Andy's conversation with Peter be over this text?

[@Michaelincontext]

To hazard a guess, he may classify it as a "clobber verse."

[@Saratogan]

@@Michaelincontext , sure it is a "clobber verse" but his argument seems to be be "Look over here. Please ignore what is behind the curtain." To roughly quote the Wizard of Oz. 😜

[@timshoup53]

Thank you Mike for standing on God’s word. I do believe that Andy stanly has become a false teacher and we must call him that. A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject, Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth being condemned of himself. ( Titus 3:10-11 ).

[@suzannebehrens9413]

Stanley for sure is not a Christian but he hides behind the title like many Criminals do !

[@michaelnoffsinger9020]

Thank you so much for this presentation. Andy seem to invoke the name of Dr. Geisler a bit to validate some of his thoughts. Has anybody heard any thing from Dr. Geisler regarding Andy's teaching during the day when he was living? I'm thinking in particular of the unhitch Ing of the New Testament from the old.

[@Michaelincontext]

Dr. Norman Geisler - who is with the Lord - (1932-2019) was also one of my great professors. While Andy may reference him, I doubt Dr. Geisler would have "validated" Andy's positions. Only my opinion. The term "unhitch" is complex in the way Andy used it. It attracted countless opinions and criticisms. As I've repeatedly stressed, we need clarity and Andy's language is unclear. To be clear, the Old Testament is the very word of God and inseparable from the whole Scripture.

[@dougmcminn9346]

Andy has admitted his trust in the b I ble being true and not a fable was at college when a lecturer convinced him that fables had as much truth as the scripture particularly about creation and hence his statement about unhinging the old testament. So did you guys know of his shift at the seminary or was he disguising that shift. Was your discernment up to scratch then?

[@angalablank]

I agree. But, I'm not his judge, God is and he will have to be held accountable for everything he has done and said and all the people he is leading

[@timothymorbitzer1655]

This is solid.

[@margestickel3816]

The saddest is that Andy had made comments that the Old Testament is not important for Christians. He also seems to pick and choose which N.T. scriptures he honors. He speaks as if he picks his focus on what grows the "church" rather then our commitment to Jesus...and the Holy Spirit grows His church. 16:50 16:50 Since Jesus honored the Old Testament scriptures, yet he's discounted it. It's so sad to see cultural issues changing his commitment to the truth of all scripture and reversing that authority.

[@aarontilley1399]

He is not a brother in Christ anymore..He needs to repentant ask God to change his heart.

[@terryfennig3787]

Wow, I listened to Andy's "I Love My Church'" talk and I've listened tomany of Andy's critics. Both of you have brought great clarity to what Andy actually teaches. I am in 100% agreement with both of you. We must believe that we are given the grace to pursue holiness and transformation. It is clear in scripture that those who yield to not just a sin act but to actually pursue iniquity, will not enter the Kingdom. We have to love them enough to be clear on this point and journey with them to freedom. I love that his church ministers to hurting parents but with it should be instructions about prayers that will bring down strongholds .

[@2wheelz3504]

Stanley is a false teacher. He is the worst of the worst. False teachers do not have horns growing out of the heads. They are smooth, intelligent, and persuasive and they draw people away from the truth. That's how they were in Paul's day and the same is true for today. You don't have to listen to what others say about him. Just listen to his sermons. He has come out and we now see openly what he has believed for years.

[@beverlymccollum8861]

My feeling is that you all are so "sweet" talking about this subject that you are not making a strong enough impact against sodomy and destruction of peoples bodies when they surgically and cosmetically change the way they look and act. You all are almost apologetic about coming straight out about what the Bible says. Reminds me of the mother who sees her child doing something wrong and just shakes her finger at the little darling while saying no no darling which of course has zero effect on them. I see no fervency or passion from you. Its like you are just hating to have to speak up. Don't want to hurt anybody's little feelings. Leaves me feeling cold about your whole presentation.

[@PilgrimMission]

Funny how the Pope is playing exactly the same game of ambiguity on the same issue. Whats the connection?

[@Michaelincontext]

No "connection" other than the move away from Scripture to accommodate culture and sin. Sadly, love knows when to lovingly correct, not overlook sin.

