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We need to pass this on…..
The Chocolate Soldier or Heroism – The Lost Chord of Christianity
by C.T. Studd
“Heroism is the lost chord; the missing note of present-day Christianity!”
“Every true soldier is a hero! A SOLDIER WITHOUT HEROISM IS A CHOCOLATE SOLDIER! Who has not been stirred to scorn and mirth at the very thought of a Chocolate Soldier? In peace true soldiers are captive lions, fretting in their cages. War gives them their liberty and sends them, like boys bounding out of school, to obtain their heart’s desire or perish in the attempt. Battle is the soldier’s vital breath! Peace turns him into a stooping asthmatic. War makes him a whole man again, and gives him the heart, strength, and vigour of a hero.
EVERY TRUE CHRISTIAN IS A SOLDIER—of Christ—a hero “par excellence!” Braver than the bravest—scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft-repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger, and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends.
THE OTHERWISE CHRISTIAN IS A CHOCOLATE CHRISTIAN! Dissolving in water and melting at the smell of fire. “Sweeties” they are! Bonbons, lollipops! Living their lives on a glass dish or in a cardboard box, each clad in his soft clothing, a little frilled white paper to preserve his dear little delicate constitution.”
The apostles were certainly not “Chocolate Christians,” and they definitely obeyed the Lord in boldly declaring the truth, regardless of the consequences.
“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3).
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1).
“But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?” (John 7:26).
“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word…” (Acts 4:29).
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 14:13).
“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit], and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
“Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness [boldness] of speech—” (2 Corinthians 3:12).
“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 7:4).
“Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:1-6).
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:19-21).
“For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).
The Root Cause is Lack of Biblical Separatism
The biblical principle of “separation” begins in chapter one of the Bible, and continues to Revelation 22, the end of the Bible. God utilizes separation in the creation account, with His people the Israelites, and with the Bride of Christ – the church. In various ways, God either implements separation Himself, or through His people. God commands it, and we are to obey Him!
“So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to harken [heed] than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
So too, in many places in Scripture, God commands separation from false and aberrant teachings and teachers and false prophets. Those who profess to follow Christ but are unwilling to separate from false teachers and false teachings are clearly in error. They themselves, no matter how popular they are, should also be exposed. Why? They are a threat to the body of Christ because they allow false teachers and false teachings to come into the church. Here are but three examples of God the Holy Spirit warning the church.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:17-20).
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 3-4).
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am [innocent] pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in[from outside the church] among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves[from within the church] shall men arise,speaking perverse things,to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:26-31).
On the Internet and in published literature, one can now find many articles that reveal just how far many modern day church leaders have gone in not separating from unbiblical teachings and aberrant and false teachers. There is simply no excuse for Calvary Chapel ecumenical compromises. This documentation (see section at end of this article) deals with the problems of interfaith dialogue, ecumenical compromise, Jerry Boykin’s close-knit associations with false prophet Rick Joyner and the ecumenical Knights Hospitallers, Calvary Chapel’s neglect of standing firm for sound doctrine and against Purpose Driven, contemplative spirituality, and much more.
Biblical preachers and church elders are supposed to prevent such things, not endorse, promote, and participate in them. It should long be remembered that those who refuse to make a public stand against false teachers, strange doctrines, and ecumenism, have already made a stand to allow it into the church.
The biblical standard is preaching, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with all long suffering and sound doctrine. The principles that Jesus and the Apostles and God’s prophets have always used have been warning and teaching and warning and teaching – not just teaching, teaching, teaching. Far too many in the church today simply teach and teach and teach, and either forget to warn altogether or purposely refuse to warn in order to remain popular and politically correct.
Neglecting to warn the church and protect God’s people from false teachers, antichrists and counterfeit watchmen who masquerade as popular Christian conference speakers is a horrible thing indeed. Sharing speaking platforms with such not only confuses masses of people, but it destroys godly reputations and repulses those who faithfully walk with the Lord. Calvary Chapel pastors and others who claim to teach the whole counsel of God are no exception to the rule. If they share speaking platforms with avowed Ecumenists, false teachers, New Age/New Spirituality sympathizers and the like, they will destroy their own reputations and drive the name of the fellowships where they serve straight into the ground. It is happening now on a very large scale, and the amount of people leaving the Calvary Chapel movement continues to grow.
