From George Cancilla
(RE:
Tony Blair, UNESCO and
Rick Warren joins movement
to end religious conflict]:
The global elites desire a culturally homogenous world population,
because such a population is easiest to control. Their techniques for
accomplishing this herd mentality have been , and continue to be,
Marxism and the Hegelian dialectic. Marxists hate the very concept of
Jesus Christ, God, or any supreme being. Those who would seek to have
control, care nothing about peace and prosperity for the masses, but
care only about hoarding the wealth from all nations.
“From whence come wars and fightings among
you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your
members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and
cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask
not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:1-3).
Tony Blair, Rick Warren, and associates are
implying that the nations of the world and the people therein are in
conflict with each other because of different religious beliefs. This is
not true. It is the self serving, greedy nature of Adam mankind that
brings war. Not religious differences. Trying to find compromise in all
the world religions will not remove the inherent sin nature of Adam
mankind. Adam man cannot fix his sin nature with his own wisdom. Only
Christ can do that. So, pulling all the scholarly wisdom together at
Oxford will be a waste of time and money.
“Let no man deceive himself. If any many among you seemeth to be wise in
this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom
of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the
wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts
of the wise, that they are vain.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20).
From Jeff Wallace:
I thought this a sobering and somewhat humbling scripture. It's a
statement Jacob made in answer to Pharoah about his (Jacob's) life:
"And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, 'the
days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years:
few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.'"
Genesis 47:9
Then we see Paul say these two things:
"O wretched man that I am!
who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
Romans 7:24
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of
all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 1:15
David stated this in Psalms:
"I acknowledge my sin unto thee,
and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my
transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my
sin."
Psalm 32:5
And Job had this to say:
"How much more abominable and
filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?"
Job 15:16
If the son of Isaac, the grandson of
Abraham, and the father Joseph (and the father of the 12 sons who became
the 12 tribes of Israel) could state......"few and evil have the days of
the years of my life been," then I think we need a serious dose of
humility. We need to ask ourselves, would any of these men I quoted in
the Scriptures, sit very long under the ministries of today's one
inch deep and mile wide entertainment centers now called churches? I
think not. What will it take to bring back faithful humble men who will
teach uncompromising Biblical Truth?
As www.Crossroad.to has
so often and continually portrayed in its writings and observations, the
current church trends, in so many church ministries today, just simply
seem to be avoiding the fact that mankind (whether they be saved or not)
is completely incapable of pleasing God with our attempts to be
righteous. The reality of our sinfulness -- our natural depravity and
inclination to choose our own way rather than God's -- seems to have been shut out of the discourse almost completely.
The honest self-appraisal of those
great men of God stands as a stark and striking comparison to today's
quests for self
esteem, entertaining, and show-time gospel presentations. Joel
Osteen writes a book to show people how to improve their lives, and yet
it not only doesn't mention sin, carnality, and our desperate attempts
at righteousness, it doesn't even mention God or Christ!
I really have to wonder why these many
ministries are just flat out avoiding the sinful nature of man. Are
some of them really Christian men who are drunk on the lure and
vision of the church growth movement? Or are they men who do not
know Christ at all, and instead follow the call of dark forces
to lull their congregations into a false sense of worship? Such worship
and "service" negate the need for our Saviour on one hand,
and promotes a comfortableness with interfaith dialogue on the other.
Maybe the answer one answer to the
puzzle -- along with our our needed response -- can be found in
here:
"...
in
the last days perilous times will come: For
men will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without
self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying
its power. And from such people turn away!
"...all who desire
to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil
men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being
deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have
learned..." 2
Timothy 3:1-14
From
Bob:
I have read some of your articles that are
critical of Mother
Theresa, CS Lewis,
J RR Tolkien, etc. Who says that
Buddists, Hindus Muslims, etc will not go to heaven?
What
people such as Mother Theresa was trying to say is that people who have
great faith and love for God (even those brought up in another religion)
will be accepted by God.
Remember that the Lord Jesus commended a roman soldier for his faith, a
soldier who at the time had no idea who Jesus was and before "Christianity"
was even born. Jesus didn't launch a diatribe against the "Pagan Religion of
the Roman Empire, he commended the man. Likewise he didnt condemn the woman
caught in adultery, certain prostitutes and tax collectors.
The
whole tone of your website is to
sit in
Judgement on what other people believe. Imagine condemning CS Lewis
surely the greatest Christian apologist of the last century! No doubt
responsible for the conversion of thousands to the Christian faith. Jesus
said "Judge not lest ye be judged likewise!'
Thank you for taking time
to write us. You ask “who says that Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims… will not
go to heaven?
God would welcome all those diverse people if only they would hear His
call and come His way. That “way” is Jesus Christ Himself – the Savior
who died on the cross to redeem all people from sin. All they have to do
is acknowledge that they are lost, bound to sin and its judgment, and
trust in the victory won by Christ on the cross. But if they refuse His
call and trust in their gods, then they will face God’s judgment. As God
Himself told us in His Word:
"I am the way,
the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
John 14:6
"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in
and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and
to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that
they may have it more abundantly." John 10:9-10
"... their gods shall be a snare to you." Judges 2:3
"....these men have set up their idols in their hearts.... Should I let
Myself be inquired of at all by them?" Ezekiel 14:3
"...you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand. Yet you
have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no
more. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver
you in your time of distress." Judges 10:12-14
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan,
with all power, signs, and lying wonders.... because they did not
receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2
Thessalonians 2:9-11
The Roman soldier trusted Jesus and His teaching. He had heard about His
teaching and turned to Jesus for help --not to the Roman gods and
religious practices. That’s why Jesus welcomed and rewarded him. He
longs to see people from around the world leave their futile beliefs –
and their sins, as did the adulteress -- and turn to Him.
Please read this page on judging.
http://www.crossroad.to/HisWord/verses/topics/judge.htm
You should see what God tells us about when to judge and when not to
judge. We are all held responsible for living by His grace according to
His moral standards. We must always exercise moral judgment and judge
(evaluate, discern, determine) what is right or wrong according to the
standard of God's Word:
"Hypocrites! You
can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do
not discern this time? Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not
judge what is right?" Luke 12:56
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous
judgment.” John 7:24
"For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." 1 Corinthians
11:31
Only fools set aside all discernment (ability to judge between good and
evil) and flow with whatever feels good.
With His love,
From
Mary Grace:
[RE:
Deeds, Creeds and
Mother Teresa's Despair]
I just read your article on
Mother Teresa. I couldn't believe it.
I've just been thinking about her the past few weeks since hearing about her
spiritual doubt (awhile ago I also heard that she struggled with demonic
oppression toward the end of her life?). I was thinking that she made the
same mistake Judas made - trying to help the poor on the world's terms and
forgetting what Jesus said that the poor would always be with us. She
apparently lost her focus. I only hope that, in the end, she did not lose
her faith. It saddens me that she was not able to obtain (or follow?)
adequate spiritual guidance. The whole situation just gives me the strangest
sensation - that she was not what everyone thought she was - a saint. The
disillusionment is something I can't quite get my mind around.
From
M. K.:
[RE:
Trading Truth for Solidarity]
You mentioned seminaries. We
have been getting the "Harvard Divinity Bulletin" for years. They promote
feminist theology, pluralism, etc. And one of their students had a "research
project" that involved going to Haiti and participating in Voodoo rituals.
The "Harvard Divinity Bulletin" had a long, enthusiastic article about his
research project, including photographs. (And boy did that young man look lost
and demonized.) Instead of being appalled, the Divinity School thought that
it was great.
The Church in America may need persecution in order to survive spiritually.
It would be harsh medicine -- like chemotherapy. But it's better than being
eaten up with the cancer of heresy, occultism, self-centeredness, and moral
depravity.
Much
of the Church would refuse the medicine. It would go pluralistic in order to
avoid persecution. That's a way of denying the Lord without admitting it to
yourself or to others.
But those Christians who really
do love the Lord would rally, and become more determined, and more faithful.
There would be a large majority who abandon ship, and a faithful remnant who
go through the storm, trusting that Jesus Christ will be in the ship with
them.
Things are happening fast. I believe that it could be soon. I also believe
that the 2008 election will impact the speed with which it happens, and the
severity of the persecution.
From
Kim N. Stager: It is a shame to see another
example of the ushering in of the "universal Christ", soter, AKA the
Antichrist to come. The biblical Jesus is the only Savior, Soter, of the
world! So grievous to my spirit. How much more God's! I was concerned for
some time now that many of the worldwide missions ministries were in fact
doing what this one is. The Bible, God's word, has the only answers for this
spiritual direction in Christ's professing church.
I believe Abraham was called out of Ur of the Chaldees to the promised land?
Were not the Hebrews taken out of Egypt on their way to the promised land?
Did not the first century Christians come out of their pagan cultures into
the culture of Christ? Are not the people during the Tribulation called to
come out of her--Babylon: political, religious, and economic Babylon all?
Are we not called to be in the world but not of it.
The same holds true for spiritual coming-out calls by God throughout
Scripture. For God uses the material to reveal the Spiritual. Is not
apostasy a result of our returning to our non-Christian, pagan cultures and
their traditions? Has not God warned His people time and time again against
this. That they must be holy as He is holy. That all religions but biblical
Christianity are of the Devil. But idolatry, deception.
I believe the True Church of born again believers is partially summed up in
the following Scriptures, as throughout the Bible: Eph 4, 2:19-22, 5:26-27;
2 Jn vss. 9-11; 1 Cor 12:12-13, 15:1-8; Gal 1:23, etc. For there is but one
Lord, one faith, one baptism. We can not profess one Lord even together with
one baptism if we have not the One Faith comprised of biblical right
doctrine.
Further, I believe the True Church of born again believers is called to be
filled with the knowledge of God's will and to walk in it, increasing in the
knowledge of God. The following Scriptures are instructive: Col 1:9-10,
15-23, 4:12; Mk 3:35; Heb 10:36; 1 Jn 2:17; Eph 5:17; 1 Cor 2:10-16, etc. We
can not profess knowledge of God's will and to be walking in it while we
entertain the will and knowledge of other gods.
The truth is, biblically, there is a feminine undercurrent in all religions,
except biblical Christianity, as the Vatican believes. And that undercurrent
is ushering in the pagan soter or avatar the world is awaiting. I recently
saw a nativity scene depicting a Native American Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. At
their roots, all false Babylonian religions can agree on such a Jesus. But
such is no Jesus the Christ! There should be but one nativity scene that
depicts a Jewish Jesus around the beginning of the first century AD.
So, as such Christian missions ministries, et al, give this so-called
universal Jesus to the world, they are giving the poor souls who receive him
their own soter from within the depths of their own religion's mystery
knowledge. Which I believe will soon come to fruition in the world as the
world's religions realize they all have their roots in Babylon's mystery
religion. That which the highest level initiates already know.
Praise God from whence our help comes. I thank God the Father daily for His
Son and the Holy Spirit, and His word. That I may know the Truth and be free
indeed. And I thank God for ministries like yours. Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
From
George:
[RE:
Chaplain convicted
of saying prayers 'in Jesus' name']
Where do we get these ideas about
"non-sectarian" prayers? The only way to communicate with God is through His
Son, Jesus Christ.
The United States toots its horn about its freedom of religion. For many
years we were given to understand that this freedom meant the worship of the
One God of the Bible, but to be able to do so in whatever denominational way
the citizens might choose. However, in current years, this freedom has been
extended to include the worship of other gods beside the One God of all
creation. But what most people don't seem to understand, is the fact that
God never gave freedom of "religion" to anyone: neither denominational
Christianity, nor otherwise. The Body of Christ is not divided. There is no
separation of "church" and "State" in God's eyes. There is only the Person,
Jesus Christ. There is no "religion" as some THING.
God never
gave any government (democratic, dictatorship, totalitarian, or other) the
authority to grant any freedom, or lack of it, except that freedom which He
has already ordained in Christ Jesus. The Creator God of the Bible has never
guaranteed any inalienable rights to life, liberty, or the pursuit of
happiness, except through Jesus Christ; and He certainly never intended for
any worldly governments to secure those rights. He has allowed "governments"
for the purpose of punishing His subjects who disobey His laws, but not for
securing their "freedoms."
Jesus said:
"If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed: and ye shall
know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32). "If the
Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36).
God never
said anything about creating man equally, or endowing His creation with any
"inalienable" rights. If anything, He strapped His creation to be obedient
to Him. That some people think these "rights" are SELF-evident, reflects
their disposition to put themselves in charge of their destinies, instead of
acknowledging that God is in charge. The only "right" to life that God
offers is Jesus Christ.
From
Clell Drumheller: Trying to develop a solidly
Bible-based house church ministry here in Houston is more difficult than I
would have believed possible. Since returning to this part of the
Bible-belt, I have found it to be Ed Younged, Joel Osteened, Rick Warrened,
entertained, psycho-babbled, megachurched, etc. to the point that many of
the professing “Christians” that I meet seem to be inured to sound Bible
doctrine, true godliness, etc. Using solid information, such as you provide,
has helped me to start “getting through” to some of these folks.
Your important warning
reminds me of two Scriptures -- from both the Old and New Testaments:
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with
their lips, but their heart is far from
Me.’
” Matthew 15:8
"Hear this now, O
foolish people, without understanding,
Who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not:
Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
‘Will you not tremble at My presence?"
Jeremiah 5:21-22
F
rom
E. M.: Hi guys. I am not sure of
your calling to blow the trumpet, no comments, but,having read an article
where you said about someone widening the doors to kingdom, i think what you
are doing may be closing the doors.
Can you please clarify to the facts that the people you critisize i.e, rick
warren, c.s.lewis and others...do u think they are a part of the kingdom or
not? Do you think they will go to heaven or not? i appreciate your reply
deeply.
I can’t
tell you whether or not Warren and others are truly born again. That’s
for God to judge. But He does call each of us to exercise discernment
and evaluate everything according to His Word. That’s what we have tried
to do.
I have tried to answer questions that came to us concerning
Rick Warren and
C. S. Lewis. Did you read the
articles where I have expressed my concern?
Is this the Scripture you referred to?
"Enter
by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads
to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is
the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are
few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14
A lot of people want to create
wide highways that draw people away from the narrow and difficult ways
that God uses to draw us to Himself. He wants to teach us total
dependence on Him, not on the crowds.
The Bible has more answers to your
questions:
God's Way versus Our ways
From
Kim Stager:
Thank you again for another very good article [True and False Unity
by
Bob DeWaay]
on your website! It is
a shame. I do not believe I have heard a sermon by anyone in recent memory
about Matthew 5:13, etc. I believe it is very important God's word in
this portion of Scripture be understood by all born again believers--born of
the Holy Spirit of God. Who are of one Spirit, in unity of the Holy Spirit.
I also believe Matthew 13 should be preached to congregations and etc. with
earnestness today in light of the false ecumenicalism overtaking Christendom
today. So people can know Jesus Christ and His True Kingdom of Heaven He
came to found. And not the fleshly, literal, material kingdom of heaven
being perpetrated upon the institutional Christian church today. This calls
for earnest prayer on all believers' parts!
For all this and more forebodes the coming apostate Christian church in
Revelation 3:14-19, etc. But the True Church is revealed in Revelation
3:7-13 along with 3:20-22, etc.
God Bless Your Ministry, and all True Believers, and Bless God!
From M. Diaz: I have a two year old blessing (a child in
case some readers are unfamilar with that term). Leadership wants to start a
class for them in Sep. and had a meeting this past weekend after services
for anyone enrolling blessings in the class. I did not attend since I am not
enrolling my blessing [child].
A friend of mine called to let me know what happened in the meeting.
Apparently one of the first things they did was spend some time looking for
me and asking my friend if she knew where I was. She said she did not. They
were upset I wasn't there, and they said how important it was to get the new
mothers involved. Does that sound familiar to you?
They went on to say that it's not their job to teach our children about
Jesus, that's our job. They just want to reinforce what we're doing at home.
If this is true, why be upset I wasn't there? Also, if they couldn't find
me, why did they not look for my husband, my blessing's father? They do not
yet have a curriculum, and they only have teachers for two out of the three
groups. The two groups that do have teachers only have them through October.
There are no teachers slated for the rest of the year.
This class will take place during service, which is why I object to it. We
have services that are 1 1/2 hours or more, and I have finally gotten my
blessing to the point where my blessing can make it through a whole service.
