A Good Biblical Defense

The Truth Behind Ghosts, Medium’s & Psychic Phenomena - Ron Rhodes






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 In this excellent book by author Ron Rhodes, he gives an exceptional biblical refutation and defense and gives biblical reasons why Christians and non-Christians alike should be highly discerning of what Psychics are promoting and teaching people to believe from their books and TV appearances.

A few of the questions addressed in this book are: Do ghosts in any shape or form exist?  Why is there a rise in psychic phenomena today?  What do psychics believe about God, Jesus, and salvation?  What is Satan’s role with the paranormal? How can parents protect their family from the psychic trend? These questions and more are answered.

The Occult and psychic phenomena have always been forbidden from the Bible, (Deut. 18:10-13), yet today we are seeing an absolute acceleration of interest in psychics, ghosts, the supernatural, and the Paranormal.  In the author’s observation of these trends Rhodes refers to “The 1960’s brought a massive invasion of Eastern Philosophy into the West…this openness to Eastern Religions was largely a reaction against traditional western values,”

What Psychics are promoting, Ron Rhodes warns, is ‘Another Gospel’ and is not in accord to the teachings in Scripture. In the book a few popular Psyichics are featured. You may have seen these Psychic’s books in Christian book sections of popular bookstores and other retailers, that is because some psychics say they are Christian, but what they believe is far from Christian theology and what is taught in the Bible. 

 Ron Rhodes is president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, and is heard on nationwide radio. He is well-known as a writer and researcher of Christian articles and travels extensively as a  Conference Speaker and Lecturer and is the author of many Christian books.  He holds a Th.M. and Th.D degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Ron Rhodes is well known for his work in Apologetic Ministry. Visit  - Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry website at: http://www.ronrhodes.org/Ministry.html

Copyright © 2006

Published by Harvest House Publishers - http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/  

Author: Ron Rhodes

ISBN: 13: 978-0-7369-1907-4

Can be order from: Christianbook.com

Review Date: February 2007  

Christianizing Yoga



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Yoga and the Body of Christ: What Position Should Christians Hold?

Many Christians are ignoring yoga’s spiritual roots in Hinduism and eastern religions. This book goes into the deeper spiritual issues for the Christian to make an informed decision on this subject.

The author gives an account of yoga’s history and practices with compelling research and analysis of yoga. In some forms of yoga, (such as Hatha and Kundalini) occult dangers may befall those who practice it. The author cites; that with increased numbers of people practicing yoga and (eastern) meditation through ‘altered states; ‘self-realization’, and ‘spiritual awakening’, terrifying experiences are being reported. Every Christian should be informed of the true origins and effects of the practice of yoga

In this book by Dave Hunt, he challenges the scientific claims used to support the practices of yoga, giving in-depth details of it’s spiritual roots, it’s relationship to reincarnation, and also cites hidden abuses. Although yoga promises peace, healing and wholeness to those who practice it, in fact, it’s based on the worship of, and prepares participants for supernatural connection with) unholy spirits that manifest in dangerous ways. Dave Hunt is warning Christians to be discerning and instructs the reader that the spiritual deception behind Yoga is comparable to the seductive lie of the serpent’s promise to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:5.

Dave Hunt is a best-selling author and researcher and lecturer, whose works have been translated into more than 40 languages. Over 4 million copies of his books have been sold.  Dave Hunt also challenges listeners on the weekly radio program 'Search the Scriptures Daily' heard on over 350 stations nationwide. Visit the Ministry website "The Berean Call" at:  http://www.thebereancall.org/

Copyright © 2006

Published by the Berean Call -  by Author: Dave Hunt

ISBN: 1-928660-48-7

Reading / Review Date: October 19, 2006

Revolution

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Revolution - George Barna

George Barna is not fuzzy about what he defines in the book ‘Revolution’. But after reading it, the question still stands--is this a biblically sound direction that believers should embrace? Although the author George Barna gives some essentials, it is still describing a redefined Christianity.

In summary, from the back cover, the book claims to examine the state of the church today and to document how and why a new brand of devout revolutionaries are abandoning and leaving the local church while attempting to become the Church that Christ commissioned.

But, you don’t fine statistical examples in the book about the many Christian believers who were asked to leave their church if they didn’t adhere to the ‘seeker-sensitive’ programs and changes taking place, or how may born again committed Christians were ostracized for verbalizing biblical and theological concerns with the model of church their churches were emulating due to the popularity of the Purpose-driven books and church growth programs. These changes coming into Churches continued to mutate into what is being called the Emergent Church movement.

