on religion

The conclusion.

2014-08-19T18:19:00.001-07:00

(As seen on Facebook)

I have been grieving some things as I write "on religion" blogposts, and working out how things I've observed and experienced in the evangelical church have been as dysfunctional as an addicted family. I've seen good things happen as a result of better writers than I (and I believe God sovereignly at work) speaking to terrible situations in the church. I'm seeing good things happen where people are waking up to the grip of man-made religion and cult-like mentalities in groups with whom I grew up affiliated or connected. I'm seeing people freed from the grip of spiritual abuse speaking out in love as my Savior did, and it is beautiful. I'm even seeing pockets of real repentance and humility as people see their own sins and turn towards a humbler way.

I am grateful for the internet and the resources that are now available to hurting people. I've been one. I'm being healed but the battle is still intense. I've been personally attacked for calling a spade a spade and trying to honestly observe attitudes and excuses remaining in evangelicalism that disturb me. I have tried to discuss individual attitudes and behaviors without attacking personally, but at times I've been misunderstood. I no longer care if I am understood so much as that people are healed. I want to find a healthy way to speak health to situations I am privy to without causing greater harm than good. I've seen too much bullying and perfectionistic and even nationalistic "rightness" over relationship as a real problem in many evangelical circles. I don't want to be part of that.

I no longer consider myself "evangelical" though my theology probably is.

All I want to be known as is a "little Christ", that is, a Christian. True religion is caring for those in distress. Nothing fancy, nothing more, and nothing less.

With all this in mind, I am thinking of starting a new blog focused on truth that builds rather than on calling out the deceit that clearly destroys. I think the more we know the Truth, the clearer the lies reveal themselves as twistedness. I think there are plenty of good blogs dealing with the lies and corruption and I will continue to read and support them. I may repost things I've said as they become relevant in the news. But I think I have said all I can say on the brand of religion I know most about.

I hope people come out of the authoritarianism and dysfunction of the current state of things and value God's Word over the teachings of men, even the best of teachers. I pray that humility and our love begins to characterize those of us who consider themselves Christians.

Peace to all.

(Updated July 2017)

Do T4G Evangelicals care?

2014-05-23T12:45:00.003-07:00

That is the question I had to take a break from twitter to consider.

I am so sad at the hardness of heart amongst many fellow believers. I had a conversation yesterday where someone corrected my apparent use of a false dichotomy, yet had no concern for the issue I was raising, however badly. There is such a heartless attachment to getting the definitions right on the gospel and yet no concern whatsoever for the victims of lying church leaders and the perpetrators of abuse that they enabled and even supported.

The blindness in many Christian circles to our own sinful cover-up and enabling is disgusting. I feel sick considering what victims of spiritual and sexual abuse have had to suffer to find a voice and cry out for justice to protect more kids from being targeted for abuse. I am scared for my own kids. I am hurt because of the rejection I have experienced in certain circles for being willing to be honest on much lesser things than sex abuse and cover-up. I am angry for the time I sat through a church meeting in an evangelical church where we discussed for ONE HOUR whether our signage was in keeping with the history of the building rather than caring about the homeless who slept outside.

I am sick of much of evangelical Christianity. I am sick and disgusted at lies and cover-up. It is an open secret in certain Christian circles that CJ Mahaney knew about sex abuse, he has not denied this, and so many people still prefer to protect him than apologize to victims. The lawsuit speaks for itself. There was a conspiracy of sorts: to protect ministry at the expense of those run over by the bus of religion. CJ Mahaney is NOT repentant, or he would step down, just as Mark Driscoll is NOT repentant for his own abusive style or he would stop preaching as if he has something authoritative to say. All I can say is Ichabod: "the glory of God has departed" and this is not ministry.

I am concerned that very few of us really care about victims. This means very few of us have our heads on straight. People have lost everything because they have stood up for the truth of what happened, but in the end, God will vindicate them. There is too often no fear of God amongst those who preach it most. If there were, there would be humility and grief over this sin. It would be called out and dealt with directly. And instead so many are proud. The evil man should have been put out of our midst immediately as well as turned over to the law for justice and child protection. This is not a difficult concept. Yet the Gospel Coalition thinks its articles on child protection should be "engaged with" by people they've blocked for asking why they are standing behind a man who did not protect children according to their own guidelines. That's nuts.

I'm "nobody"; that is, I am an ordinary Christian. Most of us bloggers are. Some have lost family members and close relationships for their commitment to truth. So many people would rather live in the dark than face the Light. Talking to our church leaders does very little, because they are too often political rather than concerned with the truth. I am asking: do Christians care? My concern is, how many of us truly love Christ WHATEVER IT COSTS US? I'm sorry to shout-type, but it's so frustrating that anyone could think there is a different opinion on this, and that victims should be expected to just "forgive" (overlook and accept) blatant misuse of authority and refusal to deal with sin. Authoritarian and unChristlike abuse has gone on long enough.

Wolves are in positions of perceived authority these days in many areas, perpetuated by this evil hierarchical culture that ignores the priesthood of all believers, and if we love God, if we truly love Christ, we can no longer support people who care more about religion and abstract truth than love worked out in reality. We are known by our fruits. If our fruit is anything other than love, if it is in fact lies and deceit, I ask myself, are those truly Christians? Because I believe true Christians- true "little Christs" care passionately about people, we are known by our LOVE, and God is no respecter of persons.

