GREETINGS ALL!

As you have probably noticed, I have been blogging very minimally the last few weeks. I have struggled with this, as it is something I really enjoy doing and miss a lot. At the outset I decided that I would not become a slave to this blog, as something I felt obligated to do. And I have determined not to use it to boost my pride and ego, which I struggle with doing. Well, it seems God has certainly been honoring that desire! I often wonder if God allows me to struggle with physical problems to keep me from being prideful. Not that I have anything to be prideful about, but that it is a battle for me to remain dependent upon Him, and He allows and uses my physical weakness to keep me from believing the lie of self-sufficiency, understanding my tendency to do so and to take pride in gifts that I have received as a matter of grace for the benefit of others. Utter foolishness, I know, and yet Satan loves to tempt us, doesn't he?

Many times in the past weeks I have sat down at the computer and started to write and ended up unable to finish what I began. There is so much happening in the world, and I just can't seem to keep up with it all. I wanted to write something about the futility of "Earth Hour" and about the upcoming movie "The Moses Code" in an article I started entitled "New Age Deception and The Arts". And then there is another article waiting to be finished on the latest news about the "New Perspective on Paul" and one on the false teaching of physical healing in the atonement, which I have been working on understanding for the last two years...so much to write, and so little time.

At one point during this time we received an unexpected visitor to our home. This person was involved in the healing and "signs and wonders" movement with its gold dust and gems. He was determined to lay hands on me to heal my back. It was difficult for him to understand that the "gift of healing" he had received and the heat he was feeling in his hands could be an occultic manifestation rather than a godly one. This became an opportunity to discuss the coming apostasy within the church, a challenge to be sure, with someone who wanted to convince us that we were missing out on some "great move of God". I ask that you pray for this unnamed person, that God would use the materials I sent with him to speak to his heart, convincing him of the true message that Christ came to bring, and the dangers of the spiritual path he is on.

Our middle child flew home for a week-long visit during this time as well, and I had to make to the decision to put first things first. I treasure this time with my grown children, as I don't get to see them as often as I like, especially this daughter who lives nearly 10 hours away and will likely not come home for the summer. This is her first year away from home, and as most children do, she required the encouragement, advice and prayers of a caring parent, especially as she was home enjoying a long-awaited break from a hectic dorm atmosphere. It was comforting to realize that she is learning to be responsible for herself and understanding her need to depend on God for the decisions regarding her future.

Several weeks ago I promised to drive school bus full-time for a period of two weeks. Just as my back and shoulder are finally beginning to feel better and things have gotten a little quieter on the homefront, that time is now here, beginning tomorrow morning just after 7 am. This will be a challenge for me, as I am not a morning person and not the speediest at the best of times! And so once again, between bus routes and chiropractic treatments, so little time to write.

The Lord willing, the articles will eventually get finished, little by little and one by one, in HIS time, not in mine. In the meantime I need to remember that the world will go on without my ramblings, and that God is still in control. At this time I would appreciate your prayers for me, as I wait for time to once again get back to writing, and for further physical recuperation.

God has led me to the sites of so many other truth-loving fellow-bloggers and online ministries which have blessed and encouraged me tremendously. And so I also encourage you to take this time to visit some of the sites on my sidebar to keep you informed of what is going on in this world from a biblical perspective.

Till things slow down and we meet again...
God bless, Bonnie

DECEPTION PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

This is a plug for SPIRITUAL RESEARCH NETWORK, the Christian discernment ministry of Chris Lawson.

I just received an article from them entitled "Deception Prevention and Intervention: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Spiritual Deception", and highly recommend you read it. Very good suggestions to "help you think clearly, carefully, and biblically". Be sure to check it out.

They also have a newsletter to which you can subscribe . Click HERE to access their subscription page.

ATTENTION: LOVERS OF THE TRUTH ~ RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS

I have benefited greatly from two newsletters which I have subscribed to and are sent regularly to my email address. Subscribing to them saves me the time it takes to look up their websites, and enables me to receive updates as soon as they are released. Until I began receiving these newsletters I was fairly ignorant as to the enormous impact that false doctrine is having on formerly strong evangelical organizations (signaling widespread apostasy), and to the rapid pace at which our world is heading towards the prophesied antichrist world religion/government and economic system. I believe it is time for all Christians to be alert and watching for events prophesied in Scripture and to "lift up their heads" as our redemption draws quickly nigh. Therefore, I encourage you to take a few minutes to subscribe to these newsletters. Scripture commands us to be alert and to watch for these things, and these two ministries are doing a fantastic job by making news stories around the world and within Christendom available and by commenting on their relevance. I think you will find them immensely helpful as you continue to watch and wait for "that great day".

