2 Kings 17:32-33
They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought. (NIV)

In ancient Israel, it was common for people to try to have the best of two worlds. In public, they would be devoted followers of Yahweh God, and be very particular to law of Moses. In private, they would have their own ways of worship and lifestyle, and this would often be done in “high places”; areas in their lives set aside to worship and live as they wanted in the privacy of their homes.

When we read the history of Israel, it is very easy to get a mindset of, “Well, what are these people doing now? What more does God have to do for them to get them to follow Him wholeheartedly?”

I admit, I’ve had these thoughts when reading the historical or biographical poritions of scripture. Then the Holy Spirit started to personalize those passages for me.

Let me do that for you and modernize this passage a little bit.

2 Kings 17:32-33 (P. John’s amplified modern translation)

“They worshipped the Lord, but they also had in their houses many forms of entertainment, to which they devoted themselves in spite of the warnings to avoid these very things found in God’s Word. They followed their soap operas, their sitcoms, and their reality TV. In addition, they even provoked the Lord to anger with their HBO and Sin-a-max (purposefully misspelled). They worshipped the Lord, but they served and looked just like the nations they were called out of to be a witness. Although they attended church on Sundays, and carried huge study bibles to show their religiosity to everyone, they provoked the Lord to anger by also worshipping the world that His Beloved Son died to save them from.”

Let me ask the question, “What are we doing now? What more does God have to do to get us to follow him wholeheartedly?”

Before people think I’m being “holier than thou”, this is something that the Lord has been hitting me heavy on. I was in staff prayer this morning with the Prayer House staff and was praying over this community and begging God for a revival to break out, for people to understand their need for Christ, and for Jesus’ name to again be held in honor instead of being a common curse word.

God’s reply was simple- His people, particularly those in church leadership, need to get rid of their high places, and then He will move. (2 Chron 7:13-15)

What high places are in your life? If God suddenly appeared in your TV room, would you be ashamed by what is on the screen? Do you give more in time and treasure toward entertainment then toward making sure that the church has enough help and/or money to serve it’s community, and spread the Gospel throughout the world through missions? If God did an audit on your checkbook, would He find that the money He gave you to steward was being used wisely and for eternal purposes?

Just a few questions that God is asking me…and I freely admit it has challenged and convicted me.

How about you?

Love and blessings,

John A. Oscar
Evangelism Pastor
Prayer House Assembly of God

Pray for Israel

With all of the attention given the health care bill this week, a news story that contains much more far reaching consequences for our country went largely unnoticed. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was snubbed by the White House and our current president when he came to visit and talk about new construction in East Jerusalem.

Background-
Israel wants to build apartment buildings in an area of a city (Jerusalem, Eastern part specifically; it contains the Temple Mount and borders the Mount of Olives) that they've had in their possession for over 35 years. Israel won this area during the 6-Day-War, after a coalition of Arab nations came against Israel in an attempt to destroy the fledgling nation. Israel has kept these lands, even though some in the United Nations claim the lands are disputed and really should belong to the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people are a group comprising of largely former Jordanians (approx 80%) or nationless people, that live in and around Israel. They are generally opposed to the very existence of Israel, as Israel is now occupying land that was their people's prior to Israel re-becoming a nation in 1948 (ignoring that Israel had that land two thousand of year prior).

Currently-
Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the White House this week in order to explain Israel's position and his belief that as a sovereign nation, they have a right to build whatever housing they want on their soil. When the prime minister would not acquiesce to President Obama's insistence that Israel should stop the construction to keep his plans for a peace treaty alive, President Obama walked out of the meeting and told the prime minister to call him when he changed his mind. To do this to a "regular person" would be quite rude, but to a foreign head of state, especially one that is allied with the United States, it is inexcusable.

