Richard Foster

The following is from Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries. He hits it on the head with the current "Evangelical Christianity" mindset. He shows more on why Richard Foster is not biblical.

Quote:

AM has also previously pointed out that by now it ought to be quite obvious evangelicalism is deep into her sick lust affair with the repackaged so-called “Christian” mysticism of Foster who is hands down the leading proponent of spiritually corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM). And this neo-Gnosticism with its Contemplative/Centering Prayer (CCP) actually flowered in the antibiblical monastic traditions of apostate Roman Catholicism but has now slithered its way deep into evangelicalism from its den in the Emergent Church.

Now some ask: Why must you use those kinds of descriptors? Can’t you just leave out terms e.g. like “Living Spiritual Teacher” and/or “Quaker mystic”? Of course I could; and the few writing on the subject of contemplative spirituality, contemplative prayer, and the like do leave them out. Unfortunately people aren’t listening to them either. This even though they essentially use the typical, safe and accepted, apologetic I’ve referred to before as a “plus/minus” approach.

You’ve seen it many times, one begins pointing a few positive things on a given subject, followed by many negative things, and then the foregone conclusion said subject cannot be “recommended.” Let me say, there is most definitely a place for this kind of non-polemic research, absolutely. However, due to the lateness of the hour I simply skip the often patronizing step one. At the outset here I’ll simply say, if you really do want to know the truth concerning these issues related to Richard Foster then make the time to actually check out the sources and links within.

If not, then you just rest assured that the rains of apostasy have softened up the sand of what’s passing for Christianity today; and no doubt your head will slide right in with no effort. However, in the case of Richard Foster, the absolute facts are: 1) Foster actually is a Quaker; 2) Quakerism is itself rooted in mysticism, and 3) Foster’s “Christian” message is so convoluted that it is considered compatible with, and he is himself listed in, what is known as the Living Spiritual Teachers Project along side such spiritual fools as “Progressive Christian” Marcus Borg, CSM Guru Thomas Keating, Deepak Chopra, The Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Marianne Williamson.

Unquote.

We cannot afford to sugar coat the evil that is inside "Christianity". Playing footsies with the enemy is not an option. In fact, to do so is to trivialize the matter on which God has already said is wickedness and shipwrecks the faith of some.

Regarding the descriptions used for such false movements and teachers, listen to what Thomas Brooks said:

Always look upon wicked men, under those names and notions which the Scripture describes them, such as: lions for their fierceness, bears for their cruelty, dragons for their hideousness, dogs for their filthiness, wolves for their subtleness, scorpions, vipers, thorns, briars, thistles, brambles, stubble, dirt, chaff, dust, dross, smoke, scum.

You may know well enough what is within them, by the apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them. By looking upon them under those names and notions that the Scripture sets them out by, may preserve the soul from frequenting their company and delighting in their society. Such monsters are wicked men—which should render their company to all who have tasted of the sweetness of divine love, a burden and not a delight."Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1

Go here for the problems with Foster's "Celebration of Discipline" (which was written decades before Renovare and should've been a problem for Don Whitney and Tim Challies).

Voting In The Lesser Of Two Evils: What Christians Gave California By Voting In Their Candidate

What does voting for "the lesser of two evils" look like?

The California governor, that is to say, the lesser of two evils voted in by Republicans and Christians has done the following:

Publically expressed his position AGAINST Prop 8.

Reporting from Sacramento and Pasadena -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today expressed hope that the California Supreme Court would overturn Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage. He also predicted that the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who have already married would not be affected by the initiative."It's unfortunate, obviously, but it's not the end," Schwarzenegger said in an interview on CNN this morning. "I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area." --LA Times

After running against such heavy taxes in 2003, is now increasing MORE taxes:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday proposed $4.4 billion in new taxes and a similar amount in spending cuts to deal with California's worsening fiscal crisis, saying, "We must stop the bleeding." - Associated Press

Signed into law pro-homosexual agenda:

"Mom and Dad" as well as "husband and wife" effectively have been banned from California schools under a bill signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who with his signature also ordered public schools to allow boys to use girls restrooms and locker rooms, and vice versa, if they choose. ....Thomasson said SB777 prohibits any "instruction" or school-sponsored "activity" that "promotes a discriminatory bias" against "gender" – the bill's definition includes cross-dressing and sex changes – as well as "sexual orientation." - Worldnetdaily

Has signed into law nurse-assisted suicide:

SACRAMENTO – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially approved an assisted suicide measure allowing nurses to sedate, dehydrate and starve depressed or confused individuals they consider to be "terminally ill." - Worldnetdaily

Tim Challies and Donald Whitney Accept New Age Richard Foster As One Who Helps Spiritually

We know of John Piper's compromise with Emergent leader Mark-filthy-mouth-pastor-Driscoll. As a result many Reformers are following Piper's lead and seem to like Driscoll and some of what the Emergent Church Movement offers. Now there's another Reformer doing the same thing.

I read with interest Ken Silva’s article on Spiritual Formation:

I would like to take a slightly different emphasis than Ken Silva.

Quote:

But things like Lectio Divina cannot be made “safe” because they didn’t originate with Protestants; we don’t get to then redefine these practices of apostate Roman Catholicism. Yet this is exactly what is causing such a huge problem in the Body of Christ right now as men like Donald Whitney mean well while they labor to make it appear as if some of these monastic practices were ever part of what Dr. Walter Martin (1928-1989) so often called “the historic orthodox Christian faith” to begin with. As further illustration of what I mean we take the following from well-respected Reformed blogger Tim Challies.

This comes from Challies’ review of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life:

And so this book is an examination of spiritual disciplines -
disciplines provided by God which are designed to help us grow in godliness,
allowing us to become more and more conformed to the image of Christ. The
disciplines Whitney writes about are:

* Bible intake* Prayer* Worship* Evangelism* Serving*
Stewardship* Fasting* Silence and solitude* Journalling* Learning

The book is prefaced with an examination of the reason for
disciplining ourselves in the spiritual disciplines and Whitney teaches here
that we are to do all things for God’s glory. Because God requires each of these
disciplines of us, there is danger in neglecting any of them. (Online source, emphasis
mine)

Can anyone point to a specific list of these spiritual disciplines within the Bible; no. And “God requires” e.g. journaling in Scripture; where? We could now just as easily ask: Who made Donald Whitney a law-giver; we’re not to let any man act as our judge. So suppose I say to Whitney: “Go jump in the lake—I refuse to practice the existential and highly subjective practice of journaling and you have no authority to command me to do so or then suggest that I’m not properly ‘disciplined’ if I don’t.” Can you see how this actually ends up a transgression of Sola Scriptura; and worse, may even take us back to what DeWaay is talking about above.

UnQuote.


I read Challies’ full review. My response is to what he publically wrote.

In part he says:

While the vast majority of sources cited in this book are from Puritan and other Reformed authors, there were several references to Richard Foster. I questioned Whitney about this and he replied as follows: "...since it was not an academic book, I didn't want the emphasis to be critical (in the academic sense), but rather simply to set forth in practical ways what I thought the Biblical teaching on the subjects to be, and to find good supportive quotations. Occasionally it served my purposes to quote Foster. But I never tried to sound as approvingly of him when I quoted him as I did with most other writers. For instance, I never said something like, 'As the GREAT Richard Foster said,'...it was before Foster had started Renovare and before he had tipped his hand on some other matters." He also referred me to a couple of article he has written which show his thoughts on Christian mysticism (link and link 2). Lest I make a mountain of a molehill, I was completely satisfied with Whitney's answer and in no way do I feel that his references to Foster's work detracts from the powerful message in Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life. I merely did not wish to have people see the references to Foster in the bibliography and be scared away from a wonderful book.