At the beginning and the end of the day, God’s Word is clear – faithful men of God are to warn of error, and teach the truth. Anything less is not God’s will for the biblical preacher, teacher, evangelist and church elder. Those who want to confuse the body of Christ and blow the trumpet of confusion, should sincerely consider again what the Word of God instructs:
“I charge [command] thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 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. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:27-29).
It is one thing to stand firm in sound doctrine out of love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is altogether another to tolerate that which God hates. To the corrupt church at Thyatira God’s rebuke was clear about their sin was – toleration of evil and not making a stand against it. Sadly, the same can be said about many popular churches and personalities today.
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow…” (Revelation 2:18).
*****
The above article was taken from the source below.
RAY COMFORT SITTING WITH JOYCE MEYER
by Holly Garcia
from Redeeming Moments
I was asked about what I thought about Ray Comfort appearing on Joyce Meyer’s show. I am afraid some will not appreciate this, but what I do, I do for Him, and for the love of the body, and to obey His Word to “prove all things”.
Seen here at this link: http://youtu.be/T9HOrXHK5WY
◦ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1
People may or may not agree with my thoughts on this. There are a few passages that come to mind regarding associations. So I will share here and see if you come up with the same thoughts I have on the matter.
Ray Comfort is not at Joyce’s show to debate her. Nor is he there to argue the scriptures with her in the marketplace as far as I could determine. Some will say, “But he is sharing the gospel, isn’t that a good thing?” We will address it I hope. I do not believe this can be compared to a debate with an atheist or a non-believer.
Why? The atheist does not claim to be a “brother or sister in Christ”.
◦Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. I Cor 10:20-21
Joyce is WOF and also has the heretical teaching of Jesus being born again in hell, along with being a female pastor (unbiblical also), prosperity teachings etc. So what do I think applies to this situation?
Some may ask, “Could he be there to speak against her error in public?” Or, “Maybe he is there to help her?”
The question I would rather ask; “Is he by his presence, commending her ministry to those who follow his ministry?” (I believe so). So, I think these passages apply.
(This one -I John 2:9-11 below, seems pretty clear to me – too many try to wrestle with the outcome of what will happen if we obey this passage. Such as: “How will people view us if we just didn’t talk to them?” Or, How will non-believers think of Christians or the Lord, if we are “unloving”?
I rather prefer to think, “What will the Lord think of me if I do not obey His Word?” And also I ask this of myself, not to point a finger at any who may disagree, but, who am I to decide what the outcome of obeying His Word will be, even if I haven’t seen it practiced at the churches I have been at, or by pastors, I have to remind myself that we are in the age of apostasy, surrounded by a falling away from the true faith, and obedience to His Word is life. We must obey the truth and God rather than man. These false teachers hinder people from obeying the truth, lead people into eternal death, why on earth would we want to associate in a ministerial capacity with a known wolf?… Beyond me…
◦Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If ANYONE comes to you and DOES NOT BRING THIS DOCTRINE, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him SHARES in his EVIL DEEDS. 2 John 1:9-11
STILL NOT CERTAIN?
(Think on the Bride, and who will answer to the Bridegroom for exposing her to ravenous wolves).
◦If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. I Tim 6:3-5
We are to take heed to the doctrine for a reason:
◦Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. I Tim 4:16
Should we ignore these scriptures and share a pulpit with the false in the hopes of “reaching more people”?
◦But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 2 Pet 2:1-3
This grieves me…
MANY will follow their destructive ways.
So you want to lead the sheep over to the wolf in order to get God’s Word out???
My decision thus far… Ray Comfort has crossed the line and fellowshipped with the unfruitful deeds of darkness. I believe he has also disobeyed 2 John 1:9-11, whether knowingly or by justifying the end outcome. I believe I’m not to keep company with him, yet still consider him a brother.
Does the Word tell me to mark and avoid him for association? That’s a harder decision for me, but open to Biblical thoughts on this. I think it is very border line and so prayer and discernment is needed for each of us. We have to determine if they have “caused” (by their association) divisions or offenses, by bringing a doctrine contrary to the one you have learned…
◦Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-19
HAVE THEY DISOBEYED HIS WORD? AND DOES THIS VERSE APPLY ALSO?
