Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
TRUE TRUTH
"Every true Christian should be deeply offended and concerned that serious error is being promoted not only in the world but even in seemingly sound churches and by those who are looked up to as evangelical leaders. It is our love for Christ in response to His love for us, and our love for the lost whom He loves and for whom He suffered and died, which causes us to hate heresy, to denounce the occult invasion and to earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. May we remain true to Him until He takes us home!" ---Dave Hunt (Occult Invasion - The Subtle Seduction of the World and Church, pgs. 598-599.)
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In a time when people won't endure sound doctrine, it's no great surprise to see so many false prophets on the airwaves. Television: it sells people what they want to buy. Some programmers use it to sell false doctrines and millions are eating it up. Today, how a discerning believer can and must separate truth from error when listening to religious teaching on TV.
From the WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE series:
Judging False Prophets and Teachers #1 of 2 Erwin Lutzer
Judging False Prophets and Teachers #2 of 2
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
This is an ode to those of you who defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ, speaking the truth in love, strength, and courage, by His grace.
The Watchman
by Scottish pastor, Horatius Bonar
(1808-1889)
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be;
Lead me by Thine own hand, choose out the path for me.
“…if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ … I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.” Ezekiel 33:6-7
“Some one, then, must undertake the ungracious task of probing and laying bare the evils of the age; for men must not be allowed to congratulate themselves that all is well. If others will not, he will.
If others shrink from the obloquy of such a work, he will not…. He loves his fellow-men too well. They may upbraid him; they may call him a misanthropist, or a prophet of evil; they may ascribe his warnings to the worst of motives, such as pride, or arrogance, or self-esteem, or malice, or envy; but he will give no heed to these unjust insinuations.
He will prefer being thus misunderstood and maligned, to allowing men to precipitate themselves upon a ruin which they see not. Rather than that they should perish, he will allow his own good name to be spoken against. He will risk every thing, even the hatred of brethren, rather than withhold the warning. If they give no heed to it, he has, at least, saved his own soul. If they do, he has saved both his own soul and theirs.
He would rather take up the glad tidings of peace, and tell men of Him who came the first time for shame and death, and who is coming the second time for glory and dominion; but he feels as one who has a special and personal message to deliver, which cannot be postponed.
He must remember that he is a watchman; and, having seen danger pressing on, he must not hesitate to make it known. He must speak his message of forewarning and rebuke, sparing no arrows, and neither smoothing down nor hiding any form of sin, but laying his finger upon every sore, and beseeching men to turn from their ungodliness. The evils around him press upon him sadly; the coming evils are foreshadowed upon his spirit, and, therefore, he lifts up his voice like a trumpet.
Satan has many snares which need to be detected; the world has many spells and lures which must be disenchanted; religion has many guises which must be unmasked, many devious paths of inconsistency which must be pointed out, many cherished errors which must be condemned, many carnal taints which must be abhorred and shunned. All these he must protest against without fear or favour.”
Smooth let it be or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads
Right onward to Thy rest.
I dare not choose my lot;
I would not, if I might;
Choose Thou for me, my God,
So I shall walk aright.
by Scottish pastor, Horatius Bonar
(1808-1889)
Lead me by Thine own hand, choose out the path for me.
“…if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ … I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.” Ezekiel 33:6-7
“Some one, then, must undertake the ungracious task of probing and laying bare the evils of the age; for men must not be allowed to congratulate themselves that all is well. If others will not, he will.
If others shrink from the obloquy of such a work, he will not…. He loves his fellow-men too well. They may upbraid him; they may call him a misanthropist, or a prophet of evil; they may ascribe his warnings to the worst of motives, such as pride, or arrogance, or self-esteem, or malice, or envy; but he will give no heed to these unjust insinuations.
He will prefer being thus misunderstood and maligned, to allowing men to precipitate themselves upon a ruin which they see not. Rather than that they should perish, he will allow his own good name to be spoken against. He will risk every thing, even the hatred of brethren, rather than withhold the warning. If they give no heed to it, he has, at least, saved his own soul. If they do, he has saved both his own soul and theirs.
He would rather take up the glad tidings of peace, and tell men of Him who came the first time for shame and death, and who is coming the second time for glory and dominion; but he feels as one who has a special and personal message to deliver, which cannot be postponed.
