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"How 'The Shack' Seduced Evangelicals"
With permission from WorldNetDaily.
As a seminary professor and a former colleague and neighbor of the author of "The Shack," James De Young has a unique perspective on the mega-best-selling work of fiction that has captured the hearts of many wounded Christians and skeptics and become the topic of sermons and Bible classes in churches nationwide.
While well aware of the testimonies of many who claim they have experienced emotional and spiritual healing from the book's portrayal of God, De Young warns in a newly released book of his own that "The Shack" author William Paul Young's primary intent was not to tell a good story that happened to contain theology but to teach an unorthodox view of God he claims changed his life.
Undergirding "The Shack," De Young told WND in an interview, is an age-old heresy – universal reconciliation – that diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross and the holiness and justice of God by asserting that everyone eventually will be saved from eternal damnation.
Paul Young has vigorously and repeatedly denied he is a universalist, but De Young says he was personally acquainted with Young's spiritual journey over more than a dozen years. De Young points to a 103-page paper Young wrote that presented his embrace of universal reconciliation and rejection of the "evangelical paradigm."
DeYoung's new book, by WND Books, is his attempt to warn of "The Shack"'s seductive theology and present what he believes are the biblical answers to the questions it raises.
"I think it is very clear 'The Shack' is written to teach theology," said De Young, a New Testament language and literature professor at Western Seminary in Portland, Ore. "It's not just written to tell a mystery story."
De Young told WND his hope is "that as the truth is known about the universalist background of the author – and how it can be found throughout 'The Shack' – that people will realize a good story needs to be good teaching as well."
In 1997, De Young and Young, whose families socialized through a Christian school and youth sports, co-founded a Christian think tank called M3 Forum. For the next seven years they discussed and probed topics, doctrine and problems facing the church as it approached the new millennium. Young submitted his surprising paper embracing universal reconciliation in 2004.
Less than two years later, Young asked friends to read the early draft of a novel he was writing as a Christmas gift for his children. Though highly impressed by the manuscript's potential, the friends were opposed to the universal reconciliation they found in it and acknowledged publicly that they spent over a year trying to remove that message. Mainstream Christian publishers declined interest in publishing what became "The Shack," so Young and his friends formed their own publishing company.
IN NEED of REVIVAL
Now, with 10 million copies in print, "The Shack" has been on numerous best-seller lists for more than two years and become an iconic work among enthusiastic evangelicals, with many buying multiple copies to hand out to their friends.
But De Young believes the acceptance of "The Shack" by evangelicals and their institutions is evidence of a church in need of renewal.
"I'm really dismayed to see that Christian publishers and radio programs, TV programs have basically imbibed the feel-good spirit of 'The Shack' and have not critically examined the theology," he told WND. "If you point that out to them they feel offended. They feel that you're being overly critical. They feel something like, 'Well, can't you look beyond the doctrine and appreciate the story.'"
De Young laments "a great lack of discernment" in Christian media and publishing that is willing to "look askance at the doctrine" if a book enjoys widespread popularity and makes a lot of money.
Many evangelicals and churches have been seduced by "The Shack," he said, because the story resonates with many who have difficult backgrounds in which they've been deeply wounded emotionally and spiritually.
"There is a growing segment of our population who have a bad background, perhaps in the sense they come from a divided home, a home where divorce took place or even an abusive home on the part of one or both parents," he said. "When they can read a story
like 'The Shack' and find solace and encouragement from the experiences of this fictitious person and his experience and realize that God does love them, then I think that it will resonate with a lot of people."
People who have been deeply hurt, he said, "are reaching out for a sympathetic God who they can clearly understand and who loves them."
De Young said the book's "Christian bearings and overtones" encourage many Christians to accept the book and its message, particularly those unaware of the teaching of universalism...
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Letter to a Reluctant Prophet
Excerpts by Chip Brogden.
Dear Friend,
It is with a certain fearfulness that I respond to your inquiry, for I am not an authority on such things. I can certainly relate to your reluctance at being identified among the company of the prophets when so many false apostles, prophets, and teachers abound. I wish I could point you in a proper direction, but I can only point you towards the Lord. It is He who selects His messengers, and I have nothing to offer you by way of what to do.