The newsletter from LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS, called "Coming From the Lighthouse", is published weekly and deals with crucial news events affecting Christians and the church, and exposes the dangers of contemplative spirituality and its avenues. This is a discernment ministry operated by the Dombrowskis.

UNDERSTAND THE TIMES, a ministry of Roger Oakland, publishes a weekly newsletter called "Weekly News in Review", as well as periodic updates and comments. It helps keep me up to date on relevant news stories around the world and their impact on the church.

If you haven't yet signed up to receive the newsletters from Lighthouse Trails and Understand The Times, click on the underlined links to access them. (the sign-up at Lighthouse Trails is at the bottom of the page.)

The latest newsletter from Lighthouse Trails can be read by clicking HERE, and the latest from Understand the Times, HERE, if you want to access them directly from this page.

SCRIPTURE AND MUSIC TO CELEBRATE THE RESURRECTION

There are some days when I long for home (heaven) more than others. I have been struggling with a great deal of back pain the last few weeks, and many of these days have caused me to long for release from this pain. Even though I struggle here below, I rejoice that because Christ now lives and sits at the right hand of the Father, that I too, will one day possess a redeemed and resurrected body when that time comes and God calls me home, either in death and the resurrection of the dead, or when the trumpet sounds if I am still alive, to meet Him in the air. Here are a few passages of scripture that have given me great comfort during difficult days. I praise God that since Christ was raised from the dead and given an incorruptible body, so too shall I, on that great day!

Photo courtesy of Freefoto.com. Photographer: Ian Britton

Oh that my words were now written!
Oh that they were printed in a book!
That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH
AND THAT HE SHALL STAND
AT THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold,
and not another;
though my reins be consumed within me.
Job 19:23-27


Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2


Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead,
how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain,
and your faith is also vain.
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God;
because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ:
whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain;
ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ,
we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead,
and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death,
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order:
Christ the firstfruits;
afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up
the kingdom to God, even the Father;
when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I Corinthians 15:12-26

There are so many wonderful hymns commemorating the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I just had to post a few more songs today. I hope they will bring you comfort and courage in the days to come.

HANDEL'S I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH


CHRIST AROSE/HE'S ALIVE - LGC SINGERS


CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY - BY TONEDR


I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES


I couldn't resist including this final one. Although this is not the rendition of "O Happy Day!" that I was looking for (the older hymn version, of which I could not locate a good video), I couldn't resist adding this final one.

Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF'?" Matt. 21:16b

O HAPPY DAY!/JESUS LOVES ME


Click HERE to listen to the original hymn.

GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD BOAST EXCEPT IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED TO ME, AND I TO THE WORLD.

Galatians 6:14

I read a great article today called "The Old Rugged Cross" on Crossroad, a website operated by Andy and Berit Kjos, discussing how the world and the modern church views the cross in these days. It saddens my heart to see the reality that formerly evangelical churches are turning their backs on the only way there is for man to be saved. If they are not outright denying the cross, they are doing it in a practical sense. The article draws attention to what is in store for churches who will not soften their stance on holding tightly to Christ's work on the cross as the only way of salvation, and some of the legal ramifications they will likely face. Click HERE to read the article.

The editors at Lighthouse Trails wrote an article, "Celebrating the Resurrection, but Denying the Atonement", exposing the pathway the emerging church and contemplative spirituality are taking in their practical denial of the cross. Here is an excerpt from that article:

This weekend, people throughout the world are celebrating Christ's resurrection. Even people who don't believe in the resurrection are celebrating the weekend and wishing Happy Easter to others. But while that seems odd to celebrate a day when you don't even believe in it's reason, what is more odd is that so many Christians are celebrating the resurrection but are throughout the year promoting a spirituality that ultimately denies the atonement. Without the atonement, why bother thinking about the resurrection - it would mean nothing.

