June 2, 2008 by pamela.

Anything, repeated often enough, will be believed by the masses.  And if you’re not careful, thoughtful and understand the Word of God and the enemy’s relentless attack on or distortion of the Truth, you’ll be swallowed up in the easy-believeism or the magnanimity of ‘leaders’ in ‘the church’ today.  You just really gotta be paying attention — both to what they’re saying and what they’re meaning.

These are incredible times in which to be alive - as free people, as abundantly rich people, as believers in Jesus… for many, many reasons, this is an incredible time, in the history of the world, to be alive.

As believers, we’re instructed in the Word, to be wise.  We’re instructed to watch the signs of the times - that in the last days, perilous times should occur - giving way to all sorts of depravity and distortions or misrepresentations of the Truth.  Read Joseph Farrah’s  “Give The Glory To God!” and then, Rick Warren’s response: “Give PEACE A Chance“  (get your Bible out and read what the Word really says - compared to paraphrases Mr. Warren uses) and then read Mr. Farrah’s very succinct, carefully written response to Rick Warren’s reply: Who Gets the Glory?

This is a great study in the ‘think’ of today and the talk of today in ‘mainstream’ churches… the subtle nuances just might be missed if you’re not careful.

From Let Us Reason Ministries  A Global PEACE Plan
Kjos Ministries: The PEACE Plan
Want to discover more?  Google.

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April 17, 2008 by pamela.

This, though sounding like a line from a mainstream ‘pastor’ in the States, is from the last paragraph of Tony Blair’s “Faith and Globalisation” lecture: “If people of different faiths can co-exist happily, in mutual respect and solidarity, so can our world. And if faith takes its proper place in our lives, then we can live with a purpose beyond ourselves alone, supporting humanity on its journey to fulfilment.” And this is the opening line of the lecture: “Let me summarise my argument to you this evening. Under the momentum of globalisation the world is opening up, and at an astonishing speed. Old boundaries of culture, identity and even nationhood are falling.” [sic]

So, I’m contemplating — no, not spirituality ;o) — all that’s going in the world and I guess I’d really have to agree with one of his comments: “the world is opening up at an astonishing speed.”

Here’s a little more, from the same lecture:

The foundation will concentrate on certain key specifics. The first will be to help the different faith organisations to work together in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals [*]… which are, in many ways the litmus test of the world’s values. Faith groups do great individual work in this area…. if helped also to combine together. The MDGs are stark in their ambition and necessity. We are falling short as a world in meeting them. It would be a great example of faith in action to try to bridge the gap and awaken the world’s conscience. The second will be to produce high quality material – books, websites, every means of communication… The foundation will concentrate, in the immediate term, on the six main faiths, the Abrahamic three and Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. But, though the foundation will expressly not be confined to the Abrahamic faiths, we will partner existing organisations that promote better understanding and co-existence between Christians, Muslims and Jews, notably in The Coexist Foundation’s [**] vision of creating Abraham House here in London, where people of those faiths but also others, can encounter some of their traditions, explore their roots and, without glossing over their differences, discover what they share. We will also help partner those within any of the faiths who stand up for peaceful co-existence… But I freely confess there is a broader objective.”
[* The UN Millenium Development Goad link added - only for info, not endorsement]
[** TCF link added - only for info, not endorsement]

The unity message was hitting pretty close to home this past week with several international ‘guests’ in nearby Seattle at the Seeds of Compassion conference. Now, to be clear, I’m really not opposed to ‘leaders’ from other areas, nations, etc., visiting — so, it’s not what I’m referencing here at all. It’s just so disconcerting to hear supposed Christians refer to these guests as if to endorse or even be in agreement with what they stand for. In addition to referencing the use ‘his holiness’ or ‘holy father’ in connection with any earthly man - but particularly those who are guests in the US this week - I feel greatly discouraged that opportunities to tell the Truth were not only missed, but because they were missed, the Truth was essentially denied. There is only one holy Father and that’s God - only one Holy and that’s Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Just because a prominent man is called thus and such by his own followers, does not mean that a believer in Jesus should ever refer to that man as ‘holy’ or ‘his holiness’ or whatever.

