Christian Yoga-Oxymoron

by Brian Flynn

Why is there such a thing as Christian Yoga? It certainly has no scriptural or biblical basis in support of it. I have repeated many times in my book, my writings and in radio interviews that Yoga is an eastern spiritual practice and has no place in the church. Do you think that Hindus who practice yoga are doing it to attain rock hard abs? The answer is clearly no. The purpose is spiritual. It is not just the meditations; but many of the postures used are a form of sun worship. Does that sound Christian to you? If you do not believe me than this newspaper article called "Is Yoga Debased by Secular Practice" should prove it. After you have read the article please click the link at the bottom of the page to return for my comments.

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The description of Yoga is contradictory with Christianity, "Its practice strives to unite the individual soul with the "greater soul" of the universe..." The response from Christians who practice Yoga state that they do not use the meditations normally associated with Yoga. However, the meditations are not the only problem. "It is a whole series of ritual appreciations to the sun, being thankful for that source of energy." To think of it as a mere physical movement is tantamount to "saying that baptism is just an underwater exercise..." Can't Christians find another form of exercise to use then one that is clearly connected to eastern religions? Even the Hindus in the linked article are stating that it is a Hindu religious practice and to stop pretending that it isn't a Hindu religious practice! They seem a bit upset don't they?

If I were to come to a Hindu sanctuary and introduce them to the following meditation technique what do you think would be their response? Get on your knees, clasp your hands together and repeat over and over again, "I accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior". Do you think they would embrace it? I doubt it. So why do we as Christians embrace their religious prayer, meditation or practice? It must be that the Hindus recognize a religious practice when they see it and Christians simply cannot or will not.

When people share their reasons for exercise they will state, fitness, health, losing weight etc. However, when you ask them about Yoga the purpose for practicing it is almost always related to stress relief. If Christians are not participating in the meditative portion of Yoga than what is the benefit? Yoga’s main selling point is stress relief. Supporters of Yoga state that the stress relief comes from the practice of the meditation. If stress relief is the main reason for practicing Yoga, without the meditation it isn't any more of a stress reliever than any other form of exercise. Therefore, why not choose a different type rather than one borrowed from Hinduism?

If your reason for practicing “Christian” Yoga is to feel closer to God why would you believe that a Hindu ritual would accomplish this? I believe that many Christians who practice Yoga demonstrate a genuine feeling of distance from the Lord but due to a lack of strong biblical knowledge (which would given them what they really need) they resort to a false practice. It also demonstrates that the church who promotes Yoga lacks discernment or they are unwilling to describe the legitimate means of grace that would give their congregation the real feeling of closeness to the Lord, which they obviously lack. Ultimately, the church is to blame for not preaching or teaching the word.

So why is there Christian Yoga at all?

Many are simply ignorant that it is an eastern religious practice.
Many churches look it as a "hip" new way to attract people. Increasing the numbers coming into the church is more important than worrying about its eastern religious roots.
Few have the information to stand against it and fear being viewed as judgmental of they challenge the practice.
Many Christians are already involved in Yoga, why upset them?
Rather than trying to persuade Christians that they are in error, (the hard way) we have chosen to accommodate their error and call it "Christian" Yoga to make them feel better. For once I can say that on a spiritual topic I agree with the Hindus, there is no such thing as "Christian" Yoga.

Summation:

Why do we need to combine any form of exercise with prayer? When the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray did he respond by saying let’s begin with jumping jacks? No, of course not. We can easily pray and exercise separately.
There are a multitude of exercise routines or stretching techniques to choose from that are equally as effective as Yoga and do not have any religious ties. Choose another form of exercise.
Keep churches as a place to pray, preach and worship and fitness clubs a place to exercise. It’s a radical idea but I think it can work.
I hope that this explanation will persuade Christians to study the Bible to feel closer to the Lord and find a form of exercise that doesn't yoke one to Hinduism.

Brian Flynn 2005

35 Reasons Not To Sin

1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.

2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.

3. Because the time spent in my sin is forever wasted.

4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.

5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.

6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.

7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.

8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.

9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.

10. Because my sin saddens the godly.

11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.

12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.

13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.

14. Because the benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of sin

15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.

16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.

17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.

18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.

19. Because sin makes light of the cross, which Christ died for the purpose of taking away sin.

20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.

21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.

22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.

23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.

24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.

25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.

26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.

27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.

28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.

29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.

30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.

31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.

32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.

33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.

34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on its own.

35. Because I promised God He would be Lord of my life.

Relinquish Your Rights. Reject the Sin. Renew the Mind. Rely on God


Copyright© 1992 CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATORS WORLDWIDE, INC.,201 MAIN, PARKVILLE, MO 64152 USAPermission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including Copyright Other uses require written permission.

Contrition Before the Sovereign

I have been trying to understand the Fear of God more lately. I have been trying to understand how so many of these men in times past have had such an incredible grasp on the holiness, majesty, and Fear of God and in contrast how we seem to be A MILLION MILES AWAY from such doctrines and truths. I don't always know what is going on in this crazy spiritual warfare but I do see a huge difference between what we today call our "christian faith" compared to how many in former times viewed their faith. The two do not look the same and it has me very concerned and worried.

I often wonder how so many people sign up for this christian thing and never go through a process of contrition before the Lord, never have a sense of the majesty and Fear of God, claim to be close to him and a follower of his but have no conviction of His holiness and never pursue it in their own lives. I often wonder how this is.

