A New Earth An Old Deception

Featured heavily on Oprah and touted by critics and readers alike, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle is finding a huge following in the culture. Promoting ideas and beliefs that seem godly and good, this bestselling book is wrapping the country in a cocoon of sound spirituality. Or is it?

It may sound right---almost Christian, in fact---but something isn't quite right says Richard Abanes, the author of such books as The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code. Equipping Christians with biblical answers and viewpoints, Abanes helps believers---as well as the curious---understand that Eckhart Tolle's message is dangerous.

Easy to read, A New Earth, An Old Deception is a concise refutation of the Oprah-promoted bestseller, providing a clear biblical response to this new age message. Topics include Tolle's misuse of Scripture, false teachings on God, the Bible's teaching on evil, A New Earth's version of salvation compared to God's plan, and much more.

 

This book can be ordered from Christianbooks.com

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 9781441203137
ISBN-13: 9781441203137

 

Charismatic Chaos

The charismatic movement has made an impact on the church unparalleled in history. But one legacy of the movement is confusion and mushy thinking. In Charismatic Chaos, John MacArthur calls for biblical evaluation and analyzes the doctrinal differences between charismatics and non-charismatics in the light of Scripture.

 

"My principal concern," writes MacArthur, "is to call the church to a firm commitment to the purity and authority of the Scriptures, and thereby to strengthen the unity of the true church." To tough questions that seem to divide, Charismatic Chaos provides tougher answers that strive to unite. This book tackles such questions as:

Is experience a valid test of truth?
Does God still give revelation?
Prophets, fanatics, or heretics?
Does God still heal?
What should we think of the Signs and Wonders movement?
Does the Bible promise health and wealth?

This Book can be purchased at Christianbook.com

PuBlisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN: 0310575729
ISBN-13: 9780310575726

Health, Wealth & Happiness

The desire for a thriving, healthy, and productive life is as strong as ever, especially in tough economic times. As people become more disillusioned at the state of the economy, they also become more susceptible to the lure of the prosperity gospel and its teachings of health, wealth, and happiness for the faithful. But what happens when the promise of prosperity overshadows the promise of the real gospel--the gospel of Christ?

Believing that the prosperity gospel is constructed upon faulty theology, authors David W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge take a closer look at five crucial areas of error relating to the prosperity gospel. In a fair but firm tone, the authors discuss the history and theology of the prosperity gospel movement to reveal its fraudulent core biblical teachings that have been historically and popularly misinterpreted, even by some of today's most well-known pastors. After an introduction and assessment of the movement, readers are invited to take a look at Scripture to understand what the Bible really says about wealth, poverty, suffering, and giving.

Theologically sound but acessible to all readers, Health, Wealth & Happiness: Has the Prosperity Gospel Overshadowed teh Gospel of Christ is sure to become a trusted resource for laypersons, pastors, and Christian leaders.

David W. Jones (Ph.D, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian ethics at Sputheastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is the author of more than a dozen articles and books that cover a wide range of moral issues.  His Ph.D is in the field of financial ethics.

Russell S. Woodbridge (Ph.D, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an asistant professor of theology and church history currently engaged in missions work in Eastren europe.  He is a former vice-president for Equity Derivatives trading for Salomon Brothers AG in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

This book can be purchased at Christianbook.com - click here

Publisher: Kregel Publications
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 0825429307
ISBN-13: 9780825429309

Psychology and the Church



For nearly two thousand years prior to the rise of modern psychiatry and psychotherapy, the church has ministered to believers experiencing mental, emotional, and behavioral problems by using the teachings of the Scriptures and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Contemporary Christianity’s embrace of psychology raises an important question: Was there an insufficiency on the part of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit during those two millennia that made it necessary for the church to turn to modern psychotherapy in order to more effectively address a Christian’s problems of living?

Crucial answers to that question will be the focus of this program, as we consider the influence of psychological counseling upon the church. In the history of contemporary Christendom, no secular enterprise has had such a profound influence on Christianity as has psychological counseling. The critical questions raised by these developments is: Have they been helpful or harmful to the body of Christ? T.A. McMahon, co-author of The Seduction of Christianity, is your host for this ground-breaking documentary. Featuring perspectives and insights of both Christian and secular experts including Martin and Deidre Bobgan, Tana Dineen and Dave Hunt, this powerful presentation exposes the roots—and results—of Christianity’s embrace of the beliefs of Freud, Jung, Rogers, Maslow and others.

