River of Life, or River of Deception? A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer's River Dwellers

River of Life, or River of Deception?  A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer's River Dwellers

Christian and Missionary Alliance professor, pastor, and author Dr. Rob Reimer has recently written a book entitled River Dwellers: Living in the Fullness of the Spirit.  Now, Reimer's mission seems to be to immerse himself multiple times in deep encounters in the River, and to take as many as possible with him.  And our mission must be to ask exactly what "River" is Reimer referencing?  How is Reimer doing this?  Just who is Reimer influencing?  Who has impacted, and is impacting Reimer?  And above all, is he pursuing a "River of Life," or a "River of Deception?"

Endorsers:

Reimer's close friend Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary, describes Rob's pursuit this way: "... Rob is a man who is hungry for God and will jump into the River every chance he gets ... he likes to cannonball into the River so he can get as many people wet as possible!"  Other endorsers include: Rev. Tom Ward, Rev. Jeff Norris, and Rev. Tom Mangham.  (p.2)

Overview:

The book, self-published, has an introduction, five chapters, and a conclusion.  Like Pathways to the King that I previously reviewed, River Dwellers has no endnotes, nor index which often makes it difficult to trace exactly where Reimer's references and quotes come from.  However, the sermon podcasts and facebook of CMA South Shore Community Church, Brockton, MA as well as Reimer's twitter and facebook fill us in on the complete picture. (p.11)

Very First Verse:

Reimer's very first verse is Ezekiel 47:9:  "Where the river flows everything will live." (p.12)

Introduction:

His introduction highlights Rob's passion for pursuing the baptism of the Spirit.  As this has been a controversial topic, writes Reimer, we should put aside our previous mindset and as the early disciples were "Spirit people," we should be less concerned about our personal viewpoint, and recall that the early church "lived out of the book of Acts."  Additionally, Reimer says, "The key to remaining in the fullness of the Spirit is dwelling in the River of Life." (pp.15-16)

Reimer's Continuous Encounters:

In chapter one Reimer reiterates his viewpoint that the baptism of the Spirit is more than a one time event, and that we can have more than one encounter.  He states he seeks God often for fresh encounters, and fresh fillings.  (p.26)

Reimer's Multiple Monastery Encounters:

Exactly, where has Reimer had "multiple encounters?"  Well, it is at "the monastery" where Reimer regularly retreats.  Which monastery is that?  It is the Holy Trinity Monastery in Petersham, MA.
This monastery is run by the Maronite Monks of Adoration who are eucharistic, contemplative, and cloistered.  The guest master is Rev. Robert Nortz (Father Robert to Rob) with whom Reimer has conferred. (p.26)

Reimer refers to "the monastery" nearly ten times in the book.  Readers, this monastery's main purpose is to engage in eucharistic adoration where each monk, in addition to group adoration, must worship the eucharistic wafer two hours per day.  Click here to view Holy Trinity's short video showing the monks at worship, and at work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sblQHzGBwIo

A look into Holy Trinity's online "Constitution" lists rule after rule the monks must obey in order to work their way to heaven.  It is beyond sad that Reimer can recommend this monastery suggesting that this is a wonderful place to find the Savior and draw close to him--for here is idolatry at its saddest--the worship of a wafer over and over.  For Scripture says in Hebrews 10:14: "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."
http://www.maronitemonks.org/

Reimer's Monastery References:

"I have had multiple encounters with God at the monastery where I go for spiritual retreats which have strengthened me, challenged me, and changed me." (p.26)
"I have spent larger blocks of time alone with God... I go to a monastery to pursue God ... I am on pursuit."  (p.41)
"The monastery is very quiet and remote. ...  Often as I drive onto the campus, I can feel the Spirit of God refreshing me.  It is like taking a deep breath of fresh, clean air." (p.111)
"... I went to talk to one of the monks ...  The monks and I don't agree about all theological points, but we do agree about the most important thing: our love for Jesus and for people.  It saddens me that so many people cannot learn from anyone if they disagree with them. ...so I went to Father Robert, who was the guest master ..." (p.113) 
"One day I spoke at the seminary (Alliance Theological Seminary), and I told this story about my encounter with Father Robert. ..." (p.114)
"I had just finished a ten-day stint at the seminary teaching Soul Care to doctoral students ... I had scheduled some time at the monastery on the heels of this season. ..." (p.139)
"I sensed the Lord calling me to go into the chapel and sit in silence. ..." (p.140)
"I want to be in the River of Life when I am alone with God for days at the monastery ..." (p.145)
" ... and I had read R. Thomas Ashbrook's book, Mansions of the Heart.  The first time I read Ashbrook's book, I was at the monastery." (p.159)  

What a travesty that Reimer sees the monastery as a refuge, and its monks as ones who can advise him, rather than a mission field he needs to influence.

Reimer's Nun Prophecy:

A  "My Monastery" story Reimer told, illustrating the gift of prophecy, was given on May 19, 2013 in his "Manifestation Gifts" sermon.  In it Reimer reported that he had attended a morning chapel service where he noticed a nun. Now encountering a nun was unusual, as Holy Trinity has only monks.  But the Lord seemed, related Reimer, to signal that he was to tell this nun that God was pleased with her, and that she was on the right track vocationally. This Reimer did when he met her once again in the sitting room.  How strange Reimer should share a prophecy with a nun he didn't know rather than the gospel!  Something truly is amiss here!
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/expanding-spiritual-authority-through-manifestation-gifts/

Reimer's Spirit People:

Reimer writes during a series of meetings where he and his colleagues were teaching on the baptism of the Spirit that they asked only "spirit filled people" to be  part of their prayer team.  Reimer said, "The people who were hungry for God stood to receive prayer, and these River Dwellers laid hands on people, and prayed for them." This elite group were Reimer's Spirit people. (pp.32-33)

Reimer's Passionate Pursuit:

Reimer's favorite word is "pursuit." Over and over the words "pursue," and "pursuit" pop out.  Pursue what?  Rob stresses we're to pursue an initial infilling, and then continuous encounters of the Spirit.  Once you've found "it," he contends, you will witness, have power, and do prophesy.  Will you speak in tongues?    Maybe, says Reimer, but it is not an evidence of being baptized in the Spirit. (pp.28-38)

Reimer's Recent Pursuitcast Interview:

Sam Won, a 2011 ATS grad who is part of the pastoral staff of "The Sycamore of the CMA," first interviewed his former professor Dr. Rob Reimer, upon the publication of Pathways to the King
on April 4, 2014 Pursuitcast.  Then again, Sam recently interviewed Reimer after the publication of
River Dwellers.  Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/pursuitnyc/pursuitcast-011

Sam's "Pursuit, New York City":

Pursuitcast Sam, so influenced by Reimer, is part of "Pursuit, NYC" whose vision "revival or bust" is for metropolitan NYC area.  They pursue: "His Kingdom. His transformation in us and our city. To win cities, to disciple nations, to father a generation, to transform a world, and to usher in the return of the King."

What is "Pursuit, NYC" doing this summer?  "Pursuit Summer Thursdays" gives us the scoop listing activities such as: June 18: Compelled by Love (Heidi Baker documentary); July 2: Soaking; July 9: Treasure Hunting*; July 23: Holy Ghost Documentary; and August 6: Fire in the Night.
http://pursuitnyc.org/2015/06/11/pursuit-summer-thursdays/

* From Bethel Church Web Page:  "About Treasure Hunts: "Treasure Hunts incorporate words of knowledge (clues) that you write on your Treasure Map to find Treasures (people) who need a supernatural encounter with God through an encouraging prophetic word or healing."
http://www.ibethel.org/treasure-hunts

Sam's Redding, California Pursuit:

It is noteworthy to say Sam himself, in 2014, went on a pursuit!  Where did Sam go?  Sam's 7-6-14 Sycamore sermon details how he flew to California to interview Redding's CMA Risen King Pastor
Bill Randles, as well as the Risen King church plant pastor Nathan Edwardson of the CMA's "The Stirring Church" (Sister church to Bethel!!)*  Besides these interviews Sam attended a Bethel Church conference during which time he had his picture taken with Bethel's "Bill Johnson."  Sam noted too that around Redding there's an "Open Heaven" meaning there are no hindrances.

Is Sam for real?  Yes, Sam seems like a sincere, affable Korean CMA pastor who has most certainly been influenced by Reimer, ATS, and his denomination into the NAR River.
http://thesycomore.org/audio/2014-07-06-sunday-talk-sam-won/#t=0:28.899

* The Stirring: CMA Church closely tied to Bill Johnson's Bethel.   "The Stirring" staff pastor Jim Bailey, by the way, spoke at "The Deeper Life Conference" at Nyack in February, 2015.
http://thestirring.org/staff/

Reimer's Church Seeks "Open Heavens:"
      
South Shore Community Church CMA also uses the term "open heavens"  on their church facebook on 1-15:  "Let's all join together and pray for a breakthrough and for open heavens in our region!" and "Will you contend as Pastor Rob taught, for a spiritual shift?  Take a few minutes today ... to pray that God would push back the darkness and open the heavens in our region.  We need a spiritual shift in the heavenly realms."  Prior to this on 9-9-12 Reimer taught about "open heavens" in a sermon "Open Doors, Open Hearts."
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/series/culture-connection/
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2006/02/geographical-heresies-of-new-apostolic.html

Reimer's Weighty Words:

The more power you get through numerous encounters, teaches Reimer, the more you'll notice that your words grow weightier!  Reimer attests, "When we are walking in the fullness of the Spirit, the presence of God adds a weightiness to our words, that is clearly supernatural." (p.28)

Reimer's Search for More:

Like his book Pathways to the King Reimer is into a frenzied pursuit of endless experiences chasing more of God.  He's fasted, slept less, and sat in solitude and silence.  He's been to the monastery regularly.  As Rob says, "I am on the pursuit."  Because of this writes Rob, "I've noticed that when I pray for people, more people are experiencing God's love.  More people are healed.  There has been an increase in power." (p.41)

Reimer's Impartation Quest:

In order to get more of God Reimer encourages one to receive prayer, and the laying on of hands.  Reimer states, "I love being prayed for and having people lay hands on me.  When I go to confer-
ences or when I get around people of anointing and spiritual power, * I ask them to lay hands on me and pray for me.  I want more of God, ..."

Reimer adds, "I have had people from evangelical and charismatic circles lay hands on me ... I've had world renown leaders pray for me, who were anointed by God and who impacted my life through their work ..."  (p.43)

*  My emphasis.

Reimer's 2013 Randy Clark Family Trip:

In a June 16, 2013 sermon, "Expanding Our Umbrella of Authority II," Reimer shares that he and his family were especially anxious to join a NAR Randy Clark Global Awakening Missions group going to Brazil.  There he looked forward to obtaining an impartation from Randy himself!  Did Reimer secure that impartation?  He does not say.  But, he does indicate he traveled to villages in Brazil doing healing. (p.34)  He also relates, "That summer, as part of our pursuit of revival, Jen and I went on a missions trip to a place where God was pouring out His Spirit; we were both praying and hoping for a fresh touch from God.  We saw many miracles, but the fresh touch we were personally hoping for did not come, ..." (p.154)
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/series/not-your-ordinary-life/

Reimer's Heidi Baker Impartation Story:

In the same South Shore 6-13 sermon Reimer relates the astounding story of Heidi Baker and her amazing impartation received from Randy Clark where she was "laid out" for seven days.  Readers, recall Maddy, the Alliance Theological seminarian, whom Reimer mentored, also ended up at a Randy Clark assignment in Brazil where she wrote she had listened to a "Mama Heidi" program.  And now this summer, for Pursuit NYC Summer Thursdays, Pursuitcast Sam is showing a Heidi Baker movie.

