THE LIBERAL ROOTS OF THE EMERGENT CHURCH
By: Eric Barger
Over a century ago spiritual liberalism swept through the once-sound mainline denominations, wreaking theological havoc on anyone in its path. Once solid and fundamentally based seminaries became infested with the liberal teachings of the so-called "German Enlightenment" and before long heretical intellectualism, which doubted the authority of the Bible, quickly spread to the leaders of the denominations, into the pulpits and finally to those in the pews.
Today, one doesn't have to look far to see the spiritual disrepair that liberalism has left the denominations in. Because of the longstanding apostasy of the spiritual liberals, untold millions have already entered eternity without Jesus - having previously believed that those entrusted with teaching them the Christian faith were doing so faithfully and authentically.
Using much the same modus operandi, Satan is now out to destroy the Evangelicals of our times. It worked well 100-150 years ago in the mainline denominations and it's working again now. So, with the predicted falling away of the end-times in full swing (2 Thesselonians 2:3), every truth-seeking Christian needs to be aware of the "new" liberalism - The Emergent Church.
The Emergent Church Movement takes its name from the idea that the culture has changed, and a new church should emerge in response. It apparently grew out of discussion groups inside the Young Leadership Network in the 1990's.
To Emergents ~ Christianity should be:
* Experience over Reason
* Spirituality over Doctrine and Absolutes
* Images over Words
* Feelings over Truth
* Earthly Justice over Salvation
* Social Action over Eternity
Put bluntly, the Emergent Church Movement is a complete redefinition of Christianity. It is unquestionably the new Liberalism. However, don't wait for Emergent teachers to use the term "Emergent." Learn how to spot it for yourself.
SPOTTING THE 'EMERGENT' in YOUR CHURCH
* Are books or videos by teachers such as Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Doug Pagitt or Tony Jones being recommended or used in classes, home groups or church services? These men began by simply questioning the authority of the Bible and the orthodox nature of Christian doctrine and have now redefined what they call Christianity into a completely cultic, yet loosely defined and identified, religion.
It is a genuine oxymoron that the wildly unorthodox ideas taught by these men could be as readily accepted as they are in supposedly "Evangelical" churches, seminaries and even entire denominations.
* Have biblical doctrines such as salvation by grace, repentance and the reality of a literal Hell been marginalized or abandoned? Is there a constant insistence that the Church must abandon history and orthodox teaching and change our methods in order to be relevant to the postmodern world?
It is a completely flawed concept to believe that postmoderns are somehow different than all generations before them and that if we are to reach them then we must change. Sin in the hearts of men is still the problem and the Cross is still the antidote! God has entrusted us with the ONLY message that can cure the sickness of sin. Who are we to change the message? We must lovingly and accurately deliver the whole Gospel regardless of how it may be accepted and remember that it is the Holy Spirit's task to draw men to Jesus - not ours. To edit the Gospel - regardless of how well-intentioned - is to thwart the Holy Spirit's work and merely assures the eternal damnation of those we seek to reach. (Romans 1:16)
* Is Contemplative Prayer/Spirituality being introduced and practiced? Is there talk of "Spiritual Formation," centering prayer and something called "lectio divina" which, in a nutshell, is leading Evangelicals directly into the mystical and sometimes occult-based practices of the Roman Church? Have you heard the term "labyrinth"? (An usually intricate maze to meditate in, with basis in Greek, Egyptian and Cretan Mythology and used in Tantric Buddhism.) Mystics contend that utilizing a labyrinth will supposedly bring a relaxed mental attitude and end the search for life's meaning! In reality, this road leads to New Age mysticism and even the occult, as does the popular Emergent practice of Yoga.
A few popular contemplative adherents are Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Leonard Sweet, Thomas Keating, Richard Foster and Frank Viola.
* Have buzzword phrases like "Missional Christianity," "Incarnational Christianity," "Conversational Christianity" and "Relational Christianity" been attached to the identity of your church?
* Have the teachings of Open Source, Open Theism or Process Theology been embraced? (Open Theism teaches that God knows the past and lives in the present but has no idea of what the future holds. Obviously, this destroys every prophetic passage in the Bible - including the blessed hope of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.)
* Is there a new, uncanny identification with saving planet Earth? Has environmentalism become common pulpit rhetoric? (Emergent author, Brian McLaren contends that it is Earth - and not unregenerate humans - that Christ came to save.)
* Perhaps the most important question to ask is about the authority of the Scriptures. In your church, is the Bible held in utmost regard by those in leadership? Is the inerrancy of the Bible preached faithfully? Is there a complete and unapologetic dependence on God's Word by those in leadership? The growth of liberalism and Emergent ideas is directly proportionate to the value placed on the Scriptures by individuals and church leaders. Without an unwavering accountability to the Word of God, every individual Christian, as well as every local church and national denomination, will soon find themselves in jeopardy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
* Prayer (conduct Spiritual Warfare!)
* Dialog (ask questions)
* Confront (Matthew 18)
* Warn Others!
* Flee! (when all else fails)
What we see happening in the Church today is no shock to those who study prophecy. The Scriptures are replete with warnings about false teaching and false teachers. Jesus alone warns of this an amazing 14 times; Paul and Peter, too. A great end-time apostasy is indeed going to sweep through the Church preceding the return of the Lord. I believe that before the spirit of Antichrist is finished, error will be the norm in allegedly "Christian" circles and orthodoxy will be the oddity. But as overwhelming as it may seem, I guarantee that you are not alone!
If you are alarmed at even the subtle Emergent influences at work in your church, so are many others who are battling for the very life of their local churches and even their denominations. Many biblical Christians are making the same stands that you are faced with making. God will indeed lead you as you hold faithfully to His Word, as you witness and as you pray. Great is the reward for those who walk with Jesus and follow the command to contend for the authentic faith (Jude 3).
Don't quit!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Truth about Reiki
Lighthouse Trails Research
In a recent article in Reiki News, it was revealed that 15 percent of all US hospitals are now implementing the practice of Reiki. Reiki, a type of therapeutic touch, it is believed that the ki [chi] energy (a supposed universal energy that flows through all things) can be used to heal people.
In the Reiki News article written by Reiki proponent William Lee Rand, Rand expresses a concern about a statement released by US Catholic bishops asking Catholic hospitals not to use Reiki because of its Buddhist roots. Rand tries to show that Reiki is a scientific method that has healing results.However, as Rand explains his views on Reiki, the discerning reader begins to realize that Reiki is not scientific at all but rather a spiritual approach.