 

PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries
Ministry Website: www.psychoheresy-aware.org
 

Thinking about Eternity - A Biblical Study of Eternal Matters

Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the

Judgment Seat of Christ

There are misconceptions about the judgment seat (Bema) for believers, and what will happen when the Christian goes home to be with the Lord. This book helps to bring clarity. What the author writes may challenge a preconceived belief about what you might of thought your meeting with Christ would produce. Although Salvation is guaranteed for the believer who accepts Christ by faith Eph 2:8,9, but rewards will vary. Our deeds and motives will be examined. Lutzer writes: The purpose of our trials and temptations here is to train us for ruling with Christ. We will either be commended or we will have shame at His coming. 1 John 2:28 The key elements outstanding in this equation is Faithfulness and obedience to Christ. How we do here might determine our status in heaven for all eternity.

The Judgment seat will reveal the type of person we really are. Although there are similarities between the Bema and the White Throne judgment 2 Cor. 5:10 tells us all will appear at one or the other: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Lutzer lists several qualities Christ will be looking for: acceptance of injustice, Financial generosity, hospitality, spiritual disciplines, faithfulness in our vocation, loving the unlovable, doctrinal integrity, investment in people, watching for Christ return and acceptance of suffering. There is much encouragement for the Christian to stand firm in the faith.

A popular opinion you’ll hear Christians say; “Christ won’t be asking about your doctrine when you get to heaven”. Pastor Lutzer clarifies this with scripture by directing the reader to 2 John 1 and verse 8 where we are warned of deceivers and false teaching and it’s damaging spiritual affects that will bear on the outcome of a full-reward. Sound doctrine not only protects us from false teaching but will merit a more complete reward on the day of Judgment. This book is a good starting point of study.

Erwin W. Lutzer  has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years and has written numerous books. He is also a featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.” Running to win radio - http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/  and is the author of many christian books.   It can be ordered at Christianbook.com

Copyright © 1998
Publisher Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802441920

 

Reading/Review date: July 2010

A Book on the Prophetic Movement

Why I Left the Prophetic Movement

The Author Andrew Strom tells of what he has seen occurring at a Conference in Kansas City and how he discerned it. He describes what he saw going on there was so disturbing, pagan and ungodly that he left the Prophetic Movement. Strom believes that the movement is dominated by a spirit of divination and fortune-telling, and believes that it is beyond reform.

We are not in agreement with some things in the book, such as Strom disparaging remarks about discernment ministries, who have warned the Church of these false teachings for years. But he does bring up some very important points and examines what is happening within the Prophetic Movement and appeals to Scripture. Strom gives a strong warning to those who have been “Touched” and who are involving themselves in the manifestations, visitations, and experiences that are occurring in recent revivals, and as to those claiming to be prophets such as : Todd Bentley, Patricia King, and others. Those involved need to renounce it, in Jesus Name, with your mouth, and then have nothing more to do with it!

There is a good section in the book on IHOP and the modern Prayer Movement and it’s “Bridal Paradigm” - the Romancing Jesus teachings that are promoted in popular Contemporary Christian Music of today, and how this distorts a Christian’s true understanding of Christ and God’s Holiness. Some are justifying their own beliefs in this teaching based on Mystics who are quoted and teach these beliefs and supporting it, they somehow believe that this makes it correct or that this ’Bridal/Romancing Jesus teaching is supported in the Bible when clearly these teachings are not in scripture. Strom plainly shows how these extra-biblical teachings can lead an unsuspecting listener to accept false teachings and can open a Christian up to unclean and deceitful spirits.

The chapter on why correcting false teachings is NOT a Matthew 18 matter, was especially helpful. One thing I didn’t like about the book was it’s critical references to heresy hunters, yet Strom’s own chapter on discernment is no different than what ‘heresy hunters’ and/or discernment ministries have been warning the Church about for years and have been solidly standing firm in the faith on the truth of God‘s word.

