PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DO THE POLL AT THE TOP OF MY SIDEBAR

I have decided to take the summer off from blogging, but have added a poll to my sidebar to gauge the effect the Contemplative Spirituality movement is having on people while I am away. If you don't have any knowledge about the movement, you can read more about it HERE (be sure to read the other parts of this 5-part article, listed at the bottom of the website's page). Although it doesn't show up very well at the bottom of the poll, please note that multiple answers are allowed. Thank you for participating. God Bless and have a great summer!

TOO MUCH JUNK IN "THE SHACK" TO BE TRUSTED THEOLOGICALLY

I am hearing over and over that many solid Christians are recommending The Shack, by William P. Young, to others in very glowing terms and without qualification. I find this rather troubling because, especially for immature believers and unbelievers, it has problems theologically which can skew their perception of who God is and how He relates to mankind. It is one thing for a mature Christian who is doctrinally solid to read and critique such a book, but to give it an unqualified recommendation to anybody and everybody is to promote theological error.

Having been the librarian of our local church for the last 10 years or so, I have come to understand that works of fiction have a purpose beyond mere entertainment. They exist for the purpose of explaining certain "truths". With this in mind, we must always be cautious about what we recommend and to whom. Below is a quote from Old and Sold Antiques Digest ~ A Manual of the Art of Fiction which confirms the idea that the fiction's purpose is to teach truth:

Fiction a Means of Telling Truth.—Before we set out upon a study of the materials and methods of fiction, we must be certain that we appreciate the purpose of the art and understand its relation to the other arts and sciences. The purpose of fiction is to embody certain truths of human life in a series of imagined facts. The importance of this purpose is scarcely ever appreciated by the casual careless reader of the novels of a season. Although it is commonly believed that such a reader overestimates the weight of works of fiction, the opposite is true—he underestimates it. Every novelist of genuine importance seeks not merely to divert but also to instruct—to instruct, not abstractly, like the essayist, but concretely, by presenting to the reader characters and actions which are true. For the best fiction, although it deals with the lives of imaginary people, is no less true than the best history and biography, which record actual facts of human life; and it is more true than such careless reports of actual occurrences as are published in the daily newspapers. The truth of worthy fiction is evidenced by the honor in which it has been held in all ages among all races. "You can't fool all the people all the time"; and if the drama and the epic and the novel were not true, the human race would have rejected them many centuries ago. Fiction has survived, and flourishes today, because it is a means of telling truth. 1.

Below are several links which contain examinations of the theological and doctrinal errors in The Shack. I urge you to listen to the interview and read the articles before giving the book an unqualified recommendation, because from what I understand, some of the "truths" its teaches are contrary to God's Word.

• Can You Really Find God in "The Shack" (Jan Markell interviewing Eric Barger who had opportunity to speak with William P. Young, "The Shack"s author, about his theology)
  
• The Twisted "truths" of "The Shack" & "A Course in Miracles"
• "The Shack" and Universal Reconciliation: The Theological Implications
• THE SHACK, "Elousia" & The Black Madonna: Imagination, Image and Idolatry
• GotQuestions? review of "The Shack"

But I fear, lest by any means,
as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,
so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus,
whom we have not preached,
or if ye receive another spirit,
which ye have not received,
or another gospel, which ye have not accepted,
ye might well bear with him.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

And he said unto them,

These are the words which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled,
which were written in the law of Moses,
and in the prophets,
and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding,
that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written,

and thus it behooved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:44-48

1. http://www.oldandsold.com/articles18/fiction-1.shtml

A FOLLOW-UP TO "JIM HOLM RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT"

This post is a follow-up to an earlier post, JIM HOLM RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF MBBS: MENNO SIMONS ON DEALING WITH UNFAITHFUL BRETHREN.

I am pleased to have read a "Request for Forgiveness" by past-President of MBBS, Jim Holm, published in the June 2009 Mennonite Brethren Herald (bottom of the page). I wish Jim and his family continued healing by the power of God, and continue to pray that those in leadership at MBBS carefully study the roots and fruits of the mystical elements of the "Spiritual Formation" movement and do everything it can to remove its grip from the school.

INTERESTING NEWS ITEM OF THE DAY

From YNET News, an Israeli online newspaper, yesterday:

Sheikh Salah: Netanyahu wants to rebuild Temple

Contrary to those who believe in Replacement Theology (the church has replaced Israel), there is still unfulfilled prophecy in the Bible regarding the nation of Israel, including the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, in which the Anti-Christ himself (not one of his precursors, one of the many anti-christs) will appear and declare himself to be God. As Jerusalem, "the Cup of Trembling", has become the center of controversy worldwide, may this be a wake-up call to those who say "where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4), and recommend that "End Time Believing Christians" be "Robustly Confronted".

TWENTY LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT PENTECOST by THE ROSE OF SHARON IS JESUS

I see by my Jewish calender that Pentecost falls on May 29th and 30th this year. The birthday of the church occurred during this Jewish Feast. This is one of those feasts that falls on two days, making it a possible time in which Christ could call the Church away during a season which is obvious, and yet prevent us from knowing the exact day or hour of his return.