◦But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thess 3:13-15
I know some see this as just obeying this particular epistle of 2 Thess. 2, but I believe by proxy, it speaks to obeying His entire Word. I believe it gives us the counsel to know what to do for a professing believer who does not obey the Word. Anyone can make a mistake (yes, I’m answering the one that says “nobody’s perfect”.) I’ll let the Word speak. Everyone should obey the truth, and all should tremble at His entire Word. (Is 66:2) Will we make mistakes? What should we do with those teachers and pastors, apologetics authors, etc. who continue in them? As a matter a fact, what do we do if ANYONE doesn’t obey His Word, or associates with a wolf, and shares in their evil deeds?
What is our responsibility when we see these things…We can start here…
◦For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor 10:4-5
O.K., let’s get down to the nitty gritty…
What do I think Ray Comfort should have done when Joyce Meyer asked him to be on her show?
EASY!!! TURN HER DOWN!
Reject a divisive (heretic) man (or woman) after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:10-11
I know… people rationalize ALL the people he will reach. Again, this is not our decision to make. We are to obey God’s Word… They will compare it to a Glenn Beck scenario. Such as Kirk Cameron being on his show. Glenn Beck is not a Christian, he is a Mormon, therefore a Biblical Christian understands he is of the world. Apples to oranges.
WHY SHOULD WE NOT FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FALSE?
Because we are told….
◦ Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Eph 5:10-11
The laying on of hands was done to approve someone for ministry. I know some may not agree with me on this, but isn’t what these pastors/teachers do when they associate together with the heretics? They lead people into error.
◦ Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. I Tim 5:22
NOT KEEPING COMPANY WITH THE ONE WHO ASSOCIATES WITH THE WOLF.
Does the verse apply in 2 Thess. 3 to obeying the entire Word? I personally do believe so. The entire epistle of 2 Thessalonians discusses the antichrist, false teachings, and men that are unreasonable and wicked that do not have faith. It reiterates in chapter 3 for believers to do the things that they commanded them. One very important command was that we WITHDRAW from everyone who walks disorderly and NOT ACCORDING to the tradition they received from the apostles (the entire New Testament is written by those who were the apostles or those who traveled with them, or brothers of Jesus. I think this would include the entire Word.)… Also mentioned…hmmmm… even busybodies who don’t work, but mind other people’s business….
We know that we have to obey God’s Word, so for me personally, if someone meets with these people, without the intent of correcting them in public (and that’s even questionable) then I have to stay away from listening to them until they repent for their error.
In the case of correcting a wolf, or even a brother in serious error, I believe that person would have to come to you in repentance, to turn from his false teachings, and then maybe this would apply.
◦ And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23
Why do I think it’s such a great sin to put up with false teachers? Besides the greater condemnation teachers will receive for leading someone into error, we have certain standards for the church and a reason for them. It is to protect the flock and to make sure a dying world receives the truth, not poison.
Now for those who bring up that Jesus ate with Pharisees, prostitutes and tax collectors, these would be applicable to the standards for the world. We do not judge the world, God judges the world (I Cor 5) but any who profess Christ, it is a different story. We are to be commended if we will search the scriptures and hold up someone’s teaching to see if these things are so- Acts 17:11, (Commended! Not to be called heresy hunters, witch hunters, or nit-pickers).
We obey the truth through the Spirit (which purifies our soul), in SINCERE LOVE OF THE BRETHREN… (from I Pet 1). This is why I think it is so important to not compromise His truth. It is not ours to rationalize what we think might be a better way to handle something. I don’t want to be hanging with one who decides which portions we might obey, and which ones we can let slide in the name of evangelism, unity, love, etc. Because ONLY the truth will set them free… WHY would we want to mingle it with error? It is not error or watered down truth that will set anyone free. So continue in His Word!
◦So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32
A LITTLE LEAVEN
Immorality, especially spiritual fornication, defiles the church. And we have NOT mourned as a church, instead, we invite them to conferences with us, we have them speak at our church, or we go on their t.v. programs.