[@ericstogner2222]

Great response - your third guest who actually attended the conference confirmed what was expected - that it and its speakers and those attending indeed were vastly already in the LGBT affirming group and just wanted tips and techniques to deal with that accommodation . And indeed this is an LGBT affirming effort that they want to get it into the church. Just holding such a conference in the church facility is a clear endorsement of its content. This could have just as easily been held at a secular conference facility but Andy deliberately chose to host this to send a signal. Just look to Obama , or all the other apostate denominations, for the tried and true roadmap to taking down the nation or the organization. First comes toleration, then comes acceptance , and finally comes affirmation. And at some point Andy will pull an Obama move and suddenly announce as Obama did After he secured his second term, that his views had …. Wait for it …. EVOLVED. Yeah - right. Evolution is the term of atheists and your views didn’t suddenly and conveniently evolve at that moment. You had them all along but you kept them hidden - in plain speak, you lied and deliberately deceived the masses - so that you could first through your change and your agenda and when the masses finally became aware of your true and actual beliefs and agenda it is too late to fix it. This is how the agenda advancing game is played ! And there have been too many prior examples of this happening over and over that for any believer today to claim that they were unaware of this process or couldn’t see this coming. If anything Andy Stanley is late to the apostate agenda party. Most of the strongholds have already been pulled down. Andy is must the latest of the big ones to go the way of the Episcopalians, ELCA, PCUSA, and now the Methodists. Currently the Southern Baptists are also under assault and they have a few key bad apples whose views are ‘evolving’ Next - we need to connect the dots to see how this all feeds into the larger agenda of global depopulation and one world controls. It’s all connected. There are only two camps in this world - those who love and obey and speak God’s truth in Love and those who are on the other team - whether they deliberately know they are in the wrong team or those who just sort of go with the flow sort of unwittingly through the wide gate that leads to destruction. It is when people turn off their mind and spirit to the Truth that they begin to slip and fall into apostasy. As Ron said - God commends churches who Stand against false teaching and he condemns those who don’t. Bravo men - thank you for speaking the truth in love. Though those that are already blinded by false teachings will complain like spoiled little children that if you don’t affirm their sinful tendencies that they have built up into a whole affirming sub culture. These people resort to bullying tactics and will say your words were not icing but call you a hater. They are calling Jesus a hater too and this is their last option when they don’t have any biblical justification for their apostate position.

[@michaelnoffsinger9020]

Speaking with the pastor in charge of the parental groups of children with LGBTQ issues… Directly he told me that this was not Andy Stanley's conference, but that Northpoint was just the location and Greg and Lynne McDonald were the directors of it.... thoughts on this?

[@Michaelincontext]

Andy's explanation of couples coming to him, listening to people's stories, motivated him to hold the conference. Without being uncharitable, dodging that it "was not Andy's conference" is silly. Again, it seems they are anything but clear.

[@user-cm4iw3in2w]

Did you talk with Andy first like the Bible says, or did you skip those steps and air it for the world to see. If you still need to, I encourage you to make things right. Because I'm afraid, that's not right.

[@glendagaskin151]

I wonder if you aren’t reaching out of a past friendship. I had surgery back in the spring. Just for information the physical therapist I went to was totally deceived by the church. Sad.

[@user-jm1jt1cd6s]

What do you say to the change we have made to divorce? How we now accomodate divorce in violation of the clobber verses on it? Also, do we have an answer to the possibilty that some homosexuality is genetic? This whole issue is tearing churches apart and our country apart. Maybe Andy is attempting to keep the enemy from tearing congregations apart because their are many who desire a loving way to minister to those who sin. Is gossip still a sin--if so, are those who continue to gossip no longer followers of Jesus? Are you being consistent when you focus on this one major sin? Please help me understand.

