Is Rick Warren And His Flirtation With Chrislam A Heresy- Are His Critics Too Harsh?

Today I want to talk about some things that disturb me. That should be easy enough, there are a lot of things that disturb me and at 56 I'm finding I have lost patience with a lot things that I used to endure. But when it comes to the Bible, the person and work of Jesus Christ and the state of the present day church these are things that are worth getting riled up about.

Today's disturbing subject is Mr. Rick Warren. There is no need to introduce this man, if you don't know who he is then it is time you crawled out from under that rock. He's the darling of the Southern Baptist Convention, the financial savior of publishing house Lifeway and he's been referred to as America's pastor. But I would submit to you that he has been involved in a long flirtation with heresy for most of his ministry career.

In my opinion, Rick Warren's, guidelines for church growth have fostered the seeker sensitive rock concert atmospheres that pass for "church" in most cities across our land. He has done more to undermine solemn, traditional, hymn singing worship than any man in the history of the church. He has closed down more little Bible preaching churches than Wal-Mart has closed Ma and Pa stores across America. But it could be argued that worship styles hardly constitute a battleground to determine heresy. I would argue with you on that point but I won't in this post today.

I am disturbed that Rick Warren has associated with new age influenced teachers who are part of the demonic "emergent" church movement. Again, you might think that I'm being too critical, too sensitive, maybe I'm just jealous of Warren's "success".

I'm disturbed that America's pastor is allegedly a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a partner with Tony Blair and together they are seeking ways for the church to bring change in the ever evolving "global society". I'm even more disturbed that no one seems to notice that we are fast approaching a global society, a global currency and a global identification system. This lack of awareness and watchfulness is especially apparent in our pulpits. When was the last time you heard an end times update from your pastor? I thought so.

On March 7, 2011, Roger Oakland, founder ofUnderstand 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. For the rest of the story Click Here.

I'm disturbed that America's pastor was called upon to give the inaugural prayer and in that prayer he referred to Jesus by His so called Muslim name, Isa. By the way, Jesus was never called Isa in the only book I call sacred, the Holy Bible, and that is the book for me...the B-I-B-L-E ( a little flashback from my VBS experiences).

And while all of these things disturb me about Warren the latest antics of America's pastor in regards to Islam, see Chrislam, disturb me the most. Warren has been leading a charge in his own church to educate the flock concerning the "similarities" that exist between Islam and Christianity. Below is a copy of one of the power points that made up a presentation called "The King's Way". You'll notice that there are references from the Holy Bible and the Quran "side by side". Now, I don't know about you but it is obvious from this panel of information that the intent of these verses is to point out that we are both worshiping the same God, they just have different names. I am not going to take the time in this post to show you that Allah and Jehovah are not the same. Do the research, it won't take long.

Now here is a list of outrageous claims that the Qur'an actually teaches about Jesus, who just happens to be my Lord and my God.

1. Jesus was not the Son of God.

2. Jesus did not die on the cross, He just fainted.

3. Jesus did not raise from the dead since He did not die.

4. Jesus will return with the Mahdi to make people convert to Islam.

5. Jesus will destroy Christianity. 
(For more on Islam/Christianity differences see Dr. Ergun Caner Here)

You see the truth is that the Qur'an actually debases, denies, defies, dilutes and disrespects the person and work of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The very One who is above all, the High and Lofty One, and the very One who will one day rule the world! The Qur'an blasphemes the Beloved One and elevates a mere mortal in His place. It kind of reminds me of the choice people made the night Jesus was condemned...give us Barabbas.  It makes me nauseous to see references in the Qur'an next to the Word of God. Sadly, I seem to be part of an ever shrinking crowd that feels that way. To try and instruct anyone from a book, the Quran, which is not inspired by Almighty God is heresy. Hey Rick, you are going to have to give account for this grievous error.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Why do Christians feel they must leave the Bible and use other writings to persuade others?

 Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

John 6:68
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

We hear the terminology all the time that encourages us to show our love for Muslims by compromising with them and building a bridge to Mecca. Don't misunderstand me, we need to love Muslims. We have a command from our God to love them. The only way we can show our love for Muslims is to tell them they are drinking from a broken cistern and they need to come to the Water of Life. We need to tell them they will miss the experience of living in the New Jerusalem if they fail to believe upon Jesus Christ. We need to tell them that receiving the gift of forgiveness and eternal life is a simple process of trusting in what Jesus did on that cross 2000 years ago. Oh that Muslims will by the millions come to the point in their lives where they believe that what Jesus did in His death, burial and resurrection "is sufficient payment for their sins"!

Time is short, we are living in days of apostasy and heresy. Friend, I beg you to watch the little video in the right side bar entitled "How To Be Forgiven In 3 Minutes". Come to Christ today, don't wait.

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How Does Augmented Reality Work - Can Google Glasses Eradicate Sin?