Each person has to make a decision, it’s not always easy to say in each and every situation. But I believe they are allowing these spiritual fornicators to slip into the church as they have joined hands with their ministries to do certain projects etc. I believe spiritual fornication is to be treated the same as sexual immorality, it is a sin of rebellion against the truth, fornication against the bridegroom. It is for covetousness, and for their bellies. They revile the real church, and they mock them, and they mock God’s Word and blaspheme the way of truth. Did we forget this passage?
◦Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” I Corinthians 5:6-8, 11-13
*FOOTNOTE: (FOR ME)
◦ But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
This may be shared in its’ entirety for God’s Glory only!
Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved, Holly Garcia
“How does a respected evangelical leader move so far away from the plain truth of Scripture?”
COSMS, CODES, AND CRYPTOLOGIES, Part 2
By Gaylene Goodroad*
Are we in possession of messages of extraterrestrial origin?
If so, what do they mean?
What do these messages from the edge of eternity portend for the future?
What has the science of cryptology revealed about these ancient texts? Is our universe itself a “digital message”?
Do these messages explain the interval between the miracle of our origin and the mystery of our destiny?
Read the implications of our finite universe and the shocking discoveries of quantum physics at the very boundaries of reality and learn their significance to our origin and personal destinies!
(Koinonia House advertisement for Cosmic Codes)
Chuck Missler’s Cosmic Codes: Hidden Messages from the Edge of Eternity is a 535-page textbook for the Koinonia Institute Bible Course, BTE 620: Introduction to Biblical Cryptology.[i] Here is a description from the KI [Koinonia Institute] Handbook:
This course includes an introduction to cryptography (the study of secret writing), with a survey of codes and ciphers: transpositions and monoalphabetic, polyalphabetic, and polygraphic substitutions.
It explores the surprising use of encryptions in the Biblical text, including—but not limited to—the controversial equidistant-letter-sequences which have been so fancifully promoted.
Microcodes (“jots and tittles”), Macrocodes (strategic anticipatory structures) and Metacodes (beyond the boundaries of physical reality) are explored.
Paracryptology and extraterrestrial communication investigations are also highlighted.[ii]
Did you understand this quote? In order to interpret it one must use interchangeable language pulled from New Age physics** where “microcosm” becomes “microcode,” “macrocosm” becomes “macrocode,” and “metacosm” becomes “metacode.” These, and other terms linked to mystical, occultic, and arcane ideas, are vigorously used and taught in Cosmic Codes. This includes numerous highly unusual and extra biblical words that read like codes themselves—terms such as cryptography, cryptanalysis, cryptology, encipher, encode, ciphertext, cryptogram, decipher, decode, acrostic, and anagram.
Chuck Missler defines these secret code practices:
Some [codes], we discover are hidden behind, or underneath, our day-to-day traffic of ideas. The ones which are hidden usually reveal an ulterior intent or purpose…. From the ancient palaces of our earliest cultures to the super-secret “black chambers” of our most modern command posts, the art of secret writing—and the science of their decipherment—have determined the course of history. Cryptology—the study of secret codes and ciphers—has also been stimulated by its use in literature.[iii] [bold added, italics in original]
De-Coding the Bible
It is significant that the word “occult” means “hidden” or “secret.”[iv] The idea that the LORD God would imbed secret knowledge in His Word—requiring believers to “decrypt” it by using worldly techniques—soars to the heights of blasphemy. “Cryptological Bible study” is totally foreign to the Bible’s plain teachings and precepts.
Full article HERE
QUANTUM MYSTICISM IN THE CHURCH
COSMS, CODES, AND CRYPTOLOGIES
PART 1: Crossing the Boundaries of Reality and Scripture
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
(2 Peter 1:16)
By Gaylene Goodroad
“We are stumbling within this interval between the miracle of our origin and the mystery of our destiny. And we are now beginning to realize that the most critical aspects that impact our destiny lie just outside the ostensible boundaries of the veil surrounding only a ‘virtual’ reality.”
“This field of study is called ‘Quantum Physics’ and its philosophical implications can be shattering to our presuppositions about our ‘reality.’ We now discover that the physical reality that surrounds us is only a virtual simulated reality—made up of indivisible, electrically charged particles: in fact, we exist within a digital electrical simulation!”
“Does the ‘Paranormal’ lie within the margins between the ‘Metacosm’ [a larger reality beyond the macro/microcosms consisting of 10 dimensions or more] and the virtual reality established by the digital simulation?”
