Letter to my youth and youth pastor

[Hagios17]

Its pretty big, but before you read it read this:

The pastor was actually quite happy to receive the letter. And we patched things up and reconciled. I told him that I still couldn't go there anymore because of the stuff, but that we will keep eachother in prayer and love... it went far better than I ever expected. I was so blessed by that, even though when I arrived there on my brothers almost broken bicycle to see all those terrible grins from the youth, him and me reconciled. He was a little down I could see, but I told him not to worry as I have a form of fellowship and that fellowship is not about magnitude but rather spirit. So we ended of with pats on the backs, smiles and handshakes... and went our separate ways. "This is not the last time we will meat" I told him...

[Hagios17]

=YOUTH LETTER

Dear youth at [confidential location] Baptist Church


http://emerging-church.blogspot.com/

I am neither an apostle nor am I a prophet, but I believe in Jesus; his shed blood for his people. [Jesus who was God manifest in the flesh, declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead, by Jesus we have also received grace and the apostles, which are no more, received apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, among all nations you are also the called of Jesus Christ. To all the beloved of God at [confidential location] Baptist youth, called to be saints, grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.]

Now I am sure there are some of you who wonder why I have left, or why I made such a public display of myself on one of two occasions. Well, I’m having problems with the teachings and practices of our youth and Church. If you want to know why I have left ad made this stand, ask [confidential name] for the letter I gave him. Other than that, know that I am praying for you guys, and love you guys.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” [Ephesians 6:11-20]

Your brother in Christ

Love, peace and grace be multiplied and may the Blood of Christ have it’s way with you

J. [confidential surname]

[Hagios17]

=PASTOR LETTER

Dear [confidential name] of [confidential location] Baptist Church


I greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Creator even unto good works, and heir of all things under whom all things are subjected. [Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Amen.]

Now, I write to you because I find some of the things you are doing to be an offence to the Gospel and to a Godly lifestyle. This is not done out of hatred, but rather forgiveness and love for my fellow brethren. I have checked my heart, and prayed about this for much time. So it is my earnest conviction that you hear what I have to say, and then take what has been said to prayer with little bitterness.

Peace and grace be multiplied

In Christ

J. Sawyer


ADDRESSING TEACHING AND PRACTICE


“And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” [John 2:13-17]

CONTENT


Preaching
Fellowship
Gospel

Other forms of spirituality

[Hagios17]

Preaching

Baptists have pretty much always been in the head, and Pentecostals in the heart. And granted, the head and the heart have their benefits, but these ways are still carnal and fleshly. In order to be relevant to the body of believers our preacher(s) need to make sure “Jesus” is the “cornerstone” of preaching. Don’t just simply preach about Christ, but “in” spirit and in truth feed the body, including yourself, with God’s agenda. Paul says preach Christ! That is indeed a challenge, but this is how we, God’s elect and beloved children preach the message that is able to save, otherwise we do in vain. You must preach by the Spirit brother. Anything else is vanity and foolishness; we do not need intellectualism, emotionalism, or any other method other than the method practiced since the time of the Apostles… preaching by the Spirit.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 2:1-16]

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” [2 Timothy 2:25-26]

[Hagios17]

Fellowship

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:14-18]

I was told by a certain individual, whose name I will not mention for the sake of his reputation, that his brother said about the Youth that: “The people aren’t there to hear a message, they are there for the delights of the world… skylarking by the pool table and to see that girl. I don’t want to be apart of that.” And when I confronted him he told me that of course not everyone is like that, and gave a few examples of Christians at the youth whom you can see are dedicated and committed to Christ, but they still get sucked into it.