If I let my child go halfway through the service how will my child ever
learn to sit through one? What happens when class is canceled for some
reason or there are special services (such as during holidays) and there is
no class? In fact, we already have this problem with the rest of the
children and teens-they can not sit properly through a service. Then
leadership wonders why there is this problem!
Not only that, but the class will be at the opposite end of the building
from where the service is. How will we know if our child needs us?
Their solution: everyone give them their cell phone number and they will
call us when our child needs us. We are not allowed to have cell phones ring
during service. No problem-they want us to put it on vibrate so we'll know
we are needed and there won't be any ring tones.
Here is the piece de resistance: my friend got the distinct impression that
there is no choice in this matter. My blessing is already on the class list.
Leadership said that they were going to talk to anyone who was not at that
meeting-presumably to make sure we all "get with the program".
My congregation is small-80 people in all. There is a small hope that my
wishes will be respected because I have another friend whose husband is in a
leadership position and she agrees with my philosophy, as does her mother
who leads one of the ministries there. She is not enrolling her children
either and their names are also on the class list.
I don't know how it will turn out, but I am not backing down. I hope my
other friend won't either. I will not be talking to anyone without my
husband there. If they make it into a do it or else, we'll be leaving.
It is important for your readers to understand that the underlying issue
here is who has the ultimate authority and control over what our children
do. If you back down over something small that you don't like now, what
happens when leadership wants your child to participate in something major
that you disagree with? You may not be able to withstand their pressure the
next time around.
Parents have the right and responsibility to decide what their children will
participate in. One would think churches could respect that, but I guess
not.
We are not a PDL/CGM seeker sensitive church either and I am STILL having
this battle.
Please post this on your site, most likely in one of the church sections.
I share your concern, dear
friend.
This fits right into the global education
system which is determined to train our children from birth.
Universal cradle to grave education is the goal, but the key part of
this early start in "lifelong learning" is socialization -- training
children in relational values (unity, politically correct tolerance,
dialogue and "conflict resolution"). The big push right now (by the
education and "mental health" establishments) is for early assessments
of attitudes, values and social "skills" so that any child not
socialized properly to their peer group can be remediated. See
Universal Preschool and
"The Re-establishment of Peacetime
Society"
From
Mary Thomson:
Thank you for your recent article, "Strange Journeys:
Jane Fonda, John Maxwell... What do they have in common?"
More and more I see a collaborative
move among religious forces calling themselves Christian. I have harbored
the thought for quite some time, that in the final assault of Satan,
persecution of the remnant will come from organized religion which may use
the power of the state to do the dirty work to isolate or eliminate those
who refuse to "go along". Of course, that too, is nothing new as the passion
account reveals.
["...the time is
coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father
nor Me."
John 16:2-3]
I wrote the
following in response to a couple personal conversations initiated by a
couple younger Christian ( not Catholic) political activists who wanted to
try to make some sense of the massive media frenzy re: the death of JPII and
the selection of the new pope. They also were aware of my objections to the
increasing erasing of the lines between organized churches and Republican
Party politics.
Headline says: Senate leader,
Bill "Frist brings fight over judges into churches". Religious right
dragging churches into political process with staging an event telecasting a
message into churches from Senator Frist as Majority Leader of the Senate.
The event organized and named, Justice Sunday, by christian groups and
churches. This should send an alarm.
Perhaps Benedict XVI sees the
protestantism in the form of the Religious Right as doing a good job of
accomplishing what RCC has never been able to heretofore achieve in the U.S.
That is, the confusing of the two kingdoms. The Kingdom of God and the
kingdom of the world. Each has its means. The Kingdom of God has the Word of
God working through the Holy Spirit to bring souls to Christ. The second
kingdom, God gave the power of the sword to keep order and restrain evil.
When the two are confused or mixed, only religious tyranny can result. The
RCC has always tried to blend the two, and religious freedom has suffered
where ever she has succeeded in mixing the two.
The administration represented by the Frists and others (note unprecedented
homage recently paid to Vatican by President and Mrs. Bush and others) are
setting the stage for universal church which the Vatican intends to head.
From Jeff (Re: The previous
comment & the transformation of churches):
Under their section of the
mission of transformation
http://www.transform-world.net,
I was particularly struck by the phrase "releasing them from guilt, power and
consequences of sin." These kind of folks never
seem to state directly that man has a sin nature and how exactly this Gospel
of Christ will help with that problem (covers sin with his shed blood).
If we
are in Christ and trusting in his shed blood for our sins, then, yes, we know
there is grace and forgiveness. But that doesn't mean that we dismiss sin
and guilt as a problem. If anything -- as
we see ourselves through the light of the Holy Spirit -- we become
more aware of our guilt and failures and more eager to humble ourselves and
confess our sins. For example, David seems to be quite distressed with feelings of
guilt and other emotions, which he desires to lay at the feet of God. But
but nonetheless, the guilt and anguish is there:
"Turn thee unto
me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of
my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins." (Psalm 25:1-18)
The conflict you mentioned in the first
paragraph (between justification and judgment) applies to Christians --
but in a somewhat limited sense, since Jesus has provided for our
ultimate cleansing, pardon, justification
and forgiveness. If we ignore the guidelines and warnings in His Word
(which many churches do these days) and choose not to follow His ways,
we are guilty of sin and rebellion against Him. That raises the question
of whether we really have been born again and received His Spirit.
Whatever the answer to that question, such sin calls for confession and
repentance -- a turning back to His ways.
The New Testament emphasis on confession and repentance
in the churches reminds us that whenever we choose to disobey God's commands
we are guilty of sinning against Him. Writing
to the Christians (not unbelievers) in the Corinthian Church, Paul said: "For even if I made
you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it.... Now I rejoice, not that
you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For
you were made sorry in a godly manner..."
2 Co 7:8
The kind of guilt that must be confessed
by believers seems to be different than the guilt born by unbelievers.
In some ways it is worse, since we ought to know better. We have His
Word and guidelines, therefore we have no excuse. This conflict is described well in Paul's
letter to the Christians in Rome. He wrote: "Moreover the law entered that
the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much
more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through
righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in
sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died
to sin live any longer in it?" Romans 5:20-6:2
Or as Paul wrote to the Galatians:
"..if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have
received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or
do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a
bondservant of Christ." Galatians 1:9-10
When we read the message to
the Ephesian church in Revelation 2, we see, first, an encouraging
commendation for their willing service, then an accusation showing that
they had failed in what mattered most:
"...you have persevered and have patience, and
have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
"Nevertheless
I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember
therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first
works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from
its place—unless you repent." Revelation 2:3-5
The people had done many good things;
they had served well. But their main focus was on good works, not on
their Lord. They didn't love Him with all their heart. The consequences
of failure to repent of this sin would be the loss of their witness, not
of their salvation.
Today, church leaders give the
impression that good works -- service to the community -- is the means
to spread His light. But the true Light is Jesus Christ, and if our
focus is on good works rather than on Him, we will honor our human
leaders, methods and purposes, not the holy and almighty King of the
Universe.
From
a concerned mother [RE: the link to
http://www.transform-world.net]:
What in the world? (pun intended). I'm reading
this site, and I can't believe it is coming from a Christian organization!
Looks like the whole world is being transformed and the church is especially
being recruited to be used in this endeavor. Even though I have been reading
your articles, I don't quite 'get' what the world is trying to 'transform' to.
The cradle to grave, sustainable, completely managed, seamless system involving
every facet of life and society, I guess. It is still hard
to understand. All I know is that it is implemented everywhere and there is
no escape. It is like the Borg in "Star Trek, Next Generation," who says,
"You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."
I don't want to be assimilated, and I don't want my children in it either.
I want us to be "left out" of it.
http://www.transform-world.net
Advancing the Kingdom of God by improving society?
http://www.transform-world.net
The Kingdom established by believers? Improving the status of the world
is turning the world upside down ala book of Acts?
From Jeff:
Your new article,
Disaster, Deliverance & Deceiving
spirits,
refers to belief.net and on this site both Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer have
articles on there. In both cases they state, 'we can be happy or have joy by
choosing to be happy'. Its just a matter of our attitude about it.
I am of the opinion that Scripture would state that
our joy is in the Lord. Our joy will be to the extent we walk in the Lord, in
his Holy Spirit's leading, in obedience to the Lord and to the extent we die
to ourselves and give way to Jesus as our Lord and Master. Of course I know
this is your view as well or very close to it.
Joel states in his article (its like an interveiw
of him actually) that he doesn't consider himself a prosperity gospel preacher,
but as you read his responses to the questions in the interview, I don't see
how else one could view him. He is right out of the Schuler mold as is Joyce
Meyer I believe as well.
Thank you, Jeff. And here is the link to an article about
Joel Osteen that I posted in our news section:
Joel Osteen: The Prosperity
Gospel’s Coverboy: "Move over Robert Schuller, the Church of
Laodicea has a new star on the rise in the world of positive motivational
Christianity. It’s Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, whose
motto is 'Discover the Champion in You.' ...
"Osteen
made the list of the Top 20 Influencers of the Pentecostal/charismatic community
in the Jan/Feb 2003 Issue of Ministries Today magazine. He was listed with
other notables such as Kenneth Hagin Sr., Tommy Tenney, C. Peter Wagner,
and Joyce Meyer. 'There is no arguing that the following 20 leaders have
inspired us, challenged us and in many ways caused us to rethink what it
means to 'do church' in today's culture,' the article boasted."
Romans 12:2-9
From
Fabienne:
Having read the foreword, the editor's Introduction, and
the first four chapters is claimed to be Matthew's Gospel in the so-called "As
Good as New " version
of the bible, I hardly know what to think. The first word that came to mind
was "blasphemy". I remembered the words of the serpent in the Garden, "Has God
really said...?" and it occurred to me that the same voice is speaking here.
Oh, do take care reading more of it as you prepare to review it. I tremble for
the young people who might be encouraged to read it, because it will appeal
to those trained in our age's thinking.
Good as New :
"This 'radical retelling' of the New Testament drew widespread attention
in England when it appeared in June 2004, mainly because it contained
a forward written by the Archbishop of Canterbury.... A brief review
published in the Times of London pointed out that apparently one
goal of the version was to
eliminate biblical strictures against
homosexual and other illicit sex.... The version's chief
editor, John Henson
[a retired Baptist minister]...
asserted that the Good as New version eliminated nothing, but was
merely 'less homophobically translated' than the old 'slanted translations'
which have 'notoriously and shamefully used by the Church in times
past.'
"...the version
also offended the public by departing from the traditional canon
of Scripture, omitting several of the Epistles... and the Revelation
of John. In their stead, Henson substitutes an ancient Gnostic tractate
known as the 'Gospel of Thomas,'
a favorite text of the neo-Gnostic
'New Age' spiritual movement....
"The
method employed in this version is comparable to Eugene Peterson's
way of treating the Bible in The
Message (1993). It is much too interpretive to be called
a translation, and it can only be called an
imaginative paraphrase."
|
I can think of
some young people I know who could well be seduced by this perversion. May the
Lord protect them, keep their eyes open, and help them "think critically" --
in the true sense of that much-abused phrase.
As one trained in the principles and methods of Bible translation, I shuddered
as I read Mr. Henson's description of how this travesty was carried out. Derrida
would certainly have applauded him -- "deconstruction" is a better word for
what he has done than "translation"! According to the publisher's website, the
aim of the "translation" is "clarity for the ordinary person." It is abundantly
clear that the aim was not to be faithful to God nor to honour Him!
One cannot help wondering who the Archbishop of Canterbury thinks he's serving
by endorsing such a travesty...
"How long, O Lord, how long?" May Jesus Christ come back quickly!
In Jesus Christ our precious Lord and Redeemer.
From
Len Viola: I recently read some of your articles regarding what is taking
place in the 'Church" today, and the use of business and marketing ploys to
build an organization, rather than a Body.
After reading a few articles this weekend, I happened to turn on the radio and
the New Life Ministries broadcast was on. It was then that I realized that what
is taking place in so much of the Church today is a psychology movement. It
is an effort to meet the mental and emotional needs of the people but it is
ignoring their spiritual needs. In fact, since we have taken repentance out
of the Gospel, there is no real Spiritual Life in so much of the presumed "Church",
so there is no spiritual man to feed. Of course this all works out, because
there are so few God-ordained pastors to provide spiritual food, anyway. I believe
that we are living in the day when there is a famine for the Word of God (Amos
8:11), just as there was in the inter-testament period. (But then, the people,
having itching ears, have appointed teachers after their own lusts, and have
turned away their ears from the Truth; and are turned unto fables - 2 Tim 4)
I also believe we are living in the days when God Is going to judge His Church,
as prophesied both the prophets of both the Old and New Testaments.
Although God Is going to judge His Church, I believe it is a blessing to those
who are in Christ. Perhaps you're familiar with this passage from the first
chapter of Isaiah:
"Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts,
and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the
cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of Hosts,
the Mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease Me of Mine adversaries, and avenge
Me of Mine enemies: And I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away
thy dross, and take away all thy tin: And I will restore thy judges as at the
first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called,
The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment,
and her converts with righteousness. And the destruction of the transgressors
and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be
consumed." (vs 23-28)
From
S. O.: I've
recently attended Willow Creek's leadership seminar and also their "Contagious
Christianity" conferences, and they were quite fascinating.
All through the "Contagious Christianity" conference (supposedly on how better
to "win people for Christ") I never once heard the word HELL. Hybels kept referring
to it as a "Christless Eternity." Well, . . . If someone is happy in his sin
and hedonism without Christ during his earthly existence, why would it bother
him to spend eternity without Him? This person thinks they are fine without
Christ.
From L. T.:
I am halfway done reading the article about evangelicals
denying what scripture teaches about the substitutionary atonement. [Recovering
the Scandal of Liberalism]. You expect this from the seculars, but from
so called evangelical Christians? Amazing.
I am currently
studying Romans -- it is crystal clear!! (the truth on substitutionary atonement
and so much more.)
From Al: First
I'd like to thank Mary for replying to my email question as to whether or not
you were a 501(C)(3)church. It is very refreshing to find that you're not state
operated.
Also I would be interested in knowing and conversing with one who believe that
if a bible is copyrighted then one would be quoting the opinion of they that
did the copyright. I found that in Rev. 22:19 if one changes the word of God
they will be taken out of the book of life. And knowing that Rev. 20:15 says
you will be in hell (lake of fire) who would want to change the book. Whether
it is the book of Rev. or the whole Bible I cannot prove, but it would be logical
to assume it the whole bible.
Take a look at the Scriptures listed
here, Al:
God's
unchanging Word.
Scroll down to "Do
not alter (add or delete) God's Word"
Second
letter from Nobu K.: Few years ago, I
use to not see the spiritual things I see now. I only went to church for fun
and activities, I went to Bible college in Portland Oregon but never was really
serious about it. I was too focused on seeking music skills used in worship
instead of seeking Christ. I still followed my fleshly desires.
Then God put me into great trial, and I had to go back to Japan. I struggled
and struggled with my own strength, but I wasn't able to over come it. I tried
to cover up the pain and emptiness of my heart with things of the world. After
couple years of struggling and trying to run away from trials, I learned that
I cannot do anything on my own and remembered the biblical things my Mother
who seeks nothing else but Christ taught me which I never really paid attention
to.
I surrendered everything to God and repented from my sins, His loving Spirit
flowed through me, and all of the sudden, great hunger towards His living Words
overflowed my heart. I read the Bible like never before, fire in my heart started
to burn! And desire to pray to the Lord more intimately was born into my heart.
That's the first time I grew in Spirit and in Truth.
Then God told me to walk the crossroad. To die to flesh and live in the resurrected
life of Christ. This didn't happen in a sudden, daily God has been crushing
and remolding me into the person He wants me to be. Of course I'm still in that
crushing and remolding process hehehe. But I learned to rejoice in my trials
because I know God wants me to grow more matured in Spirit and in Truth.
But as I mature in Spirit and in Truth, I started to see the things I never
saw before. The sinful hypocrisy, idolatry, compromise, lukewarmness and disinterested
towards Christ of many Christians even pastors, starting from myself. I finally
started to understand what God is trying to say spiritually to His people in
the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, the whole bible!
I repented when God has showed me His heart. He has also put a heavy burden
in my heart showing me the situations of many Christians around me. I started
to seek Christ more and prayed more.