— Chuck Missler, Systems Engineer, Author, & Bible Teacher (Introduction to God’s Ghostbusters [italics in original, bold added])[i]
When I began reading successful evangelical author, publisher, and former pastor Tom Horn’s recent book, God’s Ghostbusters, dealing with classic horror film themes (vampires, ghosts, aliens and werewolves), I didn’t expect to encounter these Chuck Missler quotations above dealing with the new science/new math of quantum physics or quantum mechanics.
Initially, terms such as Chaos Theory, Metacosm, and Hyperdimensional or Holographic Universe seemed starkly out of place. Familiar with the bizarre teachings and science fictionesque concepts of Tom Horn (the subject of two previous Herescope articles),[ii] the more I read, the more I began to see other ominous connections between Horn, his collaborators, and New Age physics.[iii] These men are not only taking their readers beyond physical realities, but beyond what is written in Scripture.[iv]
Finish HERE
Deliverance from Extreme Pentecostalism – A Personal Testimony of Bethel’s Influence
Following is a personal testimony of an individual who, under the influence of Bethel Church in Redding, CA pastored by Bill Johnson, fell into error and later was freed. The original article in four parts can be found at inerrantword.]
A Dangerous Journey – My Wife’s Deliverance from Extreme Pentecostalism (Part 1)
****
At the beginning of 2010 I decided I wanted to get involved in a more passionate “Christianity”. I have always thought of myself as a worshipper & I craved being around others who lived & breathed worshipping the Lord.
Our church had been *pushing* & wanting revival to break out. So naturally I went home one day and decided to research about what “revival” actually was and how we could get it! Through my discoveries I found out about The Welsh Revival, Charles Finney and others.
I wanted *revival* to break out in our church. The more I read about the “amazing” things that happened in Wales, the more I wanted that to happen to us.
A member of our church had been involved in the Brownsville Revival. She told me many stories about the revival that happened there & the anointing that she received from there. Whenever she went up for prayer her body would shake & eventually she would, fall to the floor.
I was curious and started looking into the information surrounding the Brownsville revival. Like the Toronto blessing, the Brownsville revival had similar manifestations of the holy spirit, and following that was the Lakeland revival.
At that time I was initially very cautious. It didn’t seem to line up with the God of the Bible I knew and I couldn’t find anything in the scriptures to back up what was happening in these places. BUT I so desperately wanted to feel God and being among passionate Christians, I thought that this was where those sorts of people were. Some of the manifestations, including the prophetic seemed exciting and it drew me in.
Despite my initial caution & a nagging feeling of unease, I started listening to the answers that these extreme prophetic people would give to the sceptics.
Here are some of the things they said/say:
Continue HERE
Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
Mike Gendron On Wolf, Brennan Manning –
source HERE
The Lord Jesus Christ warned His followers, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheepʼs clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15). The warning was important because Jesus later said to them: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). The apostle Paul, with tears and a deeply troubled spirit, penned a similar warning: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29). Throughout church history these warnings have seldom been taken seriously. Christians continue to be deceived because they can not discern truth from error.
According to Websterʼs Dictionary “deceive” means “to lead astray or to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid.” Could it be the church has not only lost its ability to discern truth from error but also to discern wolves from sheep?
Consider Brennan Manning, an inactive Roman Catholic priest, who has some obvious characteristics of a “wolf,” yet goes mostly undetected. In the last ten years, he has become a popular speaker in many “evangelical” churches. Manning was ordained to the Franciscan priesthood after graduating from St. Francis Seminary in 1963. Later he was theology instructor at the University of Steubenville (a Catholic seminary and catalyst for Mary to be named co-redeemer). After being treated for alcoholism and leaving the Franciscan Order in 1982, he married Roslyn Ann Walker. The marriage has since ended in divorce but his popularity as a writer and speaker continues to grow despite his proclamation of “another” gospel.
The teachings of Manning are charming, seductive, cunning and dangerous as he takes advantage of his undiscerning audiences. He teaches that you can overcome fear, guilt and psychological hang-ups, even alcoholism, through meditation. His meditation techniques are drawn from a mixture of eastern mysticism, psychology, the New Age Movement and Catholicism. Manning gives the impression that he has a very intimate relationship with God and reports having many visions, encounters and conversations with Him. He assures his audiences that if they apply his teachings, they too can become more intimate with God.
