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blasphemy, c3, c3 church, c3 church cult, c3 cult, c3 international, c3global, c3interational, cccglobal, cccinternational, Christian City Church, cult, cult leaders, jesus, messiah, messiahs, resurrection, resurrection sunday
Scriptures say,
“Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
“‘You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matthew 13:10-17
Who do think this passage is about? If you think this passage is about Jesus talking about himself, you are right. Jesus was the Messiah “many prophets and righteous people longed to see”. None else.
This prophecy Jesus spoke of was also against Israel. The disciples were truly blessed unlike Israel for they did not receive dull hearts, dull hearing or closed eyes. They were given the knowledge from Jesus to interpret what they were hearing. This is why the disciples were blessed to truly see and truly hear the words of Christ – Israel’s Messiah. The Incarnate Word of God. The one who the Law and the Prophets prophesied about it and longed to see.
However, you are about to hear Jabin Chavez misuse these verses and claim that Jesus is prophesying this about Phil and Chris Pringle,
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
Now our question to readers is this: Did Jesus really say the above about Phil and Chris Pringle ? Does Christ exalt them above his divine authority and Messiahship? Well if you think they’re not, take this issue up with Jabin Chavez and the Pringle’s. Hear what Jabin Chavez has to say:
Read Chavez’ liturgy of blasphemous flattery:
“Why don’t you just stay standing for a moment. Just want to sing a bit. Prepare our hearts. Um. I don’t know if you know how blessed you are to be in this church. Um. Jesus said that you’re blessed because of what you’ve seen and what you’ve heard. And ah- you have two pastors that, number one- you can see their life and be absolutely blessed because of who they are and the integrity and the faithfulness- I don’t know if you know: Happy birthday.
This is your thirty-third year as a church. Isn’t this incredible?
Three hundred campuses, a hundred thousand people at C3 all over the world. You’re blessed because of what you’ve seen.
And number two, you are blessed because of what you’ve heard. I don’t know if there are two greater teachers and preachers than Pastor Phil and Chris Pringle…
And honestly one of the number one things I thought right away is, “I really want to meet her pastor”. And so wisdom is proved right by her children. The bible says Jesus said that. And so- ah, that’s really a by-product of Pastor Chris and your gift and your grace on your life.” – Jabin Chavez, “Mt2M” – Jabin Chavez, http://www2.myc3church.net/videos/mt2m-jabin-chavez, 31/03/2013. (Accessed 13/04/2013.)
Jesus did say that “Wisdom is proved right by her children”. However, Chris Pringle is NOT “Wisdom”. Christ is. Christ is the Incarnate Word/Logos of God, the Power and Wisdom of God. Jesus was the fulfillment of Cultural Wisdom and Counter-Cultural Wisdom in the Old Testament Literature. His children are those that have heard the gospel, repented from their sins and were baptised. Luke is clearly making this point in his gospel. This is what Jesus said in context:
“When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,
“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:24-35
If Phil Pringle and Chris Pringle do not want their movement to now be labeled a cult, they must respond immediately to the blasphemous claims of Jabin Chavez that they are ‘Messiahs’ and ‘Wisdom’. To shamelessly do this on Resurrection Sunday is simply disgraceful.
C3 Church Watch 
There is no doubt, and there has not been for some time, that this church is a cult. How anyone could doubt it is beyond logic, and the doubters should begin reading about cults and how they operate and familiarise themselves with how they work.
“Test all things…..”
“Test all things…..”
“Test all things…..”
If you obey the word of God, you will soon see the truth.
But if you would all allow me to make one more comment distanced from the subject of whether this church has become a cult or not…………….I realise this will be controversial and expect a flurry of defensive arguments against my comments but I shall make the comments regardless.
I have watched the full 80 or so minutes of video (Jabin Chavez) and time and time again I am struck by the same thing with these “mega churches” (and some others).
Why, oh, why, do the men particlarly, have to turn up to church looking like they are homeless drifters who have just slept on a park bench all night!!!
What is with this!!!!! On the video (above) there is a glitzy stage and little stars falling from Heaven in the background and every “bell and whistle” possible used to “grab” the audience. (N.B. I used the term audience and not congregation!)
The fellows on stage look disgraceful, their clothes dishevelled, their faces with five o’clock shadow (I know, I know …. it’s the “look”……. but I could equally argue that we are exhorted not to conform to the world are we not?) and most of them look as if their hair has never been combed. The T-shirts on some look as if they have seen better days and have long lost their shape …… and some of the sneakers……well !!!
Is this the look of “Prosperity”. Good grief!
I would guarantee that if any of these people were invited to Buckingham Palace to accept an award from the Queen they would get all done up in their best “bib and tucker”.