Below are some insights into the doctrine of the Fear of God. I thought this was very helpful.

~~~

"Do we wonder, then, that our text requires contrition of heart as the only attribute in which man can venture to approach the moral majesty of God? First his eye is dazzled by the view of an infinite perfection. Next he realizes the contrast that exists between this divine purity and the uncleanness of a sinful creature. Fear falls upon him, the fear of absolute moral dissolution, expressing itself in the words: "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips" (Is. 6:5). As this fear results from the consciousness of disharmony with an infinite holiness, there is no dread excited by any finite power in the universe worthy to be compared with it. When the sinful people tremble on account of human enemies, strangely forgetful of their exposure to Jehovah's judgment, the prophet is instructed by a special revelation not to fear their fear, nor to be in dread thereof: "Jehovah of Hosts, him shall ye sanctify, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread" (8:13), words vividly reminding us of our Savior's admonition to fear him alone who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt. 10:28).

Spiritual penitence is God-centered and by this feature may be distinguished from the purely moral self-criticism and self-condemnation which does not presuppose a change of heart. The difference between these two is clearly described by Isaiah. It is mere terror of conscience that makes the sinner in Zion speak: "Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings" (33:14)? "Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from among us" (30:11)! But genuine contrition acknowledges the propriety that sin and the sinner and everything defiled by sin should be swept away and Jehovah of Hosts be exalted in judgment and God the Holy One be sanctified in righteousness. So powerful is this constraint of the moral majesty of God's law in the prophet's soul that he cannot conceive of any hope or future for Israel except there arise one who by vicarious suffering shall satisfy the supreme interests of the divine holiness. And in harmony with this conviction the idea of the Messianic king was deepened and enlarged in Isaiah's mind to that of the Suffering Servant, in whom perfect contrition is joined to perfect innocence, who humbles himself and opens not his mouth and makes his soul an offering for the sin of his people."

--Geerhardus Vos, excerpt from "A Sermon on Isaiah 57:15" preached on December 12, 1896, Princeton Theological Seminary

FEAR GOD-Isaiah 8:13

The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,

WE WORSHIP WHAT WE FEAR

"That which we most fear, we worship as our God. For fear is an act of worship. He who fears, worships that which is feared—which is unquestionable when his fear is transcendent. The whole worship of God is frequently in Scripture expressed by this one word "fear" (Mat. 4:10; Deu. 6:13); and the Lord demands this worship, this fear, as due to Him alone (Isa 50:12, 19). That is our god which is our fear and dread (Luke 12:4, 5). If you fear others more than Him, you give that worship to them which is due only to God—and this is plain idolatry."

--David Clarkson

Honor the True God

"God’s truth needs no man-made gimmicks to trick the sheep for whom Christ died; it needs only to be declared. Beware of “churches” and “preachers” who are always trying to come up with a new scheme to deceive the unwary! They have been brainwashed by denominations to believe that “bigger is better.” This is Neo-Pythagoreanism. The Pythagoreans equated reality with success. Hence, the “modern-day church” boldly says, “Reach people regardless of the method.”

The “institutional church” today believes in becoming all things to all people in order that she might increase her numbers and enrich her coffers. Hence, her members build a theater for entertainment instead of a house of worship. What did Christ do to those who made His Father’s house a house of merchandise (John 2:13-17)? Is there any wonder that Jesus Christ did not commit (imperfect active verb for “entrust”) Himself to them (John 2:24)? He knew their trust was not genuine."

--by W.E. Best

7 MARKS OF FALSE TEACHERS

by Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

1. The first distinguishing mark is that they are men-pleasers.

2. The second distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they are notable for casting dirt, scorn and reproach upon the person, names, and credits of Christ's most faithful ambassadors.

3. The third distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they spew out the devices and visions of their own heads and hearts.

4. The fourth distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they easily pass over the great and weighty things both out of the law and the gospel, and dwell mostly upon these things that are of the least importance and concern to the souls of men.

5. The fifth distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they cleverly disguise their dangerous principles and soul-deceiving notions with very attractive speeches and golden expressions.

6. The sixth distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they strive more earnestly to win men over to their opinions, than to improve their behavior.

7. The seventh distinguishing mark of false teachers is that they exploit their followers through covetousness.

READ EXPLANATION OF EACH...

"Tear It Up"

Sometimes you don't have to linger in the muck and mire to know it's not where you want to be. Sometimes you can call things as they are without having to dwell in it. If it stinks, it stinks. If it's trash, then call it what it is, throw it out and move on. This is good advise from D.L. Moody which is very applicable today to authors such as Brian McLaren, Rob Bell and Tony Campolo, just to mention a few.

"A great man people say, you must hear both sides; but if a man should write me a most slanderous letter about my wife, I don’t think I would have to read it; I would tear it up and throw it to the winds. Have I to read all the infidel books that are written, to hear both sides? Have I to take up a book that is slander on my Lord and Master, Who has redeemed me with His blood? Ten thousand times no! I will not touch it."

--D.L. Moody (1837–1899)

ISAIAH 64

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains would tremble before you!

As when fire sets twigs ablaze
and causes water to boil,
come down to make your name known to your enemies
and cause the nations to quake before you!

For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.

Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved?

All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

No one calls on your name
or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and made us waste away because of our sins.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look upon us, we pray,
for we are all your people.

What the Church Needs Today

"What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer."

--E.M. Bounds (1835-1913)

Celebration of Discipline-Book Review by Gary Gilley

I thought this review of the book Celebration of Discipline by Gary Gilley was very good. I have a 1978 edition copy of this book and I have it marked all over the place with underlines and comments in the margins page after page. At some point when I have more time I would like to make a post showing how many strange things Foster has in this book from his "hands up/hands down" stuff to the "divine center" to how frequently he quotes the ("I'm deeply impregnated with Sufism") wannabe Buddist THOMAS MERTON.

This concerns me a great deal because the youth pastor from my former church thinks this book it just wonderful and encourages the kids to read this misguided mystic-(everyone is born with the "inner light") Quaker Richard Foster.

How many good old Southern Baptists do I know attending this church either have no idea what is behind some of the teachings entering this church or who do not take the time themselves to FIND OUT???

PLEASE TRY TO FIND OUT! oh my this is depressing.

Also, this review below may help Phil who is about to confront his school where he is a teacher, as to why they would promote the book Celbration of Discipline.

Real christians need to WAKE UP...see the fire and get out the the burning barn!