Some may be saying right now-- my pastor doesn't deny the atonement. Really? Does he ever promote Brennan Manning or Richard Foster? What about the college you attend? Do your professors ever tell you to read Henri Nouwen or Larry Crabb? And what about the women's Bible studies you attend? Do you ever read books by Keri Wyatt Kent, Jan Johnson, or Ruth Haley Barton? And what about the youth group your teens go to? Do they watch Rob Bell's Noomas and read books by Dan Kimball and Brian McLaren? And is your church involved with Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life? You see, the spiritual formation movement (of which category all these authors and leaders fall into) has a core of mysticism. And contemplative mysticism, by its very nature, denies the Cross, the atonement, and the resurrection. So to celebrate the resurrection and yet to embrace spiritual formation is a terrible contradiction.

Now it is true that not all of the people who promote contemplative reject the Atonement, but by their adhering to and promoting the spirituality that does, they in a round about way reject it also. Those who believe in the true elements of contemplative/emerging spirituality say they love the Cross and they consider Christ an example of a great servant who sacrificially gave His life for others, but they deny the idea that He was a substitute - in other words He paid the penalty that we should have because we are sinners. They say that God would not send His Son to a violent death on a Cross to bear the sins of others (see our research on this). They say Jesus is their model but cannot say He is their Lord. By Christian leaders embracing spiritual formation as they are now doing in large numbers, they are inadvertently denying the atonement and are helping to usher in a world religious system that will attempt to snuff out the true gospel. This effort is already knocking at the door.(1)

Click HERE to read the rest of the article on the Lighthouse Trails website.

Here is a video of that old favorite hymn:

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS ON ACOUSTIC GUITAR


(1). http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?cat=41

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT AND RESURRECTION SUNDAY

The traditions of Easter that Christendom celebrates in this day and age are by and large the traditions of men. The ordinance given in Scripture for believers to commemorate the work of Christ on the cross is the Lord's Supper.

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Cor 11:23-26 RSV)

Central to the gospel is the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ, who knew no sin became sin for us, while we in turn receive the righteousness of God through Him. The Lord's Supper, which is a celebration symbolizing this new covenant and a remembrance of His death and resurrection most adequately pictures this. Our contemporary Easter celebrations which take place only once a year are a rather poor alternative to Christ's original pattern, as given to us in Scripture. The Easter our contemporary culture celebrates today has Roman Catholic origins and often includes many pagan elements that reflect the traditions of those who worship the goddess Ishtar, from which Easter derives its name. The eggs, bunnies, and symbols of new life and Spring are some of these which represent the element of fertility so important to worshipers of this goddess. The Roman Catholic church allowed this in order to gain converts, allowing paganism alongside the Roman Catholic traditions.

I do not condemn those who choose to celebrate the festival we now call Easter by attending Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, as many do not understand the origins of the celebration and its many associations with paganism. I prefer to call these days the Day of Atonement and Resurrection Sunday myself, as the term Easter is a derivative of the word Astarte or Ishtar, the pagan goddess. I continue to enjoy many of the traditional hymns associated with Christ's death and resurrection, and I will still be attending the services in our local church. My focus will be on the ongoing commemoration of His death in the Lord's supper and its meaning for me as I partake with our small congregation and sing the hymns associated with these events. I have chosen however, not to participate in the traditions that have pagan origins. It is my hope and desire that the Lord's Supper will take place more frequently within our congregation (which currently takes place approximately once a month), as it is central to my faith. I think its importance has been minimized in many churches in North America and that it does not take place often enough. I think of it as a joyous occasion, with the understanding that I have been allowed to be free from the bondage of sin and its eternal consequences, while soberly remembering what it cost Christ to pay for that freedom. It is a time to examine myself as to whether I am living a life worthy of the calling I have received. In other words, is my life lining up with what I believe, and are there areas that I need to place before the Lord in submission to Him. Am I cooperating with the Holy Spirit as He is working in my life through the process of sanctification, which is to be done with utmost care and diligence on my part.

For those who have chosen to commemorate Christ's death and resurrection during this time of the year, here is a reminder of the true meaning of the events. This is one of my favorite hymns. Although this video is made by an amateur, I admire the fact that this is a father and his sons, joining together to sing this song of praise, and it is being sung from the heart; not for the purpose of entertainment, but for worship and in gratitude. May God bless you as you listen and reflect on God's mercy.