In these last days… O, how I pray God will raise up men who will stand in the gap - and though there doesn’t seem to be a radical, visible gap yet when “Christians” like Rob Bell refuse to take a stand for Jesus - the day is likely coming when those who stand for the Cross and those who don’t will be clearly seen. Though given an incredible opportunity to proclaim the Truth, Rob Bell seemed more aligned with those who don’t follow Jesus than with those who have even a little or maybe even no understanding of the Truth. What a pitiful shame he never used the platform to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and salvation by faith in Jesus alone and did not distinguish himself as a Christian and therefore, by default - his own fault - was (perhaps unwittingly - perhaps fear? perhaps something else?) appeared to be in alliance with the one-worlders and complicit with other ‘religions.’ Jesus said, in Matthew 10.33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

I feel quite sure that those of other “religions” were/are surely not sympathetic with followers of Jesus Christ as Rob Bell apearred to be with other ‘religions.’ Rob Bell answered one of the questions from the audience: (as best I could transcribe from the audio)

…Life is journey… and journey is a fundamentally different way to understand life than destination and on a journey all I am responsible for is the next step and that’s all I’m e-v-e-r asked for - is the next step I don’t have to have it all figured out, I don’t have to defend it all I don’t have to have it all nailed down and and if you can shift from destination understanding to an to to journey it frees you - to take life as it comes let it be what it is and do the next right thing.”  — Rob Bell

The moderator was…   well, decide for yourself - listen for yourself to Rob Bell here (see second video as quoted in part above).   I’m thinking Ingrid correctly states: “The emerging emporer is without clothes”

The Berean Call’s Ancient-Future Heresies - McMahon

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April 15, 2008 by pamela.

When days are busy, there’s just no way around it — not everything gets done that ought to have been done - but haphazard or intentional (or vice versa) what’s really most important usually does (get done - even if poorly). That’s how things have been or have seemed in the last couple of weeks. I’ve wanted to blog so many things - for there have been so many great things going on - so many things to comment on or to share with you. It seems that for the last few weeks life’s been almost a blurry series of hurry up, clean up, make food, hurry up, wash up, eat up, get up, clean it up, make food… and it’s all good. There’s a big difference between being tired in ministry and being tired of ministry.

For the last ten days we’ve had missionaries, students and other guests here — and before that, we had family from all over. Now, all the hurry, hurry, hurry has passed and all those days, events, and activities are part of a mental scrapbook of sweet memories. So, today is the first day of the new normal. I’m trying to unwind the reel and review the events - and as I do, I’ll write about a few of them… you know… now that things are back to normal (?). Through the years I think we redefine normal about every three weeks or so — for that’s about how long things seem to stay essentially the same — about three weeks. Maybe two. Maybe a day.

So, we’ve had students here from the same mission’s school that Timothy attended. It was great to see them bright and early each morning, to listen to their classes and to serve them meals each day. They had opportunities each day to go street preaching, witnessing and to do door to door evangelism. From Oregon to Seattle provides quite a different venue and mix of people to talk with. They had ample opportunity to sharpen their skills, to listen to the LORD and to *see* people. It’s one thing to walk along and see the masses, but it’s wholly another thing to *see* people and hear their stories and share with them the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And around Seattle — at Pike Place or Union Square or at the University of Washington, or Western Washington U, there were plenty of people with strong views - plenty of people gathering ‘knowledge’ but none of that knowledge will save, none of that knowledge has eternal value. So, they talked… they walked… they heard and they spoke of the Truth. We pray for God’s Word to not return void - that those who spat on them, those who burned tracts, those who ate tracts would one day come to the knowledge of the Truth - and we pray that God will continue to strengthen the church that the church would see the mandate to go into all the world preaching the gospel and making disciples.

We had a tremendous answer to prayer… One of the young women Wes was talking with, on one of the days street preaching, was a woman new to the area. She asked if Wes was a believer in Jesus - and when he said, yes, she asked if he was a born again Christian — a follower of the Saviour, Jesus Christ the Son of God? She wondered if there were believers in the area - Wes told her he didn’t know specifically in that particular area - but that if she was looking for an opportunity to hear the Word, to sing and to fellowship that she could join us in our fellowship of beleivers on Sunday. Problem - no transportation. Wes told her no problem - he & our family would pick her up. He gave her our phone number. She gave her address - no phone. So, Sunday when looking up her address on Streets ‘n Trips, no location found for that address. Sigh. What to do, what to do? Mapquest? No such address found. So later he came downstairs and asked us all to come into the kitchen and pray with him that Ruth would call. He prayed in earnest to the Lord that the Lord would have her to call, that he would be able to bring her up to our fellowship that was to meet later in the day to accommodate all the guests, students and families. He prayed; we joined him and asked the Lord for His will to be done. Riiiing, riiiing…. Riiiing, riiiing… (we have caller ID announce) call from _________. We had never heard the name before (nor could we understand it), but we knew who it was and we praised the Lord that He had, indeed, heard our prayer and He intentionally answered.