~~~

Celebration of Discipline
by Richard Foster

Written over twenty-five hears ago, and proclaimed by Christianity Today as one of the ten best books of the twentieth century, the influence of Celebration of Discipline is all but incalculable. Foster is a Quaker, so his spiritual life is grounded in the subjective “inner light” presupposition of the Friends. He is highly steeped in the Roman Catholic mystics, drawing from dozens of them for his theology. More than that, Eugene Peterson informs us that Foster has “‘found’ the spiritual disciplines [in the mystics] that the modern world stored away and forgot” (p. 206). Foster’s views are also formed by Quaker mystics and even secular thinking, most surprisingly Carl Jung, self-confessed demon-possessed psychologist.
Without question these extra-biblical sources are behind Foster’s understanding of the Christian life. That is not to say that he does not refer to Scripture and occasionally interpret it correctly. However, it is astounding to see how often he mutilates the Word of God (e.g. pp. 16, 17, 55, 83, 114, 156, 170, and 177).

As a result of his unbiblical routes and disregard for the meaning of Scripture, it should not surprise us that Foster has become a Pied Piper leading multitudes away from biblical Christianity. From the vantage point of twenty-six years since the publication of Celebration of Discipline we see just how far astray Foster has taken his followers. These include:

• Subjective leading of God as being the norm.

• Journaling and prayer as ways that God speaks to us.

• The contemplative prayer movement which has taken many to the foothills of Eastern mysticism.

• Centering prayer in which one moves to the center of God or self—an Eastern mystical practice.

• An unbiblical use of imagination which leads to occultic visualization.

• Receptivity to all the charismatic gifts including tongues, visions, revelations and prophecy.

• Use of rosaries and prayer wheels.

• Embracing of psychological views such as self-fulfillment, self-actualization, loving ourselves, mutual submission, and healing of inner wounds.

• Propagation of the Roman Catholic view of confession, penitence and spiritual directives.

• Promoting charismatic patterns of worship, including calling for the presence of God and holy laughter.

Overall Foster’s book is an encyclopedia of unbiblical teaching, which leads the unsuspecting reader away from Christ and into mysticism or worse. It is a telltale sign of the state of the church to find how accepted Foster’s teachings are.


reviewed by Gary E. Gilley, Pastor-Teacher

An Encouraging Comment

This was an encouraging comment from a good friend of ours, Norman.

Norman Kelleher said...

Hey Kenny, I don't think that you could have said this any more clearly. You are truly a blessing and our Lord is very pleased with your work. I am afraid that I fall short far too often and really need to test my personal relationship and see if I am really walking with Christ the way I should be.

You have been a blessing in my life and I love you and your family very much. I would hope that anyone who claims to be a Christian would not have any problem with another Christian brother trying to help them test their faith in the light of scripture. It seems to me that it may be a sign that there is something amiss if someone is not willing to listen to another Christian when they are clearly trying to help steer toward the truth of Christ's teachings.

I still can't believe that you and Keith put all of this time into this site to help so many people when you are both supporting your families. Thank you so much.

This new emergent movement seems very subtle in the way it pulls people from the truth. It may be nice to think that people who are leading heretical movements are just being deceived themselves and simply do not realize the error of their ways. My belief is that the leaders of large movements that pull people away from biblical Christianity are very aware of what they are doing.

There are many instances of supposedly "good" or "holy" men who have started religions that have led many people into bondage and eternal damnation.

Far from being a great holy man the way he is described by many, Muhammed was a horrible human being. He took God's word and made subtle changes in it and decided that Christianity and Judaism had quite a bit of truth but there were certain basic teachings that were wrong. Conveniently, he was able to convince others that God had spoken directly to him and decided that he was meant to bring people back to the true god. Of course, Muhammed's god also decided that Muhammed was supposed to have more power, money, and women than other men. He slaughtered anyone who defied him and because of his desire for personal enrichment well over 1 billion people have been led down a path to eternal separation from the one true God.

Joseph Smith was another who has led millions away from the Truth of God's word. He decided to change the bible to fit his teachings because of his hatred for traditional Christianity and of course wrote his own book (the book of Mormon) that was meant to add to and twist the gospel. He of course alsogot to have more money, power, and women.

Charles Taze Russell personally enriched himself and his family while simultaniously deceiving millions.

Some may believe that these were just misguided individuals who were trying to do the right things but just missed the point or didn't understand the truth. My personal belief is that they knew what damage and destruction they were doing and in each case hated God and wanted to deceive His people.

In each of these examples people can say that these leaders were dealing with a completely different worldview and therefore it was just a differnt way of understanding how our relationship to the divine works. Also, these people never claimed to be Christian. Ieach example they said that they were there to bring a new revelation about man's relationship to god.

These new church "leaders are doing something different than the other three mentioned. They are claiming to be Christians. I cannot judge whether they are or not and not knowing them personally I really have nothing to go on other than their words and actions. You are not trying to destroy people or hurt them personally but rather you are pointing out the specific things these men are saying which is twisting the word of our Lord. The fact that some of these "leaders" seem to be denying the gospel and saying things that are clearly unbiblical and anti-Christian, there is no reason for you to not point these out. The fact that none of the people I have seen answers your specific questions but rather just make arguments appealing to general christian-like concepts such as "you shouldn't judge other people" gives me a fairly clear indication that they do not have an answer for your questions.

Whether these people are really trying to teach the truth and are just confused or whether they are puposely misleading is a tough call when there are subtle differences in what they believe and true time tested conservative biblical teaching. The fact that these people associate with others who have openly anti-Christian and new age beliefs tends to detract from their contention that this is just an honest attempt to interperet what Christ would have us know.

The valuable time that you generously give to this site simply to try to help other Believers sort out these confusing and conflicting beliefs is extremely helpful.

Hopefully some of these leaders will realize that they shouldn't keep attacking you for trying to ensure that other beleivers are not deceived and will pray that God will reveal to them whether they are in fact teaching false doctrine.

No Christian should be upset with another who is asking them to take the Bible at face value or to test their teachings to see if they are in line with the clear understanding of long established textual meanings of the verses.

