Sign of the Times Newsletter

Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil.One said to the other, 'What do you think about all this Satan stuff?' The other boy replied, 'Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.

What do you think about all the Satan stuff? Do you believe Satan exists? If you do, where do you think he hangs out? He must be a regular globe trotter. Every minute of the day, in every part of the world, exorcisms are being performed on people who are supposedly possessed by the devil. If these exorcisms are indeed legitimate the implication is that Satan can be in a million places at once.

According to Scripture Satan, a fallen angel, is a personal being. Note that Jesus ( Yahshua the Messiah) used the personal pronoun when referring to him: "He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44).

Logically, Satan can only be in one place at a time. So I've been giving his whereabouts some serious thought. To me it makes sense that he would be headquartered on Capitol Hill. But I could be wrong. Perhaps he's in Iran or Pakistan or for that matter, even Hollywood. Regardless of where the liar resides, you've got to admit that some pretty powerful demonic forces are working their wiles on a number of our elected officials. I mean, think about it. The Left's diabolical agenda most certainly is influenced by liars.

All kidding aside, the Bible contains quite a few references to angels and demons. A Bible believing Christian knows that the spirits are very real -- a clear and present danger.

Even after I accepted Christ I remained skeptical of Satan and his legions of demons for quite some time. As I worked my way through the Bible I came to believe that there are indeed spiritual forces of evil. You first meet Satan (the serpent) in Genesis 3:1. He shows up in the Garden of Eden intent on tricking Eve into disobeying God. (More on Eve and the snake later.) In the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, he finally gets his comeuppance. Without going into the gory details, let's just say that Satan and his demons are sent spiraling into the abyss where they will cool (or warm) their heals for all eternity. God's judgment is final, by the way. No spirit or human being sentenced to eternal punishment (Mat. 25:46) in the lake of burning sulfur (Rev. 20:10) gets out on good behavior -- or for any reason!

But before Satan takes up permanent residence in the place prepared for him and his angles, and all those who reject the Son of God, he shall remain the 'god of this world" (2Cor. 4:4). Answers.com explains Satan's influence: "Satan is the major influence on the mind-set expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His areas of influence also encompass the world's philosophies,education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions."

Angels were created with a free will. When some of them exercised their free will and rebelled against God, He cast them out of heaven to earth. For thousands of years God has allowed these spirits to wreak havoc on this planet. And one has to admit they're doing a pretty thorough job of it.

In Ephesians 6:12 Paul "outs" mankind's true enemy: ourstruggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The Bible calls the struggle "spiritual warfare." Spiritual warfare has been ongoing since the Fall of Man. Although Satan has won a multitude of battles, in the end he will be the big loser.

A word of warning before I move on. Evil spirits have supernatural powers that man does not possess, never will possess, and should not endeavor to possess. Deceptive spirits have persuaded some people to think they are among the "enlightened ones" (EO). Allegedly EOs are a spiritually advanced order of philosophers and peacemakers. (Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey are said to be EOs. Joe Biden, not so much.) These folks believe they're here to help usher in a new way of being on the planet. In other words, to help humans evolve to a higher plane of existence. Supposedly an EO possesses superior intellect, has been given extraordinary insights, and is magically empowered. Many EOs seek guidance from spirits.

In Scripture (Yahweh) God makes it abundantly clear that spirits, including angels, are not to be evoked, called on, invited in or channeled. We should never try to connect with spirits and we certainly shouldn't try to glean information from them. Jesus Himself often told the demons to keep quiet!

Christians who are in contact with so-called angels will read this article and get a little testy with me because they see nothing wrong in contacting angels -- and they sure don't want anyone raining on their parade! But here's the thing. Getting a little wet sure beats getting struck by a lightening bolt from above.

The purpose of this article, in part, is to attempt to give sincere Christians a clear understanding of the Bible's teaching on spiritual warfare and also to pass on some of the practices God strictly forbids.

One thing is clear. Contacting spirits or consulting mediums for any reason is forbidden. In other words, participating in the occult is taboo. (Deut. 18: 10-12) You ask, "Why does it matter to God?" As I pointed out, the spirits are malevolent. They are counterfeit...phony...fakes!

One final point. Many Christians have a misconception of "spiritual warfare." Nowhere in Scripture does it say that believers are to go into enemy territory. God's people, says Paul, are to be "strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." As well, we are admonished by Peter to, "Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith..."

Be strong in the Lord! Resist the devil! Put on the full armor of God! When God's people stand firm in their faith the tempters make tracks.

Most of the "experts" now agree that our beloved country is in dire straits. Some of them have gone so far as to say that our economy is teetering on the brink of collapse but that remains to be seen.

Thanks largely to the secularization of America, the culture is becoming darker, more corrupt and perverse as time goes on. Almost everyone I know has gone through?or is currently going through--trials and tribulations. It seems people all over the globe are getting pummeled by evil forces! I would go so far as to say that there is an all out spiritual battle going on for the hearts and minds of men!

What's behind this? I'll use Paul's terminology: rulers, authorities, powers, spiritual forces of evil in the supernatural realm. In other words, Satan and the fallen angels.

Some of you reading this article probably think I've gone round the bend. But keep in mind that a large number of rational people who resist the idea of the devil believe in angels. Many people believe in ghosts to include those of the dearly departed. Still others believe the planet is being visited by extraterrestrials. I don't have the space to cover all of what people believe in, so I'll move on.

Scripture clearly teaches that there are forces of good and evil occupying the heavenly realm. Angels are good, demons are evil. The chief of fallen angels has many names including Satan, Beelzebub and Belial. He's called the old serpent, our adversary, god of this world, prince of darkness, father of lies, great dragon...enemy...deceiver...murderer...let's leave it at that. Fallen angels are not benevolent beings. They do not come to impart wisdom and give guidance. On the contrary. They're lying spirits! (1 Kings 22:22, 23; 2 Chron. 18: 21, 22) Moreover, they have nothing but contempt for humans. They are hell bent on destroying God's entire creation.

In our postmodern culture many self-identifying Christians deny that Satan, or the devil, actually exists. As I said, these same people readily admit to a belief in ghosts, angels, fairies, and extraterrestrials yet they reject the notion that Satan is real. Some skeptics think of the devil as a sort of mythological character while others say he's merely a symbol of evil. Then there are those who think of him as a caricature. Parents who view him that way often dress their children in devil costumes on Halloween (a satanic pagan holiday). Most of the costumes are a combination of red and black, have a long tail with a spear on the end, bat-like ears and a three pronged pitchfork. Women's devil costumes are usually sexy.

Christians who read and study Scripture know that Satan relishes being thought of as a silly, or sexy, caricature. Most people have no fear of a person who goes around in red tights, sporting a cape and carrying a phony pitchfork. These sorts of devils are not taken seriously. I mean, why would anyone fear something so....ridiculous?

