I received this in an email today, and am passing it on, with the hopes that it will receive the greatest amount of exposure this way. I will also be posting it to my Facebook page, I hope and pray that each of you believers will do the same. Be blessed!
Book to be aware of is called: Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens by Neale D. Walsch. Please read the forwarded message.
This was sent to me, I found it very interesting. Deception can not work if the one deceiving has no credence with the one being deceiving. This is why the Devil unfortunately uses those with fame to deceive many.
Beware of this book- Oprah is pushing it!
If you have children or grandchildren, work with children at church, or you have neighborhood children whose parents you know, please take note of the information below and pass it along to others. Schools are making this book available to children through the Scholastic Book Club.
The name of the book is Conversations with God.. James Dobson talked about this book twice this week. It is devastating . Parents, churches and Christian schools need to be aware of it. Please pass this information on to church/e-mail addresses, Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, friends.
Two particular books are, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale D. Walsch. They sound harmless enough by their titles alone. The books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks, and they make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover or title."
The author purports to answer various questions asked by kids using the "voice of God". However, the "answers" that he gives are not Bible-based and go against the very infallible word of God. For instance (and I paraphrase), when a girl asks the question "Why am I a lesbian?" His answer is that she was 'born that way' because of genetics (just as you were born right-handed,
with brown eyes, etc.). Then he tells her to go out and "celebrate" her differences.
Another girls poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?"
His reply is, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong."
Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing t o forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "'judge not lest ye be judged."
Not only are these books the false doctrine of the devil, but in some instances quote (in error) the Word of God.
And the list goes on. These books (and others like it) are being sold to schoolchildren through The Scholastic Book Club, and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children.
Our children are under attack. So I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your children the Word of God, and guarding their exposure to worldly mediums, because our adversary, the devil, roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). We know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, weakest and YOUNGEST of its prey.
Pass this on to every Believer you know. God bless! And, if you are in doubt, check out the books yourself.
Snopes says this about the above: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/conversations.asp
Showing posts with label false teachers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label false teachers. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Fighting Cancer In The Body
The Lord is marvelous in His workings in the lives of every believer, especially when we obey and listen to the "still, small voice" that He has provided for us. In His infinite wisdom, He has also provided us with a means of learning, for ourselves, exactly what He wants, and expects us to know. His Holy Bible is His instruction manual for our lives, and He expects us to search out Scripture, and to test everything that we are taught by men, in relation to His Word. Regardless of how much schooling- or experience the teacher or pastor has, it is essential that we test everything against His Word. It is with this thought in mind that I am amazed to learn first- hand that someone in a position of "authority" within a church, is teaching doctrine that is not pure. Though I am aware that it happens, it is still shocking and sickening to see it with my own two eyes, and hear it with my own two ears. What is even worse yet, is when those in this position will not accept the correction that is offered to them in a spirit of love, and fellowship.
It does not matter whether numerous learned bible scholars teach the same thing. If it's not doctrinally pure, then it's wrong! If it's wrong, it needs to be corrected. How sad for the state of the entire Body of Christ, that there seem to be more and more learned men and women of faith that cannot fathom being challenged in their interpretation of Scripture. That because they teach the status quo, it is expected that we will just sit back and absorb all that they tell us. Why is it that if anyone else were to give us information that we are not certain about, we will investigate it ourselves, to be sure; but we will not do the same, when it comes to the most important aspect of every believer's life? That is the Word of God, and how to truly follow Him. We challenge and question doctors' diagnoses, getting second and third opinions- investigating the symptoms, etc., in great detail, but we blindly trust our pastors and evangelists with our life's purpose, and His instructions for our lives? Have we forgotten that this was Satan's original method of tempting Eve in the Garden? He twisted what the Lord said, for His own gain, and at the cost of mankind's sinless existence.
For centuries, there has been an issue of the leaders and authorities within the Church (all denominations) twisting the Word of God to suit their purposes, and to exploit the believers in their midst. One of the most prevalent, seems to be the teachings that line the pockets of those that minister to us. Church authority has been shown time and time again, to be prone to greed and abuse of power. And we make it easy for them, because we're too undisciplined to read the Bible for ourselves, and too insecure about our own ability to understand the Word of God sufficiently to challenge what they teach. This is no one's fault, but our own! When will we learn that no man is more or less able to listen and heed the Word of God? We all have the Holy Spirit within us, to guide us in His will. Seminary graduation does not make a man, or woman, infallible in Bible interpretation! The only way to KNOW the Word of God is to read it, understand it, and allow God to show it to us. That is not possible, when we rely wholly on others to feed it to us.