Rand admits "Reiki healing energy directs itself." He says:
"I was unable to direct it with my mind or will and realized this wasn't necessary as Reiki had its own form of guidance that was superior to my own. This experience has been verified by other professional Reiki practitioners and forms the basis of one of the important keys to using Reiki: If you want Reiki to provide the best healing experience, it's necessary for the practitioner to set their own desire, will and ego aside, and allow the Reiki energy to guide itself."
Author Ray Yungen explains: “there are now over one million Reiki channelers in the US, as well as in Germany.
One practitioner describes the experience in the following way”:
‘When doing it, I become a channel through which this force, this juice of the universe, comes pouring from my palms into the body of the person I am touching, sometimes lightly, almost imperceptibly, sometimes in famished sucking drafts. I get it even as I am giving it. It surrounds the two of us, patient and practitioner.’
What is "this force"- this "juice of the universe" this "it"?
The answer is an important one, given by a renowned Reiki master [Rand] who explains:
A Reiki attunement is an initiation into a sacred metaphysical order that has been present on earth for thousands of years ... By becoming part of this group; you will also be receiving help from the Reiki guides and other spiritual beings who are also working toward these goals."
While this is not widely advertised, Reiki practitioners depend on this "spirit guide" connection as an integral aspect of Reiki. In fact, it is the very foundation and energy behind Reiki.
One Reiki master who has enrolled hundreds of other masters spoke of her interaction with the spirit guides:
"For me, the Reiki guides make themselves the most felt while attunements are being passed. They stand behind me and direct the whole process, and I assume they also do this for every Reiki Master. When I pass attunements, I feel their presence strongly and constantly. Sometimes I can see them."
A Christian's initial response to this information might be, "So what? I don't travel in those circles, so it does not concern me." This nonchalant viewpoint would be valid except for the fact that Reiki is currently growing to enormous proportions and in some very influential circles. (It may even be in your local hospitals, schools, and youth organizations.) It is essential to know that many nurses, counselors, and especially massage therapists use Reiki as a supplement to their work. It is often promoted as a complementary service.
In Rand's article, he talks about a doctor who has been largely responsible for the growing popularity of Reiki. Dr. Mehmet Oz is "one of the most respected cardiovascular surgeons in the US" who "uses Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplants." According to Dr. Oz, "Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals." Dr. Oz is a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. No doubt, she has been an evangelist for Dr. Oz and Reiki treatments.
Explaining the rapid growth in popularity and level of acceptance of Reiki, Ray Yungen says:
"Most people, many Christians included, believe if something is spiritually positive then it is of God. A pastor friend of mine recounted a situation in which a Christian, who had some physical problems, turned to Reiki for comfort. When this pastor advised the man that Reiki fundamentally opposed the Christian faith he became furious and responded with the following defense, 'How can you say this is bad when it helped me?' [However], if something is of God it will conform to the very cornerstone of God's plan to show His grace through Christ Jesus and Him alone (Ephesians 2:7).
Reiki, as defined earlier, is based on the occult view of God. This assessment of Reiki is beyond question. Every Reiki book is chock full of pronouncements that back up this point.
In The Everything Reiki Book, the following clears up any doubt about Reiki's incompatibility with Christianity:
"During the Reiki attunement process, the avenue that is opened within the body to allow Reiki to flow through also opens up the psychic communication centers. This is why many Reiki practitioners report having verbalized channeled communications with the spirit world.”
We are living in a society that has integrated occult mysticism into every facet of life. The Bible gives a prophetic statement about such practices (of which includes contemplative spirituality)- which should not be ignored or taken lightly.
"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Revelation 18:22-24
Lighthouse Trails Research
In a recent article in Reiki News, it was revealed that 15 percent of all US hospitals are now implementing the practice of Reiki. Reiki, a type of therapeutic touch, it is believed that the ki [chi] energy (a supposed universal energy that flows through all things) can be used to heal people.
In the Reiki News article written by Reiki proponent William Lee Rand, Rand expresses a concern about a statement released by US Catholic bishops asking Catholic hospitals not to use Reiki because of its Buddhist roots. Rand tries to show that Reiki is a scientific method that has healing results.However, as Rand explains his views on Reiki, the discerning reader begins to realize that Reiki is not scientific at all but rather a spiritual approach.
Rand admits "Reiki healing energy directs itself." He says:
"I was unable to direct it with my mind or will and realized this wasn't necessary as Reiki had its own form of guidance that was superior to my own. This experience has been verified by other professional Reiki practitioners and forms the basis of one of the important keys to using Reiki: If you want Reiki to provide the best healing experience, it's necessary for the practitioner to set their own desire, will and ego aside, and allow the Reiki energy to guide itself."
Author Ray Yungen explains: “there are now over one million Reiki channelers in the US, as well as in Germany.
One practitioner describes the experience in the following way”:
‘When doing it, I become a channel through which this force, this juice of the universe, comes pouring from my palms into the body of the person I am touching, sometimes lightly, almost imperceptibly, sometimes in famished sucking drafts. I get it even as I am giving it. It surrounds the two of us, patient and practitioner.’
What is "this force"- this "juice of the universe" this "it"?
The answer is an important one, given by a renowned Reiki master [Rand] who explains:
A Reiki attunement is an initiation into a sacred metaphysical order that has been present on earth for thousands of years ... By becoming part of this group; you will also be receiving help from the Reiki guides and other spiritual beings who are also working toward these goals."
While this is not widely advertised, Reiki practitioners depend on this "spirit guide" connection as an integral aspect of Reiki. In fact, it is the very foundation and energy behind Reiki.
One Reiki master who has enrolled hundreds of other masters spoke of her interaction with the spirit guides:
"For me, the Reiki guides make themselves the most felt while attunements are being passed. They stand behind me and direct the whole process, and I assume they also do this for every Reiki Master. When I pass attunements, I feel their presence strongly and constantly. Sometimes I can see them."
A Christian's initial response to this information might be, "So what? I don't travel in those circles, so it does not concern me." This nonchalant viewpoint would be valid except for the fact that Reiki is currently growing to enormous proportions and in some very influential circles. (It may even be in your local hospitals, schools, and youth organizations.) It is essential to know that many nurses, counselors, and especially massage therapists use Reiki as a supplement to their work. It is often promoted as a complementary service.
In Rand's article, he talks about a doctor who has been largely responsible for the growing popularity of Reiki. Dr. Mehmet Oz is "one of the most respected cardiovascular surgeons in the US" who "uses Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplants." According to Dr. Oz, "Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals." Dr. Oz is a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. No doubt, she has been an evangelist for Dr. Oz and Reiki treatments.