JESUS PAID IT ALL

DIFFERENT RELIGIONS TO MEET WITH POPE TO FOSTER "PEACE"

Jenna, at Abide in the Doctrine of Christ blog, comments on a news article from The Earth Times on March 4th entitled "Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Leaders to Meet With Pope Benedict XVI in Washington", on her post Different Religions to Meet with Pope to Foster "Peace" by saying:

Here we go again.

From this article here.

"Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Leaders to Meet with Pope Benedict XVI in Washington"
"This meeting denotes the Holy Father's belief in the need for religious bodies to stress the goal for peace which lies at the heart of all religions. It "exemplifies what must happen all over the world." The gifts symbolize the path to peace in the deepest teachings of each group.

Umm...by the way, there is only one who is worthy of the title Holy Father, and it is NOT the Pope!

Read the rest of her comments by clicking HERE.

PROGRESS IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER AND ITS RELATION TO BIBLE PROPHECY

Pictured left: The Georgia Guidestones

(America's Stonehenge) first line says that we are to maintain the earth's population under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature. This is population control. It now appears under the guise of environmentalism, the latest ploy of the New World Order.

This morning I discovered a new (to me) website exposing the plans to create a New World Order, which I have added to my sidebar. It is called the End Times Watch Media (please note that it does not claim to be a Christian website as far as I can tell). This movement (the NWO) is not a new one, but I have been keeping a close eye on it for a few years now, as I believe it is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy regarding the Antichrist's appearance. Although I do not agree that this is something we can stop (as this website claims and attempts to do), it contains some very enlightening information regarding the rapid growth and control by those within its parameters. The information revealed in the Endgame Movie (you can watch it on their website) is the reason I no longer vote in any federal government elections. I have come to understand and believe that all politicians are really on the same side, whether they understand it or not. Many are probably unwitting pawns. We are at a place and time in history where world politics is beginning to supersede and eclipse just about everything happening on the federal level in our governments. Our autonomy is being given away for the sake of peace and prosperity, a thinly veiled guise for control of the world's resources by the NWO. The reality of the North American Union is just a matter of time now. It has to happen in order to compete with other economic giants like Asia and the European Union. This will then lead to the 10 major trading blocks with its 10 heads (horns/kings) described in the book of Revelation. The map has already been created outlining these trading blocks and can be seen here.

This movie is a long work (2 hours and 20 minutes), but worth watching as it outlines history's timeline and explains the events of history, thereby exposing the agenda of the Bilderbergs. The desire for world domination is not a myth and it is not a theory. It is prophecy being played out before our very eyes; that is, if one is willing to do some research. It is not well known and understood by the general public, as it has been well-hidden by its proponents for the most part. Only in the last ten years has its workings become more widely known, and that mostly due to the increase in knowledge (a fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy) and the widespread use of the internet. Its influence is being felt in all sectors of society at the present time and at an ever-increasing rate. It's latest ploy is the environmental movement, using it as a cover-up for population control by saying that it is people who are responsible for the disastrous changes taking place on the earth, not the order of the planets, the impact of the sun, and ultimately God Himself. Alex Jones, the movie's creator, calls this grab for global power a "mad rush for godhood".

We have only one hope. If you are a Christian according to what Scripture teaches, you are an alien and foreigner to this world's system, which is currently controlled by the prince of the power of the air. You are a citizen of a heavenly kingdom which will rule and reign when Christ comes to regain His rightful place. Scripture says that God will create a new heaven and a new earth, destroying any vestiges of the person and work of Satan, the rebellious one, who will be cast into the lake of fire along with those who follow him and reject Christ as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There are no other alternatives. If you have not yet turned to God in repentance and accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Savior and Lord, it is time to do so, as this scenario is developing rapidly. It is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgement will take place. Christ is your only hope of salvation from this evil scenario taking place.