We, here in the West, have become a society of part-time Christians. We go to a building full of people on Sundays, and listen to someone tell us what the Word says, and then we go home and live out our lives. We talk the talk, but we don't walk the Walk. We are shallow and superficial in our growth. We have become complacent, and we're okay with that! Listen up, people, it's not OK! The Bible tells us that we are to write the Words of the Lord upon our hearts, and to talk of them throughout the day. How can we do that, if we only parrot what others tell us? The Lord has seen fit to give us ALL the chance to know His Word for ourselves. Here in the West, we have no excuse that warrants not knowing the Word of God. Bibles are in large supply, and in our own language...what more do we need? Are we going to continue to reject such a gift?
Now to be sure, reading, interpreting and understanding God's Word will cause you discomfort, beloved. It will, because it will be made plain to all who do so, that we are sinners, and need to repent of our ways. It will be unpleasant because we will begin to reject the fleshly pleasures that our humanity screams for. We will begin to allow God to truly lead us, rather than blindly following the other sheep. Please remember, sheep go astray all the time! They are truly stupid creatures. Sheep require a shepherd, and this sheep for one, requires The Shepherd's voice.
Peddling the Word of God the way that some do, for gain in this earthly life, rather than treasures in Heaven, should be blatantly obvious to all of us. Wouldn't you rather be sure that the instructions you're being given are right and true? Do we want untold numbers of unbelievers and new believers to be led down a path that does not lead to God? Can you live with the knowledge that you may have allowed another to base the state of their salvation on their financial contribution to liars and fakes, rather than on grace by faith alone?
Giving generously and joyfully as we are able, according to our means, is something we should all be doing. Whether that means 10%, 20%, 100% or even nothing at all (if we have NONE to give). But it should be given, not just to a building fund or to pay the salary of a pastor. It should be given out of love for our fellow man as well. The money we give to the Body, should go to any that have need. Whether that need is for fleshly things- such as food and clothing; or the need is to hear the message of salvation. It should also never be given with the expectation that the "blessing" will be returned to us. Our giving should be for the spread of the Gospel, first and foremost. We should support our "senders", so that they can concentrate on sharing the pure Word of God; and also to help other believers in whatever they need, in order to be able to continue in faith. If a teacher of His Word is not actively sharing the Word with the lost, then they are not fulfilling their calling. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the majority of those that are taught, on a given Sunday, are those that should not need to be taught... they should be out teaching it and sharing it as well. They should be among the "senders". We are all given the priesthood, when we accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are all given equal opportunity and responsibility to share His Good News.
Faith in God manifests itself by the fruits of the Spirit apparent in our lives. The fruit will not ripen on a tree that is not fed and watered with the Bread of Life and the Living Water. So, I say to you: if you are not yet mature enough in your ability to interpret His word for yourself, and still rely on the others to instruct you, then listen to what your pastor says, and then go home and test it! Be certain that when your pastor says: ...we are not, as so many,* peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17 NKJV that he/she is speaking the honestly. Be certain that any teacher in your midst has "renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
The gathering of believers on Sundays is intended to be for fellowship and the breaking of bread, prayer to the Lord, and encouraging one another, as the early church practiced. (Acts 2:42-47 NKJV) Church attendance is a good thing, and a needful thing, but not as a school for mass catatonia amongst those in attendance. Going to church, will not get you into Heaven. That is a promise. Only faith in God alone will save you. And again, your faith will not grow, and will not manifest itself as fruits of the Spirit, if you are not learning and applying the Word of God yourself. The Holy Spirit was sent to each one of us, for specifically this purpose. The Holy Spirit above all, should be our teacher.
Be as the Bereans, search out the Scriptures for yourselves, and know that what you have been taught is pure and true. If it is not, it is every believer's responsibility, as a member of the Body of Christ, to remove those members that infect the Whole, with their poison. That is what impure doctrine does- it infects and diseases the entire body, like a cancer, when we do not identify it and treat it in whatever manner is necessary to remove it. This may be in simple, loving correction. It may also mean confrontation of pure sin. We are all called to edify each other in our faith walk. We are all one in Him. We are all representative images of our Lord. If one among us, is giving a false image of Who He is, it must be brought into the light. It's not enough to quit listening to those teachings. We must have the strength and endurance to call it out. Even Paul was called to correct Peter. Now, if that's not a clear cut case of one calling out the teachings of another who should have known better, I don't know what is. Division is not the effect of gentle loving correction of heresy, and doctrinal error. Unity under Him, is the direct effect created by purity of teachings.