Wes and a few of the children went to pick her up and eventually brought her to the home where our church met. I had gone ahead with a few of the children and waited there for his arrival. When he arrived, he introduced the beautiful Ethiopian woman, Ruth, to the church and they welcomed her. It was lovely. What seemed haphazard was truly an intentional blessing of the Lord. She was blessed and was a blessing. At the end of the day when Wes and I brought her back to our home briefly, she looked at all the photographs in our living room and her eyes landed lovingly on the photos of Kathryn and the Ugandan children and Timothy in Ghana… she turned and saw another photo of Kathryn kissing a Ugandan baby — her eyes welled with tears, she smiled and hugged our younger children… they hugged her with smiles and told her they’d see her again. We drove her home — talking the whole way about her life here and her desire to find work. I don’t know what the Lord has in store — but I do know He did bless that meeting — some might have called haphazard or coincidence.

The students saw the hand of the Lord - we all saw His hand. They saw the intentional work of the Lord when believers simply walk in His ways and follow Him. I don’t know when or if we’ll see her again — she lives such a far distance from here… but God knows — and now, more than ever, I’m sure He’ll make it very clear. Intentionally.

Our lives may be or seem pretty haphazard sometimes.  Praise God He loves us so.  So intentionally.

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April 5, 2008 by pamela.

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March 24, 2008 by pamela.

I’m mulling over lots of things today as I clean bookshelves and re-order the movies, dvd’s and cd’s. The dust on some of them gave me a bit more necessary information when I questioned: Do we watch this anymore? Did we ever watch this? And, as always, I walk down memory lane when I go through belongings I haven’t looked through in awhile. Today’s purging of outdated or unused materials is absolutely nothing at all compared to the great purge of sixteen years or more ago. At that time we made, for all intents and purposes, a virtual clean sweep of practically all the movies and music we owned. Really… and that day has been etched in our family’s history as: The Day Daddy Went to the Dump.

So I came downstairs to get a cuppa tea and write some notes when I happened upon an email from Vision Forum.   And after reading it I was left pondering several things - one, our departure from most all things Disney happened a couple of years before The Day Daddy Went to the Dump time period of our lives.

We had been to Disneyland the year before and came home with the overwhelming thought: hey, that place is not right… the whole premise is deceptive - but it was so fun - or was it?  Anyway, then it was around that time that The Little Mermaid had come out and in the stores were all things Mermaid.  And we got to thinking… is this what we want to say and do? Is this the right message?  Is this the right anything?  I will never forget Wes walking by the television set where The Little Mermaid was playing and he heard, at that moment, the intro to the movie:  “Ariel, the rebellious teenager…”   And at that moment, he said. “No.”  He did not want our daughters dressing like that, talking like that, looking like that, acting like that or —thinking— like that.

Those were hard days.  Hard days that were worth every heartache, misunderstanding, expense, etc., etc.  Because those days were the shaping of our family.  It was as if, in those days, a stake was driven into our family’s foundation and history and it was the ‘day of decision’ — one of those days where we said, from here on out, we are going to follow the LORD in what we say and do and what we see and hear - and it’s got to line up right.  We had been walking with the Lord and were believers, but I think we had allowed too much of societal norms to shape our home and teaching of our children.

Looking back now, I wish we had said more, done more, thought more, acted earlier on many things — one of which was the catastrophic influence of:  most all things Disney — even though I agree wholeheartedly with the “Examples of Good” in the following list I’ve quoted below.

But I think the whole “Disney issue” that people deal with now is much like other issues Christians face… we often wake up and smell the coffee quite awhile after it’s been brewed and quite awhile after it’s been cooking on the hotplate of the coffeemaker.  It’s often not until the smell of scorched coffee starts to assault out senses that we say - wow,  we can’t drink that!  I know, coffee’s a pretty bad analogy. But the point can be seen.

Think of all the things that you, now as a conservative Christian, may have, at one time or another, not been too offended about.  Okay… take music or movies or dress or dating, or public school or birth-control or careers vs. ’staying home’ or college away from home or whatever… what was passable or acceptable or even just accepted is now questioned in light of Scripture. I guess that’s really why I take such a hard stand and will continue to take such a hard stand against the merry-go-round of the meet-your-felt-needs- and the entertain-you-to-death church  trends  of the last 10-15+ years. It’s why I write about the things I do - because things are so subtly slipping into our homes and lives and they are really off — they are really contrary to the Word of God.

It’s not until that reality strikes believers in the face that decisions are reevaluated or wake-up calls are heard.   Just watch, it will not be too long before more in the church say:  Hey, this mysticism, this relativism, this conversation, this revisionist writing of the Bible, this carnal teaching, this denial of the omniscient, inerrant, omnipotent, Triune God…. wait, this… this… this just isn’t right.   When did this happen?   How did this happen?   And by then the church will have been carried away with all of that and more for  years.