I have a "Google Alert" set up in my email account that relayed an interesting article to me by The Rose of Sharon is Jesus. I like the balanced view this blog gives of the possibility of the rapture occurring during Pentecost, one of the Old Testament Feasts of the Lord which foreshadowed Christ and His work. As we appear to be ever closer to the last days, and the rapture of the church may take place at any time, even possibly at Pentecost, I urge you to prepare for this possibility by reading the following articles from this blog:

Twenty Little Known Facts About Pentecost
The Partial Fulfillment of Pentecost?

Watch therefore,
for ye know neither the day nor the hour
wherein the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 25:13

HERE COMES THE FLOOD by Stan Goodenough, the "JERUSALEM WATCHMAN"

I had been working on a blog posting entitled "Satan's Spiritual Tsunami" today when an I received an email with a link to the "Jerusalem Watchman", Stan Goodenough. I would like to pass this article on so that you may know how to pray for the nation of Israel as it is facing possibly the biggest threat to its existence yet. This is just another example of how Satan is deceiving the world and preparing to set up his kingdom on earth. The May 5th article is entitled Here Comes the Flood. Below is an excerpt from that article:

As 2009 gets seriously underway, the world is ganging up on Israel more than ever before.

Like a flood foaming furiously behind a massive logjam, the river of “new” antisemitism that expresses itself in anti-Israel enmity has been gathering strength for years.

Unleashed, it has the potential to pulverize the “pestilence” that is the Jewish state.

Until just a few months ago one “key log” – the United States of America – had been holding it back.

Wielding its veto in the Security Council, the US repeatedly resisted the relentless campaign that for years demonized and sought to delegitimize Israel.

But now, 100 plus days into Barack Obama’s presidency, numerous reports and leaks assessing his planned approach to the Middle East indicate the blockage is to be removed.

There is mounting evidence that the new administration has resolved to see the biblical and historical Land of Israel divided between Jew and Arab on its watch.

It has made this decision knowing full well the unjustness of it (these are Jewish lands); the peril of it (to Israel’s existence); the bankruptcy of it (from Madrid to Annapolis, 18 years of the land-for-peace process have been 18 years of failure).

Israel will not be allowed to stand in the way; her concerns will not be given the time of day.

“The two state solution is the only solution,” emphatically stated Jewish turncoat and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Sunday.

“Israel has to back the two state solution,” said Vice President Joe Biden Tuesday.

A few days earlier Obama’s national security adviser, General James Jones, told a European foreign minister a week ago Obama plans to be “forceful” with Israel.

“The new administration will convince Israel to compromise on the Palestinian question … we will be more forceful toward Israel than we have been under Bush.” 1.

Read the rest of this article HERE.

A follow-up article is entitled Unleash Heaven! posted today. From that article:

The US believes it has Israel over a barrel. Netanyahu must either endorse the “two-state-solution” or be seen to be resisting the will of the whole world.

What the prime minister is being asked to do is without precedent: Never has a national leader been ordered to surrender for all time his people’s claim to their costliest and most strategic national assets. On top of this, Netanyahu knows too well the bankruptcy of “land-for-peace” – how every effort to proceed with this American-led program has painfully backfired, costing thousands more Jewish lives and increasingly endangering the security of their state.

The “two-state solution” requires the ethnic cleansing of 300,000 Jews from their biblical heartland, the cradle of their nationhood. It calls for the destruction of all their homes and communities. It will add insurmountably to Israel’s already desperate water crisis. And it will leave Israel too small, too truncated, to properly defend – and this in a neighborhood that positively churns with hatred for the Jews.

In the words of Hebron resident Gary Cooperberg: For Israel, the two-state solution is another version of The Final Solution. 2.

Read the full article HERE.

1. http://www.stangoodenough.com/?p=256
2. http://www.stangoodenough.com/?p=261

RUTH'S BLESSING: AN ARTICLE ON HOW WE TREAT OUR MOTHER'S

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
to each and every mother who visits my blog today.
May God richly bless and reward you
as you seek to honor Him.

I was looking for a book review on Scot McKnight's book The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible (the review addresses McKnight's erroneous views on a woman's role in the church in the book) when I came across another article on the same site, The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, entitled Ruth's Blessing: A Look at Titus 2:3-5 for Single Women. Although the article speaks about how a single woman views her mother, it really applies to all women, single or married. Being a middle-aged woman and mother myself, I was really touched by this article and the author's personal story of her relationship with her own mother. My mother passed away ten years ago this July and although I miss her terribly, I would never wish her back. I thank God for the time we had together and rejoice that she is in God's presence. My father has since remarried and I truly appreciate the mothering I have received from his current wife. I even call her "Mom", since that is currently the role she plays in my life. She has given me wise counsel, comfort, and the assurance of her prayers many times. She recently had a hip replacement and has been the recipient of my own prayers during this time as well as others. I consider myself honored and blessed to have not one, but two caring mothers, one in heaven, and one on earth.

I hope you will read this article and reminded of the special role your mother has to play in your life. If you have a troubled relationship with your mother, I pray that you will take the time to do everything you can to restore it. Time is so short. Mothers aren't perfect, but then again neither are their children. Do all you can to imitate the character of Christ in your relationship with her and honor her with a special blessing this Mother's Day.

