TAKING THE TIME TO REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF CHRIST AND THE REASON FOR HIS COMING

May God bless you as you seek to honor Christ in your and hearts and homes during this season and may He enrich you with all the spiritual blessings that belong to those who belong to Him.

Here are a couple of passages of Scripture which have been on my mind as I have been thinking about the birth of Christ and its meaning to me in the last few weeks:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,
without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,
among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,
that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Philippians 2:5-16

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In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness,
to bear witness of the Light,
that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light,
but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light,
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him,
and the world knew him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him,
to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

LETTER OF REBUTTAL TO THE ANTI-ZIONIST THINKTANK, THE INFORMATION UNDERGROUND, REGARDING MY THESIS ON APOSTASY IN THE MB CONFERENCE

This posting is a copy of the email I sent to the moderator of a website entitled The Information Underground, an anti-Israel, anti-Zionist ThinkTank. It has been posted here because this website decided to post my thesis on Apostasy in the MB Conference on their website on May 10, 2009 without my permission. A private email I sent this individual, when I found out about it five months later, was also posted there without my permission. For this reason I want my readers to understand that I do not endorse this website in any way, and I do not agree with the position it has taken on the state of Israel. In a second email I challenged this individual again for the reason he posted my thesis without my permission and on his anti-Israel cause. Since I have not heard from this individual since then, and disagree with much of his theology I decided it was necessary for me to post the following information here so that anyone who should come across it on The Information Underground would understand where I stand on some of the issues raised in it. Once again, my thesis was used without my permission on the website, and I do not agree with its position on Israel or on eschatology (anti-rapture).

******************************

Below is a copy of the first private email I sent this individual (which he published without my permission) and his reply to me which he published on The Information Underground in October 2009. Following that is my second request to this individual and my challenge to his stand on Israel and his eschatology.

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October 2, 2009

From: "Bonnie"

To: joeblow@umunu.com

I became aware some time ago that you have posted my thesis in "The Information Underground" following an article entitled "The Long Silence: Mennonites and Freemasonry". I made the express request at the top of my blog article that permission be requested to link to it or post, copy or print any part of it since I did not want it used for the wrong reasons. I am curious as to why you did not do me the courtesy of doing so. I understand that you may not be under any legal obligation to do so under the freedom of information act, and yet I am curious as to why you would have it follow the article you did (regarding Freemasonry). Do you believe there is a link between my article and the previous one? If so, would you be willing to share what that would be with me? I understand that Freemasonry practices a mystical spirituality, but wonder why you would choose my article, in particular, to follow it. Are there no other articles available which would expose a Freemasonry-type mysticism in the Mennonite community? (I also read the article you included from the "Good Information Advocates" website.)

I have read a few posts from "The Information Underground" and do understand (apart from your website) that there is a "synagogue of Satan", a group of people who claim to be Jews, who may even actually be Jews (although it is more likely that they are impostors), who will have no part in the kingdom of God, a mystical faction who practice Babylonian mysticism through the cabala, and likely still in existence today.

Because you have posted my article, I would appreciate also if you would help me to understand the purpose of "The Information Underground". It is my personal belief that the nation of Israel was chosen by God apart from all the other nations of the world, and is the nation from which the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, came. I believe that God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them, and that Israel will repent and turn from their wicked ways when they see Him who they have pierced return in the flesh to the earth. If your website exists for the purpose of cursing Israel I would be very disturbed if people found my article on your website.

Would you please clarify for me the purpose of the website and the reason you chose to post my article, as well as the reason you did not ask my permission to use it?

Sincerely, Bonnie

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October 3, 2009
Here is "joeblow's" reply:

Bonnie, I fully agree with you about the dark, apostate conspiracy that has taken over most, if not all, organised Christian churches and which has lead their congregations away from the true path of righteousness embodied in the life and works of Jesus Christ; we must fight this corrupting influence by all means at our disposal lest our future generations be forever lost in a tyrannical, zio-nazi world;

you said:
'the nation of Israel was chosen by God apart from all the other nations of the world, and is the nation from which the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, came. I believe that God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them, and that Israel will repent and turn from their wicked ways when they see Him who they have pierced return in the flesh to the earth'

but you must understand that your esteem for the present, artificially, corruptly and cruelly established nation of Israel is entirely misplaced; you are confusing Jesus's origins and roots with the present, predominantly Khazars, Ashkenazi 'jews who call themselves jews but are not and are of the Synagogue of Satan' [as you have acknowledged] who have no blood ties whatsoever to the semites of Jesus's people and place: so, 'anti-semitism' should really mean anti-Palestinian!

firstly, Jesus was not Jewish as we know the term, a citizen of a nation state called Israel with defined national borders and all the establishments of society as we know it;
any casual web search can reveal the truth that he was a Judean; just see Benjamin H Freedman's authorititative historical study for confirmation:
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/jesusjew.htm

this was the first result from this random search:
http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search?rd=r1 ... =yfp-t-710

Judaism as it is taught in the 'holiest' Jewish book, 'The Talmud', is the most hateful of faiths and is diametrically opposed to Christianity;

So, please do not persist in your pro-zionist views as they are the same mistaken 'Judeo-Christian' beliefs, about 'rapture' and so on, fostered and promoted by the current anti-Christian crime gang that has usurped and twisted Christian teaching by having their agent Schofield alter the Holy Bible and by infiltrating their operatives and unwitting sympathisers at all levels of organised Christendom, including the Holy See; I beg you to study the relevant posts here on this and other sites such as

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4669499 ... _02_09_MP3

http://www.iamthewitness.com/

http://www.mostholyfamilymonastery.com/

http://www.christusrex.org/www3/talmud- ... talmud.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And below is my December 9, 2009 email to "joeblow":
To "joeblow":

I was rather disappointed that you posted my last email online and failed to send me a direct reply to which I could respond. I only became aware yesterday that you had posted my private email to you on your website when I was informed about it by a third party. Also, you did not answer my question as to why you posted my thesis without my permission when that was expressly stated on my blog posting above the thesis, and when that was the reason I emailed you in the first place. I had a very particular purpose for posting that thesis on my blog, and did not want it out there on websites that I did not know about being used for purposes other than what it was intended for. And yes, I understand that you can probably do so legally without my permission, but if you are a Christian brother, I would hope you would at least would have done me the courtesy of asking, since that was what was requested.

At this point, since you chose to publish both my thesis and my private email to you on your public website, I ask you to also post this one there on the same page so that the people reading the previous things I have written will know where I stand on some of the issues you have addressed. At this point I am not interested in creating a username and password for the IU, otherwise I would have posted it there myself.

You said, in your reply to my last email to you, "but you must understand that your esteem for the present, artificially, corruptly and cruelly established nation of Israel is entirely misplaced; you are confusing Jesus's origins and roots with the present, predominantly Khazars, Ashkenazi 'jews who call themselves jews but are not and are of the Synagogue of Satan' [as you have acknowledged] who have no blood ties whatsoever to the semites of Jesus's people and place: so, 'anti-semitism' should really mean anti-Palestinian!"

