A brief look at God's Covenants

Let’s take a look at the covenants of God. If we look back at the covenants God made, first with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, then with their natural born descendants, the Israelites (and the ones who joined in with them as they came out of Egypt – Exodus 12:38) and finally to the called out ones (called out from the world) who have been grafted in with Israel (Romans 11), we see that each new covenant didn’t replace the one before it…it built on it! This is something that is often misunderstood. It is one of the many instances where what the Bible says must have precedence over what any person, study, church or denomination interprets the Bible to say. Some say that the new covenant replaced the old, and that the ‘church’ replaced Israel. This is not what the BIble says. (As an aside, the word translated as ‘church’ in most Bibles, actually means ‘called out ones’ or ‘congregation’, and it is rather odd that it came to be called ‘church’ which has actually quite a different original meaning.) The Bible says God will never forget Israel. Never! It says that Israel was meant to live within God’s covenant conditions, so as to be a light to the rest of the world, which would then leave their gods and worship the one true God, along with Israel. This is the way it was meant to work. But the law, the instruction that shows us how we are to live, also reveals to us that we can’t do that on our own, that we are deceived by our sinful nature. Our sinful nature has to die, and we must be reborn in our will, in order to follow God’s laws. When we trust (believe) in Messiah Yeshua and His sacrifice enough to be willing to ‘die’ with Him in our sinful nature, when we hate it enough to be willing to see it put it to death and follow Him instead of following our own will, then God promises His Spirit will write the law on our hearts and enable us to be obedient…as long as we are daily willing to see that sinful nature put to death (Luke 9:23) and follow Him. He draws us to Him, we respond in obedience and trust, He does the work of rebirth, and our grateful response, enabled by the Spirit, is to live in holiness according to His will. This is the covenant. That we will be His people and He will be our God. Galatians 3 speaks of the law given at Mt Sinai, as a guardian. In the sense that when we were children, we needed someone to teach us how to live and to guard us, to keep us from harm, but when we are grown, we know the right way to live without someone teaching us. Assuming we’ve been taught right! I like to use the example of a hot stove, with bright red elements, as being very attractive to a child. The law (as guardian) keeps us away from the hot stove, and its potential to harm us severely. UNTIL we grow up, and the understanding that the hot elements will hurt us becomes an internal knowledge, and we no longer need that external guardian. In the end, the stove must still not be touched, right? You don’t grow up and then it is OK to touch the hot elements. That will still harm you. In the same way, the law of God is good and teaches us how to live, and we don't outgrow that need. Sin is still sin. Living without God's law is sin. Read Psalm 119 to learn how good the law is. If you marry, you make a covenant with your spouse. If you remarry, the covenant doesn't change does it? The new covenant God makes with us remains the same covenant, in its basic terms and conditions, as the one made with the Israelites (the natural born ones and those grafted in) as set apart from the world. But the new covenant is better, in that God has done a new thing in us, the partner. If you read Hebrews 8 carefully, you see this in verse 9, where God says this new covenant will not be like the one He made with the people of Israel and Judah, who did not remain faithful…and so broke the covenant, causing God to turn His back on them. But did He forsake them?? NO, not at all, though He did turn His back on them for a time. You see in the very next verse (vs 10) that He will make a new covenant with who? ISRAEL! But this time, He will not make the covenant that requires an external guardian, but He Himself (through His Spirit) will write His perfect laws on our minds, in our thoughts, in our very personality…SO we will be able to obey Him! That’s always been the point. There will be no more need for an external guardian, and it will be put aside (Hebrews 8:13). For each person, from the least to the greatest, will already know the instruction (Torah, sometimes translated ‘law’) of God; see verse 11, it will be written not on tablets of stone, but on the softness of a yielded heart. How amazing is that!? On the subject of remarriage, in the book of Hosea, God gives a picture of this remarriage. God commanded His prophet Hosea to marry Gomer. Gomer was and continued to act as a prostitute, and she persistently committed adultery against Hosea, breaking the marriage covenant. This is a picture of God’s people (all of us), who even though we had the law (the marriage covenant) continued to worship and serve things, imaginations, or interpretations instead of God. This is spiritual adultery. It wasn’t until Hosea turned his back on Gomer, leaving her to her lovers, that she realized what a bad state she was in. Then Hosea was instructed to buy her back from the servitude of sin she was in (from a pimp who owned her) and she was sent away to become clean (set apart from the world), with the promise that Hosea would take her back, and call her children (the children she bore to Hosea, but it is implied they were not all his) his own. So we see that God redeems His own from our bondage to sin, that He teaches us His ways (the same ways He taught the Israelites) so we know how to live before Him, and that one day He will return to make the new covenant official (the wedding supper of the Lamb – Rev 19:9). In the meantime, we are the ‘betrothed’ of the Lord, and need to keep ourselves apart from the dirt of the world…clean before God, as we wait for Him. This is very important, this keeping clean. We see this time and again in the Bible (1 Cor 5:11, Eph 5:5 are just two). I encourage you to always, always, trust the words of the Bible (in a good translation, of course…such as ESV or NASB or NKJV) in its context (the WHOLE Bible) over the words (doctrine) of ANY church or person or Bible study. Look for a place to worship that preaches and teaches God’s ways, and helps you understand what it means to be ‘in the world but not of it’ and what it means to be ‘clean’ before God. But even then, always trust what God tells you in His Word (which means you have to intently study it YOURSELF!) over what anyone else says. Yeshua (Jesus) says He did not come to bring peace (human unity) but a sword, that following Him would mean separation (Matthew 10:17-42). He was talking about separation from the religious system! Do not fear, but be aware. Let others live as they will, but YOU live as God teaches you in His Word!

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.

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.