WARNING YOU WITH TEARS WEDNESDAY

Welcome to another post in the series of posts that I have entitled, Warning You With Tears Wednesdays. Lord willing, at least once a month on Wednesdays I will be writing and sharing one of these posts with you so that I can make you all aware of some important information that I come across on the Internet that you may not have heard about.
Since I knew that I would soon be starting a new part-time job (and I did in June) and that my free time would then be somewhat limited, I was trying to think of something that I could write on a regular basis that would be short and to the point (at least that was my intention). And since I am a detective-at-heart and desire to make you all aware of the importance of testing things that pastors and teachers say (and do) in light of Scripture (Acts 17:11), the idea to do these posts — as well as the name — came to my mind in November of 2014, based on Acts 20:26-31:

“For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

So with all of that in mind, here is what I’d like to share with you in today’s WARNING YOU WITH TEARS WEDNESDAY:

Those of you who are Bible believing Christians and are not only stunned at the acceleration of world events, the rise of moral decay, and the apostasy that we are witnessing among many professing Christians these days, but also are shocked at the fact that many Christians are embracing the many mystical, New Age practices that are entering many churches these days, you are probably as certain as I am that the return of Jesus Christ may be sooner than any of us could even imagine! Just consider these new hi-tech devises that are enticing people to buy into these ideas! Sadly, many will be seduced into purchasing them without even giving any thought to the fact that they are revealing highly personal information to more people than they realize, and they don’t stop to think of the many possible consequences! As you read these articles, keep in mind what God’s Word reveals to us in Chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation!

1) FORGET CREDIT CARDS NOW YOU CAN PAY WITH YOUR EYES – SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE

2) BRAIN-SCANNING SOFTWARE BLOCKS YOUR NOTIFICATIONS WHILE YOU’RE BUSY – TRUNEWS

For those of you who enjoyed some of the past movies produced by the Kendrick Brothers, such as Flywheel, Facing The Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous and have been alarmed to hear that Beth Moore and Priscilla Schirer, are in their new movie, War Room, here’s a very balanced review of the movie written  by  Seth Dunn:

WAR ROOM: A REVIEW OF THE MOVIE AND THE INDUSTRY SURROUNDING IT

 

 

If you’d like, you can also read a post that I previously wrote concerning Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore that has a lot of additional information that I found on Lighthouse Trails Research. This information will show you that they both promote Contemplative Prayer and mysticism:

HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL LEADERSHIP, CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP, AND THE LACK OF BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

And speaking of mysticism, here’s an article that I found posted at  Lighthouse Trails Research with information you need to know so that you will not be deceived by those who may try to lead you into having “experiences with God” instead of telling you that you will come to know God through His Word, the Bible. Beware of those who may tell you:  “God can be found only in the silence.”

NEW BOOKLET TRACT: BIG NOISY GOD — DISPELLING THE RUMOR THAT GOD CAN BE FOUND “ONLY IN THE SILENCE”

 

For those of you who have been waiting for the release of Ray Comfort’s full movie, Audacity, here it is! Let’s be in prayer that God will open the eyes and hearts of those who will choose to watch this movie, that they will see and respond to the truth presented in this movie — especially the truth of God’s Word that is shared in this movie — no matter what a person’s reason may be for watching it!

Do you remember this video of Jefferson Bethke that went viral when it was posted on 1/10/12? (Amount of views at the time that I posted this video: 29,917,192).

And do you know that discerning sense that you get when you first hear about something  Christian related becoming very popular, such as the above  video, as well as Purpose Driven Life, The Shack, and Jesus Calling? Well, as a friend played the above video for me a couple of years ago, I sensed something was not quite right, but I never got around to doing research on it. Then, just last week, I came across this information posted by Lighthouse Trails Research. (I’ll give you a hint: Jeff Bethke attended Mark Driscoll’s church).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WHAT ABOUT JEFF BETHKE’S BOOK JESUS > RELIGION? — A BOOK WITH AN AGENDA

NEW BOOKLET TRACT: THEY HATE CHRISTIANITY BUT LOVE (ANOTHER) JESUS

I’ll end this post with another article by Lighthouse Trails Research that was written by Harry A. Ironside to bring glory to God:

IRONSIDE: A WONDERFUL EXPECTATION!–HE IS COMING AGAIN!