THE REASONS WE WITHDREW OUR MEMBERSHIP FROM OUR LOCAL MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH: APOSTASY IN THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE VIA MYSTICISM

Please note: If you desire to link to this article in particular or copy, print or publish any part of it I request that you ask my permission by contacting me at fortheauthor@gmail.com.

I have decided to publish the contents of a self-styled thesis I completed on April 7th of this year. It was written at the request of the pastor of our local MB church in order to help him and others in our church understand the rationale behind our actions when we requested the withdrawal of our membership from it. It is the fruit of nearly three years of research and deliberation regarding a trend I began to notice in the MB Conference after I encountered it in the Spiritual Formation course while I was taking several classes at Briercrest Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan (not an MB school), during which I became completely enthralled with the concept of contemplative spirituality. (You can read my personal testimony about this HERE). Through a series of circumstances which I believe were directed by the Holy Spirit, I began to see this movement towards mysticism in the church at large, as something completely different from what is was purported to be by its proponents. I have since repented of my involvement with these things and have renounced them publicly at every opportunity although many people still do not understand what the real problems are with this movement. This thesis is an attempt to clarify my position in an abbreviated manner.

Although I will not name those who have published helpful articles on these issues and given me personal support along this journey (you know who you are, and I will likely forget someone if I attempt to make a list since there are so many), I once again thank you all for the help you have given along the way. Above all, I thank my God for sending Jesus Christ ~ the Way, the Truth, and the Life ~ and for the Holy Spirit who convicts and warns, comforts and directs us.

I appeal to all who come across this article to carefully examine the issues before you accept or reject what I have to say. May you carefully measure my words by the yardstick of Scripture. It is God's Word that is the final authority on all things. This thesis is merely my statement of what I see happening, a warning to those involved in the Mennonite Brethren Conference, and a call to examine the issue in light of God's Word. It is also a call to repentance from "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph. 5:11). Before reading it I request that you ask God to open your spiritual eyes and heart, to reveal to you whether or not I speak the truth. God is not the author of confusion, and He will reveal the truth to those who truly and honestly seek it without attempting to defend their preconceived notions before Him. If what I have written is not in accordance with the truth, it is my prayer that God will reveal that to me, and that you will not be led astray by it. God is ultimately my Witness and my Judge, although those who are spiritual are to judge all things. So now, if you consider yourself qualified (spiritual), judge for yourself whether what I have to say is right or not. May God guide and direct you.

*********************************

THESIS: APOSTASY
IN THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE
VIA MYSTICISM

Bonnie Klaassen, April 7, 2009

Revised April 21, 2009

1. There is an apostate form of Christianity sweeping the church that is uniting the greater part of professing Christians into a global spirituality (whose basis is mysticism - Mystery Babylon) and drawing many unsuspecting Christians into its wake. Those who do not understand and resist it will likely succumb to its deception. Time is of the essence in getting the word out.

2. It is flourishing in an atmosphere where most Christian young people are biblically and doctrinally illiterate, Christian institutes of higher learning are becoming increasingly liberal while maintaining a conservative statement of faith, and in a culture that exalts experience over faith in an era of tolerance. This is the perfect environment for mass spiritual deception to enter the church. Although it purports to be otherwise, it is man-centered rather than God-centered. It is a counterfeit spirituality, the spirit of anti-christ.

3. It appeals to scholars by playing upon their desire to appear respectable and contemporary to the more liberal Christian institutions of higher learning and to the world. In this way it seduces older, trusted sources. Its teachings are introduced by those who appear to be Christian, but if their theology is carefully examined, would deviate from the major biblical doctrines. It is endorsed by these institutions and there is a trickle-down effect into all sectors of the church with time.

4. It is part of a greater movement that has a tolerant spiritual mindset, is liberal in its theology, and is the result of a lack of a militant defence of the authority of Scripture and a simple walk of faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. This larger movement also includes both the secular and Christian environmental and social justice movements (MCC is one of the groups involved). They are intertwined and cooperative with secular groups in the agenda to create a one-world spirituality and a global government. Many in these movements, especially Christians, are unaware or in denial of the agenda underlying these movements in the secular world. A mystical spirituality undergirds and rounds out these secular movements; they go hand in hand. (2 Cor. 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
1 Cor. 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”)

5. It is entering in through the avenues of Christian seminaries and Bible Schools, Christian publishing houses, ministries, conferences, and teaching materials, especially for our youth.

6. Some of the movements involved are the emergent church, the purpose-driven model, charismatic, ancient-future, post-modernist liberal churches, and the mystical faction of the Roman Catholic church. The infiltration into the Christian church was planned by the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue in the 1970s which was formed for this express purpose. Although it is Satan who is behind the deception, the Roman Catholic church is a major player in this movement. Their method is to introduce the practices (of which mysticism is only one area) of Roman Catholicism into the Christian church. The Christian church then becomes “romanized” without changing the formal doctrine, until such a time when it willingly and outwardly submits. In this way the Christian church harbours “closet Catholics” who influence the church from the inside out. Where in times past the Roman Catholic church used threats and coercion, it now uses deceit and seduction to draw men away from the faith once delivered to the saints. Since the Roman Catholic church has historically syncretised the Christian faith with paganism, and is actively continuing to do so to this day, this will serve to unite those who are drawn into its net to do the same. Essentially, the Harlot is attempting to persuade the Bride to join her in her spiritual harlotry.

