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.

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

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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.)

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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)

FORMULA ZERO: RACING TOWARDS OBLIVION ~ BRIAN MCLAREN AND THE EMERGENT CHURCH

I saw something this week that has about made my blood boil a few times as I was thinking about it: a poster promoting Brian McLaren at Eastern Mennonite University on April 1, 2009 on the wall of the church I attend; this shouldn't really come as a surprise since this is a Mennnonite Brethren church. What really bothers me though is that ignorance of McLaren's theology is so prevalent, and that people blindly endorse a speaker because they are promoted by a trusted source. (I, however, no longer consider the MB Conference to be on that list). I would no more send one of my children to hear McLaren speak than I would throw them into a den of ravenous hyenas. (The lecture at EMU is being promoted as for Senior High youth).

These thoughts prompted me to do an internet search to see if I could find a comprehensive article on McLaren's theology in case anybody would ask me for more information about what he believes. The best article I could find is entitled Formula Zero: Racing Towards Oblivion ~ Brian McLaren and the Emergent Church in the July 2007 issue of Vanguard Magazine by Neil Richardson. Using quotes from McLaren's own books, (especially A Generous Orthodoxy, which begins with chapter "0", hence "Formula Zero") Richardson reveals the aberrant theology held by McLaren.

Here is Richardson's fine conclusion to the article:

Brian McLaren’s brand new formula of Christianity when tested by the Word of God proves to be, like the first chapter of A Generous Orthodoxy, nothing but a big zero. He dismantles every single major doctrine of the Bible: the authority of Scripture, the nature of God and Creation, the nature of Man and Sin, who the Lord Jesus is, why He died, who the Holy Spirit is, what His work is in converting unbelievers, what the unchanging Gospel is that we proclaim, what being part of the Body of Christ means, how truth and unity must connect, the doctrines of hell and the devil.

The Emergent Church, like a souped-up theological race-car, makes a lot of noise, has a lot of va-va-voom, has every possible denomination label stuck on the side (each cancelling the rest out). McLaren goes round and round in circles, leading his followers, not to the finish line of a Christ-filled eternity, but to the hellbound pit-stop of a Christless social gospelism. 1.

I hope you will find his article as helpful as I have.

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Additional articles revealing McLaren's theology:

• The Coming Kingdom: Evolution or Revolution by Pastor Larry DeBruyn
• Who Defines the Kingdom of God by Berit Kjos
• Brian McLaren Quotes: "Ignorance is Bliss" to "Theology" by Matthew J. Slick
• A Review of Brian McLaren's "Everything Must Change" by Chris Curry
• Book Review of McLaren's "Secret Message of Jesus" by Randy Brandt
• Book Review of McLaren's "Finding our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" by Lighthouse Trails

Quote from the Lighthouse Trails review of 'Finding our Way Again", McLaren's latest book, the first in a series of seven:

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. 2.

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1. http://www.vanguardmagazine.info/vanguard/Vanguard23.pdf
2. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?c=1&more=1&p=1093

MY RESPONSE TO "THE TROUBLE WITH BLOGS: HOW SHOULD MBBS RESPOND TO ANONYMOUS ATTACKS?"

USMB has posted an article addressing the topic of bloggers who anonymously "attack" the MB Conference and MBBS. Click HERE to read it. In case my response to this article is removed from their site, I have placed it here as well. It is as follows:

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As a blogger, I would like to respond to this article. My blog may or may not be one of those referred to.

One of the reasons I created my blog, at www.fortheauthor.blogspot.com (just over a year ago) is that I wanted to have a record of the things I was seeing in “Christendom” in general, and the MB Conference in particular. (A broader statement of the purpose for my blog can be found on my website.) The other reason is that I wanted to have a voice in the Christian community. The MB Herald provides a space for this voice in its letters section, but only 200-300 words are allowed. This simply is not enough space to say what I want to say. I highly doubt if the Herald would welcome me as a contributing author as I am rather an unknown in the MB circles and in the literary world. I also believe that my voice would be considered unwelcome there because I am speaking out about things I see which are construed to be controversial in nature. My voice is one calling out for discernment in a day and age where false doctrine and false teachers abound. It seems there are many who are willing to sacrifice truth on the altar of unity.

Regarding anonymity, I originally chose to remain anonymous for several reasons. The primary one is that of personal privacy, because I am a woman online which makes me vulnerable to those who may wish to harm me. It is also for the protection of my husband and children. My message on my blog is evangelical in nature and one that espouses the exclusivity of the gospel message, a message which could be construed as hate in a world where truth is relative, and proselytizing an act of hatred. Those who claim to be tolerant will not tolerate those who claim the Jesus is God in the flesh and the only way to a restored relationship with God by His substitutionary and efficacious death on the cross. Some of the evangelistic blog postings and links that are found on my blog could be reason for those who espouse “political correctness” to have my blog removed from the blogosphere, which would also mean that my witness would also be lost to those who find my blog while searching for the truth. I could be legally charged for “inciting hatred” according to those who think this way. (There has already been once case where that has happened.) I have an email address on my blog by which people can contact me. This way it is at my discretion to decide whether this person is an honest enquirer or a malicious person wishing to cause me trouble. At one time, not long ago, I did reveal my last name, and it was in regard to an article for which I knew it was vitally important to be accountable. Since reading the above article, I have decided that I would take the risk and leave my full name permanently on my blog. It may lead to persecution, and I need to be willing to face it if I want to speak the truth. So be it. If anonymity is the problem to those in the MB Conference, I willingly place my full name on my blog.

I really have nothing to hide. On my blog, I state that I am capable of error and open to correction. That doesn’t mean I won’t defend the truth when I think it is being undermined. I am not going to roll over and play dead just because somebody doesn’t like what I have to say. I would hope that any person who may read and/or comment on my blog would also be open to correction; however, I will not engage in arguments with people who already have their mind made up, being convinced that I am wrong, and also that I am being malicious and hateful. Anybody who really knows me knows that I am not that kind of person.