At most, perhaps you can look upon me as an example of what NOT to do, and take some word of counsel from a weak brother who has made many mistakes and endured many failures along the way. Perhaps you too will have to make even the same mistakes in order to learn, yet following my advice could perhaps help you to avoid the unnecessary heartache and cruelty inflicted upon yourself and others when thinking that you are doing God a service. I would counsel you, first of all, to be a Christian. Do not spend too much time focused on that which is prophetic. Do not come to others as a prophet, but as a child. Let Christ be your obsession, not the prophetic word. For "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
There need not be turmoil in your heart about your calling; it is clear that you are among those that are "the Called, according to His purpose." And what is His purpose? That you be "conformed to the image of His dear Son." That, above all, is your first calling. Many are eager to wear the Prophet's mantle, but are reluctant to bear the Christian's cross. This cannot be. Given the choice between Christian or Prophet, choose Christian. Serve God as the earthen vessel you are, in the place you find yourself to be.
Perhaps the Lord will indeed use you in some prophetic way, but if not then at least you have been faithful with the "one talent" you have been given. God will not give five talents to those who cannot be faithful with one, and will not give ten to those who cannot be faithful with five. If you are a Christian first you will remember that you should walk softly, with meekness and humility, while esteeming others as better than yourself. Then the prophetic word, when and if it comes, will be seasoned with the appropriate amounts of mercy and grace.
Remember that without love you will inevitably become as sounding brass - all judgment. If we cannot or will not stay in Love, God will set out to humble us shamefully before our brothers and sisters that we may know the depths of our hypocrisy and self-righteousness. That is evidence of HIS great love for all of us.
Now, concerning the prophetic word itself. God will give you the "what", but the "when" and the "how" are left up to you. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." You can be right on target with the "what", but if you screw up the "when", and especially the "how", you do yourself and others unnecessary harm...
Let us not only be familiar with His Word, but let us become acquainted with His Ways. It is not enough to memorize what He said, we must take His yoke upon us and walk in tandem with Him. Since Christ bids us to "learn of ME", beware of those who will try to gain access into your life with an inordinate desire to mentor or shepherd you. We may certainly seek the advice, prayers, and counsel of other mature believers. Even the little children in the Kingdom of God can teach us much. But people can only carry us so far... Do you see dear friend, that God is more concerned with the messenger than the message? Do you see that the minister is more important than the ministry?
If the messenger is wrong, the message will be wrong too. If the minister is wrong, the ministry will be wrong. And do you see that the Lord of the work is more important than the work of the Lord? Meditate on these things. There really is no famine of the Word of God. If God is able to find the right vessel the Word will come forth in abundance. Therefore, He takes much time to mold, fashion, train, refine, purge, break down, build up, discipline and create His prophets. Yield to that process. It cannot be rushed, but it may certainly be hindered. We cannot force the Spirit, but we may certainly quench Him. Ah, your gifts are given to you in a moment's time, but your fruit, your character, YOU, develops over many seasons of God's dealings. Do not be thrilled with your gifts, only observe if you are fruitful in Spirit, bearing much fruit, abounding in love, joy, peace, faithfulness, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and self-control. You can be sure that there are more gifted people in the world than you, yet
the fruit is what will remain when the gifts pass away. Never neglect the place of abiding in Him, and you will remain a fruitful branch in the Vine. Expect misunderstanding. Expect persecution. Expect ridicule. Expect mistreatment. Expect suffering. Expect rejection. Then, you won't be surprised when it comes. And when it comes, shut your mouth, go to the cross, and die so you can live. Learn to kiss the hands that nail you to the cross, for as you are decreased, He is increased. It is not a better living we need, but a better dying. We cannot reach Pentecost but by way of Passover. There can be no resurrection without a crucifixion...
Be afraid of the praise and acceptance of others, for they are the fertilizer for the self-important and grandiose thoughts that are yours by nature anyway, which spring up in the shallow ground of your carnal mind. Carry about the Death of the Lord so you may have the Life of the Lord. Be ready to suffer with Him, that you may reign with Him. And now, some practical advice: As much as possible, stay away from money...
Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Before, you would never apologize even when you knew you were wrong. Now, be willing to apologize even when you know you are right.
This is my counsel, dear friend, and perhaps something I have said in this brief letter will bear witness with you. With these words then, I commit you to the care of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is able to complete the work which He has begun in you and see you through to maturity, as you are rooted and grounded in Him, being thoroughly equipped and strengthened by His Might which works in those who have taken up the cross to find power in weakness... --Chip Brogden.
-Comment on this article at the website below- http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/
God bless you all.
@May 27, 2010
Great Quotes!
From Andrew Strom
"For bravery none compares with our Lord. He never turned His head from danger, not even when hell's hatred and heaven's justice appeared against Him." -William Gurnall
"Sin is never an accident. It's always intentional." - Ray Greenley
"I have often wondered why God put these two things together…as the vital evidence of whether I am a child of God or a child of the devil…Holiness and Love. And as the years went by, I came to understand…as I watched people's lives…holiness without love is ugliness. It is ugliness. It's rigid…separationalist…judmentary. But love makes holiness beautiful. Love makes holiness Christ-like- ness. A holy life governed by love is the mightiest weapon God could ever have at His disposal on this earth. A Holy life governed by love is a saved soul." - From the sermon “Examine Yourselves” by Keith Daniel.
"The liberal says the end of religion is to make man happy while he's alive. And the fundamentalist says the end of religion is to make man happy when he dies." - Paris Reidhead
"Why should a person come to the cross? Why should a person embrace death? With Christ? Because it's the only way that God can get glory out of a human being!" - Paris Reidhead
"Is this really the church of Christ, or are we just calling it the church because of our traditions and history?" -K.P. Yohannan.
@April 9, 2010
Shocking Facts On "Tares"
By Andrew Strom.
Of course, we all know Jesus' parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Tares are plants that look just like wheat until Harvest time - when it turns out that they were counterfeit. Awhile ago I learnt some facts about Tares that truly shocked and surprised me.
When you look up the word "Tares" on Wikipedia, it comes back with the equivalent plant named "Darnel." This is exactly correct according to most Biblical authorities. The Tares are almost always considered to be the weed Darnel - also known as "false wheat" which grows plentifully in the whole region around Israel. Here is what Wikipedia says about it:
"It bears a close resemblance to wheat until the ear appears… It parasitizes wheat fields. The French word for darnel is "ivraie"… which expresses that weed's characteristic of making one feel poisoned with drunkenness, and can cause death. This characteristic is also alluded to in the scientific name (Latin temulentus = drunk)… The plant is mentioned in… the Parable of the Tares in the Gospel of Matthew."
So is this identification of Tares with "drunkenness" noted elsewhere? Yes - many Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias say exactly the same thing. In fact, the Faussett Bible Cyclopedia states that "when mixed with wheat flour [it] causes dizziness, intoxication, and paralysis" and says that bearded darnel is known as "the only deleterious grain" among all the grasses.
On the giant website "Botanical.com" we read: "It is recorded to have produced all the symptoms of drunkenness: a general trembling, followed by inability to walk, hindered speech and vomiting. For this reason the French call Darnel: 'Ivraie,' from Ivre (drunkenness)."
Out of all the weed-type grasses, Tares are seemingly the only ones that produce this deadly "drunken" effect. Isn't that amazing? In the parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matt 13, Jesus states that his "enemy" sows tares amongst the true wheat. Then He says:
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn" (Mt 13:30).
I guess I don't need to point out the possible parallels with today's "Drunkenness"/ River movement. What an alarming insight - if it does have relevance to what we have seen in those circles!!
@March 23, 2010
Warning to the "Apostles"
By Andrew Strom.
An Open Letter to Peter Wagner, Dutch Sheets & Other "Apostles".
I recently received a report of a new "Apostolic Network" headed up by Dutch Sheets which held a gathering in Florida last week to "carve up" territories for it's 'apostles', etc. I need to put in writing what I believe the Lord would say to these men.