7. It is entering in the form of contemplative prayer, “Christian yoga”, breath prayers, the “Jesus Prayer”, imaginative prayer, Ignatian spiritual exercises (based on the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola), centering prayer, quietism, lectio divinia, taize, labyrinths, Christianized tantric sex, drumming circles and other mystical and spiritual practices which have no legitimate basis in Scripture. In its least threatening form it is commonly referred to as “Spiritual Formation”, the “spiritual disciplines” (both of which would include some biblical practices alongside), or contemplative spirituality. By using cunning words and altering the meanings of familiar terms, those who are attracted to an experience-based spirituality are drawn into its snare. The true Christian faith is faith-based, and that faith is to be lived out or experienced on the basis of this faith, not the other way around. (“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38). Those in the contemplative movement allow their experiences to shape their theology, and this it most certainly does. This movement towards mysticism is more than just a trend. It is very broad in its scope, and has spiritually devastating consequences which I believe will contribute to the apostasy of the church, the “falling away” foretold in scripture. I believe this apostasy will include a return to many of the practices of the Roman Catholic church, contemplative and otherwise (the introduction of “Lent”, for example). It is a move towards corrupting what is simple (the gospel according to Scripture alone) and materializing the spiritual (appealing to the flesh).

8. It is cloaked in familiar Christian terminology at its outset to lead its potential Christian practitioners into its spirituality, accompanied by Scripture taken out of context or given a broader interpretation than is allowable in proper exegesis. Those who follow this path to its logical conclusion will probably come to accept that all religions worship the same god by different names and in different forms. They believe that “all is one” and that in that unity is god. The outcome is a spiritual unity in diversity, whereby people can continue in the religion of their choice while they are united in the spiritual practice of mysticism. In this situation, no one tries to convert another to their religion. Beyond mere tolerance, there is complete acceptance of all religions as equal and valid. “Christian mysticism” has Buddhism, Hinduism, Gnosticism and other false religions and their practices as its counterpart. True practitioners of “Christian mysticism” have no problem learning from their practices and soon accept their spirituality as valid.

9. Those who promote its practices are enemies of the cross, in that they promise intimacy with God apart from the blood of Christ, or as an addition to it, thereby nullifying its efficacy. In reality, it is pagan and its practitioners will eventually encounter an “angel of light” and be introduced to doctrines of demons. They are encountering a god of their own imagination, not the God of the Bible. It is a practice which changes what people believe about who God is and how He interacts with mankind. Many of the proponents of contemplative mysticism who claim to be Christian now openly deny the atoning aspect of Christ’s work on the cross and have “alternative” understandings of what Christ’s death means. Brian McLaren, speaker and author, whom the MB Conference is promoting, is one of these people. Another who has recently come to light is the author of the best-selling book, The Shack which has been promoted in the MB Herald. Many in the emergent church, a primary avenue for mysticism in evangelical circles, are either undermining the purpose of the cross or altering its meaning. It also works the other way around, in that those who accept alternative meanings eventually turn to mysticism in an attempt to draw near to God, as the cross no longer holds the power for them that it used to.

10. The Mennonite Brethren Conference and MBBS are promoting authors and speakers who are engaged in this mystical spirituality. Classes in “Spiritual Formation” are required courses for all students at nearly all Mennonite Bible Schools and seminaries. Kindred Press, the publishing arm of the MB Conference, promotes authors who are engaged in its practices, and the MB Conference promotes speakers who do the same. The Mennonites are listed among denominations which are rapidly and willingly becoming infiltrated by this movement by discernment ministries who have been following it for years. I believe many who are promoting it are misguided shepherds themselves. Most of them have failed to see the history, falsely so-called “Christian”, of this movement, and the role it will play in the final deception of the world as they believe the lie that “ye shall be as gods” and seek a spiritual unity as the world once did at the tower of Babel in rebellion to the only true God. In reading this thesis, please understand one thing clearly: it is not those who point out these errors that cause division in the body of Christ, but those who teach false doctrine and pagan practices or are in collusion with those who do. Furthermore, I believe it is already too late to change the direction of the MB Conference in this matter. Its tentacles have already reached into most churches in one way or another, of which we see evidence in nearly every MB Herald that comes through our door. It is for this reason that we withdrew our membership. As a matter of conscience, we could no longer support an organization clearly headed in a spiritual direction we were not.

11. This is the crux of the matter: either I am on a spiritual tangent leading down a rabbit trail on this issue, or the MB Conference is heading into spiritual apostasy as it continues down this pathway. I am calling all local church bodies, and my own body of believers in particular, to examine the issue carefully and prayerfully, as I believe the implications are too great to ignore.

