Please Contemplate This by T.A. McMahon of The Berean Call:
Originally posted July 7, 2007
"Mark Yaconelli is co-director of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project (YMSP), an Eli Lilly (makers of Prozac) endowed program which is introducing contemplative spirituality to young people throughout the country. He is also an adjunct professor of youth ministries at San Francisco Theological Seminary. His father is Mike Yaconelli, head of Youth Specialities, a major evangelical organization serving "more than 80,000 youth workers worldwide through training seminars, conventions, videos, magazines, and resource products.""One Youth Specialities seminar is "Sabbath: A [Contemplative] Spiritual Retreat for Youth Workers," which Mark Yaconelli leads.
In an article for the popular, youth-oriented Group magazine, Mark states, "The YMSP approach to youth ministry pushes for a return to God-awareness...[noting] that middle school and senior high kids are hungry to encounter God directly and eager to learn contemplative spiritual practices.""Have you ever found the biblical gospel in any of the classic or modern contemplative materials? Could there be any significance in the fact that this movement practically died out after the Reformation, only to be revived today! How does one discern whether or not the God being "heard" through the subjective, experiential mode of communication is truly our Lord speaking—especially if the authority and sufficiency of His Word is downplayed, even rejected?"
See related article with Rick Warren and others who were guest speakers at Youth Specialties' 2004 National Pastors' Conference, that was submerged with yoga, contemplative prayer and Catholic mysticism.
Listen to this Berean Call Broadcast which talks about daily yoga sessions offered and attended at the 5000 strong National Pastor's Conference.
Luke 171Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Connecting with the Almighty
Christian Research Network reports:
From Roger Oakland’s Understanding the Times International:
The Emerging Church promotes a plan to establish the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See "Faith Undone").
Second, the Purpose Driven movement under the leadership of Rick Warren has a goal to establish the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See "Faith Undone").
Third, the charismatic "signs and wonders" movement promotes the idea that a great outpouring of the "Holy Spirit" will play a major role in establishing the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See the article beneath).
Fourth, the Roman Catholic Church promotes the view that the "kingdom of God" will be established here on planet earth by the Eucharistic Reign of Jesus.
Fifth, Marian apparitional messages are claiming that a great outpouring of the "Holy Spirit" is about to occur and all relgions will be untited and the "kingdom of God will be established on planet earth (See "Queen of All: How the Marian Apparitions are Planning to Unite the World Religions").
Read more from Oakland and the growing ecumenical vortex here.
From Roger Oakland’s Understanding the Times International:
The Emerging Church promotes a plan to establish the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See "Faith Undone").
Second, the Purpose Driven movement under the leadership of Rick Warren has a goal to establish the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See "Faith Undone").
Third, the charismatic "signs and wonders" movement promotes the idea that a great outpouring of the "Holy Spirit" will play a major role in establishing the "kingdom of God" here on planet earth (See the article beneath).
Fourth, the Roman Catholic Church promotes the view that the "kingdom of God" will be established here on planet earth by the Eucharistic Reign of Jesus.
Fifth, Marian apparitional messages are claiming that a great outpouring of the "Holy Spirit" is about to occur and all relgions will be untited and the "kingdom of God will be established on planet earth (See "Queen of All: How the Marian Apparitions are Planning to Unite the World Religions").
Read more from Oakland and the growing ecumenical vortex here.
"Peace" Churches Pay Homage to Iran
The UK's ecumenical think tank Ecclessia reports the following regarding an interfaith session with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the United Nations:
" US peace churches host dialogue with Iranian president and 100 religious leaders...More than 100 religious leaders today (Wednesday) participated in an hour-long, interfaith encounter with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the Church Centre for the United Nations..."
"...Other endorsers included Sojourners/Call to Renewal, Pax Christi, the World Council of Churches Commission of Churches on International Affairs, and the World Council of Religions for Peace..."
"...Participants in the gathering included individuals from a range of faith traditions, including Catholics, United Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Unitarians. This is the third in a series of interfaith conversations focused on establishing a dialogue between people of faith in the United States and the people and government of Iran."
Editor's note: The "Peace" church leaders apparently have no doctrinal conflict with Ahmadinejad's prayer to Allah that he gave at the start of his speech...
"In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful, oh, God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and make us his followers and those who attest to his rightfulness."
Read the transcript of The Glen Beck Show featuring Joel Rosenberg for a penetrating perspective of the growing Iranian threat.
See Rosenberg's detailed commentary on the coming Islamic Messiah and other resources at AHMADINEJAD IN NEW YORK .
" US peace churches host dialogue with Iranian president and 100 religious leaders...More than 100 religious leaders today (Wednesday) participated in an hour-long, interfaith encounter with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the Church Centre for the United Nations..."
"...Other endorsers included Sojourners/Call to Renewal, Pax Christi, the World Council of Churches Commission of Churches on International Affairs, and the World Council of Religions for Peace..."
"...Participants in the gathering included individuals from a range of faith traditions, including Catholics, United Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Unitarians. This is the third in a series of interfaith conversations focused on establishing a dialogue between people of faith in the United States and the people and government of Iran."
Editor's note: The "Peace" church leaders apparently have no doctrinal conflict with Ahmadinejad's prayer to Allah that he gave at the start of his speech...
"In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful, oh, God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and make us his followers and those who attest to his rightfulness."
Read the transcript of The Glen Beck Show featuring Joel Rosenberg for a penetrating perspective of the growing Iranian threat.
See Rosenberg's detailed commentary on the coming Islamic Messiah and other resources at AHMADINEJAD IN NEW YORK .
NC Baptists Pull Pagitt?
Apprising Ministries has received a report that Doug Pagitt, a well known leader in the neo-liberal cult of the Emergent Church, has indeed joined the ranks of his friend Emergent Guru Brian McLaren by being “de-invited” to speak at a conference due to controversial comments.