Whiteny didn't want to criticize Foster merely on academics? Truth is not academic. This is about spiritual issues. How can he resign New Age quaker mysticism to mere "academics"? That's a sure sign of lacking wisdom and discernment with spiritual things and certainly considers New Age mysticism to be optional and not needed to be dealt with.

That which is from error cannot lead people in Truth. This is the other problem.

References to Foster SHOULD cause all Christians to run. He is a false teacher steeped in New Age garbage. Yet it appears that Challies and Whitney find something positive from Foster in regard to spiritual matters. Scripture says there is to be separation in 2 Cor. 6:14-17.

It really seems that Reformers are are man-centered.

Richard Foster has never been a Christian, before or after coming out with Renovare. Foster is a Quaker, and Quakers deny biblical doctrine such as all men are enemies of God and dead in their sins and trespasses. Instead, Quakerism claims the New Age philosophy that all men have “a spark of divinity” in them and men are neutral toward good and evil. They do not believe in the authority of pastors/elders. Foster was out of Christianity decades ago, but Challies ignores that (he was concerned with references to Foster, so he does know of something of his error). In fact it seems that these men think they can take from what is evil and pick out the “good” and be satisfied. Its rather reminecent of how many Reformers view the RCC: its now apostate, but it once had truth and was a true church, therefore we can use its history and church fathers and councils and confessions as our own. Scripture's test proves the RCC to be a false church from the beginning. An apostate was never HIS (1John 2:19). God calls for doctrinal purity as well as personal purity. Why don't people, particularly Reformers see this? Why are they so willing to compromise?

As time marches on, I continue to see Reformers embrace all kinds of doctrine, including Emergent Church movement junk. I believe it's because they think in terms of philosophy and not biblical truth; they rely on intellect (which some apparently think, was not infested with sin at the Fall, thus they appeal to the fallen mind to reveal Truth to the God-haters), not spiritual wisdom and understanding. They often accept part of Romanism (its infant sprinkling or a variation on the bread and wine or the magisterium, its history, its councils,), thus its far easier for them to accept other error as well.
God calls for separation from error and those in error. We cannot be sanctified with things outside of infallible truth. Error does not bring us truth.

1Jo 2:21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH.

1Co 13:6 it [agape] does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

John 17: 17 SANCTIFY THEM IN THE TRUTH; Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Tit 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Rom 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Jud 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Richard Foster has always been heretical. He was never of Christ. The blindness and total tolerance of a little heresy and a little sin by the likes of Challies and Whitney are inexcusable. They both know Foster is in error, but I suppose as long as he serves their purpose and they think they can pull out the poison from the water, they will do so. They will do so, however to their own peril and those who look to them for advice or wisdom.

It seems to me that Reformers find more inspiration in books of men rather than Scripture. Its as if they find Scripture to be mere milk, but theologians or scholars offer REAL MEAT. This is pure Roman Catholic magisterium thinking. It certainly is not biblical thinking. When an author offers a false teacher as a good example of something spiritually right, its time to dump the author. God calls for purity of doctrine:

1Tim. 1: 3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine

2Tim. 4: . 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Titus 2: You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

It seems those who offer poisoned books are violating clear Scripture, and in doing so, are helping to confuse and mislead the sheep of Christ.

As Spurgeon right said one time, “Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” Those who taught things "almost right" are described in Jude and Galatians. Its time we love Truth more than some author or blogger or pastor who gives us some experience or good feeling. Our spiritual lives depend upon it and we will answer to Christ Jesus.

Schwarzenegger Is A Hypocrit On Taxes: but I never trusted nor voted for him--he's a RINO ---like McCain

2003 "From the time they get up in the morning and flush the toilet, they're taxed. Then they go and get the cup of coffee, they're taxed....This goes on all day long. Tax, tax, tax."Arnold Schwarzenegger

11-06-08 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.4 billion in tax increases and billions more in spending cuts to close California's worsening budget deficit, declaring: "We must stop the bleeding."

HYPOCRIT and LIAR. HE'S helping us bleed.

Our economy in California is far WORSE than it was when Gray-lights-out-Davis drove us into enormous debt. We voted him out for a lesser of a problem. Its time to vote out Schwarenegger now and hire Tom McClintock.

McCain Campaign Slams Palin Harder Than Obama: that's no surprise

Rush Limbaugh has reported that according to Carl Cameron of Fox News, the McCain campaign has been slamming Sarah Palin. It appears that they spent more time criticizing their own VP running mate rather than Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and Barack Obama combined.

If this is accurate, I am not surprised. I'm amazed that it shocks Limbaugh, though. After all, McCain is liberal, not conservative. McCain has been proven to have far more in common with the DNC than the GOP. Sorry, Rush, but this really is a "duh" moment. Why do you think Joe Biden went on t.v. claiming McCain would be a great VP for John Kerry back in 2004? Why do you think McCain voted along DNC lines for two Supreme Court Justices and various Senate bills? Why do you think McCain is pro-abortion, pro-illegal alien amnesty, pro-limited campaign contributions, and big-government bail outs?

HELLO?

So why did "Conservatives" vote for McCain?

If you want to rid the GOP of the moderates (read: Liberals), then don't vote FOR them.

It really IS that simple.

Voting: The Bullies Say It Is The Measure of A True Christian

Something weird is happening. Actually its tragic and pathetic, really.

Professing Christians are making politics an essential to Christianity, but at the same time turn a closed eye to the essentials of biblical Christianity.

Apparently "Christians" can view God's role for women, the literal 6 Day Creation, faith in the resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Lordship of the Lord, believer's baptism by immersion, and absolute truth, as all Non-Essentials. Yup, they are ready to generously "agree to disagree" on these doctrines and more, because these are issue of conscience (however Romans 14 is not about biblical doctrine, but about true gray issues, matters of conscience that Scripture has not spoken for or against).

But DON'T YOU DARE NOT VOTE! That's right, Christianity is now determined not by doctrine but by your patriotism.

HUH?

Scripture doesn't demand I vote. Voting is not an essential to my faith in Christ Jesus alone. But it seems that Christians (and Republicans in general) are bullying those of us with a clear conscience to vote for the "lesser of the two evils".

This is pitiful. And its based on fear of the opposing political party.

Where's their loyalty to all things of Christ Jesus? Scripture? Biblical truth?

Gone.

Charity is wide and tolerance high for those who hold to evolution, feminism, Romanism, eastern mysticism, pragmatism, and humanism. But vile anger is directed toward those who refuse to support evil in this year's elections.

What utter nonsense.

Let's remember that as Christians, we are loyal to Christ alone. We are to fear God, not man. We are to live faithfully to biblical truth, not be pragmatic.

Jeremiah 17:5, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.’”

