Muddy Advice from the World

They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 1 John 4:5

Episcopal Priest Ed Bacon says it’s a gift from God. So the popular minister says it, the famous Oprah ponders it, the enlightened guest accepts it, and the audience applauds it. It’s about spirituality, they say. Really? A gift, they say. The Word of God also says this is a gift, of sorts. Three times in the first chapter of Romans we read that “God gave them over” to what they wanted. So in this sense, the popular voices are correct, God will ‘give’ this to all those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

Romans 1:26-28

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Soul Care: New Term, Same Ol’ Thing

What is “soul care”?

Soul Care: New Term, Same Ol’ Thing

Contemplative terms always seem to be changing. What is called one thing today may be exchanged for a new term tomorrow. A relatively new term for “Spiritual Direction” is “Soul Care.” In Biola University’s Masters program, Spiritual Formation and Soul Care , the program “trains leaders in soul care to be spiritual mentors, directors and teachers who will assist others in their journey of growth in Christ and His body.” This program incorporates contemplative experiences and “Soul Care Practicum.” Clearly Biola sees a relation between soul care and contemplative spirituality.

Where did the term Soul Care come from anyway? In the late nineties, contemplative and New Age promoter, David Benner, wrote a book called The Care of Souls, and then later wrote one called Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls. Thomas Moore wrote Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life , and there are other books with similar titles. Nearly all of them promote spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.

More here:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=451

Who else uses the term “soul care”?

*Eastern Mennonite Seminary:

Seminary Provides ‘Soul Care’ to Community
http://www.emu.edu/seminary/features/spiritual_direction.html

*Mennonite Church Canada:

Soul Care: How to Plan and Guide Inspirational Retreats
www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/ResourceView/2/5876

*Willow Creek:
http://www.growingleadership.com/healthysoul/speaker.asp

These are only a few of the well known Christian organizations and seminaries who are using nice sounding new terms to cover up the muddy waters of contemplative spirituality as they lead blind, hungry and thirsty sheep over the bridge to Rome.

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Mixing Masonic Handshakes with Christianity

The purpose of this blog is not to spread rumors, gossip or false information, but to research and expose the deception behind the blending of spirituality and mysticism with Christianity. It’s a muddy, messy mixture. For example, not only has Jesuit spirituality infiltrated some evangelical churches (see Muddy Spirituality at Circle Drive), it’s been rumored for quite some time now that there is Freemasonry within some Christian & Missionary Alliance Churches of Canada. But is this true?

It’s no secret that there are secret Masonic handshakes:

Secret Handshakes
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/codex_magica/codex_magica08.htm

It is also no secret that many Alliance churches do not take a stand against Freemasonry and allow lodge members to be involved within. In the light of this, an interesting question has been brought up regarding the Masonic handshake symbol that is pictured on the front page of the website of a certain Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Alberta, Canada.

In answer to this concern, so often the use of symbols such as this are unintentional and nothing more than a coincidence, and we must never jump to conclusions. However churches must ask themselves what messages they are giving with the symbols they choose to represent Christianity. Especially in times like these when the cross is being removed from many churches so as not to offend, even though the gospel is an offence.

More information about whether secret Masonic handshakes and Christianity are a good mixture or not can be found here:

Secret Masonic Handshakes, Passwords, Grips
And Signs Of Blue Lodge Masonry
http://www.ephesians5-11.org/handshakes.htm

FreeMasons -VS- Christianity DEBATE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha6aVozPSmg

[*Some might say this is nothing more than an ancient symbol of friendship. Even if this is so, the handshake has never been the symbol of the church, and it is unusual to use it as one, especially since it has connotations with freemasonry. Why not have the cross or the dove symbol? Why a handshake? If a church wants to use an ancient symbol of Christianity, why not use the ichthys, or Messianic Seal of the Church of Jerusalem? ]

[*Others have mistakenly assumed that “tall slender steeples” on “churches” are also masonic symbols. Perhaps they are confusing such churches with Mormon temples who do have tall steeples, but NO cross, and are not “churches,” as they preach another gospel than that of our Lord Jesus Christ.]