What we must remember is that Satan doesn't wear a costume. He comes as one of us. According to a number of Bible scholars, Isaiah 14: 12-15 tells the story of Lucifer, an archangel, who fell from God's grace and became the devil. God tossed Lucifer out of heaven because he conspired to make his throne higher than the clouds. In other words, he contrived to dethrone God.

Lucifer is Latin for "morning star" or "light-bearer." (In 2 Peter 1:19 morning star has no relation to Satan.) The way Isaiah describes him is a far cry from the way in which he's viewed by our culture:"you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit

enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit."

By Debra Rae
March 28, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

The enticement to be like god is a timeless seduction. Perhaps the most recognizable self-proclaimed deity this century is the affable 14th Dalai Lama. Master of the most revered Tibetan monks, he is at home with his own divinity, for which he credits a strong will and karmic force. Looking to him and other ostensibly highly-evolved ascended masters, growing numbers of mystics view themselves as embryo gods-in-the-making.

This new spirituality is no more than rehash of a very old lie. Described in the Bible as a beautiful, anointed cherub, Lucifer exalted himself above all others. He purposed to usurp humans as crown of God’s creation; even more, he wanted to become as god. With that very ambition, Lucifer seduced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge, reserved for God alone.

Earth’s first lady, Eve, learned the hard way that "playing God" rendered no service to her relationship with God, her family and humanity at large. As a result of self-god delusion, Lucifer fell as lightning from heaven; and both Adam and Eve were ousted from paradise.[1]

For hundreds of years, each new generation has poured over poetic verses (quatrains) contained within Nostradamus’ ten books called kings of terror; each more evil than his predecessor. Although not necessarily delusional, prophets of "the curious arts," as Nostradamus, drew from sources other than the God of the Bible. Examples abound.[2]Centuries. Since the age of the Renaissance, writings of this mid-16th century French sage-prophet have awed mystics. His end-time prophesies once again are all the rage.

In the esoteric world, the Law of Threes is well known. Nostradamus likewise anticipated three antichrists—all charismatic, messianic.

Nearly two-hundred-year-old "Cherokee Rattlesnake Prophecies" anticipate coming of a Pale One when their calendar ends in 2012. Apparently, the first-degree Masonic Tracing Board contains this very prophecy.[3] A notable initiate of the secret, fraternal society Knights of Pythias (pronounced /pith/), Nelson Rockefeller looked to "a powerful free-world, supra-national political being" (The Future of Federalism, 1962). Even Muslims anticipate an "imposter" not unlike "the prince that shall come" prophesied by the statesman Daniel.[4]

Be sure, biblical penmen anticipated ever-escalating, end-time deceivers culminating in a latter-day visionary destined to become the greatest dictator the world has known. Over time, this one known as antichrist will demand the loyalty, and eventually the worship, of world citizens. Upon entering the Holy of Holies to declare his godhood, he epitomizes the ultimate blasphemy of "self-god"—this, by standing instead of and, thus, against the Messiah. Antichrist will be Lucifer incarnate (an avatar, if you will)—his bait the promise of becoming god.[5]

• "The New Spirit" of Men

As a matter of interest, the Mayan calendar is divided into seven ages of man. In the fifth age, men will realize their spiritual destiny. In the sixth, they discover the god within; and in the seventh age, they allegedly become telepathic.

Indigenous insights and, when warranted, psychedelic drug use assist contemporary mystics in their ascent to supposedly higher levels of existence—this, by tapping cosmic energy and thereby metamorphosing from demi-god to full blown godhood. Theirs is "the new spirit of men" that’s not so new after all.

Numerous ancient cultures finger December 21, 2012 as a marker for the world’s end on one hand, and for a coming new dawn of global enlightenment on the other. As the targeted date nears, increasing numbers of planetary light bearers claim to have achieved full flowering of human potential. They herald what promises to be a mass planetary quantum leap to the higher self, thus signaling a new age of "the perfected man" (Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods, 1921).

• The Feminine Side of God

In the wake of women’s liberation, girl power is said to rock. Empowerment jargon—e.g., "I am WOMAN; hear me roar"—mirrors mantras of would-be adepts whose spirits are awakened. Jungian psychologist Marion Woodman credits the International Women of Wisdom Foundation for manifesting what she calls "the feminine side of god." WOW welcomes "any woman who desires to connect with other women" and thereby "be inspired by the spirit that links us" and "our ancestors before us."[6]

While notable teachers of low-rung terrestrial humanity include Christ (thrown in with the likes of Moses and Buddha), disciples of contemporary OptiMysticism claim to share an even higher calling. In an OptiMystic’s view, illumined humanity occupies an "ascending place" within the universe. Human destiny is achieved by conscious ascension through centrifugal fields of energy called "aziums."

New revelation of Universal Azium Ascension purportedly awakens celestial humanity to capital "L"-Life in the greater universe. In other words, those highly evolved become god by applying OptiMystic meditative techniques. In this way, they accelerate conscious evolution from lower rungs of instinct and intellect through the third rung of emotion—i.e., love—and on to higher stages of spirit-consciousness. The peak at which one evolves into Super-Humanity is popularly known as the Omega Point.[7]

While the Bible advances no cosmic plan for global enlightenment, collaboration and empowerment apart from the Lord, Jesus Christ (Yahweh-Yahshua the Messiah ), what it does offer exceeds human imagination and desire. Ultimately, by His doing, the believer partakes of the divine nature—but only in measure and in strictest accordance with God’s plan.

Allow me to explain. As recorded in John, Chapter 17, Jesus prayed to the Father that His followers would all be made "as one" together with the Father and Him (God incarnate). To realize this destiny, the Christian disengages, not from terrestrial illusion, but rather from sin, defined biblically as "transgression of law." In contrast, New Thought gurus as Marianne Williamson claim that sin doesn’t even exist. "You’ve committed no sins," she adds—"just mistakes." If this were true, which it isn’t, Christ’s admonition to "sin no more" was spurious and His sacrifice in vain.?[8] ( By the way,how is this any different than the "church claiming that Yahweh's law has been abolished with the cross? While the sacrifices and rituals and ordinances were nailed to the cross, Yahshua being the final atoning sacrifice once and for all, the Messiah Himself declared that that He had not come to abolish the law. When christians claim that they are no longer under the law, they are doing the same thing as these new age gurus, declaring that their is no more sin.)

Christ’s redemptive work bridged the sin gap and thereby provided access to the divine nature. The Greek word for "partaker" speaks to "joint participation." Christians share a common portion of the Father in much the same way that human offspring possess the nature of their biological parents. In no way do they commandeer His godhood.[9]

What Aquarians reference as "the inner force" is what the Bible calls "seducing spirits."[10] The bottom line is this: Without biblically-grounded revelation of God’s will for us, coupled with due vigilance, even Christians are susceptible to the counterfeit version of "partaking of the divine nature."