Explaining the rapid growth in popularity and level of acceptance of Reiki, Ray Yungen says:
"Most people, many Christians included, believe if something is spiritually positive then it is of God. A pastor friend of mine recounted a situation in which a Christian, who had some physical problems, turned to Reiki for comfort. When this pastor advised the man that Reiki fundamentally opposed the Christian faith he became furious and responded with the following defense, 'How can you say this is bad when it helped me?' [However], if something is of God it will conform to the very cornerstone of God's plan to show His grace through Christ Jesus and Him alone (Ephesians 2:7).
Reiki, as defined earlier, is based on the occult view of God. This assessment of Reiki is beyond question. Every Reiki book is chock full of pronouncements that back up this point.
In The Everything Reiki Book, the following clears up any doubt about Reiki's incompatibility with Christianity:
"During the Reiki attunement process, the avenue that is opened within the body to allow Reiki to flow through also opens up the psychic communication centers. This is why many Reiki practitioners report having verbalized channeled communications with the spirit world.”
We are living in a society that has integrated occult mysticism into every facet of life. The Bible gives a prophetic statement about such practices (of which includes contemplative spirituality)- which should not be ignored or taken lightly.
"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Revelation 18:22-24
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Changing Face
By: Jim Fletcher
"O God, You are awesome from your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God." Psalm 68:35
What is emerging in the modern Church? In America - historically Israel's greatest friend - there is a growing dislike of the Jewish state among certain Christian groups. This follows a downturn in interest in Bible prophecy teaching in U.S. churches. What are the reasons for that decline? There are many, but a major one is the emergence of the "Emerging Church."
Emergents still identify themselves as evangelicals, which is clever since they share many of the same views as radical scholars like Marcus Borg or John Spong (who don't believe any of the fundamentals of the faith). Emergents, though, embrace many views that have always been the domain of left-wing Christians. It is not surprising, then, that Emergent leaders like Brian McLaren really don't like dispensationalists and supporters of Israel. Not that McLaren would put it that way.
McLaren, former pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Maryland, defines himself as an "activist," and is now so popular on the speaking circuit that he has become entrenched in the publishing houses of Zondervan and Jossey-Bass, high-powered Christian and secular companies. With a BA in English from the University of Maryland, McLaren is articulate and seemingly self-effacing.
These qualities make him a star with the Christianity Today crowd, but they also put him at odds with Bible-believing Christians that he considers do not practice "careful thinking" where theology is concerned. In the world of moderate/liberal Christians, careful thinking is code for rejecting young-earth creationism or Christian Zionism.
In an interview with Virgil Vaduva of "Preterist Planet," McLaren makes the following statement, when discussing what he calls the "eschatology of abandonment":
"The rights of Palestinians are ignored in favor of the Israeli state - as if God is happy to bless some people at the expense of others."
In speaking to Abraham, God said: "I AM Almighty God...I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly...also I will give you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession: and I will be their God." Genesis 17
[God will keep this covenant, NOT for any good that Israel has done, but for His great Name' sake.]
The Christian Left, of course, can't tolerate a world in which Israel is entitled to the land given her by the God of her forefathers. You see, to many in the liberal/Emergent camp, the Pentateuch is not real history. Therefore, what valid claim do the Jews have to the land?
And Christians who believe that Christ will return to the earth are accused by McLaren and his friends of "abandoning" the issues Emergent considers most important: eradication of poverty, peace and justice, ecology, and relief efforts to the poor.
The truth is, Emergent smear tactics aimed at Christian Zionists don't hold water. But it's a handy straw-man argument used to, among other things, elevate the Palestinians while subtly demonizing Israel.
As we move forward through the last days that Brian McLaren doesn't believe exist, we must re-double our efforts to stand with Israel, our great friends who have fulfilled the hopes and dreams of their forefathers, given us the Word of God and our Messiah - Jesus the Christ.
McLaren's own eschatology of abandonment - the abandonment of the apple of God's eye - is a position I hope he will rethink - carefully.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you." Psalm 122:6
By: Jim Fletcher
"O God, You are awesome from your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God." Psalm 68:35
What is emerging in the modern Church? In America - historically Israel's greatest friend - there is a growing dislike of the Jewish state among certain Christian groups. This follows a downturn in interest in Bible prophecy teaching in U.S. churches. What are the reasons for that decline? There are many, but a major one is the emergence of the "Emerging Church."
Emergents still identify themselves as evangelicals, which is clever since they share many of the same views as radical scholars like Marcus Borg or John Spong (who don't believe any of the fundamentals of the faith). Emergents, though, embrace many views that have always been the domain of left-wing Christians. It is not surprising, then, that Emergent leaders like Brian McLaren really don't like dispensationalists and supporters of Israel. Not that McLaren would put it that way.
McLaren, former pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Maryland, defines himself as an "activist," and is now so popular on the speaking circuit that he has become entrenched in the publishing houses of Zondervan and Jossey-Bass, high-powered Christian and secular companies. With a BA in English from the University of Maryland, McLaren is articulate and seemingly self-effacing.
These qualities make him a star with the Christianity Today crowd, but they also put him at odds with Bible-believing Christians that he considers do not practice "careful thinking" where theology is concerned. In the world of moderate/liberal Christians, careful thinking is code for rejecting young-earth creationism or Christian Zionism.
In an interview with Virgil Vaduva of "Preterist Planet," McLaren makes the following statement, when discussing what he calls the "eschatology of abandonment":
"The rights of Palestinians are ignored in favor of the Israeli state - as if God is happy to bless some people at the expense of others."
In speaking to Abraham, God said: "I AM Almighty God...I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly...also I will give you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession: and I will be their God." Genesis 17
[God will keep this covenant, NOT for any good that Israel has done, but for His great Name' sake.]
The Christian Left, of course, can't tolerate a world in which Israel is entitled to the land given her by the God of her forefathers. You see, to many in the liberal/Emergent camp, the Pentateuch is not real history. Therefore, what valid claim do the Jews have to the land?
And Christians who believe that Christ will return to the earth are accused by McLaren and his friends of "abandoning" the issues Emergent considers most important: eradication of poverty, peace and justice, ecology, and relief efforts to the poor.
The truth is, Emergent smear tactics aimed at Christian Zionists don't hold water. But it's a handy straw-man argument used to, among other things, elevate the Palestinians while subtly demonizing Israel.
As we move forward through the last days that Brian McLaren doesn't believe exist, we must re-double our efforts to stand with Israel, our great friends who have fulfilled the hopes and dreams of their forefathers, given us the Word of God and our Messiah - Jesus the Christ.
McLaren's own eschatology of abandonment - the abandonment of the apple of God's eye - is a position I hope he will rethink - carefully.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you." Psalm 122:6
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Dream: Drinking the Cup of the Harlot
By Asher Intrater
Tikkun Ministries International
‘’Recently I had a disturbing dream. There was a large building like a church or a conference center. Most of the people there were believers. People were there from all levels of authority within the church.
