News Source: Posted by Roger Oakland at Understand the Times International
Mary a Meeting Point of Cultures, Says Muslim:
Encourages Pilgrimages to Marian Shrines
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=91778
ROME, JUNE 29, 2006 (Zenit.org).
- An Egyptian Muslim and deputy director of a prominent Italian newspaper suggested that Mary could be the figure who brings Christians and Muslims together.
Magdi Allam of Il Corriere della Sera spoke to ZENIT about the appeal he launched in the pages of the national daily newspaper to Muslims living in Italy to visit the Marian shrines in their host country.
The journalist said that he is convinced that the Virgin Mary is a meeting point between Christians and Muslims.
"Mary is a figure present in the Koran, which dedicates an entire sura [chapter ed.n.] to her and mentions her some thirty times. In Muslim countries there are Marian shrines that are the object of veneration and pilgrimage by Christian and Muslim faithful," he said.
"Therefore, I believe that if this happens in Muslim countries, why can't it happen in a Christian country, especially in a historical phase in which we need to define symbols, values and figures that unite religions, spiritualities and cultures?" he asked.
In Allam's opinion, "the Marian pilgrimage of
-- Italy's National Shrine -- could represent a moment of meeting and spiritual gathering between Muslims and Catholics, around Mary, a religious figure that is venerated by both religions."
Vittorio Messori, author of book-interviews with Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI), also wrote in Il Corriere della Sera on June 15 in support of Allam.
He said that the dialogue between Christians and Muslims "can begin afresh from Mary."
Note from Understand The Times: Below is a photo of a statue of Our Lady of Loretto and also a picture of a statue of Our Lady photographed on the second floor of Trinity Broadcasting Network, located on Bear Street in Costa Mesa, CA. You will see the similarity.
Note: I could not upload the photo due to continued Blogger uploading problems.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Episcopalians and Presbyterians Vote to Allow the Ordination of Homosexuals
EPISCOPALIANS AND PRESBYTERIANS VOTE TO ALLOW THE ORDINATION OF HOMOSEXUALS
News Source:
Friday Church News Notes, June 30, 2006, www.wayoflife.org
- "The Episcopal Church in America and the Presbyterian Church USA voted at assemblies this summer to allow for the ordination of homosexuals. The Episcopalians, meeting in Columbus, Ohio, voted by a large majority to reject a proposal that would have banned the ordination of homosexual bishops. The Presbyterians, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, approved a policy that allows regional denominational bodies to ordain homosexuals on a "case-by-case basis." The new policy "creates a loophole that would allow gays and lesbians to serve as ministers" ("Episcopal, Presbyterian Leaders Rule on Gay Clergy," Los Angeles Times, June 21). The apostate Episcopalians also "overwhelmingly refused" to consider a resolution that affirmed that Jesus Christ is the "only name by which any person may be saved."
They further rejected an amendment that called upon the denomination to make evangelism its first priority. Instead, first priority will be given to such things as "the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women." "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" (2 Peter 2:1-2)."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is not the Word of God very clear on this issue? Yes it is. Below are some verses on this but before we look at the Bible verses, please take this to heart. Christians are not to hate homosexuals. We are to pray for them that they would come to know the love and grace and freedom from the power of sin that Jesus Christ offers. We have some very nice friends who are homosexuals and we do not mock them for choosing their lifestyle. However, God's Word is still very clear that this lifestyle is a sexual perversion adn we pray that our friends and many others will come to know the real Jesus who can forgive, set free, and heal people.
Here are the references of the Bible about homosexuality.
'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.' (Leviticus 18:22)
'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood willbe on their own heads.' (Leviticus 20:13)
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” (Romans 1:26-27)
“Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom-both young and old-surrounded the house. They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them." (Genesis 19:4-5)
“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
“…knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, …” (1 Timothy 1:9-10)
Jesus came to save sinners, and this includes homosexuals who can come to Christ, be forgiven of their sins, BE MADE NEW IN AND THROUGH CHRIST, and who can then live normal heterosexual lives.
See also our previous post:
Brian McLaren Confused About Homosexuality?
News Source:
Friday Church News Notes, June 30, 2006, www.wayoflife.org
- "The Episcopal Church in America and the Presbyterian Church USA voted at assemblies this summer to allow for the ordination of homosexuals. The Episcopalians, meeting in Columbus, Ohio, voted by a large majority to reject a proposal that would have banned the ordination of homosexual bishops. The Presbyterians, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, approved a policy that allows regional denominational bodies to ordain homosexuals on a "case-by-case basis." The new policy "creates a loophole that would allow gays and lesbians to serve as ministers" ("Episcopal, Presbyterian Leaders Rule on Gay Clergy," Los Angeles Times, June 21). The apostate Episcopalians also "overwhelmingly refused" to consider a resolution that affirmed that Jesus Christ is the "only name by which any person may be saved."
They further rejected an amendment that called upon the denomination to make evangelism its first priority. Instead, first priority will be given to such things as "the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women." "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" (2 Peter 2:1-2)."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is not the Word of God very clear on this issue? Yes it is. Below are some verses on this but before we look at the Bible verses, please take this to heart. Christians are not to hate homosexuals. We are to pray for them that they would come to know the love and grace and freedom from the power of sin that Jesus Christ offers. We have some very nice friends who are homosexuals and we do not mock them for choosing their lifestyle. However, God's Word is still very clear that this lifestyle is a sexual perversion adn we pray that our friends and many others will come to know the real Jesus who can forgive, set free, and heal people.
Here are the references of the Bible about homosexuality.
'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.' (Leviticus 18:22)
'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood willbe on their own heads.' (Leviticus 20:13)
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” (Romans 1:26-27)
“Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom-both young and old-surrounded the house. They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them." (Genesis 19:4-5)
“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
“…knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, …” (1 Timothy 1:9-10)
Jesus came to save sinners, and this includes homosexuals who can come to Christ, be forgiven of their sins, BE MADE NEW IN AND THROUGH CHRIST, and who can then live normal heterosexual lives.
See also our previous post:
Brian McLaren Confused About Homosexuality?
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Purpose Driven Church Weighed and Found Wanting
Purpose Driven Church Weighed and Found Wanting
Source: BE ALERT - MORIEL by Scott Brisk, June 29, 2006
2 Timothy 4:3-4
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 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Revelation 18:4
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;....
The Purpose Driven Church and anything resembling it has been weighed and found wanting. I have personally witnessed the parade of refugees coming out of these churches, outcast, shunned, rejected because they stood on the word of God and because they did not fit the new mold. Yet, what it still most unbelieving is the stupor most of the church remains in concerning this deception.
We have just witnessed something quite amazing. One of the largest evangelical organizations in the world, Calvary Chapel, has just stood up and rejected one of the most popular "Christian" programs ever. And yet we still have Christians looking on as if there is really not a problem, or they just look at you with this glazed eyed lost puppy look on their face. I can tell you that the publishers who put up the big bucks behind "Purpose Driven" to rake it all back in sure know there is a problem and they don't like it one bit.
As the trend is showing, Purpose Driven is driving down the dead end street called the "Social Gospel" and with that becoming all the more antichrist everyday as the following article so blatantly declares.
"Purpose Driven" at one point had some truth in it, but that truth became a lie when Rick Warren, Saddleback, and his Purpose Driven Ministries went from being Christo-centric to "Purpose-Driven Centered". As with all false teachings they start out as a truth but are then twisted and elevated out of there proper order and context to become the facade they are.
If you are a Christian that is still attending a "Purpose Driven" church I believe there is no longer any biblical excuse for you to remain there. You are now putting yourself at odds with the King of the Universe and putting yourself in great jeopardy. Judgment begins in the house of God and it is time to get out the way before Jesus starts the ultimate cleansing of the leaven. I plead with you now to get out of her and gather into the safety of the fellowship of the Saints!
BEALERT!
Source: BE ALERT - MORIEL by Scott Brisk, June 29, 2006
2 Timothy 4:3-4
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 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Revelation 18:4
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;....
The Purpose Driven Church and anything resembling it has been weighed and found wanting. I have personally witnessed the parade of refugees coming out of these churches, outcast, shunned, rejected because they stood on the word of God and because they did not fit the new mold. Yet, what it still most unbelieving is the stupor most of the church remains in concerning this deception.
