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Even though I was a Christian..I was as lukewarm as a leftover glass of yesterdays iced tea still sitting on the coffee table from the previous evening. Melted ice…diluted flavor…dingy glass…bent straw…wilted lemon slice. There was no way that an unbeliever would know that I believed in Jesus Christ. If I was standing in front of a judge would there be enough evidence in my life to convict me of Christianity? NO, sorry lady… you do not have a shred of evidence, no proof whatsoever. This verdict would have been correct.
Then one day I picked up a paperback book on prophecy in a garage sale. It was fascinating. I had never read anything before about prophecy and no teacher had ever taught Revelations when i was in Sunday School and I don’t ever remember a sermon about the end times.
This was the first time I had read about the rapture. Reading this material caused at first immense interest. Then the conviction started. Weight upon weight began piling into my heart until no longer could i hold inside the tears of 30 years of unconfessed sin. Down onto floor…this is where i stayed for hours..on my knees..on my back..crosslegged…in prayer, begging forgiveness for the time I had spent idly wandering this shameful world. I had been hit with a powerful realization that my indifference to sin and the Lord Jesus Christ would result in being doomed in the upcoming wrath and judgment.
I rededicated my life to Christ that afternoon. This single episode has been the most significant life-changing event of my life. I had accepted Christ as a young girl and have always been a believer but the conviction of my guilt shook me to my very core and caused true repentance.
What happened next was a hunger and thirst for God and the Word. I had never experienced this before in my life. Because I was expressing this hunger for the Word of God, someone invited me to Bible Study Fellowship which is an intense study which will put you into the Word of God daily. Then the time came for next step. I asked the Lord to expose my sin to me and further convict me of areas in my life that needed to be changed. This was another milestone and yet another corner turned. If you ever want a fast answer to prayer……ask this:
Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Opening your life to the Lord in this way is cleansing and He needs clean vessels for his servants.
I try to keep myself low, humble. I am nothing, I am a nobody. All that I am is what the Lord has done in me, I am nothing in myself. When I bow down before Him it is in total submission. The Holy Spirit then can do His work and can use me as a vessel. Everything in my life has to be done His way, in His time, for His Glory and for His purposes only.
We need to confess and repent of our sin constantly. I believe everyone knows what it is to confess of something, but that they do not really know what repentance truly is. To repent is to turn away from sin. To repent causes a changed reformed life. If your life has not seriously changed since becoming a Christian then you need to take a good look at your walk with the Lord.
In Revelation 3 the church of Laodicea is admonished.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
I will never in my lifetime be able to express the gratitude I have that the Lord loved me enough to rebuke and chasten me and therefore caused me to repent and change my ways so that I could truly be his servant. Is the life of a servant easy? Not always…but there is nothing more empowering than lowering and humbling yourself before the Lord.
What about you? Is the Lord rebuking and chastening your heart this very moment? Would you please listen for his voice, read his Word, and completely turn your life over to Him?
kim
NOTE: OCTOBER 30, 2007 The link to the video was changed. When i watched the new video it was evident that it had been heavily edited and no longer contained some of the quotes below. The video is now about 3:00 minutes instead of 5:23.
I have been wondering what the youth’s emerging church really entails. The description i have been hearing, is this: a dark room, sofas, and candles. One can imagine that easily enough, but what about their beliefs. Disenchanted with the church, young people are creating their own churches. One has to ask…if people are creating their own churches and tailoring it to their own liking, what will they come up with? I saw this video on another blog and watched it with interest. This church is called Solomon’s Porch and it is youth orientated. So please watch this video called “A Spiritual Revolution”. Read the quotes i took from the video first and be listening for them while you watch.
I am sorry i could not embed the code for this video but it loads fast. Please watch.. it only lasts 5:23 minutes.
A Spiritual Revolution
http://current.com/items/76386062_solomon_s_porch note: (this is the edited version, the original no longer exists)
Here are some quotes from these young people.
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” We just knew that the way we had done Christianity all of our lives was no longer a viable option anymore.”
“The issues Jesus would deal with today would be …racism, the environment, it would be globalization, and it would be feeding the masses….it would be these sorts of things.”
