News in English.

Edition finished for this site.

2011-06-28T01:12:00.002+02:00

First Time Ever: United Nations Passes Resolution on Homosexual Rights.

2011-06-28T00:48:00.001+02:00

LTRP Note: The following is posted, not as an endorsement of content but for information and research purposes only.

Frank Jordans
Associated Press

GENEVA—The United Nations endorsed the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people for the first time ever Friday, passing a resolution hailed as historic by the U.S. and other backers and decried by African and Islamic countries.

The declaration was cautiously worded, expressing “grave concern” about abuses suffered by people because of their sexual orientation, and commissioning a global report on discrimination of gays. But activists called it a remarkable shift on an issue that has divided the global body for decades, and credited the Obama administration’s push for gay rights at home and abroad with helping win support for the resolution.

“This represents a historic moment to highlight the human rights abuses and violations that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face around the world based solely on who they are and whom they love,” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement. Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, june 27, 2011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roubini: 'Perfect Storm' May Rock World Economy by 2013.

2011-06-28T00:41:00.001+02:00

June 12.
Article: One World Government

A "perfect storm" of fiscal woe in the U.S., a slowdown in China, European debt restructuring and stagnation in Japan may converge on the global economy, New York University professor Nouriel Roubini said.

There's a one-in-three chance the factors will combine to stunt growth from 2013, Roubini, who predicted the global financial crisis, said in a June 11 interview in Singapore. Other possible outcomes are "anemic but OK" global growth or an "optimistic" scenario in which the expansion improves.

"There are already elements of fragility," he said. "Everybody's kicking the can down the road of too much public and private debt. The can is becoming heavier and heavier, and bigger on debt, and all these problems may come to a head by 2013 at the latest."

Elevated U.S. unemployment, a surge in oil and food prices, rising interest rates in Asia and trade disruption from Japan's record earthquake threaten to sap the world economy. Stocks worldwide have lost more than $3.3 trillion since the beginning of May, and Roubini said financial markets by the middle of next year could start worrying about a convergence of risks in 2013.

In the U.S., a failure to address the budget deficit risks a bond market "revolt," Roubini said. President Barack Obama's administration has been negotiating with Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, over cutting the federal government's long-term shortfall and raising the debt ceiling.

"We're still running over a trillion-dollar budget deficit this year, next year and most likely in 2013," Roubini said in a speech in Singapore on June 11. "The risk is at some point, the bond market vigilantes are going to wake up in the U.S., like they did in Europe, pushing interest rates higher and crowding out the recovery."

Japan's economy, the world's third-largest, slid into a recession last quarter after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis. The government is spending an initial 4 trillion yen ($50 billion) to clean up from the disaster, which is estimated to have caused as much as 25 trillion yen in economic damage.

Roubini in July 2006 predicted a "catastrophic" global financial meltdown that central bankers would be unable to prevent. The collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in 2008 sparked turmoil that led to the worst financial crisis since the 1930s.... Read Full Aritcle ....

Roger Oakland, june 27, 2011.
Understandthetimes.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

32 Signs That The Entire World Is Being Transformed Into A Futuristic Big Brother Prison Grid.

2011-06-21T21:08:00.000+02:00

May 26
Article: One World Government

Do you want your children and grandchildren to live in a futuristic "big brother" control grid where everything they do is watched, recorded, tracked and tightly controlled? Well, that is exactly where things are headed.

When you read the list below, each of the 32 signs may not seem to be all that significant individually. However, when they are all taken together, they paint a truly frightening picture....

#1 The days of the free and open Internet are slowly coming to an end. Many nations around the world have implemented strict Internet censorship and many other nations are moving in that direction. With each passing year the level of freedom on the Internet diminishes.

Regulation of the Internet has even become a primary topic of discussion at G-8 meetings. According to The New York Times, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is leading the charge for a more "civilized Internet"....Leaders of the Group of 8 industrialized countries are set to issue a provocative call for stronger Internet regulation, a cause championed by the host of the meeting, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, but fiercely opposed by some Internet companies and free-speech groups.Why are free speech groups strongly opposing what Sarkozy is trying to do? It is because western governments want to kill liberty and freedom on the Internet just like China is doing. The Internet has been a great tool for waking people up and distributing information, and the control freaks that want to run all of our lives do not like that one bit.

#2 Internet censorship in China, the largest nation on earth, is absolutely brutal. The Chinese government blocks any websites that talk about such topics as the Dalai Lama, the 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square protesters and Falun Gong. Even web searches for the English word "freedom" are blocked.

#3 Starting next year, all new cellphones will be required to contain a chip that will allow the president to broadcast "emergency alerts" to the cellphones whenever the president wants. Cellphone users will not be allowed to opt out of the presidential messages. The following is how a CBS news report describes the new system....

A new national alert system is set to begin in New York City that will alert the public to emergencies via cell phones. It's called the Personal Localized Alert Network or PLAN. Presidential and local emergency messages as well as Amber Alerts would appear on cell phones equipped with special chips and software.

#4 The U.K. has more surveillance cameras per citizen than anywhere else in the world. In fact, according to one estimate, there are 4.8 million video cameras constantly watching every move citizens make.

#5 A "certified TSA official" was brought in to oversee student searches at the Santa Fe High School prom last weekend. Will this kind of thing soon be happening at every high school in America?

#6 The U.S. Department of Agriculture is spending huge amounts of money to install surveillance cameras in the cafeterias of public schools so that government control freaks can closely monitor what our children are eating. The following is how a recent article posted on Infowars.com describes this new program....

Billed as part of an effort to reduce obesity and improve eating habits, small cameras are programmed to take snapshots of lunch trays before and after each student eats. Each child is uniquely identifiable via a barcode attached to the tray. The amount of calories and nutrients that each child has consumed is then calculated via a database containing 7,500 different varieties of food.

#7 The EU is spending hundreds of millions of euros on propaganda campaigns in an attempt to convince the citizens of Europe that the EU is good for them.

#8 Today, FBI surveillance teams regularly employ warrantless GPS tracking to monitor the movements of peaceful activists - even if they are not suspected of ever committing a crime. The Obama administration is fighting in court to keep this practice legal.

#9 According to FBI Director Robert Mueller, "homegrown terrorists" represent as big a threat to American national security as al-Qaeda does.

#10 Federal VIPR teams are establishing a series of "internal checkpoints" all across the United States. The following is how a recent article by Paul Joseph Watson described these VIPR team activities....

The TSA has announced its intention to expand the VIPR program to include roadside inspections of commercial vehicles, setting up a network of internal checkpoints and rolling out security procedures already active in airports, bus terminals and subway stations to roads and highways across the United States.

#11 Thousands of "dysfunctional" families in the U.K. are being subjected to intensive 24-hour surveillance to make sure that their children attend school, go to bed on time and eat proper meals.

#12 U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer says that Amtrak should have a "no ride list" similar to the "no fly list" used at U.S. airports. Before you can get on an airplane today, your name is checked to make sure that it is not on any international watch lists. So what do you have to do to get on an international watch list? Nobody really knows.

#13 U.K. authorities are now admitting that every phone call, text message, email and website visit made by private citizens will be stored for one year and will be available for monitoring by government agencies.

#14 The amount of cell phone surveillance that goes on is absolutely staggering. For example, one German politician named Malte Spitz recently went to court to force Deutsche Telekom to reveal how often his cell phone was being tracked. What he found out was absolutely amazing. It turns out that in just one 6 month period, Deutsche Telekom recorded the longitude and latitude coordinates of his cell phone 35,000 times.

#15 DARPA has now developed new video surveillance technology that many are warning will bring about the end of public anonymity. The following is how the ExtremeTech blog is describing this new technology....

To be in public is to be on camera, but most video footage is discarded, as only so much can be sorted and analyzed -- until now. DARPA has created a technology that can index and analyze video in real-time, marking the end of anonymity in public places.

#16 In the U.K., it is now illegal to photograph the police for any reason whatsoever.

#17 Police in the U.K. have purchased software that will enable them to easily follow the "digital footprints" of virtually anyone. The following is how one recent news report in the U.K. described this new software....

The Metropolitan Police has bought Geotime, a security programme used by the U.S. military which tracks suspects' movements and communications and displays them on a three-dimensional graphic. The software aggregates information gathered from social networking sites, GPS devices like the iPhone, mobile phones, financial transactions and IP network logs to build a detailed picture of an individual's movements.

#18 In Tacoma, Washington a seventh grade student was recently questioned by the Secret Service about a message that he posted on his Facebook page. Be very careful about what you put up on Facebook or Twitter. The entire world can see it.

#19 According to the ACLU, state police in Michigan are using "extraction devices" to download data from the cellphones of motorists that they pull over. This is taking place even if those pulled over are not accused of doing anything wrong. The following is how an article on CNET News describes the capabilities of these "extraction devices"....

The devices, sold by a company called Cellebrite, can download text messages, photos, video, and even GPS data from most brands of cell phones. The handheld machines have various interfaces to work with different models and can even bypass security passwords and access some information.

#20 Last year, one shocking poll found that 51 percent of Americans agree with this statement: "It is necessary to give up some civil liberties in order to make the country safe from terrorism."

#21 The MPAA and RIAA have submitted their master plan for enforcing copyright rights to the new Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement and it includes installing spyware on everyone's computers that would detect and delete any infringing materials.

#22 The U.K.'s new Internet law includes a "three strikes" rule that allows your entire family to be cut off from the Internet if anyone who lives in your house is accused of copyright infringement - without proof or evidence or trial.

#23 Would you like to have your face scanned and your ID recorded every time you attend a public event? Don't laugh. The San Francisco Entertainment Commission is actually proposing a new rule which "would require all venues with an occupancy of over 100 people to record the faces of all patrons and employees and scan their ID's for storage in a database which they must hand over to law enforcement on request."

#24 Today, the U.S. government and governments all over the industrialized world have become so obsessed with reducing carbon emissions that now they even tell us what kinds of light bulbs we are allowed to buy.

#25 The Obama administration is developing a universal "Internet ID" program that would watch, track, monitor and potentially control your activity on the Internet. These "trusted identities" are being touted as a way to increase safety and security on the Internet and as a way to eliminate the need for dozens of different usernames and passwords.

#26 As I have written about previously, the "Internet kill switch" is rapidly becoming one of the favorite new tools of tyrannical governments all over the globe....

Once upon a time, the Internet was a bastion of liberty and freedom, but now nation after nation is cracking down on it. In fact, legislation has been introduced once again in Congress that would give the president of the United States an "Internet kill switch" that he would be able to use in the event of war or emergency. Of course there would be a whole lot of wiggle room in determining what actually constitutes a true "emergency". The members of Congress that are pushing this "Internet kill switch" bill want the U.S. to become more like China in this regard.

#27 A shocking document released by Wikileaks proves that high level U.S. government officials have been pushing for North American integration. According to the document, some of the goals of this integration would be to turn North America into an economic zone similar to the EU, to have one common currency for the entire continent and to have one common "security perimeter" for the entire continent.

#28 One of the most liberty-killing pieces of legislation in recent years was the Patriot Act. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Republicans and the vast majority of Democrats will never vote against the renewal of the Patriot Act because they don't want to look "soft" on terrorism.

#29 If you display the wrong political message on your car, you may find law enforcement officials cracking down on you. A 73-year-old Virginia resident was recently kicked out of a national park for displaying a sticker promoting "Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty" on his car. The following is an excerpt from a recent Rutherford Institute report about this incident....

The Rutherford Institute has come to the defense of a 73-year-old Virginia resident who was allegedly ordered by a park ranger to remove his car from a national military park in South Carolina because of political messages attached to his vehicle. Jack Faw, whose ancestors fought in the historic battle memorialized at Kings Mountain National Military Park, contacted The Rutherford Institute after being told by a park ranger that the decal promoting a political organization associated with Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), which was displayed on the back window of Faw's car, was not allowed in the park.

#30 Brutal crowd control techniques are not just for major events anymore. Recently, riot police in Illinois used tear gas, LRAD sound weapons and crowd suppression tactics against a bunch of college students that were just blowing off some steam at a year-end block party at Western Illinois University.

#31 The U.S. government is gathering more information on all of us than ever before. According to a recent article in the Baltimore Sun, every six hours the volume of information that the NSA gathers is equivalent to the entire Library of Congress. Nobody is anonymous anymore. The truth is that the U.S. government, governments across the globe and major international corporations have more information about you than you probably ever dared to imagine.

#32 If you think things are bad now, just wait until you see what global authorities have planned for the future... Read more here.

Roger Oakland, June 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Google Wallet turns phones into credit cards.

2011-06-21T21:02:00.000+02:00

May 26
Article: Technology For Global Monetary System

On Thursday, at a press event in New York, Google unveiled a new mobile payments system called Google Wallet, which will let users swipe their handsets the same way they swipe their credit cards. Details are still coming in, but it appears Google Wallet will launch first on the Sprint edition of the Nexus S 4G smartphone, before eventually being rolled out to other devices.

"At first, Google Wallet will support both Citi MasterCard and a Google Prepaid Card, which you'll be able to fund with almost any payment card," Google engineers Rob von Behren and Jonathan Wall wrote on the Google blog. "From the outset, you'll be able to tap your phone to pay wherever MasterCard PayPass is accepted."

So what else does Google have in store? (Ahem.) "Loyalty schemes and coupons will obviously play a big part in Google Wallet," writes Bill Ray of the Register. Ray expects that Google will keep electronic wallets "stuffed with tokens and offers as well as payment applications"; he also believes it's "likely that Google will take this opportunity to launch a payment platform for use both offline and online."

"We're about to embark on a new era of commerce where we bring online and offline together," Google exec Stephanie Tilenius said at the press event, according to CNN. "We believe the shopping experience has not yet been transformed by technology or by magical experiences. Now, your phone can be your wallet -- you just tap, pay, and save." .... Read more here.

Roger Oakland, June 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obama Signs Proclamation Recognizing June as LGBT Pride Month .

2011-06-21T20:52:00.002+02:00

June 1
Article: Perlous Times

On Tuesday, President Obama declared June as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) month. Obama has issued similar proclamations in prior years by issuing the proclamation each year he has been in office. Obama wasn't the first president to issue a proclamation recognizing the LGBT community. Former President Bill Clinton issued the first one in June of 1999.

The proclamation reads in part, "The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union. It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law."

According to a recent study released in April of this year by Dr. Gary Gates and The Williams Institute, an arm of the UCLA School of Law, "An estimated 3.5 percent of adults in the United States identify themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and an estimated 0.3 percent of adults as transgender."

Obama also mentioned his repeal of the "don ask, don't tell" policy by saying, "With this repeal, gay and lesbian Americans will be able to serve openly in our Armed Forces for he first time in our Nation's history. Our national security will be strengthened and the heroic contributions these Americans make to our military, and have made throughout our history, will be fully recognized."

Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst for Focus on the family expressed the group's frustration with the president's actions, saying, "To the detriment of the family, President Obama continues to affirm the homosexual lifestyle by issuing this proclamation each year."

Horne went on to say, "It's clear the president's goal of wanting to affirm homosexuality in our culture is a top priority for the administration. While we're not surprised by his actions, we simply see it as another reminder of his commitment to redefine marriage outside of one man and one woman."

According to recent Gallup polls, more than half (56 percent) of Americans say gay or lesbian relations is morally acceptable and 40 percent believe being gay is "something a person is born with." Support for homosexuality has also hit a record high this year with 64 percent of Americans saying gay or lesbian relations between consenting adults should be legal... Read more here.

Roger Oakland, June 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE EMERGENT MANIFESTO (of Hope?)

2011-06-20T23:46:00.000+02:00

by Roger Oakland
Understand the Times

Do you remember the Communist and Humanist Manifestos? Do you recall the statements that were made to establish the religion of atheism and humanism? Now we have the Emerging Church Manifesto. If you have not read it, you should. Apostasy is underway.

The word manifesto is a fairly strong term. The idea that a document has been drafted promoting a particular position designed to change the planet is clearly insinuated. However in the case of Christianity, the promotion of a manifesto at the beginning of the 21st century implies that Christianity needs to be upgraded to provide a new and re-invented belief system.

Such is the case with the publication of a book titled Emergent Manifesto of Hope edited by Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones, two emergent leaders both members of Leadership Network, a think tank group of Christians founded in the 80’s by Bob Buford and inspired by Peter Drucker. This group led an onslaught of ideas promoting the emerging church as we know it.

The Emergent Manifesto of Hope is a declaration to the world and the church that Christianity as we once knew it, will be no more. Clearly there is an agenda by all contributing authors that the next generation of Christians will be devoted to building the kingdom, through and by whatever means it takes.

For example, one of the contributors is Samir Selmanovic who wrote:
The emerging church movement has come to believe that the ultimate context of the spiritual aspirations of a follower of Jesus Christ is not Christianity but rather the kingdom of God. …to believe that God is limited to it [Christianity] would be an attempt to manage God. If one holds that Christ is confined to Christianity, one has chosen a god that is not sovereign. [1]

I find this statement very interesting in light of what several of my former colleagues in Canada now believe. They believe they are training students to build the kingdom by taking “Jesus” to the people.
You see the emergent church is headed towards building a kingdom. This kingdom will include anyone and everyone. All religions are welcome. You can throw Jesus into the mix if you want. However the common denominator is not Jesus. The common denominator is the kingdom.

Further, Selmanovic clarifies what is meant by “kingdom building.” He stated:

Is our religion [Christianity] the only one that understands the true meaning of life? Or does God place his truth in others too? Well, God decides, and not us. The gospel is not our gospel, but the gospel of the kingdom of God, and what belongs to the kingdom of God cannot be hijacked by Christianity. [2]

Perhaps there are those who are going emerging and they don’t know where “emerging” is diverging from biblical Christianity. They only want to do what is effective to reach this generation for Jesus. This of course is understandable.

However, this is a perfect example of how deception works. You must always start with the truth. If you told the lie up front, then those with even the least bit of discernment would soon understand the plot. This is what has happened to many in the emerging church. What they are doing, they think, seems right. Now you have been warned. I hope and pray some will see the light. (For more information, read Roger Oakland’s book, Faith Undone.)

Note:
[1] Pagitt and Jones, editors, An Emergent Manifesto, p. 192
[2] Ibid. p. 194

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, June 20, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NIV also problem now, not just The Message.

2011-06-15T00:26:00.002+02:00

June 14, 2011.

By John Lanagan
My Word Like Fire Ministries

Record numbers have come to this blog to learn about The Message–particularly its omission of passages concerning homosexual sin, and insertion of what seems almost nature/earth reverence. (READ)

Yet, the NIV may ultimately prove at least as damaging as The Message. You may already have purchased one of the new (?) versions of the NIV, and these changes may just be the beginning.
Eric Barger warns about this. I hope you have time to consider this very important article. (READ_ABOUT_NIV)

I love my NASB. But the way things are going, we would probably be a lot better off if we had stayed with just the KJV.

Apparently, some believe the NIV scriptures don’t entirely belong to God. Here is what BibleGateway informs us:

“These Scriptures are copyrighted by the Biblica, Inc.™ and have been made available on the Internet for your personal use only. Any other use including, but not limited to, copying or reposting on the Internet is prohibited. These Scriptures may not be altered or modified in any form and must remain in their original context. These Scriptures may not be sold or otherwise offered for sale.” (COPYRIGHT) Click here to continue reading this article.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, June 14, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cost for Being Careless About the Gospel.

2011-06-15T00:22:00.000+02:00

June 14, 2011

Often times, people call our office asking what denomination we are. We realize that this is a probing question designed to find out more about us. The truth is, Lighthouse Trails Publishing has never been affiliated with any denomination. From the onset, nine years ago, we have always endeavored to be connected with the body of believers scattered throughout the world who are very concerned, as we are, with the state of the church today. Many of our readers have told us they felt very alone and even ostracized in witnessing the apostasy in the churches today prior to their finding our website and realizing there were other Christians who saw what they did.

We know firsthand how it feels to be labeled troublemakers for having legitimate concerns about what is happening in the church today. We too have felt disillusioned as we have witnessed a gradual departure in the churches from the Word of God. Pulpits throughout the land, many of which formerly proclaimed the biblical Gospel of God’s saving grace through the sacrifice on the Cross now espouse an assortment of pseudo-gospel, pop-psychology, seeker-friendly, Purpose-Driven, emerging, New Age, mystical/contemplative spirituality that may be chicken soup for the soul but what God calls an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). It is no wonder that God in referring to the lukewarm apostasy of today warns that He is ready to “spew thee” out of His mouth” (Revelation 3:16). How much better it would have been if churches and their pastors had stuck with John 3:16.

Out of this frog’s slow-cooking kettle, some emerged only to witness that a great many were staying in the pot. Many discerning believers now find they have become watchmen for the Lord, compelled by God to sound out a clear warning of the impending doom of the church. In fact, it appears that God has already turned His back on much of the institutional church today and is presently calling out believers from various denominations to stand up and be counted among those who refuse to comply with the compromised sensual-driven Christianity of today. Yes, God is calling out His own.

If you love Jesus Christ and His Word and if you really want to serve Him, now is the time to be fully surrendered to the Lord without reservation. Whatever the cost. We are invited to the wedding feast, ready to meet our Savior, with wicks trimmed and lamps burning. Now is the time to make ready.

Nearly on a daily basis, we witness our very earth, as if it were in birth pangs – be it nuclear disasters, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornados – or wars and rumors of war – while most people seem almost oblivious to what is happening (or may see something is amiss but do not turn to Scripture and Bible prophecy to understand the implications). Again, God is sounding out a warning to make ready.

Even now, while the reality of the Antichrist is looming closer and closer all the time, preachers and teachers are sitting at their desks inking out sermons that discredit Bible prophecy.

If you are a pastor, let us remind you that you have a great responsibility. When we first began Lighthouse Trails Publishing, we contacted our pastor at that time, trying to encourage him to warn his congregation of the apostasy that was beginning to creep into the church back then. His reply was that he lives in a bubble and consequently sees no need to warn his congregation about anything as long as he keeps expounding the Word to them. Our reply to him was “you may be in a bubble, but your congregation is not.” The question is this: if it is not the pastor’s job to warn his congregation of impending spiritual danger, whose job is it? In the Old Testament, the prophets referred to individuals with this kind of responsibility as watchmen or shepherds. The prophet Zechariah, for example, has much to say about the responsibilities of a shepherd in chapters 10 and 11. In referring to the spiritual condition of his day, he said:

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled because there was no shepherd. (Zechariah 10:2)

Nothing could speak more succinctly of the condition of the church today. We never dreamed in all our years as Christians that there would ever be such blatant heresy as we see in the organized Christian church today. Years ago, we would never have imagined that anyone would be given the green light to stand in front of a congregation and deny the atonement of Jesus Christ. Yet this is exactly what is happening in the emerging/progressive/contemplative “church” as well as in some of our Bible colleges and seminaries. Many have fallen from a great height, and we should be mourning as God surely must be mourning.

If you are a pastor who feels that it is not your calling to warn your congregation, let us remind you that the closest New Testament equivalent to the Old Testament watchmen or shepherd’s is the position of – a pastor. There is a time for speaking uplifting encouraging words of peace and comfort – but when ravenous wolves are about, is it not wiser to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2)?

WHAT IS THE TEST?
Sometimes we are asked, what is the criteria for deciding whether or not a doctrine or practice is biblical or validates criticism. Over the years, many pastors, elders, and youth pastors have contacted us and told us we have no business in doing what we are doing. We have often thought after hearing this that what we would like to say in reply is, “If you pastors were doing it, people like us wouldn’t have to.” It has not been a pleasant task, but the church needs to be warned of the impending danger. If you have read our books, then you understand what we are talking about.

But getting back to the question, what is the test for deciding if a particular teaching or practice validates criticism? There is but one test that we have used consistently from the inception of Lighthouse Trails. The Book of Proverbs says: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1).

And again from Proverbs: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good" (Proverbs 20:23).

It is interesting that Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, placed such emphasis on accurate scales. It is even more amazing that God would call false scales an abomination – amazing only until we realize that God is speaking of the spiritual – not just physical, scales here.

So what we are looking for is a spiritual balancing scale – something that will reappear throughout the Bible – through the Old and New Testaments. There is such a scale, a consistent theme, which John refers to in his first epistle:

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)

Some Bible commentators have believed that John was referring here to a particular sect who denied that Jesus Christ actually came in a human body. If that is all John meant, then this passage is of little relevance to us today, because you will scarcely find anyone who does not believe that Jesus as a historical figure was a man. But the name Jesus Christ in this passage is not a historical term; it is a name loaded with meaning – referring to Jesus as the Messiah, God come in the flesh, our Savior and Redeemer, who atoned for our sins. If we look at the context of 1 John 4, we can verify that this is what John is talking about because in it he says, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14). In other words, John is saying here, I am referring to the Jesus I wrote about in my gospel – the Word made flesh who in the beginning was with God and was God (see John, chapter 1).

This is the balancing scale we have been looking for. Just as all human history and our blessed hope hinges on what Jesus did on the Cross, so too we can weigh a doctrine or practice by whether or not it agrees with the fact that we are justified by faith alone through the atoning, redemptive work of Christ on the Cross. The question then is, does a particular doctrine or teaching agree with the Gospel the apostles all preached?

With this discerning tool in hand, if you stop to measure all of the world’s religions and systems, you will find that all of these are opposed to the Gospel. The natural man will not acknowledge the need for a Savior, consequently all of the world’s belief systems are works based – believing that it is possible to earn our way into Heaven or to become “Christ-like” through mysticism and “spiritual disciplines.” But the Gospel says it is not possible. John knew all too well the contrariness of the natural man and the world’s belief systems. That is why in the same chapter of his epistle, he offers another test:

[H]e that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6)

In other words, John is saying that when the world rejects you for sharing the Gospel, it is because the Spirit of truth is not in them.

Whichever way you look at it, the Gospel is the fulcrum of our balance in discerning truth from error. When Lighthouse Trails Publishing began, this became, and has always been, our standard of truth and also the deciding factor as to whether something is significant enough to bring to the attention of our readers. We are careful not to get involved in issues in the church where the Gospel is not attacked or compromised; but when it is we are compelled to speak up – because as believers in Christ, we are called to defend the Gospel; and is that not the calling of pastors?

The Gospel is the most precious thing on God’s heart, and it is worthy of our defense and protection. Wouldn’t you like to be remembered as a man (or woman) after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13: 14)? If so, then defend the Gospel.

You may recall that in the Old Testament the Israelites took great pains in transporting the Ark of the Covenant. According to the instructions given by God to Moses (Exodus 25:13-15), the Ark was to be carried by staves (poles) on the shoulders of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:15). However, in 1 Chronicles 13:7-10, contrary to Moses’ specific instructions, they put the Ark on a cart to be pulled by oxen. But the unexpected happened. When “Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled . . . the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him” (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). The priests and Levites, who were the “pastors” of that day, were careless about following Moses’ instructions; and it ended up costing a life. The Ark of the Covenant was a type and foreshadowing of the Gospel. It was sprinkled with blood to symbolize Christ’s death on the Cross. Today, similar to back then, so many pastors and Christian leaders have become careless about the Gospel. If you are one who has grown careless with the Gospel, isn’t it time to make some changes and return to following the instructions of the Lord?

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, June 14, 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middle East Quartet and EU support Obama on Israel.

2011-06-13T22:52:00.001+02:00

May 21
Article: Israel And The Last Days

The Middle East Quartet has issued a statement in support of President Obama's vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace. Earlier, the European Union had also agreed with Obama's proposal of Israel retreating to its 1967 borders.

According to the statement issued by the Quartet - which consists of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia - "moving forward on the basis of territory and security" is the foundation for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Russia has confirmed its support of Israel's reverting to its 1967 borders. "Russia has been continuously advocating the creation of an independent Palestinian state," said the head of the presidential administration, Sergey Naryshkin.

The European Union also expressed its support of President Obama's proposal. Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said she "warmly welcomes" the restoration of Israel's 1967 borders.

"We will do whatever is possible, working with our Quartet partners, to help both parties choose the path of peace and engage in successful negotiations," added Ashton.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting US President Obama in Washington on Friday, rejected Obama's proposition that Israel revert to its 1967 boundaries, saying this would make his country "indefensible."... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, June 13, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pulpit pals: Christians, Jews, Muslims plan shared worship.