© 2010 Debra Rae - All Rights Reserved

Footnotes:

1, 1. Genesis 3; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-20; Luke 10:18; 1 Timothy 3:6.

2, The Final Battle

3, Read it before it's banned by the US Government

4, 4. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-12.

5, Women of wisdom foundation

6, Mission Statement for this OptiMystical Web Sight

7, 7. John 12:31, 14:30; Ephesians 2:2.

8, 8. John 8:11.

9, 9. 2 Peter 1:4.

By Debra Rae
April 17, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

Given the genius of modern cinematography and unmatched access to cutting-edge technology, deceptive spirituality packs a wallop never before possible. This was demonstrated by the 20th Century Fox production, Avatar, which out-grossed even Hollywood’s blockbuster of all time, the Titanic.

Briefly, Avatar (roughly meaning incarnation) is a futuristic, body-snatching saga in which enlightened humanoids, animals and vegetation experience spiritual "bonding" or "connecting." Mystically-minded enthusiasts with utopian fantasies promote what clearly is science fiction to the presumably more reputable rank of "science."

In general, science is systematized knowledge. Because many perceive knowledge to be sexy, cults of esoteric knowledge are hugely popular today—e.g., neo-Gnosticism, knowledge of transcendence arrived at intuitively. Literally, agnosticism is to be without said gnosis (knowledge).

• The Noetic Sciences

The word "noetic" has no precise English equivalent; however, it refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness. To the illumined Freemason, for example, rediscovering "the Lost Word" is to possess knowledge of the divine self, or Christ-state. Moreover, it is to wield "the key of the phenomena of nature," the concept for which is classic witchcraft. Those persuaded that exclusive, esoteric knowledge, exceptional talents and aptitude guarantee their right to rule over less illumined counterparts serve as custodians of a divine cosmic plan.

• Science of the Whole: Philosophy

Psychology Professor Jean Twenge has coined the term "iGeneration"—"i" as in iPod, yes, but also "I" as in "me, me, ME." Speaking of which, in "the science of the whole," better known as philosophy, solipsism maintains that "the self" is the only thing known to exist; everything else merely reflects one’s own consciousness.

Neo-pantheists discover this "self" through renewed relationship with the planet. No doubt Avatar is the latest, greatest poster child for Cosmic Humanism. Upon passing, a character played by Sigourney Weaver joins the "Divine Her" (goddess Mother-Earth) and, in the process, convincingly testifies that Gaia truly is "real."

Prominent educator, globalist and occultist Dr. Robert Muller apparently agrees. He defines that self as "the earth having become conscious of herself." This being the case, modern man is charged with moral responsibility to embrace a heightened ecological consciousness enforced by draconian laws designed to preserve biodiversity.

• Panetics

In April of 1986, Professor Rudolph Krejci first coined the term "Panetics" which offers a new, broadly endorsed approach to research, policy making, analysis and management. Its fundamental principles were first advanced by Ralph G. H. Siu.

Yet another synthesis of East-meets-West, Panetics is an evolving, panethical search for ways to reduce human suffering and victimization through governments, institutions, social groups and the professions. Meaning "to suffer" in the ancient language of Buddha, the dukkha is a quantitative unit used by Siu to measure suffering.[1]

In Avatar, a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Corporal Jack Sully, gets a fresh start as an avatar in a distant world. He finds Pandora inhabited by the Na'vi whose alien inhabitants and arcane culture beguile him. In the face of military action spurred by corporate greed, Sully "gets religion"; once this blue-hued avatar goes Green, Sully’s empowered to save Pandora from suffering and victimization much the same way that eco-warriors of Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and their ilk commit to putting Earth First! (parent organization from which ELF evolved).

Best known as father of progressive education, John Dewey was a Marxist Fabian-Socialist whose obsession with inquiry learning toppled the overpowering Protestant character of the early public schools. After Dewey’s death, an esteemed social engineer and futurist, also a transformational Marxist, Dr. Benjamin Bloom introduced mastery learning. Bloom’s famed taxonomy of educational objectives are at the heart of today’s educational restructuring efforts.[2]

Whereas the former, an avowed atheist, epitomized secular humanism, the latter leaned more toward humanism’s cosmic counterpart. To Bloom, the purpose of education is "to change the thoughts, feelings and actions of students." Simply put, good teachers are ones who destroy fixed beliefs. Indeed, Bloom regarded moral relativism as the highest possible cognitive goal.

In but a few decades, America’s public education system has morphed from no spirituality (Dewey) to new spirituality. Enter, Dr. Robert Carkhuff. What is now dubbed "dysfunctional" traditional math gives way to "constructivist learning," requiring students—not to solve a problem with the correct answer—but rather to use their "team voices" to "think about mathematics" and how it makes them feel. In The Possibilities Mind (HRD Press 2000), Carkhuff identifies "god" as "the possibilities mind" that co-processes with us to illuminate his mysteries.

Dr. Carkhuff poses a similarly troublesome new science of possibilities. His utopian brave new world of infinite possibilities is achieved by the Links Project that demeans facts and fixed beliefs as "cumbersome anchors" that "block the dialectic process," otherwise known as "group think." Carkhuff’s school of the future is a place where children and adults together "follow their bliss"—reminiscent, perhaps, of Paradise Pandora?[3]

Seeking ever deeper revelation, mystics are drawn to tangible, supernatural experiences that become ends in and of themselves and thereby take the place of God.

• Yoga

Tens of thousands of copies have been circulated of a video tutorial created by Marsha Wenig of Michigan City, Indiana. Techniques within her Yoga Kids video and adult certification program (to teach yoga to children) have captivated young moms everywhere. Many rush to their local bookstores to snatch up Yoga Baby and I Can’t Believe It’s Yoga for Kids.[4]

The term "yoga" means "union with Brahma," allegedly the divine spirit of the universe. Virtually all standard yoga texts link psychic powers and other occult abilities with yoga practice. In giving way to one’s true divine nature, the goal for hardcore mystics is occult enlightenment accomplished by controlling vital energy in the act of breathing. Meditative practices associated with yoga feature mental passivity and mantra meditation, both of which attract spiritually-minded Christians who tend to be long on experience, but short on doctrine.

• The Indigo (Chrystal) Child Phenomenon

Today, many children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Labels as these imply imperfection. It’s no wonder that parents readily fork over big bucks when told, to the contrary, that the bluish hue of their child’s aura signals mental superiority, coupled with psychic ability. Not some defect.

