The Barriers of a Christian Worldview - Are All Spiritual Standards Equal?

Has man's involvement with the Bible rendered it untrustworthy?

In this day and age of breaking down ancient barriers and traditions, the idea of Christians depending upon a written standard for the conduct of their life is fast becoming unpopular. Instead, the idea of following the Spirit or seeking spiritual experiences that are not to be argued with or against has become dominant. The Bible is considered archaic and unreliable, since it was fashioned by man and has been tainted and changed by man through the centuries. The Holy Spirit or the spiritual realm is considered the arbiter of all things new, including a new way of living spiritually, and receives the approval of Jesus.

Do we question the Source of spiritual light?

So, if a person has a spiritual experience and receives some type of guidance or direction, it must be followed and trusted. It can't be questioned. To do so is considered being judgmental and contrary to Jesus and his unconditional love and acceptance.

The only problem with this is that this idea behind the New Spirituality is not new in this World. Solomon said that there's nothing new under the sun.

God addressed this type of situation in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, also. The New Testament phraseology is a little different, but just as applicable as the OT. The Apostle John said to "test the spirits, to see whether they are from God or not."

It was a known and accepted fact not all spirits were of the same character and origin, thus their purposes and methodologies were different. So, when encountering spiritual activity, blind faith was to not to be exercised.

There are various avenues of Spirituality - not all are equal.

The ignorance of this Truth from the Bible has lead many astray and down destructive paths not intended by The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. May we be more careful about the Way we choose.

Christian Worldview - Contemplative Spirituality for the World

In this age of instant everything, any process that promises anything other than instantaneous delivery is looked on with an ample amount of negativity. Waiting is undesirable and, essentially, not an option in the lives of most.

Looking inward and beyond

This fact is becoming more evident in the spiritual activities and desires of many. In the quest to become one with the cosmos and self (considered by many to be one and the same), all things that promise instant spiritual transformation, experiences and and altered reality are considered legitimate prospects for incorporating into daily life.

Contemplative spirituality and it's related practices have become the spirituality of choice for many. The adherents to these disciplines cross denominational, religious, cultural and national barriers, and even include those who have previously warned about them. The proponents specifically point out their applicability to all religious faiths and mindsets.

While many of the tenets sound great, especially to the uninitiated, the true seeker of Truth will find the Bible lacking in its agreement with many, probably most, of its teachings and practices. Of course, to know this requires a certain amount of time in study of the Bible in order to arrive at some basic conclusions, which is a negative for the instant guru at heart.

God's Ways for Man are different than man's way for man.

Rather than seek the mind of God on any subject, many tend to find the mind that agrees with their own mind and ideas. So tenets, practices and teachings that make sense to the common man are chosen to pursue.

So, instead of pursuing and adopting God's Ways and Thoughts for our life, many are putting into practice ways and thoughts that God doesn't agree with. They are, many times, those of their own heart or the Enemy of God, Satan. They usually are in agreement with each other in their opposition to God and his thoughts and ways. Unfortunately, as popular as they are, they ultimately lead to spiritual death. Many are headed down this path.

Christian Worldview - Does the Bible Really Matter?

Well Ken Ham has done it again! Christians everywhere are upset with this noted apologist because he dared to tell the truth....again. Last year, it was challenging Bill Nye the Science Guy to a debate after Nye made disparaging comments about the literal Creation account and those who believe it. Now, Genesis creation is again involved, but on a different front.

Ken Ham - Teaches a Literal Genesis Creation

 It must be admitted, though, that this time was a little different. He was a little too specific for the comfort of many. The specifics involved particular people. Ham named them!

So, now many are attempting to calm the rocking boat amidst this tempest of truth from one known for relying on the Bible for his doctrine and lifestyle.

The problem? Ken Ham named those who have publicly, verbally and in their writings, denied a literal six day creation as detailed in the first part of the Book of Genesis. Coupled with that assertion is the belief that Genesis only has doctrinal value in the allegorical interpretation of the stories in the book of Genesis rather than the literal  historical narrative account.

Ken is to be commended for taking the proper stand on such a vital issue. We need more men like him in this day of relativistic teachings coming from pulpit, podiums and publications!

Beth Moore - Are We Listening to God's Written Revelation?

Beth Moore, as an extremely popular teacher of women, has repeatedly made an assertion in and about her life that she is attempting to make common with women everywhere. She asserts that she regularly has God "speak" to her and "reveal" things to her. She also shares the details of the practices that make these interactions with God possible.

Beth Moore - God speaks to her personally

What makes these claims so important is that these revelations form the basis for her writings and, subsequently, her speaking. And while, obviously being vital in their relation to the whole scope of her ministry, they are serious in another way. How many can claim to have God speak to them on a regular basis? How many can claim to speak and write as a direct result of God speaking to them? She is in essence claiming to speak and write the words of God. This is weighty, indeed!

For that matter, should we be so glib and lax in our approach to such claims? Should we be careful to make sure that what we are hearing and, maybe to put into practice in our own lives, is in reality, the Truth?

With that in mind, the words of God through the Prophet Isaiah are vital to us today in such a climate of competing voices and competing messages to us. Isaiah records in chapter 8 verse 20 the following; "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

The prophet makes a vital connection between the Word of God and light. The Psalmist also makes the same connection when he says in chapter 119, verse 105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Again in verse 130 he says, "The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

Let's make sure that the message we are hearing and following agrees with the Word of God, His light for us. Let's make sure that His message, as revealed in the written Word, is the standard for all other revelation, whether it be from man, woman, angel or any other being. May He guide us into all Truth!

Beth Moore - What's the Final Authority?

I previously posted a warning about popular women's speaker Beth Moore. I continue that warning here by linking to a short video segment of Moore beginning to talk about what God revealed to her about the body of Christ.

Popular Teacher - Beth Moore

In this post, I continue to voice my concern for those who may be swayed by the teachings of Moore and those she recommends and whose doctrine she espouses. Though containing many innocuous sounding biblical words and phrases that are linked to the activities she endorses and recommends, the practices must be examined. We should not be so quick to accept practices just because familiar terms are used to describe them.

Once again, we must be reminded that, whatever doctrine we are examining and whoever the person may be that presents a particular doctrine, the Word of God is to be the final authority to determine its correctness. To make this statement, I refer to this verse in Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

The Evolution or Creation of a Confrontation? Ken Ham Challenges Bill Nye, The Science Guy

            

In case you haven't heard, Bill Nye The Science Guy has been challenged to a debate by Ken Ham, Founder of Answers in Genesis, an apologetics Ministry.

Bill Nye caused a rucus when he termed the teaching of Creation as detailed in the Bible book of Genesis as "inappropriate" to teach children.

Ken Ham and his staff have rebutted his assertions prior to this public challenge.

We shall see if Bill Nye can withstand the result of his evolutionary zealousness!