Critical Issues Commentary

06/24/2026

Reject Mysticism - Key Issues in the Means of Grace
Bob DeWaay shows that the means of grace were ordained by God, not discovered by man. These means are God's provision for our sanctification and are revealed in Scripture. Other man-made, mystical means such as labyrinths, are not ordained, have no promises attached to them, and cannot sanctify. We must approach God by His means as revealed in Scripture and stay within the boundaries God has given.

You can view the full message here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJsHqUI4F90

06/22/2026

John Mark Comer argues that “more Bible study” is a losing strategy for spiritual growth. In this episode, Bob DeWaay examines that claim and traces it to the influence of spiritual formation, a movement that teaches that growth is highly individualized, with each person following a unique path of formation.

Bob contrasts this with the biblical doctrine of sanctification. Scripture teaches that all believers share the same need—to be conformed to the image of Christ—and that God accomplishes this through the same means He has provided for all believers: the means of grace. Rather than directing Christians to personalized spiritual techniques, the Bible points us to God's powerful and sufficient Word.

The discussion also addresses Comer's characterization of Scripture as mere “information.” Bob explains that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, and that the Word of God is living, active, and powerful. Through His Word, God renews our minds, sanctifies His people, strengthens faith, and progressively conforms believers to the image of Christ. The God who begins this work in us is faithful to complete it and bring His people safely to glory.

Scriptures discussed: Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-2, Philippians 1:6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IQBL4tRCRE
Other resources mentioned:
Free Will or the Bo***ge of the Will:
Definitions are Critical
by Bob DeWaay
https://cicministry.org/commentary/issue92.htm

The Word of God as a Means of Grace:
https://youtu.be/zJsHqUI4F90

Means of Grace
God's Provision for Our Salvation and Sanctification
by Bob DeWaay

https://cicministry.org/commentary/issue84.htm

Rescued, Transferred, Redeemed and Forgiven
Exposition of Colossians 1:13,14

https://cicministry.org/commentary/issue131.htm

John Mark Comer argues that “more Bible study” is a losing strategy...

06/21/2026

What are the means of grace?
Bob DeWaay defines the means of grace as they are found in Acts 2:42. The means of grace are ordained by God and are attached to His promises found in Scripture.

06/17/2026

General revelation - what is revealed in nature and science - cannot save or sanctify anyone. Only what God has revealed in His Word is saving and sanctifying. Bob DeWaay warns that feeling close to God in nature is not the same as being close to God. We must draw near to God on His terms, as revealed in Scripture.

06/15/2026

Is spiritual growth produced by our effort, or does it come through faith in the gospel? In this episode, Bob DeWaay examines John Mark Comer's claim that self-effort is central to spiritual formation through surrender and compares it with the Apostle Paul's teaching in Colossians 1:3–6.

Paul teaches that the gospel is continually bearing fruit and increasing among believers, not because of human striving, but through God's grace received by faith. Bob explains how genuine Christian growth flows from the finished work of Christ and the power of the gospel rather than techniques of self-transformation.

Join us as we explore the biblical doctrine of sanctification, the meaning of bearing fruit, and why confidence in Christ's completed work is essential for spiritual growth.

Is spiritual growth produced by our effort, or does it come through...

06/11/2026

This clip is taken from Bob DeWaay's Faith at Risk conference message The Word of God as a Means of Grace. He shows that the Word of God is a firewall against paganism.

You can view the message here:
https://youtu.be/zJsHqUI4F90

And the full conference here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbjAWANmURo3eIdduhPfTJeL1UpzmDBC

06/08/2026

John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a “renaissance” of spiritual formation in the Western Protestant church. But does this movement lead believers toward biblical faith—or away from it?
Bob DeWaay examines the claims of modern spiritual formation and warns that true spiritual growth does not come through mystical practices, spiritual directors, or contemplative techniques, but through faith in the revealed truth of Scripture.

This episode also addresses panentheism—the belief that God is somehow enfolded into creation—and explains the crucial biblical distinction of God’s transcendence and immanence. God is fully present everywhere, yet forever distinct from His creation.

Drawing from the book of Hebrews, Bob warns believers not to seek God through mystical experiences, but to approach Him through the new birth in Jesus Christ alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO8SggO2ytw

Resources:
Richard Foster Celebration of Deception
https://cicministry.org/commentary/issue112.htm

John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a “renaissanc...

06/03/2026

How Do We Hear God Speak Conference
Follow-up Sermon

In this sermon, based on Romans 1:15, Pastor Bob DeWaay shows the importance of preaching the Gospel to the Church.

How Do We Hear God Speak ConferenceFollow-up SermonIn this sermon, based on Romans 1:15, Pastor Bob DeWaay shows the importance of preaching the Gospel to th...

06/03/2026

This clip is taken from Bob DeWaay's Faith at Risk conference message The Word of God as a Means of Grace.

You can view the message here:
https://youtu.be/zJsHqUI4F90

And the full conference here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbjAWANmURo3eIdduhPfTJeL1UpzmDBC

06/01/2026

The "gospel" of spiritual formation is designed for those who don't know Christ. It assumes that everyone in a church is truly converted. Bob DeWaay proves that this is Christianity in name only. It's designed for people who don't truly know Christ. He compares Hebrews 7:25 with the process that Comer lays out. Bob warns that turning from the promises of God given to all believers and going to spiritual formation leads to apostasy.

The "gospel" of spiritual formation is designed for those who don't...