I truly believe that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and God hears
them! I appreciate your prayers more than anything else. Regarding on your question...
Though I know many Japanese Christians will be angry and against me as many
are already cause of the things I say. What can I do? It is God who is putting
these burdens, these truths in me! I was just a music freak till God opened
my blinded eyes. And if I stop preaching the Truth, how could they hear and
repent?
If it's ok with you, I would like to hear your testimony on how God has preserved
you guys from the lies and deception of many churches and Christian. Cause I
thought that I was the only one who didn't agree with the Prayer of Jabez and
Purpose Driven fever spreading around many churches. But God has been revealing
and putting burden to me that it is blasphemy against God's Word. Many Christians
are against me because this is what I tell them. That's when I saw you guys
article regarding it. It really confirmed the things God has been putting into
my heart.
Please continue on preaching the Truth towards the people who are Spiritually
hungry no matter what it takes. Many people wont like it, but it is because
they are in the darkness and hates the light. Only those who are hungry, humble,
poor in Spirit that will see the glory that is in Christ Jesus our author and
finisher of our Faith for His glory and honor forever! Matt 5.
By God's grace, we will continue, Nobu. And perhaps He
will enable us to write our own testimony as well. Meanwhile, I thank Him
for bringing all His people together through the Internet -- at least for
this time.
Nobu K.:
I am a Filipino Japanese in Yokosuka Japan. I am
emailing this to you just to let you know how God is really good in this evil
world!
I have been reading your articles at your web-site and it has confirmed so many
things God has also been putting into my heart regarding on the things going
around this world. This is why I decided to email you. Praise the Lord!
Here in Japan, many churches and Christians have embraced many popular teachings
of the church in USA and other country. The prayer of Jabez is popular to many
churches here, and one of my friend thinks that the Cross of Christ is not the
center of Christianity. Church activities and gimmicks to attract people are
being prioritized here in Japan and probably same over there too as well. The
Cross of Christ is hardly mentioned in many churches here, but many teachings
from popular Evangelists and pastors are being focused on. For example.... Purpose
Driven church, Prayer of Jabez, Benny Hinn etc.
Prosperity gospel is also spreading rapidly here in Japan and many Christians
are being deceived because their focus is not on Christ and His living word
but towards people.
I keep on preaching with sharpness and rebuke and praying what God has been
putting into my heart every time God tells me to. That it is the Cross of Christ
that we have to seek, to deny our flesh and carry our cross, and not to compromise
the Word of God, but to meditate in it and renew our minds with His truth which
is the "Word of God"!
But many Christians here don't like the Offensive Truth that comes from the
Cross, but they want to seek sweet things that tickles their ears such as blessings
and peace, peace, prosperity gospel. Even if it's a lie and unbiblical.
There was even a pastor who came from Korea and performed healings, miracles
and then said to the people that "God is asking for everyone who has faith to
give $300 for the revival of Japan" and when someone comes up with the money,
that pastor lifts up the money and say to everyone that that person has faith.
Please pray for this country Japan. That He may open the blinded eyes of many,
and may His Truth set the people free to seek Christ, deny their flesh and carry
their cross for the Glory and praise of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This
is what I pray daily to God. Sometimes, I feel discouraged that the whole Christianity
are all deceived and falling away, but God has been speaking into my heart and
keeps on encouraging me through His Words that He has preserved a perfect amount
of people that has not compromised and God is aware with what's going on and
He is in control. And that I should keep seeking Him and obeying His words without
compromising anything.
I ask not for riches, blessings but what I ask to God are Spiritual things that
will glorify His name.
God bless both of you. Let's keep abiding on the Vine!
"I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am
an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has
not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture
says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 'Lord, they
have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left,
and they seek my life'?
"But what does the divine response say
to him? 'I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed
the knee to Baal." Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant
according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer
of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it
is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
"What then? Israel has not obtained what
it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just
as it is written: 'God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they
should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day." Romans
11:1-8
From
Dennis Monroe:
I read the posting entitled "Whose
Rights?
Hate-crimes law worries pastors."
I found the following quote to be upsetting:
"It is a measure of our
times that religious leaders have lately considered taking out liability
insurance to cover remarks made from the pulpit,' said Becket Fund President
Kevin J. Hasson."
While I can certainly understand
the concern of the Canadian pastors that are presently facing this serious problem
(we are not far behind), what I find to be most upsetting is not the Canadian
hate crime laws. It is the response of some (many?) pastors that may actually
take out "liability insurance" for self protection (as in human effort apart
from God) against possible prosecution from whatever they might speak from the
pulpit.
To begin with, none of us actually have any so called "rights" whatsoever. The
concept of human "rights" is not expressed anywhere in the entirety of the Bible
that I know of. While it is true that Jesus had the "right" to call down twelve
legions of angels, destroy everything and literally "go home", He chose to give
up that right and finish the perfect will of the Father in order to provide
to us a means of escape from the terrible and soon to come wrath of a most high
and holy God. Jesus only had that right because He was and is God. As creatures,
we have no such rights. If we are to truly follow Christ, then all of our "rights"
were crucified with Him.
Secondly, the only insurance we had better ever look to is the Lord Jesus Christ
and Him alone. If we get arrested and imprisoned for choosing to not compromise
the word and truth of God, then we will be laying up treasures in Heaven. Furthermore,
what difference would the arrest and imprisonment be from what happened to Joseph
in the book of Genesis or the Apostle Paul, many times over? How about Martin
Luther, who faced both public and political hatred for upholding the truth of
God in the face of great opposition? The names throughout history of those severely
persecuted and killed for Christ go on and on. I hope I have the internal courage
to do the same when the time comes for me to stand up for the truth. I pray
for God's strength for that everyday.
From Jeff W: I read your article on
Harry Potter and the Postmodern
Church, and it was right on in many aspects. I wanted to comment below on
a couple areas. I was especially shocked and disturbed by the comments of Pastor
McLaren. This comment below has to make a Biblical Christian's
mouth drop open
in shock and dismay.
If he is suggesting
what all the other somewhat shocking statements seem to suggest, it is just
beyond belief that a strict Biblical Christian could make the statements. I
am afraid that he is sadly correct that we are at the front edge of something
radically new....but that something is not of God and is not what Christians
should be embracing. I would ask the question why do we need a "new kind of
Christian"? Why not instead propose that we seek a way to make more of existing
Christians just like the Bible says they should be. Its not about "he modern
jig is up", its about being Biblically sound, Holy Spirit led, and faithfully
trusting and obeying our Lord and Savior. There's nothing new about doing that,
some have faithfully done that over the centuries, and of course most have not.
But, the pursuit of doing that has always been the same if its Bible based,
and Holy Spirit led. There's nothing new coming up that needs to alter a true
walk in Christ. If there is something new on the horizon that alters that, then
one has to ask, is he suggesting something outside a true Biblical world view?
It is appears he is, but I would love to have someone ask him the question..."What
do you mean exactly by this comment you made on the website shown below?"
"I meet people
along the way who model for me, each in a different way, what a new kind
of Christian might look like. They differ in many ways, but they generally
agree that the old show is over, the modern jig is up, and it's time for
something radically new. ... You begin to wonder if maybe you're at the
front edge of something -- if your tentative and anxious steps 'off the
map' are actually the beginning of a new adventure into terra nova, new
ground, fresh territory."[3, page xiv-xv]
Then he makes
this comment which really blew me away. Over probably a good 10 to 15 years
in varying intensity, I have studied the globalist movement to a significant
degree. This following comment is almost a direct quote of their world view
that can probably be found in many books about them or books they have written.
This concept of sustainable development and sustainability in general is at
the very core of the globalist (one world government/one world religion) movement.
If he is not on board with their agenda, why in the world would he use such
specific globalist terminology and stress globalist goals and concerns?
'In any case,
our Industrial Age management.... our Industrial Age way of living will
not continue.... It's not sustainable in ecological terms, and it's not
sustainable in human terms. It will change. The only question is how.'
In one of my earlier
emails, I made repeated reference to how all these entertainment outlets with
their various occult themes continually run with the central them of good occult
vs bad occult (as if to suggest there is a good occult...and there are none
by the way for the record). Below this excerpt again shows that Potter was busy
trying to convey that same theme. This is very deceptive to young minds, as
they may not realize that all occultism is abominable to God and that as a Christian
we are to distance ourselves from those practices. This good vs bad theme over
and over is liable to make them think some it is good. I am repeating myself
here on this from my earlier email, but this point needs to be driven home to
Christians on the fence on this. Guard your children from this please.
From
J & F: We were reading from Isaiah this morning, and both of us thought
that Chapter 30 is so applicable to the modern church growth movement, which
is a kind of "going to Egypt for help". It is a word of warning but also a promise
of God's blessing for those who trust in Him and do things His way:
ISAIAH 30 (ESV)
Do Not Go Down to Egypt
1"Ah, stubborn children," declares the LORD,
"who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance[1], but not of
my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without
asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to
seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!
3Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to
your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation. For
though his officials are at Zoan and his envoys reach Hanes, everyone comes
to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help
nor profit, but shame and disgrace."
6An oracle on the beasts of the Negeb. Through a
land of trouble and anguish, from where come the lioness and the lion, the adder
and the flying fiery serpent, they carry their riches on the backs of donkeys,
and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people that cannot profit them.
7Egypt's help is worthless and empty; therefore I have
called her "Rahab who sits still."
A Rebellious People
8And now, go, write it before them on a tablet and
inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever.[2]
For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear
the instruction of the LORD; who say to the seers, "Do not see,"
and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth
things, prophesy illusions, 11leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us
hear no more about the Holy One of Israel."
12Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, "Because you despise
this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore
this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out, and
about to collapse, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant; and its breaking
is like that of a potter's vessel that is smashed so ruthlessly that among its
fragments not a shard is found with which to take fire from the hearth, or to
dip up water out of the cistern."
15For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, "In
returning[3] and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be
your strength."
But you were unwilling, 16and you said, "No! We will flee upon horses";
therefore you shall flee away;
and, "We will ride upon swift steeds"; therefore your pursuers shall be swift.
A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall
flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal
on a hill.
The LORD Will Be Gracious
18Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and
therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. For
a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will
surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it,
he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the
water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your
eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you,
saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you
turn to the left.
22Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated
metal images.
You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, "Be gone!" And
he will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and bread, the
produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. In that day your livestock
will graze in large pastures, and the oxen and the donkeys that work the ground
will eat seasoned fodder, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. And
on every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with
water, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover, the
light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun
will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the LORD binds
up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.
27Behold, the name of the LORD comes from afar, burning
with his anger, and in thick rising smoke;[4] his lips are full of fury, and
his tongue is like a devouring fire; his breath is like an overflowing
stream that reaches up to the neck; to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction,
and to place on the jaws of the peoples a bridle that leads astray.
29You shall have a song as in the night when a holy feast
is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one sets out to the sound of the flute
to go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. 30And the LORD will
cause his majestic voice to be heard and the descending blow of his arm to be
seen, in furious anger and a flame of devouring fire, with a cloudburst and
storm and hailstones. The Assyrians will be terror-stricken at the voice
of the LORD, when he strikes with his rod. And every stroke of the appointed
staff that the LORD lays on them will be to the sound of tambourines and lyres.
Battling with brandished arm, he will fight with them. For a burning place[5]
has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made ready, its pyre made
deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the breath of the LORD, like
a stream of sulfur, kindles it.
Footnotes
1. Hebrew who weave a web
2. Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Targum, Vulgate, and Greek
versions; Masoretic Text forever and ever
3. Or repentance
4. Hebrew in weight of uplifted clouds
5. Or For Topheth
From Dennis:
Every time I read or hear about the Church Growth Movement (CGM) or see
it being put into practice, I am reminded by something I read from the late
J. Vernon McGee, who was quite vocal about the fallacy of "church programs."
He often voiced his displeasure at the uselessness of
church programs and said that as Christians, all we are to do is "get out the
word of God", which is all that is required to perform the great commission.
Get out the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit do what He will through the
foolishness of the preaching of the Scripture. Those that have ears to hear
will hear, and those that do not will not. Some plant, some water, but it is
God that gives the increase.
From
Mary Jo Nines: Hello. God has been revealing
these things to me for several years now. I have been labeled as a trouble maker
and divisive person. It feels as though I am constantly carrying around this
burden which is so heavy upon me. The scary part of this is, you can find all
of these things or at least some of these ideas in every church. What do you
do? Most leaders won't listen.
Do you stay and pray or move on? I don't want to keep
moving churches for my children's sake. I do have a group of Christian friends
who gather to pray and we rely totally on God and His Holy Spirit alone. I love
to be in His presence and hunger and thirst for His Word everyday. I hear His
voice clearly and I know that judgement on the church will come soon, prior
to the Lord's return. I know He is calling me to warn them, but where do I go
when they don't listen and persecute me?
I really don't know what to do about this and when you talk to most people (who
are not in God's Word), they think you are crazy.
Thanks for listening!
Mary Jo, you are describing what committed Christians throughout most English
speaking nations have been facing the last few years. It's becoming harder
to communicate God's truth -- even in churches. Many are offended by warnings
that violate their comfort zone and refuse to hear the facts that counter
what they want to believe.
I don’t have any answers other that those you already know. But I thank
God that He has blessed you with a group of Christian friends who walk and
pray with you. So many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have no one
to pray with anymore.
We now belong to a small Bible teaching church. Our wonderful pastor loves
God’s Word and doesn’t compromise. But few in this church really understand
what is happening – and I don’t say much.
I am
so glad
our God reigns in the midst of it all! With Him as our Shepherd, we
are more than conquerors – no matter what happens.
Thanks for your reply. I just am so happy to know I'm
not alone because sometimes, that is exactly how it feels.
I know my calling from God is not the most pleasant but
He has set me as a watchman and gave me eyes to see. I just need to pray to
be wise when to speak and when not to speak and also, to know that my job is
to warn (the leaders) when God calls me to, not to convince. That is His job.
From
Chuck Cline: I was just recently
a part of a men group at our church with the pastor and a couple of the books
we read were the one listed above and a book by Bill Hybels 'Becoming a Contagious
Christian. On your analysis on the
The Changing Church, Covey's book, " 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,"
is mentioned and the an article about Sun Tzu is listed right below it. Could
you let me know what significance the article has to Covey's book.
I have a great concern about having read these books knowing/reading
all the info on the changing church, the church growth movement etc, with Hybels/Warren
and all pastors headed in their direction of thinking.
Steven Covey was one of the keynote
speakers at Gorbachev’s 1997 State of the World Forum. His goals are not
compatible with Christianity. You can see some of my transcribed notes from
his message here:
www.crossroad.to/articles2/new/Covey.htm
I didn’t intend to imply that Tzu
was linked to Covey. They are separate links, though both show the kinds
of management gurus or philosophers from whom church leaders now seek counsel
and guidance.
Did you read the two articles on Re-Inventing the Church, Part 1 & Part
2 ? They offer more current information. So does “The Global Church.” Look
in the “church” section of our “articles” page. There you will find more
information.
Also check some pages in the Q&A section. Click on Quotes and Excerpts,
then church, then Conway. You should find many relevant links.
From
Dennis Monroe: Spurgeon Award?!
I doubt half the people attending these festivities even have a clue as to the
doctrinal stance that was Spurgeon's. If they really knew some of the fundamentalist
doctrines that he held dear to his heart, they would probably run in disgust.
Since when does the "Christian" community hold awards ceremonies for itself.
I find the whole concept of this award thing to be disgusting. The Lord will
provide all the rewards that anyone needs.
Thank
you, Dennis, for sharing my concern.
From
Ben M.: I am an inner city youth pastor.
Ideas like this I just find ridiculous. Suburban parents seemed to be
so conerned with these crazy ideas. Your kids are not gang members, they
don't sell or do drugs, they haven't been arrested, and they aren't having babies
at 12 years old. Be grateful. Lighten up. Stop trying to create
problems if there aren't any.
The next three letter deals with this
subject: Pressure for Ecumenicalism.
From Shippo: This
below is a disturbing trend over who is in control of the modern western christian
church of today. As the writer is saying, the RCC is a major influence within
christendom. This is another step towards religion within the New World Order.