“I see the Bible changing…i do not see it stagnant and so for us, as a community of Christians to say, we need to believe this one thing and hold it tightly and make sure that it is never questioned?…That is a real waste of energy with all the things we could be doing in the world.”
“I have no agenda to go around and convince people of things they don’t want to be convinced of. That seems to be the least gracious, kind and loving thing you can do…is go and disturb someone who chooses not to be disturbed. I think places like ours are hope producing for people who are already disturbed and gives them another option.”
“There is no…like..statement of belief at this church or statement of faith..is not like a set in stone theology that everyone in this church has to adhere to.”
“I have heard that the kingdom of god is supposed to be like a party house so let’s do communion like a house party.”
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While the video did not exhibit any disrespect during their communion, an attitude that diminishes the holy sacrament of communion is definitely a negative. Insinuating that communion is part of a “house party” is degrading to God.
Basically we are seeing a common trend of removing Jesus Christ from the church. Here at this church they seem to be removing or rejecting authority. But in this process are they removing God’s authority? I think so. The young woman who commented that making sure the Bible was never questioned was a waste of energy… this hurt my very soul.
The church wants to make its own rules because they do not like the rules set forth in scripture. What a convenient belief system. If you do not like what scripture says, do not want to change your life, do not want to give up sin…well, just say that the Bible is not true or is not relevant today, or how about this…it was written by men.
I would love to have the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written by God’s finger, but this is a little impractical for lugging to Bible study.
All scripture is God breathed. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers to write about God’s Word with perfect accuracy. God only speaks the truth, it is impossible for God to lie. (Hebrews 6:18) The Bible is inerrant, free from error. When in doubt about versions always go to the KJV.
Brian Flynn in his book “Running Against the Wind”, was prepared to stump Dr. Don Bierle who was speaking about his becoming “a Christian after examining the evidence that supports the historical accuracy of the Bible.”
Here is what Brian says on page 81. “At the end of the class, I was impressed but disturbed. I had no idea this type of information existed. I could hardly believe that historical evidence supported the authenticity of the Bible. I had entered this class so confident that I could challenge Dr. Bierle, and he would fold with the well-you-just-have-to-believe line. But I was wrong. He had the evidence, and all I had was my arrogance.”
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[suggested reading]
Surprised by Faith – Dr. Donald A. Bierle
http://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Faith-Don-Bierle/dp/0971410089
The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? – F. F. Bruce
Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell
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Anyway watch this video and check to see if you are exhibiting any of the same attitudes of these young people.
Are you trying to change the Word of God to your liking?
Do you choose not to believe the Holy Bible is truly from God?
Would you like to see the Bible changing to fit your needs?
Do you think it is kinder to not share the Gospel because it may disturb someone?
Do you think there is another way besides repentence of sin and faith in Jesus Christ?
Are you ashamed of the Gospel?
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Do not be ashamed of God’s Word. Glory in every word. Pray that His Word will speak to your heart and convict you of your sin. Yes…ask…ask for the conviction of your sin and that the Lord will show you what areas in your life need changing. The Holy Bible is your Owner’s Manual for everything you need to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
kim
There are many who are unaware of the New Age Movement and do not know how to even detect the signs of this spreading belief system. Yes…belief system. This is truly dangerous because ALL people are being directly affected today.
What are some of the beliefs of New Age philosophy.
1. God is All. God is in All. We are therefore God-like.
2. We can achieve transformation of self to a higher enlightenment.
3. If we unite and share the same belief system there can be peace in this world.
4. We are not accountable to anyone but ourselves.
5. There is no such thing as sin. Therefore we are not in need of forgiveness.
6. Being spiritual is based in mysticism and its techniques.
7. All religions lead to God.
8. Your spiritual life is based on feelings and emotions.
9. There is a higher knowledge available to the spiritual elite.
10. Humans can attain perfection and are divine.
11. Evil is a misperception of reality.
12. All judgments and values are relative… not truth.
13. Change is always good.
14. Jesus was a good man and prophet but not the Son of God.
This list is not exhaustive by any means and there are many facets to each belief. But you may be thinking, Hey….none of these things have affected me or family and friends. Well….Let’s see.
Have you joined a “green” movement to save the earth?