I have spent a full two years researching two of the main topics of my blog, the spiritual formation movement and the emergent church. My blog is the fruit of that research. I really wish that what I know about these things were not true. It would sure make my life a lot less complicated. For a long time I tried to convince myself that I was wrong about these things, but I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer deny the conclusions I have come to. The purpose for my blogging is not to be malicious or slanderous. Some people think what I am saying is an “attack”, but if that is the case, what is being said in the above article is also an attack on bloggers. And now that you know my name you can even “attack” me personally. Anyone who is willing to take the time to carefully examine my blog will soon see that I have a deep love for both the Living Word and the written Word.

Very rarely do I post anything without first giving it very serious thought and careful research into the matter, especially if it is something serious in nature. It seems many would like to forget the warnings in Scripture that we are to give attendance to doctrine, to watch out for false teachers and false teaching, even to the point of naming names and warning others to stay away from such. Jude especially wrote with a sense of urgency to warn believers about such things. Are we to neglect doing this? I fear that this is what is happening. By the tone of the above article, it seems that its author believes that the MB institutions are incapable of teaching error, and do not want to deal with the possibility that some of their leaders could be in error. We must be careful not to idolize people and institutions. We are to follow Christ and Christ alone. I’m happy that the Board of Faith and Life affirms their adherence to their statement of faith. I wonder, however, what action they would take if they found out someone is teaching error, whether they care to admit it or not. I think those in leadership are too quick to accept people just because they have a few initials behind their name. And I think they have forgotten just how devious Satan is.

Most people do not want to talk to me face to face about the issues I tackle. They are afraid that it might upset their applecart. Some are even completely ignorant about the issues I am tackling. My blog is a place where I am free to express my opinion to the full extent, and where people who are afraid to tackle certain topics in a face-to-face encounter can ask questions and find information. I think that Christian bloggers have an important place in this world. It is not difficult to discern what a blogger’s intent is with a careful examination of all of the contents of their site. Don’t be so quick to judge a blogger’s intent as malicious just because they don’t agree with everything you say and do. As always, I encourage people to examine what I have to say carefully, and to use Scripture as their guide and measuring stick. God’s Word is always to be our final authority in all matters of faith and life. I want people to check out what I have written, to judge for themselves whether it is true or not. I do not claim to be the last word on anything. I am not trying to mislead people, and I tell them not to take what I say as gospel truth, although I love the truth and want it to be known. I want people to diligently seek the truth, not just take my word for it, or anybody else’s for that matter, whether they be in leadership or not. People are not perfect, but those who have a sincere love the truth know when something rings true and will vigorously defend it, especially if they love God’s Word and are knowledgeable about it. We must examine our hearts, whether we love the truth more than we love the praise of man. The human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and our minds in need of transformation. We must allow the light of God’s Word to shine on our hearts and minds, to discern our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

As both a blogger, a Mennonite, and a Christian, by sticking my neck out and challenging people by what I write, I actually stand to lose a lot. I was a fifth generation member of my local MB church (a member for 35 years). Two of my children are sixth generation members there. My family has very strong ties to the MB denomination and to the people in our local church in particular. However, I chose to withdraw my membership from this church this April because it is an MB church. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. I did not do this without a lot of very serious thought. It was a heart-wrenching experience; it did not give me any pleasure to do so. I still love this little church and still attend there. I refuse to run away from any who wish to question what I have done. I have been open and upfront in my handling of the matter. I have been under the scrutiny of our church ever since by those who still do not understand my reasons for doing so, partly because they don’t want to know the reasons for fear of the consequences. They risk the loss of family support and fellow-member’s understanding and the ensuing alienation, the same risk that I took by doing what I did. I would have preferred actually not to have withdrawn my membership, but was compelled to do so by some of the things being taught through some of the MB publications and educational institutes. Please understand this: it has given me no pleasure to do so, and it gives me no pleasure to write what I write about on my blog. I am compelled to speak out to defend the truth and to warn my fellow-believers about what I see happening because I love them and am concerned for their spiritual well-being. My blog is both my personal testimony and my voice, and I refuse to keep silent. The things that are happening with the Spiritual Formation movement and the emerging church are promoting a form of godliness that is without the power to transform lives in a positive and biblical way. I stand behind that statement 100%, and have the personal experience to prove it.

So, what to do about us “bloggers”? If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. If everything the seminary is teaching and the MB Conference is promoting is biblical, once again, you have nothing to fear. I, for one, only desire to have the truth be known. If you have the same goal, you have nothing to fear. I have basically put everything on the line by speaking out. I may suffer some dire consequences by being upfront with you in this comment I am writing. I may come under attack. I may even be charged with libel (although I don’t think I have said nothing libellous). A lot of people may not like me, they may even be told to stay away from me. Judge this matter for yourself. Do I speak the truth on my blog or not? If I do, once again, you have nothing to fear, unless of course you fear man rather than God. But then you seriously need to examine yourself, to see if you are in the faith.

For the record, I have never attended any Bible School or Seminary within the MB Conference. I do however have one year of Bible School at a non-denominational school and have taken several seminary courses at a non-denominational seminary, one of them being Spiritual Formation. I have never made any claims to the contrary. However, I have examined the MBBS syllabus on Spiritual Formation and found it to be very "contemplative" in the monastic sense of the word. The authors recommended on the syllabus are also pro-contemplative. Also for the record, regarding my "anonymity" nobody from MBBS has ever emailed me at the address listed on my blog to ask who I am. If they had done so, I would have had no problem telling them my name.

Jesus, if I have said anything here that brings you shame or is a blot on the garment of your Bride, the church, I pray that you will reveal it to me by your Spirit, and correct me as soon as possible. It is my desire to be an open book before you and my fellow-believers.

Purchased by His blood and kept by His grace,

~Bonnie

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Added later:

Oh, and by the way, I am one of those who have been praying for those in positions of leadership within the MB Conference and at MBBS for several years already, and I will continue to do so, as you are asking for prayer.

So whether you consider me an enemy, a mischief-maker (as stated in the article) or just a plain nuisance, I AM a fellow-believer in Christ and a fellow-Mennonite, one who is willing to sound a voice of warning when it is unpopular to do so. Before you make a judgment about me and what I say, I will ask you to carefully check out everything I have to say for yourself. I do not believe it is my job to convince anybody about anything one way or another. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. It is only my job to speak out about what I see. What I ask is that you be willing to examine the issues carefully from both sides as I have, and then make your own decision, being led by the Holy Spirit and open to His correction where necessary.