"joeblow", I disagree with you that I do not understand what is happening in the nation of Israel. I am fully aware that those who are responsible for the recreation of the state of Israel, which was created with the approval of the United Nations (and yes, I know that the UN is a corrupt organization) are not who many people think they are. I also understand that the words "Jew" and "Zion" are not always used in a manner that is technically correct, but in the language of today, they are used in a number of different ways. The term "Mennonite" is similar, and if you asked me if I was a Mennonite I would have to ask you what you mean by that since many people used it as an ethnic (or maybe rather, a cultural) term, while others understand it to be a religious identification. It is my understanding that the term "Jew" is used in a similar manner, both ways, although it may not be the technically or academically correct way of using it. I read most of the links you provided. Here is one for you: "What is a Jew?". This is how the majority of people understand the word today. It may not be correct by your standards, but that is how it is used by the general public! (And yes, I agree, Jesus is incorrectly labeled a Jew in the technical sense).

From my understanding, there are still prophecies regarding the nation of Israel which have not yet been fulfilled, (but which I believe will be in the near future and in the coming Millennium). I do not believe that God is finished with the nation of Israel or with the land being occupied there in the Middle East. Theologically, it appears that you and I have very different views about eschatology (and I know enough about it to understand your viewpoint, I just don't agree with it. I believe what I believe, not out of ignorance, but because of my studies of the issues, which are quite rounded, by the way). I also believe that the piece of land they are occupying belongs to God, not to them. It is similar to the parents who are the owner of a car who purchased it for the use of a teen child and have given him his own set of keys to it. As long as that child is using the car on the parents terms, the teen is able to use it, but if he abuses the privilege, the keys are taken away or the car only allowed to be used in a limited manner. In the same way, I believe God is not pleased with the "Jewish" people inhabiting the present, world-recognized state of Israel, and for that reason they are not able to live in peace in the land. As long as they continue to reject Yeshuah HaMashiach, the Redeemer sent by God, they are going to only have limited privileges at best. I also believe that God even uses evil people in positions of power for His own purposes, just as He has throughout the Old and New Testament and more recent history. I believe He will use the synagogue of Satan to accomplish some of His purposes for the nation of Israel. God's purposes and His will are never frustrated by evil men, rather it is He who turns the hearts of the kings of the earth, whether they be good or evil. God has not lost control over the nation of Israel and does need to wrestle it back from those who call themselves Jews but are not, but will rather use them in the grand scheme to bring about His will as stated and promised in His Word. I believe the state of Israel has a right to exist today. The fact of the matter is, whether it is legitimate or not in your eyes or anybody's, it does exist, it is legally a country in the present time, and it is recognized as such by the world, apart from the jealous Arab nations who would like to obliterate them from the face of the earth (but that fight has been going on ever since Jacob and Esau wrestled in the womb of Rebeka, and it's not going to end until God makes all things right at the end of the age), and God is completely aware of the whole situation within that nation. And...I do not believe every single "Jew" is evil, as you claim (even though I agree that there are many impostors both in Israel and throughout the world), and that there are many others in the land of Israel whom God is preparing for salvation in the end of the age, many who belong to the other tribes of Israel.

I am wondering if you would be willing to give me your interpretation of Zechariah 12-14. My understanding is that only 1/3 of the people in the land of Israel will survive God's wrath because they have repented. There is a description of what happens to some of the 2/3s which are destroyed which sound an awful lot like death by a nuclear device, with their flesh, their eyes and tongues being consumed while they are still standing. Has this type of death ever in the history of mankind yet happened to the nation of Israel? If not, when is it going to happen?

Also, do you believe that there will ever be a "legitimate" state of Israel again, or is God completely finished with them? In that case, how can so many of the yet unfulfilled prophecies be fulfilled in the future? I would suggest to you that you take the time to do a 2-3 year study of Bible prophecy, if you have not done so, because I think you are misinformed regarding the nation of Israel and its role in prophecy. At any rate, whether you are misinformed or not, you and I will continue to disagree, not based on ignorance on my part though, as you have implied. Maybe it is you who need to take the time to research and examine what I believe, so that you can give an intelligent answer to the questions I am asking you. I'm sorry if you find what I just said insulting, as I don't really know you and the extent of your knowledge on these things, but you seem to have made some assumptions on my account in that regard as well. So if you can dish it out in such a manner, I hope you can take it when it's handed back to you too!

Next, you said, "So, please do not persist in your pro-zionist views as they are the same mistaken 'Judeo-Christian' beliefs, about 'rapture' and so on, fostered and promoted by the current anti-Christian crime gang that has usurped and twisted Christian teaching by having their agent Schofield alter the Holy Bible and by infiltrating their operatives and unwitting sympathisers at all levels of organised Christendom, including the Holy See; I beg you to study the relevant posts here on this and other sites such as..."

I am not necessarily a pro-Zionist, just because I believe that God says He will bless those that bless Israel and curse those who curse it. Here is a fairly good explanation of that I found on the web (the author of the site uses the term "Jew" here in the current sense of the word, I believe. I don't agree with the symbol on the flag of Israel, the "magen David" either. I believe the true symbol should and eventually will be the menorah, after the physical return of Christ to the earth). Please especially note Paul's statement which occurred after the death of Christ regarding the nation of Israel. According to this, God has not cast them away forever, and He will deal with them again when the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in" at the end of the age:

God Stands Behind Israel Even When He Disagrees with Them

We may not agree with everything the Nation of Israel does today, but if we believe the Bible is true, then we must understand that the Jews are God’s chosen people. So how do we reconcile the conflict between Israel sometimes making mistakes, and them being God’s chosen people? I believe the answer is simple. We must understand that God will stand behind Israel and protect them, even if he disagrees with them. Let’s look at a couple of verses from the Bible which show us this principle:

In the Old Testament, we find the prophet Isaiah saying the following about the Jews:

“For this the Lord shall not rejoice over their young men, nor shall He have mercy on their orphans and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks foolishness. In all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.”

And in the Book of Romans, Chapter 11, verses 1-5, the apostle Paul explains it this way:

“I say then, Did not God put away His people? Let it not be said! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God did not thrust out His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture said in Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel, saying, ‘Lord, they killed Your prophets and dug down Your altars, and I am left alone, and they seek my life.’ But what does the Divine answer say to him? ‘I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ Even so then, also in this present time a remnant according to the election of grace has come into being.” We can see in the Bible that even when the Nation of Israel sins against the Supreme God, his hand is still outstretched to them! (from: http://weblessisrael.org/God_stands_behind_Israel.html)

Maybe you need to update yourself on some of the research done regarding the teaching of the rapture as well. It is not such a new teaching as you believe it to be. And I believe it is Darby that was saddled with being the first one to teach about the rapture, not Scofield. Scofield included Darby's notes, not the other way around. There are a number of examples given in Scripture of "rapture-type" events, which prefigure the rapture of the church, the Bride of Christ (for example, Enoch being taken away in a chariot of fire in a whirlwind, and Noah's family escaping the Flood). The very picture of the ancient traditional "Jewish" wedding is also contains a figure of the rapture (and yes, I know the word is not found in the Bible, but the concept is - the word is a modern description of the concept). There are a number of references in the New Testament regarding Christ and the Church as His Bride, and the references are nearly identical to the older traditional Jewish wedding. (Just so you know, I am not particularly set on a pre-tribulational rapture, although I think the evidence leans that way. And I am perfectly willing to face the Great Tribulation if that is what God requires, so I am not an "escapist" and I won't be deceived into receiving the "mark",as so many who don't believe in the rapture claim, because I have a sincere love of the truth and believe that God protects those who fear Him). I have read most of the arguments against the rapture, so please understand that I am not an ignorant schoolgirl who knows nothing about the opposite view.