I first met Manning at the Christian Booksellers Association in New Orleans. As he was signing autographs for his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, I asked him if his “ragamuffin gospel” followed the Catholic plan of salvation or the biblical plan of salvation. He responded, “Read it and find out for yourself.” Still trying to gain insight into his theology, I gave him a tract I had written called Roman Catholicism: Scripture vs. Tradition and asked for his comments. After looking at it for a couple of minutes he tore it into pieces and threw it in the trash.
The next time I saw Manning was January 21st at Hillcrest Church, a congregation of over 5,000 members in north Dallas. Manningʼs message was about our need for a second conversion, a conversion that can only take place when one overcomes self-rejection and gains esteem through self-acceptance. After the service I asked two elders of Hillcrest Church how they could allow a Roman Catholic priest speak to their congregation. Their response—”we welcome everyone who loves God.” This was indeed a fulfillment of Paulʼs prophetic words: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
Finish Article HERE
Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile?
By Dr. Harry Ironside
Objection is often raised even by some sound in the faith-regarding the exposure of error as being entirely negative and of no real edification. Of late, the hue and cry has been against any and all negative teaching. But the brethren who assume this attitude forget that a large part of the New Testament, both of the teaching of our blessed Lord Himself and the writings of the apostles, is made up of this very character of ministry-namely, showing the Satanic origin and, therefore, the unsettling results of the propagation of erroneous systems which Peter, in his second epistle, so definitely refers to as “damnable heresies.”
Our Lord prophesied, “Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Within our own day, how many false prophets have risen; and oh, how many are the deceived! Paul predicted, “I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch.” My own observation is that these “grievous wolves,” alone and in packs, are not sparing even the most favoured flocks. Undershepherds in these “perilous times” will do well to note the apostle’s warning: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” It is as important in these days as in Paul’s-in fact, it is increasingly important-to expose the many types of false teaching that, on every hand, abound more and more.
We are called upon to “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints,” while we hold the truth in love. The faith means the whole body of revealed truth, and to contend for all of God’s truth necessitates some negative teaching. The choice is not left with us. Jude said he preferred a different, a pleasanter theme-“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordainedto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 3, 4). Paul likewise admonishes us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
This does not imply harsh treatment of those entrapped by error-quite the opposite. If it be objected that exposure to error necessitates unkind reflection upon others who do not see as we do, our answer is: it has always been the duty of every loyal servant of Christ to warn against any teaching that would make Him less precious or cast reflection upon His finished redemptive work and the all-sufficiency of His present service as our great High Priest and Advocate.
Every system of teaching can be judged by what it sets forth as to these fundamental truths of the faith. “What think ye of Christ?” is still the true test of every creed. The Christ of the Bible is certainly not the Christ of any false “-ism.” Each of the cults has its hideous caricature of our lovely Lord.
Let us who have been redeemed at the cost of His precious blood be “good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” As the battle against the forces of evil waxes ever more hot, we have need for God-given valour.
There is constant temptation to compromise. “Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” It is always right to stand firmly for what God has revealed concerning His blessed Son’s person and work. The “father of lies” deals in half-truths and specializes in most subtle fallacies concerning the Lord Jesus, our sole and sufficient Savior.
Error is like leaven of which we read, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Truth mixed with error is equivalent to all error, except that it is more innocent looking and, therefore, more dangerous. God hates such a mixture! Any error, or any truth-and-error mixture, calls for definite exposure and repudiation. To condone such is to be unfaithful to God and His Word and treacherous to imperiled souls for whom Christ died.
Exposing error is most unpopular work. But from every true standpoint it is worthwhile work. To our Savior, it means that He receives from us, His blood-bought ones, the loyalty that is His due. To ourselves, if we consider “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt,” it ensures future reward, a thousand-fold. And to souls “caught in the snare of the fowler”-how many of them God only knows-it may mean light and life, abundant and everlasting.
[Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951), a godly Fundamentalist author and teacher for many years, served as pastor of Chicago’s Moody Memorial Church from 1930-1948]
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