In the case of Pagitt this would be BSCNC’s Wired2Grow Conference October 16,2007.
We are currently attempting to corroborate this information. If it is indeed true, as of this writing Pagitt has not chosen to share it at either Doug Pagitt.com or The Doug Pagitt Blog.
In the case of Pagitt this would be BSCNC’s Wired2Grow Conference October 16,2007.
We are currently attempting to corroborate this information. If it is indeed true, as of this writing Pagitt has not chosen to share it at either Doug Pagitt.com or The Doug Pagitt Blog.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION OF NORTH CAROLINA (SBC) AND DOUG PAGITT: NOW YOU SEE HIM, NOW YOU DON’T
From Pastor-Teacher Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries:
There are those of us who have been pointing out that the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (SBC) had invited Doug Pagitt, a leader in the neo-liberal cult of the Emergent Church, to be one of two featured speakers for their Wired2Grow (W2G) conference October 16, 2007.
In the meantime Pagitt created a bit of a firestorm by accusing Dr. John MacArthur of preaching a “perverted” Gospel which Phil Johnson of Pyromaniacs brought to light in his post Different Gospels. And now Pagitt seems to have vanished from the Wired2Grow website...
Read the rest of the post at Apprising Ministries.
Listen to The Truth In Focus radio program featuring Ken Silva on the topic "IS JESUS OK WITH YOGA OR THE LABYRINTH?
Read how Doug Pagitt reveals more of himself in his own words after the CNN Yoga-MacArthur interview at Apprising Ministries.
There are those of us who have been pointing out that the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (SBC) had invited Doug Pagitt, a leader in the neo-liberal cult of the Emergent Church, to be one of two featured speakers for their Wired2Grow (W2G) conference October 16, 2007.
In the meantime Pagitt created a bit of a firestorm by accusing Dr. John MacArthur of preaching a “perverted” Gospel which Phil Johnson of Pyromaniacs brought to light in his post Different Gospels. And now Pagitt seems to have vanished from the Wired2Grow website...
Read the rest of the post at Apprising Ministries.
Listen to The Truth In Focus radio program featuring Ken Silva on the topic "IS JESUS OK WITH YOGA OR THE LABYRINTH?
Read how Doug Pagitt reveals more of himself in his own words after the CNN Yoga-MacArthur interview at Apprising Ministries.
Emerging Catholicism
Tony Jones, National Coordinator, Emergent Village shares his delight regarding Catholics joining the Emergent conversation...
"I received this wonderful email from one of the growing number of Roman Catholics involved in Emergent Village..."
"...I’ve always felt like I look in from the outside on the whole Emergent conversation, because I come from such a different Christian community than most of the participants. It’s not that they’re more Evangelical than I, it’s just the brand of Evangelicalism that they find their roots in – a la Billy & Ruth Graham, and this strain of late-20th century Evangelicalism that comes centuries after my Roman Catholic tradition claims its own origins. So, being Catholic, and being more familiar with this history and perspective, I perceive what’s going in Emergent is this kind of Evangelicalism’s Vatican II..."
"...The Catholic Church’s new mission became the world itself, and its transformation would transform the Church as well. That seems to be what’s happening in Emergent. I hope the Emergent conversation can do the same for my Evangelical friends, and I look forward to being a part of it for those in my own neighborhood."
See Roger Oakland's warning of the Emerging Church leading back to Rome.
"I received this wonderful email from one of the growing number of Roman Catholics involved in Emergent Village..."
"...I’ve always felt like I look in from the outside on the whole Emergent conversation, because I come from such a different Christian community than most of the participants. It’s not that they’re more Evangelical than I, it’s just the brand of Evangelicalism that they find their roots in – a la Billy & Ruth Graham, and this strain of late-20th century Evangelicalism that comes centuries after my Roman Catholic tradition claims its own origins. So, being Catholic, and being more familiar with this history and perspective, I perceive what’s going in Emergent is this kind of Evangelicalism’s Vatican II..."
"...The Catholic Church’s new mission became the world itself, and its transformation would transform the Church as well. That seems to be what’s happening in Emergent. I hope the Emergent conversation can do the same for my Evangelical friends, and I look forward to being a part of it for those in my own neighborhood."
See Roger Oakland's warning of the Emerging Church leading back to Rome.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Faith Undone
FAITH UNDONEThe emerging church—a new reformation or an end-time deception by Roger Oakland
Is the emerging church movement just another passing fad, a more contemporary approach to church, or a bunch of disillusioned young people looking for answers? In fact, it is actually much broader and is influencing Christianity to a significant degree. Grounded in a centuries-old mystical approach, this movement is powerful, yet highly deceptive, and it draws its energy from practices and experiences that are foreign to traditional evangelical Christianity.
The path that the emerging church is taking is leading right into the arms of Roman Catholicism and ultimately to an interfaith perspective that has prophetically profound ramifications.
Read Table of Contents and Chapter Synopsis here
Listen to Roger Oakland's radio program Understand The Times
Read more of the emergent church movement at Understanding The Times International
Driscoll to NC Baptists: SHAME ON YOU
Mark Driscoll says "Shame On You" to North Carolina State Baptist Convention for inviting Doug Pagitt to speak at the Wired Conference in October. Driscoll describes Pagitt's theology as pagan in his presentation to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary .
Listen to the audio clips of Mark Driscoll describing the leaders and the error of the emergent Church on the Mike Corley Program.
Listen to the audio clips of Mark Driscoll describing the leaders and the error of the emergent Church on the Mike Corley Program.