Do you know anyone who participates in Yoga, acupunture, or therapeutic massage?
Have you or a friend ever purchased a crystal to wear or dangle from your rearview mirror, or a message rock to keep in your pocket?
Do you read your horoscope or put any stock in your “sign”?
Ever used a Ouija board?
Joke about having the “Force” in Star Wars?
Ever seen anyone use a divining rod?
How about the pendulum over a pregnant women’s stomach at a baby shower to see if it is girl or a boy?
Tarot Cards?
Have you ever been asked to do any practice with meditation or visualizaion at a seminar at work?
Do you know anyone who has tried one of the spells performed by Harry Potter in his books or movies?
Ever had your palm read?…Fortune read by a Medium?
Have you studied Feng Shui in a room setting for universal life energy?
Have you ever spelled out the word “witch” with your muffin crumbs? (just kidding)
Let’s see…what else….tea leaf reading, numerology, ESP, psychic powers, spirit guides, scrying, ball gazing, auras, astrology, omen interpretation, runes, astral travel… yep,..all occult.
It is my belief that the church is responsible for preparing Christians for the end time deceptions. All faiths will be accepted into the New Age One World Religion except Christianity. Why? Because of Jesus and who He really is, the Son of God, the only way to the Father. So what are the differences between the New Age and Christianity?
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The New Age teaches that enlightenment is the way to salvation.
Christianity teaches that grace and faith in Jesus Christ is our salvation.
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The New Age teaches that there are many ways to God.
Christianity teaches that there is only one way, through Jesus Christ.
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The New Age teaches that you are reincarnated till you get it right.
Christianity teaches that man dies once and then will be judged.
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The New Age teaches that Jesus was a good man, a prophet.
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God.
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The New Age teaches that the second coming is happening within all who are enlightened.
Christianity teaches that Jesus will physically come to earth again in judgment.
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The New Age teaches that the Bible is wrong and needs to be corrected.
Christianity teaches that the Word is inerrant and that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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The New Age teaches that sin doesn’t exist.
Christianity teaches that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves.
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The New Age teaches a new way to pray with chanting and eastern meditation.
Christianity teaches we are to use a prayer like the Lord’s prayer, as Jesus taught us, and not use vain repetitions.
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The New Age teaches that pleasures are here to be taken and this is our purpose.
Christianity teaches that our purpose is to give God glory.
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To those around you who may be involved in the New Age/Emergent church: Pray for them, study the Word so you can present the truth, be kind..loving and patient.. and tell them what the Lord has done in your life. Be a godly example and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit who will give you the words you need to say. If you stumble it is okay….just remember,
Isaiah 55:11. ” So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and acheive the purpose for which i sent it.”
kim
ps – don’t ever let your mother-in-law see those muffin crumbs.
*****UPDATE*******September 16th Sunday Paper The Kitsap Sun*******UPDATE*******
This is in the Religion Section
…..Ministerial Association will host Kitsap County clergy, chaplains and spiritual leaders in a second annual retreat day Oct. 16th at Firway House Retreat….The retreat will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the theme “Thank God You’re Here!” The day includes holy leisure, celebration of call and humor. A rustic outdoor labyrinth is available on site for prayer, play and pondering.
WHOA WHOA BACK-UP!!!!!! LABYRINTH????
First it was Taize, then this..this..ECK nonsense, and now a ministerial LABYRINTH?
OH LORD HAVE MERCY ON US…..
September 10th
THE ECK TEMPLE IN MINNESOTA
(notice the pyramid structure)
It wasn’t too long ago that the religious section in my local newpaper was advertising a Taize Service and that all were welcome. Taize service? What was this?
For an explanation click here:
https://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2007/07/30/crisis-in-the-church-taize-what-is-it/
Then i noticed that the religion editor was touting a New Age book by Matthew Fox. I emailed her with the information that Matthew Fox was a New Ager and did she know that she was promoting this kind of material. I guess so, nothing has changed.
Now today. It is Saturday, September 8th and let’s take a look to see what we find. OH, BOY, Rick Warren is speaking at a church in a nearby town, promoting his 40 Days of Purpose: The Next Step. Actually i really want to attend this for research if i can.
