For the Time is Coming...

The Occult Agenda Full Documentary

2012-01-10T23:22:00.000-05:00

Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood [Full Film]

2011-12-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

Mission Statement: Using biblical discernment to expose the hidden dangers within pop culture that has many Christians with "One foot in the world, and one foot in the church". Ephesians 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. Please read "The Purpose of this Blog" under "Labels".

IndoctriNation - How the Public Schools are Destroying America

2011-10-21T22:44:00.000-04:00

YOGA UNCOILED: From East to West (2 of 2)

2011-10-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

YOGA UNCOILED: From East to West (1 of 2)

2011-10-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

"180" Movie

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

Please take the time to watch this documentary. It is a life changer for some. Ray Comfort does a wonderful job of remembering the Holocaust victims, comparing that to abortion, and as always sharing the gospel in a way that makes sense (Law followed by Grace).-Chris

Wretched: Charismatics Criticizing Charismatics

2011-09-15T11:48:00.000-04:00

Yes, we love our charismatic brothers and sisters who are preaching the truth. This is more about the wackiness that -IS NOT BIBLICAL- going on inside the charismatic church that gives pause to those outside Christianity. And yes....there is enough wackiness going on inside the evangelical church that is equally as disturbing that has been addressed on this site as well. This documentary preview is done by a charismatic preacher. Beware....some of this is quite disturbing.-Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Pro-Choice to Pro-Life . . . in Seconds!

2011-09-15T11:45:00.000-04:00

Demystifying the Occult a Presentation by Chris White

2011-09-14T11:41:00.001-04:00

The Christian perspective on Harry Potter...sanctifying entertainment, or evil deception?

2011-07-20T13:20:00.000-04:00

In light of the new Harry Potter movie, I want to again post something from Cross Road Ministries. Again the debate of Harry Potter and Christians. Is it safe and harmless entertainment, or is it another deception from the grand deceiver himself?

I'm speaking to Christians here.....ask yourself does God change? Does his standard change with OUR popular culture? Does he have a sliding scale based on time? In other words, what was detestable to him two or three thousand years ago, okay with him now? Think about this, and then measure it against scripture.

Now with that being said, do I think if you or your child has watched or read these movies/books that they can't be saved? No, I'm not saying that. However if you or your child has read every book, seen every movie, and can tell you more about Harry and his adventures than he can about our Lord Jesus Christ, then there is a serious problem, and I would be concerned and re-examine mine or my child's devotions.

Again, it's not just about Harry Potter, Twilight, Bakugan, secular TV or music by themselves, but it's the diet of a little of each all week long will certainly override anything you or your child may have learned during 30 minutes in Sunday school and a 40 minute sermon. And trust me, the message being sent from these sources are anything but sanctifying. Please check out some of Crossroads other links, or some of our other articles for more.

-Chris

A review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Part 2: Harry's Last Battles

By Berit Kjos - July 18, 2011

Background: Twelve reasons not to see Harry Potter movies

The Power of Suggestion | Occult roots of Harry Potter magic

Movie Magic and Unconscious Learning

Part 1 here

Index to all our

Harry Potter articles

Home

"I have been encouraged by my pastor at my CHRISTIAN church to read the Harry Potter books, because even though they have references to magic and sorcery, they can teach us more about the values of Friendship and Bravery than he can.... I am no longer Christian. Somewhere along the way my beliefs changed. I practice Wicca." A young visitor to our website

"Days before the release of the seventh and final novel in the series, youth leaders are being told they could use the popularity of the Potter books and films as a 'launch pad' for exploring Christian themes."[1] Use Harry Potter to spread Christian message

"In its early years, 'Harry Potter' was a litmus test of orthodoxy for some conservative Christians, who expressed concern over its portrayal of witchcraft....The hysteria has largely died down, and not many religious leaders asked their flocks to avoid the final movie....Many Christians have cheered the portrayals of loyalty, courage and love."[2]
"[They] practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord...." 2 Kings 17:17
I had plenty of company last Saturday morning as I hurried into the movie theater to see the final film in the Harry Potter series. Several families with children walked in ahead of me. Others followed. One little girl couldn't be more than three years old! How would she react to this scary movie?
For more than two hours, the audience sat immersed in a mystical world filled with frightening shrieks, explosive sounds of death and destruction, and enticing suggestions certain to appeal to power-hungry youth already attuned to the forces of evil.
If you are a parent, please don't take your children to see this movie!
By its end, it had exposed the two sides of today's popular evil. Like the yin-yang symbol, there is an obvious dark side and a more subtle "light" side to occult deceptions. To resist their mind-changing allure, we need to understand both.
The Dark Side of Evil
This last part of the Harry Potter sequence promotes everything God bans in this warning:
"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one whocalls up the dead.... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12
During the last three centuries, Americans have enjoyed relative freedom from the occult forces that have tormented many other parts of the world. From the beginning, the pilgrims and a significant number of other believers trusted God and built this nation on the foundation of His Word. Therefore God protected their land. Few were exposed to words and actions that led to the occult.
But times have changed and God's actual truth is rarely heard in public places. We can no longer shut out the well-marketed forces of evil that press into our lives -- even in churches. That's all the more reason to prepare for thespiritual warfare ahead. Let's begin by taking a closer look at the occult practices listed in the above verses from Deuteronomy. Each practice is featured in this movie.
1. WITCHCRAFT: Trusting the occult spirit world for power to perform all kinds of magical spells and wonders.
Witchcraft was common in Old Testament days. Back then it was already a "normal" part of life in cultures around the world. Finally, in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, such practices faded in the West. More recently, that trend has been reversed. The mind-changing fantasies spread by Rowling and her admirers have sparked a rapid revival of interest and delight in occult empowerment.
2. SOOTHSAYER: A fortuneteller, diviner or seer in communication with demonic spirits.
3. INTERPRETING OMENS:  Receiving messages and interpretations -- usually ominous - from the spirit world.
4. SORCERY: Performing magical feats through occult forces.
If witchcraft and sorcery sound like fantasy and fairy tales to teens and children today, the devil must be very pleased. He is constantly on the lookout for those who will follow his ways -- even if "just" in their imaginations. As God warned long ago,
"They...walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart...." Jeremiah 7:24
5. CONJURE SPELLS: Manipulating occult forces according to mental formulas and projecting the spell through a physical object.
"To cast a spell is to project energy through a symbol," explained Starhawk, the wiccan author of The Spiral Dance. "Spells... require the combined faculties of relaxation, visualization, concentration, and [mental]projection."[3]
Most spells in the movie were cast through magically empowered wands. The powerful Elder Wand apparently had a mind of its own and could choose whether or not to serve a new master. Wikipedia explains its bizarre history:
"In the preceding movie, Voldemort...opens Dumbledore's tomb and claims the wand as his own. Assuming incorrectly that Snape is the wand's current master, Voldemort slays Snape, not realizing that the wand's allegiance was to Draco....Harry had subsequently disarmed Draco and taken his wand. ...the Elder Wand's allegiance had since shifted to Harry....Voldemort uses the Elder Wand to cast his final Killing Curseagainst Harry's Expelliarmus charm. But since the wand's allegiance is to Harry, Voldemort's spell backfires and kills him once and for all."[4]
Spells were also essential to the creation and destruction of the horcruxes used by Voldemort to secure his own immortality. "Invented" by J.K Rowling, they only exist in the imaginations of those who are captivated by her tales and by the additional "information" they inspire. For example, Wikipedia adds this gruesome description:
"...the creation of a Horcrux requires one to commit a murder, which, as the supreme act of evil, 'rips the soul apart.' After the murder, a spell is cast to infuse part of the ripped soul into an object, which becomes the Horcrux....Both inanimate objects and living organisms have been used as Horcruxes, though the latter are considered riskier to use, since an organism can move and think for itself....
"To be destroyed, a Horcrux must suffer damage so severe that repair through magical means would be impossible....Once a Horcrux is irreparably damaged, the fragment of soul within it is destroyed."[5]
These dark fantasies share a common consequence with actual occult realities. Both stir cravings for new and ever darker occult thrills and knowledge. The natural consequences of pursuing such a path is spiritual bondage and torment. Listen again to God's warning:
"They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies." (Proverbs 1:30-31)
6. CALL UP THE DEAD [Necromancy]: Invoking the spirit of a deceased person through occult formulas.
Here the story gets more complicated. Harry himself was one of Voldemort's horcruxes, since a piece of Voldemort's soul was hidden inside him. Therefore Harry had to die before Voldemort could be killed. That realization made Harry's life bleak indeed. The months of hiding from Voldemort and his armies had taken their toll. Choosing to face his inevitable death rather than fight it, he walked unarmed into Voldemort's forest camp.
But first Harry wanted to see his dead parents and friends. His magical Resurrection Stone enabled him to call up the spirits of his father and mother as well as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. They promised to stay with him until he died.
During his brief time in the state of "death," Harry was visited by the spirit of Albus Dumbledore who suggested that he return to life. Since "dying" had freed him from bondage to Voldemort's horcrux, he chose to return.
Many have equated Harry's death with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are way off track! Any such comparison is a mockery of God's actual Truth.
The "Light" Side of Evil
Surrounded by Hogwarts ash-covered ruins, Harry wins his final battle against Voldemort. Later, as he stands on a high ridge with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he pulls out his Elder Wand, the most powerful wand known to wizards. He breaks it in two and throws the pieces into the canyon below. Apparently, there's no need for it anymore.
Did he really believe that all warfare ended when Voldemort died? Would peace now prevail in the region cleansed of its cruel leader? What about Voldemort's surviving army of ambitious, murderous "death eaters"? Might not some of them fight for his lofty, tyrannical position?
Harry doesn't answer those questions.
The movie concludes with a brief glimpse of the three friends nineteen years later. Ron, of course, married Hermione. Harry married Ron's sister Ginny. Now the two couples are standing with their children on the magical railroad Platform 9¾, ready to send their older children off to school on the Hogwarts Express.
When Harry's middle son admits his fear of being "sorted" into the Slytherin dorm rather than Gryffindor, his father comforts him:

"Albus Severus, you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin [Severus Snape] and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew."
He was? The sour, sullen, ruthless Severus Snape was no friend to Harry during his school years. Nor was any other member of the Slytherin clan. Most of them were deadly enemies. Many joined the Death Eaters. In light of the previous Potter books, this sudden emphasis on peace, harmony and reconciliation makes no sense!
George Orwell would probably agree. His familiar book, 1984, sums up such strange contradictions with these words: "War is PEACE. Freedom is SLAVERY. Ignorance is STRENGTH."[6]
We might add this lie: Evil is Good!  In a world that despises God's Word and moral guidelines, it's not surprising that a series of books based on witchcraft and wizardry has won the hearts of the people. Occult themes, whether in books, movies or computer games, have become one of today's most effective tools for social transformation. Even churches are promoting the change. The "light" side of evil could hardly be more deceptive!
As God's Word tells us, "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) That's reality today! But the consequences for those who believe his lies will be severe:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness." Isaiah 5:20-21
God's Ultimate Victory
Today's rising world system has called for unbiblical peace and a prescribed form of solidarity that has little tolerance for Christians who refuse to compromise. Yet, if we stand firm in Jesus Christ, our sovereign Lord, He will surely meet all our needs -- and much more! Those who resist the world's tempting lies in His name will be safe in Him -- now and forever!
This world system denies the message of the cross. That's why the name of Jesus is banned from all kinds of public places. But we cannot be silent! What Jesus prayed to His Father almost 2000 years ago is now His message for us:
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You shouldkeep them from the evil one.... As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:14-19
Index to Harry Potter articles  |  Occult roots of Harry Potter magic
How mysticism & the occult are changing the Church
Notes:
1. "Use Harry Potter to spread Christian message," The Telegraph [a British newspaper], July 18, 2007. This link is now obsolete: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;?xml=/news/2007/07/17/npotter217.xml
2. Sarah P. Bailey, "How Christians Warmed to Harry Potter," Wall Street Journal, July 15, 2011, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303812104576441641674217076.html. See also John Granger's message at www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/harry-granger.htm
3. Starhawk, Spiral Dance (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1979), 25.
4. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horcrux#Deathly_Hallows
5. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horcrux#Horcruxes
6. George Orwell, 1984 at George Orwell's 1984
Home - Articles - Persecution - Preparing

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

2011-07-20T12:56:00.001-04:00

A review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Part 2: Harry's Last Battles

By Berit Kjos - July 18, 2011

Background: Twelve reasons not to see Harry Potter movies

The Power of Suggestion | Occult roots of Harry Potter magic

Movie Magic and Unconscious Learning

Part 1 here

Index to all our

Harry Potter articles

Home

"I have been encouraged by my pastor at my CHRISTIAN church to read the Harry Potter books, because even though they have references to magic and sorcery, they can teach us more about the values of Friendship and Bravery than he can.... I am no longer Christian. Somewhere along the way my beliefs changed. I practice Wicca." A young visitor to our website

"Days before the release of the seventh and final novel in the series, youth leaders are being told they could use the popularity of the Potter books and films as a 'launch pad' for exploring Christian themes."[1] Use Harry Potter to spread Christian message

"In its early years, 'Harry Potter' was a litmus test of orthodoxy for some conservative Christians, who expressed concern over its portrayal of witchcraft....The hysteria has largely died down, and not many religious leaders asked their flocks to avoid the final movie....Many Christians have cheered the portrayals of loyalty, courage and love."[2]

"[They] practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord...." 2 Kings 17:17
I had plenty of company last Saturday morning as I hurried into the movie theater to see the final film in the Harry Potter series. Several families with children walked in ahead of me. Others followed. One little girl couldn't be more than three years old! How would she react to this scary movie?
For more than two hours, the audience sat immersed in a mystical world filled with frightening shrieks, explosive sounds of death and destruction, and enticing suggestions certain to appeal to power-hungry youth already attuned to the forces of evil.
If you are a parent, please don't take your children to see this movie!
By its end, it had exposed the two sides of today's popular evil. Like the yin-yang symbol, there is an obvious dark side and a more subtle "light" side to occult deceptions. To resist their mind-changing allure, we need to understand both.