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BIBLE STUDIES

Today I want to share with you a website I have been on just about every day for the last two to three weeks, which provides a daily Bible study taking you through the Bible in one year. I have been wanting to go through the Bible in one year for some time now, and I think I have found something to help me do that. It can be found at www.thestreamtv.com. If you click on one of the buttons on the top left of the screen on their site (Quick Study VOD - video on demand), it will take you to their daily devotionals. They are presently studying the book of Deuteronomy. They are half-hour programs with life applications given, a daily Bible question, and great visuals - very well done. This site also has an online Bible Academy, where you can listen and study along on topics like Bible Doctrine, Prophecy, Jewish Roots, and the cults. A certificate can be obtained after finishing the work of each course for a cost of $25.00. This is the ministry of Ron Hembree, and his son Rod and his wife Janice. They are a down-to-earth bunch and make Bible study both interesting and applicable. So far, I give this site my full endorsement. If any of my readers finds any false doctrine on these pages please let me know.

Although these aren't generally available on youtube, I did find a couple of them. Below is one from February 26, 2007 (Numbers 33-36), if you would like to see an example.



After I watched it, I found another one about the role of women in the church. A very good and biblical explanation by Rod Hembree.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ROB

There are a LOT of Christian youth groups out there using Rob Bell's Nooma videos. I think that most youth pastors go by whatever is new and being promoted by their local Christian bookstore, looks good, is entertaining and by what other youth groups are using when choosing a curriculum for the group they are leading. Should that really be the criteria by which they are chosen? What about their faithfulness to the gospel message according to the Scriptures? It would seem that isn't always a priority. Makes you wonder what the next generation of Christians will believe, doesn't it?

Greg Gilbert from 9marks, a website dedicated to helping local churches re-establish their biblical bearings and re-think their ministry methods, has written a three-part article called "The Scoop'a on NOOMA" which talks about the problem with Bell's theology. For anybody with teenagers, this can be a little disheartening, but it is important to know so that you can teach them to have spiritual discernment and perhaps influence your youth pastor to find something more biblical.

Click HERE to read PART 1
Click HERE to read PART 2
Click HERE to read PART 3

I have also located a website called Youth Ministries Alert which reviews the latest teaching materials available for youth pastors. A great website for parents and youth leaders alike. Check it out.

For more information on Rob Bell's spirituality, Lighthouse Trails has an article called
"NOTICE TO PARENTS: Christian Schools Introducing Teens to Mysticism Proponent" exposing Bells' leanings toward mysticism. Click HERE to read the article.

A revealing quote:

"We're rediscovering Christianity as an Eastern religion, as a way of life."

- Rob Bell, from "The Emergent Mystique"

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I began writing this post late last night, but decided to delay posting it until today. In the meantime I found this on Christian Research Net: Everything I learned From My Rabbi I Passed On To You Rob Bell. It talks about Bell's tendency to overemphasize Jesus' humanity and deemphasize His divinity, using the story of Jesus being found in the temple at age 12 by his parents in Luke 2:41-49. Bell seems to imply that Jesus was there to sit under the teaching of the Rabbi's in order to learn about the faith. This is a misrepresentation of what happened. Here is the actual account:

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years old,
they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned,
the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem;
and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company,
went a day's journey;
and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
And when they found him not,
they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that after three days
they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors,
both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
And when they saw him, they were amazed:
and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us?
behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me?
wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

The Scriptures say that they were astonished at his understanding and answers. He wasn't learning from the Rabbi's (doctors), he was astonishing them with His understanding!! And His parents were amazed! Now, why would they be amazed if they had sent Him to be schooled by the rabbi's? Wouldn't they rather be proud or thrilled that He had remembered what He had been taught, or angered that He would have the audacity to do such a thing? No they were amazed, because He had a knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures that they knew nothing about and was beyond His years.

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Two more good articles on Rob Bell below:

To read The Open Creation of Rob Bell and about Bell's New Age slant (and terminology) on creationism at Apprising Ministries, click HERE.

Then go to Slice of Laodicea to read Rob Bell is "Open" to New Age Thought by clicking HERE.

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I really think you can only truthfully call yourself a "Christain" for so long when you're heading down this path. Many used to (and some still do) believe Oprah Winfrey is a Christian. But how can somebody be a Christian and promote the teachings of the New Age (occult) and a New Age christ? Somewhere there is a change from believing that God says what He means and means what He says in Scripture, to believing the doctrines of men and demons.