The point is, that though not all of us has a seminary degree, and not all of us are Bible scholars, we are all able to correct impure doctrine, if we just take the time to do so. It takes discipline and an honest desire to further the Lord's work, in the small amount of time we have to make a difference. Are you up to the task? May God help you, if you are not. I pray that you meditate on this today, and ask God for the discernment and wisdom necessary, to correct any teachings that pervert His instruction. I also pray that we, as a whole, will recognize our laziness with regard to learning what His will for us is. The longer that we allow the cancer to remain, the more it will spread. Eventually, it will become terminal. We can do something about it, with God's help. Will you join me? Blessings to you all!
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 NKJV(emphasis mine)I am aware that there are disagreements, between denominations, etc., about inconsequential matters. These, we should not make an issue of. However, when it comes to teachings that exploit members, and give wholly false information, by twisting what the Word of God says, we are expected to bring those into the light. It is every believer's responsibility to maintain the integrity of The Message being taught to all. The only way to do this, is to search out Scripture, and test what is being taught. We must also test Scripture against Scripture, in context.
It does not matter whether numerous learned bible scholars teach the same thing. If it's not doctrinally pure, then it's wrong! If it's wrong, it needs to be corrected. How sad for the state of the entire Body of Christ, that there seem to be more and more learned men and women of faith that cannot fathom being challenged in their interpretation of Scripture. That because they teach the status quo, it is expected that we will just sit back and absorb all that they tell us. Why is it that if anyone else were to give us information that we are not certain about, we will investigate it ourselves, to be sure; but we will not do the same, when it comes to the most important aspect of every believer's life? That is the Word of God, and how to truly follow Him. We challenge and question doctors' diagnoses, getting second and third opinions- investigating the symptoms, etc., in great detail, but we blindly trust our pastors and evangelists with our life's purpose, and His instructions for our lives? Have we forgotten that this was Satan's original method of tempting Eve in the Garden? He twisted what the Lord said, for His own gain, and at the cost of mankind's sinless existence.
For centuries, there has been an issue of the leaders and authorities within the Church (all denominations) twisting the Word of God to suit their purposes, and to exploit the believers in their midst. One of the most prevalent, seems to be the teachings that line the pockets of those that minister to us. Church authority has been shown time and time again, to be prone to greed and abuse of power. And we make it easy for them, because we're too undisciplined to read the Bible for ourselves, and too insecure about our own ability to understand the Word of God sufficiently to challenge what they teach. This is no one's fault, but our own! When will we learn that no man is more or less able to listen and heed the Word of God? We all have the Holy Spirit within us, to guide us in His will. Seminary graduation does not make a man, or woman, infallible in Bible interpretation! The only way to KNOW the Word of God is to read it, understand it, and allow God to show it to us. That is not possible, when we rely wholly on others to feed it to us.
We, here in the West, have become a society of part-time Christians. We go to a building full of people on Sundays, and listen to someone tell us what the Word says, and then we go home and live out our lives. We talk the talk, but we don't walk the Walk. We are shallow and superficial in our growth. We have become complacent, and we're okay with that! Listen up, people, it's not OK! The Bible tells us that we are to write the Words of the Lord upon our hearts, and to talk of them throughout the day. How can we do that, if we only parrot what others tell us? The Lord has seen fit to give us ALL the chance to know His Word for ourselves. Here in the West, we have no excuse that warrants not knowing the Word of God. Bibles are in large supply, and in our own language...what more do we need? Are we going to continue to reject such a gift?
Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel, For the LORD [brings] a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. Hosea 4:1 NKJV
Now to be sure, reading, interpreting and understanding God's Word will cause you discomfort, beloved. It will, because it will be made plain to all who do so, that we are sinners, and need to repent of our ways. It will be unpleasant because we will begin to reject the fleshly pleasures that our humanity screams for. We will begin to allow God to truly lead us, rather than blindly following the other sheep. Please remember, sheep go astray all the time! They are truly stupid creatures. Sheep require a shepherd, and this sheep for one, requires The Shepherd's voice.
