Recommended Reading Regarding the Necessity of Biblical Correction

Recommended Reading Regarding the Necessity of Biblical Correction:

The following is an introductory statement and article recommended by Sandy Simpson from the Apologetics Coordination Team .

We agree wholeheartedly!!!

 - SRN

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"Blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for those who obey His Word!  The feature in this newsletter is a tract from The Berean Call on what it means to be discerning and the lack of correction in the Church that results in division.  There are bad types of divisions, but there are also good and correct types.  The fact that many modern believers cannot distinguish between good disunity and bad show that they have not been taught fully what the Bible says on the subejct of discernment, rebuke and Christian maturity.  But these teachings are needed more than ever in a day when we are witnessing the death of orthodoxy in the churches.  I believe this will be a useful tract for Biblical, Christ-centered churches to display and hand out on this subject."   

- Sandy Simpson, "DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH" e-Newsletter, Volume 20, Issue 2, 10/23/07

The feature for this newsletter is A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 1998. 

Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ's words, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to "judge righteous judg-ment' (Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28).

From the context and the remainder of Scripture, it seems clear that Christ was warning us not to judge motives, because these are hidden from us. We must put the best reasonable interpretation upon what others say and do, not judging their hearts, which only God knows. However, we must judge doctrines and deeds... 

Read entire article - A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt

Erwin McManus Teams Up with Robert Schuller - Could Have Far-Reaching Effects

Erwin McManus Teams Up with Robert Schuller - Could Have Far-Reaching Effects

Source: Lighthouse Trails

Robert SchullerIn January 2008, the Rethink Conference will take place at Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral. According to Church Communication Network (CCN), the event will be hosted by Robert Schuller and Erwin McManus. Erwin McManus

On the Rethink Conference website, the event is described as: "Leading Thinkers and Influencers offer a perspective you may never have imagined." These thinkers and influencers include a wide array of prominent personalities such as Kay Warren, Chuck Colson, former president H.W. Bush, Larry King, John and Nancy Ortberg, Rupert Murdoch, Gary Smalley, and of course hosts Robert Schuller and Erwin McManus. While at first glance there might appear to be little, if anything, in common between these speakers. However, a number of them do have one thing in common, and that is a propensity toward contemplative (i.e., mystical) spirituality. Those would include Kay Warren, the Ortbergs, Erwin McManus, Robert Schuller, Dan Kimball, and H.B. London Jr. (Focus on the Family).

According to the conference site, "If you want to increase your influence as a leader in an ever-changing culture, then ... Rethink gives you the tools and perspectives you need to lead today." The event is designed for pastors and leaders in particularly, and promises that even theologically conservative pastors will feel comfortable. Ironically enough, many of the speakers whom Christian pastors and leaders might be more willing to trust (those who are professing Christians) may be the very ones who will pass on a mystical perspective. For instance, H.B. London Jr. is an avid promoter of Richard Foster's spiritual formation, and Erwin McManus, who says it is his goal to destroy Christianity, claims that the core of his book, The Barbarian Way, is mysticism.2 Kay Warren recommends Henri Nouwen's contemplative book, In the Name of Jesus, and her husband Rick Warren has supported the contemplative (spiritual formation) movement for years (see ATOD, ch. 8) 

Read Entire Article at Lighthouse Trails Blog

Related Articles:

What is Robert Schuller Rethinking?: Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity by World Net Daily

Read Rethinking Robert Schuller by Warren Smith

Read Rethinking and Reinventing by Herescope

Read Reinventing Rethinking Update by Herescope

Purchase and Read:

FAITH UNDONE by Roger Oakland

Visit Some Research Sites:

Spiritual Research Network

Lighthouse Trails Research Project

Christian Research Service

Understand The Times International

Rethinking Culture: More on Rethink Conference 2008

Source: Herescope (Tuesday, October 30, 2007)

More on Rethink Conference from today's HERESCOPE

Rethinking Culture

"These culture pioneers know what is center-stage in our culture right now and also what is breaking on the horizon," says Rethink Conference executive director Bill Dallas. "This conference will confront outdated and pre-conceived ideas, offer new perspectives and open our minds to all kinds of possibilities that connect us with out [sic] shifting culture without compromising our core values."

--"What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'?" WorldNetDaily, 10/30/07 [emphasis added].