He must remember that he is a watchman; and, having seen danger pressing on, he must not hesitate to make it known. He must speak his message of forewarning and rebuke, sparing no arrows, and neither smoothing down nor hiding any form of sin, but laying his finger upon every sore, and beseeching men to turn from their ungodliness. The evils around him press upon him sadly; the coming evils are foreshadowed upon his spirit, and, therefore, he lifts up his voice like a trumpet.
Satan has many snares which need to be detected; the world has many spells and lures which must be disenchanted; religion has many guises which must be unmasked, many devious paths of inconsistency which must be pointed out, many cherished errors which must be condemned, many carnal taints which must be abhorred and shunned. All these he must protest against without fear or favour.”
Smooth let it be or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads
Right onward to Thy rest.
I dare not choose my lot;
I would not, if I might;
Choose Thou for me, my God,
So I shall walk aright.
Sounding the Trumpet: The Demonic Side of Saddleback's "Daniel Plan"
Rick Warren is knowingly exposing Saddleback congregants and millions of his purpose driven followers to New Age mysticism and occultism through "The Daniel Plan" What is it going to take to get people to wake up to this soul snatching charlatan. Do you love truth or do you love to have your ears tickled......if you like ear tickling thats a good sign you are no longer enduring sound doctrine but heaped for your self this false teacher. May God have mercy on the church.
By endorsing and featuring such new age doctors such as "Dr. Oz" at Saddleback and selling his media, THIS is what the church is exposed to! http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/deepak-chopra-meditation
Check out the Dr. Oz show with Deepak Chopra demonstrating eastern meditation techniques right out of paganism
Saddleback Health Fitness Seminar - New Age Infomercial for Sustainable Development
http://ponderingsfrompatmos.blogspot.com/2011/01/saddleback-health-fitness-seminar.html
Rick Warren Rolls Out New Age Fitness Program
Rick Warren introduces "The Devil Plan"Occultism in Saddleback
Rick Warren Connections Especially to the Ecumenical Third Wave New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and “Positive Thinking” Movement
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Radical Environmentalism and the Church
http://www.resistingthegreendragon.com/
Pastor Mike Spaulding and Calvary Chapel of Lima are hosting a 12-week Wednesday night Bible Study Resisting the Green Dragon which started last week. A brief synopsis of the study is below. The address is at the end. An invitation is added to "Feel free to invite your friends, family, and neighbors...."
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world,"wrote the Apostle Paul. “On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10
Today, one of the most dangerous forces threatening the Church and free, just societies is the environmental movement, what we call the Green Dragon. No longer recognizable as the common-sense, people-friendly, even God-honoring conservationist movement from which it diverged, it has become an alternative worldview and even a substitute religion with its own false doctrines of God, creation, humanity, sin, and salvation. Whether atheistic and overtly secular or pantheistic and overtly religious, it is decisively anti-Christian, exalting the creation over the Creator, denigrating humanity while magnifying other living creatures, and driven by irrational mysticism and myth rather than the rational truth revealed in Scripture and creation and embodied in Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Sadly, this radically anti-Christian worldview, theology, and ethic has successfully infiltrated many churches, beguiling, as the serpent did Eve, even many Christians into unwittingly trading the heritage of Biblical faith for a new, false religion. Many Christians have uncritically embraced the implications, and sometimes even the premises, of the Green Dragon’s atheism or pantheism; the topsy-turvy value system that protects eagles’ eggs but approves of aborting babies or euthanizing the elderly in the name of population control; and the exaggerated and often downright fraudulent claims of eco-disaster pedaled by leading environmentalists. The Dragon’s attacks must be repelled. That’s the purpose of Resisting the Green Dragon. In the accompanying documentary and 12 lectures, you’ll hear
1. Cornwall Alliance Founder and National Spokesman Dr. E. Calvin Beisner expose and refute the false worldview of the Green movement;
2. Theologian and TruthXChange President Dr. Peter Jones discuss how to rescue people from the cult of the Green Dragon;
3. Philosopher and social activist Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi explain how the Green movement undermines reason and promotes irrationality;
4. Home education pioneer, Patrick Henry College founder, and Home School Legal Defense Association President Dr. Michael Farris reveal how the Green Dragon propagandizes youth through schools, entertainment, and the Internet;
5. Historian and political philosopher Dr. Steven Hayward, author of the annual Index of Leading Environmental Indicators, expose the Green Dragon’s exaggerations, myths, and lies;
6. Climatologist Dr. David Legates refute the reigning environmental myth of our day, dangerous man-made global warming;
7. Former Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Norton Dunlop unveil how the Green Dragon’s policies would impoverish you, your church, and your society;
8. Pastor and Cornwall Alliance Senior Fellow Dr. James Tonkowich reveal the grave harm environmental policies routinely do to America ’s and the world’s poor;
9. Americans United for Life President Dr. Charmaine Yoest explain how and why the environmental movement threatens the sanctity of human life;
10. Dr. Beisner expose the determined efforts of Green leaders around the world to usher in global governance, threatening nations’ sovereignty and citizens’ liberties;
11. Dr. Tonkowich outline genuine, balanced Earth stewardship according to the Bible, explaining how it benefits both humanity and God’s beautiful creation;
12. Dr. Jones demonstrate the difference between the Christian gospel and the false gospel of the Green movement and show how to present the gospel effectively in a world permeated by environmentalism.
