What on earth is Contemplative Prayer?

One of the ‘spiritual disciplines’ taught today is called ‘prayer’. 

True prayer is simply talking to God, thanking Him, confessing sin, praising Him for Who He is, and asking Him for what we need. 

You cannot teach that, it comes naturally from a heart that seeks God. To attempt to teach it can mould it into a human effort that detracts from the simple straightforwardness that God desires. This is shown by Jesus, when he responded to the disciples request to 'teach them to pray' with a simple almost childlike example, with no formula or technique involved. 

There is a particular technique of prayer discipline that is taught called contemplative prayer, also referred to as meditative, formative or centering prayer. Contemplative prayer is not only a deceptive but a dangerous practice. 

Its purpose is to obtain a mystical experience with 'God' through a direct spiritual encounter. A quieting of the mind and thinking is taught, a coming into a state of silence, an invitation for ‘God' to speak and give you personal and specific revelation, outside of the Bible. 

This practice of entering quiet, and seeking a divine presence, is also taught in other religions. The spiritual experiences reported are identical! 

The focus is very much on the experience of what is being done; that if I feel peaceful (or powerful) and spiritual, then I must be. Satan is skilled at counterfeiting, and these experiences are substituting for true repenting before God that really will bring peace. 

These practices are being endorsed and taught in most mainstream churches and seminaries. People, including pastors, are often unaware of what exactly they are doing or recommending to others. It has an appearance of rightness to it. 

People do not know what is sound any more, because they are not grounded in the knowledge of the truth, which is found in the Scriptures alone, and not willing to submit to the authourity of God's revealed truth, and so are easily deceived. They are being tempted to substitute a 'god experience' found in these practices, for a humble walk of truth with God. 

Satan is providing a feeling of righteousness as people attempt to approach what they want to believe is God, but is actually a deceiving spirit. 2 Timothy 3 clearly states it is the holy Scriptures (the Old Testament) which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Knowing these things, we can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord though simple trust in His power, and through humble obedience to the teachings and commandments He's already revealed to us in the Scripture.

What on earth is Spiritual Formation?

What is taught as 'spiritual formation' is a process of applying 'spiritual discipline' to train the 'flesh' or the 'natural man' to submit to a particular spiritual ideal.

These disciplines include some practices found in the Bible, such as praying to God and studying the Bible. For a believer, these things are not meant to be a discipline, but a delight. If they are not, then there are deeper issues to be addressed.

Spiritual disciplines are not in themselves 'christian', they are also taught in Buddhism, Hinduism, new age and muslim religions.

The idea of spiritual discipline is found in the Bible in the practices of the Pharisees. In their attempt to control their natural inclination to sin and disobey God's clear, straightforward laws, they devised 'fence laws', with the intent that if you would break any laws, it would be better to break one of these fence laws instead of one of God's laws.

Over time, the focus came off God's simple and straightforward teaching on how to live, from a heart humbled before Him, and the focus came onto obeying the fence laws as 'Law', equivalent to God's Law. This is what Jesus refuted in Matthew 23, when He told the religious leaders that their laws had 'nullified' God's Law.

They had set up these spiritual disciplines as the way to become acceptable to God. But there is NO amount of spiritual discipline that will make you acceptable to God. What pleases God is what comes from a 'broken and contrite heart', a heart fully aware that all our acts of spiritual discipline (our acts of 'righteousness') are like the filthy rags of Isaiah 64.

What is pleasing and acceptable to Him are not 'methods' or 'techniques' of religion, but acts gladly done from a heart that eagerly obeys GOD'S ways.

All the spiritual disciplines in the world won't make you right with God in the way He wants. They are deceiving in that they can make us feel 'spiritual' if we practice them, and in that state, we are less likely to see ourselves as we really are...utterly helpless and in need of God's constant protection.

We can never walk in human religious ways and please God, we must walk in His ways. True transformation does not happen through our efforts, it happens as the Spirit of God guides us, through the yielding of our will to God's, in obedience to His instruction (the Bible), in every situation and relationship of our lives.