Aha, this is what i wanted to share with you. This ad was down in the left hand corner.
“Discover YOUR own ANSWERS to Divine MYSTERIES of LIFE”. For information ….
http://www.eckankar.org/index.html
hmmm….let’s take a look at this website.
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E C K A N K A R, Religion of the Light and Sound of God
Soul is eternal and is the individual’s true identity.
Soul exists because God loves it.
Soul is on a journey of Self- and God-Realization.
Spiritual unfoldment can be accelerated through conscious contact the ECK, Divine Spirit.
The Mahanta, the Living ECK Master is the spiritual leader of Eckankar. (Harold)*
You can actively explore the spiritual worlds through Soul Travel, Dreams, and other spiritual techniques.
“Harold”*
The Mahanta, the Living ECK Master “Harold”*
This is the thing about Soul Travel. It gives you such a glimpse of truth—not just as a piece of knowledge out there—but as a living, breathing part of you, so that you know something as truth. . . .
Often you find out that life is more beautiful and fuller than you had ever expected it to be. And God’s creation is more wondrous.
On this website, there is an invitation to listen to an audio of the word HU (The name of the ECK God) being sung for 5 minutes straight. Uh….this is a monotonous chant of one syllable….very contemplative…..for the full 5 minutes. Skip this droning heresy and go get a snack instead.
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Now i could talk all day about the problems with ECK (teachings of a man instead of the Bible, techniques to contact the spirit world, the elimination of Jesus Christ)…but i just wanted to point out that not everything in the religious section in your newspaper glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. If you think about it, take a look sometime to see if you can identify the New Age advertisements. Look at their terminology and websites. It is a great way to practice your discernment.
The answers to the mysteries of life are found in the Bible……not Harold*.
kim
UPDATE
March 28th, 2011
I no longer teach in the BSF program but I was very blessed to be part of this wonderful program for three years.The BSF children’s program strived to teach truth to the children about biblical concepts and did not try to merely entertain them. I have never met a more dedicated and godly group of women.
I did leave BSF for other reasons, which is discussed in some of the other articles. The executive branch would not publicly address the issued raised by others concerned about new age and emergent books recommended in their newsletter and the scripture taken from “The Message.” “The Message” is not a bible but a paraphrase written by universalist Eugene Peterson who has alarmed many in discernment circles by his unbiblical writings and endorsement of the heretical book, “The Shack.”
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I am a children’s leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and this will be my third year teaching, and my seventh year overall. This year we will be studying The Book of John. September 2009 – May 2010.
The extent of this program to teach the Bible to the children is quite amazing. The children’s BSF program consists of 5 parts. We start in assembly for hymns and prayer. First in the class we have the discussion of questions and answers of the Bible passage we are studying, then we have Discovery or Homiletics which is a fun way of learning Bible truths and applying them. Next we give the the Bible lesson itself from scripture. The last activity varies according to the age group. The younger children are usually playing a verse memorization game. For the older children, we have Basic Truths or The Atttributes of God.
I am amazed at the quality of the lessons that are provided for these children. If you have ever participated in BSF then you may know that the lessons for the children are almost the same as the adults. The only difference is that the lesson is age appropriate. The basic principles that are taught for the Bible passage are the same as the adults.
The goal of the children’s program is to bring families together through mutual study of the Bible, to teach children the Word of God and encourage them to love and serve Him, and apply the principles in their daily lives. BSF is meant to supplement Christian teaching in the home and the church, not replace it. A parent cannot drop off the child on class night. Both have to be in attendance.
We spent a lot of time just on the safety of the children. There are ALWAYS two adults with the children. The same person who dropped off the child has to pick him/her up. This is the same procedure for all age groups, 1st grade through high school. So you can see the importance that is placed on your child’s safety while they are in our care.
I previously attended BSF as an enrolled participant and have been amazed at the wonderful staff and the dedicated discussion leaders who head up each group of ladies when they separate for the discussion groups. Every year my love grows for our teaching leader and know her as a true and loving servant of the Lord.
What an honor and joy it is to be able to work with these women whom I highly appreciate. Surely, I am not worthy….so I am extremely humbled to be offered such an opportunity to serve my Maker and teach children the Word of God.