The Dark Side of Evil
This last part of the Harry Potter sequence promotes everything God bans in this warning:
"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one whocalls up the dead.... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12
During the last three centuries, Americans have enjoyed relative freedom from the occult forces that have tormented many other parts of the world. From the beginning, the pilgrims and a significant number of other believers trusted God and built this nation on the foundation of His Word. Therefore God protected their land. Few were exposed to words and actions that led to the occult.
But times have changed and God's actual truth is rarely heard in public places. We can no longer shut out the well-marketed forces of evil that press into our lives -- even in churches. That's all the more reason to prepare for thespiritual warfare ahead. Let's begin by taking a closer look at the occult practices listed in the above verses from Deuteronomy. Each practice is featured in this movie.
1. WITCHCRAFT: Trusting the occult spirit world for power to perform all kinds of magical spells and wonders.
Witchcraft was common in Old Testament days. Back then it was already a "normal" part of life in cultures around the world. Finally, in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, such practices faded in the West. More recently, that trend has been reversed. The mind-changing fantasies spread by Rowling and her admirers have sparked a rapid revival of interest and delight in occult empowerment.
2. SOOTHSAYER: A fortuneteller, diviner or seer in communication with demonic spirits.

3. INTERPRETING OMENS:  Receiving messages and interpretations -- usually ominous - from the spirit world.
4. SORCERY: Performing magical feats through occult forces.
If witchcraft and sorcery sound like fantasy and fairy tales to teens and children today, the devil must be very pleased. He is constantly on the lookout for those who will follow his ways -- even if "just" in their imaginations. As God warned long ago,
"They...walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart...." Jeremiah 7:24
5. CONJURE SPELLS: Manipulating occult forces according to mental formulas and projecting the spell through a physical object.
"To cast a spell is to project energy through a symbol," explained Starhawk, the wiccan author of The Spiral Dance. "Spells... require the combined faculties of relaxation, visualization, concentration, and [mental]projection."[3]
Most spells in the movie were cast through magically empowered wands. The powerful Elder Wand apparently had a mind of its own and could choose whether or not to serve a new master. Wikipedia explains its bizarre history:
"In the preceding movie, Voldemort...opens Dumbledore's tomb and claims the wand as his own. Assuming incorrectly that Snape is the wand's current master, Voldemort slays Snape, not realizing that the wand's allegiance was to Draco....Harry had subsequently disarmed Draco and taken his wand. ...the Elder Wand's allegiance had since shifted to Harry....Voldemort uses the Elder Wand to cast his final Killing Curseagainst Harry's Expelliarmus charm. But since the wand's allegiance is to Harry, Voldemort's spell backfires and kills him once and for all."[4]
Spells were also essential to the creation and destruction of the horcruxes used by Voldemort to secure his own immortality. "Invented" by J.K Rowling, they only exist in the imaginations of those who are captivated by her tales and by the additional "information" they inspire. For example, Wikipedia adds this gruesome description:
"...the creation of a Horcrux requires one to commit a murder, which, as the supreme act of evil, 'rips the soul apart.' After the murder, a spell is cast to infuse part of the ripped soul into an object, which becomes the Horcrux....Both inanimate objects and living organisms have been used as Horcruxes, though the latter are considered riskier to use, since an organism can move and think for itself....

"To be destroyed, a Horcrux must suffer damage so severe that repair through magical means would be impossible....Once a Horcrux is irreparably damaged, the fragment of soul within it is destroyed."[5]
These dark fantasies share a common consequence with actual occult realities. Both stir cravings for new and ever darker occult thrills and knowledge. The natural consequences of pursuing such a path is spiritual bondage and torment. Listen again to God's warning:
"They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies." (Proverbs 1:30-31)
6. CALL UP THE DEAD [Necromancy]: Invoking the spirit of a deceased person through occult formulas.
Here the story gets more complicated. Harry himself was one of Voldemort's horcruxes, since a piece of Voldemort's soul was hidden inside him. Therefore Harry had to die before Voldemort could be killed. That realization made Harry's life bleak indeed. The months of hiding from Voldemort and his armies had taken their toll. Choosing to face his inevitable death rather than fight it, he walked unarmed into Voldemort's forest camp.
But first Harry wanted to see his dead parents and friends. His magical Resurrection Stone enabled him to call up the spirits of his father and mother as well as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. They promised to stay with him until he died.
During his brief time in the state of "death," Harry was visited by the spirit of Albus Dumbledore who suggested that he return to life. Since "dying" had freed him from bondage to Voldemort's horcrux, he chose to return.
Many have equated Harry's death with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are way off track! Any such comparison is a mockery of God's actual Truth.
The "Light" Side of Evil
Surrounded by Hogwarts ash-covered ruins, Harry wins his final battle against Voldemort. Later, as he stands on a high ridge with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he pulls out his Elder Wand, the most powerful wand known to wizards. He breaks it in two and throws the pieces into the canyon below. Apparently, there's no need for it anymore.
Did he really believe that all warfare ended when Voldemort died? Would peace now prevail in the region cleansed of its cruel leader? What about Voldemort's surviving army of ambitious, murderous "death eaters"? Might not some of them fight for his lofty, tyrannical position?
Harry doesn't answer those questions.
The movie concludes with a brief glimpse of the three friends nineteen years later. Ron, of course, married Hermione. Harry married Ron's sister Ginny. Now the two couples are standing with their children on the magical railroad Platform 9¾, ready to send their older children off to school on the Hogwarts Express.
When Harry's middle son admits his fear of being "sorted" into the Slytherin dorm rather than Gryffindor, his father comforts him:

"Albus Severus, you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin [Severus Snape] and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew."
He was? The sour, sullen, ruthless Severus Snape was no friend to Harry during his school years. Nor was any other member of the Slytherin clan. Most of them were deadly enemies. Many joined the Death Eaters. In light of the previous Potter books, this sudden emphasis on peace, harmony and reconciliation makes no sense!
George Orwell would probably agree. His familiar book, 1984, sums up such strange contradictions with these words: "War is PEACE. Freedom is SLAVERY. Ignorance is STRENGTH."[6]
We might add this lie: Evil is Good!  In a world that despises God's Word and moral guidelines, it's not surprising that a series of books based on witchcraft and wizardry has won the hearts of the people. Occult themes, whether in books, movies or computer games, have become one of today's most effective tools for social transformation. Even churches are promoting the change. The "light" side of evil could hardly be more deceptive!
As God's Word tells us, "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) That's reality today! But the consequences for those who believe his lies will be severe:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness." Isaiah 5:20-21
God's Ultimate Victory
Today's rising world system has called for unbiblical peace and a prescribed form of solidarity that has little tolerance for Christians who refuse to compromise. Yet, if we stand firm in Jesus Christ, our sovereign Lord, He will surely meet all our needs -- and much more! Those who resist the world's tempting lies in His name will be safe in Him -- now and forever!
This world system denies the message of the cross. That's why the name of Jesus is banned from all kinds of public places. But we cannot be silent! What Jesus prayed to His Father almost 2000 years ago is now His message for us:
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You shouldkeep them from the evil one.... As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:14-19
Index to Harry Potter articles  |  Occult roots of Harry Potter magic
How mysticism & the occult are changing the Church
Notes:
1. "Use Harry Potter to spread Christian message," The Telegraph [a British newspaper], July 18, 2007. This link is now obsolete: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;?xml=/news/2007/07/17/npotter217.xml
2. Sarah P. Bailey, "How Christians Warmed to Harry Potter," Wall Street Journal, July 15, 2011, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303812104576441641674217076.html. See also John Granger's message at www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/harry-granger.htm
3. Starhawk, Spiral Dance (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1979), 25.
4. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horcrux#Deathly_Hallows
5. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horcrux#Horcruxes
6. George Orwell, 1984 at George Orwell's 1984
Home - Articles - Persecution - Preparing

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Are Christians to expose false teachers?

2011-07-05T13:05:00.002-04:00

Is it biblical to call out those who teach contrary to God's word? Check out this article from Equip.org.

-Chris

Exposing False Doctrine: Heresy Hunting or Biblical Mandate?

CP0601

FALSE DOCTRINE- Introduction
Well, I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, that Christians are simply supposed to love one another and be united together in faith. Should we, therefore, regard as divisive those Christians who speak out against teachings in the church which are clearly unbiblical?

FALSE DOCTRINE- Heresy Hunting?
I can tell you firsthand that it is no joy to be labeled a “heresy-hunter.” Yet, as Paul instructed Timothy, we are to zealously guard the purity of the message God has entrusted to us, and for good reason (1 Tim 1:18-19;6:20; 2 Tim. 4:2-5).

FALSE DOCTRINE- From Within as Well as Without
We read in such passages as Acts chapter 20, and 2 Peter chapter 2, that false teachers will arise, bringing with them destructive heresies, distorting the truth and destroying the faith of some. Moreover, it is clear that these teachers will come not only from outside the church, but also from within the body of Christ as well.

It is therefore imperative that we test all things by Scripture (1 Thes. 5:21). It was in this spirit that the Bereans examined the words of the Apostle Paul, for which they were reckoned as noble in character (Acts 17:11).

FALSE DOCTRINE- Correcting and Rebuking
Indeed, not only can the Bible be used for preaching, teaching and encouragement, but, it is equally valuable for correcting and rebuking (2 Tim. 4:2). As a matter of fact, we as Christians are held accountable for proclaiming the whole will of God, warning others of false teachings. (Acts 20:26-28; cf. Ezek. 33:7-9; 34:1-10).

FALSE DOCTRINE- Church Discipline
This is not merely a suggestion, it is, in fact, a divine mandate. Of course if heresies are coming from teachers within the church, we ought to try and approach them first with our concerns. Should that fail to resolve the problem, we are told in Matthew 18 to expose their errors to the church; and if need be, divulge their names. (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18; 4:14-15;3 John 9-10).

FALSE DOCTRINE- Scriptural Mandate
We would, therefore, do well to heed Scripture’s explicit warnings to be on guard for false teachings (Rom. 16:17-18; cf. 1 Tim. 1:3-4; 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; 2:1), and to point them out to brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Tim. 4:6). At CRI, it is not our practice to make an issue out of peripheral matters on which honest Christians can differ. However, we are committed to exposing those who would compromise the essential doctrines of the historic Christian faith. Remember, controversy for the sake of controversy is sin. But controversy for the sake of the truth is a divine command.

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Which Christ do you follow?

2011-05-24T13:08:00.001-04:00

Do you follow the New Age Christ? Oprah Winfrey's Christ? Or do you follow Jesus Christ who died for those who have put their trust in Him for their salvation, and have repented of their sin? One leads to destruction, the other leads to life eternal with our Creator and Savior. Below is an article from Ray Yungen's book "For Many Shall Come in My Name". I bought this book a few years ago, and it really opened my eyes to how much this false Christ is being pushed through many different avenues, including within our own evangelical churches. Please take the time to read this excerpt, and get his book for greater detail. Available here.