Just consider the abortion industry. It was well into the practice that the wake-up call was heard - and believers began to gasp at the horrific atrocity of the death of innocent unborn babies and the highly profitable abortion industry. Things go on and people are told to mind their own business, don’t offend other people, don’t say things that will rock the boat. We’re told or conditioned to just be quiet and let people do what they want even though… well, you know… you and I don’t do those things… it’s not really for us to judge. and on and on.

I think that’s what’s gone on with the Disney lie all these years. And now, people are waking up to the fact that Disney, generally speaking, has been a promoter of all sorts of things that have become foundational teaching diametrically opposed to the Word and Way of the Living God and, subsequently:  society, traditions and cultural behaviours have been not only accepted, but endorsed as right or good.  And fun - because it’s… just Disney.

So, this from The Vision Forum… read more here. This is an excerpt from the letter I just received:

“Evaluating the Disney Legacy

These messages examine the Disney philosophy of filmmaking, the history of the Disney empire, and the impact of Disney’s many innovations on film and culture. Also included is an analysis of the philosophical and theological perspectives often presented in Disney’s children classics, both for good and for evil.

Examples of Good

· Walt Disney’s personal emphasis on the family as a basic unit of society.

· Appreciation for science, investigation, exploration, and innovation.

· Cultivation of virtues of heroic boyhood.

· Gratitude for the American legacy of freedom.

Examples of Bad

· Moralism without sound theological foundation.

· The “cutification” of witchcraft and evil.

· Reliance on pagan myth and fantasy, rather than biblical icons and worldview.

· Promotion of Darwinian evolutionism. “

Just think of situations where Disney has infiltrated or formed your thinking… you may not even realize it, but you might say, noticing the lateness of the hour: O, I need to leave… or O, the clock’s about to strike twelve, I’d better leave before I turn into a pumpkin.

But more, and probably worse, is that many of us have said, O, it’s okay, it’s a Disney movie… it’ll be okay. Disney used to be synonymous with family friendly. But was it really?

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March 24, 2008 by pamela.

http://teampyro.blogspot.com

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March 19, 2008 by pamela.

For many years now I have written about trends in the church, church growth methods and marketing strategies and what church growth strategists are saying and doing.

What was in this space for a few days were scans of postcards from local churches and I have removed them and I would like to apologize for posting them - for the intent was not more important than people.  It was not my intent to criticize a specific local church, but rather to use the example of the postcards to demonstrate methods or as an example of purpose driven or emergent church methods and it was not my intent to cut down specific persons. at all.

So.  I offer my sincere apologies to any who were offended by my posting of those post cards.   I pray to continue to be used of the Lord to share what’s going on in the church today and to encourage trust and faith in the Living God and following after Jesus, the Truth and the Word of God.  These are very, very remarkable days as we watch for His appearing.

He is alive.

with love, a repentant heart, and faith in the only One who is able to save;

sincerely —pamela

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March 18, 2008 by pamela.

I felt I ought to clarify, just a bit, my post of a few days ago: “One of the first gents of emergents” bcz I am concerned that I perhaps inferred favourable thinking regarding the “ministry” and work of Rob Nooma Bell. I have occasionally been thought of or called judgmental when I talk about or point out blasphemous or apostate or deceptive teachers and preachers. So, in an effort to be kinder, gentler, I think I just might have appeared to endorse the presentations, the ‘pastor’ and the work.

So, just in case there’s still a question, may I share some Scriptures that will shed light on the emergent gents and the work, the way and the deception at the core of those who rewrite Scripture, deny the power of the Gospel or deny the Truth or the only Way to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, or teach and spread cunningly devised fables, wise in their own eyes, calling evil good and good evil… that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter… woe unto them… This is the seductive, illustrious emergent conversation. This is a sign of the times.

Marvel not:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2.18

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 2.22

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 4.1-3

And no marvel; for Satan himself
is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11.14

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1.7-9

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1.7

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20.10

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March 14, 2008 by pamela.

There’s a whole lotta change going on… I’ll be posting a few pics from Phil Johnson’s site… Emergent-see—Motivational posters for the emerging  church  conversation  chaos.

http://teampyro.blogspot.com

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March 11, 2008 by pamela.

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March 11, 2008 by pamela.