These lectures, and the comments of other Christian leaders in the introductory documentary and throughout the series, are a powerful response to the threat of anti-Christian environmentalism. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world,” wrote the Apostle Paul. “On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). By listening to and discussing these messages, you and your family, Sunday school class, small group, Christian school class, or home school co-op can equip yourselves to recognize the errors of the Green Dragon and respond with spiritual weapons of prayer and argumentation powerful to demolish its strongholds. Not only that—you can also equip yourselves both to understand and implement balanced, constructive, Biblical Earth stewardship and to present, explain, and defend the true Christian faith, especially the gospel of Christ’s saving work on the cross, to friends and acquaintances heretofore beguiled by the Green Dragon.
Pastor Mike Spaulding
Calvary Chapel of Lima
682 W. Grand Ave.
Lima, Ohio 45801
http://www.cclohio.org/
..
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
When Contending Costs EVERYTHING
by Jan Markell
Olive Tree Ministries
Click HERE for link to website and article
What on earth is Pastor Rick Warren thinking? I have avoided being harsh concerning Rick but on the issue I am about to outline, I must be blunt. A series of errors is outlined below but the zinger following them is my focus.
* Praising Syria for its religious freedom when it is an evil, repressive regime.
* Perfecting church-growth efforts that even include synagogues, but what is missing in the process is the proclamation of the gospel. Warren's church-growth plan focuses only on numbers.
* Being a part of the leadership or board of advisors for questionable organizations such as the World Economic Forum, The Council on Foreign Relations, and Tony Blair's Faith Foundation which is a pagan, ecumenical outfit.
* Speaking to the North American Islamic Society in July 2009 but withholding the gospel from his message. This was another ecumenical effort.
* Misquoting Jesus in The Purpose Driven Life saying that He stated, "My return is none of your business" when, in fact, the Bible emphasizes that His return is our blessed hope.
The Bible encourages us to watch and pray for His return. This theme consumes more than one-third of the Bible.
* Embracing the false theology of Kingdom Now/Dominion eschatology which says the church will save the world through Pastor Warren's global P.E.A.C.E. plan, global AIDS' efforts, etc. This is raging through evangelicalism and is a delusion, as we are on a cursed planet that only Christ's return can save.
* Underplaying the issues of hell, sin, repentance, etc., in his book and other global platforms he has been given.
Because of a new effort launched January 15 at Saddleback Church, I join the voices of vocal critics. He has put the souls and lives of his people and millions more in danger. I do not know his motive. Last Saturday he launched a year-long effort to get his congregation and himself in shape. You can hear and read about it on the Saddleback Web site: "God's prescription for your health. Be a part of this transformational debut to be a healthier you! We'll hear from world-renowned doctors on a plan to get healthy and stay that way in the
new decade."
Who are "the world-renowned doctors" who have designed this program just for Saddleback Church? Men who are blatant promoters of Eastern mystical practices. Let me elaborate.
Best-selling author Dr. Richard Amen is a professor of psychiatry and teaches Eastern religious meditation and New Age energy-based Reiki.
You can hear Rick and Dr. Amen interacting on the Saddleback Web site. On page 238 of Amen's book, Making a Good Brain Great, he states, "I recommend an active form of Yoga meditation called Krya Kirtan. It is based on five primal sounds." He advocates repeating these sounds daily for 12 minutes.
Dr. Mark Hyman is a four-time New York Times best-selling author who again promotes mystical meditation based on Buddhist principles. In his book, The Ultramind Solution, Hyman emphasizes meditation, saying it doesn't matter what religion one is -- all will benefit from it (p. 322). He praises the practice perfected by Buddhists (p. 384).