-Chris

Beware: “For Many Shall Come in My Name”

By Ray Yungen
I believe the Bible contains an important signal that the changes of times and seasons may indeed be at hand. In Matthew 24:3-5, which is a chapter dealing with the tribulation period, Jesus spoke these revealing words to His disciples concerning the signs of His coming and the end of the world (age):
And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign [indication] of thy coming, and of the end of the world [age]? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (emphasis mine)
In the past, I have heard two basic ways of interpreting verse 5—“for many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ;’ and shall deceive many.” The first interpretation is that there will be various ones claiming to be the returned Jesus Christ. The other view, which has gained greater acceptance in the last ten or fifteen years, is that a number of messiah figures would appear and gather followers to themselves in a fashion similar to Jim Jones or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. I now feel both of these interpretations may be incorrect. It is in light of some predominant New Age viewpoints that these verses take on major significance.
A basic tenet of New Age thinking is that of the Master Jesus. Adherents to this idea believe that during the unrecorded period of His life, Jesus traveled to various occult centers and Mystery Schools in such places as Tibet, India, Persia, and Egypt where He learned the metaphysical secrets of the ages. Thus, they claim He spent seventeen years of travel on a pilgrimage of higher consciousness. According to this theory Jesus of Nazareth became the Master Jesus, one who has gained mastery over the physical world by becoming one with his higher self.
You will recall that one of the terms that New Agers regularly use for the higher self is the Christ consciousness. To them, Christ is not a person, but a state-of-being. Excerpts from the following New Age sources explain it this way:
Jesus Christ educated His followers to discern the real man. He taught that there is a power in man that gives him authority over the things of the world. This principle is the higher self, the spiritual man, the Christ.1
The Christ Consciousness or Christ Principle represents the idea of a Saviour, but not, as taught in orthodox religions, a physical, material person. Jesus became the Saviour as He rose to the heights of His inner powers and became a True Son of God. . . . In other words, when Jesus, the man, was ready, the Christ Principle or Consciousness took over and predominated.2
After reading innumerable such statements in New Age material, I decided to take a closer look at Matthew 24:5. What I found astounded me. The Greek word for “many” in this verse is polus which means a very great or sore number, as in millions and millions. A term derived from this word is hoi polloi, which translates the masses. The Greek words for “shall come in my name” means they shall come claiming to represent what He represents by using His name or authority. Therefore, Matthew 24:5 is saying that a very great number of people shall come claiming to represent what He represents, but are in fact, deceiving people. In light of come in my name, consider the following remarks taken from a variety of New Age sources:
Jesus was an historical person, a human being; Christ, the Christos. is an eternal transpersonal condition of being. Jesus did not say that this higher state of consciousness realized in him was his alone for all time. Nor did he call us to worship him. Rather, he called us to follow him, to follow in his steps, to learn from him, from his example.3
Jesus was one soul who reached the state of Christ consciousness, there have been many others. He symbolized the blueprint we must follow…. The way is open to everyone to become a Christ by achieving the Christ Consciousness through walking the same path He walked.. . . He simply and beautifully demonstrated the pattern.4
The significance of incarnation and resurrection is not that Jesus was a human like us but rather that we are gods like him—or at least have the potential to be. The significance of Jesus is not as a vehicle of salvation but as a model of perfection.5
Jesus was aware of himself as a finished specimen of the new humanity which is to come—the new humanity which is to inherit the earth, establish the Kingdom, usher in the New Age.6
This view, then, is that Jesus is a model of what the New Age or Aquarian person is to become. I would say these statements can be called coming in His name or claiming to represent what He represents.
Now let us look at the second part of verse 5 in Matthew 24, “saying I am Christ.” Again, we find a multitude of statements such as the following:
Every man is an individual Christ; this is the teaching for the New Age. The experiences of contacting the Christ Self and the subsequent vibrational lifting are not to be reserved for a favored few. Every person in the world, sooner or later, will receive this lifting action. No one will be left out or left behind. Everyone will receive the benefit of this step in human evolution.” (emphasis mine)7
Could it be that many Christians have been looking for “the Christ” in all the wrong places? Could it be that when Jesus said “no man knoweth the hour” of his return, it was because the return of the Christ comes now, within us, and is beyond space and time? Jesus may have been hinting at this when he told us the kingdom of God is within you—not in some time, nor in some place, but within. When we look within, through meditation and the expansion of consciousness, we move beyond time, and meet face-to-face with the Christ.8
The Christ is You. You are the one who is to come—each of you. Each and every one of you!9
Christhood is not something to come at a point in the future when you are more evolved. Christhood is—right now! I am the Christ of God. You are the Christ of God.10
Even more specific evidence ties the New Age into Jesus’ prophecy. In Luke 21:7-8, we find the same discourse as in Matthew 24:3-5. Again, note the warning:
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near; go ye not therefore after them. (Luke 21:7-8)

Notice “Christ” is italicized in verse 8, meaning that it was not in the original manuscript. The translators of the King James Bible probably thought it awkward that it said, “Many shall come saying, I am.” Probably for the sake of clarity and to be consistent with Matthew 24, the translators added the word “Christ.” It is very interesting that New Agers refer to themselves (or their higher selves) as the “I AM,” (one of the names of God). Note the following:
The first experience of unification with the Christ consciousness may come with the initial crossing of the psychic barrier and contact with the Christ Self or I AM Self.11
This Inner Self is called by many names such as: God-self, Higher-self, Christ Consciousness, I-AM, Buddah Nature, and many others.12
This I AM is God . . . this I AM is You.. . . Universe and Individual Consciousness.. . . God knowing Itself as God, God knowing Itself as You, and You knowing Yourself as God.13
So what Jesus may have been saying is many shall be saying “I AM.”
Because of these statements, I firmly believe what Jesus Christ was prophesying in Matthew and Luke was the current New Age movement when it reaches its full fruition world-wide. He clearly stated that just before His physical return a huge number of people will proclaim their own personal divinity and that “many” (polus) will deceive—not some, but “many.” There was a good reason for Him to preface these prophesies with the warning, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” These people will be offering a spiritual message that will look, feel, and sound like it is of Jesus Christ but is not.
(from For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen, pp. 151-156).

Yoga in the church is a result of what happens when the church embraces these false ideas about who Jesus really is. Below is a link to Lighthouse Trails and a list of helpful items and articles related to Yoga.

More than ever, Yoga has entered the Christian church. Lighthouse Trails receives reports nearly daily of Christians who are practicing Yoga and churches that are allowing Yoga to be practiced at their churches. Yoga is the heartbeat of Hinduism, a belief system that completely contradicts biblical Christianity and puts practitioners in harm’s way. Yoga is a gateway into eastern mysticism. If you have loved ones who are getting into Yoga, please warn them of its dangers.
To help get the warning out about Yoga, Lighthouse Trails offers a number of items. Click here to see our list.

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Infiltration Of Witchcraft - Satanic Tool - Making Evil Look Innocent

2011-05-23T11:32:00.000-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

The Shocking Youth Message (Paul Washer)

2011-04-30T22:20:00.002-04:00

Perhaps the most important sermon you will ever hear. I listen to it at least once a year. Please take the time to listen. A free downloadable version is available at sermonaudio.com. Please share with many.

-Chris

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (5/5)

2011-04-30T22:15:00.001-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (4/5)

2011-04-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (2/5)

2011-04-30T22:14:00.002-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (3/5)

2011-04-30T22:14:00.001-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (1/5)

2011-04-29T22:21:00.001-04:00

Amen!

2011-04-23T17:59:00.001-04:00

Justified By What's Been Done For Us - Alistair Begg

2011-04-23T17:50:00.001-04:00

The Mysterious Islands Trailer

2011-02-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

Is it Wrong to Judge?

2011-02-01T18:06:00.002-05:00

What books appear Christian but are not?

2011-01-25T17:27:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Please check out the following link http://www.christianresearchservice.com/masterlist1.htm for a great resource from the Christian Research Service on books and authors NOT to read! I copied a list of the topics that are covered in this exhaustive list. Thank to CRS and keep up the great work!

Chris

List of Authors and Books Not Recommended

by Christian Research Service

Contemplative Spirituality, Cultic, Emerging Church, Heretical, Homosexual, Lesbian, New Age, New Apostolic Reformation, Pro-Gay, Purpose Driven, Transgendered, and Word-Faith Authors and Books Advertised and Promoted within Online and

Walk-in Christian Bookstores Worldwide

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon; is it evil? Doe's it have occult ties? Part 1

2011-01-13T21:36:00.001-05:00

In light of the popularity/controversy of the Bakugan article, I want to continue on the theme of anime' and it's games, TV shows, movies and more. Today we will look at Yu-gi-oh and Pokemon. This is an article from Study to Answer.net which sums up the Biblical view on such games. If you want my opinion as well, check out the original Bakugan post and follow up post as well as the comments section on both articles here.

It doesn't take an astute Christian to realize that our children should not be playing with the withcraft and black/white magic portrayed here. I mean seriously, look at the symbolism in this fan's artwork of some of the characters from Yu-gi-oh.

Here is their own description of the picture they drew. You can't tell me this fan doesn't "worship this idol".....T

This is some Yugioh fan art. I was given the idea from a kind commentor on another Yugioh picture in my gallery. It sort of sums up the relationship between the characters, which those of you who have watched the show will understand. The characters I have drawn here are: Malik (confused whether he should be evil or not), Isis (Malik's concerned sister), Bakura (is already evil and wishes to take advantage of Malik), Yugi/Yami (in a duel with Seto Kaiba) Seto Kaiba (looking at his special card....thing). There are also two very famous Yugioh cards: Yugi's Dark Magician, which is up against Seto's Blue Eyes White dragon. This was a really fun picture to draw, so I hope you like it!

This picture alone has the "All seeing Eye" around the neck of the girl on the bottom left (Here are the occult meaning of these symbols from Kjos Ministries ALL-SEEING EYE: A universal symbol representing spiritual sight, inner vision, higher knowledge, insight into occult mysteries. along with the pyramid....TRIANGLE (earring pictured): Associated with the number three. Pointing upwards, it symbolizes fire, male power and counterfeit view of God. (See pyramid) To Christians, it often represents the Trinity. Pointing down, it symbolizes water, female sexuality, goddess religions and homosexuality.

It is a brand new year at the Duel Academy and the students are excited to start school. You are placed in the Slifer Red Dorm, and soon after the start of the school year, strange things begin happening. As soon as these odd occurrences begin, you start hearing the voice of spirit duelist. This spirit is a good spirit and will help you duel and solve the mysteries surrounding the Duel Academy.

Here is the article:

I’d like to start by saying that I am writing this because I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I want to serve, honor, and glorify Him. This article is not about "religion", it is about helping people to escape Satan's deceptions and trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who wants to be their personal Saviour. I believe the Bible is God's preserved, inerrant, and infallible word and it is the sole authority for all mankind to live by for it shows us that we are sinners (The 10 commandments show us that). It shows us how only Jesus who is God come in the flesh can save us.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

It teaches us how to live holy and godly lives. Most importantly the Bible is intended to help people come to know the Lord as their personal Savior from sin and hell. I am not making up what is in this article, I am basing it on God's Word and not my own thoughts or opinions. I want to warn people about the satanic deception and influence that can be subtly introduced into a person's life by playing the game. Satan is a very cunning deceiver,

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8)"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light...." (II Corinthians 11:14)

He uses the occult to ensnare the minds of people, and he works to introduce people to the occult by using supposedly "innocent" games like Yu Gi Oh. This article is not intended to be a personal attack upon anyone reading it, but instead to simply show the dangers of the occult and how Yu Gi Oh relates to it. I hope that you will find this article helpful and informative, and I pray that this will be a blessing to you.

The answer to the question above, my friend, is the devil (satan), who uses his demonic power to blind the minds of children and adults nationwide to the dangers of Yu-Gi-Oh. Yu-Gi-Oh is an occult oriented game and anything of the occult is dangerous. You say, “that is ridiculous! Yu-Gi-Oh is just kids stuff, a card game, a cartoon!” That is exactly what Satan wants you to believe.

Satan wants to do everything contrary to God and his word (The Bible). He has counterfeits to everything God has and will often add a lot of truth with his lies to deceive people. Satan himself is the father of sin. 1 John 3:8 says,

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Jesus is God come in the flesh to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus says in John 8:44,

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Anything of the occult is a dangerous tool of the devil to keep people away from God and his word. Yu-Gi-Oh may appear fun and innocent. But, is it really fun and clean?

Satan works in people’s minds in many cunning and deceptive ways. He knows children’s minds are young and impressionable and can be lured easily into many of his evil traps. He tries to reel people in with the small occult oriented subjects first, and then moves on to the heavier subjects later. He’ll put things like promotion of friendship, etc. into these occult oriented subjects such as Yu-Gi-Oh so that people overlook or misunderstand that aspect of it.

For example, take the MAGIC Trading Card game. When a friend I know was in college, he told me he saw people playing that game all the time, and the things in it looked and were really demonic, and the people who played it were acting very abnormally. It just seemed like they were being changed or dominated by something. But we need to understand that these people didn't get into Magic and get that way right off the bat. They had a whole series of occult oriented games etc. (i.e Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon) that they played before which led up to their involvement in Magic, AD&D, Shadowrun, Etc. The occult goes even deeper than just role-playing card games and cartoons. There are deeper things of the occult such as spiritism, witchcraft, fortune telling, demons, ghost, goblins, vampires, and much more. All of this begins from “little” things such as Yu-Gi-Oh.