[@Michaelincontext]

An important question but to be clear, but the use of the term "clobber verses" is unhelpful and immature. What other passages that we find uncomfortable can we call "clobber verses?" Thousands of passages clearly address sin and we don't label them "clobber verses." Rather, God's Word IS clear. Re. divorce / remarriage, I've long tried to encourage strong marriages. With couples in crisis, we've tried to encourage discipleship, marriage mentor groups, conferences, reconciliation, counselling... all designed to help couples. Sadly, as culture crept into the local church - again - and see the passive and at times dismissive way Christian couples choose to divorce. I know many who tried in earnest but divorce was the outcome. And we have seen many restored and reconciled. Local churches have lots of ways to ignore or address this. We often over look Christ's words, "...but from the beginning it has not been this way" Mt. 19:8b. and rather rush to the exception clauses. God's design was not to accommodate divorce. But we are sinful people. The good news is that many individuals get to a place to "own" their culpability in a divorce, find forgiveness from the Lord and others they may have hurt, and they stop blaming their ex, and even learn to forgive them. In God's great kindness and mercy, many divorced and remarried couples grow and mature. But note, they understand their own sin and seek forgiveness. This differentiates any who choose to to live in a sinful lifestyle. Re. the genetic notion, scores of good articles address this. Here is but one www.frc.org/blog/2019/08/landmark-study-determines-there-no-gay-gene Re. the issues "tearing churches apart," well, sin does that. Leaders, elders, pastors will be held accountable, not for individuals choices to live in sin, who disregard the Scriptures so blatantly. But they will be held in account for how they shepherded the flock, how and what they taught the church they are to oversee. As I've said often, James 3:1 terrifies me and I am astonished and saddened by the disregard of many pastors. It seems many have forgotten this is Christ's Church, not theirs. If you listen to Andy's own words, it does not "attempt to keep the enemy..." that is a non sequitur. He has chosen to accommodate or somehow sanction the ideas of sin and culture and affirm these ideas. Last, re. gossip, when a person who publicly teaches positions, who is on record in many places, who effectively says, "thus sayeth the Lord," this is not gossip. He, and every pastor or teacher, is on record. A few reminders: Rom. 2:21; 6:1-2, 12-14; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 2 Peter 2; and again, James 3:1. As I said repeatedly, he is not clear. We are to lovingly call people to repentance, to follow Christ, to be His disciples, to grow in sanctification, to share the gospel of Christ, not to accommodate sinful lifestyles.

[@maryr8627]