12. Two quotes follow by Brian McLaren and Leonard Sweet which reveal the mindset of “Christian” authors who are promoting mystical spirituality (Leonard Sweet and Brian McLaren teamed up in 2003 to write A is for Abductive: The Language of the Emerging Church. Rick Warren has also promoted Leonard Sweet, as recently as 2008):

A quote from Lighthouse Trails, in a book review of Brian McLaren’sFinding our Way Again: The Return of Ancient Practices published in 2008 (Brian McLaren is a prolific author and a popular speaker in Christian institutions and conferences):

“In the last chapter of McLaren's book, "Theosis (via Unitiva)," he sums up his calling by stating that "The purpose of the via purgativa [the practices] is to prepare us for the via illuminativa [the awakening], and the purpose of the via illuminativa is to prepare us for the via unitiva [all is one], the union of our nature with the nature of God" (pp. 171-172). He calls God "fire" and says, "We join God in being fire ... Before the beginning ... God was All, and All was God" (p. 175). This is the exact same message that Eckhart Tolle and Oprah are propagating. But while many Christians are now condemning Tolle's message, they don't realize that the very same message is permeating their very own churches. For those readers who care about the spiritual future of their children and grandchildren, it is vital they understand the meaning of McLaren's spirituality in particular and the emerging/contemplative movement in general. We believe this is an extremely compelling motivation and should prompt us as believers to defend the faith and the gospel message of Jesus Christ.”1.

Several years ago Leonard Sweet wrote a book called Quantum Spirituality in which he quotes Karl Rahner, a Jesuit priest. Sweet is a rather prolific author and his books can be found in most Christian bookstores. This is what Sweet says in Quantum Spirituality on page 68:

“Mysticism, once cast to the sidelines of the Christian tradition, is now situated in postmodernist culture near the center.... In the words of one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century, Jesuit philosopher of religion/dogmatist Karl Rahner, "The Christian of tomorrow will be a mystic, one who has experienced something, or he will be nothing." [Mysticism] is metaphysics arrived at through mindbody experiences. Mysticism begins in experience; it ends in theology.”2.

IN CONCLUSION:
In the last decade there has been a dramatic rise in the practice of mysticism both inside and outside of the church. If you have not encountered it yet, you or your children or grandchildren will in time. They will encounter it at school, in medical or counselling clinics, at their place of business, in a leadership workshop, at the shopping mall, in a sports setting, or in their church or youth group or in a book. It is a practice which will fit within any system and goes by many names depending on the setting.

It has already made vast inroads into the MB Conference through the Seminary, Bible schools, books offered, speakers promoted and conferences for pastors and youth workers. I have been noting its promotion in MB circles for a number of years already, almost without any opposition from any person in a position of leadership. It is gradually making its way into the smaller, more isolated churches, especially as our children and grandchildren make their way out into the world and as people have greater access to information. Only those who understand the terminology, the names of false teachers and the adaptive nature of this movement, and are firmly grounded in their faith and in biblical doctrines, and are committed to abiding in the simple practice of their faith according to the teachings of Scripture alone will be spared the coming delusion that is to come upon the world in the last days.

It is time to get your spiritual house in order, for Christ will soon call His own away from this world before He will judge the earth with holy wrath upon all those who do not belong to Him in the final years of this era. The delusion is coming. Walk as children of light.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them.”
Ephesians 5:11

Footnotes:
1. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=1093&more=1&c=1 (Book Review: Brian McLaren's New Book Finding our Way Again. Source: the Editors at Lighthouse Trails)
2. http://www.leonardsweet.com/Quantum/quantum-ebook.pdf (the online link is now broken. Sweet's website appears to be under construction at present)

TWO WELL-RECOMMENDED READS

Here are the links to an article from The Berean Call and several from the Lighthouse Trails Newsletter which came through my email account recently that I found particularly interesting:

• From the Berean Call: Would Paul Answer the Call to Christian Patriotism? by Mark Dinsmore

Here is an excerpt to whet your appetite:

A number of respected Christian columnists and pastors across our nation are rightly sounding an alarm at the thickening shroud of global governance descending upon our nation. With the presidentially promised "change" now being delivered, the spectre of a militarized one-world spirituality is darkening the horizon of earth under the guise of "hope" and "peace."

I understand—and share—the righteous anger over the sorry state of the church and its lackadaisical response to the evils of our time. Serious students of God's Word, however, have been long alerted to these signs: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come..." (1 Tim 4:1; see also 2 Tim 4:3-4). Though we take some comfort that our Lord could return at any time for His Bride, it appears that even those whose blessed hope is in a pre-tribulation rapture should take heed and prepare for precipitous times ahead (1 Pt 4:12-16).1

• From Lighthouse Trails: "From the Lighthouse" Newsletter April 13, 2009

Lighthouse Trails continue to do an excellent job reporting on the spiritual trends happening in the church and the world. They also publish a number of books I highly recommend. If you have not yet done so, I would encourage you to sign up for their newsletter. You can do so by clicking HERE.

I found this newsletter particularly interesting as it included an article entitled Eastern Meditation: Pope's Way of the Cross Adopts an Eastern Viewpoint (the original article is from the Catholic News Service) in which it reports the Pope's use of Hindu scriptures during the Good Friday service, once again demonstrating the ongoing syncretism of Roman Catholicism and pagan religions.

Footnote:
1. http://www.thebereancall.org/files/09%20April%20TBC%20Extra.pdf

BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD!

Purge out therefore the old leaven,
that ye may be a new lump,
as ye are unleavened.
For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Therefore let us keep the feast,
not with old leaven,
neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness;
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5: 7-8

Today is the first day of the Feast of Passover on the Jewish calendar. In the last two years I have come to reject the Christian celebration of Easter as I have come to understand that it is a leftover from the Roman Catholic church which was carried over following the Reformation. Unfortunately the Reformation did not go far enough in some of its changes, and some of the traditions of the Roman Catholic church have been brought over into Christian churches.