If you don't believe that Yu-Gi-Oh is really occultic, that I'm just overreacting and reading more into the game than I should, then read the text below, which comes straight from the official Yu-Gi-Oh website:

"Meet Yugi, and his best buds, Joey, Tristan, and Téa. They share a love for the newest game that's sweeping the nation: Duel Monsters!Duel Monsters is a card-battling game in which players pit different mystical creatures against one another in wild, magical duels! Packed with awesome monsters and mighty spell-cards, Yugi and his friends are totally obsessed with the game.
But there's more to this card game than meets the eye!
Legend has it five thousand years ago, ancient Egyptian Pharaoahs used to play a magical game very similar to Duel Monsters. This ancient game involved magical ceremonies, which were used to foresee the future and ultimately, decide one's destiny. They called it the Shadow Game, and the main difference back then was that the monsters were all real! With so many magical spells and ferocious creatures on the earth, it wasn't long before the game got out of hand and threatened to destroy the entire world! Fortunately, a brave Pharaoh stepped in and averted this cataclysm with the help of seven powerful magical totems.
Now, in present times, the game has been revived in the form of playing cards.
Meanwhile, Yugi's grandfather gives Yugi an old Egyptian puzzle that no one can solve, but when Yugi finally pieces the puzzle together, his life is forever changed. The puzzle instills Yugi with incredible powers, and ultimately creates his alter ego, Yami Yugi!
Soon after, the mysterious creator of the Duel Monsters card game, Maximillion Pegasus, kidnaps Yugi's grandfather and Yugi is drawn into a Duel Monster's competition that Pegasus arranged. Now Yugi must duel his way through a tournament and defeat Pegasus in order to save his grandfather.
How will Yugi do it? Will the help of his friends, his belief in the heart of the cards, and the mysterious power of his magical Millennium Puzzle be enough?
Giant monsters! Powerful magic! And ancient Egyptian legends! Yu-Gi-Oh! King of Games! is one action-packed adventure series that holds all the cards! It's your move.

Egyptian Pharaohs playing magical games, casting spells, and summoning giant monsters. This should certainly sound occultic by any reasonable definition of the word. And Yugi and his buddies are obsessed with this game, just like the makers of Yu-Gi-Oh want YOU or YOUR CHILD to be, too.

Yu-Gi-Oh has rapidly captured the minds of many of all ages all over the country. It is everywhere...video games, cartoon shows on TV, movies, comic books, toys, clothing, VHS videos, DVDs, and the wildly popular collector card game. Kazuki Takahashi created Yu-Gi-Oh in 1996. It is the story of Yugi Mutou who is given an ancient Egyptian puzzle, which he puts together. This Millennium Puzzle has a secondary personality buried deep within it that comes out whenever Yugi needs to play a game - usually when he is in trouble. This is when the personality comes out and requests playing a game. When he unlocks the secret to this puzzle, Yugi unexpectedly receives a powerful alter ego that will help him defend the world. The TV series is in many volumes called “The Manga”, and some portray Yugi getting involved in games similar to Russian Roulette!. These portray the Occult in so many ways. There are even 3 “God” cards entitled Obelisk, Osiris, and Ra, which can be used to physically harm the opponent! Since Yu-gi-oh has these cards and themes about "ancient Egyptian puzzles bringing up spirits" and has references to calling upon pagan gods, that's demonic! The Bible tells us that paganism, with its false gods and idols and so forth, is satanic in its origin. Speaking of pagan idols (images of false gods), the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:20,

"But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to DEVILS, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils."

Now, the Yu-gi-oh cards which encourage (even if in the context of a game - how best to indoctrinate impressionable young minds?) calling on pagan gods, etc. are just promoting pagan worship and occultism. This sort of stuff is strongly connected with the occult. There is a book about the dangers of the occult and Satanism that tells about many scary things that people did, because their thinking had been INFLUENCED BY ROLE-PLAYING GAMES! There was a kid and his friend who actually murdered a girl as part of a ritual sacrifice to the ancient Babylonian god Arioch, a god they learned about through Dungeons and Dragons and had served in the game. There are numerous accounts of kids who got into deeper and very dangerous occult practices because they were primed for it by role-playing games.... Games which their parents and friends initially thought were innocent fun. A lot of kids back in the 1970s and 1980s killed themselves or others as a result of the demonic influence of role-playing games. As of 1989, role playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, were considered to be "significant factors" in at least 125 murders or suicides worldwide¹.

We must realize that people's thinking is influenced by what we put into our minds. If I watch a bunch of violent stuff on TV, it will make me more predisposed to violence. There are studies which show this to be true. Similarly, if kids spend hours a day playing a game where they are encouraged to cast spells, use magic powers, call on demons or gods, and other stuff like they do in ALL these games, from Yu-Gi-Oh to AD&D, won't they be more open to occultic suggestion and the influence of demons? Certainly they will be! These games are dangerous fire that you would be very wise to avoid at all costs! The Bible says we should be...

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (II Corinthians 10:5)

God has designed that a child’s young mind and character are to be developed by the principles of His Word (Ephesians 6:4). God wants his children to have a completely different focus. There is a battle going on in the minds of our children. In fact, Satan and his diabolical hordes want to corrupt the minds of children and adults as well! He loves using Yu-Gi-Oh, Harry Potter, Pokemon and more to blind the minds of Children to see their need to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and serve him by obedience and faith in the Word of God. One of the problems is that Satan is getting the upper hand because people are oblivious to the tactics Satan is using to pollute our minds. Satan, through his human helpers, uses subtle, deceptive methods to advance his evil doctrines. So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We must measure Yu-Gi-Oh paraphernalia by the principles of the Bible to determine if it is acceptable. What does the Bible (God’s word) say about Yu-Gi-Oh? You have already read a few verses previously that should help you see the dangers of the occult.

The name Pokemon is derived from Pocket Monster. Pokemon has entertained Japanese youth since 1995. In the United States, it has rapidly captured the minds of children all over the country. Pokemon is everywhere...Nintendo video games, cartoon shows on TV, movies, comic books, toys, clothing, VHS videos, DVDs, and the well known collector card game. It is not as popular as it was a few years ago, but the video games, movies, and the card game are still very popular with children and even adults of all ages. Most characters are either headstrong, stubborn, self-centered, vindictive, obnoxious, hormonal, sexually preoccupied, evil, thieving, cross-dressing characters and are DEFINITELY not role models! They do not portray any Biblical values. The Devil (Satan) wants to do everything contrary to God and his word (The Bible). He has counterfeits to everything God has and will often add a lot of truth with his lies to deceive people. Satan himself is the father of sin. 1 John 3:8 says,

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Jesus is God come in the flesh to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus says in John 8:44,

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Anything of the occult is a dangerous tool of the devil to keep people away from God and his word. He wants to keep us from knowing Christ as Savior! Pokemon may appear fun and innocent. But, is it really fun and clean?
Pokemon portrays supernatural, occult powers and symbols which are very dangerous to the minds of young children causing nightmares, bad actions, and more. It beckons the young spectator to enter the manipulative and wicked realm of role-play. Kids are carrying around their Pokemon like a magic talisman. They feel it can bring out psychic, and other supernatural powers in themselves. The so-called fantasy just-for-fun world of Pokemon has already conditioned many children to be receptive to occult powers. It promotes occult values, not Biblical. It’s subtle suggestions, images, and values are manipulating the minds and feelings of the children who are into it. It conditions them to accept humanistic wisdom and occult spirituality. Involvement in Pokemon blurs the player’s ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality and sears the conscience of the player as well. It is designed to be a stepping stone to harder occult-oriented games such as Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, made by Wizards of the Coast, who are the makers of Pokemon!

There is a battle going on in the minds of our children and grandchildren. Satan is getting the upper hand because people are oblivious to the tactics he is using to pollute their minds. Satan, through his human helpers, uses subtle, deceptive methods to advance his evil doctrines. So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We must measure Pokemon paraphernalia by the principles of the Bible to determine if it is acceptable. What does the Bible (God’s word) say about Pokemon and Yu-gi-go? This tract is written from a Biblical perspective.

Remember that these are not my words, these are GOD’S.

Leviticus 20:6-7 - "And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God” (These things certainly relate to the occult. Wouldn’t they relate to Yu-Gi-Oh?)

I Thessalonians 5:21-22 - “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (Yu-Gi-Oh certainly has an appearance of evil.)

Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (These are where are thoughts should be directed, not towards the things of the occult.)

I Corinthians 10:31 - “…Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (Can you use Yu-Gi-Oh for the glory of God? Will it honor him? The occult certainly won’t honor and glorify God)

Romans 12:9 - “...Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (There certainly is evil represented in Yu-Gi-Oh. God tells us to abhor (HATE) that which is evil.)

These are only a few scriptures that refute Yu-Gi-Oh and the occult in general. If you know the Lord as Savior, Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in God alone and seek His will in our lives and pray about it. Ask God if Yu-Gi-Oh should be in your life and the Spirit will lead you to do what is right. John 16:7-13 teaches us that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Is the Spirit leading you to Yu-Gi-Oh? Or, is it the flesh?

We should be controlling what goes into our minds, and not allowing occultic or occultic-like material to take over where Christ rightfully should be in control. Romans 12:2 says,

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

I John 2:15-17 says,

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

His article wraps up with a really good gospel message, which we have links to at the top of our site or if you would like to visit Study to Answer click here.

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

John MacArthur Sermon Jam Church Growth

2010-12-27T18:51:00.001-05:00

Can we trust the Bible?

2010-12-07T22:34:00.001-05:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

From Truth to a New Spirituality

2010-10-27T20:38:00.002-04:00

Here's a chart from Berit Kjos that shows the slide from True doctrine (historical Christianity) into a compromised doctrine (from the "gosel lite of Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and the Emergent Church), right on over to New Age (Oprahanity, Mysticism and the Shack).
Share this with your church leaders.
-Chris (Click here for more charts by Berit)

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From Truth to a New Spirituality

By Berit Kjos - March 10, 2008

Background information: New Spirituality for an Awakening Planet
Deceived by a counterfeit "Jesus" - The twisted "truths" of The Shack & A Course in Miracles

The Emerging One Church of the New World

Emphasis added i

"The hope of the New Age faith, or New Spirituality, is that when this One Humanity has achieved its 'divine potential' and all separation has been purged from the world, then world problems such as 'tribalism' and poverty and hatred and violence will be left behind. The world will then be transformed by this New Humanity into a divine new world of peace, love, good will, and sharing where everyone can be free to worship his own inner (immanent) 'God' of his own understanding in his own way.
"The call for this New Age 'kingdom of God' is now being so widely heeded, even in today’s Christianity, that the building of humanity’s Ark of Oneness is suddenly nearing completion." Tamara Hartzell
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception...." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
"The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart." Jeremiah 14:14
Note: The occult quotes listed under Transition and New Spirituality were dictated by seducing spirits channeled by influential occultists such as Alice Bailey (spirit guide Djwhal Khul) and Neale Donald Walsch (a counterfeit "God"). These revealing messages were compiled by our friend and fellow-researcher Tamara Hartzell and explained in her insightful report: "Are you 'Being led away with Error of the Wicked' to the New Age Ark of Oneness?" The endnotes are numbered as they appear in her report.

