Best April Fools' Day Joke of 2019?

Last night I browsed the new Monthly Sale offerings and noticed Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures (64 vols.) at 40% off. The product description was intriguing and I decided to take the plunge.

I opened the Psalms volume from the newly-purchased set and immediately spotted this jewel:

"One interesting testimony of how David wrote his psalms comes from Jesse Duplantis, who was caught up into heaven and met some of the people of the Holy Scriptures. When he spoke with David, Jesse was told by him that many of his psalms came while he was sitting on the side of a hill and was moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit to write down the words of these psalms."

- Everett, G. H. (2011). The Book of Psalms (p. 15). Gary Everett.

I read it a second time, but it still appeared to cite Duplantis and a live conversation with King David! Then I clicked on the footnote link and saw the source:

"Jesse Duplantis, interviewed by Benny Hinn, This is Your Day (Irving, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California, July 16, 2002), television program."

You can't make this stuff up! Duplantis? Hinn? "Caught up into heaven?" A conversation with King David? And the author cites other Duplantis heaven conversations in additional volumes of this set.

My initial thought was that I was about about to request (perhaps my first?) Logos product refund. Then I decided to pause. Maybe I shouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water, even though this bath water was awfully murky. But then it hit me. It was April 1st. Maybe the Faithlife/Logos team pulled off the best April Fools' Day joke I can remember. And even got me to pay for having them play the prank on me! Smile

I love Logos and Faithlife and recommend the company and its resources on a consistent basis. But this product floored me! I hope this post doesn't offend anyone, but I'm almost certainly going to ask for a refund on this. If the author considers Duplantis to be a credible authority, how credible are his own Study Notes as a whole?

Has anyone else purchased this product, and is there any reason for me to reconsider jettisoning it from my library?

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Comments

MJ. Smith

You're telling me the product page finally actually shows the real value in the value column?

Okay, I don't have the resource and cannot actually attest to its value.

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043939#Comment_1043939

LOL! Excellent observation, MJ. I saw the same individual volume valuations last night before I purchased the set. I think I should have accepted the honest guidance! [*-)]

Robert Neely

... and is there any reason for me to reconsider jettisoning it from my library?

oh my, yes!!

Darrell Tan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043940#Comment_1043940

However, the same materials are available on Amazon, studylight.org and other sites...

Mark Barnes

You can't make this stuff up! Duplantis? Hinn? "Caught up into heaven?" A conversation with King David? And the author cites other Duplantis heaven conversations in additional volumes of this set.

The weirdest thing about this is that the great revelation this heavenly conversation gained was that David wrote many of his Psalms while "sitting on the side of a hill".

Sadly, there's plenty of other 'revelations' throughout this series:

With Jonah

In his book Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind Jesse Duplantis describes his encounter with Jonah. This Old Testament prophet explained why he was angry. He said that he was irritated because he thought of himself more than he thought of the nature of God. It is not God’s nature to destroy, but to heal and to bless.

And Jesus:

In his book Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind, Jesse Duplantis was speaking with Jesus about this verse. Jesus Christ said that the worst day of His life is yet to come. He then explained that on the Great Judgment Day all tears will be wiped away. Jesus said that this included His tears because once judgment is set there will be no more opportunity for the lost. Jesus was broken and sorrowful because He knew the day was coming when some of God’s creation would be eternally damned to Hell, and those in Hell are souls for whom Christ died.

And Isaiah

In his book Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind Jesse Duplantis says that he saw people entering into heaven wearing two different types of closing [sic]. Some wore beautiful, glorious robes while others wore simple gowns. He was told by his angel that those Christians who were faithful in their life were given these beautiful robes while the less faithful ones were simply given gowns to wear.

There are several others if you search for them.

Thanks for sharing. This series has now received the dubious honour of being the first commentary collection in my library that I've hidden (I can't return it because it came in a collection).

(‾◡◝)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043951#Comment_1043951

Follow the Good Shepherd whose voice you know and flee from the voice of strangers.

"... and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jn 10:4b–5.

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043951#Comment_1043951

In addition to a wish list, we need an "Add to my never want list" button

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043964#Comment_1043964

I'm trying to figure out how I own this set. This is not something I would purchase by itself, so it must have been included in some base package at some point. Very strange!

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043972#Comment_1043972

I'm trying to figure out how I own this set. This is not something I would purchase by itself, so it must have been included in some base package at some point. Very strange!

It was in Logos 7 Baptist Portfolio. Perhaps others too.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044010#Comment_1044010

This foolishness is offered in Logos, but we can't get Bart Ehrman's stuff. Where's the head-slapping emoji?

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044024#Comment_1044024

I would return it if I was you, that is bad stuff. If not just hide it so it is removed from the library.

Roy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044029#Comment_1044029

I do own this "Collection/series" and I think that I did get it as part of a base package.

While I do "not agree" (an understatement) with some of the theology espoused in this work, I would hang on to it as material to use as examples of either poor scholarship or just plain "way-out-there-ness" and if my comments violate forum rules on no theologizing, I apologize and invite those in authority to remove my post.

