More About Author Warren Smith ---and A Wonderful Deception

From Lighthouse Trails Research Blog; 
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?cat=1

In his book A Wonderful Deception, Warren Smith comes to the startling conclusion that the new age, instead of being a bygone movement of the past, is alive and well, and in the process of merging with a false church is a movement that threatens to destroy orthodox Christianity as we know it. (Church + New Age = Emergent Church) It is a movement that will "deceive wonderfully" (Daniel 8:24).

Rox addition: This pic is  funny but the sad part is-in its very essence, this is what you wind up with when you follow worldly men who falsely claim to be church leaders promoting eastern mystism and hinduism hidden in the name of 'contemplative prayer.   If you embrace the Purpose Driven  trademark, (or Willow Creek Association and multitudes of other examples) --you are compromising the PURE Word of God. It's time to wake up and clean up the churches and  get back to protecting the sheep from these wolves that are creeping in everywhere!

And that's just for starters. What this is all leading to is an ecumenical, one world religion (as prophesied many places in Scripture, most notably in Revelation). This global religion will be panentheistic in nature; that is, the belief that God is "in" everything. This of course stands in distinct contrast to the Christian view, which holds that God is separate from, and transcendent to, His creation. But Smith even makes the case that the scientific community is on the verge of proclaiming that this religious worldview--panentheism--is not only true, but is scientifically verifiable. As Christians, we know that God "writes" his signature on many aspects of creation, just as a painter might sign his painting, signifying that the work is His. But the (largely atheistic) scientific community, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, does not (or will not) "see" any evidence for a sovereign, creator God who stands separate from His creation. Instead, they are on the brink of "proving" a god who is identical to the pagan and occultic worldview of what god is: god as vibration, as energy, as chi, prana or flow (depending on the worldview one holds). This belief is of course preferable to an atheist, who does not want to bend the knee in humble submission to the creator God of the universe. Vibration? Energy? Those are just natural laws--and require no response because they are, in essence, "neutral." But the sovereign creator God does require a response from His creation: either repent of sin, love Him and come to him as he requires (through the blood of Christ) or rebel against him. The Bible states that there are only two choices! Jesus himself said plainly: "He who is not for me is against me." (Luke 11:23)

Warren states:
As a former new ager, I have also been doing new age research for a few years, and have noticed a curious trend in the publications I review: there is increasing talk about something described as a "quantum leap," a "planetary evolution." These terms are used for the new age belief that the world as a whole will begin to move from "individual co-creation" with the world around it to a "planetary co-creation." This is new age parlance for the idea that the number of people awakening to their "inner divinity" will reach such a "critical mass" that the entire world, including those not in alignment with this belief system, will be swept along toward the next stage of planetary evolution: world peace. This of course is also in direct contrast to scripture which states that because of the Fall, we are born wicked and "dead in our sins." We have no inner divinity. But many innocent Christians today, thanks to a generation of "seeker sensitive" churches teaching "doctrine lite," do not even know the truth of scripture enough to recognize deception when they see it--and thus are buying into this belief system, which is nothing more than a spiritual wolf in sheep's clothing.

Warren Smith also makes the case well that this "one-ness" and "inner divinity" new age talk is going on in the emergent church movement. The underlying belief in both the new age and in the emergent church seems to be that only when our world awakens to its "one-ness" will there be peace. This is a false eschatology and is actually fulfillment of the prophetic statement in Jeremiah 8:11 (" 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace."). The traditional Christian view has always been that there is no peace and there will be never be peace until Christ returns and reigns over his earthly kingdom.

Warren Smith is a meticulous researcher who dots all his i's and crosses all his t's. If you have heard the terms emergent church, contemplative prayer, fractal theory, quantum leap, etc., and wondered what they meant, then this is a must-read. Satan's lies and schemes aren't new ... but they are remarkably effective. Arm yourself with truth so that you may stand against the deceptions and lies of Satan. Warren Smith's book will open your eyes and help you see the deceptions flowing into today's church.

Excerpt From A Wonderful Deception by Warren Smith

Link to Free E-Book and Warren Smith website



I read, and thoroghly recommend this and all books by Warren Smith, who came out of the New Age religion and has special insight on whats happening in todays churches, especially the Purpose Driven Movement and New Age (or the new way new agers call it to sound more "christianese" for those who completely are lacking in discernment--call it the "new spirituality".

Below are two links to Radio Liberty's  8-25-09  broadcast featuring Warren Smith on Apostasy in the second hour of the 8pm broadcast. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND LISTENING TO THIS!!!!!!


 10/01/09 4pm broadcast and scroll down to  8/25/09
Radio Liberty Broadcast Warren Smith 4pm part II

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14
Rick Warrens "Broad Way" Christianity

Enter ye in at the strait gate: forwide is the gate, and broad the way that leadeth to destruction,and many there be which go in there at --Matthew 7:13

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me ---Isaiah 54:15

Rick Warren's Purpose Driven movement has , in a relatively short period of time, become what TIME magaizine has referred to as a "Purpose Driven empire"-1 The word empire is defined in the dictionary as "supreme rule: absolute power or authority; dominion" It aslo means "an extensive social or economic organization under the control of a single person, family or corporation" -2 For all intents and purposes, Rick Warren has become the titular head-the almost emperor-like CEO-of an increasingly apostate postmodern church. But while Warren continues to be embraced by much ofthe world and much of the church, it is not too late for people to reconsider their involvement with him and his Purpose Driven movement. Here are ten scripturally based reasons why people with any love of the truth should not involve themselves in Warren's "Broad Way" christianity:

TEN BASIC REASONS

1) Rick Warren's Purpose Driven movement offers a "Broad Way' Christianity. One of the mysteries of the Christian faith can be found in Jesus' warning that the way to life is "narrow" and that "few" would actually find it. Jesus is telling us in advance that the "broad way" ---no matter how well intentioned--is not from Him. With Rick Warren's reformation movement based on deeds and not creeds, everone is invited to partake in this global effort. But biblical principles are watered-down and often cast aside.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there ve which go in there at : Becasue strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt 7:13-14)

2) Rick Warren's 'Broad Way" Christianity does not declare "all the counsel of God" Rick Warren teaches only what he wants to teach from the Bible. As a result, there are many important teachings that he skips over, de-emphasizes, and leaves out-particularly in regard to prophecy and spiritual deception. (emphasis mine "Rox")

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to al the flock, over the which is the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. for I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:27-31)

3) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity does not discern the spiritual signs of the times. Just as the leaders in Jesus' day descerned the weather but not the signs of the times, Warren discerns many of the social and economic problems, but not the spiritual signs of the times.

O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:3)

4) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity is ignorant of Satan's devices. Whereas the apostle Paul stated that he and other believers were "not ignorant of Satan's devices," Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity states that Satan's schemes are "entirely predictable"-3 By being ignorant of Satan's devices, this"Broad Way" Christianity has fallen prey to Satan's devices particularly in the area of NewAge/New Spirituality/New Worldview.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinth
2:11)

5) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity does not expose spiritual evil. Warren's version of Christianity does not sound a true warning about the deceptive spirit world and deception. There is much more to evil than the problems that Rick Warren is seeking to remedy with his Purpose Driven P.E.A.C.E. Plan. We are told to expose false prophets and false teachers, not to study under them, spiritually join with them and further their plans. (emphasis mine)

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness inhigh places (Ephesians 6:12)

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Tim 3:13) and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of the darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself tothe battle? (1 Corinth 14:8)

6) Rick Warren and his "Broad Way" Christianity are loved by the world and it's leaders. Jesus loved the world, but the world did not love Him. Jsus warned his followeres they would be hated, persecuted, and even killed by the world--just as the world hated, persecuted, and killed Him. In his compromised effort to reach out to the world, Warren and his "Broad Way" Christianity have become the world.

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:5)

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets (Luke 6:26)

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. (Matthew 10:22)

If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:25)

For what is a man advantaged, if he gainthe whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9:25)

8) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity is engaged in a process of ungodly change. Rick Warren describes himself as a "change agent" but in his attempt to change the world, he and his Purpose Driven movement are actually changing biblical Christianity. The Bible warns about those who push for unbiblical and ungodly change. (hmm, what other "leader" of our country has been spewing promises of change--ungodly change--hint initials are B.H.O--parethesis mine--Rox)

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. (Proverbs 24:21)

Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, and to day, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

For I am the LORD, I change not, (Malachai 3:6) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bred, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD (Amos 8:11)

9) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity is frequently 'double-tongued" and "double-minded. Rick Warren's attempts to seemingly distance himself from the New Age/New Spirituality while simultaneously spiritually aligning himself with New Age sympathizers is "double-tongued" "double-minded" and deceptively self-serving. In the Psalms, David refers to those who speak with 'flattering lips' and a "double heart"

Help, LORD; for the goldly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity eerone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psalm 12:1-2)

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongue, not given to mich wine, not greedy filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:8-9)

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)

10) Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity is "not valiant for truth" Warren has demonstrated, in numerous ways, that he is politically and spiritally expedient when it comes to the truth. His "Broad Way" Christianity plays to the world and embraces the world because it is the world. It does not hold fast to the truth becasue it is not "valiant for the truth"

And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth. (Jeremiah 9:3)

If ye continue in my world, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31)

THE TIME IS HERE

The apostle Paul preached the importanc of adhering to God's Word. he warned that the time would come when believers would not endure sound doctrine but would find teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear:

Preach the word; be instant in season, out fo season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffereing and doctrine. for the time will come when they will not enture sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turnedunto fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

As Rick Warren's "broad way" Christianity seems to be headed down the 'broad way' of the New Spirituality, it is very clear that his Purpose Driven movement isanything but the "narrow way" that Jesus Christ described in Matthew 7:14.

It is important to understand what is at stake here-the centrality of the Cross as the one and only true Gospel-without which the hope of salvation is lost. Jesus Christ, dying on the Cross for our sins, is the central message of the Gospel. It is the plumb line for ultimately discerning truth from error. But in discerning truth from error, it is essential that we must adhere to all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27)

Jesus is the one and only Savior-the one and only true Christ. Science cannot and will not prove otherwise (1 Timothy 6:20) God is not "in" everything. We are not Christ, and we are not God. What is born of the flesh is flesh. what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1Corinthians 15:50) It is not "as above, so below" (Rox note: see my link to the left on Rick Warrens dominating use of the Message -per-version of the bible by Eugene Petersen entitled The Message: A Mystic Mess--very disturbing and alarming! Rick Warren, Eugene Peterson also endorse heretical books like the The Shack which redifines God in a very unbiblical and heretical light---more "change agents") The apostle John states:

He that cometh from above is above all; he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth; he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)

Jesus Christ is Lord. His name is above all names (Phillipians 2:9) He is not the Jesus of the Shack, and He is not the "Jesus' of the New Age/New Spirituality ("Master Jesus" as also he is called in the Message bible and the New Age Movement!!--parenthsis mine-Rox) Most assuredly, He is not the "quantum Christ" of a deceived world and an apostate church.