DOUG PAGITT AND THE EMERGENT CHURCH: “HAVE IT YOUR WAY” CHRISTIANITY
From Pastor -Teacher Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries:
The video link presented here below at Apprising Ministries concerns Solomon’s Porch, which is the Emergent Church of Doug Pagitt, are we really getting a glimpse of the “missional” future of the genuine faith of our Lord Jesus Christ or a look at its counterfeit? You can decide…
The video link presented here below at Apprising Ministries concerns Solomon’s Porch, which is the Emergent Church of Doug Pagitt, are we really getting a glimpse of the “missional” future of the genuine faith of our Lord Jesus Christ or a look at its counterfeit? You can decide…
Driscoll Warns NC Baptists of Pagitt Heresy
From Christian Research Network:
In this Baptist Press article, Frank exchanges aired at conference we find:
"He (Mark Driscoll) questioned the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for inviting Solomon’s Porch pastor Doug Pagitt of Minneapolis to lecture at their Wired2Go church leaders conference Oct. 16, warning the audience of what he considers heretical views held by Pagitt."
Editor’s note: Will the NCBC do their homework and warn their congregations of the heresy of Pagitt’s teaching? Now that Pagitt has accused Dr. John MacArthur of preaching a perverted Gospel, will the NCBC recind their invitation?
In this Baptist Press article, Frank exchanges aired at conference we find:
"He (Mark Driscoll) questioned the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for inviting Solomon’s Porch pastor Doug Pagitt of Minneapolis to lecture at their Wired2Go church leaders conference Oct. 16, warning the audience of what he considers heretical views held by Pagitt."
Editor’s note: Will the NCBC do their homework and warn their congregations of the heresy of Pagitt’s teaching? Now that Pagitt has accused Dr. John MacArthur of preaching a perverted Gospel, will the NCBC recind their invitation?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Calling NC Baptists: Do You Follow A Perverted Gospel?
Christian Research Network Reports:
Doug Pagitt Says John MacArthur Preaches A Perverted Gospel
In a post this morning over at Pyromaniacs Phil Johnson shares a somewhat startling judgement coming from emerging church pastor and Emergent spokesman Doug Pagitt:
"I would strongly encourage you to have a much more full and biblical understanding of the gospel, and not form a faith based on any interpretation of one verse.
I’m not sure you’d be interested in this, but I have just finished a book somewhat on this topic.
I think it might give you a more full understanding of the gospel than the one perverted by the likes of John MacArthur. I do not say "perverted" lightly, either. I really think what he communicates is so distant from the message of the Bible that it is dangerously harmful to people. If you heard the interview and his comments about a God who is "above us," I certainly hope you would see this."
Editor's Note:
If Doug Pagitt is opposed to the Gospel that John MacArthur testifies to and stresses MacArthur's "perversion" of it, then what Gospel does the North Carolina State Baptist Convention believe if they are bringing Pagitt to their stage in October?
Or does "autonomy" grant immunity from idolatry, heresy and false teaching?
Doug Pagitt Says John MacArthur Preaches A Perverted Gospel
In a post this morning over at Pyromaniacs Phil Johnson shares a somewhat startling judgement coming from emerging church pastor and Emergent spokesman Doug Pagitt:
"I would strongly encourage you to have a much more full and biblical understanding of the gospel, and not form a faith based on any interpretation of one verse.
I’m not sure you’d be interested in this, but I have just finished a book somewhat on this topic.
I think it might give you a more full understanding of the gospel than the one perverted by the likes of John MacArthur. I do not say "perverted" lightly, either. I really think what he communicates is so distant from the message of the Bible that it is dangerously harmful to people. If you heard the interview and his comments about a God who is "above us," I certainly hope you would see this."
Editor's Note:
If Doug Pagitt is opposed to the Gospel that John MacArthur testifies to and stresses MacArthur's "perversion" of it, then what Gospel does the North Carolina State Baptist Convention believe if they are bringing Pagitt to their stage in October?
Or does "autonomy" grant immunity from idolatry, heresy and false teaching?
Yoga OK For Christians?
Listen to this short CNN clip and compare the responses of Dr. John MacArthur's to emergent church pastor Doug Pagitt. Dr. MacArthur squarely and unashamedly states that Yoga is unbiblical. Period.
Pagitt says "And I’ll tell you that from my own experience, and the many, many people that I know who participate in yoga, none of them have ever found themselves to be opened up to something negative or something demonic or something evil."
Obviously Pagitt hasn't done his homework (or his theological work) to understand the very real negative symptoms surrounding yoga and other mystical meditative practices.
Read this article from the India Times describing the negative symptoms of Yoga:
"...a person may experience intense involuntary, jerking movements of the body, including shaking, vibrations, spasm and contraction. Some people find themselves performing yogic postures or hand mudra gestures, which they have never learned or could not do, in a normal state of consciousness. Unusual breathing patterns may appear with either very rapid or slow, shallow breathing. Some people may not breathe at all for extended periods. Symptoms include apparent heart problems, pains in head and spine, gastrointestinal disturbances and nervous problems."
Yoga OK For Christians? Of course, the more basic question is..."What is a Christian?"
Listen to this August 18th Olive Tree Ministries' interview of former new age spirit medium now Christian author Brian Flynn of One Truth Ministries and read his warning to the Church: Running Against The Wind
Not doing Yoga but practice Contemplative Prayer for Transformation, Labyrinth or Lectio Divina? Stop your mantra ( which means liberated from thought !) and read Flynn's articles.
And guess who's coming to dinner... North Carolina Baptist Convention Welcomes Yoga Emergent Guru Doug Pagitt The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina will be sponsoring a conference this fall featuring yoga proponent and emerging church leader Doug Pagitt. The Wired2Grow event will take place on October 16th in Burlington, North Carolina.
Listen to The Way of The Master Radio program regarding the CNN piece and Doug Pagitt's apparent disdain for Dr MacArthur's "perverted" gospel!