Learn about freemasonry in the church here:

FREEMASONRY, MASONIC LODGE AND THE SHRINERS: ARE THEY COMPATIBLE WITH BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY?
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-tube/video.php?videoid=4397

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Even the Army is Marching over the Bridge of Contemplative Spirituality

Efforts Underway to Train U.S. Military Chaplains and Personnel in Eastern Mysticism

As a follow up to our recent posting about a new film, The Men Who Stare at Goats, we are issuing this special news report about a project currently underway with US Military Chaplains and other military personnel to receive ongoing training in contemplative mysticism. Those who understand the serious implications of the contemplative/emerging spirituality will likely be quite troubled by this report.

The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society was founded in 1991 and was inspired by retreats led by Thich Nhat Hanh (a Buddhist) and Ram Dass (a Hindu). The Center states that its “intention is ‘not to isolate meditation, but to reflect on the contemplative traditions as powerful techniques that have potential for beneficial change in American society.’” 1 The Center’s objective is to bring meditation into all facets, both religious and secular, of society.

More here:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=421

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Crossing the Bridge of Ecumenism

How far should you walk over this bridge? If you’ve taken the following four steps, you may have gone too far already.

ECUMENISM … Where do you draw the line?
by Sandy Simpson, Deception In The Church, 1998

This is a short essay to illustrate, with some irony, just how unbiblical, subjective and relativistic Ecumenism really is. A few definitions first:

ecumenism – n : the doctrine of the ecumenical movement promoting cooperation and better understanding among different
religious denominations; aimed at universal Christian unity [syn: {ecumenicism}, {ecumenicalism}]
interfaith – adj : involving persons of different religious faiths; “an interfaith marriage”; “interfaith good will” (Websters Dictionary)

“Ecumenism” starts innocently enough. Is begins with a tolerant perspective of other denominations. Then it moves on to acceptance of cults. Finally it ends in a desire for unity with other religions, evolving into what is called “Interfaith”. This process is brought about by a wrong exegesis of Scripture, using verses such as the following out of context:

More here:

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/ecumenism2.htm

Related:

Universalism- a Problem for Everyone
http://www.letusreason.org/Curren31.htm

Is the Change that has Come over the Church Come over you?
http://www.letusreason.org/Pent53.htm

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Enter the Labyrinth

Enter the Labyrinth

by Mike Oppenheimer

Let Us Reason Ministries

Walking the labyrinth has become a popular spiritual exercise across the country and around the world. I first read of it in Leadership Magazine, a Christian publication and became a bit concerned, since looking into it further I’m definitely concerned.

Labyrinths are said to been used for over 3000-3500 years (depending who you ask), accurate dating has been difficult. We are told by those who promote their use that Labyrinths are ancient and have been a part of the sacred landscape through human history. Those who use the labyrinth describe them as a pattern with power and a purpose. They are called “divine imprints,” that symbolize an archetype of wholeness. The Labyrinth is said to encourage healing, clarity, and peacefulness. There are claims of profound experiences as they affect the people who use them by connecting them with the deepest part of themselves. Labyrinths can often have a particular “specialty” in healing, improving ones health or alleviating symptoms of certain diseases.

More here (note picture of labyrinth at Eastern Mennonite University):

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=390

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Welcoming Anglicans Home to Rome

Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope to ‘seek closer ties’

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope agreed to seek closer relations between Anglicans and Catholics at a meeting in Rome, the Vatican has said.

It follows tensions over the Vatican’s offer to welcome disenchanted Anglicans into the Catholic fold.

Pope Benedict’s proposal would allow Anglicans to convert while preserving many of their traditions and practices.

A Vatican statement said the “cordial” talks reiterated “the shared will” to move toward closer relations.

More here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8371807.stm

Also see:

HOME TO ROME
by Roger Oakland

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Christian Yoga

Find out why the words “Christian” and “yoga” can not be mixed together:

CHRISTIAN YOGA:
Rooted in Hindu Occultism (Part 1)
http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/christianyogahinduoccult_pt1.html

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What were Buddhists doing at Bethel University?

Buddhists at Bethel University – Crosstalk Thursday

What were Buddhists doing at Bethel University? Why did a professor from Bethel, the only Christian on the symposium panel, say that he uses Zen-style meditation that he learned in Japan? The questions will be explored with Pastor Bob DeWaay, someone who attended the event, on Thursday’s edition of Crosstalk, 2pm Central.