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a promoter of Reiki and Transcendental Meditation. Oz says he is also inspired by Emmanuel Swedenborg, an 18th century cult founder who taught that all religions lead to God. Swedenborg denied all orthodox Christian beliefs. There are many followers of the cult of Swedenborgism today.
What is Pastor Warren's comment on the character of his three guests? "I am honored to be partnering with these internationally distinguished health experts." Has he no understanding that putting into practice the various procedures they teach will put his congregation in great jeopardy?
Is the deception that great today? And what about the tens of thousands of churches who align with Saddleback? Will they get on board as well, putting millions of Christian's souls and lives at stake? How many demons are lurking around the wicked practices of Transcendental Meditation, Reiki,Yoga, and similar Eastern traditions?
As apologist Eric Barger says, "Among the most troubling aspects of Warren's progression are his alliances. When the most visible Christian leader of our day rubs shoulders with and aids the causes of assorted globalists, New Agers, Muslims, and now looks to one who is inspired by cultist Emanuel Swedenborg, the results are devastating. When leaders decide to reject discernment in favor of ecumenism, then innocent, unsuspecting people are, in effect, targeted by Satan's unrelenting plan to move the church away from the truth of God's Word. This is a perfect example of why following men, instead of the Bible, is a dangerous proposition."
Rick Warren says, "Americans are getting fatter and fatter and we must do something." This seems a strange cause for a man some call 'America's pastor.' Shouldn't our burden as evangelicals be the leanness of the soul and not the body? Equally perplexing is why his church leaders and members are fine with this year long effort to glorify men who promote Eastern mysticism and other practices that are ungodly
Ministry leaders have to choose our battles. Criticizing Christian leaders causes us distress and results in the loss of supporters, donations, churches, and even friends. We are called every name imaginable so understand that contending for the faith costs everything. But contending isn't an option. It's a commandment in Jude 3. Saddleback Church is now presenting a different gospel via the three doctors who will speak into the lives of many for one full year. These men will be affirmed by Pastor Rick Warren. There will be damage.
If some do not sound a warning, millions will be swept up in a program that could cause far more damage than obesity could ever do. The gods represented by the three doctors are after souls. They are gods who lead people away from eternal life in heaven and target souls for a Godless eternity. We cannot be silent no matter what the cost is to the critics.
Pray for Pastor Rick Warren and his church leaders. The program launched last weekend could be stopped by the leadership if they would grasp the offense of this effort.
To better understand such issues, visit our Web site category of "Spiritual Deception."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On air this weekend (January 22-23) and the following weekend (January 29-30) depending on the radio market, I discuss this issue with Caryl Matrisciana.
Caryl grew up in India and is a former New Ager, very familiar with the practices that are represented by each of the three doctors referenced. Her warning is stunning, articulate, and borne out of personal experience. She explains the kundalini arousal of blatant serpent power in some of the above practices. We are not being sensational. This issue is far too grievous.
Get acquainted with "Understanding the Times" radio, now heard in 415 markets. We headquarter out of AM980 KKMS and AM1280 The Patriot in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. CST. You can always "listen live" at those two Web sites. They replay the program Sunday, 12 to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 8 to 10 a.m. respectively.
Olive Tree Ministries
Click HERE for link to website and article
What on earth is Pastor Rick Warren thinking? I have avoided being harsh concerning Rick but on the issue I am about to outline, I must be blunt. A series of errors is outlined below but the zinger following them is my focus.
* Praising Syria for its religious freedom when it is an evil, repressive regime.
* Perfecting church-growth efforts that even include synagogues, but what is missing in the process is the proclamation of the gospel. Warren's church-growth plan focuses only on numbers.
* Being a part of the leadership or board of advisors for questionable organizations such as the World Economic Forum, The Council on Foreign Relations, and Tony Blair's Faith Foundation which is a pagan, ecumenical outfit.
* Speaking to the North American Islamic Society in July 2009 but withholding the gospel from his message. This was another ecumenical effort.
* Misquoting Jesus in The Purpose Driven Life saying that He stated, "My return is none of your business" when, in fact, the Bible emphasizes that His return is our blessed hope.
The Bible encourages us to watch and pray for His return. This theme consumes more than one-third of the Bible.
* Embracing the false theology of Kingdom Now/Dominion eschatology which says the church will save the world through Pastor Warren's global P.E.A.C.E. plan, global AIDS' efforts, etc. This is raging through evangelicalism and is a delusion, as we are on a cursed planet that only Christ's return can save.