2011-06-13T22:46:00.001+02:00

May 17
Article: Ecumenical Movement - Christians Uniting With Other Religions

Religious and human rights activists are asking U.S. churches to invite Jewish and Muslim clergy to their sanctuaries to read from sacred texts next month in an initiative designed to counter anti-Muslim bigotry.

The June 26 initiative, called "Faith Shared: Uniting in Prayer and Understanding," is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First. Leaders of the two Washington-based groups said the event hopes to demonstrate respect for Islam in the wake of Quran burnings in recent months.

"As a Christian minister who is a pastor in a local congregation, it is important to me for our nation and our world to know that not all Christians promote hate, attack religions different from their own and seek to desecrate the scripture of others," the Rev. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, said Tuesday.

More than 50 churches in 26 states already have committed to the initiative, including the Washington National Cathedral.

Tad Stahnke, director of policy and programs for Human Rights First, said he hopes the initiative will draw attention to religious freedom and counter negative stereotypes of Christian leaders making anti-Muslim statements.

"We want to send a message to the world," he said, "that Americans do respect religious differences and reject religious bigotry and the demonization of Islam or any other religion."... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, June 13, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24 SIGNS THAT YOUR CHURCH IS GOING PURPOSE DRIVEN.

2011-06-10T01:52:00.001+02:00

From Southwest Radio Church Ministries

1. Change in music to a contemporary rock style.
2. Removal of hymn books; eliminating the choir.
3. Replacement of organ and piano with heavy metal instruments.
4. Repetitive singing of praise lyrics.
5. Dressing down to casual and informal attire.
6. Elminating of business meetings, church committees, council of elders, board of deacons, etc.
7. The pastor, or a new leader with a few assistants, usually four, takes charge of all church business.
8. A repetitive 40-day Purpose Driven Church study program stressing psychological relationships with each other, the community, or the world, begins.
9. Funded budgeted programs are abandoned, or ignored, with ambiguous financial reports made.
10. Sunday morning, evening, and/or Wednesday prayer meetings are changed to other times; some may even be eliminated.
11. Sunday School teachers are moved to different classes, or replaced by new teachers more sympathetic with the changes being implemented.
12. The name “Sunday School” is dropped and classes are given new names.
13. Crosses and other traditional Christian symbols may be moved from both the inside and outside of the church building. The pulpit may also be removed.
14. In accordance with Rick Warren’s instructions, new version Bibles are used; or only verses flashed on a screen are referenced during regular services.
15. Purpose Driven Church films, purchased from Saddleback, precede or are used during regular services.
16. The decor, including the carpets, may be changed to eliminate any resemblance to the former church.
17. The word “church” is often taken from the name of the church, and the church may be called a “campus.” Denominational names may also be removed.
18. An emphasis on more fun and party sessions for the youth.
19. Elimination of altar calls or salvation invitations at the close of the services.
20. The elimination of such words as “unsaved,” “lost,” “sin,” “Hell,” “Heaven,” and other Gospel verities from the pastor’s messages.
21. The reclassification of the saved and lost to the “churched” and “unchurched.”
22. The marginalizing, or ostracizing, of all who are not avid promoters of the new Purpose Driven Program.
23. Closed meetings between the pastor or chosen staff members without any reports made to the general membership.
24. Open hostility to members who do not openly embrace the new program, or who may have left for another church.

You can download a copy of the entire article, “Is Your Church Going Purpose Driven? How Can You Tell?” for free from Southwest Radio Church’s website

Lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/, June 9, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open Letter To Evangelical and Protestant Pastors Worldwide – Now is the Day to Turn Back to God’s Word.

2011-05-31T15:43:00.004+02:00

From: Roger Oakland,
Understand The Times

The following letter is to all Bible-believing pastors throughout the world who have been or are being influenced by current trends that are attacking the Word of God through the postmodern humanistic mystical belief system. I have witnessed this deception firsthand on a worldwide basis but am most familiar with what has been happening in the two fellowships I have been part of for the past thirty years – one in Canada and one based in southern California.

It is with a heavy heart I write this open letter to those who consider themselves evangelical or Protestant pastors. While my desire is to do this respectfully and with the love of the Lord, I am compelled with a strong sense of responsibility to write this warning.

The fact is we are living in a time in history where there is great spiritual apostasy (a falling away), and sadly, many pastors don’t even realize it is happening. Others realize it but don’t know what to do about it, while still others see it but promote it anyway. The purpose of this letter is to shine light on the darkness that has crept into so many churches today.

For many years, I have documented my concerns about this apostasy and presented the evidence to the body of Christ. An article I wrote a few years ago called “Ichabod” described the departing of God’s Spirit from many churches. That article was later followed by the commentary “Is Your Denomination a Sinking Titanic?.” I believe we are witnessing the sinking of the Titanic at the present time. While most are still dancing around in the ballroom, a few have chosen to get off the boat. How many get off in time is the question that remains to be answered.

While I recognize that I am “marked” by some as someone who has caused division within the church, please understand I do not fear any man. I look to Jesus Christ and am committed to tell the truth whatever the cost. I know I have enemies among the “brethren” who insist that I remain silent. I have also been falsely accused and slandered by gossip as a means of discrediting me.

The Bible teaches that we should never fear man or follow man’s ways. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). We should fear God and His Word alone. Based upon what God revealed to Ezekiel (Chapter 3: 17-20), there is a biblical principal that cannot be overlooked. When God reveals deception and darkness, a watchman must speak out and tell the truth regardless of the circumstances and the consequences.

What I find very alarming is that many pastors who gave warnings in the past about End Times deception seem to have now ceased and become silent. Taking the place of the warnings are teachings or promotion on everything from church-growth, seeker-friendly, contemplative spirituality, Purpose Driven, postmodern/emerging spirituality to even a Catholic/Jesuit agenda.

These various teachings are not biblical Christianity, and for many pastors who once taught the Bible faithfully, these seductive teachings have pulled these pastors in a direction that negates so much of what they once stood for. It is not uncommon now to hear these pastors espousing those such as Mark Driscoll, Rob Bell, Richard Foster, and Rick Warren, all of whom de-emphasize Bible prophecy of the last days and emphasize the “Kingdom of God on earth” now.

Some pastors recognize that their own denominations or fellowships have turned or are turning away from the teachings of the Bible, yet so many have remained active participants of these denominations. As the years go by, these pastors do not speak up – they are silent. Is this silence an indication that they have bought into a sensual, carnal, three-legged stool plan that links hands with those such as Rick Warren and Tony Blair and is on the road to Rome for a One World Religion? I fear that for many that is the case. What may have begun as “looking the other way” has become outright rebellion in many cases. This is the way deception often happens.

We are living in the time of strong delusion that Paul wrote about (2 Thessalonians 2:11). If you are a Bible-believing pastor, shouldn’t you be helping to lead the way in warning about deception, not promoting the apostate agenda in any fashion?

Ecumenism within the church has been allowed to develop for years.When a pastor does not warn his flock about ecumenical apostasy, it sends the message that exposing apostasy is just not that important. When a church, organization, or denomination starts down the Road to Rome, there is very little chance of turning back – the pull is just too great. Nowhere in the Bible is it acceptable to join hands with those who promote another Jesus and another gospel like that of the Roman Catholic Church.

This is why John warned: come out of her (the harlot) and be set free (Revelation 18:4).

Some Personal Ministry History:
In June 1981, Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, invited me to fly down from my farm in Saskatchewan, Canada to speak at Costa Mesa at a four-night conference called “The Bible: Key to Understanding Science, History and the Future.” Seven years later, in the fall of 1988, Chuck Smith asked me to join the staff at Costa Mesa. My family moved to Orange County, California from Saskatchewan, Canada.

My position at Costa Mesa involved being an outreach from CCCM as an apologist in the area of creation and evolution. I also showed the association of the New Age Movement and its relationship to Bible Prophecy.

In 1991, after being on staff for three years, Understand The Times was founded as an independent ministry, separate from CCCM. However, UTT was still closely associated with CCCM and was given missionary support. The UTT association with Calvary Chapel pastors and missionaries encompassed the world for about twenty years.

During a fifteen year time period, UTT had an office on church property at CCCM from time to time. Understand The Times had a five-minute radio program that aired on KWAVE and CSN for over ten years. I also had close relationships with members of the Smith family including Chuck’s brother Paul and his son Jeff.

While many of my experiences and associations with those in Calvary Chapel had been good over the years, I observed many serious problems in the Calvary Chapel movement, especially in the last five years. Many Calvary Chapel pastors I know have admitted they also see these same warning signs, but most have not felt they could speak out.

The reason I am writing this letter as an open letter to all pastors is because I believe that many of the problems I witnessed while part of the Calvary Chapel movement are the same problems that many other Christian organizations and denominations are experiencing today. And many of these kinds of problems lead to deception and apostasy.

Common Problems in the Churches:
Today many evangelical and Protestant pastors are operating on the principal or idea that if their churches are small, there is something wrong with them. The “doctrine of big” has replaced the doctrine of being faithful to the Word of God. Along with this doctrine of big comes the subtle attitude that any “offensiveness” must be removed from the church. Thus, a watered-down gospel takes effect; and thus, people in the churches are not hearing the true Gospel. Crosses are removed, Bibles are left at home, hymns are stopped, and talk about the blood of Jesus and His atonement for our sin ceases.

As Bible-believing Christians, we should be able to discern that there is a flaw in this doctrine of big. As churches get bigger, more funds are required to accommodate bigger budgets. The bigger the budget the bigger the offering is needed to meet the budget, and big donors become more and more important. Now you have a situation where the pastor preaches carefully so as not to create controversy. Controversy can cause powerful donors to leave. Pastors who once feared God now become man-fearing where doctrine is determined by men and their motives, and not by God’s Spirit and His Word.

Over the past two decades, I believe the Lord led me to author or co-author six books warning about the ecumenical one world religion movement and how it is impacting Evangelical Protestant Christianity. These were: (1) New Wine or Old Deception (2) When New Wine Makes a Man Divine (3) New Wine and the Babylonian Vine (4) How Marian Apparitions Plan to Unite the World’s Religions (5) Another Jesus: The Eucharistic Christ and the New Evangelization (6) Faith Undone: The Emerging Church – a New Reformation or an End Time Deception. God has put in my heart all these years a passion to warn of impending spiritual danger.

On March 6, 2011, I attended the Peace in a Globalized Society Forum that was held at Saddleback. Rick Warren and Tony Blair both explained what they are doing to set up a one-world religious program for peace. Yet even though it has become most apparent to many discerning Christians what is taking place with Rick Warren and his “new” reformation, very few pastors are publically denouncing the Purpose Driven Peace Plan. In fact, prominent pastors like John Piper are embracing Rick Warren and his teachings.

The Jesuit Connection
As I have written in some of my books, Ignatius Loyola was the founder of the Order of the Jesuits in the Catholic Church. The Jesuit goal is to turn the inerrant Word of God into the word of man while at the same time promoting the word of the pope as the word of God. In addition, the Jesuit ambition is to bring the “lost brethren” back to the “Mother” church (read Another Jesus). This is no minor thing. I have been to the city of Rome. I have seen the multitudes worship and adore a man (the Pope) who carries a wafer and a vial of juice that is supposed to be Jesus. Martyrs in earlier centuries were murdered for rejecting the papacy and the Eucharist. And yet today, I am horrified to watch once Bible-believing pastors turn their hearts and their congregations toward Rome, often through a Jesuit influence. Instances of this are occurring more every day.

Now that Rick Warren and Tony Blair (who converted to Catholicism) have announced they will be working together to set up a One World Religion as they did on March 6, 2011 in southern California, how will Christian pastors respond to this? Or will they at all? History shows, most probably won’t.

What is known as fact is this: the emerging/postmodern, Purpose Driven ecumenical, contemplative mindset in the Evangelical or Protestant Christian church has not gone away. And it is not popular to speak against this growing apostasy. It is a lot easier to go down stream than upstream. The Bible foretells we are in the Last Days. What do you as Christian pastors want to be: dead salmon washed out to sea or true fishers of men?

Check out the Bible! There will be a One World Religion. Do you want to be part of the problem, or do you want to be standing up for truth? The latter is not easy and carries with it a high price.

A Wake Up Call to Pastors
Teaching and preaching the Word of God is a high calling. You should always be true to your calling and remain true to the Word. And yet, many know that something is seriously wrong, but they say nothing.

Saying nothing can be as detrimental as outrightly supporting the lie. It is time to wake up! We are in the last days, and many sheep are being deceived, and pastors have a huge role in that deception taking place. When the sheep have the wool pulled over their eyes, they cannot see. This is not acceptable. What about the wolves who are among the flock? Good shepherds should never allow that to happen.

While there still remain faithful Christian pastors who look to Jesus Christ as their Good Shepherd and still believe in the inerrant Word of God, the fact that so many pastors have moved away from the basics of biblical Christianity toward a man-made apostate church will result in much of the flock drifting with them.

And may I say this to any believer who now realizes his or her own pastor is compromising the Word of God and embracing apostate teachings: If you have done what you can to warn and exhort your pastor(s) to turn back to the truth, and if your warnings and exhortations are rejected, perhaps it is time to get out of that church. Paul addressed this when he said: “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject” Titus 3:10.

Deception has crept in, unnoticed to many, and even at times been purposely covered up. Jude warned this was happening in his day (Jude 4). The same is true in the perilous days in which we live (2 Timothy 3: 1-5).

As of last fall, I am no longer affiliated with the Calvary Chapel movement, although I am still friends with and associate with some of the pastors, ones who have sought to remain faithful to the Lord and His Word.

As do many leaders in the body of Christ, Calvary Chapel pastors who have veered need to get right, and they need to do it quickly. According to the Word, our redemption draweth nigh, and He could return for those who are ready at any moment.

If you are a pastor who has succumbed to the present-day spiritual apostasy, get back to the Word of God, and preach it, and teach it! If your congregation shrinks, so what! Better to have a few who are solid and can go out and be fruitful for the Lord than have a mega church full of participants of a social gospel that is being prepared for the coming One World Religion.

While the large-scale move toward apostasy has been taking place for some time, and postmodern/emerging, Purpose-Driven ideas are widely accepted, there still may be time if pastors will repent and return to the purity of the Gospel and God’s Word.

Many pastors reading this open letter who belong to an organization or denomination may feel fearful about leaving the security of such a “covering.” Perhaps you have never been out from under that umbrella. But at some point, you are going to have to ask yourself the question, Am I really “counting all things but loss” in order to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)? Am I taking up my cross and following Him, no matter the cost (Matthew 16:24)? I have heard stories now of pastors (both in the Calvary Chapel movement and in other groups and denominations) who finally did make that decision to separate themselves from any apostate associations. If you are one of those, continue on with the ministry God has given you and follow Jesus Christ alone. You can never go wrong by being obedient to Jesus and His Word.

The Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon. May we be found ready and waiting.
Sincerely in Christ,

Roger Oakland
Understand The Times

P.S.
"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. . . . Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD". Isaiah 52:8, 11

"But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch". Matthew 15:13-14

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, May 31, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rick Warren Says Those Who Focus on Bible Prophecy “Not fit for the kingdom of God”.

2011-05-31T15:39:00.003+02:00

By Roger Oakland

Many who were once looking for the return of Jesus have fallen asleep. We now live in a period of time where numerous prominent Christian leaders are telling the Christian masses that paying attention to the signs of our times in light of the Bible is a waste of time. And many of them take it a step further and accuse those who believe what Bible prophecy says about the end of the age of being negative and self-centered.

In the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren was actually laying ground work for the emerging church’s new reformation, a reformation that rejects thinking about the return of Christ and works more at convincing the multitudes that Christ is already in them as a global christ-consciousness. As you will see in the following documentation, Warren has a low regard for Bible prophecy. Perhaps this helps explain why so many who once were anticipating the return of the Lord have become occupied with worldly ambitions. Warren writes:

When the disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, Jesus quickly switched the conversation to evangelism. He wanted them to concentrate on their mission in the world. He said in essence, “The details of my return are none of your business. What is your business is the mission I have given you. Focus on that!” (PDL, p. 285)

I find it simply astounding that a statement of this sort would be in a New York Times best-seller in the present-day Christian book market. Jesus was telling the disciples they could not know the day or the hour, but nowhere does Jesus ever indicate that “the details of my return are none of your business.”

Rather than quickly changing the subject, we find in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 two of the longest passages in Scripture quoting Jesus’ own words, and what’s more, where He details the signs of His coming. In essence, Jesus was saying, because you cannot know the day and hour of my return, you need to educate yourself in Bible prophecy and take heed of my words about the end times. Later on, one of those disciples, John, was given an entire book to write on the details of Jesus’ coming. Jesus continually said to be alert and ready for when He returns. In both parables and straightforward talk, he spoke of this. In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus emphasized that it is essential to be prepared for His return:

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:… And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

And Jesus frequently referred to the Old Testament prophecies. Those prophecies became the evidence that Jesus Christ was indeed whom He said He was–”Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

But Rick Warren tells readers to think about something other than Bible prophecy: “If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy.”

Warren ends this section of his book by stating that Satan would have you “sidetracked from your mission” and by quoting Jesus out of context, saying, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted [by studying Bible prophecy] from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God” (Living Bible). But Jesus was not referring to His return when He made that statement, which in the King James Version says: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The Purpose Driven kingdom of God leaves no room for Bible prophecy, and in fact, condemns those who study it. The apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, had a different view. He writes:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (II Peter 1:19)

Christians are called to witness and be watchmen. No Scripture exists that tells us to ignore the events that have been pointed out as signposts indicating the return of Jesus. If we do, we might be like the foolish virgins who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).

In light of Rick Warren’s end-time views [and his steady embracing of contemplative authors], what does he think of the emerging church? This statement he made in the foreword of Dan Kimball’s book, The Emerging Church, answers that question. Warren notes:

Today seekers are hungry for symbols and metaphors and experiences and stories that reveal the greatness of God. Because seekers are constantly changing, we must be sensitive to them like Jesus was; we must be willing to meet them on their own turf and speak to them in ways they understand. (p. 8)

Rick Warren is enthusiastic about the emerging church because he believes it is the church of the future. And … the emerging church is equally fond of Warren’s view of Bible prophecy, or the omission thereof, and of his plan to usher in the kingdom of God. (From Faith Undone, Roger Oakland, pp. 154-157)

The following quotes are by those who promote contemplative and/or emerging spirituality and share similar views on the return of Christ:

If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy. (Rick Warren, PDL, pp. 285-286)

Tony Campolo says that Christians who “make a big thing of their claim that we are now living in the final stage of church history prior to the second coming of Christ” have been the cause of “extremely detrimental” consequences. They “discount the Sermon on the Mount,” they don’t care about the needy, and they have had such a negative “impact on geopolitics,” which Campolo says “can lead only to war.” Basically, according to Campolo they are the reason the world is in such a mess, and they are holding back progress of a more emerging spirituality. (Faith Undone, p. 160, quoting Campolo, Speaking My Mind)

It is time that the church woke up to its true mission, which is to materialize the kingdom of God on earth, today, here and now…. People are no longer interested in a possible heavenly state or a probable hell. They need to learn that the kingdom is here, and must express itself on earth … The way into that kingdom is the way that Christ trod. It involves the sacrifice of the personal self for the good of the world, and the service of humanity …(Occultist, Alice Bailey)

Robert Schuller’s advice to young church leaders would seem to apply to new apostolic Christians: “Don’t let eschatology stifle your long-term thinking.” (C. P. Wagner, quoted in False Christ Coming: Does Anybody Care?

We are not eschatological Theonomists or Classic Dispensationalists (e.g. Scofield) and believe that divisive and dogmatic certainty surrounding particular details of Jesus Second Coming are unprofitable speculation, because the timing and exact details of His return are unclear to us. (Mark Driscoll, Acts 29 Network.

Former New Age follower, Warren Smith explains what happened to him and how he came to understand the significance of Bible prophecy in light of Christ’s return:

Coming out of New Age teachings, I had learned in a very personal way that the details of Jesus’ return are definitely our business. Understanding the events surrounding His return was critical to understanding how badly I had been deceived by my New Age teachings. I had learned from reading the Bible that there is a false Christ on the horizon and that for a number of years I had unknowingly been one of his followers. Because the Bible’s clear authoritative teachings about the real Jesus and His true return had been brought to my attention, I was able to see how deceived I was. By understanding that there is a false Christ trying to counterfeit the true Christ’s return, I was able to renounce the false Christ I had been following and commit my life to the true Jesus Christ. (from Deceived on Purpose, p. 147)

In the Bible in the Book of Revelation, it says that Satan will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9). The emerging church movement has three essential elements that are consistent throughout the movement that may help this great deception to occur:

1. The embracing of mysticism
2. The belief that the kingdom of God will be established on earth BEFORE Christ returns.
3. The rejection of eschatology (the study of the end-times and Bible prophecy relating to it).

The combination of these three things could help to bring about the great falling away of which the Bible speaks. We pray that every Bible-believing Christian will be able to comprehend these things and warn their families and loved ones.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (II Thessalonians 2:3)
“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.” (I Timothy 4:1)

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, May 31, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forming a religious identity "without antagonism" in young Christians and Muslims.

2011-05-30T18:46:00.000+02:00

May 20
Article: Ecumenical Movement - Roman Catholics Uniting With Other religions

Education, religious in particular, should not form identities in antagonism or in conflict, but on the contrary, while helping the youth to be well rooted in their own religious identity, it should favor the formation of identities open to other identities. This appears to have been the main focus of discussions in a meeting between the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Institute for the Amman based Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (R.I.I.F.S.), held in Rome on "Human and religious values shared by Christians and Muslims for a common education."

"Christians and Muslims - reads a statement released after the meeting - share basic human values like the sacred character of human life, human dignity and the fundamental inalienable rights deriving from it."

As for the religious values, "some of them are common to Christians and Muslims, meanwhile others are specific of each community. It is therefore important to point out commonalities and to identify differences. Respect for differences is in fact an important condition for an authentic dialogue".

"A privileged space of common education is that of the schools, institutions and universities, private and public, where Christian and Muslim children and youth study together. Such an experience is to be conserved and cherished, also because it gives the occasion to create strong and permanent friendships."... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 30, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Netanyahu Rejects Obama Call for Palestinian State Based on 1967 Borders.

2011-05-30T18:42:00.000+02:00

May 19
Artcle: Israel And The Last Days

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly rejected President Obama's call Thursday for Israel to pull back to the borders that existed before the 1967 Six-Day War, calling those lines militarily "indefensible."

Obama, in a sweeping address tackling the uprisings in the Middle East and the stalled peace process, stunned Washington and Jerusalem by endorsing Palestinians' demand for their own state based on the pre-1967 borders. The break with longstanding U.S. policy appeared to immediately aggravate the Israelis, who want the borders of any future Palestinian state determined through negotiations.

In a statement released late Thursday, Netanyahu said such a withdrawal would jeopardize Israel's security and leave major West Bank settlements outside Israeli borders.

"Israel appreciates President Obama's commitment to peace," the statement said. "Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state. That is why Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004. ... Among other things, those commitments relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines."

"The status quo is unsustainable," Obama said. "A lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples."

"We cannot hesitate to stand squarely on the side of those who are reaching for their rights, knowing that their success will bring about a world that is more peaceful, more stable, and more just," he said. Obama, in his strongest words to date, offered an ultimatum to Syrian President Bashar Assad. "President Assad now has a choice. He can lead that transition or get out of the way," Obama said.

Rather, Obama said: "A new generation has emerged and their voices tell us that change cannot be denied."... Read Full Article

Roger Oakland, May 30, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter to the Editor: 3 Things to Stay Grounded in the Truth and Away from Emerging Spirituality.

2011-05-24T12:41:00.003+02:00

Dear Lighthouse Trails:
You have a fabulous ministry. In one way I have been shocked to learn about the influence New Age is having on the church – but in another way, I am not. Christians have different ideas about lots of things, that is understandable and inevitable. But my argument to people is that ultimately whatever we believe must be based on Scripture. Because as soon as a Christian chooses to believe that the Bible is not the word of God but is a literary genre that “contains” the word of God they are on the slippery slope. First comes the “insight” that Genesis is myth and Revelation is history of the first century church, then comes the need to reinterpret other parts of the Bible – and the further we start to drift away from the foundation of truth. And once we start down that path there is nothing holding us back, because we no longer see Scripture as our authority, but look to man’s interpretations.

Regarding the false gospel, I knew it existed, but I always thought it was undefinable. But through my exploration into theistic evolution, … then into New Age, I now realise that there are very distinct hallmarks of the false gospel and it has a distinct shape that can be identified. In very simple terms, I tell people, there are three things that will keep you grounded in the truth:

1) Submit to the authority of the Bible and believe Genesis as our history and Revelation as prophecy

2) Remember the Cross is the heart of our faith, not the incarnation – the belief that through the incarnation all humanity are already saved they just don’t know it yet (which is what our church is now teaching)

3) Always remain in a repentant spirit with a heart that submits to God; don’t fall for the belief that repentance is “changing the way we think about Jesus.” (Our church has changed the meaning of sin and repentance.)

I think if we stick to these absolute basics, it would be difficult to be lead astray. This means that even those with the least amount of education can be protected.

For me, these three points seem so simple, yet these are exactly what the Emergent Church is moving away from or have already replaced.

Z. in Australia

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, May 24, 2011

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knights of the Holy Eucharist Call Us to Genuine Eucharistic Faith.

2011-05-23T20:59:00.005+02:00

May 23
Article: One World Religion

Comment from Understand the Times:
Those who are moving together to form a one world religion with Rome for the cause of peace should watch this video on Eucharistic adoration. They should also read the highlights from the article before they get too far down the road to Rome.

By saying nothing, pastors are saying something. By not exposing the error of ecumenism, they are supporting ecumenism with Rome which is idolatry and will be judged by God.

Did your church have a lent service this Easter? Did your church support the peace treaty with Rick Warren and Tony Blair? Does your church support the Billy Graham Association? Does your church support the Greg Laurie Harvest Crusade, when religious leaders from Calvary Chapel openly promoted Rick Warren who is a protégé of Peter Drucker's 666 plan.

There is a video clip when you go to read the full article. To see this video clip, please go to http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=41509

It is time to wake up!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Founded in 1998 for the service of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the protection of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration residing at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, AL, the Knights live totally committed to adoring our Eucharistic King and to making known His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.

The survey data of nearly two decades ago sent shock waves throughout much of the Catholic Church: According to a 1992 Roper poll and a later 1994 New York Times/CBS News poll, as many as 70 percent of U.S. Catholics no longer believed in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist - the fundamental Catholic doctrine that the bread and wine consecrated by the priest at Mass become the true body and blood, soul, and divinity of Christ while the appearances of bread and wine remain.

Many of the Catholic faithful and their leaders refused to take this depressing news lying down. In fact, the posture for many became that of kneeling down-stepping up the practice and promotion of Eucharistic adoration as a way of fostering sound catechesis and reverence for the Real Presence.

In the intervening years, popes, bishops, pastors, and lay organizations have encouraged this pious practice in word and action. Youth retreat apostolates increasingly have incorporated adoration of the Blessed Sacrament into their work. Dioceses and archdioceses, including St. Louis, Atlanta, San Antonio, Bridgeport, and St. Paul-Minneapolis, have vigorously worked at establishing Eucharistic exposition and Benediction in their parishes.

The Knights of the Holy Eucharist seek to provide just such examples in their apostolate among the faithful who visit the monastery and its magnificent shrine, where they serve as caretakers, sacristans, and servers. Even non-Catholics are drawn to the presence of Christ as reflected in the beauty of the environment and the reverence demonstrated there.

"I can say that the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament draws many who are seeking a deeper union with our Eucharistic Lord. We continue to receive large numbers of Protestants who are looking for answers," he said. "They sense the presence of God once they enter our gate; they continue that journey in search of their divine Lord."

Furthermore, the Knights help maintain reverence for the Blessed Sacrament by ensuring that pilgrims are modestly attired, that a sacred silence is maintained in the church, and that the environment as a whole evokes a sense of peace and serenity conducive to meditation and contemplation... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 23, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Doomsday fire: Millions of volcanoes are stirring beneath the world's oceans.