I am made very uncomfortable by the sort of fellowship and relation you subject us to [confidential name]. Games, movies and enticing foods will not help us mature in Christ, neither will social interaction, bonding and forming relationships. They will rather hinder us, and blind us from God so the devil can come along and catch us unnoticed. He is a master of subtlety, remember. What we need is Jesus material: Bible study, prayer and supplication, worship, devotion, commitment to a godly lifestyle, promoting godliness, edification, comfort and exhortation… all things spiritual and not all things worldly. Don’t make the body a playground; the body is a holy temple… the house of the Lord is an house of prayer. Providing an environment thriving in unspiritual activities and promoting an unspiritual lifestyle is extremely unwise, especially for an instructor in “righteousness.” Activities which the world loves and lusts after rather than things godly edifying cause even more lust and even greater pride. You need to adopt an attitude of seriousness [confidential name]. There are principalities and forces at work here, set against God and his beloved, and will stop at nothing to ruin and harm us. The devil and his angels are constantly hassling us. Be careful; be very careful that you don’t cause the little ones to stumble through worldliness bru. Causing the little ones to stumble is like asking God to chuck you in the ocean with a heavy stone attached to your limbs. It will be on your head. An instructor must instruct in “righteousness” and not worldliness, because these things are not spiritually edifying to anyone, and hinder the focus, which needs to be on Jesus. Feed us with the Word of God, not with the World and the power of the human intellect and will. For whatever reason you are doing this, i.e. to increase the amount of members and money, etc. please stop. And move onward to the mark, which is Christ. Stop providing things that satisfy the flesh and sinful nature, completely unprofitable, not unto Godliness. Trust in Jesus to draw in the uncircumcised and uncontrite in heart with his Spirit rather than worldliness. Build and encourage commitment and dedication to a Godly life in Christ. Ashamed or just plain ignorant, either way you must teach us, brother, things spiritual and godly edifying. Oh, I repeat myself again and again. But understand what I am saying and how I feel. And I forgive you for all your offences against me, may the Lord forgive me for all mine. And I love and am praying for you bru. And I have no doubt that Jesus will intercede. Just don’t get in the way when he does intercede.

[Hagios17]

Gospel

The Gospel has undergone such dramatic change, that the rock of offence, which is such foolishness to the world, has become somewhat believable to the world. This is because people are side tracked into other Gospels other than the Gospel of peace and grace, because of worldliness and a sinful life. For example, the Gospel of Prosperity and success and relationship (centres on gain and pleasure and experience, aiming to please the greater number with, for instance a universal message—universalist Gospel, etc.) and of free will and responsibility (Appeal to the power and authority of the human will and consent even though it is under the dominion of the law of sin and death expecting something evil to produce something good / an evil tree to bring forth good fruit; an appeal to the wicked and deceitful heart of man to perform a choice, deed, work, action, deliberation, labour, doing that which is perfect in the sight of God. Free will doesn’t differ from the basic understanding of “Justification by works,” that Christ justifies you because of the works of your heart, mind and body. Yet the power and authority of the human will is under the dominion of the law of sin and death.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

…Romans 3:10-18

When we preach and teach, we keep in mind that Justification is a complete work of Christ alone:

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

…2 Timothy 2:25

As for the history of free will, free will never formed a part of Historic Protestantism, the early John the Baptist and neither did it form part of the early reformer’s understanding of the Gospel. In fact, and it’s amazing how many forget this, free will was taught by Rome before it was taught by Protestantism.

And the list goes on for eternity. And I really feel the Gospel that you preach is lacking in spiritual teaching and in spiritual practice. Every time I hear you preach, I hear “you” preach. I think it is time, if God peradventure, that you preach Christ properly.

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” [Hebrews 9:22]

[Hagios17]

Contemplative Spirituality


On one of the Friday afternoons at youth, we had a little prayer session. Well, I listened to what you were saying: “sit down… be quiet… relax… and meditate” and even made notes of this, quoting your words, and I began to wonder … why are you sitting prostrate, cross-legged spine erect, and telling us to “meditate”? And it hit me like a ton of bricks… you were teaching us contemplative prayer. I sat with my legs pressed against my chest, wondering, “Are you for real?” Doubts were rushing through my mind. I couldn’t take it. The idea that you were teaching us contemplative prayer freaked me out to the point were I eventually got up and walked out of there in total disillusion. I couldn’t take that. I was very disappointed with you back then. And then and there I decided it was time to leave this youth. The next week, or the week after, I am not entirely sure, I went back to the youth, not to eat braai meat and jol, but to tell you that I have decided to leave. Well, eventually I did get to confront you about this. My message basically was that I’m in over my head. This youth is centred on worldly pleasure and materialism above Christ and his shed blood the Gospel. But then I confronted you about the other week’s prayer session: “Was that contemplative prayer? …” and you responded, “Yes.” Which at the time felt so strange. The conversation went on, and got pretty heated. Even some of the youth got involved. But I uncovered something else, when I got speaking about Hinduism and yoga. You told me “There’s nothing wrong with yoga.” And I have this written down. This to me [confidential name] is very, very serious, even more serious than using food, games and entertainment to promote your ministry. When I hear of Pastors promoting Hindu-Buddhist spirituality I can get very angry… but I will try my best to address this in a respectful manner, to do it in love. But if I do get heated at times, please look past that and focus on the meaning bru, I am also carnal lol.