In answer to the question: "Is a transferable anointing scriptural?" read: "Is the Anointing Tangible and Transferable; Can We Impart It?" from "Let Us Reason"; or view Volume III of Caryl Matriciana's "Wide Is the Gate" Section 4:"God Chasers and Mystery Schools" with its informative material on impartations, mantles, and laying on of hands.
http://letusreason.org/Biblexp99.htm     http://www.caryltv.com/dvd-previews/222-wide-is-the-gate-volume-iii

Reimer's Dialogical Relationship:

Reimer asserts in order for our relationship with the Lord to grow, it must become dialogical.  Yes, we hear through scripture, says Reimer, but God speaks directly to us through the Spirit.  Reimer then launches into "the six ways God speaks to us directly." (pp.53,56)

Reimer's Whisper Risks:

The first way, states Reimer, that we hear God speak is through whispers.  For more information Reimer suggests we read: Bill Hybel's The Power of a Whisper.   However, I would recommend instead one read: "Hush! Whispers at Willow Creek: A Review of Bill Hybel's Book: The Power of a Whisper" found at:
http://guardinghisflock.com/2011/03/15/hush%E2%80%94whispers-at-willow/

Reimer goes on to advise, "One way to become attuned to these whispers is to take risks with them.
Did you notice the word "attuned?"  Is this term scriptural?  New Age? (pp.56-57)

Reimer's Audible Voice Teaching:

As Reimer asserted in his Pathways to the King book, so once again, he reasserts here that he has heard God speak aloud to him.  He writes, "Sometimes God speaks in an audible voice."  He continues, "Whenever I speak to an audience about prophecy, I ask how many have heard the audible voice of God, and it is not uncommon to see one quarter of the hands go up.  God speaks." (p.58)

Reimer's Audible Voice Quote:

Reimer uses Word of Faith Joyce Meyer's quote where she declares she's heard the audible voice of God several times.  The quote, undocumented in the book (pp.59-60), is taken from the "Introduction" to Joyce Meyer's book: How to Hear From God. (p. VIII)  In this same book Meyer teaches about the "rhema word" of God.

Reimer's "Does This Mean Anything to You?  Can I Ask You a Question?"

Reimer goes on to say God speaks to us via pictures in dreams and visions.  Reimer shares when he receives certain words or pictures he tests things out by asking leading questions such as: "Does this mean anything to you?" or "Can I ask you a question?"  And I want to ask a question: "In which chapter in Scripture can one find this method practiced?" (pp.61-63)

Reimer's Compassion Prophecy:

Another way God speaks, suggests Reimer, is to our body or emotions.  Reimer says that sometimes before he gives a prophetic word, he'll feel a rush of God's compassion.  He tells a story of such a time when he approached a lady saying, "I have a word from the Lord for you.  She said, 'Tell me.'  I said, 'It isn't here yet, but I can tell is coming, because I can feel the Father's compassion for you.'"  This went on for months.  Finally, relates Remer, the message came.  Thought: Did God's prophets operate on the installment plan?  (p.65)

Reimer's Mind's Eye Word:

Yet another way God speaks, instructs Reimer, is by giving one a word in our mind's eye.  As an example, Reimer retells Wimber's Power Evangelism story about Wimber's airplane "adultery" word.  Reimer also mentions Wimber's anecdotes in his South Shore sermons.  In one sermon, incidentally, he mentions that his good friend Ron Walborn had an increased gift of healing due
to a Wimber impartation. (pp.66-67)

Reimer's "Our Knower:"

Lastly, Reimer says God speaks to our spirit enlightening us with something we'd never know.  So when Reimer prays for someone, he listens.  He says, "Theology 101: 'God is smart, and He knows
stuff we don't know ... He likes to tell us what He knows.'" (p.68)  However, Samuel 2:2,3 says, "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: ... Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."

Reimer's Many Kinds of Manifestations:

In the section "Manifestations of God's Presence", Reimer lists various manifestations which occur  when the Spirit comes on someone producing bodily reactions.  Reimer discusses "holy laughter," and "prostration" as mentioned in historian CMA's Paul King's book Genuine Gold*
(pp.96-97)

*  Look for later review of Dr. Paul L. King's books: Genuine Gold and Come Up Higher.

Reimer's Connection with Dr. Paul L. King:

CMAers should become familiar with Dr. King for he, along with the pastoral trio of Walborn, Reimer, and Sanders, desires to lead the Alliance back into the River via Holy Spirit Revival.
The pressing question becomes which River are these men taking the Alliance to?  Unfortunately,
from all I have read, and researched the answer will be the "New Apostolic Reformation River!"

Therefore, I would encourage Alliance readers to inform themselves about who Dr. King is, who he is associated with, and what his books say.  And even more importantly one should, regardless of denomination, arm yourselves with knowledge as to what the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) is
all about for most assuredly it is not a River one wants to be immersed in!

Dr. King recently twittered he'd been blessed to receive a copy of Reimer's River Dwellers on his birthday.  In addition he posted a photo of the book.  Reimer, in turn, had a link to Dr. King on his facebook page.  Both men closely follow the same agenda. And I might also add both are linked to Randy Clark.  Dr. King's books, and picture can be found on Clark's Global Awakening site; and Dr. King is now a mentor to Randy Clark doctoral scholars.  For much more information please look for my upcoming King book reviews.
http://globalawakening.com/home/speakers/will-hart/28-speakers/154-dr-paul-king

Reimer's Prophecy Testing Suggestions:

Reimer says to humbly test everything to see if it of God.  Reimer writes, "First, test it with Scripture.  ... test it with mature believers who are living in the fullness of the Spirit and have discernment. ... test words with someone who honors prophecy and walks in humility, and has displayed discernment."  Reimer adds, "At South Shore Community Church if I receive a prompting of the Spirit, I test it with other staff members and members of the board." (pp.69-70)

Now, one of Reimer's staff is Associate Pastor Deb Bellvue.  Bellvue, however is a spiritual director, and meditation teacher for an organization known as The Well.  The Well*, run by Katherine Forbes-
Smith also a South Shore member, is anything but a well of living water!  For it lists activities as Saturday Morning Meditation (mindfulness, relaxation, stress relief), massage therapy, yoga, and more.  And Reimer tests things with Bellvue?  Sad indeed! http://visitthewell.org/

*The Well Facebook Meditation Ads:  1-15: Two upturned hands; Touts relaxation, deeper spirituality...; Contact . Bellvue; 2-15: Meditation 101: Learn the what, why, and hows of meditation under the guidance of D. Bellvue; 5-15: Saturday Morning Meditation; Experience mindfulness, relaxation, stress relief; South Shore Facebook: 5-22-15: "Did you know Pastor D. Bellvue leads a prayerful meditation group at the well?"  Note: Well Wording Vs. Church Wording!

Reimer's Reading of Tozer's Mystics: 

Reimer shares that he has read many Tozer books, and that Tozer himself read "Christian Classics" by such ancient writers as Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross.
Reimer indicates, "These saints who have gone before me stir the longings within me for God himself."  (p.110)  However, Reimer fails to mention "these saints" were all Roman Catholics.

Reimer's Dark Night of the Soul:   

In Rob's final chapter: "Twists in the River Bend" he details how he was floundering to stay "in the River."  He writes, "But, for the first time in my life, for an extended period of time, God was nowhere to be found." (P.159)

Rob goes on, "Fortunately, I had read St. John of the Cross's work: Dark Night of the Soul and I had read R. Thomas Ashbrook's book: Mansions of the Heart.  Rob continues, that he so resonated with Ashbrook's description of how to achieve a deeper union with God.  (p.160)

While reading Ashrook's depiction of "the dark night of the soul" Reimer sobbed, and said to the Lord, "I have been in your presence so long I can't imagine living without you. ... I don't want to be with without your Presence. Please."  (p.160)  Later, following Ashbrook's prescription Rob too had his dark night.

Is the dark night of the soul scriptural?  Gotquestions.org answers, "A believer has God's peace now; he doesn't have to experience a 'dark night' first. (Romans 5:1) ... Neither Jesus nor the apostles ever taught a 'dark night' of the soul."   http://www.gotquestions.org/dark-night-soul.html

Conclusion:

Has Rob been leading people into a "River of Life," or into a "River of Deception"?  In the end, I would have to conclude that his drift into the New Apostolic Reformation river sweeps his readers, students, church, and pastoral associates into a swirling eddy of deception. Throw in his Catholic leanings, and what a polluted river it becomes.  Unfortunate this is, for Rob seems to sincerely desire a deeper walk with the Lord; but with his frantic pursuit he, as his close friend Ron Walborn declared, has gotten, and is getting many others saturated in the process--very often not in a "River of Life," but a "River of Deception."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  I John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

For  More Information:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=17658


Watch for:  Upcoming blog contrasting Kevin Reeves' The Other Side of the River with Rob Reimer's River Dwellers.

Truth or Consequences: A Booklet Highlighting Biblical Truth

Truth or Consequences: A Booklet Highlighting Biblical Truth

Warren Smith, one of my very favorite authors, recently wrote Truth or Consequences centered round the timely message that it is "imperative that we take a look at what the Bible says about truth--
how we must love it and keep it and hold it in the highest regard." (p.9)

To enable the reader to love, keep, and hold to truth Warren has listed over fifty "truth verses"  under the section "Bible Teachings on Truth."  Over each verse Warren writes a concise title summary.
From "Our God Is a God of Truth"(Deuteronomy 32:4) to "The Truth Shall Make You Free-If You Continue in His Word!" (John 8:31-32) Smith beautifully lays out keys to truth found in the Word.
(pp. 9-15)

Of all the scriptures Smith highlights, John 14:6 is the verse that Warren refers to most for "Jesus Is The Truth!"  In "What Is Truth?," Warren explains, "The reason the Bible has so much to say about truth is because Jesus Christ is the truth.  He said, 'I am the way, the truth, and life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me' (John 14:6)  Bible-believing Christians trust these words in the Bible because the Bible is--'in truth'--the actual Word of God." (p.5)

Speaking of "the truth verse" reminds me of the stately  "Hall of Christ" building found in the center of Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, N.Y.  Built in 1909, by the famed architect Paul J. Pelz, it has a gigantic pediment that features a low relief of the Bible surrounded by arms scattering its message in all directions.  Just below, inside its monumental portico, is inscribed the wondrous truth verse John 14:6!

Now, Chautauqua Institution was founded in the late nineteenth century as a Sunday school training camp for the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but over the years like so many other establishments it has strayed far from its original moorings--far from Biblical truth just as Smith talks about in his
tract article.

In July 2014 in the Hall of Christ (once declared by its founder Bishop John H. Vincent to be used solely for all things pertaining to Christ) The Chautauquan Daily article-- "The APYA Coordinators Host Jum'ah, The Muslim Friday Prayer, in the Hall of Christ"-- tells us what's now taking place in this once hallowed hall.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3140203?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
http://chqdaily.com/2014/07/24/jumah-prayer-promotes-islamic-education-and-community/

One wonders if any Chautauquan now glances up at the Bible on its impressive pediment, or reads the amazing truth verse over the tall portico, for if they did they might find the answers to all they are seeking!  Instead, all over Chautauqua's grounds are signs spouting words of peace and inclusion and unity--but not truth.  And just as this movement, that began founded on Biblical principles,
has turned from the way, the truth, and life so have hundreds of other institutions and churches.

And because we've turned away our ears, and hearts from truth how desperately we need men like Warren Smith who aren't afraid to declare timely warnings such as "Leavening the Truth," (p.4) or "The Right Hand of Falsehood" (p.8) as Smith has ably written in this small booklet showing us the need to return to absolute truth as found in the Word.