From Mary Ann Collins
(a former nun whose articles
on ecumenism and New Age influences can be found at
http://www.CatholicConcerns.com):
I received a letter from a minister in Australia. In Australia, if a minister
or church is not part of the "ecumenical ministers fraternals" then their scope
of ministry is limited. For example, they can't be military chaplains. A copy
of his letter is below my signature.
"It certainly seems like voices crying out against
Rome are few and far between. Ecumenism seems welcomed with open arms by
the vast bulk of churchdom. There are loads of subtle pressure brought to
bare on churches which dare to be independent and Biblical.
"For example, over here... Ministers can't be chaplains
for military/other services. People can't serve as RE instructors (although
RE is non-existent anyway in most States of Australia). Involvement in Local
Municipality events is discouraged. Access to Chaplaincy/visitation roles
within health care/hospitals are hindered, UNLESS the ministers/churches
are part of the ecumenical minister's fraternals, etc.
"Plus all the significant crusades and evangelistic
events are solidly ecumenical. It seems like the vast bulk of Christendom
is being swept along by this horrible lie. Most Christians think it's a
good thing. And Rome is the driving force that wants it this way."
Thank you, Mary Ann, for this
glimpse into the growing pressures put on churches to conform to the
new global standards.
You may find this article by
Lorin Smith relevant to this movement:
Christianity Faces Ideological Challenges
From
Tom Marsh: Today I was reading an article
by Craige McMillan on worldnetdaily.com. He started off with a quote from "
The
Message". I thought it was pretty good so I search
on the book and saw that the whole Bible version was just completed and was
selling fast.
Then I looked on what else my search came up with and found your site. I know
now I would have been shocked when reading it. I did not even need to read your
explanation on why it was wrong (but did) just seeing the comparisons blew me
away. I am not surprised by this book though, the Lord has been showing me for
years the way the majority would follow into such a great deception and in so
many different way that would be in direct rebellion of God.
Thanks for sharing our concern, Tom.
From Chris: (Concerning link to
The Great Commission)
Methodology - Liberation theology has
always been popular and makes the message bearer feel better, while we are telling
them the Gospel, and that they are lost sinners, we offer them housing and health
care, and converting a nation from the top down instead of the inside out, this
is easier actually and can save a lot of time and resources, so these methods
make the great commision more comfortable and can save resources, Sarcasm!!
(And God was adding to their number - not man, He decided the elect).
The Church
knows that the Lord returns after all the nations have heard in every tongue,
maybe a reason for the method. However their are examples in the OT of leaders
of nations changing heart and declaring law that everyone worship (likes Daniel's
God). But baptising nations, hmmm??
From
a concerned Christian:
(Concerning
Re-Inventing the Church, Part 2)
We ourselves experienced this very thing some years ago while attending a church
that was part of the discipleship/ shepherding movement. The painful thing
is that this movement began with the sincere desire to become more truly disciples
of Christ, and the founders and first members were some of the most earnest
Christians one could ever hope to meet. However, it gradually began to
manifest a very humanistic and psychological aspect that, in the end, commandeered
all our best intentions and left a trail of broken lives in its wake.
I remember the jolt of recognition that something was quite wrong when I heard
one of the leaders proclaim that the time would come when truth would be revealed
only through our "movement." That was soon followed by criticisms of those
who had left due to disagreement with the leadership: it was actually said that,
having left our group, they "might as well go to Deperados"--the gay bar near
the church--as they had just signed their spiritual death warrant by leaving
us; it was also stated that we would soon see their marriages falling apart
because of the seeds of rebellion against God that they obviously carried within
themselves!
I found this extremely disturbing, and began to raise questions (under my husband's
"covering" and through proper channels of authority) about the direction we
were taking as a church. For this--although I had spent fourteen years
as a respected member of the upper levels of leadership allowed to women in
the church--I was immediately labeled a "strong woman," a "Jezebel," and "infectious."
My pastor and my best friend, to whom I had spoken about these things with tears
because of my concern for the church and for those who were suffering under
these misguided teachings, contrived to betray me to the national leadership
(to whom I had been refused access, even though they were long-standing friends
of mine) by telling lies about me in such a way that both could legalistically
claim to have said nothing. As a result, literally overnight, and without
notice until I arrived at the church the following Sunday, I was removed from
my position as part of the worship team, and told that the only "safe" place
for me to work was in the baby nursery, with children too young for me to influence!
Two or three years later (after we had long since left this group), I actually
found out what had transpired to bring this about.
Meanwhile, because our family had been central and influential members for such
a long time, and there was considerable fear that our departure might spark
a mass exodus, we were offered bribes to remain--particularly the invitation
to be part of the most prestigious of the "pastoral groups" that formed the
foundation of our structure. Incredible!
Having not accepted that offer, we were sent to a different area of the city
on a "church planting" team. Very early on in that effort, my husband
(who is extremely loyal and, to that point, had been unwilling to leave the
church) found out that the pastors who sent us on the mission had lied to him
about the position of leadership that he would eventually hold, and that he
had been misled with the full knowledge of the other members of our working
group.
That experience brought him to the point of acknowledging that it was time for
us to leave. And so, after investing more than fourteen years of our lives in
this church and these people, we moved on and left our entire social circle,
homeschool support network, and once-upon-a-time spiritual home behind.
Though we made every effort to "leave well," not one person, even among those
whom we had considered to be our closest friends, ever contacted us after we
left, so great was the fear factor. They simply could not allow themselves
to associate with those who had legitimate questions; it was too frightening
to think that the principles on which they had built their lives were faulty.
As for our family, it was the best move we ever made--a real breath of fresh
air, spiritually. We found ourselves immediately refreshed, as though
we had returned to our first love for our precious Lord, and even for one another.
We immediately found wonderful, grounded, secure Christian friends with whom
we remain close even now.
We also found an excellent church which, however, ran into financial difficulties
not long after our arrival, due to an overly ambitious building program, and
was literally sold in a business deal to another group of churches. We
came one Sunday and found that the entire leadership had been replaced by leaders
representing the purchasing church (who were complete strangers to all of us
in the congregation), and were informed that the policies and beliefs of our
church were henceforth changed as well, to align with those of the new directors!
(A different symptom of the same problem, perhaps: the local church as an earthly
organization, rather than as a divinely inspired participant in the whole Body
of Christ.)
Well, all those things have worked for our good, in the wonderful and mysterious
ways of God, and we would not trade anything in our past for a different road
to where we find ourselves at this point in time. But we do still carry
a deep concern for those who, for whatever reason, remain trapped in erring
churches. We know all too well the pain that so many have experienced
and continue to endure under these deceptive teachings. Thank you for
your courageous effort to shed some light on this situation.
There are countless believers out there who have suffered for decades because
of these errors in thinking that are now being articulated and systematized
within the church. No doubt your boldness, by God's help, will set many
free, and perhaps even prevent entire congregations and parishes from succumbing
to this misguided influence.
From
John Reynolds:
Regarding your condemnation
of E.H. Peterson’s, ‘The Message’
you have gone against Christ’s main teaching of love and grace. Stop being
so critical and see the good – avoid being like the dark ages where the ‘church’
and the ‘clergy’ kept the average ‘Joe’ in ignorance because they kept their
‘Bible’ to themselves (Latin).
Promote love and grace – read Philip Yeancy’s book, “What’s So Amazing About
Grace’. This is what we need, not more quilt and condemning. Whatever
brings people to the person of Christ is good.
Not if it distorts God's Word, John.
When His absolute truth is subject to today's cultural adaptations and human
preferences, the nature of "the person of Christ" is changed as well.
Jesus seemed to be for not
against people bring a cup of ‘cold water’ for those in need of a ‘drink’.
If you look around us we see many people in need of a ‘drink’ from a book that
is understandable and which shows CHRIST.
"Teacher,"
said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to
stop, because he was not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No
one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about
me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who
gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly
not lose his reward." Mark 9:38-41 (NIV)
Lets love and be gracious.
Jesus hung around the ungracious and unlovely, the sinner we should probably
emulate this. He certainly didn’t condemn – only the religious got condemned.
As we finish our new article, Re-Inventing
the Church, Part 2, we will give you a far more complete answer.
But for now, let me just repeat the explanation I gave in the review of
The Message:
What does Eugene Peterson
himself say? In his introduction to
The Message, he tells
us that "This version of the New Testament
in a contemporary idiom keeps the language of the Message and fresh
and understandable in the same language in which we do our shopping,
talk with our friends, worry about world affairs, and teach our children
their table manners...."
This sounds like a good idea, but what if
essential Biblical concepts are not part of our everyday conversation?
Should we then rewrite God's holy Scriptures to fit today's more shallow
and worldly communications?
Remember, we are dealing with God's holy
unchangeable Word - not an ordinary book. God owns His message, we don't.
Only His own, well-guarded words can be presented as absolute truth.
Yet, readers who trust NavPress and the endorsement of Christian leaders
such Warren Wiersbe and J. I. Packer view this book as an authentic
translation of the Bible rather than as Peterson's personal, politically
correct interpretation.
Throughout both Old and New Testaments,
God forbids us to distort His Word.
Additions and deletions are strictly forbidden in Scriptures
like Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Galatians 1:8-9 and Revelation
22:19. Acts 17:11 exhorts us to learn from the Bereans who "examined
the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Eugene Peterson would probably agree. His
own interpretation of 2 Corinthians 4:2 holds him accountable to this
timeless standard:
"We don't maneuver and manipulate
behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves.
Rather we keep everything we do and say out in the open,
the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and
judge for themselves in the presence of God."
While the above verse corresponds to the
original Greek, many other passages do just what
The Message promises
not to do: they "twist God's
word to suit" human inclinations. In fact, the very next sentence (verse
3), fails the test. It does not "keep... the whole truth on display."
Instead, it deletes the original references both to "those
who are perishing" and to the glory of "Christ,
who is the image of God."
From
FGD: Last Sunday evening we had
an alarming discussion with two believers. Four days later, I'm still reeling.
I can still hardly believe that I heard right.
A couple of men we know, whom we thought were on the same track as we are (after
all, for years they've been leading a ministry to university students), made
a statement on Sunday night which staggered us. I had been telling them about
one of our Christian friends overseas who was imprisoned because he refused
to compromise his faith. Our friend had refused to carry out an action that
would have been seen as an insult to God (and pretty much a recantation of his
faith) by those who required it of him, and because he refused he spent two
long years mostly in solitary confinement in a tiny cell half underground.
The men I
was talking to said something to the effect that he should have done what he
was asked, that by honouring a symbol (in this case, a cross) he suffered unnecessarily
and put an obstacle in the way of his attackers' hearing the gospel! They then
went on to say that most Christians who are persecuted bring it on themselves,
that most of the time the things they stand up for are simply unimportant. They
should not be so different, and then they wouldn't be persecuted. God knows
our hearts and it's stupid for us to hang onto things that don't matter and
that offend unbelievers. "As Paul said, 'Everything is lawful'", they
pointed out. [They conveniently left out, "but not everything is beneficial."]
I asked them, "Are you saying that all those Christians in Rome who refused
to bow down before Caesar and were martyred as a result were stupid? Are you
saying that our friend who refused to insult God was essentially asking for
his imprisonment?" The answer was, with an embarrassed shrug of the shoulders,
that "Yes, they were."
Of course, after that, it should have been no surprise to hear them misusing
Scripture to uphold their ideas. Their favourite reference was the story of
Namaan "asking Elisha for permission" to bow down to Rimmon with his master
(2 Kings 5:15-19). They said that Elisha's answer clearly showed that bowing
before the idol wouldn't matter because God knew Namaan's heart. They seem not
to have noticed that Namaan was not asking for "permission" from Elisha, but
for forgiveness from God -- in other words he
knew that to bow down to Rimmon was wrong in God's sight! But if his master
was hanging onto his arm when he bowed to the idol it would be very hard for
Namaan not to bow too, and Elisha told him God's answer -- "Go in peace" --
which was not saying it's okay to bow to Rimmon but that God knows the difference
between bowing to an idol and supporting the weight of an old man as he bows
down.
We asked them several times whether the actions of others in the Bible who refused
to bow down to idols (Daniel and his three companions, for example) meant anything
to them in this context, but each time they referred back to Namaan and to Paul's
"meat offered to idols". When I pointed out that Paul also says, "Avoid
all appearance of evil," and "Shun the worship of idols," they ignored the statements.
Perhaps I
should have mentioned Jesus' making enemies by refusing to toe the Pharisees'
line? But by that point I couldn't see that it would make any difference to
their ideas. It seemed they did not want to hear anything that might contradict
them.
Just that morning at the small church we attend the preacher had pointed out
in his sermon (on Philippians and suffering for the Gospel) what happened to
the Apostle Paul as he travelled around preaching the Gospel -- he got kicked
out of every other town; he got thrown in gaol; he was beaten, flogged, and
stoned; finally he was beheaded. According to those two men's theory, Paul only
got what he was asking for...
From what they said they avoid anything that might offend non-believers,
and they would do whatever seems needed to gain non-believers' friendship
(they specifically included actions such as bowing to or making offerings to
other "gods"). They implied that those who have scruples about such actions
are simply weak in faith (they kept selectively quoting from Paul).
In the end
they started talking about "penetrating culture with the gospel" and "evangelisation",
and I finally understood where they were coming from.
Now I understood
why the wife of one of them, when I had chatted with her about evangelism, had
said that she felt she didn't have the right to impose her beliefs on other
people. Now I understand why the youth group her children go to spends their
time playing games (even realistic life-size virtual reality games where they
"shoot each other dead").
Obviously arguing with them will lead nowhere, so I'm praying for them and also
for wisdom for us as to whether (and if so, how) we should try to talk to them
further about this.
A few months back, David Wilkerson gave a sermon on "The Dangers of the Gospel
of Accommodation". I wonder if I should give them a copy of it?
What really bothers me is what will these people do when they are the ones facing
possible persecution by enemies of Christ? I pray that they will realise that
it's not stupid to suffer for His name...
Oh, may the Lord keep us all on the right path always -- none of us can face
persecution in our own strength, and it is His Holy Spirit who gives us the
strength to stand firm.
From
Ben M.: I am an inner city youth pastor.
Ideas like this I just find ridiculous. Suburban parents seemed to be
so conerned with these crazy ideas. Your kids are not gang members, they
don't sell or do drugs, they haven't been arrested, and they aren't having babies
at 12 years old. Be grateful. Lighten up. Stop trying to create
problems if there aren't any.
Thank you for sharing this story with
us. It helps us to understand the
postmodern culture and the incredible
shift that is driving churches into apostasy. And it's happening so fast!
May God guide and guard us from the evil
one -- and equip us for the hostile pressure and persecution certain to
come from a world that cannot tolerate uncompromising truth and faith.
From
Chris Houghten: I can only guess
regarding the problems in the church here in America - so my guess - it is not
a problem of discernment - it is a problem of timing. So here goes - we as believers
for some reason think we need to seduce and romance the world into a relationship
with the Savior, slowly, slowly, bring them in - and whatever we do, don't tell
them anything to soon, to quick, in fact don't say anything, then they'll never
talk to us.
We think we
must dress like them, wear our hair like them, talk like them, cook the same
recipes as them, help them with anything and everything, smile and cry with
them, do everything with them and do not - I repeat- do not be critical of anything
- just be there. Boom - and then one day- they just will decide - hey I like
these folks so much, they will walk into our house - see the Bible on the coffee
table - walk out with it, read it, and decide that Jesus Christ is their Lord.
I think this is what alot of evangelism books say in about 200 pages or more.
So timing
is the issue perhaps instead of a lack of discernment. Believers know the truth,
they just have a different date marked on their calendars as far as when they
think the Lord would like the truth presented to their neighbors. Which brings
us to the present - June 2002 - and quite a mess it is - the enemy has done
a real good job messing with the little black planning books of the believer,
as, day after day we have said to the Lord, "maybe tomorrow I will tell them
what they need to know about You Lord". And in regards to Pokemon, my goodness,
how are we going to get these people to our church, if --- if we tell our own
children what to and not to play with and watch, gasp, what if they repeat it
to the neighbor kids and moms, yikes, we'll be uninvited to the next BBQ, as
the neighbors slowly find themselves immersed in the occult - and on it goes
as we sit on our hands.
Now I'll say, I know, we know, to what extent we have been discipled in the
Word of God, we know it, Well, I believe, and believers have chosen to be silent
for fear of loosing friendship with the World --- for no one can serve two masters
- this is a fact - believers must choose today- to speak - before it is to late.