2011-05-23T20:25:00.002+02:00

Article: Signs Of The Last Times

Comment from Understand the Times:
While the world is seeking a peace agreement in the Middle East because a potential world war lurks around the corner, another threat is also something to watch. This is a natural disaster that seems to be about to happen based upon the following article. Volcanoes all over the world are about to explode in keeping with a Biblical scenario as revealed in the Book of Revelation during the time of the Great Tribulation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 1993, marine geophysicists aboard the research vessel Melville discovered 1,133 previously unmapped underwater volcanoes off the coast of Easter Island. Though some of the newly discovered volcanoes rose as much as one-and-a-half miles above the seafloor, their summits still remained half a mile below the water's surface- all this in a comparatively small area of only 55,000 square miles, about the size of New York State. The geophysicists had increased the known supply of underwater volcanoes by more than ten percent just in a matter of months. That was 1993.

Today, scientists estimate that there are more than three million underwater volcanoes. That's a three followed by six zeroes! In 2007, oceanographers Hillier and Watts surveyed 201,055 submarine volcanoes. "From this they concluded an astounding total of 3,477,403 submarine volcanoes must reasonably exist worldwide," said this article by John O'Sullivan. Hillier and Watts "based this finding on the earlier and well-respected observations of Earth and Planetary Sciences specialist, Batiza (1982) who found that at least 4 per cent of seamounts are active volcanoes."

According to Batiza's survey, the Pacific mid-plate alone contains an incredible 22,000 to 55,000 underwater volcanoes, with at least 2,000 of them considered active. Thinking that anyone could know exactly how many volcanoes lurk beneath the surface of the ocean is ludicrous, of course. But that 3,477,403 number, coming from two well-respected oceanographers, does reinforce my point rather nicely, namely, that underwater volcanoes are heating the seas. To go from 10,000 underwater volcanoes to more than three million in less than 20 years shows how little we knew - and how little we still know - about this incredible force of nature. We know more about the moon.

If a single volcano can heat a high-mountain lake to 108 degrees in New Zealand, imagine what an eleven-hundred-mile-long chain of underwater volcanoes could do to the Arctic Ocean.

Asphalt volcanoes are ocean floor vents that erupt asphalt instead of lava. They were discovered in the Gulf of Mexico during an expedition of the research vessel SONNE, led by Gerhard Bohrmann of the DFG Research Center Ocean Margins in 2003. In 2007, seven more such structures were discovered off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The largest of these domes lies at a depth of 700 ft (213 m). The structures were larger than a football field and about as tall as a six-story building, all made completely out of asphalt. You needn't wonder why so many dead fish are washing up on the coast of California... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 23, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A gadget James Bond would be proud of: Motorola mobile is the first smartphone to operate using fingerprint recognition.

2011-05-23T20:21:00.000+02:00

May 3
Article: Miscellaneous

It is the mobile phone designed to appeal to a man's inner James Bond - or those with secrets. The Motorola ATRIX is the first smartphone to operate using fingerprint recognition to ensure it can only be accessed by the genuine owner.

The ATRIX owner swipes their finger on the touchscreen a number of times when it is fresh out of the box to identify them as the authorised user. From that point on, every time they touch the power button it will recognise the fingerprint and approve operation.

The ATRIX is marketed as the most powerful smartphone in the world on the basis it can be plugged into a range of docks that convert it into a laptop, personal computer, media centre, or a sat-nav.

Jeremy Marks, of Spymaster, the leading professional suppliers of security equipment, said: 'Biometric fingerprint security is the best way to protect your device. 'This type of technology offers consumers a new level of security surpassing anything we have seen before on a smartphone.'

Owners in the U.S. have been impressed with the ground-breaking security feature. One said: 'All phones should have a fingerprint reader like this - it's the future.

It said: 'It's rather amazing to connect your phone to an HDTV and play music, watch a movie, type up a real document, and even do your online banking with the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse connected, all from a 135-gram phone.'

'With its multimedia accessories and ground-breaking fingerprint swipe access, this is an innovative handset that Orange is proud to be bringing to the UK first.'... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 23, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth-centered religions get chapel at Air Force Academy.

2011-05-23T20:16:00.000+02:00

May 7
Article: New Age

Earth-centered religions now have a chapel at the Air Force Academy.
The Gazette of Colorado Springs reports Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Gould this week dedicated the Cadet Chapel Falcon Circle on a 7,200-foot hill top that overlooks the main cadet chapel.

Religious tolerance at the elite school became a concern in 2004 when a survey found some cadets felt ostracized because they weren't religious.

Gould says the worship space is meant to help people of all religions. Earth-centered religious groups include New Age, paganism, Wicca, and Druids...Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 23, 2011.
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesuit to Become Chaplain of the House.

2011-05-18T14:57:00.000+02:00

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Comment from Understand the Times:
It is amazing how quickly Congress forgets history. There was a time when Congress agreed to condemn Jesuits for their subversive plans to take over the USA. They were banned from many countries for the same reason. What has happened? What has changed?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Jesuit will be sworn in as the 60th chaplain of the House of Representatives on May 25, when he will become the first member of his order and second consecutive Catholic priest to serve the House. As chaplain, the Rev. Patrick Conroy will be in charge of opening House sessions with prayer, coordinating guest chaplains, counseling members of the House community and arranging memorial services, weddings and funerals.

Conroy was selected by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who consulted with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Both are Catholics.

"We are honored that Father Conroy has agreed to serve as House chaplain," Boehner said in a statement. "His dedication to God's work, commitment to serving others and experience working with people of faith from all traditions will make him an asset to the House community."

Conroy has master's degrees in philosophy, divinity and sacred theology, and a law degree from St. Louis University in Missouri. In the 1980s, he was pastor of several Washington missions and parishes, and later was chaplain at Georgetown University in Washington, for nearly a decade. He will celebrate his 28th year as a Jesuit on June 11

To read the full article, go to: http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2011/05/jesuit-to-become-chaplain-of-the-house.php

Roger Oakland, May 17, 2011

Understandthetimes.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Church in Your Pocket? Facebook Multimedia Church to Launch.

2011-05-17T19:34:00.000+02:00

April 30
Article: Emerging Church

Thou shalt love thy neighbor - all 600 million of them? Hosting the first-ever interactive service on Facebook, St. Pixels, an online 3D church, is redefining the way most people worship.

"Love it or hate it, Facebook is where people are in 2011," said St. Pixels pioneer Mark Howe in a statement. "If the Gospel is for today's connected culture, it has to find a distinctive but culturally-appropriate place within social networking."

Behind computer screens and iPhones, worshippers will have the opportunity to listen to Bible readings and a sermon, sing along to hymns and key in prayer requests. They'll even be given a chance to weigh in with an "amen" or "zzzz" via a real-time feedback meter they can click.

Moving to a new software system and developing a 3D environment, St. Pixels Ltd came into operation in 2009 and was registered in the U.K., with membership worldwide.

Offering Peer to Peer Discipleship groups, real time chat open 24/7, dialogue forums, and occasional real life meets, St. Pixels desires "to create a sacred space and a welcoming and witnessing community on the Internet." They also hope to make disciples by providing opportunities for theological reflection, discussion and exploration.

"God is revealed to seekers by many different means, including creation, the Bible, the life of Jesus and the Spirit-filled witness of the Church. St. Pixels is one expression of that historical, international and universal Church."

"We have 600 million 'neighbors' on Facebook," announced Graystone. "St. Pixels on Facebook means 600 million Facebook users now have a church in their pocket. I congratulate St. Pixels on reaching an amazing milestone." Read Full Article....

Roger Oakland, May 17, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMF bombshell: Age of America nears end.

2011-05-17T19:27:00.000+02:00

April 25
Artcle: Miscellaneous

For the first time, the international organization has set a date for the moment when the "Age of America" will end and the U.S. economy will be overtaken by that of China.

And it's a lot closer than you may think. According to the latest IMF official forecasts, China's economy will surpass that of America in real terms in 2016 - just five years from now. Put that in your calendar.

It provides a painful context for the budget wrangling taking place in Washington, D.C., right now. It raises enormous questions about what the international security system is going to look like in just a handful of years. And it casts a deepening cloud over both the U.S. dollar and the giant Treasury market, which have been propped up for decades by their privileged status as the liabilities of the world's hegemonic power.

According to the IMF forecast, whomever is elected U.S. president next year - Obama? Mitt Romney? Donald Trump? - will be the last to preside over the world's largest economy.

The IMF in its analysis looks beyond exchange rates to the true, real terms picture of the economies using "purchasing power parities." That compares what people earn and spend in real terms in their domestic economies.

Under PPP, the Chinese economy will expand from $11.2 trillion this year to $19 trillion in 2016. Meanwhile the size of the U.S. economy will rise from $15.2 trillion to $18.8 trillion. That would take America's share of the world output down to 17.7%, the lowest in modern times. China's would reach 18%, and rising.

Just 10 years ago, the U.S. economy was three times the size of China's... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 17, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using Apps, Facebook and Twitter to pray the rosary.

2011-05-16T20:08:00.002+02:00

May 14
Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

Comment from Understand the Times:
We have been warning about the New Evangelization introduced by Pope John Paul II for years. Watch the following video to see that the agenda to win the world to the Mother of the Eucharistic Jesus is clearly underway. Get ready. The Eucharistic Reign of Jesus is just around the corner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Internet has revolutionized the world. Now, Catholics groups are using the web to revolutionize World Youth Day. It's a call to pray the rosary every Saturday, until the big day kicks off on August 16th.

Fr. James Phalan Director, Family Rosary International - “This is something concrete that can make a big difference, praying the rosary, praying the rosary to the family. It's something that JPII did. He prayed rosary during his day. So we are convinced of the importance of the rosary for the new evangelization.”

The campaign is called “Firm in Faith With Mary.” The goal is to spread its message through social networking sites. At www.firminfaith.org one can download logos, banners, videos and other resources for free. But it doesn't stop there. At www.familyrosary.org, one can actually follow the rosary in an interactive prayer while learning about its mysteries.

There are also discussion forums on Facebook and twitter and even a section where you can submit a personal story on how praying the rosary has changed your life. Even more, rosaries can be requested for free.

Fr. James Phalan Director, Family Rosary International - “We receive rosaries from anyone, if anyone is making rosaries and they don't know how to distribute them in someway then we would be happy if they send them to us and we send them all over the world. We distribute around 1.5 to 2 million rosaries every year.”

For parents and teachers, the websites also include a section on how to teach the rosary to children and teenagers. It's a way to remind people, and especially the youth, to pray the Rosary... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, May 16, 2011
Understandthetimesinternational.blogspot.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An Update on the Titanic.

2011-05-12T14:05:00.000+02:00

Commentary by Roger Oakland

Everyone knows the story of the fateful one-way voyage of the ship known as the Titanic. On its maiden voyage, one of the greatest ships ever made sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic. While this tragedy could have been prevented, the pride of man may well be the reason so many perished prematurely.

The lesson of the sinking of the Titanic should always be a reminder to us what can happen when we place our trust in man. The Bible warns us that trusting in man is like a bush that grows in the desert compared to trusting in God, which is like a tree whose roots are planted by a steam of flowing water (Jeremiah 17: 5-8).

Sometime ago, Understand The Times published a commentary titled “Is Your Church Sinking Like the Titanic.” The purpose of this commentary was to get churchgoers to stop and think about the recent attack against the inerrancy of the Word of God that is sweeping the world in the name of Christ. Known as apostasy in the Bible, this falling away is directly associated with an ecumenical movement that attacks the Word of God and advances the word of the pope.

While that commentary was written purposely to challenge denominations once called Protestant and Evangelical, a particular association of fellowships that I was once part of took my article personally and considered it an attack against them. While this was not my intention, I am persuaded to believe an expression I once heard: “If you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that howls is the one that was hit.”

An Update on the Titanic is just that. Perhaps there is still time for a final warning before the ship finally sinks. For many, the party is still going on in the ballroom and apparently danger has not been detected. While a few have headed to the lifeboats to get off the ship, most have not.

Why is it that grown men who are pastors would allow themselves to be manipulated and controlled so that they can no longer think for themselves? Of course, there is nothing terribly wrong with being associated with a denomination, but there are limits when it comes to what a pastor has to accept to be part of the club.

This kind of thinking is actually typical of Roman Catholic popery that does not allow priests to make their own decisions based on the Word of God. Priests are subservient to the pope, his edicts, and his dogmas and not to the Bible and Jesus Christ. When one man has all power, then Jesus is no longer number one, is He?

A perfect example of this kind of “follow the leader” mentality was the endorsement of the Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” that showed in movie theaters all over the world in 2004. While there were warnings that Gibson’s film was nothing but propaganda for the Eucharistic Christ promoted by the Roman Catholic Jesuit Plan, those who warned of the danger were considered negative in light of the endorsements by powerful church leaders like well known church leaders and others.

Some even purchased seating for their entire congregations to attend to see a film based on a vision from a book written by Anne Catherine Emerich, a Roman Catholic nun who claimed she was at the crucifixion by the way of a vision.

Now that these concerns have been verified by documentation from Mel Gibson himself, not one word has been said by those who heartily endorsed it to admit the warnings were right. The Road to Rome continues, and those who are in a position to do something to shine light on it and expose it remain silent.

A Further Word of Warning
Much could be said about the ongoing slippery slope towards Rome that has been embraced through the Emerging Church and the Purpose Driven by well-know Christian leaders—ones whom we never would have expected—because they lowered their standards. How could this ecumenical madness have crept in unnoticed? Or was there an orchestrated plan that has been underway for years?

Are the Jesuits for real or not? Do they infiltrate churches and church organizations in various ways? Do they use lies and manipulation and even mind control? How about extortion? How can those on board the Titanic keep on dancing while it is already on the way to the bottom of the Atlantic.

I recently read a book in which the author claims that End Times deception can all be traced to the teachings of Karl Marx. However this book falls short of the real plan of deception that we read about in the Bible. Karl Marx may have been used as a tool of deception by Satan, but he is a small player compared to the plan Satan set up to form a one world ecumenical religion with Rome as the headquarters.

Get Off and Get Right
Why would you want to follow a man and go down with the boat? Wouldn’t it be better to get into the lifeboat and not stay in the sinking boat? The Lifeboat is Jesus Christ, our only hope. There are pastors who are in clubs, as an example, the “dove club.” Men love clubs because they love to follow men rather than Jesus Christ.

As well, men love power and love to play the role of a pope. Did you know there may be only one Roman Catholic pope at a time but there can be several Protestant popes?

Stop and think and ask yourself a question! Are you on a boat like the sinking Titanic? Maybe you are following a captain and have not noticed the warning signs. If you have not headed for a lifeboat yet, now is the time. Let Jesus be your captain while there is still time. Row away from the sinking boat and follow Jesus alone. Do all you can to assist those who are drowning. Lend them a helping hand.

In most cases, captains go down with their ships. The exception would be unusual but sometimes there is an exception. If the captain were to tell the crew and the passengers all hope for the boat was lost and that all should abandon the ship, this would be good. Then the captain could get off. Of course, this would take a lot of courage from the captain. He would have to admit that some things had gone wrong, wouldn’t he?

We are in the last hour. The Word of God makes things very clear. Everyone should pray and ask the Lord what is the right thing to do. It is time to quit playing games and follow Jesus Christ, become an evangelist, and reach the lost.

Jesus said “follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4: 19).

Roger Oakland, May 7, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Church Touts Homosexuality as a Gift, Not a Sin.

2011-05-09T19:26:00.000+02:00

April 27
Artcle: Unbibical Christianity

Being gay is a gift from God, asserts one church in Ohio. That's the message that Central United Methodist Church is spreading throughout their community via a digital billboard, launched on Monday.

This "simple statement," the church announced, is "intended to be a gift to those who have experienced hurt and discrimination because of their real or perceived sexual orientation."

Jeff Buchanan, the director of Exodus Church Equipping & Student Ministries, agrees that the Church must display love and compassion for those in the LGBT community. But he opposes the message that CUMC is sending through their "Being Gay is a Gift from God" campaign. "Why would God bestow this 'gift' only to condemn it throughout the Bible? This would seemingly contradict His character as a God who is loving and just."

The Toledo church's controversial billboard ad is directly connected to a long month-long sermon series by its new pastor, Bill Barnard. The church is hoping that the ad will move the public towards tolerance, reported ABC 13, and not perpetuate anti-gay attitudes and behaviors, which were harming the LGBT community.

The purposes of their recently launched campaign are threefold: to offer welcome to all persons who are gay; to challenge the larger Church to fully accept persons who are gay into the life of the Church; and to call on all people to bring all the gifts of who they are to God.

"By welcoming and living in community with faithful Christians who happen to be gay, we have come to understand that being gay is part of who God made them to be," CUMC proclaims on their site. "And by gay Christians bringing all that they are to God, the body of Christ has been strengthened. In fact, we would experience the body of Christ as incomplete without LGBT persons."

Barnard told ABC, "We really believe that being gay is a gift from God, and it's not anything that anyone has to apologize for or be ashamed about. So that's how [the campaign] came to be."

"The overwhelming scientific evidence is that people are born with their sexual orientation, that it is not a choice," the church contends. "Fully accepting one's sexual orientation and identity is key to leading a normal and healthy life... Read full Article.

Roger Oakland, May 9, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the Truth To Strong Delusion.

2011-05-02T17:57:00.002+02:00

How do you think that the great deceiver works? Does he show up in a hideous looking devil’s suit? What would be a good way for Satan to get a foot in the door of the church and many would not know it?” - Roger Oakland

Commentary by Roger Oakland
Understand the Times

Many have asked the question: how is it possible that End Times apostasy can sweep the world so quickly in these Last Days and so few see that it is happening? There is only one way to understand this phenomenon. The Bible foretells this would happen (Matthew 24: 3-4). Now that we are witnessing End Times spiritual deception fewer and fewer Bible professing Christians see what is taking place.

When discerning believers confront their pastors or church leaders about the apostasy happening in their churches where they have worshiped for many years, they are often told to leave and go somewhere else. This “get out or shut up” attitude is common and follows a pattern. The teaching of the Word and the love of God once in fellowships of believers has got up and gone. How sad it is to see what is happening to the church of Jesus Christ in our time.

Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to meet with numerous brothers and sisters located in five different cities throughout North America. These people represent Christians who have been asked to leave the churches they once attended. All were serious Bible believing Christians who love the Lord and His Word. The churches they attended have all “gone south” by accepting postmodern “googly-gook” promoted by the emerging church/purpose driven movement. All of them have asked me the same question: how did it happen that strong delusion crept in so quickly?

The answer to this dilemma can only be understood in light of the Bible. The purpose of this commentary will be to try to explain what is happening from a biblical perspective, why this is happening, and where things are headed in the future. We know that the Word of God is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching and for correction (2 Timothy 3: 16). We live in a day and age when God’s Word is ignored or annihilated. We need to stand firm on the Word and proclaim it.

Two Kingdoms
The Bible clearly describes a spiritual battle raging all around us (Ephesians 6: 12). Two kingdoms are in this battle: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan (Colossians 1: 13). God’s Kingdom is associated with light (Acts 26: 18). God’s Word is light and exposes darkness (Psalms 119:105). Satan’s agenda is to hide the light and to promote darkness (Revelation 16:10). God’s light will set us free from the wiles of the devil if we accept what God has revealed to us and act upon it accordingly (Psalms 119: 130). Satan’s kingdom is always associated with darkness. The Bible states that men like darkness more than they like light (John 3:19). The light of God shines into the darkness so that men can be saved, but men choose darkness over light (John 12:35). Even believers are not immune from Satan’s plan and they can be used as tools of deception because Satan is the one who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9).

Therefore, in the Last Days both unbelievers and believers will be the target of Satan’s agenda. He wants to deceive the whole world, as he is the god of this world. Apostasy involves seducing those who once believed and deceiving them so they become part of the problem rather than the solution. Rather than warning others that the end is near and that the antichrist is at the door, they actually promote the lie that there is a PEACE Plan authored by man (I Thessalonians 5:3) These are the perilous times that Paul warned about (2 Timothy 3:1).

According to the Bible, the battle for the truth will intensify in the last days. If the Word of God is light and Satan’s kingdom is darkness, then it is easy to see what is happening. Satan has an agenda to attack the Word of God. One way he does this is through human manipulation. If he can make God’s Word the word of man and the pope’s word the “word of a god,” he will have succeeded. This is the goal of the Jesuits who are still operating throughout the world to bring the separated brethren back to the mother of all churches with headquarters in Rome.

While this agenda may seem far-fetched, you will find this plan explained in the Bible. One man will eventually rule the world with a system of control. The pope and his throne in Rome and a man who sets up his throne in the temple in Jerusalem certainly seem to provide the scenario the Bible foretells will happen. If you pay attention to current events, it is very close to happening right now! Click here to continue reading.

Also check out this news alert from Understand the Times:
Newt Gingrich and Calvary Chapel – Connections That Beg Answers

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, May 2, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Have We Become?

2011-05-02T17:53:00.001+02:00

By Paul Proctor
NewsWithViews.com

The command from Jesus was so simple:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

How complicated is that?
The world is right outside our door; and yet, look at the “church” today and what those claiming to be His disciples and witnesses are actually conveying to that world just in the latest headlines alone:

• ‘Church Sucks’ But Come Anyway?
• Many Born-Again Christians Hold Universalist Views
• Utah church offers free Korans in Easter gesture
• Worst place to Celebrate Easter Is in Church, Says Pastor
• Nashville-area church offers drive-thru prayer
• Church’s ‘Dance Your Shoes Off’ video goes viral
• Survey Reveals Decade-Long ‘Erosion’ of Traditional U.S. Congregations
• ‘A Massive Shift Coming in What it Means to Be a Christian”

Is it any wonder there is so much confusion about Who Jesus is, what He did and what He taught – and that so many frustrated Bible believers are wandering from church to church these days looking for someone to simply preach it and teach it as it is written?

It’s as if church and staff have become desperately bored with the Bible and are so afraid that the world will be likewise that they must try anything and everything imaginable to get more attention and attendance in a noisy, jaded and wicked world... Click here for links and to read this entire article.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, May 2, 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple Users, Beware: iPhones Secretly Tracking Location, Experts Warn.

2011-04-28T22:35:00.002+02:00

April 20
Article: Technology For Global Montary System

Comment from Understand the Times:

Get ready for Big Brother. Most people are attached to their cell phones. Wherever they go, their cell phone goes. This may be fine, except it is the perfect tool for those who have set the New World Order who one day will be headed by the Antichrist.

Two programmers have discovered that the latest operating system powering the iPhone and iPad keeps a log of everywhere you go, recording both the location and time you were there.

The feature has been around since June 2010, meaning some iPhones have nearly a year of location history recorded in a single file -- every step, trip to the park, family vacation and more. And that, said Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden, who uncovered the file, poses serious problems.

"It became clear that there was a scary amount of detail on our movements [in the iPhone]," they noted in a post on their website.

"By passively logging your location without your permission, Apple has made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements."

Apple did not respond to calls or e-mails for comment from FoxNews.com.

But the iPhone feature could be good news for police. According to the ACLU, Michigan police are currently using a device called the Cellebrite UFED during traffic pull-overs. It can grab all the data out of a phone within minutes. The company's website goes on to note: "Easy to use in both the field and in lab environments, UFED extracts vital data such as phonebook, pictures, videos, text messages, call logs. It then gathers the data into reports for research and evidence."

But the ACLU argues that the use of the device by police officers during traffic stops would be illegal, and is attempting to obtain Internal records on exactly how the department uses the devices. "[The devices] allow them to extract information from cell phones without a warrant," Kary Moss, Executive Director of the Michigan ACLU, said.

But to the matter at hand: What can you do if you want to ensure your data is safe? Ahearn says the simplest method is just not to use a fancy phone. As of now there is no known way to stop an iPhone with OS 4 from logging locations... Read full article.

Roger Oakland, April 28, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many Born-Again Christians Hold Universalist Views, Barna Finds.

2011-04-28T22:24:00.002+02:00

April 18
Article: Unbiblical Christianity

One in four born-again Christians hold universalist thoughts when it comes to salvation, according to a new Barna analysis of trend data.

Twenty-five percent of born-again Christians said all people are eventually saved or accepted by God. A similar proportion, 26 percent, said a person's religion does not matter because all faiths teach the same lessons.

And an even higher proportion, 40 percent, of born-again Christians said they believe Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

According to the Barna analysis, 43 percent of Americans in general agreed with the statement "It doesn't matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons," while 54 percent disagreed.

For many evangelicals, the idea of Christians holding universalist ideas is particularly disturbing because it nullifies the need for Christ to die on the cross and the message of Jesus that he is the only way, truth and life.

While universalism is nothing new, some believe cultural trends are placing pressure on Christians and their beliefs. Don Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, said at The Gospel Coalition's national conference last week that many are feeling pressure from the culture "to find universalism attractive."

"There are pressures in our culture to reduce the truth content of Scripture and then simply dismiss people by saying that they're intolerant or narrow-minded ... or bigoted without actually engaging the truth question at all. And that is really sad and in the long haul, horribly dangerous... Read full article.

Roger Oakland, April 28, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Evangelicals are making [Catholic contemplative] liturgical traditions their own.

2011-04-28T22:00:00.000+02:00

April 28, 2011

By KATE SHELLNUTTHOUSTON CHRONICLE

Certain Holy Week observances long affiliated with more liturgical traditions are being re-purposed and incorporated into evangelical congregations, home to increasing numbers of former Catholics and mainline Protestants.

Leading up to the children’s egg hunts and contemporary worship services this Easter, it was not unlikely to see Lenten reflections, Maundy Thursday meals or even Stations of the Cross at a Baptist church.

Carlos Ichter never observed Lent or Holy Week in the Baptist congregation where he grew up, but Tallowood Baptist Church — where Ichter serves as a worship minister — has commemorated the Last Supper and the crucifixion in the days leading up to Easter for more than a decade.

“I’ve been asked a few times, ‘What is this Maundy Thursday?’ It is a foreign idea for some, but once you explain it to them, they see it’s scriptural and it makes sense,” he said. “There are a lot of good things that Roman Catholics do that I think everybody should be open to. … It’s not a Catholic thing or a Baptist thing, it’s a biblical thing.” (Click here to continue reading.)

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 28, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrating the Resurrection, But Denying the Atonement.

2011-04-28T21:54:00.002+02:00

April 28, 2011

The Church’s fixation on the death of Jesus as the universal saving act must end, and the place of the cross must be reimagined in Christian faith. Why? Because of the cult of suffering and the vindictive God behind it.–Alan Jones1

As we here at Lighthouse Trails have joined with other believers in exposing the truth about the emerging /contemplative spirituality, we have come to learn that the core of the New Age believes that the teachings of the East and of the West must be fused and blended before the true and universal religion–for which the world waits–could appear on earth. In other words, all religions must come together under the umbrella of metaphysics (mysticism). While the average Christian would agree that this doesn’t line up with Scripture, the Christian church has been overtaken by this very concept, but in a deceitful and often subtle manner. The underlying layers of this dark and anti-Christ theology rejects the very thing that can save a soul–the atonement for sin on the Cross by Jesus Christ. He was a substitute, and He took our place. Without that atonement, we are lost forever.

This weekend, people throughout the world will be celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Even people who don’t believe in the resurrection are celebrating the weekend and wishing Happy Easter to others. But while that seems odd to celebrate a day when you don’t even believe in its reason, what is more odd is that so many Christians are celebrating the resurrection but are throughout the year promoting a spirituality that ultimately denies the atonement. Without the atonement, why bother thinking about the resurrection–it would mean nothing. The two are synonymous.

Some may be saying right now– my pastor doesn’t deny the atonement. Really? Does he ever promote Brennan Manning or Richard Foster? What about the college you attend? Do your professors ever tell you to read Henri Nouwen or Larry Crabb? And what about the women’s Bible studies you attend? Do you ever read books by Keri Wyatt Kent, Jan Johnson, or Ruth Haley Barton? And what about the youth group your teens go to? Do they watch Rob Bell’s Noomas and read books by Dan Kimball and Brian McLaren? And is your church involved with Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life? You see, the spiritual formation movement (of which category all these authors and leaders fall into) has a core of mysticism. And contemplative mysticism, by its very nature, denies the Cross, the atonement, and certainly the resurrection.