We don't affirm sin. We agree that we are sinners in need of God's Son to forgive us for being sinners... whatever the sin is, save one. But the Bible is self evidence that God knows humans are incapable of not sinning. ie live a perfectly righteous life. Right? He has let us know that we aren't going to attain that in this life. For all who are criticizing Andy, one question. Do you have people in your church that are guilty of hetero sin - actually living in hetero disobedience to the Lord and you teach them, listen to their heartfelt confessions to the sin in their life, and yet you baptize them, confirm them to the church, and share the Lord's Supper with them? Then go on later, without knowing if they have tackled that sin and expunged it from their lives, ask them to serve in the church? Work in the nursery, teach, choir, door greeters, etc? Complete obedience to Christ? I would say that every person speaking here, is not in complete obedience to Christ. Do you over eat? Are you over weight to the point of being a danger to your health. Have you ever called or still call other drivers on the road an idiot, fool, or jerk. Criticized or GOSSIPED about your "acquaintences"...in public? How about watched questionable movies? Listened to trash music? Doubted the Word's authenticity? Even the interpretation of it? There is no way to be completely obedient to every restriction mentioned in scripture. How about self righteousness? Is that a sin? What do you believe Christ was writing in the sand? Do you think it was the ten commandments? Was he more specific, maybe? Did he make sure every single person with a stone in hand, saw their disobedience and hidden sin that no one knew about? I believe it was the latter. Not one person, 1, didn't leave to prevent Christ from speaking out about that sin in front of everyone. Everyone can say I keep the commandments. It's a matter of self judging and we are all prone to exonerate ourselves, keep our unmentionable sin in the dark. If you say you are in complete obedience answer the questions.... publicly. Or stop throwing stones. Did Andy abandon scripture teaching on this topic? He says no. You say no. Did he marry these 2 men? Is he marrying a Steve to Steve, Eve to Eve? I have studied James 3:1 I'm not a teacher. I'm a fellow learner. Another question? Were any of God's friends sinless? Any of his chosen apostles, sinless? Was choosing a twelfth apostle by casting the di stone a Holy Spirit led approval of that man? Or, is Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, a 13th apostle, not represented in heaven by the gemstone foundation of the church? Just asking questions here, of this broadcast host and his guests. The Spirit asks this question. Who are you to judge another's servant? Aren't some judgements best left to the master of the servant about whether they were doing as told? If the servant is in error who makes him fall or stand? He says the master will cause him to stand if he is obedient to the master's instructions. Personal, not corporately within the church governing body, which is accountable to Christ as a whole body of leaders/TEACHERS. Unfortunately today, we have a huge group of various church admins that have accepted ideologies in the last century into the churches that the founding Fathers would've never (didn't) approved of... strictly speaking. But, if they were so strict as to call out only one sinner that they wouldn't be associated with ever, what would happen if they called out every possible sin that exists and refused those guilty, even by association with the guilty party, to fellowship with the church body? Wouldn't that mean a church full of self righteous people who claim to be without sin? 1 John? He said anyone who claimed that, was a liar, and therefore guilty of breaking the commandment of not lying? It's a sad state we find this last church in. But to be honest, I have not found one person who has lived a perfect life in that book. Some better than others, but still... I could sit here and critique you just for this broadcast with scripture support, even though you feel sanctimoniously correct for airing it. Spirit backed even. But the one person we can know is totally honest probably would not have endorsed it. You should've met with Andy and told him your reason for doing so, was to publicly use it to give him 39 lashes. What Christian pastor or church is next? What about the Apostle Peter, who endorsed the early Catholic Church leadership? He must've been nuts, right? A bunch of unmarried pedofiles who pray to Jesus' mom and put her on a reverential equal with Jesus himself? Why, how could anyone listen to Peter's teachings? He was so wrong in his unleashing the beginnings of the Roman Catholic Church. Loosing on earth what's been loosed in heaven? He had been given the keys. Shouldn't he have known what the church was going to become, covering up all those sins of assaults on young boys? How unconnected to the Holy Spirit he must have been, right? The one who denied even knowing his Lord and Savior - three times in a row. Who was jealous of the close friendship between Jesus and John. And John? He was so self righteous that he asked to be seated beside Christ in Heaven. Yet, never even had enough faith to get out of the boat? Geez. Why don't we just give Atheists and agnostics and those straddling the fence, another opportunity to say "who needs church and Jesus, when they can't even keep the rules themselves, but are nothing more than gossiping back stabbers constantly looking for a reason to condemn someone else, stone in hand?" If I didn't trust Jesus' blood to cover all my guilt and who prayed for me in the garden to be protected from the sin of unbelief - the one sin that's unforgiveable - I might be led by this broadcast, alone, to draw that same conclusion and denounce the Lord and Savior of my life. So sick and tired of seeing "men of the faith" calling out other "supposed" men of the faith on this platform. What is it gaining you? A couple of thousand "likes" by followers that generate an algorithm for Google to sell to ad sponsors that pay the bills for KZbin and send out little bonus checks to all the contributors who beverage the most 👍🏻 ?

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

Even liberal Baylor University didn’t want Andy as a student.

[@suzannebehrens9413]

If you want to know the bible listen to Chuck Missler or hal lindsney

[@davenelson750]

I believe Andy is setting the stage for eventually coming out as gay. He's laying the groundwork for justifying it.

[@Selah41st]

Agree

[@kimsteinke713]

Jesus pronounces “woes” on the scribes and Pharisees. The word woe is an exclamation of grief, denunciation, or distress. 5scribes and Pharisees, Israel's primary religious leaders. He is stating that they do not practice what they preach. They use God's Word to burden people instead of blessing them.

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

Andy is not s pharisee. They were fundamentalists without love. Andy is a liberal. With no love for the fundamentals of the Scriptures.

[@lisacraft9929]

Thank you. Listening to you makes me feel so much better. Listening to Andy makes me feel sick. Not only does he affirm homosexuality, now he's dismissing God and the Bible as foolish and a waste of time. He repulses me . I'm sure he knows better, but why is he doing this?

[@Michaelincontext]

You are spot on, the "why" is the issue. His follow up message (the Sunday after the "Unconditional" conference is more perplexing. Again, tragic and confusing.