Mona McNee: The church of England is
dying. What is left of Christianity is more like social services, "Do unto others..."
and "Love thy neighbour as thyself". But they leave out the first great commandment,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart.... " That would seem
rather quaint these days."
From
Paul Proctor:
(Concerning the link to "Leading In A New Reality" which he sent us)
Actually, The People's Church just kicked off it 3rd "capital-raising" campaign
(this one called the "It's Our Time" campaign) to pay off the now $13,000,000
building debt that I wrote about in my
People's Church
article almost 2 years ago. (It was $10,000,000 back then
and they have defaulted on the loan at least twice since that time due to so
many members leaving and all the disillusionment involved.) I suspect a personal
appearance by celebrity/mentor Bill Hybels was conceived as another way to hopefully
drum up support for the "It's Our Time Campaign". The original program was called
"Giving Him Our Best". I guess they forgot that OUR best is "filthy rags". Oh
well...
Thanks again, Paul, for sharing your
insights into the managed transformation of God's churches
From Al Schmidt: I just wanted to say
thank you for standing up for what's right. I am not a great man on my own but
through CHRIST I'm the greatest man my family knows. I and my wife have taught
our children ( now 21 & 15 ) the Christian values that made America great &
are distressed at the turn of the tide from GOD & CHRIST to satan & occultism.
We try to help our children stand against the popular moves in our local area
and thus far we have had good success. I have a short list of daily reminders
that I use to help me stand firm for My JESUS and I am going to share my list
with you. It helps me I hope it will be good for others.
No matter what else I feel the following ARE TRUE !
1. "I am a child of GOD joint heir with JESUS CHRIST HIS SON. I am free of the
old fears of failure."
2. "I am free from the bonds of sin and death through JESUS CHRIST who FORGAVE
MY SIN and gave me HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and I function without old fears holding
me back."
3. "I am guilt-free thanks to JESUS CHRIST who died my death so I would live
as HIS BROTHER and share GODS LOVE with HIM FOREVER.
4. " I live in the SPIRIT and GOD'S SPIRIT lives in me."
I will pray for your continued success for GOD. Please hold me in your prayers
as I am Very ill Thanks to 3 major carbon monoxide exposures.
Thank you, Al. I so appreciate your loving
heart and your faith in our wonderful Lord.
From Dennis Monroe: I guess I just am not
able to keep quiet. I read the posting on the "Healthy Church." This sounds
like someone desperately needs to read and study very hard, among other things,
the messages in the book of Revelation that Christ gave to the seven churches.
None of the definitions given in the news posting will be found in Christ's
messages.
From His messages,
it is not really very hard to make up a list of the qualities that define a
truly healthy church. From what I have seen, a truly healthy church will be
dearly loved by those that have ears to hear, those that are truly tired, are
poor in spirit, and are able by His Grace to mourn their own sins and the sins
of others, with love and care, but also without compromise of God's Word.
On the other
hand, this same truly healthy church will be hated, maligned, lied about, and
despised by those that will
be cut to the bone by the conspicuous and unrelenting activity of this church
in speaking without compromise the Gospel and truths of God. The truly healthy
church will have died to itself, and all the believers who stay with it will
also have died to themselves, at least to a point where they will be able to
really honor God as He is meant to be honored.
Dying to myself
has been on my mind a very great deal lately. It is a portion of my daily prayers
that the Lord will take me from where I am to being far closer to the death
of myself. I know that in that state of mind and heart is where He is. This
is most evident in the writings of John.
Thank you, Dennis.
From Donna Bowling: This e-mail is being
forwarded through a Mary Kay Cosmetics e-mail loop. I am not surprised, as my
experience with Mary Kay has been that this company is being used to teach the
dialectic and spiritual oneness philosophy.
Prayer wheel: THIS IS AWESOME!!! AMEN
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you .... That's
all you have to do ....There is nothing attached....This is so powerful....Just
send this to seven people and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life.
Do not stop the wheel, please....Of all the free gifts we may receive,
Prayer is the very best one .... There are no costs, but wonderful rewards .....
Let's continue praying for one another ..
A Prayer: Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am
asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain,
give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed
confidence in Your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness, or
exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as
they learn submission to your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation,
I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into
greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release
to them Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break
its hold over my friend's life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision,
and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of
them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them
the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus'
name.
In Love, Your Friend
Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing
this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.
Thank you, Donna, for sharing this chain letter. It
illustrate today's pluralistic blend of Christianity and paganism. The Tibetan
prayer wheel, which must be kept spinning, represents Buddhism -- a particular
kind which, in turn, is a blend of Tibetan animism and earlier forms of
Buddhism.
As in
The Prayer
of Jabez, the problem
is not with the words of the prayer itself but with the pagan context and
the unbiblical promises that surround it. Speaking or praying
a formula prayer is no guarantee of blessings, especially in a setting that
suggests a universal god rather than the God we love.
I have added an explanation of the Tibetan
prayer wheel to the
Symbols
page. Scroll
down to the section on "wheels."
From Shawn: I grew up with the hymns
and I still love them but I do believe that praise songs have merit. Like God
of Wonders (how it talks about creation) also Lord reign in me (something we
want in our life daily), and Stand in awe (basic love song that we are in love
with Jesus Christ).
Also we sing a song called Empty Me where we sing like a prayer to God to empty
us of our desires and ask God to Fill Me with His Desires.
I believe that there is merit in both hymns and praise songs I would like to
sing both :)
I guess it really depends on the situation the song how many songs are played.
I have also discussed recently with friends different worship styles, the traditional
3-5 verse sermon or the chapter book by book chapter by chapter verse by verse
teaching style.
I again believe there is merit in both, I enjoy the longer more detailed teaching
than the 3-5 verse sermon I grew up with.
But of course we need to have that daily walk with the Lord or either teaching
method won't be effective. Does it really matter if you have a half meal or
full meal if going thru the week. Not really you still need to eat daily and
I prefer the method of David to rise with the Lord and to end my day with the
Lord.
I could be wrong and I am open to any biblical reasoning.
I look at the psalms of David some are really simple, just simple praises to
our God :)
Thank you, Shawn. One of my favorites
is "The Lamb of God."
From a Christian singer:
The comments on THE CHANGING CHURCH reminded
me of when I was invited to sing at a church in San Antonio. I shared
the song "First Love", I told the people I worked as a secretary for a pastor
and that I had learned that the pastor should be lifted up and prayed for. A
pastor is not to go and do everything, he is to teach the people to go and do.
Also that a pastor is not perfect and can have problems too. Instead of praying
for the pastor and his family, they vote him out, or go to another church believed
to be more spiritual.
Funny, we
go from church to church looking for the Spirit instead of asking God to fill
us with His Spirit. So many churches look for what the people believe looks
good instead of the heart. When I finished telling the people this, the pastor
came up in tears because the church was filled with people that use to come
to church but went to another.
The pastor's
daughter was left by her husband and it looked bad for him as far as his congregation
thought. The reason they were there was because they came to hear a concert.
One by one, the people stood up and asked for forgiveness. I will never forget
this. I pray that we all will lift up our pastors that God will give them power
to speak the Word of God.
Thank you for sharing from your heart
a message we need to remember.
At the same time, many Christian families
find their churches changing to an emphasis on pleasing the world rather
than teaching God's Word. When that happens, the loss of Biblical teaching
may drive Christian families to search for genuine Biblical fellowship somewhere
else.
But we all need to pray for our pastors
and churches. They often find themselves on a fierce and cruel battlefield.
Please see
Re-Inventing the Church,
Part 1.
From David: There is a myth that as Americans,
we have the freedom of worship and beliefs. I have found that when one truly
dedicates their life to Christ and daily lives His Word (for He is the Word)
that there is much persecution and much of it comes from the organized church
(I have recently been shocked by the attitudes of "Christians" toward witchcraft
- Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings). I am writing this memo in hopes that
it will help others who may be struggling with some of the things I have struggled
with.
I was baptized in 1974 and still remember and treasure the way the Lord touched
my heart on that day. My maturing in the Lord has been a long and sometimes
difficult process (because of me). ... I struggled with certain sins but could
never quite achieve the victory that I sought. I was like (probably 90+ percent
of Christians in America) being CONFORMED to the WORLD (Romans 12:2, 1 John
2:15-17) - but deceived in my own heart. I would say I was going to read the
Bible everyday and persist for awhile. I would start a Bible study with my kids
and persist for awhile. Every time I would fall back. Why? Because of television
and selfish ambitions. The Lord had been dealing with me for years to stop conforming,
but I was unwilling to totally yield. Therefore my life was not what it could
have been.
Finally after coming to the place that I was just so sick of sin in my life
and my own hypocrisy, I yielded. 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you." I repented before the Lord as I never had previously
for my wicked self-centered life of conforming and compromise.
What was my
greatest idol in my life to overcome? - the one I just never could image giving
up! Probably the same one that most of you have - "TELEVISION." I turned it
off, got rid of it - its over. I will never watch it again. I do not even play
the game of some things are ok to watch but I will avoid the others. You just
set yourself up for constant temptation and lost precious time that could be
used for so much more.
You are so right, David. Here is another
Scripture that supports your warning:
Psalm 1:1-6
Sitting in
front of this silly little box robbed me of YEARS of my life. The constant planting
of un-Godly ideas in my mind, made it impossible for me to have victory over
sinful areas of my life. For years, I use to ask myself - How evil does television
have to become before I will stop watching it? Where do you draw the line? Is
there a line?
Yes, but -- in some areas such as television
-- it differs from believer to believer. For example, Paul tells Timothy
that a little wine is good for his health, but alcoholics must draw a much
narrower line. I don't like watching television (but I do watch certain
things for research purposes -- such as the opening ceremony for the Olympics),
so I don't need to guard against overuse.
Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ Himself, will
guide us personally by His Spirit in us. He knows us and our needs and weaknesses
far better than we know ourselves.
Psalm 139:14-15
and Psalm 23
The next thing
I did was turn off the radio in the car (permanently) and chunk the stereo.
Rock music had always been an idol in my life. ... Next I got rid of my cherished
miniature whiskey bottle collection (from my youth). I also chunked the questionable
Christian books from characters like Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland (saw through
him years ago but still had a book lying around), Benny Hinn (this one was my
wife's - I was not deceived by this slick one), etc. Next I went on an evil
toy hunt in my kids rooms (most toys I don't want in my house anymore). ...
You must ask yourself, as a Christian, when someone looks at your life - is
it really that much different from a non-believer. Do you watch the same television
programs? Do you listen to the same music? Do you go to the theaters and watch
the same movies? Same video rentals? Are you also driven to succeed in your
career? Is money real important to you? Do you want your children to be like
all the others? Can you answer this question - Is there any persecution in your
life as a direct result of your walk in Christ? Jesus said there would be -
maybe more than you want. If there isn't much, then maybe you are conforming.
Do you ever truly suffer loss/sacrifice (your own desires, wants, needs) to
do God's will?
1
Peter 3:13-17
Since I came out of the world my life has changed dramatically. I now have the
victories (in Christ Jesus) that I never could achieve before. Since turning
my back on the television, I have so much useful time. I read my Bible, I have
my Bible study with the kids (going strong), and I pray all the time. God is
now a true priority in my life. I don't just work Him into my busy schedule
as before. He is the schedule - He is the priority and my service to him will
get done or all other activities in my life will suffer. God has greatly increased
my service to him and has allowed me to touch MANY around me. I have tasted
the greatness of my new found relationship with God. Remember the Two great
commandments Jesus gave (Matthew 22:37-40).
I do not make it a point to tell many others of the details of my walk with
the Lord. However, if Christian acquaintances hear that I do not watch TV, they
think I'm a flake, an oddity. My Christian stands encounter great persecution
(even in the church). For instance, when I mentioned the idolatry of Santa Claus
to some church members this past season, I thought I would be lynched. I no
longer celebrate a worldly Christmas. There was no tree this year, just a giant
yard card proclaiming Christ. I took a lot of heat over it.
Andy and Berit - My question to you is summarized as follows: I attend a church
that proclaims Christ and does many good things. However, like many Laodician
churches in America, spends great sums of money on buildings/facilities (50K
remodeling of sanctuary, parking beautification, gymnasiums, etc.) and little
on outreach/poor (mostly visitation - some benevolence). I often struggle with
the worldliness, attitudes and values of much of the body. I know that people
are at different maturities within Christ. I also know that we are to love one
another secondly to God. It is so hard for me to sit in Sunday School and listen
to a watered down version of the gospel. When I speak and make spiritual points,
everyone looks at me like I fell off the potato truck. I sometimes question
my involvement in this church, but through visitation and past memberships,
I know there is no perfect church (of man). Do you have any advice? Sometimes
I feel as a prophet - I want to say the truth of God's Word, but most do not
want to receive it.
That's the normal Christian
life, David. Remember
John
15:20-21. Keep
praising and serving Jesus and know that He will be your strength and joy
no matter what hostility, rejection and persecution you might face. See
2 Cor
4:16 and
2 Cor 2:14.
"...thanks be to God
who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses
the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
"For we are to
God the fragrance of Christ among those who are saved and among
those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading
to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And
who is sufficient for these things?"
2 Cor 4:16
From
David: I was looking at your
chart entitled, "Biblical
Verses Cultural Christianity."
This is the situation I face:
I would refer to myself as a Christian, Believer, Disciple, Follower, Servant,
etc. Most of the people at the church I attend would refer to themselves as
Baptist. That alone says alot in and of itself. The Baptist have a doctrine
which they refer to as, "Once Saved Always Saved." Under this belief, one only
has to ackowledge Christ once and then there is eternal security even if one
chooses to live as the devil the rest of their lives.
It is sad how God wonderful promises
of salvation and sanctification are being twisted into shallow doctrines
that has little to do with the transformed life and discipleship. Speaking
at a conference in the Midwest some years ago, a song leader told me she
had written a song which included all the parts of the "4 spiritual laws."
"When they sing it, they become Christians," she told me.
Many find it easy to give hearty assent
to a simple verbal formula or recitation -- especially when they are promised
earthly peace, a wonderful relationship and a happy eternity with Jesus.
Some only want "
cheap
grace" -- His blessings without sanctification
or discipleship. So they pray the 4-fold prayer but never understand their
need, come to repentance by God's grace, surrender their lives to Him, or
count the cost.
Coming to Jesus, being crucified with
Him, and walking in the Spirit involves genuine conviction by the Holy Spirit,
a brand new life, and a hunger for His holiness which makes personal sacrifices
for Him a joy. Those who are truly filled with His Spirit, we will discern
evil and be disgusted with some of the unholy symbols and practices of our
times that have become so accepted by the church.
I do believe, however, that those who
are truly "born again," have indeed been joined to Jesus Christ for all
eternity and are already "citizens
of heaven." They can delight in His promise that we will see Jesus face
to face and share everlasting joy with Him forever.
1 John 3:1-3
Additionally,
they seem to have a strange belief which I think is referred to as "Christian
Liberty." This essentially excuses "compromise" because (I will try and explain
this logic): Only through Christ does one have forgiveness of sin, so you can't
be good enough or earn it or stop sinning. Therefore, since you never can truly
conquer sin and must live with it (or a certain amount of it), then its OK because
Jesus blood covers it.
How does one
talk to such a person about "purity?." Initially, when giving the alter call,
much emphasis is placed upon joining the church (this particular one). Now I
became a member of "The Church" (that of Christ, that they do not control) in
1974. I really do not understand their emphasis on having your name on a local
Baptist role. I will never "officially" join their church because: 1) it is
mostly cultural, and 2) I cannot accept some of their beliefs.
You are probably
asking, then why do you go there? Its a long story, but perhaps God has a purpose
for now (even though I am quite frustrated). You probably ask, why don't you
assemble with like minded believers? I would love nothing more if there is such
a physical church in existence. I find mostly cultural as per your
chart or those that trust in TBN/Televangelists/Books/Videos/etc.
Have you had experience with these conditions that I describe and how have you
reacted?
Yes, David. So have countless
disciples across the country and around the world. Twice it happened to
us because the original pastors retired and the new pastors had been trained
in a more "progressive" way of "doing church." Each time we eventually
left, but not until we had found a better place.
Now we are part of a small
Bible centered church a distance from our home. We love the teaching, but
live too far away to participate in all the activities that build strong
fellowship.