It’s important to prove all things and hold fast that which is good. Prove all things. This man, Rob Bell, is probably one of the most influential ‘pastors’ in one of the fastest growing churches, Mars Hill, in America today. This is the “other Mars Hill” - not Mark Driscoll’s Mars Hill church in Seattle. Rob Bell is known for his “Nooma’s” — short film clips depicting a particular concept or thought. The Nooma’s are thoughtful. The Nooma’s are thought provoking. The Nooma’s are provoking. Positively or negatively depending on what you think of them, what you think after watching them and what you think about the message they give (or don’t give).

This, from the Nooma.com site on what a Nooma is: “It’s short films with communicators that really speak to us. Compact, portable, and concise. Each Nooma touches onissues that we care about, that we want to talk about, and it comes in a way that fits our world. It’s a format that’s there for us when we need it,as we need it, how we need it.”

I remember seeing them for the first time a few years ago. Straight away I had a reaction. I made notes and comparisons with the Word. My reaction was strong. It’s stronger today.

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March 3, 2008 by pamela.

I wonder this. I ponder this question: Will there be gentlemen? Will there be gentlemen who guard their behaviour, guard their conversations and the words they choose to use in mixed company or not, men who will refrain from crude or vulgar speech or innuendo?

Not much time for blogging as we’ve been covered up with things to do and errands to run lately. Phone talks & letters with Timothy in Ghana, Kathryn in Uganda… comings and goings… a husband to love, children to teach, meals to prepare, a home to keep… ah, a life - nowhere better!

Not much time for blogging, either, when I’ve spent my ‘computer time’ reading about and listening to more from Marks Hill (typo intended). I mulled over each talk and each time was left with an uneasy - okay, sometimes disgusted, feeling. Now, you know I’d be the first to say: whoa, watch that - you cannot trust ‘feelings’ about things - you need to have some reality on which to base your thoughts or your convictions or whatever. And so I pondered that a bit. What is it about his talks, his sermons, his shows? What is it. Did I click on the videos of sermons hoping to (he is a ‘pastor’ after all) find a studied theologian? Did I assume I would hear the words of a wise and faithful scholar? Of course I did. I wouldn’t waste my time otherwise. Not usually.

So my uneasiness turned to regret and disappointment when I watched a few more Mars Hill… or Marks Hill videos… saw or heard some crude innuendo and lack of exegetical or expositional teaching. So, I thought, hmmm; is that the problem? Is the problem that I am not seeing the teaching of sound doctrine? No… no, that wasn’t the heart of the matter. The matter was that there was another teaching going on - yes, some with the words, but more, a general teaching… the general teaching that one can be a pastor, teacher, elder - whatever - in the church and as such, it’s okay to be glib about the scriptures, it’s okay to mock people who don’t fit his particular paradigm, to make fun of people groups, to handle Biblical truths lightly and to be crude and irreverent in the process. I know the Word says this will be so:

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the 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 unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. — 2 Timothy 4.2-5

So I wonder, the young impressionable men of ‘his’ congregation, receiving weekly (or more often) teaching and modeling are, in fact, being conformed into an image… the new pastor persona, the brash, sometimes irreverent, cool preacher who seems unconcerned with social graces. So, I wonder, in the pulpits in churches here and abroad… will there be gentlemen?

Ironically, I hadn’t taken any time to read Steve Camp’s blog for the last several months and did so this evening and I was amazed that the matter, among other related things, was the topic of recent blogs - and at Tim Challies, too. Interesting how this so often goes. So that I don’t have to link the material here ( I think the last video a few days ago was plenty ) I decided to just post a couple of links and you can see for yourself - or not. But I must say, I grieve for the church. Until recently, I thought I was really just grieving all the seductive, emergent, seeker, purpose, I wanna-have-it-my-way, new age infiltration and proliferation. I thought that was the great threat to the church. And it is. They are. But the loss of reverence, the loss of respect, manners, decency and decorum… I didn’t see all this coming as a ripple effect from those who reject the old paths. But here it is.

Who will take a stand against the superfluity of naughtiness? Will there be gentlemen?

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February 29, 2008 by pamela.

I thought it appropriate to clarify something in regard to my previous entry: Birthcontrol at Mars Hill.  First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t quickly say that I think Mark Driscoll is a good teacher and sound in doctrine.   I think he handles societal issues well — though differently than I might.  But so what.  I don’t live in Seattle anymore.  Near, but not in.