More mystical resources:
Ministry, Mysticism and Mayhem
Lighthouse Trails Research Project
How Mysticism Misleads Christians
New Spiritual Disciplines From Ancient Roman Catholic Sources
Contemplative Prayer - Emerging Church and Roman Catholicism
Wrestling with Brother Lawrence’s Concept of “Practicing the Presence of God”
Yoga and The Body of Christ by Dave Hunt
Promising to bring peace, healing, and wholeness (even prosperity!) to its practitioners, readers will be shocked to discover that yoga is, in fact, based on the worship of (and prepares participants for supernatural connection with) unholy spirits that manifest in extraordinary and dangerous ways. The author-an avid promoter of biblically based physical, mental, and spiritual wholeness-distinguishes pure truth from popular belief in this revealing expose. Every Christian should be informed of the true origins and effects of the practice of yoga and its ungodly roots in Kundalini energy-which, literally defined, means an awakening of the "Serpent Power."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Prophesied Destruction of Damascus Imminent?
From Hal Lindsey at WorldNet Daily
A stunning report published by Jane's Defense Weekly confirms rumors of a July explosion at a Syrian military base at al-Safir, near Aleppo, in which reportedly "dozens" of Iranian engineers were killed along with their Syrian counterparts.
Syria had originally dismissed reports of the explosion by saying the blast was generated by the desert heat causing the accidental detonation of a stockpile of explosives.
Jane's reported that the explosion was actually triggered while the engineers were fitting a chemical warhead onto a Scud-C missile. The explosion and fire released containers of the deadly nerve agents VX and sarin gas, as well as a mustard gas blistering agent...
...Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. Although conquered many times, its status as an economic and cultural center of antiquity preserved it intact to this day.
But Isaiah predicted Damascus would one day face utter destruction: "Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and it will become a fallen ruin," he writes in Isaiah 17:1.
The prophet also predicts Damascus' destruction will come at a time when "the glory of Jacob" had begun to fade (verse 4), at a time when Israel is in great peril of being "shaken like an olive tree," leaving only a few "on the topmost bough."
Read the rest here at WND
See also Israel to fulfill Biblical prophecy?
A stunning report published by Jane's Defense Weekly confirms rumors of a July explosion at a Syrian military base at al-Safir, near Aleppo, in which reportedly "dozens" of Iranian engineers were killed along with their Syrian counterparts.
Syria had originally dismissed reports of the explosion by saying the blast was generated by the desert heat causing the accidental detonation of a stockpile of explosives.
Jane's reported that the explosion was actually triggered while the engineers were fitting a chemical warhead onto a Scud-C missile. The explosion and fire released containers of the deadly nerve agents VX and sarin gas, as well as a mustard gas blistering agent...
...Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. Although conquered many times, its status as an economic and cultural center of antiquity preserved it intact to this day.
But Isaiah predicted Damascus would one day face utter destruction: "Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and it will become a fallen ruin," he writes in Isaiah 17:1.
The prophet also predicts Damascus' destruction will come at a time when "the glory of Jacob" had begun to fade (verse 4), at a time when Israel is in great peril of being "shaken like an olive tree," leaving only a few "on the topmost bough."
Read the rest here at WND
See also Israel to fulfill Biblical prophecy?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Christianity Today Casts The Next Stone at Israel
Christianity Today? Or Politics Today? by Joseph Farah of WorldNet Daily:
Christianity Today has determined "what it means to love Israel."
What it means is slicing it up geographically and turning over most of the historically Jewish lands to Israel's most bitter enemies – people sworn to eradicate the tiny Jewish presence in the Middle East.
In an editorial this month, the magazine came out with both barrels blazing in favor of a "two-state solution" that would turn over most, if not all, of Judea and Samaria and surely half of Jerusalem to the Palestinian Authority terrorists who are still, to this day, sworn to Israel's annihilation.
Like lukewarm spiritual and political moderates, Christianity Today tries to chart a middle course between "replacement theology," that suggests the modern rebirth of Israel has no biblical or prophetic significance, and "dispensationalists," who believe Jews have a God-given birthright to a land never claimed by any other people during an 1,800-year diaspora.
See related articles:
Christian support for Palestine smacks of Replacement Theology
Christianity Today's Israel-Bashing: This is Loving Israel?
Christianity Today’s humanist approach to the Israeli-Arab conflict
Read about another stone-throwing episode by Christianity Today
Christianity Today has determined "what it means to love Israel."
What it means is slicing it up geographically and turning over most of the historically Jewish lands to Israel's most bitter enemies – people sworn to eradicate the tiny Jewish presence in the Middle East.
In an editorial this month, the magazine came out with both barrels blazing in favor of a "two-state solution" that would turn over most, if not all, of Judea and Samaria and surely half of Jerusalem to the Palestinian Authority terrorists who are still, to this day, sworn to Israel's annihilation.
Like lukewarm spiritual and political moderates, Christianity Today tries to chart a middle course between "replacement theology," that suggests the modern rebirth of Israel has no biblical or prophetic significance, and "dispensationalists," who believe Jews have a God-given birthright to a land never claimed by any other people during an 1,800-year diaspora.
See related articles:
Christian support for Palestine smacks of Replacement Theology
Christianity Today's Israel-Bashing: This is Loving Israel?
Christianity Today’s humanist approach to the Israeli-Arab conflict
Read about another stone-throwing episode by Christianity Today
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Jerusalem: The Two Capital Solution
PA Leaks 8-Point Agreement Made With Olmert (IsraelNN.com)
The Palestinian Authority-based Maan News Agency claims to have received a Hebrew document from an Israeli source outlining eight points agreed upon by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s government including:
-Dividing Jerusalem: “There will be two capitals in Jerusalem, one for Israel and one for Palestine.”
-Israeli relinquishes sovereignty to a committee to oversee Old City and holy sites.