[Hagios17]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l312/hagios17/YogaDeity.jpg

"Breath prayers are a great way to keep in contact with our Heavenly Father throughout our day. Just repeat short heart-felt prayers, such as "You are my God," "I love you Lord," and "Thank You, Jesus." - pastors.com article by Tobin Perry

I will start with a Hindu Yogi’s opinion of Christian yoga:



There is no Christian Yoga.
By Yogi Baba Prem, Vedavisharada, CYI, C.ay, C.va

“It was quite astonishing to see on the flyer “Christian Yoga! This Thursday night….” I could feel the wheels spinning in my brain. “Christian Yoga”, I thought. Now while Christians can practice yoga, I am not aware of any Christian teachings about yoga. Yoga is not a Judeo/Christian word! It is not a part of the Roman Catholic teachings and certainly not a part of protestant teachings. It is not found within the King James Version of the bible. It is a Hindu word, or more correctly a Sanskrit word from the Vedic civilization. So how did we get “Christian Yoga”?”

“From this I could conclude that “Christian Yoga” could only indicate one of two possibilities:”

“Modern day scholars from India frequently present the attitude of “let them have yoga, I am interested in protecting Hinduism.” I have heard this sentiment on numerous occasions, but the reality is that yoga is a part of Hinduism. Allowing one part to be taken from Hinduism opens a door for the distortion of the teachings. We must remember that the roots to modern day yoga comes from Vedic Yoga. The same Vedic Yoga that is the authority of Hinduism. Allowing one branch to be severed from the tree of knowledge will not necessarily kill that tree, but it can produce strain and have an unbalancing effect upon the tree.

Hinduism should reclaim its full heritage and not allow other groups to rename its sacred teachings under their banner, especially when they have no history of those teaching within their own system. If they wish to ‘borrow’ and say this comes from our brothers and sisters in Hinduism, then that is another thing. But frequently groups attempt to privatize the information and present themselves as the original authority. Hinduism should guard against its sacred traditions becoming distorted and taken away.”
</SPAN>





Though I am not Hindu, don’t believe that Christianity was founded on Hindu dogma and don’t believe those enslaved to the cult are safe to call brethren, I do agree that Hindu rituals should stay in Hinduism. And because of this I put myself at enemies ends with many Contemplatives out there.

Now for a little history, and I noticed Baba Prem talked about missionaries who dressed up as Swami’s, well the History of Contemplative Prayer has to do with that and a lot more… devastating.

Where does Contemplative Prayer come from? …

[Hagios17]

ATTENTION!
A good friend has pointed out to me that this section of my letter may be considered "FLAMING" (a certain denomination). And for that reason I must defend myself, otherwise this entire thread may get deleted like snap.

[WARNING=SECTION OF THE LETTER]Well, basically it started with (a certain denomination), and what seamed bootless attempts to convert the Hindus in India. They were indeed struggling and desperate to covert people from Hinduism to (a certain religion), and so (a certain city) joined with Hindu-Buddhism, adopting rituals and concepts thereof, (i.e. yoga and meditation; mantra and pranayama; yogasana, etc.) (A protestant, as myself, might ask why this process of inquisition of the Hindus in the east didn’t involve the same magnitude of force as with the Protestants in Europe, but these are just silly questions of a teenager. So never mind that.) Hindu-Buddhist spirituality took on a new form, a newer evolution that Christianity calls contemplative prayer. A few names were changed, but spiritual tendencies stayed the same. Contemplative prayer is and was just as bad as any other school of yoga and meditation taught in India. A study of all the Schools of yoga and meditation will be such a weary exercise to the mind and bones, one should rather just read the Bible and do away with such vanity.

I will assure you though, these ancient pagan rituals are not simple and harmless; they are complex systems that require dedication, daily devotion and a mind open to whatever out there is trying to communicate with you. Little excerpts of the cult, such as yogasana and pranayama (bodily rituals taught to Hindu-Buddhist yogis by demonic-spiritual entities--- Krishna, etc.), which the western world obsesses over, are by no means mere exercises. Go have a chat with the gurus and swamis of yoga and meditation; just you see how dangerous these things are.