We have just witnessed something quite amazing. One of the largest evangelical organizations in the world, Calvary Chapel, has just stood up and rejected one of the most popular "Christian" programs ever. And yet we still have Christians looking on as if there is really not a problem, or they just look at you with this glazed eyed lost puppy look on their face. I can tell you that the publishers who put up the big bucks behind "Purpose Driven" to rake it all back in sure know there is a problem and they don't like it one bit.
As the trend is showing, Purpose Driven is driving down the dead end street called the "Social Gospel" and with that becoming all the more antichrist everyday as the following article so blatantly declares.
"Purpose Driven" at one point had some truth in it, but that truth became a lie when Rick Warren, Saddleback, and his Purpose Driven Ministries went from being Christo-centric to "Purpose-Driven Centered". As with all false teachings they start out as a truth but are then twisted and elevated out of there proper order and context to become the facade they are.
If you are a Christian that is still attending a "Purpose Driven" church I believe there is no longer any biblical excuse for you to remain there. You are now putting yourself at odds with the King of the Universe and putting yourself in great jeopardy. Judgment begins in the house of God and it is time to get out the way before Jesus starts the ultimate cleansing of the leaven. I plead with you now to get out of her and gather into the safety of the fellowship of the Saints!
BEALERT!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Purpose Driven Resisters - Must Leave or Die
News Source: LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT - June 24, 2006
- The phone calls and emails started coming in about three years ago. Sometimes the caller was in his mid-eighties, sometimes the caller was crying. But all of them had the same kind of story to tell - when their churches decided to get involved with 40 Days of Purpose, everything began changing and when they questioned these changes, they each soon found themselves silenced, ostracized and eventually without a church to attend. Now today, nearly five years after Purpose Driven Life was released, thousands of believers are scattered throughout the world, having been ridiculed and demoralized for even just the slightest questioning of the Purpose Driven program. In one email we received, the young man was handed a letter from his pastor. The letter had been written by a Saddleback field representative who told the pastor to do what he had to do to get rid of those opposing the new program.
According to Rick Warren, these people are resisters and are standing in the way of Purpose Driven progress. In a June 14th article written by Rick Warren on his website (What Do You Do When Your Church Hits a Plateau? ), Warren told pastors and church leaders not to be discouraged about slow change in their churches. He told them it would take time ... and in many cases it would take these resisters either leaving the church or simply dying. Warren stated:
If your church has been plateaued for six months, it might take six months to get it going again. If it's been plateaued a year, it might take a year. If it's been plateaued for 20 years, you've got to set in for the duration! I'm saying some people are going to have to die or leave.
Moses had to wander around the desert for 40 years while God killed off a million people before he let them go into the Promised Land. That may be brutally blunt, but it's true. There may be people in your church who love God sincerely, but who will never, ever change.
For Warren to couple his statement about dying or leaving with a statement about God killing off a million people is ignorant at best, subliminal at least. Coupled with his mention of 40 years in the desert and Warren's teaching that God always did good things in numbers of 40, Warren's intention in this statement seems obvious. In addition, the concept of get with the program, change or die is very common in New Age circles, that those who don't get on board (or ride the wave as Leonard Sweet puts it), will have to die. Listen to the words of renown New Ager Barbara Marx Hubbard:
Christ-consciousness and Christ-abilities are the natural inheritance of every human being on Earth. When the word of this hope has reached the nations, the end of this phase of evolution shall come. All will know their choice. All will be required to choose.... All who choose not to evolve will die off. (See The Plan)
Furthermore, Leonard Sweet, in his book, Soul Tsunami, says that:
A sea change of transitions and transformations is birthing a whole new world and a whole new set of ways of making our way in the world.... It is time for a Postmodern Reformation ... Reinvent yourself for the 21st century or die. Some would rather die than change (pp. 17, 75).
Rick Warren (whose endorsement sits on both the front and back covers of Sweet's book) says that Soul Tsunami "shows us why these are the greatest days for evangelism since the first century." In an audio set done by Rick Warren and Leonard Sweet called Tides of Change, the two men elaborate on this and make it clear that those who don't ride this new wave will not make it.
One of the tools Rick Warren uses to help churches become Purpose Driven is a book called Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change. The book is sold on Rick Warren's website and is written by Dan Southerland. According to pastors.com (Rick Warren's website to pastors), Southerland is the director of "Church Transitions Inc., an organization that trains pastors and church leaders to effectively manage major transitions. Southerland ... is the leading expert on implementing the Purpose Driven paradigm in existing churches."
Chapter six of Transitioning is called "Dealing with Opposition" and is just one of many ways Rick Warren tries to convey the fact that those who oppose him are less than desirable. Southerland states:
We have experienced two major sources of criticism during our transitions. The first is Christians from more traditional backgrounds.... Not all of our traditional backgrounded Christians have been critical - just the ornery ones. Our second source of criticism is traditional church pastors. Again, not all traditional church pastors - just the meaner ones (p. 116).
Southerland tells readers that "some folks are going to get very angry." He goes so far as to liken opposers of Purpose Driven to "leader[s] from hell." He says:
If you have read Nehemiah recently, you will remember that Sanballat is Nehemiah's greatest critic and number one enemy. Let me put it plainer than that. Sanballat is a leader from hell. We all have some Sanballats in our churches. This is the guy who opposes whatever you propose.... You cannot call this guy a leader from hell to his face - but you could call him Sanballat (p. 115).
In 2003, during Saddleback's 25th anniversary, Rick Warren recited, along with 30,000 participants, the Purpose Driven Covenant. In that covenant he stated that he would do "whatever it takes" to accomplish his goals. For us at Lighthouse Trails it has become increasingly evident that he wasn't kidding when he said that. Last year, as some of you may remember, we issued a press release that showed the connection between Rick Warren and Ken Blanchard. In Warren's own words, he acknowledged that Blanchard, a New Age sympathizer, had "signed on" to help implement Warren's global P.E.A.C.E. plan. Warren stated this at a Saddleback service as well as at the 2003 Lead Like Jesus conference in Alabama. However, a month after we issued the press release, Lighthouse Trails received an email from Rick Warren. The email was sent in the middle of the night, and by the following morning, Warren had given permission to a colleague to post his email online. We contacted Saddleback and confirmed this. Needless to say, countless people found out about this email. However, what most who read his email did not realize was that the majority of the statements in his email were not true. We posted a public response but knew that most people would either only read Warren's email to us or refuse to believe that America's pastor was lying and we were speaking the truth.
Lighthouse Trails learned of Rick Warren's connection to Ken Blanchard through a book called A Life With Purpose, written by Hollywood biographer, George Mair. Ray Yungen discusses this in his book, A Time of Departing:
In the spring of 2005, someone handed me a book called A Life with Purpose by George Mair. The book is written as a positive account of Rick Warren's life. In fact, the subtitle on the front cover reads: America's Most Inspiring Pastor. It is clear that the author had a great admiration for Warren. While Mair wrote the book, he spent many Sunday mornings at Saddleback church services, listening to Rick Warren and donating financially. However, after Rick Warren found out about the book, he publicly criticized it. In addition, Saddleback church sent out emails to an undisclosed number of people, discrediting Mair's book.
I personally believe Warren's effort to debunk the book was an attempt to conceal some of its observations. What George Mair didnt realize was that in his candid account of Warren, and in his efforts to offer this testament of praise, some things were revealed about the pastor that might have gone undetected by the average person. For instance, Mair explains how New Age prophet Norman Vincent Peale was at the foundation of the church-growth movement and furthermore "many of Peale's uplifting affirmations originated with an 'obscure teacher of occult science' named Florence Scovel Shinn." Referring to many of the methods that Peale taught and his "unification of psychology and religion," Mair says, "Saddleback distinctly bears the stamp of Reverend Norman Vincent Peale."
In November of 2003, Rick Warren announced to his Saddleback congregation his global P.E.A.C.E. Plan. In the same sermon, Warren introduced the congregation to Ken Blanchard, playing a video clip of Blanchard's visit to Saddleback a few days earlier. Warren informed his large congregation that Blanchard had:"... signed on to help with the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, and he's going to be helping train us in leadership and in how to train others to be leaders all around the world.
In light of the fact that Ken Blanchard has promoted Buddhism and Eastern style meditation for over 20 years, it became very alarming to know that Rick Warren was using Blanchard to train leaders around the world.