Cheers...[*-)]

Robert Neely

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044043#Comment_1044043

Knowing what I know now, I could not in good conscious purchase any base package that would monetarily support such "way-out-there-ness".

EastTN

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043964#Comment_1043964

In addition to a wish list, we need an "Add to my never want list" button

You know, that might be handy. There aren't many things I'd put on such a list, but this would be at the top of it.

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043951#Comment_1043951

There are several others if you search for them.

Thanks for sharing. This series has now received the dubious honour of being the first commentary collection in my library that I've hidden (I can't return it because it came in a collection).

Thank you, Mark. Yes, I too noticed that the author appears to be quite the Duplantis fan, in light of the multiple citations. It is simultaneously humorous and tragically sad that people are consuming this kind of nonsense. I know that online reviews are less than 100% reliable, but the Amazon.com reviews of the Duplantis book Close Encounters of the God Kind are absolutely heartbreaking if even half of the positive reviews are real.

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043964#Comment_1043964

In addition to a wish list, we need an "Add to my never want list" button

Good one, Mark. That would be tough for a for-profit company, but perhaps pretty useful for us as customers!

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044043#Comment_1044043

While I do "not agree" (an understatement) with some of the theology espoused in this work, I would hang on to it as material to use as examples of either poor scholarship or just plain "way-out-there-ness" and if my comments violate forum rules on no theologizing, I apologize and invite those in authority to remove my post.

I'm with you, Roy. I would love to retain this series as a "cautionary tale" resource, but I don't think I can justify the cost, even at the sale price. Unlike you folks who acquired it in a base package, I actually purchased it as a separate series. Insert David Paul's aforementioned head-slapping emoji here!

Keith Pang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044086#Comment_1044086

Here you go 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044084#Comment_1044084

Just my personal opinion as food for thought not a request that anyone in this thread change their behavior.

I found myself getting increasingly uncomfortable with this thread for two reasons:

I felt sorry for the people who had actually wanted the resource enough for it to be included in Logos as implicitly they were being "mocked"
I compared how two of us were very polite in a recent thread in not calling out more dangerous garbage ... merely pointing out it was dubious- because the author is "respected". Yet that information was more dangerous in that more people would take it to be true.
Bring out the Ehrman, Sprong, and Jesus Seminar [B] They are more informative and useful
Second request for head-slapping emoji

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044089#Comment_1044089

Well-stated, MJ, as usual.

Wild Eagle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044091#Comment_1044091

thank you MJ!!!

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044095#Comment_1044095

Thanks for the reminder

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044010#Comment_1044010

I'm trying to figure out how I own this set. This is not something I would purchase by itself, so it must have been included in some base package at some point. Very strange!

It was in Logos 7 Baptist Portfolio. Perhaps others too.

That would be how I got it! Thanks.

Wild Eagle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043951#Comment_1043951

You can't make this stuff up! Duplantis? Hinn? "Caught up into heaven?" A conversation with King David? And the author cites other Duplantis heaven conversations in additional volumes of this set.

The weirdest thing about this is that the great revelation this heavenly conversation gained was that David wrote many of his Psalms while "sitting on the side of a hill".

Sadly, there's plenty of other 'revelations' throughout this series:

.....

Thanks for sharing. This series has now received the dubious honour of being the first commentary collection in my library that I've hidden (I can't return it because it came in a collection).

It is a culmination of thirty years of personal Bible study. This is NOT Bible commentary, but rather Gary H. Everett's personal insights. We all have personal opinions on all matters, but I think it is unfair knowing that we are dealing with personal notes treat as Bible Commentary, and trash his personal insights. I would gladly have all someones personal notes and insights on Biblical passages and see if I can find some useful info and I am not afraid to get the meat and spit the bones.

EDIT: deleted

Liam Maguire

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044173#Comment_1044173

PS: I dont agree with cessationism and personally, it is a heresy for me because it contradicts with my view on Scripture. But, I started to collect their classical books in my library to see why they think or what made them think that way, .

To say that something is heresy (according to my understanding of the concept) is to say that those who hold such a view are deviating from the orthodox gospel which was once for all delivered to the believers. In essence, you are implying that all cessationists are believing a different gospel (eg. not saved) and that cessationist pastors/elders are preaching a different gospel and therefore under God's curse.

Just so we are all on the same page, is that really what you are saying?

Wild Eagle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044227#Comment_1044227

To say that something is heresy (according to my understanding of the concept) is to say that those who hold such a view are deviating from the orthodox gospel which was once for all delivered to the believers. In essence, you are implying that all cessationists are believing a different gospel (eg. not saved) and that cessationist pastors/elders are preaching a different gospel and therefore under God's curse.