Sorry about the rambling. It is a little late and I just wanted to let you know that you and Keith are awesome and there are people out here who appreciate all of your work.

Take care,

Norman

McLaren and Jones on Salvation?

CAUTION!

Take a look below at what can happen to your reasoning skills if you become EMERGENT....

“Why would we need to be saved from that which, in uncertain truth, we really are, unless somehow we do not realize that we are already? You see? So now, surely you finally understand. Fellow sojourner, what you have just asked is really a question with no philosophical basis in this reality of non-reality. That is of course, unless you might happen to think it does. But that is for another day!”

ARE YOU CONFUSED YET?--KEEP READING

Full-Out Assault

"Since God mentions this ministry [that of a watchman] several times throughout the Bible with great clarity, we do well to read, heed, and learn to be men and women with this attitude for the church today.

While we may not be under the threat of physical invasion today, or living in literal walled fortresses, Satan and his workers seek to destroy and lay siege to the church today through false teachers and ungodly philosophies. He seeks to lead us into false forms of worship and unbiblical teachings that masquerade as truth. He has engineered and orchestrated a full-out assault on the people of God today, complete with deceptive false ministers and non-prophets who no longer view His Word as the primary basis for true doctrine. The church is definitely under attack and , therefore, definitely and desperately in need of watchmen in this age."

--Steven Mitchell from his article Watchman Arise

Sinning Because I Want To

This daily devotional from the Institute for Creation Research really makes you stop and think, how much of my sin is deliberate and willful? Sometimes I sin ignorantly. Sometimes I sin because I like it and I want to. May God have mercy on me....

"Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him" (Numbers 15:31).

Under the Mosaic law, there was ample provision for forgiveness of sins committed unintentionally. "If any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, . . . and it shall be forgiven him" (Numbers 15:27-28). However, as in our text, it was altogether different for one who deliberately disobeyed God's law. One who would so despise God's commandment was to be put to death.

In this Christian dispensation, many would say that this harshness of God's law has been replaced by His love. There is abundant pardon for all, since Jesus died for all our sins. Now, all we need is to confess our sins, and He will forgive us (I John 1:9). But, "if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, . . . He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God?" (Hebrews 10:26,28-29).

Even assuming this warning applies specifically only to those who have willfully renounced faith in Christ, the question still remains whether one with true saving faith will willfully sin against the known will of God, as revealed in His Word. "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (I John 2:4). Only God knows the heart, but those "Christians" who deliberately reject and disobey His Word should at least "examine selves, whether be in the faith" (II Corinthians 13:5).

"A Terrible God"

"At the present day, I am afraid that nine people out of ten do not believe in the God Who is revealed to us in the Bible. I can point you to newspapers, to periodicals, and also to pulpits by the score in which there is a new god set up to be worshipped–not the God of the Old Testament; He is said to be too strict, too severe, too stern for our modern teachers.
They shudder at the very mention of the God of the Puritans. If Jonathan Edwards were to rise from the dead, they would not listen to him for a minute; they would say that they had quite a new god since his day. But, brethren, I believe in the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob; this is my God, the God Who drowned Pharoah and his host at the Red Sea and moved His people to sing, “Hallelujah!” as He did it; the God Who caused the earth to open and swallow up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and all their company.

A terrible God is the God Whom I adore–He is the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, full of mercy, compassion, and grace, tender and gentle, yet just and dreadful in His holiness and terrible out of His holy places. This is the God Whom we worship, and He Who comes to Him will take Him to be his Instructor, and so shall he learn aright all that he needs to know."

––Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Spiritual Undertow

"You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump." Galatians 5:7-9

Spiritual Undertow
by Oswald Chambers

"An undertow is an undercurrent flowing in a different direction from the water at the surface. It is the undercurrent that drowns; a swimmer will never plunge into an undercurrent, a fool will.

The spiritual undertow that switched away the Galatians was Judaism, formalism. It was not dominant, but hidden; it ran in exactly the opposite direction to the current of liberty into which they were being brought by Christ. Instead of going out to sea, out into the glorious liberty of the children of God, they were being switched away.

"You ran well..." They had been heading straight for the ocean, but the undercurrent of ritualism bewitched them, hindering them from obeying the truth." (page 904)

Note: This "undercurrent" illustrates the postmodern transformation of churches around the world. On the surface it looks good. Leaders quote Bible verses and point to the gospel. They tell us that their message of hope is based on the redemption. But then their message strays off course, drawing members and churches into an undercurrent that chokes out the truths that set us free.

The new church leaders and managers will tell us the opposite: that their psycho-social strategies and ground rules for group discussion free people from the burdens of shame and the pangs of guilt. But by presenting a feel-good universal gospel that rationalizes sin and shields the suffering sinner from genuine conviction can only bring an illusion of salvation.

For the person who believes in Christ without coming broken and contrite to the cross will not be

• cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus nor

• freed from bondage to sin nor

• filled with the Spirit that enables us to walk in the new life of joy, peace and victory.

Always striving to follow the new vision and social rules for "spiritual community," such seekers are hindered from the very Life of Jesus, the Shepherd that at first put the hunger for truth and God in their hearts.

"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." John 5:39-40

Emergent Church Audio Interview

This is an audio of Ingrid Schlueter from the radio program Crosstalk interviewing Pastor Gary Gilley on the Emergent Church. It's a good explanation of what this movement is about.

I often run into people in churches who are not familiar with the Emergent movement even though its influences may be manifesting itself right in their very own churches. This is why it is so important that people understand how to identify the influences of Emergent. We need to guard ourselves, our families, and our churches from this heresy.

If you don't know much about the Emergent Church, this audio is a very good introduction.

Please take the time to listen. It is very informative.

Leisure Time

"The best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying."


--Charles Spurgeon

A Conversation with Cryin' McLaren

THIS IS A PARODY demonstrating the inability of Emergents like Brian McLaren to give a straight answer on anything. Check it out, it's very funny.