Indigos are said to be highly evolved, uniquely gifted youngsters whose mission is to teach their elders and, thus, ensure planetary transformation into a golden era of peace and brotherhood. Ascending to "Christhood" through multiple, upward mobility reincarnations is no more clearly evident than in the phenomenon of the Indigo (or Crystal) Child. Because they’re so "advanced" and alert to "better ways" of doing things, Indigo Kids aren’t inclined to obey, wait in line, or participate in ritually-oriented systems.[5]

Today’s new spirituality is downright seductive. Forget the apostle Paul’s lament, "wretched man that I am!" Instead, neo-pantheists claim the bluish hue of mental superiority and "inner knowing." In exercising "the possibilities mind" of God Himself, highly evolved adepts self-qualify as custodians over humanity’s spiritual progress. They free captives of "cumbersome anchors" imposed by biblical mandate and Western civilization. In so doing, however, these fall into an insidious trap of "strong delusion."

© 2010 Debra Rae - All Rights Reserved

Footnotes:

1, Ralph Siu

2,

3, Societal Restructuring Via Education Transformation

4, Google Yoga baby

5, Progeny of Cosmic Humanism: The Indigo Child

By Debra Rae
April 24, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

Rightly named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, Oprah Winfrey likewise received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1998). Oprah purports to serve "a higher good." She boasts having "a contract with the universe" and, in its execution, is numbered as a foremost spiritual authority among swamis, yogis and Tibetan masters.

Arguably the most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey gushes over the unimaginably creative, never-before-seen visuals and profound spiritual lessons to be derived from Avatar. Everyone, she insists, must see it. Lessons to which Oprah alludes are soundly embedded in the doctrinal grids of her endorsees. Her theology incorporates a worldview that sociologist Philip Rieff calls "the therapeutic society." It is obsessed with self, thus raising self-preoccupation to the level of religious duty.

The fact remains: Whom Oprah endorses, the world embraces.

Marianne Williamson: Course on Miracles

For example, the press dubs Oprah’s spiritual mentor, longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne Williamson "a modern-day shaman" and "Hollywood’s answer to god." Through Williamson’s transformational teachings on self-realization, her disciples awaken to memory of their Divine Inheritance.

Self-described "ex-cabaret-singing Jew from Texas," Williamson is an energetically engaged (and no doubt engaging) woman whose "feel good" message is compelling, maybe, but strikingly devoid of Bible truth. In the 1980s Williamson lectured on A Course in Miracles.

Williamson views the course as "a self-study program of spiritual psychotherapy" that expounds upon New Thought, similar to Unity teachings. Unity's fundamental belief is that the true "church" is but a "state of consciousness," and god is simply the sum total of our thoughts about him. In fact, god is mind; and his Law of Mind is oneness. Hence, our "holy minds" are perfect; "as we were, so are we now and will forever be" (Lesson 167). That is to say, everything—everyone—is god.

Williamson’s recent book, The Healing of America, synthesizes A Course in Miracles with Unity principles. Hers is a whole-system approach to transforming American culture. In this endeavor, she founded and works through the American Renaissance Alliance, conjoining spirituality with political activism.?

New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss, Ph. D. (pronounced /mace/), takes cues from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung known for his theory of the collective conscience. So compelling is Myss’ message in fields of energy medicine and human consciousness, intuition and potential that, for one entire year (2003), Winfrey gave the doctor her own half-hour television program on the Oxygen Network.

There exists today a worldwide Tolle-propelled "Cult of Oprah." The Gospel according to Tolle indicts Christianity and its claim to ultimate truth. Biblical dogma, he claims, serves ego and results in an "illusory sense of superiority" that "corrupts to the point of insanity."

Never mind that this self-proclaimed "spiritual leader" boasts pantheistic self-deification! In Tolle’s misguided view, Christ is every man and woman. True, he references "universal law," but Tolle ascribes the Ten Commandments as necessary only for those cut off from their own "I AM"-ness. Note that it was not Tolle, but rather co-Masonic Hierarch and famed occultist Alice Bailey who conceptualized and coined the term for this—namely, "Christhood."

Living in Tolle’s "now" ostensibly enables transformation of consciousness from illusive thought ("wanting," "thwarted wanting" and "indifference") to self-god awareness. Having triumphed over matter by self-mastery, the fully "conscious" trade their tradition-bound "phantom selves" for their purported "I AM"-ness.

Deepak Chopra: A Third Jesus

In 1999, Time magazine named Deepak Chopra one of the top 100 icons and heroes of the 20th century. Oprah-endorsed author of A Third Jesus, Chopra explores Christ-consciousness beyond any denominational dogma, national or ethnic identity.

Over time, humans have evolved from hunters to farmers to industrialists to the techno-savvy. The alleged final step in his evolutionary process is Christhood; and Chopra contends that each of us is here to discover this, "our true Self." "We're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences," he adds. "We're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences." For the sake of the planet, it behooves us to realize our potential as "pure divinity right here on earth."

As rightly observed by Peter L. Berger in The Chronicle of Higher Education, our purportedly rational age is distinguished, ironically so, by "exuberant religiosity." Case in point: the divisive tone of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's "exuberant," while highly incendiary messages. Although Oprah Winfrey and President Barak Obama share in common previous membership at Trinity United Church, both stopped attending. Clearly, Rev. Wright was a major reason.

Of necessity, theirs is an inclusive message crafted to resonate with fan bases in mainstream America and throughout the global community. Notwithstanding the "Church of Oprah" and "Obama Worshippers" exercise their own version of "exuberant religiosity."

Check it out on You Tube; and you will see young African-American men locking their fists in front of them as they bark, "Yes, we can!"[5] Shouting with military precision, each extols Obama for the many blessings of his Health Care Plan. It’s expressly "because of Obama" that each young soldier can claim by faith the certainty of realizing his life’s dream.

Having donned army fatigues, Obama’s youth of the Junior Fraternity Regiment march in cadence while bellowing the mantra "Alpha-Omega," "Alpha-Omega."[5] But, wait. In the Bible, it’s the Lord Jesus who alone qualifies as the Beginning and the End. Sorry, folks. It’s not Obama.

It’s not even Oprah.

1. Marianne Williamson
2. Caroline Myss
3. Are you ready to be awakened? by Eckhard Teachings
4. Google search; Deepak Chopra: A Third Jesus
5. YouTube: Obama Youth Junior Fraternity Regiment

By Debra Rae May 2, 2010 NewsWithViews.com

Prosperity and complacency have gradually diluted the church with a gutless form of counterfeit godliness that trivializes sin in the name of tolerance. Concurrently, more and more false prophets claim to have attained "Christhood"; and technological breakthroughs fabricate powerful signs and lying wonders that threaten to seduce the gullible with what the Bible calls "strong delusion."