Yoga and meditation talk about reaching a blissful state of consciousness that is silent, neutral and empty in all activity, body, mind and spirit, disassociating yourself completely from reality, becoming completely “impersonal” and “careless” to all your surroundings to come in touch with the divine, which are all lies. Yoga is a practice whereby you suppress/ sear the human conscience, suppressing the truth in all ungodliness, so that sin will abound even more and so you can’t hear that voice screaming “No! Stop! Don’t do this!”.

Yoga and meditation promise harmony, peace, grace, love, charity, faith, kindness and anything else that is seemingly good, yet all the sex infatuated religion really has to offer is insanity (nothing is real except the nothingness that I am trying to reach/ I will make Jesus hear me through mantra…. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus) and then death (using states of trance, etc. to achieve ultimate spiritual-demonic contact).

If Jesus could resurrect a few of the Gurus who practiced, lets say, kundalini yoga, we would see the fear on their sorry mugs and them saying: “What on earth caused me to summon such an evil deity?” because they experienced how the deity killed them. (refer to Glen Berclay’s mind over matter: yogis who died because of kundalini yoga) Don’t play with demons in other words.

You suppress the truth and cause your conscience to be seared through these trance inducing practices; you will obliterate spiritual discernment of evil things. Cover up the image of God with all forms of ungodliness you will invite all sorts of spirits to bother you, and if mercy is little with you, then death will take you away quickly.

A fanatic Hindu would say: how dare Christianity steal the core of Hinduism and call it Christian. Staunch Hindu Idolaters have spoken clearly against this, that ‘you cannot take one of our religion’s rituals and concepts and call them Christian, and then try use it to get into closer relationship with your God.’ I recall a certain book I read this year “Death of a Guru” – by Rabindranath R. Maharaj, a Hindu who converted to Christianity. His description of the Eastern-Hindu religion and culture is so disgusting and horrifying; it makes me sigh for my beloved brethren that take part in these things. Nevertheless we have Christian in power who think it good that we peruse Buddhism and Hinduism to help enlighten our Christian lives.

I don’t want Contemplative prayer to be practiced at this youth or at this Church. You carry on doing this, and the consequences will be detrimental.

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” [Revelation 2:15-16][WARNING=SECTION OF THE LETTER]

By the time you have finished reading my defence of this section of the letter, I will be absolutely astonished if you still think my intention is to mock, abuse and condem (a certain religion).

1. There are zero instances of mockery and abuse
2. I am not stating, nor am I implying that all (certain religions), or even that a specific (religion) is non-Christian!
3. I am not stating, nor am I implying that (a certain churches) doctrine is non-Christian, heretical or cultish,
4. but what I am implying is that the whole of Christianity is being invaded by yoga, and if that is FLAMING, then I am truly and imbecile.

"Well, basically it started with (a certain denomination), and what seamed bootless attempts to convert the Hindus in India. They were indeed struggling and desperate to covert people from Hinduism to (a certain religion), and so (a certain city) joined with Hindu-Buddhism, adopting rituals and concepts thereof, (i.e. yoga and meditation; mantra and pranayama; yogasana, etc.) " - Paragraph 1

Siting history, no opinion, NOT FLAMING

"(A protestant, as myself, might ask why this process of inquisition of the Hindus in the east didn’t involve the same magnitude of force as with the Protestants in Europe, but these are just silly questions of a teenager. So never mind that.)" - Paragraph 1

Posing a question that compares two historic events in relation to (a certian religion) to imply that there is a "DIFFERENCE" between (a certain region) and Baptist religion, (i.e. (a certain reigion) is more hostile toward Christians, and more friendly toward Hindus than Baptist religion) NOT FLAMING

Notice that I am adding to add to a theme: "There can be no unity and peace between (a certain denomination) and Baptist religion unless there is a huge compromise in belief system, i.e. either Baptists will have to take on a form of (a certain reigion), or (a certain denomination) a form of Baptist theology." I am stating that there cannot be peace and unity between (a certain denomination) and Historic Protestantism because there is no common ground of belief. I repeat, there is no commonality. I am siting DIFFERENCE, and not mocking or attacking (a certain denomination) or their doctrine. NOT FLAMING

"Hindu-Buddhist spirituality took on a new form, a newer evolution that Christianity calls contemplative prayer. A few names were changed, but spiritual tendencies stayed the same. " - Paragraph 1

Making the point that the ritual of yoga does not loose all of its supernatural tendencies with a few changes here and there. NOT FLAMING, becaus again I am adding to the theme of Difference. Catholics have no problem with yoga and meditation, because it forms part of their belief system, but we must have a poblem with yoga and meditation because it doesn't form part of Baptist theology.