Here are some link for you and your readers on the topic of the rapture:

Rapture: Three Fascinating Discoveries!
Examining An Ancient Pre-Trib Statement
The Rapture and the Jewish Wedding (The Bridal Covenant)

In conclusion, I am really not all that happy with you posting my thesis on your website because of some of these other issues you deal with there. You and I do not view some of these issues through the same lens. Also, because you did not pay me the common courtesy of asking me for my permission to post my thesis, when I made a point of requesting that on my blog, I am not convinced you are a person of integrity because of your actions, including the fact that you posted my private email to you on a public site. Have you no scruples at all? Have a little common decency, man. At this point you have not convinced me that you have a good reason for posting anything I have written, and I want to make it clear to your readers that there is much that I disagree with regarding your beliefs. I will make it clear that I believe no man enters the kingdom of God unless they are born again by the Holy Spirit, and that repentance is a vital element in one's salvation which is entirely by faith. I hope we at least have that in common.

Once again, I kindly ask you to post this email in its entirety on the same page as you have posted my thesis on apostasy and my previous email, so that your readers understand my position. I think that is only fair since you posted them without my permission. If you don't do that, then please do me the courtesy of removing ALL of the above mentioned items from The Information Underground.

Sincerely, Bonnie

THE RUSH TO RELEVANCE IS THE ROAD TO RUIN by Paul Proctor

THE RUSH TO RELEVANCE IS THE ROAD TO RUIN

By Paul Proctor
July 22, 2009
NewsWithViews.com

I’d love to know who sold Christians and clergy the bogus notion that the church somehow needs to be more “relevant” to the culture in order to win it for Christ. You can hardly escape the word in Christian circles today. It’s absolutely everywhere believers are, and is used incessantly alongside other trendy terms like “connect,” “passion,” “purpose,” “awesome” and “tolerance” – flying out the mouths of church leaders as if it were some sacred biblical principle that should be worn like a phylactery on our foreheads and proclaimed from the rooftops lest we forget and, Heaven forbid, be a contrast to the culture in which we live.

The word “relevant” is not even in the Bible – except in one so-called bible version and verse – if you can bear to call The Message a Bible. But, the amazing irony of its brief appearance there, is that it points out perfectly why Christians should avoid being relevant:

"Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” – Matthew 7:6

Does that not accurately describe the relevant church today: cute, flippant, silly and full of slogans and sacrilege? Sounds just like the seeker-sensitive, purpose driven and emerging church to me!

Throughout scripture, in both the Old and New Testament, God’s own are repeatedly referred to as a “peculiar people.” (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 14:2, 26:18, Titus 2:14 & 1st Peter 2:9) I’ve written about this many times over the years.

That means we ought to be viewed by the world around us as distinctive. But how can Christians be both distinctive and relevant? And just how does one “connect” with a culture and not be “unequally yoked” to it?

Being distinctive is what being sanctified and set apart for God is all about. We’re not suppose to look and act like the rest of the world. We’re not called to blend in.

We’re called to “come out from among them” and stand out as a testimony to God’s power and presence in a corrupt kingdom! You see, if we don’t look or act any different from the world around us, then we’re probably not any different.

But the church isn’t teaching sanctification anymore because it’s an unfashionable, unpopular and outdated word that scares sinners and separates Christians from the culture of cool. No, today’s church has, instead, set its heart on being more relevant to the culture than righteous before God in a prideful and egregious effort to help Jesus get the numbers up.

“Go ye into all the world and be relevant?”

I don’t think so.

In my estimation, the word “relevant” was simply another devilishly dialectic term marketed to the church as a clever way to help Christians appeal to the flesh of the lost and buddy-up to the Beelzebub Club without appearing to compromise one’s Christian faith. But, that’s exactly what it does. And the more relevant one becomes to the enemies of Christ, the more irrelevant they become to God.

A preacher at a local megachurch my wife and I recently visited proudly told me a few days ago that he’s known as the pastor of the “coolest church in town” – using the word “cool” in various forms repeatedly in his email message, as if that would somehow impress me and make membership there more attractive. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize that it would actually have the opposite effect. So, he was a little surprised and offended when I told him that “cool is not a fruit of the Spirit.”

If Christians have any relevance to this world, it is that we currently share it with unbelievers, who, like us, have a sinful nature. That’s all the relevance to this world Christians need in order to bear witness of the saving grace that came by Jesus Christ. It certainly isn’t necessary that we seek out more relevance than we already have.

Shall we now imitate more perfectly the hell-bound culture we were saved from as a means to win its favor, cooperation and participation? That’s not evangelism – that’s capitulation.

Being sanctified means we belong to Someone else now – Someone Who has forgiven our trespasses and sins and called us out of our old lives of depravity and rebellion to be “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.”

Suffice it to say, our time as Christians would be better spent swimming upstream against the currents of compromise and corruption than finding some fashionable flotilla with which to comfortably fit in and ride the rapids of relevancy over the falls to our spiritual demise.

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” – 1st Kings 18:21 1.

1. http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor184.htm

MY RESPONSE TO THE USMB "Emerging Church Debate Casualties" ARTICLE

The USMB article, Emerging Church Debate Casualties, criticizes authors Roger Oakland and Ray Yungen on their books warning about the emergent church, and specifically regarding their warnings against popular authors and speakers such as Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Chuck Swindoll and Mother Teresa who have promoted or endorsed either the emergent/emerging church or contemplative spirituality. Click HERE to read the USMB article, Emerging Church Debate Casualties. My response to the article appears below it on their website. It is also found here:

You make this statement, "Many of the people mentioned by these writers are familiar to me as writers, speakers and ministers whose works I have read, messages I have listened to and ministries I thought were good. Youngen’s (sic) list includes Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Charles Swindoll and Mother Teresa, and Oakland adds Roman Catholicism. Am I so blind to the deception of these people that I could not recognize apostasy right in front of my eyes? There are too many enemies!"

My question is this: What if you have not taken the time to do the hours of research that authors like Oakland and Yungen have? I have been studying the "emerging/emergent" movement for almost three years and have come to many of the same conclusions they have. Oakland and Yungen understand that authors, speakers, etc. who endorse those in the emerging/emergent church movement and its proponents are unwittingly leading their readers and listeners into contemplative spirituality (CS), the Trojan Horse of Eastern spirituality. The introduction of CS into the evangelical church was PLANNED by the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) in the 1970's. If you are willing to do your homework you can find statements verifying this information online on MID's own website. The emerging church is the primary conduit of this mystical spirituality in the evangelical churches. This doesn't mean that everyone reading/listening to them will take the bait, but doesn't it behoove those who have studied the movement to warn believers about the dangers of this movement? We are to have no fellowship with darkness; witness to them, yes, but not fellowship. The associations and promotions of those you have mentioned (Warren, Lucado, etc.)result in spiritually dangerous, and I believe, illegitimate liaisons. This also doesn't mean that these men have erred in other areas of their teaching ministries (most of their teaching is fine, but it only takes a little leaven to leaven the whole lump!.

The emerging/emergent movement has many subgroups or roads, including the theologically conservative but culturally liberal groups. What many fail to recognize is that these roads, if they once were divided, are now once again converging into one. At the least, the thing they all end up having in common is contemplative spirituality or mysticism, since they all promote authors who are contemplative, even those who claim to be theologically conservative (Mark Driscoll, for example).

A return to plain Scripture and the simple way of the cross is a fine antidote to these obscure and nefarious movements. We are commanded in Scripture to test all things. Paul warned the churches over and over again in order to protect them from error. If the emerging/emergent movement is promoting practices that come from outside of Scripture, why are we not examining them more carefully? And why aren't people being warned about the errors in these groups. Have we become spiritual pacifists?