*Beliefs*	*Biblical Christianity*	*Transition* See Emerging, Kingdom and PEACE	*New Spirituality* See The Shack, The Secret and Theosophy
TRUTH Timeless or relative?	God's eternal, unchanging Word! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6	Truth is de-emphasized to avoid division: “Humanity is recognizing the need for a more vital approach to God... men are tired of doctrinal and dogmatic differences....”23	“...a portion of truth... is found in every religious and philosophical system…. There is no room for absolute truth.... But there are relative truths."26 “When we can contact our own inner God, all truth will be revealed to us."58
JESUS our Savior or a "World Teacher"?	"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt 16:15-16 "...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord....." Phil. 2:10-11	“The teaching of Christ is not obsolete and out of date. It needs only to be rescued from the interpretations of the theologies of the past …”8	“…see Christ as representing all the faiths and taking His rightful place as World Teacher.… They may not call Him Christ, but they have their own name for Him and follow Himas truly and faithfully as their Western brethren.”13
INCARNATION Jesus or you?	"He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God..." Col. 1:15 "The Word became flesh (incarnate) and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory." John 1:14	"For the church not to speak to pop culture, not to use [its] images... that's not being very incarnational.... In order to incarnate Christ into the culture... wehave to look to redeem pop culture." Leonard Sweet[note 2]	"God, the scripture is saying, is formless consciousness and the essence of who you are." Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth, p. 219 "You are God in a physical body ... You are all power ... You are all intelligence ... You are the creator." The Secret.[note 3]
SALVATION By faith or by works?	"...by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works...." “...wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction.... Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life... there are fewwho find it." Matt. 7:13-14	"We have taught that Christ died to save the world and have endeavored to show that only believers could be saved … Individual salvation is surely selfish in its interest and its origin.”76	"Only those principles and truths which are universally recognized and which find their place in every religion are truly necessary to salvation.” 20
FAITH Based on Truth or experience?	"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God..." Gal. 2:20-21 "...your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Cor. 2:5	“The need is for vision, wisdom and that wide tolerance which will see divinity on every hand and recognize the Christ in every human being.”10	“...there will emerge the universal religion, the One Church. …doctrines and dogmas will no longer be regarded as necessary, for faith will be based on experience.…"16
SIN Confessed or ignored?	"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9	Sin and guilt are ignored, minimized, redefined, or replaced by unbiblical tolerance or -- as spirit guideDjwhal Khul called it, “the Law of Loving Understanding."	"There is no sin." [note 1] “That old message of right and wrong … good and evil, everlasting rewarding and everlasting damnation, has done nothing to end the suffering. …because it is a message ofseparation.”77
GOSPEL The Truth or deception?	The "good news" about the suffering, redeeming death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus -- that we might besaved from sin and joined to Christ. Those who deny His Gospel will face His judgment.	The old Gospel is replaced by a more "positive" gospel: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you. Just agree and accept in His love. Don't dwell onsin.	"...this message is the only message that can save the world.… That message is The New Gospel: WE ARE ALL ONE.”78
FELLOWSHIP In Christ or throughfacilitated dialogue?	"...love one another; as I have loved you..." John 13:34 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another....singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord....." Col. 3:16	Small dialectic groups must be non-judgmental, "authentic" and affirming, showing unconditional tolerance and acceptance, seeking consensus and unity in diversity. [note 4]	"Our object is not to destroy any religion, but rather to... filter each, thus ridding them of their respective impurities.... Free discussion, temperate, candid, undefiled by personalities and animosity, is, we think, the most efficacious means of getting rid of error.... ”26 [See The Dialectic Process]
SERVICE God's way or the world's way [Praxis]	"...whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Col. 3:23 "...they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us..." 2 Cor. 8:5 "...distributing to the needs of the saints...." Rom. 12:13	"The first Reformation was... about creeds; this one's going to be about our deeds." "The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study.... What they need are serving experiences..." Rick Warren [note 5]	"The New Group of World Servers ... can be regarded as the embodiment of the emerging kingdom of God on earth ... not a Christian kingdom.... It is a grouping of all those who – belonging as they do to every world religion... are free from the spirit of hatred and separativeness..... It is a group... without a ...bible of any kind... it has no creed..."[note 6]
SEPARATION or universal oneness?	"Walk as children of light ... finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. " Eph. 5:8-11	"Key to the New Spirituality is a belief that God is notseparate from anyone or anything -- and neither are we."44	“...the ushering in of the new world order... will gather into its ranks all men of peace and good will … the embodiment of the emerging Kingdom of God on earth… It is a grouping of all those who... are free from the spirit of hatred andseparativeness.”52
PERSECUTION or "tolerance" for "resisters"	"...the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me." John 16:2-3	"Postmodern culture is a change-or-be-changed world. The word is out: Reinvent yourself for the 21st century or die." Emerging church leader, Leonard Sweet, Soul Tsunami	"Evolve or die: that is our only choice now. ...at this time about ten percent of people in North America are alreadyawakening.... This is probably enough of a critical mass to bring about a new earth." Eckhart Tolle, author of A New Earth and The Power of Now
KINGDOM of GOD or Kingdom of the World?	Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36 "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son... in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13	“Christ's major task was the establishing of God'skingdom upon earth. He showed us the way in which humanity could enter that kingdom … the way is found in service to our fellow men …"4	“The true Church is the kingdom of God on earth … composed of all, regardless of race or creed, who live by the light within, who have discovered the fact of the mystical Christ in their hearts.”11

To glimpse the vast network of world leaders, occult authors, and deceiving spirits behind this New Spirituality, please read www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/new-spirituality.htm
See also Deceived by a counterfeit "Jesus" - The twisted "truths" of The Shack & A Course in Miracles , Prophets and shepherds who mislead their flocks and Preparing for theEmerging One Church of the New World
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things..." 2 Timothy 4:2-5

23. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, Problems of Humanity, Chapter V - The Problem of the Churches, http://www.netnews.org.

26. Helena P. Blavatsky, “What Is Truth?,” Lucifer Magazine, February, 1888, http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/WhatIsTruth.htm.

58. Alice Bailey, The Consciousness of the Atom, The Goal of Evolution, (Caux, Switzerland: Netnews Association and/or its suppliers, 2002), http://www.netnews.org.

8. Alice Bailey, From Bethlehem to Calvary, Chapter Seven - Our Immediate Goal, http://www.netnews.org.

13. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, The Reappearance of the Christ, Chapter IV - The Work of the Christ Today and in the Future, http://www.netnews.org.

76. Alice Bailey, From Bethlehem to Calvary, Chapter Five - The Fourth Initiation, http://www.netnews.org.

20. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, Problems of Humanity, Chapter V - The Problem of the Churches, http://www.netnews.org.

10. Alice Bailey, From Bethlehem to Calvary, Chapter Seven - Our Immediate Goal, http://www.netnews.org.

16. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, A Treatise on White Magic, Rule Ten - The Present Age and the Future, (Caux, Switzerland: Netnews Association and/or its suppliers,2002), http://www.netnews.org.

2. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, The Destiny of the Nations, The Nations and the Rays, (Caux, Switzerland: Netnews Association and/or its suppliers, 2002), http://www.netnews.org.

77. “God,” as quoted by Neale Donald Walsch, Friendship with God: an uncommon dialogue, (New York, New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 1999), p. 373.

78. Ibid., pp. 372-373.

26. Helena P. Blavatsky, “What Is Truth?,” Lucifer Magazine, February, 1888, http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/WhatIsTruth.htm.

44. Neale Donald Walsch’s Humanity’s Team website, http://humanitysteam.org/content/view/13/27/.

52. Alice Bailey & Djwhal Khul, Esoteric Psychology II, Chapter III - Humanity Today, The World Situation, http://www.netnews.org.

4. Helena P. Blavatsky, “The New Cycle,” La Revue Theosophique Magazine, March 21, 1889, http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/NewCycle.htm.

11. Alice Bailey, From Bethlehem to Calvary, Chapter Seven - Our Immediate Goal, http://www.netnews.org.

Note 1: A Course in Miracles, What Is Sin? at http://acim.home.att.net/workbook250a.html (Unlike the quotes above, this came from our article, Deceived by a counterfeit "Jesus")

Note 2: Leonard Sweet at http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/Church/post-modern/incarnational.htm

Note 3: The Secret, p. 164. Quoted here: www.crossroad.to/Quotes/spirituality/lighthousetrails/08/3-moses-code.htm

Note 4: Small Groups and the Dialectic Process at www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/3-purpose.htm and The Dialectic Process at www.crossroad.to/Quotes/brainwashing/dialectic.htm

Note 5: Ken Camp, "Second Reformation' will unify church, Warren tells Dallas GDOP," 2005, at http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8280 and Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), page 231.

Note 6: New Group of World Servers at www.crossroad.to/Quotes/occult/theosophy-world-servers.htm

un at and Who defines the Kingdom of God? at www.crossroad.to/articles2/006/kingdom-world.htm

Home | Led away | Armor of God | Persecution | His Word

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SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY 2- False spirits invade the church - KUNDALINI WARN...

2010-09-29T21:20:00.000-04:00

For more on this and other topics, see archives.First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY 1- False spirits invade the church - KUNDALINI WARN...

2010-09-29T21:10:00.000-04:00

Todd Friel on how Twilight affects christian girls

2010-09-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

Oprah's Big Lie...

2010-08-22T15:27:00.001-04:00

Former New Ager Warren Smith exposes some of the false teaching coming from the pulpit of Oprah, and promoted from the "evangelical" pulpits of Saddleback (Rick Warren) and Willow Creek (Bill Hybels)right into the front door of your church. Click on post title to link to more from Lighthouse Trails.

-Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Benny Hinn Slays 'Em.

2010-08-03T22:04:00.001-04:00

It's so tragic you have to laugh (to keep from crying).

Read your Bible and Pray...Next question.

You might be in a Relevant Church if...

2010-07-20T17:26:00.000-04:00

You might be in a Relevant Church if your service is like this. A Relevant Church is more about tugging at your heart strings, and less about the real truths of the Bible. So beware, if your church looks like this, I would be cautious of what is coming from the pulpit.

-Chris

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For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

LIST OF SCRIPTURES ON THE OCCULT

2010-07-13T22:24:00.000-04:00

LIST OF SCRIPTURES ON THE OCCULT I recommend that you read all of these scriptures. It will give you a good overview of the occult.
Exodus	7:11-12 (Secret arts) 20:3-5 (Supernatural experiences outside of God) 22:18 (Punishable by death)	Zechariah	10:2 (Harlotry brought from Egypt)
Leviticus	18:10-26 (Forbidden practices) 29:16,31 (Occultism and spiritually defiling) 20:6,27 (Punishable by death)	Malachi	3:5-6 (God does not change)
Numbers	33:52 (Destroy the inhabitants and idols)	Matthew	17:10-13 (Elijah not reincarnated)
Deuteronomy	5:7-9 (Previous generations) 7:25-26 (Abomination to God) 11:16-17 (Poor crops) 18:9-12 (Magic practices - spiritism) 29:27 (Hidden knowledge) 31:17 (Many evils and troubles) 32:16-25 (Continual inward fears)	Acts	8:9 (Simon practiced magic) 15:29 (Meat sacrificed to idols) 16:16-18 (Divination - fortune telling) 19:19 (Break heathen images)
I Samuel	15:22-23 (Witchcraft) 28 (Necromancy - seance) 31:4 (Suicide)	I Corinthians	6:9-10 (Idolaters go to Hell) 10:20 (Provokes the Lord to jealousy) 12 (True spiritual gifts)
II Kings	1:1-4 (Advises your life.) 17:17 (Enchantments - divination - wizardry) 21:5-6 (Burned son as offering.) 23:10-15 (Destroyed idol worship)	II Corinthians	4:4 (Satan is god of this world)
I Chronicles	10:13-14 (Communication with the dead)	Galatians	5:19-21 (Shall not inherit the kingdom of God) 6:7 (God is not mocked)
II Chronicles	28:1-4 (Abominable practices of the nations) 33:6 (Enchantments - witchcraft)	Ephesians	5:5,11-12 (Have no fellowship with darkness) 6:10-18 (Stand against wiles of devil)
Psalms	106:24-31 (Worshipped Baal of Peor)	I Timothy	4:1 (Doctrines of demons)
Proverbs	3:5-7 (Fortune telling) 28:13 (Covereth his sins)	II Timothy	3:8 (Men opposed the truth)
Isaiah	2:6 (Diviners - soothsayers - strike hands) 8:17-19 (Communication with the dead) 19:3 (Put a spell upon) 47:9,12-13 (Predicts the future)	James	1:5 (Ask God for wisdom) 4:7 (Resist the devil)
Jeremiah	10:2 (Prognostication - observing times) 27: 9-10 (Enchantments - divination) 29:8 (Fortune telling)	II Peter	2:1 (Damnable heresies)
Ezekiel	23:37 (Committed adultery with idols)	I John	5:21 (Meat sacrificed to idols)
Daniel	1:20 (Enchantments - astrology) 2 (Astrology) 4 (Astrology) 5:7-12 (Prognostication - observing times)	Revelation	9:20-21 (Worshipping demons and idols) 21:8 (Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone) 22:15 (Who loves and practices falsehood)
Hosea	4:6 (Lack of knowledge)

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First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say!" in the archives.

What do Joel Osteen, Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and Oprah "positively" have in common?

2010-06-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

Well....new age-positivity of course! As Pastor Larry DeBruyn of Discernment Ministries shows us in his latest Discernment Newsletter; The "Occultization of the Evangelicalism"and positive thinking began with the "New Thought" movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (although the practices and principles which were derived from the occult have been around for thousands of years). The newsletter thoughtfully threads the heresy from there to Norman Vincent Peale, to Marianne Williamson (one of Oprah Winfrey's gurus), to Robert Schuller, to Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Joel Osteen. Arguably the three most influential pastors in America if not the world (not to mention Oprah's wide reaching new age gobblygook).

Please click on the title and take the time to read the article in it's entirety and come back, as in the next few days/weeks, I will be doing video and written expose's on each of these prime-time players in the "Bewitching" of the church.

-Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Three False Christs

2010-06-17T22:47:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the Museum of Idolatry for this post...

This ABC news story is chilling. Jesus warned us that this would happen in the last days.