Researchers and scientists around the world are feverishly working on a technology called "augmented reality", in fact Google is developing a type of glasses that could be worn to bring information to every second of our life. But what is "augmented reality" and how does it work?
The word augmented means expanded or enhanced. We have access to many types of augmented reality already. For example, when you run your mouse cursor over certain images or text on a particular website you will see a small pop up window with additional information - this is a primitive type of enhanced or augmented reality. Many iphone owners can access software that capitalizes on the phones internet access, camera and gps system. One of these programs is called Layar. Layar can be downloaded on an iphone, the iphone can then be pointed at any building and information will stream onto the iphone screen. Imagine how helpful it would be to point your phone at a restaurant and immediately see the menu, customer comments, reviews and nightly specials! You could even point your phone at an office building and this technology can reveal if there are any companies in that building that are currently hiring! This is truly "enhanced" reality. Right now the Layar capabilities  are limited by the restricted range of most gps systems but you can see that this is only going to get more advanced in the very near future.

Another augmented reality system is called Sixth Sense. Sixth Sense allows you to do some amazing things but one of the coolest features is that it will project a phone keypad image on the palm of your hand which you can punch in phone numbers and call your friends without removing your phone from your pocket.
Google is reportedly working on a pair of glasses that will track the movement of your head and project data and images into your field of vision. Scientists reveal that the range of data will even include smells and tastes in the future! I read about a baseball card company that has developed a special card that can simply be held in front of your web cam and tons of information about the player will flash on your monitor.
We have long been exposed to virtual reality in the gaming world but augmented reality will be not only be entertaining but practical too. Ironically, the prophet Daniel predicted centuries ago that in the last days there would be an explosion of knowsledge.
Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Just how fast is knowledge doubling? Around the mid 1950's knowledge was doubling ever 10 years. In 2004 knowledge was doubling ever 18 months. IBM predicts that within the next two years knowledge will double ever 11 hours! It is amazing just how accurate the Bible truly is! The attempts to enhance and improve reality remind me of the story of the tower of Babel (SEE Genesis chapter 11). The folks who built this tower were advanced technologically and God Himself made the observation that unless He intervened in their devlish plans there would be no limit to what they could accomplish. While I enjoy technology and it has made my life more comfortable I recognize that there is an enormous potential for evil when it rests in the wrong hands.
The sad think about all of this augmented reality is that while humans amuse themselves with their gadgets they remain oblivious to a deeper reality and that is "spiritual reality". 
There are a host of spiritual realities as revealed in the Bible but let me point out some important ones that directly affect each one of us.
First, even though we as a human race have become more intellegent we have also become more sinful and blind to our condition.
 2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Second, without God's intervention men will not be able to see the bankrupt state of their spiritual reality.
 2 Timothy 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Third, there is not one human being on the face of the earth that is righteous or sinless.
 Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Fourth, we need a Saviour and that Saviour has been provided only in the person of Jesus Christ!
 Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
You might have access to all of the technology your heart desires. You might have a list of degrees behind your name that is a mile long. But without Jesus you are broken and your destiny is bleak, in fact, your destiny will be horrific.Google glasses can't change your spiritual reality! Don't you think it is time to put your techno toys aside and focus on your need of a Saviour? The Bible says that you will profit nothing if you gain the whole world but lose your soul. Watch the little video in the sidebar and learn how to be forgiven in 3 minutes! Trust Christ today!

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Lisa Robin Kelly's Viral Arrest Story Is A Warning To All Of Us!

I was online tonite reading the news and came across this little article...

(CBS) LOS ANGELES - Lisa Robin Kelly, best known for playing Eric Forman's sister in "That 70's Show," was arrested Saturday on suspicion of domestic abuse.
Kelly, 42, was taken into custody at 12:50 a.m. on Saturday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, TMZ reported. A sheriff's department spokesman told ABCNews.com Kelly was released shortly after posting $50,000 bail, but declined to comment any further.
CBS Los Angeles reports the former sexy blonde sister's mug shot has hit the web and gone viral since her arrest. 

I don't know much about Lisa Robin Kelly but I felt a little sorry for her as I read the word "viral" in regards to her arrest being broadcast all over the world. I don't know the circumstances around her arrest but I do believe she has suffered a great embarrassment because of the internet and her fame. But something struck me about this story that has something to do with all of us. The Bible says that one day everything we have ever done, said or thought will become worldwide knowledge. Here it is...

Luke 8:17

King James Version (KJV)

 ¹⁷For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Romans 2:16

King James Version (KJV)

 ¹⁶In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Now that is the bad news for the vast majority of humanity, their sin record is going to go "viral"! In fact the Bible tells us that there is coming a day when the majority of men will stand before God and the books containing their sinful deeds will be opened before them  (SEE Revelation 20:12). This personal appearance before the throne of God will result in "viral" exposure of sins.  Sinful man is not getting by with one sin, not one secret will remain a secret! That is bad news that makes Lisa Robin Kelly's present debacle look tame.
However, the Bible says something quite different about those individuals who have believed on Jesus Christ. Here is what the Apostle Paul has to say...