How we need to open our Bibles, and read and reread these "truth" scriptures over and over.  How we need to mark them too.  And more than mark them we need to know them, and we need to live them!  How fitting that Smith began his work with the Apostle John's praise of the well-beloved Gaius who had chosen to walk in truth.  (III John 1:4)  And as the esteemed Gaius did, may we too walk in truth so as to have a good testimony among the brethren!

Thank you Warren Smith for being true to the Word, and to the truth.  May we all learn from your example, and as Paul instructed in I Timothy 4:6 "be nourished up in the words of faith," and as Peter penned in II Peter 3:18  "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  And may
we all become "men and women of truth" (Exodus 18:21), and "fellow helpers to truth" (III John 1:8).

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  III John 1:3

Of Gaius John wrote, "For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth."


For More Information:

To obtain copies of this scripture-filled truth booklet for yourself, or perhaps for a Bible Study go to:
www.lighthousetrails.com.

Alliance Life Magazine: Nyack Student Vents by Virgin Mary Statue

Alliance Life Magazine: Nyack Student Vents by Virgin Mary Statue

In the CMA's March-April 2015 Alliance Life article "No More Faking It" Dr. Ron Walborn relates the story of one of his "fundamentalist" Nyack students who, on a spiritual formation retreat at a Catholic monastery, stood by a Virgin Mary statue while using vulgar language as he "processed" his anger.  Perhaps you are already gasping, "What!  Why would a Christian college student be venting beside a Virgin Mary statue?"
http://www.cmalliance.org/alife/no-more-faking-it/

Well, according to Dean Walborn this "fundamentalist" young man was a casualty of a "bounded-set" background that filled him with "bounded-set shame" which after being exposed during a Walborn lecture finally sets him free to let it all out.

Now, exactly what is a "bounded-set" and why should someone have "bounded-set" guilt?  According to Walborn this theory was so named by anthropologist and missiologist Dr. Paul Hiebert.  Bounded-set -- according to Walborn and missional emergents such as Brian McLaren and Phyllis Tickle-- is how many do church.  Bounded-set proponents, they contend, are rigid, rules-oriented religious souls who can just be the meanest, legalistic elder-brother-like people imaginable.     

Because these rules so weary "bounded-set" youth, suggests Walborn, they eventually feel guilty that they can't live up to these rigid standards as practiced by their churches so that they then rebel, and become "prodigal people."  Whereas, postulates Walborn, if they'd just follow a more relational, relaxed, less restrictive "centered-set" agenda which focuses on Jesus they'd be much less likely to become guilt-ridden prodigals.

Walborn in His Own Words:

Walborn says, "in bounded-set culture image is everything ... But when performance fails, guilt and rebellion follow.  At Nyack college we encounter countless students who are stressed because they can't keep up with the bounded-set treadmill.  It's not Jesus they are rejecting but bounded-set weariness..."

Now the worst of the worst of these "bounded-set" youth, writes Walborn, are those that actually are able to keep all the rules, and don't rebel but are caught in this tedious, tiresome treadmill wrapped up in their "bounded-set" shame.  To get out of this religious rat race Walborn recommends shedding one's inhibitions, and openly admitting sin while drawing near to the Lord at one's own pace.

More Walborn Words:

Walborn says, "However, if performance works, an elder brother is born.  The Christian students I find the most difficult to reach are those for whom the bounded set is working."

Using scripture as he expounds on the "bounded-set" dilemma, Walborn seems to set up his students (Might I say "intimidates"?) to break down, and process their pent-up anger (no mention of sin) so as to rid themselves of any of those bad "bounded-set" tendencies and to be transformed by a "centered- set" agenda so as to become loving, passionate Jesus followers.

Centered Set Emergents:

All this is Biblical, right?  No!  This is but a page out of the emergent play book which adapts the Paul Hiebert theory --with Walborn's own insertions-- that is followed by such emergents as Brian McLaren, Phyllis Tickle, and Tony Jones.  As you read Walborn's version of Hiebert's theory it's full of not so subtle put-downs for the "bounded-set" as: rigid, unaccepting, rule keepers, veiled, fakers, behavior oriented, performance driven, stressed out, weary, shamed, guilt filled, rebellious, elder- brother like, religious, mean spirited, angry, competitive, self-righteous, and legalistic.  While all is not quite "tidy" for the "centered-set" Walborn uses such terms as relational, fluid, accepting, transformative, unveiled, real, truth seekers, focused, helpful, fellow travelers, passionate, caring, and of course loving.  Painting people who have kept the faith, and are sincere followers of our Lord Jesus Christ with those adjectives seems to be exactly what the emergent church has done tearing apart the simple truth of the gospel for a watered down, social justice, we need something new "gospel."  And I would ask you--who are the real rebels?

Now, Wikipedia's informative article "Emerging Church" subsection "Centered Set" gives us even more clarity.  It reads, "Movement leaders such as Rob Bell (now into the New Age) appropriates set theory as a means of understanding a basic change in the way a Christian thinks about itself as a group. ... A bounded set would describe a group with clear 'in' and 'out' definitions of membership. ... The centered set does not limit membership to preconceived boundaries.  Instead a centered set is conditioned on a centered point.  Membership is contingent on those who are moving toward that point. ...  As a centered set Christian membership would be dependent on moving toward the central
point of Jesus.  Christians are then defined by their focus and movement toward Christ rather than a limited set of shared beliefs and values."  Conversely, Jesus stated it this way, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me."  (John 14:6)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church

The Paul Heibert Theory Background:

If you'd like to read the actual Paul Heibert theory, its history, and its meaning as given by Michael L. Yoder, Michael H. Lee, Jonathan Ro, and Robert J. Priest peruse: "Understanding Christian Identity in Terms of Bounded and Centered Set Theory in the Writings of Paul G. Hiebert."  On page 184, it says, "Perhaps, the arena where Heibert's ideas on set theory have had the widest influence is in the missional and emergent/emerging church movement. (McLaren ... ; Frost and Hirsh...; Robinson ...; Jones ...; Tickle ...; ...)"  Reader, it is interesting to note that Heibert was a Mennonite missionary who taught alongside of C. Peter Wagner and John Wimber at Fuller.  It can also be noted that John Wimber used Heibert's set theory in his Vineyard Churches.  Most importantly remember this fact:  All of what Heibert taught was "theory!"
http://www.academia.edu/6810466/Understanding_Christian_Identity_in_Terms_of_Bounded_and_Centered_Set_Theory_in_the_Writings_of_Paul_G._Hiebert

The Monastery Story: "It's a Process"

Once Walborn is through making his case for a centered-set scenario he gives us an example--an appalling example-- of what he was teaching in the classroom, and how he led those students on a monastery retreat.  This story, highlighted in the final segment of the article, is called: "It's a Process."

Walborn takes us into his Nyack bounded/centered set lecture at its end-- the point at which the students have now begun to react by weeping.  Of those weeping Walborn writes, "A big young man stood up, a junior youth ministry major from a "fundamentalist" background.  'O God," he sobbed, 'I'm so                tired.'" (Language unprintable!)  Walborn then confesses that because of this student's language he imagined that the then Nyack president's wife Betzi Schroeder, who was present during that class, might react badly; but instead she told the young man not to censor a thing--just let it out.

Walborn continues, "A few weeks later I led the students on a retreat at a Catholic Monastery.  I put this young man in a field next to a statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus.  I said, 'I want you to process your anger.'  Walborn adds, "I'm just happy Mary didn't drop the baby Jesus to cover her ears ..."  Walborn then goes on to apologize to a nun that just happens by.

The Readers Respond:

Now the readers' responses to Walborn's article ranged from riveting to right on every single point.
No one dared to examine, test, or question Walborn's bounded/centered set notions, nor his use of a M. Robert Mulholland's "ground breaking" book full of contemplative and Catholic authors.

As to "It's a Process" story one lone former Catholic, now CMA member, issued a timely warning.  No one else seemed the least concerned about CMA students on a monastery retreat!

A Timely Warning: (April 6, 2015)

T. wrote, "I grew up in the apostate Roman Catholic church. ... I currently am listening to Pastor John Soper (Ridgeway, NY CMA) and his 91 week series ...  This past week I listened to his review of Luke 22, and in that review he warns about the non-biblical Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation ... changing a wafer into the actual flesh of Jesus (another Jesus!) ... so my concern is that Ron Walborn in "The Process" is promoting the praying to a statue of Mary, which is part of the Roman Catholic false doctrine of prayer intercession through Mary and the 'saints,' thus promoting the Roman Catholic church.  This is a very dangerous path to begin to go down, so please, stop this practice of promoting Roman Catholicism, which is not a Christian church, and its pagan practices in 'your' magazine, as it will mislead some to believe that the Roman Catholic church is indeed a bible-believing church ..."

One Last Thought:

What a contradictory article, an article where Walborn claims to want these run away sheep--these prodigal type rebels-- to throw off their worldly clothing and return to the fold; while at the same time he takes these very same students straight into the arms of Rome with all its apostasy and false teachings on a monastery retreat.  Something is wrong with this picture.  And that something is that Walborn as well as many others, are introducing a new and different gospel "a wider road gospel", and in the case of the monastery, as the former Catholic responder so clearly points out, "another Jesus gospel."  However, dear reader, what needs to be done is to return to "the narrow way gospel" which leads to real life!  As the Scripture says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13,14)

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: II Timothy 4:2-4

"Preach the word; be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables."


For More Information:

An informative Lighthouse Trails Booklet:  How to Know When the Emerging Church Shows Signs of Emerging Into Your Church by Roger Oakland.

On the back cover Oakland writes, "If the Emerging Church continues unfolding at the present pace, mainstream evangelical Christianity will be reinvented and the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures will be considered too narrow and too restrictive.  In other words, the narrow way to heaven that Jesus proclaimed will eventually be abandoned for a wider way."

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=11043





      

Kevin Reeves' Riveting Story of His River Movement Exit: A Review of The Other Side of the River

Kevin Reeves' Riveting Story of His River Movement Exit:  A Review of The Other Side of the River

Kevin Reeves was once deep into the experiences of the River Revival Movement.*  As part of a small aberrational group, Reeves was steeped in its errors while at the same time having reservations about its practices.  And in this Reeves' read you'll learn how these reservations led to revelations compelling Reeves and his wife to exit "The River" to return to the Word of God alone.

*River Movement/River Revival Movement encompasses The Toronto Blessing, Brownsville Revival, Dominion, Latter Rain, Word of Faith, Rodney Howard-Browne's laughing revival, the Kansas City Prophets, or a mix of all so some of the aforementioned.  (p. 22)

Rather than harshly criticizing his former "River" partners, Reeves tells his story--The Other Side of the River--with great sensitivity, and genuine love while exposing the deceptions that had enveloped his hyper-charismatic group.  Reeves' two-fold purpose for writing this story is in his words, "First I pray it might be helpful to those who have recognized and turned away from distortions of doctrine and practice that have crept into the church today.  Secondly, I hope it will be a warning, and an eye-opener to those still involved with hyper-charismatic teachings or have loved ones who are."
(p.11)

Right off the bat, Reeves' "Contents" with its list of chapters, and subsections draw the reader into the story with its catchy and intriguing titles.  For example, chapter four: "We All Fall Down" has these subsections: "Called to the Carpet," "Carnality in Motion," "Catch Me if You Can," "Context or Pretext," "A Visit with God's Bartender," "Whose Anointing?" "The Biblical Anointing," and "Examine the Source."