The apostle Paul describes the simplicity of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3) According to many of today's spiritual and religious leaders, it has taken humanity 2000 years to finally "get it". They say we need quantum physicists, cellualr biologist, Ph.D mathmeticians, New Age channelers,and emerging postmodern preachers to finally understand what Jesus was trying tell us back in the first century. No, this is not the simplicity that Paul was describing. This is the deceptive work of our Adversary as he tries to transform the creation into the Creator and co-opt God's creation to himself.

Unfortunately, many of today's pstors have forgotten that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) and that we are to"stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11) As a result, the church is now catapulting into great spiritual deception.

For those who still rightly divide and depend upon the Word of God, the Bible warns that the coming deception will be so great that most of the world wil be deceived (Revelation 13:13-14) Jesus warned thatHis way is not the broad way but the "narrow way" of continuing in His Word. (John 8:31) And it is His way that leads to eternal life.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)

For more in depth look into the workings of the "New Age/New Spirituality" and to understand what exactly they believe and its role into the end times deception, that would deceive even the very elect, please read Warren Smiths free e-book Reinventing Jesus Christ: Another Gospel. The link to this free e-book is listed under the column to the left. And finally I implore those who want to learn about these end times deceptions, relating to current events and learn and understand the revelance of the 7 churches spoken of in Revelation---I highly recommend you follow The Book of Reveltion study with Pastor Billy Crone of Niagara Frontier Bible Church. A trusted friend and pastor who also came out of New Age movement 16 years ago on Resurrection Sunday "Easter" you can hear Pastor Crones testimony called  GET A LIFE!
His sermons are all viewable for free on the NFBC website. (again links provided) Or if you are interested you can purchase the DVDs or CDs online to help support his media ministry---or you can see me and I will provide you with free copies of any/all of his sermons. There are no copyrights on them, Pastor Billy Crone encourages to share them with friends, family or whomever needs to hear the saving Gospel message. I beg all to start being good Bereans and search out the truth of the Word and not let yourselves be deceived in this perilous times.

Helping To Get The Word Out On This Great Christian Movie

Click here for STANDING FIRM Website

Billy Crone played in the supporting role of Pastor Billy for Standing Firm



Teaser Trailer for the upcoming Christian film from Praise Pictures! Visit StandingFirmMovie.com for details

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: a member of the United Nations for 10 years
So? What's wrong with that? Nothing, except Jehovah's Witness leaders, who claim to have exclusive claim to biblical truth, have taught for many years that the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations, are the so-called Satanic beasts of the Apocalypse or the Revelation of John. In fact, they said this is the very "scarlet-colored wild beast" that "Babylon the Great" or the "Great Harlot" of Revelation rides. "Babylon the Great" to the Jehovah's Witnesses is the "World empire of false religion" which includes all Christian, pagan, and world religions. This theology is claimed to be directly from God Himself. The "beast" or the United Nations will turn on the "whore" and destroy all religions in the world except Jehovah's Witnesses, the only "true Christians." If one looks into Watchtower Publications Indexes under the topic "United Nations" one will find multitudes of articles condeming the UN as being of Satan and predicting its destruction. Their affilation as an NGO (Non Government Agency) meant they were committed to the UN and it's charter. One of the criteria for membership is: "Have the commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes about UN activities by publishing newsletters, bulletins, and pamphlets; organizing conferences, seminars and round tables; and enlisting the cooperation of the media." UN NGO Criteria for Membership Was the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society going to renounce everything negative they have written about the UN and begin "information programmes" in the Watchtower magazine? Hardly. In fact they went to great lengths to keep the rank and file members of the Jehovah's Witness religion ignorant of their association with the UN. After this page and others like it were posted the Watchtower scrambled to get their name off the UN list

MORE FROM NIAGARA FRONTIER BIBLE CHURCH

This song is awesome. We were once again greatly blessed by NFBC, but this time by Neil Neumann who's sermon "Peter's Reason For Worship" was a wonderfully inspiring message, even if we were only able to watch it online. The Lauen Talley video and song "Lord I Believe In You" was equally moving! Thanks for sharing that one. We hope we can come up and visit you guys again soon.

Keep on Preachin It Pastor!

The Adams Family LOVES NFBC. We went up and visited them in Lewiston, NY last weekend and finally got to sit in on Pastor Billy's Revelation series. God blessed Pastor Billy with just the right dose of fire, humor, and humility. Amazing sermon. We even got to enjoy re-watching this online by candlelight on Marks laptop, when the neighborhood went dark Wed night after a freak storm that left every neighbor in a 2 block radius with property damage but ours. Our next door neighbor Gary even asked Mark on Saturday how is it we MUST have a direct conncection with God. Thru God's direct access line: P-R-A-Y-E-R!

CHURCH OF PERGAMUM--WATCH OUT!!! PASTOR BILLY HAS GOT YOUR NUMBER!