See related articles
Joel 3
2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land
The Palestinian Authority-based Maan News Agency claims to have received a Hebrew document from an Israeli source outlining eight points agreed upon by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s government including:
-Dividing Jerusalem: “There will be two capitals in Jerusalem, one for Israel and one for Palestine.”
-Israeli relinquishes sovereignty to a committee to oversee Old City and holy sites.
See related articles
Joel 3
2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land
Deeds, Creeds, and Mother Teresa's Despair
Posted at Lighthouse Reserach Trails Project:
"We all belong to the same family. Hindus, Muslims and all peoples are our brothers and sisters. They too are the children of God." Mother Teresa, Words to Love By "We are supposed to preach without preaching not by words, but by our example, by our actions." Mother Teresa
"The first Reformation... was about creeds; this one's going to be about our deeds. The first one divided the church; this time it will unify the church." Rick Warren
...One of Teresa's many agonizing prayers.It seems so good! Who could question such sacrificial love? From the world's perspective, few have deserved the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize more than Mother Teresa. Ministering to the "poorest of the poor," she and her "sisters" -- the devoted Missionaries of Charity -- renounced all Western comforts to give themselves fully to the poor, sick and dying.Yet Mother Teresa's amazing ministry brings a sobering warning, for it illustrates the Church's growing tolerance -- even appreciation -- for interfaith compromise.
Her compassionate pluralism fits both the "emerging church" movement and the UN vision for spiritual oneness. In fact, her work provides a perfect model for UNESCO's 1994 Declaration on the Role of Religion.
Source: Kjos Ministries
"We all belong to the same family. Hindus, Muslims and all peoples are our brothers and sisters. They too are the children of God." Mother Teresa, Words to Love By "We are supposed to preach without preaching not by words, but by our example, by our actions." Mother Teresa
"The first Reformation... was about creeds; this one's going to be about our deeds. The first one divided the church; this time it will unify the church." Rick Warren
...One of Teresa's many agonizing prayers.It seems so good! Who could question such sacrificial love? From the world's perspective, few have deserved the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize more than Mother Teresa. Ministering to the "poorest of the poor," she and her "sisters" -- the devoted Missionaries of Charity -- renounced all Western comforts to give themselves fully to the poor, sick and dying.Yet Mother Teresa's amazing ministry brings a sobering warning, for it illustrates the Church's growing tolerance -- even appreciation -- for interfaith compromise.
Her compassionate pluralism fits both the "emerging church" movement and the UN vision for spiritual oneness. In fact, her work provides a perfect model for UNESCO's 1994 Declaration on the Role of Religion.
Source: Kjos Ministries
Another Purpose Plea to Pastors
Symphony of Scripture sends out this plea to Purpose Driven pastors...
Would you let a surgeon operate on you or your family if he didn’t know the procedure perfectly? Of course not. How much more accurate should a pastor be with the Gospel that is the power unto salvation?...
...If you are responsible for introducing the Purpose Driven Life to your church or small group, please consider the following verses. “I (Paul) have laid the foundations like an expert builder. Now others (you) are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.” 1 Cor.3:10.How careful have you been in endorsing the Purpose Driven Life? Did you study it with a critical eye? Did you know the theology and history of Rick Warren before you fed Purpose to your sheep? Were you “very careful?”...
...While we could discuss the Pastor Warren’s faulty forty day premise, man-centered theology, rampant mis-use of Scripture, using a dozen liberal translations and his questionable connections and endorsement by Robert Schuller, his salvation message alone should disqualify Purpose from being promoted in evangelical circles.
...Please, you are the shepherd of your flock. Your sheep are being fed another Gospel. You will be judged for this. All I ask is that you consider what I am saying and check it with Scripture. This is your duty...
Read the complete plea here...
Thanks to Christian Research Network for the head's up on this post.
Would you let a surgeon operate on you or your family if he didn’t know the procedure perfectly? Of course not. How much more accurate should a pastor be with the Gospel that is the power unto salvation?...
...If you are responsible for introducing the Purpose Driven Life to your church or small group, please consider the following verses. “I (Paul) have laid the foundations like an expert builder. Now others (you) are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.” 1 Cor.3:10.How careful have you been in endorsing the Purpose Driven Life? Did you study it with a critical eye? Did you know the theology and history of Rick Warren before you fed Purpose to your sheep? Were you “very careful?”...
...While we could discuss the Pastor Warren’s faulty forty day premise, man-centered theology, rampant mis-use of Scripture, using a dozen liberal translations and his questionable connections and endorsement by Robert Schuller, his salvation message alone should disqualify Purpose from being promoted in evangelical circles.
...Please, you are the shepherd of your flock. Your sheep are being fed another Gospel. You will be judged for this. All I ask is that you consider what I am saying and check it with Scripture. This is your duty...
Read the complete plea here...
Thanks to Christian Research Network for the head's up on this post.
Does the “Infomercial Gospel” Produce True Converts
Pastor Chris Rosebrough of Extreme Theology asks the challenging questions of the "Infomercial Gospel"...
"Seeker-sensitive churches have been popping up like weeds across our land. These churches claim that they exist FOR the unchurched NOT for believers. Their pastors claim that they are obsessed with evangelism. Yet, their evangelistic messages all too often skirt the thorny unpopular issues of sin and repentance and instead attempt to woo the un-churched into the Christian faith by presenting a ‘positive’ gospel that is designed to entice people to make a decision for Christ very much the same way infomercials convince people to pick up the phone and agree to make the 3 easy payments of $29.95..."
"...this leads us to ask a critical question, “If people are ‘making decisions’ for Jesus so that they can have a more fulfilling life, have better sex, less stress, and a more rewarding career but they have not been told that they are sinners who face God’s wrath and judgement unless they ‘repent and believe the gospel’ have they really been converted to the true faith?"
Check out this comparison chart of the popular life enhancement gospel messages.