Inside each chapter Reeves gives the reader a first hand look into the often bizarre and unsettling practices of his "New Covenant Fellowship" with its river tales.  From the get-go, Reeves introduces and defines numerous "riverese" terms such as "impartation," "blood line," "pattern son," "taking authority," "drunkenness," "personal prophecy," "revelation," and so many more.

While every chapter of this riveting work is chock full of vivid descriptions and eye-opening information found within his river congregation, Reeves final three chapters especially resonated with me from the stand point of the discerning of truth and error through research and documentation and acting upon it.   

As stated earlier Reeves revealed how he had routinely sensed something wasn't right with this river revival.  In fact, Reeves wrote he had secretly read The Seduction of Christianity-- a work that was "anathema" to Charismatics.  But it was Dave Wilkerson's out spoken 1999 Charisma magazine article: "David Wilkerson Blasts Faith Preachers in Sermon" that finally spurred Reeves into action.  So awakened was he that Reeves put aside his "charismatic programming" as he described it, and clicked onto his computer to discover a world he'd never before considered.  As a result Reeves wrote he felt as if, "...truth grabbed me by the shirtfront and gave me a hard shake...."  (p.183)

Describing this time of research, documentation, and reflection Reeves posed some important questions each of us must answer when we stand at a fork in the road.  And of all these questions, the most poignant of all, as Reeves so succinctly put it, was "The bottom line for facing discovery of the false is--what will you do with truth?"  (p.186)

Reeves answered with another question: "What should you do when a question arises about a particular doctrine, practice, or fellowship?"  We should, says Reeves, as the Bereans "search the scriptures."  Reeves further explained that we should "investigate, scrutinize, ask questions, and put on trial" the deceptions we find in light of God's word.  Then, in repentance we must act upon what we find.  We must do an about-face! (p.187)

And an about-face is what Reeves courageously did!  Now Reeves tells us all the details in these final chapters recounting his determined stand for truth.  In the end, out of "The River" but not defeated, Reeves reminisced, "Following 'every wind of doctrine,' I drank deeply of every experience I could, followed by our prophets, and preached with authority from an eldership position--until the day truth mattered." (p.214)   Like Reeves may we also dare to take a stand--for "truth" matters!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Acts 17:11

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so."


More Information:  To obtain this "need to read" Reeves' book--one sure to open your own eyes to the width, breath, and depth of "The River," and to the necessity of understanding its deceptions so you too can discern error, and defend truth please see:
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/

An ATS Seminarian's Ecstatic Encounter at the Resting Place: House of Prayer and Revival Center

An ATS Seminarian's Ecstatic Encounter at the Resting Place: House of Prayer and Revival Center and An ATS Seminarian's Summer Immersion into Shores of Grace: NAR Ministry

In this article you will meet Maddy, a twenty-seven year old ATS seminarian, who genuinely desires a deeper walk with the Lord.  Now, as Maddy goes after these experiences, she describes them in the Nyack "New York's Christian College" official blog called "Life at Nyack."  It is here one can read her astounding story of her encounter with the man with the piercing sword as well as other stories of her spiritual quests.

Maddy Recruits for ATS

Who is Maddy?  Maddy is a third year seminary student who, up to this past summer, was the Admissions Associate for ATS.  In "Why ATS?!", Maddy records just who she is, "I am that enthusiastic face found behind a table, a banner, and a whole lot of ATS and Nyack College material at an event or church.  And I am that woman who prays, encourages, and answers the tough questions and lends a listening ear to ... prospective students of the Alliance Theological Seminary."

Maddy further writes, " ... for me recruiting ... isn't something I do out of obligation.  I recruit for ATS because I strongly believe in everything the ... seminary has to offer."  Maddy continues, "As a student of the Master's of Divinity program God has literally shaken and is in the process of shaking everything that can be shaken within me."  A bit later, she reveals two of the places where this "shaking" has been going on.  She says, "... through lecture after lecture in courses like 'PPTF' and in 'Initiation to Spiritual Formation,' I truly began to understand who it is that God says I am."
http://life.nyack.edu/why-ats/

Maddy Retreats to the Resting Place

In Maddy's blog "Fearless" one finds Maddy at the Resting Place: House of Prayer and Revival Center which she writes is, "... a house of prayer where many Nyack and ATS students frequent."
http://life.nyack.edu/fearless/  And just where is this House of Prayer that Maddy frequents, and what is it all about?

For answers I researched this site: http://www.restingplacehop.com/about.  Below "About" I read: The Resting Place is a House of Prayer and Revival Center in Northern New Jersey "... where we come together to seek His face, believe for encounter, to see heaven come down to earth, and work to hasten/catalyze the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ."  Its Mission:  Its purpose the site says is committed to building a 24/7 prayer room and developing schools of ministry on the place of Night and Day prayer.

Its Friends: Bethel Church, Redding;  Bill Johnson; Bob Jones; Che An; John and Carol Arnott; Kansas City IHOP; Lou Engle; Mike Bickle; Heidi Baker; Rick Joyner; Randy Clark; and other NAR stalwarts.  Its Teaching and Podcast Suggestions: Bethel Church podcast, YWAM Fire and Fragrance DTS Podcasts, Weekend Teaching KC IHOP, IHOP Atlanta Podcast, IHOP Atlanta Awakening, and Personal Spiritual Formation by Ron Walborn.
http://restingplacehop.weebly.com/teaching--podcasts.html

Maddy Tells Her "Pierced by Love" Story

Maddy begins her story by saying she was lying face down on the floor of the Resting Place (And Maddy inserts "lots of Nyack College students and ATS students visit this place.") crying.  She felt as if she wanted to run, sit on God's lap, and hug him but this was impossible.  But, God must have felt the sentiments of her heart, relates Maddy, for she was overwhelmed by a great sense of love and longing.  Maddy writes, "I felt this love wrap around me like a tight, strong-passion-filled love."

And in a mystical St.Teresa-of-Avila-like-moment Maddy sees a man clothed in white garments with a golden belt round His waist, and hanging off his belt was a sword with the words "Love" carved into it.  This man had piercing light emanating from his eyes so Maddy could not look.  Then this man took "His sword," says Maddy, and pierced me with it.  Seconds later, the leader of the Resting Place, Mr. Ali Ferrell, was at her side, saying, "He (Jesus) wants to pierce you with his Holy love ...."
http://life.nyack.edu/pierced-by-love/

Maddy Embraces Dr. Rob Reimer's Challenge

Now, what had Maddy been doing just prior to this ecstatic encounter?  Why Maddy had been reading Dr. Rob Reimer's book: Pathways to the King.  In chapter two "Pursue God," she had read Reimer's instructions on how to initiate intimacy with God.  As a result Maddy declares, "I took on the challenge of pursuing God."  Then as Reimer instructs, she says, "I have been sacrificing: time, money, hanging out, etc. to seek the face of God."  What a travesty that Maddy drank in Reimer's prescription for pursuing God.

For a review of Pathways to the King -where I warn of the deception in this book- please see:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=15480

Maddy Attends a Holy Spirit Conference

In "Abuser of God's Grace" Maddy tells how many ATS friends made the annual trek to "The Holy Spirit Conference" at Dr. Rob Reimer's CMA's South Shore Community Church in Brockton, Ma.  There she set up her table with materials to sell more potential students on the wonders of ATS.  It was Dr. Martin Sander's night to preach, and the line that stood out to Maddy was: "some of us are abusers of God grace."  Later during prayer a friend said, "God is saying thank you, thank you for acknowledging me." http://life.nyack.edu/abuser-of-gods-grace/

Maddy Goes to NAR Shores of Grace, Brazil

Maddy's entitles her next blog: "Taking a Risk."  In it she records her upcoming summer graduate course, second continent experience (ATS MIA IC),where she will be part of God's rescue mission for the vulnerable at the Randy Clark Global School of Ministry offshoot "Shores of Grace."

Mandy seems to be reechoing the words of Dr. Ron Walborn's Nyack: New York Christian College piece "Alliance Theological Seminary" where the dean quoted John Wimber when he said, "'Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.'"  With God's grace and the Spirit's empowerment, Alliance Theological Seminary will launch hundreds of leaders ... to advance His Kingdom and bring back Christ our Coming King."
http://life.nyack.edu/adventure-into-the-unknown/

Maddy Listens to Mama Heidi Baker

Maddy's piece "Amor Parce com Algo" finds Maddy one week into her Brazilian rescue mission listening to NAR prophetess Heidi Baker and pondering Baker's words, "Love looks like something."  Maddy, at this point, didn't know what to expect, and was filled with uncertainties.  But, during this time she was about to absorb the words from a book she had ordered that her professor- mentor Dr. Rob Reimer recommended.  That book, not the Bible, was going to make a big difference in preparing her for what was to come. http://life.nyack.edu/lovelookslikesomething/

A Look at Maddy's Shores of Grace NAR Ministry Base

As I researched, it was soon apparent that "Shores of Grace" was not a CMA ministry, but a full-blown New Apostolic Reformation base of which Maddy was to be part of for ten weeks. Reading further, according to its leader Nic Billman, SOG had begun under Randy Clark's Global School of Supernatural Ministry. 

And much like the Resting Place:HOP, Billman lists various NAR endorsements, heroes, friends, churches, and products. Two of several endorsers were Randy Clark, and Patricia King.  Three of its many heroes include Heidi Baker, Patricia King, and Kevin Prosch. (Now, it made sense why Maddy was listening to Mama Heidi for even the Billman children, their site says, list Heidi as their hero.)  Some friends listed were: "We See Jesus Ministries," Lubbock IHOP, Philadelphia Tabernacle of David, and a host of others. ("We See Jesus Ministries!"-- this made me recall that Maddy had written about her 2013 Christmas vacation ministry in Haiti with NAR's Adam LiVecchi.)
http://shoresofgrace.com/en/about-us/leadership

On top of NAR partners and connections, the Billmans are prolific NAR worship musicians featured on Randy Clark's Global Awakening Book Store saying, "For years, people have talked about the new sounds coming, the reality is that we ARE the new sound that God is releasing on the earth."  A Billman CD is simply entitled, "A Soaking CD;" while another "Anthem CD" is filled with intimate love songs, prophetic degrees, and intercessory warfare.
https://globalawakeningstore.com/Nic-and-Rachael-Billman/

Sad it is that Maddy gains ATS credit by freely serving with these NAR ministries, and that she was allowed to write openly on a blog that is meant to entice new students to Nyack.  And even more troubling is how these experiences have so profoundly influenced Maddy herself as she madly chases God at every turn.

Maddy Experiences a "Dark Night of the Soul"

Maddy started her "Sometimes My Time in Brazil Is Like a Dark Night of the Soul" Life at Nyack blog with a NAR musician Rick Pino quote, "Through the dark night of the soul there is still a bride coming forth."     

Again, here was another- new to me NAR celebrity- who I learned is the founder of Fire Rain Ministries whose music is said to be militant, joyful, intimate, and prophetic. He's cofounder, too, of "Fire on the Altar" a fifty-hour non-stop worship service in the heart of the tabernacle of David  And he also leads the "Heart of David (HOD)" School of ministry.  HOD is a movement of musicianaries  who are raising up day and night worship to transform cities, regions, and nations.  Rick Pino also performs with many other NAR celebs as Cindy Jacob, Lou Engle, Jose Diaz, Matt Gilman, Dutch Sheets, Heidi Baker, and others.  Sadly, Pino is but one more NARite who has influenced Maddy.

In her blog Maddy spells out, how Dr. Rob Reimer's recommendation of the book : Mansions of the Heart  had prepared her for hard times she had at SOG that she dubbed her own "dark night of the soul."