AMEN! Come, Lord Jesus! But please first draw our loved ones to Yourself who have not yet placed their full trust in Your completely propitiatory sacrifice on the cross as full payment for their sins! Please grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of Satan who has taken them captive to do his will, and that they would choose to do Your will. Fill them with a godly sorrow that brings repentance that leads them to salvation, and that they would not just have a worldly sorrow that only leads to death. Help them to come to know of Your mercy, Your grace, and Your forgiveness, and that they would choose this day to serve You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen! (Prayer based on: John 6:44, 2 Timothy 2:25,26, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Titus 3:4-7)

Thank you very much for stopping by and taking time out of your busy day to read some of my posts and poems.

God Bless You

~Mary Dalke/Living4HisGlory

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” Revelation Chapter 13 King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”        (1 Timothy 4:1)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when  men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17-4:1-4)

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:6-8)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

“But evil men and imposters will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:4-8)

RELATED POSTS

BEWARE OF BETH MOORE’S DANGEROUS BIBLE TWISTING

WHEN WE BEHOLD YOUR GLORY

WOULD YOU BE READY

HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL LEADERSHIP, CHRISTIAN LEADERS, AND THE LACK OF BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

In the search for choosing Christian teachers to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15) it seems that some Christian leaders at Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows are among the many today who have forgotten the importance of Biblical discernment. Some may believe that since a person is a professing Christian and a gifted and popular speaker and Bible teacher, as well, that their words and teachings must then be trustworthy.  But what happened to Biblical discernment and the commands in Scripture that we are to test the words of men — and women — in light of Scripture?  (Acts 17:11) Have pastors forgotten their important roles to be shepherds who are to watch over their sheep and how Scripture warns that they are to ‘keep watch over themselves and their flock,’ and that Scripture says that ‘even from our own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them,’ and how we are to ‘be on guard?’  (Acts 20)

Some of those questions — and more — came to mind when, on Sunday, March 9th, 2014, I saw on Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows ‘weekly sermon’ page that they were informing women that a new DVD series by Priscilla Shirer entitled ‘GIDEON: YOUR WEAKNESS GOD’S STRENGTH‘ would be starting soon, as you can see from the ‘screen capture’ below:

Great title, for sure!  But this is the question that all of us need to answer: Does everything she teach line up with Scripture?  Well, since the reason for writing this post is to warn those at Harvest Bible Chapel (as well as others) about Bible teacher, author, and speaker, Priscilla Shirer, the answer to that question is: No.

In the past I have read some posts written about Priscilla Shirer warning about some of the unbiblical things she teaches, as well as some of the false teachers she associates with, but I couldn’t quite remember all the details, so I decided to do my own investigation by listening to some of her videos so I could then share with you what I found after testing what she said against Scripture. (Acts 17:11)

One thing I learned about her that I wasn’t aware of before, is that her father is Christian Pastor, speaker, and author, Dr. Tony Evans, who also has a radio program on Moody radio.  I also discovered that she was one of the  speakers at Moody’s ‘Founders Week‘ this past February 2014, and that she preached from Chapter 6 of Deuteronomy to a large group of women –and men.  (Hmmm. Doesn’t God’s Word say in 1 Timothy 3:14,15, and 2:11-15 that a woman is not to be put in a position of teaching men?)  Please consider taking some time to listen to the videos I posted below, and think carefully about what she is saying in light of Scripture and see what conclusions you come to.  Yes, she presents herself very well, and holds her audience’s attention, but does she focus on the truth recorded in Scripture?  Or does she — at times — share with her predominantly Christian audience something entirely different –and even unbiblical?

First of all, if any of you are not aware of what ‘Contemplative/Centering Prayer‘ is, I would like to ask you to please take the time to read this excellent article written by Pastor Gary Gilley of Southern View Chapel, so that you are aware of what to look for when you listen to Priscilla Shirer and others (such as Beth Moore) who, in different degrees, promote this unbiblical method of  so-called ‘prayer’ that teaches you ‘how to hear ‘God’ speak to you’:

PASTOR GARY GILLEY – CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

 

Priscilla Shirer on Gideon

 

Priscilla Shirer Discusses the 5 Ps of Bible Study.mov

 

He Speaks To Me – In this video Priscilla says,  “ ‘He Speaks To Me’ is about preparing ourselves, positioning ourselves to hear the voice of our Savior.”