CONFESSIONS

by Horatius Bonar

"We have been carnal and unspiritual. Associating too much and too intimately with the world, we have in a great measure become accustomed to its ways."

"We have been timid. Fear has often led us to smooth down or generalize truths which if broadly stated must have brought hatred and reproach upon us. We have thus often failed to declare to our people the whole counsel of God."

"We have given a greater prominence to man's writings, man's opinions, man's systems in our studies than to the Word. We have drunk more out of human cisterns than divine. We have held more communion with man than God."

"We have allowed business, study or active labor to interfere with our closet hours. Sleep, company, idle visiting, foolish talking and jesting, idle reading, unprofitable occupations, engross time that might have been redeemed for prayer. Why is there so little concern to get time to pray? Why is there so much speaking, yet so little prayer?"

"We have been unfaithful. The fear of man and the love of his applause have often made us afraid."

READ THE ENTIRE MESSAGE...

A Truly Humble Man

"A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God; of his dependence on Him; of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom; and that it is by God's power that he is upheld and provided for, and that he needs God's wisdom to lead and guide him, and His might to enable him to do what he ought to do for Him."

—Jonathan Edwards

A Stand Against Purpose Driven and Emergent

This is from the latest Lighthouse newsletter. How I hope and pray more churches would take a stand like this against the Purpose Driven juggernaut and not bow in adoration at the idol of the Church Growth Movement.

It's too bad my former church has gone through the Purpose Driven indoctrination which through time has evolved to other tactics, techniques, methods, and fads in attempts to increase the number of attendies to their church. Not to mention the fact that they continue to list Rick Warren's book on their site as well as books by some Emergent authors such as Dan Kimball and Leonard Sweet. (by the way.... "Warren has endorsed the Emerging Church movement. He wrote a foreword for a book written by Dan Kimball titled The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations")--hey, it just so happens that this is the very same Dan Kimball book on my former church's website.

Here is an excerpt from the newsletter....

"Roger Oakland, a Bible-teacher and evangelist to Calvary Chapel, released a hard-hitting commentary, explaining the reasons why Calvary Chapel recently pulled Purpose Driven materials from their distribution store. Calvary Chapel leadership had surprised many last month when they issued a recall notice, saying: "The teaching and positions of Rick Warren have come into conflict with us at Calvary Chapel."

Today's analysis by Roger Oakland is a powerful and accurate assessment of the Purpose Driven teachings and evidence that cannot be ignored. It is the hope of Lighthouse Trails that this information will aid many believers in their efforts to preserve the integrity of the gospel in their churches and homes. And we believe once you have read Mr. Oakland's review, you will agree with us that Purpose Driven does not represent biblical Christianity." ....READ COMMENTARY.

Who is Really a Christian?

I believe this is one of the most important questions we could ask of ourselves. How does a person know he is really a christian?

I am not going to ask somebody else whether I am a true christian or not just as I am not going to ask the friends of Tony Jones whether or not he is a christian, even though they may be quick to answer in the affirmative. I would hope both Tony Jones, all of his friends, and I would look to the infallible Word of God to see if we are really true christians.

The book of 1 John is good to read as a way of checking ourselves to assure that we are living in obedience to Christ (indicator of a true christian). Look at these examples....

• if we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness we lie. -1:10

• if we say we have not sin we are a liar -1:10

• we know we know him if we keep his commandments -2:3

• he who says he knows him but does not keep his commandments is a liar -2:4

• whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother, walks in darkness -2:9

• if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. -2:15

• whoever continues to sin has not seen him and neither knows him. -3:7

• he who keeps his commands abides in him and he in him and we know he abides in us by the Spirit he gives us. -3:24

• if a man says "I love God" but hates his brother, he is a liar -4:20

• by this we know we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments -5:2

• these things were written that you believe on the name of the Son of God that you may KNOW that you have eternal life -5:13

These are some verses from each chapter of 1 John which help us check our standing before God. I would recommend reading all five chapters carefully.

If a person does not use the Word of God as the standard by which to determine the authenticity of his/her faith, this person is being deceived and the consequences will be eternal damnation and separation from the presence of God forever in hell.

What if you think you are a christian but you never read your bible? You never have a desire to pray? You need to go to the doctor for a check-up. You may not be a true christian. You may have a terminal disease which could kill you any minute and it will be too late to do anything about it. True love will warn someone if they look spiritually sick. If you look sick and proud, you may not be a christian like you think you are and you may be on the path to destruction. If you enjoy worldly things and have no desire to spend time with God alone, you may not be a christian. If this is you, you better find out quick and repent and receive God's mercy and grace since He poured out his blood at Calvary with his crucifixion on the cross to pay for your sins and rose from the dead to offer you eternal life through his redemption. You must agree with God about your defiance and rebellion toward his holiness and character which cannot look upon sin. When you do this as David did in Psalm 51, God offers his forgiveness to you. You must first be broken before him and hate the sin in your life and want to get rid of it. Jesus took care of it in his suffering on the cross.

There is way too much at stake here to be flippant with this. Would you like to hear...

"Well done, good and faithful servant! "

or

"I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" ?

This is the topic Paul Washer is discussing in THIS AUDIO. He boldly challenges his listeners to examine themselves against the Word of God to be assured of salvation in Christ.

Please listen and ask God to speak to you.

-KTO

Pure Heart and Pure Church

"There is only one sin God cannot forgive....and that's the sin that's unconfessed"

-Leonard Ravenhill quoting his friend Duncan Campbell
from the sermon "Pure Heart and Pure Church"

Contemplative Prayer, Meditation and the Changing Church

If you're involved in practices such as Contemplative prayer. I would encourage you to listen to THIS AUDIO.

This is an interview of Brian Flynn on the subject. The Lord is really speaking through Brian Flynn in this interview. It is one of the best I've heard. You absolutely must hear it.

Erroneous Belief

"Nothing makes a man so virtuous as belief of the truth. A lying doctrine will soon beget a lying practice. A man cannot have an erroneous belief without by-and-by having an erroneous life. I believe the one thing naturally begets the other."