Chicken--They Just Dont Like It

New on the KFC menu

Jayson and Pastor Billy taking their stance against chicken

How can you not like CHICKEN? Whats wrong with you people!?! : )
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Chicken Kabobs!

I Couldn't Have Put It Better Myself!

Revelation Song Awesome and Awe-Inspiring

Few songs ever make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up-- well this is one of them. What an awesome song! I am in awe of my Creator!

Warren Smith: The New Age, Purpose Driven, and Deception in the Church

This is part of Warren Smith's "Standing Fast in the Last Days" video clip. Warren Smith speaks to 800 pastors about the new age, deception in the church, course of miracles, and more.
For more information on "Standing Fast in the Last Days" DVD, please visit:
www.lighthousetrails.com

Warren Smith is also the author of some highly recommended books all of which I have read if you want to understand the apostasy thats happening right before our very eyes.
His books include:
The Light That Was Dark
Reinventing Jesus Christ: Another Gospel
Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose Driven Church
and A Wonderful Deception.

The depth and scope of the deception going on in the churches today is unimaginiable, I am glad Rick Warren and his cohorts are getting exposed for the wolves in sheeps clothing they are. Thank you Warren Smith for contending earnestly for the faith---I pray souls will be saved and pray likewise that Rick Warren and all those taking part in the deception bow a knee in repentance to the ONLY way to the Father--the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and kick that New Age "Master Jesus" they are following to the curb!

As a former Jehovah's Witness---I did NOT come out of that cult, just to get sucked into this Purpose Driven-New Age-Ecumenical-Emergent false christianity! Thank you Jesus for paying the penalty for my sin. I am a sinner and I need a Saviour and I WILL CLING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS and CONCERN myself with bible prophecy that exposes the long list of false teachers and false prophets invading the churches, even though I wasn't in the New Age like Warren Smith ----it was also BECAUSE of Bible prophecy that I got saved. Yes, there really ARE people posing as "Christian" leaders that are promoting doctrines of devils. It is our biblical duty to protect and warn the Body of Christ in these perilous times!



Part Two

Trailer for The Book of Revelation Study.

As always Pastor Billy Crone really knows his stuff, one of the best sermons series on the Book of Revelation around! And if you havent done so--another MUST WATCH is THE FINAL COUNTDOWN. Solid biblcial sermons! It's time people get their heads outta the sand and get motivated. Check out his sermoms at: http://www.niagarafrontierbible.com/revelation/revelation_choose.php
You can also find this and all his other excellent sermons series at
http://www.niagarafrontierbible.com/sermons/sermonseries.html and at
http://www.youtube.com/NFBCmedia

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

Because this video could NEVER be played ENOUGH! I know people in THESE churches, and I weep bitterly for them and this country. May God have mercy on America

The Emerging Church--Satan's 3 Legged Stool Plan

Throughout biblical history, Satan, the god of this world, has had a plan to deceive man. When man turns away from God and His Word, he will first begin to trust in his own reasoning and then turn to the gods (the fallen spiritual realm).In The Emerging Church—Part One: Man's Spiritual Journey, Past, Present and Future, Roger Oakland presents documentation to show that Satans three-legged stool plan, which was introduced at the Tower of Babel, is being reintroduced today. This plan is setting the world up for a one-world government, a one-world economy and a one-world religion just as Bible prophecy reveals will take place in the last days

Part One

The Trojan Church (New Age/New Spirituality Has Invaded the Church)

The Evangelical Church has been corrupted by New Age, Occult and Eastern thought and practice. It is being prepared to become a part of the One World/One Religion system of the coming Antichrist Some of the books I have been warning people about are shown towards the end of the video.

Proof There STILL is Simplicity That Is In Christ

Now thats what I call --Cut to the chase Funny!!

THE HERESY IN "THE SHACK" --IMAGINATION, IMAGE, AND IDOLATRY

THE TRUTH:

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)


THE SHACK, "Elousia," & the Black Madonna
God is Truth. That He is Truth distinguishes Him from idols which are false. Of the Lord, the prophet declared, “There is none like Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, and great is Thy name in might,” and explained of those who create idols, “But they are altogether stupid and foolish In their discipline of delusion—their idol is wood!” The prophetic commentary which follows then states, “Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, And gold from Uphaz, The work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith; Violet and purple are their clothing; They are all the work of skilled men. But the Lord is the true God . . .” (Jeremiah 10:6-10, NASB).[1] In this vein, A.W. Tozer once wrote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”[2]

But idols arise out of human imagination. Humanoids make god however they want him/her/it to be. In the description of the declension into idolatry, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man” (Emphasis mine, Romans 1:21-23a, KJV). Imagination creates images — even idolatrous images — and the images can either be material or mental, actual or verbal.[3]

Words can create mental pictures. Someone once said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In an image-oriented age where people watch more and read less, this statement makes its point. But words can also create images. Through the mind’s eye, we see. Someone once defined idolatry as thinking wrong thoughts about God. So the question becomes, with the stroke of his verbal brush and in his bestselling novel The Shack, what picture of God does William P. Young create? I am fearful that the book’s painting of God, even though fictional, might promote the wrong image of Him.

The novel tugs at the emotional strings of its readers, and for just that reason the book has become a bestseller in the fiction category. I am therefore aware that I am about to tread where angels might not dare. This pastor realizes he is about to enter the personal and emotional space of the human heart. People feel very deeply about this book and its author. I ask only, as you read Young’s book with an open heart, that you might also read this theological review of the book with an open mind.