Prov. 21: 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

A friend of mine sent me an article written by Peter Ditzel. In part he said:

Quote:

So, let’s picture Jesus faced with the possibility of voting in an election in which the best choice is merely the lesser evil. Can you honestly imagine Jesus voting for any kind of evil? If Herod and Pilate were running for the same office, would Jesus have voted for Pilate because he was the lesser evil? I can’t imagine it, can you? I can only see Jesus among the masses saying, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8), and, “Put not your trust in princes” (Psalm 146:3), and, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

At election time, is the only way we can show our patriotism and Christianity by voting for the lesser evil? I refuse to believe it. Did you know that most tyrants in the world legitimize themselves by making sure they win elections and then saying, “The people have spoken”? In the United States, we are only slightly more sophisticated. Here, the wizards of Oz who are working the controls behind the curtains set out two or three candidates for us (Tweedledee, Tweedledum, and Tweedledummer). Then they tell us to vote for one, and they convince even Christians that it is their patriotic and Christian duty to vote even if they realize that all of the candidates are some degree of evil. Having discharged their duty, the masses can feel good about themselves and go back to sleep while the powers that be pour more detergent into the brainwashing system called public education, erode our First Amendment rights, gain control over our food supply, and pick a fight with the next country that they want to control for strategic reasons.

Whoever wins, here are three Scriptures to keep in mind:

“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above….” (John 19:11)

“This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Daniel 4:17—emphasis mine)

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

End quote.

How is it possible to keep one's hands clean from supporting evil while at the same time be accused that by not voting for the evil, we ARE responsible for evil prevailing? How does that make any sense? By NOT supporting evil, I'm supporting evil?

By not supporting a pro-abortion (in rape and incest), feminist (tear a mom of a infant away from her family to rule a nation), liberal (voted FOR two liberal Supreme Court justices and stood against the conservative SCJ candidates) RINO, I am standing for a higher standard: God's. My hands are clean before God. I take a stand AGAINST evil by not supporting it. I pray against it (prayer is now considered "doing nothing" by "Christians"). I pray for HIS righteousness to rule this land. I trust in HIM.

But apparently these "Christians" think I'm perpetrating evil by doing that.

Movements

Why is it that Christians are obsessed with "movements"? Everything's a movement, particularly in "evangelism". They often dangle the movement in front of others, asking if they want to be a part of this movement or that movement of God (usually with the youth).

Why?

It often seems more like advertising to "get people excited". But movements historically aren't always good, and even those dubbed "of God" peter out. Does He loose enthusiasm for the movements? Is God affected by the lack of enthrallment of others, so the movements die?

Why do people think its a movement of God?

Why is it so complicated to evangelize the world?

Why are there so many programs?

Building Church Buildings In This Economy

Recently I discovered that my former church is continuing on its march ahead to raise money for a multi-million dollar building. I thought, how in the world do they have the nerve to cram this man-centered agenda down the sheeps' throat in this economy? I know at least one family has lost their business and are now renting a home. Apparently the church's answer is: bring the church together on one Sunday, show them a DVD, have a emotionally moving story about one family going through a horrendous trial, then have a pot luck afterward.

That didn't work.

Next up: have one of the elders explain in detail what this new building will look like, in hopes that the sheep will catch the vision of their new pen.

That didn't work.

Well, try, try, again. Next week: again an elder will discuss the plans and need for this multi-million dollar building and hope maybe the sheep will get excited. And if that weren't enough, the pastor will take time out of the Sunday service to march 750 people in single file around the property to get a vision for the new multi-million dollar building, on a "prayer walk". I wonder if they will dole out milk and cookies after their little field trip.

We'll see if it pushes the sheep into the rally for this building that they are determined to build, but I don't see that happening. In this area, several chain stores are closing up shop. This economy is going to hit hard here soon (its already started for some folks). They are already

falling short $5,000 each week.

I read with interest Slice of Laodicea's article on how this economy might affect megachurches. I am glad others are asking similiar questions. I hope some of these "churches" that are such a stench to God will actually shut down permanently.

Hypocrit: TD Jakes Cancels Zambia Trip In Fear of Disease: so much for living by what he spews

I got the heads up on this from Slic of Laodicea. Here's an excerpt from the short article at Insight News:

Oct. 14 (GIN) - American televangelist TD Jakes called off a planned trip to Zambia where he was to officiate at a Freedom Summit, meeting presidential hopefuls ahead of this month's presidential election.

Summit organizers were unable to reassure Bishop Jakes there was no chance of catching the viral hemorrhagic fever believed to be rodent-borne. Two out of three victims of the disease, who died in Johannesburg, had come from Zambia.

I guess what's good for the goose isn't good for the gande. Heretic TD Jakes seems to walk in fear and elitism instead of living by what he claims he believes: the Word-Faith junk. Even he doesn't believe what he spouts. That should tell his followers a LOT.

Discernment

I found this quote today and love it:

“Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon

Don't Panic: Our Hope Is In Christ Jesus, Not Man

Reading the news headlines, it seems everyone's running scared and the world is chaotic. I can see the world becoming quickly ripe for a one-world leader. Between American politics, the stock market meltdown, the housing mortgage and bank chaos, increasing socialism overtaking capitalism, terrorism, rumors of impending wars....its enough to see how people could panic.

Here's just a friendly reminder to Christians to not panic, for The Sovereign God is indeed controlling His universe and we are in HIS hands. Our hope is not to be in men.

Jeremiah 17:5, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.’”



Psa 20:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
Psa 20:2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
Psa 20:3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah Psa 20:4 May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!
Psa 20:5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
Psa 20:6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psa 20:8 They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
Psa 20:9 O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call.

36,000 Non-Churches to Close October 12----That's GOOD News

36,000 churches to close next Sunday

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- As the worsening economy continues to make life difficult for families across the country, churches are putting their faith into action this Sunday, October 12th by doing something radical. This year, more than 300 churches nationwide will close their doors to help serve their neighbors in need. Some 36,000 Americans are now involved in this growing movement.

Three leading Christian organizations, World Vision, Outreach and Zondervan, are behind Faith in Action.

1.) Church is for believer's only and is mandated for believers to actively be committed to it. See Matt. 18, Acts, Heb. 10 & 13, 1Corinthians14, Ephesians 4:10-21,, 1 &2 Timothy and Titus, as well as the various letters to the local churches. The purpose of being in a local church is for the building up of each believers to a mature man in Christ, to be equipped to minister to others, for accountability, and to be solid in the faith so as to not be tossed by every wind of doctrine--for the glory of Jesus Christ.

2.) Social programs will not solve the most dire need of each living human: the preaching of the gospel. This must be preached with words, not lived by silence:

Rom 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

3.) Many "churches" are nothing more than social clubs and as such, ought to be shut permenantly. We can do much better without these fake churches that perpetrate puddle-deep theology and socialistic politics merging with inter-faith garbage in the name of Jesus Christ.

Voting on Principle And Never For Evil

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. ~ John Quincy Adams


"Of two evils, choose neither." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The Problem With John Piper's Hedonism in Christianity

My friend brought to my attention an excellent article by Metropolitan Tabernacle's Peter Masters (he has inherited a great spiritual heritage there, as Charles Spurgeon and John Gill both were shepherds of that church).
Curious of the word "hedonism", I read today the following:

"HEDONE was the spirit (daimona) of pleasure, enjoyment and delight. As a daughter of Eros (Love) she was associated more specifically with sensual pleasure. Her opposite number were the Algea (Pains). The Romans named her Voluptas. "

In the quotes below, Masters reflects the dangerous of Piper's "Christian hedonism" idea. That concern is well founded, because Piper is doing just what his notion leads to. He has lost discernment and wisdom and a solid foundation on Truth in how we are to live, worship, and proclaim Christ.Masters is careful to show respect and appreciation for Piper, but he clearly is very concerned of where his hedonism will lead. Here are some excerpts:

http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090217145335/http://www.metropolitantabernacle.org/?page=articles&id=3

Quote:

'Christian Hedonism' Is it Right?
from Sword & Trowel 2002, No. 3 by Peter Masters

'Christian Hedonism' is a term adopted in the literature of Dr John Piper to describe his scheme for sanctification and advance in the spiritual life. Certainly, it is a very strange term, because hedonism is, for Christians, a bad word. Hedonism means the pursuit of pleasure as the chief good, but in the case of this new scheme of spiritual living, it refers to the pursuit of pleasure in God....