Since we have been researching occult channelers let us now take a look at Helen Schucman. Born 1909, she wrote “A Course of Miracles” over a period of 7 years which was dictated to her from an inner voice who identified itself as “Jesus”. This Jesus said he was going to correct errors in the Bible. The “Course” says sin does not exist so there is not a need for forgiveness which entice those who want to be called Christians but do not want to give up their sin. How convenient. The Course teaches that fear is an illusion and that all is love..
Jesus is according to this book “an elder brother entitled to respect for his greater experience, but he is one of many Christs, and we all have the ability to become as Gods.”
This pattern always develops. There are many ways to God, God is in us, we are God. This basic message is the same as the other channeled messages received from various entities from the spirit world. The world needs to be enlightened and more spiritually evolved to progress to the next plane. When there is contact with the spirit world the content is always anti-christian. The Christian terminology can be deceiving so one has to compare these messages with the Word of God.
Here are some quotes from “A Course in Miracles” by this “Jesus”.
“There is no sin; it has no consequence.” workbook pg 183
“The Atonement (at-one-ment) is the final lesson he (man) need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.” text pg.237
“Do not make the pathetic error of ‘clinging to the old rugged cross’. The only message of the crucifixion is that you can overcome the cross. Until then you are free to crucify yourself as often as you choose. This is not the Gospel I intended to offer you.” text pg.52
“The mind can make the belief in separation very real and very fearful, and this belief is the devil.” text pg.50
“Atoning means undoing. The undoing of fear is an essential part of the atonement value of miracles.” text p.5
I selected a few quotes regarding fear which I will address later.
“A Course in Miracles” according to Warren Smith in “Reinventing Jesus Christ”:
“During the 1980’s the Course gained a grassroots following of dedicated believers…and interest grew in the Course and it became a cult classic for those in the know. Yet even as word spread, the Course still remained relatively unknown to the general public.”
Enter Marianne Williamson. After reading her story, she seemed to be quite troubled. She then wrote her book “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles”. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1992, and Williamson’s book soared to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. The miracle was reawakened.
Here is are some quotes from “A Return to Love”:
“Jesus and other enlightened masters are our evolutionary elder brothers” pg.42
“We are who God created us to be. We are all one, we are love itself. ‘Accepting the Christ’ is merely a shift in self-perception.”
It has long been known that Oprah constantly features New Age promoters on her show. This has exposed millions of women (and men), to New Age philosophy. New Age philosophy is Theosophy which translates Divine Wisdom. This has caused extreme damage to the true Church of Christ. Many women just automatically believe what Oprah has to offer up without question. When Oprah had Williamson on her show neither suggested that the “Jesus” they were referring was a different Jesus than we know of in the Bible. When Williamson was asked: Was Jesus the only Son of God?, her answer was “Hogwash”.
http://beliefnet.com/story/120/story_12052_1.html
I want to go back to the statements that Schucman’s “Jesus” made about fear. I have noticed that many messages channeled to mediums, concern the overcoming of fear. I was reading about a women’s journey going through the 7 chakras (levels) of yoga and her “spirit guide” (demon). At every level she faced extreme fear and anxiety, but her demon guide led her through the fear, saying it was evil, so she would advance to the next phase of enlightenment. I have to believe that this fear was her conscious telling her to stop. But she didn’t. The compulsion of wanting to become enlightened or to have special knowledge is a heady pull into mysticism.
What a sad day it will be for those who find out too late that they are not embracing the Holy Spirit but the fallen angels from the dark side, bent on deceiving them. They are listening to the lies of the serpent, which can be traced back to the Garden of Eden…that lie is that you can be like God…
In 1875 Helena Petrovona Blavatsky founded the Theosophical Society in New York. What is Theosophy? Theosophy translates into Divine Wisdom. Theosophy holds that man is evolving spiritually and that someday will be as one with God. Blavatsky wrote “Isis Unveiled” and “The Secret Doctrine” which were channeled to her by an Ascended Master Kuthumi who lived in the 19th century. Djwal Khul also called the “Tibetan” was also an Acsended Master who channeled to HPB. She introduced Buddhism and Hinduism into the West .