All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJVIt's time that we stood upon the foundation of God's Word, each and every one of us, with full knowledge of what He teaches, not just what man says He teaches. From the beginning of Creation there have been those that pervert His Word for their own gain, and they will be judged all the more harshly for that on the Day of Judgment. We, however, will also be judged for our complacency, if we refuse to let the Word of God guide us, in every thing. Will we continue to be lukewarm, to the extent that the Lord tells us on the Day of Judgment that He "never knew us"? All because we didn't take the time to know Him?
Peddling the Word of God the way that some do, for gain in this earthly life, rather than treasures in Heaven, should be blatantly obvious to all of us. Wouldn't you rather be sure that the instructions you're being given are right and true? Do we want untold numbers of unbelievers and new believers to be led down a path that does not lead to God? Can you live with the knowledge that you may have allowed another to base the state of their salvation on their financial contribution to liars and fakes, rather than on grace by faith alone?
Giving generously and joyfully as we are able, according to our means, is something we should all be doing. Whether that means 10%, 20%, 100% or even nothing at all (if we have NONE to give). But it should be given, not just to a building fund or to pay the salary of a pastor. It should be given out of love for our fellow man as well. The money we give to the Body, should go to any that have need. Whether that need is for fleshly things- such as food and clothing; or the need is to hear the message of salvation. It should also never be given with the expectation that the "blessing" will be returned to us. Our giving should be for the spread of the Gospel, first and foremost. We should support our "senders", so that they can concentrate on sharing the pure Word of God; and also to help other believers in whatever they need, in order to be able to continue in faith. If a teacher of His Word is not actively sharing the Word with the lost, then they are not fulfilling their calling. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the majority of those that are taught, on a given Sunday, are those that should not need to be taught... they should be out teaching it and sharing it as well. They should be among the "senders". We are all given the priesthood, when we accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are all given equal opportunity and responsibility to share His Good News.
Faith in God manifests itself by the fruits of the Spirit apparent in our lives. The fruit will not ripen on a tree that is not fed and watered with the Bread of Life and the Living Water. So, I say to you: if you are not yet mature enough in your ability to interpret His word for yourself, and still rely on the others to instruct you, then listen to what your pastor says, and then go home and test it! Be certain that when your pastor says: ...we are not, as so many,* peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17 NKJV that he/she is speaking the honestly. Be certain that any teacher in your midst has "renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
The gathering of believers on Sundays is intended to be for fellowship and the breaking of bread, prayer to the Lord, and encouraging one another, as the early church practiced. (Acts 2:42-47 NKJV) Church attendance is a good thing, and a needful thing, but not as a school for mass catatonia amongst those in attendance. Going to church, will not get you into Heaven. That is a promise. Only faith in God alone will save you. And again, your faith will not grow, and will not manifest itself as fruits of the Spirit, if you are not learning and applying the Word of God yourself. The Holy Spirit was sent to each one of us, for specifically this purpose. The Holy Spirit above all, should be our teacher.
Be as the Bereans, search out the Scriptures for yourselves, and know that what you have been taught is pure and true. If it is not, it is every believer's responsibility, as a member of the Body of Christ, to remove those members that infect the Whole, with their poison. That is what impure doctrine does- it infects and diseases the entire body, like a cancer, when we do not identify it and treat it in whatever manner is necessary to remove it. This may be in simple, loving correction. It may also mean confrontation of pure sin. We are all called to edify each other in our faith walk. We are all one in Him. We are all representative images of our Lord. If one among us, is giving a false image of Who He is, it must be brought into the light. It's not enough to quit listening to those teachings. We must have the strength and endurance to call it out. Even Paul was called to correct Peter. Now, if that's not a clear cut case of one calling out the teachings of another who should have known better, I don't know what is. Division is not the effect of gentle loving correction of heresy, and doctrinal error. Unity under Him, is the direct effect created by purity of teachings.
The point is, that though not all of us has a seminary degree, and not all of us are Bible scholars, we are all able to correct impure doctrine, if we just take the time to do so. It takes discipline and an honest desire to further the Lord's work, in the small amount of time we have to make a difference. Are you up to the task? May God help you, if you are not. I pray that you meditate on this today, and ask God for the discernment and wisdom necessary, to correct any teachings that pervert His instruction. I also pray that we, as a whole, will recognize our laziness with regard to learning what His will for us is. The longer that we allow the cancer to remain, the more it will spread. Eventually, it will become terminal. We can do something about it, with God's help. Will you join me? Blessings to you all!