At the end of the book, the author lists ‘Recommended resources for ‘Revolutionaries’ and the list reveals---Emergent Church leaders and Authors such as Brian McLaren and L.Sweet, and websites favorable to the Emergent Movement.

The purpose-driven movement and now the Emerging Movement have brought BIG changes into the majority of America’s Churches that not every Christian agrees with. Trying to discuss these concerns with a Pastor brought serious consequences for us and  some Christians mark them as troublemakers, and some were labeled as disrupting the unity of the body and they are forced to leave.

It seems to group all these committed Christians into a ‘Revolution’ with the same motives as those written about in his book, isn’t realistic or entirely right. A careful theological approach is needed in reading this book; it is too easy to get swept-up in the hype and emotional appeal of the message in the book, without carefully examining it to Scripture.

George Barna is well-known for being a Pollster and researcher in the evangelical church. He is founder and directing leader of the Barna Group. George Barna has written over 35 books.

Copyright © 2005  -  George Barna

Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

ISBN 13-978-1-4143-0758-9

The Marks of a Cult

The Marks of a Cult - David Breese

It seems that in our day, many forget what the Bible says about false prophets and false teachers in 2 Peter 2: 1-3   This book was released in 1998, and still serves very well as a excellent book for anyone who may be searching for answers as to what a cult is, and what the danger signs may be. The author’s writing is excellent in it’s description of a cult.

As an example, here is a quote from the book in chapter 1 entitled: Why cults prosper: “A Cult is a religious perversion. It is a belief and practice centered in false doctrine in the world of religion that calls for devotion to a religious ‘view’ or ‘leader’. It is an organized heresy. A cult may take many forms, but it is basically a religious movement that distorts or warps orthodox faith to the point where truth becomes perverted into a lie.”

David Breese writes it is impossible to define a cult except in contrast to the absolute standard of the teachings of Holy Scripture.” Each chapter gives a biblical sound definition of what a cult is. This book is an essential that Christians should know to inoculate themselves from false teaching. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall way from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Tim. 4:1)

© 1998

Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR

ISBN - 1-56507-818-7

Review Date: August 2006

Coping With The Cults

Coping with the Cults - Lorri MacGregor



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This book will help prepare you to identify a cult from a Christian perspective. You will also learn how scriptures are twisted, and misrepresented and will be able to give a biblical answer. There is an excellent appendix at the end of the book on various groups and what they think of Christ and a chapter on how to witness effectively to cults. We have found this book to be a valuable resource.

Lorri and Keith MacGregor have been in full-time ministry since 1979 and their experience is reflected in her writing as she gives answers to some of the most misunderstood aspects of the cults. If you are looking for an easy to read quick reference guide on cults, this small book will equip you to defend the gospel and expose false teaching. We highly recommend this book for bible study groups as well as for personal study. Please vist the website for information about the ministry and To order visit MM Outreach order page

Copyright © 1997

Published by MacGregor Ministries

Coping with the Cults - Practical Insight for Concerned Christians

Lorri MacGregor

Website: MM Outreach Inc.  http://mmoutreach.org/

ISBN - 1-895605-24-5

Review Date: July 2006

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

The Vanishing Word

The Vanishing Word - The Veneration of Visual Imagery in the Postmodern World - Arthur W. Hunt III  



 In our technologically advanced age the value of the written word is being lost. Arthur W. Hunt III reveals that we have entered a high-tech version of the Dark Ages, but he admits he is not the first to do so. He shows how the Judeo-Christian heritage is characteristically word-dependent, and contrasts this with Paganism, which typically has been image-dependent. The book shows how the Dark Ages of Europe illustrate what can happen when a culture lapses from the written word, and that image has supplanted the word, causing pagan forms to return.

The Bible calls Babylon “the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication” Revelation 17:1,2. Spiritually, Babylon is the relentless competitor of revealed religion and strives to change the truth of God into a lie, by idolizing the creature over the Creator (Romans 1:25). The term mystery Babylon is allegorical for the political religious systems of ancient Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, Greece, and Rome all of which bowed to the image.

The Author shows the reader examples of this by giving a historical account of how this is leading our present society into Idolatry and Paganism. The devaluation of the written word is leaving people defenseless against counterfeits and leaves them open for whatever trend comes along. This book takes a close examination of our media saturated culture.

This book is a clear warning that the church is being cut off from its word-based heritage. We are open to abuse by those who exploit the image but neglect the Word. Thoughtful readers will find this a challenging call to be critical about the images bombarding our senses and to affirm that “the Word is everything.”

© 2003
Published by Crossway Books   http://www.crossway.org/   
The Vanishing Word - Arthur W. Hunt III
ISBN 1-58134-404-X
Christianbook.com: The Vanishing Word

Review Date: June 2006