I also want to clarify that my entry was in regards only to that particular sermon on birthcontrol and his personal views and teaching on that particular matter (though I tend to believe that his teaching and personal application are not necessarily exactly the same).  I believe he must, as a compassionate teacher, feel the need to be lenient - or compassionate to reach those for whom there are no easy answers.  And… I’ll give him that - bcz, face it, we’re all lenient at times regardless of what we think we resolutely believe or think we’d say or do in a given situation.  Faced with it, we might not necessarily do what we resolutely say we would do.   So — given more time to mull over what he said, I understand why he takes the broader lane of the narrow path.  Okay… so… Mars Hill.  In my previous blog entry, I was just alluding to some of his comments on birthcontrol and the biblical rational or mandate regarding its use or practice or prohibition.  Those are some things I might question.  But as for the general teaching and theology of Mars Hill.  Fine; just fine.  I think what one might glean by listening to his teaching would be profitable and insightful.  So, yeah — hope that doesn’t make things clear a mud.

And, by the way,  the Seattle Mars Hill Church is in no way affiliated with Rob Bell’s Mars Hill in Michigan.

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February 29, 2008 by pamela.

In our area lots of folks are drawn to the Mars Hill church in Seattle and ‘tens of thousands’ more who listen on line. I began to watch this lengthy video - it is a sermon, after all, and listened to his take on birth control and what the Bible says about  marriage, procreation and principles of birth control. So after listening for awhile I realized that he, as we all do I suppose, interprets according to his conviction or his interpretations or reactions to what he’s read, heard or seen. I notice this throughout life, when we like someone or want to like someone, then we tend to accept what they say or teach - but if not, and especially when it comes to ‘religious’ people with views counter to our own, we tend to discount, exaggerate or mock what they say, do or think. We might even dare to call them legalists or legalistic. That label used to be bandied about by people outside the church, but now it’s increasingly common within the church to divide from legalists. Interestingly, though, legalism has been redefined to include much more than it ever did before recent times. Now, legalism is anything that holds to what’s considered a ‘narrow view’ of the Word of God and moral absolutes. Before the paradigm shift of much of the modern church, what’s now called legalism was simply adherence to high morals based on what’s clearly defined and taught in the Word.

When Mark Driscoll started his sermon, I thought… hmmm… I think he just might have something here. But the longer I listened, the more I realized he had an agenda (again, as most of us do when talking about things we’re passionate about) and his preconceived notions or his biases were evident. If you like (follow, subscribe to, admire, agree with, etc., etc.) Christian teachers such as Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Nancy Campbell, Doug Phillips and/or Mary Pride, then his comments and interpretations of their teachings, Biblical understanding or positions will likely cause a reaction. And it won’t be cheerful. Well, that’s what I thought, anyway. But I always react pretty strongly when people trot out the Andrea Yates argument and start dumping conservative homeschooling, homebirthing, yada, yada, yada mothers into her bathtub.

Further, you’ll likely have some strong reactions if you’re attempting to live in accordance with God’s Word and are asking His blessing on your marriage and especially if you understand that to mean: one, some, none, many or however many children “blessing” means. And if, with that mindset, you are “quiverful minded” and/or are a homeschooling mom in a dress with a wide collar (snipe, snipe) or if you take the verse, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…,” to mean what it says and you don’t reinterpret it to fit your agenda, then you will likely react to Mark Driscoll’s condescending remarks.
But… if you’ve been taught to believe otherwise, then… you’ll find his sermon and his assumptions — well, just what you want to hear. Bcz whatever you think is what’s best.

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February 19, 2008 by pamela.

Millions follow the writings of this particular “pastor.”

Staggering. Really.

Posted in The Church Today | Print | 4 Comments »

February 7, 2008 by pamela.

I love the enthusiasm of this young woman and her love for the Truth.

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January 31, 2008 by pamela.

Hmmmmm.
Omy.  What an opportunity.
Missed.

Stephen Colbert interviews Rick Warren

(This is show biz — I know that  — the host of the show *is* in show biz… However, thinking minds have to be pondering: is the other man really representing the church in the world?  How would his (pre)occupation be described?

Surely the Scripture is true… judgment has begun at the house of God. The inclusion of this clip is absolutely not an endorsement of or encouragement to view programming of Comedy Central and etc. )

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January 7, 2008 by pamela.

Every now and then I receive an email that strikes a chord with me… perhaps punctuates a thought or confirms another study. Well, that’s how this one was for me this morning. As with all the other distractions to what’s going on in our family this week, I see this distraction as a welcome one - for it actually confirms the “why” behind what we believe what we believe and why we do what we do. When we take stands for the Word or when we take stands against the trends in the church today, it’s not that we are seeking only to preserve and promote an ‘old way’ but we seeking to shine a light on the atrocities of the ‘new ways’ of the church. Mostly, as one often encouraged and inspired by Spurgeon and as one who takes a stand against the false gospel of the so called post-modern ‘church,’ I share the following mail.