--Charles Spurgeon

Grieved

"The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church...grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil."

--Leonard Ravenhill

A Word Spoken With a Clear Conscience

"Speak for eternity. Above all things, cultivate your own spirit. A word spoken by you when your conscience is clear and your heart full of God's Spirit is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin. Remember that God, and not man, must have the glory. If the veil of the world's machinery were lifted off, how much we would find is done in answer to the prayers of God's children."

-- Robert Murray McCheyne

Humility When Studying God's Word

"The Holy Scriptures require a humble reader who shows reverence and fear toward the Word of God and constantly says, 'Teach me, teach me, teach me!' The Spirit resists the proud. Though they study diligently and some preach Christ purely for a time, nevertheless God excludes them from the church if they're proud. Wherefore every proud person is a heretic, if not actually, then potentially. However, it's difficult for a man who has excellent gifts not to be arrogant. Those whom God adorns with great gifts he plunges into the most severe trials in order that they may learn that they're nothing. ... Pride drove the angel out of heaven and spoils many preachers. Accordingly it's humility that's needed in the study of sacred literature."

--Martin Luther, year 1540, Luther's Table Talk

Help for Emergents

A little help for those confused and entangled in the Emergent movement:

Proverbs 2:1-11

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

King of Jews-King of Beers

This looks like some "artist" or vandals who are trying to make a statement of some kind. It just goes to show how irreverent some people are.

READ ARTICLE

I don't want to be around when the lightning strikes.

Doesn't anyone have the fear of God anymore?

Here's another one.
I'm not sure if it's the same "artist" or not but it is of the same spirit.
Do these people have any idea of the danger of what they are doing?

Another Gospel

by A.W. Pink (1886-1952)

"[The apostles of Satan]....are for the most part ordained ministers. Thousands of those who occupy our modern pulpits are no longer engaged in presenting the fundamentals of the Christian Faith, but have turned aside from the Truth and have given heed unto fables.

Instead of magnifying the enormity of sin and setting forth its eternal consequences, they minimize it by declaring that sin is merely ignorance or the absence of good. Instead of warning their hearers to "flee from the wrath to come" they make God a liar by declaring that He is too loving and merciful to send any of His own creatures to eternal torment....

[The Gospel of Satan] does not promote strife and war, but aims at peace and unity. It seeks not to set the mother against her daughter nor the father against his son, but fosters the fraternal spirit whereby the human race is regarded as one great "brotherhood." It does not seek to drag down the natural man, but to improve and uplift him. It advocates education and cultivation and appeals to the "best that is within us." It aims to make this world such a comfortable and congenial habitat that Christ's absence from it will not be felt and God will not be needed. It endeavors to occupy man so much with this world that he has no time or inclination to think of the world to come....

Yes, my reader, it is possible to work in the name of Christ, and even to preach in his name, and though the world knows us, the Church knows us, yet to be unknown to the Lord! How necessary is it then to find out where we really are; to examine ourselves and see whether we be in the faith; to measure ourselves by the Word of God and see if we are being deceived by our subtle Enemy; to find out whether we are building our house upon the sand, or whether it is errected on the Rock which is Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit search our hearts, break our wills, slay our emnity against God, work in us a deep and true repentance, and direct our gaze to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."

READ MORE, you won't regret it.

THE MASTER LIST

It's very helpful to have a list like this one from Bud Press, warning christians of the many many questionable if not blatantly heretical books being published today by commonly trusted christian publishers and assumedly trusted christian websites.

The church I left last year recommends some of these authors on their "recommended books" section of the church's website. authors such as

Dan Kimball,

Brian McLaren,

Ken Blanchard,

Leonard Sweet

just to name a few.

Not only that but their youth pastor promotes and encourages the kids to read authors such as Richard Foster - (Celebration of Discipline) and teaches kids doctrines from authors like Rob Bell and references mystics such as Madam Guyon.

It grieves me that there is such a lack of discernment from apparently so many leaders within evangelical churches. I guess all we can do is to warn them and pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit will open their spiritual eyes to deceptions occurring in today's church.

Below is an excerpt from the list...

"To the Reader: The following is a Master List of Contemplative, Cultic, Heretical, New Age Movement, Homosexual, Lesbian, Pro-Gay and Transgendered authors and books found advertised and promoted within numerous, major online Christian bookstores worldwide...." READ FURTHER

Some Questions for Emergents

I'm curious about a few things. I would like some Emergent people help me understand some of the beliefs of the Emergent movement.

1. Does a person become a "christian" by conversion or do they progress into it gradually?

2. Is the bible inerrant and infallible?

3. Is the Jesus as manifested in the New Testament the same as the God manifested in the Old Testament?

4. Is homosexuality a sin?

5. Can homosexuality separate a person from God for eternity?

6. Are only christians going to heaven?

7. Are the truths revealed in scripture objective, applicable to everyone the same or are they subjective depending upon the person reading them?

8. Does God allow human beings to actually go to a literal hell of burning fire "where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched"?

9. What is the Emergent church's view of the sovereignty of God... do they ascribe to it?. This question has me very curious since I see very little manifestation of this doctrine in the Emergent circles.

10. Why does the Emergent church have such a problem with authoritative men?

11. Is the Emergent movement susceptible to false teachings and how would they be able to define false teaching if they are constantly changing? What is their standard for discernment? How do they know truth from error?


I know people involved in the Emergent church enjoy a healthy conversation. Hopefully some of you will be willing to answer some of these questions.

Thanks,
Kenny

Jesus and the Fact of Hell

by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).

How can it be that Jesus Christ, who taught so strongly the importance of love and forgiveness, could speak such words as these? Actually, Jesus had more to say about hell and eternal punishment than any other speaker or writer in the Bible. Since He is the Creator (Colossians 1:16), the coming Judge (John 5:22), and the only man who has died and risen permanently from the dead (II Corinthians 5:14-15), we would do well to believe and heed His warnings. He knows whereof He speaks!