[@kathymangum6738]

The comment that this is not sustainable, where does that leave all the single and divorced people who sustain celibacy outside marriage?

[@Michaelincontext]

He has made an "accommodation" for specific sins. This is not merely heartbreaking it is error. The "application" of this illogic will overflow into any number of other issues he may want to sanction off as "sin, but it's OK." As I have often said, James 3:1 terrifies me. I do not understand this tortured interpretation.

[@gritsgalraisedinthesouth]

When exactly did Andy categorize homosexuality as SIN?

[@Michaelincontext]

You can listen to Andy's message at Northpoint the Sunday following the "Unconditional" conference. While it is confusing, he tries to explain his thinking.

[@gritsgalraisedinthesouth]

@@Michaelincontext i actually did hear it and I am a former attendee of North Point. He refuses to classify homosexuality as a sin. If you heard something different, please share the time stamp. He did mention how the NP weekly broadcast was removed (from Daystar) bc Andy refuses to categorize homosexuality as sin.

[@Michaelincontext]

@@gritsgalraisedinthesouth you can read full comments in this CT link www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/october-web-only/andy-stanley-unconditional-conference-theology-lgbt.html Andy said, "Biblical marriage is between a man and a woman, he said, noting that every New Testament text addressing homosexuality teaches that it is a sin. “It was a sin then,” Stanley said, “and it is a sin now.” This is what has always been taught at North Point and will continue to be taught there, he added. But both before and after this portion of the sermon, Stanley contradicted that ethic."

[@dlopezchampion8054]

Come on Sir, a person that leads the flock astray especially intentionally is not really a brother in Christ. Andy Stanley know very well what he us doing, do not down play this man's goal to bring in confusion and false teaching. I personally believe he is in the closet and will come out soon enough.

[@martinthomas5774]

What Andy's real issue is, in suggesting we unhich from the Old Testament, is that he doesn't want to SUBMIT TO the authority of God's complete Word. Thus, he attempts to attribute things taught in the Bible to MEN who wrote parts of it INSTEAD OF saying that "GOD'S WORD says..." It's all about rebellion, which is obvious in Andy Stanley's heart. If you doubt this, watch some of his sermons, and even song service before he ministers in church. This man is lost, and needs prayer.

[@glendagaskin151]

I shudder to hear you refer to his “church “. Andy is arrogant and dictatorial.

[@kimsteinke713]

They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. And Andy Stanley was a Good Samaritan he went across the road and he saved a child and the Mormon stories I need to listen to the Mormon stories the children who've left Mormonism for the last 10 to 15 years we've been online talking about this listen to all the other gay stories and their family and mixed orientation marriages Wake up oh sleepers. 🙏🏳️‍🌈😇

[@ewitherell7205]

Unfortunately, spreading this on the internet makes anyone a target!! So it's the ultimate difficulty for all of us.

[@franklinbross2602]

I agree wholeheartedly with oklabloondocks. Why are we constantly dragging other professing Christians in the mud in the public. By no means am I a fan of Andy 😊

[@terrydyork]

This brings us to another problem of self-righteousness. Even people who have been saved by grace, and sometimes especially those people, feel morally superior because of the ways Christ has changed them, or the things they stopped doing because of Christ's work in their heart. Jesus tells a parable about a religious leader and a sinner that perfectly demonstrates what this self-righteousness looks like: "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 'Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed this: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but heat his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted'" (Luke 18:9-14). This attitude of self-righteousness is a constant danger for those who are in Christ. Therefore we must always humble ourselves before God, realizing that it was only by His grace that we are saved, and not by our own works, and that it is ultimately God who transforms our hearts and lives (Philippians 2:12-13). God hates self-righteousness because it is a lie. Self-righteousness drives people to pride rather than to love, and ultimately, self-righteousness separates us from God.

[@Michaelincontext]

You are correct in that self righteousness is sinful. None of us (in the podcast) feel or think we are "morally superior" as you suggest. This isn't about self righteousness, it is about sin. Christ was clear in Matt. 18. Paul was clear in 1 Cor. 5:1-5; 16:15-20; 2 Tim. 3:1-4; Gal. 6:1-2. Legalism, to lay undue burdens on people (what the Pharisees did) is not the same as a loving admonition to those who live in sin.