We have a small local Bible study with four other couples that love Jesus
and want to follow Him. As this postmodern trend continues -- even
accellerates -- which it will when as more of the Biblical boundaries and
knowledge fade away, God's people will increasingly gather in what might
parallel the underground church in China.
And as the US implements the UNESCO
Declaration on Religion in a Culture of Peace, the public will become increasingly
intolerant toward people like us. I am glad we have the Internet for a season
to encourage each other across lands and oceans.
From
Ender: I did some thinking about "WWJD"
and my choice was to no longer wear a WWJD lanyard on my neck for school. The
reason behind it was because I thought of it this
way: Jesus is God, we are not. Though He gives us the mind of Christ, we still
stumble and fail to listen to His leading at times. Jesus Christ was and is
forever perfect; we're not. We'll be like Him in heaven and in the resurrection,
but we won't be perfect until then.
Thank you, Ender, for sharing your insight.
You are so right. People have always had a tendency to see God through their
human imagination and personal preferences rather than through the wisdom
of His Word and Spirit. That's why He warned His people long ago, "You
thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you...."
(Psalm 50:16-21)
A
lot of people think that WWJD is a reminder for themselves of who they serve,
but I believe there are three better reminders:
-
The cross (not jewlery or symbol, but
Jesus' act on the cross)
-
The Spirit of God: "The Spirit Himself
testifies with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16).
-
The Word of God
Not
to say that anyone who wears WWJD is of the evil one, but I believe if people
started meditating on the cross more -- and that's what I am doing -- then people
would recognize and be awed at the thought of Christ on that cross, the fullest
expression of God the Father's love for mankind. And also to reach out to others
in His love and service. In Christ,
Thank you for that reminder,
Ender. I so agree with you. Perhaps others who agree would like to visit
this page:
Preparing for Victory
and click on "The Triumph
of the Cross."
From Judith Clark: (Related to the St.
John the Divine Cathedral, although I realize that it is not, strictly speaking,
a Catholic cathedral, it is a cathedral of somewhat similar modern philosophy):
I had a great uncle who came out of the Catholic religion, but did not attend
church. If there was anything he could see that he thought that was good, he
tried to do it, however, and he knew that Jesus Christ was the Lord who saves.
I have met many people since who were Catholic and said that the church only
requires them to attend every year, and that they are still Catholic even though
they hardly attend.
That does
not describe my uncle. I think even in Europe he had decided within himself
that he was not going to follow those particular doctrines that are misleading,
of that church.
I try to explain to people, what the nature of this ‘compulsory-ness'is/was
in his country of origin, but it is a difficult concept for some.... It is the
same sort of compulsory atmosphere developing around secularism in America today.)
This uncle told me once that he had prayed to leave his country, and prayed
and prayed, as a child, but when it finally happened, he was a little ashamed,
because the transition to life in America seemed to be so hard on his parents.
I once asked him if he attended church. The only church he really knew how to
get to was the Catholic one.... He took me down seven flights of stairs and
onto the sidewalk, and had me peer around the corner of the block. I do not
know what Cathedral we were peering at, but it was quite ornate and impressive
and not unattractive, I thought. He told me slowly, that, he knew that some
people thought it was better to go there than not to go there (because of many
of the faults of this church that were well known in the community), but he
himself did not know how anyone could even bear to enter. This must have been
in 1957 or 1959 when he told me this! And this location was just a few blocks
from the World Trade center, which of course did not exist at that time.
He said, that many people thought that he might have wanted to leave his country
of birth because of the wars and bad governments that were coming (he was a
child in rural Tuscany, and my grandmother, who was one of his younger sisters,
told me that their previous home in Tuscany had been a very active place against
these wars and had suffered much on account of draft evasion, and other forms
of opposition they engaged in). He said that many people in Tuscany had been
talking about bad things in the government, and very bad things coming (this
was in the early 1890's) but he rather, thought that his strong desire to leave
had something to do with that-----'that' (and he indicated again, the Cathedral).
I was always so grateful to have this particular relative, and it is something
so difficult to explain to anyone, but because of many of the things I have
read that you have written, I thought it might be good to tell you about this.
Also, I am concerned, that he was a non-church-goer on account of his adherence
to the truth, and to (I believe) Jesus Christ. Sometimes, as I visit different
churches, it is difficult to sort out precisely what I am disturbed about in
many of them, and I think it would be easier to adhere to the Lord and his word
and not attend church at this present time..... Do you have an opinion on this?
In faith in the Lord, Jesus,
Since the Catholic church is not alone
in drifting away from Biblical truth, many discerning Christians can identify
with your uncle. Across the country and around the world, God's people face
disillusionment with their local churches and pray for a fellowship of believers
who long to follow Jesus have refused to compromise with the world. We see
Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and other churches which, like
New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine,
have important all kinds of pagan literature, symbols and rituals into their
worship.
I believe that we who love God
might -- like committed believers in China -- have to seek our fellowship
in small groups or home churches. We can't join the new "cell groups" organized
under the umbrella of today's leadership networks, for they tend to operate
by the world's dialectic or consensus process. [See
The Global Church
- especially the last section (unfinished)]
But we can and must look
to our Shepherd for His wisdom and guidance. No matter what happens around
us, He will still be our Father, our Wisdom, our Strength and our very Life.
And He has many ways to bring His sheep to maturity and joy in Himself.
From Dennis Monroe: I read your postings
with regard to "WWJD." I do not mean to deride anyone that may display or wear
some implement (e.g., wrist band, etc.) that has "WWJD" on it. Once again, I
must choose my words very carefully. However, I do not display any of these
things. I don't like them. I have no bumper stickers or a Jesus fish on my car
either. All of it seems to really be nothing more than an expression of "I got
Jesus, you don't, and in your face!"
Therefore,
I think most of the unsaved react to it in a negative way, and it simply feeds
their impression that we are lunatics. I think that sometimes the people that
display this stuff have unwittingly taken upon themselves an idol, and may very
well be riding on the "lunatic" fringe.
I would pose
a question to those that find it necessary to display all of this stuff, which
is "What would Jesus really do?" I cannot see in my mind's eye the Lord running
around with a wrist band or some implement hanging from his neck or any other
form of "idol." Jesus would not have placed a statue of Himself on the dashboard
of His car. His mother would not have been there either, nor would be any of
the other "Saints."
If many of
those that display all of this stuff would put some real serious thought and
prayer into "WWJD", I think I can safely say they would no longer display it.
The only thing that Jesus did do, without deviation of
any sort, was the perfect will of the Father. He did not do anything else, ever.
I would prefer to simply be ready to explain our Savior to anyone that will
listen. The Lord is lovely.
Thank you, Dennis. I agree with you.
So many of our trendy expressions do little more than trivialize Christianity
and lower our holy, omnipotent King to our own level.
Psalm 50:21
From Arnie Fishman:
Paul
[Proctor - see
IMAGINE Playing Games with God]
did a good rebuttal. Here is some more.
This person is approaching God, Jesus, and culture from a distorted perspective.
Sept 11 and the associated response is not about love -- it is about justice
which the Bible also says a few words about. We offered love to Afghanistan
by sending them food. Stephanie Salter is obviously some kind of pacifist liberal
who believes in the non violent approach to everything. Jesus just happens to
be a good mouth-piece for them when they need Him. Jesus and the scriptures
also say a lot about sins, judgement and other things which I think Ms. Salter
might not quite feel so good about quoting.
Another response to her words are that Satan always comes masquerading as an
angel of light and he will use what ever means possible to deceive others...
even if it uses the word Love. I personally think that the New Age religion
that will sweep over the world and become the Universalist one-world religion
of the antichrist will in the beginning utilize the words love of man, or the
brotherhood of man to achieve his diabolical deception.
We need to be careful to listen when someone uses Love, Jesus, and Gandhi in
the same 3 paragraphs.
Thanks, Arnie, for sharing your
insight. I appreciate your discernment.
From
Susan Conway: I have kept rereading the
following from your site "Men and women need a unified existence. Participation
in a culture is one of the factors which provide them with a sense of belonging.
It gives a sense of security, of identity, of dignity, of being part of a larger
whole, and of sharing both in the life of past generations and in the expectancy
of society for its own future...." [See in the
The Changing Church]
I am concluding that this thinking is a foundational perspective in the way
churches have been structured for the past twenty years. Horizontal relationships
are more significant and important than one's relationship to God and to His
word. As churches determine their mission, purpose, values and vision, could
one not presume that this is to give that entity 'a unified existence' because
that is what 'men and women need'?
Not all who have followed the building of strategic plans or of a community
emphasis (with community meaning relationships) have understood the rhetoric,
and the change of emphasis. As one who has lived with both and seen the confusion
of any who question or who continue to resist man's group think, I am struggling
as we are wondering where God would have us attend church now.
The thinking quoted above can result in believers in Jesus Christ being kept
in or being put into a culture which is works oriented, man pleasing, and cultlike.
You are so right, Susan.
And "cultlike"fits the new church management that controls people through
group pressure, demands for submission to the new leadership, and the call
for "confession" of "sins" such as "divisiveness" and lack of cooperation
on the part of those who discern and voice real problems.
From
Jeff Wallace:
I sent you an email a few weeks back about the trend of many conservatives
(Limbaugh, Boortz, Savage, etc) seeming to go against Christians when push comes
to shove. Your article under Changing Church: Sovereignty Over Evil, a couple
days ago goes right to the heart of that. Michael Savage, who regularly savages
liberals on all fronts, stated recently that fanatics of any group are bad....I
got the sense he was leaning toward viewing real Christians in this light.
Boortz, is now almost on a crusade to lambasts
Christians for speaking out about Potter. He calls us more names than almost
anyone I have heard him attack at times. At any rate, I think it is safe to
say, this trend is on the rise and will no doubt get worse. Christians need
to try to understand this, because if they don't they are going to be confused
and get what they think are mixed signals. Your ministry can play a great role
in this.
Thank you, Jeff. I wouldn't be surprised
if uncompromising Christians will face increasing hostility in the months
to come. Once again Christians in the "free" world need to
Prepare for Persecution.
From Dennis Monroe:
If either Presidents George Washington or Abraham
Lincoln were running for office today, and publicly gave the exact same speeches
they gave back then, and publicly proclaimed and honored the name of God, like
they did back then, they would both be labeled hate mongers and run out of town.
I believe you
may be right, Dennis. Some of the people who call themselves Christian could
even be the first to express their anger and shame at being associated with
such fundamentalists.
From
Mona M. (UK): Mr
Bowman thinks faith in God helps greatness. Now our (UK) churches are empty,
fall into decay, are torn down to make way for "development". The BBC etc. mock
religion in their soaps etc. Support for Christianity previously coming from
home/school/organizations is now absent, Scouts and Brownies Guides etc. and
Boys' Brigades are shadows of their former selves. Schools are "multi-faith,
multi-cultural". Patriotism is risky, has to be expressed in terms that do not
"offend" incomers. The King/Queen used to be "Defender of the Faith", but the
Queen has done nothing that I can see to defend Christianity. "Fid.def." no
longer appears on our coins. Brussels sees the royal family is just citizens
like everyone else , nothing special, an anachronism.
Free speech? Free speech on immigration has been routinely
stifled for decades, with unjustified cries of "Racist!". When I try to access
the British National Party on the local library computers, the screen says "Access
denied", and Political Correctness makes people wary of expressing their worries
about immigration in public.
Democracy? Self-government, sovereignty, independence?
Ted Heath lied when he said the Treaty of Rome was purely economic with no political
overtones. Now the Treaty of Nice is going through our Parliament, pretty well
handing o0ver the last shreds of independence from Westminster to Brussels.
If the very existence of "England" is imperiled, changing to "regions" of the
E.U., what is left?
Yet the E.U. costs us a lot of money. France makes no
attempt to stop illegal immigrants coming here from Calais - 100,000 a year.
We are under attack, human invasion all the more effective for not being military.
In the days of the Romans, feeding Christians to the lions
was dreadful but visible, honestly dreadful. Now here everything is covered
over in sugar-icing, "caring", P.C., velvet hand but iron fist with the real
power. Politicians (with rare exceptions, Enoch Powell, Frank Field, David Alton)
want a career in politics rather than a chance to benefit our country. Every
ill has to have a framework for "help" even though the bottom layer, helping
real people, (e.g. our national health system) is creaking badly. Even the trappings
of greatness are tired and in tatters.
I feel that I am living in the end of a civilization.
Cassandra, moaning Minnie? Well, that's how I feel. And helpless. I have tried
to fight this tide , and just see it getting worse. We now have 1-1/2 million
muslims here.
Another WTC here, and ..what? Civil war? All the suppressed
resentment, politicians ignoring our worries for 50 years, will boil up and
where can we go then? I wish this were not so.
Thank you, Mona, for your insights
and observations. I appreciate your summary of our common concern.
From
Maria: I am a well educated
17 year old girl that lives in Orlando FL. I attended grades Pre-K through eighth
at Good Shepherd Catholic School. When I was in 4th grade I decided that God
was calling me to become an altar server at mass and was involved in that vocation
until I was in 9th grade when I decided to become a lector at mass. I am a strong
Catholic. I am very involved in Community Service projects, my parish festival
which raises money for, among other things, St. Vincent dePaul Society, and
of course reading at mass. I am telling you all this to let you know that
I understand where you are coming from.
Actually,
I don't believe you do, Maria. You and I would define Christianity in different
ways. You listed many "good" things you do, but those good works do not
make you a Christian. They don't deal with the essential nature of sin in
us, nor do they join us to Christ. Only faith in Jesus and the redemption
He won for us at the cross will join us to Christ, change our nature and
prepare us to walk with Jesus by His Spirit. Please see
What it means to be a Christian.
The fantastic world of Harry Potter
scares you because you believe that kids can read this and become involved in
the Wiccan religion and witchcraft. I see where you are coming from but do not
think that Harry Potter books affect kids to this magnitude.
I recently wrote a 4,000 word paper for my International
Baccalaureate program in order to gain my IB Diploma (to learn more about
IB go to http://www.ibo.org/ ). The topic I choose for my paper involved dissecting
C.S Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia to discover how he intended to give children
the christian message. I spent much of my summer reading the Chronicles again,
reading criticisms on them, and reading about Clive Staples Lewis, the great
Christian apologist. From what I learned I know that the Chronicles of Narnia
were based in a fantastic land, much like the magical world in Harry Potter,
in order to get children to enjoy them. C.S. Lewis said that when he was a child
he did not feel in awe at God because he was told to feel that way and because
he could not get involved in the Bible.
Please see the article I
wrote on the International
Baccalaureate Organization. It does not share
my Christian worldview. Perhaps it influenced your view of Christianity.
Many young children feel this way because of the stuffy
language and the stuffy attitude of religion teachers. Lewis desired to bare
christianity, to sneak past the 'watchful dragons' of much use and how you should
feel. He desired to get past this emotional barrier and show children what Christianity
truly was. He accomplished this by disguising Christianity in a fantastic story.
This story is the story of Jesus. I read the Chronicles when I was in 3rd grade
for the first time. Aslan's (the Christ figure) death elicited tears from my
eyes like the Easter tale never had. I could love Aslan because I was not told
I had to but made a choice to. Now I love Jesus Christ with as much ferocity
as I loved Aslan when I first read the Chronicles.
You keep mentioning
"feelings" Maria, as if love for God is based on feelings. It is not. When
Jesus tells Christians to "love one another," He is referring to sharing,
helping, caring and submitting -- by faith and through His strength -- to
one another as members of His family. Warm feelings will follow, but they
tend to be very subjective, unpredictable and capricious guides.
Likewise,
we don't show love for God
by feeling good about Him. We show Him love by taking time to get to know
Him in His Word, talking with Him, surrendering our lives to Him, then --
by His grace, demonstrating His love as we walk with Him in both easy and
hard places without complaining. But He makes even the hardest places sweet
by His presence.
See
Mark 12:30
I know that the Harry Potter series was not written to
show children Christianity but it can serve that purpose if instead of trying
to ban or warn parents we ask that parents read the books and talk to their
children about them. These books like the Chronicles open up a child's heart
and what better time to talk to them about God.
You are right. Any exciting fantasy
will open a child's heart to the thrills and characters it presents. But
God wants our hearts to be closed to witchcraft and wizardry, not open.
We shouldn't even be considering whether delight in witchcraft is acceptable
to Him or not, for He makes it clear throughout the Bible that it is out-of-bounds.