But first I need to remind us all of something. On June 23rd, 2008, a group of "apostles and prophets" under Peter Wagner's headship stood on a stage in Lakeland at the Todd Bentley revival - to lay on hands and commission him, etc. But it was far more than that. Peter Wagner called it an "apostolic alignment." He made the following statement before all the TV cameras and all the people:
"I take the apostolic authority that God has given me and I decree to Todd Bentley: -Your power will increase. -Your authority will increase. -Your favor will increase. -Your influence will increase. -Your revelation will increase. I also decree that: -A new supernatural strength will flow through this ministry. -A new life force will penetrate this move of God..."
Onlookers might have thought that Wagner was 'prophesying' the above statements. But actually what he felt he was doing was "decreeing" these things over Todd - since he was the 'head apostle'. In a letter the following day, Wagner called this a "groundbreaking event" and stated that, "We are now in a place in what I see as the Second Apostolic Age..." (In other words, a "new era" of real apostles).
So how did that work out for you, Peter? Well, literally within weeks we found out that many of the "miracles" at Lakeland had no foundation, and then Todd Bentley's wife separated from him apparently over an affair he was having - and the entire 'revival' fell to pieces in the worst way possible. That's how it worked out.
All the big Charismatic leaders that had stood on that stage hardly knew what to do with themselves - they were so embarrassed. And none more so than Peter Wagner - after making an "Apostolic decree" like that. -Probably the most colossal disaster of his life.
So who pulled the rug out from under your "apostolic alignment", Peter? I need to tell you that there are two responsible parties. One is 'yourself' - clearly. And the second is GOD - because He is now pitted against you and your so-called "apostles". He is the one who did this to you.
You and your friends have presumed to an office and a place over the Body that is simply not yours, and God is in the process of taking you 'apostles' down - and all your "networks" with you.
Dutch Sheets - can I ask you please, what gives you the right to carve up the Body of Christ in North America and parcel it out like McDonalds franchises to all your buddies so they can be 'apostles' over their own "territory"? Do you have any idea what you are playing with? Don't you know that if your buddies are not real New Testament Apostles then all they are doing is painting huge targets on themselves and begging for the judgment of God? How dare you treat the Body of Christ like a piece of Real Estate that you can carve up for your own aggrandizement?
Because of men like you, God is about to judge the leadership of the church. Do they call themselves an "apostle"? Well, God is going to put them to the test. If they are not the real thing, they make themselves His 'enemy' because they are blocking His real Reformation. Every self-proclaimed "apostle and prophet" is about to be put to the test. Oh, you call your group an "Apostolic Council of Elders" or something similar? Expect God to come calling, and if you are not the real thing, expect Him to take you down. The Lord God is coming to take back His church with great violence. And you guys are standing directly in His way.
I've heard that one of these big "apostles" in Canada once told his network that their "apostle-ness" would be judged by the 'noses and nickels' that they represented. (In other words, their "numbers" and their reaping of money). Hmmmm. If I didn't know better, I would call those the words of a hireling and a wolf.
As Lee Grady wrote about this 'Apostle-Mania':"In some circles apostles demanded total allegiance from the leaders who were "under" them. Some required a policy of "tithing up," creating a monstrous organizational structure similar to a spiritual Amway. So-called apostles with huge "downlines" made exorbitant amounts of money. One leader even offered pastors the opportunity to become "spiritual sons" by contributing $1,000 a month to his ministry."
And yet here is what the TRUE apostle Paul wrote: "I think that God has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death... we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace... we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things..." (1 Cor 4:9-13).
Now THAT is true apostleship. Tell me, Mr. Modern Apostle, do you match up to the New Testament apostles? If not, what on earth do you think God is going to do to you if you claim that title falsely?
I believe that many true Apostles, when they do arise, will simply REFUSE to carry such titles in any way. They will "minimize" themselves, not exalt themselves. That is the heart of a true leader of God.
In closing, let me again warn those who have titled themselves apostle" or 'prophet' in the modern church. God is coming to "clean house" and if you are not the real deal, expect Him to start with you. It is as simple as that. You need to repent urgently of your utter presumption. You have been warned.