I have never intentionally misrepresented any educational institute. I take what I do as a blogger very seriously and provide as much documentation as possible. If I have ever said anything that could be construed as libelous, I would appreciate you letting me know, as that is not my intent. I am not interested in getting involved in any legal suits with any Christian brethren. There have been times when I have even asked others to proof-read my work to make sure that I was not doing or saying anything out of a malicious spirit, or that was immoral or illegal. If there has ever been a doubt in my mind as to whether I should post an article or not, it remained as a draft only until I was sure about what I had written, and had prayed about the matter. These are safeguards I have put in place, and yet I know I am still fully capable of error. Although I am speaking out, I hope you will see that it is with discretion.

I am just one small voice in a vast sea of Mennonites. I have come to see things differently than most and I am not like most people you know. I am not the least bit concerned with other people's opinion about me, although I don't set out to deliberately offend others. I have a deep-seated reverential fear of God. I read and study all day long most days even though I am not in a formal educational institute. Although I have taken classes in a seminary, I have concluded that the best textbook is the Bible and the best teacher the Holy Spirit; that God's Word alone contains everything we need to know about life and godliness. I take offense to those who uphold the words of a "Bible scholar" above the words of the Bible itself. I am only 45 years old, and yet I am not interested in the latest and greatest craze regarding personal spiritual growth or church growth. I am interested in the knowledge God has provided in His Word about such things. I still think the proclamation of truth and the personal testimony of believers are the most powerful tools for growth that exist, and I believe these are the tools God gives us for church growth. You cannot improve on God's Word or His methods; and, we don't need to make God's Word relevant: It IS relevant, period! So many have come to the conclusion that we need to adopt the world's ways of doing things to win the world, but God calls us OUT of the world, to be separate, to make a difference between what is profane and holy.

Let it be known that I am a firm believer that those who are concerned for their character care not a whit for their reputation. Those who think they have anything to fear by me are more concerned about appearances than character, more concerned about money than about truth.

I challenge those in leadership to carefully examine their teachings before God and His Word, and continue to allow themselves to be conformed to His image. Christ's last message to the churches called for repentance. I urge you all, dear brothers and sisters, in light of His imminent return, to carefully examine yourselves in all things. May God bless you as you respond to Him with humility and obedience. I also ask for your prayers for me, that God will continue His work in and through me as I walk the narrow way. I am "looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God the Father."

I am "For the Author",
~Bonnie

AS FIRE IN MY BONES: TO ALL THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST ERROR IN THE MB CONFERENCE

On Steven Camp's blog, CAMPONTHIS, he has posted an article called LIKE PEOPLE, LIKE PRIEST...is evangelicalism on the downgrade? on which he has placed an excerpt from C.H. Spurgeon's writing, The Down-Grade Controversy. Quoting from this excerpt, I encourage those who are willing to stick their necks out to defend the truth within the MB Conference. It seems like nobody wants to be inconvenienced these days with confronting error. We are expected to keep silent for the sake of unity. Most stand alone within their church, presumed to have gone off the deep end spiritually. This is for all of those warriors who feel like they are standing alone today.

"It now becomes a serious question how far those who abide by the faith once delivered to the saints should fraternize with those who have turned aside to another gospel. Christian love has its claims, and divisions are to be shunned as grievous evils; but how far are we justified in being in confederacy with those who are departing from the truth? It is a difficult question to answer so as to keep the balance of the duties. For the present it behoves believers to be cautious, lest they lend their support and countenance to the betrayers of the Lord. It is one thing to overleap all boundaries of denominational restriction for the truth's sake: this we hope all godly men will do more and more. It is quite another policy which would urge us to subordinate the maintenance of truth to denominational prosperity and unity. Numbers of easy-minded people wink at error so long as it is committed by a clever man and a good-natured brother, who has so many fine points about him. Let each believer judge for himself; but, for our part, we have put on a few fresh bolts to our door, and we have given orders to keep the chain up; for, under color of begging the friendship of the servant, there are those about who aim at robbing THE MASTER.

We fear it is hopeless ever to form a society which can keep out men base enough to profess one thing and believe another; but it might be possible to make an informal alliance among all who hold the Christianity of their fathers. Little as they might be able to do, they could at least protest, and as far as possible free themselves of that complicity which will be involved in a conspiracy of silence. If for a while the evangelicals are doomed to go down, let them die fighting, and in the full assurance that their gospel will have a resurrection when the inventions of "modern thought" shall be burned up with fire unquenchable." ~ C. H. Spurgeon

Professing one thing, and teaching/believing another

JIM HOLM RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF MBBS: MENNO SIMONS ON DEALING WITH UNFAITHFUL BRETHREN

UPDATE (June 18, 2009): Please read the follow-up to this article HERE.

According to the September issue of the Mennonite Weekly Review and the November 2008 MB Herald , Jim Holm has resigned as president of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary due to his involvement in an extramarital relationship. The article in the MWR did not give the details of the resignation, other than for personal reasons. It was not until this month (two months later) that the MB Herald disclosed the details of his resignation. While I do not believe we should be "throwing stones", as Ed Boschman, U.S. conference executive director admonishes, this is an event that should cause all of us to examine our own standing in the area of sexual faithfulness before God. I don't think it helps to whitewash the issue by calling it an "extramarital relationship". God calls marital unfaithfulness sin, and it troubles me that this word is not used in any of the news articles published by any of the Mennonite Brethren publications. Let us not minimize the seriousness of such things. The body of the Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit, to be used for His glory. When man or woman fails to do so, he has set up an idol in his heart replacing Christ. Any man or woman who wants to please Christ denies himself and his flesh, and takes up his cross to follow after Him. It also troubles me that there is no mention of calling for his repentance. I hope that this is the goal of all those dealing with the situation. Clearly Scripture teaches that this is how an erring believer is to be dealt with. The article says that the board has "expressed assurance of forgiveness" and "that the Pacific District Conference will oversee his restoration and care". I hope that this means that repentance has already taken place, and I hope to see a statement by Jim Holm published in this regard in the future.

