This will be the 6th time I have brought this article back out in six years. I continue to be alarmed at the lack of discernment within the body of Christ.

Why would any of us feel that the Holy Word of God is not enough? God left us His Word – inspired by the Holy Spirit, yet some of us chase after extra Biblical nonsense. I’m sorry if that offends but I feel that I must; if offending will bring some of the brethren back to the truth.

 ^“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables”  (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Originally written in 2015:

We have been searching for a Bible based church. For a long time, my husband and I have been worshiping from home; watching pastors and preachers whom we have come to trust and love via Youtube. We do miss fellowship and we are aware that God wants us to be in fellowship with other believers.

For the last two Sundays we visited a Baptist church. This church ordains women as pastors. The head pastor is a man. We do not believe that the Word of God supports women being pastors.

Knowing that we will probably not find a church where we agree on every point, we know that some things are essential, while others are non-essential to salvation. I have often spoken of the slippery slope in many of my articles that leadership finds itself on when they stray from the Word. It is inevitable.

A baby was being dedicated on the first Sunday we visited the new church. A book was presented to the parents of the baby. The name of the book was Jesus Calling. I had read about this book, and knew that it was very controversial, but I had no idea how wrong this book was for any Christian to be reading.

I know that this article is going to upset many people who have come to love Jesus Calling. My job as a writer is to speak truth. I have no control over the readers’ reaction, but I must speak truth; and hopefully I will reach some Christians with the truth. I pray that this piece will help many to see that Jesus Calling is not a book that Jesus would have them read.

Jesus Calling is a New Age mystical book which Christians should completely avoid.

SOLA SCRIPTURA
From gotquestions.org

Question: “What is sola scriptura?”

Answer: The phrase sola scriptura is from the Latin: sola having the idea of “alone,” “ground,” “base,” and the word scriptura meaning “writings”—referring to the Scriptures. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 

It says in Timothy 3:16, that all Scripture is God-breathed. Just as He breathed life into Adam, He breathed the Words of the Bible – penned by men, but under His inspiration. It is so vitally important for the believer to read God’s Word. It is food for the soul. God speaks to us through His Word.

Have you ever read a verse of Scripture that you have read many times before, but suddenly the words just jumped off the page and into your heart? God was speaking to you through His Word, and helping you with whatever you were going through at that particular time.

“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)

JESUS CALLING

The author of this book, Sarah Young, modeled her book after God Calling, a book written in the early 1930s. This book was written by two “listeners” who said that they would come into the presence of God and begin to write what they thought He was saying. It is a New Age practice called automatic writing. The New Age followers believe that they are channeling spirits who impart knowledge to them. We know that these so-called spirits are demons.

Isn’t it just like Satan to deceive the children of God? In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young also claims that she came into God’s presence and listened and then wrote what she felt He was saying to her. She writes as if Jesus Himself is speaking.

Doesn’t it make you wonder who was saying the things for Miss Young to write? I have skimmed through many of the writings in this book, and on the surface they seem innocuous. But I have wondered why so many millions of Christians would resort to reading this book, when we have the Word of God. Why do they need more? Who is whispering to them that they need more?

I see that Sarah Young now has a book out for children, and even a Jesus Calling bible! This alarms me, and makes me wonder why so many Christians lack discernment. It is obvious to me that Satan is confusing and deceiving God’s children. But if these same people would read the Word of God, they would see that everything they need to know is right there in His Word!

Harper Collins publishes “Jesus Calling” books. Harper Collins also publishes the Satanic Bible. Coincidence? I think not.

Back to the church that my husband and I visited; we had the pastor come to our home to speak with us about some of our concerns. I had already told him about being alarmed that the church would present Jesus Calling to the parents of a baby being dedicated. When we began to speak with him about this, he shut us down by saying that his wife loves Jesus Calling and that all of these books bring her peace. So, the book is okay because his wife loves it? I was speechless.