Send feedback to- prophetic@revivalschool.com
God bless you all.
Andrew Strom.
@March 11, 2010
Great Quotes On Holiness
From the Book, "Holiness The Key To Revival"
By Patricia Knowles
“There will be no great Revival until the people of God are deeply convicted of their need of holiness.” -MAJOR ALLISTAIRE SMITH (Salvation Army).
“A God-sent Revival must ever be related to holiness” – DUNCAN CAMPBELL.
“Holiness has been the message of saints of God down the centuries, and was the foundation of the glorious Revivals of Christianity under the original Quakers, Methodists and the Salvation Army and wherever it is truly known and experienced, it is the bringer-in of Revival today.” - PAGET WILKES.
“That such widespread misunderstanding should exist about the word (sanctification) and its meaning, is a spiritual disaster. If there is one New Testament term more than another which calls for rescue it is that precious, expressive word, Sanctification.“ –SIDLOW BAXTER.
“Believers must be brought into conviction of the shame and evil of the carnal state. God brings believers into, what may be called, a second conviction — conviction of a need of deliverance from the power of sin.” - ANDREW MURRAY.
"True holiness is a Revival of Holiness. Personal holiness is more desirable than happiness, he (Duncan Campbell) taught, and it is not in heaven alone that God wants our saintliness - it is here and now; holiness is not just a doctrine to be taught, it is a way of life - it is the life of Jesus." - DUNCAN CAMPBELL.
"God Who delivers us from the guilt of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, is able to deliver the believer from the power of sin as well." - J. EDWIN ORR.
SOURCE - holinesstorevival.com
@February 19, 2010
Massive "Shaking" of Leadership
By Andrew Strom.
This week we re-published (@revivalschool.com) Bryan Hupperts' classic word - "RETAKING the SHIP." It is all about Jesus taking back control of His wayward church. I believe we have now entered this very hour. We are going to see Jesus violently re-take His church - and I believe He will use the 'word of the Lord' to do it. -Prophets and messengers speaking a piercing, "shaking" word. God will take back His own Body with great violence. This 'Shaking' has already begun.
I am sorry to be so "blunt", but I believe that these things sadly need to be cried aloud.
Here is the sad truth of the matter: We are about to find out if today's "top apostles and prophets" are the real thing or not. If so then God will defend them. If not, He will take them down. He cannot have His church guided by blind shepherds. There has been a lot of "presumption" in the Body. The title of "apostle" has been claimed too readily by too many. This is utter arrogance if it is not by God's specific command. We are about to find out who gained their title and position by "presumption" and who is the real deal.
I believe we saw the beginning of this at Lakeland. Just a few weeks after the top "apostles and prophets" of the Charismatic world got up on stage to endorse that movement, we saw the entire thing begin to crumble and fall apart - to the great embarrassment of all. Do I believe that God deliberately waited for those big leaders to endorse that thing before pulling the rug out from under it in such a public way? -Yes, I do. I believe He was showing that a lot of these men and women have very little discernment - and simply do not belong as leaders over His church. It is the first time I have ever seen God turn on His own leadership like that, and I believe it is only the beginning. We are about to see a whole lot more. God is coming to set order in His house.
"Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker..." (2 Sam 3:1).
This is exactly what we now see playing out, I believe. It is the very process prophesied in the Scripture- "The kingdom shall be taken from you and given to another, bringing forth the fruits thereof". God will not have blind shepherds leading His sheep into disaster after disaster, fiasco after fiasco. He has had enough of deception holding sway over is church. This "changing of the guard" is going to take place at every level - from local right up to international. Watch for it. It is already underway.
The time has come for the good shepherds - the "Davids" to arise - prepared for years in the wilderness for this time. From now on, expect to see the house of David grow stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul to grow weaker and weaker. The Lord Himself is taking the field - to fight on behalf of Truth. And woe betide those who stand in His way.
So what about you, my friend? Are you willing to take part in this process of Jesus taking back His Church? Do you realize that it is through the 'word of the Lord' that He will be doing this? Are you willing to be a mouthpiece for the King? Do you have the "daring" that is required?