I put forth the challenge to you and all those in positions of spiritual leadership to take your responsibility to protect the flock from wolves and from doctrinal and practical errors (such as contemplative prayer) of the faith seriously. Much of the New Testament is written to warn and protect the flock in order to preserve "the faith once delivered". In our desire to be considered relevant and world-friendly we have failed to do so, putting the flock in grave spiritual danger.

September 22, 2009 @ 6:15 PM

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I felt it was important to expand on my response as above to give concrete evidence that the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue planned an inflitration of Contemplative Spirituality into the Roman Catholic monastic communities and the Christian church at large with the purpose of spreading its interfaith message. Please note that this organization comes straight out of the bowels of the Roman Catholic "church" at the behest of Vatican II. The emerging church is enamored with the Roman Catholic practices of all forms of contemplative prayer, their love of mysticism and the practice of sharing the Eucharist, and this has led them straight into the arms of the Roman Catholic "church" and its love for exalting experience over the Word of God.

Please also read The Mystic Plague - Catholicism Sets a Spiritualist Agenda by former Roman Catholic priest Richard Bennett, describing the links between Contemplative Spirituality, Roman Catholicism, false religions and the new age.

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Evidence regarding the agenda to spread mysticism and promote Eastern religions from the MID website- a report on the October 1977 Monastic Meeting at Petersham: Opening Session with Abbot Cornelius Tholens:

This conference has the very practical aim of helping monks and nuns, as representatives of the monastic world, make better known the Oriental renaissance, the discovery of mankind’s inexhaustible riches in Asian cultures and religions, of promoting a more universal humanism and establishing communion which will result in the using of each one’s characteristic heritage for the benefit of all.

In the quest for ultimate meaning in human existence, there is a monk in every man, and each one faces the task of integrating this dimension of himself. The monastic experience can be a bond of unity transcending dividing lines between religions. Merton pointed out that common contemplative experience must precede the dialogue and theology. The study of Hinduism, it has been said, is gaining popularity in the West partly in reaction against materialism. We are living at a moment in history when the Church is for the first time beginning a serious encounter with the Oriental tradition.1.

~~~and~~~

How can we help the West open out to the East? The East around us. How can we help others share in this task? How make Christian monasticism known in the East?

Some suggestions: we need a list of experts, East and West; of monasteries; of useful publications. We need exchange of persons between East and West; visits to ashrams. How can we instruct our Christian monks in techniques and methods of Asian meditation? Yoga, etc.

In answer to questions, Abbot Tholens pointed to some texts to be found in the New Testament which can serve as links to Yogic doctrines. Contact is most possible at the highest point of each religious tradition: this contact may be made in silence, but very really. In this way the East-West dialogue differs from ecumenical reflections among Christians. We need to start where we are one, in the Spirit of God. Even as Christians we must go beyond all thought. One is first a human being, then a Christian, then a monk. Christians are always “on the way” to God. The monk, as homo religiosis, is a point of reference for all men; each of us has a point of reference to the infinite.2.

~~~and~~~

The evening concluded, as did each subsequent evening, with a short prayer service led by Father Basil. The following day’s work began, as did that of each day of the meeting, with a meditation period of an hour guided by Abbot Tholens or by another Master making use of the Asian insights into the divine nature available also to Christians. “These prayer services, as well as the daily liturgies at 5 p.m., were held in a room adjoining the main meeting room. The prayer room was furnished with cushions for those who preferred to pray seated in the Eastern postures. The adornment of the altar (quite empty on a day of discussion of Zen; adorned with flowers situated at eight points of the compass when the emphasis was Hindu) and the style of the meditation carried out the Eastern themes. A short prayer service drawing from the Chinese tradition, prepared by Sister Helen Wang, concluded each morning session.3.

************************

A list of quotes from the mouths and pens of emergent church leaders themselves revealing their false gospel, false doctrine and unbiblical practices, many of them adopted from the Roman Catholic cult, from calvaryadvisor.org:

"The church has been preoccupied with the question, "What happens to your soul after you die?" As if the reason for Jesus coming can be summed up in, "Jesus is trying to help get more souls into heaven, as opposed to hell, after they die." I just think a fair reading of the Gospels blows that out of the water. I don't think that the entire message and life of Jesus can be boiled down to that bottom line." —Brian McLaren, (from the PBS special on the Emerging Church)

"Emergent doesn't have a position on absolute truth, or on anything for that matter. Do you show up at a dinner party with your neighbors and ask, 'What's this dinner party's position on absolute truth?' No, you don't, because it's a non-sensical question." - Tony Jones (at the 2005 National Youth Workers Convention)

"Meditative prayer like that we experienced in the labyrinth resonates with hearts of emerging generations."—Dan Kimball, (from the Vintage Faith)

"My goal is to destroy Christianity as a world religion and be a recatalyst for the movement of Jesus Christ," McManus, author of a new book called The Barbarian Way, said in a telephone interview.

"Some people are upset with me because it sounds like I'm anti-Christian. I think they might be right."—Erwin McManus (from The Barbarian Way)

"Many Christians use "Breath Prayers" throughout their day. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath." —Rick Warren

"The fact is that contemplative spiritualitywill play a huge part in the Church of the future, and candles are just the beginning." - Duane Cottrell

"He [Brian McLaren] cites Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, with their emphasis on spiritual disciplines, as key mentors for the emerging church."—The Emergent Mystique, Christianity Today, 11/04

"We should stop to reflect and to treasure the words, to turn them over and over in our minds, repeating them ..."—Richard Foster, (Renovare)

"Some of the values of the emerging church are an emphasis on emotions, global outlook, a rise in the use of arts, and a rise in mysticism and spirituality."—Josh Reich (Creating Worship Gatherings for the Emerging Church )

"Church Should Be Like a Dance Club" —Josh Reich (Creating Worship Gatherings for the Emerging Church)"I stopped reading from the approved evangelical reading list and began to distance myself from the evangelical agenda. I discovered new authors and new voices at the bookstore." -Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen

Contemplative spirituality seemed to open up a whole new way for me to understand and experience God. I was deeply moved by works like The Cloud of Unknowing, The Dark Night of the Soul and the Early Writings of the Desert Fathers." —Spencer Burke, (The Ooze)

***********************

Serious-minded Christians have every reason to be alarmed by what is going on in the emerging/emergent church movement, its fuzzy theology and its mystical practices, and every reason to sound the warning loud and clear. Preachers, teachers and authors, who have widespread influence need to be warning the flock, not endorsing these false teachers who are spreading this error. On this website I have provided as much information as I can to help you understand why the church is in the process of apostasizing. The problem is that many people do not want to accept the facts even when the evidence is staring them in the face. This indicates that there is a spiritual blindness in place. Scripture warns of the falling away in the last days, that the love of many will grow cold. It is happening faster than you think.

Examine your hearts!

********************************

1.http://monasticdialog.com/a.php?id=648
2. ibid
3. ibid

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW AND THERE'S STILL SOME PEOPLE IN THIS NEST!

**This post was originally written some time ago, but I was not at liberty to publish it at the time. The first part of the post was revised and updated to reflect the changes that have taken place since then, namely the arrival of our precious granddaughter. The second part remains unaltered. It was written on August 20th.**

Well, summer is officially over. Our first grandbaby has arrived and our daughter and her husband are busy feathering their nest. Our two youngest children have headed off to Bible School emptying ours, so we are officially EmptyNesters now that they are gone. That title always sounds so funny to me, a misnomer really, since we as parents are still in the nest. What are we, chopped liver?!