Listen to these prophecies, for example: "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:49-50). "If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:47-48). There are other such warnings from Christ, but how can we reconcile such threats of everlasting doom with His own nature of love?

The fact is, however, that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for people. The devil has been a rebel against God since the beginning, wanting to be his own god. When people follow the devil in this same rebellious path, rejecting God's Word, they are showing they would be more comfortable with Satan than with Christ in eternity. Therefore Christ, because of His great love, has repeatedly warned them of what is coming, and so should we. "Of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire" (Jude 22-23).

Are You Asleep?--by J.C. Ryle

No doubt this is what the church today needs to hear. The church needs to wake up but it will happen with individuals ONE BY ONE. Community has its advantages but it also has some draw backs. When we stand before the Holy One on the day of Judgement we will not give an account of our lives to God as a community. The only one who could speak on our behalf is the Son of God––Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb.

At times we do fall asleep. We become comfortable with sin. We kinda like it. We have no desire to read the Word and no desire to pray. How sad is this? This should never be the case.

Pray that God will deliver us from this sin.

~~~

"Heaven itself would be no happiness to you if you got there, for the Lord of heaven is not your friend: what pleases Him does not please you; what He dislikes gives you no pain. His word is not your counsellor; His day is not your delight; His law is not your guide. You care little for hearing of Him: you know nothing of speaking with Him. To be forever in His company would be a thing you could not endure; and the society of saints and angels would he a weariness, and not a joy. At the rate you live at, the Bible might never have been written, and Christ might never have died, the Apostles were foolish, the New Testament Christians madmen, and the salvation of the Gospel a needless thing. Oh, awake! and sleep no more.

Think not to say you are a member of Christ's Church, and therefore feel no doubt you are as good a Christian as others. I answer,—this will only make your case worse, if you have nothing else to plead. You may he written down and registered among God's people: you may be reckoned in the number of saints; you may sit for years under the sound of the Gospel; you may use holy forms and even come to the Lord's table at regular seasons; and still, with all this, unless sin be hateful, and Christ precious, and your heart a temple of the Holy Ghost, you will prove in the end no better than a lost soul. A holy calling will never save an unholy man. Reader, awake: awake!"....READ ENTIRE.

Destructive Heresies in Today's Church

How many churches could these quotes apply to today? Unfortunately, a lot I would say:

"The church door opens to trouble by saying, "Let's not nit-pick about doctrine. Let's not dot our I's and cross our T's so particularly." Believers compromise with the counterfeit to a certain degree because it basically looks good, then the door opens to more counterfeits. When the people of God know little about the word of God, they are not able to be discerning when they examine counterfeits."

"Destructive heresies are secretly introduced. Different opinions are brought along side with the truth. These heresies and opinions are destructive. They lead to destruction. It is a serious matter. As soon as you depart from the word of God, you are on the road to destruction. It is no minor issue; eternity is at stake. Departure occurs in one area, then another, and soon the teachers themselves are leaders in this road to destruction. Where does the heresy lead? Even to the point of denying the Master who bought them!"

by Gil Rugh
from his sermon "Destructive Heresies in Today's Church" 1996

Christian Man Practices Contemplative Prayer

This is from the latest Lighthouse newsletter:

~~~

Practicing contemplative meditation drew this man towards the beliefs of Hinduism and other religions.

Dear Ray Yungen and Lighthouse Friends,

My deepest thank-you for this website and the book, A Time of Departing. I have been a born again believer for six to seven years now and a youth leader for two. I have passionately pursued Jesus through all of them. However, not always according to truth as you will hear.

Thomas Keating's book Open Mind, Open Heart introduced me to the form of contemplative prayer called centering prayer nine months ago. I was captured by his deep insights, beautiful sounding wisdom, and impressive use of language. With hesitation, I began to practice centering prayer once or twice a day for about three months. I used the method Thomas Keating teaches by using a sacred word. This word was a symbol of my consent to (what I believed was) the Spirit of God and the Lordship of Jesus. My word was Abba. I repeated this word in silence to help me stop the normal flow of thoughts so my soul could rest in utter stillness, wide open to the presence (I perceived was God). This presence's comforting touch was beyond adequate expression at times. I was beginning to think Christians could not have this kind of deep intimacy with God apart from contemplative prayer.

My experiences with centering prayer were powerful to me, so it seemed only logical to believe this was God's blessing upon it. I mean how could it be wrong if my intent was to be with Jesus and the Father in intimacy and be formed into Christ's image. What was my fruit? Increased gentleness began to enter my life as well as more patience, yet so did more openness to what I could learn from Catholic Mystics, Hindus, and Buddhists. I definitely did not deny Jesus was the only way to the Father, but I could have easily headed down that path. I also read from Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, St. Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Brennan Manning, Sue Monk Kidd and others. I was clearly being swept up into their program for spiritual formation (into Christ likeness, as I perceived).

During this time, I had been visiting Lighthouse Trails website regularly. I now see that through its messages of warning about contemplative prayer, seeds of truth were being planted in me. At the time however, I believed your apologists were missing the mark, yet I responded by seeking God for the truth, asking to be corrected and granted repentance if I was in the wrong. Then during my second time through Open Mind, Open Heart on page 127 I read, speaking of human nature: "This basic core of goodness is capable of unlimited development; indeed, of becoming transformed into Christ and deified."

I could no longer practice this prayer with a good conscience after reading that statement by Keating. Now about four months later I have just finished reading A Time of Departing which I received three days ago. I have gratefully accepted it's message.

I have been studying the Scriptures rigorously since stopping centering prayer and seeking to grow in hermeneutical integrity. This study prepared me to hear with a sounder mind what you had to say. There is a theological principle in Deuteronomy 12:29-32.1 Please read it in context. God's word warns his people not to inquire of other religions concerning how they serve their gods and then do the same. We are not to worship the Lord our God the way other religions worship their gods because we will follow in their footsteps. Even though I was trying to connect with Jesus in centering prayer, I was using eastern religious practices not taught in Scripture, and therefore, not in conformity with the gospel of Christ. These practices were clearly leading me away from Jesus. Validation of these practices can be read into Scripture, but not understood from Scripture by the Spirit of Christ. There is so much more to my journey to a faith based upon God's Word, but for now, I want to emphasize how thankful I am for Ray Yungen and Lighthouse Trails for your defense of the gospel of Jesus the Messiah!