Just so we are all on the same page, is that really what you are saying?

no, Liam, I don’t mean in that sense. Sorry I shouldn’t use this word not assuming that this is what people people could mean. What I meant is a certain belief contrary to what Bible says. IF Bible teaches earnestly desire gifts, and someone says, this is not for us, then “ this is not for us” part is heretical because it contradicts to what Paul said. Not as that they preach different gospel, but hold some views that contrary to Paul teachings.

Liam Maguire

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044252#Comment_1044252

no, Liam, I don’t mean in that sense. Sorry I shouldn’t use this word not assuming that this is what people people could mean. What I meant is a certain belief contrary to what Bible says. IF Bible teaches earnestly desire gifts, and someone says, this is not for us, then “ this is not for us” part is heretical because it contradicts to what Paul said. Not as that they preach different gospel, but hold some views that contrary to Paul teachings.

No problem. Thanks for clarifying your meaning and usage. FWIW, I do not hold the view myself but serve alongside two very godly elders who do, not mention godly members of our congregation who are cessationist. I have zero doubt in my mind that they are nothing but genuine, regenerate, card-carrying children of God. Perhaps more importantly, they would not think they are contradicting Paul's teaching about SG.

Also, worth remembering all biblical commands, including 1 Corinthians 14:1 were given to an original audience first, in this case, the Corinthians. We the reader then examine the command in light of the original historical, cultural, context, and the wider teaching of scripture, to see if it still applies to us today. I would say 'yes, it does'. Whereas a Cessationist would say 'no it does not'.

Finally, cessationism has a long and illustrious theological pedigree (right across Protestantism), more so than a charismatic/continuationist view of the gifts - which historically, speaking has been mainly a minority or underground view until very recently. That fact alone should make us cautious and humble in approach to those who hold an alternative perspective on Spiritual gifts.

So I guess the question to ask is 'Can a person who holds to Cessationism still be considered a Christian?' If you answer that question with a 'Yes' then the theological position they hold to cannot be a heresy. It might be an incorrect interpretation of the Bible or bad theology, but it can't be heresy or false teaching.

Kevin Olson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044024#Comment_1044024

I get it. This thread shows us the new way to get around the forum rules. OK, let's all play that game. I am looking forward to the new civility.

SineNomine

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044277#Comment_1044277

I get it. This thread shows us the new way to get around the forum rules.

Another reason to lock this thread.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044387#Comment_1044387

I don't really care if this "stuff" is in Logos format; I just want something that is fundamentally more substantial (even if it is ultimately wrong) to be included as well...Bart Ehrman's and Karen Armstrong's and James Tabor's and Robert Eisenman's stuff. These authors aren't necessarily similar except for their "unorthodox" positions, but they are certainly weighty enough to warrant availability in Logos.

I'm still ticked off that Bird's book that was a direct PUBLISHER DESIGNED refutation of Bart's book (meaning they were published almost as a set by the same publisher) got added to Logos but the book that was being refuted got bricked. THAT'S ALMOST CRIMINAL. Open the floodgates FL...if this series (the OP's focus) can get published in Logos, these other authors certainly should be added as well.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1044406#Comment_1044406

When I referred to Karen Armstrong above, I actually intended to mention Elaine Pagels. Both should be available in Logos.

Hamilton Ramos

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1043951#Comment_1043951

And Jesus:

In his book Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind, Jesse Duplantis was speaking with Jesus about this verse. Jesus Christ said that the worst day of His life is yet to come. He then explained that on the Great Judgment Day all tears will be wiped away. Jesus said that this included His tears because once judgment is set there will be no more opportunity for the lost. Jesus was broken and sorrowful because He knew the day was coming when some of God’s creation would be eternally damned to Hell, and those in Hell are souls for whom Christ died.

I wonder what was told by Jesus to other persons...

Quote out of L8 will follow:

Jonathan Edwards, some of you have heard of him. He was a Congregational minister in New England 200 years ago. Listen to this little note from his prayer diary:

“Once, as I rode out into the woods for my health, in 1737 … I had a view that was for me extraordinary. [The inward eyes of my heart were opened and I saw the] glory of the Son of God … and his wonderful, great … pure and sweet grace and love.The person of Christ appeared ineffably excellent with an excellency great enough to swallow up all thought and conception, which continued as near as I could judge [as a condition of me, for] about an hour, which kept me the greater part of the time in a flood of tears and weeping aloud. I felt an ardency of soul to be … full of Christ alone; to love him with a holy and pure love; to trust in him; to live upon him; to serve … him.”

Now I don’t know about you, but when I read a statement like that, this is what I think. “Is this guy in the same religion I’m in?” Maybe I’m in the international league, and he’s in the big leagues or something. Don’t be discouraged. He was experiencing the presence of God at a heightened degree, and the presence of God is something you cannot push buttons and experience to the same degree when you go before him in your private prayer or when you come together and go before him corporately, but what the Scripture teaches is we expect far too little of this. We expect so little reality in our lives.

Keller, T. J. (2013). The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive. New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Maybe someday someone will do a comparative study of things told by Jesus to different persons throughout time, Such would probably yield some more insight to have a clearer view rather than one through a tainted glass.

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