We now proceed to look at the theology of The Shack.[4] We turn to the ideas presented in the book about God. The god of The Shack (In this reference, I refuse to spell God with an upper case “G.”) is an imagined hermaphroditic trinity, consisting of a retreat center owner and hostess who goes by the name of “Elousia,” a carpenter-handyman by the name of “Jesus,” and a gardener who goes by the name of “Sarayu.” In order, we consider the three main characters, and another omniscient and sensual lady who goes by the name of “Sophia,” or Wisdom.

THE FIRST PERSON — At first mention, and according to Mack’s wife Nan’s understanding, the first person of the godhead goes by the name of “Papa” (perhaps alluding to the Apostle Paul’s designation of Him as “Abba,” Romans 8:15). But upon Mack’s arrival at The Shack, “Papa” morphs into a large and loving African-American woman named “Elousia” (i.e., a combination of the Hebrew name for God the Creator, “El,” and the Greek word “ousia” suggesting a Platonic meaning of “being” or “existence”).[5] Among other characteristics, “Elousia” describes herself as, “the Creator God who is truly real and the ground of all being.”(The Shack, 111).

This name for God appears to be borrowed from the writings of theologian Paul Tillich (1886-1965), who referred to God as “the Ground of Being.” By so designating deity, Tillich meant that, “God is not a being alongside others or above other but God is Being-itself or the Ground of Being.”[6] Likewise, to Tillich, “God is not a being, not even the highest of all beings; he is being itself, or the ground of being, the internal power or force that causes everything to exist.”[7] This conception of God compliments the conception of deity amongst devotees to the New Age/New Spirituality.

Even though Tillich’s assertions about deity were esoteric and complex, Young presents a Tillich-like scheme of deity who describes herself as “the ground of all being” that dwells “in, around, and through all things . . .” (The Shack, 112). Such a view of God is acknowledged to be panentheistic (i.e., God dwells “through all things”).[8] This may explain why, toward the end of his life, Tillich no longer prayed. He only meditated. To him there existed no personal or transcendental God to pray to. God was immanent only, his “ground of being.” So like an airplane, which is refused take-off for reason of mechanical failure, the concept of god in The Shack never gets off the “ground.” However, according to The Shack’s picturing of God, there may be a similarity even more startling.

Having finished reading The Shack, and while surfing the Internet, I was quite smitten when inadvertently, I ran across an internet article by Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox, The Return of the Black Madonna: A Sign of Our Times or How the Black Madonna is Shaking Us Up for the Twenty-First Century. Fox’s description of the Black Madonna (or the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis as she is alternately understood) included her supposed leading of distressed people to find emotional healing within themselves. This description seemed to possess, at first glance, an eerie parallel to the black goddess character (“Elousia”) created by William Young. The comparison upon further reading, study and thought, revealed that their similarity was more than just color. In both writings, two similar personages emerge. I proceed to note a few of the analogies between Fox’s Black Madonna and Young’s “Elousia.”

First, Fox states that, “The Black Madonna invites us into the dark and therefore into our depths. This is what the mystics call the ‘inside’ of things, the essence of things. This is where Divinity lies. It is where the true self lies. It is where illusions are broken apart and the truth lies.”[9]

In The Shack, we note the word “darkness” occurs frequently. It is as if darkness is archetypal to Mack’s Great Sadness. This is especially noticeable in his appearance before “Sophia.” In the chapter “Here Come Da Judge,” darkness is the dominant aura surrounding Mack’s experience. As he entered the cave, “with his hands outstretched in front of him, he ventured a couple of steps into the inky darkness and stopped.” (The Shack, 151). To create Mack’s experience, Young heaps up references to amplify “darkness”—“deep shadows . . . inky blackness . . . dim light . . . darkened room.” Similarly, in Fox’s words, the Black Madonna “invites us to enter into our grief and name it and be there to learn what suffering has to teach us.”[10] By entering the darkness, Mack dealt with his sadness. In contrast, 1 John 1:5 informs us that "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (KJV).

Second, Fox also notes, “The Black Madonna calls us to Grieve. The Black Madonna is the sorrowful mother, the mother who weeps tears for the suffering in the universe, the suffering in the world, the brokenness of our very vulnerable hearts.”[11] Fox goes on to say, “To grieve is to enter what John of the Cross in the sixteenth century called the ‘dark night of the soul.’ We are instructed not to run from this dark night but to stay there to learn what darkness has to teach us.”[12]

In The Shack, at the climactic moment when “Papa” (AKA “Elousia,” the black goddess) enfolded Mack into his/her arms and gently invited him to “Let it all out,” the story records that in a moment of emotional catharsis Mack “closed his eyes as the tears poured out . . . He wept until he had cried out all the darkness, all the longing and all the loss, until there was nothing left.” (The Shack, 226).

