Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Yet Another One --An Undiscerning Believer-- Is Being Deceived!

Yet Another One-An Undiscerning Believer- Is Being Deceived!


Not long ago a dear friend wrote me an e-mail that she titled: "Yet Another One."  In her note she wrote that a former pastor's wife had just messaged many on Facebook touting "Jesus Calling."    Now this seasoned pastor's wife seemed to have absolutely no clue, or discernment, that there were any problems with Sarah Young's devotional Jesus Calling.  Sadly, she had never read Warren Smith's classic critique: Another Jesus Calling.

Some Are Unaware

This made me think of many other ladies, often seniors, I had already encountered that thought Jesus Calling the very best devotional ever.  There was the friend of my friend, a Bible study leader loved by many, who promoted Jesus Calling.  There was the senior lady to whom we mentioned Jesus Calling as problematic who immediately asserted it was wonderful.  There was the lady at an apologetics meeting who confessed to the attendees she'd been in a group who used it as a Bible Study. And there was the lady at a luncheon who couldn't get over the fact it could be dangerous.  Now, mind you, all these women were sincere, and assumed to be mature Christians.  Yet, all were hooked on Jesus Calling having no idea it was birthed out of the channeled book: God Calling.

Some Are Not Discerning

Why are these ladies so easily led astray?  I believe one of the biggest reasons is their intense fascination with something more, and something new rather than as Peter admonished, "As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."  (I Peter 2:2)

And is often the case, few, if any, have warned these believers that they themselves should research, and ask questions about these daily devotionals, and so-called "Bible Studies."  In most instances, not even their pastors have looked into the studies either, much less warned about them.  Pastors too, like many others, have bought into the notion we should not be critical of any one especially those who declare themselves Christians.  Maybe, it is like one church where it's assumed that they are all so solidly biblical, that few false teachings will ever seep into their pews.  Oh, how they are mistaken!

When one realizes there is deception within these studies and says something, those offended turn away angrily, or give huffy reasons why these books just have to be good.  And if one goes to her pastor to question a particular study often the answer is: "I trust Mrs. ..... she is such an astounding prayer warrior, and just an amazing Bible teacher."  Meantime, the studies go on and on and there is always "Yet Another One" to fall victim to their teachings.

Yet Many More Will Be Deceived

Now, it was just a week ago in our Sunday bulletin, that I noticed an announcement of another tantalizing Ladies Bible Study "Uninvited" by New York Times best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Having recently been asked about Lysa by two of my discerning friends I knew I must do more research.  Who is Lysa?  Is Lysa's ministry a good one to buy into?  What church is Lysa associated with?  What conferences does Lysa speak at?  Is Lysa's color book quote in Waterbrook's popular color book Whatever Is Lovely a good thing?  What is concerning about all Lysa's personal quotes?  These are just a few of the questions I set about to uncover.*

*  For answers please read my upcoming blog.

Roger Oakland, in The Good Shepherd Calls: An Urgent Message for the Last Days Church, so graphically describes what I have encountered when he writes, "One of the most effective ways for contemplative mysticism, ... to creep in is through recommended books for the women of the church in the 'Ladies Ministry.'  Millions of women are reading books like Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and books by Beth Moore are read and studied more than the Bible."

Roger adds, "In fact, in many churches their books replace the Bible altogether.  Rather than teach verse-by-verse ... the leader of the women's study teaches page-by-page through a book that is very appealing to the flesh and provides additional revelation to the Bible.  When a discerning woman in the study goes to the pastor and expresses her concerns, she is often chided for being divisive, or her concerns are totally overlooked." 

Roger is spot on when he observes, "One of the problems is this: often the pastor's wife is the leader of the women's study.  He may or not recognize that his wife is off track." (p.212)  And I would write, "How very true!" 

A Few Are Discerning

Awhile ago I heard a former New Ager discussing a book she'd written with a well-known apologist.  Later, I realized that this lady had used The Message in her book. I wrote to her suggesting she read some of Warren Smith's findings on The Message and its author Eugene Peterson.  This lady did, and recently let me know her book had been republished minus words from The Message.

Another special friend is not too proud to seek advice when she comes across the latest devotional or Bible study phenomena, and will often ask questions regarding a particular study.  Then, this lady, with documented info in hand, shares with others as to why, or why not a popular devotional or book is worthy of our attention.

Rather than running after the latest rock star study, or placing a popular personality on a pedestal Psalm 119:105 ought to be the verse we ruminate on.  It reads: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Your Duty:  Decide to Become a Dedicated Discerner

Make it your mission to learn to discern.  Ask questions; realize you do not, nor does your denomination, nor does your pastor, have all the answers.  Go to the Word; read it, search it.  Prayerfully, carefully check over the publisher, the author, the contents, the endorsers, the quotes, the notes, and the reviews already written about a particular book, or study.  Do not glorify and elevate the author's teachings and quotes above Scripture.  Seek out sound apologetic sites.  Then, pray the Lord leads you to those who need to be warned.  Share lovingly, and faithfully.  Recall Luke 12:48 that reads: "... For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: ..."