“And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” (Matthew 24:4–5)
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:23–25)

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

CORRUPT CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY/MYSTICISM GAINING GROUND IN EVANGELICALISM

2010-06-10T11:38:00.001-04:00

Here is another insightful article by Ken Silva who is a leading watch dog when it comes to exposing the new age spirituality that is gaining ground within our evangelical churches. PLEASE go to his site for tons more. My goal at this site is to equip you with the best discernment sites, books, articles and videos available. I only wish I had the time and half the writing talent that these guys have. So click on their links for more. But keep coming here for updates.

-Chris

PS: I am saddened by the fact that Lee Strobel's son is following this path of mysticism. I am a big fan of Lee's books; The Case for Christ, and The Case for Faith, as well as The Case for a Creator and I still recommend them. Let's pray that the Willow Creek group changes their ways soon. These guys ~~infect~~ uhhh, I mean affect thousands of "Evangelical" churches which means hundreds of thousands of possible believers will follow their every move.

CORRUPT CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY/MYSTICISM GAINING GROUND IN EVANGELICALISM

By Ken Silva pastor-teacher on Oct 19, 2009 in AM Missives, Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism, Current Issues, Features

They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and clasp hands with pagans. (Isaiah 2:6)
Wannbe Gurus Galore
Apprising Ministries sounds the warning again, along with Lighthouse Trails Research, about increasing inroads of corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM) ala Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster—and his spiritual twin Dallas Willard—who are spreading this spurious Spiritual Formation (SF). Right in line with AM posts such as Contemplative Spirituality Growing Within Mainstream Evangelicalism and Disciplines To Deception In Southern Baptist Convention comes the following sad report at From the Lighthouse blog (FtL).
In “Soul at Rest” Women’s Conference Will Connect Women with Contemplative Advocate we’re told of a Soul At Rest conference of CSM coming next month at an obstensibly mainstream Protestant evangelical church aligned with Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel. FtL begins:

For those who wonder if contemplative spirituality is still making strong inroads into the evangelical Christian church, below is an indicator that this mystical spirituality is moving full speed ahead. And for most Christian leaders, there are no questions asked.
North Coast Calvary Chapel: Women’s Conference Soul at Rest (November 6th-8th) will be featuring contemplative author Tricia McCary Rhodes as the speaker of the conference. Rhodes has been a contemplative advocate for many years…

FtL then leaves us no doubt we’re dealing with spurious CSM, which flowered in the antibiblical monastic traditions of apostate Roman Catholicism, and is now masquerading as some form of “Protestant” SF:

From Rhodes’ book, The Soul at Rest: A Journey into Contemplative Prayer, she states:
Take deep breaths, concentrating on relaxing your body. Establish a slow, rhythmic pattern. Breathe in God’s peace, and breathe out your stresses, distractions, and fears. Breathe in God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion, and breathe out your sins, failures, and frustrations. Make every effort to “stop the flow of talking going on within you–to slow it down until it comes to a halt.” (p. 28) (Online source)

This is the same lunacy in the Lord’s Name I covered recently in Read The Bible, Pray, And Do What It Says where I talked about Kyle Strobel, the son of well-known Christian apologist Lee Strobel, who tells us that he grew up at Willow Creek Community Church. Strobel informed a friend on AM that, “I am finishing my Ph.D in systematic theology on Jonathan Edwards, and founded a spiritual formation ministry“; and further, Strobel also claims that his ministry is consistent with Puritan spirituality.
But as I pointed out previously, after examining his SF ministry Metamorpha with all of its “information on spiritual disciplines, prayer exercises, books, spiritual direction and retreats,” it’s crystal clear that Kyle Strobel has much more in common with CSM guru-ess Ruth Haley Barton than he does with Jonathan Edwards. This now brings me to my other example concerning how CSM continues gaining ground within mainstream evangelicalism, which would be Willow Creek Community Church (WCCC) itself.
A couple of days ago Bill Donahue, “Executive Director—Adult Ministry” at WCCC and part of “The Willow Creek Association Group Life Team,” tweeted:

7 Days til This Changes Everything! #grouplife (Online source)

That link takes us to the Twitter account for the Official Site for Willow Creek Association Group Life team, and over at Group Life, we find information concerning that This Changes Everything (TCE) conference coming up October 24:

This Changes Everything is a one-day training event designed to move you in that direction. It offers practical next steps for fostering spiritual growth in your small groups. (Online source)

Rehashing Spiritual Practices Used By Monastic Systems Of The Roman Catholic Church
The promotional email received at Apprising Ministries, which is entitled “Spiritual Formation and Group Life,” informs us that TCE is “the spiritual formation-focused Group Life Conference on Saturday, October 24 live via satellite.” TCE features one very well known practitioner of CSM in Dr. Henry Cloud, and as I pointed out in Does Psalm 46:10 Teach Contemplative/Centering Prayer, Cloud was featured in the DVD Be Still And Know, which was an veritable ode to Contemplative/Centering Prayer (CCP).
In addition TCE will also have CSM advocate Mindy Caliguire, founder of “a spiritual formation ministry serving church leaders—for the care of their own souls and those they lead,” that’s called Soul Force (SFe), which is:

a publishing and ministry vision dedicated to helping people restore health to their souls. The growing hunger for authentic Christian spirituality continues, along with a need for practical help in experiencing God. As a result, the vision of Soul Care continued to emerge. Consulting and speaking with groups such as the Willow Creek Association, Renovare and the Spiritual Formation Alliance has broadened the Soul Care platform. (Online source)

Under alleged Soul Care Pillars At SFe we find the recommendation to practice Solitude/Silence, which incorporates the CCP mentioned above, including incorrectly listing Psalm 46 as somehow teaching this foolishness. And you are probably aware that Renovare is the mystic ministry of the aforementioned Richard Foster who, according to EC guru Brian McLaren, is a key mentor of the egregiously ecumenical Emerging Church aka Emergent Church de-formation of the Christian faith—now morphing into Emergence Christianity (EC).
You need to know, as I just pointed out again in Not So Gay Writing On Wall Of Apostatizing Evangelicalism, that this EC is a cult of a postliberalism now growing within evangelicalism itself. It’s actually a Liberalism 2.0 that comes complete with the virus of CSM, itself a core doctrine from the EC hatching in Hell, and which then goes to work shorting out one’s critical reasoning skills. Do yourself a favor and examine the fruit of this CSM, which Jesus has told us to do, and you’ll see it’s no great surprise that this Counter Reformation spirituality is largely reversing God’s Reformation.
See also:
TIM KELLER ENDORSING COUNTER-REFORMATION CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY?
MOVE OVER PASTORS FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS/GURUS
EVANGELICAL RIP VAN WINKLES EMPLOY QUAKER MYSTIC RICHARD FOSTER FOR BEDTIME FABLES
THE TERMINOLOGY TRAP OF “SPIRITUAL FORMATION”
“CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE” BY RICHARD FOSTER AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THEOLOGICAL ERROR
SO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE CHRIST… DITCH THE DISCIPLINES OF DALLAS WILLARD
CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY/MYSTICISM (CSM) OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION IS RECKLESS FAITH
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First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

The First Demonic Church of Australia?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.002-04:00

If you haven't been to The Museum of Idolatry lately, check it out when you get a chance. You have to see some of this stuff to believe it. But, in the meantime, here is a sample of what kind of heresy is going on in the name of Jesus.

Not much to say here...it's just sad. Very sad.

And a sneak peak at a couple of sermon series at real evangelical churches in America...I use the term evangelical very loosely.

Yes these are real...unfortunately.

-Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

The Message...God's Word or a Man's Mystical Misinterpretation

2010-05-11T19:39:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

As I return to the blog, I want to begin by pointing out the subtle dangers of Eugene Peterson's "The Message"Bible. This is supposed to be a paraphrase of the Bible, but as you will see, it's much more than that.

Please understand that this isn't about telling you which version of the Bible you should or shouldn't be using. I do sympathize with my KJV only brothers and sisters for wanting the purity of God's Word, but I don't fall in that category. I personally own the KJV, NASB, NIV, ESV and several others including the paraphrase Living Bible. However, I would not suggest the Living Bible for an in depth Bible study. But...I would not compare it to "The Message" paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. There IS a difference... There IS an agenda.

At one time in my less discerning days, I bought this new "bible" for myself and many friends and family members. I loved the simple to understand "modern day" language. I read Mr. Peterson's version of the "new testament" and some of the "old testament".

However, once I studied the new age and the occult, it was becoming clear that there was much more behind this mystical mess than meets the eye.

Much of the phrasing and language is straight from new age and occult terminology. Once I learned a little more about Mr. Peterson's liberal background, I began to understand the scripture twisting, and his real agenda to present a false Christ. The one within us all.

If you will read each article presented, I think you will see that there is really no argument to support "The Message" as solid Christian food, in fact it's a complete dog's breakfast.

Unless...you adhere to liberal theology and/or new age and occult thinking.

This is the first of a series by Vicky Dillen of SeekGod.ca. At the bottom of this first article there are links to the rest of the case against "The Message". Please continue reading them, as I probably won't put them all on this site. Also, check out the many other in- depth articles that are well written and researched on discernment.

-Chris

1 Corinthians 2:12 -13
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The Message:

Eugene Peterson's Opinion of The Bible

Overview

In the various related articles about The Message, analysis and information will be presented showing various theological bias implanted within The Message as well as verse and doctrine comparison to other versions. Research will be presented regarding the various promotions by NavPress, the publisher of The Message, using the words: Bible, Bible version, complete Bible, translation, paraphrase, complete Old and New Testament, accurate and so on. The research will present endorsements for The Message also used by the publisher as a means of authenticating this book as accurate, and will include biographical information on those many well known, and perhaps not so well known individuals.

The research article referring to Dr. Eugene Peterson addresses the assumption many have that Eugene Peterson has a doctorate in languages, which in many minds, would qualify his translating a Bible. However, several correspondences with NavPress proves that Eugene Peterson has no doctorate, with the definitive statement, "He doesn't have a PhD but he has 3 honorary doctorates from Seattle Pacific University, Messiah and Northwestern."

Further documentation shows that while having a BA in Philosophy at Seattle Pacific University, there was no language study mentioned in relation to that degree. Language study in Greek and Hebrew, with no clarification of what time was spent on either or qualification of time spent learning Koine Greek versus classical Greek, was limited to the two years spent at New York Theological Seminary. Originally called Biblical Seminary, this is where Eugene Peterson first attended to obtain a STB or bachelors in sacred theology, which focus, again, was not specifically languages. That was followed by a one year stint at Johns Hopkins where an MA in Semitic Languages was obtained, which means Koine Greek was not part of that course. His return to New York Theological Seminary to teach "biblical languages and English Bible" was for a brief period, from 1959-1960.

The honorary doctorates Eugene Peterson has received are discussed as well as the teaching positions he has held, including, for example, the ecumenical Regent University, his return to the ecumenical New York Theological Seminary, the ecumenical St. Mary's Seminary, the first Catholic seminary in the U.S. It is owned and operated by the Sulpician Fathers, who are diocesan priests dedicated to the continued formation of priests for the Catholic church. These teaching positions are discussed in relation to his time spent at each and the theological positions of the various universities or seminaries.

Research is also presented concerning Eugene Peterson's Pentecostal background and his ordination in the United Presbyterian Church, the relations that denomination has with the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches and the ecumenical movement in general. It should be noted that his Pentecostal bias concerning tongues and "private prayer language" is implanted into The Message.

In depth information is expanded on within a separate article concerning the ecumenical New York Theological Seminary, it's association with the National Council of Churches, World Council of Churches, the late Norman Vincent Peale's Marble Church, Riverside Church, the Rockefellers, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Temple of Understanding and so on.

In other articles discussion will focus on Eugene Peterson's ties to The Chrysostom Society, its members and various associations, Renovaré & the concept of Christian Mystics, the contemplative prayer movement, and also the ecumenical theHighCalling.org which posts his devotionals. The National Council of Churches, World Council of Churches, etc., published the NRSV which is the source for Richard Foster's The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible. Eugene Peterson played a significant role as editor for that New Testament as well as a contributor to various articles within it.

Changing the Word of God

Some of the promotions and reader comments of The Message indicate that this Bible or paraphrase ortranslation is so user friendly, and the wording so easy to comprehend, that all will be able to understand what a person could not before.

One might well ask, if it is so user friendly and understandable, why did a "Study Guide" need to be developed specifically with The Message of Hope, but also compatible with all The Messageproducts, and including definitions for terms and words the average person would not know?

"....This guide is intended to be useful to persons with little or no background in the Bible. Instead of verse numbers, we refer to page numbers in The Message of Hope.People and terms that the average person probably won’t recognize are defined briefly..." 1

Many contend that the Word of God is a closed canon and one cannot change or add to or subtract from it. If one peruses The Message one finds that major doctrines and verses which are found in the original manuscripts stated to have been used by Eugene Peterson as his resources, have been changed or eliminated. That makes The Message, either new divine revelation, of which there has been no specific claim, or heretical writings, and brings into question Eugene Peterson's statements such as, "The Message isn't writing, it's translating." If The Message was direct revelation from God or an accurate translation, then we can no longer view any other Bible as accurate, simply because of the doctrinal changes within The Message.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

If Mr. Peterson has changed the meaning of God's Word, then it is no longer the Word of God or a Bible, as many would maintain.

