Showing posts with label New Age movement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Age movement. Show all posts

Monday, September 28, 2015

UPDATED: Lists of false (Christian) authors, churches, groups, leaders, practices, movement, teachers, etc.


by Al Sabado


Few days ago someone from a Baptist church wrote to me expressing his "concern" about my blog posts on non-church attendance. He said he wouldn’t contact me again because it seemed I’ve made up my mind not to attend church (and probably because I didn’t signify my interest attending his church here in the Philippines). He said he once left the Baptist Church, but returned to it when he was convicted. He admitted, however, that the Baptist Church has its flaws in that it claims to be the Bride of Christ, meaning the rest (other denominations) are doomed. But is that something new, when every denomination out there has similar (false) claims?

Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God. I no longer find the man’s message surprising because that isn’t the first time someone became "that" concerned, to the point of telling me I’m not worshipping God’s way. I responded briefly to his message saying I regret he has judged my way of worship as not God’s way. But I clarified that I’m a firm believer and that nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). I'm saved by God's grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Then he wrote me back. Now that surprised me, because he said he wouldn’t contact me again. He clarified he wasn’t judging me and that he wrote to me because of the verse I’ve quoted, which says,
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)
He ended his message by saying, “you tell your readers there is no need to belong to a church, that is not what the Word of God teaches.”

But God is not any graven image and He doesn’t dwell in churches made with hands. I didn’t respond anymore to the man’s message because I can tell we’re not on the same page. The verse I quoted came from God’s Word in the Holy Bible, not from me. If anyone thinks the verse is irrelevant to one’s church attendance, then please read the entire Bible and see if God tells us to seek membership in any man-made church so that we can "possibly" abide in Him. God’s Word says,
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts 17:24-29)
Please don't cite Hebrews 10:25 to say otherwise. Read that verse again if it means we ought not to abandon false and corruptible churches:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
Believers can meet together. But we don’t attend church for the sake of belonging to a community. Because if that community is in error, we too become part of that error. Abiding in Christ is God’s enabling, not the enabling of any man-made churches. God's Word says,
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15)
Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. (Jeremiah 7:16) 
The believer’s anointing comes from God, NOT from church appointment, membership, or fellowship. Another reason I’ve stressed in my blogs is that we—believers in Christ Jesus—are the church of God. Our being believers is not dependent on any church building or structure but on God’s grace at work in our lives. God’s Word says,
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. (Romans 9:15-18)
Also, among other verses,
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
But yes, I will now say there’s no need to belong to your church if it does deceive you—without you knowing it! Why would we go to such churches (or listen to such pastors, read such books, hear such music, submit a journal article to so-called Biblical yet fearlessly compromising institution such as Liberty University, etc.) when we know they're exploiting and serving contaminated spiritual food to the flock? Why lack the plain understanding that we ought to have nothing to do with them? For what harmony is there between the Lord Jesus Christ and Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)?

Doesn't God command us in His Word to come out from among them (2 Corinthians 6:17) and avoid them (Romans 16:17-18)? God's Word tells us we "should earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3-4). For this reason, I’m reposting the following list I initially posted on my freelance editorial website. The list has links to related readings via Google search.


UPDATED: Lists of false (Christian) authors, churches, groups, leaders, practices, movement, teachers, etc.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)


International

Philippines

(Refer also to above list, e.g., Cultural redemption, Emergent church, Great Commission Movement, Church Growth Movement, Purpose-driven church, Seeker-sensitive church,
etc., as most Philippine churches are patterned after such churches.)

Updated: June 2021


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Saturday, October 13, 2012

How the global spirituality endangers not only the adults, but also the children


Link: How the global spirituality endangers not only the adults, but also the children


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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Rick Warren and Joel Osteen Join Oprah


Link: Rick Warren and Joel Osteen Join Hands with Oprah

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Monday, May 21, 2012

Christ's Commission Fellowship defends Rick Warren

by Al Sabado

__________________________________________________________

Update (November 2015): Few months ago, a CCF attendee excitedly narrated to me what she's learning from her Bible study group. I was alerted by her mention of Chuck Missler (into Bible codes and probably other forms of occultism) having a significant influence on their Bible study group facilitator, also from CCF. Another time this CCF attendee talked about the upcoming "blood moon" around September 2015. It dismayed her when I told her it's occult. CCF attendees seem to be lured, or are already, into occultism, with or without them realizing it.
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But the Bible says,
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. (Ephesians 5:11-12)
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:37)
Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF), a purpose-driven church, maintains its stand and support for Rick Warren despite the latter's questionable and dangerous associations with strong proponents of the New Age movement and promotion of the PEACE plan. And whose peace is Warren representing? The God of the Bible or a different kind of god? The Bible clearly teaches,
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Only the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) will bring true peace, not the peace that comes from "global unity."

CCF has started a category on its website's Q&A section where it has responded to the following message:
Good day! I just want to know your opinion about the involvement of Rick Warren in the New Age Movement, because I’ve read his book. Please comment on this to enlighten my mind. Thanks and God bless. – Bernadette M.
The response of CCF indicates its solid trust in the words of Rick Warren by quoting him as a reliable source instead of verifying his teachings vis-a-vis what the Bible says. From CCF's response, we can also glean that it has overlooked the traces of New Age movement in Warren's associations and activities. However, Warren's propensities for the New Age are indicated in the Purpose Driven Life (PDL) where he boldly makes reference to a number of people with "cloudy" origins: St. Irenaeus (p. 55), Brother Lawrence (p. 88), and Mother Theresa (p. 125), among others. Warren also teaches "breath prayers" in PDL (p. 89) which is rooted from eastern mysticism--a major doctrinal issue. With "breath prayers," Warren teaches that a person can choose a word or phrase that he can utter repetitively. Where is that found in the Bible? A breath prayer is certainly not "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) but a form of mantra (read more, "Breath Prayer--Not Biblical Prayer.") What we are taught in the Bible is The Lord's Prayer. The Bible is also clear in saying that we should not pray repetitiously:
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8, KJV)
Reading PDL will also tell a discerning believer of Warren's pantheistic inclinations (p. 88, "He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything"). CCF adheres to a principle: "In essentials, unity." Doesn't CCF find these alarming indications essential in warning the flock of deception inside the Church?