If ever there was a saying that applies to this situation it is this- "WHO DARES WINS." I have written about this before. Such boldness is simply a "must" for the hour we are in. Will you be such a one who DARES, my friend? The hour for reckless courage is upon us. Your long years of preparation have not been in vain. Stand up and speak the word!
Send feedback to - prophetic@revivalschool.com
God bless you all!
Andrew Strom.
@February 5, 2010
Stepping Back From The Brink
What the Massachusetts election tells us
By David Crowe
One year ago, Barack Obama stepped confidently before the American people to lead us into the promised land, a land of milk and honey as envisioned by he and his radical liberal friends in Congress and around the nation. One year later, in what has been the most liberal state in the union, an obscure Republican state legislator overcame a 30 point deficit to win what was thought to be the most secure seat for democrats in the United States Senate, that of deceased Senator Ted Kennedy. What happened?
A year of fiascoes!
Junkers, junkets, fiscal foolishness, closed door partisan politics, political payoffs, threats to national security, healthcare, our free market system; and hard core left wing radicals determined to force political change against the will of the people - all of these combined created extreme distrust and disillusionment amongst voters with the current administration agenda and out-of-touch Congressional democrat leadership.
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Elections bring clarity
The Election of Barack Obama 15 months ago revealed the voters of America wanted to see change in how Washington D.C. operates. This election, joined with the elections in New Jersey and Virginia, clearly reveal the change voters were promised - and which they expected - is not what they are getting. They know, by all that has transpired in Washington in one year, is a partisan, ideologically driven attempt to transform America into something they do not want and will not accept.
The election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts is being called an "astounding victory" of "epic proportions," when in fact it simply reveals citizen outrage at an administration that deceptively promised much and has produced nothing more than a weakened economy, increased national debt, the prospect of higher taxes, inflation, greater unemployment, dependence, and the ruination of both the private sector, healthcare, and the nation's future, and for what? They know the answer and they do not like it.
For one shining moment, it appears that Americans - even in the most liberal state - know what needs to be kept in place, and are determined to wrest them back from those in power who want to change it all.
Maybe, just maybe, we-the-people will take heart from the voters of Massachusetts and put behind us forever the foolish so called 'progressive' ideas held by the majority of those currently in office in Washington D.C..
Elections are very defining events. May there be many 'shining moments' this year as we-the-people restore the nation to it's enduring values and principles.
"Increasing numbers of Americans are saying that they are having trouble recognizing the country in which they were born and grew up. They will have even more trouble recognizing America if the Washington juggernaut does not lose a substantial part of its power in this year's elections." - Economist Thomas Sowell
To read more from David Crowe, please visit his website at RestoreAmerica.org.
@January 22, 2010
The Greatest Danger To America
What we believe
By David Crowe
Ravi Zacharias, one of the most respected contemporary apologists for Christianity, spoke recently about the greatest danger to America and to the world. Contrary to those who claim it is radical Islam, nuclear proliferation, one world government, or catastrophic economic collapse, Zacharias believes it is far more about our worldview, what we believe about the origins of both the universe and mankind, whether there is a God or not, and if there is any overarching meaningful purpose in life. Zacharias says it is what we believe about these great questions that will determine the course of our lives, the nation, and the future of mankind.
The Worldview of the Obama Administration
The worldview of the Obama Administration is neither Christian or Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, or any other named religion of which there are approximately 90. But this Administration does have a worldview, a religiously held view that man is the end of all things, that there is no God, no right and wrong; that expedience to attain a man concocted and man designed end is all that matters, in total disregard of the revealed will of God.
When the Obama Administration nominates and appoints people whose records reveal support for godless communist dictators such as Mao Tse-Tung and Hugo Chavez, who repress fredom and in Mao's case, slaughtered millions; looks to followers of the revolutionary radical Sol Alinsky who sought the overthrow of America; fills the White House with left wing radicals with criminal records, openly homosexual and lesbian staff, and appoints an openly "transgender" person on New Years Eve, it is clear, the 'worldview' of it's occupants is anything but Christian.