[@mitchelll3879]

Andy Stanley is not a master communicator..his voice is high pitched and like fingernails on a chalkboard..his nervous ill at ease manner is disconcerting..he just isn't a pastor and doubtful he is a saved Christian

[@lisacraft9929]

I agree. I physically can't stand to look at him or hear him talk.

[@ckle2685]

So, how many LGBTQ, et al are healed BEFORE a saving faith in Christ?? Do they come to the church because of condemnation and liking that? Or they come because they feel safe and loved? 3 guys hang on a cross - one says "remember me when you come into your kingdom"...what was Jesus response? Say the guy was gay...what would YOU say Jesus' response?? Though crap buddy - hell's for YOU! ??? Love and acceptance is Christ. Condemnation and judgement is from the brood of vipers......

[@rachelodell6879]

I heard nothing in this interview that was viper like. Also, no one is advocating for turning lgbtq people away at the door. So cool your jets. The church has to hold out the light of the gospel and call all to repentance and a holy following of God.

[@user-pi5oo7ev2e]

Is Andy gay himself?

[@bmjjjja]

I agree with the sin being cited here but you guys need to look in the mirror too. What does scripture define as "sin" and can YOU walk in sin (any sin) and not be just like Andy? What about the 4th commandment? What about the definition of "food" and Isaiah's prophecy about what is going to happen to those who break both of those commandments? It is not going to be tolerated by God to walk in sin. He will reject you despite your profession of faith because your profession is a lie. You are not following. Your life does not look like Christ's. Either God gets to be the one to decide what sin is (and that never changes) or man does. It is the little horn that changes this definition, not God.. Following the little horn/man of lawlessness is idolatry and leads to death. I worked for Andy for 5 years. He is lost. So too are all those who've followed the false doctrines handed down in seminaries.

[@Michaelincontext]

I readily admit that I sin everyday. The major difference is in acknowledging that we are all sinners vs. a willful disregard of what Scripture clearly calls sin, redefining sin, and worse sanctioning sin. All of us come to the cross on level ground. Believers beat their chests, knowing we are sinners and asking for forgiveness. If Christ's work in our place, on our behalf, instead of us is not sufficient, all are lost. We trust in Christ and Christ alone for our salvation, not some measure of "less sin" or sinlessness.

[@ninaseptember2]

Please invite Andy Stanley to join the conversation you are having about him. I listened to a podcast he gave, and it was about supporting the parents of LBGTQ CHILDREN and how the parents don't know what to do. As a born again, bible believing Christian, and I by the grace of God have Heterosexual children. I'm hearing things said here that do not align directly with what I understand Andy Stanley is hoping to serve the parents and families. He explicitly teaches that Homosexuality, et al. as sin. Heard that they are saved, and gay, and lost and hurting. I have not heard Andy Stanley condoning the sin or giving false teaching. I sense it's a sin to accuse him without having him present on your program.

[@kavitadeva]

Thank you. Speak to Andy. Do you remember when There were Black Churches and White Church's? Christians used the Bible to back that up. EX: DO not be unequally Yoked. Well we changed. Just like homosexuality will be a part of the church in time.

[@rachelodell6879]

As a member there for 15 years, now out from there for 5 years, I can assure you Andy doesn’t know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt when it comes to being clear on giving the gospel to all people and calling them to repentance. He says what conservatives want to hear. But the agenda is to push an affirmation of LGBTQ beliefs. NP has baptized trans people, AFFIRMING their trans identity! Not pointing them to truth.

[@Citizen1910]

Get into the Bible. It’s very CLEAR. Andy is spreading blasphemous information.

[@kavitadeva]

@@Citizen1910 please DO NOT make such horrible Claims about any pastor Without BACKING IT UP WITH SCRIPTURES. You dear Cristian just might be involved in worse sin according to God P R I D E

[@Citizen1910]

@@kavitadeva I am a sinner. But I am not a minister over a flock. I will tell you that the Holy Spirit gives discernment to anyone one His children who asks and He has shown me not to set foot in to that false ministry.