And yet they don’t even bother to make an effort to go into the presence of the King to praise him for dying for us and giving us everlasting life!
I just don’t understand it. Most of the women at least appear to attempt to make an effort though some fall short, I must say.
If the unwashed and unkempt look is the fashion in the world then it should be saved for the world. I feel it I so disrespectful to our Lord to turn up to Church (much less lead worship!!!!) without at least making a little effort. And yes I know, blah, blah, blah, God judges our hearts and not our appearance, blah, blah, blah ….. it’s hardly the point. It just comes down to a show of “respect” on our part.
I can only hope that some of the people guilty of this overt show of rebellion of anything resembling a decent appearance, prosper enough to be able to afford a comb, shaver, soap and washing detergent in time.
And the example might begin with Mr. Pringle and other leaders of churches themselves ………….. we can but hope!
John the baptist is a great example of living simply. I dont think wearing camel hair was exactly the finest cloak he could’ve wore. However here is the same guy who baptised Jesus and witnessed the presence of God, before Jesus had even died to allow us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
I’m not trying to argue that it isnt about appearance blah blah.Jesus came to remove the show, you even touched on it when you mentioned ‘audience’ and ‘glitzy stage’. Church was about the gathering of believers to support and encourage each other against opposition. Jesus called us to come before him as we are, not to dress ourselves up, but to lay our hearts bare. Playing worship music that secular people can enjoy and having a stage that is aesthetically pleasing isnt a bad thing. If it helps people invite their un-churched friends to church because it is culturally relevant (meets them where they are at) then go for it! Paul wrote strongly about quarrel amongst fellow Christians and that it gained nothing.
I believe that C3 is not negatively affecting the community but strongly the opposite. To point out how they want to dress or shave is to judge them from a human perspective. God created ‘5 o’clock shadow’ if you really want to get down to it. God’s idea of how we should dress doesnt have to mean a suit. God would see respect more from an open heart and coming as we are, then coming as something we are not.
Hopefully you try to see it for what it really is. There really is nothing to gain by getting angry because the lead singer isnt freshly shaved. chances are Jesus was pretty rough looking himself. That was actually one of the breaking points for the Jewish community, they couldn’t handle that Jesus didnt look like a warrior or extremely handsome, but like a normal person. It made them extremely mad, but the beauty of Jesus appearing normal is that we can relate.
God Bless
Sam
Oh Sam……… you can’t honestly be expecting anyone to take that comment seriously can you? Are you REALLY suggesting that there is any comparison to be drawn between the times of 2000 years ago when most people we read of in the Bible would have had ONLY one cloak (or outfit) with the average person who attends church these days who would have a fair number of opotions in the wardrobe from which to choose? It would be humorous if it was not so ridiculous.
In case it has escaped your notice Sam, we now have running water at our disposal.
And you are correct …..we are told to “lay our hearts bare”. But that is a debate neither you nor I can enter into as only God can judge the heart. But as for judging things from a human perspective – I seem to remember quite a few passages in the Bible which tell us what is expected of us of our outward appearances. Aside from references to women and their jewellery there are even even references as to how we should wear our hair.! But of course, you have probably dispensed with all those references as not being “culturally relevant”. I am wondering if you would be kind enough to point out to me just which of the bits of the Bible we should consider “culturally relevant” and which ones we should not. I gather you have some extra instructions in your Bible that I do not have in mine!
As for secular music “not being bad” and being “culturally relevant” (such a quaint catchphrase which I have heard bandied around in churches these days and which you may have heard from those at whatever Church you attend as they try to justify their grubby appearance)……….if it bring others into the church it most certainly is NOT a bad thing. After all, that puts more backsides on seats and helps fill the coffers of the mega churches……… so no….. not a bad thing!!!!!
How do you honestly dare to compare John the Baptist with any leaders of the these mega churches? You can’t be serious.
You write “Chances are Jesus was pretty rough looking himself?” Where on earth were you ever taught that we should live by a code of Biblical “chances are”?
As I said, you can’t POSSIBLY be comparing a 2000 years ago Middle Eastern way of life with our living conditions today……. can you? Please tell me your comment was written tongue in cheek. And since you have a ” chances are” copy of the Bible, I would most respectfully suggest to you that “chances are” Jesus was a respectful and considerate gentleman who turned up to Temple and to the homes of his friends, presenting himself in the very best way possible as a simple show of respect.
For years, I listened to women preachers dripping with jewellery and male leaders with unwashed hair make any half-baked comment possible in an attempt to justify their choice to come to church in the fashion they do. Sam, you are trying to defend the indefinsible!
I am a former member of a “C3.” There can be no doubt that this organisation is a dangerous and insidious cult.