The weeks following Rick Warren's email to us, we received phone calls and emails from different men from Saddleback, one of them telling us to stop "lobbying dead cats [and grenades] over the wall." It was confirmed also that an email was sent out from Saddleback to an unknown number of people, discussing the Blanchard issue. That email stated that Lighthouse Trails had lied and they should not be listened to.
And then in December of 2005 a very strange thing happened - a woman sent us an email she had received from Rick Warren's personal email address, which stated:
The website you refer to [Lighthouse Trails] below is well-known for publishing lies, which can easily be proven false.... The Bible says "Satan is the father of lies", so those who intentionally spread them are doing Satan's work for him. That is evil. We suggest you avoid listening to evil people who have a habit of lying about ministers of the Gospel. Study the Scriptures every day and flee from those who make their reputation by lying.
We contacted Saddleback about the email, and we received the following reply, suggesting that the email had been written by a computer hacker: "We are sorry that this public mailbox has been shut down due to vandalism and stolen identity. Federal enforcement officers are tracking down the source in either Africa or the Pacific Northwest." At first, we thought this was a joke because we (who live in the Pacific Northwest) had recently issued a press release about an evangelist in Africa who had been opposing Purpose Driven. Hearing that Federal officers had narrowed down an investigation to either our location or the evangelist's location seemed preposterous. We contacted Saddleback by phone requesting the names of these Federal agents because of the threatening nature of the "anonymous" email. A few days later a Saddleback staff member called and told us that Federal agents were doing an investigation on their web server being broken into and that Saddleback suspected Lighthouse Trails. We again asked for the names of the Federal agents as well as the Saddleback communications director that was handling the case. However, we were told they would not give us any names. We have not heard anything from Saddleback since.
We testify of these things, not to distract you from the issues at hand (of exposing contemplative and emerging spirituality within the church), but rather to show that Rick Warren, as well as other leaders, will go to great lengths to preserve their status and to complete their tasks, even to the point of lying, threatening, discrediting and deceiving. While we have postponed releasing this information for several months, because of Rick Warren's continuous brazen remarks against the body of Christ and because Purpose Driven is an avenue through which the New Age is entering the church, we believe it is of utmost importance to relay this documentation to believers who are working so diligently to defend the gospel message of Jesus Christ in a time when a great falling away appears to be at hand.
The question we must ask is just how far will Rick Warren go to help rid churches of those they consider "leader[s] from hell," who in reality may be part of the very Bride of Christ.
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/resistersdieorleave.htm
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT - June 24, 2006
- The phone calls and emails started coming in about three years ago. Sometimes the caller was in his mid-eighties, sometimes the caller was crying. But all of them had the same kind of story to tell - when their churches decided to get involved with 40 Days of Purpose, everything began changing and when they questioned these changes, they each soon found themselves silenced, ostracized and eventually without a church to attend. Now today, nearly five years after Purpose Driven Life was released, thousands of believers are scattered throughout the world, having been ridiculed and demoralized for even just the slightest questioning of the Purpose Driven program. In one email we received, the young man was handed a letter from his pastor. The letter had been written by a Saddleback field representative who told the pastor to do what he had to do to get rid of those opposing the new program.
According to Rick Warren, these people are resisters and are standing in the way of Purpose Driven progress. In a June 14th article written by Rick Warren on his website (What Do You Do When Your Church Hits a Plateau? ), Warren told pastors and church leaders not to be discouraged about slow change in their churches. He told them it would take time ... and in many cases it would take these resisters either leaving the church or simply dying. Warren stated:
If your church has been plateaued for six months, it might take six months to get it going again. If it's been plateaued a year, it might take a year. If it's been plateaued for 20 years, you've got to set in for the duration! I'm saying some people are going to have to die or leave.
Moses had to wander around the desert for 40 years while God killed off a million people before he let them go into the Promised Land. That may be brutally blunt, but it's true. There may be people in your church who love God sincerely, but who will never, ever change.
For Warren to couple his statement about dying or leaving with a statement about God killing off a million people is ignorant at best, subliminal at least. Coupled with his mention of 40 years in the desert and Warren's teaching that God always did good things in numbers of 40, Warren's intention in this statement seems obvious. In addition, the concept of get with the program, change or die is very common in New Age circles, that those who don't get on board (or ride the wave as Leonard Sweet puts it), will have to die. Listen to the words of renown New Ager Barbara Marx Hubbard:
Christ-consciousness and Christ-abilities are the natural inheritance of every human being on Earth. When the word of this hope has reached the nations, the end of this phase of evolution shall come. All will know their choice. All will be required to choose.... All who choose not to evolve will die off. (See The Plan)
Furthermore, Leonard Sweet, in his book, Soul Tsunami, says that:
A sea change of transitions and transformations is birthing a whole new world and a whole new set of ways of making our way in the world.... It is time for a Postmodern Reformation ... Reinvent yourself for the 21st century or die. Some would rather die than change (pp. 17, 75).
Rick Warren (whose endorsement sits on both the front and back covers of Sweet's book) says that Soul Tsunami "shows us why these are the greatest days for evangelism since the first century." In an audio set done by Rick Warren and Leonard Sweet called Tides of Change, the two men elaborate on this and make it clear that those who don't ride this new wave will not make it.
One of the tools Rick Warren uses to help churches become Purpose Driven is a book called Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change. The book is sold on Rick Warren's website and is written by Dan Southerland. According to pastors.com (Rick Warren's website to pastors), Southerland is the director of "Church Transitions Inc., an organization that trains pastors and church leaders to effectively manage major transitions. Southerland ... is the leading expert on implementing the Purpose Driven paradigm in existing churches."
Chapter six of Transitioning is called "Dealing with Opposition" and is just one of many ways Rick Warren tries to convey the fact that those who oppose him are less than desirable. Southerland states:
We have experienced two major sources of criticism during our transitions. The first is Christians from more traditional backgrounds.... Not all of our traditional backgrounded Christians have been critical - just the ornery ones. Our second source of criticism is traditional church pastors. Again, not all traditional church pastors - just the meaner ones (p. 116).
Southerland tells readers that "some folks are going to get very angry." He goes so far as to liken opposers of Purpose Driven to "leader[s] from hell." He says:
If you have read Nehemiah recently, you will remember that Sanballat is Nehemiah's greatest critic and number one enemy. Let me put it plainer than that. Sanballat is a leader from hell. We all have some Sanballats in our churches. This is the guy who opposes whatever you propose.... You cannot call this guy a leader from hell to his face - but you could call him Sanballat (p. 115).
In 2003, during Saddleback's 25th anniversary, Rick Warren recited, along with 30,000 participants, the Purpose Driven Covenant. In that covenant he stated that he would do "whatever it takes" to accomplish his goals. For us at Lighthouse Trails it has become increasingly evident that he wasn't kidding when he said that. Last year, as some of you may remember, we issued a press release that showed the connection between Rick Warren and Ken Blanchard. In Warren's own words, he acknowledged that Blanchard, a New Age sympathizer, had "signed on" to help implement Warren's global P.E.A.C.E. plan. Warren stated this at a Saddleback service as well as at the 2003 Lead Like Jesus conference in Alabama. However, a month after we issued the press release, Lighthouse Trails received an email from Rick Warren. The email was sent in the middle of the night, and by the following morning, Warren had given permission to a colleague to post his email online. We contacted Saddleback and confirmed this. Needless to say, countless people found out about this email. However, what most who read his email did not realize was that the majority of the statements in his email were not true. We posted a public response but knew that most people would either only read Warren's email to us or refuse to believe that America's pastor was lying and we were speaking the truth.
Lighthouse Trails learned of Rick Warren's connection to Ken Blanchard through a book called A Life With Purpose, written by Hollywood biographer, George Mair. Ray Yungen discusses this in his book, A Time of Departing:
In the spring of 2005, someone handed me a book called A Life with Purpose by George Mair. The book is written as a positive account of Rick Warren's life. In fact, the subtitle on the front cover reads: America's Most Inspiring Pastor. It is clear that the author had a great admiration for Warren. While Mair wrote the book, he spent many Sunday mornings at Saddleback church services, listening to Rick Warren and donating financially. However, after Rick Warren found out about the book, he publicly criticized it. In addition, Saddleback church sent out emails to an undisclosed number of people, discrediting Mair's book.