* Underplaying the issues of hell, sin, repentance, etc., in his book and other global platforms he has been given.
Because of a new effort launched January 15 at Saddleback Church, I join the voices of vocal critics. He has put the souls and lives of his people and millions more in danger. I do not know his motive. Last Saturday he launched a year-long effort to get his congregation and himself in shape. You can hear and read about it on the Saddleback Web site: "God's prescription for your health. Be a part of this transformational debut to be a healthier you! We'll hear from world-renowned doctors on a plan to get healthy and stay that way in the
new decade."
Who are "the world-renowned doctors" who have designed this program just for Saddleback Church? Men who are blatant promoters of Eastern mystical practices. Let me elaborate.
Best-selling author Dr. Richard Amen is a professor of psychiatry and teaches Eastern religious meditation and New Age energy-based Reiki.
You can hear Rick and Dr. Amen interacting on the Saddleback Web site. On page 238 of Amen's book, Making a Good Brain Great, he states, "I recommend an active form of Yoga meditation called Krya Kirtan. It is based on five primal sounds." He advocates repeating these sounds daily for 12 minutes.
Dr. Mark Hyman is a four-time New York Times best-selling author who again promotes mystical meditation based on Buddhist principles. In his book, The Ultramind Solution, Hyman emphasizes meditation, saying it doesn't matter what religion one is -- all will benefit from it (p. 322). He praises the practice perfected by Buddhists (p. 384).
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a promoter of Reiki and Transcendental Meditation. Oz says he is also inspired by Emmanuel Swedenborg, an 18th century cult founder who taught that all religions lead to God. Swedenborg denied all orthodox Christian beliefs. There are many followers of the cult of Swedenborgism today.
What is Pastor Warren's comment on the character of his three guests? "I am honored to be partnering with these internationally distinguished health experts." Has he no understanding that putting into practice the various procedures they teach will put his congregation in great jeopardy?
Is the deception that great today? And what about the tens of thousands of churches who align with Saddleback? Will they get on board as well, putting millions of Christian's souls and lives at stake? How many demons are lurking around the wicked practices of Transcendental Meditation, Reiki,Yoga, and similar Eastern traditions?
As apologist Eric Barger says, "Among the most troubling aspects of Warren's progression are his alliances. When the most visible Christian leader of our day rubs shoulders with and aids the causes of assorted globalists, New Agers, Muslims, and now looks to one who is inspired by cultist Emanuel Swedenborg, the results are devastating. When leaders decide to reject discernment in favor of ecumenism, then innocent, unsuspecting people are, in effect, targeted by Satan's unrelenting plan to move the church away from the truth of God's Word. This is a perfect example of why following men, instead of the Bible, is a dangerous proposition."
Rick Warren says, "Americans are getting fatter and fatter and we must do something." This seems a strange cause for a man some call 'America's pastor.' Shouldn't our burden as evangelicals be the leanness of the soul and not the body? Equally perplexing is why his church leaders and members are fine with this year long effort to glorify men who promote Eastern mysticism and other practices that are ungodly
Ministry leaders have to choose our battles. Criticizing Christian leaders causes us distress and results in the loss of supporters, donations, churches, and even friends. We are called every name imaginable so understand that contending for the faith costs everything. But contending isn't an option. It's a commandment in Jude 3. Saddleback Church is now presenting a different gospel via the three doctors who will speak into the lives of many for one full year. These men will be affirmed by Pastor Rick Warren. There will be damage.
If some do not sound a warning, millions will be swept up in a program that could cause far more damage than obesity could ever do. The gods represented by the three doctors are after souls. They are gods who lead people away from eternal life in heaven and target souls for a Godless eternity. We cannot be silent no matter what the cost is to the critics.
Pray for Pastor Rick Warren and his church leaders. The program launched last weekend could be stopped by the leadership if they would grasp the offense of this effort.
To better understand such issues, visit our Web site category of "Spiritual Deception."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On air this weekend (January 22-23) and the following weekend (January 29-30) depending on the radio market, I discuss this issue with Caryl Matrisciana.
Caryl grew up in India and is a former New Ager, very familiar with the practices that are represented by each of the three doctors referenced. Her warning is stunning, articulate, and borne out of personal experience. She explains the kundalini arousal of blatant serpent power in some of the above practices. We are not being sensational. This issue is far too grievous.