Although knowledge will be multiplied in these last days, the Bible likewise prophesies a famine for God's Word. These last thirty years, we've generated more data than in the previous five thousand years combined, yet knowledge of biblical truth has waned proportionally to the point of being rationalized altogether out of existence.

Devoid of any spiritual compass, religious Universalists contend that all religions (or none) provide an equal basis for enlightenment. Accordingly, Brian McGuire of The Wall Street Journal endorses theosophy as a religion for anyone, those who already have a religion and those who neither have nor want one.

It stands to reason why this perplexing blend of Eastern philosophy and Western thought "best described as neo-pantheistic syncretism "enjoys universal endorsement. What's not to like? Rather than contemplate the omnipotence of God, theosophists investigate instead "the powers latent in humanity." According to Ascended Master Ramtha, "You become by worshipping you."

A Superior Species for the Esoteric Now

Those "having arrived" comprise a superior species (called homonoeticus). Presumably their quantum leap to "cosmic consciousness" has fitted them for higher levels of existence in the so-called "esoteric now." In contrast, the "perfect" (mature) man of the Book of Ephesians achieves "the measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ"not by "paradigm shift," awakened consciousness, or by attaining Christhood but rather by embracing and following Jesus as Savior and Lord. (Yahshua the Messiah )[3]

This superior species acts as "Custodians of the Plan" by watching over and even guiding all of humanity's spiritual progress. The desired outcome is for the old "Piscean Age" with its obsolete traditionalism to give way to an anticipated "Age of Aquarius," marked by promises of peace, harmony and brotherhood.[4]

Self-proclaimed Maitreyas

Since the 19th century, non-Buddhist spiritual movements have adopted the name and selected characteristics of Maitreya for teachers in their respective traditions. Since onset of the 1930s, Ascended Master teachings have honored Maitreya as "World Teacher." In 1956, he was elevated to the stature of "Cosmic Christ."

Artist, author, self proclaimed esotericist, Scotland-born Benjamin Crème owns Share International magazine, which equates Maitreya with prophesied figures of multiple religious traditions. To Crème, Maitreya is the "Avatar for the Aquarian Age." His message: Within everyone sits a god. That god is one's true Self. To practice honesty of mind, sincerity of spirit and detachment is to come to Self-Realization.[5]

Notably, the broad, transformational movement of the postmodern Emerging Church emphasizes interfaith dialogue and is open to new revelation, enlightenment and experiences in the here and now.

Also called the Emergent stream, the Emergent Church refers to an official organization, the Emergent Village, which is associated with Brian D. McLaren. In 2005, Time magazine recognized him as one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America." For this reason alone, McLaren warrants a closer look.

Compromised Theological Grid

That McLaren allegedly denies hell and Christ's substitutionary atonement at the cross undermines basic tenets of the Christian faith. Once on board with McLaren, Pastor Mark Driscoll eventually broke away from the Emergent Church. Driscoll could not abide McLaren's referring to God as "a chick," his questioning god's sovereignty and dismissing the central role of Scripture, all of which align with New Thought mysticism.[6]

While rote methods, as those employed in mystical "contemplative prayer," have gained foothold in many Christian circles, these nevertheless miss the mark. For example, some EC members engage in contemplative forms of prayer. To achieve a so-called "cloud of unknowing," where God's presence is thought to be waiting, those who ponder aright are instructed to "shut down" and "turn off" while whispering some supposedly sacred word. ( I thought that everyone was already doing this- sitting in front of the television!)

Truth be told: Being still before God in its truest sense is taking time to relax, ponder God's goodness, reflect upon His Word and acknowledge Him at work. In doing so, there is no need for altering one's consciousness because, by its very nature, waiting on God is decidedly cognitive.

Holistic Ancient-Future Church

For EC members, holistic involvement takes diverse forms of social activism in performing acts of kindness "i.e., "missional living." This key social drive in the West sometimes cloaks old lies in the garment of new spirituality.

The Emerging Church relates to what they identify as the 21st century culture of mysticism;consequently, postmodern spirituality becomes but a new form of ancient mysticism. To reflect the local community's tastes, the church embraces eclectic expressions of spirituality. For these reasons, the Emerging Church is sometimes called the "Ancient-Future" church.

Eco-theology Connection

The church's passion for justice is expressed in critiquing systemic and coercive power structures while, at the same time, working for environmental causes. While it's biblical for good stewards to tend, keep and subdue the earth for life's necessities, the error of eco-theology, as promoted by the Green movement in America's churches, isn't. Falling prey to a guilt-driven global movement that demands action even in the face of scientific uncertainty is certain to sidetrack those within the Emerging Church who advocate the deconstruction of modern Christian dogma.

In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails "let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar.[7] (Again-Isaiah 8:20!) The line is easily crossed when discernment is lacking. To embroil oneself in deceitful spirituality is to forfeit love of truth.

In order to distinguish between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know "the real thing" inside-out, top-to-bottom. For Christian believers, this is accomplished through lifelong, Holy Spirit-directed study of God's Word line upon line, precept upon precept.[8]

Knowing the Bible and yielding to the Holy Spirit protects Christians from distracting doctrines and deceit.

By Debra Rae<BR>May 9, 2010 NewsWithViews.com

Truth or Lie?

To rest secure in these perilous times presupposes firm grounding in God's truth as opposed to any counterfeit of it. In order to discern accurately between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know "the real thing" inside-out, top-to-bottom. For a Christian, this is accomplished through lifelong, Holy Spirit-directed study of God's Word.

With the plumb line in hand, Christians must seek God's will and remain in it as best they can. Morally, they must set and keep godly standards. Mentally, they must work at being fully informed and engaged, but never lose sight of Jesus. The Bible warns even Christians that, if not wary, they too are subject to deception

A recent Gallup survey showed a surge in American spirituality, but many embrace a smorgasbord kind of religion made to suit the individual. Unfortunately, some 88% of America's teens are un-churched and consequently unable to differentiate between Bible truth and New Thought lies. ( Throw away the standard-the Law,you end up making up the rules as you go!)

Modern counterparts of the ancient mysteries share these in common: secrecy, degrees of initiation and targeted self-actualization. Above all, neo-Gnostics value knowledge. To achieve so-called inner knowing, one must resist unconsciousness and be awakened to the possibility of being no longer terrestrial, but celestial i.e., no longer a Christian, but a Christ.

A practice forbidden by scripture, auto-suggestion or "enchantment" (hypnosis) is commonly employed by New Age practitioners. Hypnosis is an artificially induced state of relaxation in which suggestibility is heightened and past-life regression allows subjects to travel back to their "past lives."

An adept is qualified to be master over less accomplished esoterics pursuing the same goal; his is a higher state of consciousness. For mystics, transcending the mundane to attain heightened consciousness is a coveted state; however, knowledge that elevates humanity to "he who is God over all" counterfeits God's more excellent plan that believers partake of the divine nature on His terms.