 

Speak Lord

 

Priscilla Shirer – Founders Week 2014

 

Priscilla Shirer announcing being at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church along with Beth Moore and Christine Caine

 

Priscilla Shirer with Joyce Meyer

 

An example of Joyce Meyer‘s False Teachings

 

‘Stewarding the Presence’ – Priscilla Shirer at Brian Houston‘s Hillsong Conference 2011

 

Chris Rosebrough Sermon Reviews — Warning people about the dangers of Brian Houston:

FIGHTING FOR THE FAITH: BEREAN ADVISORY: BRIAN HOUSTON

 

Priscilla Shirer – along with Beth Moore (another teacher that is highly promoted at Harvest Bible Chapel, and many other churches, as well) and many others — made a DVD entitled, ‘BE STILL,’ in which the main message is ‘how to hear from God.’

Time With God – Excerpt from the DVD ‘Be Still’

INFORMATION CONCERNING ‘CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER’ IN THE ‘BE STILL’ DVD:

‘LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH PROJECT’ –  ‘BE STILL DVD’

Though we are not to judge the heart and motives of a Christian, or where they stand concerning their relationship with Jesus Christ, we are told in  Scripture that we are to ‘make a right judgment,’ and that we are to ‘examine the Scriptures daily to see if what is being said (by those who claim to speak for Christ) is true,’ and how we are to ‘test all things and hold fast to what is true,’  (John 7:24, Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22) and we are also told to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”  (Jude 3) 

I am sure that most of you have heard the expression, ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover,”  but sometimes the title of a book (or video) can be very telling on what an author is trying to convey through their words.  With that in mind, please take a look at some of the ‘screen captures‘ of Priscilla Shirer‘s books and a comment made by someone who has read her books:

Note that Beth Moore wrote the forward to Priscilla’s following book:

ALL ABOVE QUICK CAPTURES WERE TAKEN FROM AMAZON.COM

Equally telling are the books that someone reads:

SOURCE

As you can see from the list of books that Priscilla reads, some of them are: ‘The Practice of the Presence of God,’ by Brother Lawrence, ‘Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home,’ by Richard Foster, and ‘When the Soul Listens‘ by Jan Johnson.  All three of these writers heavily promote ‘Contemplative Prayer.’  

Here’s a screen shot from Lighthouse Trails Website of Jan Johnson‘s book, ‘When the Soul Listens,’ in which you can clearly see that Jan Johnson indeed teaches ‘Contemplative Prayer.’

SOURCE

**ADDED 3-13-14** And in case you are not aware of what the ‘CLOUD OF UNKNOWING‘ is that is mentioned in Jan Johnson’s book as you can see in the ‘quick capture’ above, below you will see another ‘quick capture’ from a post on Lighthouse Trails in which you can clearly see that it is connected with the mystical and unbiblical practice of ‘Contemplative Prayer.’

To continue reading on LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS, click HERE

Sadly, the emphasis today seems to be growing more and more on having ‘experiences with God’ rather than wanting to take the time to study God’s Word in context and teaching it that way, as well.

**UPDATED 3-13-14 1:22 P.M.  Because there is obviously a shift taking place from learning about God through His Word to seeking to ‘hear God speak,’ it is very obvious now why so many are easily being led into accepting unbiblical and mystical practices such as ‘Contemplative/Centering Prayer.’  But there is no excuse for any Christian to fall for these spiritually deceptive practices if we stay in God’s Word and test everything in light of Scripture and become informed about these unbiblical practices. There are many good websites with great information on these topics. Personally, I highly recommend the writings of: PASTOR GARY GILLEY,   LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS,  HERESCOPE, and APPRISING MINISTRIES, because they are Biblical and write in depth about all of these unbiblical practices, as well as expose those who promote them. But as always, please make sure that you test everything against Scripture! (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22)

I am sure that Priscilla is probably a lovely person, but what she sometimes presents in her teachings can be very misleading, and has the potential of leading many Christians away from Biblical truth and into unbiblical ‘new age’ mysticism!  To hear a teacher present to you that ‘you can hear God personally speak to you’ is to imply that God’s Word is no longer sufficient, and will lead many away from Biblical truth and into ‘spiritual deception.‘  (Such as Sarah Young is doing through her ‘Jesus Calling‘ devotional).