People starting giving out little sealed plastic cups. Each sealed cup contained a clear liquid, which could be swallowed in one large gulp. This liquid was a spirit of immorality. To some it was sexual immorality; to others it was "spiritual adultery". It was a variety of lust, greed, popularity, influencing people, making connections, gathering honor through manipulation, even being "intoxicated" with one's own "ministry."
All this "spiritual adultery" was connected deeply with a spirit of "deception." When someone drank the liquid, their face would be shiny; they looked good; they were smiling, attractive, positive, energetic, and prosperous. It all seemed so good, almost wonderful, like it was an "anointing" of the Holy Spirit or some kind of charismatic gift. Yet it was demonic. That spirit deceived people, causing them not to see their sin and spiritual adultery. Almost everyone was caught up in the deception; there did not seem any way to correct the situation.
In the dream, sadly, I too was trying to be part of all the spiritual adultery, trying to get hold of one of the cups to drink the anointed liquid myself. Suddenly, in the dream, I saw my Dad, who had gone to be with the Lord about a decade ago. He asked to spend some time with me. I said, "Sure, sure." But I kept slipping away from him, trying to find someone to give me one of the cups to drink and partake of the spiritual immorality.
My Dad kept looking for me asked why I was avoiding him. It was at that moment I realized I was avoiding him because I was seeking the cups. I began to see that I was deceived and in sin. Then I realized how virtually everyone there was deceived.
Then I became angry and started to point my finger at people and scream at them to get out of the deception. There was a call to repent, to be delivered. The effect was like an explosion or an earthquake. Most people responded positively when directly confronted and were powerfully delivered.
A few would not listen. Those who had planned and worked on the distribution of the cups, selling for profit, done on purpose ignored my cries. I shouted and pointed but they refused to repent, some dropped dead on the spot.’’
When I woke up, I realized that my Dad represented the Heavenly Father who was seeking me out to break my deception and sin. The liquid was like the cup that was in the hand of the great Harlot.
Revelation 17:2, 4 – "…with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication."
I also realized that this liquid drink of the Harlot was the same as the spirit of Jezebel and Balaam (Revelation 2:14, 20); that the Harlot and Jezebel were the same spirit, and that I had allowed this demonic spirit to influence me (Revelation 2:20).
Revelation 2:16 – Repent or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Revelation 18:4 – Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
By Asher Intrater
Tikkun Ministries International
‘’Recently I had a disturbing dream. There was a large building like a church or a conference center. Most of the people there were believers. People were there from all levels of authority within the church.
People starting giving out little sealed plastic cups. Each sealed cup contained a clear liquid, which could be swallowed in one large gulp. This liquid was a spirit of immorality. To some it was sexual immorality; to others it was "spiritual adultery". It was a variety of lust, greed, popularity, influencing people, making connections, gathering honor through manipulation, even being "intoxicated" with one's own "ministry."
All this "spiritual adultery" was connected deeply with a spirit of "deception." When someone drank the liquid, their face would be shiny; they looked good; they were smiling, attractive, positive, energetic, and prosperous. It all seemed so good, almost wonderful, like it was an "anointing" of the Holy Spirit or some kind of charismatic gift. Yet it was demonic. That spirit deceived people, causing them not to see their sin and spiritual adultery. Almost everyone was caught up in the deception; there did not seem any way to correct the situation.
In the dream, sadly, I too was trying to be part of all the spiritual adultery, trying to get hold of one of the cups to drink the anointed liquid myself. Suddenly, in the dream, I saw my Dad, who had gone to be with the Lord about a decade ago. He asked to spend some time with me. I said, "Sure, sure." But I kept slipping away from him, trying to find someone to give me one of the cups to drink and partake of the spiritual immorality.
My Dad kept looking for me asked why I was avoiding him. It was at that moment I realized I was avoiding him because I was seeking the cups. I began to see that I was deceived and in sin. Then I realized how virtually everyone there was deceived.
Then I became angry and started to point my finger at people and scream at them to get out of the deception. There was a call to repent, to be delivered. The effect was like an explosion or an earthquake. Most people responded positively when directly confronted and were powerfully delivered.
A few would not listen. Those who had planned and worked on the distribution of the cups, selling for profit, done on purpose ignored my cries. I shouted and pointed but they refused to repent, some dropped dead on the spot.’’
When I woke up, I realized that my Dad represented the Heavenly Father who was seeking me out to break my deception and sin. The liquid was like the cup that was in the hand of the great Harlot.
Revelation 17:2, 4 – "…with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication."
I also realized that this liquid drink of the Harlot was the same as the spirit of Jezebel and Balaam (Revelation 2:14, 20); that the Harlot and Jezebel were the same spirit, and that I had allowed this demonic spirit to influence me (Revelation 2:20).
Revelation 2:16 – Repent or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Revelation 18:4 – Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Trading the Kingdom for a Shack
By Eric Barger
"Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness.
Four years later in the midst of what he refers to as 'The Great Sadness,' Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.”
The Shack - a novel written by Paul Young – has many wondering what could be wrong. It is identified as a Christian book- authored by a man claiming to be a Christian.
The Shack being recommended; albeit praised by many seasoned Christian leaders has the Biblically discerning scratching their heads. Pastors are preaching from it, Sunday School classes and small groups are reading and discussing it. Many Christians are buying it by the caseload to give as gifts. Some Christian Schools are sanctioning and encouraging the reading of the book by their students. But this is not just a benign story of man overcoming life's challenges. Make no mistake, the book presents doctrine throughout its clever and gripping story - something the author clearly intended to do. Therein lays the problem.
God is portrayed in The Shack as a large African-American woman named "Papa" also called "Elousia." Young's "Papa" character is suspiciously akin to a Polynesian/Hawaiian goddess who also happens to be known as "Papa." Jesus is a Jewish carpenter complete with a tool belt and the Holy Spirit is depicted as an Asian woman named after "Sarayu," a mystical river in ancient India related to the Hindu deity Kali.
Here are just a few of the many issues raised by The Shack:
- Young's Papa character insists that sin is its own punishment. This distorts the reality of Hell and discounts eternal retribution for sin.
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2
- Readers of The Shack are told that Jesus is only the best way to know God – not the only way.
Jesus said “I AM the way, the Truth and the Life; No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
- The Shack teaches that when Jesus went to the cross, God Almighty died there too. This is a heresy known as patripassianism.
- The Shack states that there is no structure or hierarchy within the Trinity and that the three personages of God are all equally subject to one another and to humans as well. I challenge fans of The Shack to open a Bible and try to make that square with the Scriptures!