Patron saint of New Thought, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French Jesuit paleontologist and philosopher who effectively blended Christianity with pantheism. His trendy, neo-Gnostic error embraces a sophisticated mix of blended heresies springing from Hinduism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy and ancient mystery religions of the Mediterranean.

The holistic movement involves evolution into greater wholes (body, mind, spirit), its goal being the balance of forces in the universe (pantheism). The New Age mystic wrongly perceives God to be no more or less than the sum total of all that exists. At the base of all is pantheism, proclaiming all life to be God, or part of God.

In anthropology, animism is the concept of spirits residing in all natural phenomena and objects. Rooted in pantheism, animism is linked to ancestor and Nature (Gaia) worship. A glorified garden plot in Northern Scotland, the Findhorn Community claims interdependent alliance among nature, Devas (etheric archetypes for creation) and Man.

Self-esteem has become the unremitting mantra of mystics and secularists alike. Whereas secular humanists express their religious emotions in "a heightened sense of personal life," cosmic humanists journey inward in search of "the higher self." Becoming a "transformed partaker of the Divine Nature" communicates something altogether different to a New Age mystic than to a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ.

With intuitive insight into the nature of the divine, archetypal images (ideal forms) are highly evolved humans who have mastered esoteric philosophy by becoming one with god; hence, one with the universe. Known as the hierarchy, wise men (also called Ascended Masters of Wisdom and the Elder Brothers) claim to have evolved through successive cycles of reincarnation in reaching a state of divinity.

The Bible commands us to love others as we love ourselves. Nevertheless, counterfeit self-love, even to the point of pantheistic self-deification, is outright ,blasphemy. In the face of God Almighty, the Eugenic (meaning "well born") Manifesto declares "We are interested in competing with Jesus Christ and Buddha for the destiny of man. It is now time for you to meet God. Here is god: that god is you" (James L. Hart. Eugenic Manifesto, Prometheus Press, 1997, pp. 1 and 32

The Greek root of "esoteric" means "private or confidential." Such knowledge is not intended for, or understood by, the general public. Although sacred secrets are revealed at the highest, inner level exclusively, the process of mystical evolution holds promise for humanity to awaken to it. Presumably multiple reincarnations (called transmigration) with upward mobility provide the modern mystic opportunities needed to ascend.

Centering techniques"i.e., Transcendental Meditation are means by which higher states of consciousness are attained. A climactic "peak experience" (Omega Point) is accomplished through a variety of centering techniques.

Global transformation (known by some as Planetary Luciferic Initiation) is the mass quantum leap to so-called enlightenment, promising to usher in a new age of group-consciousness, that of Aquarius. This misguided New Age notion is promoted to the public through eco-occultists as David Spangler; authors as Paul Hawken (The Magic of Findhorn); and New Age mystics as Amory Lovins, fellow of the druid-like Lindisfarne Association.

The coming new age, the Ecozoic Age, is one which will transcend God, says misguided Gaia spokesperson Father Thomas Berry. True, Christians anticipate a golden era of unprecedented opportunity, peace and worldwide collaboration when Christ rules and reigns in the Millennium. To the undiscerning, the right use of energy among intuitive friends united by earth stewardship, sustainability, collectivism and illumination sounds like the real deal; but it isn't.

Forewarned and forearmed with Bible truth, godly men and women embrace authentic wisdom from above. Their hope is not directed toward self-god released from within. Even when culture inundates them with syncretistic spirituality, Bible-honoring believers "buy the truth and sell it not." In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails: Let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar.[2] This, they live by.

2010 Debra Rae - All Rights Reserved

By Greg Evensen

April 16, 2010

NewsWithViews.com

I am not one to mince words. We are standing on the doorstep at the Memorial to our Republic. The shadow of this great nation is waning and those who have gone before us are standing at attention as the flag draped casket of freedom sets on the horse drawn caisson winding through the streets of eternity. We are watching this tragic and solemn procession while the socialists, communists, leftists, drug dealers, porn kings, illegal aliens, corrupted corporate, pharmaceutical, and banking heads, abortionists and politicians snicker and gloat over their "victory." We have patiently waited for someone to rescue us and talked this thing to its death. We have run out of time and options. If we have the will, we must now begin the resistance.

At a recent conference, I heard a valiant police trained pastor who specializes in occult crime lead our group through a discussion of EXACTLY why free America is referred to in the past tense. Much of it has to do with politics, treasonous acts of surrender to world forces by the vast majority of elected officials at every level of government. They have been bought off thousands of times and have done so to the complete degeneration of our republic system and the American people.
That alone, calls for a cleaning of the government—top to bottom. The literal handful of legislators across the land who have done the right thing during their tenure should also step aside and allow fresh patriot blood to populate the state and federal government. The same should happen in the judiciary—complete and without exception. Governors are pawns and must retire. Military leadership above the rank of full colonel should also step down. In order to flush this system, ALL elected and appointed positions should be vacated. That is my view. If local folks feel a few should return, that is their choice, but it must be VERY clear that business as usual is a one way ticket out of town. Sheriff’s, police administrators and state police commanders are in this same category. They are "yes" men to conspirators and are incredibly dangerous to moral, constitutional government.

The other side of this dark leadership cadre is the roughly 65 million Americans (200 million worldwide) who participate in some form of "New Age" religion and have sought, tolerated or looked the other way as cults of every kind and persuasion have lured good people to spiritual death. For those of you who do not accept that this is a spiritual battle of the highest order, then stop reading and do something else. Do NOT write and lecture me on the "inappropriate place" I have given this issue within these thoughts. You may hold your view, but understand you are part of the problem. You and the tens of millions of Americans who have chosen to abandon all reason, a selfless lifestyle, and a belief in Godly leadership that translates into trusted leadership. YOU are the reason we have the desolate White House dictatorship that we do, and an idol worshipping Congress that is CONSPIRING to end sovereign America and replace it with rulers that desire Babylon on the Potomac at any cost regardless of our dissent.

All of the defensive plans and instruction in the world will not complete your readiness without spiritual defenses found in Ephesians 6. Do not deceive yourselves into believing that whatever lies in front of us, we are "alone" and without a greater power to see us through.

In Nazi Germany before the outbreak of war, there was an unprecedented outbreak of occult writing. This was followed by a form of worship given by the German people to their new Messiah. Sound familiar? The buildup of the German police state was necessary ONLY to subjugate the citizens and end all forms of dissent. The Reich government was populated with twisted men who held and promoted evil concepts that were directly tied to the occult beliefs of the people and their acceptance of racial superiority as practiced by the SS, Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heydrich, Adolf Eichmann, Alfred Rosenberg and Julius Streicher. My list of Homeland Security and F.E.M.A. personnel reads just as notoriously as does the list above.