Dr Piper makes much use of the little sentence, 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.' Indeed, the pursuit of joy in God is held as being one and the same thing as glorifying God....

Why should this article set out to assess this teaching? The answer is that many pastors and people are being influenced by it, but very serious cautions need to be sounded.

It is not surprising that believers find Christian Hedonism or 'delighting in God' interesting and attractive. To delight in the Lord is a magnificent and biblical exercise. But Dr Piper's formula for its use undoubtedly alters the understanding of sanctification long held by believers in the Reformation tradition, because it elevates one Christian duty above all others....

Whatever the strengths of Dr Piper's ministry, and there are many, his attempt to oversimplify biblical sanctification is doomed to failure because the biblical method for sanctification and spiritual advance consists of a number of strands or pathways of action, and all must receive individual attention. As soon as you substitute a single 'big idea' or organising principle, and bundle all the strands into one, you alter God's design and method. Vital aspects of Truth and conduct will go by the board to receive little or no attention. This is certainly the case with Dr Piper's method, as we will show....

Dr Piper is particularly noted for passionate communication. Those who know him say that his entire heart is in what he teaches. He is clearly no mere 'performer'. He writes and preaches with a distinctive and compelling style, achieving a popular 'flow' which everyone can follow, and yet without sacrificing depth of reasoning. He also produces many extremely powerful, expressive sentences (although these often mingle with others rather overloaded with superlatives). This reviewer must own that he finds Dr Piper too keen on producing startlingly original ways of looking at everything, and seldom are these to be found in the Bible. He is a master of the oblique approach, but at times his rather contrived reasoning leaves one grateful that Scripture, by contrast, is so straightforward and free from philosophical gymnastics....

What does the 'delighting in God' scheme have to say about some of the rampant ills of the present-day Christian scene? What does it say about the charismatic movement, and the abandonment of reverence through contemporary Christian music? What does it say about irreverent Bible translations, and other appalling trends? The answer is that Dr Piper goes in exactly the wrong direction on such matters.

Why is this? Is there some intrinsic weakness in his scheme, causing him to show such poor discernment and concern? This writer believes that there is. All single-dominant-issue schemes tend to be blind to individual matters of deep concern. Their major preoccupation creates a kind of tunnel vision, and perception fails. Dr Piper concentrates on seeing his delighting system in all the Bible, so that his recognition of the rules and principles which bear on other issues is seriously impaired.

In fact, Dr Piper's system runs so near to the mystical-emotional basis of charismatic experience that it is not surprising to find him endorsing it in large measure, and claiming great blessing from his own experience with the Toronto Blessing. We understand he advocates charismatics and non-charismatics in the same church, and encourages all the trappings of charismatic life. Hedonism is hardly protective of principle.

When delight is everything, doctrine suffers a setback. When subjective emotions are unduly elevated, the proving and testing of all things becomes impossible. On charismatic matters, and on modern worship matters also, Dr Piper is - to put it gently - an unsafe shepherd, and the fault lies not in his Bible, nor in his capacities, but in his system. As the better aspects of his ministry earn respect from his readers, so the poor guidance on potentially disastrous issues will mislead them.

End quote. [Emphasis, mine]

This is what we see happening now. Its why Piper is allowed to make up a new definition and use of "hedonism". Its why Piper embraces the Emergent Church Movement to some extent through his teaching at the ECM's Acts 29 conferences and by parading Mark Driscoll at Desiring God conferences. This is why Piper wants to open membership at his BAPTIST church, to infant sprinklers. This is why Piper offered a "Christian rap artist" to rap during a church service. This is why he's got Paul Tripp using the "s word" in a promotion video for DG. This is why, as a senior pastor of over 20 years, he seems to be confused with the issue of appropriate language and so looks to a younger, irreverent potty-mouthed man for wisdom. Hedonism has allowed Piper to simply pursue the slippery slope of the Downgrade Contraversy.

This IS the result of his own hedonism.

How Can A Seasoned Pastor Not Have Biblical Wisdom On Language?

Why is it that John Piper doesn't know the appropriateness of language and seeks to find wisdom from an unqualified man like Mark Driscoll?

I saw his video defense of Driscoll's upcoming speaking engagement at Piper's conference on "words". I've been contemplating why it is that a presumably mature pastor doesn't see Scripture clearly on course talk, when Scripture itself is clear?

Why is it that so many professing Christians find virtue in not knowing things decisively? Why is ignorance, or not knowing something, seen as "teachable" and "biblical"?

Why does an elderly man go to a young man who shows little respect for Christ and His pristine Word, for "wisdom"?

Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Col 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Pro 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

For those who think Driscoll or other Emergents/POMO/Relevant teachers are clever in their use of gutteral verbage, as well as other worldly means, consider Scripture:

2Co 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

1Ti 6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 1Ti 6:4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 1Ti 6:5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Regarding an overseer:

Tit 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

There Won't Be Enough Evidence For the Skeptics Who Defend Piper, Driscoll, & Tripp

I often say that there is never enough evidence for a skeptic. I believe this is true for Piper (Tripp, Driscoll, Zacharias, Boltz) apologists. I know the list is longer, but these are the names that have recently been in the news lately.

For those who think there is no evidence of Piper's Downgrade, either they have been ignoring his recent actions or are in agreement with them.

While I will not do the skeptics/apologists' homework, however, I'll give them a little jump start, should they actually want to see and believe the evidence (I'm not holding my breath).

Let's start with one of my own posts: http://surphside.blogspot.com/search?q=Mark+Driscoll%27s+Vintage

Here's where you can do more research:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/and http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/

Two of their articles were from two years ago. I saw Piper's hand-holding with the ECM leader, Driscoll about two years prior to that.

Piper hasn't distanced himself from Driscoll, but continues to hold hands with him. and defends him. And now even Paul Tripp is using foul language "to make a point" about "the motive of the heart" which is absolutely ridiculous. (Let's not forget that Tripp led his children into using a cuss word repeatedly, too. )

There is plenty of information on Driscoll for biblical Christians to see how disqualified he is to be a pastor and a teacher of God's HOLY Word. For someone of Piper's fame to deliberately and continually endorse Driscoll (dubbed "the cussing pastor" by Donald Miller, author of "Blue Like Jazz") is wrong.

Yup, I said its wrong. It seems very few people are willing to be clear on this issue. But I don't see how either Piper or Driscoll are living up to the biblical standards of being an undershepherd.

1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."

Offering putrid, decaying garbage to feed HIS sheep and lambs with, is an absolute disgrace, regardless of the name or label used.

And remember: holding to TULIP doesn't give anyone a free pass. Saying some right things doesn't negate the continual error, either.

Jud 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

How did these people "creep in unnoticed"? How does Satan and his workers deceive so many professing Christians? Do false teachers and false brothers announce themselves as such? Is deception merely just doctrinal? Can it include false, unbiblical practices?