Harvest Bible Chapel and other Christian leaders must not only make sure that they teach solid Biblical truth, but also they must make sure that the teachers they invite do as well, and that the Bible Studies they present to their people focus on God’s Word and that they believe in the sufficiency of Scripture and teach that God’s Word is all we need to come to know God in a very deep and personal way, and that none of them promote unbiblical mystical practices.  [Which reminds me to warn all of you at HBCRM that James MacDonald will be speaking at a Pastor’s Conference in June entitled ‘SHOW US YOUR GLORY,‘ along with Francis Chan and —Rick Warren!  About this conference we are told that many…

“…have been working, praying and planning to create a meeting where the presence of God is experienced in a life changing powerful way.”  (Emphasis is mine). 

And since Rick Warren promotes ‘Contemplative Prayer,’ is it possible that some of their plans may include unbiblical mystical practices since they desire to  ‘experience the presence of God?’  Lord willing, I may write on that after it takes place –if I am somehow able to view that conference. As I mentioned in a couple of my other posts, ‘we are seeing James becoming more and more involved with Rick Warren,’ and that gives many of us good reasons to become seriously concerned and equally motivated to pray even more for James!

Please continue to pray for James and all those in leadership, not only at Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows, but also for all Christian pastors and teachers.  Pray discernment for them and  that they would seek God in His Word and not be led astray by those who promote unbiblical ways to “hear from God.”

Pray discernment for all Christians so that they will hunger for God’s Word, and pray that the Holy Spirit will ‘guide them into all truth,’  (John 16:13) so they will not be led into spiritual deception.  God’s Word warns us in 2 Timothy 4:3 and 1 Timothy 4:1:

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

That time is clearly upon us!  Please do not be deceived!  Please…

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ( 2 Timothy 2:15)

Thank you for stopping by and taking time out of your busy day to read some of my posts and poems.

God Bless You

~Mary Dalke/Living4HisGlory

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a)

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first…”  (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear want to hear.  They will turn their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths.”  (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

“As for you, see what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.  And this is what He promised us –eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.  As for you the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.  But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in Him.”  (1 John 2:24-26)

FURTHER READING

PASTOR GARY GILLEY — DISCERNMENT AND REVELATION (INFORMATION ALSO ON BETH MOORE)

PASTOR GARY GILLEY — SACRED READING (LECTIO DIVINA)

RECOMMENDED BOOK

COMING SOON:

BEFORE RESURRECTION SUNDAY/EASTER 2014  –LORD WILLING:

MY TESTIMONY: FROM FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY, TO PEACE AND ASSURANCE — HOW GOD REVEALED THE TRUTH TO ME AS I WAS READING A CATHOLIC NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE – PART 2′

**UPDATED 3-13-14 9:17 P.M** ADDED RELATED SCRIPTURES AND ‘IS THAT YOU, LORD?’ VIDEO

**UPDATED 3-13-14 1:22 P.M.** ADDED LINKS TO WEBSITES THAT EXPOSE ‘CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER’ AND OTHER FORMS OF UNBIBLICAL MYSTICAL PRACTICES THAT ARE MAKING THEIR WAY INTO THE CHURCH, AND A FEW MORE COMMENTS.

**UPDATED 3-13-14 12:51 P.M.** ADDED INFORMATION FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS ON THE ‘CLOUD OF UNKNOWING’ WHICH IS IN ONE OF THE BOOKS THAT PRISCILLA SHIRER READS.

**UPDATED 3-13-14 9:08 A.M.** ADDED INFORMATION ABOUT PRISCILLA SHIRER CONCERNING HILLSONG CONFERENCE AND JOYCE MEYER