Part of the problem is today's
consensus thinking. Based on the old Hegelian dialectic process (group dialogue
which calls for compromise and common ground), it makes it hard to take
a stand and refuse to conform. Those who don't know, memorize and love God's
Word have no solid foundation or conviction on which to take a stand or
hold a position when faced with peer pressure . It becomes natural to flow
with your feelings instead of standing by faith.
Instead of talking about the witchcraft in the Harry Potter
series talk about the love of Harry's mom and how someone who didn't even know
your child gave him/her the same love when they died on a cross just to save
you. By comparing the feelings that children share in the Harry Potter books
to the feelings that we are 'supposed' to get from the Bible more children will
accept and love God and Jesus. I do not think the Harry Potter series should
be banned or any other such extreme measure taken. Instead, I believe that the
series can tell us a lot about love, friendship, morality, doing well in school,
accepting others and many other good lessons. These books can also open up children
to reading anything, maybe even the Bible someday.
I see your point in warning people and yes the Harry Potter
series does have witchcraft in it, but one of my friends is a Wiccan and from
talking to her I know that there are immense differences between the two.
I don't know how many witches or
Wiccans you have discussed this with. But in my many encounters with neo-pagans
and witches, I have found that most of them write their own script. Many
tend to blend together bits and pieces of Native American spirituality,
the chakras of kundalini yoga (Tantric Buddhism), Celtic spirituality
and medieval witchcraft. They might even add some hand-picked Bible verses
about God's love. All the versions sound different, yet they draw power
from the same occult realm.
Harry Potter can be used to promote morals and to get
children involved in Christianity. I found that once my sister had completed
reading the Harry Potter series to book 4 she wanted to start something else
that was similar. I recommended The Chronicles of Narnia, beginning with the
second book in the series, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, which tells
the Easter tale. She has now come to love Aslan just as I did and will learn
through that love how to love Jesus and God.
Harry Potter can be bad, but it can also be used for good.
It can be a stepping stone to the Chronicles of Narnia, the Bible, and open
up discussions about religion with youngsters. While each of us must make their
own decision about religion I think with a little work on the part of parents
we can have more children have a deep Christian faith from this experience than
will turn to the Wiccan religion which shares almost nothing with the witchcraft
in the Harry Potter series.
Thank you for listening. I hope you will see my point
and at least for a moment examine the issue from a different point of view and
maybe come up with some way for us to use these well loved books to teach children
about God. Since I am going into my senior year of high school I know I will
not have time but perhaps you or one of your readers will. I would love one
day to see this controversial series to teach children about love that can be
bridged to God's love. Remember, Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of
these is LOVE!
His love does not tolerate
spiritual alternatives, Maria. Don't forget His sobering warnings,
"Beware
lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to
the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and
not according to Christ."
Colossians 2:6-9
"...when you
have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them...
your heart is lifted up and you forget the Lord your God.... you
say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this
wealth.’ ...if you by
any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods... you shall surely
perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall
perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your
God." Deut 8:10-20
From
Sharon: Most of the Christians
I work with do not believe that we are sinners, in original sin, fallen humanity.
I praise God every day that I attend a Bible believing, God honoring and
true to His Word church. We are Baptist. I was born again, March 13, 1997.
I started attending a non-denominational community
Bible study group in 1998, men and women. I began to notice that they were involved
in Promise-keepers, Women of Faith, working for Habitat for Humanity, etc, etc.
We are not allowed to speak about or against any other Christian leaders. There
is no discernment in this group. They think the world evangelization groups
are the real thing. They disdain and make fun of the KJV, all use the NIV. I
led the women's class last year and will again this year starting next month.
Sharon, I just want to remind everyone
that in spite of the compromising mission networks, there are many wonderful
missionaries and organizations that faithfully serve God and spread the
true gospel. Our Lord has always -- even in the midst of the most
corrupt cultures -- kept a remnant of people who refused to conform to the
world's consensus.
Your site is well written and presented. However, when
I sent various articles out to friends and family, they became very upset. Even
my husband who knows the truth and some of his pastors friends say that I am
getting involved in stuff that is NOT my business. If people want to let their
children read Harry Potter and Pokemon and Digimon, etc, leave them alone.
I have been very discouraged that long time Christians
have been swayed by these false teachings and beliefs.
Please pray for me, that God will give me the strength
and the courage to stand against this heresy.
I know that my dear Jesus is interested in people
and He has a plan. I want to be a part of His plan. My husband says just
love people and live your Christian life and don't try to tell them what
to do. How does this all fit in?
Ezekiel
3 and 33 encourages me to keep sharing unpopular truths and warnings.
I believe you have accurately described the
state of the church and the world and i appreciate your ministry.
Also, while attending a Dallas Holm concert,
i was led to choose a young child from Thailand to "adopt" through Compassion
International. After receiving their newsletter, I detected problems, they
used UN documents to inform about the condition of children in the world.
What do you know about this organization?
I will try to learn about it
this week, Sharon. I will post what I learn here.
From
Cindi: Thank you so much
for sharing the material about the Dalai Lama's appearances. A couple of quick
thoughts about that:
(1) the World Network of Religious Futurists
(WNRF) is riddled with Buddhists, including its leadership, which is based in
Seattle, Washington (Richard Kirby and Richard Spady);
(2) The Prayer of Jabez seems
to parallel what the Dalai Lama is telling his followers about how to pray--disturbing,
at best, and
(3) the National Association
of Evangelicals (NAE) are preparing white papers for discussion at their
convention (coming up in June, I think), one of which concerns itself with
whether or not healthcare should be a "covenantal" issue. The WNRF
issue goes to your point of the blending of Buddhism with Christianity.
(Not that the WNRF holds itself out to be traditionally Christian at all, but
Jay Gary is very involved
with them and Kirby and Spady reach out to the Episcopalian and Methodist churches
in their areas.).
The Church Growth Movement and the ecumenicism
of the NAE and others cause such a blending of doctrine that a door is opened
for the mystical "truths" of Buddhism to take hold because their form is "relational."
The Prayer of Jabez is a yawning pit of misleading doctrine when you put it
together with the Dalai Lama's admonitions to "pray" the mantras/tantras
each day. What a mess! Thank you, again, for making sense out of this misinformation
and helping everyone to understand that there is danger here.
If I have not sent you the material on the NAE and the
covenantal healthcare discussion papers, please let me know and I will fax them
or send you the website. This leads into the UN health positions. NAE's
would also be part of the International Association of Evangelicals's
position on healthcare. "Even so, Lord, come quickly!"
From Paul Proctor:
"Even those I thought were mature senior
adults in my own Sunday School class were absolutely fascinated and captivated
by The Women of Faith conference here. People who easily saw through the hype
and production of Willow Creek and
The People's Church
fell instantly for this feminist feelings
festival and frenzy. Charm, beauty, celebrity, music, emotional gratification
and self-affirmation are I believe among the mightiest weapons used against
women in Satan's war chest.
To borrow from the theme of Kimberly Smith's
book Let Those Who Have Ears To Hear, which I HIGHLY recommend, "If they took
the music away...would they still follow Jesus?"
Good question, Paul. Thank you
for your insights and your fellowship.
From
Marilynn:
You know, Berit, the tranformational
process is chipping away traditional thinking faster and faster these days in
the undiscerning minds of many fellow believers. It is amazing to me to see
the willing acceptance of ideologies today by many believers that even last
year they would question.
I believe
that when a person asks the Lord into their heart and they receive the indwelling
of the Holy Spirit, that with the believer's growth and walk in the Lord that
they would become discerning. That the Lord would give them more discernment
as they seek him and have that abiding faith in him. Now, I am being told by
some Christians that discernment is given only as a spiritual gift.
Only a few have it. If that
is true then we are surely in trouble in the Church. It is troublesome to see
the amount of believers who put their worth on what they have decided are their
spiritual gifts. I have been told
by fellow believers for twenty years that I have the gift of prophesying. Therefore,
it's fine that I see upcoming problems and try to warn them because it's not
their gift. It is their excuse for not wanting to see, think and act.
Speaking
of discernment, I went to the Wagner Leadership Institute website last night
because the pastor at Sagemont announced last night, in fact he spoke the entire
message time on the merging of the church with another church down the road
(Freedom Church) because they need financial help....
The church has no pure doctrinal statements.
You know the same spiel, church that is global, community driven, outreach
of love, etc. The assistant pastor is attending the Wagner Leadership Institute.
I wanted to know if you are familiar with this Institute.
Also, George Barna was in Houston recently speaking. I understand it
was only for pastors. I know you
quote some of his findings. His
name is listed on the front webpage of the Wagner Leadership Institute. I wonder
what his connection to them is - if he had just attended a seminar or was a
graduate of theirs. I did not see
him listed on their board.
Marilynn, I added more information
about George Barna on this page:
Statistics for the Changing
Church. He is a leader in the Church Growth movement. I use his statistical
studies since I don't know any better source of such information.
See also
Marketing the Church, God, and the Gospel:
Why the Church Must Stop Selling Jesus
Susan Conway:
This article,
Thinking Skills explains
thinking held by the editors of Group Publishing and espoused in at least two
of their books written about Sunday School. I am sending the link because, on
The Global
Church article site, you have a picture of a book
published by Group Publishing. Six years ago we were at a church which began
to use Group's Hands On Sunday School curriculum. A friend was teaching Sunday
School. She became concerned about some items handed out in the introductory
teachers' training session and asked me to look at it. Three years earlier she
and I, along with a few others, had worked together to understand Outcome Based
Education, which was being publicly implemented in her county with a Strategic
Plan. It is now clear that this type of education already had a place in the
thinking of educators.
Back to church...my friend also asked me to watch
an introductory video about The Hands On Sunday School curriculum. She thought
it was OBE. The first time I watched it I was appalled at the manipulation that
was highlighted, showcased, and part of the lesson plans. The second time I
watched it, I did begin to pick out the OBE. We had one child still in the elementary
grades. So I continued to research the material . The thinking was completely
OBE, touchy-feely, human relationship oriented. The lessons were not dependent
on Bible truth or Bible stories. A Christian school principal reviewed the curriculum
for me and concluded that it was moralistic and unacceptable on other grounds
also.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (see
Glossary) were being implemented. Rote memory
of Bible verses was mocked in material that accompanied the curriculum. There
are some excellent articles probably still on-line that critique it more. Important
theological truths were left out. Our daughter was in one class session and
her understanding and application of the need to seek God's forgiveness, as
well as that of a sibling that she had offended, became muddled. This was by
only one exposure. The lesson had been taught in its entirety by a man who was
an elder in the church. Our daughter did not return to the class. Already we
had begun a process which eventually led to the curriculum being removed after
only one quarter's use. It was in this struggle that I ran into the "new church
management system" and sensed that something was truly out of order.
One conclusion I verbalized when I took my concerns
about the impact of the curriculum to the pastor was that children who went
through this type of teaching would not be prepared for the realities of the
real world when they had any need to stand alone on the basis of God's Word
and His truth. That did not seem to be understandable to him. I now know that
he was being trained to help bring about The Global Church, not that he would
have known that. It has been the result of the fact that "Ideas Have Consequences."
Pragmatic thinking, positive thinking, consensus
thinking leading toward groupthink can seem acceptable when introduced gradually.
There is a great attraction toward doing whatever
might seem to help reach people for Christ, not realizing that in the end what
you have is a muddle and a mess. People who will not be in alignment are told
they are free to go find a church that suits "their preferences." The concept
of seeking to live out biblical truth in this age of so many seductive concepts
supported by so many widely known and respected individuals and organizations
is a threat to the management system. Simply asking for a clear definition of
words and concepts has become a threat. Wanting to know and understand the historical
background of writers and speakers may be considered divisive.
Early on, at least up to 30 years ago, some pastors
and church consultants were teaching or being taught how to identify resistors
and neutralize their influence. Often times this can be done in what looks like
graciousness.
From Peter Toth:
As I drive back and forth to my work assignments, I periodically
tune across the radio dial in search of Christian programming, in hope of spending
the time more profitably. I tuned
in to a program on 1300 AM, WNQM Nashville at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, June 8th.
It began with an orchestral rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus" - accompanied
by gunfire. The announcer said
that today we would discuss "the worship wars".
Slowly, the music and gunfire
faded out, to be replaced by a fade in of a contemporary Christian "worship
song" of the pop - rock genre.
The hosts of the show began by talking about the trend that is "sweeping the
nation" and "spontaneously appearing" in the churches - true worship in "spirit
and truth". They warned with a
strident tone of voice that "if your church resists this change, it is doomed
to die" because "people are going to go wherever they can have this kind of
worship".
They quoted Psalm 33:3 as the
justification for rock music in the church "……play skillfully with a loud noise".
( just how many decibels could David generate with his acoustic instrument?)
And they talked about the relatively new phenomenon of dance in the church,
once again justified by scripture, II Samuel 6, where "David leaped and danced
before the LORD". (I'm not sure how to make the connection between this and
the worship service…)
But that was just the beginning
of this theological flight - of -fancy! They pointed out how Michal "despised" David because of his dancing,
and was barren the rest of her life. Their theory was that David no longer "went in" to Michal, (I
couldn't find this in scripture) therefore she had no children. This was because
of the criticism of his dancing.
Then they made the parallel of Michal being a king's daughter, as the
Church is The King's daughter, and the same thing will happen to the church
that despises these worship practices.
Wow!
Where do they come up with this wacko theology?
Don't they even think through the implications of their comments….. wouldn't
this mean the returning Christ would be marrying His sister?
It's not just wacko - it's Blasphemy.
They continued to talk about worship, and how worship is "intimacy with
God, like a marriage, and this intimacy leads to new births….. converts in your
church". ( where can we find this in the Scripture?)
"So, if your church is not
seeing converts and baptisms, the worship is the problem".
But, they waxed optimistic, because the "restoration of the temple" was
happening (no explanation of this terminology given) and soon people with the
unused gift of dancing (which our
old fashioned churches have deprived them of using) will soon be celebrating
in the worship services.
So, it appears I tuned into
a broadcast from a remote cult somewhere?
No, it was a little closer to home - the program is "Centerpoint", a
ministry of Central Baptist Church in Hixson (Chattanooga) TN.
This jogged my memory and I
went back in my work notebook to May 1 of this year, when I heard a similar
broadcast, and took a few notes then. Back
then, I DID think I had tuned in to a mysterious cult.
Evidently, it was a different episode of this same series.
There were 2 hosts that played off each other.
Often, their tone of voice was emotional, to the point of "whining" questions
like "why should a man with the gift of drumming be denied the opportunity of
using it in a worship service?" or "you raise your arms to greet someone you
haven't seen in a long time, why not raise your hands to Jesus?"
The tone of voice changed to
that which someone has aptly called the "grace in your face" attitude, as the
hosts informed us this is all part of the "last days restoration of all things".
(said quickly, then the subject changed)
One thing that piqued my interest
at this point is the statement by one host - "Pastor Rick White says the first
century church 'owned' the arts".
And the other host responded in a mocking voice - "and the church of
the 50's recoiled from it in fear".
The ridicule continued as one
host told of an experience in a church (I suppose as a guest speaker) where
he was interviewing people in the congregation. He asked people various questions about what is acceptable practice
in a worship service. "Is raising
hands OK? …yes", "Is clapping OK?……yes", "Is dancing?……no".
The other host laughed and
said "was that a Baptist church?"
The first host laughed and said "no, it was a Church of God!" (both laughing
at this point, really cracked each other up…)
They also speak in hurt tones that anybody would challenge these worship
"preferences". There was also an
evident note of pride when they said their church has 2 services with 2000 people
and a TV audience of millions.
As, I suspected, this church
is on the roster of the Willow Creek Association.
I believe my righteous
anger is justified not only because of their twisting of God's word to suit
their own theology, but also because of the ridicule of their brothers and sisters
in Christ.
When I came to
Christ, I was fascinated with the history of Baptists, going back to the early
Anabaptists. Up to this point,
I had wrongly conceived of them as "Protestants".
I began to learn of the fight to preserve the simple truth of God's word
over the ages. As our Neo - Pentecostal
radio hosts put it, there is truly a "worship war" going on in the Baptist church.
But, contrary to their theories,
I believe they are the ones that started the conflict to achieve their own agenda.
And contrary to Baptist practice all through history, theirs is an agenda
mostly hidden, except to a few leaders in each church.