“Blavatsky saw her mission as sublimely messianic: to save the world…Theosophy had been associated with the Gnostics and the Kabbalists. Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophy was nothing less than an attempt to synthesize Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Occultism into a new religion. The plan was to introduce these occult teachings throughout the West, and this in turn has created what we now know as the New Age. It advocated a universal brotherhood of humankind, wise men of superhuman knowledge who lived in the Himalayas. It was her conviction that these men had trained her and then sent her out into the world with permission to disclose some the secret knowledge that could light up a pitiless and incomprehensible universe” (Meade).
Madame Blavatsky wrote:
“I was the first in the United States to bring the existence of our Masters into publicity; and . . . exposed the holy names of two members of a Brotherhood hitherto unknown to Europe and America (save to a few mystics and Initiates of every age), yet sacred and revered throughout the East, and especially India.”
If you have read any of my previous articles you know who i think Spirit Guides, Ascended Masters, deceased relatives, and inner voices are. They are truly fallen angels or demons who are stepping in to deceive those who think they are in commune with some higher being. The allure is gaining some kind of secret knowledge, and who doesn’t want to be in on a “secret”, but if you use occult methods, expect occult results. As you may see, the plan that was put in effect so long ago is coming to pass. More and more people are accepting yoga and meditation as a way to improve their life, improve spirituality, and come closer to God. But in truth, deception is taking place as predicted in the Bible. Even Christians are buying into Contemplative Spirituality which can lead to communion with the pit.
Alice Bailey
After the death of HP Blavatsky…. enter Alice Bailey who claimed that her teachings came from the same Occult Brotherhood that taught HP Blavatsky . . . . Bailey’s guide professed to be the same Djual Khool that was one of HPB’s teachers. Bailey also declared that her guru was the same Master Kuthumi that Blavatsky knew.
After misfortune in Alice Bailey’s life she and her three children settled in California where she met two women who introduced her to Theosophy. She had her first contact with a master calling himself the “Tibetan” in 1919. He wanted her to take dictation. Alice states:
I heard a voice which said, “There are some books which it is desired to be written for the public. You can write them. Will you do so?”
She wrote 19 books that were channeled directly to her between the years 1919-1949.
Here is an excerpt from “For Many Shall Come in My Name” by Ray Yungen
To occultists, the significance of the Alice Bailey writings was that they foretold that in the coming Aquarian Age “the teachings of the East and West must be fused and blended before the true and universal religion–for which the world waits–could appear on earth.”* There also would be a “Coming one”, whom she called “the Christ”, who would not be the Lord Jesus Christ whom Christians await the return of, but an entirely different individual. This man would embody all the great principles of occultism, chiefly the divinity and perfectibility of man, and consequently expect recognition and honor as to his own lordship and divinity. (page 32)
The Lucis Trust
“The Lucis Trust is the Publishing House which prints and disseminates United Nations material. It is a devastating indictment of the New Age and Pagan nature of the UN. Lucis Trust was established in 1922 as Lucifer Trust by Alice Bailey as the publishing company to disseminate the books of Bailey and Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society. The title page of Alice Bailey’s book, ‘Initiation, Human and Solar’ was originally printed in 1922, and clearly shows the publishing house as ‘Lucifer Publishing CoIn 1923. Bailey changed the name to Lucis Trust, because Lucifer Trust revealed the true nature of the New Age Movement too clearly. (Constance Cumbey, The Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow, p. 49). A quick trip to any New Age bookstore will reveal that many of the hard-core New Age books are published by Lucis Trust.”
This quote can be found here:
http://freemasonrywatch.org/lucistrust.html
Those who are unaware of the New World Order influence on the United Nations need to open the above link. It is truly frightening.
*this sentence sums up the entire theme of “A Time of Departing”
Here is a photo of a Taize service…..I finally remembered that i had found information about Taize on the Lighthouse Trails Research website. Taize is a prime example of how contemplative spirituality is compromising the church. It appeals to the youth and is Buddist oriented with a Catholic flavoring.
Taize – Another Avenue Through Which Contemplative is Entering the Church
Taize Community is an international, ecumenical communityin France. Taize Worship is practicing the silence with icons, candles, incense and prayer stations, and is a very contemplative/Buddist oriented community attracting young people from around the world.