Get acquainted with "Understanding the Times" radio, now heard in 415 markets. We headquarter out of AM980 KKMS and AM1280 The Patriot in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. CST. You can always "listen live" at those two Web sites. They replay the program Sunday, 12 to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 8 to 10 a.m. respectively.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Discernment vs Apologetics Ministries: Is There A Difference? - Jackie Alnor
The field of the Christian study of apologetics stems from the command of scripture to:
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” [Jude 3]
Jude was not addressing some uniquely called individuals in the church to some special office like pastor or evangelist, but makes it clear in the first verse that he was calling all believers to the task. “To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” [Jude 1]
Yet over the years the defense of the faith against “every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” [2 Cor. 10:5) has become specialized due to the superabundance of cults, heresies, and isms that attack the faith from within and without the professing church.
To assist all the saints to sort out truth from error, God has raised up para-church ministries to the task of studying, researching and exposing the false ideas that threaten to overturn the faith of many. They give answers using Scripture and reason to equip the saints in their walk with Christ to battle against the deceptions and ploys of the enemy. To be forewarned is to be forearmed in the battle of ideas that would try to shipwreck their faith.
Since the time that Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses to the Door of the Wittenburg Church, defenders of the faith have made their mark on church history by rocking the boat to awaken a sleeping church. In our modern times, men like Francis Schaeffer and C. S. Lewis have written tomes of apologetics resources that have become the textbooks of modern seminaries.
It wasn’t until the formation of the Christian Research Institute in 1960 by the late Walter Martin, author of The Kingdom of the Cults, that the field of the study of apologetics became specialized according to area of focus. He had an entire research department with researchers who each had their specialty of study. [Though under CRI’s current leadership, there is only the voice on the radio and office workers filling orders.] Other apologetics ministries came along in the 1970s & 80s such as Watchman Fellowship, Spiritual Counterfeits Project, and Personal Freedom Outreach.
In those days, the terms apologetics and discernment were synonymous and interchangeable. Over the years, the terms took on new meaning as approaches to the defense of the faith diverged. A division arose between the theologically academic approach and the Spirit-led Bible approach upon the publication of Dave Hunt’s book, The Seduction of Christianity in 1985.
The book got panned by CRI insiders Bob and Gretchen Passantino, whose amillennial sensitivities were offended by Hunt’s recognition of the importance that Bible prophecy played in recognizing the spirit of antichrist at work in the infiltration of doctrines of demons into the church. [They later wrote a counter-offensive book, Witch Hunt, in which they faulted Hunt for his failure to follow Matthew 18 in not going to every church leader first before quoting from their published writings. Of course the Passantinos never lived up to this twisted logic in their own writing.]
Unfortunately, the Passantinos got the ear of Walter Martin who criticized the book on his Bible-Answer-Man radio broadcast based upon their warped review. At that time I was friends with both Martin and Hunt and became somewhat of a go-between. When Dave showed me a transcript of Walter’s criticism of Seduction I recognized it as a paraphrase of the Passantino’s writing. So the next Sunday I approached Walter after his Bible study that I regularly attended and asked him point blank, “Have you ever read the book?” He admitted to me that he hadn’t and I was astounded. I later went through Hunt’s book and highlighted important points he made with a highlighter pen and gave it to Martin who used it later to confront TBN on live television for the heresies Hunt had documented.
But sadly there was always a breach between CRI and Dave Hunt and any of us independent researchers who incorporated Bible prophecy into our recognition of the spirit of antichrist in the heretical teachings that were infiltrating the church.
Over the next several years, ministries that followed Hunt’s lead, recognizing the prophesied apostasy in the church via ecumenism with Rome, became labeled as “discernment ministries.” The view that the false teachings in the church were propelling the visible church toward a unification into a global false religious system was not seen as a valid paradigm by the academic type of apologists. So the latter tended to marginalize the former and look down their noses at those who believe we are in the end times. That idea just isn’t very scholarly to them.
Those who dare to believe what the Spirit of Christ has put in their hearts that His return is near are literally mocked and told “we have no need of you.” [1Cor. 12:21] Scoffers have risen up ridiculing us saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” [2 Peter 3:3-5]
So when you hear the term discernment ministries today, you will usually see a common belief that we are in the end times. When you hear the word apologetics, you will probably be around academics who speak using big theological words. It has just sort of evolved that way. Discernment ministries overall show respect to the academics, but rarely is the compliment returned
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and a timely response by Jacob Prasch of MORIEL MINISTRIES
The line between apologetics and discernment is indeed nebulous. In the earlier years with Dr. Walter Martin, etc. “apologetics” mainly meant cult evangelism. With the apostasy of the last 25 – 30 years however, much of what had been considered “evangelicism” is also now cultic and just as heretical as the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons
-Spiritual Babylon” (or variations of the same term) used to mean Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Liberal Protestantism; now it co-equally means the Assemblies of God, the Baptist Union, the Emergent and Purpose Driven churches.