On October 4th we posted an analysis of Robert Schuller's upcoming Rethink Conference, planned for this January 17-19th at the Crystal Cathedral. We linked to a report on the conference written by Berit Kjos and we cited some pertinent comments from ex-New Ager Warren Smith.

We want to call our readers' attention to today's headline story on WorldNetDaily, "What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'? Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity," and Warren Smith's accompanying article, "Rethinking Robert Schuller." And just in case this link is pulled, note the webpage where Robert Schuller is selling New Age Gerald Jampolsky's book Forgiveness, which is forewarded by Neale Donald Walsch who has written prolifically about his "conversations" with his New Age "God."

This Rethink Conference is, according to these articles, a key convergence of New Age and emerging neo-Christianity. It is this, and more. The hype for the conference states that:

Cultural Icons - Get inside their minds

For three days, you'll be immersed in the latest thoughts of respected icons in media, politics, faith, science, business and technology. Utilizing the latest media technology, each speaker will reveal their perspectives, discoveries, strategies and action plans in 20 riveting minutes. Challenged to deliver an information packed presentation, the speakers will weigh in on everything from life-changing world issues to surprising cultural trends to Christian outreach to secrets of success to the dynamics of relationships.

Read Entire Article at Herescope

The Truth:  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." 

(Isaiah 55:8)

Posted by permission from Discernment Research Group @ 10/30/2007 10:08:00 AM  

Visit www.discernment-ministries.org

What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'?

The following articles shed some light on the Robert Schuller / Erwin McManus 2008 Rethink Conference.

We think you will find this quite interesting in light of Robert Schuller's long list of false teachings including his cult-like false Gospel - Self-Esteem: The New Reformation.

Read Rethinking Robert Schuller by Warren Smith

Read Rethinking and Reinventing by Herescope

Read Rethinking and Reinventing Update by Herescope

Source: World Net Daily

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58405

What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'?

Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity

Posted: October 30, 2007

It's an all-star conference set for the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., Jan. 17-19.

Former President George H.W. Bush will speak.

Chuck Colson will make a presentation.

Larry King will be there.

Rupert Murdoch will address attendees.

Ben Stein will appear.

And Kay Warren, wife of Saddleback Church mega-pastor Rick Warren, will join Robert Schuller, the white-haired, bespectacled purveyor of "possibility thinking."

What could such a diverse group have in common? What's the topic? 

Well, it's a little vague.

It's called the "Rethink Conference," and Schuller promises 30 "Aha!" moments from the 30 different speakers confirmed for the event.

Not everyone is thrilled about this meeting of the minds. Some, including Christian author and former New Age devotee Warren Smith, suspect an agenda to subvert the church – to take the focus off biblical truth and absolutes.

"From my perspective as a former New Age follower, I believe that Robert Schuller's mission has always been to 'rethink' and 'change' biblical Christianity into something 'new' – as in New Age/New Spirituality," he says.

Smith's "Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church" documents Schuller's contacts and endorsements of New Age stars such as Gerald Jampolsky, Neale Donald Walsch and Bernie Siegel. 

Read Entire Article

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter. 2:1-3).

Another Jesus Movement

 "ANOTHER JESUS" MOVEMENT"

Commentary by Roger Oakland

www.understandthetimes.org

For printer friendly version, please click 

here

Those who support the Emerging Church Movement justify that "reinventing Christianity" is necessary in order to "reach" the present generation.

Reaching the present generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ is a challenge for pastors today. Young people growing up in the 21st century have a completely different worldview than their parents. Education and society in general have programmed their minds into believing there are no absolutes. We now live in a pluralistic, relativistic society. Wrong can be right and right can be wrong. It really does not make any difference. This is what it means to be religiously correct in the postmodern era.

So how does the gospel of Jesus Christ rate in a postmodern society that claims truth is a word that should be archived in the dark ages? Now that this generation has been enlightened, how do you tell a sinner they need a Savior?

For pastors who are looking for numbers for success, the Emerging Church is the answer. The Emerging Church has a whole new way of looking at Christianity. Rather than dwelling on sin, death, and hell, the Emerging Church promises peace, hope, and experience. Rather than being concerned about spending eternity with Jesus, the Emerging Church promotes the kingdom of God in the here and now.