The term "dark night of the soul," is associated with St. John of the Cross, a contemporary of St. Teresa of Avila, who lived during the sixteenth century in Spain.  It is in Ashbrook's book --so filled with its monasteries, monks, and mysticism--that Ashbrook spends considerable time explaining  the necessity of the "dark night of the soul."  And after swallowing this teaching, at the end of her SOG time, Maddy shares, "I see a bride coming forth.  I see the beauty of the kingdom on the inside of me."  http://life.nyack.edu/author/madelyn-badillo/

For my in depth review of Mansions of the Heart please see:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16011

Maddy Writes Her last Official "Life at Nyack Blog"

Maddy's final blog "Get Over Your Self" was written after her return from SOG.  In it she shows a picture of the NAR Billmans, and praises their ministry.  Maddy goes on to say, that once again, she has finally surrendered her all, and gotten over herself for good.  Is Maddy sincere?  Yes, I'd say Maddy is totally sincere.  Has Maddy been compromised?   I'd answer emphatically yes!  For she's been influenced  over and over again by the experiences she is having at that very moment.  And no one warns her of the deceptiveness of the contemplative, and NAR movements into which her professors, her mentor, and her seminary has thrust her.
http://life.nyack.edu/get-over-yourself/

How Many More Maddys Are There?

In conclusion, I would ask how many more Maddys are there being driven about by every wind of doctrine that has entered our Christian colleges? How many more Maddys will be seduced by these unscriptural experiences, and upon exiting college or seminary will spread them even farther?  I fear many, much like Maddy, will be led down wrong paths unless passionate believers awaken to stand for truth!  May you and I, as Paul wrote to the Colossians, "...continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ..." (Colossians 1:23)  And, may we be  fervent defenders of the faith!    

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Ephesians 4:14,15

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

For More Information:

*January 2015: Volume III: "Wide Is the Gate" DVD -an expose of the NAR Movement by caryltv.com.  http://www.caryltv.com/dvd-previews/222-wide-is-the-gate-volume-iii

*February 6, 2015: Excellent  podcast/transcript on Berean Call: T.A. McMahon interviews Caryl Matrisciana about her "Wide Is the Gate Volume III" DVD.
http://www.thebereancall.org/content/new-agejust-old-news-caryl-matrisciana-part-2

* February 11, 2015:  "An Insider's View of the 2015 Jesus Culture Conference ..."  A description of NAR Music/Speakers.  http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16933

ATS Dean Ron Walborn Recommends Bill Johnson Podcasts for Pastors

ATS Dean Ron Walborn Recommends Bill Johnson's Bethel Church Podcasts for Pastors

What tool does the Christian and Missionary Alliance Theological Seminary dean suggest as a great tech tool to help pastors deal with pressures in today's church?  The very unsettling "Unseminary" podcast: "Ron Walborn Provides Help to Leaders Dealing with the Pressures of Today's Church"--
an interview between Pastor Rich Birch and Dean Ronald Walborn-- gives the dean's thoughts in his own words.
http://www.unseminary.com/ronwalborn/

Note:  As you listen, or read note the interview highlights as listed at the site; also note the "Lightning Round Highlights" where Birch asks Walborn's personal recommendations on various topics.  Also pay careful attention to Ron's full length answers to the Lightning Round questions which can be heard on "the audio only" at the very end of the program.

History of ATS:

The dean starts off the podcast interview with Birch by detailing a little of the past history of the seminary.  He then follows this with an overview of the three year "Master of Divinity Program" with its heavy emphasis on spiritual formation.  Walborn says, "In every year they have to do spiritual formation."  The first year is an initiation into spiritual formation where they are quickly gotten into  counseling, if needed.  The second year there is more formation, and required counseling.  The third year ends with "the capstone course."  Besides, emphasizes Walborn, during the entire three years there is constant mentoring from spiritual directors.

Ron's Personal Spiritual Formation Series:

Ron goes on to describe his very own podcast series -- updated materials from part of the original series Ron did at Delta Lake Conference which in 2005-2007 when he introduced the spiritual discipline of "centering prayer" to unsuspecting campers at Delta Lake Camp.  And just as he did at Delta, Ron is still strongly advocating the use of the book of former Roman Catholic priest, and contemplative Henri Nouwen.

Lightning Round Highlights:

*  Helpful Tech Tools:   Rich asks Ron for his personal recommendation of a tech tool that might help a pastor better lead.  Ron answer begins this way, "I'm good friends with a guy named Bill Johnson from out in northern California.  We used to fish together when I was out in Redding (Ron pastored at CMA Risen King Community Church, Redding.) pastoring.  As often as I can I listen to Bill.  I don't always agree one hundred percent with him, but he feeds my soul, he feeds my spirit.  And so when I walk, and when I exercise I listen to Bethel."  Birch replies, "Very cool!"

On page two (bottom) of the transcript click on "Bethel Podcasts" to go straight to " iTunes lists of "Bethel Church Sermon of the Week by Bethel Church Redding."  Besides Bill Johnson, the listener will get an earful of New Apostolic Reformation teachings of other Bethel Church regulars such as Danny Silk, Kris Vallotton, Eric Johnson, and Banning Liebscher.  The listener will also be referred to "Jesus Culture," "Hillsong, " and "Elevation Church."  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bethel-church-sermon-week/id76583739?mt=2

*  Inspiring Leader:  Rich also asks Ron if he could get fifteen minutes to sit down with any leader alive who would this be, and why.  Ron responds, "Barack Obama."  Walborn explains, "I would love to sit down with Barack- Barack Obama.  ...  The reality is I have known some people who have spent time with him, and come away with a very different perspective than those of us who have known him through media."  The dean goes on to relate how he was observing one of his adjunct professors, Gabriel Salguero, when he received a cell telephone call from Obama during his lecture.  Salguero then went out to pray with the president.  Now, Salguero, incidentally, is one of radical Jim Wallis' "Red Letter Christians."

Bethel Church, Redding, California:

Bethel Church, as the reader may be aware, has a very controversial reputation with its spectacular signs and wonders phenomena:  its glory cloud crowds, its glittering gold dust, its oozing oils, its gaudy gems, its falling feathers, its felt angel entities, its impartation fire tunnels, its unruly manifestations, its hypnotic music, its mantra-like tongues, its outlandish visions, its bridal paradigm, its warrior words, and other unbiblical teachings.  In light of this, and the many resources that spell out exactly what is happening at Bethel how can some one not confront Mr. Walborn, and ask exactly how he can make such a recommendation to young leaders to listen to podcasts that come out of Bethel Church, Redding?  Truly, this "Unseminary" podcast is not profitable for Christian pastors or leaders.   And yes, it is most decidedly "unseminary"! 

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  I John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 

For More Information on Bethel Church See:

*  Volume III: "Wide Is the Gate" by caryltv.com.  Great expose of New Apostolic Reformation that focuses in on Bethel Church.  (Just published: January 2015)
http://www.caryltv.com/articles/wide-is-the-gate/295-press-release-wide-is-the-gate-volume-3

*  "The New Age Propensities of Bethel's Bill Johnson" by John Lanagan.  This is an excellent Lighthouse Trails Tract Booklet. 
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=15508

Neo-Monastic Ken Shigematsu's God in My Everything (A Book Review)

Neo-Monastic Ken Shigematsu's God in My Everything (A Book Review)

Ken Shigematsu, neo-monastic leaning Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor of Tenth Church, Vancouver, Canada, has written a best-selling book advocating drawing closer to God by adapting St. Benedict's "The Rule of Life" into all we do.  While the book contains some good ideas about how to bring the Lord into our busy lives, at the same time Roman Catholic monks, monasteries, and rituals creep into the text.  In fact, Shigematsu's work is saturated with Catholicism for Shigematsu himself is infatuated with it. The end result is a work that encourages leaders and readers to embrace Rome without reservation, for evangelicalism is often so mixed with Catholicism that it is hard to separate the two.

In rave review after rave review by "so-called evangelicals" one has to wonder how such praise can be given without anyone questioning the extent to which its author so clearly demonstrates his fascination with Catholicism especially with Benedictine teachings.  To understand more let's examine this work from its cover to its back page.

Shigematsu's Cover Clue:  The very first clue to Ken's capitulation to Catholicism can be seen on the cover where he uses the words "how an ancient rhythm helps busy people enjoy God."  This rhythm, the reader soon discovers, is none other than St. Benedict's "rule of life."

Shigematsu's Back Cover Endorsers:  The two back cover endorsers include: author, activist, and new monastic Shane Claiborne; and senior pastor of Menlo Presbyterian Church, and contemplative author John Ortberg.  Both write shining endorsements-- Ortberg even says, "He will help us find the way."  Sadly though, Mr. Ortberg, Ken will help us find the way--straight into the heart of Catholicism.

Shigematsu's Inside Pages Endorsers:  Seven more endorsements are given on the very first pages--endorsements from Susy Welch author of 10-10-10, business writer, and columnist for the O! Oprah Magazine; Pete Scazzero, long time Leighton Ford mentee, author of contemplative healthy spirituality books, and past lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, Queens, NY; to radical social justice emergent, and Eastern University professor Tony Campolo.  Included, also, are two Arrow Leadership buddies Mark Buchanan alumnus of Arrow, and professor at Catholic leaning Ambrose College University; and Darrell W. Johnson former CEO of Arrow, and senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Vancouver.

Comments range from saying that the book is a "transformative prescription for life ..." (Welch); is something "I need ..." and "My church needs ..." (Buchanan); is something "All who hunger ...  will find themselves nourished by ..." (Campolo); is something that will take me on a journey that brings great hope ..." (Yankoski); and is something that "I look forward to recommending ... to our leadership and entire church!" (Scazzero).

Shigematsu's Ford Foreword:  Shigematsu's foreword, written by long time mentor Leighton Ford, tells of Ford meeting Ken as a student at Wheaton College, as a student body president at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, as a leader in Leighton's Arrow Leadership Program, and as a mentee on a personal retreat.  Ford says Ken is the "real deal;" and to Ford himself, he is like "a son."  Ford writes Ken "will be a guide to help you journey with Christ in your everything."  Is Ken really a good guide to help us on our journey?  This is the question I will attempt to answer in this review.

Shigematsu's Preface Invitation:  In his preface Ken invites us all "to take a walk down this ancient path that will set you free."  I beg to differ, for the path Ken embraces comes from Rome, and rather than set us free will expose us to another gospel, one that adds to the simple truth that "no man comes to the Father but by me" and to a gospel that adds man's rules to "by grace are ye saved through faith."

Shigematsu's Monk Message:  Chapter one, the monk chapter, takes us straight into how this book was birthed, when on Leighton Ford's pilgrimage, Shigematsu was invited to visit Ireland's monas-
teries.  Here in glowing terms he describes Glendalouch--that awesome monastic community formed by St. Kevin--painting a picture of a place of mystery and mysticism.  At Glendalough Ken recalls, "we wandered in hushed silence ... awed at the solemn beauty."  And relates Ken, his heart was "strangely moved by Kevin's earnest devotion to God."  He adds, "I wanted to slip off my shoes --I felt like I was walking on hallowed ground."  Then he adds, "I came away from my time in Ireland with a new respect for monks and their monasteries."  In fact Ken writes, "Though I didn't recognize it then, my time in Ireland would eventually lead to a second 'conversion' for me, a journey of growing to appreciate the beauty of the monastic way of life."  (pp.16-17)

Shigematsu's Intro to St. Benedict:  Ken next introduces us to "Benedict" who became famous as "a holy man."  Additionally, Ken mentions Benedict's establishment of a monastery in "Monte Cassino" which continues to this day to inspire people to walk in the way of Christ."  Stop here!
Monte Cassino may be inspiring people, but not in the way of Christ alone, but the way of the Church of Rome which teaches a works based salvation contrary to Scripture.  (p.19)

Ken tells us, too, more about this amazing monastic way of life--that it is "a path each of us can embrace."  Just as Father Zossima, in the novel The Brothers Karamazov asserts that a monastic way of life is the life is not just for special people, but "it is simply what every person ought to be."  Ken says, Zossima "is suggesting that every one of us has a monk or nun 'embryo' inside us."  (pp.19-20)

The Glendalough Hermitage, Holy Ground?  Recalling Ken's Glendalough description as "holy ground," a glimpse into Glendalough's Hermitage guidelines given to visitors such as Ken would say otherwise.  Just a brief examination of these guidelines for achieving solitude on its grounds will quickly show these meditative techniques are decidedly mindfulness methods that Ken describes over and over in his God in My Everything book talks/articles everywhere as documented later in this piece.