I personally believe Warren's effort to debunk the book was an attempt to conceal some of its observations. What George Mair didnt realize was that in his candid account of Warren, and in his efforts to offer this testament of praise, some things were revealed about the pastor that might have gone undetected by the average person. For instance, Mair explains how New Age prophet Norman Vincent Peale was at the foundation of the church-growth movement and furthermore "many of Peale's uplifting affirmations originated with an 'obscure teacher of occult science' named Florence Scovel Shinn." Referring to many of the methods that Peale taught and his "unification of psychology and religion," Mair says, "Saddleback distinctly bears the stamp of Reverend Norman Vincent Peale."
In November of 2003, Rick Warren announced to his Saddleback congregation his global P.E.A.C.E. Plan. In the same sermon, Warren introduced the congregation to Ken Blanchard, playing a video clip of Blanchard's visit to Saddleback a few days earlier. Warren informed his large congregation that Blanchard had:"... signed on to help with the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, and he's going to be helping train us in leadership and in how to train others to be leaders all around the world.
In light of the fact that Ken Blanchard has promoted Buddhism and Eastern style meditation for over 20 years, it became very alarming to know that Rick Warren was using Blanchard to train leaders around the world.
The weeks following Rick Warren's email to us, we received phone calls and emails from different men from Saddleback, one of them telling us to stop "lobbying dead cats [and grenades] over the wall." It was confirmed also that an email was sent out from Saddleback to an unknown number of people, discussing the Blanchard issue. That email stated that Lighthouse Trails had lied and they should not be listened to.
And then in December of 2005 a very strange thing happened - a woman sent us an email she had received from Rick Warren's personal email address, which stated:
The website you refer to [Lighthouse Trails] below is well-known for publishing lies, which can easily be proven false.... The Bible says "Satan is the father of lies", so those who intentionally spread them are doing Satan's work for him. That is evil. We suggest you avoid listening to evil people who have a habit of lying about ministers of the Gospel. Study the Scriptures every day and flee from those who make their reputation by lying.
We contacted Saddleback about the email, and we received the following reply, suggesting that the email had been written by a computer hacker: "We are sorry that this public mailbox has been shut down due to vandalism and stolen identity. Federal enforcement officers are tracking down the source in either Africa or the Pacific Northwest." At first, we thought this was a joke because we (who live in the Pacific Northwest) had recently issued a press release about an evangelist in Africa who had been opposing Purpose Driven. Hearing that Federal officers had narrowed down an investigation to either our location or the evangelist's location seemed preposterous. We contacted Saddleback by phone requesting the names of these Federal agents because of the threatening nature of the "anonymous" email. A few days later a Saddleback staff member called and told us that Federal agents were doing an investigation on their web server being broken into and that Saddleback suspected Lighthouse Trails. We again asked for the names of the Federal agents as well as the Saddleback communications director that was handling the case. However, we were told they would not give us any names. We have not heard anything from Saddleback since.
We testify of these things, not to distract you from the issues at hand (of exposing contemplative and emerging spirituality within the church), but rather to show that Rick Warren, as well as other leaders, will go to great lengths to preserve their status and to complete their tasks, even to the point of lying, threatening, discrediting and deceiving. While we have postponed releasing this information for several months, because of Rick Warren's continuous brazen remarks against the body of Christ and because Purpose Driven is an avenue through which the New Age is entering the church, we believe it is of utmost importance to relay this documentation to believers who are working so diligently to defend the gospel message of Jesus Christ in a time when a great falling away appears to be at hand.
The question we must ask is just how far will Rick Warren go to help rid churches of those they consider "leader[s] from hell," who in reality may be part of the very Bride of Christ.
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/resistersdieorleave.htm
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Scottish Ecumenical Gathering?
The main question we would have to ask here is... "Which Gospel does the Evangalical Alliance adhere to? The Gospel of Rome or the Gospel of Scripture?"
Who are the people attending supposed to believe, the Roman Catholic Church or the Evangelical Church? There is an uncertain sound here in the Ecumenical Jihad!
-------------
Scottish Ecumenical Gathering - 17 June 2006
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office
The Scottish Ecumenical Gathering is a grass roots church celebration for people from within the Action of Churches Together in Scotland family and beyond. It will be an open access event which will provide opportunities for young and old alike to celebrate the ‘Seeds of Hope’ visible in our communities and the world today as Christian people worship, work and witness to God’s Kingdom.
The day will comprise three main elements: a speaker programme, workshop programme and marketstall area.
The planning group is delighted that they have been able to attract a wide variety of speakers who include: Joel Edwards, general director of the Evangelical Alliance (‘Seeds of Hope’), Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien (‘Ecumenical Futures’), Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner (Hope in the Future: Church, Children and Society), John Drane (God, hope and the future of the church) and a conversation panel on the subject of ‘Living in Hope’ which will involve Richard Holloway (Scottish Arts Council), Kathy Galloway (Iona Community) and Andrew McLellan (Inspector of Prisons).
Thirty two workshops, run by ecumenical bodies and groups from across Scotland will further explore the theme of hope in the church and the world and the event will also incorporate the annual meeting of the Scottish Churches Community Trust and the Scottish Churches Racial Justice Conference. Over 80 marketstalls will enable participants to discover more about the work of national agencies and local projects as they discern ‘seeds of hope’ in their communities. There will also be a crèche for pre-school children and activity sessions for 5-12 year olds.
Who are the people attending supposed to believe, the Roman Catholic Church or the Evangelical Church? There is an uncertain sound here in the Ecumenical Jihad!
-------------
Scottish Ecumenical Gathering - 17 June 2006
Source: Scottish Catholic Media Office
The Scottish Ecumenical Gathering is a grass roots church celebration for people from within the Action of Churches Together in Scotland family and beyond. It will be an open access event which will provide opportunities for young and old alike to celebrate the ‘Seeds of Hope’ visible in our communities and the world today as Christian people worship, work and witness to God’s Kingdom.
The day will comprise three main elements: a speaker programme, workshop programme and marketstall area.
The planning group is delighted that they have been able to attract a wide variety of speakers who include: Joel Edwards, general director of the Evangelical Alliance (‘Seeds of Hope’), Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien (‘Ecumenical Futures’), Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner (Hope in the Future: Church, Children and Society), John Drane (God, hope and the future of the church) and a conversation panel on the subject of ‘Living in Hope’ which will involve Richard Holloway (Scottish Arts Council), Kathy Galloway (Iona Community) and Andrew McLellan (Inspector of Prisons).
Thirty two workshops, run by ecumenical bodies and groups from across Scotland will further explore the theme of hope in the church and the world and the event will also incorporate the annual meeting of the Scottish Churches Community Trust and the Scottish Churches Racial Justice Conference. Over 80 marketstalls will enable participants to discover more about the work of national agencies and local projects as they discern ‘seeds of hope’ in their communities. There will also be a crèche for pre-school children and activity sessions for 5-12 year olds.
PsychoHeresy: C. G. Jung's Legacy to the Church
More articles on Psychoheresy can be found at Psychoheresy Awareness Ministries
------------
PsychoHeresy: C. G. Jung's Legacy to the Church
The overwhelming majority of Christians have probably never heard of C. G.
Jung, but his influence in the church is vast and affects sermons, books, and activities, such as the prolific use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(MBTI) by seminaries and missionary organizations. A current, popular example of Jung's legacy can be seen in Robert Hicks's book The Masculine Journey, which was given to each of the 50,000 men whoattended the 1993 Promise Keepers conference. Christians need to learn enough about Jung and his teachings to be warned and wary.
Jung's legacy to "Christian psychology" is both direct and indirect. Some professing Christians, who have been influenced by Jung's teachings, integrate aspects of Jungian theory into their own practice of psychotherapy. They may incorporate his notions regarding personality types, the personal unconscious, dream analysis, and various archetypes in their own attempt to understand and counsel their clients. Other Christians have been influenced more indirectly as they have engaged in inner healing, followed 12-step programs, or taken the MBTI, which is based on Jung's personality types and incorporates his theories of introversion and extroversion.