2 Corinthians 5:19

King James Version (KJV)

 ¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

The word "imputing" is an accounting term and means to keep track. The good news is that a man, woman, boy or girl who places their trust in Christ as Savior enters into a blessed position whereby their sins are not being counted by God. The Bible says God casts their sins as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. Consequently, there will be no viral exposure and embarrassment on judgement day. That is a blessed thought, a glorious thought! I hope Lisa Robin Kelly will come to a faith in Jesus. The real question is what have you done with Christ? Watch the little 3 minute video in the sidebar. Come to Christ today!

 

Animal Deaths 2012 - An Endtimes Update

 Hosea 4:3 ...'Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.'

We are living in bizarre times and I have shared several times on this site that I believe we are living in what the Bible calls the "last days" or the "end of days". When you look at the rapid increase in the incidence of earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes and other natural disasters we must admit that we are in a climactic time in human history. The fulfillment of Ezekiel's Gog Magog war seems to shaping up as Iran, Syria and Russia strengthen their alliances and intensify their hatred of Israel. Soon the world will see the hand of God reveal His power and supremacy as He defends tiny Israel in miraculous fashion. The steady march toward a worldwide currency (digital rfid implants) seems certain as sovereign debt crisis in Europe threaten the global economy. But one of the more freakish signs of the times is the mass deaths of animals and fish that is occurring worldwide. If you would like to see an update on this phenomenon go to Animal Deaths 2012. There has never been a time in history when these events have occurred with this frequency and intensity. Jesus said that their would be signs that would indicate His coming is near. He also asked us to "watch" and anticipate His return. We must be prepared for His coming and the most important way that we can prepare is to trust in the shed blood of Christ at Calvary to be the sufficient payment for our sins. Have you done this? Isn't it time you believed on Christ and settled your destiny once and for all? Watch the little 3 minute video in the sidebar and trust Christ today!

What Does Easter Mean?

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

I John 2:1

 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

I Timothy 2:5

 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

We are now entering into what the church calls "Holy Week" and I just wanted to share a few thoughts about the significance and meaning of Easter. As I have already pointed out in my posts on this blog I believe in the physical, literal and visible resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe the Biblical accounts of hundreds of eye witnesses that saw him after his resurrection from the dead. I believe that the resurrection is the lynch pin of most other important doctrines concerning soterology and Christology. I would like to expound a little on the most important "results" of the resurrection which ultimately lead to answering the question "what does Easter mean?".

First of all, because of the truth of Easter morning we have a Savior who "ever liveth" to make intercession for believers. This is the very foundation of the great Scriptural truth that once a man, woman, boy or girl places their faith in Christ as Savior they are eternally kept safe and secure because of Christ's intercession. This intercession has been on-going for all believers since the day that Jesus walked out of that tomb. Every time that old accuser, Satan, runs to tattle on us the Lord Jesus Christ steps before the throne of the Father and intercedes on our behalf. He points out that He died on the cross and shed His blood to purchase our pardon and the matter is settled immediately. Because He ever lives and ever intercedes I am eternally secure! Those fools who deny the physical resurrection of Jesus by necessity and logic deny the intercession of Jesus and therefore are in great peril and real danger of missing heaven! Regardless of what some hyper-calvinist or wishy washy arminian tries to tell you, believers still sin. The good news is that when we sin we have an intercessor, the Righteous One, who comes to our defense. This is not a license to sin but it is a reason to rejoice. There are so many self righteous religous folks in this world that think they don't need further assistance once they have believed. They are deluded in their thinking. Jeremiah said the heart is desperately wicked and we need a Savior who can keep us "saved". Praise His name!

The second great truth about Easter is that it means that we are not only the object of His intercession but He is uniquely qualified to be our defender because He is our "advocate" according to I John 2:1. The word "advocate" means "one who pleads another's cause before a judge". The word is found only once in the entire Bible and it is a legal term. I think the best way to describe an advocate is by calling him our defense attorney. Jesus is the greatest defense attorney who ever lived and because He "ever lives" He will continue to defend us for all eternity! I might add this thought, He has never lost a case!

Finally, Easter means that we have a "mediator". The word "mediator" refers to one who intervenes on our behalf to restore peace. The Apostle Paul says there is only one mediator in all the world who can restore peace between God the Father and sinful human beings and that is Jesus Christ. 

Easter means that because Jesus lives He keeps us saved and forgiven by his intercession, advocacy and mediation. As this Easter Sunday approaches I plan to do a lot of thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for me. The good news is that He can do the same for you. Watch the little 3 minute video in the sidebar and trust Christ as Savior today and you'll discover what all the Easter excitement is about!