Deception - Christianity - Book Reviews

DVDs  

THE RECKONING - Remembering the Dutch Resistance This documentary describes the eyewitness accounts of six Dutch survivors of world war 2. Very eye-opening and dramatic, without trying to be. There is a witness to God's faithfulness and sovereignty here that is rarely seen anymore.

GOD OF WONDERS - Exploring the Wonders of Creation, Conscience, and the Glory of God Explore what the creation reveals about God's character. Very well put together. As Romans 1 says, what may be known about God has been revealed to us, for from the creation of the world He has made it plain. God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - are clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

YOGA UNCOILED - From East to West...A look into the practice of Yoga in the Church This is pretty straightforward, even shocking to watch. Think yoga is just harmless exercise? You won't by the end of this. Candid and very well researched, it presents a significant portion of its evidence directly from those in the church who teach and support yoga. Disturbing.

FINAL WARNING - Economic Collapse and the Coming World Government An interesting look at the technology already in place to unite all the world's systems, and to monitor and apprehend those who rebel against it. A bit hokey, but definitely eye-opening.

A QUESTION OF ORIGINS - Creation or Evolution? It isn't enough to just believe IN God...even the demons do that. Either you believe in the God who says He created the world and all that is in it, in six days (and rested the seventh)...or it is another 'god' you are putting your faith in. God doesn't lie, nor does He lead us astray into myths. His Word is truth. This DVD examines the theory of evolution against the Biblical account of creation. Both take faith to believe in, as neither can be proven. Do you put your faith in man's explanation or God's? Thoughtfully and carefully presented from a scientific viewpoint.

EXPELLED - NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED Ben Stein (somebody from Hollywood, I think a comedian) presents an amazingly unbiased documentary, interviewing top scientists both promoting and refuting the theory of evolution. Includes a stunningly understated interview with Richard Dawkins (the God Delusion) in which this eminent scientist straight facedly theorizes that life may well have been 'seeded' here by aliens from outer space.

DANIEL'S TIMELINE Examines the 70th week, Jubilee years, Biblical feasts, the lessons in creation week, the vision of Revelation 12, current events and suggests a possible timeline. Jesus said we would not know the day or the hour he returns...he did not say we wouldn't know the year and the month. Presents facts and ideas in a thought provoking way. Low budget effort, but worth watching once or twice. Lots in there for the average Christian who has no clue of what the First Covenant (Old Testament) promises actually cover...and on which the New Covenant (New Testament) is based.

VHS

GODS OF THE NEW AGE - Understanding the philosophy and goals of the New Age Movement in today's culture. From the hairstyles, this was originally made in the late 80's or early 90's, yet it is even more relevant now, as most churches today have wholeheartedly embraced these philosophies that are being warned against here. Explores the influence of Hindu religion on today's church.

Think that can't possibly happen? Does your church teach contemplative prayer (or promote Richard Foster or Henri Nouwen) or lectio divina, use or encourage prayer beads (necklaces or bracelets) or repetitious prayer? Does your church promote spiritual experiences over simple trust in God through all of life? Does prayer (including use of prayer stations, journals, methods or seminars on 'how to') take precedence over a sound knowledge of God's Word and obedience to His laws? Does your church do Bible studies using the Bible, or does it substitute video presentations, guided studies or book studies like the appalling 'The Shack' or 'Twilight' as a replacement for serious Bible study?

This recording is a compelling testimony of the power of God's truth in Christ to change lives and to set free from darkness. Worth watching more than once! The content of this recording is disturbing and will challenge you to be sure your faith is well grounded on the Word of God.

AUDIO CDs

EMERGENT CHURCH A Firefighters for Christ (FFC) recording of Charlie H. Campbell's sermon on the Emergent church. Excellent for those who have heard of this 'church', but aren't sure what exactly it is.

JUDGEMENT BEGINS IN THE HOUSE OF GOD Another FFC offering, this one by Brian Broderson. A challenge to return to God and prepare ourselves for what is coming. Not frightening, but deeply challenging.

THE HIDING PLACE An audio presentation by Corrie ten Boom herself, from her book. Which, if you don't know (you should read, it is a classic) is about her work in the resistance movement of the second world war, in Holland. Thanks to her faith in action, many Jews lived. EXCELLENT for teens and children to hear, my 13 year old just loves it. Also FFC

RAISING GODLY CHILDREN Ken Ham (Answers in Genesis) looks at parenting. Solid stuff taught with an Aussie accent. Another FFC offering.