The disturbing truth is that books like The Shack would never become bestsellers in the Christian world if Christians were on guard, thinking biblically and willingly following Scripture! In these dangerous days it is paramount that we actively develop "eyes of understanding" which constantly check everything by the Word of God - especially those things that claims to be of God.
The Scripture implores us to prove or test all things (I Thessalonians 5:21-22) and this test can only be accomplished one way - by knowing the Bible and then utilizing what we know from it. Every Believer needs to be alert to the reality that in these last days deception is going to come at a rate never fathomed before. As time passes Satan is preparing to use unheralded and brazen trickery that will look and sound very spiritual, even Christian.
The only hope we have to successfully avoid the traps of the enemy is by prayerful, dedicated and aggressive study of God's unchangeable Word.
Otherwise, sooner or later we'll find ourselves amongst a growing number from previously trustworthy evangelical circles that are heading straight for apostasy.
By Eric Barger
"Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness.
Four years later in the midst of what he refers to as 'The Great Sadness,' Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.”
The Shack - a novel written by Paul Young – has many wondering what could be wrong. It is identified as a Christian book- authored by a man claiming to be a Christian.
The Shack being recommended; albeit praised by many seasoned Christian leaders has the Biblically discerning scratching their heads. Pastors are preaching from it, Sunday School classes and small groups are reading and discussing it. Many Christians are buying it by the caseload to give as gifts. Some Christian Schools are sanctioning and encouraging the reading of the book by their students. But this is not just a benign story of man overcoming life's challenges. Make no mistake, the book presents doctrine throughout its clever and gripping story - something the author clearly intended to do. Therein lays the problem.
God is portrayed in The Shack as a large African-American woman named "Papa" also called "Elousia." Young's "Papa" character is suspiciously akin to a Polynesian/Hawaiian goddess who also happens to be known as "Papa." Jesus is a Jewish carpenter complete with a tool belt and the Holy Spirit is depicted as an Asian woman named after "Sarayu," a mystical river in ancient India related to the Hindu deity Kali.
Here are just a few of the many issues raised by The Shack:
- Young's Papa character insists that sin is its own punishment. This distorts the reality of Hell and discounts eternal retribution for sin.
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2
- Readers of The Shack are told that Jesus is only the best way to know God – not the only way.
Jesus said “I AM the way, the Truth and the Life; No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
- The Shack teaches that when Jesus went to the cross, God Almighty died there too. This is a heresy known as patripassianism.
- The Shack states that there is no structure or hierarchy within the Trinity and that the three personages of God are all equally subject to one another and to humans as well. I challenge fans of The Shack to open a Bible and try to make that square with the Scriptures!
The disturbing truth is that books like The Shack would never become bestsellers in the Christian world if Christians were on guard, thinking biblically and willingly following Scripture! In these dangerous days it is paramount that we actively develop "eyes of understanding" which constantly check everything by the Word of God - especially those things that claims to be of God.
The Scripture implores us to prove or test all things (I Thessalonians 5:21-22) and this test can only be accomplished one way - by knowing the Bible and then utilizing what we know from it. Every Believer needs to be alert to the reality that in these last days deception is going to come at a rate never fathomed before. As time passes Satan is preparing to use unheralded and brazen trickery that will look and sound very spiritual, even Christian.
The only hope we have to successfully avoid the traps of the enemy is by prayerful, dedicated and aggressive study of God's unchangeable Word.
Otherwise, sooner or later we'll find ourselves amongst a growing number from previously trustworthy evangelical circles that are heading straight for apostasy.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"... we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19
Thomas Macauley, a British Parliamentarian, wrote these sobering words about the United States in 1857.
“Your Republic will be as fearfully plundered and laid waste by barbarians in the 20th century as the Roman Empire was in the 5th century, with this difference-the Huns and Vandals who ravaged the Roman Empire came from without, and your Huns and Vandals will have been engendered within your own country."
Robert Bork, in his book Slouching Towards Gomorrah, says,
“American culture is complex and resilient. But it is also not to be denied that there are many aspects of almost every branch of our culture that are worse than ever before and that the rot is spreading.”
The homosexual movement continues to propel its agenda forward, tragically affirming America’s deepening slide into the death spiral of judgment described in Romans 1:24-31. Same-sex marriage has become legal in many states - with more states considering similar legislation. The dominos continue to fall. The sexual revolution of Romans 1:24-25 has been followed with shocking suddenness by the homosexual revolution of Romans 1:26-27.
"...in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20-21
Tragically, we are witnessing the decay and erosion of America today on both the moral and economic fronts. The words of Thomas Jefferson are a stark reminder and warning:
“A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
With unstable governments throughout the world threatening the very existence of freedom and democracy, with an economic tsunami in the making, we must remember that the fate of a nation is not ultimately dependent upon politics, military might, man's power or economics.
Let us never forget:
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18
[excerpts from The Late Great United States by Dr. Mark Hitchcock]
Thomas Macauley, a British Parliamentarian, wrote these sobering words about the United States in 1857.
“Your Republic will be as fearfully plundered and laid waste by barbarians in the 20th century as the Roman Empire was in the 5th century, with this difference-the Huns and Vandals who ravaged the Roman Empire came from without, and your Huns and Vandals will have been engendered within your own country."
Robert Bork, in his book Slouching Towards Gomorrah, says,
“American culture is complex and resilient. But it is also not to be denied that there are many aspects of almost every branch of our culture that are worse than ever before and that the rot is spreading.”
The homosexual movement continues to propel its agenda forward, tragically affirming America’s deepening slide into the death spiral of judgment described in Romans 1:24-31. Same-sex marriage has become legal in many states - with more states considering similar legislation. The dominos continue to fall. The sexual revolution of Romans 1:24-25 has been followed with shocking suddenness by the homosexual revolution of Romans 1:26-27.
"...in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20-21
Tragically, we are witnessing the decay and erosion of America today on both the moral and economic fronts. The words of Thomas Jefferson are a stark reminder and warning:
“A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
With unstable governments throughout the world threatening the very existence of freedom and democracy, with an economic tsunami in the making, we must remember that the fate of a nation is not ultimately dependent upon politics, military might, man's power or economics.
Let us never forget:
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18
[excerpts from The Late Great United States by Dr. Mark Hitchcock]
Sunday, June 14, 2009
God’s Warning
By Derek Prince
In Matthew 24 Yeshua [Jesus] gives a prophetic preview of conditions in the last days. He begins with a warning against deception:
“Take heed that no one deceives you.”
In verse 11, he repeats His warning:
“Then many false prophets will arise and deceive many.”
Deception is the greatest single danger confronting believers in these last days.