-Heretical books use to be read by non-believers; now The Shack and Ecumenical Jihad are read and endorsed by those claiming to be mainstream Evangelicals like Gayle Irwin and J. I. Packer
-Cult leaders, antichrists, and false prophets used to mean Rev. Moon, Joseph Smith, or the pope; now it co-equally means Tony Campolo, Chuck Colson, Peter Wagner, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, and Mike Bickle
-Eastern Religious mysticism and New Age philosophy referred to the Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi; now it is Brian McLaren, John Arnott, and Joyce Hugget
-Extremist fundamentalists use to be red-neck Bible thumpers from racially segregated churches in the American Bible Belt or political protestant preachers from Northern Ireland; now anyone not agreeing with same-sex marriage and homosexual and lesbian ordination is branded as extreme
In a sad sense those in apologetics and discernment circles have had their own “paradigm shift” thrust upon them by the tide of spiritual, doctrinal, and moral deterioration. I am not just hating what is happening to the world and society, I am hating the plight of the so-called church. Even more than before my attitude is MARANATHA. Please Come Quickly Lord Jesus!
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” [Jude 3]
Jude was not addressing some uniquely called individuals in the church to some special office like pastor or evangelist, but makes it clear in the first verse that he was calling all believers to the task. “To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” [Jude 1]
Yet over the years the defense of the faith against “every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” [2 Cor. 10:5) has become specialized due to the superabundance of cults, heresies, and isms that attack the faith from within and without the professing church.
To assist all the saints to sort out truth from error, God has raised up para-church ministries to the task of studying, researching and exposing the false ideas that threaten to overturn the faith of many. They give answers using Scripture and reason to equip the saints in their walk with Christ to battle against the deceptions and ploys of the enemy. To be forewarned is to be forearmed in the battle of ideas that would try to shipwreck their faith.
Since the time that Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses to the Door of the Wittenburg Church, defenders of the faith have made their mark on church history by rocking the boat to awaken a sleeping church. In our modern times, men like Francis Schaeffer and C. S. Lewis have written tomes of apologetics resources that have become the textbooks of modern seminaries.
It wasn’t until the formation of the Christian Research Institute in 1960 by the late Walter Martin, author of The Kingdom of the Cults, that the field of the study of apologetics became specialized according to area of focus. He had an entire research department with researchers who each had their specialty of study. [Though under CRI’s current leadership, there is only the voice on the radio and office workers filling orders.] Other apologetics ministries came along in the 1970s & 80s such as Watchman Fellowship, Spiritual Counterfeits Project, and Personal Freedom Outreach.
In those days, the terms apologetics and discernment were synonymous and interchangeable. Over the years, the terms took on new meaning as approaches to the defense of the faith diverged. A division arose between the theologically academic approach and the Spirit-led Bible approach upon the publication of Dave Hunt’s book, The Seduction of Christianity in 1985.
The book got panned by CRI insiders Bob and Gretchen Passantino, whose amillennial sensitivities were offended by Hunt’s recognition of the importance that Bible prophecy played in recognizing the spirit of antichrist at work in the infiltration of doctrines of demons into the church. [They later wrote a counter-offensive book, Witch Hunt, in which they faulted Hunt for his failure to follow Matthew 18 in not going to every church leader first before quoting from their published writings. Of course the Passantinos never lived up to this twisted logic in their own writing.]
Unfortunately, the Passantinos got the ear of Walter Martin who criticized the book on his Bible-Answer-Man radio broadcast based upon their warped review. At that time I was friends with both Martin and Hunt and became somewhat of a go-between. When Dave showed me a transcript of Walter’s criticism of Seduction I recognized it as a paraphrase of the Passantino’s writing. So the next Sunday I approached Walter after his Bible study that I regularly attended and asked him point blank, “Have you ever read the book?” He admitted to me that he hadn’t and I was astounded. I later went through Hunt’s book and highlighted important points he made with a highlighter pen and gave it to Martin who used it later to confront TBN on live television for the heresies Hunt had documented.