Our own SS (Security Services) are a direct link to the need of those in power who MUST at some point; respond to patriotic Americans in the same way the German SS responded to dissenters in Germany and the occupied lands. Their goal was elimination of the protestors not tolerance of their rights to disagree. It is always that way with dictatorships, corrupted governments of any kind, and those who have obtained their position by money or high appointment through sold out philosophies. We are seeing the rise to power of the "defeated" Nazi agenda by those who have given their souls to the world elite driving our destruction using the same methods perfected in Europe. This outcome MUST be different.

Now, what to do? Look, would you allow a gang or a cult to kidnap your two year old daughter for a ritual abuse or sacrifice? Some of you might. I would shoot them dead as hell right then and there. Is what is happening to our nation any different---really? Our children and grandchildren’s future have been taken from them by traitorous, soul selling, nation murdering cultists who care only for their power and feel nothing for the rest of us. It has gone on and on for generations of two party accomplices that talk us into voting for them over and over again. NOT THIS TIME!

I will say it again. Are you of the "left hand path?" Are you a radical Agenda 21 cult leader in your county? Did you rejoice that the "Health Care Bill" was passed on the cultic 3/22 (Skull and Bones Crypt inscription) date? A darkened America engages in black rituals millions of times a year. An evil multiple personality (oppressed or possessed) janitor brings 12 occultists into a church to perform satanic rites between midnight and 3:00am. This is happening across this nation in stupefying numbers while the "church" of God, worries that anything they say may jeopardize their 501 (C)3 status or that the pastor might offend someone by preaching truth and real Scripture—for a change. We have offended God Almighty by our inaction and denial of our sorry state of personal and national sin. Yet, who is left to cry—ENOUGH! ENOUGH! God forgive us---ENOUGH!

America and Congress DO reflect a dark heart and soul. With 53,000 Masonic lodges, more than any total denomination of churches, evil symbiology is abundant on "public" buildings across America. We rejoice in pagan ceremonies that honor any number of dead, baseless religions and will sue to make sure THEY are protected while true, Godly congregations wither and shrink because they are assailed by sodomites, demonic covens, and ritual bearers of the Illuminati carrying the torch that will ignite the next round of persecutions of patriots, constitutionalists and believing Christians.

You see, that is what this government and the security services are gearing up for. It is the shutdown of all things Christian and patriotic. The sole goal is to exterminate the culture of Jesus and His message of triumph, victory and sacrifice for all who will accept and believe on Him.

Those in the corridors of power in America who have sold out to money, position and the plaudits of men, have sacrificed our nation to the powers of darkness so completely that I believe that God has begun to withdraw all possibilities that our nation might be saved. It has come to that point. Whatever fate may await us, we must now begin to fight our way out of the pit. Win or lose, we must not be led into that chamber of death with no option except to die at the hands of murders ordained by Satan himself. I will NOT go that way.

Our final effort to bring you every possible tool to use for your own Castle Defense is now in and being sent out. It is a massive 380 page Castle Defense 3 Instructional Manual that completes our in-field "how to" course. Highly detailed and informative, this five pound, red covered, easy to read and implement book, will give you the best tools available for your use during difficult times. Please check the website for this and other components available to you for the BEST possible combination of bug-out essentials you will find anywhere. We are finished doing DVD’s, and seeking out the products that will get you through the next great crises. Whether or not you want these tools, do something and do it quickly.

The final assault on America is coming. The glue that has held the banks and the government together is gone. My goal is to get through the summer and train those who are scheduled for our efforts. If we make it, the rest of you are on your own……..steady is almost gone as well. Be strong, don’t quit—grab the hand of Jesus while He still has it extended your way. As Winston Churchill said, "It is better to die fighting than to exist as a slave." Let’s win this war and live again in real freedom.

© 2010 Greg Evensen - All Rights Reserved

By Marsha West June 13, 2010

It seems everyone's practicing yoga meditation these days. Physicians recommend it to their patients which means it's beneficia, right? Meditation is said to relieve stress, anxiety, hypertension, acne and post-nasal drip, so go for it! Just tighten those abdominal muscles, inhale deeply and chant "Maaaaaaaaa" all in one breath and your concerns will drift away like a feather floating on the wind

But what if you're a Christian? Should you practice the same sorts of things as Buddhist, Hindu's and New Agers?

Listen to what the Bible says:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success"(Josh.1:8

Firstly, meditating day and night does not mean to stay awake for 24 hours a day. Secondly, Christian meditation is very different from Eastern meditation. Followers of Jesus Christ are not to sit in the lotus pose in an altered state of consciousness seeking the "God within" like pagans do. The Bible teaches that when Christians meditate our minds are to be fully engaged. We are never to go into a trance-state.

What does meditation involve? The word "meditation" in Hebrew means basically to speak or to mutter. When this is done in the heart it is called musing or meditation. So meditating on the Word of God day and night means to speak to yourself the Word of God day and night and to speak to yourself about it.

Before you dive into God's Word take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind and to reveal truth to you. As you read, stop to ponder what God has spoken through the words on the page. Always, always, always consider the context. In Charles Spurgeon's sermon "http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1039.htm"Pray Without Ceasing" he says there are four important questions to be asked:

"What do these words imply? Secondly, What do they actually mean? Thirdly, How shall we obey them? And, fourthly, Why should WE especially obey them?"

Sometimes you need to read a passage over and over reflect on it, analyze it, and listen while the Holy Spirit speaks truth to you. A word of warning: Listening to God does not require that you "empty" your mind. This meditative practice, called blank divina, a.k.a. spiritual formation "the silence" best known as contemplative (centering) prayer (CP) is a growing trend in evangelical churches despite the fact that this sort of prayer ritual comes from teaching associated with Catholic mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Ignatius of Loyola, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila. CP was reintroduced by Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Henri Nouwen, William Meninger, Basil Pennington and other mystics.

Many in the Emergent Church movement (ECM) are advancing Roman Catholic mysticism as well. Yet they insist on being seen as mainline evangelicals. ECM has not only introduced aberrant teaching into our churches, it undermines the authority of Scripture.

Gary Gilley laments that there has been a shift from infallible scriptures to "psychological and sociological experts, opinions of the masses, trends of the moment and the philosophy of pragmatism. This shift has been subtle, which has made it all the more dangerous. Few have bothered to deny the Bible itself, they just misquote it, abuse its meaning, force their opinion on it, and if necessary mistranslate it to give the appearance that the Scriptures are backing their claims. The affect of all of this scriptural manipulation is to both erode the authority of God's Word and to give the appearance that what Scripture has to say isn't really important. It is only a short step from here to a Christian community that no longer has much use for the Bible. (This is eerily similar to the way liberals/progressives treat the U.S. Constitution.)