-Siting and implying differences is the base I am using to support the theme. I was not using this letter to attack (a ceratin religion), but rather warn the this church I am addressing, that they must keep to the traditions as was given them. My problem is with compromising to comform to.NOT FLAMING

"Contemplative prayer is and was just as bad as any other school of yoga and meditation taught in India. A study of all the Schools of yoga and meditation will be such a weary exercise to the mind and bones, one should rather just read the Bible and do away with such vanity." - Paragraph 1

"just as bad as" - the same as, with the acception of my own opinion on behalf of Traditional Protestantism, i.e. yoga is bad, not good.

Addressing historic protestants, I am suggesting that they rather seek truth in Gods word than in Hindu-Buddhist spirituality, and stay true to their traditions, and not betray their Christ. NOT FLAMING

This is to add to the theme agian, because that which a (a ceratin denomination) and Historic Protestant call truth is, by a thousand miles, DIFFERENT. A certain denominations Bible has plus-minus 22 to the 66 books of the Bible; affirms that the writings of its Saints, especially it's (highest authority) are equal with the Bible and because it holds to Apastolic Succession, (a certain reigions) Revelation is not final and keeps on going on. Historic Protestantism, on the other hand, holds to 66 books of the Bible, affirms non of the writtings of it's saints as equal with the Bible; and does not hold to Apostolic Succession. And this is probably the best and most logical of evidences that my theme is CORRECT!

I can see no justice in this bond that Ecemunism is trying to form between (a certain religion) and Protestantism, but only injustice! Injustice to the truth they affirm! Injustice to that which they call the Bible! ... Injustice to that which they call Revelation! And because Ecemunism wants us to appose what we believe, Injustice to God, his Son the Messiah, and his Holy Spirit! Injustice is all I can see, and it makes me sick.

So there is without question, an INCREDIBLE difference between the two belief systems. And me siting this is NOT FLAMING

... – Paragraphs 2-9

Here it is made clear that yoga is invading the “western world”. Yoga does not have an agenda purely for Catholicism; it has an agenda for all of Western culture, religion and tradition. Yoga must dominate all of Christianity… all secular atheist society… all humanist society.

The bulk of this section is to affirm why yoga-meditation will be dangerous to the body of Christ. One of the points that is made is that yoga-meditation causes insanity and death.

[Hagios17]

Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”


"[u]se 'breath prayers' throughout the day, as many Christians have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath." —Rick Warren, Purpose-Driven Life, p. 89.

“Rick Warren has now launched his Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. He is using contemplative speakers from Youth Specialties and Group Publishing to instruct young people throughout the world. Yes, he is going global with this too.” - http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/pdym.htm




When this movement hit [confidential location] Baptist Church, my parents hastily left, dusting their feet off; having nothing more to do with the Church. You may remember the Sunday morning where my Dad, on the guitar, sung about how his focus wasn’t on Rick Warren’s Purpose driven life for mankind, but rather the Word of God, smugishly smiling while he held up the Bible in his one hand, which is humorously typical of my Dad. Nevertheless he was making a statement to the entire congregation, that there is something wrong with what he would probably disappointedly call: “Rick Warren’s Purpose life for mankind”.

There is also the “mysterious” disappearance of Pastor N. H.’s entire family as the movement cropped in. Perhaps the Church members kicked him out, because he delivered a sermon of rebuke around this topic? It’s just a little suspicious that his entire family packs up their bags and leaves, which lead me to question this movement.

So I began researching it. Oh, and the plot thickens as you look behind the candy-coated mask scented with such sweet aromas… Rick Warren is a proponent of Contemplative Spirituality and other forms of Christianised mysticism, a movement apparently aimed at restoring Hindu-Buddhist meditation and yoga to all of Christianity. Some people say it is because the Hindus and Buddhist stole death-sex yoga and insanity inducing meditation from the Bible. Strange. Nevertheless, interesting.