BOOKS

THINGS WE COULDN'T SAY - A Dramatic Account of Christian Resistance in Holland During World War II. The memoir of Diet Eman, a woman who is one of the WW2 survivors interviewed on the DVD The Reckoning. A book that is not easily forgotten.

FAST FACTS ON FALSE TEACHINGS Easy to read 'primer' on the facts of Mormonism (the authour of the popular teen book 'Twilight' is Mormon, NOT Christian), Jehovah's Witnesses, Freemasonry, New Age, Evolution, Prosperity Theology, Roman Catholic, Unification, Islam... A good reference book that is not hard to read. Well laid out, it compares each religion to the Christian faith. Books like this teach Christian apologetics, which presents a rational basis for the Christian faith...from the BIBLE!

GROWING UP IN VICTORIA And now for something completely different! Written by a Victoria, British Columbia native, Eric Stofer, this is a wonderful read (including pictures) of the many changes in a small town.

LAUGHTER CALLS ME - A True and Remarkable Account The true story of a young mother who discovers her children have become victims of child pornography...at the hands of their 'christian' relatives. Covers a twenty year period in the authour's life, and that of her children. A very disturbing read...but a powerful telling of God's healing, deliverance and provision. It has a happy ending!

RESTORING THE JEWISHNESS OF THE GOSPEL - A Message for Christians (from a Messianic Jew) David Stern (authour of The Complete Jewish Bible) writes a small book with a big message for Christians. Romans 11 tells us clearly that Christians are grafted in as wild branches on the olive tree, with Jews being the natural branches. So why is there such a disconnect today? Jews do not stop being Jews when they embrace Yeshua (the Hebrew name for who we call Jesus), and they who have been entrusted with the Torah (the instruction of God) have much to contribute as we should be learning together. This book is not about the man-made religion called Judaism. It is, rather, a 'natural branch' presenting some areas that the 'wild branches' can and should be challenged on. You may find this book will 'prune' your religious beliefs somewhat.

THIS LITTLE CHURCH STAYED HOME - A Faithful Church in Deceptive Times Encouragement for churches and believers who want to stay firmly grounded in the Scriptures instead of being blown about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). Is your church selling out to modern trends and mystical theology? A good test is: does your church have well-attended Bible studies...where the Bible itself is studied...and not a study guide, DVD series or 'christian book' instead?

TAPESTRY - The Journey of Laurel Lee A powerful testimony of faith. Laurel responded to the call of God early in her life. She continued sharing the gospel of peace with God, throughout all the agonizing twists and turns of her life, and reached many people with the good news of wholeness and righteousness in Christ. This is real and inspirational faith, tested and refined and shining brightly.

FOR MANY SHALL COME IN MY NAME 'While men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat' (Matthew 13) Most people think the New Age movement has been long gone from our society, and certainly hasn't infiltrated our churches. This book will help you get your head out of the sand. ;) Truth is, this movement is found, alive and thriving, in almost every mainstream denomination. Most probably yours, and most definitely in what was mine. If you object to what these new doctrines teach, and bring it up with your pastor, you may not be welcomed. It is sad and of great concern that pastors seem increasingly to prefer a healthy financial bottom line to a healthy spiritual bottom line. Written by Ray Yungen, a very thorough researcher.

FAITH UNDONE - The Emerging Church...a New Reformation or an End-Time Deception? Written by Roger Oakland, also a researcher. Excellent read, good things to learn and evaluate.

THE PRINCIPLE OF THE SEED A 'Hebrew roots' explanation of who the Children of God are. A short read. You've almost certainly never read anything like this before. There is so much in here, I had to put it down frequently to digest some of it first. The authour, Brad Scott, writes in a simple and easy to understand style, it is the deeper realization of the incredible wisdom of the Creator that is overwhelming!

RUNNING AGAINST THE WIND - The Transformation of a New Age Medium and His Warning to the Church This is the book that wakes up more people than any of the others. An autobiography of Brian Flynn, a believer who knows of what he speaks, and clearly warns those in the church to wake up.