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Philippians 1:9, 10

"And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all judgment; That you may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."

For More Information:

"Another Jesus" Calling by Warren B. Smith (Lighthouse Trails):  Especially note Part I: God Calling--Chapter 1 "Channeled Book From Jesus?"  Pay special attention to quote (p.25)  "In the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, God Calling is cited as an example of a channeled New Book 'replete with denials of biblical teaching.'"
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/blog/?tag=another-jesus-calling

The Good Shepherd Calls: An Urgent Message to the Last-Days Church by Roger Oakland (Lighthouse Trails) 
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=21850

33 comments:

  1. Hi! Thank you for your blog, I just discovered your writings and I am greatly encouraged!
    I am a Granny also (six blessings from the Lord so far...)and I believe NOW is the time to strengthen our "discernment muscle". For the sake of the Body of Christ, our children, grandchildren, friends...I will look forward to reading your blog. I appreciate you taking the time to raise the red flag. May the Lord protect you and bless you!

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    1. Thanks so much for the encouragement. It is truly wonderful having grandchildren!

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  2. I no longer feel safe within the local churches in my community but instead resort to my tried and true pastors from afar on YouTube or Live as they teach the Word straight out and honest. One of my local pastors turned his back on me for asking him to check more closely on the Beth Moore studies he was allowing .. saying he trusts those who teach it. And the teacher said she wouldn't listen to gossip from me about Moore. I pray for them all to see where this is leading, please pray for me.

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    1. I will pray Pam. So many pastors do not take time to look into these ladies' studies. Many more need to warn their pastors.

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    2. I don't like to use the word feel but I do "feel" the same Pam. I go to a local Church, I don't want to judge, they love Jesus, but have opened themselves to the NAR, Beth Moore, a Pastor gave me Jesus calling when I was in the hospital, I threw it away. I watch. Wonderful Ministry I used to attend, it's over an hours drive and too much for me now on Sundays. But they have live Services and live Prayer, I trust this Ministry. I left another Church just about a year ago, the women Bible study did a study from Rick Warren, and Beth Moore. I went for fellowship, but didn't get much of that, women had their own friends, and the Pastors wife was in charge. Dear Jesus keep us close to your heart and grant us your Wisdom in these last days.

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  3. You have expressed my feelings and experiences over the past several years. It all began when several members in our small group began reading Jesus Calling during our devotion time. I had not been acquainted with this book until that time. I just had an uneasiness when they would refer to this book as if it were the Bible. I began to research this book. That is how I came across Warren and Lighthouse Trails. Thank you for your ministry.

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    1. I too also am so much in debt to Lighthouse Trails. Warren Smith's books have been such a blessing, and are filled with scripture.

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  4. I was starting to be deceived in this area.so thankful to God for friends, pastors and my church for being faithful to teaching the word, and for God leading us there. I see so many of my friends reading this garbage. Please keep standing for the truth. Prayers

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    1. Thank you for taking time to comment. Prayers are so much appreciated.

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  5. It's not just Jesus Calling.... I have dropped out of women's studies and events st our church. While the Su day sermons are solid exposotional teaching, the women's studies are Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, etc. When I indicated concern, our pastor referred me to the older (even than 52 yo me!) woman in charge of the women's ministry (because she is so Godly). We had 2 long conversations, and the upshot was "agree to disagree.." bummer. Also, the wives of the senior pastor and youth pastor frequently repost Jen Hatmaker, and other social justice warrior women who profess Christ, but teach a different Gospel.

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    1. Yes, there are so many other studies that are compromised. Have you read LHT booklet on Jen Hatmaker and the other "If" ladies.

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  6. I jusr came acrossed your blog this morning. I will be looking back at your previous posts with interest. The mysticism you speak of has infiltrated everywhere. An island we are ... Sadly, I just discovered that a devotional I have really enjoyed teaches listening prayer on June 30, Streams in the Desert. I will warn rather than recommend it from here forward and I am not continuing to read it but destroyed it.

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    1. Thanks Linda for your comments. If each discerning lady would take time to warn several more how good that would be.

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  7. I don't have a comment, I have a question! I am a woman myself, but why is it that it's mostly women teachers/leaders that do not have discernment?? Are we as women more gullible or what???

    Elize van Niekerk (SA)

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    1. I suspect there are just as many male teachers who lack discernment - i.e. Rick Warren, Joel Osteen and so on. As to women being more gullible? It was Eve who was tempted by the Serpent, right?