I began to connect the dots. I thought to myself that this pastor believes that it is okay to ordain women as pastors, and he was influenced by his wife about the spiritual legitimacy of Jesus Calling. My mind traveled back to the Scriptures about the Garden of Eden. It was Eve who was deceived by Satan. Adam sinned willfully. I believe that he did this because of his love for Eve. He put her above God.

If this pastor believed the Word of God, and studied it as any pastor should, he would have seen the error of his ways. God would have spoken to him through His Word. But instead he did what he thought was right.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

WARREN SMITH ON JESUS CALLING

Warren Smith wrote a book entitled “Another Jesus Calling.”  In this insightful book, Mr. Smith asks the question “Is this really our Savior speaking?” I would encourage any readers of this article, who are defensive about Sarah Young’s book, to purchase “Another Jesus Calling.” Warren Smith believes (as I do) that this is just part of the Emerging Church movement, where contemplative prayer and eastern mediation is encouraged.

Please pass this article on to anyone you know who is reading Jesus Calling. I pray that the Lord will bring many away from this counterfeit book and back into His book – the Bible.

How Can I Be Saved?

Shalom B’Yeshua

MARANATHA!

Original Article:

This article was originally written a few years ago. I am bringing it out again, with some modifications, because I am noticing brothers and sisters in Christ who are still beguiled by False Teachings and cults masquerading as Christianity.

In these last days, Jesus warned of false teachers and to beware of them.We are seeing this unfolding before our eyes. But sometimes (as the devil does so well) it sounds believable and before long, many of us are pulled into heretical teaching.  Our Lord wants to keep us safe from False Teachers. His Word is there for us for this purpose.

I was reading Acts 17 and of course came upon this passage of Scripture:

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”  (Acts 17:11).

Acts 17:11 is preached to this day to impart to God’s people a most important Truth. The Bereans had heard Paul and Silas preach to them. The Word says that these Berean Jews received the word with all readiness; but what did they do after hearing that which was preached to them?

They searched the Scriptures to verify what they had heard.

Many people today do not rely on the Word of God for Truth.  Unfortunately, they rely on the teachings of men, some of which are Biblically sound, but others have twisted the Word of God to accommodate the “Itching Ear” crowd who want to be made comfortable in church.

 ^“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting”  (Ephesians 4:14).

Did you know that those who are trained to spot counterfeit money spend the majority of their time studying authentic bills?  It’s true.  They can immediately spot the counterfeit because the authentic is ingrained in their brains.

And so are believers in Christ told  to study the Word of God in order to reject apostasy:

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

It’s a Spiritual Minefield Out There

What is Apostasy?

Apostasy, from the Greek word apostasia, means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or breach of faith.”  This clearly shows that there is “Truth” from the Word of God; but there is also a rebellion or defiance against God’s Word.

I have seen Bible teachers of late telling their flocks that “Aspostasia” means the Rapture of the church in 2 Thessalonians 2. This is clearly errant teaching, although I do not say that these teachers are doing this in a malicious manner.

This is why we should be like the Bereans -receiving teaching with gladness BUT searching the Scriptures to see if what we were told is true.

In the Greek, Apostasia always refers to a departure from a belief system; in other words a falling away from faith in the Word of God. It has never meant a “spacial departure” which many are teaching in saying this is the Rapture of the Church.

Excerpt from gotquestions.org:

“Question: “Will there be a great apostasy / falling away during the end times?”

Answer: The Bible indicates that there will be a great apostasy during the end times. The “great apostasy” is mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The KJV calls it the “falling away,” while the NIV and ESV call it “the rebellion.” And that’s what an apostasy is: a rebellion, an abandonment of the truth. The end times will include a wholesale rejection of God’s revelation, a further “falling away” of an already fallen world.” source

The definition of Apostasy (Apostasia) could not be more clear!

DECEPTION

I receive many emails each week from the readers of my articles. It shocks and saddens me that so many are caught up in false teaching, cults and even in a “New Age” version of Christianity.