But sadly there was always a breach between CRI and Dave Hunt and any of us independent researchers who incorporated Bible prophecy into our recognition of the spirit of antichrist in the heretical teachings that were infiltrating the church.
Over the next several years, ministries that followed Hunt’s lead, recognizing the prophesied apostasy in the church via ecumenism with Rome, became labeled as “discernment ministries.” The view that the false teachings in the church were propelling the visible church toward a unification into a global false religious system was not seen as a valid paradigm by the academic type of apologists. So the latter tended to marginalize the former and look down their noses at those who believe we are in the end times. That idea just isn’t very scholarly to them.
Those who dare to believe what the Spirit of Christ has put in their hearts that His return is near are literally mocked and told “we have no need of you.” [1Cor. 12:21] Scoffers have risen up ridiculing us saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” [2 Peter 3:3-5]
So when you hear the term discernment ministries today, you will usually see a common belief that we are in the end times. When you hear the word apologetics, you will probably be around academics who speak using big theological words. It has just sort of evolved that way. Discernment ministries overall show respect to the academics, but rarely is the compliment returned
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and a timely response by Jacob Prasch of MORIEL MINISTRIES
The line between apologetics and discernment is indeed nebulous. In the earlier years with Dr. Walter Martin, etc. “apologetics” mainly meant cult evangelism. With the apostasy of the last 25 – 30 years however, much of what had been considered “evangelicism” is also now cultic and just as heretical as the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons
-Spiritual Babylon” (or variations of the same term) used to mean Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Liberal Protestantism; now it co-equally means the Assemblies of God, the Baptist Union, the Emergent and Purpose Driven churches.
-Heretical books use to be read by non-believers; now The Shack and Ecumenical Jihad are read and endorsed by those claiming to be mainstream Evangelicals like Gayle Irwin and J. I. Packer
-Cult leaders, antichrists, and false prophets used to mean Rev. Moon, Joseph Smith, or the pope; now it co-equally means Tony Campolo, Chuck Colson, Peter Wagner, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, and Mike Bickle
-Eastern Religious mysticism and New Age philosophy referred to the Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi; now it is Brian McLaren, John Arnott, and Joyce Hugget
-Extremist fundamentalists use to be red-neck Bible thumpers from racially segregated churches in the American Bible Belt or political protestant preachers from Northern Ireland; now anyone not agreeing with same-sex marriage and homosexual and lesbian ordination is branded as extreme
In a sad sense those in apologetics and discernment circles have had their own “paradigm shift” thrust upon them by the tide of spiritual, doctrinal, and moral deterioration. I am not just hating what is happening to the world and society, I am hating the plight of the so-called church. Even more than before my attitude is MARANATHA. Please Come Quickly Lord Jesus!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
How Apostasy Is Scattering the Sheep
Today, many precious saints have been forced to leave their churches due to truly biblical or doctrinal disputes. If you have, you are NOT alone!
With alarming numbers of once-trustworthy denominations and leaders trumpeting varieties of Liberalism and Emergent and other heresies, what is the dedicated Bible-believer to do? Should we stay or must we go? In this important message, Eric Barger utilizes biblical apologetics as he approaches the problem, offers solutions, and outlines reasons to both leave and stay in a congregation.
With alarming numbers of once-trustworthy denominations and leaders trumpeting varieties of Liberalism and Emergent and other heresies, what is the dedicated Bible-believer to do? Should we stay or must we go? In this important message, Eric Barger utilizes biblical apologetics as he approaches the problem, offers solutions, and outlines reasons to both leave and stay in a congregation.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
My People Are Destroyed for A Lack of Knowledge....and They Love To Have It So!
When "Christians" call heretics "brothers" they are violating Scripture and are leading others to follow suit.
Scripture is clear that we are to divide from heretics and expose their dark deeds, NOT CODDLE THEM. Such nonsense is what the Fluff N Stuff "Christians" do: luuuv everyone to Hell because they don't want to divide from those that claim the name ofJesus
We must test all people, songs, books, authors, pastors, teachers, Bible-study leaders, and of course ourselves by the Word of God. No one gets a FREE pass!
Jeremiah 5:30-31 An appalling and A horrible thing Has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely ...and my people love to have it so But what will you do in the end?
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:
Jer 6:17 I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not pay attention.'
Jer 6:18 Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
Jer 6:19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. Jer 6:20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me. Jer 6:21 Therefore thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.'"
Jer 7:4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'
Jer 7:23 But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' Jer 7:24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- Gal 1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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