Again, in Matthew 24 Yeshua [Jesus] addresses His warning to the apostles whom He Himself had chosen and who had been with Him throughout the 3+ years of His ministry, If these needed such warning, how can any believer today imagine they are immune to this danger?
Yet far too many believers seem to feel that the warning against deception does not apply to them. Their reaction is, in fact, an indication that deception is already at work in their lives.
In Thessalonians 2:9-10 Paul reaffirms the warning against deception in connection with the rise of antichrist:
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the Truth, that they might be saved.”
Many charismatic believers have the attitude that any message or ministry accompanied by supernatural signs must necessarily be from God, but this is not true. The Bible indicates that satan can also produce various kinds of supernatural signs. The glib acceptance of everything supernatural as being from God actually opens the door to deception.
There is only one sure safeguard against deception: it is to “receive the love of the Truth.” This goes beyond merely listening to sermons, or even reading the Bible. It implies an intense and passionate commitment to the authority of Scripture that affects every area of our lives. It produces within us an instinctive reaction against any message or ministry that is not faithful to Scripture.
God offers to each of us this “love of the Truth.” Are we willing to receive it?
Shall we take His warning seriously or shall we ignore it?
By Derek Prince
In Matthew 24 Yeshua [Jesus] gives a prophetic preview of conditions in the last days. He begins with a warning against deception:
“Take heed that no one deceives you.”
In verse 11, he repeats His warning:
“Then many false prophets will arise and deceive many.”
Deception is the greatest single danger confronting believers in these last days.
Again, in Matthew 24 Yeshua [Jesus] addresses His warning to the apostles whom He Himself had chosen and who had been with Him throughout the 3+ years of His ministry, If these needed such warning, how can any believer today imagine they are immune to this danger?
Yet far too many believers seem to feel that the warning against deception does not apply to them. Their reaction is, in fact, an indication that deception is already at work in their lives.
In Thessalonians 2:9-10 Paul reaffirms the warning against deception in connection with the rise of antichrist:
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the Truth, that they might be saved.”
Many charismatic believers have the attitude that any message or ministry accompanied by supernatural signs must necessarily be from God, but this is not true. The Bible indicates that satan can also produce various kinds of supernatural signs. The glib acceptance of everything supernatural as being from God actually opens the door to deception.
There is only one sure safeguard against deception: it is to “receive the love of the Truth.” This goes beyond merely listening to sermons, or even reading the Bible. It implies an intense and passionate commitment to the authority of Scripture that affects every area of our lives. It produces within us an instinctive reaction against any message or ministry that is not faithful to Scripture.
God offers to each of us this “love of the Truth.” Are we willing to receive it?
Shall we take His warning seriously or shall we ignore it?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness… Romans 1:18
STRANGE FIRE
By: M.E. Townsend
"Truth must be spoken, however it be taken."—John Trapp
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” Leviticus 10:1-2
In the name of tolerance and diversity, churches across the nation, and around the world, are embracing centering prayer, soaking prayer, contemplative worship, and “Christian” yoga to name but a few.
Incorporating Buddhist mysticism masquerading as Christian Meditation into their services, using repetitive phrases both in song and prayer; intending to focus the mind on the sacred while bringing one into a deeper spiritual experience, with Hindu Occultism disguising itself as Christian Yoga, and with new-man centered spirituality replacing the need of repentence; we have driven worship from the sacred to the insane.
“Strange Fire, Strange Fire!” Says the LORD.
With lights dimmed and candles lit, regardless of denomination, we are invited to be still and quiet before the LORD. It has been stated that ‘the quiet repetition of a single word can help us to descend with the mind into the heart…This way of simple prayer …opens us to God’s active presence.’ [The Way of the Heart p.62] Should we not recognize that with this divergence in worship styles a deviation from what God ordained in His Holy Scripture to what man has set as the order of worship has occurred?
Do we not hear? Do we not recognize - “Strange Fire, Strange Fire!”
When we make common the holiness of God, refusing to honor Him or His Word, choosing instead to follow the teachings of man rather than the Truths of God, we fall from adoration into ambiguity, no longer honoring or revering the King of Kings and LORD of Lords. Transformed by New Age meditations we become New Spirituality mimes, no longer offering God our petitions and prayers, our intercessions or our thanksgiving.
Sadly, all that remains is ~ ‘Strange Fire.’
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1
“For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables. II Timothy 4:3-4
STRANGE FIRE
By: M.E. Townsend
"Truth must be spoken, however it be taken."—John Trapp
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” Leviticus 10:1-2
In the name of tolerance and diversity, churches across the nation, and around the world, are embracing centering prayer, soaking prayer, contemplative worship, and “Christian” yoga to name but a few.
Incorporating Buddhist mysticism masquerading as Christian Meditation into their services, using repetitive phrases both in song and prayer; intending to focus the mind on the sacred while bringing one into a deeper spiritual experience, with Hindu Occultism disguising itself as Christian Yoga, and with new-man centered spirituality replacing the need of repentence; we have driven worship from the sacred to the insane.
“Strange Fire, Strange Fire!” Says the LORD.
With lights dimmed and candles lit, regardless of denomination, we are invited to be still and quiet before the LORD. It has been stated that ‘the quiet repetition of a single word can help us to descend with the mind into the heart…This way of simple prayer …opens us to God’s active presence.’ [The Way of the Heart p.62] Should we not recognize that with this divergence in worship styles a deviation from what God ordained in His Holy Scripture to what man has set as the order of worship has occurred?
Do we not hear? Do we not recognize - “Strange Fire, Strange Fire!”
When we make common the holiness of God, refusing to honor Him or His Word, choosing instead to follow the teachings of man rather than the Truths of God, we fall from adoration into ambiguity, no longer honoring or revering the King of Kings and LORD of Lords. Transformed by New Age meditations we become New Spirituality mimes, no longer offering God our petitions and prayers, our intercessions or our thanksgiving.
Sadly, all that remains is ~ ‘Strange Fire.’
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1
“For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables. II Timothy 4:3-4
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Iraq: The Rebirth of Babylon - By Joseph Chambers
[remember, prophecy is not prediction, but revelation of what will indeed happen. met]
A prophet of God prophesied over twenty-five hundred years ago that Babylon would experience a rebirth and that it would be a very painful experience. The prophet made it plain that this rebirth would be dramatic and sorrowful, even like a “carcass trodden under foot.” The people of this rebirth would be troubled by evildoers. These evildoers were destined to create great trauma for the population of this reborn nation. Its entire period of a short-lived renewal would be plagued with trouble. The prophet Isaiah did not miss one point.