I know many people would claim that President Obama is a Christian. However, given his policies, beliefs about social issues, and the people that he surrounds himself with, I don't see it. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 you will know them (false Christians) by their actions (fruits). One indication of a heart that is hard toward the things of God is a hatred toward Israel. President Obama has gone out of his way to be conciliatory to every Muslim, Buddhist, or other national figure that he has gone overseas to visit, or has visited him in Washington. However, whenever an Israeli leader visits, he is rude and insistent that he gets his way.

America has long stood behind Israel because of it's Judeo-Christian heritage. Historically, we have understood the promise from the bible that "Whoever blesses you (Israel, through Abraham) will be blessed, and whoever curses you (Israel) will be cursed" (Gen 12) . However, with the current president, that relationship is becoming more and more strained. President Obama has surrounded himself with people that have spoken out publicly of their hatred of Israel, and often blame Israel for most of the problems in the middle east region. These beliefs have culminated in a rejection of Israels right to sovereignty, and in insulting it's prime minister.

I was very troubled by this, as I know that America has largely rejected God on it's own, and the only thing holding back His wrath is America's friendship and support of Israel. However, with that apparently disappearing, the floodgates of judgment could be opening further on our country. As I prayed about these things this morning, God showed me a few things that may bring some comfort-

1. As wonderful as our support of Israel has been, it may be holding Israel back from revival and completely trusting God. Israel has a historic tendency to look to foreign governments for it's survival (biblical Egypt in particular) instead of looking to their God.
2. The prophetic events of Ezekiel 37 have largely taken place in that the nation of Israel has been reborn (dry bones living). In order for the events of Ezekiel 38-39 to take place, Israel will have to be standing alone and in peace with it's neighbors in order for the nations of north and those that surround them to attack them unexpectedly. No one dares to attack Israel directly now because of our pledge of protection.
3. In another news story, Russia and the USA have announced new atomic weapons treaties, further reducing the number of warheads each country has. This favors Russia much more than the USA as the Russian government can't afford to continue maintaining these arms. It also gives the world the illusion that Russia is interested in peace. Quite the contrary....

If you are following our church's reading list for the day, you are in Isaiah. The prophet tells us this- "You who call upon the Lord, give yourselves no rest; and give HIM no rest, until He establishes Jerusalem, and makes her the praise of all the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7).

Continue to lift up Israel in your prayers. Pray that she be protected. Pray that she come to know her God. Most of all, pray that she, nationwide, come to know her Messiah, Christ Jesus.

Many blessings

Thought for the Day

If God has a book of rememberance....what is He going to write in His book today about us?

"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.'" Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
Mal 3:14-16 NIV

Rev 21:12 says that one day the books will be opened. One of those books will be John Oscar's book of rememberance when I stand before HIM to give an account of my life.

Will I be ashamed, or will I rejoice with HIM because of the way I lived my life. If we believe that what we believe is really real, then we should live in holy fear thinking ahead toward that day with every decision we have to make.

"Lord, stamp eternity on my mind, heart, and soul. May every thought, word, and decision I make today reflect my total belief that I will stand before you one day to give an account."

Love and blessings,

Thought for the Week- August 24th, 2009

Luke 1:54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy

This weekend was my 20th High School Reunion. I wasn’t planning on going so I didn’t sign up for it at all. I really didn’t have many friends in high school that would attend the reunion, so I didn’t feel a need to go.
This last Friday I was asked by the YAH (Young at Heart growth group) to be their projectionist for their movie night at church. I gladly accepted as I needed alone time to work on my sermon for Saturday anyway. I set up the movie for them, and went to my office and spent some quality time with God in prayer and study of His word.

After the event was over, the thought came to me that the “ice-breaker” was being held at a restaurant on the way home, so I called Tammie and told her that I might stop by. Besides, I knew David and Amy Maack would be there, so I’d at least have them to talk to.

I walked into the noisy and very crowded restaurant and found the Maacks standing by themselves. I got over to them and had a good time talking to David for along time about various issues as Amy caught up with several of her choir/music friends. As I sat there talking, I watch as my former classmates caught up with each other about what was going on in their lives. It being an adult gathering, there was a lot of alcohol being consumed, and its effects were becoming apparent on several people. After about an hour, I excused myself at went home.