Speaking from personal experience before my own marriage, I understand that these things don't "just happen". There is a gradual spiritual erosion that takes place. It is "the little foxes that spoil the vine". It is placing yourself in the path of temptation, and refusing to deny the flesh. It is placing the temporal before the eternal. Also speaking from personal experience, as a married woman, I now know that it is possible to resist such temptation by asking for help from a fellow-believer who will pray for you to resist, by refusing to put yourself in that place of temptation, and by walking in utter dependence upon God regardless of the circumstances within the marriage relationship. North America trivializes the marriage covenant, but as Christians we must uphold marriage as a holy institution created by God, to be guarded carefully, weathering the storms of life, even if it includes a troubled relationship with our spouse. As believers we must hold ourselves and each other to a high standard regarding our marriage relationships. At one point in my own marriage, when faced with the decision to either pick up the phone and ask for spiritual help, or to turn my back on the marriage and walk out the door, the Holy Spirit confronted me, asking what was more important, my marriage or my pride. I have to admit that I struggled with the decision, but finally realized that if I resisted the Holy Spirit I would fall and have to live with consequences too great to bear, above all a hardening of my heart to the things concerning God and to His Spirit. Praise God who gives us the victory.

I should also like to point out (with reference to the article below), that there is another area in which I believe repentance needs to be called for. It is the area of teaching erroneous doctrine, specifically the teaching of unbiblical methods as a means to gain a closer relationship to God. Jim Holm has been teaching the Spiritual Formation course at MBBS, which promotes forms of prayer which are believed to be derived from the Roman Catholic church and eastern religions, and ultimately the occult, if you examine the origins. They were brought into the church not from the Word of God, but have their source outside the Christian church (** see end note for documentation of this). I can't help wondering if Jim Holm's teachings and his possible reliance on these things rather than the power of the Holy Spirit may have contributed to his falling into sin. We cannot baptize such man-made forms of prayer with Christian terminology and call them our own. The Bible alone must be our guide in these things. Having some previous involvement with such things and following some very intense study of the matter, it has become clear to me that they are "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". These are dangerous, unbiblical practices that do not have their origins in the Word of God, and they are highly deceptive. (Read my personal testimony about my own involvement with Spiritual Formation while in seminary).

It is high time those in leadership take a close look at what is being taught in the seminary and that those who are teaching such things be held accountable. How about rather than using what I have just stated as an opportunity to jump all over me because you don't want to believe that such things are possible within the MB Conference, you use this as an opportunity to examine the issues carefully for yourself. Are you so sure that those who are debating such things have unfounded concerns? At best, these practices are suspect, and on that basis should be avoided as teaching material. Is it not better to be absolutely certain that such things are biblical before presenting them to students? All Christian organizations must guard against the slippery slope of falling away from the truth. Where is the MB Conference on the scale: is it proclaiming, assuming or denying the gospel? (Please read David Gibson's article, Assumed Evangelicalism: Some reflections en route to denying the gospel). There are other doctrinal errors which I believe are being taught at the seminary, but I will not get into those in this post. However, they are equally important. The December 1859 Weblog is dealing with these issues. They involve teachings about the cross and the deity of Christ, serious matters both, which should not be allowed to go on unchecked. The seminary website denies that they have strayed from their Confession of Faith, but there are credible witnesses who would disagree and have nothing to gain by doing so, and everything to lose.

Below are some excerpts from an article I have found written by Menno Simons. Please note that while I attend a Mennonite Brethren Church, I am first and foremost a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is with some reluctance that I refer to myself as Mennonite Brethren, based on 1 Corinthians 1:12-17; in fact I try not to do so although it is a habit difficult to break. I daresay that Menno Simons would likely be embarrassed to find out that people call themselves after his name. At the same time, I believe he played an important leadership role in preserving and promoting the truth of God's Word and the supremacy of Scripture in the life of the individual believer and the church at large at a time when it was dangerous but imperitive to do so. It is for this reason that I use his writings as an appeal to the MB Conference. I believe the article below is an appeal by Scripture to defend against false teaching and erring brethren, and the purpose of separation, which is restoration. May we carefully heed this admonition from a brother in Christ. It is lengthy, but well worth reading. Its message is as relevent today as when it was written. Below are the excerpts, whose source is e-menno.org:

AN ADMONITION OR INSTRUCTION FROM THE WORD OF GOD, HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE DISPOSED; AND CONCERNING THE SHUNNING AND SEPARATION OF THE UNFAITHFUL BRETHREN AND SISTERS, EITHER DECEIVED BY HERETICAL DOCTRINE, OR LEADING A CARNAL, SHAMEFUL LIFE.

BY
MENNO SIMON.

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 8:11.

ELKHART, INDIANA:
PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER.

1871. (Book 2) Page 441 blank page (Book 2) Page 442

A KIND ADMONITION.

Menno Simon wishes all true brethren and sisters in Jesus Christ the grace and peace of God our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his Son, our Lord, who loved us, and cleansed gas (sic) of our sins by his blood. To him be glory, now and forever, Amen.

Hear, believe, and fulfill God's word, and you shall have everlasting life. Do not judge until you have perused and well understood this.

SINCERLY beloved children in Christ Jesus, you are aware with what diligence, nay, how sincerely I have of late admonished most of you, according to the word of the Lord, by many Scriptures, flowing from a loving, inclined and moved Spirit, as you yourselves have witnessed, I, who seek nothing (of which God is my witness) but alone the salvation of your souls; teaching nothing, desiring nothing, admonishing you to nothing but alone that your most holy faith and works may be powerful and fruitful before God; and that your life and walk may be found before God, before his angels, and before all the world, holy, pure, sober, chaste, temperate, humble, gentle, kind, mild, merciful, righteous, unblamable, in conformity with, and obedient to the gospel of Christ, a shining light, that in all your doings you may express Christ Jesus whom you have put on, if you have rightly put him on, as I trust; and thus show in your life his divine and heavenly image after which you are created, Col. 3; Eph. 4.

You know that I do not desire your money, silver, and carnal gifts, although I may be blamed of it by the infamous, lying world. I beseech all of you, and would with much solicitation, anxiety, tribulation, sighing, weeping, and pains, teach you such faith, love, spirit, conscience and walk that you can stand before the righteous judgment of God, and that in Christ Jesus.