Because Jung turned psychoanalysis into a type of religion, he is also considered to be a transpersonal psychologist as well as a psychoanalytical theorist. He delved deeply into the occult, practiced necromancy, and had daily contact with disembodied spirits, which he called archetypes. Much of what he wrote was inspired by such entities. Jung had his own familiar spirit whom he called Philemon. At first he thought Philemon was part of his own psyche, but later on he found that Philemon was more than an expression of his own inner self. Jung says:
"Philemon and other figures of my fantasies brought home to me the crucial insight that there are things in the psyche which I do not produce, but which produce themselves and have their own life. Philemon represented a force which was not myself. In my fantasies I held conversations with him, and he said things which I had not consciously thought. For I observed clearly that it was he who spoke, not I. . . . Psychologically, Philemon represented superior insight. He was a mysterious figure to me. At times he seemed to me quite real, as if he were a living personality. I went walking up and down the garden with him, and to me he was what the Indians call a guru."
http://www.pamweb.org/jungleg.html
------------
PsychoHeresy: C. G. Jung's Legacy to the Church
The overwhelming majority of Christians have probably never heard of C. G.
Jung, but his influence in the church is vast and affects sermons, books, and activities, such as the prolific use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(MBTI) by seminaries and missionary organizations. A current, popular example of Jung's legacy can be seen in Robert Hicks's book The Masculine Journey, which was given to each of the 50,000 men whoattended the 1993 Promise Keepers conference. Christians need to learn enough about Jung and his teachings to be warned and wary.
Jung's legacy to "Christian psychology" is both direct and indirect. Some professing Christians, who have been influenced by Jung's teachings, integrate aspects of Jungian theory into their own practice of psychotherapy. They may incorporate his notions regarding personality types, the personal unconscious, dream analysis, and various archetypes in their own attempt to understand and counsel their clients. Other Christians have been influenced more indirectly as they have engaged in inner healing, followed 12-step programs, or taken the MBTI, which is based on Jung's personality types and incorporates his theories of introversion and extroversion.
Because Jung turned psychoanalysis into a type of religion, he is also considered to be a transpersonal psychologist as well as a psychoanalytical theorist. He delved deeply into the occult, practiced necromancy, and had daily contact with disembodied spirits, which he called archetypes. Much of what he wrote was inspired by such entities. Jung had his own familiar spirit whom he called Philemon. At first he thought Philemon was part of his own psyche, but later on he found that Philemon was more than an expression of his own inner self. Jung says:
"Philemon and other figures of my fantasies brought home to me the crucial insight that there are things in the psyche which I do not produce, but which produce themselves and have their own life. Philemon represented a force which was not myself. In my fantasies I held conversations with him, and he said things which I had not consciously thought. For I observed clearly that it was he who spoke, not I. . . . Psychologically, Philemon represented superior insight. He was a mysterious figure to me. At times he seemed to me quite real, as if he were a living personality. I went walking up and down the garden with him, and to me he was what the Indians call a guru."
http://www.pamweb.org/jungleg.html
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Kim Clement - DaVinci Code from the Holy Spirit?
The Following was posted by Bud Press from Christian Research Service
For those who don't know, Kim Clement has been touted as Paul Crouches personal prophet and he has been call the Singing Prophet. But he is not a prophet of God. He fails the test of Deuteronomy 18.
-------------------
[Source: Kim Clement, May 19, 2006,
http://www.kimclement.com/words/2006/may1906.html. Thanks to Barry Bowen for the tip. Red print added]
May 19, 2006 - New York
The season is changing. The season is changing. There will be no more drought. There will be no more drought. For the season is changing. Do you see the clouds in the sky? For the rain of the Spirit is coming. The rain of the Spirit is coming. Is everybody ready for the rain? The season is changing for you. The season is changing and you will multiply. No more drought, no more drought. No more drought, no more drought, for the rain is coming. No more drought, says the Spirit of the Lord. No more dryness. No more drought. Can anybody hear the rain? Can anybody hear the rain? For the season is changing for you. God says, the season is changing just for you, just for you.
The Spirit of God says, hear what the prophet has to say tonight. A season has come to an end. A season of subtraction has come to an end. The season of subtraction has come to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end! It's come to an end!
Lift your hands up everybody as the Spirit of Prophecy carries you to a higher place. The season of subtraction, the season of drought has come to an end. And the season of multiplication has begun. It has begun. God says, lift your hands up for your enemies have hidden themselves but God says, I have exposed them, brought them into the light. Your season of subtraction has come to an end.
Listen to Me, to an end! It's finished! To an end! To an end!
For leprosy has held on, sickness has not left, poverty has stayed, f or I looked for someone that would abhor, hate and detest and be dissatisfied. God says, I have heard the sound of a people that want more. And because you have asked me, the season of multiplication has begun. Do not reject the words of prophecy. For I will fuse you in one moment to My truth and you shall understand. - just the size of man's hand and suddenly and end. So God says, rejoice, for you will multiply in the summer, says the Spirit of the Living God.
New York, the young people have gone astray. Listen I had a dream last night. I was on the balcony of this building and it was so filled, it's now about numbers and a building but what shocked me was 75% of them, 75% were young people, street people, and on every seventh floor there was a politician. And God says, and I will mix in such a fashion that there shall be a legislation and God said the young people of this generation will be compelled to come in and drink of the waters. For God said, there is a well that has yet been unstopped. God says, in this place there were five wells that we unstopped and there was a sixth one that you bypassed. But the Spirit of God says, the one that has been stopped and closed up will be unstopped this summer. And God says, together we shall go into Manhattan and God says, you will go to the auditoriums and young men and young women shall say, let us go for we have gone astray. And in this building I saw a tortoise, a very slow moving, and the Spirit of God said, I will do this thing swiftly and even in the midst of them, those that cannot catch on and those who will not take it will still be a part of it. For God says, in New York, and I speak of all the areas, there is a very strange and unusual draw to young people. I'm not talking about something sweet, I'm talking about someone that is about to die, that will come in. I will do what I promised I would do. Therefore now as the word of the Lord comes to you, every family, every household in the New York regions shall be awakened to the Gospel of Christ.
The Spirit of God says, what is the Da Vinci Code? It is My doing, it is My doing, says the Spirit. Why? For men shall run to Christ. Why? For I shall take what they thought was an opportunity to bring the Son of God down and God said, He shall be resurrected again in this generation, says the Spirit of God.
Are the people, are the warriors, are the members in God's house listening to the word of the Lord? There shall be two more movies that shall come out. One shall be the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, and the other one shall be the Gnostics according to Thomas. It is My doing for it shall draw millions into the Kingdom for they will find no answer, no answer. Do not fight what is happening. Take it as an opportunity and tell them who I am, says the Spirit, for I will reveal Myself in a glorious way!
I heard something right now. Listen to me, Tony, I heard June the 6th. June the 6th a very special something that's going to happen on June the 6th. I'm not talking about a birthday, I'm talking about something that's going to open up. It's so close I can see it, I can feel it, I release it in the Spirit. I release it right now, I release it into this house, upon these people, upon this region. June the 6th something's going to break in the Spirit and release people!
Our season of subtraction has come to an end! It's come to an end! It's come to an end! Your season of subtraction has come to an end!
[END]
For those who don't know, Kim Clement has been touted as Paul Crouches personal prophet and he has been call the Singing Prophet. But he is not a prophet of God. He fails the test of Deuteronomy 18.
-------------------
[Source: Kim Clement, May 19, 2006,
http://www.kimclement.com/words/2006/may1906.html. Thanks to Barry Bowen for the tip. Red print added]
May 19, 2006 - New York
The season is changing. The season is changing. There will be no more drought. There will be no more drought. For the season is changing. Do you see the clouds in the sky? For the rain of the Spirit is coming. The rain of the Spirit is coming. Is everybody ready for the rain? The season is changing for you. The season is changing and you will multiply. No more drought, no more drought. No more drought, no more drought, for the rain is coming. No more drought, says the Spirit of the Lord. No more dryness. No more drought. Can anybody hear the rain? Can anybody hear the rain? For the season is changing for you. God says, the season is changing just for you, just for you.
The Spirit of God says, hear what the prophet has to say tonight. A season has come to an end. A season of subtraction has come to an end. The season of subtraction has come to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end, to an end! It's come to an end!
Lift your hands up everybody as the Spirit of Prophecy carries you to a higher place. The season of subtraction, the season of drought has come to an end. And the season of multiplication has begun. It has begun. God says, lift your hands up for your enemies have hidden themselves but God says, I have exposed them, brought them into the light. Your season of subtraction has come to an end.
Listen to Me, to an end! It's finished! To an end! To an end!