I felt strange the next few days thinking about that night. It was a confusing array of nostalgia, regret, pain, and remembrance- emotions I rarely allow myself to indulge in. I really didn’t talk to anyone except David, and mostly just watched the people that were there. I couldn’t put a finger on exactly how I felt about it until Sunday morning. As my church family worshipped God together, the Holy Spirit moved two people in the service to give “words” from God. One of them dealt with God’s birthing process, and the pressure that brings new life into the world.

Then it hit me- throughout all the conflicting emotions and noise of that night, I finally figured out what God was trying to say to me. He was calling to remembrance the person I was the last time I was with these people. I, like Paul, “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 1:13)”
God was reminding me the great works HE has done in my life. Although I might not have the earthly position, status, or possessions many in my class had or now have, I was exceedingly rich in the most important and lasting ways- ways that will echo into eternity. Although the last 20 years have been ones of great trial and pain (particularly before I knew God), the reward has been a development of Godly character, substance, wisdom, and humility. Although I don’t claim to have fully obtained this (Phil 3:12-14), the person I was last time I was with those people is completely different from the person I am today. If fact, that person is dead, and the person you see before you today is alive in Christ and Christ alone!

Take a moment and have a time of remembrance this week. Allow God to take you back and rejoice with HIM in what HE has done in your life.

It will blow your mind, lift your heart, and propel your spirit into praising HIM for the exceedingly abundant blessings HE has poured out in your life!


Love and blessings!

Part 2- The Emergent Church’s “Missional” focus

Greetings everyone!

Part 2- The Emergent Church’s “Missional” focus

To most Christians, a church or movement that is defined as “missional” would be a good thing. We equate the word with those who give their lives to spreading the Gospel and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Our Christian faith has a rich history of helping the poor, building hospitals, tending to the sick, and being a force for social good as a testimony to the Savior we serve.

However, in the Emergent philosophy, missional has an entirely different meaning. Today we will look at both how they define their mission, and how they put it into practice.

The Emergent Church’s beliefs- Defining the Mission-

Last week we mentioned the eschatological (end-times) belief of the emergent church- they do not believe in a final judgment. Their belief, in varying forms, is that the church through social action and influencing the culture will change the world into heaven on earth. That is the mission of the emergent church. On the surface, it may seem like an admirable thing- bringing “Christian” principles to the forefront of society. However, even a brief look beneath the surface reveals the truth of how they go about being missional.

Emergent Church leader Brian McLaren in his book “The Secret Message of Jesus” defines this mission. McLaren writes, “What if Jesus’ secret message reveals a secret plan? What if he didn’t come to start a new religion, but rather came to start a Political, Social, Religious, Artistic, Economic, Intellectual, and Spiritual Revolution that would give birth to a whole new world?” [The Secret Message of Jesus, McLaren, Brian, pg 4]

Anyone with just a basic understanding of Christian Doctrine can see a huge problem with that. One of the key beliefs revealed to us in the bible is that God is both knowable and wants to be known. The primary way we learn about Him is through the scriptures as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. To suggest that the “secret message of Jesus” has been hidden for 2000 years until the Emergent Church leaders discovered it exposes them for what they are, neo-gnostics. Gnostism (meaning knowledge) was a heresy confronted and defeated by the early church, and has lately been gaining prominence in both books and (later) movies like “The Da-Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons”. In its most basic form, Gnostism is the belief that only through “secret knowledge” you may discover the true will of god (little “g” intentional) and experience him and/or salvation.

On a personal note, I have to say it is an incredibly egotistical belief to think that you have discovered something in the bible that centuries of brilliant theologians have not seen. This is especially true when what you think you have discovered goes against centuries of accepted Christian doctrine.

The Emergent Church in practice-

We looked at the emergent church’s beliefs first because on both a personal and corporate level, your core beliefs will always govern your actions, and this is clearly seen in the way the emergent church practices their mission.