I do not doubt, most beloved brethren, that you well know (if you be born with Christ, of God the Father of the heavenly seed of the divine word), that you must be conformed unto Christ in mind, spirit, courage and will, both in doctrine and life, as Christ Jesus is conformed unto the nature and image of his blessed, heavenly Father, to which he was so conformed that he did nothing but that his Father did, Jn. 5; that he taught nothing but the word of his Father. Jn. 7. In the same manner with those who are begotten of the living, saving word of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ; they are, by virtue of their new birth, so conformed unto Christ, so like unto him, so really implanted into him, so converted into his heavenly nature, that they do not teach nor believe any doctrine but that which conforms unto the doctrine of Christ; do not make use of any religious ceremonies but Christ's ceremonies, which he has taught and commanded in his holy gospel; for how can the natural branches bear fruit different from that of the vine itself of which they budded forth H Jn. 15.

As there is nothing found in Christ Jesus but solely the holiness, wisdom, brightness, righteousness, power, love, peace, mercy, and truth of the Almighty Father, thus you have in the same manner partaken of his being and goodness, because you with him are regenerated and renewed of the same Father.

Behold, brethren, such regenerated and godly minded, live unblamably, even according to the measure of the rule of the holy gospel of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Therefore he kisses them as his beloved, chosen ones, with the mouth of his peace, Cant. 1, and calls them his church, his bride, flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, of which he begets, with inexpressible pleasure, by his powerful seed, his holy word, the children of God, the children of the promise, the children of righteousness, the children of truth, and the children of life eternal. But of the Babylonian, Sodomitic, whoring, adulterous, idolatrous, bloody, unbelieving, blind and unclean whore with which they have, for centuries, lived in adultery by the use of wood, stone, gold, silver, bread, wine, false doctrine, and of the very vain, ac

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cursed works of their own hands, contrary to Jesus Christ and his holy word, he will never beget them, Rev. 17; 18.

Therefore I admonish all our beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, so precious as is Christ Jesus to you, never to let it go out of your mind, but ever to remember for what purpose you are called, taught, and baptized. Remember the covenant of the most high God, that into which you voluntarily entered; into which you have voluntarily desired and accepted; being taught by the word of God, and operated upon by the Holy Spirit; and remember that according to the doctrine of Paul, you have voluntarily buried in baptism, all your avarice, uncleanness, pride, hatred, envy, abuse of the sacramental signs, idolatry, gluttony, drunkenness, sensuality, falsehood, deceit, &c., and that you are arisen with Christ Jesus, into newness of life, Rom. 6, if you are rightly arisen with him; which new life is nothing else but righteousness, unblamableness, love, mercifulness, humility, longsuffering, peace, truth, yea, the whole, gentle life which is taught by the gospel, and was found in Christ Jesus.

O, brethren, how far are some of us, alas, yet distant from the evangelical life which is of God! Notwithstanding that they stay out of the other churches, and are outwardly baptized in water, they yet are carnal and devilish minded in all things, thinking perhaps, that christianity consists of outward baptism and the non attendance of the church. No, beloved, no! I tell you, as truly as the Lord lives, before God avails no outward baptism, nor staying away from the churches, nor supper, nor being persecuted, if we do not obey the commandments of God, 1 Cor. 7; if our faith does not manifest itself in love, and the new creature, as also Christ Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a inan (sic) be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God," Jn. 3:3. At another place he says, " Verily; I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matt. 18:3. But the regenerated and converted, that is the believing, are rightly baptized in accordance with God's word; for they bury their sins in baptism, and arise with Christ into newness of life, Rom. 6; they are spiritually circumcised with the circumcision of Christ, Col. 2; they put on Christ Jesus; they show by the washing of regeneration that they are born again; for it is a washing of the new birth, Tit. 3.

These regenerated ones use the true Supper; for they proclaim the death of Christ until his coming again, 1 Cor. 11; their pleasure is in the church of the righteous, their works are nothing but brotherly love, one heart, one soul, one spirit. Yea, one undivided body, fruitful, serving, and common in Christ Jesus, which are symbolized by the outward cup, and the outward bread, 1 Cor. 10. These regenerated ones shun all false doctrine, all idolatry, all improper usage of the sacramental signs in the church or out of the church; they seek only the true teachers who are unblamable both in doctrine and in life; the true religion, as taught and expressed in Christ's word, namely, the dying unto the flesh, Rom. 12; Gal. 6; the service of the afflicted, Matt. ls; the visiting of the widows and orphans; as James says, They seek to keep themselves unblemished and unspotted from the world, Jas. 1. These regenerated ones bear the cross of Christ with gladness of heart, so established in Christ Jesus that they can not be separated from the eternal truth and love of God, by false doctrine, nor by horrible torments, ever remembering their Lord's word, where he says, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven," Matt. 10:32.

All their thoughts are chaste, gentle, peaceful, heavenly and of the Holy Spirit; all their words are wisdom, truth, doctrine, admonition in grace, well seasoned, the words of God and words spoken at the right time. They are spirit, and they are life. In short, all their works are love, mercifulness, righteousness, piety, and are done in the fear of the Lord. Behold, brethren, this is the true nature and mind of the children of God, who are by grace converted in their hearts and with Christ born of God the Father. Therefore I beseech you as my sincerely beloved brethren, by the grace of God, nay I com

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mand you with holy Paul, by the Lord Jesus Christ, who at his coming will judge the living and the dead, diligently to observe each other unto salvation, in all becoming ways teaching, instructing, admonishing, reproving, threatening and consoling each other as occasion requires, not otherwise than in accordance with the word of God, and in unfeigned love, that we may all grow up in God, and become united in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, into one perfect man, and according to the measure of the gift of Jesus Christ, Eph. 4:7.

Therefore take heed. If you see your brother sin, then pass not by him, as one that does not prize his soul; but if his fall be curable, from that moment endeavor to raise him up by gentle admonition and brotherly instruction, before you eat, drink, sleep or do any thing else, as one who ardently desires his salvation, lest your poor, erring brother harden and corrupt in his fall, and perish in his sin.