When one looks back at some of the more horrific cults, it is often hard to understand how the people at the time could not see it for what it really was, and more particularly how apparently good people good be deluded into believing it was a Christian church? I feel the same now when looking back at my time in C3. ALL the signs were there.
And here’s one other thing. Such pseudo-Christian organisations thrive by preying upon the works of good Christians wanting to serve their Lord. C3 is full of such people. But there is a point beyond which the greed, the idolatry, the lies, the hypocrisy, and the evil is laid bare. The leaders of the C3 cult and their satellites know full well what they are doing. Furthermore, they have not become “corrupted” but were clearly evil self-seeking liars from the moment they entered the door.
These are NOT churches that have “gone off the rails.” Mr Pringle is NOT a “Good man corrupted by power.” He is an evil lecher who set out to defraud and corrupt people, and has been incredibly successful at drafting similar evil people into his organisation.
I believe that our Church was once a place where Jesus was worshipped unashamedly and the Holy Spirit had free reign. John Finkelde, a snake who seeks nothing but his own power and edification, bided his time and worked his way into a position of power and influence from whence he was able to execute a “bloodless coup.” He then set about corrupting those he could and removing those he could not, transforming our church into a vile den of liars and thieves, which he then used to purchase his way into Pringles criminal organisation.
Jesus called us to judge people by their fruits, and to make it even easier he gave us his Holy Spirit, and told us clearly what the fruits of the Spirit are. It’s not hard, look for the Holy Spirit and look for his fruits, you will find NONE in C3. To paraphrase Saint Paul, it doesn’t matter how new and shiny the building is, or how many are in attendance, or how much noise you make, without the Holy Spirit it is nothing but a clanging cymbal.
Do not let your friends or children be deceived by these evil men. Attending C3 is NOT “better than nothing.” Have a look what happens to all these young people after 10~15 years. Those that have not risen in the hierarchy have been cast aside, broken, bitter, depressed, and angry at God.
Sorry to hear about your experience. Hope our articles are opening up your eyes and grow you in discernment.
Please browse the resources we advertise on our site. Tune in or download radio programs like the Dividing Line, Fighting For The Faith, White Horse Inn and CARM Radio. We guarantee these will guide you in your Christian walk.
Feel free to use the bible study resources to test the things we all say. It is our desire to see you grow in God’s Word. We thank God has taken you out of C3.
Thanks, I just praise God that he took me out of that place and opened my eyes.
And I’m thankful that people such as yourselves are spreading the truth about these organisations.
I was originally bitter about some things at C3, but not any more, Jesus has healed the hurt and opened my eyes to what was really happening. Now I am just appalled at what takes place, and frankly gobsmacked about how we were all taken in.
CD, new and/or spiritually hungry Christians are often drawn to this type of church; they behave just like predatory abusers do towards vunerable men or women. They act loving and say all the right words and a naive person falls for it hook, line and sinker. You have learned a very hard lesson but it won’t be wasted by God.
On the ApologeticsIndex dot org website search for abusive churches/ spiritual abuse. You’ll see that even though C3Church doesn’t (yet) demonstrate the more disturbed behaviours of extreme cults it does have some characteristics. e.g. scripture twisting, manipulative leaders, punishing followers for thinking independently, chosen few (treated differently to regular church members), persecution complex
You have made a lot of bold claims here, however it all appears to just be slander without any proof or evidence? I’m interested to see why you think C3 is so impecably evil, surely such a strong claim would have real backing evidence.
I look forward to hearing you out.
Sam
Sam, you really have weighed in without educating yourself first I am sorry to say. Please go back and read every post on this site and the hard evidence cited. And if you still need evidence I would be only to pleased to meet with you and have a chat about what I have witnessed first-hand in SEVERAL of these mega churches. And of course, if it is agreeable to you, we will have such a discussion with a translation of the Bible agreeable to us both as our reference. No doubt the moderators can put us in touch if that is your wish.
But I warn you Sam…….. you may not like what you hear.
CD,
Thanks for your true comments.
I also was a member of that so called “church”, and I was blinded by Phil and his band for over 20 years, until God’s power through His Living Word JESUS rescued me.
I do agree with everything you said, C3 is anything else but a church; it is an organisation that is very good at twisting the whole sacred scriptures to manipulative, deceive, and exploit people to the advantage of its so called “pastors” starting with Phil.
Now that I am free from all those chains I can see very clear who My Lord and God is like, and to whose likeness He made me or created me.
Right from the beginning of the scriptures in Genesis 1:26 He said; Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our Image, and after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over….
27: So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
31: And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely…
Now I realise that Phil and his band at C3 are completely the opposite of God.
Perhaps one day I will, in this space, tell of my personal experience with this ungodly movement.