"Seeker-sensitive churches have been popping up like weeds across our land. These churches claim that they exist FOR the unchurched NOT for believers. Their pastors claim that they are obsessed with evangelism. Yet, their evangelistic messages all too often skirt the thorny unpopular issues of sin and repentance and instead attempt to woo the un-churched into the Christian faith by presenting a ‘positive’ gospel that is designed to entice people to make a decision for Christ very much the same way infomercials convince people to pick up the phone and agree to make the 3 easy payments of $29.95..."
"...this leads us to ask a critical question, “If people are ‘making decisions’ for Jesus so that they can have a more fulfilling life, have better sex, less stress, and a more rewarding career but they have not been told that they are sinners who face God’s wrath and judgement unless they ‘repent and believe the gospel’ have they really been converted to the true faith?"
Check out this comparison chart of the popular life enhancement gospel messages.
Idolatry In Their Hearts
Does having eternity in your heart mean that you know God and are His child? Could Gentile cultures understand the Gospel from the stars? Did God create man’s cultures? Has God always been in the process of redeeming cultures from the time of Babel by placing in them a true revelation of Himself? Is there the worship of YHWH in all cultures and religions through the names of “supreme beings”? Have all cultures always had a way to make things right between them and God?
Idolatry In Their Hearts is essential reading for both those involved in Christian missions and those who support Christian missions to tribal peoples at a time when the firm Biblical standards of “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME” is under an almost systematic erosion. In light of the current apostate missiological philosophies being propagated by C. Peter Wagner, Danny Lehman & the Youth With A Mission organization, and others ready to wrongly identify the God of the Judeo-Christian scriptures with pagan deities in the name of an unbiblically redefined evangelicism, the message of this book is vital to the contemporary church of Jesus Christ.-Jacob Prasch Moriel Ministries
Idolatry In Their Hearts is essential reading for both those involved in Christian missions and those who support Christian missions to tribal peoples at a time when the firm Biblical standards of “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME” is under an almost systematic erosion. In light of the current apostate missiological philosophies being propagated by C. Peter Wagner, Danny Lehman & the Youth With A Mission organization, and others ready to wrongly identify the God of the Judeo-Christian scriptures with pagan deities in the name of an unbiblically redefined evangelicism, the message of this book is vital to the contemporary church of Jesus Christ.-Jacob Prasch Moriel Ministries
Monday, September 10, 2007
The No Barking Zone Of Think Tank Christianity
Pastor Ken Silva elaborates on the recent article in Christianity Today that singled his ministry out as one of the Attack Dogs of Christendom...
"Now maybe you can see how barking dogs would tend to disrupt the placid lives of those who live within their intellectual ivory towers in otherwise quiet neighborhoods. We can understand that the constant snarling about doctrinal purity would be very annoying to the elite erudite Christians too busy with their quest to “renew culture and promote human freedom and flourishing” to bother with preaching the actual Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Read the rest here from Apprising Ministries... and see the contrast between the politically correct and the Biblically correct.
Related articles:
Christianity Today Casts The Next Stone , Christianity Today Hears From The Remnant
MacArthur & The Attack Dogs , 12-Day Slow Pitch
THE MIKE CORLEY PROGRAM: ATTACK DOGS OF CHRISTENDOM
"Now maybe you can see how barking dogs would tend to disrupt the placid lives of those who live within their intellectual ivory towers in otherwise quiet neighborhoods. We can understand that the constant snarling about doctrinal purity would be very annoying to the elite erudite Christians too busy with their quest to “renew culture and promote human freedom and flourishing” to bother with preaching the actual Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Read the rest here from Apprising Ministries... and see the contrast between the politically correct and the Biblically correct.
Related articles:
Christianity Today Casts The Next Stone , Christianity Today Hears From The Remnant
MacArthur & The Attack Dogs , 12-Day Slow Pitch
THE MIKE CORLEY PROGRAM: ATTACK DOGS OF CHRISTENDOM
Under a Blood Red Moon
White House News Correspondant Bill Koenig paints the picture of the recent blood red moon and it's Biblical significance in relation to the Temple Mount:
August 28, 2007, had very revealing headlines:
A Blood-Red Moon Rises over North America, Olmert Offers Temple Mount Sovereignty to the Palestinians, Olmert and Abbas Meet on Israel's Land and Jerusalem, Bush Says Iran's Actions Could Lead to a Shadow of a Nuclear Holocaust, and Bush Arrives in New Orleans for his 15th Post-Katrina Visit
These were the news headlines on the day of a total lunar eclipse that produced a "blood-red" moon, the second one in seven years with a connection to the Temple Mount.
Read the rest of Koenig's thought provoking analysis here.
August 28, 2007, had very revealing headlines:
A Blood-Red Moon Rises over North America, Olmert Offers Temple Mount Sovereignty to the Palestinians, Olmert and Abbas Meet on Israel's Land and Jerusalem, Bush Says Iran's Actions Could Lead to a Shadow of a Nuclear Holocaust, and Bush Arrives in New Orleans for his 15th Post-Katrina Visit
These were the news headlines on the day of a total lunar eclipse that produced a "blood-red" moon, the second one in seven years with a connection to the Temple Mount.
Read the rest of Koenig's thought provoking analysis here.
The New Global Humanitarian
Rick Warren is billed as Global Humanitarian and Influencer for the upcoming Catalyst Conference . The conference is described as "a unique approach to programming and learning, defined by fun, dynamic attendee experience, leaders are personally challenged to become "change agents" within their organizations for the ongoing creation and emergence of the church."
Presenters include the emerging, entertaining, ecumenical, environmental, and the economical such as: Andy Stanley, John C. Maxwell, Erwin McManus, Mark Batterson, Chris Seay, and Leonard Sweet.
Warren is also throwing his weight behind the 2008 One Vote Campaign, along with Emergent "church" leader Brian McClaren. Both represent the Biblically-neutral, but politically active "faith community" in the fight to eradicate global poverty.