So to celebrate the resurrection and yet to embrace spiritual formation is a terrible contradiction. Allow us to explain: While it is true that most of the people fore mentioned do not reject the Atonement, by their adhering to and promoting the spirituality that does, they unwittingly reject it also. If this sounds too farfetched, consider this: Jan Johnson (previously mentioned), in her book When the Soul Listens, makes favorable reference to the giants of the contemplative prayer movement (Merton, Nouwen, Pennington, Keating, etc.) in virtually every chapter of her book. It can be factually proven that these individuals to whom she frequently refers believe that God is in everybody and everything. And in the spiritual view of these teachers, the Cross is not the reconciling factor between God and humanity–meditation (i.e., contemplative prayer) is!

The contemplative mind-set of true contemplatives is that God would not send His Son to a violent death on a Cross to bear the sins of others. They say Jesus is their model but cannot say He is their Savior, in the biblical sense.

Thomas Merton was probably the most influential and prominent figure in the modern day contemplative prayer movement. In response to a Muslim mystic’s statement that Islam rejected the idea of Christ’s atonement and redemption on the Cross, Merton responded:

Personally, in matters where dogmatic beliefs differ, I think that controversy is of little value because it takes us away from the spiritual realities into the realm of words and ideas … in words there are apt to be infinite complexities and subtleties which are beyond resolution…. But much more important is the sharing of the experience of divine light, … It is here that the area of fruitful dialogue exists between Christianity and Islam. (from A Time of Departing, p. 59)

Is the preaching of the Cross merely words and ideas that take us away from “spiritual realities”? The spiritual reality of what Merton was talking about was the contemplative spirituality that has no place for the Cross. That’s why it didn’t matter to Merton–it was just merely a religious concept. What really mattered to Merton was the “divine light” that one encounters in the contemplative state. This is where contemplative prayer led Merton; and we believe those who follow his path will end up at the same destination.

During this time of the year when so many churches are holding Easter services (in honor of the death and resurrection of Jesus), how many of these same churches are clinging to contemplative spirituality without even realizing what it really stands for.

If Jesus’ going to the Cross and shedding blood was merely an act of service and sacrifice, an example for others to follow, and was not actually a substitutionary payment for the sins of humanity, then why celebrate Easter and the resurrection? It would make no sense. Those churches who cling to contemplative/emergent ideologies and practices should reevaluate this. While they cling to one (contemplative), they deny the other (the atonement) even if they don’t realize it.

More Information:
Read chapter 11 (“Slaughterhouse Religion”) of Faith Undone for more documentation.
Alan Jones and the doctrine of the Cross is a “vile doctrine”
McLaren Calls Hell and the Cross “False Advertising for God”

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 28, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New ["Bible"] versions reflect modern scholarship but revive some reservations.

2011-04-28T21:48:00.004+02:00

April 28, 2011.

LTRP Note: In conjunction with this MSNBC article below, please see links below to other articles we have posted.

By Alex Johnson
Reporter for MSNBC.com

It’s purely a coincidence, but U.S. Catholics and Protestants alike are being introduced this Easter season to separate “official” updated translations of the Christian Bible, which arrive in the year the magisterial King James Version celebrates its 400th birthday.

But with millions of dollars in publishing revenue and the trust of millions of churchgoers hanging in the balance, the new versions aren’t being met with universal acceptance.

While the changes may seem small, they are resounding throughout Christianity, whose many denominations formed or broke off from others over clashing interpretations of God’s word.

The two new translations touch on some of the most sensitive issues behind those differences, particularly on the inequality of women in society and on the divinity of Mary and — by extension — the birth of Jesus. Click here to continue.

Related articles by LT:

WARNING: Modern-Day “Bible” Versions Used to Promote Liberal Agenda
The English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible. “A Dream Come True”?

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 28, 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Jeremiah Calling.

2011-04-25T11:34:00.002+02:00

by Roger Oakland
Understand the Times

The Bible provides a vast list of characters God has used as the servants He has called to fulfill His plan on planet Earth. Few are more dynamic in the way they fulfilled their calling than Jeremiah, one of the prophets we read about in the Old Testament. Jeremiah’s ministry covered approximately forty years until a few years after Judah ceased to be a state in 586 BC.

As with other prophets that God raised up to speak and warn about the terrible apostasy that impacted Israel, Jeremiah was not popular. In fact, the task of a prophet of God is often characterized by loneliness and despair. No one wants to hear the bad news of the mandate that the prophet has been given to proclaim.

Such is the case today when someone proclaims the Word of God with the anointing of God’s Spirit. Those who do not have a love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) but rather love the darkness make the most noise. They do not want the light of the Word to expose the carnal and devious plans they promote.

Jeremiah had no choice but to tell the truth. He was called to tell the truth. He knew that it was the truth that would set sinners free. He was also aware that hiding the truth would bring further destruction. Jeremiah had a compassion for those who were deceived, but he also had passion to let the deceived know there were consequences for turning away from God and serving their gods.

He also understood that history had a pattern of repeating itself. He knew what had happened in the past, and he knew what would occur when the Children of Israel refused to hear God and His Word. He could see his colleagues and friends falling into the same trap. On one occasion, his passion is obvious from the words that he spoke:

And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. Jeremiah 11:9-12

The main reason the Children of Israel were disobedient is that they were rebellious to God and His Word. God had already warned them. They knew what to expect if they chose the gods; but they went after the gods anyway. Further, they had placed their trust in man rather than in God. The writing was on the wall. Judgment was just around the corner. Jeremiah pleaded with his people. The leaders of Israel scoffed at him and attacked him personally. However, the Word of God explains that the gods did not prevent the Lord from judging them. The people were taken into captive in Babylon just as God warned.

Jeremiah was a true prophet. He could not keep quiet. He had to speak. He was called by God and appointed to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). While he was not always enthusiastic about what God had called him to do, his calling commanded him to speak with boldness and not to be afraid of those whom he was directed to warn (Jeremiah 1: 7-8).

Further, Jeremiah did not have to lay awake at night to think up what he was going to tell the leaders of Israel (Jeremiah 1:9). His message was not candy-coated. It was harsh. It was a message of warning. He was a warrior and a watchman (chapters 1-45). He warned that sin would be judged and that leaders and the organizations who were sinning would be exposed.

They and their sin were exposed. Sin will be judged whether it is covered up or not. The same is true of the past, the present, and the future.

Jeremiah’s message was not all negative. There was a positive side as well. He was called to build and to plant. When one plants then one has enlisted in the field of agriculture. This means that seeds are put in the soil with the faith that there will be a crop and therefore a harvest. While most Bible expositors are good at pointing out that Jeremiah was good at exposing sin and error, not many actually see him as an evangelist. Jeremiah proclaimed the truth of the Gospel – he was a witness to the nations as well (Jeremiah chapters 46 – 52).

Warrior, Watchman and Witness
The Jeremiah calling is still in place today. God is speaking to his people to be warriors for the truth. This does not mean to attack the unbelievers and the apostate deceivers with a sword. What this means is that we should be warriors who use the Word as the sword.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

While there are those who claim they do use the Word as they teach the Word, it is obvious that this is not always true. Sometimes they use the Word of God in a way that advances their own false beliefs in order to gain power and control.

A warrior is one who is willing to lay down his or her life for the truth. This is what Jesus did. Few are willing to lay down their lives today and risk their lives to take a stand, whatever the cost. Few are willing to pick up their cross and follow Him. But Jesus told His disciples:

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Certainly, this does not mean that such a person who chooses to follow Christ at all costs is perfect. All have fallen short of the glory of God. There is only One who gave His life so that we can have eternal life. Only One who is worthy. We must always be looking to Him and Him alone. A watchman is someone who is always prepared to be on the wall looking towards the horizon to see if danger is coming. Sometimes there are those who are supposed to be watching who instead have grown weary or old and have fallen asleep. Others have been sidetracked by the cares of the world or the attraction of money, power, and possessions. They no longer see spiritual danger. This is very tragic indeed. Often when this happens, God will simply raise up other watchmen.

A witness is someone who will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah laid the foundation for the Gospel by pointing the people of his day to the Word of God, which is the truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on the truth, which is the Word God; therefore, Jeremiah was a true witness for the Lord.

So, where do you stand? Are you willing to be a Jeremiah? Are you willing to do what God is calling you to do or just sit by the wayside and do nothing?

We are living at a time in history when we may be near the end of history. Isn’t it time to stand up and take a stand for the truth?

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1:3

From Understand the Times with Roger Oakland
Used with permission from UTT
To listen to UTT’s radio lectures, click here.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 25, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brian McLaren Defends Rob Bell against Mohler's Critique.

2011-04-19T11:35:00.005+02:00

March 22
Article: Emerging Church

Comment from Understand the Times:
According to Brian McLaren, Rob Bell can rewrite the Bible and the meaning of hell because Jesus did not of actually mean what He said.

So using this same logic, why would anyone believe that Rob Bell meant what he said. How do we know that his book stating that there is no hell is not what he said at all? Maybe.

Brian McLaren should be questioned if what he said in his books is what he said. Maybe the ideas were not from him at all, but instead were the ideas of Jesuits who have a goal to destroy the Word of God and make the Bible the Word of man, while at the same time making the pope's word the word of a god.
-----------------------------------

Controversial evangelical pastor Brian McLaren has come to the defense of Rob Bell, taking on R. Albert Mohler, Jr.'s critical review of Bell's new book, Love Wins, in a recent blog post. For weeks, evangelical leaders have hammered Bell for his views on heaven and hell as expressed in his new book Love Wins. Bell is accused of being a universalist, dismissing the sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross, and not believing in hell, among other things.

In his blog post defending Bell, McLaren uses a baseball metaphor to point out four errors in Mohler's critical arguments against the book.

First, McLaren takes issue with Mohler's line of argument that his interpretation of the gospel is the gospel itself and that Bell is attempting to promote a different version of the gospel to make it more popular. McLaren responded, "[H]e (Mohler) is wrong to assume that Rob is saying his story is better than Jesus' story. Rather, Rob is suggesting that Jesus' original story (as he interprets it) is better than the version many hold and proclaim today."

No articulation of the gospel today can presume to be exactly identical to the original meaning proclaimed by Christ and the apostles, McLaren argued. He said Christians therefore should proclaim their interpretation with "humble confidence" rather than "a naive and excessive confidence."

According to Mohler, God's holiness and justice requires the traditional doctrine of hell.

McLaren wrote that concerns raised over the traditional doctrine of hell are based on justice and holiness, not because of sentimentality. However, he pointed out that "it's very hard to square the idea of eternal conscious torment with a just or holy God." Even from a human stand point, a human father punishing his children's disobedience with 10 seconds in the fireplace would be unjust and unholy, said McLaren. If a definition of justice and holiness characterized by "the imperfect...suffering eternal agony" would be unworthy of a human being, "how much more unworthy of God whose justice must be better than our own," he asked.

In his third point, McLaren rejected Mohler's argument that those who reject the traditional doctrine on hell is embracing a liberal theology that killed and emptied out many mainline Protestant churches at the end of the 20th century. McLaren also suggested that mainline Protestantism might not be dying at all but preparing for the birth of a new generation of Christianity. Also, evangelicals might be headed toward a similar downfall as the church has a higher college attendance rate or grapples with hypocrisy or disconnection from real-life issues.

McLaren concluded his post by asking for those who ascribe to a traditional view of hell to give a "fair hearing" to those who "can't in good conscience defend that view... Controversial evangelical pastor Brian McLaren has come to the defense of Rob Bell, taking on R. Albert Mohler, Jr.'s critical review of Bell's new book, Love Wins, in a recent blog post. For weeks, evangelical leaders have hammered Bell for his views on heaven and hell as expressed in his new book Love Wins. Bell is accused of being a universalist, dismissing the sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross, and not believing in hell, among other things... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, April 18, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan: A Tragedy of Biblical Proportions.

2011-04-18T18:02:00.000+02:00

“[T]he message of Brian McLaren and Rob Bell, and the whole camp of the neo-liberal “Emergents” is a death sentence for anyone caught in their web of deceit.”

By Steve Blackwell
Indywatchman

Christians on both side of the aisle debate the goodness of a God who would permit the kind of death and suffering we see in the aftermath of Japan’s 9.0 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown.

All over the world the main topic of discussion is the Japan tragedy, and now we learn that the worst is yet to come. Both Christian and non-Christian people are confused. People can’t understand how a “good” God could allow thousands upon thousands of innocent people to be killed. It is not necessary to present another theological or philosophical debate to explain what, and why, these things happen, or to try and justify God; John Piper has done that; and Brian McLaren’s philanthropic love has cornered the market on empathy. With those bases covered the question of “why?” still remains, and will not go away. After the prayers are over, and the aid exhausted, the mothers, fathers, and children, who have lost so much, return to their homes, and keep asking, “Why?”

Christians don’t have to have all the answers, but answers help, especially now; and you can do no better than opening up the Bible.

How do we balance the mercy and love of God, with His justice? I say “we” because God doesn’t do a balancing act, nor does He juggle His emotions, trying to keep some kind of equilibrium between good and evil. God is God, even when we don’t understand Him. God is perfect, and man confused; it is man that walks the tight rope wanting to know “why?” It is “we” who are out of balance and stumble, proposing our question in hopelessness, when the answer is right there, in the Book. God has spoken!

God has anticipated the question and has included the answer, in His book of answers, the Bible. We will look in vain going anywhere else. Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 18, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Death of the Mega Church.

2011-04-14T00:58:00.003+02:00

Commentary by Roger Oakland
Understandthetimes.org/

Click here for a video introduction for the Commentary.

Over the past several decades, biblical Christianity has been under a major attack from Satan, the one who deceives the whole world [1]. A number of man-made church growth programs designed or inspired largely by the well-known church growth guru Peter Drucker have had a major impact on what was once called Evangelical Protestant Christianity. These churches and denominations, which often consist of Christians who have believed and taught the Bible, have been cleverly led into what I call the Drucker “666” plan, without many of them even knowing it [2]

Peter Drucker
This clever humanistic plan authored by Drucker and others has reshaped modern day Christianity. Fellowships of believers that once gathered to hear the teaching of God’s Word have been turned into corporations that are driven to be successful businesses. These churches are now run for profit, and in many cases the Spirit of God has departed.

The pastors who were once shepherds and guided by the Holy Spirit are now corporate CEO’s. They often have puppet boards made up of “yes” men. They now focus on the accumulation of power, possession, and property and have forgotten about serving people and being witnesses for the gospel.

Drucker, now deceased, was a well-known globalist with an emphasis on one world government and one world religion His concept was better known as the three-legged stool plan. This plan is also found in the Bible; the Book of Revelation describes this “666” plan. [3]

Peter Drucker was also a famous consultant for three well-known present day American pastoral super-heroes: Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Church near Chicago, Illinois, and Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

The Crystal Cathedral Garden Grove, California
Recently Robert Schuller's empire declared a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy after years of success. While church services are still being held, some have wondered if this is a sign that the church growth era is coming to an end.

Schuller , Hybels and Warren
Others have discovered that the only way to survive as a mega-church in a postmodern society is to look for new ways to communicate to this generation by joining hands with what is called the Emerging Church Movement. This was also one of Drucker’s inspirations, which he conjured up with business partner Bob Buford. The Emerging Church can be documented to be just another road to Rome through Babylon. It is bringing about the fast demise of Bible believing Christianity.

Whatever the case, it is still apparent that the Bill Hybel's seeker-friendly church growth program coupled with Rick Warren’s Purpose-Driven Church and Purpose Driven Life Plan have been designed to be part of the PEACE Plan. This PEACE plan embraces New Age mystical contemplative practices that are based on a revival of ancient Babylonian religious methods, which are driven by doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). There are also signs that both these movements, mentored by Peter Drucker, are joining together with Roman Catholics with a plan to build the kingdom of God here on earth without the King.

This of course is what Rome has planned for centuries. This is the plan the Jesuits authored years ago and have been implementing ever since the Counter Reformation. This sinister group founded by Ignatius Loyola (a contemplative mystic, by the way) has always had a clever plan to infiltrate all Bible-based churches and organizations with the goal of establishing a One World Religion and a One World Government. This plan also includes an attack on the Word of God, changing and revising to become the word of man while at the same time making the word of the pope into the word of a god.

Recently Rick Warren and Tony Blair met at Saddleback to discuss their plan for the globalization of religion for the cause of peace. Warren promoted his PEACE Plan, and Blair explained the task he has been given by the Pope to bring about a One World Religion for peace in the name of Christ. Rick Warren is on The Tony Blair Faith Foundation advisory board. They are partners together in setting up what could be a one-world religion, which prepares the way for the coming antichrist of which the Bible warns.

Denominations and Churches that are Purpose Driven And Not Spirit Led
There are a number of other well-known churches and denominations that seem to be caught in Satan’s trap and are also on their way towards the One World Religion predicted in the Bible to be part of the End Times Apostasy. Some of these pastors and church leaders were once active in warning their flocks of the dangers ahead. However, many of the sheep can now see that something has happened. Rather than the sheep being protected or warned, they are now being led to the slaughter as they are driven to market. This is very sad!

In order to understand how and why this is happening, it is important to study the Word of God. It is apparent from Scripture that God never intended men to choose men to be Kings over the people. You can read about this in the Bible. The children of Israel wanted a King. God insisted this would bring about disaster. History shows that God eventually allowed Israel to have what they wanted, and they suffered the consequences.

In the New Testament, we see this pattern repeated over and over. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Pastors are supposed to model their ministries after Jesus. The sheep make up their flocks but are abused. Pastors are to protect the sheep not send them to market. Jesus is the One who believers should follow - Him alone.

Once more, from the examples that are given to us in the New Testament, we see that humans are prone to the deception authored by Satan because they do not read the manual, which in this case is the Bible. They follow after men, their methods, and their movements - men who can be easily misled by wrong motives. This following a man model, which in the beginning may look to be a work of God and led by the Holy Spirit, will actually, over time, self destruct.

A leader who becomes the founder of such a movement can eventually be looked on as the “Pope”of that movement. If this Pope does not have his eyes totally on Jesus Christ but instead seeks after power and possession, it will not take long for his leadership to be tainted.

Those whom he has influenced will be tainted as well. The organization will begin to clone the same model. Over time, a Roman Catholic denominational plan develops with a hierarchy that everyone is familiar with – pope – cardinals – bishops – priests and then the sheep – the poor sheep.

While conferences will be held and the basics of the faith constantly discussed and enforced, it seems that after time no one pays attention to what is said. Over time the foundational beliefs once so essential to the organization in the beginning gradually are replaced with other views that become more important. Rather than teaching the Bible and focusing on being a servant to God, successful pastors often look for other ways to expand their horizons by joining hands with those who do not even believe what the Bible teaches. Instead of being servants of the Lord, some even seek after position, property, and power and forget from where they originated.

It is tragic to see an organization, driven to become larger or a church seeking to become a mega church function like a business. This is not what God ever intended. When one begins to analyze what went wrong, it becomes apparent. Men were following men and not Jesus Christ. They thought that they were led by the Holy Spirit when instead it appears they have been driven by another spirit. They may have started out right, but they ended up wrong.

So What Can Be Done?
There is a biblical solution to this problem. It is very simple. Mega churches are not in the Bible. Jesus was more interested in teaching His disciples than He was about congregations of thousands. Apparently, Jesus had never been to a Church Growth Seminar on how to be seeker-friendly or purpose driven. These man-made methods have no biblical basis and have distorted what it means to be a part of the bride of Christ.

Further, methods that allow men to do what they want to do by refusing to listen to the council of others, is just plain wrong. Pastors who say they need one hundred percent support from their board and then fire board members who do not vote their way need to be taken to task. This style of leadership is not only ungodly, but it is dangerous. Such leadership becomes more like a dictatorship , often put in place by someone who becomes hungry for power and obsessed by money and success. Jesus would have never shepherded His flock that way. And He sure didn’t instruct the disciples to shepherd that way either.

When Scriptures are used as a method of manipulation or mind control over others this is a terrible mishandling of the Word of God. How many pastors have you heard say “DON’T TOUCH GOD’S ANOINTED” when they have been confronted with the truth and asked to respond? This apostate style of Christian leadership is about how much power a leader has over his flock, whereas a good shepherd is a pastor who follows the Good Shepherd in all that he says and does. He not only teaches the Word from the pulpit but he listens to what has been taught and lives it.

While it is possible that someone can be deluded and not know it, when warnings are given from the Word of God that shine light into the darkness, there is no excuse. Everyone has fallen short of the glory of God. Everyone is a sinner and in need of a Savior, saved only by God’s grace. When leaders go wrong, they need to recognize their sin and repent. Covering up sin only hardens the heart and makes the situation worse.

In these days of strong delusion, when Satan is pulling out all the stops, maybe it is time for pastors to put their pride behind their backs and stand up before the Lord. The consequences of shepherds in sheep’s clothing leading sheep towards apostasy will be severe.

Anything that has been hidden and not dealt with will eventually be uncovered. While some think the rapture will happen first or they may die before sin is revealed, this is not the way to cover up. There will be the Judgment Seat. Better for all things to be revealed now than later. Better to be forgiven now than to have to deal with sin later. Better to be judged here on earth than to be judged later by God when nothing will be hidden from His sight. In 2 Timothy 20, it talks about vessels of honor and dishonor. In verse 21 it says: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Is this not the time for Christian leaders to “purge” themselves and return to honor rather than dishonor? Yes, this is a time of reckoning. This is a time to get it right before it is too late. How has it happened that those who once warned about the coming apostasy now, when the apostasy is here, have somehow fallen asleep and shut their mouths? And why would it be that those same leaders condemn those who are now doing the warning, telling them to shut up and go away?

The Bible has the answer. Paul wrote to Timothy and told him how to deal with this kind of a problem. He said:

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 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 2:24-26

Let us pray that God's will, not Satan's, will be accomplished.
-----------------------
[1] Revelation 12:9
[2] 2 Timothy 3
[3] Revelation 13:8

Roger Oakland, April 13, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giving up Christianity for Lent.

2011-04-12T11:32:00.001+02:00

March 25
Article: Unbiblical Christiianity

As a former Episcopalian, I can sadly report that this story doesn't shock me. The Rev. Steve Lawler, a part-time rector at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ferguson, Mo., is practicing Islam for Lent. According to a report in Christianity Today, Lawler on Ash Wednesday began praying five times daily to Allah, studying the Quran, and adhering to Islamic eating restrictions. During Holy Week, he plans to fast from dawn to dusk, in imitation of Ramadan.

Lawler claims that his goal is merely to learn more about Islam than he could by, say, reading books on the subject.

Bishop George Wayne Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is not quite as sanguine about this unusual priestly practice of Lent. In fact, he's pretty clear that it's not acceptable. "He can't be both a Christian and a Muslim," he said. "If he chooses to practice as Muslim, then he would, by default, give up his Christian identity and priesthood in the church." Smith threatened punitive action if Lawler continues.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lawler wasn't upset by the bishop's reaction. "It's a conversation, so I don't feel excluded or ordered about, and I understand Bishop Smith's concerns about what this would mean. I knew I was stepping into this as a discovery. It's turning out to be different than I thought, but also richer than I thought."

Lawler told Christianity Today that he gave up the Roman Catholicism of his youth because it was too conservative. "The Episcopal church is a fairly open church," he said.

And that's precisely the problem. While I'm glad to see Bishop Smith taking a strong stand against this inanity, the fact that an Episcopal priest could possibly think this was a good way to spend Lent speaks volumes about the state of the Episcopal Church today....Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, April 12, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Oaks of Mamre.

2011-04-08T19:37:00.001+02:00

8. April 2011.

Life is full of crossroads and decisions. In my nearly 64 years of walking this planet I have seen a number of forks in the road. Some have been good and some bad.

Sometimes it takes faith to determine which way to go. Understand The Times is at another one of those forks in the road as I write this note. We are calling upon God to lead the way and protect us from the wolves.

This fork in the road did not come up suddenly or without warning. We have been able to see the signs coming for approximately 22 years. While we will admit God has allowed Understand The Times a time and a season based in southern California, things change. People change. Fellowships change. Fellowships of churches change. It is time for Understand The Times to change as well.

Some years ago while reading through the book of Genesis I was impressed to think about the parting of the ways that occurred between Abraham and Lot. Lot chose go to the place where it appeared there would be blessing and good times. Abraham stayed near Hebron, a place known as the Oaks of Mamre where things were not quite so good. The parting of the ways between Abraham and Lot was very significant.

Lot's lot was not all what he was expecting. Abraham was blessed from then on by God. From this scriptural historical event we can put together a few thoughts. Sometimes what seems like the right thing can be wrong. Especially, if the person is not being led by the Holy Spirit. When God is behind our decisions, we can expect Him to lead, guide and protect. The Oaks of Mamre was the exact place where God wanted Abraham to be located. He was in God's perfect will.

Sodom and Gomorrah turned out to be hell. While Lot escaped the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, the city was never the same nor was his family.

Abraham was blessed by God when he separated from Lot. Lot barely survived one of the great disasters that occurred in the Bible. From this scriptural historical event we can put together a few thoughts. Sometimes what seems like the right thing can turn out to be a disaster. When God is behind our decisions, we can expect Him to lead us and guide us. The Oaks of Mamre was exactly where God wanted Abraham. Lot chose his own demise.

Roger Oakland, April 7, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is religion going extinct?

2011-04-06T21:57:00.008+02:00

March 24
Article: One World Religion

Both fans and foes of religion should take note. A study conducted by scholars from the University of Arizona and Northwestern University, and presented at a meeting of the American Physical Society suggests that religion may be dying in nine countries. The study projects the extinction of religion in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

This study, using complex mathematical models, confirms trends observed by social scientists for some time. While not studied, the trend line in the United States has been interpreted in similar ways by other scholars, most recently because of polling conducted for the American Reiligious Identification Survey in which the fastest growing religious group in America was the "nones" i.e. people indicating that none of the categories offered by the study fit how they would describe themselves when it came to religion.

Before religion foes begin celebrating however, it's worth noting that these studies make a giant conceptual error - one which confuses the death of religion with the end of religion and religious affiliation as we know them. There is plenty of evidence for the latter two phenomena, but the fact that people are doing religion differently doesn't mean that religion is going extinct.

None of our faiths has been here forever, and according to most of them, each is an improvement over what preceded them, so it's likely that if these traditions should actually die out, they too will be replaced by potentially superior alternatives. I am not a supersessionist who believes that whatever comes last is best. In fact, that approach has proven to be quite deadly, at least for most of Western religious tradition, and actually for other parts of the world as well, though we tend to be less aware of their bloody pasts.

I am simply suggesting that if religion as we know it as a whole does go extinct, there is reason to believe that it will be replaced by religion as we do not know it yet, and that it may well be an improvement over the versions we currently have. But even if that process is unfolding, it will be, like most evolutionary processes, quite slow, so nobody reading this is likely to confront the actual death of the tradition to which they are currently attached.

Could these shifts be part of a much larger trend? It may be that in all of these places, people are insisting that the conceptual, spiritual, and religious offerings which have comprised their menu options are simply insufficient...Read Full Article....

Roger Oakland, April 6, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rob Bell’s Book Love Wins Hit New York Times List.

2011-04-04T13:39:00.003+02:00

by Christian Retailing

Best-selling author Rob Bell’s controversial new book, Love Wins (HarperOne), has debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice & Miscellaneous best-seller list for the week of April 3.

HarperOne brought forward publication of the book—subtitled “Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived”—from March 29 to March 15 because of interest in the title, which critics say promotes universalism.

Founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., Bell has denied that he espouses universalism—the belief that all humans end up in heaven, and hell is not physical place.

HarperOne Senior Vice President and Publisher Mark Tauber told Christian Retailing that parent company HarperCollins expected the controversy surrounding Love Wins to help sales.

However, LifeWay Christian Stores would “not offer” the book, according to LifeWay Christian Resources Director of Communications Micah Carter. Family Christian Stores officials declined to comment, but the chain’s Web site did not feature Love Wins.

Best-selling author Rob Bell’s controversial new book, Love Wins (HarperOne), has debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice & Miscellaneous best-seller list for the week of April 3.

HarperOne brought forward publication of the book—subtitled “Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived”—from March 29 to March 15 because of interest in the title, which critics say promotes universalism.

Founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., Bell has denied that he espouses universalism—the belief that all humans end up in heaven, and hell is not physical place... Click here to continue.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 4, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question to the Berean Call: Why are you and other “discernment” writers so critical of Rick Warren and his new Daniel Plan?

2011-04-04T13:30:00.004+02:00

From The Berean Call

Question: Why are you and other “discernment” writers so critical of Rick Warren and his new Daniel Plan? What difference does it make that Rick Warren turns to some of the best secular doctors in the nation to help the church with its battle over obesity, physical fitness, and mental health? After all, Christians don’t have to ensure that their cars are repaired only by Christian mechanics, and their toilets unstopped only by Christian plumbers. If you’ve got a problem with your physical body, isn’t it far more important to have the very best doctor’s advice, regardless of their religious background.

Response: As long as one’s mechanic or plumber isn’t incorporating unbiblical spiritual content in his service to a believer, his religious background shouldn’t be a problem. However, that is not the case with the eminent doctors that Rick Warren has selected to minister to his congregation and those hundreds of thousands who follow his ministry. All three of the medical doctors are practitioners of various forms of Eastern mystical meditation and occultism, which they promote in their well-being programs of body, mind, and spirit. No doubt their medical science education gives them valuable insights into the workings of their patients’ bodies, but what of mind and spirit? The mind is not the brain; it’s part of man’s nonphysical makeup. There is no objective science of mind. There is only the metaphysical kind. There is no objective science of the spirit. There are no scientific instruments for evaluating a person’s spirit. It’s purely a subjective religious matter.

Furthermore, your question reflects the religious pragmatism (“whatever works”) that leads many believers to abandon biblical authority, compromise their faith, supplant the gospel, and even endanger their very lives. The journey of departing from the Truth may not begin with such stark choices, but often ends with tragic spiritual consequences. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal 5:9)....
Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, April 4, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tony Blair: We can't just be spectators in this revolution.

2011-03-30T21:03:00.002+02:00

March 18
Article: Israel And The Last Days

Comment from Understand the Times:
It is apparent to everyone that there is a huge problem to resolve in the Middle East, if there is going to be PEACE. What is interesting is the fact that the Bible indicates that if a PEACE agreement is reached it will be a false peace. Tony Blair and Rick Warren are at the forefront of this PEACE movement. Warren has plenty of support from major church denominations who are interested in building the kingdom. He and others like David Barton think there can be peace on earth without the presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

This is obviously the plan of the antichrist. Why would Warren, Blair and those who support them not see what the Bible teaches? Why would some church leaders just keep quiet and NOT say anything? Is it possible that no answer at all, lends support to the system that the antichrist is establishing? Where are the pastors? Why are they so silent?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The crisis in Libya has forced back on to the agenda all the tough choices of modern-day foreign policy. Should we intervene? Do we do so for moral reasons as well as those of national interests? How do we balance the need for a policy that is strong, assertive and well articulated with the desire not to appear overmighty and arrogant, disrespecting others and their culture?

First, there is no doubt that the best, most secure, most stable future for the Middle East lies in the spread of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. These are not "Western" values; they are the universal values of the human spirit. People of the Middle East are no different in that sense from the people of Europe or America.

Second, however, getting there is a lot more complex than it was for Eastern Europeans when the Soviet Union collapsed. In that case you had hollowed-out regimes that were despised by a people eager for change and, vitally, agreed as to the type of society the change should produce. They looked over the Wall, saw the West and said: that's what we want. By and large, that is what they now have.

Third, working in that framework, we should differentiate when dealing with different countries. This too will require difficult decisions in instances where things are often not clean and simple, but messy and complex.

Fourth, in respect of Tunisia and Egypt, they now need our help. Protests don't resolve policy questions. Demonstrations aren't the same as governments. It is up to the emerging leaders of those nations to decide their political systems. But that is only one part of their challenge. They have young populations, often without jobs. Whatever the long-term benefits of political change, the short-term cost, in investment and the economy, will be big. This will require capital. It will also require the right policy framework, public sector reform and economic change that will sometimes be painful and controversial. Otherwise be clear: the danger is that in two or three years the political change is unmatched by economic progress and then in the disillusion that follows, extreme elements start to get traction. So talk of a Marshall Plan-type initiative is not overexcitable. It is completely to the point.

Fifth, we ignore the importance of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians at our peril. This absolutely must be revitalised and relaunched. I know it is said that this wasn't the issue behind the uprisings. That is true. But we are deluding ourselves if we don't think that its outcome matters profoundly to the region and the direction in which it develops. In any event, the change impacts immediately and directly on the parties. For Israel it makes peace all the more essential; it also sharpens acutely its security challenge. For the Palestinians it gives them a chance to be part of the democratic change sweeping the region, but only if they are on the march to statehood. If not they are highly vulnerable to their cause being hijacked yet again by extremists.

Finally, in the Middle East religion matters. Nothing in this region can be fully explained or understood without analysing the fundamental struggle within Islam. That struggle can only ultimately be resolved by Muslims. But how non-Muslims have a dialogue and, if possible, a partnership with Islam can influence crucially the debate between reform and reaction... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 30, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. God? Asherah goddess worshipped along with Yahweh scholar finds.

2011-03-30T20:52:00.004+02:00

March 18
Article: Miscellaneous

Comment from Understand the Times
Of course it is no secret that the Children of Israel were worshipping a female god. Anyone who has read the Old Testament can figure that out. This was the Queen of Heaven in Jeremiah chapter 7 and also chapter 44. God called this an abomination. Although today the pope, the Jesuits and the Roman Catholic Church consider "Mary" the mother of Jesus to be the Queen of Heaven.

If you think this is absurd, it is because it is absurd. Mary, the true mother of Jesus would have never wanted a title like that, as she stated that she herself needed to have a Savior. This idea that there is a Holy Quartet is not biblical. Also as you will soon see, the claim will be made by Rome that "Mary" is pouring out the "Holy Spirit" as part of what is called the Second Pentecost. Charismatics will really get excited about this, as they are conditioned into believing that everything that smacks of the dove is the real dove.

The Bible states that there should be no worship of any idol including a dove. Christians should wake up and smell the smoke. Judgment is coming!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ancient Israelites were a polytheistic culture, worshipping Yahweh (El) and his female consort, Asherah according to a British theologian. Discovery News today published a report that states in 1967 Asherah was first mentioned by scholar Raphael Patal. The current studies of Francesca Stavrakopoulou have reinforced that theory. Stavrakopolou is a scholar who began her studies at Oxford, and currently is a senior lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Exeter.

"You might know him as Yahweh, Allah or God. But on this fact, Jews, Muslims and Christians, the people of the great Abrahamic religions, are agreed: There is only one of Him," writes Stavrakopoulou in a statement released to the British media. "He is a solitary figure, a single, universal creator, not one God among many . or so we like to believe."After years of research specializing in the history and religion of Israel, however, I have come to a colorful and what could seem, to some, uncomfortable conclusion that God had a wife," she added.

Asherah's connection to Yahweh, according to Stavrakopoulou, is spelled out in both the Bible and an 8th century B.C. inscription on pottery found in the Sinai desert at a site called Kuntillet Ajrud.

"The inscription is a petition for a blessing," she shares "Crucially, the inscription asks for a blessing from 'Yahweh and his Asherah.' Here was evidence that presented Yahweh and Asherah as a divine pair. And now a handful of similar inscriptions have since been found, all of which help to strengthen the case that the God of the Bible once had a wife."

Also significant, Stavrakopoulou believes, "is the Bible's admission that the goddess Asherah was worshiped in Yahweh's Temple in Jerusalem. In the Book of Kings, we're told that a statue of Asherah was housed in the temple and that female temple personnel wove ritual textiles for her."

Asherah is mentioned five times in the Book of 1 Kings, showing the supremacy of El/Yahweh over Asherah when Asherah idols and poles are destroyed. Asherah is also named in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, Judges, 2 Chronicles and the books of Isaiah, appearing as pole honoring the Ugaritic goddess Asherah, consort of El. Her sacred pillars, or poles once stood beside the altars of Yahweh (El)... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 30, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Solomon Syndrome.

2011-03-29T11:49:00.005+02:00

Commentary by Roger Oakland

According to the Bible, Solomon was an extremely wise man. Solomon was granted wisdom because he asked God for wisdom.

His father David was described as “a man after God’s own heart.” However, he could not always be called wise because of his actions and his behavior. David, like each one of us who claims to follow Jesus Christ, had a daily battle with the conflicting struggles between the flesh and the spirit.

Paul made it clear in Romans chapter eight that he too dealt with this same battle. [1] It is simply the nature of the Christian life. If you are alive and you are a follower of Jesus, you will always be faced with choices. You will either be led by the Spirit or by your flesh. The question is, who do you want to follow – Jesus or Satan?

Recently, a number of circumstances have happened impacting my walk with Jesus Christ. This has forced me to search my own heart and try to understand my own behavior as well as the attitude and behavior of those who are attacking me. I have come to the conclusion the best way to do this is to study the Scriptures.

All of us know Christian leaders who were once respected and used by God as faithful servants. How is it possible then, you may ask, that someone who started out dedicated to Christ and His Word and taught the Word, can end up being trapped in a state of delusion? How can such a person be convinced that he or she is above the Word of God and does not need correction?

This malady that permeates and infects Christian leadership in our world today is what I call the Solomon syndrome. Great leaders are only great if they faithfully follow Jesus and abide in His Word. Often great leaders become great deceivers because they end up following Satan and their own flesh. Because they have large followings, they are looked up to as great men of the faith. Further, while they have led many astray, they may or may not know they have done this because they are convinced they are God’s agents.

Solomon’s Trap
Satan is a master deceiver. He hates man and wants to destroy God’s plan of salvation. Satan is a schemer. In Ephesians, Paul describes how he works and uses the term “wiles of the devil.” His plans are widespread, and he seeks to delude both believers and unbelievers. If he can seduce a believer who is considered a shepherd, then the sheep that shepherd is supposed to be protecting can be driven to market rather that directed by the Holy Spirit to heaven.

This is why the protective role of watchmen and watchwomen is so important for the body of Christ. At times, these watchmen on the wall must bypass shepherds who cannot or will not see the danger coming because of their pride or their desire for money or power or fame, things which have blinded them.

The Path to Power and Possession
There are a number of ways that a pastor and a church can accumulate power and possession. A pastor or church can start out small and not even be interested in taking an offering. This keeps the pastor’s mind off man-given resources and helps him concentrate on teaching the Word and protecting the sheep. Then as the church grows and the fruit becomes obvious, more people attend. They want to experience and taste the fruit too. They come in hungry; they are fed and then come back with their offerings.

Soon the small facility that housed the small gathering needs to be enlarged. Perhaps a home Bible Study moves to a strip mall. Some years later when that facility has maxed out, the board and the pastor look for a larger facility. Now they have a problem. Big buildings require big budgets, and big budgets require big offerings. Big offerings require generous donors who have a lot of money. People with big money have power and influence and like to control pastors. The love of money is the root of evil, isn’t it?

While this pattern is being fulfilled many times, today especially in the circles where I have traveled the past twenty-some years, the pattern is not new. This is exactly what happened to Solomon. He was warned about three things that would take down his ability to serve God – too many horses, too much gold, and too many women. Horses symbolize power, gold symbolizes wealth, and women are women and no explanation is required.

History shows that Solomon was not as wise as he should have been. He fell on all three accounts. His mighty empire was taken down even though he was warned. In today’s standards, the largest megachurch would not even begin to compare to what Solomon controlled. The property of the largest megachurch would not compare to what Solomon owned. The power of the most powerful pastor today would dwarf beneath the power held by Solomon. Solomon stood in a category by himself.

Unfortunately, many of those who have followed in Solomon’s footsteps have forgotten about the Solomon syndrome. Or if they have not forgotten, they are too proud, or they have too much power. They have no intention to repent and acknowledge their sin.

Or there may be another factor. They may even be covering something up they don’t want revealed that others know about. They may even have been extorted. Or they are being manipulated by relatives or acquaintances that have plans to inherit their kingdom after they drop dead or become too senile to make decisions.

David and Nathan
While David was a man after God’s own heart, Solomon was a man that left God and followed Satan. Solomon was seduced by his many concubines, and he worshipped their gods made of wood and stone. This was very grieving to God for the Scriptures are full of references of what God thinks about idolatry.

I suppose the question to ask is this: what if Solomon had a Nathan like David had? In other words, what if someone had come to Solomon and told him the bold truth rather than just keeping things covered up? What if this person or group of persons were alive today? What if they went to those in leadership who were deceived and deceiving others and encouraged them to repent and to say they were sorry.

It seems to me this would be the best solution. Maybe I am wrong, but I think not. Repenting is always the right solution to sin, isn’t it?

Maybe the sin is the love of horses, or gold, or too many women. The best plan is God’s plan . . . not man’s; wouldn’t you agree?

Whether this suggestion is right or wrong, there is one thing I know for sure, there will be those who are angry and will be ready to destroy me for suggesting such a thing. The reason I know this is because I have been down this road before. Remember Ichabod?

God’s Bondservant
Watchmen and watchwomen have never been popular with the people. Their gift is usually considered a curse. No one wants to listen—especially the pastors and the leaders. Their message is seen as too negative, and they are labeled divisive and troublemakers. The pastors and the leaders do not want to hear. The pastors and the leaders will even try to discredit the watchers on the wall and say they are crazy or that they have a slim grip on spiritual reality.

Sometimes the watchmen becomes weary. Sometimes their bodies breakdown from the stress. When they pursue the truth, those who call them liars attack them further. I know because this continually happens to me by those I once considered to be friends.

With regard to friends, they become fewer and fewer. People you once used to fellowship with, now knife you in the back. First, they put a bag over your head. Second, they spin you around to get you dizzy. Finally, they go in for the kill, so to speak, after dark.

These betrayers are like Judas. They love darkness. They operate in the dark. Their motives can be varied. Their loyalty is to man rather than to Jesus.

In spite of all this great opposition to cover up the light of the truth, watchmen and watchwomen must work fervently to walk as God’s word has instructed. They must not lose their tempers or their cool. They need the grace of God in which to stand (Romans 5:2) and the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Here are the words of Paul:

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 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]

As the current events are unfolding, it is apparent the time is very short. Soon this will all be over. When Jesus returns, what we do for Him will all have been worth it. For now, there is no other choice than to keep going even if it is one step at a time. The Gospel is worth dying for because Jesus died for us. It is a small price to pay for what He has done for those who are His.
----------------------
[1] Romans 8: 5-13
[2] 2 Timothy 2: 23-26

Roger Oakland, March 28, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saddleback Church Prepares for Spiritual Need in Japan.

2011-03-25T23:58:00.002+01:00

March 18
Article: One World Religion

Comment from Understand the Times:
As the article below states, the goal of the PEACE Plan is to attack global problems by Planting churches, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation. Also, according to the same article, Saddleback Church will continue promoting their PEACE plan in Japan by taking the PEACE Plan to the next level by presenting the "gospel."

On March 6, 2011, we were present and observed the Rick Warren Tony Blair Globalization meeting at Saddleback Church. Both Rick and Tony talked about planting churches around the world and working together with Rome and all religions in order to establish churches for peace. These churches would be headed up by leaders from all the religions of the world, as long as they were serious about peace, especially in the Middle East.

This plan for peace is very confusing for those who believe the Bible is God's Word and who believe in Bible prophecy. Jesus said there is the only way to heaven - there is no other way (John 14:6). The Bible instructs believers to come out of the harlot, not to join up with and hold hands with her (Revelation 18:4).

There are many who are very confused about Rick's PEACE Plan and his association with Tony Blair who is given his allegiance to Rome and is even more influential world wide with regard to a global peace plan than Warren.

For example, Greg Laurie is a promoter of Rick Warren. He has not come out and made a public statement about what is going on. Rick Warren has made a clear attack against the gospel of Jesus Christ that we find in the Bible based on his plan to establish a One World Religion with Tony Blair.

If Greg Laurie preaches the gospel according to the scriptures at his Crusades at Anaheim Stadium, why would he not warn his large flock about the direction that Warren and Blair are going? Anyone who has attended CCCM will know that Chuck Smith has always warned about a coming One World Religion in the past. What is going on?

What is amazing to us is the fact that Peter Drucker's three legged stool plan is unfolding before our eyes and the Calvary Chapel Movement which we were once part of, sits back and says very little, if anything at all. More shocking is the fact that well known Bible believing churches like those who are part of the Calvary Chapel movement seem to be oblivious to what is happening. If they are not oblivious, then why have these pastors chosen to keep quiet and say nothing? Are they afraid to speak out?

What are Calvary Chapel pastors waiting for? Do they need an edict from Rome that the Purpose Driven PEACE Plan is headed towards the establishment of the One World Religion foretold in the Bible? Or are they waiting for someone like Bryan Brodersen to make the call? If so, that is not likely to happen. He is on record for stating that "Calvary is not going to fight anymore." Does that mean, just go with the flow?

Is it possible that churches like the Calvary Chapel movement have been put to sleep by the Drucker Church Growth Model and they don't know it? Or have they been mesmerized by the Billy Graham Association who has been working with Rome for years?

So, back to Saddleback - does this mean that Warren and Company will be proclaiming the gospel according to the scriptures in Japan, or will they be proclaiming the gospel of PEACE and the one world religion - another gospel, that Paul warned about .

Of course, we must do what we can to help these poor devastated people in Japan whether they are Christians or not. UTT is doing what we can as a small missionary organization to help out financially. It may be very small but we will do what we can. We will also put our support behind a brother in Christ how is in Japan who will be sharing the gospel according to the scriptures. NOT the PEACE PLAN gospel that we heard when we were at Saddleback.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While aid groups are currently focusing on meeting the initial physical needs of disaster-stricken Japan, Saddleback Church is preparing for what they consider to be phase two of the relief effort – spreading the hope of Jesus Christ.

PEACE Japan, a project spawned from the church’s global PEACE Plan, is preparing to care for the spiritual needs of those suffering from the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan. Instead of sending a team of workers to offer only relief assistance, PEACE Japan plans to empower local churches to reach out to their communities and offer physical aid and spiritual comfort in the hopes of leading people to Christ. The PEACE Plan seeks to mobilize Christians around the world in an outreach to combat global problems by Planting churches, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation.

Pastor Dave Holden, global pastor of training at Saddleback Church, described the group’s action plan as one of prayer, information gathering and then action. He said he is currently praying for the people of Japan and the 500 churches that were working with Saddleback prior to the devastation.

Holden said that while prayer is important, “our fingers are the bowstring.” The church is preparing to lead a delegation to Japan with the goal to train pastors to engage with their communities and spread the gospel.Prior to the natural disasters that ravished the island nation and its nuclear power plants, Saddleback Church in southern California was actively training Japanese pastors though its global initiative, the PEACE Plan. The global project focuses on tackling five giant problems: spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, extreme poverty, diseases and illiteracy.

With the current disaster, Holden said, “Now we are taking our friendship and relationship to the next level.”... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 25, 2011.
Understandthetimes.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pentecostals and Charismatics form global governing groups - Empowered21

2011-03-22T18:08:00.005+01:00

January 14
Article: Experienced Based Christianity

COMMENT FROM UNDERSTAND THE TIMES:
GET READY FOR A CHARISMATIC GATHERING THAT WILL SHAKE THE WORLD WITH LYING SIGNS AND WONDERS, JUST AS JESUS SAID WOULD BE HAPPENING BEFORE HIS SECOND COMING.
-----------------------------------------------------------
A group of charismatic, neo-charismatic, pentecostal and neo-pentecostal leaders met in the US to form another council called Empowered21. The idea for the over 50o leaders gathered is to network under leadership of 11 regional councils or 'cabinets'.

Here is a list of key world wide leaders. I use world wide hesitantly, most are wealthy US mega-church or para-church leaders with strong religious right leanings. NAR leadership has been embraced like white on rice.

The Empowered21 Global Council attendees at this initial meeting include co-chairs Jack Hayford (Jack Hayford Ministries, USA) and Billy Wilson (International Center For Spiritual Renewal, USA), Charles Blake (Church of God In Christ, USA), Isak Burger (Apostolic Faith Mission, South Africa), Doug Anderson (representing Dr. Glenn Burris, Jr., Intl. Church of The Foursquare Gospel, USA), Gordon McDonald (representing Rick Ciaramitaro, Windsor Christian Fellowship, Canada), Daniel de León (Templo Calvario, USA), Chady El Aouad (Abundant Life Church and Ministries, Lebanon), Ingolf Ellssel (Pentecostal European Fellowship, Germany), Claudio Freidzon (King of Kings Church, Argentina), Jonas Gonzalez (Enlace TV, USA), Mart Green (Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees, USA), Prince Guneratnam (Calvary Church, Malaysia), Wayne Hilsden (King of Kings Community Jerusalem, Jerusalem), Al Hollingsworth (BOSS Global, Inc., USA), Cindy Jacobs (Generals International, USA), Dennis Lindsay (Christ For The Nations, USA), Ron Luce (Teen Mania, USA), Niko Njotorahardjo (Gereja Bethel Indonesia, Indonesia), Bob Canton (representing Oreste Pesare, Intl. Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, Vatican City), Samuel Rodriguez (National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, USA), Vinson Synan (Regent University, USA), Matthew Thomas (Central India Outreach, India) and David Wells (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Canada). Absent because of weather conditions were Raymond Culpepper and Alton Garrison.

The Canadians who comprise denominational and independent faith groups are using classic revival and inside language which has been part of the movement since it's inception. As you can see from the list above, NAR (New Apostolic Reformation/neo-charismatic) leaders are no longer on the sidelines and are included in this organizational leadership push. Here is what the Canadian leadership have to say:

Billy Wilson, Executive Director for the International Center for Spiritual Renewal and Empowered21 and Chair of the E21 USA cabinet, said, "Empowered21 Canada is an exciting initiative to connect Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders across the nation together for the future.

Some of the purposes of Empowered21 Canada will be to unite the Spirit-filled movement across Canada in an intergenerational gathering for the purpose of seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the 21st Century. They also desire to provide a platform for addressing the critical issues facing the Spirit-empowered church in Canada in the 21st Century and discover contemporary methods, vocabulary and ministry grace needed for engaging new generations in Spirit-empowered living. They will focus on the energy and resources of the Spirit-empowered Canadian church, on the harvest and challenges before them with a desire to witness greater convergence and collaboration of Spirit-empowered ministries across Canada... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 22, 2011.
Understandthetimes.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Muslims ask for Europe's "empty" churches...

2011-03-22T18:02:00.002+01:00

March 15
Article: Miscellaneous

Comment from Understand the Times:
This article fits in with the Rick Warren and Tony Blair's Global Peace PLAN. They are promoting churches that have a pastor, Inman, Rabi, priest or pastor to teach about peace and bring light in every community. This way all religious differences will be diffused and the antichrist religion for PEACE foretold in the Bible will be established. Eventually, the pope will be able to set up a one world religious temple in Jerusalem for world peace and the man who says that he is God will be able to get his job done.
--------------------------------
A Muslim group has asked to use the empty churches in France for Muslims to pray in, solving (at the expense of Christians) the traffic problems caused by Muslims who pray in the streets. Fr. Khalial Samir Samir, an expert scholar of Islam, reflects on the embarrassing proposal, calling for Islam in Europe to become more "European" and less "Arab".

In a press release published Friday, March 11, 2011, the "Banlieuses Respect " Collective asked authorities in charge of organization of the Church of France, to place at Muslims' disposal "empty churches for Friday prayers". Hassan M. Ben Barek, a spokesman for the Collective, said the measure would "prevent Muslims from having to pray on the streets" and being "politicians' hostages".

In fact, for several years now, every Friday, alongside dozens of mosques in France, Muslims have blocked the surrounding streets for an hour or two, spreading mats on the roads to pray. In many cases, local authorities close their eyes to this offense, and in some cases the police are there to ensure the safety of those who block the streets. On 10 December, in Lyon, Marine Le Pen (National Front) denounced the Muslims "street prayers", which led to negative reactions towards the Muslim community in France.

As we said, this is a common practice in Muslim countries. In fact, population growth, as well as a renewed religious fervour, have meant that the existing mosques and places of worship are not enough to contain all the faithful on Friday at noon. Given that this is the case in Muslim countries where the separation between state and religion is virtually nonexistent, the faithful have been in the habit of occupying sidewalks and streets near the mosques, and of diverting traffic.

Finally, imagine for a moment the opposite. If in a Muslim country (Egypt or Algeria, for example) the indigenous Christians (in Egypt) or immigrant Christians (in Algeria) asked Muslims to give them a mosque, since they have many, or to lend them one for Sunday, or only for important celebrations: Christmas, Epiphany, the beginning of Lent, Easter, Pentecost and the Assumption, what would the reaction of Muslims be?... Read Full Article....

Roger Oakland, March 22, 2011.
Understandthetimes.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deception, and Seeing the Signs of the Times.

2011-03-21T10:41:00.004+01:00

by Steve Blackwell
Indy Watchman

Why is it that every “Christian” thinks he or she is going to go to Heaven? The Bible is very plain concerning the fact that that isn’t going to happen. Everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will not make it. But, it doesn’t matter, wherever you go, or who ever you talk to, they’re all going.

Now, we have a little problem; either the Bible is incorrect or a whole lot of people have been deceived into thinking they have their ticket purchased and their trip all squared away, and they’re just waiting on the bus. Of course the idea that the Bible is not the final word and not totally correct is becoming more popular, and the issue of “having it all squared away” is becoming less controversial; there is a general consensus that that particular point is settled and we’re O.K., but the other idea, deception, ends up being the more realistic problem.

Deception, trickery, ruse, sham, fraud, con, cheat, what interesting words. Is it conceivable that so many Christians are deceived? Who is doing the deceiving? The preachers? The devil? The government? God? Maybe it is ourselves; Paul says, “…let no one deceive you…” as if we can only be deceived if we “let” ourselves be deceived. I can understand deception in the area of un-believers, but we’re talking about “Christians.” Ask anyone who has raised their hand during a worship service and they can assure you that they have followed procedures and that their bus token, regardless of how “straight” or hard the gate is to get through is valid. Who is it then that the Lord was referring to when he said in Matt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” Paul, interestingly enough, encouraged Timothy to “lay hold of eternal life,” creating the notion that it might slip away, or tear itself loose from its mooring, that even he might be deceived.

Deception, a very interesting concept indeed, and one that needs to be comprehended, after all, it could be soundly stated that we are living in the age of deception, at the end, when all the chips are on the table and the great contest of wills and wit comes down to “the Lie,” the bluff that will win the ranch away from so many deceived Christians. But it isn’t just salvation that is at stake here, it is the whole body of Truth. This is a dangerous time, a time when we must be able to think clearly, to cut through the haze and fog, and discern Truth... Read more here.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, March 21, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing for the Gospel – It is a Small Price to Pay.

2011-03-16T19:18:00.005+01:00

Commentary by Roger Oakland

According to the Scriptures and the events that we see happening around us, we are living in the last days. The Bible states that the last days will be perilous. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word perilous to mean dangerous, grave, threatening, unsafe, and unhealthy. Does this not describe the world today?

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1

There will be many deceivers during this time. The blind will be leading the blind. There will be wolves in sheep’s clothing that desire to devour the sheep and drive them to market. These wolves may know they are wolves, or they may not. They are under strong delusion. The world is under strong delusion as well. What is delusion? “Something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated.”1

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:11

More often than not, sheep will follow a shepherd because that is the nature of sheep. They will even trust the shepherd and do whatever he says because they believe he will protect them against all wolves. But earthly shepherds cannot be relied on. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He is the only one who can protect the sheep.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11

When we put men into the place of power, they become corrupt and obsessed for the love of money and more power. In short, shepherds can become wolves when they are led by the flesh rather than by the Spirit of God.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

When the sheep finally see what is happening, it is often too late. Even though shepherd’s may know what the Word of God teaches, they often use the Word as a means to their own end. They say things such as “do not touch God’s anointed” in order to avoid being challenged by those who try to direct them back to the Word of God.

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. Jeremiah 50:6

In the last days, we can expect to see the faith of many people being influenced by Satan in a powerful way.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

It appears from Bible prophecy that an apostate church actually becomes Satan’s footstool. “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” Revelation 2:9.

Satan is the master of lies. What better master plan than to deceive multitudes in the name of the Savior. He sets up a peace plan in the name of Jesus, but it is a peace plan that will ultimately bring God’s wrath.