Eugene Peterson has claimed to put the language of The Message into the language of today, street language, or the language used by the average person in the United States. Based on that, the contemporary understanding of words or phrases is meant to reflect how individuals would understand them in current times. Because of this, we would then need to examine if any of the words or phrases would hold any mystical, occult/new age, or gnostic meaning to the average person, if that is how the words are used in today's society. The implication is that in this “updating” of the language, words were changed because a person might not understand what was meant according to the words translated from the original manuscripts via other translators in the traditional Bibles.

Eugene Peterson wanted to create or translate his paraphrase using the "rhythms and idioms" of what he perceived the original languages would convey if spoken today. According to his statements he was not concerned about word for word or thought for thought translation. Perusing The Message, one finds the writing is often doctrinally empty and not at all the sound doctrine and faith, 'once delivered to the saints'. His ecumenical theological bias which involves mysticism, means that the implanted doctrines are his interpretations based on what he believes people experience, what he would like them to experience or has experienced himself.

Mysticism is defined in various ways on the internet, including:

Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition:
mysticism: "a mental practice in which the mind is stilled so that it experiences the highest and most abstract conception of Godhead or Ultimate Reality free from any distracting thoughts whatsoever. Orthodox forms of mysticism include the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, the Spiritual Guide of Miguel De Molinos (Christian), the classical Qabalah (Judaism), Sufism (Islam), Yoga, Buddhism, Zen, Taoism, etc. ..."2

Theological Dictionary > mysticism: "The belief that knowledge of divine truth or the soul's union with the divine is attainable by spiritual insight or ecstatic contemplation without the medium of the senses or reason" 3

For a New Age view, from "The Global Oneness Commitment", mysticism is defined thusly:

"Mysticism is usually defined in dictionaries and encyclopedias as a spiritual discipline used to make contact with the divine. ... The mystical event is a personal experience during which one feels as though one has been touched by some higher or greater truth or power. This may occur inside or outside of a religious setting, within or outside a religious tradition."4.

With all of the recent publicity given to the Gospel of Judas, and The DaVinci code, the termgnostic has become a part of daily media discussions. The gnostics believed in the dualism between two gods, one who was good or the Supreme Father who was from the good spirit world, and the other one who was evil or the Demiurge , also known as the God of the Bible. One of the actions that the evil god perpetrated, was to create evil and the physical or material world. The good god, who was the secret, hidden, unknown god, existed in the kingdom of light. The primary objective of the gnostics was to reveal this unknown god. They believed that Jesus was merely a heavenly being sent to impart secret knowledge, or gnosis to people in order to enlighten them. The Jesus that they preached had come to bring a secret knowledge, and through this knowledge people would be awakened spiritually to their “divine spark”, and to reveal that every person has this spark of god within. They believed that this “spark” was trapped in the physical bodies longing to be set free.
For example, in the Gospel of Judas, 5 Jesus tells Judas that he will be doing Him a great service by “sacrificing the man that clothes me” (flesh) so that He could be be released from His physical body and reunited with the unknown god in the kingdom of light. There was no need for Jesus to die on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, only for Him to impart this knowledge to all, and by this secret knowledge they would attain salvation. His death was viewed as important only because it freed Him from his evil flesh.
In the article Literal Kabbalah: Gematria & Numerology, gnosis was discussed and defined by various authors. It included the following:

In "Gnosis: The Nature & History of Gnosticism," Kurt Rudolph exposes the true character of Gnosticism as a heresy that infiltrates and destroys Christianity from within:
" ... The process, which is plain from the New Testament itself, is twofold, the Christianising of Gnosis and the gnosticising of Christianity. The result of both processes is the canonizing of Christianity as an orthodox Church on the one hand, and the elimination of Gnosis as a heresy on the other. Gnosis as we meet it in the New Testament is understood less as an alien pagan religion; " rather, it is only dealt with so far as it is a phenomenon within Christianity." The gnostics feel themselves as Christians and present themselves as such in the young Christian communities. Thus it is a danger of more from inside than from outside about which Paul is already said to have given warning. (Acts: 20:29)" 18.
Gnosticism, according to Rudolph, aims at "the acute secularization of Christianity,"...
....Gnostics sought to replace the Christian Scriptures with their own.
"... By way of systematically perverting the doctrines of the Christian faith the Gnostics claimed to possess the true versions of the Gospels, and professed belief in these to the exclusion of all the other..." 20.
~ end excerpt~
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

As one reviews the many foundational passages concerning Christ, salvation and so on, it becomes clear that aside from being extremely ecumenical and with specific theological bias, there is a presentation of universalism which allows all who follow the message in The Message, to be saved. The focus many times is not specifically salvation through Jesus Christ alone or God's grace. It is about sincerely being Christian, resolving conflicts with others, being nice or good, and practicing Christianity or living for God, or having the "God-life" which is also a Renovaré concept. If one thinks they are a Christian, then that must be so, whether they actually know Jesus Christ or not.

Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Absolutes and foundational doctrines, although not denied in all relevant passages, become set aside for religious experience of some kind in others. At times there is a deliberate elimination of the deity of Christ, and other foundations, although they are also implied or stated at times. God is not the author of confusion. Instead of the Word of God providing consistent and distinct truths by which we are to live, The Message (and many other interpretations), attempts to use allegory, treats some passages as nice stories to learn by and removes the authority the Word of God should have in our lives.

In fact in Matthew 13:34-35 we read:

Mat 13:34 All Jesus did that day was tell stories--a long storytelling afternoon. 35 His storytelling fulfilled the prophecy: I will open my mouth and tell stories; I will bring out into the open things hidden since the world's first day.

Jesus was not simply telling stories as The Message in Matthew 13:34 implies. "All Jesus did that day was tell stories." He was fulfilling prophecy and the Scriptures.

	KJB	The Message	NASB	NIV	NKJB	NRSV
Psalm 78:2	I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old	I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb; I'll let you in on the sweet old truths,	...a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,	...in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old	in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,	...a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old
Matt 13:35	That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.	His storytelling fulfilled the prophecy: I will open my mouth and tell stories; I will bring out into the open things hidden since the world's first day.	This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD."	So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."	that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."	This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world."

The use of stories and storytelling is different than the word parable which is a 'life' story which can be applied to all.

In the article 'Have Nothing to do With Fables' the difference between a fable, a story and parable were defined.

A Parable, which Jesus used frequently, is a short story of everyday life used to teach a moral by comparison or by implication. According to Strong's Concordance, it is "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning." Jesus taught the truth with situations that could easily be applied in our own lives.
A fable on the other hand, occurs five times in the New Testament, and is defined as this: [all bolding and underlining mine]
Fable (def)--1. A story made up to teach a lesson; 2. an untrue story; falsehood 3. A legend, Myth.
Someone who tells a fable is called this:
Fabulist (def.) -- 1. A person who tells, writes, or makes up fables; a liar.
Someone who writes fables or old wives tales is agreeing to write about something that is fictitious.
Fabled (def.) -- 1. told about in fables, legends or myths 2. Having no real existence; made up; fictitious.
Old wives' tale (def.) -- a foolish story; silly belief.
There are some who also say the Bible is composed of myth –meaning it has no foundation in truth. The stories of the Old Testament are just as true as what is recounted in the New Testament. They are historical records which actions and behaviors relay prophecy, fulfilled prophecy, how to live or not live for God. If one believes they contain myths and just stories that we can pull out to learn a life lesson from, then we miss the reality that Jesus is the Word of God and the Bible is the record of how to live for him.
Each time the word fable occurs in the New Testament, the underlying Greek wordmuthos (3454 moothos), is used, which is where the English word myth comes from. Strong's Concordance says the word means "a tale, i.e. fiction (myth): fable."
One can’t say the Scriptures are myths and then true, ..."

We are reminded:

2 Timothy 4:2-4
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

At times in The Message, there is a total lack of reverence for Almighty God, when the Scriptures would normally be addressing God in such a manner, or it is written like a childish 'primer', with repetitive notions such as 'Yes, Yes, Yes," which one would be hard pressed to find any adult expressing themselves in such a manner. In fact eternity or everlasting or similar are changed to such repetitive phrasing as "always, always, always", "day after day after day", "age after age after age," etc.. For example: Psalm 41:13:

Blessed is GOD, Israel's God, always, always, always. Yes. Yes. Yes. [The Message]

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen [KJB]

The 'earthy' language and claim of Biblical accuracy of The Message removes the reader from considering what the actual Scriptures do say, and rather, this biased reinvention of the Word of God becomes the doctrine by which to live. Those who would protest this evaluation, need to read on.

1Thessalonians 5:21-22

21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Next Suggested Article: The Message and Dr. Eugene Peterson

Related Articles

The Message Eugene Peterson's Opinion of The Bible ; The Message and Dr. Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson & His Ecumenical Connections ; The Message & NavPress Promotions

The Message Doctrine & Foundations of the Faith

The Message Doctrine & Gnostic or New Age Terms and Concepts

The Message Doctrine & Gnostic or New Age Terms and Concepts Cont.

The Message, Who Endorses and Promotes Eugene Peterson's Opinion of the Bible

Footnotes

1. November 2005 http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Message/MOHguide.pdf

2. Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition: No. 0, Vernal Equinox 2001 www.jwmt.org/v1n0/glossary2.html

3. Theological Dictionary http://www.innvista.com/culture/religion/diction.htm

4. The Global Oneness Commitment ; http://www.experiencefestival.com/mysticism_archives

5. http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/_pdf/GospelofJudas.pdf

Copyrights:

THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language
This edition issued by contractual arrangement with NavPress, a division of The Navigators, U.S.A. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All Rights Reserved.

Power Bible CD > KJB, NASB, NIV, NKJB, NRSV

The Power BibleCD program is Copyright ©1999-2005 Phil Lindner, Online Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyrighted Bible texts are published with permission by Online Publishing, Inc. (ROCKware Publishing). The copyright holders reserve all rights to their material.

The King James Version of the Holy Bible
KJV 1769 edition, public domain.

The New King James Version
Copyright ©1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
The New International Version
Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by The International Bible Society. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The New American Standard Bible
The New American Standard Bible 1995 Update
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(r), Copyright (c) 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission."

The New Revised Standard Version
Copyrighted ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission.
Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary
Taken from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, by James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D., 1890. Public domain.

All Scriptures from the KJB

For more on this and other topics, see archives. First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Hiatus is Over...Announcing: One Foot in the World.blogspot.com

2010-04-27T18:13:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

At the prompting of a very good friend...(I won't mention Jason's name), I have finally started on the new blog. Onefootinthewold.blogspot.com

My wife's broken arm has healed nicely, (so thanks so much for the prayers) and all other excuses for not blogging have been set aside. I continue to see Christian children and parents making poor media and entertainment choices that effect their christian world view and harm their walk with Christ. This blog concentrates more on pop culture and the church rather than false teachers within the church as this blog started out.

Many Christians have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. This can be a dangerous thing to do. I will be focusing on music, movies, video games and all media that are full of the occult and an anti God themes. Past readers may see some of the same material at times since I will pull some of the previous post from the old blog. I felt like this area of discernment is where I needed to spend my time (what little is left after work, church and studying). So please check it out and let me know what you think. Again, it's in its infancy, but will have resources galore very soon.

In His service,

Chris

Blogging Hiatus

2009-12-29T19:49:00.001-05:00

Dear friends,

I am taking a hiatus from blogging for a short while. A) my wife broke her arm and I am needed around the house instead of in front of the computer. B) I am considering changing my focus. I hope to start a new blog (or continue with this same one) that will focus on Christians and pop culture. I hope to produce my own You Tube type videos and a newsletter at some point. I do covet your prayers for this little ministry, as I find much of the "visible" church in a free fall to be like the world. Many see us as "Holier than Thou" when we point out such things, but we need to follow God's word not man's idea of what is right and wrong and pleasing to God. Thank you for your support and prayers and Happy New Year to you all. In the mean time, please check out the links to other discernment sites that I have provided. See you soon.

In His service,

Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives.
First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

It's About The Cross-by Go Fish

2009-12-22T18:57:00.002-05:00

I love this Christmas song and video. Merry Christmas all, and thanks for the prayers and support this first year in the blogoshphere. And don't forget to give the greatest gift of all-The Gospel of our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ.