This is not true of  the majority of those who write to me. Most are very grounded in the Word and are ‘Born Again’ believers.  But the readers who do communicate with me who have become ensnared in false doctrine is very troubling.

I see this on Facebook when I publish a new article. There will always be those who find fault with my words because what I say exposes the false doctrine which they believe.

I want the reader to understand that I am very open to being corrected by the brethren – but the Word of God must reign supreme over “opinions” of men and women.

So, let’s get right into the snares and traps of False teaching.

Hebrew Roots  (HRM)

Being an ethnic Jew who came to faith in Christ so many years ago, I am very familiar with this cult.  And yes – I did say CULT.

Satan’s traps, lies and snares are everywhere, but Hebrew Roots is especially egregious to the Lord.  We know that we are saved by Grace through faith. It is the New Covenant of Grace – the better Covenant which brings life to those who believe in the finished work of Christ on the Cross; and His resurrection from the dead. When we truly believe “on” the Lord Jesus Christ (placing our faith in Him alone for the forgiveness of our sins by His shed blood), and understand that this is what saves us; we are able to discern false teaching.

Through the years, I have met many Christians who are taken with the knowledge that I am an ethnic Jew. I have spoken with many who actually research their lineage to find out if they have any amount of Jewish blood.

I have often told them that being grafted into the vine is simply the way that the Lord has made it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God. But somewhere along the line, they have been confronted by those of the Hebrew Roots Cult.

To simplify the errant teaching of this cult, I have chosen to  take the main beliefs and format them in a bulleted list. I do hope that many of the brethren will print out this article and keep it for reference.

HRM believes:

• The Church has veered far from the true teaching and Hebrew concepts of the Bible
• That Christianity has been indoctrinated with cultures and beliefs of paganism
• Christ’s death did not end the Mosaic Law, but renewed it
• Understanding of the NT can only come from a Hebrew perspective
• The teachings of Paul are not understood or taught correctly
• The believers should walk in Torah-observance to please God
• The dietary laws and all celebrations of the feasts of Israel should be observed by all believers

I must insert something very important for the reader. I am in no way saying that Christians who feel led to study the history and customs of the Jewish people, and even take part in many of these, should not do this. But they must understand that observing these traditions of Judaism is not part of Salvation.  This is a lie from the pit of hell. The teachings of HRM are no different from those of the Judaizers of Jesus’ day, with one exception:

Most all of the HRM leadership and followers and NOT Jews.

I have noticed that most so-called Hebrew Roots churches are not only filled with non-Jews, but the “Rabbi” over the people is not even ethnically Jewish himself! (Most of the congregations are not aware of this).

From gotquestions.org   (On HRM)

The influence of this movement is working its way into our churches and seminaries. It’s dangerous in its implication that keeping the Old Covenant law is walking a “higher path” and is the only way to please God and receive His blessings. Nowhere in the Bible do we find Gentile believers being instructed to follow Levitical laws or Jewish customs; in fact, the opposite is taught. Romans 7:6 says, “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” Christ, in keeping perfectly every ordinance of the Mosaic Law, completely fulfilled it. Just as making the final payment on a home fulfills that contract and ends one’s obligation to it, so also Christ has made the final payment and has fulfilled the law, bringing it to an end for us all. source

The NAR Movement (New Apostolic Reformation and Dominion Theology)

We are warned by Jesus not to add or take away from His Holy Word. Perhaps the NAR Movement and Dominionists misread the Words of our Lord.  These movements thrive on extra-Biblical revelation.  The dangers of these teachings are beyond what we can even imagine.

This movement is spanning the globe at an alarming rate.