Crosstalk Blog
http://www.crosstalkblog.com

Related:

The East is Seducing the West

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The Link between Native Spirituality and the Occult

Nothing New Under the Sun

The Link between Native Spirituality and the Occult

By Jenn Doucette

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” – King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV)

Not surprisingly, King Solomon had it right; there really is nothing new under the sun. Translated in modern-day lingo: been there done that. And while this applies to pleasure, love, marriage, death, recreation, and possessions, there is serious implication on the spiritual level as well.

Nanci Des Gerlaise grew up in a First Nations home in Cold Lake, Alberta. The daughter and granddaughter of Métis medicine men, she experienced firsthand the darkness of demonic affliction. From her book, Muddy Waters (Pleasant Word, 2008):

“The darkness clutched me like a shroud, alive with evil, poking, prodding, whispering and hissing its unmistakable message: Fear. Slavery. Terror. Death. Buried under my blanket, I held my breath, my eyes squeezed shut, my chest taut with fear like the skin of the drum the medicine men pounded. Around me the house lay quiet, while the muted sounds of the forest, its hoots and chirrups and rustling, magnified my fear.”

More here:

http://findingtruthinjesus.com/2009/07/21/nothing-new-under-the-sun/

This is why there can be no common ground found between something like the medicine wheel and Christianity, for example. See where one Christian organization has tried to do this here:

Common Ground Medicine Wheel
https://muddystreams.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/common-ground-medicine-wheel/

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Increasingly difficult to see clearly through the muddy waters of organized Christianity

Break Forth Update:
Will Christian Leaders Cause More Confusion Than Good?

Joel Rosenberg says he will speak at Break Forth, but serious implications should be considered

Dear Concerned Christian,

If your head is spinning, trying to keep up with the latest happenings of the leaders of the evangelical Christian church, it’s no wonder. For many, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see clearly through the muddy waters of organized Christianity. More and more leaders, who have been considered orthodox and traditional, are ending up on speaking platforms with those from the emerging/contemplative/New Spirituality arena.

These minglings are not occasional or isolated events any longer. They are happening with increased frequency. For the most part, Christian leaders are not speaking up about the confusion it is causing.

More here:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=259

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THE EAST IS SEDUCING THE WEST

MORE PROOF: THE EAST IS SEDUCING THE WEST
By Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries

On Saturday I had a spirited on-air discussion with a Bethel University professor who acted as spokesman for the college regarding its recent interfaith symposium. As I wrote last week, Buddhism was featured and there was a suggestion that there just might be “common ground” with Buddhism and Christianity when it comes to “meditation.” Hear the program at this link. The potential “common ground” regarding meditation would be an eastern-style mystical meditation. I saw once again how the East has been seducing the West for nearly 50 years.

When I came home from the radio studio I had more e-mails that brought the total to about 15 in two weeks on the issue of “spiritual formation.” It is hitting Christian universities and churches like Hurricane Katrina. Bad metaphor, you say. Not really. It is causing real destruction. And since spiritual formation, too, deals heavily with the mystical, I thought I would take time to give a brief overview of this topic. I know many of you feel nothing unsound as this could walk in the door of your church, but don’t be so sure!

Read the rest here:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101818841456/archive/1102830017407.html

Related:

Spiritual Mud Pie at Bethel University [*updated*]
https://muddystreams.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/spiritual-mud-pie-at-bethel-university/

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Biblical Reasoning or Muddy Reasoning?

Bethel University is defending itself.

See the updates HERE.