Please, get off the bandwagon of rallying around your favorite teacher and be honest in testing him against Scripture. If he falls short, may your loyalty to go Christ Jesus alone.

Christians: Do Not Lend Your Support Nor Wink At The Error of A "Good-Natured Brother"!

In thinking about John Piper's defense of foul-mouthed "pastors", I think Spurgeon hit the nail on the head when he said:


Is it any wonder that church members forget their vows of consecration, and run with the unholy in the ways of frivolity, when they hear that persons are tolerated in the pastorate who do the same? We doubt not that, for writing these lines we shall incur the charge of prudery and bigotry, and this will but prove how low are the tone and spirit of the churches in many places.

The fact is, that many would like to unite church and stage, cards and prayer, dancing and sacraments. If we are powerless to stem this torrent, we can at least warn men of its existence, and entreat them to keep out of it....

"Sir, do you believe in the Holy Ghost?" The youth replied, "I suppose I do." To which the deacon answered, "I suppose you do not, or you would not have insulted us with such false doctrine." A little plain-speaking would do a world of good just now. These gentlemen desire to be let alone. They want no noise raised. Of course thieves hate watch-dogs, and love darkness. It is time that somebody should spring his rattle, and call attention to the way in which God is being robbed of his glory, and man of his hope.

For the present it behoves believers to be cautious, lest they lend their support and countenance to the betrayers of the Lord.

Numbers of easy-minded people wink at error so long as it is committed by a clever man and a good-natured brother, who has so many fine points about him. Let each believer judge for himself; but, for our part, we have put on a few fresh bolts to our door, and we have given orders to keep the chain up; for, under color of begging the friendship of the servant, there are those about who aim at robbing THE MASTER.

John Piper and His Continual Defense of Men Who Violate God's Commands

I have a strong view on Piper, and I guess I'll step on a lot of toes here perhaps. But I believe it has to be said. Bear with me....This IS the real John Piper. I think it started with his redefinition of "hedonism" and combining it with "Christian". Then came his friendship and defense of Mark-Potty-Mouth-Driscoll, the rap in church, and now Paul Tripp's cussing, among other things.

When "everyone" loves a man like Piper or Graham, you can bet there's something very wrong. Truth is narrow, & living a godly, separate life from the world (2Cor. 6) brings persecution from the world itself and from professing Christianity.Piper has a lot of audience to pull in and keep.

I've seen his downgrade continue for years, so I'm not surprised. Why is anyone else? Why do people refuse to believe Piper IS seeker-emergent-friendly and has compromised biblical Truth repeatedly? Certainly, he is not beyond being deceived. And this is indeed why having a "rubber stamp" mentality is so dangerous: just b/c Piper approves of Driscoll and Tripp doesn't mean its ok. I have found that many Christian bloggers/ministries, who like Piper and list him as a resource and off his ministry link, ALSO like Driscoll and offer HIS link as well.

Piper's DEFENSE of such men and their course and crude language shows a lack of discernment and wisdom and frankly, a love of that which is NOT holy.

Recall what Spurgeon saw in his day ---we are witnessing it today, only worse. And the enemy isn't just the world, its INSIDE the camp THIS is why it is SO disheartening as a Christian.

Pro 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them;

Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Col. 4: 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Eph. 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

2 Tim. 2: 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

"The Idolatry of Talented Men"

Ingrid Schuelter at Slice Of Laodicea ends her post on the further apostasy of Ravi Zacharias, saying,

"It’s time to stop the idolatry of talented men, and start being Bereans in the church once again."

We can apply this across the board, whether its John Piper and his approval of foul-mouthed "pastors", singer Ray Boltz being brazen in his sodomy, or Ravi Zacharias  (video here)embracing error(he can't answer the question if a person can be a sincere Christian AND a homosexual with a simple "no"--he takes nearly ten minutes to answer "yes" as long as you don't "act" on it; and he quotes in an admirable way Roman Catholic Eastern Mystic Henri Nouwen who was apparently an admitted homosexual ).

Its time Christians stop having the Magisterium Mentality and test all people and teachings and behavior according to Scripture, and be willing to leave behind those who fall short of biblical truth. If you aren't willing to let go of your favorite author or teacher, there's no point in testing him. The reason we are to test them is so that we stay away from such false teachers and not imitate their error.

The Magisterium Mentality is summed up here:

RCC Cat. # 85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ."

Scripture says, however:

1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

2Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2Pe 2:3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

"Christianity Today" --A Total Farce

I read Ingrid Schlueter's article this morning over at Slice of Laodicea, and thought how she's got it right, once again. She says in part:

In talking about an upcoming "apologist" conference, starring non other than the great apologist himself, James Dobson (uh, he's hardly an apologist---he's merely a humanistic psychologist "Christian" in my own opinion), Ingrid challenges the notion of such a conference, given the farce of "Christianity" today:

Quote:

With months long freak shows like the one Todd Bentley just completed, with televangelists jetting around at donor expense so the Senate has to investigate, with men like John Avanzini handing out lucky rubbing stones so people can get rich, with cussing pastors and churches handing out cards with ideas to jazz up your sex life, with pastors getting arrested for trying to hook up with 13-year-old girls online, and so forth and so on, maybe they shouldn’t call this a National Apologetics Conference. I think it should be called a National Apology Conference. They could line up Christian “leaders” and lay people who could spend hours apologizing.

1. We’re sorry for treating Jesus Christ as a life-enhancement product.
2. We’re sorry for funding and listening to crooks and liars on TV and sending them money.
3. We’re sorry for attending churches where live motorcycle stunts are performed onstage.
4. We’re sorry for having 3rd rate ethics while claiming to follow Christ.
5. We’re sorry that neighbors had to call the police because our church sound system blew out their windows.
6. We’re sorry for supporting a deranged “evangelist” who kicks people in the stomach to cure their cancer.
7. We’re sorry for wearing/selling/buying stupid T-shirts that blaspheme God and thinking that would impress non-Christians.
8. We’re sorry for spending billions of dollars on music downloads and CD’s of our favorite Christian pop star and funding their demise.
9. We’re sorry for blowing off Sola Scriptura and returning to medieval mysticism.
10. We’re sorry for buying books from heretical wolves like Brian McLaren who deny hell, the substitutionary atonement and the Second Coming.
11. We’re sorry for adopting hindu worship practices as a Christian means of encountering God.
12. We’re sorry for buying trash like The Shack that redefines the Trinity and introduces goddess theology to evangelicals.
13. We’re sorry for following the Rupert Murdoch-sponsored pied piper into his latest church campaign because we refuse to think biblically.

End quote.

These things are disgusting, but it reflects "Christianity" today. Scripture speaks of such nonsense:

2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.


2Ti 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

And why is it that millions fall for such putride garbage while slapping "Jesus" on to it? They lack a love for Truth, for Scripture, for God, and for His people. They are worldlings that are merely religious. I'll even go a step further and say most of these people were saved by a gospel, but not The Gospel.

Most professing Christians are told while unsaved, that

Jesus loves you
If you were the only person in the whole world, Jesus would have died just for you
God is on bended knee, arm stretched out with a ring, hoping you say "yes" to His proposal
Make a decision, walk down an aisle, raise a hand to get saved
Say a prayer to get saved
Jesus is your boyfriend, best buddy, He won't judge you
God has a wonderful plan for your life
Free will / neutrality toward God and sin

Moreover, the "gospel" people hear and believe is nothing more than a self-esteem pep talk. It has man at the center of the Gospel, Salvation, the Bible, and God's universe.