The Body of Christ needs to know who these apostates are. Rick Warren for one. Warren has been promoting CP in his books for years. Other important figures are Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Brian McLaren, Leonard Sweet, Frank Viola, Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, Richard Rohr, Rob Bell, Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, Dan Kimball and Shane Claiborne. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

It has the potential to become, and often does become, a pursuit of mystical experience where the goal is to empty and free the mind and empower oneself. The Christian uses the Scriptures to pursue the knowledge of God, wisdom, and holiness through the objective meaning of the text with the aim of transforming the mind according to truth. God said His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), not for lack of mystical, personal encounters with Him.

One should also consider that emptying or freeing the mind can put a person in contact with demons:

[T]he dangers inherent in opening our minds and listening for voices should be obvious. The contemplative pray-ers are so eager to hear something "anything" that they can lose the objectivity needed to discern between God's voice, their own thoughts, and the infiltration of demons into their minds.

Contemplative prayer is almost identical to how the Zen Buddhists meditate. Following is part of the meditation process, ""Sit in the lotus pose (cross legged) keeping your spine straight... put your hands on each other in your lap. Now look at your left hand...just look. Aware of the left part of your body... look at the left hand in an empty manner. Just look. Don't let any thought pop up in your mind, look blankly on your left hand and try to feel the left portion of your body "feel the left part...feel". This very process will activate your right brain. When the right brain activates, it results in disappearance of thoughts. Your thought will start disappearing, [ Slowly after a few sessions of practicing this meditation, you will be able to instantly achieve this state of disappearance of thoughts]"

In Buddhism repeating a single word is known as a mantra. Many Buddhists simply murmur ommmm repeatedly. When Christians practice CP a word or phrase from the Bible is repeated. Many believers, especially young people, have been conned into believing that saying "I love Jesus" over and over will get them in contact with God. The fact of the matter is this approach to drawing close to God is unbiblical. Thus it should be eliminated from the serious Christian's approach to and understanding of meditation and prayer.

With these practices and beliefs comes a "virtual encyclopedia of theological error," says Gary Gilley. Many change agents in the Church are "Progressive Christians" now morphing into "social justice Christians" (SJC). Social justice is doublespeak for socialism. Spreading the social justice gospel is not the good news the Bible speaks of. SJCs want to mold America into a socialist saturated nanny state. Their aim is to redistribute the wealth. Before you buy into the SJC hype, check your history books. In every country socialism has been tried it has failed. Socialism takes away people's freedoms and ultimately leads to tyranny.

So why on earth does America want to copy it?

SJCs are bent on reinventing, or as Dan Kimball puts it "re-imagining" traditional Christianity. Progressives are pushing pluralism. Because when the Church becomes ecumenical and includes aspects of other religions it will blend nicely into their perception of how the 21st Century is going to be.

Authentic Christianity will never blend in! Christianity stands alone. All other religions are based on works righteousness (if you're a good person you will ultimately be rewarded). The Bible is very clear that "there is no one righteous, no not one" (Rom 3:10). We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Sin separates us from a holy God. Christians believe Christ died for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. We believe we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ"s righteousness alone. True Christians are willing to die for the Truth.

Are counterfeit Christians willing to die for their truth?

Oh yes.

Progressive Christians are introducing theological error into the Church faster than a starving cheetah chasing down a gazelle. In "How to Practice Meditative Prayer" Pastor Winfield Bevins explains:

"In Hebrew thought, to meditate upon the Scriptures is to quietly repeat them, giving oneself entirely to God, and abandoning outside distractions. The two main things that we are told to meditate on are God's word and God's goodness. Paul tells us, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8)."

Paul was not talking about prayer when he said "think about these things." He was saying that we should let our minds dwell on pure thoughts because what we allow into our minds shapes our actions. Paul finishes his thought in verse 9: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me"put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Do what you have seen me do, says Paul. This is not about finding a quiet place to sit crossed legged and prayerfully meditate, he was telling them to imitate what they have seen in him! According to Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary "In these things he proposes himself to them for an example (v. 9): Those things which you have learned, and received, and heard and seen in me, do. What they saw in him was the same thing with what they heard from him. He could propose himself as well as his doctrine to their imitation. It gives a great force to what we say to others when we can appeal to what they have seen in us. And this is the way to have the God of peace with us-to keep close to our duty to him. The Lord is with us while we are with him."

Many Christians lead busy lives so they put off spending time with God. In fact, data shows that most believers spend very little time in their Bibles, even though there's a whole lot of prayin goin' on! People running hither and yon bombard the Lord with bullet prayers. Now, don't get me wrong. Praying umpteen times a day is what believers should do--we are commanded to pray without ceasing. (1 Thes. 5:17) We are also commanded to abide in Christ:

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).

If followers of Jesus Christ are to bring forth good fruit they must stay attached to the Vine. The fruit believers bear when they're not abiding in Christ may look ripe and juicy on the outside. But it is rotten fruit!

There is a story in Luke 10:38-42 of two sisters, Mary and Martha, who thought differently about how to serve their Master. When Jesus came to their home Martha stayed in the kitchen preparing food for their guests. She had her own ideas on how to serve Christ. Martha became vexed that Mary was not helping with the meal. Instead she sat at the feet of Jesus to hear his word. Martha actually went to Him to complain. Instead of taking her side, Christ publicly rebuked her:

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things" In his commentary Matthew Henry explains the situation:

"He repeated her name, Martha, Martha; he speaks as one in earnest, and deeply concerned for her welfare. Those that are entangled in the cares of this life are not easily disentangled. To them we must call again and again, O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord."

Jesus continues: "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Again, Matthew Henry: "had justly given the preference to that which best deserved it; for one thing is needful, this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ, and receive the law from his mouth. Note, Serious godliness is a needful thing, it is the one thing needful; for nothing without this will do us any real good in this world, and nothing but this will go with us into another world."

Certainly there is nothing wrong with cooking for guests. But what we need to remember is that we are children of God before we are servants of God. Like Mary, we must sit at our Lord's feet. Martha was so busy serving Jesus that she had no time to spend with Him! Have I hit a nerve?

Prayer is intended as praise, confession, thanksgiving, and asking for others. (Phil 4:4-7) In prayer we find God's love and we will experience peace. Moreover, through prayer we are conformed to God's will. Prayer is not meant to be an esoteric experience, like the contemplatives would have us believe. The Bible does not teach that God's people are to go into a self-induced altered-state of consciousness to commune with Him. Again, meditating day and night does not mean we are to look for the "God within," as Eastern mystics and occultist do. For the Christian to be involved in any sort of pagan practice is strictly forbidden by God! This is because God opposes paganism's polytheism and blatant immorality. There is no getting around the fact that polytheism and immorality are the pagan way.

The Christian who truly wants to please God will do as the psalmist suggests:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).