Here's a joke for all you new fellow "EmptyNesters":

Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap. I carefully removed his glasses. “You know, Honey,” I said sweetly, “without your glasses, you look like the same handsome, young man I married.”

“Honey,” he replied with a grin, “without my glasses, you still look pretty good, too!”

Joking aside, I thank God that my husband and I have maintained our relationship throughout those child rearing years. God has been so good to us. We have chosen to be honest with our children about our failures and asked God for wisdom, of which we have required a very liberal dose. His grace has carried us through the good times and the difficult ones. I've been telling people that if we could be perfect parents, who would need grace anyways (and boy, have we ever!). We entrusted our children to Him before they were ever born and we will not stop now that they are old enough to spread their wings. We thank God for the privilege of allowing us to be parents and look forward to what He has in store in the coming years, especially now that we have become grandparents. With all the ups and downs the years bring, we know He will be there waiting for us when we get there.

Click HERE to read a really great poem called Empty Nest by Mandy Baldwin.

**********************************

August 20th:

Speaking of ups and downs, at this time I would like to ask for prayer. Although I have had physical problems for more than twenty years, this last year and a half, and particularly the last four months, have been especially difficult for me. At this time it looks like I am facing the possibility that I will have to stop blogging altogether. I am writing this post at around 3:30 AM because I cannot sleep, not because I have no peace, but because I am living with chronic pain. Many of the ordinary things many people do every day and take for granted are becoming either difficult or impossible for me to do. For me this means that I have to decide what my priorities will be in a very big way. I read a really great illustration about this the other day at a website called But You Don't Look Sick, an article called The Spoon Theory, that may help you understand. For any of you interested, September 14 - 20, 2009 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (what a mouthful, eh?), called Invisible Illness Week for short, something I only recently became aware of through the devotional ministry blog of Rest Ministries.

I will be seeing a rheumatologist in the near future (I hope), a doctor who I saw a number of years ago who did not give an accurate diagnosis at the time, partly because my GP believes I have a rare illness called Adiposis Dolorosa or Dercum's Disease, and only very specific lab tests will be of any help in a diagnosis. Just letting you know that this is a tentative diagnosis, as he wants a specialist to confirm or deny it of course, but I have all of the classic symptoms. I have previously been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, which is really a spectrum covering many diseases, some of them not well understood. (People with Dercum's may also have Fibromyalgia as a secondary condition but/and are also frequently misdiagnosed with it). Dercum's causes chronic pain , and may gradually or rapidly (particularly for women in their 40's) become very debilitating. At this point I am having difficulty walking some days, my right side being particularly affected. I am experiencing pain, weakness and a loss of balance and co-ordination. The more activity I do the worse it gets because activity causes the lipomas to irritate the nerves, so I am trying to keep occupied by reading, taking short walks around the yard and doing some light housekeeping as I am able. When I am in severe pain I am basically unable to do anything, not even read or watch TV. During this time I simply rest and do a lot of praying. (The disease also causes chronic fatigue, which may be the result of chronic pain).

Update: September 21/09:

I have been placed on some new and experimental medications and pain relievers and am receiving some relief from the pain (praise God!) but not from the chronic fatigue and weakness. I have begun to realize that I may never return to my previous physical condition. Although I have made adjustments in my lifestyle over the years to accommodate my health problems, the past few months have meant some drastic changes for me. Although I have experienced my "down times" emotionally, God continues to give me the strength, courage and hope I need one day at a time. I can still say with conviction that God is good to us, understanding that having received the earnest of the Spirit here and now, and that one day in the presence of Christ I will be made completely whole. For now, the spiritual blessings God has given me are enough, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

Regarding this blog, I still have hope that I will gain enough strength one day to carry on with this since I know that there are people who have come across it and found it to be a source of information and encouragement. It is God who receives all the glory for that - I am only His channel, and I thank Him for choosing to use me. To this day I don't understand why that is, and yet I praise Him for giving me the privilege of serving Him in this way. I have made some of the most incredible friends, people whom I have met or become reacquainted with when they discovered this blog. God bless every one of you. Please continue to pray for me, it means so much.

A Bible passage which has come to mean a lot to me lately is the entire 26th chapter of Isaiah, and especially the highlighted verses. I believe this chapter is a prophecy referring to the "catching away" of the bride of Christ, a day which I look forward to with great anticipation.

Isaiah 26

¹In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

²Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

³Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

⁴Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

⁵For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

⁶The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

⁷The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.

⁸Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

⁹With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

¹⁰Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

¹¹LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

¹²LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

¹³O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

¹⁴They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.

¹⁵Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.

¹⁶LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.

¹⁷Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

¹⁸We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

¹⁹Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

²⁰Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

²¹For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DO THE POLL AT THE TOP OF MY SIDEBAR

I have decided to take the summer off from blogging, but have added a poll to my sidebar to gauge the effect the Contemplative Spirituality movement is having on people while I am away. If you don't have any knowledge about the movement, you can read more about it HERE (be sure to read the other parts of this 5-part article, listed at the bottom of the website's page). Although it doesn't show up very well at the bottom of the poll, please note that multiple answers are allowed. Thank you for participating. God Bless and have a great summer!

TOO MUCH JUNK IN "THE SHACK" TO BE TRUSTED THEOLOGICALLY

I am hearing over and over that many solid Christians are recommending The Shack, by William P. Young, to others in very glowing terms and without qualification. I find this rather troubling because, especially for immature believers and unbelievers, it has problems theologically which can skew their perception of who God is and how He relates to mankind. It is one thing for a mature Christian who is doctrinally solid to read and critique such a book, but to give it an unqualified recommendation to anybody and everybody is to promote theological error.

Having been the librarian of our local church for the last 10 years or so, I have come to understand that works of fiction have a purpose beyond mere entertainment. They exist for the purpose of explaining certain "truths". With this in mind, we must always be cautious about what we recommend and to whom. Below is a quote from Old and Sold Antiques Digest ~ A Manual of the Art of Fiction which confirms the idea that the fiction's purpose is to teach truth:

Fiction a Means of Telling Truth.—Before we set out upon a study of the materials and methods of fiction, we must be certain that we appreciate the purpose of the art and understand its relation to the other arts and sciences. The purpose of fiction is to embody certain truths of human life in a series of imagined facts. The importance of this purpose is scarcely ever appreciated by the casual careless reader of the novels of a season. Although it is commonly believed that such a reader overestimates the weight of works of fiction, the opposite is true—he underestimates it. Every novelist of genuine importance seeks not merely to divert but also to instruct—to instruct, not abstractly, like the essayist, but concretely, by presenting to the reader characters and actions which are true. For the best fiction, although it deals with the lives of imaginary people, is no less true than the best history and biography, which record actual facts of human life; and it is more true than such careless reports of actual occurrences as are published in the daily newspapers. The truth of worthy fiction is evidenced by the honor in which it has been held in all ages among all races. "You can't fool all the people all the time"; and if the drama and the epic and the novel were not true, the human race would have rejected them many centuries ago. Fiction has survived, and flourishes today, because it is a means of telling truth. 1.

Below are several links which contain examinations of the theological and doctrinal errors in The Shack. I urge you to listen to the interview and read the articles before giving the book an unqualified recommendation, because from what I understand, some of the "truths" its teaches are contrary to God's Word.