They leave OUT:

Jesus Christ is Lord (Master, Sovereign King, to be obeyed)
Jesus is God
Jesus Christ is the center of the Gospel
Jesus Christ is the center of the Bible
God is the center of the Universe
God's wrath on the sinner (the person, not *just* the sin, as is so commonly proclaimed--John 3:36)
Man's total depravity / sin
Repentance from sin
Jesus is sinless and took the Father's wrath at the cross, paying for all the sin of those who believe
Jesus died and rose again on the Third Day according to the Scriptures
Jesus is the ONLY way, Truth, and life, and NO ONE comes to the Father but by Him
Hell is where you go if you refuse to believe in Him alone for salvation, apart from your works

What we end up with is a bunch of self-absorbed religious people who are not anchored in Truth and therefore have no solid foundation. They are worldly, have a form of godliness but no power, claim a Jesus, but not the Master who is Ruler and Dictator. They fall for every type of doctrine and philosophy of the world (psychology, evolution, humanism, gnosticism, intellectualism, superstition/Charismaticism/Word of Faith, feminism), they are easily offended, judge others for being judgmental. They tolerate sin and false teachers, but not Truth and those who stand for biblical Truth. Thse "Christians" end up in prison, arrested for DUI, outted as sodomites, found to have committed fraud on the unsuspecting, cuss and swear like sailors.

Its no wonder the world laughs at them: their own jesus is as effective as allah or Barney. Their lives are full of divorce, adultery, fornication, homosexuality (Ray Boltz, the singer is the most recent to flaunt his lies and homosexuality), envy, strife, chaos in the home and in the church. Their children are themselves sexually immoral, getting pregnant as teenagers, doing drugs (some prominent "Christians" admit about their days of drug use), bitter, and angry.

What's the point in being THAT kind of "Christian"? Might as well do it all without the "restraints" of "Christianity" since they ARE doing all those things anyway. What a farce and what absolute hypocrisy!

Just Say No

No to McBamaPaliden.

Me? Pro-Choice? Okay!

Ya want choice? Okay.....

I CHOOSE to NOT vote for evil.

I choose not to vote for the greater OR lesser evil. Evil is evil. Even if its cute, smart, sassy, classy, convincing, or articulate.

A rose by any other name....has thorns.

9-11-08

Seven years ago today, my sister called me to ask if I had been watching the news. I turned it on only to see the remains of the first airplane that hit one of the World Trade Center Towers. And then I watched the second airplane hit. I was in shock.

As I was watching, the news confirmed there was another plane still airborn, held hostage by some men. It was at that moment that my daughter (who was 8) and I started to pray for those people in that airplane. God in His grace, had that plane crash into a field far from the terrorists' destination.

I will always remember 9-11-01 in this way. I hope it encourages other Christians to pray when they hear of a tragedy in the making. It amazes me how God moves His children to pray for others they do no know. It brings me comfort knowing He could do the same for me, should I ever be in a horrible situation.

I also pray it spurs Christians to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus who at this moment are suffering in prisons and facing torture, as well as their familes ripped apart, children taken from their arms, homes destroyed, and lives taken, simply because they a Christians and belong to Jesus Christ. While they may never know your name, your prayers on behalf of these precious unknown Christians are heard by the God Who Hears....and HE knows them each by name.

Psa 91:14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

2Ti 2:19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."

May those who survived 9-11 or lost loved ones on that day, turn to the Great Shepherd, Savior, and Master for forgiveness of their sin and for eternal life. Only in the Person of Christ Jesus can there ever be true and everlasting peace, for HE alone IS the Prince of Peace.

"Christians" defending Palin Using Same Mentality As The Pro-Abortion Debate

Its interesting to me to see "Christians" defend Sarah Palin's position as a leader at the expense of her family's needs, just like pro-abortionists.

They say its her right to choose to work full time. But the child suffers enormously without the mother around.

Just like its a choice to abort a child, even if it means making that poor baby suffer a slow and agonizing death.

Its the same mentality in thinking here (and no, I'm not saying those who support Palin are supporting abortion, but I'm sure I'll be accused of that). These "Christians" are not thinking of God's command of women to submit to their husbands as is proper in HIS design of marriage; they are not thinking of the ill affects on the children with a motherless home/family life; or a home with an emasculated father; they are thinking solely of the mother's RIGHT TO CHOOSE...not to abort the child, but dump it nearly as sooon as its born.

How utterly tragic and self-serving.

I believe people compromise Truth because they have a relationship at stake. I see this continue to come to fruition.

This doesn't please HIM in the least and it destroys families.

More Women Sounding Off Against Feminist Sarah Palin And What She Represents

Two articles/commentaries I've read recently have some good comments I'd like to share:

Dr. Laura Schlesinger (I do not endorse her overall since she's not a Christian, but her argumenation regarding Sarah Palin reflects what I've already said):

Forget gender and race. I’m frankly and sadly caught in the dilemma of having to balance policy versus example in touting a candidate for the office of the First Family. I was ferociously attacked (what’s new?) when I spoke out strongly against Bill Clinton’s dalliances in the Oval Office. That situation quickly turned into a debate whether “private has anything to do with public.” Nonsense. Role models are very important. Children and young adults look to those who are visible and successful as a road map of what is acceptable behavior and emulate those actions over the morals and values their parents and churches have taught and tried to reinforce. It’s a tough go these days, when the “bad that men or women do” is used for entertainment purposes without judgment, or is excused because of political or financial considerations.

I am haunted by the family pictures of the Palins during political photo-ops, showing the eldest daughter, now pregnant with her own child, cuddling the family’s newborn. When Mom and Dad both work full-time (no matter how many folks get involved with the children), it becomes a somewhat chaotic situation. Certainly, if a child becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital, and you’re on the hotline with both Israel and Iran as nuclear tempers are flaring, where’s your attention going to be? Where should your attention be? Well, once you put your hand on the Bible and make that oath, your attention has to be with the government of the United States of America.

Child-care facilities are a necessity when mothers and fathers (when they exist at all) are unwilling or incapable of caring for their offspring. Unfortunately, they have become a mainstay of the feminista mentality that nothing should stand in the way of a woman’s ambition - nothing, including her family.

Any full-time working wife and mother knows that the family takes the short end of the stick. Marriages and the welfare of children suffer when a stressed-out mother doesn’t have time to be a woman, a wife, and a hands-on Mommy.

Olivia St. John who writes for World Net Daily had an excellent commentary. Some excerpts:

Bristol Palin, the 17-year-old, unmarried daughter of Sarah Palin, is pregnant. Although she plans to keep the baby and marry the father, her immoral shortcoming is still clear for the nation (and world) to see. Is it possible that her very busy, avowedly-feminist mother, the governor of Alaska and presumptive Republican vice-presidential candidate, could have made a moral difference, had she been more available for her daughter?

But is it the right time for Palin's children and for the children of America?

As Palin stole the spotlight, her husband and children stood off-stage watching. Bristol held her mother's 5-month-old baby and carried her unborn grandchild. I wonder if the children know what's ahead for them.

Sarah Palin considers herself a feminist, which gives her affinity with liberals like Geraldine Ferraro and Sen. Hillary Clinton, both of whom she honored by mentioning their achievements in her speech: "It was rightly noted in Denver this week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America, but it turns out the women of America aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."

Described by Time magazine as fiercely competitive, Palin is not intimidated by juggling family with future responsibilities. She is ready for the challenge. But are her children?
It is clear that Bristol, at least, is not.