Easter has its origins in the ancient Babylonian religions, with much of its symbolism having to do with the worship of the goddess Ishtar (from which we get our word "Easter") and her fertility cult (the rabbits and the eggs). The Roman Catholic church syncretized much of this with true Christianity and then claimed Easter for her own, which it has famously done with many pagan traditions. As I have come to understand how Easter came to us it has become one of those traditions that has more negative connotations than positive ones. The Christian life is to be characterized by a life that denies self and takes up the cross daily, not just one weekend a year or for 40 days preceding it in the practice of Lent. (I could say a lot more about that, but maybe I will try to do that on another post, Lord willing).

In the meantime I have been exploring the biblical Feast of Passover and discovering the rich symbolism in it which points us to Christ, the Lamb of God, God's perfect sacrifice for sins slain from the foundation of the world. As a Gentile Christian I don't really think it is necessary for us to practice the Passover the way Jewish believers do, but I do think it is an important part of understanding God's plan for mankind and for our salvation. I have come to appreciate how perfectly the Old and New Testaments fit together, and of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His own in Christ's perfect fulfillment of this feast. It is for this reason that I would like to share a couple of videos I have found on the web that I have found that explain its significance. The one I have embedded below is rather short, but very good for those who do not want to take a lot of time to examine this. The other one I have linked to because it is 40 minutes long and would cause my blog to take a lot longer to load. It goes into much more detail about the significance of each part of the Passover Feast and Christ's fulfillment of each symbol . It is presented by Jews for Jesus, a Christian organization with a heart for evangelizing its own people group.

I want to make one qualification regarding this video and that is regarding the Jewish symbol of the Star of David used at the beginning of it. Through my research I have come to understand that this symbol is a carryover the Jews brought with them following their Babylonian captivity and is actually occultic in nature and is a cultural symbol. It is mentioned in the mystical Jewish Babylonian Talmud in connection with star worship as the Magen David. It is the menorah that is the true symbol of Israel. The "mystery of iniquity" has tried to mark as his own everything he can, and I believe this just another example of Satan's desire to deceive (add leaven) in every area possible. (If you would like to read more about the origin of the Star of David, click HERE and HERE).

I highly recommend this second video, by Jews for Jesus. Click on the following title to view it: Christ in the Passover

Click on the title to read the words and listen to the hymns When I See the Blood (I Will Pass Over You) and Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It!, and HERE to read Psalm 113 - 118, which is traditionally read at the end of the Passover meal in praise and gratitude to God for His provision of the sacrificial Lamb.

FORMULA ZERO: RACING TOWARDS OBLIVION ~ BRIAN MCLAREN AND THE EMERGENT CHURCH

I saw something this week that has about made my blood boil a few times as I was thinking about it: a poster promoting Brian McLaren at Eastern Mennonite University on April 1, 2009 on the wall of the church I attend; this shouldn't really come as a surprise since this is a Mennnonite Brethren church. What really bothers me though is that ignorance of McLaren's theology is so prevalent, and that people blindly endorse a speaker because they are promoted by a trusted source. (I, however, no longer consider the MB Conference to be on that list). I would no more send one of my children to hear McLaren speak than I would throw them into a den of ravenous hyenas. (The lecture at EMU is being promoted as for Senior High youth).

These thoughts prompted me to do an internet search to see if I could find a comprehensive article on McLaren's theology in case anybody would ask me for more information about what he believes. The best article I could find is entitled Formula Zero: Racing Towards Oblivion ~ Brian McLaren and the Emergent Church in the July 2007 issue of Vanguard Magazine by Neil Richardson. Using quotes from McLaren's own books, (especially A Generous Orthodoxy, which begins with chapter "0", hence "Formula Zero") Richardson reveals the aberrant theology held by McLaren.

Here is Anderson's fine conclusion to the article:

Brian McLaren’s brand new formula of Christianity when tested by the Word of God proves to be, like the first chapter of A Generous Orthodoxy, nothing but a big zero. He dismantles every single major doctrine of the Bible: the authority of Scripture, the nature of God and Creation, the nature of Man and Sin, who the Lord Jesus is, why He died, who the Holy Spirit is, what His work is in converting unbelievers, what the unchanging Gospel is that we proclaim, what being part of the Body of Christ means, how truth and unity must connect, the doctrines of hell and the devil.

The Emergent Church, like a souped-up theological race-car, makes a lot of noise, has a lot of va-va-voom, has every possible denomination label stuck on the side (each cancelling the rest out). McLaren goes round and round in circles, leading his followers, not to the finish line of a Christ-filled eternity, but to the hellbound pit-stop of a Christless social gospelism. 1.

I hope you will find his article as helpful as I have.