Third, Fox explains that “The Black Madonna calls us down to honor our lower charkas [sic] . . . The Black Madonna takes us down, down to the first charkas [sic] including our relationship to the whole (first chakra, as I have explained elsewhere is about picking up the vibrations for sounds from the whole cosmos), our sexuality (second chakra) and our anger and moral outrage (third chakra). European culture in the modern era especially has tried to flee from all these elements . . . in religion . . .The Black Madonna will not tolerate such flights from the earth, flights from the depths.”[13]

To those unacquainted with eastern religion, Fox’s words appear as mumbo-jumbo. But according to Yoga teaching, chakras are, “vortices that penetrate the body and the body’s aura, through which various energies, including the universal life force, are received, transformed, and distributed.”[14] It is believed that there are seven points of entry for the energy; among others, they include,

“The root (muladhara) [which] is located at the base of the spine and is the seat of kundalini . . .
The sacral (svadhisthana) [which] lies near the genitals and governs sexuality . . . [and]
The crown (sahasrara) [which] whirls just above the top of the head.”[15]

The experience of the entrance of energy into the body, which can happen spontaneously, is called kundalini (Sanskrit for “snake” or “serpent power,” named as such because of the belief that it lies coiled within the body ready to strike at any moment). Kundalini describes the mystical experience when energy enters the body and arouses the “sleeping serpent” (Shouldn't we compare this to Genesis 3:1?). When that happens, wham . . .! This transient moment of arousal is defined to include, “physical sensations . . . clairaudience, visions, brilliant lights . . . ecstasy, bliss, and transcendence of self.”[16] With this description in mind, let’s look at one incident in The Shack to see if Mack, the novel’s main character, experienced kundalini.

Upon hearing the sensual Sophia ask him, during his journey into the darkness, “Do you understand why you’re here?” the novel records that, “Mack could almost feel her words (clairaudience) rain down on his head first (the 7th chakra) and melt into his spine (the 1st chakra), sending delicious tingles everywhere (the 2nd chakra). He shivered (physical sensations) and decided that he never wanted to speak again (transcendence of self). He only wanted her to talk (bliss) . . .” (The Shack, 153). What do you think? Did Mack experience kundalini? If so, then it came to him at a spontaneous moment in the darkness via the voice of the goddess-like Sophia.

Fourth, Fox states that, “The Black Madonna calls us to our Divinity which is also our Creativity.” He goes on to state that The Black Madonna “expects nothing less from us than creativity. Hers is a call to create, a call to ignite the imagination.”[17] On the next point Fox again states, “The Black Madonna calls us to Diversity. There is no imagination without diversity — imagination is about inviting disparate elements into soul and culture so that new combinations can make love together and new beings can be birthed.”[18] His Black Madonna calls us to a magical consciousness that has nothing to do with Scripture.

Likewise, when the goddess-like Sophia calls upon Mack to role play as The Judge, to sit in judgment over all other persons including God, she notes his pensiveness about assuming such an awesome responsibility. Sophia says to Mack: “‘Your imagination,’ she interrupted his train of thought, ‘is not serving you well at this moment’.” (The Shack, 160). In the Front Matter of the book, Greg Albrecht informs the potential reader, “You will be captivated by the creativity and imagination of The Shack, and before you know it, you’ll be experiencing God as never before.” Young’s novel itself serves to ignite the imagination, something Fox writes that the returning Black Madonna is also doing.

Other parallels between Fox’s Black Madonna and The Shack’s Elousia — their gender diversity, nurturing of hurting hearts, emphasis upon developing personal relationships, concern for the environment, and so on — form archetypal metaphors around which the mystery of life and suffering can be probed and explained, and upon which transcendent values can be formulated and applied for the social welfare and unity of the world’s diverse and divided population. These ecumenical metaphors are increasingly making their way into the evangelical church, especially via the Emergent Church.

The feminization of deity extends back to time immemorial. The Egyptian goddess Isis, in which Matthew Fox finds his precedence for the return of the Black Madonna, was likely the source for all the female deities of ancient Middle Eastern religion, including the idolatrous “queen of heaven” worshiped by the women and men of ancient Israel (Jeremiah 7:18-20; 44:15-19). The Black Madonna and “Elousia” find themselves in company with an idol goddess that Yahweh could not, and did not, tolerate before His face (Exodus 20:3-4). We now consider the second person of Young’s trinity.

THE SECOND PERSON — The Shack describes Jesus to be a quite human person, a relatively unattractive Middle Eastern Jewish man with a “big nose” who functioned as the retreat center’s repairman. (The Shack, 111). As regards Young’s portrayal of Jesus’ humanity, there is little disagreement. The author’s portrayal of Jesus in a literary symbolic sense seems reasonable and within the bounds of Scripture (See Matthew 1:1-17; Romans 1:3; Isaiah 53:2; Mark 6:3).

Nevertheless, the author leaves the door open for the idea that Jesus originated from “Papa-mama.” In explaining the derivation of woman from man, The Shack's Jesus tells Mack: “We created a circle of relationship, like our own, but for humans. She out of him, and now all males, including me, birthed through her (Eve), and ALL originating from God” (capital emphasis mine, The Shack, 148). Seemingly, this dialog makes Jesus’ birth to be as profane as the rest of humanity, thus calling into question His being the “only begotten of the Father” (meaning unique, or only one of His kind, John 1:14). Theologically, doubt is also aspersed upon Jesus Christ’s eternal generation.[19] After this assertion, the novel pictures Jesus’ desire to join all humans in “their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters, into my Beloved.” (The Shack, 182)[20] In this regard, never once in the novel is Jesus (His human name) ever referred to as “Christ” (His self-chosen messianic and divine name, Matthew 16:16).

Young presents his readers with a very human Jesus who comes up short of being Christ. We turn now to the third member of The Shack’s trinity.