You see, this is why Christianity, according to Emerging Church proponents, must be reinvented. Those who say such a view has the potential to lead to apostasy are considered narrow-minded, old-fashioned resistors who need to be exterminated like rats from churches.

Since writing the book Faith Undone I have discovered that taking a stand for Biblical truth in the midst of Emerging Church propaganda, can create a lot of emotional opposition. I have received many comments from the "brethren" who say that coming against the "new thing God is doing" is divisive and counter-productive.

For example, I have been part of a fellowship of pastors for many years who are presently debating the issue of the Emerging Church. There are some of these pastors who believe the Emerging Church is "just being relevant". They say this new wave that has hit Christianity like a tsunami is similar to the Jesus Movement of the '60s and '70s.

I disagree with this view. While they may be correct in saying that it is "another Jesus" movement, it is not another "Jesus Movement". The Jesus Movement of the past was based on pointing people to the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the soon return of Christ. The Emerging Church is headed in a direction that will soon eliminate the gospel for the sake of building the kingdom with anyone and everyone who will participate.

If you don't believe this, it can be proven. Read chapter eleven of Faith Undone called "Slaughterhouse Religion." Did you know that some Emerging leaders are saying the cross is "false advertising for God?"

I agree with the Emerging Church leaders that it is important to reach this generation. The issue is, what is it that we are going to reach them with? If we lead this generation away from the truth, we will not be reaching them, we will be deceiving them. The Bible calls this apostasy. For such, the God of the Bible will be the judge.

Read More Commentaries by Roger Oakland

Europe Sets Up Paramilitary Police Force

News Source:  UKIP

http://www.ukip.org/ukip/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=255&Itemid=57

Europe Sets Up Paramilitary Police Force

THURSDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2007

While all eyes are watching the European Constitution summit in Lisbon, a very different treaty has quietly been signed in Holland, where a group of EU countries approved the creation of a European Gendarmerie Force. "What we have here is a fully fledged paramilitary police force," says Gerard Batten, UK Independence Party Euro MP and spokesman on Home Affairs. The treaty describes the organisation as a "multinational police force with military status" and its use is for "both external and internal actions". What is more, this force will outrank local police forces when it goes about its duties, which include security and public order missions, public surveillance, traffic regulations, border policing and general intelligence work and "performing criminal investigation work, including detecting offences, tracing offenders and transferring them to the appropriate judicial authorities". Mr. Batten said: "To add insult to injury, the organisation will be exempt from taxation, both direct and indirect. More worrying still, however, is the fact that the treaty makes plain that the European gendarmerie is a supra-national force, in the way that its communications and archives will be treated as secret, and it will operate with diplomatic status. "Once an operation has started in a 'host' country, that country will have no jurisdiction over the activities of the force." Mr Batten concluded: "Although the UK did not sign up to this treaty today, the fact that Gordon Brown is talking about 'opt-ins' to EU justice and home affairs issues advises us to be very wary. "Previous experience teaches us that we eventually get these things through the back door"

Read more at UKIP:

http://www.ukip.org/ukip/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=255&Itemid=57

J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter'

J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter'

Source: Prophezine

http://www.prophezine.com/PZArticles/ChristianityinspiredHarryPotter/tabid/644/Default.aspx

"J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter"  By Ray Gano

WHAT???

Yep, that was the headline in the London Telegraph.

Pretty amazing!

If you really believe that, I got a bridge I can sell you along with some great swampland.

Here is how the article opens…

"The pope may have condemned the Harry Potter books, but J K Rowling has now revealed that Christianity has been one of her major inspirations.

Breaking her silence on the much-debated question as to whether religious themes permeate her books, Rowling confirmed that they echoed her personal struggle with faith." (1)

In today's pluralistic relative ideas and liberal theology, this sounds peachy - keen and makes so much sense. The world rejoices in Rowling and her so called profession.

Here is what Rowling says about her books...

"To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Rowling said. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going." (1)

But here is the kicker...

"At the end of her latest and final installment in the series, there are specific references to Christianity and themes of life after death and resurrection."

"At one point Harry visits his parents' graves and finds two biblical passages inscribed on their tombstones. "(1)

Well praise the Lord and pass the potatoes!

