23 Nov
Be Warned, Beware!
If you haven’t noticed this video series, it is about time you do!
The Emerging Church with her brand of 21st Century faith (what in the world is 21st Century faith anyway?) which includes mysticism, eastern philosophies and is a whole load of ecumenical nonsense has, not surprisingly, made its way into our churches.
And if you think that this movement is just now coming into being, think again — pastors, churches, congregations, and even audiences of popular TV and radio shows like Oprah are now being inundated with all the New Age mumbo-jumbo week in week out.
Watch as Roger Oakland, author of Faith Undone, explains the “new faith” for the 21st Century and the characteristics of the Emerging Church in this 6-part video series, and take heed!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Shabbat Shalom.
With thanks to the following websites:
– Christian Research Network
– Watcher’s Lamp
– Herescope
– Symphony of Scripture
Posted by channelofhealing on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Oh my God!!! this is terrible, will visit and read more…
keep up the good work
God bless
Posted by Sidharth on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Dear Isaiah,
It’s amazing as I said how people can be deceived like this. In Revelations Jesus accuses a church for delving in Satan’s so-called deep secrets. I see so many people bring in yoga, witchcraft, palmistry, numerology, and related stuff into the Christian faith. These practices as all of you would know are very deceptive and can open doors to demons. The peace that yoga offers is very temporary.
We need to discern everything and expose the deceptive entrance of satan into the church. And also keep away from any church that permits such stuff.
But Isaiah, what I see lately is something even more dangerous…Christians are even judging true works of God without knowing the gravity of what they’re doing. They think they are exposing the devils work, when actuality they are blaspheming God’s holy work. Do you know it’s more severe to speak ill of the works of the Holy Spirit? Jesus said a person who did this would not be forgiven. Whenever the Holy Spirit moves and reveals expressive and obvious truths, and if people talk ill about it just because they have been taught differently in their denominations or churches, God’s Presence lifts up. As I shared with you in the chat, I have experienced this happening a number of times. And it was very painful to see it. Jesus passed some strong judgments on people who said He was casting out demons by the Prince of demons…He said that they could not receive forgiveness in this world or in the world to come.
When people attribute speaking in tongues, prophecies and other manifestations of the Spirit to demons, they need to be very careful [By saying this I'm not saying there aren't any counterfeiters]. They may actually be judging the Spirit Himself because of their unfamiliarity with His manifestations. This is why Paul tells those at Thessalonica not to treat prophecies with contempt, but to test everything.
The Holy Spirit is the most sensitive Person in the God-head. Neither the Father nor the Son will tolerate the Spirit being spoken ill of. And this is the attitude all of us should have.
As I said before, we must be more acquainted with the Word and the Spirit to reach this place of discernment. Apart from that we need to ask God to give us the gift of discernment of spirits, which I believe is needed greatly today.
Sidharth
Posted by Shalene on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Hi Isaiah, I watched the first of these as well. Scary stuff! I never really knew why, but ever since I first heard of the “Emerging Church” (when I first started to blog) there’s been something about it that bothered me. Now I know what it is. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Blessings and Shalom!
Posted by Sicarii on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Dear ChannelofHealing, Shalene, Sid,
Thank you for your comments.
God forbid that I should deny the power of His Holy Spirit, or the gifts, but I think all of us should feel the need to warn others when we have knowledge of that which has gone against the Word of God after we have tested it.
I am heartened that you who have watched it are taking heed.
In these times, it shall become all the more urgent that we hold on to our faith. And I shall pray that we all do until we receive our rewards in heaven from our LORD.
God bless, and Shabbat Shalom!
Posted by Carol on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Very good series Isaiah. I am very familiar with the emergence church movement.
A lot of Chrisitans seem to be against this movement but there are some who are actually FOR this movement and they’re not even aware of it. Most of the things mentioned throughout the entire 6 part series are obvious and easy to catch. But did anyone catch what was said in part 2 about “preaching without words” and were you able to see this in your own worship or perhaps recognize it in today’s worship as the norm? (hence not giving it a second thought)
How do we “preach without words” today?
Puppet shows
plays
concerts
wearing t-shirts or jewelry
bumper stickers
clowns
festivals etc.
There are many who will argue and give many excuses as to how and why these methods are effective but the fact is that none of these practices are condoned in the Bible. And if people claim they are being saved by any of these methods, then I’d seriously question the validity of their claim because none of these methods are of the Spirit. (but the flesh) It mixes entertainment (flesh) with spiritual which does not mix. It also mixes culture (flesh) with the Spirit. If you ‘preach without words’ then you also don’t preach of sin, sinners, repentance, the need for forgiveness, and the salvation message. All of these things are ommitted unless you use the Biblical model of preaching the Word of God. Yet most Christians today see nothing wrong with these methods.
Posted by Sicarii on 23.11.07 at 14:17
Dear Carol:
I am glad that you enjoyed the video series too.
That’s the sad thing about it — that many Christians are blind to what is happening in Christianity today, and how many things are wrong with how the ‘leaders’ are proclaiming the faith to unbelievers, and even misleading the flock.
People may claim to be Sola Scriptura, but they are either willingly or unwillingly blind to what isn’t in the Bible and that which is preached and practised by those who lead astray! To be Sola Scriptura means that the Bible is the final authority that should be referred to when it comes to teachings of our faith.
Moreover, many have forgotten to be like the Bereans and check up on anything they read or watch or listen to. Today, many take verses out of context and there are those who just accept it wholesale and do not ask more if they find inconsistencies.
Then there’s also the cult of personality, where ‘celebrity pastors’ have taken the pedestal in the hearts of many instead of God who should rightfully be there.
All the more that we should beware and guard our inheritance with fervor!
God bless, and Shalom!