Last April, when Palin gave birth to her fifth child, she dutifully returned to her work as governor after three days. A few years prior, while serving as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, she kept her infant daughter in a car seat under her desk while she worked in her office.

At a time when many former feminists cry foul upon realizing they were duped into thinking they could do it all, few seem to be asking if Palin can do it all.

More and more women who work outside the home say they are stressed and overworked. They regret ever having taken the mantle of both motherhood and working outside the home. They have discovered that under the weight of too much responsibility, something has to give – and any honest woman will tell you that it is the children who get the short shrift. After all, the pressure to make a project deadline in a salaried job is greater than the pressure to make time for one's own children.

While Palin is rightly applauded for her staunch pro-life stand, her embrace of a feminist worldview as it relates to family life is troubling. Palin's desire to "shatter the glass ceiling" is legitimizing the societal phenomenon of the career-centric absentee mother.

Assuming McCain wins the election, I can't help but wonder where under her vice presidential desk Palin plans to keep her bustling 1-year-old. Of course, there will be parent-substitutes to do that job.

In a 2006 edition of Mothering from the Heart, Audrey Broggi notes that Christians who ostensibly value motherhood are undermining it in their actions and words.

"I guess somewhere along the way, Christian women decided to listen to Betty Friedan," Broggi said. "See, the family can always take the back seat – even for the sake of 'the call.' You know what they say: 'God will take care of the children for the sake of ministry.'"

Too many pro-life conservatives who oppose a mother's "choice" to abandon her baby in the womb think little about how pro-choice they are when it comes to leaving children in day-care centers and public school warehouses 50-plus hours a week. A child's life doesn't end once he is born. He still needs his mother.
What message was sent to the mothers of America as Sarah Palin took the vice-presidential spotlight while her children watched from the shadows?

The Lie of Feminism: The Woman Can Have It All: the selection of Sarah Palin and feminism

It seems John McCain (R) is getting a lot of praise for his choice in Sarah Palin as his running mate. Her pull: she didn't abort her Downs Syndrome baby and she's a woman.

I think McCain showed yet again, his liberalism in his choice, in that Palin is a feminist. She is a member of "Feminists For Life." She was leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at her high school.

Palin just gave birth to her Down's Syndrom baby, Trig, in April 2008. This little baby is merely 16 weeks old! He needs his mommy, as do her other kids save only the oldest who is in the Army (ages: 19,17,14,7, 16 weeks).

How a woman dumps her five children, including a handicapped one, as well as her husband, to persue HER career is inconceivable.

A woman cannot work full time AND be a mother. Period.

No one would conceive of a man being both a full-time on-duty police officer AND firefighter. So why do people think a woman can hold down two full-time jobs and do well at either one? That's insane! When you consider being a mother is FAR MORE than full-time (actually its a 24/7 committment), its astounding anyone would consider shoving Mom out the door to work MORE.

A woman cannot be a proper full-time mother if she's not home. Its completely impossible. Just as she cannot be a full-time employee when she's not in the office, she can't be fulfilling her duty as a mother and wife if she's away. This should be common sense.

If anyone tells you a woman can work outside the home AND be a "great mom" they are either lying or deceived. NO ONE can do both well. One MUST redefine "great mom" or even "great employee". Because that woman IS letting someone down and someone is suffering for her choice.

Employment outside the home, particularly full-time, indeed leads to a high rate of divorce. We've seen this over the years.

It also emasculates the man and his God-given role to be the provider and protector of the family. In addition, it increases his adamic bent to be lazy.

This is nothing but feminism and is pagan at its core. Feminism is the idea that a woman can do whatever a man can do and can lead men. It has more to it than that, but that's sort of the lowest common-denominator and its cross-gender. It goes back to the Garden with Eve taking the lead and listening, then obeying the Serpent, the Devil.

Consider these other results of mom's working outside the home full-time:

Her employer now dictates her schedule, NOT the family and certainly NOT her husband. She is under the submission of another man not her husband, which directly affects her availability to her own family.

No one can serve two masters.

It affects her availablity for ministry in the local church. Guess who the church calls when Susie, who just had a baby, needs meal? The stay-at-home-mom! Why, SHE has the time...she does nothing all day, SHE can cook a meal! The burden of ministry falls in the lap of women who are already working hard at home in obedience to the Lord.

The ministry of the woman isn't finished when her children are grown up, either. Its not the time to run out and get a "real" job or finally find her purpose. Her next orders from God is to train the younger women to love their husbands and children. This assumes many women do not know HOW to love them, SHOULD love them, and need to be involved in a local church where they can have godly training. That means the older woman needs to be available.

Other things to consider:

People justify sending the mom out to work because of financial "need". I ask, define "need" specifically and biblically. In America, this is essential. Is "need" owning a home? Is it having a brand new car? Is it an HD tv?Is it private school? Is it three different sports or expensive hobbies? Is it summer camp or retreats?

Examples in real life

I personally know a family where the husband is a school teacher and his wife has stayed home the whole time to raise their two sons. They do not own a home, but rather have rented a pretty small and pretty old apartment even to this day.

The same thing is true for another family I know: the husband works for a city as a CPA, the wife stays home and home-school's the three children, and they have been renting a small, old, apartment for all this time as well.

Both families make due without getting the newest car or biggest tv. Both minister to other families in many ways, even financially. God has supplied all their needs, and then some, and they are content (even if at first it was a struggle to release the dream of owning a home someday).


Another family I know had the wife quite working in the school district to stay home and start homeschooling. This required down-sizing, so they bought a smaller house that needed much repair. The husband worked at a grocery store for years, and recently retired.

Staying at home and raising your own children CAN be done. It SHOULD be done. But it seems Christians do not want to follow the Lord's ways and trust Him, but rather do things the world's ways. Everyone suffers when that happens.

Tit 2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, Tit 2:4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, Tit 2:5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
These instructions are NOT optional. They are commands. Obey The Master, and He will reward you with peace and wisdom even though you don't deserve it. Disobey The Master, shove your wife out to work, and reap the heavy consequences of disorder, chaos, greed, worldliness, pragmatism, temptation, neglect, and little if any, ministry in the local church. Moreover, you are dishonoring HIM and maligning the Word of God when you do so.

(Proverbs 31, btw, is not a "Day in the life of a woman". Its an overall photoalbum of the ideal woman; it covers her LIFETIME, so please don't use this chapter as a defense of a career woman who can have it all (the feminist lie).)

I suggest the following articles:

http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/FEMINIST.HTM

http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/womensroles.htm

http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/ (Vision Forum has great help for both men and women, boys and girls, to fulfill their God-given roles, by supporting and nurturing their highly valued roles---as always proceed with caution as I don't know all their theology)

Are You A "Blue Like Jazz" Fan?

Blue Like Jazz? More like Green Like Envy. Read on....

Bias Reporter Revealed

The snotty attitude and bias of this Associated Press reporter is so obvious, its not even funny. I wonder if Melissa would be just as snotty about a Muslim keeping his Quran on his desk:


The American Civil Liberties Union successfully sued the district on behalf of a girl who protested against Principal David Davis, and a federal judge reprimanded Davis for conducting a "witch hunt" against gays. Davis was demoted, and school employees must now go through sensitivity training.

And despite all that, many in this conservative Panhandle community still wonder what, exactly, Davis did wrong.