It's time to call IT what IT IS!! (But of course that wouldn't be deceitful enough for the Father of Lies, would it? And all those vulnerable young people wouldn't be led down the path of dectruction either). This is a very sad commentary on the the state of the Christian church these days and a sign of the times in which we live, isn't it? If you can't find truth in a Christian church at a Christian youth group anymore, where can you find it these days? (Read your Bible, read your Bible, READ YOUR BIBLE!).

ZONDERVAN WRAPS UP ITS NATIONAL PASTOR'S CONVENTION

Zondervan's National Pastor's Convention took place February 26-29 in San Diego and featured some rather interesting events and speakers. So just what does it take to be a good pastor these days according to Zondervan and all the latest "relevant" pastors?

Here is an revealing report about it I am reposting that comes from Slice of Laodicea by Ingrid that can answer that question:

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National Pastors Convention: It’s a Leftie-Palooza

Yes, folks, it is time again for the National Pastors Convention in San Diego. Cue the sitar players, start up the incense, and drag out the yoga mats! You think that I jest about the yoga, and you are wrong. Under the heading, Christian Yoga, it reads:

“Join Shelly Pagitt for a time of prayer, stretching, and meditative reflection as you begin your day at the NPC. If possible, please bring a mat with you for the stretching time.”

Shelly Pagitt, wife of emerging Pied Piper, Doug, will be bowing before the pastors and their wives and saying, “Namaste”. That’s how a yoga session starts, and the words are Sanskrit for “I bow to the divine within you.” Yoga journal describes “Namaste” this way.

“The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”

When the pastors are done with their Hindu worship, they can cruise into a workshop with Roger Olson. His is a harmless enough sounding name that evokes images of a guy in a flannel shirt up in Duluth somewhere, serving lutefisk or making Swedish meatballs. This Roger Olson, however, will be redefining evangelicalism. He has quite an agenda. He will be speaking on the following:

How to Be Evangelical without Being Conservative

“Are ‘evangelical’ and ‘conservative’ synonymous or even inseparably linked? Not necessarily. In some cases it is possible to be more evangelical by being less conservative. We will look at how history sheds light on radical evangelical faith that breaks with the status quo and forges new paths in theology, worship and service.”

Well, Roger, we’ve seen where those new paths in theology, worship and service are leading the church. Witchcraft. (See the post below.) As if this wasn’t enough, Roger will be going further.

Postconservative Evangelical Theology

“Evangelical theology is breaking out of and moving beyond the traditional “left/right” spectrum of liberal to conservative. That spectrum is based on responses to modernity. What happens when evangelical theology interacts with postmodernity? Can there be a postconservative evangelical theology as there is a postliberal mainline Protestant theology? What do they have in common?”

I know, I know. Lemme answer the question. They have rebellion in common. These movements have rebelled against God by denying the authority of His Word. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. That’s why young people are actually attempting to Christianize real stuff. It’s all the same thing, folks.

To prove my point, Ruth Haley Barton is another speaker at the National Pastors Convention. After sewing her seeds of contemplative mystical spirituality at Willow Creek under Bill Hybels, she has now moved on. Look at her bio.

Ruth Haley Barton is a spiritual director, teacher, and retreat leader trained through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership in Nashville, Tennessee. Ruth is cofounder of The Transforming Center. She is also the author of several books including Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence.

But wait a minute. I’m on the mailing list for the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. It’s an organization dedicated to the use of contemplative practice by people of all religions to encounter the “divine”. Founder Tilden Edwards said this about contemplative spirituality.

“This mystical stream [contemplative prayer] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality.”
—Tilden Edwards, Spiritual Friend, p. 18.

So the pastors at the National Pastors Convention will sit back, refreshed from their yoga, and listen to Ruth Haley Barton, who was trained at Shalem, tell them how the mystical stream of contemplative prayer can enhance their ministries.

As if eastern spirituality wasn’t bad enough , Zondervan, who sponsors the NPC, has brought in political liberals like Shane Claiborne and Jim Wallis to make sure that left-wing theology matches left-wing politics. You can see the full line-up of speakers here.

The National Pastors Convention is an indication of evangelicalism’s future. Only those whose feet are on the rock of the unchanging Word of God will not be swept away by this tsunami of spiritual deception. The deception is not the exception, it is the norm now. Contend for the faith.(1)

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(1.) http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/?p=397