-Chris

Is Bakugan evil? Does it have occult ties?-Part 2

2009-12-14T17:30:00.007-05:00

Wow! I never imagined the number of hits this little blog would receive based on a post on Bakugan! I'm glad to see Christian parents see the Bakugan's for what they are, or at least concerned enough to Google it. If you didn't see part 1, please read it first here

Before moving on, I want to make a disclaimer: This blog is intended for believers in Jesus Christ to wake up. If you have stumbled upon this post and are not a believer; A) You are welcome here anytime, and if you don't know the Gospel, please see the links above or email me. B) I do not expect you to understand why Christians see these things as evil. I understand how you would think that what we call "dark" or "evil" in entertainment is normal if you do not believe in Christ. I used to believe the same way. In fact, many professed Christians would agree with you, and that is my target audience. Dear Christian parent, I understand this can be a "grey" area for the Christian. I don't think you or your child are Hell bound if you own Bakugans, or listen to secular music, or watch movies based on the occult. I do however believe that we as believers can do better, and my prayer is that once you understand what scripture says about these things that you may find better choices for you and your child's entertainment. If once you understand that God hates what the occult stands for and you choose to continue making it a steady diet of your free time, then I would say there is cause for concern and would suggest examining yourself to see if you are truly in the faith. Please see this article on unconscious learning as well as other articles from Berit Kjos on this subject. You can also click on the label: Occult below for other posts.

Thanks,

Chris

Now back to the post...

I have done a little reverse investigating on the makers of Bakugans. It appears these guys are obsessed with the occult. Here is some of what I found. Things I want to highlight from their information will be in bold black. My comments -although sometimes sarcastic-are in bold red).

Bakugan Battle Brawlers , is a Japanese action adventure [1] anime television series produced by TMS Entertainment and Japan Vistec under the direction of Mitsuo Hashimoto. Mitsuo Hashimoto (橋本みつお, Hashimoto Mitsuo?) is a Japanese storyboard artist and director of television, OVA, and film anime.

Here are some of the other "childrens games" that Mr. Hashimoto has been involved with:

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children (2000-2001, storyboards, director (as Tachibana))

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children - Black Book/Red Book/White Book

Each game features a different Devil Child, a child who is half demon, half human. The humans collect monsters (who speak human language, like in Digimon). The game takes place in a place called Makai in modern Japan, like most Megami Tensei games. The Devil Riser holds their partner demon(仲魔(Nakama, a pun on the word　"仲間", replacing the character "間", meaning "interval, relationship", with "魔", meaning "demon").

Then it gets worse...check out this game that is available for our children's gameboys and DS systems through the makers of Bakugan.

DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions

Does the Pentagram symbol on the cover of this game look familiar?

Here is a definition on the pentagram: Satanists use a pentagram with two points up, often inscribed in a double circle, with the head of a goat inside the pentagram. This is referred to as the Sigil of Baphomet. They use it much the same way as the Pythagoreans, as Tartaros literally translates from Greek as a "Pit" or "Void" in Christian terminology (the word is used as such in the Bible, referring to the place where the fallen angels Hebrew letters לויתן forming the name Leviathan. Less esoteric LaVeyan Satanists use it as a sign of rebellion or religious identification, the three downward points symbolising rejection of the holy Trinity.

Take a closer look at a lot of the children's games, and you'll see pentegrams and other occult symbols hidden, and often blatantly all over the place.

Back to the game description:

"Defeat an army of demons...? No one said 6th grade would be easy!"

Based on the best-selling Shin Megami Tensei series in Japan, DemiKids: Light and Dark comes to your GameBoy Advance!

Choose between the player friendly Light Version or the darker and more challenging, Dark Version. The darker...meaning more demonic.

No matter which one you choose, you'll be in for the adventure of a lifetime!

"DemiKids (both Light and Dark Versions) are what the last Pokemon entries should have been...DemiKids is a must-buy."
- Game Informer

Rated E for Everyone E for Everyone?...are you kidding me?

Key Features:

What I found interesting here, is that the bullet points they used were more inverted pentagrams-they wouldn't copy and paste, but they can be seen here www.atlus.com/demi/

Collect over 350 demons by using the special fusion system! Unlock stronger ones by trading with a different version!
Demon fusion system allows for hundreds of combinations. Create new demons or make existing ones stronger!
Avoid battles and even gain new allies by negotiating with the demonic denizens of Valhalla. Wow...collecting demons, making them stronger and negotiating with them?

The Fusion System

Each version of DemiKids uses a unique fusion system. Special fusions known as Relic Fusions and Skill Fusions can be performed in either version. While in the Dark Version you will be able to increase the parameters of all party members, in the Light Version you will only be able to increase those of your Partner, the guardian demon that accompanies you.

Demon Appearances

While some of the demons available in each title will overlap, certain ones will be unique to either the Light or Dark Version. Furthermore, the circumstances under which the demons are encountered may also vary. For gamers who wish to use the demon-recruiting aspect of the game to its fullest capacity, linking systems will be an exciting way to enhance their assortment of demon allies.

Allies??? The Bible says the Devil can appear as an angel of light (as in a children's game or any other "seemingly" harmless form of entertainment.)

Click here www.atlus.com/demi/demons.html to see the demon images with names such as Lucifer, Belial and Abaddon, that our kids can "play" with that are put out by these guys.

Folks, it's more than just a game. At best, it puts demonic images in our children's minds and makes them look like the "good" guys, and at worst it could lead to your child becoming more interested in occult activities. Believe me it happens.

Please click on the Occult label below for more related articles.

-Chris

For more on this and other topics, see archives.
First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Is the candy coated pop music safe for our kids? What message does neutral music deliver?

2009-12-08T19:31:00.005-05:00

I have slightly strayed from my original intent of this blog in recent weeks (exposing false teachers within the church). But as my son grows up, and I hear what it popular with the third graders at his private Christian school (such as Bakugans, Guitar Hero and Rockband), I feel obligated to continue to expose the darkness with in the pop culture that affects your children's worldview. As you watch the video below, be thinking about the message that is seductively being conveyed to your child as they listen to the message in their music or Guitar Hero over and over and over... Please parents wake up to Satan's tricks. It's much more than just a game. Click on the label: Guitar Hero for more.

-Chris

PS: Before moving on, I want to make a disclaimer: This blog is intended for believers in Jesus Christ to wake up. If you have stumbled upon this post and are not a believer; A) You are welcome here anytime, and if you don't know the Gospel, please see the links above or email me. B) I do not expect you to understand why Christians see these things as evil. I understand how you would think that what we call "dark" or "evil" in entertainment is normal if you do not believe in Christ. I used to believe the same way. In fact, many professed Christians would agree with you, and that is my target audience. Dear Christian parent, I understand this can be a "grey" area for the Christian. I don't think you or your child are Hell bound if you own Bakugan's, or listen to secular music, or watch movies based on the occult. I do however believe that we as believers can do better, and my prayer is that once you understand what scripture says about these things that you may find better choices for you and your childs entertainment. If once you understand that God hates what the occult stands for and you choose to continue making it a steady diet of your free time, then I would say there is cause for concern and would suggest examining yourself to see if you are truly in the faith. Please see this article on unconscious learning as well as other articles from Berit Kjos on this subject. You can also click on the label: Occult below for other posts.

Thanks,

Chris

Hell's Bells Neutral Music Part 1

Hell's Bells Neutral Music Part 2

Hell's Bells Neutral Music Part 1

For more on this and other topics, see archives.
First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

Guitar Hero and Rock Band...Is this for Christian children? Or is this Satan's latest occultic scheme to steal their mind? Part 1

2009-11-25T18:05:00.100-05:00

"... in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.... And from such people turn away!

"...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned..." 2 Timothy 3:1-14

Guitar Hero...Rock Band...is it occultic? Should Christian's play? Is it evil or harmless?

It's only music...what harm can it do? We listened to it and we turned out all right. I used to think this way. My friends...if you have not visited the Good Fight Theater please do once you have watched these videos. You will have a greater understanding of the power of music and how it effects our children's minds.

I recently told a friend, that Satan really out did himself on this one. How else can you get the parents of a 9 year old kid to repeatedly listen to AND watch demonic lyrics over and over? Make it into a game! The slick deceiver turned the evil music of a generation ago into a "childrens" game, complete with demonic backgrounds to boot. Brilliant! The parents will think it's just a kids game and in the mean time our kids are exposed to murder, rape, sexual themes of all kinds and demonic imagery; not to mention filthy language and blasphemy of our Lord.

If you still think it's just a game, then take a look at Metallica, and how they teach hate about Jesus Christ, calling him the God that failed. Then look at a video clip from one of the Guitar Hero games with the lyrics of murder and hate below.

-Chris

PS: Before moving on, I want to make a disclaimer: This blog is intended for believers in Jesus Christ to wake up. If you have stumbled upon this post and are not a believer; A) You are welcome here anytime, and if you don't know the Gospel, please see the links above or email me. B) I do not expect you to understand why Christians see these things as evil. I understand how you would think that what we call "dark" or "evil" in entertainment is normal if you do not believe in Christ. I used to believe the same way. In fact, many professed Christians would agree with you, and that is my target audience. Dear Christian parent, I understand this can be a "grey" area for the Christian. I don't think you or your child are Hell bound if you own Bakugans, or listen to secular music, or watch movies based on the occult. I do however believe that we as believers can do better, and my prayer is that once you understand what scripture says about these things that you may find better choices for you and your child's entertainment. If once you understand that God hates what the occult stands for and you choose to continue making it a steady diet of your free time, then I would say there is cause for concern and would suggest examining yourself to see if you are truly in the faith. Please see this article on unconscious learning as well as other articles from Berit Kjos on this subject. You can also click on the label: Occult below for other posts.

Thanks,

Chris

Imagine playing this over and over and what kind of world view your child may develop with these lyrics:

Am I evil? Yes, I am

Am I evil? I am man, yes, I am

As I watched my mother die, I lost my head

Revenge now I sought, to break with my bread

Taking no chances, you come with me

I'll split you to the bone, help set you free

Folks, you may not agree with everything I have posted on the dark entertainment that is popular with our kids, but I pray that we wake up and realize that there is a battle for their minds, and we need to be aware of what it is they are playing with. Doing this type of research isn't fun or easy and some of the research has lead me to places on the web that made have made me physically ill when I saw what kids who follow the occult are doing. Trust me...they crave death, blood, murder and mayhem, they HATE God and Christians. These occult themed games, movies and books that are popular can be a gateway to this mindset.

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:20

And if you think it's only the "Heavy Metal" that's bad for our kids, and you only play "neutral music" games on your Guitar Hero...please come back for more in a few days. You will be shocked by what the bubble gum "pop" musicians are teaching our children.

-Chris

A clip from the game with the lyrics to the song below the video.

Lyrics from the Metallica song that is being played in the above video.

My mother was a witch, she was burned alive
Thankless little b****, for tears I cried
Take her down now, don't wanna see her face
All blistered and burnt, can't hide my disgrace

Twenty-seven, everyone was nice
Gotta see 'em make 'em pay the price
See their bodies out on the ice
Take my time

Am I evil? Yes, I am
Am I evil? I am man, yes, I am

As I watched my mother die, I lost my head
Revenge now I sought, to break with my bread
Taking no chances, you come with me
I'll split you to the bone, help set you free

Twenty-seven, everyone was nice
Gotta see 'em, make 'em pay the price
See their bodies out on the ice
Take my time

Am I evil? Yes, I am
Am I evil? I am man, yes, I am, ooh

and with the action now, I'll strip your pride
I'll spread your blood around, I'll see you writhe
Your face is scarred with steel, wounds deep and neat
Like a devil dancin before ya, smells so sweet

Am I evil? Yes, I am
Am I evil? I am man

I'll make my residence, I'll watch your fire
You can come with me, sweet desire
My face is long forgot, my face not my own
Sweet and timely wh**e, take me home

Am I evil? Yes, I am
Am I evil? I am man
Go!

Solo!

My soul is longing for, await my heir
Sent to avenge my mother, sweeten myself
My face is long forgot, my face not my own
Sweet and timely wh**e, take me home

Am I evil? Yes, I am
Am I evil? I am man

Am I evil? Yes, I f*****g am
Am I evil? I am man, yeah

PS: This blog is intended for believers in Jesus Christ to wake up. If you have stumbled upon this post and are not a believer; A) You are welcome here anytime. If you don't know the Gospel please see the links above or email me. B) I do not expect you to "get it". The dark nature in entertainment is normal if you do not believe in Christ. In fact, many professed Christians would agree with you, and that is my target audience. No Christian parent, you or your child are not Hell bound because they play Bakugan's or listen to occult laced secular music.BUT, if you or your child substitutes it for God's word more often than not, then I would say there is cause for concern. Please see this article on unconscious learning as well as other articles from Berit Kjos on the subject. Also see the sample clip from the Good Fight ministries on the right handside of this blog then link to their Good Fight Theater for more.

For more on this and other topics, see archives.
First time here? Please read "Don't trust a word I say" in the archives, for details on the beliefs of this ministry.

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