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Global Mysticism

Giving Thanks to an Unknown “God”?
From Truth to Mysticism — by Global Design
By Berit Kjos ~ November 16, 2009

“My own faith is rooted in the unshakable belief in God… and an awareness of a constant and holy spiritual presence in all people, all life, and all things.”[1] Former vice president, Al Gore

“I am a Christian…. I believe that there are many paths to the same place…. I am a great admirer of our founding charter… and its resolve to prevent disruptive strains of fundamentalism from taking root in this country…. I think Gandhi is a great example of a profoundly spiritual man who… never slipped into intolerance or dogma.”[2] Former Senator, Barack Obama

“Lift us to the level of the universal…. Chant the names of the gods. Start with om: Om Krishna… Om Buddha…”[3] A United Religions worship service (UR was founded by an Anglican bishop)

“The Buddha said, ‘You are God yourself.’”[4] Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol

Read the entire article here:

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/009/thanks-to-whom.htm

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New Age Catholic Blend of Prayer

Visio Divina is a prayer practice that has roots in the Catholic contemplative tradition. Like most contemplative methods, this kind of prayer is a far cry from biblical communication with God. To find out what it is, see here:

http://www.visiodivina.info/first.html

Karen Kuchan PhD, a teacher at Pecos Benedictine School for Spiritual Direction, has recently authored a book on this prayer method. It is called Visio Divina: A New Prayer Practice for Encounters with God.

This book is about the new practice of this meditative healing prayer which is used with “divinely revealed inner images to help us discover hidden wounds and desires.” It is being promoted as a resource for “spiritual directors, pastoral counselors, soul friends, and others in the helping professions.”

Most surprisingly, this book is also being promoted on the Mennonite Church Canada website, here:
http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/ResourceView/2/11933

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Sacrificing Truth for Mystical Experiences

Sacrificing Truth for Mystical Experiences

by Ray Yungen

Contemplative advocates propose that there has been something vital and important missing from the church for centuries… something necessary for their spiritual vitality. That implies that the Holy Spirit has been fully effective for hundreds of years, and that the secret key that unlocks our knowledge of God has yet to be been found ….

Contemplatives are making a distinction between studying God’s Word versus experiencing Him, suggesting that we cannot hear Him or really know Him simply by knowing His Word and praying to Him — we must be contemplative…. But the Bible makes it clear that the Word of God is living and active, and has always been that way! We come to love Him by filling our minds with that Word, not through a mystical practice of stopping the flow of thought….

More here:

http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/spirituality/lighthousetrails/09/11-yungen-merton.htm

(From chapter 9 of A Time of Departing – for more about Ray Yungen’s work, visit: www.atimeofdeparting.com).

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Common Ground Medicine Wheel

What is the medicine wheel?

Medicine Wheel

Medicine wheels, or sacred hoops, were constructed by laying stones in a particular pattern on the ground. Most medicine wheels follow the basic pattern of having a center of stone(s), and surrounding that is an outer ring of stones with “spokes”, or lines of rocks radiating from the center. Some ancient types of sacred architecture were built by laying stones on the surface of the ground in particular patterns common to aboriginal peoples.

Originally, and still today, medicine wheels are stone structures constructed by certain indigenous peoples of North America for various astronomical, ritual, healing, and teaching purposes. Medicine wheels are still ‘opened’ or inaugurated in Native American spirituality where they are more often referred to as “sacred hoops”, which is the favored English rendering by some. There are various native words to describe the ancient forms and types of rock alignments. One teaching involves the description of the four directions.

More recently, syncretic, hybridized uses of medicine wheels, magic circles, and mandala sacred technology are employed in New Age, Wiccan, Pagan and other spiritual discourse throughout the World.

SOURCE:

http://www.crystalinks.com/medicinewheel.html

How interesting that Mennonite Church Canada is one of those incorporating the teaching of the medicine wheel in another muddy mix of pagan spirituality and Christianity. See their new poster here:

Medicine Wheel Poster

This poster is a tool for living in harmony with God, each other and creation.

It’s a part of the Reaching Up to God our Creator resource box which highlights the common ground of Aboriginal Sacred Teachings and the Bible, in the hope of fostering respect and understanding among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/ResourceView/5/10786?useref=0

Recommended article:

Nothing New Under the Sun
The Link between Native Spirituality and the Occult
By Jenn Doucette
http://findingtruthinjesus.com/2009/07/21/nothing-new-under-the-sun/

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More Muddy Interfaith Initiatives

Here is part of the statement Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, recently delivered before the 64th session of the U.N. General Assembly…

Interreligious or interfaith dialogue aiming at investigating the theological and spiritual foundations of different religions in view of mutual understanding and cooperation is becoming more and more an imperative, a conviction and an effective endeavor among many religions.