THE THIRD PERSON — Sarayu, the retreat center’s gardener — perhaps referring to Spirit’s production of fruit for Christian living (Galatians 5:22-23) — is the character meant to represent the Holy Spirit. Just after his introduction to her, Mack asks The Shack's Jesus, “Speaking of Sarayu, is she the Holy Spirit?” Jesus answers, “Yes, She is Creativity; she is Action; she is Breathing of Life; she is much more. She is my Spirit.” Mack responds, “And her name Sarayu?” Jesus explains, “That is a simple name from one of our human languages. It means ‘Wind,’ a common wind actually. She loves that name.”(The Shack, 110)

Sarayu is likely a Sanskrit word (the language that is the most important religious and literary language of India). It might also be construed to compare to the blowing of the wind in the necessary new birth spoken of by Jesus (John 3:8). But by naming the Spirit Sarayu, there seems to be allusion to the Rig Veda, the Hindu scriptures, for Sarayu bears semantic and phonetic resemblance to Vayu.[21] In so naming the Spirit with the Indic word for “wind,” is the author making overture to eastern religion?

Nevertheless, the novel’s impersonation of the Holy Spirit as female contradicts Jesus’ clear statement that the Spirit is neither an “it” nor a “she,” but “He” (John 16:13).

Is there a fourth member of Young’s polymorphous trinity? Maybe . . . we are left to our imagination.

WISDOM — Sophia, though separate from the trinity, but secluded not far away from the resplendent retreat center, is a divine-like lady-judge, who is wise in all the ways in which “Papa” conducts his/her affairs (See Proverbs 8:1-36; 1 Corinthians 1:24.). In her verbal exchanges with Mack, she clearly possesses clairvoyant, if not omniscient, perception. (The Shack, 156, 160)

IN CONCLUSION, The Shack, under the cover of biblical allusion, presents a god which may be likened to a deity of eastern mythology and mysticism. The reader ought to beware lest biblical allusion be used to peddle theological illusion. But you ask, “How can that happen?” How can scriptural allusion promote spiritual delusion? I would point out that Satan used biblical allusion to tempt Jesus. In the second phase of the temptation of Christ, Satan alluded to Psalm 91:11-12, to which Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (See Matthew 4:5-6, KJV.). Presenting a potpourri of spirituality combining biblical allusion with mystical illusion and mythological delusion, The Shack will surely resonate with an Emergent Christian mindset that attempts to flirt with the New Age/New Spirituality of postmodernism. The fact that the novel is fiction makes no difference — it communicates wrong ideas about God. As A.W. Tozer wrote,

"Wrong ideas about God are not only the fountain from which the polluted waters of idolatry flow; they are themselves idolatrous. The idolater simply imagines things about God and acts as if they were true.

"Perverted notions about God soon rot the religion in which they appear. The long career of Israel demonstrates this clearly enough, and the history of the Church confirms it. So necessary to the Church is a lofty concept of God that when that concept in any measure declines, the Church with her worship and her moral standards decline along with it. The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of God.

"Before the Church goes into eclipse anywhere there must first be a corrupting of her simple basic theology. She simply gets a wrong answer to the question, ‘What is God like?’ and goes on from there. Though she may continue to cling to a sound nominal creed, her practical working creed has become false. The masses of her adherents come to believe that God is different from what He actually is, and that is heresy of the most insidious and deadly kind."

By Pastor Larry DeBruyn
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/07/shack-elousia-mythical-mystical-black.html

The Emergent Church Apostasy

More wolves in sheep's clothing--thanks to so called pastors asleep at the wheel and not mindin' the store. I can't believe it took me 41 years to get saved and become a born again Christian. The narrow road IS narrow--but the simplicity that is Jesus Christ---the simple act of acknowledging you are a sinner, in need of a Saviour--is the free gift of God. Yet the majority of this world will reject the real Jesus of the bible and heap for themselves false teachers JUST LIKE THE BIBLE FORETOLD IN THE LAST DAYS. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables . . . boy these guys sure know how to turn the bible upsidedown. I would not want to be you and stand before God and have to explain why they have led people astray with their fables ' ' '

The Purpose Driven Liar!

This man makes me crackers!! For the life of me I cannot understand how so many people claiming to be christians cannot see Rick Warren for the lying wolf in sheeps clothing he really is!! He is nothing more than a New Age Robert Schuller protoge' trying hard to hide his past with the man! Wake up America's Pastor is top dog of the Laodicean Church! The Purpose Driven Lie is nothing more than a bunch of humanistic boloney disguised in twisted Christianese passed off a biblical. So exactly HOW MANY bible versions did the man have to use to try to make his points.

Doesnt matter--the man is a blantant liar --- caught on tape. He exposes himself for the false teacher he is. Why is this man's PDL books even in the churches.??? This is proof to me that the world truly loves it own.



The first several minutes speak volumes. I guess you forgot you videoed your Prop 8 support there eh Rick. Just love your obnoxious arrogance! You can tell them by their fuits and frankly Mr. Warren your fruit is nothing but rotten. How can anyone calling themself a true christian buy into his Purpose Driven "franchise" is beyond me. My advice?-----Repent while your still sucking air.

One of the Most Sobering Analogies I Have Ever Heard-A MUST READ!!

Obama's Socialist America: Catching Wild Pigs

Maybe some of you have seen this story before, not sure of its provenance, but it was new to me and it serves as a perfect political parable for what is happening these days. Received it today from a dear friend up in the DC. Loved it and wanted to share it with all of you:


A chemistry professor in a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt.