For leprosy has held on, sickness has not left, poverty has stayed, f or I looked for someone that would abhor, hate and detest and be dissatisfied. God says, I have heard the sound of a people that want more. And because you have asked me, the season of multiplication has begun. Do not reject the words of prophecy. For I will fuse you in one moment to My truth and you shall understand. - just the size of man's hand and suddenly and end. So God says, rejoice, for you will multiply in the summer, says the Spirit of the Living God.
New York, the young people have gone astray. Listen I had a dream last night. I was on the balcony of this building and it was so filled, it's now about numbers and a building but what shocked me was 75% of them, 75% were young people, street people, and on every seventh floor there was a politician. And God says, and I will mix in such a fashion that there shall be a legislation and God said the young people of this generation will be compelled to come in and drink of the waters. For God said, there is a well that has yet been unstopped. God says, in this place there were five wells that we unstopped and there was a sixth one that you bypassed. But the Spirit of God says, the one that has been stopped and closed up will be unstopped this summer. And God says, together we shall go into Manhattan and God says, you will go to the auditoriums and young men and young women shall say, let us go for we have gone astray. And in this building I saw a tortoise, a very slow moving, and the Spirit of God said, I will do this thing swiftly and even in the midst of them, those that cannot catch on and those who will not take it will still be a part of it. For God says, in New York, and I speak of all the areas, there is a very strange and unusual draw to young people. I'm not talking about something sweet, I'm talking about someone that is about to die, that will come in. I will do what I promised I would do. Therefore now as the word of the Lord comes to you, every family, every household in the New York regions shall be awakened to the Gospel of Christ.
The Spirit of God says, what is the Da Vinci Code? It is My doing, it is My doing, says the Spirit. Why? For men shall run to Christ. Why? For I shall take what they thought was an opportunity to bring the Son of God down and God said, He shall be resurrected again in this generation, says the Spirit of God.
Are the people, are the warriors, are the members in God's house listening to the word of the Lord? There shall be two more movies that shall come out. One shall be the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, and the other one shall be the Gnostics according to Thomas. It is My doing for it shall draw millions into the Kingdom for they will find no answer, no answer. Do not fight what is happening. Take it as an opportunity and tell them who I am, says the Spirit, for I will reveal Myself in a glorious way!
I heard something right now. Listen to me, Tony, I heard June the 6th. June the 6th a very special something that's going to happen on June the 6th. I'm not talking about a birthday, I'm talking about something that's going to open up. It's so close I can see it, I can feel it, I release it in the Spirit. I release it right now, I release it into this house, upon these people, upon this region. June the 6th something's going to break in the Spirit and release people!
Our season of subtraction has come to an end! It's come to an end! It's come to an end! Your season of subtraction has come to an end!
[END]
Friday, June 16, 2006
Calvary Chapel Rejects Purpose Driven and Emerging Spirituality
Calvary Chapel Rejects Purpose Driven and Emerging Spirituality
Pastor Chuck Smith Issues Recall Notice on Book, Discontinues Purpose Driven Materials
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT - Press Release - June 16, 2006 - The following news alert is a follow-up to our recent Special Report on Calvary Chapel.
June 16, 2006 - Costa Mesa, CA: Last week at Calvary Chapel's annual pastor's conference, founder and Senior Pastor Chuck Smith announced that Calvary Chapel was rejecting various movements and practices that have been taking place within the Christian church at large as well as in some Calvary Chapel churches. According to a number of pastors who spoke with Lighthouse Trails this week, Smith asked that those Calvary Chapel pastors who were going in the direction of the emerging church would no longer call themselves Calvary Chapel churches.
This week a notice was placed on the Calvary Chapel Distribution website recalling Chuck Smith Sr's book, When Storms Come (which had been tampered with). The notice also stated: "The teaching and positions of Rick Warren have come into conflict with us at Calvary Chapel. Pastor Chuck has directed us to discontinue this product effective immediately."
Go to http://www.calvaryd.org/assets/uploads/RecallonStorms.pdf for the Recall Notice and Discontinued Items.
Both Purpose Driven and the emerging church promote contemplative spirituality, which is a belief system that is contrary to biblical Christianity. Popular authors such as Richard Foster, Brian McLaren, Rick Warren, Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning and many others teach contemplative spirituality (also known as spiritual formation).
Recent Related Reports:
May 2, 2006: What Happened to the Calvary Chapel Book, When Storms Come?
May 21, 2006: Calvary Chapel Rejects Contemplative and Emergent Spirituality!
May 25, 2006: Calvary Chapel May Face Challenge in Upholding Position Paper June 3, 2006: Calvary Chapel May Set Precedent at This Week's Pastors Conference
For more information on contemplative and emerging, please refer to Lighthouse Trails Research Project at www.lighthousetrailsresearchproject.com
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/recall.htm
Pastor Chuck Smith Issues Recall Notice on Book, Discontinues Purpose Driven Materials
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT - Press Release - June 16, 2006 - The following news alert is a follow-up to our recent Special Report on Calvary Chapel.
June 16, 2006 - Costa Mesa, CA: Last week at Calvary Chapel's annual pastor's conference, founder and Senior Pastor Chuck Smith announced that Calvary Chapel was rejecting various movements and practices that have been taking place within the Christian church at large as well as in some Calvary Chapel churches. According to a number of pastors who spoke with Lighthouse Trails this week, Smith asked that those Calvary Chapel pastors who were going in the direction of the emerging church would no longer call themselves Calvary Chapel churches.
This week a notice was placed on the Calvary Chapel Distribution website recalling Chuck Smith Sr's book, When Storms Come (which had been tampered with). The notice also stated: "The teaching and positions of Rick Warren have come into conflict with us at Calvary Chapel. Pastor Chuck has directed us to discontinue this product effective immediately."
Go to http://www.calvaryd.org/assets/uploads/RecallonStorms.pdf for the Recall Notice and Discontinued Items.
Both Purpose Driven and the emerging church promote contemplative spirituality, which is a belief system that is contrary to biblical Christianity. Popular authors such as Richard Foster, Brian McLaren, Rick Warren, Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning and many others teach contemplative spirituality (also known as spiritual formation).
Recent Related Reports:
May 2, 2006: What Happened to the Calvary Chapel Book, When Storms Come?
May 21, 2006: Calvary Chapel Rejects Contemplative and Emergent Spirituality!
May 25, 2006: Calvary Chapel May Face Challenge in Upholding Position Paper June 3, 2006: Calvary Chapel May Set Precedent at This Week's Pastors Conference
For more information on contemplative and emerging, please refer to Lighthouse Trails Research Project at www.lighthousetrailsresearchproject.com
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/recall.htm
Thursday, June 15, 2006
New List of books to be AWARE of!
Dear Friends,
we received this Update recently regarding a book list called The Master List. The book/author list helps people be aware of books and authors that are promoting aberrant and unhealthy spiritual teachings as well as blatant occultism and heresy.
The purpose of the list is to help people be aware of problematic books and teachings before they buy them.
For those on the list that are more Biblically grounded, they are put on the list because of 'Guilt by PROMOTION', NOT guilt by association. Those that promote false teaching ought to be recognized as such.
From Christian Research Service:
"The MASTER LIST of Authors and Books has been updated and formatted in PDF. The added names are Ron Roth (New Age Movement) and Beth Moore (Contemplative Spirituality).
The MASTER LIST in PDF is at http://www.christianresearchservice.com/MasterList.pdf
Please inform your readers of these additions as the Lord leads."
we received this Update recently regarding a book list called The Master List. The book/author list helps people be aware of books and authors that are promoting aberrant and unhealthy spiritual teachings as well as blatant occultism and heresy.
The purpose of the list is to help people be aware of problematic books and teachings before they buy them.
For those on the list that are more Biblically grounded, they are put on the list because of 'Guilt by PROMOTION', NOT guilt by association. Those that promote false teaching ought to be recognized as such.
From Christian Research Service:
"The MASTER LIST of Authors and Books has been updated and formatted in PDF. The added names are Ron Roth (New Age Movement) and Beth Moore (Contemplative Spirituality).
The MASTER LIST in PDF is at http://www.christianresearchservice.com/MasterList.pdf
Please inform your readers of these additions as the Lord leads."