To accomplish this mission in reaching and influencing as many people as they can, they have a “big tent” philosophy. Last week, I used the example of an emergent church in Haiti incorporating various aspects of voodoo into their service to relate with their community. Admittedly, that may be an extreme example, but it was chosen to clearly illustrate their philosophy of ministry. It all would fit under their “big tent” way of doing ministry- everyone and every belief is included, as they believe that God can be experienced in all things and in all ways. That is the belief of a Unitarian Universalist, not a biblical Christian.

The emergent church places a high value on the subjective religious experiences of its members. If a person who was previously a Buddhist came to their meeting, they would have no problem bringing those teachings into their fellowship, as they would believe “that is how God is revealing himself to that person”. As previously seen, they interpret scripture (and other religious teaching) in ways that make sense to them at the time. They reject any sort of systematic theology or objective truth. They believe god (little “g” intentional) is still in the process of creation and is continually revealing himself to them in new and different ways. Since “god” is doing that, this movement in general accepts every belief in him that is helpful to humanity.

These beliefs and practices are flawed at many levels. For the sake of brevity, I will list just three primary ones here-

1. They violate the 1st and 2nd commandment- you are creating a god that makes sense to you- essentially elevating your understanding above God’s revealed truth found in the bible
2. In incorporating other belief systems into their “church”, they are denying the wider biblical and direct Gospel message of humankind’s sin, God’s love for the sinner and His providing a way through the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of that sin. In doing that, they deny Jesus’ own teaching- “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6)
3. In raising and supporting whatever belief is “helpful to humanity”, no matter what the source of that “help” may be, they shift the object of worship from God to humanity. Again, a violation of the first two commandments.

I will close with one last warning from scripture. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes-, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The apostle Paul fought against this heresy his entire life in ministry and placed this warning in the bible for us even today-

Gal 1:6-9 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV

I hope this brief expose’ of the emergent church has been helpful to your understanding of this movement. If you would like more information, I recommend Pastor Ron’s Auch's book “The Jesus Sensitive Church” (purchase by clicking here) to see how the church is supposed to be, and then Pastor Bob DeWaay’s book “The Emergent Church, Undefining Christianity” which can be purchased by clicking here. As always, I invite any questions you may have.

Many blessings,
Pastor John
pastorjohn@prayerhouseag.org
www.prayerhouseag.org
http://pastorjohnsview.blogspot.com/

An Emerging Deception, Part 1

Greetings everyone,

There is a growing movement among many evangelical churches called the Emerging (or Emergent) Church. It is of critical importance that we understand the dangers of this movement.

I am going to come right out and give my opinion right off the bat, and then work to defend it in this and further editions in this blog- this is an extremely dangerous movement. It meets every definition of a cult. To anyone who holds to the traditional interpretation of scripture, it is a damnable error.

On the surface, it looks like a wonderful extension of Christianity- churches that are very active in their communities, very concerned about social issues, and very interested in reaching everyone with their message. However, when one takes an even slightly deeper look into their beliefs and “theology”, one finds a message and theology (or lack thereof) that is very much opposed to the classical/traditional understanding of God, theology, and even Christian Doctrine that is revealed to us in the scriptures.

I’ve been studying this in depth for the last month to try to get an understanding of the complicated issues and philosophies surrounding this movement’s belief structure. This is very difficult as one of their core beliefs is putting practice before theology/beliefs, leading to a wide array of beliefs that are dependant upon local practices. As an example, if an Emergent Church was formed in Haiti, they would incorporate voodoo into their worship practice since that is “how god is revealing himself to these people”1. This is one of the main issues I have with them, but more on that later.

My research is taken from several books, internet articles, and audio messages I’ve listened to pro and con toward this movement. The books include “A Generous Orthodoxy” by Brian McLaren, “The Secret Message of Jesus…” by the same author, miscellaneous writings and speeches/debates of Doug Pagitt, and the primary text I’m using which is “The Emergent Church, Undefining Christianity” by Bob Dewaay, which extensively quotes from the previous texts as well as several other Emerging Church leaders.