In a recent Alert from Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, ""Transgender" is an umbrella term for anyone who "expresses" a "gender identity" contrary to their biological sex at birth - in other words, men who claim to be (and dress as) women, and vice versa."
Perkins goes on to say, "Mitchell Simpson, a man who had sex-change surgery and now calls himself a woman (named "Amanda"), was appointed as Senior Technical Advisor to the Commerce Department. Simpson announced that "as one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds.""
Further, "The day after Simpson began work, The New York Times reported that the main website advertising jobs with the federal government now says there will be no "discrimination" based on "gender identity"-even though Congress has never passed a law saying that."
The implications for churches and businesses in the near future are staggering.
Passive acquiescence or informed action
If you believe that this Administration's worldview doesn't matter, go your way and watch what happens to America. But if you, as a believer in the 'Most High God', believe this is a great danger for America, for America's families, for the Good News of Jesus Christ, and for the future of the nation, it is time to ACT! What you believe. . . matters.
LORD God, You and You alone are the only true God, for You have proclaimed it and proven to be true. All other claimed to be gods are figments of men's fallen minds, the tool of Satan to blind men's eyes in order to destroy them, all to spite You. Forgive us LORD for such self imposed blindness, coldness of heart, and indifference to Your revelation. May the light of Your truth once again be uppermost in the minds of Your children, those who have come to You in faith and obedience. May we, by the power of Your Spirit, stand, and not yield, and proclaim Your Name, Your Truth, and salvation to friend and foe alike. May we ACT, as did our Founders and Forefathers through the centuries, to preserve the Truth. In the Name of Christ our LORD Who is our peace, our strength, and our joy. Amen.
Directly after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Samuel Adams, one of the Signers, and called the "Father of the American Revolution" said,
"We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let his kingdom come."
To read more from David Crowe, please visit his website at RestoreAmerica.org.
@January 14, 2009
Religion? Or Christianity?
The foundation of American civil government
By David Crowe
On September 26, 2000, upon joining the board of The Heritage Foundation, William E. Simon, Jr. gave a speech titled "Why America Needs Religion." In that speech Simon quoted Washington, Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, to argue the importance of 'religion' to America's founding and future. However, he failed to acknowledge Christianity as the ground of our Founder's thinking and the creation of our founding documents. Instead, he lumped all religions together as equally important to the survival of the nation, a position that many Christians have come to believe as well; a position that cannot be sustained by facts, history, or the Bible.
If you study the Bible - as our Founders did - you discover that the God of the Bible is the only true God. There is no other. You also discover that He is a 'jealous' God and means what He says when He said to Moses,
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God..."
It is impossible to conclude, from all that our Founders said, and of which we have record, that they were not familiar with the Ten Commandments, particularly the First. Nor would they have ignored this clear commandment if they meant by the use of the word 'religion', any and all religions.
Simon's speech reflects much of the reasoning of many educated Christians today who prefer the approval of the world's intellectual elites rather than the approval of God. When they err as did Simon, in understanding fundamental things, the rest of their argument, while sounding reasonable, falls like a house of cards.
Religion in general, and the melding of all 90 of them as the solution for America's challenges, as Simon argues, will not save America. It will, like the religions of the Canaanites, prove destructive to the people of God, and result in national captivity, not freedom. If the foundation is wrong, which Simon's presuppositions are, the entire structure will topple.
King of kings and LORD of lords, Thou art the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things, the God of all wisdom, honor, and truth. Restore the hearts of your people to Your eternal Word, the only source of eternal truth, meaning, and happiness. You and You alone are our peace, our salvation, and the lifter of our heads in the midst of a perverse and unbelieving world. Lead us not into the temptation to believe in the foolishness of men who want to be seen as wise by their peers more than as servants of the One True God. Restore our hearts to faith in You and in what You have revealed from eternity past. Deliver us from being wise in our own eyes, and turn us humbly back to You. Raise up men who love You more than life, for the sake of Your dear Son, and the price He paid for us all, we do pray. Amen.
To read more from David Crowe, please visit his website at RestoreAmerica.org.
@January 7, 2009
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