The visible church has a lot to answer for! Take it's love affair with the occult.
Occult: From the Latin word for hidden. Our traditional definition for occult practices includes any act of divination or spiritual practice which appears to tap into unseen forces, not available on a physical plane. This ability or knowledge is hidden from ordinary sight and must either be taught or developed through practice.
Occultic practices have been the unique domain of pagan worship....until recently. Today, however, they are mainstreamed in churches and homes throughout the world.
What was once the unique domain of strange fringe groups has found its way into almost every church group you can name. It's hard to find a church-group that doesn't embrace some form of occultic practice.
Think of the preacher who claims to be informed by God of someone's illness or personal plight. There is nothing in the Bible that identifies this sort of behavior. So, what's going on?
The preacher is either scamming his audience or he's channeling a demon!
Consider the common practice of "faith healing." The Faith-Healer says certain words or touches the afflicted in a certain way (Oral Roberts claimed the power was only in his right hand) and they are healed [by God].
It may be, according to them, God has given him or her the power, or it may be he or she has simply learned how to do this. Either way, it falls into the category of the occult.
Then there's the Deliverance from Demonic Possession. To accomplish this a person has to a) have the gift, and b) say certain words, in order to cast out the demon. This, too, fits the definition of occultic.
It's about secret knowledge and ability, being transmitted to one individual or another, who is then able to tap into forces beyond the physical, or beyond the ken of science.
Witchcraft is about the ability or knowledge of spells: saying certain words (incantations) and performing certain rituals (waving something, touching someone, etc.) in order to affect the desired result.
Pat Robertson wrote in his book, "Beyond Reason," that there are metaphysical powers in the universe that anyone can tap into, if they know the "Law of Miracles."
The entire Faith Movement rests upon the belief, according to Kenneth Copeland, that "faith is a force just like electricity or gravity," which obeys laws any Christian can use.
"Positive Confession" is Napoleon Hill's "Supreme Secret" which was given to him by demonic entities. He called it "The Magic Power of Belief." [Peace of Mind, pg 176]
These folks have re-defined biblical faith, re-interpreted spiritual gifts and re-structured Christianity to fit their own needs, desires and passions. They are growing wealthy as a result while the people they use are being deceived.
How do they succeed? The Spirit expressly says that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. [I Tim. 4:1]
This is what that looks like!
Showing posts with label Word-Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Word-Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Embracing The Devil's Lie
What does the visible Church have to answer for? This is the issue under discussion. And this is the 4th "charge" being brought against the visible church in America.
The true Bride of Christ is made up of only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; justified in the sight of God by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Church meets in a number of different places, under a number of different names. But, regardless of what it's called and where it meets, 85% of what it believes is the same.
Christian doctrine is not evolving over time. It is settled truth. What the apostles believed is what we should believe, today. It is "The Faith" once delivered (Jude v. 3). How else can we be of "one mind?"
The devil, too, has settled "truth." His philosophy and tactics remain consistent throughout the ages.
His sin was aspiring to godhood (Isa. 14;12,13). And his attack on righteous Adam was to encourage him in achieving the same: "you shall be as gods..." (Gen. 3:5)
That he achieved his goal in corrupting Adam and Eve has emboldened him to not only continue on this tack, but to continue preaching the same "gospel." As long as it works, why change? And what it does drives striaght to the heart of God's authority and uniqueness.
The 21st Century visible church has bought into this lie! Influential men and women teach that becoming a Christian means partaking in deity. They teach that believers, becoming what Jesus is: God, can simply speak words to achieve physical and spiritual reality.
As God spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, so too can the Christian. If you want wealth, "speak to the money and it will come" (Gloria Copeland)
The ramifications of this one lie are staggering! They claim the Bible teaches that Christians have power in their tongue over life and death. They believe cancer can be removed by simply speaking words of faith and power.
One day, every human being will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ in judgment. Believers at the bema, unbelievers at the Great White Throne. A judgment without appeal. And many who profess to be Christians will have a lot to answer for.
The true Bride of Christ is made up of only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; justified in the sight of God by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Church meets in a number of different places, under a number of different names. But, regardless of what it's called and where it meets, 85% of what it believes is the same.
Christian doctrine is not evolving over time. It is settled truth. What the apostles believed is what we should believe, today. It is "The Faith" once delivered (Jude v. 3). How else can we be of "one mind?"
The devil, too, has settled "truth." His philosophy and tactics remain consistent throughout the ages.
His sin was aspiring to godhood (Isa. 14;12,13). And his attack on righteous Adam was to encourage him in achieving the same: "you shall be as gods..." (Gen. 3:5)
That he achieved his goal in corrupting Adam and Eve has emboldened him to not only continue on this tack, but to continue preaching the same "gospel." As long as it works, why change? And what it does drives striaght to the heart of God's authority and uniqueness.
The 21st Century visible church has bought into this lie! Influential men and women teach that becoming a Christian means partaking in deity. They teach that believers, becoming what Jesus is: God, can simply speak words to achieve physical and spiritual reality.
As God spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, so too can the Christian. If you want wealth, "speak to the money and it will come" (Gloria Copeland)
The ramifications of this one lie are staggering! They claim the Bible teaches that Christians have power in their tongue over life and death. They believe cancer can be removed by simply speaking words of faith and power.
One day, every human being will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ in judgment. Believers at the bema, unbelievers at the Great White Throne. A judgment without appeal. And many who profess to be Christians will have a lot to answer for.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Final Authority?
When it comes to Christian belief, what constitutes The Final Authority? If you answer: The Bible, you would be out of step with mainstream Christian philosophy.
Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.
For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.
Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.
The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."
The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.
Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."
But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"
The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.
In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.
Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.
Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.
I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!
Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.
For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.
Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.
The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."
The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.
Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."
But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"
The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.
In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.
Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.
Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.
I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!
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