Here are his perfect predictions as given to him by the Holy Spirit, “But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 14:19-23)
It has been as if Babylon and Iraq did not exist in the mind of the church world for nearly two thousand years. Any talk of Babylon being rebuilt has been met with mostly sarcasm or cries of ignorance. I received an e-mail just this week calling me insane for speaking of literal Babylon in Bible prophecy. This man, along with a multitude, has declared with vigor that the United States is modern Babylon. Actually, there are not many cities in the world that could not be called Babylon if you speak of the tragic presence of utter moral filth. Because, prophetically, Babylon has been in the grave; I can understand why this vigorous denunciation of the few unwavering souls that dare to believe God meant what He said to Isaiah. This is always the case with Bible prophecy. It is why Israel did not know that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah. They did not take Scripture literally.
I have dared to prophesy of Babylon’s rebirth for over forty years. The response has been mixed, but, finally, it is changing toward the positive. Everything Isaiah said is happening. The danger in Iraq, at the present, is of itself prophetic. This reborn nation will never know the peace we enjoy in America, [for now, met]. Bloodshed will dot their existence until the fateful hour of God’s judgment. My heart hurts for the innocent people of this struggling nation. They are there by birth and have never known anything but living with sorrow. Those among them that know Jesus Christ as Savior can take heart because God never judges the righteous with the wicked. As the fateful hour of judgment draws near, God will speak to His own. His words are already recorded, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4b)
Those who talk of evangelizing Iraq and making it a Christian nation are extremely foolish and have no sense of Bible prophecy. Of course, individuals can and will be converted and for that cause we should be committed. There is already an incredible movement of the One World Religion and Babylon will be a key focus. It will not be Bible-believing Christianity. Paul Crouch of TBN was there at the same time as I was during my recent trip, but he was there spreading his false religion of replacement theology. I personally heard him bragging about his commitment to ecumenicalism of the One World church. He did not use that term, but his language was plain. He made fun of the word Protestant and personally said, “I am not protesting anything.” In fact he was working toward starting a TV station covering Iraq. He, or someone that represents him, will be there to announce the Antichrist to the world.
This great prophecy in Isaiah is being fulfilled as I write. This nation will become the center of a one-world government. The United Nations is already discussing moving their headquarters to Babylon. Let me quote the most recent discussion concerning this fact. “Triggered by the Iraq War, informed sources say that the international Quartet of world powers (the US, UN, European Union and Russia) has drafted a proposal to transfer the seat of the United Nations to Baghdad (ancient Babel or Babylon)! The move would relieve the space constraints of the New York headquarters while also freeing it from the physical jurisdiction of the US. Though it’s only a draft of the Quartet, plans appear to be in the works to establish a third and perhaps final worldwide organization.” (Israel Today, December 2003) (Pre-Trib Perspectives, March 2004) The United Nations is pagan to the heart. They hate America and Israel; and our nation will be blessed to be free of their influence.
Babylon is being reborn by Divine decree so it can be judged by Divine perfection. Notice the last verse of Isaiah’s prophecy. He said, “I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 14:23) John stated near the close of Holy Scripture, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Revelation 18:20-21) The presence of the Shiite Muslims in Southern Iraq is prophetic. The leaders of this sect could not hate Christianity with a greater hatred. They are the final product of the very heart and soul of Babylon, and they will be judged with the city where false religion was born.
Northern Iraq is destined to become a great nation and will be called Assyria during the Millennial Reign of Jesus the Christ. Again, Isaiah prophesied of this future fact, “And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.” (Isaiah 19:22-23) The Cradle of Civilization has become an incredible center of End Times fulfillment. Watch for a future Prophecy News Alert dealing with Northern Iraq and the rise of a reborn Assyria.
The Word of God has never been more alive with perfect fulfillment.
[remember, prophecy is not prediction, but revelation of what will indeed happen. met]
A prophet of God prophesied over twenty-five hundred years ago that Babylon would experience a rebirth and that it would be a very painful experience. The prophet made it plain that this rebirth would be dramatic and sorrowful, even like a “carcass trodden under foot.” The people of this rebirth would be troubled by evildoers. These evildoers were destined to create great trauma for the population of this reborn nation. Its entire period of a short-lived renewal would be plagued with trouble. The prophet Isaiah did not miss one point.
Here are his perfect predictions as given to him by the Holy Spirit, “But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 14:19-23)
It has been as if Babylon and Iraq did not exist in the mind of the church world for nearly two thousand years. Any talk of Babylon being rebuilt has been met with mostly sarcasm or cries of ignorance. I received an e-mail just this week calling me insane for speaking of literal Babylon in Bible prophecy. This man, along with a multitude, has declared with vigor that the United States is modern Babylon. Actually, there are not many cities in the world that could not be called Babylon if you speak of the tragic presence of utter moral filth. Because, prophetically, Babylon has been in the grave; I can understand why this vigorous denunciation of the few unwavering souls that dare to believe God meant what He said to Isaiah. This is always the case with Bible prophecy. It is why Israel did not know that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah. They did not take Scripture literally.
I have dared to prophesy of Babylon’s rebirth for over forty years. The response has been mixed, but, finally, it is changing toward the positive. Everything Isaiah said is happening. The danger in Iraq, at the present, is of itself prophetic. This reborn nation will never know the peace we enjoy in America, [for now, met]. Bloodshed will dot their existence until the fateful hour of God’s judgment. My heart hurts for the innocent people of this struggling nation. They are there by birth and have never known anything but living with sorrow. Those among them that know Jesus Christ as Savior can take heart because God never judges the righteous with the wicked. As the fateful hour of judgment draws near, God will speak to His own. His words are already recorded, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4b)
Those who talk of evangelizing Iraq and making it a Christian nation are extremely foolish and have no sense of Bible prophecy. Of course, individuals can and will be converted and for that cause we should be committed. There is already an incredible movement of the One World Religion and Babylon will be a key focus. It will not be Bible-believing Christianity. Paul Crouch of TBN was there at the same time as I was during my recent trip, but he was there spreading his false religion of replacement theology. I personally heard him bragging about his commitment to ecumenicalism of the One World church. He did not use that term, but his language was plain. He made fun of the word Protestant and personally said, “I am not protesting anything.” In fact he was working toward starting a TV station covering Iraq. He, or someone that represents him, will be there to announce the Antichrist to the world.
This great prophecy in Isaiah is being fulfilled as I write. This nation will become the center of a one-world government. The United Nations is already discussing moving their headquarters to Babylon. Let me quote the most recent discussion concerning this fact. “Triggered by the Iraq War, informed sources say that the international Quartet of world powers (the US, UN, European Union and Russia) has drafted a proposal to transfer the seat of the United Nations to Baghdad (ancient Babel or Babylon)! The move would relieve the space constraints of the New York headquarters while also freeing it from the physical jurisdiction of the US. Though it’s only a draft of the Quartet, plans appear to be in the works to establish a third and perhaps final worldwide organization.” (Israel Today, December 2003) (Pre-Trib Perspectives, March 2004) The United Nations is pagan to the heart. They hate America and Israel; and our nation will be blessed to be free of their influence.