As an article on Taize worship explains:
Short chants, repeated again and again, give it a meditative character,” the brothers explain in a brief introduction printed in the paperback songbook. “Using just a few words, [the chants] express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind. As the words are sung over many times, this reality gradually penetrates the whole being.
While it is apparent that Taize is rooted in Eastern mysticism, it is equally apparent that it is being incorporated more and more into Christendom. Below are some examples of Christian ministries and schools that are introducing people to Taize worship.
Columbia Bible College (BC, Canada)
Eastern Mennonite University (Virginia)
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Seattle Pacific University (Washington)
Renovare (Richard Foster) – page 2
Here is a link to the newsletter containing this article
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter020507.htm
Here is the link to my orginal article about Taize
https://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2007/07/30/crisis-in-the-church-taize-what-is-it/
Scanning the Religion section in our local newpaper a couple months ago I came across an article inviting people to come to a Taize (pronounced teh-ZAY) outdoor worship service for music and chanting… Huh? What is this all about?..I wondered. I kinda forgot about it till yesterday when I ran across a church web-site promoting a Taize service.
A google episode revealed that Taize started in the little village of Taize in the heart of the Burgundy region of France. Taize was founded by Brother Roger Schutz (murdered by a worshipper in 2005)and was established in 1949. In this monastic community the brothers sought to awaken spirituality, promote peace and unity by ecumenism.
The worship service consists only of music, chanting, and silence. There are no sermons, programs, announcements, etc. I never did find out if they took an offering but I will assume probably so. (They light lots and lots of candles) On the Taize web-site in France there were some snippets of a CD to listen to. This music was extraordinarily beautiful, monastic in nature. When I got to the videos on YouTube though the music sounded more like the strained uncertain singing in my own church. The lyrics are most commonly Latin. This is so everyone will have a tough time learning the words, I guess. Actually it was stated that the phrases were easier to sing in Latin. I looked at alot of videos and they only showed the singing and not the chanting. No one filmed the silence. Not good viewing material I suppose.
I found many churches are using the Taize services including, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and other non-descript denominations. This makes me very nervous. Below are a few excerpts of the web-sites I found among many. I included the web address for verification.
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Good Friday – SERVICE
LIGHTS: Scene 1. The Worship Leaders enter the sanctuary from the side doors. In silence they reverence the altar, then sit in their regular chairs. The Lector reads the lessons from the ambo, but the Pastor may deliver the sermon while seated. All stand for the bidding prayer.
As the cross is carried to the altar and during the reverencing of the cross, the tower bell may toll with at least 30 seconds of silence between each ring. Tolling may continue until the beginning of the final hymn. Alternatively, the bell may be tolled three times.
Members of the congregation who wish, come forward singly or in small groups to reverence the cross or pray, while the congregation sings Taizé chants. At the end of the Adoration, LIGHTS: Scene 3, (dim, Jesus window off). The congregation sings a hymn, a final sentence is said, and the Pastor and Worship Leaders leave in silence through the double doors at the side. Members of the congregation may remain in the sanctuary for prayers and meditation.
Taize service brings peace, healing to congregation
in Bethel Park
Thursday, July 26, 2007
By Margaret Smykla
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07207/804283-55.stm
Of the Taize Sung Prayers service at Christ United Methodist Church, Linda Williams, minister of music and worship, said “we like to think of it as an oasis from the hustle and bustle of our lives.”
Taize is a peaceful service of quiet prayer, songs, meditation, anointing of oils and prayers for healing and reconciliation. The prayer songs are often sung over and over again like a mantra, and are sometimes drawn from holy scripture.
The songs are frequently sung in different languages. There are no sermons or announcements.
The Bethel Park church, 44 Highland Road, holds the roughly 40-minute service at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in its sanctuary.
The next Taize service will be on Wednesday. It is open to the public.
http://www.ctkelc.org/worship/TaizeWorship.html
A meditative service in the tradition of the ecumenical community of Taizé, France is held every Saturday at 6:00 pm. The services are centered around the silent meditation on Holy Scripture and the celebration of the Eucharist. The songs which have become the hallmark of Taizé spirituality are woven through the entire service.