The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.

In the midst of his story he looked at th e professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'

The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.

Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.

The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.

One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.

Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!

Keep your eyes on the newly elected politicians who are about to slam the gate on America .

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have" ~Thomas Jefferson

STILL TRUST YOUR GOVERNMENT? OUR FREEDOM IS ALREADY GONE--WHATEVER FREEDOM YOU THINK YOU HAVE IS JUST AN ILLUSION. WE STOPPED BEING FREE WHEN THEY MADE THE PATRIOT ACTS I AND II INTO LAW. All they have to do is make up an excuse to label you a homegrown terrorist--and the constitution and due process is out the window.
The following news article should make your blood run cold. Under the Patriot Act--they can even kidnap your KIDS!! You no longer have ANY REAL RIGHTS!!

http://www.examiner.com/x-2698-Charlotte-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m5d5-Patriot-games-FBI-detains-North-Carolina-teen

One of the Great Vids from the Book of REVELATION Series Ch 1:13

Jesus is coming back soon! There’s no doubt about it. It’s time we get prepared by getting back to the clear teaching of Bible Prophecy! This study is pretty intense and is a huge smack in the face to an apathetic American Church.
Pastor Crone begins with intense examination of current news articles and startling video clips from around the world showing how Bible prophecy in unfolding right before our very eyes and then he delves right into the text, including a study of key words and phrases in the original Greek. The Book of Revelation has never been more relevant than today!

RUN!

Last Day of Gauley Season 2008

I mentioned awhile back that I would post these pics of the boys from our last Gauley River season trip over Bridge Day weekend (Oct 18-19, 2008) I toyed with doing this very thing, however, since I have already joined the Upper Gauley River Swim Team (involuntarily I might add) many times over, and since I have swum Pillow Rock rapid before and got spanked--I saw no need for a repeat performance. . . and the fact I weigh a little more than I did when I first entertained the idea of "purposely" jumping off the rock directly into the maelstrom. I can assure you it's almost ALWAYS completely under water until you reappear somewhere 20+ yards downstream after getting the underwater equivilent of traveling in a wormhole at "warp" speed when you catch that lovely eddyline next to Volkswagon rock. And if you are luckily enough to pop up right away, Volkswagon rock usually prepares you for a second tour, in the event you didnt get to fully enjoy the underwater scenery

I bet you're assuming they ride the short bus to school dont you.

Note: When someone says to you to "Go take a flying leap" I dont think

they meant literally

Extreme Baptism!

My King, Do You Know Him?

- by Dr S.M. Lockridge

The Bible says my King is a seven way King.

He's the King of the Jews -

He's the King of Israel - that's a national King;

He's the King of Righteousness,

He's the King of the ages,

He's the King of Heaven,

He's the King of Glory,

He's the King of Kings and He's the Lord of Lords!

He's my King, I wonder - do you know Him?

David said the Heaven's declare the glory of God

and the firmament shows His handiwork.

My King is a sovereign King.

No means of measure can define His limitless love,

no far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore,

no barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings
He's enduringly strong,

He's entirely sincere,

He's eternally steadfast, He's immortally graceful,

He's imperially powerful, He's impartially merciful.
Do you know Him?

He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!

He's God's son,

He's the sinners Savior,

He's the centerpiece of civilization,

He stands in the solitude of Himself,

He's awesome and He's unique!

He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented,

He's the loftiest idea in literature,

He's the highest personality in philosophy,
He's the supreme problem in higher criticism,

He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology,

He's the miracle of the age,

He is - yes He is, He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him,

He's the only one who qualified to be an all sufficient Savior;
Do you know Him?

He supplies strength for the weak,

He's available for the tempted and the tried,

He sympathizes and He saves,

He strengthens and sustains,

He guards and He guides,

He heals the sick,

He cleansed the lepers,

He forgives sinners,

He discharges debtors,

He delivers the captives,

He defends the feeble

He blesses the young,

He serves the unfortunate,

He regards the aged,

He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?

My King is the key to knowledge:

The wellspring of wisdom;

the doorway of deliverance;

the pathway of peace;

the roadway of righteousness;

the highway of holiness, and the gateway of glory!

His office is manifold:

His promise is sure.

His light is matchless.

His goodness is limitless.

His mercy is everlasting.

His reign is Righteous.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him for you, but He's indescribable!

He's Incomprehensible! He's invincible! He's Irresistible!

You can't get Him out of your mind or off your hands!

You can't out-live Him and you can't live without Him!

The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.

Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.

The witnesses couldn't agree.

Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him!

That's my King!That's my King! That's my King!

and He's the kingdom and the power and the glory - Forever! AMEN!!!

That's my King! Do You KNOW HIM??

What God Won't Ask On THAT Day??

God won't ask what kind of car you drove,
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

- God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

- God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

- God won't ask what your highest salary was,
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

- God won't ask what your job title was,
He'll ask you if you shared His love to the people at your job

- God won't ask how many friends you had,
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

- God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

- God won't ask about the color of your skin,
He'll ask about the content of your character.

- God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation,
He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of hell.

Evangelism Linebacker

ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! (yet true!)

Alive Forever Amen

Another awesome music video

Song: "Revelation" by Third Day

Awesome music video!

The Midnight Cry, The Rapture of The Church

What will the rapture of the church be like?

1 of 20 -The Final Countdown (The Jewish People)-Billy Crone