Then there is his political stance; he is apparently an adviser to the President of America, George W. Bush. Why would Rick Warren associate himself with a member of the secrete society of Freemasonry (a movement where you actually worship Lucifer, the male genital… yes, Freemasons worship the penis, and at level 24 denounce Jesus Christ, amongst many other evil practices. Unfortunately my grandfather was a freemason)? Is it possible that the self-proclaimed bapticost (Baptist-Pentecostal) is also a Free Mason? Maybe…

Then there is his world P.E.A.C.E. plan (total ecumenism). Rick Warren doesn’t just aim at Congregational and denominational unity, he also aims at a global religious unity, the sort of crud you hear New Age humanitarians and Idolaters talk about all day. I’m interested in how he reconciles this with the Biblical unchanging God who drowns and consumes in fire pagan Idolaters, with the promise of eternal damnation in the lake of fire for all those serving Satan and the lusts of their hearts. Rick Warren’s campaign is to unite Christians with peaceful Jew killing and wife-beating Muslims. The man is serious. He really wants Muslims to worship Allah and Mohammed on a Sunday at Church. I cannot say amen to that. The book of revelations makes an interesting study of what God thinks about promoting pagan fellowship.

Here are just some of the unquestionably nice things the Quran, and other Islamic writings have intended for Christians and Jews:

The Quran says: “Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them. Seize them. Beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them” (Qur'an, Surah 9:5), “Fight them. Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace” (Qur'an, Surah 9:15), "O' ye that believe, take not Jews and Christians as your friends and protectors" (Qur'an, Surah 5:54)", "Fight with them until there is no more persecution. Religion should only be for Allah" (Qur'an, Surah 8:39), "The punishment for those who war against Islam is execution or crucifixion. Cutting off hands and feet from opposite sides" (Qur'an, Surah 5:36). Muhammad said, "The last hour will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and the Muslims kill them" (Mishkat, page 147). Osama Bin Laden says: “The United States will have no peace until every sinner leaves Israel” which is of course the Jew and Christian. What is Rick Warren’s agenda if the great majority of Muslims hate Christians and Jews so much?

Rick Warren is also a proponent to Contemplative spirituality: “With practice, you can develop the habit of praying silent ‘breath prayers’”- Rick Warren (See also pages 89 and 299 of PDL) Rick Warren borrows this ritual from Catholicism, and Catholicism from India. The unlearned in this Ritual of yoga will not understand what Rick Warren means when he says “silence.” He is being far too vague for the millions of teenagers he has sucked into Contemplative Spirituality. What he is referring to is the process whereby we suppress the conscience so that demonic and sinful activity will abound.

Rick Warren, like many Romish and even protestant mystics, believes in an altered state of conscious silence, neutrality and emptiness, the same altered state of consciousness that almost took my Dad from me. Yoga and meditation will not lead you to bliss. You will not reach concentration, silence, higher consciousness, etc. Yoga and meditation are methods of suppressing the Image of God and spirit of God, and lead to clinical insanity and often lead to death. Glen Barclay, in his book “Mind over matter” talks about a group of yogis, who whilst invoking the yoga deity had their spines snapped over by the deity of Yoga. Yoga and meditation are not Christian.

The global peace orientated Guru also has very strong bonds with Mystical Christianity. Its no wonder why he quotes so many Mystics in his “Purpose Driven Life,” such as: Brother Lawrence (A traditional catholic mystic endorsing Eastern-Catholic contemplative prayer techniques, teaching things similar to those things in the Hindu-Bhagavad-Gita and New Age writings), Madame Guyon (Another Catholic Mystic, pg. 193), St. John of the Cross (St. of the Catholic Church, pg. 108), Henri Nouwen (Catholic priest, mystic, psychologist and ecumenist, pg. 267-270), and Mother Teresa (Its been known for quite some time the Mother Teresa was stealing money for her own benefit).

Rick Warren’s also teaches “justification by works” with his Purpose driven life.

Brother R. Bennet delivers two potent articles on Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven life:

The Adulation of Man in The Purpose Driven Life
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles/rick_warren_purpose_driven.htm
The Purpose Driven Life: Demeaning the Very Nature of God

http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles/rick_warren_purpose_driven_2.htm

It’s pretty obvious that Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. plan’s soul purpose, yoking believer with unbeliever, is to set up a realm of peace to make way for the coming Maitreya (Messiah of Buddhism, eastern mystery religions / New Age systems and other forms of the occult, especially those that understand this to be Lucifer, Satan or even something like Horus or Utam-Ra), but in Christianity this is the preparation-phase for Satan’s Kingdom involving the antichrist, beast and the harlot or the Queen of heaven. Jeremiah says:

“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.”