We live in the very day that this plan is unfolding, and so few seem aware of it. In the past, God’s servants warned about what was coming in the future, but like Noah, they were not heard. Now that the signs are increasingly more obvious, fewer and fewer believers seem to be responsive.

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37

Instead of warning that disaster is coming, many pastors have become false teachers and are actually helping expedite this great delusion. And while the economies of the world are collapsing, charlatans are doing all they can to hang on to their assets and build up their empires, often in the name of God.

Instead of serving people and being involved in reaching the poor, widows, and the orphans, they are forever looking for further ways to grow their “kingdoms”: more radio stations, bigger buildings, more property, and large screen monitors for broadcasting their own messages to satellite outreaches reaching millions across the globe with their agendas to reproduce themselves.

Instead of churches, these TV entertainment centers have become like fast food franchises. Graphic designers design logos that stand for brand names like the “M” in Mc Donald’s.

The Bible, once taught faithfully, now becomes a manipulated spring board for postmodern “googly-gook” that destroys the truth. Large meetings are held in stadiums with bands that are popular with the world. More funds are spent on entertainment than on promoting Jesus Christ.

The appeal to the senses is part of the appeal to attract the postmodern generation trained to have their ears tickled by worldly methods.

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. 2 Timothy 3: 6-7

Organizers hope their followers will be attracted to this style of program, so they can be introduced to the “Lord” and a gospel that may not even be based on the Scriptures. When “converts” go forward, everyone in the audience claps. Some may truly become believers but countless of them do not.

Christian believer, be exhorted to reach out to the lost with the true Gospel. The world is being deceived, and so is most of organized Christianity. Strong delusion has made its mark. An apostate church is emerging, while Bible believing, discerning Christians are being left on the side of the road, scorned and displaced with often no church to attend. This apostate church has left the light of the Word and is headed into the darkness.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. 2 Timothy 3: 13-14

Because men love darkness more than the light, they refuse to take biblical correction. Rather they call those who challenge them divisive, liars, and troublemakers. They say that white is black and black is white.

While certain men have crept in just like in the days of Jude, and while this apostate church is rising to the “top,” let those who have ears to hear, hear what the Spirit says. Let us proclaim the Good News about our glorious salvation; let us not put our hope in building a “Christian” nation and a Kingdom of God on Earth (there will be no Kingdom of God on Earth until He returns in judgement at His second coming); rather let us put our hope in the Gospel.

Satan has been the god of this world since the fall of man, and that has never changed.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

According to the Scriptures we should prepare for a dark time ahead. Are we willing to tell others what true salvation is (centered around Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross), or are we planning to help build an interfaith, universalistic, mystical kingdom on earth?

Maybe it is time to count the cost. Are we willing to share the truth about Jesus Christ and shout it out loud? Let us exhort one another to become fishers of men as Jesus challenged us? Follow Him! Is it not a small price to pay in light of what He has done for us? Lord help us to be faithful servants. It is indeed a small price to pay for what you have done for us.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

Roger Oakland, March 16, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ahmadinejad calls for new world order.

2011-03-15T03:10:00.002+01:00

March 8
Article: One World Government

Comment from Understand the Times:
It is interesting to see how religion is playing such a major role in the development of the New World Order. On March 6, 2011 Tony Blair and Rick Warren met to discuss a One World Religion for Peace at Saddleback Church in Southern California. Within a week, we hear Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Muslim, is calling for a New World Order.

Further, it is well known that Ahmadinejad has demanded that Israel be wiped off the map.

How are Tony Blair and Rick Warren going to deal with all of this? Besides, it is a well known fact that Warren does not take Bible prophecy seriously even though the events we are describing fulfill Bible prophecy.
------------------------------------------------------------
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran and India need to help spread justice in the world as the duo share humane perspectives on international affairs.

"Currently, the formation of a new world order is of prime importance and it is upon the independent countries to prevent the same old oppressive order from insinuating itself into a new form," the website of the Iranian president's office quoted him as saying in a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon in Tehran on Monday.

Ahmadinejad underlined the role of Iran's and India's cultural background and said the issue of culture will significantly contribute to the new world order.

The Iranian chief executive also called for further cooperation between Tehran and New Delhi. For his part, the Indian official lauded his country's relations with the Islamic Republic and emphasized India's willingness "to establish all-out strategic relations with Iran."

Iran is India's second-largest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia, with New Delhi importing 12 million barrels of Iranian crude on a monthly basis... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 15, 2011
nderstandthetimes.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revealed: David Cameron's secret talks with Tony Blair over Libya crisis.

2011-03-15T02:59:00.002+01:00

March 3
Article: Wars And Rumors Of Wars

Comment from Understand the Times:
Tony Blair is a very important man in today's world. He is key in negotiating a peace plan in the Middle East as this article states. The world is set up like a time bomb. Where will this lead? Read the Bible, Ezekiel chapter 38.
-----------------------------------------

David Cameron has been secretly consulting Tony Blair about Libya despite publicly criticizing his links with Colonel Gaddafi. Senior officials say the Prime Minister has held at least two conversations in the past fortnight with the former Labour premier, now a Middle East peace envoy. Mr Cameron has consulted Mr Blair about the Libyan dictator's state of mind and sought advice about how to make him quit.

In a rambling televised speech in Tripoli, the embattled despot lashed out at Europe and the United States and declared they faced 'another Vietnam' if they launch military action.
'They will set foot in hell - worse than Afghanistan,' he said. 'We will enter a bloody war and thousands of Libyans will die if the United States enters or Nato enters. We will fight until the last man and woman. 'We are ready to hand out weapons to a million, or two million or three million, and another Vietnam will begin. It doesn't matter to us. We no longer care about anything.'

But senior government sources have confirmed that contacts with Mr Blair have been conducted 'at the highest levels' - code for Mr Cameron. A senior Whitehall official said Mr Blair's office warned Downing Street he was planning to talk to the Libyan despot, telling him it was time to go. 'Then Blair got in touch again to say that he had spoken to Gaddafi and said he was going to speak to him again.'

Since then, Mr Cameron has discussed the situation personally with Mr Blair. A second senior source said: 'It's not a case of Cameron using him as a conduit to Gaddafi, it's a case of picking his brains.'

While the Government has claimed a no-fly zone could be set up without a UN resolution, former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown, the former high representative in Bosnia, insisted it would be essential. He said: 'In my view, this can't be done without a UN Security Council resolution.' He added that support for military action had to be obtained from a wider 'circle' than the West and must include the Arab world.... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, March 15, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eye-Witness Account: Rick Warren/Tony Blair Forum at Saddleback Raises Serious Questions About Global Peace Plans.

2011-03-10T02:10:00.008+01:00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A SPECIAL REPORT BY LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS RESEARCH AND ROGER OAKLAND

On March 7, 2011, Roger Oakland, founder of Understand the Times, International, and two other members from his ministry attended the Peace in a Globalized Society forum at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, which featured Rick Warren and special guest, former UK prime minister Tony Blair. Roger Oakland and his co-workers obtained eye-witness seats at the event that included well over 2000 people in attendance. Although cameras and recorders were not allowed in the main sanctuary where the interview took place, the UTT team took notes.

What Oakland and his team heard caused them much concern – thus the reason for this special report. Warren and Blair spoke about Warren’s PEACE Plan and his “Three Legged Stool Plan.” Tony Blair spoke about his inter-faith Faith Foundation. Both speakers were noticeably excited about what they were doing for the world. According to a 2010 UK Observer report, “Tony Blair is preparing to launch a “faith offensive” across the United States over the next year, after building up relationships with a network of influential religious leaders and faith organisations.” Blair’s foundation is “develop[ing] a US arm that will pursue a host of faith-based projects.” Given the fact that Warren joined the advisory board of Blair’s foundation, it is safe to assume Saddleback will be part of Blair’s US interfaith arm.

At the forum, both Warren and Blair stated that the only way a global peace could happen on planet earth in the future would be for all faiths to work together and do good together. The audience at the forum appeared to be mesmerized and awe-struck as they were wooed with discussion on faith, good works, democracy, and coming together. Beneath the vernacular, however, was another story.

Blair and Warren also mentioned they have been partnering with the President of Rwanda in an effort to develop a Purpose Driven country as an initial step to establishing a Purpose Driven world. In 2005, Rick Warren announced his global P.E.A.C.E. Plan to his congregation and then in 2008 announced that Rwanda would be the first Purpose Driven country. In 2003, he said of New Age sympathizer Ken Blanchard that he had “signed on to help with the Peace Plan, and he’s going to be helping train us in leadership and in how to train others to be leaders all around the world” (35-37 min mark).* Blanchard is just one of many “new” spirituality leaders whom Warren has turned to for assistance in building his Peace Plan globally. While Blanchard’s name is not mentioned much publicly by Rick Warren these days, Warren still sits on Blanchard’s Board of Advisors with a number of New Agers at Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus organization. Blanchard has been promoting New Age mystical teachers for many years and even today sits on the Board of the New Age Hoffman Institute. In 2007, Blanchard wrote the foreword to a book that was “inspired by Hindu swami Paramahansa Yogananada. Will this Warren/Blair Peace Plan be one that is driven by mysticism?

It seems apparent that neither Rick Warren nor Tony Blair understand that their Peace Plan goals are fulfilling Bible prophecy, which speaks of a peace that is not from God but will deceive many. By appearances, the majority of the people who were attending the forum last week appeared mesmerized and awe-struck by what was being said. Do they not realize that a three legged stool (the joining together of government, business (or economy), and religion) plan will be a plan by man and not by God (see Faith Undone)?

Rick Warren has also partnered with Chuck Colson, the Christian leader who authored the Evangelicals & Catholics Together document in 1994 and the Manhattan Declaration in 2009. Former Catholic priest Richard Bennett documents the embedded Catholic agenda in the Manhattan Declaration as does Chris Pinto of Adullam Films.

At the Global forum last week, two standing ovations were given to Tony Blair for his support of the USA in the war against terrorism. Mention was made that Blair is now involved in trying to broker a peace plan with the nation of Israel with his faith-based program. He thinks he can do this in time. But what will an inter-faith peace plan look like in Israel? What will it look like in the world?

While Rick Warren is a Baptist and Tony Blair is an ex-Anglican, now-Roman Catholic, neither showed any concern about the major doctrinal differences between Evangelicals/Protestants and Catholics. “It’s all about working together to do good,” Warren stated. In a 2005 interview with broadcast host Charlie Rose, Warren stated that there are over 2 billion Christians in the world, and said that this number includes hundreds of millions of Catholics. He said that “minor doctrinal differences” should not keep the two groups separated. “What I am interested in is bringing the church together … we are never going to agree on a lot of things, but I found we do agree on purpose. Of course, there was no mention at the forum last week about the papacy’s plan for a world-wide Eucharistic (Catholic) “Christ”who will come on the scene to be worshiped by the world. Will this inter-faith Purpose Driven peace plan include that eucharistic false christ?

In the Charlie Rose interview in 2005, Warren said that we don’t have to have the same religion or moral beliefs to work with people on poverty, disease, etc. As an example he said he had met with the President of the gay-activist group ACT UP, and asked him, “Eric [Sawyer], how can I help you get your message out?” Sawyer answered, “Use your moral authority” (29-31 min mark). Warren then said to Rose, “I’m working with these guys … I’m looking for a coalition of civility, which means let’s get back to the original meaning of tolerance. Will this Purpose Driven peace plan and new reformation include practicing homosexuals? Warren seems to believe his new Purpose Driven world will be all inclusive. But how can this be called a reformation from God?

Both Blair and Warren have a vision to see churches with like-minded vision planted all over the world. These churches will be ones of any faith and all faith as long as they have some kind of faith in some god. “These churches will be like lights shining in a dark place and bring light to the world,” Warren stated. Warren said the more lights, the brighter the world will be. His view that a “second reformation” is needed and that people of various faiths can be part of it has been documented time and again. Listen to Warren’s description of this new reformation:

Who’s the man of peace in any village – or it might be a woman of peace – who has the most respect, they’re open and they’re influential? They don’t have to be a Christian. In fact, they could be a Muslim, but they’re open and they’re influential and you work with them to attack the five giants. And that’s going to bring the second Reformation. Rick Warren, May 23, 2005, Pew Forum on Religion

When Warren says “second reformation,” he is contrasting with the first reformation when Christians broke away from the Catholic church 500 years ago. How can he say that a reformation from God could include Muslims and those of other religions? And practicing homosexuals? What kind of reformation would that be? Will it be like the one the Bible warns about that will come in the last days when mankind will bow down to one leader – the Antichrist. Many, many centuries ago, man attempted to reach God ( because he considered himself equal to God) through the tower of Babel (Genesis 11). God dispersed man and confounded his plans because they were not plans that gave glory to the Creator of the Universe. Is not an inter-faith plan to unite all faiths together in order to “reach God” and heal planet earth, equally displeasing to God? These tower of Babel plans do not bring glory to God – they attempt to deify man. And in this newest effort by man, has not Jesus Christ been left out? Only through the acceptance and faith in His blood atonement can any man or woman be united with God. All other attempts are attempts to enter in through another door: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

During the time that Roger Oakland and his co-researchers were at the Blair/Warren forum at Saddleback this past week, the team only heard one Bible verse mentioned. It was quoted so quickly it was hard to recognize if it was a verse or a paraphrase of a biblical verse. Clearly the Word of God was not included as a crucial element in this inter-faith plan to save the world.

While the UTT team was in attendance at the forum (they did leave a little early), there was nothing mentioned about Jesus Christ in this global peace plan, although Blair did say the phrase “Our Lord,” on one occasion. The shed blood of Jesus and the finished work of the cross were never mentioned, and there was NO gospel message given.

Although Saddleback is considered to be a “Christian” Church and its pastor considered by many to be America’s foremost and most influential pastor, it was hard to tell if this was really the case at the forum. “It seemed like we were in Babylon,” one member of the UTT team stated as he listened to the inter-faith discussion and looked at the flowing fountain that forms a downhill river provided as a special attraction for those who were lining up to enter the sanctuary. Strict security measures during the forum gave an even more foreboding atmosphere. Roger Oakland was reminded of the heavy security that the pope is protected by with his own secret service in Rome. By the way, many who read this article may not be aware that Tony Blair has special entrance to see the pope of Rome now that he has become a Roman Catholic converted away from the Anglican Church.

Indeed, Tony Blair and Rick Warren are very important players in the coming One World Religion.

As an aside, Rick Warren seems to be getting thinner by the day. People entering the sanctuary were handed an advertisement for the Daniel Diet Plan that has been inspired and created with Rick Warren’s own New Age gurus: Dr. Oz, Dr. Amen, and Dr. Hyman. All three Saddleback health experts are advocates of eastern meditation. According to New Age leaders, meditation is the vehicle through which the masses of people will enter into an Aquarian world where man realizes his divinity and that God dwells in all things (see A Time of Departing). Roger Oakland believes that this one world government and one world religion that Rick Warren and Tony Blair are pushing will come about through such means (read Faith Undone). Warren himself has been promoting contemplative mystical teachers for many years. Will this contemplative mysticism he advocates help to bring about his Purpose Driven world?

As to Warren’s Daniel health plan, this brings up another question: can a Baptist become a Roman Catholic while he or she is on the Daniel weight reduction plan if it is based on New Age methodology? How many Christians really understand what is taking place here? Is mainstream Christianity becoming corrupted for the sake of a PEACE Plan and the formation of the system preparing the way for an antichrist? Is this “new” Christianity an apostate church that will lead the way to deceiving millions? The woman who coined the term New Age, occultist Alice Bailey, (believing that we were on the threshold of a new spiritual awakening) said that this new enlightened age would come, not around the Christian church, but rather through it. She said the outer layers would be initially kept intact (i.e., Christian terminology would still be used) but the changes would take place obscurely from the inside.1 Is this not what we are witnessing happening today through the Purpose Driven, contemplative, emerging, interfaith church?

Rick Warren and Tony Blair share much in common when it comes to plans for the world. One thing they share is their views on the problem with what they term fundamentalism or extremism. Blair states that “religion must be rescued from extremism and irrelevance and used as a force for good at a time of global turmoil.” Rick Warren “predicts that fundamentalism, of all varieties, will be ‘one of the big enemies of the 21st century.’ ‘Muslim fundamentalism, Christian fundamentalism, Jewish fundamentalism, secular fundamentalism – they’re all motivated by fear. Fear of each other.’” Blair and Warren discussed their views on extremism and fundamentalism at the forum last week. Will Bible-believing Christians be included in their definitions of fundamentalism and extremism in the near days to come? The answer to that is becoming more clear every day.

In a 2008 video statement, Tony Blair described his ambition to help bring about the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In view of Saddleback’s recent day-long health seminar promoting the Daniel Plan where U.N. Agenda 21 ideas such as “sustainable living” “going green,” and “smart growth” were used, how interesting to note Blair’s appearance just a few weeks later at Saddleback. Is Rick Warren allowing the influence of the United Nations into his church and possibly into tens of thousands of other churches around the world? At the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2008, Rick Warren claimed that he “lead[s] a very small network of about 500,000 churches.” (40 min mark - That’s a potential of well over 200 million people!).

Roger Oakland and his team found the Peace in a Globalized Society Forum utterly troubling, to say the least. “We will have to warn that a judgment is ahead for a “Christianity” that is not Christianity at all,” Oakland stated after the forum. “Judgment is coming and few seem to be ready. Titus 2: 13 tells us that “we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” and we should have an expectancy of Christ’s return, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” It will be glorious for those who are ready; for the others it will be terrifying.

What is becoming more obvious everyday to some seems amazingly hidden to mainstream Christian leaders. Not one well-known leader has called out Rick Warren and publicly challenged him. On the contrary, there is either silence from these leaders or worse yet a public display of embracing and resonance (e.g.: popular teacher John Piper invited Rick Warren to speak at his Desiring God conference. Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith stood in front of thousands at Greg Laurie’s Harvest crusade and introduced Rick Warren as his friend, allowing him to pray with the crowd). Has there been any outcry by Christian pastors or leaders to these occurrences? No, and the silence is deafening.

The Bible makes it clear there is coming a false peace plan that will be headed up by the antichrist sometime in the future. “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” I Thessalonians 5:3

Some readers may be asking, “Why did Roger Oakland and his co-workers attend this forum?” or “Why did Lighthouse Trails and Roger Oakland write this report?” The answer is simple: Because we love the Gospel and know its message is the only hope for any person. In connecting the dots as this report attempts to do, we believe it is a biblical mandate for believers to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 1:3) and warn those who are in spiritual danger. For the Bible-believing Christian, there is no alternative, though the cost for taking a stand can be high, resulting in the loss of friends and associates. But is it not a small price to pay in comparison to what our Lord has done for us on the Cross?

But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. Ezekiel 33:6

There is a peace plan coming on the earth; but it is not the Lord’s peace plan. There is a false peace, and it will deceive many.

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; Ezekiel 13:10

Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. Ezekiel 7:25
And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. II Chronicles 15:5

* For a detailed account of Rick Warren, Ken Blanchard, and Lighthouse Trails, read A “Wonderful” Deception.

Notes:
1. Alice Bailey, The Externalization of the Hierarchy(New York, NY: Lucis Publishing, 1976), p. 510; from page 123 of A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen, 2nd edition.

Lighthouse Trails Research Project, March 9, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rob Bell Puts God on Trial – “Hath God Really Said?”

2011-03-07T13:54:00.005+01:00

A Commentary by IndyWatchman (Steve Blackwell)

“Warning!! Love Wins, by Rob Bell”

Every marketer knows that it is the headline or title that causes most people to read news papers, or buy books. Advertisers will tell you that the most important thing when advertising is the headline. Pick up a Readers Digest, they have mastered the “headline.”

Rob Bell knows this also. LOVE WINS, A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Who can argue with the title of Rob’s new book? What sect of Christianity, or any religion, would deny that Love wins in the end? The question comes down to the definition of “love” and where that definition comes from.

In the sixties we were bombarded with “love,” and we have seen what that experiment has produced; a whole generation of babies murdered in the womb. Today, love is in the air once again, and Rob Bell has captured the essence of this love fest by making scandalous claims against God. He has put words into the mouth of God that are pure and simple lies; Rob has made God a liar. Rob’s definition of love has been plucked out of thin air, and can nowhere be found in the document given to us by God Himself. Rob’s definition of love comes not from the Living God, so it must come from another source. Where, or who, might that source be. There is only one other source; if it is not from Heaven then, it is from Hell; if it is not God, then it is Satan. This is a trustworthy saying, because it comes from the Book of Truth, the Bible, God’s own words... Read more here.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, March 7, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rob Bell Comes Out of the Closet for Universalism – Yet Speaks at Nazarene University.

2011-03-07T13:47:00.002+01:00

Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries has alerted Lighthouse Trails to a promotional video clip of Rob Bell’s upcoming book, Love Wins (March 29th, HarperOne).

Silva states:
[W]e are seeing within mainstream evangelicalism a reimagined version of just about every piece of antibiblical theology i.e. doctrines of demons that seducing spirits have ever attempted to bring with them as they slither into the Christian Church. One that is being openly promoted now is so-called Christian Universalism.(source)

Silva adds: “Rob Bell embraces a form of universalism. For the person willing to be objective, the video promo below for his new book dispels any doubt that Bell is teaching this heresy” (source).

In the promotional video, Bell tells viewers that a loving God would not send billions to hell. He suggests that God would not place a criteria (even being born again, Bell says) on people to bring them to Heaven.

Bell clearly showed his resonance with the New Age in his book Velvet Elvis,where he tells readers to study a book by New Ager, tantric sex advocate Ken Wilber for three months for a “mind-blowing” experience (p. 192).

You may be thinking that what Rob Bell believes and teaches has nothing to do with you or your church, but what about your children and grandchildren? What about their youth groups, Christian high schools, colleges, and seminaries? Bell may be there, either with his Nooma films or Velvet Elvis. And now Love Wins? Or he may have even spoken at their schools. For instance, a week ago, Bell spoke at Point Loma Nazarene University at their annual Pastor’s Day event. This isn’t too much of a surprise to Lighthouse Trails though. Nazarene universities have become a playing field for the emerging church. One year ago, we reported that a Buddhist/universalist sympathizing speaker addressed students at a Nazarene university in Idaho (“Buddhist/Universalist Sympathizer Woos Nazarene Students at NNU”) .

Once you watch this promotional video below, we hope you realize the implications of this. Mainstream evangelical Christianity is going universalistic! Right before our very eyes.
Is Rob Bell right that being born-again is unnecessary to enter the kingdom of God? The Bible says a resounding no to that: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Can we enter Heaven through any door at all?

Once again, the Bible gives the answer:
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10: 7-11

But in the mindset of Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, and other emerging spirituality leaders, there are no “thieves and robbers,” and every door is a door to God. All paths lead to God. If that were the case, then it would have been God’s biggest mistake to send His Son to die on the Cross for the atonement of man’s sins. But Scripture is clear on this also. A sacrifice had to be made for sin: “[W]ithout shedding of blood is no remission [of sins]” (Hebrews 9:22).

If emerging figures would stop and think about it, the Bible is a complete antithesis of what they teach. Jesus Christ of the Bible would definitely not fit into the emerging definition of “Jesus.” The Jesus of the Bible shed His blood and suffered, taking our place, so we could be saved if we believe on Him and receive Him as Lord and Savior.

[Jesus Christ] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26)

[Jesus said] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. ( Matthew 10:14)

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)

LOVE WINS. from Rob Bell on Vimeo.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, March 7, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Blood of Christ!

2011-03-05T12:14:00.005+01:00

The rumour states that John MacArthur declares that the blood of Jesus is just liquid. There is a Youtube video on the matter and another video showing John MacArthur’s RECENT study bible underlining parts in the bible where he mentions the blood of Jesus as being liquid.

Apparently this is all a big mis-understanding. John MacArthur was deliberetily taken out of context and has had to deal with the consequenses ever since. Why John MacArthur’s recent study bible says the blood of Jesus is liquid is another question…

Some of MacArthur’s more militant critics have allowed their superstition on this matter to get the best of them. During the World Congress on Fundamentalism, which met on the BJU Campus (Bob Jones University), August 4-8, 1986, they passed a resolution declaring that Christ’s actual blood is eternally preserved in heaven, where it is by some mystical means literally applied to each believer. According to the World Congress, such a rigidly literal view of Christ’s blood is now to be considered a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, and they will break fellowship with anyone who denies it.

These people insist on literalizing every New Testament reference to Jesus’ blood. They teach that the physical blood of Christ was somehow preserved after the crucifixion and carried to heaven, where it is now literally applied to the soul of each Christian at salvation. → PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: John MacArthur – The Blood of Jesus is just Liquid!←
-------------------------------------

I Believe in the Precious Blood
By John MacArthur

"He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing." Hebrews 10:28-29

Dear Beloved Friend,
The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is holy and precious. The shedding of His blood in death was the price of atonement for our sins. As He literally poured out His blood in a sacrificial act, He sealed forever the New Covenant and purchased our redemption.

Those of you familiar with my teaching know that I have always believed and affirmed those things. For the past two or three years, however, I have been under attack by a small but vocal group of men who are eager to discredit my ministry. They have charged me with denying the blood of Christ and have called me a heretic in several nationally distributed publications.

My first response was to write many of those men privately, believing their attack on me grew from a misunderstanding. None of them had spoken to me personally before attacking me in print. Only a handful have yet replied to my letters. Still, I expected the public controversy to die away. My teaching is certainly no secret, and I knew that those who listen regularly to our radio broadcast would know I am a not teaching heresy.

Nevertheless, for nearly three years a small core of zealots have kept the issue swirling around every ministry I’m involved with. One man has literally made a career of going to any church in the country that will pay his way and giving a series of messages on the error of “MacArthurism.” Recently, a couple of key radio stations dropped “Grace to You,” not because of anything we taught on the broadcast, but because they did not want to continue to deal with the controversy being generated by rumormongers.

Over the past couple of years we have received thousands of letters from all over the country, ranging from those supporting our biblical view, to those who are confused, to some who blindly echo the accusation that we are trampling underfoot the blood of Christ. For the sake of all of them, and so that you can better understand what I have taught about the blood of Christ, let’s look at three truths that I and all other genuine believers affirm about the blood of Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus’ Blood Is the Basis of Redemption
Peter wrote, “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [like] silver and gold . . .but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19, KJV). Scripture speaks of the blood of Christ nearly three times as often as it mentions the cross, and five times more often than it refers to the death of Christ. The word blood, therefore, is the chief term the New Testament uses to refer to the atonement.

Peter wrote that election is “unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:2). The “sprinkling of the blood” was what sealed the New Covenant (cf. Heb. 9:1-18). “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (v. 22). If Christ had not literally shed His blood in sacrifice for our sins, we could not have been saved.

This is one reason crucifixion was the means God ordained by which Christ should die: it was the most vivid, visible display of life being poured out as the price for sins.

Bloodshed was likewise God’s design for nearly all Old Testament sacrifices. They were bled to death rather than clubbed, strangled, suffocated, or burnt. God designed that sacrificial death was to occur with blood loss, because “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Lev. 17:11).

2. Jesus Shed His Literal Blood When He Died
The literal blood of Christ was violently shed at the crucifixion. Those who deny this truth or try to spiritualize the death of Christ are guilty of corrupting the gospel message. Jesus Christ bled and died in the fullest literal sense, and when He rose from the dead, he was literally resurrected. To deny the absolute reality of those truths is to nullify them (cf. 1 Cor. 15:14-17).

The meaning of the crucifixion, however, is not fully expressed in the bleeding alone. There was nothing supernatural in Jesus’ blood that sanctified those it touched. Those who flogged Him might have been spattered with blood. Yet that literal application of Jesus’ blood did nothing to purge their sins.

Had our Lord bled without dying, redemption would not have been accomplished. If the atonement had been stopped before the full wages of sin had been satisfied, Jesus’ bloodshed would have been to no avail.

It is important to note also that though Christ shed His blood, Scripture does not say He bled to death; it teaches rather that He voluntarily yielded up His spirit (John 10:18). Yet even that physical death could not have bought redemption apart from His spiritual death, whereby He was separated from the Father (cf. Mat. 27:46).