Glendalough Guideline Outline:  Here's a brief summary of some of the ideas taken from "The Practice of Solitude" from Glendalough's web site.

1.  Arrive: "You are here and this is holy ground."
2.  Take in Your Surroundings: "This is your space--make yourself at home in it."
3.  Become attuned to Silence:  "Take time to become aware of sounds and welcome them ... Notice how they arise and fall away. ... You are a still pond in which sound passes through like ripples."
4.  Listen:  "The voice which speaks the truth you need to hear is already there within you ... listen to this voice.  It is the voice of your deepest self ... It will guide you towards the Ultimate Mystery."
5.  Be Present: "As you listen, you will become more present ....  A quality of mindfulness will develop ...."
6.  Focus:  "when the mind wanders ... we notice and bring it gently back to the focal point. ...  Any number of things could be chosen as a focus: a candle ... an icon ... the breath ... the body itself ... a sacred word or mantra.  Do not scold yourself if your mind wanders. ... Distraction is part of a spiritual life."
7.  Move Mindfully:  " ... pay attention to the sensation of the movement itself.  This can ... deepen the quality of your listening.  It can engender a joyful awareness of being alive and part of the inter-connectedness of all things."
8.  Read Reflectively:  " ... in solitude, it is best not to overload the mind ... This allows the mind to empty itself ... It is this 'de-cluttering' which allows the mind to quieten and eventually come to rest. ... "

For certain, one' s time at Glendalough is more than just getting goosebumps while experiencing its "holy ground," but it is a time of being presented with a New Age agenda to enable one to enter a meditative state.
http://www.glendaloughhermitage.ie/solitude/the-practice-of-solitude/

Shigematsu's Trellis Training:  Chapter two introduces Ken's "trellis teaching" and "the rule of life."  When we hear the astonishing stories of "Francis of Assisi" and "Mother Teresa" great successes, writes Ken, we assume God just gave them a special charism; but now we ourselves could never accomplish something like this.  But, says Ken for everyone to flourish in their spiritual lives one must deliberately practice so to enable oneself "to welcome and respond to Jesus." 

Now this practice of spiritual disciplines should not become burdensome ( In videos Ken often demonstrates this by putting his trellis prop onto his chest and leaning backward.), but we should find rest for our souls. (Matthew 11:28-30)  And so goes this chapter with Ken sashaying between the Bible and Catholicism --one minute he's quoting scripture, laying out some position, and the next minute he is throwing in Thomas Merton and St. Benedict. (pp.21-28) 

Shigematsu's Trellis Imagery: Chapter three continues with the same mixed message --a little scripture, a little Benedict.  A few pages into chapter three Shigematsu pictures his trellis imagery with figure one.  Working upward from its "roots" of: Sabbath, prayer, and sacred reading one goes on to the "relate" bar: friendship, sexuality, and family; to the "restore" bar of: body, play, and money; and finally, to the top bar of "reach out": work, justice, and witness. (p.33)

A Shigematsu ABC List of Catholic Monks, Priests, Nuns, and Others:  Both in his book, and in his notes Shigematsu names and praises at least forty-five or more Catholic adherents as well as numerous Catholic references.  As I researched I opted to list these people in ABC order just to point out how saturated this work is with Catholicism.  From this book alone one could have a true immersion into Catholicism without any warnings of its unscriptural and idolatrous teachings.

Here is a list of persons that I individually researched: St. Aelread of Rievaulx, Cisterian Monk; Br. Alphonsus, Jesuit; Fr. William A. Barry, S.J. and Fr. William J. Connolly, S.J.;  Fr. Theodore Berkeley, O.C.S.O.; ****St. Benedict of Nursia, Rule of Life****; Carlo Caretto, Little Brothers of Jesus; Michael Casey, Austrailian Cisterian Monk; St. John Cassian, Ascetic Priest; Sr. Joan Chittister, O.S,B.; St. John Chrysostom, Priest; Fr. Anthony DeMello, S.J.; Fr. Mayuel de Dreuille, O.S.B.; Fr. Mark Dumont, OSB; St. Francis of Assisi; Fr. Timothy Fry, O.S.B.; Dr. Shirley Glass, Catholic Psychologist; Fr. Thomas Green, S.J.: Dr. Colm Luibheid, Catholic Translator; Brother Lawrence, Monk; Fr. Martin Laird, O.S.A.; Dom Jean Leclercq, O.S.B.; Fr. James Martin, S.J.; Fr. Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O.; Fr. Thomas Moore, O.S.B., former priest; Fr. Elder Mullan, S.J.; Fr. Henri Nouwen, Former Dutch Priest; Fr. John O'Donohue, Former Priest; Mother Teresa, Sisters of Mercy; St. Patrick and Bridget of Kildare; Fr. M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.; William of Saint Thierry, Benedictine Mystic Abbot, Fr. Simon Tugwell, O.P.; Br. David Steindl-Rast, O.S.B.; Fr. Columba A. Stewart, O.S.B.; Father Richard Rohr O.F.M. and Dr. Joseph J. Martos; Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I.; and Dr. Paul J. Wadell, Catholic Author, Professor.

St. Benedict Compared to the Apostles!  Shigematsu's "Prayer: Deeping Your Friendship with God" chapter five is a perfect example of how compromised this book is--the blatant mixing of truth with error.  Ken begins with a quote putting St. Benedict up on a pedestal.  Ken asserts, "After Jesus' original apostles and the apostle Paul, St. Benedict has been called the most influential Christian for the first one thousand years of church history."  (p.56)

Prayer Pauses:  Ken emphasizes making short times for prayer taking several of his ideas from the writing of English Dominican Fr. Simon Tugwell's book Prayer in Practice.  In another work, Tugwell, a member of the Dominican Historical Institute, emphasized the Dominican's nine ways to pray such as gazing at a crucifix, continuous kneeling down and getting up, and various ways of holding out one's hands. 

Ken additionally promotes Jesuit St. Ignaius' prayer of Examen which he practices daily.  Shigmatsu also mentions the daily office comparing it to Daniel's three times a day prayers.  Maybe, says Ken, one might try doing "breath prayers." (Tugwell's book)   Ken tells us,  These pauses are an opportunity "to attune to God's presence." (pp.55-58)

Prayer Places:  Under "A Place for Prayer" he suggests we make a special place to pray by hanging up a work of art, cross, or even placing an icon or candle on a table.  As for "Posture for Prayer" he lists various positions including the one he does to do his "meditation" sitting in a flat-seated chair with one's feet firmly fixed on the floor--this says Shigematsu helps still us and still our mind.  (p.59)

Prayer Partners: The section "Prayer in Community" refers to believers in Acts praying together.  He goes on to say doing something in community fosters joy and gratitude.  Why, reminisces Ken, my wife and I just attended a U2 Concert in Vancouver and together with others we had a better experience than listening alone.

Prayer Methods:  Now, the chapter segways to more traditional "evangelical" methods as Shigematsu continues to mix his message such as using the Lord's Prayer, the acrostic ACTS, or praying the Psalms.  (pp.60-64)

Prayer Without Words:  After more traditional ways to pray Ken throws in a good dose of "contemplative prayer" starting with a Catholic Little Brothers of Jesus, Letters from the Desert Carlo Caretto silent prayer quote: "Prayer is love."  Ken quotes Caretto as saying, "Thus the time comes when words are superfluous." (These quotes, incidentally, are borrowed from Ruth Haley Barton.) (p.
65)

Continuing in this vein Ken highlights a Fr. Basil Pennington quote where Pennington tells us that "saying our prayers gets in the way of prayer."  Ken then follows up this Pennington nugget with an Indian Jesuit Anthony DeMello fish story.  To close, Ken paraphrases a Thomas Merton statement from Fr. Martin Laird's book The Silent Land where Merton tells us inside we realize we are already there--all we need is to experience what we already have." (p.66)

Jesuit Thoughts:  At this juncture the reader should be alerted to Shigematsu's "Jesuit Thread" that runs through the book with the Ignatian prayer of Examen, the quoting of various Jesuits as St. Ignatius, Alphonsus, DeMello, Barry and Connolly and others.  And Shigematsu makes sure we become acquainted with Fr. James Martin, S.J.'s book:  The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life quoting from it in five different chapters.

Jesuit Prayer Litany:  I would challenge the reader to become familiar with the "Litany in Honor of St. Ignatius" prayed by Jesuits to their oracle of the Holy Spirit, lover of our Lord, loyal knight of Our Lady, founder of the Society of Jesus, intrepid foe of heresy and enemies of Christ's Church, "insignis" companion of Jesus, inspired writer of the Spiritual Exercises, glorious intercessor in Heaven for thy society on earth ...--St. Ignatius.  Over and over the prayer intones "Ignatius, pray for us."  This is simple saint idolatry for Ignatius was but a mortal man as you and I.  Conversely, our Bible warns in verse after verse not to pray to anyone but the Lord himself.  For an enlightening Bible study note every passage that refers to other gods, idols, images, statues etc. by marking an "I" every place you find it.  Three words in I Corinthians 10:14 give us the Lord's warning toward it: "Flee from idolatry!"
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=1110

Sacred Reading Section:  Chapter six covers the practice of "Sacred Reading," a Catholic term often used for lectio divina.  Ken opens this chapter by admonishing us to regularly read God's Word.  Ken writes, "Psalm 1 describes the person who continually feeds on God's Word as one who is truly blessed, ... or as Eugene Peterson says, a person with 'holy luck.'"  Such a term reminds one of the unbiblical New Age terms/phrases Peterson inserted in his Message paraphrase.

Ken encourages us to read Psalm one aloud, and then to reread it slowly pausing and praying in reference to any word, phrase, or image that has "energy" for you or speaks to you.  Ken then offers various ways to ingest the word--first by "Chewing the Word" a reference from Peterson's contemplative book Eat the Word. (pp. 69-70)

Lectio Reading:  Next up is "Meditation."  Meditation on Scripture, declares Shigematsu, is demon-strated by St. Benedict's practical model of using "Lectio Divina."  Lectio, attests Ken, is "a hungry, prayerful reading of the Bible.  "When we practice lectio divina,"  Ken records words from  Cisterian monk Michael Casey's book Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina that says, "our reading naturally leads to meditation, our meditation to prayer, and our prayer to feasting on the living God." ( p.71)  Is Ken's promotion of lectio divina as a needed ancient practice for a Christian as Ken maintains?  The Lighthouse Trails booklet Lection Divina: What it is.  What it is not.  And should Christians Practice it? gives some definitive Biblical answers.  I recommend it highly!
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/lectiodivina.htm

Ignation Imaginings:  In "Imagining the Story" Shigematsu relates how St.John Chrysostom, "the golden mouthed preacher," urged his listeners to use their imaginations to paint Scripture portraits on the walls of their minds.  Shigematsu then continues inviting the reader to investigate the Ignatian "imaginative method" to visualize Scripture.  Says Shigematsu, "Imagining a scene in Scripture helps us become part of the story and allows the story to become part of us."  (pp. 74-75)

Plenty of Contemplatives:  In this book/notes there are plenty of referrals to many contemplatives as Ruth Haley Barton, Mark Buchanan, Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Marva Dawn, Annie Dillard, Leighton Ford, Richard Foster, Tim Hughes, Darrell W. Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Wayne Muller, Kathleen Norris, John Ortberg, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, Pete Scazzero, Gordon T. Smith, Gary Thomas, Evelyn Underhill, Dallas Willard, Lauren Winner, N.T.Wright, and Danae and Michael Yankoski.