HEY ETHEL.. These here are CHRISTIAN BOOKS fer sure. They got bible verses on some tombstones!

Do you realize there are Luke warm carnal Christians that have that exact ideals?

But here is a very troubling statement from Rowling...

"On any given moment if you asked me if I believe in life after death, I think if you polled me regularly through the week, I think I would come down on the side of yes - that I do believe in life after death.

"But it's something I wrestle with a lot. It preoccupies me a lot, and I think that's very obvious within the books." (1)

When someone is a washed in the blood Christian, they have no question as to where they will spend eternity. In fact, they don't question eternity at all. Why is that?

Here is what Christ stated...

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:10 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

It is promises like the ones above which we as blood bought souls cleave too....

Read Entire Article by Ray Gano

Footnote: 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DWG3UGHNSEQJLXQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?xml=/arts/2007/10/20/bopotter120.xml

We recommend you take a visit to the Understand The Times International website at http://www.understandthetimes.org

God has placed Roger in the right places at the right times for him to see firsthand and write about how the apostasy around the globe is growing exponentially.

Chris Lawson

Spiritual Research Network

www.spiritual-research-network.com  

Dalai Lama's All Smiles as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal

Commentary by Roger Oakland at Understand The Times International

October 17 - Dalai Lama's All Smiles as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal

Understand The Times sends out news alerts to inform our newsletter recipients about current events that line up Bible Prophecy. This news alert is somewhat different. Today I experienced a news event first hand while in Washington D.C. Then I had one of my researchers find the news event online to post as an alert.

 

I am writing this from the Washington Dulles Airport on my way to London, England. I had a one day layover in Washington, spending some time with my wife Myrna while she was attending a work related conference. This morning I went with a friend to see the Smithsonian museum located at the Washington Mall. While there we walked towards the House of Congress where a large crowd was assembling. When I asked a security guard what was going on I was told that the Dalai Lama was soon to appear following a presentation of a Congressional award.

 

The sound of Tibetan chanting and whaling over the loud speakers confirmed that a ceremony was about to take place. A large sign posted the following message: "There can be no world peace without first obtaining inner peace."

 

While the secular media would never report what I am about to state, my perception is that this event has paramount significance in the spiritual realm. Last week a so - called "born-again" President stated that all religions pray to the same God. This week in front of the United States House of Congress, Tibetan monks were chanting to the gods and a "man of peace" who some say is God was being honored.

 

America is on the precipice of an unprecedented disaster and a spiritual judgment. A country supposedly founded on Christian principles has now openly abandoned the God of the Bible and is headed towards Babylonism. 

 

Worse yet, people who profess to be "born-again" Christians, don't understand the significance of what is happening from a biblical perspective. The world is being prepared for a false peace and a false Christ. The Roman Catholic Church will soon have the solution to bring about this peace plan that will be ushered in by the Queen of Peace ("Mary") and her son the (Eucharistic Christ).  It is amazing when governments of the world begin to bring this about.

 

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,302744,00 .html

 

President Bush and the leaders of Congress put aside their differences Wednesday to bestow the nation's highest civilian honor upon the Dalai Lama, calling the exiled Tibetan religious leader a "warrior for peace."

The Dalai Lama said he was "deeply touched" by his receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal, which he received in an ornate ceremony under the U.S. Capitol dome - but not before having a hearty laugh over his inability to speak perfect English.

"It is a great honor for me to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. This ... will bring tremendous joy and encouragement to the Tibetan people, for whom I have a special responsibility," the Dalai Lama said, reading from his prepared remarks.

Making Merchandise of the Church, and Then Some...

Making Merchandise of the Church, and Then Some...

2 Peter 2:1-4

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;...

The quote below is from a recent article in the The Orlando Sentinel.

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Scores lose jobs as Holy Land undergoes extreme makeover

The new owners preach the prosperity gospel while boosting park attendance.

Mark I. Pinsky | Sentinel Staff Writer, October 21, 2007 

"...A gospel of prosperity

Since Holy Land passed into the control of the Crouches, it also has undergone a theological shift -- from its founder's Baptist roots to a branch of Pentecostal Protestantism.

The Crouches are proponents of what is known as the "prosperity gospel." It is based on the precept of "sacrificial giving by faith," which encourages followers to donate to their financial limits -- and in some cases beyond -- believing the contribution will miraculously multiply.