Warren is featured on the One Vote video describing the "three-legged stool" approach to bring global social change that his PEACE plan represents. "We can't do it ( eradicate poverty, AIDS, etc. ) with just government alone, just business alone, we need the faith-based community..."
Once again, Warren reduces the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lowest common denominator...the physical needs of mankind. Warren's social gospel is comprised of ecumenical pragmatism, neglecting the real spiritual famine of the fallen world that he is attempting to save.
See how Warren's humanitarianism resembles the United Nations' opinion of how "faith-based" communities fit in the global community.
More background on Warren's PEACE plan and the globalization of the One World Religion here.
Presenters include the emerging, entertaining, ecumenical, environmental, and the economical such as: Andy Stanley, John C. Maxwell, Erwin McManus, Mark Batterson, Chris Seay, and Leonard Sweet.
Warren is also throwing his weight behind the 2008 One Vote Campaign, along with Emergent "church" leader Brian McClaren. Both represent the Biblically-neutral, but politically active "faith community" in the fight to eradicate global poverty.
Warren is featured on the One Vote video describing the "three-legged stool" approach to bring global social change that his PEACE plan represents. "We can't do it ( eradicate poverty, AIDS, etc. ) with just government alone, just business alone, we need the faith-based community..."
Once again, Warren reduces the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lowest common denominator...the physical needs of mankind. Warren's social gospel is comprised of ecumenical pragmatism, neglecting the real spiritual famine of the fallen world that he is attempting to save.
See how Warren's humanitarianism resembles the United Nations' opinion of how "faith-based" communities fit in the global community.
More background on Warren's PEACE plan and the globalization of the One World Religion here.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
A Revival Message That Will Strike You Dead
Conversion is not like a flu shot..."Oh I did that, I repented, I believed." The question is: Are you continuing to repent, are you continuing to believe? Paul Washer of www.heartcrymissionary.com delivered this message to an SBC youth conference, but every congregation should test itself against this powerful presentation.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Israel, Syria and The Pope
Syria fired upon Israeli aircraft that reportedly attacked targets in Northern Syria on Wed night. Earlier in the day, Pope Benedict had met with Syria's vice president, Farouk al-Sharaa to discuss the exodus of Christian and other refugees from Iraq, many of whom have fled to Syria.
On Thursday, president of Israel, Shimon Peres met with the Pope at the Vatican. The Pope "encouraged the president to take advantage of the present favorable conditions to resolve the conflict which has lasted for 60 years." Meanwhile Tony Blair was meeting with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Thursday as he pressed ahead with preparations for a peace conference later this year.
As Osama Bin Laden claims a new video to be released on the anniversary of 9-11, the question raised by this blog back in July becomes more ominous:
"Is the intersection of heightened terrorist concerns in the U.S. and the threat of an Aug-Sept Syrian / Israeli war coincidental?
On Thursday, president of Israel, Shimon Peres met with the Pope at the Vatican. The Pope "encouraged the president to take advantage of the present favorable conditions to resolve the conflict which has lasted for 60 years." Meanwhile Tony Blair was meeting with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Thursday as he pressed ahead with preparations for a peace conference later this year.
As Osama Bin Laden claims a new video to be released on the anniversary of 9-11, the question raised by this blog back in July becomes more ominous:
"Is the intersection of heightened terrorist concerns in the U.S. and the threat of an Aug-Sept Syrian / Israeli war coincidental?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
As In The Days of Noah
Human-animal embryo study wins approval
by Ian Sample, science correspondent, The Guardian:
"Plans to allow British scientists to create human-animal embryos are expected to be approved tomorrow by the government's fertility regulator. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority published its long-awaited public consultation on the controversial research yesterday, revealing that a majority of people were "at ease" with scientists creating the hybrid embryos..."
Editor's note: Is this the time of Noah that Christ spoke of in Matthew 24 , "the giving in marriage", resulting in the corruption of the human genome, bringing the flood in Genesis?
At Biblical Theology.com K. Jentoft writes the following in his exposition, Gen 6:3 and Paul’s Epistle to the Romans:
"...the sin of the sons of God in Genesis 6:2 is when fallen angels corrupted the seed of women through physical intercourse. This spirit/human interaction was so real and tangible that these women gave birth to half-breeds described as giants and later found in Canaan at the time of the Exodus. Thus Genesis 6 we find angels corrupting the seed of women and threatening the promise of God that He gave to Even in chapter 3 – the proto-gospel. So pervasive was this temptation that all Noah’s living uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, nieces or nephews were seduced and corrupted. Noah alone was listed as “pure in his generations.”
It seems that science now can achieve what caused the wrath of God to be poured out in the Book of Genesis, and is described vividly in the Book of Revelation:
7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; 9they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10They have tails and stings like scorpions Revelation 9
by Ian Sample, science correspondent, The Guardian:
"Plans to allow British scientists to create human-animal embryos are expected to be approved tomorrow by the government's fertility regulator. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority published its long-awaited public consultation on the controversial research yesterday, revealing that a majority of people were "at ease" with scientists creating the hybrid embryos..."
Editor's note: Is this the time of Noah that Christ spoke of in Matthew 24 , "the giving in marriage", resulting in the corruption of the human genome, bringing the flood in Genesis?
At Biblical Theology.com K. Jentoft writes the following in his exposition, Gen 6:3 and Paul’s Epistle to the Romans:
"...the sin of the sons of God in Genesis 6:2 is when fallen angels corrupted the seed of women through physical intercourse. This spirit/human interaction was so real and tangible that these women gave birth to half-breeds described as giants and later found in Canaan at the time of the Exodus. Thus Genesis 6 we find angels corrupting the seed of women and threatening the promise of God that He gave to Even in chapter 3 – the proto-gospel. So pervasive was this temptation that all Noah’s living uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, nieces or nephews were seduced and corrupted. Noah alone was listed as “pure in his generations.”