What appears to be self-deprecating humor in these programs ceases to
be funny when you realize these men are only "Baptists" in name.
In reality it is ridicule for those who will not bow to their "vision"
of how worship should be done.
Perhaps churches like First Baptist of Franklin is going the right direction
by putting "The People's Church" on the sign.
Now, if they will only drop "Baptist" from the sign, we would all be
better off.
From
Fabienne:
I read the feedback you've received on several of the topics you address in
your articles. The large number of negative responses was (sadly) not a surprise.
That doesn't, however, stop me from wanting to weep for all those folk who are
(some of them willfully) blind to the truth, and so much on the defensive about
it.
We've just returned from a
visit home to Australia, where our eldest son was married to a lovely Christian
girl. After the wedding we spent over two weeks visiting friends, including
our church, and boy, were our eyes further opened as to the state of our country!
You can see what is happening in your own country quite clearly -- well, in
Australia they're a lot further along that way! And the church is for the most
part happily tagging along...
It's heart-breaking to find
so many of our friends happily accepting the vain philosophies and deceits of
the world and pretty much dismissing as irrelevant the Scriptures that warn
against them ("Yes, but.."). Sin, though not entirely condoned, is nonetheless
excused lest one be considered "judgmental" and "unloving". We thank God that
some of our friends are still wide awake and standing firm in the faith, but
it's frightening to find that the strongest criticism against them ("They are
divisive, intolerant, unloving...") comes from other Christians.
One of the things I find very
disturbing, both in our visit home and in the feedback to your website, is the
assumption held by so many believers that if something (movie, book, game, etc)
promotes "good values" (often defined broadly as "being nice to each other"),
then it's godly and should be promoted. As one of your correspondents pointed
out, this would not happen if believers read the Bible faithfully. The terrible
fact is that very few do read or study the Bible. Even "Bible studies" are all
too often the study, not of God's Word, but of people's opinions.
Thank you very much for all the time and effort you've put into your website
-- may God bless you and this ministry He has given you, and may it wake people
up!
From Ian
Nott, Australia: Dear
brothers and sisters, and Leaders of the Church.
Many Christians in Australia
are now starting to become aware that a twin
bill called "The Racial and Religious Tolerance Bill" and "The Model
Bill" have recently been written
and tabled on 14th December in the Victorian state
Parliament. And is due to being put up for voting on 1 March 2001.
I AM FINDING THAT OTHERS ARE
AS DISTURBED AS I AM ABOUT IT and have written
to members of parliament about it already. BUT MANY HAVE STILL HEARD
NOTHING OR VERY LITTLE ABOUT IT,
and others who have, are not doing anything about
it because they don't realise the SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE CHURCH
IN OUR STATE AND NATION AT THIS
VERY HOUR.
This bill has some good things
in it and, on the surface, it is a desirable
bill because it purports to defend the rights of all kinds of minority
groups. It purports to reduce discrimination against ethnic and religious
groups, but also against those of homosexual bias.
But in reality it is so
shocking, that if passed, will enact insidious laws which would have
the potential to make it illegal
for Christians to evangelize. Christians could
then be tried, prosecuted to the tune of $6,000, or even jailed for 6
months if convicted of making a
statement that could be construed by a disaffected
person as "intolerance" and offensive to their rights and beliefs.
To say for example, "Jesus is the only way to God", could end a servant
of the Lord in jail.
America is moving in
the same direction, Ian. See
Conforming the Church to
the New Millennium and
Clinton's War on Hate Bans Christian Values
We believe that this bill is
aimed at silencing all Christian churches from evangelizing, and at muzzling
the church from speaking against
homosexuality and other godless practices in our society.
The bill even makes provision for a third party listening in to a
conversation between two people, to file a complaint or bring a charge
if he takes offence at what is
said, or construes it as discrimination or
vilification. This can even happen in the privacy of your own home.
If a
Christian (or any other person) is charged, the attitude taken by the
courts on these matters of so called
s."
This was before the bill was
tabled on 14th Dec 2000. The associate rang Ps Danny in a panic. So he was on the
lookout for bills open for discussion and found "The Racial and Religious
Tolerance Bill" and "Model Bill". It is because Christians are uniting
to pray that this has been exposed.
Many believe that God has given
us a warning and a wake up call
through this man's dream. Irrespective, now is
the time to act. The time is short. The matter is urgent. I do not believe
I, and others like me, here, are over-reacting.
People have said, "It would
never happen here!" Not so! My concern is becoming very great, because
I am finding that as I talk with
others, that many Christians still do not know about this. Some pastors I have spoken to are aware of this
and are doing all they can to get
their people to pray and to write letters to parliament, while others have taken this whole situation as matter of fact,
and seem too busy to do much about
this. Some have not even bothered to urge their people
to pray and write. Others have merely added a small note in their church
bulletin, but have not stressed the urgency of this very hour.
We are yet
given a small window of time to close the flood gates of the enemy. If
the pastor is busy, he needs to
delegate the matter to a responsible church
member who can catch the cry of our Lord's heart to stir up the Christians
to be "proactive". YOUR
FUTURE AS A LOCAL CHURCH IS BEING THREATENED! IT IS
THAT SERIOUS.
Please help oppose this bill
and inform the members of your Congregation,
and as many Christians as possible of other denominations, about this
urgent matter. Encourage them to:-
1: Pray
2 Write letters of objection
to the Opposition Leader, Mr Dennis Napthine;
the Shadow Attorney General, Mr Robert Dean; the Premier, Mr Steve Bracks;
the Vic Attorney General, Bob Hulls; as well as to their local member.
At
least the Vic State government has invited comment from the public. I'm
sure the gay community are taking
advantage of this opportunity to write and
express their views.
If you are an overseas Christian
citizen reading my plea in this
letter, would you also pray and write a letter of concern, on the behalf of Christian brothers and sisters in Australia, to Victorian
members of parliament.
If the domino falls here, in Australia, who will be next? All Christians
need to be awakened and encouraged to express their views about this
evil bill. The situation looks
serious.
No letters will be accepted
after 28 Feb 01. The Victorian Labor government is taking the approach of accepting
this bill. They seem set on pushing
it through. As far as I am aware, the
position the shadow cabinet of Liberals are taking on this bill is
undecided.I met personally with the Shadow Atty Gen, Mr Robert Dean last
week. He seems somewhat sympathetic to the Christian position.
The Liberals have sufficient numbers in the upper house to vote against and
thus defeat this bill. WE MUST
IMPRESS IT ON THE LIBERALS
TO OPPOSE IT. When you encourage
people to write, get them to use their own wording, in their own
handwriting, but not to mention their church. It carries more weight
to write as an individual. One
letter from an individual is worth 100
signatures, and stands for about 1,000 silent individuals in society
in the mind of politicians.
Get letter writers to head their
letter with, "Racial and Religious
Tolerance Discussion Paper", and "for the urgent and personal
attention of...", because, often, only their secretary reads those letters.
Encourage people to ask for a reply. But encourage them to get started
ASAP with their letters. Encourage
them to be tactful in their wording. Please
photocopy, and Email this letter and the enclosed info and pass it around,
esp to other fired up and key people, who in turn will also spread this.
But do it quickly.
CHURCH PEOPLE MUST WAKE UP AND
STAND UP NOW! IF NOT WE WILL LOSE
THE DAY!
Thank you for joining the fight
and for passing on the word to other key
people across Victoria, Australia, USA, Canada and the world. There is
no time to "temporarily put this
matter on the shelf ". Let's create a tidal
wave of letters to the gov't and shadow cabinet members. Names, addresses
and Email addresses of members of Vic State parliament can be obtained
at: www.parliament.vic.gov.au You can also Email your concern to
assembly@parliament.vic.gov.au or fax to 61 (03) 9650 7245.
Yours Faithfully, in the cause
of the Gospel of Christ,
Ian Nott,
Concerned Christian
From Dan Compton: It is good to read articles
on subjects that I spoke out about in
the early 80's. No one would listen to me.
They said that I was crazy or the devil was in my mind.
The so called "New Movements
of God", in my opinion, go totally against
Biblical principles. The "name
it claim it crowd" have strayed away from the teachings of Christ.
I started speaking out about this.
I was told "touch not the anointed of God".
I wouldn't touch them with
a ten foot pole. They have turned Jesus into a "multi-billion dollar
industry". I am sure Jesus is getting
a royalty off all that cash that is floating around.
Now the kicker, I do not believe
in your faith any longer. I will
not blame anyone or pass judgment.
I know that I am comfortable with my belief
system.
What was preached against, when I was a child, I see the
church going in that direction.
I think your articles are from
your heart. I do believe that our individual
rights as citizens are being eroded day by day.
I respect your beliefs.
The only difference between your God and
mine is that, your God says that I will go to hell for not believing
your belief.
I would like to make one more
comment. “If God is all powerful and owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He
must be broke having to ask for all that money."
This is what I believe in my heart.
That the "eye of the needle" looks mighty small. I write with love and
compassion. The "Big Money" issue
concerns me. The people who get hurt
the most and are the most sought after, are the folks who can't afford to be
invited as a "Partner with the
Fellowship."
I so appreciate your honesty
and sincerity. It must have been so painful to discern the changes and try
to communicate with people who mocked your message. But it's very similar
to what happened to Old Testament prophets. God sent them out to speak to
people who were "deaf and couldn't hear" and spiritually "blind" and couldn't
see.
Today it is a little easier
because we have so much evidence. But now its too late to stop the transformation.
If people had listened when you first spoke out, truth and freedom might
have been preserved in our land for many more years.
But then again, perhaps
we as a nation need the hardships ahead. They might cause us to focus on
what really counts rather than all the superficial and immoral distractions
-- both inside and outside churches.
In the midst of today's
call for pride and self-esteem, we need brokenness. That's the only way
back to the cross and to Christ's victory over sin.
Did you see this chart?
It complements some of your message:
Biblical versus Cultural
Christianity
From Carolyn:
We thought that we would visit certain
churches for awhile, prayerfully and carefully considering all we heard/saw
before really 'committing' to a group. The first group reassured us of
their 'non-ecumenical' beliefs, etc. and sounded very balanced after 6 months
of checking them out. Then there was a sudden 'about-face'. They
started joining in 'ecumenical services.' "We'll get in 5 minutes of truth with
those 55 minutes of un-truth" is what our Pastor actually said.
And then the Habitat thing occurred
when the new Associate pastor was appointed (with no one's in-put...you know
how that goes.) So we kept appealing to them but to no avail. Then we
tried to quietly 'back out' of there. But they 'came after us' and keep
doing so, trying to 'prove their point and force us to agree. They seemed to
be driven to do so. I understand that better after reading your
"Faith-Based Compromise?" article yesterday. They are driven to make
you fit into their mould--their community/civil society goals--it's their
religion (and it's not yours and mine).
That last point is so
important, Carolyn. Thank you for making it clear.
And with the second group--we
never "joined"--just kept observing. They 'talked good' once more, but
then we found out how 'psychologized' they were. So we tried once more
to 'quietly back out'-- disappear. Haha - there came the cavalry after us again!
Push, push, argue, argue, trying to 'force us' to agree with pressure.
Whew! I know
the times we're living in--He's at the door. But you've helped me understand
these people's 'mind-set' better. They are getting stronger with their
one-world religion and they're getting more control over everybody else-- so
'full of themselves'. (2Tim.3:2)
I just wanted to explain that
we aren't 'big trouble-makers'--going into churches, raising cain, trying to
cause dissensions, etc. We are (all the time) just finding out more about
the deceitful things being taught and done in His name. We'd already been
looking at the President's ideas like "a calf at a new gate"--due to your prior
articles, we could see his ideas we dangerous.
From Sherry Lee:
We left the Church of Christ several years ago after a hymn was
sung about Mother Earth. We were shocked. The interesting thing
is that nobody missed us for a year until it was our turn to serve as greeters.
We are now in a smaller church and our focus is on Him and His Word.
I recently read in Reclaim News that maybe
there should be a vote on whether members should be reading the Bible without
supervision or something to that effect. Have you heard anything about
this?
Thank you, Sherry, for sharing my concerns.
I'm not sure, but I think you
may be referring to this survey:
http://www.uscongregations.org/uscong/overview.htm
What do you think?
I may write something about it as soon as I can
find the results.
Second note from Sherry
Lee: This is part of the government controlled one-world church.
What I was referring to was something I had read
in Reclaim News put out by the Lutherans. It looks to me as if they are
moving back toward Catholicism. I deleted all my delete files and cannot
get it back. It was about their voting, new appointments, and whether
members should be reading their Bibles without guidance, assistance, or something
like that. It was a shock.
I cannot believe the churches would be willing to
participate in any government programs. In fact, maybe they should refrain
from 501 c3 status. Christians are sleeping in their churches. They
are putting their man-made religions before their faith in God and knowing His
Word.
From Susan:
Thank you for your postings. I am writing
today to list some areas of concern about recent studies relating to, among
other things, discipleship. I can back up what I say, some of which began
intuitively, however this morning I will just list some items with brief comments.
I may be quite blunt.
1. George Barna's surveys,
books, materials, and conferences are on track with and back up what is currently
happening in the church growth and church health movements. Therefore
I no longer trust his conclusions. When I look a bit more into what he
is saying, my conclusions would be different than his, based on my grid which
has been influenced by doing time (14 years) in a church very subversively,
at first, involved in the CGM, by attending a church (for the past 5 years)
which is more litely involved in the CGM (and focusing on a different aspect
of the teachings), by interacting with Dean and Karen Gotcher (by phone, e-mail,
conference), by doing extensive research over the past year to try to understand
Dean's historical research and conclusions and what I have been living through
in church, by interacting with various other people and research strands, and
by reading my miscellaneous mail.
2. Leadership Network (Bob Buford) has
connection to the Hartford Seminary (Hartford Institute on Religious Studies)
study which is releasing its result of an extensive study of religion in the
United States. This is an interfaith study. Conclusions are drawn.
Most newspaper reports and most readers would assume (I did at first) that it
is a study of "Christian" denominations. It includes many different religions
and faith-based groups. Its conclusions are not connected to the actual
beliefs of the groups, but only on measurable structures, etc. But then
CGM ideology is not dependent on Biblical truth but on pragmatic, utilitarian
secular social science theory and practice.
This study has much information linked from the
Hartford Institute website. I have only scratched the surface.
3. Robert Wood Johnson Foundations recent
$100 million dollar program to help faith-based groups has strong leanings toward
funding interfaith alliances.
4. Reading recently about Ernesto Cortez,
Saul Alinsky, and community networking along with Liberation Theology
and Christian Relief and Development, is alarming. Different words, but
similar concepts, constructs, methodologies. "All truth is God's truth."
"The end justifies the means."
5. Discipleship within these movements
is measurable, planned, reductionistic, and most likely will be documented on
computer-based forms. This may not be apparent at first, but that seems
to be the direction in which things are moving. It reminds me of the requirements
for belonging to the International Church of Christ (at least in Atlanta and
Los Angeles, and I think in Boston). Kip McKean, originally with the Boston
Church of Christ, has been with the LA branch since its inception in 1989.
6. Recent viewing of documents on-line
at websites of various organizations is raising more questions in my mind about
the widespread nature and historical roots of the theory behind "discipleship"
programs, saturation evangelism and church growth. DAWN Ministries came
out of a saturation evangelism and church planting effort in the Philippines
in 1971 and 1972. The manuals from that effort are at Wheaton College
Billy Graham Center Archives <Records of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization-Collection
46. The infrastructures of other organizations were used to help "Disciple
a Whole Nation." These included Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With
a Mission, Operation Mobilization, and Overseas Crusades ( Jim Montgomery,
<DAWN 2000: 7 Million Churches to Go).
Campus Crusade for Christ Korea has documents
dealing with their strategies in 1974 (remember EXPLO '74). Church
Growth experts from Fuller Theological Seminary were among the speakers.
And Paul (David) Yonggi Cho was already involved with them. What was involved
in the explosive growth of his church? Why ought all churches want to
emulate that growth?
7. I lived outside the United States back
in the 1970s and was doing missions work. I was not aware of all the interconnectedness
of leaders at the top or of the extensive strategizing and managing by objective
that was going on. I am beginning to ask if I was simply "an useful idiot."
I do know that God is sovereign and I was blessed to be able to live and work
among the people there.
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