As I did with HRM, I will format this as bullet points to simplify:

• They will not refer to themselves as NAR or Dominionists
• The have restored the offices of Apostles and Prophets from the OT
• The leadership is comprised of the “New” Apostles and Prophets chosen by men
• They teach that Christians MUST be involved in politics
• They teach that God has restored the offices of Apostle and Prophets over the last 30-40 years
• Members of this movement must obey the words of the so-called Apostles and Prophets
• As more and more members unify behind the leaders – these leaders will be given supernatural powers of mass healings and suspend the laws of physics.
• Great wealth will come to the new Apostles and this will enable the church to establish God’s Kingdom on earth (Dominionism)
• Belief in Grave Soaking (lying on top of a grave of a well-known Christian in hopes that knowledge will be imparted to them.
• Gold dust coming down on the congregation during worship (people believing this came from heaven.

Discerning Christians will see clearly that this is a cult. It does not even resemble Christianity from the Bible.  Nevertheless, the followers of this cult are in the millions and growing every day.

Many Personal Stories of leaving the NAR Cult    <click to read

Wolves Not Sparing the Flock Part 1

Wolves Not sparing the Flock Part 2

A question for the reader:  Does any of this about NAR (Dominion Theology) and HRM line up with the Word of God?    (rhetorical question!)

This is the first of a series of articles which I hope to write concerning cults and false teaching.

I will cover the “Social Justice Gospel”  in my next article along with other Apostasy movements.

Brethren, I hope that this article will help someone to make the decision to leave if they are involved with these false movements.  I also hope that this might help a family who has a member caught up in HRM, NAR or Dominion Theology.

Remember:  Times change but the Word of God NEVER changes.

Beware of extra-Biblical teaching and so-called revelations.

God is God and we are NOT!

How Can I Be Saved?

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA!

Originally written in 2016 –  I often feel  a nudge from the Holy Spirit to repost this.  The enemy of our souls never ceases to attack the body of Christ.  

One way he chooses is to whisper to Christians that Yoga is perfectly fine for them – as long as they stay away from meditation.

This is NOT true, brethren.  I pray that this article helps someone who is caught up in the Hindu practice of Yoga!

Also, with the false teachings abounding in nearly every denomination, I felt that it was so vitally important to bring this piece out once again.

Have you watched the people from Emergent churches and NAR (New Apostolic Church) as they writhe on the floors, barking like dogs and then laughing uncontrollably?   Is this from God?  

Most Certainly NOT!

Original Article:

Nothing seems to get a heated debate started faster than challenging a Christian who practices Yoga on this subject.

“But I only do the stretching part.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this. This article is written for the sake of clarification and education on the practice of Yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga (/ˈjoʊɡə/; Sanskrit: योग, Listen) are the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind. The term denotes a variety of schools, practices and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism (including Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism and Jainism,[ the best-known being Hatha yoga and Raja yoga. The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking” of mind and body.- source

Yoga: noun a mystic and ascetic Hindu discipline by which one seeks to achieve liberation of the self and union with the supreme spirit or universal soul through intense concentration, deep meditation, and practices involving prescribed postures, controlled breathing, etc. a system of exercising involving the postures, breathing, etc. practiced in this discipline – source

A Christian who studies the Word of God, should instantly see red flags and discern that Yoga and Christianity are not compatible. We see in the definition “Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind.” What does God say about transforming our minds?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). KJV

Immediately we see a problem between transforming our minds in Yoga, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. As Christians, God wants our minds to be renewed, so we will be able to know His will for us. God wants us to be closer to Him. He speaks to us through His Word. He is our perfect Father.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

We know that the practice of Yoga is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. As Christians, do we want to open up our minds to something that will transform us to be more like Hindus or Buddhists? Ok, when we see it in black and white, it seems unthinkable. But this is exactly what practicing Yoga is accomplishing in your life.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). KJV

Next we see in the definition – The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking”of mind and body.

Another red flag should easily be seen by a student of the Word. Let’s see what God says about being yoked together:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) KJV

The picture of oxen being yoked together is used by both Yoga and the Word. In Yoga, the goal is for mind and body to be yoked together. It’s a Hindu discipline to bring mind and body into submission – but to what end?