3. Not Every Reference to Jesus’ Blood Is Literal
Clearly, though Christ shed His literal blood, many references to the blood are not intended to be taken in the literal sense. A strictly literal interpretation cannot, for example, explain such passages as John 6:53-54: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

It would be equally hard to explain how physical blood is meant in Matthew 27:25 (“His blood be on us, and on our children”); Acts 5:28 (“[You] intend to bring this man’s blood upon us”); 18:6 (“Your blood be upon your own heads”); 20:26 (“I am innocent of the blood of all men”); and 1 Corinthians 10:16 (“The cup of blessing . . .is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?,” KJV).

Clearly the word blood is often used to mean more than the literal red fluid. Thus it is that when Scripture speaks of the blood of Christ, it usually means much more than just the red and white corpuscles—it encompasses His death, the sacrifice for our sins, and all that is involved in the atonement.

Trying to make literal every reference to Christ’s blood can lead to serious error. The Catholic doctrine known as transubstantiation, for example, teaches that communion wine is miraculously changed into the actual blood of Christ, and that those who partake of the elements in the mass literally fulfill the words of Jesus in John 6:54: “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Those who have attacked me seem to be espousing the same kind of mystical view of the blood that led the Catholic Church to embrace transubstantiation. They claim that the blood of Christ was never truly human. They insist on literalizing every New Testament reference to Jesus’ blood. They teach that the physical blood of Christ was somehow preserved after the crucifixion and carried to heaven, where it is now literally applied to the soul of each Christian at salvation.

We are not saved by some mystical heavenly application of Jesus’ literal blood. Nothing in Scripture indicates that the literal blood of Christ is preserved in heaven and applied to individual believers. When Scripture says we’re redeemed by the blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19), it is not speaking of a bowl of blood in heaven. It means we’re saved by Christ’s sacrificial death.

In the same way, when Paul said he gloried in the cross (Gal. 6:14), he did not mean the literal wooden beams; he was speaking of all the elements of redeeming truth. Just as the cross is an expression that includes all of Christ’s atoning work, so is the blood. It is not the actual liquid that cleanses us from our sins, but the work of redemption Christ accomplished in pouring it out.

That is not heresy; it is basic biblical truth.

If you’ve been troubled by these issues and you’d like to study them more in depth, please write to us. We’ll send you free of charge a cassette tape containing virtually everything I’ve ever said about the blood of Christ. We’ve compiled this tape from nearly twenty years of messages given at Grace Community Church. We also have some written material that explains our position, which we will send you again at no charge.

I hope you’ll be like the noble Bereans and study God’s Word for yourself to see if these things are true. Please don’t be influenced by careless charges of heresy.

Also, please pray for me. These attacks have been relentless, and I confess that at times it is discouraging. Yet I know one cannot be on the front lines without constant battles, and it is a privilege to suffer wrong for the Lord’s sake (cf. 1 Pet. 4:19).

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please pray that God will protect us as we seek to minister His truth with boldness.Yours in His Service,

John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher

Kilde: http://www.discerningtheworld.com/2010/09/17/john-macarthur-the-blood-of-jesus-is-just-liquid/#more-8433

Received from Bertil Rostved, March 4, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get ready for a 'global Katrina'.

2011-03-01T22:36:00.003+01:00

February 22
Article: Signs Of The Last Times

Biggest ever solar storm could cause power cuts which last for MONTHS
The world is overdue a ferocious 'space storm' that could knock out communications satellites, ground aircraft and trigger blackouts - causing hundreds of billions of pounds of damage, scientists say.

Astronomers today warned that mankind is now more vulnerable to a major solar storm than at any time in history - and that the planet should prepare for a global Katrina-style disaster.

A massive eruption of the sun would save waves of radiation and charged particles to Earth, damaging the satellite systems used for synchronising computers, airline navigation and phone networks.

If the storm is powerful enough it could even crash stock markets and cause power cuts that last weeks or months, experts told the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The chances of a disruption from space are getting stronger because the sun is entering the most active period of its 11 to 12-year natural cycle. Professor Sir John Beddington, the government's chief scientific adviser, said: 'The issue of space weather has got to be taken seriously. We've had a relatively quiet period of space weather - but we can't expect that quiet period to continue.

At the same time over that period the potential vulnerability of our systems has increased dramatically, whether it is the smart grid in our electricity systems or the ubiquitous use of GPS in just about everything we use these days....Read Full Article....

Roger Oakland, March 1, 2011
Understandthetimes.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter to the Editor: Spiritual Deception is in South Korea too!

2011-03-01T13:59:00.002+01:00

March 1st, 2011

To Lighthouse Trails:
Deception is serious here in South Korea too. There are churches on every corner but hard to find one that’s truly biblically based. I’ve been going to a church here for 20 years and thought my head pastor was one of the best Bible-teaching preachers in Korea until recently I’ve opened my eyes to the New Age and the emerging churches. The more I gain dicsernment for the truth from all the subtle lies, the more I realize my head pastor is one of the best ‘false’ preachers in Korea. I can’t believe I was deceived all this time.
Anyways, just thought I’d share that with you.

God Bless,
(A sister in the Lord from South Korea)

Our Note to readers:
For the last few years, a Korean pastor in the U.S. has been translating Lighthouse Trails books and sending them to Korean publishers in Korea, which have been publishing our books. If you would like to contact this pastor, he can get you copies of these books. His email address is: junshikhwang@gmail.com and his blog address is: http://blog.naver.com/thebloodofx. His name is Stephen. Thus far, he has translated A Time of Departing, Faith Undone, Another Jesus, A “Wonderful” Deception, and For Many Shall Come in My Name.

Lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/, March 1, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All children to be registered in national biometric records.

2011-02-23T20:29:00.003+01:00

By Jerome R. Corsi
© 2011 WorldNetDaily

Below the radar of public opinion, Mexico has started to assemble the type of biometric national identity database that could be used to document names for a North American Trusted Traveler border pass card, a plan already being developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Mexican citizens.

It apparently would be similar to the program that has become commonplace in the European Union to allow free transit for EU citizens to move, live and work wherever they choose within the EU, disregarding nation-of-origin and national border restrictions.

On Jan. 19, 2011, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon signed an executive order requiring within the next five years all Mexicans 17 years old and younger have a biometric national identity card that would include a facial photograph, all 10 fingerprints, and an iris scan.

To carry out the presidential executive order, the Mexican Directorate General of the National Population Register plans to go to all elementary schools in Mexico schools in Mexico to record the required biometric information and issue individual identity cards.

The Mexican National Institute of Geography and Statistics estimates that in 2005, there were 10.5 million Mexicans between 5 and 9 years old, 11 million between 10 and 14 years old, and 10 million between 15 and 19 years old... Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, February 23, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Biggest Solar Flare In Years Headed For Earth.

2011-02-21T21:50:00.003+01:00

February 16
Article: Signs Of The Last Times

The sun is making a comeback. OK, so it never really went away, but after years of relative quiet on our nearest star, activity has picked up as of late, resulting in a solar flare that marks the strongest since 2006.

Bob Rutledge, lead forecaster with the National Space Weather Prediction Center, tells KFWB's Michael Shappee these solar outbursts have the potential to wreak havoc with earthly communications.

After the initial blast of radiation accompanying the coronal mass ejection (CME) - the first of its magnitude to occur in the new solar cycle of activity - a huge cloud of charged particles is headed toward Earth and is expected likely to arrive on Feb. 17-18.

Among the many potential disasters that can come from a massive CME: disturbances in the planet's geomagnetic field that may lead to malfunctioning telecom and GPS satellite equipment. While forecasters predict no major impact on our telecommunications infrastructure, meteorological officials say the flare has disrupted radio communications in southern China.

Scientists have pointed out that activity on the sun is now ramping up ahead of an expected solar maximum around 2013... Read Full Aricle ....

Roger Oakland, February 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obama Strikes a Deal With the Devil as Mideast Meltdown Continues.

2011-02-21T21:46:00.002+01:00

February 10
Article: Wars And Rumor Of Wars

And so quietly, almost off-handedly, the Rubicon has been crossed. The United States of America, whose blood and treasure have been spilled fighting terrorism, is jumping into bed with radical Islamists.

By approving a role for the Muslim Brotherhood in a new Egyptian government, the White House is taking its engagement policy to a dangerous level. American taxpayer dollars will now help sustain the oldest Islamist group, one that helped launch Osama bin Laden on his murderous quest.

Perhaps this day was inevitable for an administration that refuses to say "Islamic terrorists," and claims "jihad" can be a good thing and Hezbollah has "moderate" elements.

But it is hardly inevitable that the Kumbaya approach will bring peace to the Middle East. More likely, it will be seen as Western weakness and beget even more violence against America and our allies.

The decision applies to Egypt, but it won't stay in Egypt. Nearly every Arab government is fighting radical groups that aim to eliminate our presence, Israel and Western-friendly leaders. Imagine what those leaders think about our willingness to endorse the Muslim Brotherhood, which helped spawn Hamas and similar groups.

Yes, I know, the Muslim Brotherhood insists it is no longer a radical group and doesn't advocate violence. But what they say is not always what they do. Days after a leader of the group said Egyptians "should be prepared for war against Israel" and urged the country to stop sending natural gas to Israel, attackers blew up a gas pipeline to Jordan. The one to Israel immediately was shut down... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, February 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where Have All the Presbyterians Gone?

2011-02-21T21:43:00.003+01:00

February 4
Article: Miscellaneous

Are we witnessing the death of America's Christian denominations? Studies conducted by secular and Christian organizations indicate that we are. Fewer and fewer American Christians, especially Protestants, strongly identify with a particular religious communion-Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc. According to the Baylor Survey on Religion, nondenominational churches now represent the second largest group of Protestant churches in America, and they are also the fastest growing.

More and more Christians choose a church not on the basis of its denomination, but on the basis of more practical matters. Is the nursery easy to find? Do I like the music? Are there support groups for those grappling with addiction?

This trend is a natural extension of the American evangelical experiment. After all, evangelicalism is about the fundamental message of Christianity-the evangel, the gospel, literally the "good news" of God's kingdom arriving in Jesus Christ-not about denomination building.

The revivalists wanted to get back to basics, to recover the centrality of a personal relationship with Jesus. "Being a member of a church doesn't make you a Christian," the ubiquitous evangelical pulpit cliché went, "any more than living in a garage makes you a car." Thus these evangelical ministries tended not to talk about those issues that might divide their congregants. They avoided questions like: Who should be baptized and when? What does the Lord's Supper mean? Should women be ordained? And so on.

For example, artists such as Keith and Kristen Getty and Sojourn Music are reaching a new generation with music written for and performed by local congregations. Yes, prosperity preacher Joyce Meyer sells her book "Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes," which encourages Christians to "lighten up" by eating cookies and buying shoes (seriously). But, at the same time, Alabama preacher David Platt is igniting thousands of young people with his book "Radical," which calls Christians to rescue their faith by lowering their standard of living and giving their time and money to Church-based charities... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, February 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saddleback's "Daniel Plan" Doctor Will Lead Mass Hypnosis.

2011-02-21T21:37:00.002+01:00

February 4
Article: Emerging Church

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in southern California, has just kicked off a 52-week program called "The Daniel Plan" aimed at teaching Christians how to have healthier lifestyles.The problem with the program, however, is that Warren has partnered with three men who are well known not only for their medical knowledge (which they are), but are also well known to be proponents of New Age Spirituality. One of the doctors, the handsome and charming Dr. Mehmet Oz, first became popular through his many appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, which led to him having his own health and wellness TV program.

Attached is an article where you may read more about the mind-emptying hypnosis exercise that Dr. Oz plans to perform on Monday, February 7.You may also listen to Dr. Oz in his own words extol the virtues of the occultic practice of hypnosis.

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/good_day_la/dr-oz-talks-about-cancer-myths-20110203

Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, February 21, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIME Magazine Favorite The Dalai Lama Promotes “Peaceful Marxism”.

2011-02-14T16:20:00.002+01:00

MADISON, Wis., Feb. 10, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ — In a recent Sify article, the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist, said he is a Marxist who opposes Communist China’s version of Marxism.

Karl Marx, founder of Marxism, said religion is the “opium of the masses.” He believed religion was the result of rich oppressors taking advantage of poor people. Marx said, “Abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness.”

The Dalai Lama is one of TIME magazine’s all-time favorite religious leaders. His promotion of Marxism is confusing because most Marxists oppose religion. However, some Marxists try to combine their beliefs with Christianity.

An example of this is liberation theology which became popular over the last few years. President Obama’s former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, promotes black liberation theology.

Marxism has never produced good results. More than 100 million people have been slaughtered by Marxist governments. Also, the Nazis, who many consider to be a form of Marxism, killed an additional 24 million people.

For the Dalai Lama to believe that Marxism is good is hypocritical. He fled Tibet and went to India in 1959 because of Chinese Communist persecution.

How could the Dalai Lama promote Marxism after being persecuted by the Marxist Chinese regime? There is no such thing as a benign Marxist regime. Some start out idealistic, but eventually destroy true Christianity and other religions.

Also, from a Christian point of view, the Dalai Lama’s promotion of Buddhism is in error. The Dalai Lama claims to be the fourteenth reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The Bible does not support reincarnation.

Buddha, founder of Buddhism, did not believe in God. Jesus Christ is thought of as an enlightened teacher, but not God.

The ultimate goal of Buddhists is to arrive at nirvana, the elimination of desires and cravings. By doing this, a person supposedly escapes suffering.

Christian Investigator President Steve McConkey says, “I admire the Dalai Lama’s opposition to Chinese dictators, however, the promotion of ungodly Marxism is troubling. Additionally, pastors need to teach people about these popular beliefs so Christians can defend their faith.”

Steve McConkey is the President-Founder of 4 WINDS which offers the news-apologetics site Christian Investigator (CI). Also, CI produces articles that are distributed worldwide on important issues. He is an honor graduate of Minnesota State University-Mankato (BS-Public Health) and Western Kentucky University (Masters of Public Health).

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, February 14, 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Commentary: “Celebrate Arab democracy?”

2011-02-14T16:14:00.002+01:00

By Caroline B. Glick
Jewish World Review
Out-of-house news source

Over the past week, Israel has been criticized for being insufficiently supportive of democratic change in Egypt. While Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been careful to praise the cause of democracy while warning against the dangers of an Islamic takeover of the most populous Arab state, many Israelis have not been so diplomatic.

To understand why, it is necessary to take a little tour of the Arab world.

In the midst of Tunisia’s revolution last month, the Jewish Agency mobilized to evacuate any members of the country’s Jewish community who wished to leave. Until the end of French colonial rule in 1956, Tunisia’s Jewish community numbered 100,000 members. But like all Jewish communities in the Arab world the advent of Arab nationalism in the mid-20th century forced the overwhelming majority of Tunisia’s Jews to leave the country. Today, with between 1,500 and 3000 members, Tunisia’s tiny Jewish community is among the largest in the Arab world.

So far, six families have left for Israel. Many more may follow. Two weeks ago Daniel Cohen from Tunis’s Jewish community told Haaretz, “If the situation continues as it is now, we will definitely have to leave or immigrate to Israel.”

Since then, Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia’s Islamist party Ennahdha, returned to Tunisia 22 years living in exile in London. He was sentenced to life in prison in absentia by the regime of ousted president Zine al-Abdine Ben Ali on terrorism charges. Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, February 14, 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extreme weather is just the beginning: Garnaut.

2011-02-10T11:48:00.002+01:00

February 4
Article: Signs Of The Last Times

IF YOU are worried that Australia's floods, fires and cyclones are getting more intense, the federal government's key climate adviser says the scientific advice is clear: ''You ain't seen nothing yet.''

Launching the first of eight updates to his landmark 2008 climate change review, Professor Ross Garnaut said Australia was seeing an intensification of extreme weather events consistent with warnings from climate scientists.

But Professor Garnaut said any intensification of weather events experienced to date, when the world has warmed by about 1 degree since industrialisation, was only a fraction of what could be expected under higher rises.

''The science says that without mitigation - and with the sorts of emissions growth that my analysis shows will follow the industrialisation of China, of India, of Indonesia and the acceleration of economic growth in Africa - then that first degree is just the beginning,'' Professor Garnaut said.

''So if we are seeing an intensification of extreme weather events now, you ain't seen nothing yet.''

Professor Garnaut said scientists predicted there would be more frequent extreme cyclones - though not necessarily more frequent cyclones - due to greenhouse gas emissions.

He said despite concern that a carbon price would increase electricity prices, it would be only a small part of the total price rise, which was mainly due to rising coal and gas prices, infrastructure upgrades and the resources boom... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, February 10, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Church must make women bishops, say MPs.

2011-02-10T11:31:00.002+01:00

February 3
Article: Miscellaneous

A group of influential MPs will tomorrow call for Parliament to intervene over the historic reform as fears grow that the Church will reject plans allowing female bishops. The cross-party group, including former ministers Frank Field and Stephen Timms, and Simon Hughes, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, is concerned that the General Synod, the Church's parliament, may not pass legislation designed to end the glass ceiling for women clergy.

Traditionalists believe that a rise in the number of opponents of female priests to the Synod has improved their chances of blocking the law, which can only pass if it receives a two-thirds majority in the houses of laity, clergy and bishops. Many of them feel that the current legislation does not provide sufficient concessions to those who cannot accept women as bishops.

However, Mr Field has tabled an early day motion, which could abolish the Church's current exemption from equality laws relating to gender discrimination and ultimately force it to consecrate women.

"We're only acting because we sense there's an overwhelming wish in the Church of England to have women bishops."

"The Church has repeatedly made it clear it wants women bishops so it would be unthinkable if it were to fall at the last hurdle."

Three bishops have already left to join the Roman Catholic Church and scores of clergy could follow them if the reform is passed... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, February 10, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sen. Paul Calls for Cutting U.S. Aid to Israel.

2011-02-10T11:24:00.002+01:00

January 28
Article: Israel And The Last Days

A new Republican senator favors cutting U.S. aid to Israel as part of a deficit-driven effort to slash government spending by $500 billion this year, drawing criticism from Democrats and Republicans who argue the U.S. must be unwavering in its support for the longtime Mideast ally.

Sen. Rand Paul, who is backed by the conservative tea party movement, unveiled his budget proposal this week that would make significant cuts in education, housing and energy while reducing money for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq by $16 billion. Paul's plan also would cut some $20 billion in overseas aid, and he said he wants to eliminate the $3 billion the United States provides to Israel annually in foreign military assistance.

"The overwhelming majority of Americans agree with Senator Paul -- our current fiscal crisis makes it impossible to continue the spending policies of the past," Paul spokesman Gary Howard said in a statement responding to the criticism. "We simply cannot afford to give money away, even to our allies, with so much debt mounting on a daily basis."

We share Senator Paul's commitment to restraining the growth of federal spending, but we reject his misguided proposal to end U.S. assistance to our ally Israel," said Matthew Brooks, executive director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, in a statement Thursday. Rep. Nita Lowey, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees foreign aid, said the United States cannot renege on its commitment to the only Democratic nation in a dangerous region.

"Using our budget deficit as a reason to abandon Israel is inexcusable," Lowey said in a statement. "It is unclear to me whether Rand Paul speaks for the tea party, the Republican Party or simply himself. I call on all those who value the U.S.-Israel relationship to make it clear that our nation will not abandon our ally Israel.".. Read Full Article....

Roger Oakland, February 10, 2011
Understandthetimes.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be Still . . . And Know?

2011-02-08T10:36:00.002+01:00

by Larry DeBruyn
(source)

Some thoughts on Psalm 46:10 as it relates to contemplative prayer.

"Be still, and know that I am God . . ." (Ps. 46:10). Those promoting contemplative or "listening" prayer point to this Scripture for endorsement. As a spiritual discipline, contemplatives advocate quiet meditation as a means to experience soul to soul communication with God. Influential Christian leaders now encourage listening prayer as a way to obtain "God's guidance in everyday life." At face value, Psalm 46 verse 10 appears to endorse this mystical way to pray.

A major Christian magazine devoted a full page advertisement which promoted the DVD titled "Be Still". [1] The DVD case bears the inscription of Psalm 46:10. A blurb on the cover also reads, "In Today's Fast-Paced, Hectic Life, Be Still Is an Important Tool that Keeps You in Touch with Yourself, Your Family and God."

In the magazine advertisement it was stated: "BE STILL . . . demonstrates how contemplative, or 'listening,' prayer can be be a vital way to find peace in the midst of a frenzied, fast-paced, modern world. BE STILL examines the importance of silence and reflective prayer as a way to receive God's guidance in everyday life. BE STILL . . . features a useful 'how to' section that shows how contemplative prayer can be used to return to a more simple life and reaffirm that which is truly important." As advocated by some of today's most notable Christian communicators, what should Bible believers think about this DVD advocating contemplative prayer?

Bible Interpretation 101 teaches that every text without a context is pretext. Extracting Psalm 46:10 to be an endorsement of meditative prayer is just such a pretext. Here's why.

First, the injunction to "Be still" must be understood in the milieu it was uttered. The Psalmist addressed a cosmos in crisis. The crisis imperiled the creation (vv. 1-3); threatened the city (vv. 4-7); and besieged the country (vv. 8-11). In the crisis with their world falling apart, the people were afraid (v. 2).

Second, the verb "Be still" (Hebrew, rapah) is used 46 times in the Old Testament with meanings everywhere from describing laziness to ordering relaxation. Though the majority of versions translate the injunction "Be still", other meanings are "Cease striving" (NASB), "Be quiet" (NCV), "Desist" (Young's), or "Calm down" (CEV). In no biblical usage or context does the Hebrew verb enjoin God's people to meditate or contemplate. Rather, believers are to rest and trust in God.

Third, verse 10 contains two co-ordinate imperatives, with the emphasis being on the second command, to "know that I am God", not the first, to "Be still". With the first imperative functioning as an adverb, the verse might read, "Calmly (or quietly) know that I am God . . ." [2] Thus by their focusing upon the initial command, to "Be still," contemplative spiritualists ignore the greater command, and that is, to "know that I am God."

The command "know," primarily means, "to know by observing and reflecting (thinking) . . ."[3] As such, believers are encouraged to find comfort of soul by reflecting upon the saving works that God has both performed and promised. The meditation the psalm envisions is therefore objective, not subjective. "Be still" does not call persons to induce within their consciousness a wordless void or incubator in which state a mystical experience or word can be hatched. The cognitive command to "know" cancels that notion. In the light of God's mighty works and providence, the psalm exhorts believers to reverence Him. As the prophet Habakkuk wrote, " . . . the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him" (2:20).

Fourth, the command to "Be still" (v. 10) is specifically addressed to the survivors of a war torn nation, people that on all sides continued to feel threatened. To those scared to death by what was going on all around them (v. 2), the sovereign Lord encourages them to stop their trembling. As one commentator observed, "In this explosive context, 'be still' is not an invitation to tranquil meditation but a command to allow God to be God, to do his work of abolishing the weapons of war."[4]

And finally, in the third section the Psalmist looks forward to a new order when God will impose his peace plan upon the world (see Is. 2:4). As he will have ended conflicts and destroyed the weapons of war (vv. 8-9), the Lord affirms that in the coming kingdom age he "will be exalted among the nations" (v. 10). In view of this prospect, the sovereign Lord encourages his covenant people to, "Be still, and know that I am God . . .." In the end, the sovereign God will defeat war and end terrorism.

There resides a potential danger in mystical practices. It is this: In their journey into the "higher consciousness," contemplator/meditators may forget that God is the object and they are the subjects. As the theologian Warfield noted almost a century ago, "The history of mysticism only too clearly shows that he who begins by seeking God within himself may end by confusing himself with God."[5] Thus by fixating upon the secondary imperative "Be still", contemplators may like eastern mystics and New Age devotees, forget they are not God!

A friend of mine, devoted to the pursuit and practice of alternative spirituality for some of his adult life, related how one New Age class adapted this verse for use. At each session's beginning, participants were told to relax and say to themselves, "Be still and know (pause) . . . I am God." Thus by using the psalmist's words to affirm their own divinity, New Age practitioners turned God's word upside down!

To those who misuse Psalm 46:10 to endorse contemplative spirituality I say, "Nice try!" In no sense does "Be still" call believers to meditate. One study Bible states, "This is not a call for 'silent' worship."[6] Rather, in light of the prospect that the sovereign God will one day institute and enforce his peace plan in the world, the psalm calls believers to serenity of heart and to "know" when that peace comes, then God "will be exalted among the nations." Click here for footnotes and source.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, February 8, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Egypt goes offline US gets internet 'kill switch' bill ready.

2011-02-01T22:47:00.002+01:00

Ben Grubb and Asher Moses
The Sydney Morning Herald

As Egypt's government attempts to crackdown on street protests by shutting down internet and mobile phone services, the US is preparing to reintroduce a bill that could be used to shut down the internet.

The legislation, which would grant US President Barack Obama powers to seize control of and even shut down the internet, would soon be reintroduced to a senate committee, Wired.com reported.

It was initially introduced last year but expired with a new Congress.

Senator Susan Collins, a co-sponsor of the bill, said that unlike in Egypt, where the government was using its powers to quell dissent by shutting down the internet, it would not.

“My legislation would provide a mechanism for the government to work with the private sector in the event of a true cyber emergency,” Collins said in an emailed statement to Wired. “It would give our nation the best tools available to swiftly respond to a significant threat.”

The proposed legislation, introduced into the US Senate by independent senator Joe Lieberman, who is chairman of the US Homeland Security committee, seeks to grant the President broad emergency powers over the internet in times of national emergency. Click here to continue reading.

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, February 1, 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Zero imam: 'Apostates against Islam must be jailed'.

2011-01-30T01:38:00.001+01:00

January 23
Article: Misc.

Those who leave Islam and preach against the Muslim religion must be jailed, declared the imam who has become the new face of the proposed Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in New York City.

"If someone leaves the din, leaves the path privately, they cannot be touched. If someone preaches about apostasy, or preaches their views, they're jailed," stated Imam Abdallah Adhami in a November lecture obtained and reviewed by WND.

According to Shariah, or Islamic law, the consensus view in Sunni Islam is that a male apostate must be put to death unless he suffers from a mental disorder or converted against his will.

He claimed Islam was "revolutionary" for purportedly only punishing those who preach apostasy publicly, as opposed to other religions, which, he claimed, punish both public and private apostates.

Adhami admitted, "Yes, many jurists said [public apostates] have to be killed. … But the position of the state was the position of Islamic scholars – they must be jailed so they are contained."

He said, "In Islam, in the Quran, theoretically, if you look over the Quran from cover to cover, you literally have the right to the choice to reject God's message. The only thing you do not have the right to do is to spread this conviction, lest you, quote unquote, pollute others."

It was announced last week Adhami, 44, will be taking on the role of senior adviser for the proposed $100-million Islamic cultural center and mosque to be built near Ground Zero... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, January, 2011
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anglican church offers 'baptism lite' to attract non-worshippers

2011-01-29T11:37:00.004+01:00

January 18
Article: Unbiblical Christianity

Comment from Understand the Times:
Xmas takes Jesus Christ out of Christ Mass. Christ Mass is not in the Bible. While Jesus was born, He was not born on Christ Mass. Christ Mass is a Roman Catholic term meaning that Jesus can be transubtantiated from a wafer.

Now the Anglicans are putting their own slant on the meaning of Christianity. They say that one can be baptized the "Anglican way" by not even knowing anything about Jesus Christ. I suppose this is true of a lot of ritualistic religions.

What is even more interesting is that Anglicans are now joining back to the Roman Catholic Church as fast as possible, now that the Jesuits are in the fast track with the Queen of Heaven bringing the separated brethren back to the Mother of All Churches.
---------------------------------------------------------

Church of England baptism services may be re-written to remove some references to Christianity. The plan for a new 'baptism lite' service designed to make christenings more interesting to non-churchgoers will be considered next month by the Church's parliament, the General Synod.

Supporters say the baptism service should be 'expressed in culturally appropriate and accessible language' that is readily understood by 'non-theologically versed Britons'.But traditionalist clergy said the idea amounted to 'dumbing down'.

The new service would be used at 150,000 christenings each year. If the plan is accepted, it will be the third full re-write of the baptism ceremony in around 30 years - the version in the Church's Book of Common Prayer went virtually unaltered for more than 400 years until 1980.