Robert Sungenis Debate Back Down - MORIEL MINISTRIES - Official Press Release
This article was posted in the Be Alert! newsletter from Moriel on June 15, 2006
Robert Sungenis Debate Back Down
MORIEL MINISTRIES - Official Press Release - June 15, 2006
- Moriel & Jacob Prasch wish to express their public disgust at the back down by the supposedly premier Roman Catholic apologist Robert Sungenis to publicly debate the Greek text of ‘UPON THIS ROCK’ from Matthew chapter 16 before impartial language experts in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic biblical linguistics.
Jacob & Moriel readily agreed to this debate in an open public forum before a video camera and in the presence of one impartial expert Greek language co-moderator and one impartial expert Hebrew & Aramaic co-moderator to provide independent verification of grammar and vocabulary definitions of the original Greek text and underlying Hebrew & Aramaic thought by experts that were not either Roman Catholic or Evangelical and therefore non-allegiant to either party in the planned debate.
We have e mail records by Robert Sugenis’ office also accepting to debate, and to our astonishment we have now received a personal e-mail from Robert Sugenis himself refusing to debate before impartial academically qualified language experts insisting that the lay audience decide whose interpretation of the Greek, Hebrew, & Aramaic is correct. Anyone wishing a copy of his e-mail can receive one upon request by e-mail.
Medical radiology is no layman’s field and someone who is not a qualified physician cannot logically verify the accuracy of an x ray diagnosis they cannot read themselves.
Civil engineering is no layman's field and someone who is not an engineer logically cannot verify the accuracy of a blueprint reading they cannot themselves read. Likewise, biblical linguistics is no layman’s field and the demand of Robert Sungenis to place the task on a lay audience to verify the accurate translation of ancient languages they themselves cannot even read is too self evidently ludicrous to warrant any further serious comment.
It is obvious in our estimation that Robert Sugenis is publicly running scared because his twisted exegesis of Matthew 16 is bogus and would be debunked as such in a scholarly debate conducted in the presence of those who are literate in Greek, Hebrew & Aramaic.
Anyone wishing a copy of the DVD of Jacob Prasch filmed on location in Israel at Caesarea Phillippi where Jesus made His “Upon This Rock” statement is invited to order one from the Moriel web site, or by postal order via our publication or catalogue.
The ‘UPON THIS ROCK’ DVD debunking the invented myth of the papacy comes with a standing invitation to debate any Roman Catholic priest or nun in public , before a video camera, and in the presence of impartial Greek & Hebrew language experts.
http://www.moriel.org/articles/notice_board/robert_sungenis_debate_back_down.htm
Robert Sungenis Debate Back Down
MORIEL MINISTRIES - Official Press Release - June 15, 2006
- Moriel & Jacob Prasch wish to express their public disgust at the back down by the supposedly premier Roman Catholic apologist Robert Sungenis to publicly debate the Greek text of ‘UPON THIS ROCK’ from Matthew chapter 16 before impartial language experts in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic biblical linguistics.
Jacob & Moriel readily agreed to this debate in an open public forum before a video camera and in the presence of one impartial expert Greek language co-moderator and one impartial expert Hebrew & Aramaic co-moderator to provide independent verification of grammar and vocabulary definitions of the original Greek text and underlying Hebrew & Aramaic thought by experts that were not either Roman Catholic or Evangelical and therefore non-allegiant to either party in the planned debate.
We have e mail records by Robert Sugenis’ office also accepting to debate, and to our astonishment we have now received a personal e-mail from Robert Sugenis himself refusing to debate before impartial academically qualified language experts insisting that the lay audience decide whose interpretation of the Greek, Hebrew, & Aramaic is correct. Anyone wishing a copy of his e-mail can receive one upon request by e-mail.
Medical radiology is no layman’s field and someone who is not a qualified physician cannot logically verify the accuracy of an x ray diagnosis they cannot read themselves.
Civil engineering is no layman's field and someone who is not an engineer logically cannot verify the accuracy of a blueprint reading they cannot themselves read. Likewise, biblical linguistics is no layman’s field and the demand of Robert Sungenis to place the task on a lay audience to verify the accurate translation of ancient languages they themselves cannot even read is too self evidently ludicrous to warrant any further serious comment.
It is obvious in our estimation that Robert Sugenis is publicly running scared because his twisted exegesis of Matthew 16 is bogus and would be debunked as such in a scholarly debate conducted in the presence of those who are literate in Greek, Hebrew & Aramaic.
Anyone wishing a copy of the DVD of Jacob Prasch filmed on location in Israel at Caesarea Phillippi where Jesus made His “Upon This Rock” statement is invited to order one from the Moriel web site, or by postal order via our publication or catalogue.
The ‘UPON THIS ROCK’ DVD debunking the invented myth of the papacy comes with a standing invitation to debate any Roman Catholic priest or nun in public , before a video camera, and in the presence of impartial Greek & Hebrew language experts.
http://www.moriel.org/articles/notice_board/robert_sungenis_debate_back_down.htm
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Message "Bible" Omits the Warnings of II Timothy
If you compare the message Bible to the KJV, NKJV, NASB, etc, you will very clearly see just how sad of a 'rendering', it really is. It is not a proper 'translation' of the Bible, but Eugene Peterson's idea of what Scripture says. Do a little homework. You will be shocked when you start comparing verses with a regular Bible. Check out the article below from Lighthouse Trails.
~SRN
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The Message "Bible" Omits the Warnings of II Timothy
In the popular Biblegateway.com website, an apparent blunder has left out II Timothy, which warns of perilous last days to come.
II Timothy carries strong warnings, speaking of perilous last days when men shall be lovers of self rather than lovers of God. It is also says that Scripture is inspired by God and given to us for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction. Somehow, this entire book of the Bible has been left out of the popular Message "Bible" on at least two online websites, www.biblegate way.com and www.bibleresources.com. Replacing II Timothy is a duplicate of I Timothy.
Interestingly, and sadly, The Message has also left out every reference of Lord Jesus (found over 110 times in both KJV and NKJV) and replaced it with Master Jesus, a term often used by New Agers.
For more on The Message.
~SRN
-------------
The Message "Bible" Omits the Warnings of II Timothy
In the popular Biblegateway.com website, an apparent blunder has left out II Timothy, which warns of perilous last days to come.
II Timothy carries strong warnings, speaking of perilous last days when men shall be lovers of self rather than lovers of God. It is also says that Scripture is inspired by God and given to us for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction. Somehow, this entire book of the Bible has been left out of the popular Message "Bible" on at least two online websites, www.biblegate way.com and www.bibleresources.com. Replacing II Timothy is a duplicate of I Timothy.
Interestingly, and sadly, The Message has also left out every reference of Lord Jesus (found over 110 times in both KJV and NKJV) and replaced it with Master Jesus, a term often used by New Agers.
For more on The Message.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Left Behind: Eternal Forces
The following is a recent News Alert from Bud Press at Christian Research Service.
See also Bud Presses webpage titled - Left Behind: Eternal Forces Selected Articles and Press Releases
-------------
From Bud Press at Christian Research Service www.christianresearchservice.com
Dear Friends:
As you know, the controversy over the video game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, is swirling, with comments from both the Christian and secular camp. Should the game prove to be a hit, it may serve as a springboard for similar games in the future.
In the meantime, I have established a specific page on my website that carries selected articles and press releases on the game. The page will be updated often, and will serve to save time and assist fellow researchers.
Left Behind: Eternal Forces Selected Articles and Press Releases at
http://www.christianresearchservice.com/LeftBehind.htm .
Again, according to the Left Behind Games website ( click HERE ), LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces will allow the gamer to "Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers with up to eight players via LAN or over the internet!" (emp. added)
This, in and of itself, is enough for Christian parents to reject the game, and keep it out of the hands and minds of children and teenagers.
For the record, Christian Research Service considers the Left Behind: Eternal Forces video game as dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Christians, and should be avoided. This is not a Christian game, where innocent minds are built-up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truths of His word. On the contrary, this game provides the Christian with the option and ability to experiment, to cross-over, to venture into the dark side, and become a simulated enemy of the cross.
LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces will not only allow the gamer to "Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers," but will allow the player to:
• Conduct physical & spiritual warfare: using the power of prayer to strengthen your troops in combat and wield modern military weaponry throughout the game world.
• Recover ancient scriptures and witness spectacular Angelic and Demonic activity as a direct consequence of your choices.
• Command your forces through intense battles across a breathtaking, authentic depiction of New York City.