It seems that science now can achieve what caused the wrath of God to be poured out in the Book of Genesis, and is described vividly in the Book of Revelation:
7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; 9they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10They have tails and stings like scorpions Revelation 9
A Message to Commercial Pastors
REPENT!
"The reason you’ve been sent a link to this web page is because your sermons do not preach that which is in accord with sound Biblical doctrine. Instead, you are preaching sermons that tickle itching ears.
The Bible Warns Us About Preachers Like You.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Jesus Didn’t Die On the Cross so that people can...
Be Wealthy.
Celebrate Recovery.
Have Abundant Blessings Here on Earth.
Get out of debt.
Have a Fulfilling Career.
Live Their Best Lives Now.
Find Their Purpose.
Expand Their Territory.
Experience God’s Perfect Plan for Their Lives.
Have a Peaceful Family Life.
Have a Fulfilling Sex Life.
or Reduce the Stress In Their Lives.
These types of sermons are myths that suit the passions of an unregenerate and unbelieving world. Leave these messages to Oprah, Dr. Phil and the infomercial self-help gurus.
Let’s Review What God Says You Should Be Preaching..."
Read the rest of the warning from a pastor to other pastors...
"The reason you’ve been sent a link to this web page is because your sermons do not preach that which is in accord with sound Biblical doctrine. Instead, you are preaching sermons that tickle itching ears.
The Bible Warns Us About Preachers Like You.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Jesus Didn’t Die On the Cross so that people can...
Be Wealthy.
Celebrate Recovery.
Have Abundant Blessings Here on Earth.
Get out of debt.
Have a Fulfilling Career.
Live Their Best Lives Now.
Find Their Purpose.
Expand Their Territory.
Experience God’s Perfect Plan for Their Lives.
Have a Peaceful Family Life.
Have a Fulfilling Sex Life.
or Reduce the Stress In Their Lives.
These types of sermons are myths that suit the passions of an unregenerate and unbelieving world. Leave these messages to Oprah, Dr. Phil and the infomercial self-help gurus.
Let’s Review What God Says You Should Be Preaching..."
Read the rest of the warning from a pastor to other pastors...
Another Gospel
Another Gospel by Arthur W. Pink
"...The gospel of Satan is not a system of revolutionary principles, nor yet a program of anarchy. It does not promote strife and war, but aims at peace and unity. It seeks not to set the mother against her daughter nor the father against his son, but fosters the fraternal spirit whereby the human race is regarded as one great "brotherhood." It does not seek to drag down the natural man, but to improve and uplift him. It advocates education and cultivation and appeals to the "best that is within us." It aims to make this world such a comfortable and congenial habitat that Christ's absence from it will not be felt and God will not be needed. It endeavors to occupy man so much with this world that he has no time or inclination to think of the world to come. It propagates the principles of self-sacrifice, charity and benevolence, and teaches us to live for the good of others, and to be kind to all. It appeals strongly to the carnal mind and is popular with the masses, because it ignores the solemn facts that by nature man is a fallen creature, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins, and that his only hope lies in being born again..."
Read the rest here from a voice from the past ...
"...The gospel of Satan is not a system of revolutionary principles, nor yet a program of anarchy. It does not promote strife and war, but aims at peace and unity. It seeks not to set the mother against her daughter nor the father against his son, but fosters the fraternal spirit whereby the human race is regarded as one great "brotherhood." It does not seek to drag down the natural man, but to improve and uplift him. It advocates education and cultivation and appeals to the "best that is within us." It aims to make this world such a comfortable and congenial habitat that Christ's absence from it will not be felt and God will not be needed. It endeavors to occupy man so much with this world that he has no time or inclination to think of the world to come. It propagates the principles of self-sacrifice, charity and benevolence, and teaches us to live for the good of others, and to be kind to all. It appeals strongly to the carnal mind and is popular with the masses, because it ignores the solemn facts that by nature man is a fallen creature, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins, and that his only hope lies in being born again..."
Read the rest here from a voice from the past ...
Weaning Evangelicals Off the Word
T.A. McMahon of the Berean Call continues his look at the Emerging Church movement in Part III Weaning Evangelicals Off the Word :
Ironically, emergent churches around the world, in their attempt to “reconstruct” the church, are passing each other like ships in the night. Kimball’s efforts at spiritual stimulation by introducing to young evangelicals the liturgical bells and smells of Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and high-church Episcopal and Presbyterian rituals, stands in contradiction to some European cathedrals and churches going emergent. Europeans are trying to revive their congregations, deadened by centuries of imagery and ritual, by covering their gothic interiors with decorated drapery, exchanging the organ and traditional hymns for electric guitars and contemporary choruses, and adding throw pillows for comfortable seating to create a seeker-friendly environment. These churches are abandoning the very things that are “spiritually” alluring to American emergent evangelicals. Regarding both sensual approaches, Scripture tells us, “the flesh profiteth nothing.”
Ironically, emergent churches around the world, in their attempt to “reconstruct” the church, are passing each other like ships in the night. Kimball’s efforts at spiritual stimulation by introducing to young evangelicals the liturgical bells and smells of Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and high-church Episcopal and Presbyterian rituals, stands in contradiction to some European cathedrals and churches going emergent. Europeans are trying to revive their congregations, deadened by centuries of imagery and ritual, by covering their gothic interiors with decorated drapery, exchanging the organ and traditional hymns for electric guitars and contemporary choruses, and adding throw pillows for comfortable seating to create a seeker-friendly environment. These churches are abandoning the very things that are “spiritually” alluring to American emergent evangelicals. Regarding both sensual approaches, Scripture tells us, “the flesh profiteth nothing.”
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