Richard
From the state of Florida

1. Deuteronomy 12:29-32: When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, "How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise."

You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

"What July Fourth Means to Me"

by Ronald Reagan (1981)

"For one who was born and grew up in the small towns of the Midwest, there is a special kind of nostalgia about the Fourth of July.

Somewhere in our [youth], we began to be aware of the meaning of [important national] days and with that awareness came the birth of patriotism. July Fourth is the birthday of our nation. I believed as a boy, and believe even more today, that it is the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.

The day of our nation's birth in that little hall in Philadelphia, [was] a day on which debate had raged for hours. The men gathered there were honorable men hard-pressed by a king who had flouted the very laws they were willing to obey. Even so, to sign the Declaration of Independence was such an irretrievable act that the walls resounded with the words "treason, the gallows, the headsman's axe," and the issue remained in doubt.

[On that day] 56 men, a little band so unique we have never seen their like since, had pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Some gave their lives in the war that followed, most gave their fortunes, and all preserved their sacred honor.

What manner of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants and tradesmen, and nine were farmers. They were soft-spoken men of means and education; they were not an unwashed rabble. They had achieved security but valued freedom more. Their stories have not been told nearly enough.

John Hart was driven from the side of his desperately ill wife. For more than a year he lived in the forest and in caves before he returned to find his wife dead, his children vanished, his property destroyed. He died of exhaustion and a broken heart.

Carter Braxton of Virginia lost all his ships, sold his home to pay his debts, and died in rags. And so it was with Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Rutledge, Morris, Livingston and Middleton. Nelson personally urged Washington to fire on his home and destroy it when it became the headquarters for General Cornwallis. Nelson died bankrupt.

But they sired a nation that grew from sea to shining sea. Five million farms, quiet villages, cities that never sleep, three million square miles of forest, field, mountain and desert, 227 million people with a pedigree that includes the bloodlines of all the world. In recent years, however, I've come to think of that day as more than just the birthday of a nation.

It also commemorates the only true philosophical revolution in all history.

Oh, there have been revolutions before and since ours. But those revolutions simply exchanged one set of rules for another. Ours was a revolution that changed the very concept of government.

Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should."

Shocking Message!

Hopefully there are still some followers of the heretical Emergent Church movement hitting this website---leftovers from the Tony Jones post, still reeling from it's title (it was kind of good that there was such a huge reaction--it gave me an opportunity to clearly present the gospel message in the follow up posts). If this is you, I would strongly recommend you listen to this audio.

Since those involved in Emergent are very open minded maybe they would find this interesting and enlightening. It would give you plenty of material for conversation.

Just click on THIS LINK to listen to the mp3.

--PS: also don't miss the post Sin is the Horse, Grace is the Cart.

Fire! Fire!--by J.C. Ryle

I have been waiting a while to decide when I should publish this post. I believe this is a good time to do so since the last few posts I have published dealt with explaining the gospel of mercy, hope and good news to sinners lost and on their way to eternal separation from God.

This is one of the most delicate topics to deal with. This is one of those truths that no one wants to talk about and many people simply deny. It is hard to bring up this topic because it hurts. It hurts to believe that people we know, we interact with each day, will be in eternal torment if they do not repent of their sins. It almost doesn't seem real in our cultural context to bring up these seldom discussed facts about hell. We see ourselves as "pretty good" when God says our righteousness is as filthy rages. There is nothing we can do to please God. We are eternally lost and hopeless without Him. His mercy for us is undeserved and He extends His mercy and grace to us only because He chooses to.

His holiness is so far above our ability to comprehend that anything short of His holiness is detestable to him. He requires nothing less than holiness from us. There is absolutely nothing we can do to achieve this. We cannot even come close. After we realize this truth and admit it to him, it is at that point that we may begin to receive His grace. He then imputes His righteousness to us. WOW! What a great and merciful God he is.

God wants us to realize that we are broken, pitiful, destroyed, weak, vile and worthless. Basically he wants us to agree with Him that this is our state and our condition---Mark 7:20-23 and Romans 3:9-20. We are this way because we have offended His holiness and violated His perfect standard of rightousness, not because anybody finds glee and pleasure in being weak, vile and worthless. Nobody wants to believe that this is the way we are. But this is how we are spiritually and until we understand this we will never really "get it".

God's "purpose" for us is to glorify Him. We cannot glorify this holy God when we are in a condition of defiance toward Him, which we all are in from our birth. We are to blame for this. I am to blame for my defiance toward God.

We need to see this truth and repent.

His grace is free and he offers it to all who see this truth.

Please read this article carefully and prayerfully. It is a difficult issue to come to terms with but it is vitally important that a person understands the fact of hell. It stands to demonstrate, by contrast how God's holiness cannot be compromised one iota. And that His grace and wrath were both displayed at the cross through the crucifixion for our redemption and salvation.

~~~

Fire Fire! by J.C. Ryle

"When a house is on fire, what ought to be done first? We ought to give the alarm and wake the inhabitants. This is true love to our neighbor. this is true charity. Reader, I love your soul, and want it to be saved. I am therefore going to tell you something about hell. There is such a place as hell. Let no one deceive you with vain words. What men do not like, they try hard not to believe. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes to judge the world, he will punish all who are not his disciples with a fearful punishment. All who are found impenitent and unbelieving; all who have clung to sin, stuck to the world, and set their affections on things below; all who are without Christ; all such shall come to an awful end. Whosoever is not written in the book of life shall be "cast into the lake of fire." Rev 20:15...

...READ ENTIRE ARTICLE (it's not that long, and it could have eternal consequences).