Do not act so unfaithfully as you have hitherto done, as not to make the transgressions of your dying brother or sister known to those within the church before those without; but rather exhort them, and seek by prayer, by words, and by actions to convert him from the error of his way, to save his soul and thus to stop the multiplying of his transgressions, Jas. G. Take heed, brethren, take heed I that you allow no defamer among you, as Moses taught, Lev. 19, no double, lying, roguish, nor backbiting tongue; and do not consent, lest you fall into the wrath of God. Let every one take heed, how, where, when and what he speaks, lest his tongue blaspheme his God and his neighbor; but always remember the words of Ecclesiasticus, "Honor and shame is in talk, and the tongue of man is his fall," Eccl. 5:13.

But brethren, if those of years of understanding who were with us, by the urging. of the Spirit, baptized in the most holy body of Jesus Christ, which is the church, again withdraw themselves from the body or church of Christ, actuated either by false doctrine or vain, carnal life, no matter whether it be father or mother, sister or brother, husband or wife, son or daughter, or any one else, for God's word applies to all flesh, without respect of person, Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2; Eph. 8; Col. 3, if he or she do not heed the admonitions of the brethren, which is given with sorrow, tears and a compassionate spirit of love, but continue in their Jewish doctrine, namely, of sword, kingdom, polygamy or the like deceit; again, in the doctrine of the infamous confession, of shamelessness in exposing their persons, and the like unnatural, inhuman actions; again in the doctrine which is opposed to the cross of Christ, such as that uncleanness is pure to the pure, and thus having communion in fruitless works, as the hearing of the preachers of the world, infant baptism, the worldly supper, and the like abominations. Again, continue in drunkenness, avarice, adultery, fornication, unbecoming words, &c., with such have nothing to do, nor eat with them, as Paul has taught and commanded us in plain words, 1 Cor. 5.

But if he affectionately receive the admonitions of his faithful brethren, if he confess his fall, if he be sorry, promise reformation, show signs of penitence, and acknowledge his transgression, then, no matter how he has transgressed, receive him as a returning, beloved brother or sister, but beware, lest he mock his God; for the acceptation of brethren does not avail if we be not accepted of God. Beware, I say, lest his hearing the admonitions, his sorrow, his promise of reformation, and his penitence be not sincere before God; for he searches the hearts and reins, and he knows all inward feignedness and thoughts of men, Jer. 17; Jn. 2; Rom. 8.

If his hearing the admonitions, his sorrow, promise and penitence are not sincere and from his heart, but merely indifferent, feigned, spiritless, hypocritical, just because he does not want to be outwardly thrown out of the communion of the brethren, he is still cut off by Christ, and is a hypocrite in the sight of God. Nor will he be looked upon nor judged by God as being any thing else. For God the righteous Judge does not judge according to the outward appearance, but solely according to the inward intentions of the heart.

Say, beloved, inasmuch as this is the

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case, what does it avail to go by the mere name of a christian brother if he have not the inward, evangelical faith, love, and unblamable life of a true brother of Jesus Christ.

Or what does it avail to partake of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ with the brethren if we have not the true symbolized fruits of this Supper, namely, the love of the brethren, and the peaceable unity of faith in Christ Jesus? Or does it avail anything outwardly to converse in the communion of the brethren, if we are not inwardly in the communion of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ?

Therefore, brethren, none is cut off by us, or ejected from the communion of the brethren (judge rightly) but those who have already ejected themselves either by false doctrine, or by a blamable life, from Christ and his communion. For we do not wish to eject any, but to accept them; not to cut them off, but to restore them; not to reject, but to win them back; not to afflict, but to console them; not to condemn, but to save them. For this is the true nature of a christian brother. Whosoever renounces evil, be it false doctrine or; vain life, and conforms himself to the gospel of Jesus Christ, unto which he is baptized neither shall nor can be ejected or cut off by any of the brethren.

But those whom we cannot raise up and admonish unto repentance by tears, threatening, reproving, or. by any other christian services and divine means, we should reluctantly separate from us, sincerely deploring the fall and damnation of such erring brethren, lest we also be deceived and led astray by such false doctrine which eats about itself like a cancer, 2 Tim. 2; lest we corrupt our flesh which is inclined to evil, by the contagion; and that we may thus obey the word of God which commands us to do so; and that thus the separated brother or sister, whom we can not convert by gentle services, may, by means of the separation, be shamed unto repentance, 2 Thess. 2, and acknowledge to what he has come and from what he is fallen. Thus the ban is a great work of love, notwithstanding it is looked upon by the unintelligent as an act of hatred.

Brethren and sisters this separation or ban, so earnestly taught and commanded in the Scriptures by Christ Jesus and his holy apostles was instituted to be practiced for these causes and reasons, first: For false doctrine, Matt. 7; 18; Rom. lE; 2 Tim. 2; 1 Tim. e; Tit. 3; Phil. 3; 2 Jn.1; again, for sinful, carnal life, Matt. 18; 1 Cor. G; 2 Thess. 3; 2 Tim. 3; again, that we should admonish them (understand, those that will be admonished), Matt. ~18; Tit. 3. Therefore take heed, and watch your own soul, lest you despise the word of God in this necessary matter of separation, and transgress his ordinances; but that you in every respect practice upon and uphold it with divine wisdom, discretion, gentleness and prudence, in the case of those who have gone aside from the evangelical doctrine or life; not with austerity, nor with cruelty, but rather with gentleness, reluctance, and with sorrow and pity for the diseased members who are not cured, in whose case pains and labor avail nothing, who should be cut off with the knife of the divine word, lest the others be corrupted, and lest the abominable scurvy is imparted to the other sheep. Yea it should be done in such a manner that the erring sister or brother may be made ashamed at heart, and thus be won, as was said above. And in case there be any moving of the Spirit, any spark of life; or any fear of God in such sister or brother, their heart will surely quake and tremble; for by the admonition of the word of God, and by the testimony of his own conscience he will acknowledge that he has cut himself off from the communion of Jesus Christ, by his vain, carnal life, and that he has again entered into the communion of the devil; and that therefore his lot and part shall not be with theblessed souls in heaven, but with the damned in hell unto eternity, unless he convert himself.