Shigematsu the Man:  To really understand who Shigematsu is, and what he believes is to read posts/articles pertaining to the book which give a wider picture of what Ken is actually up to.
Here are some poignant ones:

February 2008: "Sabbath Sermon- Establish a Rule of Life"  This sermon which was given at Tenth Church  prior to his book publication,  contains many ideas later used in his book.  The sermon talked about "crafting a rule of life" which Ken admits comes "from the world of monks." 

Prop Preacher:  Ken is fond of using "props" while he is preaching.  In this sermon Ken used a "yoga mat."  In another sermon Ken used "Thomas Merton" books.  And currently when taking about his book he always uses his trusty garden trellis.

Shigematsu-Scazzero Connection:  At the end of his "Sabbath Sermon" Ken informs the audience that Pete Scazzero's emotionally healthy spirituality books will help one in forming "a rule of life."  He also shares a "Mary Oliver" poem whose Universalist author is a favorite of Ken's mentor "Leighton Ford."

2008: "Snapshot of Church in Vancouver #3" by Peter Briggs from Canadianchristianity.com.

Tenth Church Snapshot:  Briggs tells of steady growth at Tenth Church saying the church had been down to 200, but at that writing it was at 1,500 and growing.  When asked about the past ten years Ken responded, "There is a strong hunger for spiritual connection, evidenced by a boom in Yoga, and a passion for the environment.  But most don't connect this with 'church.'"
http://canadianchristianity.com/bc/bccn/0908/16church.html

Fall 2011:  "Hearing a Different Kind of Evangelical: Pastor Shigematsu, Tenth Church, Vancouver by Justin Tse from The Rice Paper (Issue 16.3)

Shigematsu's Different!  Tse's piece fills one in on Ken's Asian American, and Asian Canadian background.  It tells also that Tenth Church dropped the name Christian and Missionary Alliance from its title.  Tse said, "In fact the Vancouver Courier also notes, Tenth Church ... dropped the word 'Alliance' from its name to avoid any connection with any political party."  Tse also says, "If Ken's job is to preach, then ours is to hear.  The fact that Ken Shigematsu lies somewhere in the strange mix between inhabiting an Asian Canadian body with a historically Caucasian church, while promoting an evangelical message that sounds oddly inclusive."
http://storage.cloversites.com/tenthchurch/documents/Ricepaper%20Article.pdf

August 2013:  "Celebration of Discipline for a New Generation" by Brent Dolfo of Leadership Network 

Dolfo's New Celebration of Discipline Commentary:  Dolfo tells how Shigematsu felt as if he were "treading water in his spiritual life" when his mentor Leighton Ford invited him on a pilgrimage to Ireland's holy places.  Later Ken, wowed by his monastic journey, related this to his congregation after which they asked for more ideas on how to develop their own "rule of life."  This then led to the book: God in My Everything which was also influenced by Ken's doctoral work at Oxford, and The San Francisco Theological Seminary on the life and work of St. Benedict of Nursia.

Dolfo took his review title "Celebration of Discipline for a New Generation" from Mark Buchanan's God in My Everything endorsement remark that the book was "a celebration of discipline for a new generation."  (Think of: Richard Foster's classic contemplative work: Celebration of Discipline.)  Dolfo also noted Darrell Johnson's endorsement that read, "I believe this will become the go-to-book for the church in our time."
http://leadnet.org/celebration_of_discipline_for_a_new_generation/

Our Go-to-Book!  Discerning Reader:  If the go-to-book of our time was the precious Word of God, this go-to-book with its decidedly mixed message would not being awarded rave reviews by deceived Evangelicals.

October 2013:  "Pastor's Book Breaks Down Walls Between Christians" by Anglican Rev. Don Grayston in The Vancouver Sun

Neo-monastic Shigematsu:  Grayston began his guest review by saying, "I have been hearing a lot these days about Tenth Church Pastor Ken Shigematsu--for good reason.  He's head minister at a huge evangelical congregation.  He's into what some call neo-monasticism."

Grayston stated that he'd previously met Ken.  Where?  Grayston relates, "I met Ken ... on a Thomas Merton Society of Canada study cruise to Alaska."  "However," says Grayston, "when I read his new book I understood that his interest in Merton, the twentieth century's best known monastic, had expanded to the entire classic western monastic tradition (as represented by John Cassian and Benedict of Nursia.)"

Mainstream Welcome to Shigematsu:  Grayston further comments, "It's not what in former years I would have expected from an evangelical, but it is clearly part of the phenomenon of evangelical interest in a movement known as neo-monasticism, with its emphasis on community, daily worship, and the union of contemplation and action."  Grayston goes on, "There are some points I would challenge him on ... but for the most part, the book is such that it ought to receive a warm welcome from mainstream Christians."

Old Walls Fall:  Grayston ended with this word, "The encouraging thing about that, of course, is that it points to a crumbling of old walls between evangelicals--some a least, and the Christian mainstream.  I note that prominent evangelical Catholic, Pope Francis, is moving very much in the same direction."
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/10/08/vancouver-evangelical-pastors-book-breaks-down-walls-among-christians/

November 19, 2013:  "How Meditation and Monotasking Help Me Live More Mindfully" by Ken Shigematsu in "The Blog of the Biola University Center for Christian Thought"

Mindfulness on the Biola Blog:  This Biola University Blog is one of the most telling articles about Shigematsu's "meditation" habits.  In it Ken writes about "the chimpanzees jumping around in my head" that keep him constantly distracted.  So, says Shigematsu, since paying attention and contemplation don't come easily to him he needs the grace of God as well as practices that make him more aware of that grace.  Now, the practice that helps him the most is "meditation." 

Morning Meditation Description:  Ken describes how he does his "morning meditation" first setting the timer on his watch so he won't be looking at it.  As he sits he takes deep breaths, and then begins his mantra repeating of a single words like "wait," or "Jesus."  Once his meditation is complete he feels relaxed, focused, and aware of Jesus.  Now, it you feel meditation is a "weird waste of time" instructs Shigematsu, it does help us become more aware of God and more mindful of our choices.  Read Ken's written description here:
http://mission.themeetinghouse.com/a-simple-practice-awakens-me-to-god/

Marcia's Mindfulness Articles:  Just a minute!  Shigematsu is promising young "Christian" collegians that mindfulness meditation works, and they shouldn't consider it strange.  It will give results--he has experienced this!  Well, Marcia Montenegro, former New Ager and mindfulness meditator, emphatically tells us otherwise.  Read Marcia's enlightening articles: "Mindfulness: No-Mind Over Matter," and "More on Mindfulness: Never Mind the Mind."
http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Mindfulness.html

Marcia's Monkey Mind Warning:  Regarding "the monkey mind" or as Ken calls it "the chimpanzee mind" Marcia has some choice thoughts on this in "More on Mindfulness" sections: "The Chattering Monkey" and "The Mind and God."  Marcia ends her article with this warning: "Any teaching that the mind or thinking is bad or prevents spiritual understanding is at odds with the nature of God as he has revealed himself.  In giving us his word in the 66 books of the Bible, he expects thinking and reasoning since language cannot function without them.  Using the term 'chattering mind' or 'monkey mind' denigrates the mind God gave us."
http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_MoreOnMindfulness.html

Beware of the Buddhist Psychologist:   If Ken's positive meditation testimony isn't enough for someone to believe that meditation works, Ken tries another tactic by attempting to prove scientifically that meditation done over a matter of weeks will increase brain function.  How is this possible?  Ken cites a study done by Stanford psychologist-- Dr. Kelly McGonigal.

Dr. Kelly McGonigal Is...:  Now, Ken doesn't just cite McGonigal in this article, but he cites her often on his podcasts/talks promoting God in My Everything.  This is enough to make one want to just stand up and shout--very loudly!!  For Kelly McGonigal is someone who is not just any old psychologist, but a well-known health psychologist, Stanford lecturer, Zen meditator, yoga expert/teacher, mindfulness guru, mind-body practitioner, conference speaker, prolific author, and Buddhist teacher.  And since Ken is using a Buddhist adherent why does he not inform his audiences of exactly who this lady is?  Why does he deceive them?  Shame on Shigematsu!

Unmasking McGonigal:  Here are two articles that will help unmask who McGonigal really is.  The first is "The Science of Awakening" (From Tricycle Magazine: Mindfulness and Compassion Section) which mentions McGonigal speaking at the Buddhist Geeks Conference dedicated to serving the convergence of Buddhist, global culture, and emerging technology.  The article states, "In his opening keynote, Vipassana teacher Shinzen Young was the first to proclaim that the Buddhist was a scientist, while carefully noting his non-scientific qualities as well."  And reports the article, "Kelly McGonigal, a psychologist as well as a Buddhist teacher, noted that the 'self was a suffering machine.'" http://www.tricycle.com/reviews/science-awakening   A second article: "Yoga, Self-Care and the Dalai Lama" in Mind, Body, Green relates McGonigal is not your typical college professor; but a leading expert on mind-body relationship, and the psychology of yoga and teaches yoga, meditation, and psychology at Stanford.  It states, "We talked to Kelly about yoga as 'self-care,' her collaboration with Tibetan monks including His Holiness, and her upcoming book The Science of Willpower."  http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-939/Yoga-Self-Care-The-Dalai-Lama-Q-A-with-Kelly-McGonigal-PhD.html

Monotasking and Mindfulness Connection:  Meditation helps me concentrate, focus, and "monotask," says Ken.  Monotask?  Is this related to mindfulness?  Yes!  Read this article: "Mindfulness Starts with Monotasking" (focusing and finishing one task at a time) from The Leadership Express.  (February 2013).
http://mcdougalldevelopment.com/2013/02/05/mindfulness-starts-with-monotasking/

And then Ken adds this Zen zinger, "I have been inspired by the wisdom of the Zen tradition to aim to do just one thing at a time.  The Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, says: "While washing the dishes, you might be thinking about tea afterwards and try to get them out of the way as quickly as possible ...  But that means you are incapable of living during the time you are washing the dishes."  Read more about Buddhism--Thich Nhat Hanh too-in these two outstanding Marcia Montenegro articles: "Buddhism and Christianity: How Similar Are They?" and "Mindfulness Goes to Kindergarten."
http://cct.biola.edu/blog/2013/nov/19/how-meditation-and-monotasking-help-me-live-more-mindfully/

http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_BuddhismAndChristianity.html

December 24, 2013: "Prayer Research Opens Fresh Frontiers of Spiritual Practice by Douglas Todd in The Vancouver Sun
 
Quantum Physics Prayer:  Photo Above Article: Shigematsu/others laying hands on girl as they pray;  Caption Below Photo:  Author Bruce Epperly says, "... quantum physics began making it clear roughly a century ago that human minds can create 'action at a distance,' or as (Dr.Larry) Dosey says, 'medicine at a distance.'"

Todd's Take on Shigematsu and Prayer:  Douglas Todd writes a fascinating article which he probes beneath Ken's prayer and meditative techniques, and gives greater insight into what makes Shigematsu tick.  Todd compares Shigematsu's prayer positions to two mainstream Vancouver pastors prayer findings.