…Jeremiah 6:14-15

And no peace shall come…

Rick Warren’s ministry is unstable. Please, don’t subject the body of Christ to such ungodliness.

[Hagios17]

Roman Catholic Church

I suspect there is a growing affiliation between this Church and Rome.

Which leads me to ask the Authority: Are you planning on doing what the Lutherans have done, which probably cause Luther to turn in his grave. Have we too lost our independents?

The fallacy is this: There are doctrinal agreements between these congregations and denominations sufficient to unify them. (ecemunism)

I will highlight essential Romish teachings that differ to our Baptist teachings to illustrate how this premise is false.

We can already see the conflict between our protestant tradition and Romish tradition with the Mary figure. Rome teaches: Mary is sinless; perpetual virgin; mother; co-redemptrix; mediatrix; advocate; Queen of heaven, and Protestantism teaches she was everything but that.

SINLESS - Mary apparently had no sin
PERPETUAL VIRGIN - maintained her virginity even after sexual relations with Joseph
MOTHER - Is the eternal and divine Mother of God
CO-REDEMPTRIX - Participates in people’s redemption
MEDIATRIX - Mary is also a mediator, and if you serve her she will also grant you graces
ADVOCATE - Mary has the authority to influence God’s decisions

Some other doctrinal essentials of Rome that conflict with Protestantism are as follows:

1. Mary and baby Jesus (Madonna and child) --- Objects of Worship
2. Christmas and lady-day; Easter; Nativity of St. John; The Feast of the Assumption and St. Valentine’s Day (Cupid) --- Festivals
3. Baptismal generation; justification by works; the sacrifice of the mass; extreme unction; purgatory and prayers for the dead --- Doctrine and Discipline
4. Idol Procession; Relic Worship; The Clothing and Crowning of Images; The Rosary and the Worship of the Sacred Heart; Lamps and Wax-Candles and The Sign of the Cross --- Rites and Ceremonies
5. The Sovereign Pontiff; Priests, Monks, and Nuns --- Religious Orders

There is no staunch agreement. My question is why the desire to dabble in Rome’s business. Leave Rome alone. Rome has it’s own agenda and we have ours. Baptist tradition in its roots differs greatly from this denomination.

To say there is agreement is to lie. I cannot live with this lie being taught to my friends at youth.

[Hagios17]

Emergent Church

“The pastors convention has consistently been a conduit for contemplative and emergent spiritualities. In the past, Yoga workshops and labyrinths, as well as contemplative sessions, have been part of the event. This year, along with many workshops on the silence (i.e., contemplative), there will also be an an enneagram, which is a "system of spiritual psychology based on an ancient Sufi typology of nine personality types or primary roles with the recognition of one's type tantamount to a spiritual awakening" (from Alternative Health Dictionary). In the following video clip, Catholic priest William Menninger explains how an enneagram is a universal tool that can be used by anyone in any religion to have a spiritual experience.”
Paul Proctor --- good sourse
http://www.seekgod.ca/ ----- Read this with prayer.

One of the leading members of Emergent Church, Brennan Manning (Ordained a catholic preist in the Fransiscan order 1963) says: “Contemplative prayer is nothing other than coming into consciousness of what is already there.” He believes contemplative prayer brings repentance and realisation. This is not true, but in fact a lie.

I don’t see why Baptists should have anything to do with emergent church if it markets Catholicism and programmes with a Catholic style of Eastern Mysticism.

[Hagios17]

And so those are my letters to the youth and the youth and church pastor.

If you have anything to say about it, you are welcome to post here or Pm me about it:)

Peace and grace

Enter the rest

Joshh

[RED that's ME]

Have you sent those to them yet?

[Hagios17]

Have you sent those to them yet?

Yes.

[RED that's ME]

Have you gotten any response back yet? If you would like to PM the info, that's fine too. :)

[LittleladyinChrist]

Wow Hagios. GOOD JOB BROTHER. You took time, grace, love and patience to write that out. God bless you. Let me know too about the outcome, on here or in a PM.
--Alicia

[Hagios17]

Not anything yet, but I shall keep you gals posted.

[Hagios17]

If yall could keep him in prayer, I'd appreciate that:)

[Hagios17]

Thank

[Hagios17]

No response from the Pastor yet, just talk of a Rebuttal:eek:.

[Hagios17]

*Rebuttal

[Hagios17]

Justification complete... *ting