"We are a small, rural district in the Bible Belt with strong Christian beliefs and feel like homosexuality is wrong," said Steve Griffin, Holmes County's school superintendent, who keeps a Bible on his desk and framed Scriptures on his office walls.

Source.

Despite "all that"? Hello? All what? Sensitivity training? A judge's biased opinion?Where's the Sodomite's sensitivity toward Christians? What happened to freedom of speech?

It seems Melissa's hard-to-miss attitude is saying: How DARE the superintendent keep a BIBLE on his DESK! The nerve! How narrow minded can these backwater hicks be? Its like he actually believes the Bible! Where's his Quran? At least we'd have respect for a man if he had the Quran. And where's his Obama poster?

Perhaps these liberals would be happy if everyone kept a jar of an aborted baby on their desks right next to the Communist Manifesto and a Quran while wearing a "Hope We Can Believe In" t-shirt. They can all ride their bikes to work, too, to save the planet.

Theology in Life and Death: It Matters

This last weekend Greg Laurie spoke at his Harvest Crusade and talked about his son's recent death. Following his son's death my question was, what kind of Gospel was going to be proclaimed, given the Arminian (man-centered) view Laurie holds to. That didn't go over too well, considering his son had just died.

But as it turns out, I wasn't the only one who brought up this issue. In a Christian Post report on the memorial service of his son, it said:

"People are going to want to come and hear what he says" in the wake of his son's death, Flory [research associate at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at USC, according to The Los Angeles Times] said. "I think there's a resonance there that he'll be able to tap into between his recent family experience and evangelical theology – 'I miss Chris, I love him, but I know where he is: in heaven.'"

As Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel mentioned at the memorial service, "Death is not a time of memories only. It's a time of questions ... questions about life, questions about death, questions about life after death."

This was my point: theology matters especially at the time of the death of a loved one. Its the time when others are most open to eternal things, so we better have biblical doctrine if we want to answer those questions. Its the darkest time a believer can face, but if he is anchored to Christ Jesus and the Truth of the Word of God, he will have peace, true peace, amidst the storms.

Sadly, the opportunity was more to promote Laurie's son more than Christ, in the weeks gearing up to the crusade.

"Christopher Laurie will also resonate in another way at the event. As Harvest's art director, Christopher had designed this year's crusade bumper stickers, posters, invitations, fliers and the Harvest Web site.

Those who attended Friday's memorial service were asked to "continue to pay tribute" by taking with them the Harvest bumper stickers.

"I don't think there's anything more that we could do that would honor Christopher and honor God by making sure people know there's an opportunity to hear the Gospel," said John Collins, an administrative pastor at Harvest. "

Elsewhere in his tribute to his son, Laurie said:

"He designed much of what we see around us in this year's Southern California Harvest campaign, including bumper stickers, posters and flyers. This is how he was serving God, by creating beautiful art that pointed people to the beautiful message of the Gospel."

"If there is one thing I'd ask people to do to pay tribute to Christopher and to serve God in this particular moment, it would be to make sure you get a Harvest Crusades bumper sticker on your car, and put up posters around Southern California.

There is a selfish reason for me asking this, for Christopher – or "Topher," as we called him – poured his life into that design. In fact, he designed my personal website, our Harvest webpage, almost all of my book covers, and so many other things. Every time I see one of those stickers on a car, I point it out to whoever is in the car with me and say, "Topher designed that!""

I thought a crusade was to proclaim Christ and Him alone.

So what happened at the crusade this past weekend? Laurie did talk about the death of his son--I guess that was hugely anticipated by many (almost seems morbid to me on one level).

It seems it was the typical Harvest Crusade message. Its good that Greg Laurie talked about trusting God with his son and not being angry with Him. I'm glad he's at peace with God's plan for that family, as hard "emotionally" as that can be. Truly we walk by faith and not by sight, holding on to His hand when things get so dark. HE is our Great Shepherd.

But what was the gospel that was proclaimed this last weekend?

Worldnetdaily reports:

Laurie told attendees they must make the decision.

"Heaven is not the default destination when you die. You have to choose it. Jesus Christ paid your way to heaven when he died on the cross for you, but you must make your own choice to follow Him," he said.

During the weekend, 11,084 people walked onto the field at Angel Stadium to make that profession of faith in Jesus Christ, officials from the crusade reported. The church's website also got 37,000 hits to the live stream for the event on Friday night alone.

John Collins, the Harvest Crusade's executive director, reported Christopher Laurie's "fingerprints" were all over the weekend's event.

This Jesus-died-for-you-but -you -must- cast -the -deciding -vote is typical, but its not biblical. This is the heart of the matter. Jesus Christ did not die for all people. He died for His elect, those whom He chose to save without thought to their actions or decisions. The reason He chose anyone is based solely in HIM and HIM alone:


Rom 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--
Rom 9:12 she was told, "The older will serve the younger."
Rom 9:13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!
Rom 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Rom 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Eph 1:4 even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will

Eph. 1: 11 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will,

Acts 13 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were APPOINTED for eternal life believed.

Scripture says Jesus came to save "His people"; He died for His church; He died for His friends. He really did accomplish the Atonement at the Cross: He really DID redeem all those for whom the Father gave Him.

We do not decide our eternal destiny, God does. Romans 9-11 and Eph. 1-2 make this very clear. There is no neutrality toward God and sin for any person at any time, ever. We don't just as easily "choose Christ" as not to "choose" Him. We are born dead dead dead in our sins and trespasses, born HIS enemy, hostile toward Him (see Rom. 1-3; Eph. 2).

The gospel is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Master, Sovereign Ruler, Creator, Savior, and Judge. It proclaims HIS finished work at the Cross and His resurrection from the dead. It proclaims God's wrath on the sinner and calls all men to repent from their sin and to Christ alone. It is not, however, centered on Man. We are not the center of the Gospel, Salvation, nor Scripture! Christ Jesus is!!

Christian Post reports (Harvest Crusade links to this report):

Despite what some newspapers had claimed following the departure of his son, Laurie emphasized that the headlines were not true.

“He’s not dead,” Laurie assured. “He’s more alive than he’s ever been before."

“I haven’t lost my son because I know where he is,” he also stated. “ And I’ll join him one day. And all believers will join loved ones.

“When you are a believer in Christ, you’ll never die,” he proclaimed

I understand what Laurie might be trying to say, but his son did in fact die. He's no longer walking this earth. His spirit went immediately to be with the Lord if he was saved, of course. In this we rejoice. But he did die. I think both need to be said, otherwise one ends up believing the same about Mary and thus pray to her because, as the Roman Catholics justify, "she's not dead." I mean, if he's talking to 11,084 pagans (at least), one has to be accurate with the Truth.

"Laurie’s sincere and heartfelt message seemed to resonate in the hearts of the crowds more than previous years due to the deeply personal side of this year’s sermon," the Post article reported.

This bothers me. Is a message more true because of experience? If we proclaim biblical truth is it "more true" if we live it out? Or is it true no matter our experience or not? This is a strange but Post-modern notion.

Harvest Crusade has kept a tally of attendance and "decisions" made this past weekend:

Total of 109,000 came, 11,084 "decisions for Christ". Considering the whole thing was more of entertainment ("stars" such as Michael W. Smith, Crystal Lewis, Leeland, Kantias, P.O.D., Kutless performed) and an opportunity to pay tribute to a young man, I wonder what people decided.

I think these events need to be scrapped and get back to the biblical way of evangelizing, starting with the actual Gospel.