Prayer, Meditation: The Same?  Todd writes of Ken's distractibility especially near Christmas, and how Ken describes this Christmas craziness like one thousand chimpanzees racing round in his head.  Todd continues, "So Shigematsu prays. Or should we say he meditates?  The ... pastor uses the words prayer and meditation interchangeably."  Todd adds, "They form the heart of his practice of spiritual contemplation, which he believes helps him and others connect with the mysterious source that grounds existence."

Science Supports Meditation:  Shigematsu tells Todd that he aims to just be aware of his own breathing while silently repeating the words, "wait," or "Jesus."  Todd then says, Shigematsu is a bit of a maverick in his CMA denomination.  Todd sort of defends Ken when he notes, "But he's certainly not the only Christian or other spiritual leader trying to go beyond the dominant Western understanding and misunderstandings of prayer.  He is one of the countless spiritual people tracking the latest scientific studies into prayer and meditation."

Buddhism's Link to Contemplative Prayer:  One kind of prayer, Todd names, is "intercessory prayer."  However, reports Todd, Ken has come to be more interested in meditative, silent, and contemplative prayer.  Todd then cites a book: The Path to Your Door: Approaches to Christian Spirituality by a Vancouver Anglican Rev. Ellen Clark-King who suggests Buddhist meditation --or mindfulness-- has forced Christians to rediscover some of the tradition's less well-known contemplative methods. 

King, says Todd, states Buddhism is the natural home of contemplation whereas Christian prayer is often very wordy.  King, in her book, goes on to see centering prayer as akin to meditation.

Research into this type of prayer, Todd details, has been encouraging.  Shigematsu, Todd writes, sees positive physiological effects coming from contemplative prayer.  Another Vancouver pastor, records Todd, a Presbyterian Rev. Jim Smith also believes in brain change through prayer and contemplation citing findings from author Andrew Newberg.

Shigematsu Quotes Merton:  Todd then inserts this telling Shigematsu quote where Ken echoes the late Father Thomas Merton when he says, "In a sense, contemplative prayer is the kind of prayer that is a discovery of a God who is already present."  Sometimes, Todd says, Shigematsu's prayers are as simple as: "God you are here now.  Help me to be here now."
http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/12/24/prayer-research-opens-fresh-frontiers-of-spiritual-practice/

December 24, 2013:  "A Liberal on an Evangelical on Christmas Eve" by Justin Tse of Religion. Ethnicity. Wired.

Shigematsu's Christmas Coverage:  Tse is gleeful over the success of Vancouver Sun's spirituality and diversity columnist Douglas Todd in getting Tenth Church's senior pastor Ken Shigematsu onto the front page of the Christmas Eve newspaper.

Tse comments that he and Todd are on the page regarding Ken.  Tse reiterates that Ken is an unusual evangelist with theological breath.  Tse writes, "And he also has a Doctor of Ministry from Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union in spirituality ... from which his new book is derived."

Tse further notes, "By appealing to the natural sciences, Doug is placing Ken's comments in a liberal Protestant framework."  Tse also says, "Professor Pamela Klassen, of the U. of Toronto, says of liberal Prostestantism that, "It is better situated as a 'scientific supernaturalism,' a desire to bring together strands in the natural sciences with the transcendent."

Ecstatic because Doug has gotten Shigematsu such prominent coverage Tse gloats, " ... the front page of the Vancover Sun has called for theological reconciliation around the beauty of contemplation."
http://religioethnicwired.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-liberal-on-evangelical-on-christmas.html

January 10, 2014:  "Ken Shigematsu: Life Giving Rhythms--A Rule of Life" by Flyn Richie in "Church for Vancouver"

Shigematsu's Thomas Merton Society Address:  Flyn Richie posts a "Church for Vancouver" January 2014 memo from The Thomas Merton Society of Canada of Dr. Ken Shigematsu's presentation of "Life Giving Rhythms" that evening at St. Andrew's United Church, Vancouver.  Richie notes Ken draws from both eastern and western perspectives in his writing and speaking.  Richie also adds Ken is a holder of a doctorate in spiritual theology and author of the best-selling book God in My Everything.
http://churchforvancouver.ca/calendar/ken-shigematsu-life-giving-rhythms-a-rule-of-life/

Couple this with the previous article where Merton devotee Rev. Don Grayston told of his meeting Ken on a Thomas Merton cruise; and the quoting of Merton in Ken's book and sermons one can only surmise that Thomas Merton's work has surely influenced Shigematsu.

January 2014: Shigematsu Scheduled at One-Day Arrow Leadership Grad Events

Finding Rhythm Events:  "Finding Rhythm for a Sustainable Life and Ministry" were scheduled at various Canadian venues to introduce Arrow Leadership Members to Ken's Benedictine "Rule of Life" Trellis Talks for his new book.
http://www.arrowleadership.org/news/over-325-experience-rhythm-for-a-sustainable-life-and-leadership/  View both videos!
http://www.arrowleadership.org/news/alumni-one-day-arrow-events-mark-your-calendar/

Academic Partnerships:  Now, some may say why should one worry about what Shigematsu is doing--he's up in Canada.  How foolish is this for Ken's God in My Everything is spreading world wide through media technology, and face to face talks.  While researching this book I found this Arrow Announcement:  "Arrow leaders have a number of exceptional opportunities to leverage their highly personalized and practical Arrow experience at premiere schools."  (Remember Arrow is Leighton Ford's legacy!)   And what premiere schools are these?  Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Acadia Divinity College, Briercrest College and Seminary, Nyack Theological Seminary,* and Wheaton College Graduate School.  At this Arrow site potential students could immediately click onto the college of their choice for more information. 

*  At Nyack Dr. Martin Sanders, whose mentor and endorser of Martin's work and book is Leighton Ford, is part of this program.  Sanders, too, is one of Ford's former Arrow men just as Shigematsu.  Sanders, also, is named in Ken's God in My Everything.  (p.134)
http://www.arrowleadership.org/program/academic-credit/

July 2014: Shigematsu Speaks at Canada's 2014 Christian and Missionary Alliance Assembly

A Global Thinker:  Ken's speaker bio states as a global thinker he is honored to serve as a trustee for World Vision of Canada.  It goes on to highlight God in My Everything saying people can experience Christ, not only through their formal prayers, but in every other area through "a rule of life."
http://vimeo.com/channels/738827/page:2 

September 2014:  Ken Endorses Michael Yankoski's New Book: The Sacred Year

It Will Restore Your Soul!  Shigematsu joins a host of other endorsers as: Philip Yancey, Phyllis Tickle, Shane Claiborne, Dave Gibbons, Barbara Taylor Brown, Richard Stearn, and many more to gives thumbs up to Yankoski's new work.  Ken enthuses, "It will restore your soul."  Psalm 23:3 reads, "He (the Shepherd!) restoreth my soul."

Oblate of St. Benedict:  Yankoski and his wife (both named in God in My Everything) are pursuing PhDs at the University of Notre Dame; and Mike, in addition, is a (noviate) Oblate of St. Benedict.

Sacred Year Saga:  Mike's sacred year saga began with a "monastery visit" where Yankoski's marvelous monk mentor --Father Solomon-- seemed to have all the answers.  Solomon suggested Mike retreat from life's "carnival" to take time out to try out a variety of spiritual practices.  And so Mike set out to discover his "true self."

Apple Contemplation:  A practice Mike tried was "Apple Meditation" where Mike focused on an apple for long periods so as to increase his attention.  This practice is akin to one mentioned in February 2014 in Time magazine's article "The Mindful Revolution" whose author, Kate Pickert, did "Raisin Contemplation."  It would seem that Ken's friend Mike is into mindfulness as well!
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ThomasNelson/SacredYear/The+Sacred+Year+Sample+Ch.pdf

November 2014: Shigematsu at New Life Fellowship Church, Queens, NY

Such a Gift to the Kingdom!:  Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship (former senior pastor was Pete Scazzero) tweets Shigematsu will be leading their Leadership Conference in November.  Then he tweets, "Such a gift to the kingdom!"
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SHte3BF-zE

Unseminary Program October 2014:  Just prior to Ken's New Life visit, Villodas was interviewed on the Unseminary program by Pastor Rich Birch.  On that program Birch and Villodas discuss a need for "a rule of life."  At the conclusion, Birch asks Villodas for a book recommendation.  And you guessed it, Villodas recommended God in My Everything. 
http://www.unseminary.com/richvillodas/ 

November 14-16, 2014: "Shigematsu in Manila, Philippines at Grace Christian Church

God in My Everything Sessions:  Ken spreads his book to the Philippines presenting four sessions at a Spiritual Life Conference.  And so this deceptive book goes round the world!
https://www.facebook.com/GraceChristianChurchPhilippines/photos/a.181184874991.159844.181159899991/10153167686294992/?type=1&theater

Chapter Fifteen: "Sharing the Presence:"   To be fair, in a review of this book one can't skip over chapter fifteen where Ken shares the gospel by talking about the " The Four Sides of the Gospel"-- a helpful picture which came from Bryant Myers a former vice president of World Vision.  Ken details examples of people who found Christ: a Buddhist, a Cambodian man, a Tenth Church member, a Muslim, he himself, and his family. (pp.199-213)

A Double Message:  This then is the dilemma of this book--it gives a double message with parts of it on target, while others lean Catholic. (And into "meditation" in all of Ken's book talks.) This chapter makes what has gone before so sad, and so confusing.  Ken introduces us over and over to Catholic practices and adherents as if they were born again Christians--he makes no distinctions and points out no warnings. 

Former Catholic Mike Gendron (pro-gospel.org)  has written a provocative piece titled "Catholic Christians-Is This an Oxymoron?"   In it Mike writes, "By definition we will propose a Christian is one who believes the Gospel while a Catholic is one who believes the official teaching and tradtions of his church (presented by paragraph number from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.)  Mike then goes through the topics of authority, justification, regeneration, salvation, saints and priests, the Lord's supper, and condemnation giving both sides.  Here's an example from "Saints and Priests:"  A Christian becomes a saint when the Spirit baptizes him into the body of Christ.  A Catholic becomes a saint only if the Pope canonizes them.  A Christian is a priest.  A Catholic needs a priest."  Mike also added scripture for every part!

Mike concludes this paper like this: "These thirteen teachings of Roman Catholicism demonstrate that a Catholic Christian is indeed an oxymoron.  They also affirm how man made traditions nullify the Word of God. (Mark 7:7-13).  There are many Evangelicals and Roman Catholics who are unaware of how diametrically opposed Catholic dogmas are to the Word of God.  The truth must be told.  Catholics who believe they are Christians must be lovingly confronted with the truth.  Evangelicals must be educated so they can proclaim the true gospel to Catholics instead of uniting with them under a compromised, and diluted gospel. ... in  the final analysis truth mixed with error never hurts error, it only contaminates the truth."

Shigematsu's Rome-Colored Glasses

In summary, Shigematsu wears "Rome-colored glasses" showing his admiration for and his fascination with Catholicism, while at the same time clinging onto evangelical teachings. This sadly results in such confusion, and such deception drawing undiscerning persons deeper into a system that is another gospel--one that adds on to the simple gospel of  John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father, but by me."  So if you've been tempted to mix teachings of Roman Catholicism with the clear message of the Word; I would implore you to remove your "Rome-colored glasses" putting on your "Scriptural Spectacles," and as an inquisitive Berean dig into the Word rather than the "rules of St. Benedict" to find truth.

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: Philippians 1:9-11

Perfect for the New Year this Pauline Discernment Prayer says it all!
"And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."