Monday, January 7, 2008
All In A Name
As some of you know, back in August of this past year, I engaged in an online ordination program, with the express purpose of illustrating just how easy it is to claim the title "minister", "pastor", or "evangelist". Also, to show just how little actual knowledge a person must have of theology to claim these same titles. One does not have to go through any kind of schooling to claim ANY of these titles (though there are many that do.) Since then, I have been burdened to learn of many false teachings of some that would claim one or all of these. So what does the Bible say about being a minister?
Do any of these definitions apply to you? If so, you are a minister. Does that mean that you should be teaching others? That depends on whether or not you will teach them what the Bible really says. Those of us that feel called to share Scripture are under a heavier burden of judgement. If we share falsely, we bring upon ourselves swift destruction.
Do you follow the teaching of Christ, and does your minister or paster follow them as well? If not, perhaps you should re-evaluate your reasons for following them. Remember, being a Christian isn't about storing up treasure here on Earth. It's about sharing who Jesus Christ was, and why He came to save us all. The most important leading you should receive is that of the Holy Spirit. All others, should be supporting what the Bible says, word for word. Not just what feels good to hear. If you aren't in communion with God on a daily basis, with prayer, and your own reading of Scripture, I urge you to BEWARE! You are in danger of being led astray. I pray you meditate on this today. Do you know what your bible says, and what it means? Are you a good Berean?
There is no "MORE" to this post.
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 1 Timothy 4:6 NKJVLet's define "minister" according to Scripture: Nave's Topical Bible defines a minister as "A Sacred Teacher". Scripture defines it with the following verses:
Ambassadors of Christ 2 Corinthian 5:20
Angels of the Church Revelation 1:20, 2:1
Apostles Luke 6:13 Revelation 18:20
Defenders of the Faith Philemon 1:7
Elders 1 Timothy 5:17 1 Peter 5:1
Evangelists Ephesians 4:11 2 Timothy 4:5
Fishers of Men Matthew 4:19 Philemon 1:1
And many more.
Do any of these definitions apply to you? If so, you are a minister. Does that mean that you should be teaching others? That depends on whether or not you will teach them what the Bible really says. Those of us that feel called to share Scripture are under a heavier burden of judgement. If we share falsely, we bring upon ourselves swift destruction.
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1 NKJV
Do you follow the teaching of Christ, and does your minister or paster follow them as well? If not, perhaps you should re-evaluate your reasons for following them. Remember, being a Christian isn't about storing up treasure here on Earth. It's about sharing who Jesus Christ was, and why He came to save us all. The most important leading you should receive is that of the Holy Spirit. All others, should be supporting what the Bible says, word for word. Not just what feels good to hear. If you aren't in communion with God on a daily basis, with prayer, and your own reading of Scripture, I urge you to BEWARE! You are in danger of being led astray. I pray you meditate on this today. Do you know what your bible says, and what it means? Are you a good Berean?
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11 NKJV
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Attending the Masquerade
There is a masquerade ball occurring around the world, in these times, and we've all been invited. However, I for one will not be attending. You see, I believe in the words of Jesus:
'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment."And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 NKJVThere are those that would have you believe that Christianity is about hate, and God's wrath, but it is NOT! Certainly, God's wrath will be poured out, but God did not call any of us to pour it out for Him.
I was asked recently about my opinion of the views and actions fo a certain "church", and I have to say that I am sickened and broken hearted over what they teach to their congregants. Westboro Baptist Church is wholly a cult of hate! Despite the term "baptist" in their name, they are not affiliated with any denomination.
“The slogans that Fred Phelps and his group are promoting are unscriptural and very inappropriate,” says Dwayne Hastings, director of communications for the Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics and religious-liberty commission. “Southern Baptists stand on the word of God in believing that homosexuality is wrong and that, as the Bible says, it’s an abomination to God. But God does not hate the homosexual…. To those who are unaware of the orthodox Christian view of homosexuality, Fred Phelps presents a distorted and, in fact, perverted view of God’s word in his message of hate.”To all that want to know what Christianity is really about, I say, read your bible! Do not follow misguided fanatics of cults such as this. Keep the mask off your face!
- Condem Sin - and sinner, by Robert Stacy McCain. Insight on the News, Volume: 15. Issue: 30, August 16, 1999. Page 32 [fn1]
How are we to be true Christ followers? It's easy: Love our neighbors as ourselves. There is no commandment greater than these:
'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment."And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 NKJV
[fn1] Westboro Baptist Church: Fred Phelps
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Photo courtesy of Chiarra Marra
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