Now, note how CCF Pastor Joey Geronimo has responded to a comment posted on the Q&A section:
Hi Tricia! We don't believe that using 40 Days of Love is putting Rick Warren on a pedestal. The leaders of CCF studied the material and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the workbook and the video series. CCF adopted it for the use of the church as a bridging event tool.

The good news is that after the campaign it resulted in more than 500 new discipleship groups being added to the church. Now these same people can be discipled relationally in accordance with the discipleship principles of Jesus. We can now also establish them in the faith using the Biblical Foundation bible study series of CCF and train them to read and study the Bible just like the Bereans do.

I think you and I should rejoice over this fact!
From Pastor Joey's response, we can note that CCF, just like other purpose-driven churches, places so much importance on "church growth." But this seems to be a different kind of church growth from what the Bible teaches us. Moreover, how can church members be taught to be like the Bereans when the very foundation of teaching method is already erroneous?

Currently, CCF is among the churches whose programs are closely identical (if not patterned) with those of Saddleback Church, the congregation 'pastored' by Rick Warren. Examples of such similarities can be traced in the existence of small groups or discipleship groups, lecture series (Biblical Foundation 1 and 2, among others), the global leadership center or GLC, and a written "Covenant" with its members, among others. CCF has also held classes to study Warren's books such as the PDL. Numerous reviews of this book point to its failure to present the true Gospel in the light of God's Word. And of the many standard Bible versions, Warren has also used in the PDL many Scriptures taken from a questionable Bible translation, The Message by Eugene Peterson.

Sure, church memberships have grown. But what has happened to the genuine relationship of every Christian with Jesus Christ? What has happened to this thing called discernment? Countless modern-day Christians are made to believe that unless they are a member of a congregation, spiritual growth is impossible. But as Christians, we have to understand that the very source of spiritual growth is the Lord Jesus Christ through the purity and the power of His Word, the Holy Bible.

One's steadfast walk in the faith is not even supplemented by the fellowship of Christians or the reading of certain books recommended by many church leaders (who don't seem bothered when they endorse authors supporting and practicing contemplative spirituality). By saying this, we do not defy one's attendance in a church fellowship, certainly not. But if being a part of a fellowship or congregation misleads the members, compromises their faith in standing for the Gospel, or presents the only reason why members "can" walk efficiently as Christians, then we're missing the point. As Christians, we understand our position--whether or not we're surrounded by fellow Christians--based on what Jesus has taught us in the Bible:
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5, KJV)
For fellow Christians who contend for the faith, be encouraged to read Warren Smith's Discernment Detractors: Calling Good Evil.

Read more:

References
  1. Rick Warren’s New Age Health Gurus by  Sarah Leslie, published by Kjos Ministries
  2. Rick Warren’s Global PEACE Plan versus the Great Commission by A Ministry in His Service, published by the Lighthouse Trails Research
  3. Q&A: Pastor Rick Warren in the New Age Movement? by Christ's Commission Fellowship
  4. The Spiritual Direction of Rick Warren by the Lighthouse Trails Research
  5. Breath Prayer--Not Biblical Prayer by  the Lighthouse Trails Research
  6. Faulty Premises of the Church Growth Movement: Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Donald McGavran, and C. Peter Wagner Mislead the Church by Bob DeWaay
  7. Book Reviews by the Apologetics Coordination Team: Vital Information about Deception in the Church
  8. The Message Bible: A Mystic Mess by Dr. Terry Watkins, published by Dial the Truth Ministries
  9. Master list of Christian authors, books, and bookstores NOT recommended
  10. What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why Is It Dangerous? by John Caddock, published by Grace Evangelical Society
  11. Discernment Detractors: Calling Good Evil by Warren B. Smith, first published by Mountain Stream Press and later by The Submerging Church

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Friday, May 18, 2012

Rick Warren's False PEACE and the Antichrist Agenda





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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Lee Strobel, one of the strong advocates of contemplative spirituality


Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ study Bible, is a teaching pastor of Willow Creek Church and a member/teaching pastor of Saddleback Church, both churches are proponents of contemplative spirituality. Strobel 'strongly' endorses Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life (see back cover of a PDL copy). His son is also the founder of a contemplative ministry. Strobel is just one of the many authors who accepts and supports contemplative spirituality, also known as the "spiritual formation movement." Zondervan, the publisher of The Case for Christ study Bible, PDL, and others, is also among the strong proponents of contemplative spirituality. To understand the dangers of contemplative spirituality, read more on the 1997 treatise of John Caddock, What is contemplative spirituality and why is it dangerous?


Related links:


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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Rick Warren's Occult Deception (Parts 1 to 4)


Ex-cultist Warren Smith, author of Deceived on Purpose, speaks out against Rick Warren's new age gospel, the "Purpose Driven Life."


Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4



Related posts (list updated April 25, 2012):


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