So, here’s from my inbox this morning:

GodThoughts Wired!

There is a ‘Different Gospel’ in Town: Part 2
Brad Reiches

Monday, January 7, 2008

GodThoughtsWired!

“There is a ‘Different Gospel’ in Town”
PART 2

Consider the following statement made by a man known as “The Prince of Preachers:”

“It is absolutely necessary to the preaching of the gospel of Christ
that men be warned as to what will happen if they continue in their sins…
You are too delicate to tell the man that he is ill! You hope to heal
the sick without their knowing it. You therefore flatter them;
and what happens? They laugh at you; they dance upon their
own graves. At last they die! Your delicacy is cruelty; your flatteries
are poisons; you are a murderer. Shall we keep men in a fool’s paradise?
Shall we lull them into soft slumbers from which they will awake in Hell?”
C.H. Spurgeon, bold mine

When the “gospel” is presented without a clear presentation of the law, sin, judgment, and hell, the requisite repentance necessary for true conversion is rarely present. The result then, are “false converts” who think they are saved, but are not (see Matthew 7:21-23).

One concerned GodThoughtsWired! subscriber questioned the validity of my concern. Perhaps clicking on the following advertisement might help:

Mars Hill Church Sponsors New Year’s Eve Booze ‘n Dance Club

I’m pretty confident that once the crowd gets “liquored up” for free, they’ll be pretty receptive to anything else the “preacher” has to offer. I can just picture it:

“Happy New Year everybody. Praise God!
Before our designated drivers escort you home,
I’d like to make sure that you’re going to Heaven.
How many of you want to go to Heaven when you die?
If so…just raise your hand right now…
I’ll say a little prayer for ya’…AND YOU’RE IN!
See you all at next year’s party. Please be sure and pick up a flyer
on your way out that tells you about our weekly gathering…
WATERIN’ HOLE WEDNESDAYS!”

When false prophets and false teachers give a false witness based on a false testimony and false signs & wonders; the result, more times than not…are false converts…

EVEN WHEN EVERYONE INVOLVED IS SINCERE!

Later on I’ll share a bit of family happenings in our home this week as we prepare for Timothy’s departure to Africa where he will begin life as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa.  —-pamela

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December 1, 2007 by pamela.

Today in my reading in chapter 3, I found great encouragement when seen in light of the previous day’s reading in 2Timothy and then, what I consider to be, atrocities in the ‘church’ today as i wrote in the previous blog entry.  So, Chapter 2, in summary: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus… the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also… Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things… If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself… Of these things put them in remembrance…” (2T2.1-2, 7, 13, 14)

It was then here in 2Timothy 3 (and I’ll post the chapter in its entirety for edification and inspiration) that I gleaned great encouragement personally and for our home and for other believers in these ‘perilous’ times. And these are perilous times. When leaders of nations are corrupt, when teachers of the Word become corrupt and misleading - by worldly methods and means of self promotion and propagation of foolishness and false teachings in the name of ‘Christianity’ literally blasphemeing the Word of God;  when many fathers disregard high morals /will not protect and lead their homes, provide for the care and nurture of their children and when many women turn aside to silly fables, disregard the teachings of the Word, many mothers turn away from guiding the home and loving and training up their children and many children rebel against the teachings and admonitions of their parents; when marriage, home and family are not esteemed highly and when forwardness is lauded and modesty is mocked, when impropriety, foolishness and vulgarity are lauded and righteousness, honour and purity are disparaged; when these and so much more are so prevalent….  these. are. perilous. times.

But God.

2 Timothy 3.1-17

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I know this is simply a ladies blog… and I’m not attempting to direct courses here… but I do implore brothers and sisters in Christ to study the Scriptures. I pray that we would seek wisdom and the work of the Holy Spirit… that we would be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10.16).

And, again, may we be not silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

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November 29, 2007 by pamela.

How will these things be, Lord? How will the end times be? I have often wondered. How will the church be deceived and what will come of the church in the last days?

So then, I read with… interest(?) no, sadness: this article on A Common Word Between Us and You and I was grieved with the truthiness of the letter, the error and the misrepresentation and twisting of Truth. The Lord God - is not a universal or common god of each religion as is claimed. It is at once untrue and impossible. And, further, the first two Commandments are not the same in the two different religions as the article states - neither can they be. The letter says that “God’s goodness is infinite and not bound by anything…” — I would say that God’s goodness is bound by Truth - God is not a man that He could lie.

But, while the article itself was grievous and all the subtle nuances surrounding it, the deeper regret is at least one of the signatories whose name is toward the end of the alphabet near the bottom of the page. Actually, I’m not really at all surprised by Hybels and Schuller… but that last one?