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Additional articles revealing McLaren's theology:

• The Coming Kingdom: Evolution or Revolution by Pastor Larry DeBruyn
• Who Defines the Kingdom of God by Berit Kjos
• Brian McLaren Quotes: "Ignorance is Bliss" to "Theology" by Matthew J. Slick
• A Review of Brian McLaren's "Everything Must Change" by Chris Curry
• Book Review of McLaren's "Secret Message of Jesus" by Randy Brandt
• Book Review of McLaren's "Finding our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" by Lighthouse Trails

Quote from the Lighthouse Trails review of 'Finding our Way Again", McLaren's latest book, the first in a series of seven:

In the last chapter of McLaren's book, "Theosis (via Unitiva)," he sums up his calling by stating that "The purpose of the via purgativa [the practices] is to prepare us for the via illuminativa [the awakening], and the purpose of the via illuminativa is to prepare us for the via unitiva [all is one], the union of our nature with the nature of God" (pp. 171-172). He calls God "fire" and says, "We join God in being fire ... Before the beginning ... God was All, and All was God" (p. 175). This is the exact same message that Eckhart Tolle and Oprah are propagating. But while many Christians are now condemning Tolle's message, they don't realize that the very same message is permeating their very own churches. For those readers who care about the spiritual future of their children and grandchildren, it is vital they understand the meaning of McLaren's spirituality in particular and the emerging/contemplative movement in general. We believe this is an extremely compelling motivation and should prompt us as believers to defend the faith and the gospel message of Jesus Christ. 2.

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1. http://www.vanguardmagazine.info/vanguard/Vanguard23.pdf
2. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?c=1&more=1&p=1093

A PERSONAL UPDATE

Since my last blog posting on January 13th I have received a number of inquiries from interested readers regarding my absence over the last two months or so, so here is a personal update. Please use the information to pray for me. Some of my readers have also wondered if I have given in to pressure from those I am writing about in a way that challenges them to examine themselves and their teachings who have been publishing warnings to the public about blogs who are exposing their unbiblical theological errors in recent days. I will assure you this is not the case.

On January 17th my husband and I went to Saskatoon to help my oldest daughter and her husband move closer to home, where he is presently doing his practicum, the final three months of the program he is in before graduating from the College of Pharmacy. At the end of December they excitedly informed us that they are expecting a baby this summer, so we are really looking forward to becoming grandparents for the first time! Jenna has not been feeling well at all so far, so we hope that the last half of the pregnancy will be better for her than the first. Their move from Saskatoon also meant that our jointly owned property there would be for sale, as they had been renting it from us and the other owner, so some of our time has been taken up with the phone calls and paperwork necessary for the sale, which we hope will be completed by the end of this month.

Our other daughter, our second-born, also made the decision to quit her job in Saskatoon and move back in with us at around the same time, until such time as she makes a decision about the direction in life she next wants to take. She has been planning on working as full-time staff at a nearby Bible Camp this summer, and is presently looking for part-time work until then. Please pray for her as she make decisions regarding her future plans. In the meantime she has been helping me at home, and we have been able to get some painting done around the house that I have been unable to do by myself in the last two and a half years since we undertook some major house renovations. This included painting the ceilings and walls in our dining room, kitchen and entryway which we had redone at the time (we still have to sheet-rock and paint the entryway walls and recarpet it and the basement). I had already painted the cupboards earlier but since a fall down the stairs last April I have not been able to tackle this job by myself. It has been a great relief to finally get a good portion of the work completed, and I am very grateful for the help she gave me. I couldn't have done it without you, Andrea!

Part of the time I have been away from the blog has simply been spent on the couch reading through a number of the last shipment of books I ordered for the church library, listening to online radio (lots of Brannon Howse of "Worldview Network" on the economic situation and the political machinations behind it) or watching "Little House on the Prairie" (I've gotten through almost eight of nine seasons!). Late last Fall my doctor came to the conclusion that I fractured my tailbone when I fell down the stairs, which is now almost a year ago. I have had a terrible time sitting for any length of time and some times I can not sit at all. Some of the trips in the vehicle we have taken in the last few months have meant 3 or 4 days which I was flat on my back in recovery. Along with recurrent flareups of fibromyalgia, I have to admit that many of my days are not nearly as productive as I would like them to be. The extra time it takes me to keep caught up with things around the house has meant time away from the computer.

During this time I have also had time to think through my role and involvement in this whole movement which is exposing some of the errors which are continuing to make their way into the Mennonite Brethren Conference. I will continue to expose the errors online here as much as I am able and will provide a supportive role only, if asked to and if it should ever become organized. I see my role as primarily being a warning voice to all those who will listen, while continuing to gather as much information about it as I can. I had some very wise advice from an aunt regarding this. She reminded me several years ago that my first ministry is my husband and my children, with my local church being next, and I have chosen my blog to follow that since it reaches a larger audience beyond any scope I could ever imagine. Beyond that, I will only do as I am able but without obligation. There are many people of greater influence I would love to have discussions with about some of the issues my blog covers, including some of the professors at the Seminary where I took several classes in 2006/07. Maybe that will happen some day. Or maybe some of those people will come across my blog and take the time to do some reading. In the meantime I have come to accept my limitations and be at peace.

This blog has been, and continues to be, a wonderful format to record my personal spiritual journey and write articles on topics which concern me. I have found many new friends and allies since I began doing this. It has been a real joy to find camaraderie all across the continent, and even around the globe. Thank you to all of those who have expressed an interest in my absence and have upheld me in prayer during this time. I hope to be back here at the blog on a fairly regular basis, the Lord willing. I would appreciate continued prayers for my health (I am presently awaiting an appointment with a neurologist to see if they can do anything with this nasty tailbone of mine).