Today, many Christian denominations and other religions are engaged in dialogue with programs of their own and in this way have continued to make progress in greater understanding among each other. In this regard, the Holy See has implemented a number of initiatives to promote dialogue among Christian denominations, with Jewish believers, Buddhists and Hindus. A Council on Interreligious Dialogue was set up more than forty years ago and more recently a first-of-its-kind initiative with the representatives of the 138 Muslim signatories of the document, A Common Word Between Us and You. This engagement seeks to foster greater respect, understanding and cooperation among believers of various denominations, encourage the study of religions and promote the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue.

More here:

Holy See on Culture of Peace
“Promote the Formation of Persons Dedicated to Dialogue”
http://www.zenit.org/article-27507?l=english

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Moroni Mud Pie Surprise

Want some Moroni Mud Pie? Here’s the recipe:

2 cups Purpose Drivel flour
1/2 cup gay rights ordinance
1/4 cup interfaith revival mix
1 Tbsp. of biased apologist (softened to luke warm)

Find these ingredients here:

Rick Warren ‘Works With’ and ‘Strengthens’ Mormon Churches and Other Non-Christian Sects
http://www.alittleleaven.com/2007/05/rick_warren_wor.html

Latter-day Saints back ‘gay rights’ ordinance
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=764460

Mormon-Christian ‘Revival’ Service at Mormon Tabernacle
http://www.crosstalkblog.com/2009/10/mormonchristian-revival-service-at-mormon-tabernacle/

Rick Warren Apologist Richard Abanes: Going soft on Mormonism, Is this the direction Rick Warren is Heading?
http://truedsicernment.com/2008/03/15/rick-warren-apologist-richard-abanes-going-soft-on-mormonism-is-this-the-direction-rick-warren-is-heading/

Mix together and bake at low temp. slowly for several years until melted into one lukewarm lump. (Instructions have been revised as recipe results are consistently inconsistent.)

Related:

Can Two Walk Together Unless They Agree?
Can Christians and Mormons Stand Together?
http://www.letusreason.org/Current60.htm

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Church and Politics Mix

Churches to join the world in saving itself…

Church bells to ring out warning on climate change

The World Council of Churches on Thursday called on churches around the world to ring their bells 350 times during the Copenhagen climate change summit on December 13 as a call to action on global warming.

The leading council of Christian and Orthodox churches also invited places of worship for other faiths to join a symbolic “chain of chimes and prayers” stretching around the world from the international date line in the South Pacific.

“On that Sunday, midway through the UN summit, the WCC invites churches around the world to use their bells, drums, gongs or whatever their tradition offers to call people to prayer and action in the face of climate change,” the council said in a statement.

“By sounding their bells or other instruments 350 times, participating churches will symbolise the 350 parts per million that mark the safe upper limit for CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere according to many scientists,” it added.

More here:

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5c89ef2b65e54705267dd3c67d9f1199.121&show_article=1

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Many Heavens, One Miry Pit Conference

More interfaith save the earth nonsense:

A strong call for action emerges from Wednesday’s seminar on faith and climate change
November 2

As Rev Dr Joel Edwards, International Director for Micah Challenge, said in his opening remarks the timing of this debate could not have been more fitting as faith communities increasingly find their voice on the issue of climate change. As we sat down to watch the debate, across London another multi-faith gathering was taking place to campaign for a strong and fair deal at Copenhagen. One of the panellists, Mark Dowd, Campaign Strategist, Operation Noah, had just returned from Windsor clutching the manifesto of environmental commitments made by faith communities at the ‘Many Heavens, One Earth’ conference. There were many references to the joint statement from faith leaders emerging from Lambeth palace last week and it was clear throughout the discussion that there is real momentum here and that people of faith are determined to show leadership on this issue.