As I was saying yesterday… the lack of moral character, knowledge and reverence for the Word of God and faith in the only True and Living God through Jesus Christ our Lord, is evidenced more and more - this article is more proof of that.

“Everything must change.” that’s the new lie mantra… and you’ve got to wonder: Is it not grievous that the Truth is being exchanged for a lie? Where does the Bible fit in all of this and where is the Lord (of the shifters) in all of this?

“Shifts: Rediscovering Spiritual Formation: From Monastic Communities to the emergent church, spiritual formation continues to shift and change a whole new generation of Christians.”

And then there’s: Center for Action and Contemplation

And then there’s Summerhill…

And if that wasn’t enough, my friend sent me this article… for the mix of today’s tossed salad of news in the contemporary ‘church’ today.

wow.

\o/
/^\

Posted in The Church Today | Print | 4 Comments »

November 28, 2007 by pamela.

These verses continue to weigh heavily on my mind in the last couple of years and particularly in recent months as leaders of great multitudes wander from the Truth of the Scripture and the deity and supremacy of the Lord Jesus and of the Word of God. I meditate on verses of promise and trust that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises. As we live and move about in these days, I pray that none will be deceived by the foolishness that is called truth.

As we read in Ephesians 4.14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

So much that is being taught sounds lofty and true… sounds like the Scriptures might sound. This is a very clever tool of the enemy… ever seeming like the truth. This is why we must know the Word of God… we must study the Word and be so familiar with it that we will be swift to spot counterfeits. We must watch the signs of the times, we must be as Bereans - with readiness of mind, search the scriptures daily to see whether things be as they are being taught or to compare what we see and hear with the Scriptures — if they are being (mis)represented. We mustn’t be as silly women and I do fear that the internet is a potentially great snare for women to be silly — to be tossed to and fro — to be led astray by all the many enticing tales. We mustn’t give attention to things that are counter to the Word and counter to the Truth.

When we see ministry out of sync with the Word or distorting the Truth of the Word, and the entertaining, lofty endeavors contrary to the Gospel, then we must be watchful that we not be led to discount the Word of God in favour of a personality — or be pragmatic concerning things that are contrary to faith. When emerging personalities smoothly entice us with mystical ways, interesting purposes and high sounding ideas, we must be very careful what’s set before us and measure our steps wisely… when heads of organizations or denominations make unholy alliances or indirectly infer that all roads lead to heaven: be not silly and be not tossed to and fro. There is but One. There is but one Way.

Stand. “…And having done all to stand. Stand therefore…” Take hold of it, know it, guard it, trust in it. Stand on the Truth. And be not silly.

2 Timothy 3.1-7
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

1 Peter 1.2-9

“…Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

 

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November 14, 2007 by pamela.

Sisters… I pray you will set about to redeem the time and walk circumspectly. Study the Bible - and then as you go about your life… be very careful to take what you hear and read and line it up against the Word of God. You will hear many doctrines, many traditions of men, many wonderful - unbelievable, delightful stories that will warm your heart and make you feel so good and happy. Be very careful to not get caught up in the snares of deception. The enemy is subtle - so subtle that you might begin to believe things you never thought you’d believe but the enemy has made them so sweet and sincere and familiar that it’s hard to distinguish real truth from real lies.

Numbers 23.19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

Be sure. Be very sure. There is only one place you will find the Truth or the basis of what you believe. You’re not going to find it in a message somewhere (though a message might be proclaiming the truth: be sure to prove all things and hold fast that which is good). You’re not going to find the Truth in traditions of men. You’re not going to find the Truth based on your feelings - or, rather, how you feel about what you hear somewhere. The Truth is in the Bible. And the Bible is very clear. And the Spirit of God is very clear. Be very careful what you read - where you read it and what you do with what you read.

Weigh everything in the balance of God’s Word. Read it. Know it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Live it.

1John 2.27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. “

Be very careful about the big tents. There are some very big shows going on around the world in some pretty big tents. And in the big tents there are a lot of messages being shared. Andthe big tents are attractive and attracting lots and lots of people. Don’t be deceived by numbers of people. Test what you hear. Listen and compare what you hear with what you read in God’s Word.

Watch.
Watch and wait.
Watch and wait and listen.

Read in 1 Kings, the story of Elijah. This portion is key: (1Kings 19.11-12)
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. “

“…A still small voice.”  Listen for it.  Listen for the Voice of the Lord.

There are many things changing day by day… you will be amazed if you simply watch. If you watch and listen.

2Peter 3.2-18
“That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Chris