While Baptists, such as Holy Land's founder, the Rev. Marvin Rosenthal, do not subscribe to the prosperity gospel, the doctrine has worked for Trinity and the Crouches. They drive luxury cars, occupy 30 houses across the country and fly on a 19-seat corporate turbojet -- all owned by Trinity.

Trinity Broadcasting Network took in more than $194 million in 2005, mostly from on-air telethons, and spent more than $129 million, according to documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Today, the network's net assets are estimated at more than $1 billion. Paul Crouch, Sr.'s compensation in 2005 was $419,500; Jan's was $361,000. That puts the couple among the highest-paid chief executives of religious nonprofits, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy."

Read Entire Article in context

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-holyland2107oct21,0,3805392.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout

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With all the false teaching that comes out of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, it is no wonder that they have made merchandise of the people.

Trying to save the World Through 'YOGA Laughter'

The idea of Trying to save the World Through 'YOGA Laughter' is utterly ridiculous! 

 Mixing occult based YOGA with making funny faces, gestures and stories... to induce laughter?    What will be next???

Here is how the folly begins and ends.

"Kataria started by telling jokes but soon discovered that humor didn't work for all comers. That's when he found out that the body doesn't know the difference between fake and real laughing. So, he thought, "Why not make it an exercise?" "...."We laugh in a group as a form of exercise, and when we make eye contact," Kataria says, "it turns to real and contagious laughter....  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/14/LVQ7SN6KU.DTL 

The Bible is clear where occult based religions stand before God - they are an abomination!    The Holy Spirit warned very clearly that people would (and are) following demonic teachings :

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.... (1 Timothy 4:1-3 )

 - SRN

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Trying to save the World Through 'YOGA Laughter' 

Source: SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE [Hearst Corporation] - By Amy Moon - October 14, 2007

It has been said that through meditation, we can bring about world peace.

Dr. Madan Kataria, co-founder with his wife, Madhuri, of the laughter yoga movement, believes it can be done with laughter.

Although this idea may seem outright laughable to many, Kataria is serious. Kataria says he routinely sees and hears miraculous stories from people whose lives have changed simply by laughing regularly.

Judging from the peals of laughter emanating from the Harbin Hot Springs conference center, where Kataria and his wife were leading a Laughter Yoga training last week, participants were certainly enjoying themselves. Or maybe they were just faking it. It doesn't matter, says Kataria.

"Even if you laugh for the sake of laughing, your body doesn't know the difference between real and self- induced laughter." And, he claims, the benefits are the same.

The main benefit is obvious. Laughter yoga reduces stress. Kataria claims that it also reduces blood- sugar levels in diabetics, lowers blood pressure, reduces depression and alleviates insomnia.

The seed of laughter yoga was planted in March 1995, when Kataria, a practicing physician in Mumbai, India, was writing an article for Health magazine about the many benefits of laughing. A week later, he woke up and thought, "Why not start a laughter club?" So, said Kataria, "I went to a park in Mumbai and asked people there to join me. In the beginning, only five people joined me, but then it became 60."

Kataria started by telling jokes but soon discovered that humor didn't work for all comers. That's when he found out that the body doesn't know the difference between fake and real laughing. So, he thought, "Why not make it an exercise?"

Today, 200,000 people in India laugh every day in Laughter Clubs, a phenomenon that filmmaker Mira Nair documented in her 1999 documentary, "The Laughing Club of India."

Worldwide, there are 6,000 laughter clubs in 60 countries, including the United States - where, Kataria says, "it's now becoming a craze," European countries, Israel, Iran and China. Kataria's ideas and techniques have landed him in news and television stories worldwide.

The technique is simple. Laughter yoga combines yogic breathing exercises, also called pranayama, with laughter exercises. In the workshop, participants start by softly sounding "ha, ha, ha" from the belly. It's fake chuckling, but it soon turns into real chortles and guffaws and then even screams of laughter.

"We laugh in a group as a form of exercise, and when we make eye contact," Kataria says, "it turns to real and contagious laughter.

Read Entire Article

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/14/LVQ7SN6KU.DTL

Photos of the madness!!!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?o=1&f=/c/a/2007/10/14/LVQ7SN6KU.DTL