• Can You Really Find God in "The Shack" (Jan Markell interviewing Eric Barger who had opportunity to speak with William P. Young, "The Shack"s author, about his theology)
  
• The Twisted "truths" of "The Shack" & "A Course in Miracles"
• "The Shack" and Universal Reconciliation: The Theological Implications
• THE SHACK, "Elousia" & The Black Madonna: Imagination, Image and Idolatry
• GotQuestions? review of "The Shack"

But I fear, lest by any means,
as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,
so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus,
whom we have not preached,
or if ye receive another spirit,
which ye have not received,
or another gospel, which ye have not accepted,
ye might well bear with him.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

And he said unto them,

These are the words which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled,
which were written in the law of Moses,
and in the prophets,
and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding,
that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written,

and thus it behooved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:44-48

1. http://www.oldandsold.com/articles18/fiction-1.shtml

A FOLLOW-UP TO "JIM HOLM RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT"

This post is a follow-up to an earlier post, JIM HOLM RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF MBBS: MENNO SIMONS ON DEALING WITH UNFAITHFUL BRETHREN.

I am pleased to have read a "Request for Forgiveness" by past-President of MBBS, Jim Holm, published in the June 2009 Mennonite Brethren Herald (bottom of the page). I wish Jim and his family continued healing by the power of God, and continue to pray that those in leadership at MBBS carefully study the roots and fruits of the mystical elements of the "Spiritual Formation" movement and do everything it can to remove its grip from the school.

INTERESTING NEWS ITEM OF THE DAY

From YNET News, an Israeli online newspaper, yesterday:

Sheikh Salah: Netanyahu wants to rebuild Temple

Contrary to those who believe in Replacement Theology (the church has replaced Israel), there is still unfulfilled prophecy in the Bible regarding the nation of Israel, including the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, in which the Anti-Christ himself (not one of his precursors, one of the many anti-christs) will appear and declare himself to be God. As Jerusalem, "the Cup of Trembling", has become the center of controversy worldwide, may this be a wake-up call to those who say "where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4), and recommend that "End Time Believing Christians" be "Robustly Confronted".

TWENTY LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT PENTECOST by THE ROSE OF SHARON IS JESUS

I see by my Jewish calender that Pentecost falls on May 29th and 30th this year. The birthday of the church occurred during this Jewish Feast. This is one of those feasts that falls on two days, making it a possible time in which Christ could call the Church away during a season which is obvious, and yet prevent us from knowing the exact day or hour of his return.

I have a "Google Alert" set up in my email account that relayed an interesting article to me by The Rose of Sharon is Jesus. I like the balanced view this blog gives of the possibility of the rapture occurring during Pentecost, one of the Old Testament Feasts of the Lord which foreshadowed Christ and His work. As we appear to be ever closer to the last days, and the rapture of the church may take place at any time, even possibly at Pentecost, I urge you to prepare for this possibility by reading the following articles from this blog:

Twenty Little Known Facts About Pentecost
The Partial Fulfillment of Pentecost?

Watch therefore,
for ye know neither the day nor the hour
wherein the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 25:13

HERE COMES THE FLOOD by Stan Goodenough, the "JERUSALEM WATCHMAN"

I had been working on a blog posting entitled "Satan's Spiritual Tsunami" today when an I received an email with a link to the "Jerusalem Watchman", Stan Goodenough. I would like to pass this article on so that you may know how to pray for the nation of Israel as it is facing possibly the biggest threat to its existence yet. This is just another example of how Satan is deceiving the world and preparing to set up his kingdom on earth. The May 5th article is entitled Here Comes the Flood. Below is an excerpt from that article:

As 2009 gets seriously underway, the world is ganging up on Israel more than ever before.

Like a flood foaming furiously behind a massive logjam, the river of “new” antisemitism that expresses itself in anti-Israel enmity has been gathering strength for years.

Unleashed, it has the potential to pulverize the “pestilence” that is the Jewish state.

Until just a few months ago one “key log” – the United States of America – had been holding it back.

Wielding its veto in the Security Council, the US repeatedly resisted the relentless campaign that for years demonized and sought to delegitimize Israel.

But now, 100 plus days into Barack Obama’s presidency, numerous reports and leaks assessing his planned approach to the Middle East indicate the blockage is to be removed.

There is mounting evidence that the new administration has resolved to see the biblical and historical Land of Israel divided between Jew and Arab on its watch.

It has made this decision knowing full well the unjustness of it (these are Jewish lands); the peril of it (to Israel’s existence); the bankruptcy of it (from Madrid to Annapolis, 18 years of the land-for-peace process have been 18 years of failure).

Israel will not be allowed to stand in the way; her concerns will not be given the time of day.

“The two state solution is the only solution,” emphatically stated Jewish turncoat and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Sunday.

“Israel has to back the two state solution,” said Vice President Joe Biden Tuesday.

A few days earlier Obama’s national security adviser, General James Jones, told a European foreign minister a week ago Obama plans to be “forceful” with Israel.

“The new administration will convince Israel to compromise on the Palestinian question … we will be more forceful toward Israel than we have been under Bush.” 1.

Read the rest of this article HERE.

A follow-up article is entitled Unleash Heaven! posted today. From that article:

The US believes it has Israel over a barrel. Netanyahu must either endorse the “two-state-solution” or be seen to be resisting the will of the whole world.

What the prime minister is being asked to do is without precedent: Never has a national leader been ordered to surrender for all time his people’s claim to their costliest and most strategic national assets. On top of this, Netanyahu knows too well the bankruptcy of “land-for-peace” – how every effort to proceed with this American-led program has painfully backfired, costing thousands more Jewish lives and increasingly endangering the security of their state.

The “two-state solution” requires the ethnic cleansing of 300,000 Jews from their biblical heartland, the cradle of their nationhood. It calls for the destruction of all their homes and communities. It will add insurmountably to Israel’s already desperate water crisis. And it will leave Israel too small, too truncated, to properly defend – and this in a neighborhood that positively churns with hatred for the Jews.

In the words of Hebron resident Gary Cooperberg: For Israel, the two-state solution is another version of The Final Solution. 2.

Read the full article HERE.

1. http://www.stangoodenough.com/?p=256
2. http://www.stangoodenough.com/?p=261

RUTH'S BLESSING: AN ARTICLE ON HOW WE TREAT OUR MOTHER'S

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
to each and every mother who visits my blog today.
May God richly bless and reward you
as you seek to honor Him.

I was looking for a book review on Scot McKnight's book The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible (the review addresses McKnight's erroneous views on a woman's role in the church in the book) when I came across another article on the same site, The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, entitled Ruth's Blessing: A Look at Titus 2:3-5 for Single Women. Although the article speaks about how a single woman views her mother, it really applies to all women, single or married. Being a middle-aged woman and mother myself, I was really touched by this article and the author's personal story of her relationship with her own mother. My mother passed away ten years ago this July and although I miss her terribly, I would never wish her back. I thank God for the time we had together and rejoice that she is in God's presence. My father has since remarried and I truly appreciate the mothering I have received from his current wife. I even call her "Mom", since that is currently the role she plays in my life. She has given me wise counsel, comfort, and the assurance of her prayers many times. She recently had a hip replacement and has been the recipient of my own prayers during this time as well as others. I consider myself honored and blessed to have not one, but two caring mothers, one in heaven, and one on earth.

I hope you will read this article and reminded of the special role your mother has to play in your life. If you have a troubled relationship with your mother, I pray that you will take the time to do everything you can to restore it. Time is so short. Mothers aren't perfect, but then again neither are their children. Do all you can to imitate the character of Christ in your relationship with her and honor her with a special blessing this Mother's Day.