[@glendagaskin151]

He comes off as being very prideful and arrogant. I’m sure you have a different perspective but from here it appears that no one would ever hear the gospel. What is the point of the gospel if you never hear?

[@user-id8cp3jx3z]

Isn't judging supposed to be left to the Lord? All I hear from this conversation is words but when I listen to Brother Andy's sermons, it is not just words it is a message of truth. God is for all humanity it is not up to the sheep to pick and choose through the Bible. The devil always will take our attention from God to pursue these types of issues. As christians are only job is to love one another. Please be careful brothers and sisters the devil is real and he devowers christians .

[@kimsteinke713]

It's not God's creation design it is your design You've designed it that your God teaches you these things and you've applied them to other children that are not even of your orientation or are you straight or are you gay and you put them on other people and children have committed suicide over this teaching.Jesus pronounces “woes” on the scribes and Pharisees. The word woe is an exclamation of grief, denunciation, or distress. scribes and Pharisees, Israel's primary religious leaders. He is stating that they do not practice what they preach. They use God's Word to burden people instead of blessing them.

[@rachelodell6879]

People don’t commit suicide because of these teachings. The commandments of God are not a burden. People commit suicide because of mental health issues and perhaps abuse. But preaching the Word frees them. Doesn’t push them to suicide.

[@jasminekhoo1364]

O think Andy Stanly is gay.

[@Getup7131]

Thats the point he is not a brother in Christ!!! How dare you. My sheep follow My voice and another they will not follow. If hes your brother then you need to repent and ask yourself what a follower of Christ really means.

[@user-wg8sk8ik3o]

Andy Stanley is a man of God He tells us to help them and love them Watch Andy's Unconditional Conference You will then know the truth

[@Michaelincontext]

I wish I could agree with you, Annette. If you watched / listened to the entire episode, our last guest attended "Unconditional" and commented on his observations. The "conference" was in the main, an affirming (under the banner of being loving) yet never addressed, sin, temptation, fleeing from sin, self control, the Holy Spirit's indwelling power to help a believer resist sin, and so on. As I've said repeatedly, it is not loving to not call a person to repentance. Living in any sin needs to lovingly addressed, not approved.

[@fatalberti]

unconditional apostate

[@heathermoss8351]

It was full of blasphemy and lies? An apostate preacher leading people away from the truth??? #apostate #liar #blasphemous #READYOURBIBLE #heiswrong

[@enotstehw]

During the civil war of the US, both sides claimed to be on God's side. Both sides pointed to scripture of the old testament to cement their primitive beliefs. Both sides killed fellow humans, and that is totally wrong. And now we are in another civil war, and both sides are tossing rocks at each other, all along quoting scripture. But no one is quoting Christ . . . who said . . . Judge no one . . . See Matt 7:1 it seems they love to quote scripture, and yet totally forget about the words of God . . . Matt 5:44 Love your enemies. I'm done listening to Bible thumpers, good by Bible thumpers, good by haters.

[@kavitadeva]

This talk is embarrassing for so many reasons. First I am a follower of Christ. Do you remember when There were Black Churches and White Church's? Back then Christians used the Bible to prove the issue. Do not be unequally Yoked. Now, Jesus hung out with all kinds of sinners. Is being gay a bigger sin? No. I wish you were gay so then you could truly Talk about how you want to be Close to God mp. Sinners die as believers everyday. Why does this Sin have to be worse than any other?

[@Citizen1910]

God is clear regarding homosexuality. A man should not lie with a man. It is an abomination. Is this unclear? No. It is not.

[@rachelodell6879]

There is no such thing as a “gay person” as an intrinsic identity. That is a modern fabrication. It’s a lie.

[@kavitadeva]

@@Citizen1910 Ther is a way worse sin, that you practice. PRIDE And just because a person may be homosexual does not mean that they cannot be saved or live everlasting with the Lord because we all die and we're still sinners when we die. And just in case you forgot that includes you. So you are No different than a homosexual

[@gsusfan1]

This video is mislabeled. This is NOT the truth about Andy Stanley or the conference. Just another very public criticism and tear-down of a brother in Christ, which is just as sinful as anything you are pointing out in others. Modern day Phariseeism.

[@cindymorris564]

Thank you for sharing your insights on this. Blessings to you!