 

 

We bought this book in early June/2008, someone we know was involved with Todd Bentley’s ministry school and revival teachings and read some sections of this book to her. This helped the person to evaluate the teachings of this movement and reconsider their involvement, but for some, seldom is this truly possible so quickly, since the teachings, peer-pressure and fleshy appeal is so seductive. It is always advisable to continually pray for those who have gotten involved with these teachings.

Copyright © 2008 - Andrew Strom

Publisher - Revival School

ISBN: 13: 978-0-9799073-0-2

Reading/ Reviewed: July 14,2008

What Oprah is Teaching Millions About Spirituality

“O” God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah’s Spirituality

A book that has a unique apologetic approach to addressing the Spirituality that is promoted by Oprah Winfrey and her many guests she’s had over the years. The book is a dialogue of two women that are huge fans of Oprah and their journey to find the truth.

Pantheism and Eastern Spirituality has been steadily rising in the West, thanks in part to Oprah and many of her guests, friends and book club books she promotes through her TV shows. New Age spirituality keep coming with every New Season, promoting a new age spirituality and pluralism that many may not truly know what is being served up theologically and why these teachings are not consistent and contradict Christianity. If you are unfamiliar with how Oprah and her guests beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs this book will give you some basics on the theology and doctrines being taught and how to Stand Firm in the Faith and discern the differences.

Books and Authors such as “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne’s, James Ray, Elizabeth Gilbert author of “Eat, Pray, Love, Eckhart Tolle author of “A New Earth” and Marianne Williamson, and others, literally were skyrocketed to fame with appearances on the Oprah Show, and their book sales are in the millions.

Oprah draws millions of followers due to her likeable personality, her generosity and down-to-earth charm. With it being reported in the news today of Oprah’s possible consideration of a move of her program to Los Angeles, she may have more influence then ever. This is a good book to give to a friend that may be dabbling with New Age spirituality. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book which makes it great for study groups.

After reading the book, there could not be enough said about discerning what Oprah Winfrey and her guests are promoting, and it is consistent with what the teaching found says to do: 1 John 4:1 “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Josh McDowell is the Author of 110 books including the best sellers More than a Carpenter and New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Dave Sterrett has ministered to students and educators with Josh McDowell in Russia, Poland, and the United States. Sterrett also partners with Probe Ministries International in Plano, Texas and teaches on Christ-centered living and Christian apologetics at conferences, schools and churches.

Copyright © 2009

Publisher - WND Books

ISBN: 978-1-935071-17-4

Reading /Review Date: November 2009

"O" God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality

A discussion with Dave Sterrett and Josh McDowell on the book

 

SEE VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/J2Zs-H6hAJM

 

Scripture Twisting

Scripture Twisting -20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible by James W. Sire



How often have you encountered some bizarre doctrine only to be stunned to hear a Bible verse used to support it? How are they able to twist Scripture to mean something orthodox Christians never believed it to mean?   This book is a must read for every Christian. James W. Sire has given the Christian a most useful tool as to the “20 ways Cults misread the Bible“. You will see how cults twist and Misread the Scriptures. You will learn how to detect a counterfeit gospel, as well as how to read the Bible for yourself. This is a 177 page book that packs a lot of information into it’s pages.  

The book also covers several worldviews. James W. Sire has isolated twenty separate kinds of reading errors which are characteristically made by cultists as they interpret the Bible. He covers simple misquotation to complex argumentation and more. This book will help safeguard you and your family from deception. It was exceptionally helpful to me after discovering a loved one was drawn into an unbiblical belief system. This book should be in every Christian’s library, and should be given to every new Christian believer.  

James W. Sire holds a Ph.D in English from the University of Missouri, Columbia and is editor of InterVarsity Press.

Published by InterVarsity Press  http://www.ivpress.com/

Copyright © 1980

Scripture Twisting -20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible - James W. Sire

ISBN - 0-87784-611-1 holds a Ph.D in English from the University of Missouri, Columbia and is editor of InterVarsity Press.

Christianbook.com: Scripture Twisting

Review Date: June 2006