Complaints centre on three sections of the baptism service from the Church's latest prayer book, Common Worship, authorised for use in 1997. In one, parents, godparents or an adult being baptised are asked to 'reject the devil and all rebellion against God' and to renounce 'the deceit and corruption of evil'. They are asked to 'submit to Christ as Lord'. The Reverend Dr Tim Stratford, from Liverpool, who is putting the plans before the synod, said in a paper that 'there remains some unhappiness about the language not being earthed enough'.

Bishops indicated yesterday that if the Synod accepts the argument a committee will be instructed to begin writing a new baptism service, but they warned that such re-writing would raise arguments over faith and doctrine... Read Full Aricle ....

Roger Oakland, January 28, 2011
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Evolutionary' Christians to Discuss Science as Divine Revelation.

2011-01-29T11:29:00.002+01:00

January 14
Article: Unbiblical Christianity

Attempting to show that science doesn't have to be a threat to religion, a diverse panel of "evolutionary" Christians will discuss evolution and the Christian faith in live online seminars beginning Saturday. The six-part series will draw speakers from across the theological spectrum, including BioLogos Foundation's Karl Giberson, representing an evangelical viewpoint, and the emergent church's Brian McLaren.

Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, will host of the series entitled, "The Advent of Evolutionary Christianity."

Speaking to The Christian Post, Dowd said he hopes the roundtable discussions will present science as God's way of divine communication to this generation. The 90-minute conversations, he added, will focus more on what "evolution-celebrating" Christians have in common than on their differences. "We all honor scientific evidence as God's communication and that God is communicating new truths to Christianity today," said Dowd.

Some questions that he intends to tackle during the sessions include: how churches can evolve and be faithful to what God is revealing through science as opposed to Scripture, how Christianity is related to other people equally committed to a healthy future for the planet, and the difference between evolutionary and non-evolutionary Christians on how they relate to others on their faith.

An advocate of the "Epic of Evolution" or "The Great Story," Dowd argued that there are "truths" God has revealed through "evidential knowledge" today that could not have been revealed in the Bible. While science today lends evidence to tectonic plates as the method God used to create the Atlantic Ocean, he explained, people living during biblical times would have simply said, "God spoke it into being," or offered "mythic" explanations.

"It's just realizing that Scripture has continued and what I mean by Scripture is divine guidance. Divine communication just didn't stop in the Bible. I'm not suggesting that people ignore the Bible or treat it any less way as divine revelation," he told The Christian Post.

The first seminar of "The Advent of Evolutionary Christianity" begins Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. PST and goes through Feb. 1. Participants are required to register at evolutionarychristianity.com in order to join online... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland, January 28, 2011
http://www.understandthetimes.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VCY America Interviews Saddleback Health Seminar Attendee – Apostasy Exposed!

2011-01-28T19:11:00.002+01:00

January 28 2011

On January 27th, Ingrid Schlueter of VCY America interviewed Jennifer Pekich on the CrossTalk radio program in what is probably one of the most important shows that VCY has ever done, in our opinion. Jennifer had recently attended the health seminar at Saddleback Church, in which Rick Warren brought in three leading “health” specialists to train Saddleback’s congregants how to be healthy. CrossTalk explains:

Why should these men cause “red flags” to come up for Christians? Jennifer attended the Daniel Plan kick-off gathering on January 15. From her notes she shares how from Kundalini Yoga to Transcendental Meditation, these men are steeped in Eastern mysticism and the occult. In addition, through it all, numerous U.N. buzz-phrases could be heard; phrases such as “sustainable living,” smart growth,” “public-private partnerships,” and more.

Are Rick Warren and his associates attempting to restructure the church and society by warming Christians up to a fanciful sounding global plan? Decide for yourself when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

Click here to listen to this interview. We hope every Lighthouse Trails reader will be able to listen to this one.

Lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/ January 28, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Visit to Rick Warren's Health Seminar - The Unfolding of a Global New Age Plan.

2011-01-21T12:10:00.005+01:00

January 20, 2011

The following is written by a Lighthouse Trails reader and researcher who attended Rick Warren's health seminar last Saturday. We believe it is worth your time to read.

"The masses had come out in droves for answers to their weight loss difficulties & health problems, but unbeknownst to them, they were being given a prescription for restructuring society & population control . . . 'Saddleback community' would be an example of 'sustainable living' and would set the course to 'change this world' ... and the crowd went wild!"

by Jennifer Pekich
Used with permission
Ponderings from Patmos

I first arrived to Saddleback's campus only to be told that "all parking lots were full." I drove across the street to see if there were any spots available in the business lots, and they were full too. I ended up parking in a housing tract and walked a mile or two back to Saddleback's campus. As I arrived, I overheard a parking lot attendant say they estimated about 6,000 people had come to the seminar.

I was a little late, so I was grateful to my nephew who went online and began to relay what was being said in the opening comments, as I didn't want to miss what was to be the foundation of the talks that day. I was a little taken aback when my nephew told me the first speaker, Dr. Amen, made reference to the Egyptian pyramids and how they were built upon an "idea," and if man could build something like that all those thousands of years ago, what could he do today if he put his mind to it? I found that to be somewhat disturbing, as the pyramids, no matter how impressive they were, represent the ancient pagan religions which got their start in Babylon when Nimrod gathered men (the community) together to commit idolatry by building a tower to honor themselves as gods (Gen. Ch. 11). [1] And yet here it was, the analogy that was chosen to illustrate this new "idea" Saddleback would launch their 52 week program with. No matter what Dr. Amen's intent was, I believe the analogy was appropriate, and the subtle message is telling..."MAN CAN DO ANYTHING HE PUTS HIS MIND TO." Sound familiar? (Read Gen. 3:4-5). [2]

As I began to head up the hill toward the main sanctuary, a Saddleback tram pulled up and the driver asked if I wanted a lift. I said I preferred to walk, but thanks. The driver yelled, "Let's all give her a hand folks, she's started the Daniel Plan already!" And the people on the tram cheered. Never mind the fact that I have been walking my entire life because I enjoy doing so, not because of some health and fitness campaign. I sensed I was entering a nightmare.

The main sanctuary was full, & it was standing room only. They told me the overflow areas were full too. So I found a spot on the patio outside the main sanctuary looking in. I had a good view and could see the stage perfectly. Their outdoor sound system made it so I could roam around, observe the audience, continue to listen to the guest speakers, and take notes.

To begin, I'd like to state that Saturday Jan. 15th, 2011 will go down in the history books as the day Saddleback Church was sold a bill of goods. The masses had come out in droves for answers to their weight loss difficulties & health problems, but unbeknownst to them, they were being given a prescription for restructuring society & population control.

The prescription goes by the name Agenda 21, a.k.a. "Sustainable Development" or "Smart Growth." Agenda 21 is a published document put out by the United Nations with the intent to put limits on population and to restructure nation-states into a global society. [3] Rick Warren's "new friends" had dubbed it, "The Daniel Plan - God's Prescription For Your Health." A more appropriate title would've been, "Sustainable Living - Destroying Inalienable Rights, One Community at a Time."

By the time I settled into listening more intently, the second speaker, Mark Hyman, began. It didn't take too long to figure out what the basis of his message was: We "need to heal with community" (he termed this "accompaniment"), "we're here for the sake of each other," this plan "is our way out," this plan "saved me," and in fact will "change the world."

Saddleback was being told they were a "test community" to show the world how to live "healthy and sustainably." When I heard these words, my heart sank. It was as I'd feared. I knew which buzzwords to listen for, and he was hitting them all. The audience was told they would be champions in health to show the world what "living sustainably" was all about, but Dr. Hyman is a leftist who is more than a champion in health, he's a change agent for the global elite, as is Dr. Oz & Dr. Amen. Dr. Hyman is the founder and medical director of the Ultra Wellness Center, he advises Dr. Oz's healthcore group, and he's a nominee to President Obama's advisory group on prevention, health promotion, and integrative and public health. [4] Hmmmmmm. I smell an agenda.

Dr. Hyman practices what's known as "functional medicine," which means he uses a "whole systems" approach to medicine; in other words, he practices medicine "wholistically," This is also known as "Mind Body" medicine. At Saddleback's seminar, "mind body" or "functional" medicine was presented as if it's completely scientific. Any scientist worth his salt will tell you that yes, the body can be measured scientifically, but the mind falls into an entirely different category which can never be measured by science. As stated by Dave Hunt in his book Occult Invasion - The Subtle Seduction of the World and Church, "Physical science, by very definition, can make no judgments concerning a nonphysical realm" as is the mind & the soul. [5] In other words, the mind and the soul are scientifically immeasurable.

It's the same with the religions of "Mind Science." Calling a religion "Mind Science" or "Scientology," when there's nothing scientific about it, is the same as calling a cereal "Grapenuts" when it contains no grapes or nuts. But we live in an era when the masses have been sufficiently dumbed down, and all it takes to impress is clever packaging and branding. If "they" say it's science, then dog-gone-it, it's science! After all, "these doctors are on television."

As I sat through all 3 presentations by Dr.'s Hyman, Amen, & Oz, what came to mind were the traveling salesmen of the 1800s. They talk fast, so fast that the message that's really being given, goes right over people's heads. They used tactics to tug at the heart strings such as videos of sick little girls who suddenly got well from being on "the program" and have been "set free" from relying on medications. Then they flooded the audience with "facts" and "statistics" to scare any grandmother, such as "a tsunami of disease is hitting us," "life expectancy is going down," "1 out of 2 people are diabetic or pre-diabetic," "70% of all agricultural land is taken up by growing animals to feed all the people," "the bigger your body gets, the more your brain shrinks," etc.

I about fell off my chair when Dr. Hyman stated, "The key to the success of the "Daniel Plan" is "group living" ... "individuals" will not succeed, our only hope lies in "community." [LT Note: This is exactly what the emerging church is teaching.] And with that, it was announced that the "Saddleback community" would be an example of "sustainable living" and would set the course to "change this world" ... and the crowd went wild! [LT Note: Remember, when we reported how Rick Warren talked glowingly about a critical mass needed to change our world?]

Dr. Hyman said that he is a Jew, Dr. Amen said he is a Christian, and Dr. Oz said he is a Muslim. And doesn't that represent the demographic of "most of the population of the world"? But then he said, "we're all the same underneath." True to his salesman fashion, Dr. Hyman didn't define his terms. What in the world does he mean "we're all the same underneath"? That can mean a number of things. Since he was speaking to a religious crowd, I'd venture to say some of the folks present took that to mean we're all children of God (Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.), which is patently false according to the Bible. The Bible says there are only two groups, children of wrath and children of God. You're either one or the other, a believer in Christ Jesus, or a non-believer. We aren't "all the same underneath." (Ephesians Ch. 2). [6]

The only way in which we're "all the same underneath" is we're all sinners in need of a Savior; and the Savior isn't "sustainable living." [LT Note: Remember, the New Age says the era of the single savior is OVER!] The Savior is Jesus Christ, and He is the only way unto salvation (John 14:6). [7] And to become a child of God, Jesus said, "You must be born again" (John Ch. 3). [8] The tragic thing about this day at Saddleback is, Jesus was never mentioned ... and I mean NEVER. There were a few passing references to God; Daniel Amen mentioned that our bodies were "a temple of the Holy Spirit and the brain is the inner sanctum," [Amen means that all humans are the temple of the Holy Spirit] but Jesus never made the cut - "sustainable lifestyles" and "group living" did.

Following Dr. Hyman's talk, my best friend arrived to observe the day with me, only to hear Dr. Amen mention in his presentation that he did a brain scan on one of his clients who had a habit of cheating on his wife. The brain scan showed that there were "holes in the pre-frontal cortex of his brain" which controls the impulses. In other words, this man wasn't sinful, he was "mentally ill." All he needed was to get on the "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body" program, and his personal struggles with sin were remedied. Once again, Jesus was removed from the equation. My friend and I were dumbfounded when we listened to the Saddleback crowd cheer. My best friend couldn't contain it any longer and let out a, "You've got to be kidding me." My thoughts exactly!

Dr. Hyman recommended Yoga and meditation to the crowd. Dr. Amen gave a diplomatic denunciation of Yoga (which is contradictory since he has recommended it himself), but about 5 sentences later mentioned a study done by a friend of his named Andy Newberg who did brain scans on Tibetan nuns and Franciscan priests while in "prayer and contemplation" and the study showed that "spiritual connection" is healthy. Dr. Amen has been an advocate of "Sa Ta Na Ma" meditation. [9]

If by chance any attendees of the Saddleback "Health and Fitness Seminar" read this blog post, I encourage you to educate yourself about what globalism truly is. You also need to research Agenda 21. As stated earlier, the purpose of Agenda 21 is to restructure society. Sounds conspiratorial, I know. But it isn't a conspiracy; it's a published document of the United Nations that's in full swing. Anywhere you hear the terms, "Sustainable Development," "sustainable living," "smart growth," "going green," etc., rest assured you've just been exposed to the U.N.'s Agenda 21. [10]

It shouldn't surprise us that Rick Warren would allow a seminar of this nature at Saddleback; after all, he himself has "GONE GREEN." [11] He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. [12] This illustrates the natural progression of one being unequally yoked with non-believers and buying into heresies such as "Kingdom Now," "Dominionism," or "Restoration Theology." Where these heresies reign, as they do at Saddleback, you will find that the focus subtly shifts from salvation in Christ alone, through faith alone, to misguided efforts to restore mankind and the earth through "community" works, sustainable living, and social justice. How convenient that these just happen to be the vehicles which the United Nations is using to further its own agenda to restructure society and unite the world under its governing body of global elites.

"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." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

(I found it to be slightly humorous that, on page 9 of the booklet which Saddleback passed out to attendees, the symptom of "itchy ears" was listed in the "Medical Symptom/Toxicity Questionnaire" ... oh, the irony!) (source: Ponderings from Patmos)
----------------------------------------------
Lighthouse Trails Comment: We encourage Christian leaders and pastors, such as Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel who in front of thousands of people allowed Rick Warren to give the opening prayer of Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade and called him his "good friend," to publicly speak up in this matter. Thus far, Christian leaders are remaining utterly silent about Rick Warren's New Age health fair done in the name of Christianity. The silence of Christian leaders is deafening.

Endnotes:
1. Genesis 11:4 - "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'"
2. Genesis 3:4-5 - "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
3. Agenda 21 - http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21
4. Mark Hyman's presentation at "Authors @ Google" titled, The UltraMind Solution: Healthy Body, Powerful Mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAZVpsd2Nao
5. Occult Invasion - The Subtle Seduction of the World and the Church, Dave Hunt, Harvest House Publishers 1998, pg. 61
6. Ephesians Ch. 2:1-5 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
7. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
8. John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
9. Dr. Amen recommends "Sa Ta Na Ma" meditation a form of Kirtin Kriya yoga.http://richardeward.com/kirtin-kriya-sa-ta-na-ma-meditation/
10. Agenda 21 - The U.N. Plan for Your Sustainable Communityhttp://www.crossroad.to/text/articles/la21_198.html
11. A Greener Spirit: Evangelicals Embrace "Creation Care"http://environment.change.org/blog/view/a_greener_spirit_evangelicals_embrace_creation_care
12. Council on Foreign Relations Membership Rosterhttp://www.cfr.org/about/membership/roster.html?letter=W

For more information on Reiki and the New Age plan, read For Many Shall Come in My Name.

Lighthouse Trails Research Project, January 20, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unseen food crisis: Farmers may be a dying breed.

2011-01-20T17:52:00.003+01:00

January 18
Article: Misc.

Comment from Understand the Times:
Farmers are a dying breed all over the world, not just in the Philippines. For example, in Canada and the USA farmers are being forced off the farm by the joint effort of large corporations and governments and their regulations that are designed to turn the land over to the New World Order, who is made up of the wealthy ruling class.

This can be clearly understood in light of the Bible, as we have been told ahead of time what to expect. There is no way out, is there? All we can do is see it coming and tell people about it, right?
-------------------
FILIPINO farmers are growing old and the younger generation won’t replace them in the fields. Senator Francis Pangilinan, committee chair on agriculture and food, said in a media briefing this has been an “unseen crisis” in Philippine agriculture, one that could affect the country’s food supply in the next few years.

According to Pangilinan, there are 4.3 million farmers in the Philippines, with an average land of 2.5 hectares each. Their average age is 57, much too old to till the fields. “This is reaching crisis level. If we don't correct this in three years, we will have a problem getting our output,” he said.

The demographics have indicated that younger Filipinos are not enticed to enter in the agricultural sector because farming does not offer a way out of poverty, according to the senator. “Their grandfathers were poor, their fathers were poor,” he said.

He expressed support for strengthening the local government's role in agricultural productivity because the local executives would be in the position to know the needs of their farmers.

“I am more partial to the idea of just letting the (Department of Agriculture or DA) set the policy direction and then let the local governments implement (that policy),” Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the DA has been working to enhance the market access and entrepreneurial skills of farmers and fisherfolks to increase their competitiveness. DA, he said, would establish Trading Centers in strategic locations based on the competitive advantage of the area. ...Read Full Article ....

Understandthetimes.org/, January 20, 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emanuel Swedenborg’s Occultic Beliefs Influence Rick Warren's Health Advisor and Now the Christian Church.

2011-01-19T10:42:00.003+01:00

This is a follow up article to our article, Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many.

Exclusive Lighthouse Trails Commentary
by John Lanagan
Free-Lance Writer
My Word Like Fire Ministries

“You can become a Reiki master in three weekends.” --Lisa Oz, wife of Dr. Mehmet Oz

Perhaps it is not surprising Dr. Mehmet Oz, a key teacher in Rick Warren's 52 week health-and-wellness Daniel Plan, has been influenced by occultist Emanuel Swedenborg. Although Swedenborg rejected the biblical Christ, and communed with familiar spirits, some of Swedenborg's admirers have been culturally significant figures. At this point in his career, Dr. Mehmet Oz certainly qualifies as such.

Those who have either appreciated or followed Swedenborg's theology have included Helen Keller, Johnny Appleseed, Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Carl Jung, Henry James Sr., the poet Robert Frost, and Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Swedenborg, who died in the 1700s, has been called the father of modern day spiritualism. It is likely Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson's bondage to the spirit world began with his introduction to Swedenborg's teachings. Despite erroneous claims he was a Christian, Wilson's spirituality was one of seances, familiar spirits, and the ouija board. [1]

Just like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Bill Wilson was introduced to the teachings of Swedenborg through his own wife. Early in their romantic relationship, Bill Wilson “learned that [his future wife's family] were all Swedenborgians, and the mystic aspect of the faith so fascinated them they vowed to explore it more deeply one day.”[2]

In Pass It On (AA co-founder's official biography), Bill Wilson states, “The Ouija board began moving in earnest. What followed was the fairly usual experience-it was a strange melange of Aristotle, St. Francis, diverse archangels with odd names, deceased friends–some in purgatory and others doing nicely, thank you! . . . Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, advice—and sometimes just sheer nonsense.”[3] (Bold added.)

Swedenborg had power. This cannot be denied. It was stunning to learn Swedenborg had written of a spiritual “twelve steps” more than a century before Alcoholics Anonymous was birthed.[4] Did Wilson copy this term from Emanuel Swedenborg? I do not believe so. I believe that Wilson, having opened himself up to communication with unclean spirits, received his 12 Steps from the same source as had Swedenborg.

Emanuel Swedenborg experienced mystic dreams, trances, and meditation. He believed that he was visited by Christ, who informed him he was the human appointed to write the real meaning of the Bible. He believed he communicated with Moses, Luther, Mary, Aristotle, the apostle Paul, and many others.

Author Wilson Van Dusen notes, “Swedenborg used a fairly intense form [of meditation] in which he would focus on an idea of the exclusion of all else and his breathing would slow down. There have been whole books on the breathing aspect alone.”[5] Swedenborg, writes Van Dusen, “thought highly” of meditation.[6]

We are in a time when spiritual terms have been given confusing meanings; when words such as “Salvation,” are not necessarily presented as biblically intended. This is particularly true of the term, “meditation.” Rick Warren's Daniel Plan, his association with Oz, Hyman, and Amen, may make comprehension of this even more murky.

The meditation used by Swedenborg and numerous New Age devotees, Buddhists, and Hindus, is not biblical meditation, which is essentially reading Scripture and “chewing” (reflecting and pondering) upon it. With biblical meditation, the brain is always active, and thinking.

But thinking is the enemy of the mystical meditator. As one mystic proponent put it:
Do not reflect on the meaning of the word; thinking and reflecting must cease, as all mystical writers insist. Simply “sound” the word silently, letting go of all feelings and thoughts. (Zen master, Willigis Jager, Contemplation, p. 31, cited in ATOD)

This is the Eastern meditation advocated by Rick Warren's Daniel Plan team members Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Mark Hyman, and Dr. Daniel Amen. This meditation, used by Swedenborg and others, involves stilling the mind, sometimes by focusing on a word or phrase to “the exclusion of all else,” as Van Dusen puts it. By repeating the word or phrase over and over, a state of altered consciousness is reached. This is known as the silence. Historically, around the world, much has been experienced in this meditative silence. Spirit guides. Oneness. False “christs.” “Kundalini effect" . . . and so forth.

Deception.

This is also often portrayed in scientific terms, and portrayed as beneficial, but is an invitation to the spirit realm. As others have pointed out, when the mind is stilled and void, something else may well fill that void.

There is a battle going on—between those who hold to the Word of God and those who promote the mysticism inherent in these meditative techniques. Already the Body of Christ is infected with the “contemplative spirituality” of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Gary Thomas, Keri Wyatt Kent and so many others. Contemplative prayer is simply saying a “Christian-ized” word or phrase to still the mind and enter the silence. It is virtually the same as Eastern or New Age meditation, yet it has gained acceptance due to its “Christianese” disguise.

Occultist Alice Bailey, who was informed by her spirit guides, said that the New Age “illumination” would indeed come to the world through the Christian church, and she instructed her followers to leave the outer shell of Christianity intact for the time being and change it from the inside. Is this not what is happening today! (Bailey, The Externalization of the Hierarchy, p. 510)

But now, it seems, we are “advancing” past the stage of disguising. Now, it seems, outright Eastern/New Age meditation is poised to enter the church. The realm of these spirits is the realm of deception that the Bible talks about. The Bible says that in the days before Christ’s return, the mystery of iniquity will prevail and deceive vast numbers. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:7 and Revelation 12:9.)

If all this is new to you, please take the time to research.

His people perish from lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

With Dr. Oz having been granted potential influence into the lives of thousands (potentially eventually millions) of Christians through Rick Warren's Daniel Plan, it is important to consider Lisa Oz as well—because people who seek out Dr. Oz's books will likely be exposed to his wife's work also. The couple have worked together on projects and public appearances. Lisa Oz serves as the reader for many of Dr. Oz's audio books.[7] And Dr. Oz does not hide his high estimation for his wife.

In her book, Lisa Oz acknowledges, “After my parents, the most influential [teacher] by far was and is Emanuel Swedenborg, an eighteenth century scientist and theologian who saw the Bible as a divinely inspired metaphor. ... His writings on the nature of God, humanity, and marriage not only shaped my views but ultimately shaped who I am. For this reason you will find his doctrine, widely and wildly interpreted, as the foundation for just about every chapter in this book.”[8]

Lisa Oz is a Reiki master. This is an ancient system of occult energy, one that brings with it the risk of familiar spirits. [9] Lisa Oz states, “You can become a Reiki master in three weekends.”[10] Many people were exposed to Reiki for the first time when Dr. Oz featured it on his popular television show. In an interview, Mrs. Oz shared that she has used Reiki on her own children.[11] The point here is not that Swedenborg used Reiki—he did not—but, rather, that Swedenborgian doctrine is often a precursor that leads into New Age practices such as meditation and Reiki.

Of course, this makes sense, because Swedenborgianism itself can be defined as a New Age belief system. The New Age, after all, is really the Old Age, and familiar spirits for thousands of years have taken the openings offered through meditation. So it is with the increasingly popular Reiki.

In fact, consider this collective Reiki/meditative experience facilitated by Lisa Oz, which took place at a workshop she conducted along with her husband: “She followed with a couple of similar exercises, then finished with what for me was the day's highlight: the hatsurei-ho meditation,[12] this time for hundreds. The energy in that cavernous room at the Javits Convention Center shifted palpably as Mrs. Oz led the crowd through progressive relaxation, envisioning a golden light all around, drawing the light inside and then breathing it back out into the space around us, adding our own energy with each exhalation. There was no need to explain what Reiki was—everyone felt it, even without touch.” [13] (Bold added)

Lisa Oz then told the crowd, “Go in wellness, knowing you have brought light into the world.”[14]

What is going on with Rick Warren? Does he believe he can bring in Oz, Hyman, and Amen, and simply share only their medical teachings? Stick to the brain, Daniel Amen. Just talk about the heart, Mehmet Oz. Is that what Pastor Warren intends? Because even if these doctors don't say anything about meditation, or Reiki, their resources are still available to all who have seen and heard them at Saddleback. Exposure to these practices therefore seems certain, all from authors highly praised by Rick Warren.

This decision to use these meditation gurus is no fluke. The list of Rick Warren's ill-advised spiritual decisions is too long to believe that. It goes hand in hand with he and his wife's admiration for mysticism advocate Henri Nouwen. It goes hand in hand with his promotion of Gary Thomas who tells readers to repeat a word for 20 minutes in Sacred Pathways (p. 185) and who points readers to tantric sex advocate Mary Ann McPherson Oliver in Sacred Marriage and who carries Adele Alberg Calhoun's book, Handbook on Spiritual Disciplines in his Resource Center even though the book is riddled with New Age/panentheist references. It goes hand in hand with his own book, The Purpose Driven Life, where he tells over 30 million readers they can become "world-class Christian[s]" if they practice "breath prayers" (Day 38). It goes hand in hand with Rick Warren's first book, The Purpose Driven Church, where he tells readers that Richard Foster's spiritual formation movement is a "valid message" and a "wake up call" to "the body of Christ" (pp. 126-127). And it goes hand in hand with Rick Warren's connections with New Age sympathizers Leonard Sweet and Ken Blanchard. (paragraph notes)

No, Rick Warren's decision to use Oz, Amen, and Hyman is no fluke. But it sure is a spiritual trap for the Christian church.

Endnotes:
1. Seances, Spirits, and 12 Steps http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/seances-spirits-and-12-steps/
2. Robert Thomsen, Bill W., pg. 85
3. PASS IT ON, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., pg. 278
4. The first version of the 12 Steps http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/the-first-version-of-the-12-steps/
5. Wilson Van Dusen, commentary, Swedenborg's Journal of Dreams, pg.189
6. Ibid., pg. 191
7. http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Lisa-Oz/47284370/books
8. US: Transforming Ourselves and the Relationships That Matter Most http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/us-transforming-relationships-matter-lisa-oz/story?id=10288653&page=3
9. Reiki warning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4N2URu4avY
10. http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2007/07/fit_mad_about_you.php
11. http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2007/07/fit_mad_about_you.php
12. http://www.aetw.org/d_hatsurei_ho.html
13. http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2007/08/its-all-about-you-and-some-of-it-is.html
14. http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2007/08/its-all-about-you-and-some-of-it-is.html

From the Lighthouse Newsletter, January 19, 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obama Eyeing Internet ID for Americans.

2011-01-19T03:16:00.003+01:00

January 7
Article: Technology For Glaobal Monetary System

President Obama is planning to hand the U.S. Commerce Department authority over a forthcoming cybersecurity effort to create an Internet ID for Americans, a White House official said here today.

It's "the absolute perfect spot in the U.S. government" to centralize efforts toward creating an "identity ecosystem" for the Internet, White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt said.

The Obama administration is currently drafting what it's calling the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, which Locke said will be released by the president in the next few months. (An early version was publicly released last summer.)

"We are not talking about a national ID card," Locke said at the Stanford event. "We are not talking about a government-controlled system. What we are talking about is enhancing online security and privacy, and reducing and perhaps even eliminating the need to memorize a dozen passwords, through creation and use of more trusted digital identities."

Details about the "trusted identity" project are remarkably scarce. Last year's announcement referenced a possible forthcoming smart card or digital certificate that would prove that online users are who they say they are. These digital IDs would be offered to consumers by online vendors for financial transactions... Read Full Article ....

Roger Oakland , January 10, 2011- January 16, 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------