May God, the merciful Father, save all his chosen children who have entered into his holy covenant and communion, from such a fearful fall, obduracy, and separation, Amen.

All the apostate sisters and brethren who are offended at and angry with us on account of this open doctrine and practice of the Christian ban or separation, will be of

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fended more and more; for whosoever is impure will be rendered still more impure, as the Holy Spirit of the prophecies teaches, Rev. 22. For the word of God is unto the reformation, righteousness, and life of the pious and godly; but unto the lost it is unto offense, unrighteousness and death. Whatl be angry with us because we obey Scripture in this respect? Let them rather be angry with themselves; for they dare teach and live contrary to the commandment of God. If they want to renounce their heresy, and reform their ungodly life, the heavenly doctrine of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ will not offend them nor make them worse, but rather urge, affright and convert them.

If they, by their apostatic, refractory and carnal hatred, are so deprived of grace and the knowledge of God, and become worse and worse, so that they see death in the eternal life, and darkness in the heavenly light of divine truth, then we can claim to be clear before God and his holy angels, from their sins, obduracy, and eternal death if we do toward them that which the Lord's word has commanded us in regard to this matter. Therefore we desire not to have communion with them, nor lot nor part, unto eternity, so long as they do not sincerely renounce their false doctrine and reform their miserable, accursed, earthly, carnal, and devilish life, to the praise of the Lord. But in case true penitence is found in them, in good faith, as before God who sees all things, then we say, welcome beloved brethren, welcome, beloved sisters, and we sincerely rejoice at the sincere conversion of such brethren and sisters. Yea, we rejoice as one is rejoiced at the restoration of an only Son who was dangerously ill as at the restoration of a lost sheep or penny; and as at the reappearance of a son who was given up as lost, Matt. 18; Luke 15.

Behold, brethren, therefore I will leave every apostate brother to consider why, and wherefore, with what kind of spirit, and with what intention this separation or ban was so diligently practiced, first by Christ Jesus and his apostles and afterward by us who are again placed in their doctrine and practice of all christian doings, as may be easily deduced from the alleged Scriptures. Well, dear brethren in the Lord, you who are baptized by one Spirit into one body, and have voluntarily entered into the communion of Jesus Christ, and also you who are of a good mind, inasmuch as you must shun the apostatic in accordance with the word of God, therefore, take heed, that while you shun them as diseased, foul and useless members, unfit for the body of Christ, you yourselves may be found to be sound, fit, and fruitful members in Christ Jesus; and that while you shun them as children of darkness and of death, you yourselves may be children of the light and of eternal life, that the righteous sentence of God may not be pronounced against you; take heed, lest you who shun others on account of their evil doing, secretly commit worse things in the sight of God. Take heed, lest you adjudge others of what you yourselves are guilty, Rom. 2. Behold, brethren, thus the ban or separation should be practiced in the house of the Lord, that is, in God's church; nor have they any other weapon unto eternity. Of this I would have written more but defer it to some other time, if it please God.

Now, beloved brethren, take heed, take heed, brethren, this I advise you that there may never be any thoughts in your hearts otherwise than such as are pure, holy, chaste, heavenly, and of the Holy Spirit. "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God," Matt. G:8. "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom and his tongue talketh of judgment," Ps. 37:3o. Let all thy words be as a sworn oath before God and before the world, Matt. S; Jas. G. Let all your actions be wrought of God by God, and in God, Jn. 3. Measure all your thoughts, words and actions by the rule of the divine word, that the ungodly defamer who so diligently watches all your words and actions may find nothing which he can truly cast up to you, whereby he can accuse or blame you, as Paul taught and requested the church, in some instances, Eph. 4; 1 Tim. 3; Tit. 2. ....."

0, beloved brethren, fulfill my desire, and finish, as obedient children of God that which I have faithfully taught, admonished and written unto you from the word of God, to your eternal salvation, that you may also be partakers of the glorious crown, hope and joy, in the day of the coming of Christ, 1 Thess. 2. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit," Rom. 12:11. Bless God in all his works toward us, and pray him to guide your way,. and let all your counsel be in him, Tob. 4. Walk fearlessly in the commandments of the Lord. Go not in any manner beyond the gospel of Christ, Gal. 1. Be firm in the way of the Lord. Overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil by the most holy faith which is in you, 1 Jn. 5. Joyfully serve each other, "In patience possess ye your souls," Luke 21:13.

"Be patient in tribulation," Rom. 12:12. Prepare your hearts for the cross of Christ, so that when it comes you may not be terrified with the cowardly.

No more at present, but watch closely all the days of your lives, the unexpected coming of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, who has made us such dear creatures, bought us with his precious blood, graciously called, enlightened and regenerated us, and who will crown us with the crown of glory, array us in the garment of unblamableness, and give us the gift of eternal life. To him be eternal praise and glory, now and forever, Amen.

Ponder, holy brethren, upon every word which I have written unto you; read it attentively; reflect upon it diligently, understand it rightly, judge spiritually, and live up to it divinely. 0, brethren, then my admonition and writing, and your perusal and hearing shall be fruitful.

I pray you with holy Paul, by the grace of God, not to suppress this admonition, nor to lay it away, but to read it to all faithful brethren and sisters in the Lord; as also to all the apostates who are not entirely given up, that they may be won back. Yea, not alone to these, but to all men in or out of the church, who may desire to hear it. The grace of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ be with all true brethren and sisters, Amen.

Again, pray for me and far all your servants in the Lord. Beware of all doctrine and works which are not conformable to the gospel of Christ.

Beware.

May grace and peace remain with all the true children of God, and fellow laborers of the promise, in the kingdom of Christ.

MENNO SIMON 1.

**End note: for documentation on this please go to http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=1038&more=1&c=1

(In the article, look for the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) forming for the purpose of promoting Eastern-style meditation into the Christian community and occultist Alice Bailey foretelling the use of the Christian church to bring about "worldwide illumination").