More mixed up muck and mire here:

http://www.understandthetimes.org/inthenews/158_owr.shtml

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Spiritual Mud Pie at Bethel University [*updated*]

They’re mixing Buddhism and Christianity mud pies now and feeding it to the students. What a mess…

When Students Are Left for the Wolves
By Jan Markell
http://www.olivetreeviews.org
November 10, 2009

I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to hear the evening of November 3. My alma mater, Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, sponsored an Interreligious Symposium promoting some kind of “common ground” between Buddhism and Christianity. One would think if a Christian had an ounce of discernment, they would deduce that Christianity has nothing to do with Buddhism and such unions are playing with fire. But a panel concluded that there was “common ground” when it came to “meditation.” Granted, this kind of meditation could put one in a dangerous altered state of consciousness, but maybe that’s ok as long as we can find a bit of unity here! Some would call this common bond of meditation “contemplative prayer.”

More from Olive Tree Ministries, here.

UPDATE Nov. 17:
You may also listen to the following:

November 14, 2009 – Hour 1
Bethel University in St. Paul, MN suggests that we just might have “common ground” with Buddhism thanks to our shared interest in meditation. But what kind of meditation does Buddhism promote? A very dangerous kind and the presenters of a forum at Bethel did not sound a strong enough warning that Eastern-style meditation could be dangerous to college kids unaware of the risks of altered states of consciousness. Jan and Pastor Bob DeWaay, who both attended the symposium, were also troubled by references to “Christian Zen,” and a lack of information on biblical meditation. Jan and DeWaay feel there is absolutely no common ground with Buddhism. Bethel University suggests there could be “common ground” with evangelicals and Buddhists coming together.

Listen to mp3 here:

http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/mp3/

To be fair, also see the defense, (as mentioned by a reader today-see comment below):

Bethel Responds to Criticism of Interreligious Symposium
http://www.bethel.edu/bethel-news/inter/2009/nov-2009/11-13-09markell

The question remains – is this the biblical model of making disciples at a Christian University? For example, this statement on Bethel’s website (as of November 17):

“Paul Reasoner commented that Christians can gain insight into themselves by practicing Buddhist approaches to meditation. But at the same time, Reasoner critiqued the “self-authentication of experience” inherent in Buddhist practice. He commented that Christian meditation may involve being overwhelmed by the presence of God, leading to worship and awe–not the way a Buddhist might describe the “expanded consciousness” of enlightenment. The experiences are fundamentally different.”

– Myths and Facts http://www.bethel.edu/bethel-news/inter/2009/nov-2009/11-13-09symposium-facts/

Is Reasoner a sound biblical reasoner, or muddy reasoner? You decide.

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BRIDGES TO ROME

BRIDGES TO ROME

Bridges to Rome:
http://www.understandthetimes.org/topics/bridges.shtml

More bridges to Rome:
http://www.understandthetimes.org/topics/bridges_archive.shtml

The Emerging Church: Another Road to Rome:
http://www.understandthetimes.org/commentary/c46.shtml

Alpha: Another Road To Rome?
http://www.understandthetimes.org/commentary/c15.shtml

Purpose Driven Road to Rome?
http://moriel.org/MorielArchive/index.php/discernment/church-issues/ecumenism/purpose-driven-ecumenism

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MYSTICAL PATHWAYS

MYSTICAL PATHWAYS
by Roger Oakland [www.understandthetimes.org]

We know from the Scriptures that Satan’s plan is to deceive the whole world. His objective is to blind the minds of the unbelieving and to recruit those who have believed to assist him in his agenda to deceive the world in the name of the Savior. Could this be happening today?

Do you recall what Paul prophesied would happen to the early Christian church? This is what he said:

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. [1]

A brief overview of church history reveals Paul’s prophetic warning was fulfilled. He said it would happen and then it happened. Numerous church leaders emerged during the first to the third centuries. The foundational principles of the Scriptures were ignored and many followed the experiential teachings of men who claimed they had discovered new and innovative methods to get in touch with God.

In other words, a church growth movement emerged or should we say diverged. The reason why this happened is simple.

We know that God’s Word is light. When we begin to replace the Word of God by the words of man which are considered to bring enlightenment, we have a perfect formula for returning to darkness. The mystics (we often call them the church fathers) added ideas to Christianity that cannot be found in the Bible – a recipe for spiritual disaster.

Jude also warned about the coming apostasy in the early church. He said certain men had already crept in unawares because error was not being corrected.

More here:

http://www.understandthetimes.org/transcripts/nov2009/2619.shtml

[1] Acts 20: 28-30

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