THE REASONS WE WITHDREW OUR MEMBERSHIP FROM OUR LOCAL MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH: APOSTASY IN THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE VIA MYSTICISM

*****
INTRODUCTION TO 
"THESIS: APOSTASY IN THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE VIA MYSTICISM"

Please note: If you desire to link to this article in particular or copy, print or publish any part of it I request that you ask my permission by contacting me at fortheauthor(at)gmail.com.

I have decided to publish the contents of a self-styled thesis I completed on April 7th of this year. It was written at the request of the pastor of our local MB church in order to help him and others in our church understand the rationale behind our actions when we requested the withdrawal of our membership from it. It is the fruit of nearly three years of research and deliberation regarding a trend I began to notice in the MB Conference after I encountered it in the Spiritual Formation course while I was taking several classes at Briercrest Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan (not an MB school), during which I became completely enthralled with the concept of contemplative spirituality. (You can read my personal testimony about this at http://fortheauthor.blogspot.ca/2008/11/why-christian-leaders-should-not.html).

Through a series of circumstances which I believe were directed by the Holy Spirit, I began to see this movement towards mysticism in the church at large, as something completely different from what is was purported to be by its proponents. I have since repented of my involvement with these things and have renounced them publicly at every opportunity.

Many people still do not understand what the real problems are with this movement. This thesis is an attempt to clarify my position in an abbreviated manner.

Although I will not name those who have published helpful articles on these issues and given me personal support along this journey (you know who you are, and I will likely forget someone if I attempt to make a list since there are so many), I once again thank you all for the help you have given along the way. Above all, I thank my God for sending Jesus Christ ~ the Way, the Truth, and the Life ~ for the Holy Spirit who convicts and warns, comforts and directs us, and for leaving us His Holy written Word, the Bible as a permanent record of His life and letters of instruction to keep us on the true path of life.

I appeal to all who come across this article to carefully examine the issues before you accept or reject what I have to say. May you carefully measure my words by the yardstick of Scripture. It is God's Word that is the final authority on all things. This thesis is merely my statement of what I see happening, a warning to those involved in the Mennonite Brethren Conference, and a call to examine the issue in light of God's Word. It is also a call to repentance from "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph. 5:11). Before reading it I request that you ask God to open your spiritual eyes and heart, to reveal to you whether or not I speak the truth. God is not the author of confusion, and He will reveal the truth to those who truly and honestly seek it without attempting to defend their preconceived notions before Him. If what I have written is not in accordance with the truth, it is my prayer that God will reveal that to me, and that you will not be led astray by it. God is ultimately my Witness and my Judge, although those who are spiritual are to judge all things. So now, if you consider yourself qualified (spiritual), judge for yourself whether what I have to say is right or not. May God guide and direct you.

 (Unfortunately, it has come to my attention that this thesis has been posted on another website (which is anti-Israel in nature), The Information Underground (Anti-Zionist ThinkTank), without my permission to do so. I desire my readers to know that this website does not have my approval to do so, and in fact, as of today (December 11, 2009) they have refused to remove it as I have requested. This is a website I do not have any affiliation with, nor do I sympathize with their cause in any way. Because I am not interested in any legal recourse at this time, I will let the matter rest with this statement; however this does not mean the individual(s) who operate The Information Underground have received my endorsement in any way. I have sent them several letters, one of which was published. The second one I sent has not yet been posted. It is a rebuttal and a challenge to their anti-Israel position. Let it be known that I am not responsible for the way this group is using my thesis, and should any other individuals or groups use it without my consent, you will be hearing from me and asked to remove it if you are using it in a manner for other than what it is intended. I will post your name on this note as well, stating such. The letter of my rebuttal to the moderator of the Information Underground can be read HERE.)

*********************************

THESIS: APOSTASY
IN THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE
VIA MYSTICISM

Bonnie Klaassen , April 7, 2009

Revised April 21, 2009

1. There is an apostate form of Christianity sweeping the church that is uniting the greater part of professing Christians into a global spirituality (whose basis is mysticism - Mystery Babylon) and drawing many unsuspecting Christians into its wake. Those who do not understand and resist it will likely succumb to its deception. Time is of the essence in getting the word out.

2. It is flourishing in an atmosphere where most Christian young people are biblically and doctrinally illiterate, Christian institutes of higher learning are becoming increasingly liberal while maintaining a conservative statement of faith, and in a culture that exalts experience over faith in an era of tolerance. This is the perfect environment for mass spiritual deception to enter the church. Although it purports to be otherwise, it is man-centered rather than God-centered. It is a counterfeit spirituality, the spirit of anti-christ.

3. It appeals to scholars by playing upon their desire to appear respectable and contemporary to the more liberal Christian institutions of higher learning and to the world. In this way it seduces older, trusted sources. Its teachings are introduced by those who appear to be Christian, but if their theology is carefully examined, would deviate from the major biblical doctrines. It is endorsed by these institutions and there is a trickle-down effect into all sectors of the church with time.

4. It is part of a greater movement that has a tolerant spiritual mindset, is liberal in its theology, and is the result of a lack of a militant defense of the authority of Scripture and a simple walk of faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. This larger movement also includes both the secular and Christian environmental and social justice movements (MCC is one of the groups involved). They are intertwined and cooperative with secular groups in the agenda to create a one-world spirituality and a global government. Many in these movements, especially Christians, are unaware or in denial of the agenda underlying these movements in the secular world. A mystical spirituality under girds and rounds out these secular movements; they go hand in hand. (2 Cor. 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
1 Cor. 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”)

5. It is entering in through the avenues of Christian seminaries and Bible Schools, Christian publishing houses, ministries, conferences, and teaching materials, especially for our youth.

6. Some of the movements involved are the emergent church, the purpose-driven model, charismatic, ancient-future, post-modernist liberal churches, and the mystical faction of the Roman Catholic church. The infiltration into the Christian church was planned by the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue in the 1970s which was formed for this express purpose. Although it is Satan who is behind the deception, the Roman Catholic church is a major player in this movement. Their method is to introduce the practices (of which mysticism is only one area) of Roman Catholicism into the Christian church. The Christian church then becomes “romanized” without changing the formal doctrine, until such a time when it willingly and outwardly submits. In this way the Christian church harbors “closet Catholics” who influence the church from the inside out. Where in times past the Roman Catholic church used threats and coercion, it now uses deceit and seduction to draw men away from the faith once delivered to the saints. Since the Roman Catholic church has historically syncretised the Christian faith with paganism, and is actively continuing to do so to this day, this will serve to unite those who are drawn into its net to do the same. Essentially, the Harlot is attempting to persuade the Bride to join her in her spiritual harlotry.

7. It is entering in the form of contemplative prayer, “Christian yoga”, breath prayers, the “Jesus Prayer”, imaginative prayer, Ignatian spiritual exercises (based on the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola), centering prayer, quietism, lectio divinia, taize, labyrinths, Christianized tantric sex, drumming circles and other mystical and spiritual practices which have no legitimate basis in Scripture. In its least threatening form it is commonly referred to as “Spiritual Formation”, the “spiritual disciplines” (both of which would include some biblical practices alongside), or contemplative spirituality. By using cunning words and altering the meanings of familiar terms, those who are attracted to an experience-based spirituality are drawn into its snare. The true Christian faith is faith-based, and that faith is to be lived out or experienced on the basis of this faith, not the other way around. (“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38). Those in the contemplative movement allow their experiences to shape their theology, and this it most certainly does. This movement towards mysticism is more than just a trend. It is very broad in its scope, and has spiritually devastating consequences which I believe will contribute to the apostasy of the church, the “falling away” foretold in scripture. I believe this apostasy will include a return to many of the practices of the Roman Catholic church, contemplative and otherwise (the introduction of “Lent”, for example). It is a move towards corrupting what is simple (the gospel according to Scripture alone) and materializing the spiritual (appealing to the flesh).