Were you aware that every Yoga pose is a posture of worship to various Hindu gods? In this way, the person is making offerings to millions of Hindu deities! Of course, these details are left off of the “Welcome pamphlet” in Yoga centers. People are coming there to stretch and relax and be energized, right?

The Kundalini Spirit

In an interview with Dave Hunt of the Berean Call (Dave is now with our Lord) the subject of the Kundalini Spirit was addressed:

“In spite of the advertisements and talk about health and fitness yoga’s real goal is to awaken Kundalini power, coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine, ready to spring up to manifest itself through the alleged chakras, (centers of universal force) of the body.” Now, what exactly is Kundalini yoga, or Kundalini power, for that matter?”

Dave Hunt:

“Well, to put it bluntly, it’s demonic. There is no way you can explain it physically, it’s a non physical force. There certainly is nothing coiled at the base of the spine, three and one-half times coiled like a serpent that’s going to spring up when you get in the proper state of consciousness, supposedly. This is the same occult power that all the occultists are in touch with, or try to be in touch with.” – source

In yoga, the student is told to empty their minds to prepare for meditation. An empty mind is exactly what Satan likes! Look at what God says about meditation:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). KJV

We meditate on His Law and on His Word. We FILL our minds with the goodness of our Father’s perfect and Holy Words. Do you want an empty mind, or a mind filled with God’s Word?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). KJV

We have seen the videos of holy laughter and other aberrant behavior in churches. Do we have to wonder from where the spirits came who wreak such havoc with children of God? Could it be that so many Christians are practicing yoga and are bringing the Kundalini spirit into their services? I have read that Hindus who knowingly seek out the Kundalini spirit, behave in similar ways during their worship. With the uncontrollable laughter and rolling about on the floor, it would be hard to tell the difference between them and a charismatic Christian service!

Watch Hindus practice Yoga: looks very much like people in the NAR movement and other aberrant movements writhing around on the floor – doesn’t it?

Over thirty million people in America practice Yoga. In the 1960’s, Transcendental Meditation came on the American scene. It was a time of self realization and finding the meaning to life within oneself. Society pushed God aside, and replaced Him with Self. Secular humanism is the new religion, and it has caused the moral decline of our society. If there is no God, then there are no moral absolutes, right? Unfortunately, this ideology has crept into the Church as well.

Christians Should Not Look Like the World

How will we persuade a lost world that they need to repent and trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, if we look just like them? God wants us to come out from them and behave and live like His children. When the world looks at us, do they see Jesus? That should be the prayer of each of our hearts – daily.

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

If we try to fit into this world, we not only ruin our testimony, but we put ourselves in jeopardy of falling away from God. Do you not know that the devil seeks to destroy you all day long? He is the accuser of the brethren. He is a liar and the father of lies. If we don’t cling to our Father and study His Word, we become prey for the enemy of our souls.

Yoga and New Age Practices

I have heard Christians talk about the evil of New Age practices, and yet they practice yoga. Somehow our churches have placed a stamp of approval on yoga. A brother or sister in Christ would never think of attending a séance or play with a Ouija board, or see a spiritist for a reading. But these same people will go to their yoga classes and enthusiastically invite others. It’s time for the truth about yoga to be told to your family and friends!

Writing this article will certainly not win me new friends. As a matter of fact, some may choose to ignore the warnings and consider me a bit fanatical. But hopefully others who have wondered about yoga, will be glad that they now know the dangers of it.

Don’t forget that the Evil one – the father of lies – the author of confusion – Satan, wants to take you away from the Lord. Hold fast to what you know is right. Turn away from evil. Cling to Jesus and His Word.

And think about this, brothers and sisters in Christ: How much of this disobedience to God’s Word has brought us to this place where the New Age movement is permeating the church? It’s a sickening thought, but it’s happening everywhere!

1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

How Can I Be Saved?

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA!!