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  8. I am very glad to see this blog - especially your frequent use of Lighthouse Trails. It seems that so few even want to examine their teachers with the sharp two-edged sword of the word...yet we have to keep swinging that blade, perhaps snatching a few from the flames. Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of God will never ever pass away:
    http://followingjesuschrist3.com/2014/12/02/the-written-word-what-did-jesus-the-apostles-and-the-psalmists-say-about-the-written-word-of-god/

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    1. I praise the Lord for LHT and its dedication to upholding the Word! Surely, that is what we must follow rather than lifting up man's word. How wonderful are the admonitions in Psalm 119 to delight in and to meditate in thy word.

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  9. Thank you for this article and your blog. I look forward to reading more. After reading all the replies above I finally feel like I'm not alone. I can relate with all of what has been shared and stated. It is so difficult to find a women's ministry/study, at my church or any other in my area, that is not steeped in Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, etc. I echo the sentiment that the teaching from the pulpit can be sound but the women's ministry, a mess. And I've also experienced being ignored and then basically told I was trying to divide a women's Bible study group for questioning a problematic book that was chosen for study. All so sad. We just need to keep warning and speaking the truth in love and point people back to God's Word.

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  10. Yes and yes! I am one of the odd ducks who teaches the Word to women out of my home. The women's ministry at my church is all other-people's-books all the time. They are shocked that I teach straight out of the Bible. The Pastor frowns on small group leaders like me because I set too high a standard for the other leaders. The battle is the Lord's.

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  13. Thank you, Granny, for your wonderful comment and blog! Yours is a refreshing oasis in an ever-growing desert of departure from God's Word coupled with exaltation of unbiblical men's (and women's) teachings. I attended a few Priscilla Shirer's and Beth Moore's book studies (sadly, not really Bible studies). The first one I attended by Shirer was Gideon, and it was fine. Short, simple, to the point. But her next one, about "walking in or hearing from the Spirit" (I don't remember the exact title)was really scary, with quotes from mystical/emergent teachers at the beginning of each lesson. I did not finish that study, nor was I able to finish the two by Beth Moore. When I saw that Moore quoted Peter Enns, that shocked me to the core. I have prayed for them, and for people who are deceived by them. I cannot attend any of their book studies anymore. I believe that EVERY one in the Body of Christ needs to get back to the pure Word of God! He is the only One who can bring us through these last days in victory. God Bless You, dear lady. :-)

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  14. Thank you for this blog and everyone's comments. I just stumbled upon it and am encouraged not to be alone, but sad at the same time, in this artful deception infiltrating our churches.
    Just a few days ago, I had a meeting with my Pastor and my good friend (his wife). I warned them about Priscilla shirer, whose material was going to be used in an upcoming Bible study.
    It did not go well at all. Among the many points we discussed, the things that were the worst are his refusal to see the facts and not admitting that "teachers" such as Joel osteen, Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore are false teachers. He said Beth Moore is "solid". I'm not saying these things to bash my pastor, only to point out how undiscerning he is in that area. I left terribly grieved and crying.
    A couple days ago, I heard from my friend to let me know she decided not to use Priscilla's or Beth's materials. While I'm somewhat relieved, it does not address the main issue. A pastor (in Greek it means "overseer" I think) is responsible for his flock, and among the many responsibilities is to protect and warn of false teachers. To me this means that he knows what is being taught as part of the women's, children's studies or any other work. If he himself is not involved, it should be given to another (male), who then makes decisions. Am I seeing this all wrong? Am I way off biblically? Is this reason to leave the church? I've been praying and praying, but right now I'm grieved and torn. If you would like to share any thoughts and insights, I would greatly appreciate it.

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    1. To: Unknown February 18, 2019 at 11:17 AM Please go to the address below and you will see that how you handled your pastor and his wife were very correct.. After you read this article please sign up for Lighthouse Trails FREE newsletter that comes to your email address a couple times a week. You will enjoy finding out all the things that are going on in the world in the way of false teaching and also the who, what, when, where, why and How it is coming about. Discerning is a wonderful gift from God and Lighthouse Trails is the best out there.
      How Should the Christian Contender of the Faith Speak and Behave?https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=29688
      Praying God of the Bible (KJV) will give you the peace you need to know you were right on with what you did and said to the two people leading your church.

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  17. To: Unknown February 18, 2019 at 11:17 AM Please go to the address below and you will see that how you handled your pastor and his wife were very correct.. After you read this article please sign up for Lighthouse Trails FREE newsletter that comes to your email address a couple times a week. You will enjoy finding out all the things that are going on in the world in the way of false teaching and also the who, what, when, where, why and How it is coming about. Discerning is a wonderful gift from God and Lighthouse Trails is the best out there.
    How Should the Christian Contender of the Faith Speak and Behave?https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=29688
    Praying God of the Bible (KJV) will give you the peace you need to know you were right on with what you did and said to the two people leading your church.

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  18. Gods word heb.4.12 is a discerner the Holy Spirit is a discerner no Holy Spirit now discerment thats the problem

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