Babylon is being reborn by Divine decree so it can be judged by Divine perfection. Notice the last verse of Isaiah’s prophecy. He said, “I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 14:23) John stated near the close of Holy Scripture, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Revelation 18:20-21) The presence of the Shiite Muslims in Southern Iraq is prophetic. The leaders of this sect could not hate Christianity with a greater hatred. They are the final product of the very heart and soul of Babylon, and they will be judged with the city where false religion was born.
Northern Iraq is destined to become a great nation and will be called Assyria during the Millennial Reign of Jesus the Christ. Again, Isaiah prophesied of this future fact, “And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.” (Isaiah 19:22-23) The Cradle of Civilization has become an incredible center of End Times fulfillment. Watch for a future Prophecy News Alert dealing with Northern Iraq and the rise of a reborn Assyria.
The Word of God has never been more alive with perfect fulfillment.
Friday, June 5, 2009
FALL OF BABYLON - a VISION-
by Darren Smith. (1 Jun 09).
The Lord kept me up most of the night bringing a word for me to share and to share now. Many times I wait until I have prayed over what I hear in my spirit, but I can't wait to send this word out.
Last night while praying before I went to bed, The Lord gave me a vision that really rattled me. In the vision I saw this land split into four parts with each one under its own flag. Each region had terrible destruction and many people were dead. As I looked over the destruction I was crying and the Lord asked me, "Why are you crying over the fall of Babylon? As a matter of fact, why have you been praying for the healing of Babylon?"In this vision I didn't have an answer and the Lord opened a scroll and started reading off the indictments against our country, but before each one he clearly called the USA Babylon.
The list was long and to the point, with such points as the killing of several generations of unborn children. Beside this charge He added that these babies had been sacrificed to the god of self. The list also included greed, idolatry, pride, fornication, and many others, so many I could not even read them all. As I looked at the list of charges I was overwhelmed and broken by the fact that we live every day in a nation that is so far removed from God and in total opposition to the Kingdom of God, yet we are comfortable here. We have become just like Lot living in Sodom,the prosperity that the nation offers us has blinded us from the evil that rules this land. We complain about how bad it is but still stay attached to it with every ounce of strength we have.
The Lord told me to look at the nation as He sees it, not through my eyes but through His. I could not look too long before I had to agree and repent of loving Babylon. Once I repented the Lord told me to prepare for the fall as time is running out. I must preach the Gospel of The Kingdom not the Gospel of America. America is already judged, the time of shaking is now and will increase rapidly this summer. Water shortages and food shortages will become common this summer, as well as fuel shortages. Civil unrest will become common place in large cities first but will spill over into the rural areas as well.
Natural disasters will stretch the resources of the nation to the breaking point and the government will use this to take freedom away. Brothers up north take note, you will see this start to happen quickly. Please seek the Lord for direction as you are out of time. The west coast will see this soon as well, please prepare.
In this vision there was a great wasteland that appeared to be in the center of the nation where everything was wiped out and I saw masses of people wandering without direction. They were dirty and ragged, almost dead and there was no relief in sight. Most of you reading this think I'm crazy I'm sure, but I must be faithful to share what I'm given to share.
The Lord told me to cry from the mountain tops to repent and seek the Lord now!! We don't have any more time to seek after the things of this world. He has also given me teaching to prepare people to pass through this time of shaking into the Kingdom and I must be faithful to preach this word anywhere I have an open door. If you want to hear this word please contact me to set up times and places, but again I must warn you, we are running out of time. We must stop living like we have all the time in the world. We must stop crying over the fall of Babylon and press into the Kingdom.-
You may contact Darren via email at ~ streetscapeministries@yahoo.com
by Darren Smith. (1 Jun 09).
The Lord kept me up most of the night bringing a word for me to share and to share now. Many times I wait until I have prayed over what I hear in my spirit, but I can't wait to send this word out.
Last night while praying before I went to bed, The Lord gave me a vision that really rattled me. In the vision I saw this land split into four parts with each one under its own flag. Each region had terrible destruction and many people were dead. As I looked over the destruction I was crying and the Lord asked me, "Why are you crying over the fall of Babylon? As a matter of fact, why have you been praying for the healing of Babylon?"In this vision I didn't have an answer and the Lord opened a scroll and started reading off the indictments against our country, but before each one he clearly called the USA Babylon.
The list was long and to the point, with such points as the killing of several generations of unborn children. Beside this charge He added that these babies had been sacrificed to the god of self. The list also included greed, idolatry, pride, fornication, and many others, so many I could not even read them all. As I looked at the list of charges I was overwhelmed and broken by the fact that we live every day in a nation that is so far removed from God and in total opposition to the Kingdom of God, yet we are comfortable here. We have become just like Lot living in Sodom,the prosperity that the nation offers us has blinded us from the evil that rules this land. We complain about how bad it is but still stay attached to it with every ounce of strength we have.
The Lord told me to look at the nation as He sees it, not through my eyes but through His. I could not look too long before I had to agree and repent of loving Babylon. Once I repented the Lord told me to prepare for the fall as time is running out. I must preach the Gospel of The Kingdom not the Gospel of America. America is already judged, the time of shaking is now and will increase rapidly this summer. Water shortages and food shortages will become common this summer, as well as fuel shortages. Civil unrest will become common place in large cities first but will spill over into the rural areas as well.
Natural disasters will stretch the resources of the nation to the breaking point and the government will use this to take freedom away. Brothers up north take note, you will see this start to happen quickly. Please seek the Lord for direction as you are out of time. The west coast will see this soon as well, please prepare.
In this vision there was a great wasteland that appeared to be in the center of the nation where everything was wiped out and I saw masses of people wandering without direction. They were dirty and ragged, almost dead and there was no relief in sight. Most of you reading this think I'm crazy I'm sure, but I must be faithful to share what I'm given to share.
The Lord told me to cry from the mountain tops to repent and seek the Lord now!! We don't have any more time to seek after the things of this world. He has also given me teaching to prepare people to pass through this time of shaking into the Kingdom and I must be faithful to preach this word anywhere I have an open door. If you want to hear this word please contact me to set up times and places, but again I must warn you, we are running out of time. We must stop living like we have all the time in the world. We must stop crying over the fall of Babylon and press into the Kingdom.-
You may contact Darren via email at ~ streetscapeministries@yahoo.com
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