To truly understand anything, you have to examine the history and origin of it. As this series will be long, I’ll try to be concise here to save time.

The history of the Emergent Movement can be traced to the philosophy of a German theologian named Jurgen Moltmann, who was heavily influenced by two German philosophers named Friedrich Hegel (an atheist) and Ernst Bloch (an atheist/neo-Marxist). Moltmann wrote a book called “The Theology of Hope” in which he put forward several primary theses-

1. The classical teaching of the bible that the world will end in judgment is wrong (see bullet 5)
2. god (small “g” on purpose) is bringing all people and his whole creation to himself
3. The fullness of the kingdom of God is not a future event, but something we can experience now through working toward establishing that kingdom now on earth.
4. The bible is not our absolute rule of faith and conduct. god is found in experiencing him in the context of the society we are in.
5. Although not implicitly stated by Moltmann, the inference is drawn in his writings and is believed by the Emergent church that only through understanding the scriptures in the context of Moltmann’s (and other Emerging Church authors) ideas, can the true meaning of the “red-letter words” or any other scripture be found. (This heresy is called gnosticism)

Understanding this background is key to understanding where the Emergent church is coming from, particularly the faulty eschatology of no final judgment and the working out of the kingdom on earth. This “theology” (I hesitate to use that word, as they don’t really study God at all) really took root among open theists, and although initially somewhat cloaked, is what fueled Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven movement, which paved the way for the Emergent Church. In fact, the Emergent Church is simply the next logical step of Warren’s model of church.

Next Part Two- What the term “missional” means to the Emergent Church

1. McLaren, Brian, a Generous Orthodoxy, Zondervon (although the example is not directly stated, the idea of the example is exactly what he is stating)

Many blessings,

Thought for the week- May 13th, 2009

Deut 6:4-5 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

I’ve been on the edge of some type of revelation for a while now. It has been fleeting, like reaching for a steam cloud and having it disappear when you close your hand around it.

The Spirit of God has been speaking to my spirit, but I haven’t been able to comprehend or hear clearly what He has been saying or trying to teach me. Yesterday during staff, the heavens opened with a bang and I had the epiphany.

The discussion was on the proper priorities that pastors should have. The widely accepted and taught priority list is this-

1. God
2. family (spouse then children)
3. church
4. everything else

Most of us pastors get into trouble assuming #3 directly relates to #1, and in some ways it does. However, it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve had it all wrong. There is no list. I have spent the last day meditating on this, and I believe our priorities should look like this-

All of the problems in life can be traced back to this diagram. Preachers are great for telling people how to live, but often times in an effort to help people live a life pleasing to God, we reduce our relationship with Him to a set of rules and/ethical norms that have to be followed.

Those are important, but we should instead focus on teaching people to have a proper relationship with God. The law is a schoolmaster to point out our sin, but often times we (and I definitely count myself in this) come short and only point out the disease without offering the cure.

The verse from Deuteronomy that I used at the top of this devotional is called the Shema (meaning “Hear O’ Israel) among the Jews. It is their simple declaration of faith. Looking at the Hebrew in these verses, another way to translate it would be “Listen Israel, Yahweh our God is everything/altogether/our complete focus/our number 1 on a list of 1”.

Our relationship with God is not to be number 1 on a list of other things. There is no list with God. Anything else on a list with God is an idol.

All of our problems with sin, all of our problems with temptation, and all of our problems with relationships can all be traced back to this truth. If everything in our lives emanates from God, everything else in life takes care of itself.

Get alone with God and ask Him what is lacking in your relationship with Him. Let Him show you His wondrous riches and the incredible depths that He wants to take you in intimacy with Him.

It’s all about HIM! Let us covenant together to make Him our everything.

Many blessings,