Blessings to you all, Bonnie

ISRAEL ~ THE NEWS YOU'RE NOT HEARING ABOUT ITS WAR ON TERROR

On Sunday evening my husband and I listened to an enlightening radio broadcast from Worldview Radio with Brannon Howse. The description from the website is as follows:

Live From Israel. Brannon interviews Avi Lipkin live from Israel. Topics Include: Why we really went to war in Iraq; Why do America's top politicians ignore the terrorist state of Saudi Arabia?; Why has Secretary of State Condi Rice not looked out for Israel?; What will Hillary Clinton's main goal be as Secretary of State?; Why are so many Jews in America unconcerned with Israel?; Will Israel attack Iran? and much more.

Click HERE to listen to the broadcast.

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From Joel Rosenberg's Weblog, in an article entitled NOTES FROM CONFERENCE CALL WITH BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: Warns of Iran's "nightmare scenario":

(Jerusalem, Israel) — Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a 25 minute conference call today with conservative bloggers in which I had the opportunity to participate, made it clear that he sees Israel’s current war against Hamas in Gaza as a “just war,” as a proxy war with Radical Muslim leaders in Iran, and very possibly as a prelude to a future war to stop Radicals in Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, an event he described as a “nightmare scenario.”

Click HERE to read the rest of the Rosenberg article.

THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL:THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS

John MacArthur on "The Ugliness of Christmas"

I don't agree with MacArthur, that there is any spiritual beauty in Christmas, because Christ-mass is the invention of the Roman Catholic church in its attempt to gain converts by syncretizing paganism with their dead orthodoxy. I cringe when I hear the story of Christ's birth referred to as "The Christmas Story", because the Christmas Story is the story of the history of the Roman Catholic church and its attempt to entice the whole world into a spiritually dead entity by creating a "holyday" (holiday) for some very unholy, and spiritually dead people.

The early church did not celebrate Christ's birth. Their focus was on His death and what it meant to them: new life in Christ and the death of their sinful flesh. But what MacArthur says about Christ's purpose for coming to earth is right on: Jesus Christ came into this world to save us from our sin. If you miss this truth, you miss everything. All four of the gospels mention Christ's death, but only two of them His birth. I think that says something about how we should spend our time. In our culture, the whole month of December , and sometimes even most of November is spent preparing for and joining in various Christmas festivities. I believe it is high time true followers of Christ take a careful look at their involvement in these activities, and ask themselves if it is a true reflection of their faith, if the time spent is a true reflection of their love for Christ. I can't help but believe that it detracts from the message of the cross, or rather eclipses it. Some will say that we have Easter for that. But once again, Easter (Astarte/Ishtar) is the syncretization of paganism and dead orthodoxy, and then it is only for the span of three days. How disproportionate compared to the time we focus on His birth each year. The true Christian church has been duped into following in the footsteps of the Roman Catholic church once again.

I was having a conversation with my husband today about how we and other Christians have allowed ourselves to be swallowed up by our culture. It is a very gradual process, being barely perceptible. It has been rather interesting for me to note that since I have abandoned the celebrations of Christmas and Easter in our home, that living the crucified life has become much more important; or maybe it is the other way around, that learning the significance of Christ's death for me, and the necessity of living a crucified life myself, that the attractions of these two seasons has been lost to me. I have actually experienced a real freedom in this; and not only that, I have found I have many more opportunities to witness to people I see everyday when they ask me if I am ready for Christmas (or Easter, if that is the time of year). The question we need to be asking people is whether or not they have dealt with their sin, and whether or not they are ready to face Christ. I see the majority of Christians these days la-de-da-ing through life as if there is no eternity, so caught up with this world that they have become ineffective in their ability to witness the truth to those around them. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can follow in the pattern of the world and have any true impact. I hate that phrase, "He (or she) is so heavenly minded he is of no earthly good". That is a phrase that contradicts Scripture. We are supposed to set our minds , hearts and affections on things above, not on things of the earth.

As this season is coming to a close, let us examine whether or not we are truly focusing on what is important about the Christian life. I have come to learn that the Christian life is first and foremost a cross-centered life. We must first of all come to the cross, and then we must stay there until Christ calls us home. We cannot lead others to the cross if we have wandered away from it ourselves. If you have found yourself in this situation, I call you to ask God to give you a fresh view of your soul. Look intently into the Word, let it be your mirror, and agree with God about what He says about your condition. Remember that apart from Christ there is no good thing that dwells within you.

There is a beauty in the cross, in that it deals thoroughly with our sin, the very ugliness of our own souls. When you understand this, you will cling to the cross, carrying it with you wherever you go. As we enter a new year, it is my prayer that you will carry the cross as your standard; that you will experience the true freedom and joy that comes from living the crucified life so that you can look forward to seeing Christ face to face with great anticipation, and upon seeing Him hear those wonderful words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".

For further reading: THE FOOT OF THE CROSS
by Octavius Winslow, 1864.

From the preface ~

"It is finished!" -but what mortal dare
In that triumph hope to share?
Savior, to Your cross I flee;
Say, It is finished! and for me.

"Then will I sing, The cross! the cross!
And count all other gain but loss;
I'll sing the cross, and to Your tree
Cling evermore, blessed Calvary!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST'S BIRTH?

Click HERE to read the article.