1. http://e-menno.org/menno/menno134.htm

IMPORTANT STUFF TO KNOW ABOUT THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFERENCE

Roll Over Menno, a blog exposing the mystical and emergent leanings of the MB Conference (which would likely cause Menno Simons to roll over in his grave), has enumerated five major concerns as evidence that it is departing from the faith once delivered to the saints. According the this blog, they are:

1. The MB Conference promoting contemplative retreats, contemplative spirituality and centering prayer

2. The MB Conference having emergent church leaders speak at their gatherings

3. The MB Conference using Natural Church Development by Christian Schwarz to refocus churches instead of the Bible

4. The MB Herald’s promotion of Catholicism/ecumenism and contemplative spirituality, Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren

5. MBBS training pastors in contemplative spirituality 1.

To read the articles related to these concerns, click HERE to go to Roll Over Menno.

Warning: Be prepared to be saddened and dismayed by this information, but also encouraged that this is a sign of Christ's soon return for His Bride and time to get your spiritual house in order.

1. http://rollovermenno.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/canadian-mb-conference-top-five-areas-of-concern/

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS IN THE MB HERALD

Many of you have noticed that I have not posted anything on my blog for quite some time. For now I'll just say that I've had other priorities. I'm doing okay, so nothing to worry about there, and I'll try to fill in a few details another time.

For now, I've sensed the need to quickly get some information out onto the web to alert and inform those who have received their issue of the October 2008 MB Herald, regarding the issues of the emerging church and their (MB Conference institutions) receiving funding from the Eli Lilly Foundation in the form of an endowment. These are issues on which I have spent considerable time reading and studying, and now have grave concerns about.

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In Gareth Brandt's article, Strange Bedfellows: Anabaptism and the emergent church, the two are given a favorable comparison. This is contrary to my understanding and it is troubling to me that the emergent conversation is being promoted in a positive light. The article compares the emerging church to the reformation and calls it a new reformation, whereas I would label the emerging church movement a DEformation: the creation of a deformed church. This movement is a front under which lies contemplative spirituality and the social gospel (a movement which by minimizing repentance, separation from the world and its values, and the spiritual nature of salvation and promoting spiritual experiences, good works and the promotion and preservation of the global community to such a degree that it actually compromises the truth and alters the gospel message). The only thing positive I can see about the emergence of the emergent church is that it will serve to separate those who hold solidly to biblical innerancy and truth from those who are in the process of departing from the faith once delivered and are forming the the apostate church (falling away) prophesied in scripture concerning the last days before Christ gathers His Bride to Himself.

Some people may say I am being overly dramatic by making such statements. My reply to that is please do some research of your own. If you have a love for the truth, you will desire to know what it is and won't be afraid to look for it. Examine for yourself to see if what I say is true; don't take my word for it. It is not my job to convince you, only to provide some resources in your search. I believe that convincing people of the truth is the job of the Holy Spirit. So if you love the truth you have nothing to fear. I am not saying there is nothing at stake, for there is much at stake, or I would not be writing this post, but I firmly believe that God watches over His own. Do you fear God or do you fear man? If you fear God, you will also want to know the truth.

To start you on your search you can go to my sidebar and find a number of articles under the heading Emergent/Emerging Church. I also recommend a well-researched and documented book called Faith Undone by Roger Oakland, which gives the background and implications of the emerging chuch. It can be ordered HERE. Another book, which I have not yet read but am ordering this week and looks like a good read is What is the Emerging Church? by David Cloud.

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The second article in question in the latest issue of the MB Herald is entitled Source of donations raises ethical questions. I thank Will Braun, the article's author for bring this issue to light. I believe the tough questions DO need to be asked of the MB Conference regarding their acceptance of these funds from the secular organization, the Lilly Foundation. (The Eli Lilly Corporation is the maker of the prescription drug Prozac). I do not doubt that accepting donations from such an organization will lead to spiritual compromise. For some reason the Lilly Foundation is sending vast amounts of money to a number of institutions that are promoting contemplative spirituality, including the MB Seminary's Ministry Quest Program. MBBS is also promoting contemplative spirituality through its Spiritual Formation curriculum. (See here, and here).

It's website says the Lilly Fund exists to "benefit young people and promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit, charitable sector".1 Ever wonder why a secular insitution would want to be involved in promoting leadership education within a Christian seminary? I think it is important to find these things out.

From several hundred hours of research I have come to the conclusion that the contemplative spirituality movement is a link that ultimately unites peoples of all faiths (including the Eastern religions, the New Age, the occult, and paganism with Christianity) in a spiritual form of global unity. Some of you are probably shaking your heads in disbelief, but once again I ask you to do your homework. Hey, who said finding and knowing the truth was easy in the day and age in which we live? Do you want to know the truth or not? Should the MB Conference be receiving funds from such an organization, and should the MB Conference be promoting contemplative spirituality in its educational institutes?

If you want to read more about this topic, if you like you can start with the links on my sidebar under the title Mysticism/Contemplative Spirituality/Spiritual Formation. My book recommendations are A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen and Contemplative Mysticism: A Powerful Ecumenical Bond by David Cloud.

For more information about the Eli Lilly Foundation read There's Something about Lilly.

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I have heard many people give me the excuse that they are just too busy to take the time to research what I am telling them. To those people I ask the question:"What if you are being spiritually deceived by the emerging church and contemplative spirituality movements? What if that deception deludes you into believing in another gospel, another Christ and another spirit? Will you be able to tell God that nobody tried to warn you?" If after reading this post you have ignored this warning, you have no more excuses!

Once again, I offer a free copy of the book Faith Undone to anyone who knows me personally. It and A Time of Departing are also available in our church library for those who live in my area.

~ Bonnie

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1. http://www.lillyendowment.org/theendowment.html

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ADDED NOTE: October 24, 2008

Since the writing of this post, I have decided to post a copy of it on the bulletin board of the church my husband and I attend. I have decided it is imperative to warn my fellow-Mennonites of the false doctrines entering the homes of Mennonite Brethren through the MB Herald. It has bold-facedly promoted the emerging church in its last edition as something to be welcomed with open arms. In light of this, I am giving anyone who would like to warn others about this aberrant movement permission to copy and distribute this post. I have also decided at this point to reveal my last name, so that you can give this article proper attribution, for I believe I must be willing to be held accountable for what I have written. If you need to contact me, please send me an email at fortheauthor@gmail.com. May God bless you as you stand for the truth.