8. It is cloaked in familiar Christian terminology at its outset to lead its potential Christian practitioners into its spirituality, accompanied by Scripture taken out of context or given a broader interpretation than is allowable in proper exegesis. Those who follow this path to its logical conclusion will probably come to accept that all religions worship the same god by different names and in different forms. They believe that “all is one” and that in that unity is god. The outcome is a spiritual unity in diversity, whereby people can continue in the religion of their choice while they are united in the spiritual practice of mysticism. In this situation, no one tries to convert another to their religion. Beyond mere tolerance, there is complete acceptance of all religions as equal and valid. “Christian mysticism” has Buddhism, Hinduism, Gnosticism and other false religions and their practices as its counterpart. True practitioners of “Christian mysticism” have no problem learning from their practices and soon accept their spirituality as valid.

9. Those who promote its practices are enemies of the cross, in that they promise intimacy with God apart from the blood of Christ, or as an addition to it, thereby nullifying its efficacy. In reality, it is pagan and its practitioners will eventually encounter an “angel of light” and be introduced to doctrines of demons. They are encountering a god of their own imagination, not the God of the Bible. It is a practice which changes what people believe about who God is and how He interacts with mankind. Many of the proponents of contemplative mysticism who claim to be Christian now openly deny the atoning aspect of Christ’s work on the cross and have “alternative” understandings of what Christ’s death means. Brian McLaren, speaker and author, whom the MB Conference is promoting, is one of these people. Another who has recently come to light is the author of the best-selling book, The Shack which has been promoted in the MB Herald. Many in the emergent church, a primary avenue for mysticism in evangelical circles, are either undermining the purpose of the cross or altering its meaning. It also works the other way around, in that those who accept alternative meanings eventually turn to mysticism in an attempt to draw near to God, as the cross no longer holds the power for them that it used to.

10. The Mennonite Brethren Conference and MBBS are promoting authors and speakers who are engaged in this mystical spirituality. Classes in “Spiritual Formation” are required courses for all students at nearly all Mennonite Bible Schools and seminaries. Kindred Press, the publishing arm of the MB Conference, promotes authors who are engaged in its practices, and the MB Conference promotes speakers who do the same. The Mennonites are listed among denominations which are rapidly and willingly becoming infiltrated by this movement by discernment ministries who have been following it for years. I believe many who are promoting it are misguided shepherds themselves. Most of them have failed to see the history, falsely so-called “Christian”, of this movement, and the role it will play in the final deception of the world as they believe the lie that “ye shall be as gods” and seek a spiritual unity as the world once did at the tower of Babel in rebellion to the only true God. In reading this thesis, please understand one thing clearly: it is not those who point out these errors that cause division in the body of Christ, but those who teach false doctrine and pagan practices or are in collusion with those who do. Furthermore, I believe it is already too late to change the direction of the MB Conference in this matter. Its tentacles have already reached into most churches in one way or another, of which we see evidence in nearly every MB Herald that comes through our door. It is for this reason that we withdrew our membership. As a matter of conscience, we could no longer support an organization clearly headed in a spiritual direction we were not.

11. This is the crux of the matter: either I am on a spiritual tangent leading down a rabbit trail on this issue, or the MB Conference is heading into spiritual apostasy as it continues down this pathway. I am calling all local church bodies, and my own body of believers in particular, to examine the issue carefully and prayerfully, as I believe the implications are too great to ignore.

12. Two quotes follow by Brian McLaren and Leonard Sweet which reveal the mindset of “Christian” authors who are promoting mystical spirituality (Leonard Sweet and Brian McLaren teamed up in 2003 to write A is for Abductive: The Language of the Emerging Church. Rick Warren has also promoted Leonard Sweet, as recently as 2008):

A quote from Lighthouse Trails, in a book review of Brian McLaren’sFinding our Way Again: The Return of Ancient Practices published in 2008 (Brian McLaren is a prolific author and a popular speaker in Christian institutions and conferences):

“In the last chapter of McLaren's book, "Theosis (via Unitiva)," he sums up his calling by stating that "The purpose of the via purgativa [the practices] is to prepare us for the via illuminativa [the awakening], and the purpose of the via illuminativa is to prepare us for the via unitiva [all is one], the union of our nature with the nature of God" (pp. 171-172). He calls God "fire" and says, "We join God in being fire ... Before the beginning ... God was All, and All was God" (p. 175). This is the exact same message that Eckhart Tolle and Oprah are propagating. But while many Christians are now condemning Tolle's message, they don't realize that the very same message is permeating their very own churches. For those readers who care about the spiritual future of their children and grandchildren, it is vital they understand the meaning of McLaren's spirituality in particular and the emerging/contemplative movement in general. We believe this is an extremely compelling motivation and should prompt us as believers to defend the faith and the gospel message of Jesus Christ.”1.

Several years ago Leonard Sweet wrote a book called Quantum Spirituality in which he quotes Karl Rahner, a Jesuit priest. Sweet is a rather prolific author and his books can be found in most Christian bookstores. This is what Sweet says in Quantum Spirituality on page 68:

“Mysticism, once cast to the sidelines of the Christian tradition, is now situated in postmodernist culture near the center.... In the words of one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century, Jesuit philosopher of religion/dogmatist Karl Rahner, "The Christian of tomorrow will be a mystic, one who has experienced something, or he will be nothing." [Mysticism] is metaphysics arrived at through mindbody experiences. Mysticism begins in experience; it ends in theology.”2.

IN CONCLUSION:
In the last decade there has been a dramatic rise in the practice of mysticism both inside and outside of the church. If you have not encountered it yet, you or your children or grandchildren will in time. They will encounter it at school, in medical or counselling clinics, at their place of business, in a leadership workshop, at the shopping mall, in a sports setting, or in their church or youth group or in a book. It is a practice which will fit within any system and goes by many names depending on the setting.

It has already made vast inroads into the MB Conference through the Seminary, Bible schools, books offered, speakers promoted and conferences for pastors and youth workers. I have been noting its promotion in MB circles for a number of years already, almost without any opposition from any person in a position of leadership. It is gradually making its way into the smaller, more isolated churches, especially as our children and grandchildren make their way out into the world and as people have greater access to information. Only those who understand the terminology, the names of false teachers and the adaptive nature of this movement, and are firmly grounded in their faith and in biblical doctrines, and are committed to abiding in the simple practice of their faith according to the teachings of Scripture alone will be spared the coming delusion that is to come upon the world in the last days.

It is time to get your spiritual house in order, for Christ will soon call His own away from this world before He will judge the earth with holy wrath upon all those who do not belong to Him in the final years of this era. The delusion is coming. Walk as children of light.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them.”
Ephesians 5:11

Footnotes:
1. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=1093&more=1&c=1 (Book Review: Brian McLaren's New Book Finding our Way Again. Source: the Editors at Lighthouse Trails)
2. http://www.leonardsweet.com/Quantum/quantum-ebook.pdf (the online link is now broken. Sweet's website appears to be under construction at present)