• Control more than 30 units types - from Prayer Warrior and Hellraiser to Spies, Special Forces and Battle Tanks!
• Enjoy a robust single player experience across dozens of New York City maps in Story Mode – fighting in China Town , SoHo , Uptown and more! [ LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces, Game Description ]
"We hope teenagers like the game..."
--Tim LaHaye, Los Angeles Times
For professing Christians to advertise and promote a video game of this nature--with its unBiblical content, inherent risks and ramifications--is reprehensible. Their actions demonstrate a failure to communicate with God's word, and heed its Scriptural commands.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been
cast into the sea (Mark 9:42).
And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out
of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (Jude 1:22-25).
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com
Jude 3
June 9, 2006
As a service to the body of Christ, Christian Research Service provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pastors, outreach ministries and
the Christian news media worldwide.
See also Bud Presses webpage titled - Left Behind: Eternal Forces Selected Articles and Press Releases
-------------
From Bud Press at Christian Research Service www.christianresearchservice.com
Dear Friends:
As you know, the controversy over the video game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, is swirling, with comments from both the Christian and secular camp. Should the game prove to be a hit, it may serve as a springboard for similar games in the future.
In the meantime, I have established a specific page on my website that carries selected articles and press releases on the game. The page will be updated often, and will serve to save time and assist fellow researchers.
Left Behind: Eternal Forces Selected Articles and Press Releases at
http://www.christianresearchservice.com/LeftBehind.htm .
Again, according to the Left Behind Games website ( click HERE ), LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces will allow the gamer to "Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers with up to eight players via LAN or over the internet!" (emp. added)
This, in and of itself, is enough for Christian parents to reject the game, and keep it out of the hands and minds of children and teenagers.
For the record, Christian Research Service considers the Left Behind: Eternal Forces video game as dangerous to the spiritual welfare of Christians, and should be avoided. This is not a Christian game, where innocent minds are built-up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truths of His word. On the contrary, this game provides the Christian with the option and ability to experiment, to cross-over, to venture into the dark side, and become a simulated enemy of the cross.
LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces will not only allow the gamer to "Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers," but will allow the player to:
• Conduct physical & spiritual warfare: using the power of prayer to strengthen your troops in combat and wield modern military weaponry throughout the game world.
• Recover ancient scriptures and witness spectacular Angelic and Demonic activity as a direct consequence of your choices.
• Command your forces through intense battles across a breathtaking, authentic depiction of New York City.
• Control more than 30 units types - from Prayer Warrior and Hellraiser to Spies, Special Forces and Battle Tanks!
• Enjoy a robust single player experience across dozens of New York City maps in Story Mode – fighting in China Town , SoHo , Uptown and more! [ LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces, Game Description ]
"We hope teenagers like the game..."
--Tim LaHaye, Los Angeles Times
For professing Christians to advertise and promote a video game of this nature--with its unBiblical content, inherent risks and ramifications--is reprehensible. Their actions demonstrate a failure to communicate with God's word, and heed its Scriptural commands.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been
cast into the sea (Mark 9:42).
And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out
of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (Jude 1:22-25).
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com
Jude 3
June 9, 2006
As a service to the body of Christ, Christian Research Service provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pastors, outreach ministries and
the Christian news media worldwide.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Marketing 666 The Mark of the Beast
Posted form the Moriel Be Alert News Update!
--------------
Marketing 666 The Mark of the Beast
'Unholy' date launches movies, books, music
THE RECORD - June 3, 2006 - Hollywood: Anyone living and driving in Los Angeles during the past few weeks has seen them. Looming over the city, black and ominous, the billboards and posters announce "You Have Been Warned'' and "The Signs Are All Around You.'' Each is anchored with the date "6/6/06.''
Drop the "0,'' and you get 666. That's "the number of the beast,'' according to the New Testament's Book of Revelation, just one of many interpretations though all of them are dark and frightening. For some Armageddon believers, it represents the date upon which the Antichrist will spread universal evil over the Earth.
For marketers, 666 has also become an ideal date -- to launch movies, records, books and other products or events, particularly those with religious undertones.
In the case of 20th Century Fox, which is responsible for the omnipresent apocalyptic ad campaign, it's a once-in-a-century opportunity to unleash the remake of The Omen, about a couple and their devil incarnate spawn.
For Crown Forum publishers, it's a perfect time to fan the flames of ideological controversy with the release of provocative author Ann Coulter's new book, Godless.
For certain musical groups, it is the date to release records and, in the case of heavy-metal legends Slayer, their Unholy Alliance Tour -- Preaching to the Perverted.
"People have different reactions when they hear 666,'' said Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice-president of marketing for 20th Century Fox.
"It's partly superstition, partly fear, partly reality, maybe it's a little cultural. These numbers seem to have a significant impact,'' Godsick says....
Tuesday is also the day albums are released. And while there are plenty of satanically unaffiliated artists' albums whose June 6 release date are entirely coincidental -- for example, electronic artist Paul Oakenfold's A Lively Mind and David Lee Roth's Strummin' With the Devil -- others, such as the death metal group Deicide, are taking full advantage. On June 6, the Florida quartet, renowned as much for a statement it issued in support of animal sacrifice as its music, will release The Stench of Redemption.
Deicide isn't the only satanic group to celebrate the date. The online radio station Radio Free Satan, based in Chicago, is heading to Los Angeles, where it plans to celebrate its sixth year and also ring in the "sin-tennial'' with Satan's Rockin' 666 Eve.
The Anton LaVey-founded Church of Satan is hosting a satanic high mass in Los Angeles, during which Church of Satan High Priest Peter Gilmore will bestow his blessing upon those assembled to, as Gilmore puts it, "champion reason, pluralism, skepticism and abundant joy in life.'' ...
http://www.therecord.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=record/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1149285038119&call_pageid=1024322089000&col=1024322319351
--------------
Marketing 666 The Mark of the Beast
'Unholy' date launches movies, books, music
THE RECORD - June 3, 2006 - Hollywood: Anyone living and driving in Los Angeles during the past few weeks has seen them. Looming over the city, black and ominous, the billboards and posters announce "You Have Been Warned'' and "The Signs Are All Around You.'' Each is anchored with the date "6/6/06.''
Drop the "0,'' and you get 666. That's "the number of the beast,'' according to the New Testament's Book of Revelation, just one of many interpretations though all of them are dark and frightening. For some Armageddon believers, it represents the date upon which the Antichrist will spread universal evil over the Earth.
For marketers, 666 has also become an ideal date -- to launch movies, records, books and other products or events, particularly those with religious undertones.
In the case of 20th Century Fox, which is responsible for the omnipresent apocalyptic ad campaign, it's a once-in-a-century opportunity to unleash the remake of The Omen, about a couple and their devil incarnate spawn.
For Crown Forum publishers, it's a perfect time to fan the flames of ideological controversy with the release of provocative author Ann Coulter's new book, Godless.
For certain musical groups, it is the date to release records and, in the case of heavy-metal legends Slayer, their Unholy Alliance Tour -- Preaching to the Perverted.
"People have different reactions when they hear 666,'' said Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice-president of marketing for 20th Century Fox.
"It's partly superstition, partly fear, partly reality, maybe it's a little cultural. These numbers seem to have a significant impact,'' Godsick says....
Tuesday is also the day albums are released. And while there are plenty of satanically unaffiliated artists' albums whose June 6 release date are entirely coincidental -- for example, electronic artist Paul Oakenfold's A Lively Mind and David Lee Roth's Strummin' With the Devil -- others, such as the death metal group Deicide, are taking full advantage. On June 6, the Florida quartet, renowned as much for a statement it issued in support of animal sacrifice as its music, will release The Stench of Redemption.
Deicide isn't the only satanic group to celebrate the date. The online radio station Radio Free Satan, based in Chicago, is heading to Los Angeles, where it plans to celebrate its sixth year and also ring in the "sin-tennial'' with Satan's Rockin' 666 Eve.
The Anton LaVey-founded Church of Satan is hosting a satanic high mass in Los Angeles, during which Church of Satan High Priest Peter Gilmore will bestow his blessing upon those assembled to, as Gilmore puts it, "champion reason, pluralism, skepticism and abundant joy in life.'' ...
http://www.therecord.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=record/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1149285038119&call_pageid=1024322089000&col=1024322319351
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