Taizé Service to Include Prayer Around the Cross on the first Saturday of each month.
.A wooden cross on the floor of the altar sanctuary confronts worshipers with the suffering of Christ on behalf of humanity. In its presence the suffering of the world and our own burdens come to light. Christ gave salvation to all on the tree of the cross. It is the tree where life might be restored. Worshipers may choose to meditate on the cross from the pew or may enter the altar sanctuary and kneel at the cross.
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What bothered me was the chanting and the silence which can fall into contemplative spirituality. This is definitely a red-flag area so I am not endorsing Taize. I didn’t find any teaching from the Bible. There is no call to repentance, no praying for forgiveness, no preaching of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. No anything really, except the presence of a cross.
How can people come to know Christ without the preaching of the Gospel? But this is becoming more common in the churches of today, a spirituality with no Holy Spirit. No message of sin. People don’t want to hear about sin anymore. They just want to go to a church, sing, meditate, and feel good about how “spiritual” they are. I guess that’s fine if that is all you want, but I pray that you long and thirst for the Word of God.
Look here for more information about Taize:
https://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2007/08/02/crisis-in-the-church-more-about-taize/
kim
I have been studying discernment issues for awhile now, but posting these issues have put me in touch with real people having real problems and real people who have totally turned away from unbiblical practices. I want to thank those who have taken the time to speak up for Christ because previously their eyes had been opened by the Lord and have left false ministries and have denounced mysticism. Many have completely “come-out” of new age practices but unfortunately, there are others who retain a blend.
The seduction of new age pratices can truly have a hold on Christians because they think they are exempt from deception. This is a very dangerous stance to take because it removes discernment. Jesus told us over and over again to beware, that the end times will be filled with false prophets and the doctrines of demons.
What courage these folks have that have turned away from apostate teachings and practices and then share their experience with others. What humility and love for Christ they have to want to help others who may be in the same situation they found themselves in. This is truly surrendering all to Christ.
Some of the greatest teachers against new age practices have been deeply involved with them. Some well-known examples are Warren Smith who wrote “Reinventing Jesus Christ”, (his e-book is available on the blogroll or below), Ray Yungen who has two great books out, ” A Time of Departing”, and “For Many Shall Come In My Name”, and Kevin Reeves who wrote “The Other Side of the River”. I am currently reading “Spellbound”, The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids, by Marcia Montenegro. Every parent or anyone involved with children should read this book. There is a huge assortment of occultism available to kids today and this is a must read that will help you protect them.
Here is how to find these books:
Anything from Warren Smith – “Another Jesus Calling”
“A Time of Departing” &
“For Many Shall Come in my Name” http://lighthousetrails.com
“Spellbound – The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids”
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kdqz4
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/escjy
The Other Side of the River http://lighthousetrails.com
Kevin Reeves in the “The Other Side of the River” bravely tells of his own experience about the movement called the “The River” which claims to be spreading the kingdom of God through signs and wonders. Other names for this counterfeit “revival” is the Third Wave or the Latter Rain.
He covers issues he experienced in his church such as being “slain” in the spirit, holy laughter, visions of angels and “messages” from God?, word of faith, and experience over scripture. What I found very interesting was the compulsion he felt to stay within a church that felt it was on “the cutting edge” and the resistance he received whenever he questioned any of the practices. His story is amazing and if you have any questions about practices in your church you should read this book.
Lately I have been talking with a woman who has come out of a false ministry. It has been three years and she is still recovering. She is so very worried about the others still involved because she knows those still there are being deceived. Later she told me that even though she memorized scripture, did bible studies, she was still deceived. Others there who have mental problems seem to only fall deeper into their sin.
Another friend is totally out of the new age practices and she is walking only with the Lord now. She had a blend of Christianity and mysticism, (visions, meditation, altered states) for awhile but now holds true to the faith.
Another woman wrote to say that she had been deceived by the many false teachings on TBN but came to the truth. (I believe that there a few good people on TBN but they do not correct the false teachings so they can stay on air)
I get so discouraged at times, but then the Lord brings to mind those who He has brought out of deception, those whose eyes He has opened, and I am encouraged again.
kim
DiscernIt 
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