Imagine what Paul would say to us Corinthians now.

I conclude with a link to thoughts I entirely endorse:

http://boz.religionnews.com/2014/05/23/searching-jesus-todays-church/

- I grieve that many within the Church prefer the sounds of conference speakers, blog posts and tweets about theological nuances to the cries of the abused and marginalized.

- The Gospel needs no protection, and neither do we when Jesus is our source of security.

- I grieve that not even one pastor from the church came to court to support the brave victims who eventually came forward and testified.

What kind of hard heart does it take to silence survivors of abuse along with their families, while protecting "ministries" and "pastors" instead?

http://mattbredmond.com/2013/06/01/what-kind-of-hard-heart/

God sees and He will not be mocked.

http://luthermatic.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-crime-of-partiality_28.html?m=1

Update April-16-2016: title adapted from "Do Christians care?" on 4-16-2016, because evidence suggests many do, including the one who corrected my poor reasoning skills at time of writing. One link also removed as the others represent my point best.

NO excuse for covering up sex abuse

2013-02-22T14:42:00.005-08:00

"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires," BUT sometimes we need to overturn the tables and destroy the marketing mentality as Jesus would do.

Work it out in the Light- don't let it fester in the dark.

photo source:http://whowouldjesussue.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/whowouldjesussue-a-call-to-action/

I wrote the following on my Facebook page and initially as a response to the excellent blog-post mentioned within it. I accept my tone was very angry, but having re-read it, and with all that has happened in Christendom either of the Catholic or Protestant variety over the centuries, I think that anger is one of the healthiest responses to such evil. The evil is not simply the abuse itself, which is horrifying, but the most insidious and inexcusable evil is the cover-up of abuse that has been accepted in the name of God.

Evangelicals take note: this is no longer a Penn State/ Roman Catholic priests issue- this is in house and we need to deal with it in family NOW. No excuses, and I won't accept any stupid "you're a gossip" comments, because telling the truth isn't gossip, and God isn't threatened when sin is exposed, even if "ministries" are.

My comments on http://www.theologyforwomen.org/2013/02/gospel-testimony-amidst-abuse-in-our.html

Thanks for sharing this. Have not come across any scandal until today that I was directly connected to...

Then today I heard for the first time of the details of ABWE firing GRACE for [the way in which GRACE was] investigating sexual abuse that was first reported in 1989 and potentially occurred then and more than once because the abuser was not dealt with appropriately.

I grew up as an MK and knew people then in ABWE who are still very precious to me now. It is appalling that some mission boards and Christian ministries can be secretive and do not feel accountable to basic child protection laws or rules of professionalism.

There is separation from the world, but never cover-up of evil excused as "in-house/in-family issues". It reminds me of the Corinthian church- and yet so many in the circles I grew up in might judge harshly the kinds of things that were going on in Corinth.

I'm not sure we're so far from it, or that we ever were- I think the internet has opened up a venue for people who have been victimized to take a much-needed stand against abuse of all kinds, and frankly, the church needs to wake up and stop enabling abusers to not only give Christ a bad name but also re-victimize victims by claiming they aren't "forgiving enough".

The manipulation, shame, silencing, and abuse has to stop being excused and "forgiven" when repentance is not flowing from the top down. Leaders are doubly accountable for what they know- there can be a level of confidentiality and grace, but there should also be transparency and openness to dialogue.

There should also always be a clear obedience to the laws of the land- such as mandated reporting- even if it tears families apart, as some leaders fear it might. Better to be obedient to the Word of God by submitting to authority than to claim false authority to do whatever the heck we want in protecting [key word: our] ministry.

Every true believer should be massively grieved by all that has gone on in the church regarding abuse of any kind- but instead too many of us are proud- and Paul has strong words to say about this: remove the evil person from among your midst. Are we really aware that in some cases that means dealing with our leaders when they get proud? That exposing sin in house/in family is what we are to be about? (not to shame or leave no way for repentance/restoration, but to protect and leave no room for evil to blossom.)

I am so sick of the evangelical mentality that excuses authority figures in the church on the basis that if you talk about this stuff you are a gossip. We need to have a conversation about this stuff, and the church needs to step up and obey the laws of the land, at the very least. God will vindicate those of us who talk.

This is the worst kind of "taking God's name in vain" I know: to justify a no-consequence policy of "forgiveness" which includes re-victimizing the victim by demanding their forgiveness based on assumed repentance on the part of the abuser. It puts evil human beings in the place of God to demand their treacherous and twisted version of justice. That is a slap in the face of the Most High God for any Christian who is part of the royal priesthood of believers as described in the New Testament.

I am still horrified, shocked, and angry that such evil can exist within the ranks of people who claim to know and worship the same God I worship. Such evil cannot be allowed to continue to exist amongst us. In light of recent events in both the Calvary Chapel and Sovereign Grace movements, as a believer I cannot sit back and pretend this stuff is all made up lies. Too often the church has chastised believers for taking matters to the judicial system of the land. Yet the Bible calls us to submit to the authorities of the land and to clean house, rather than what is happening today where we hide our sin in house and submit to abusive leadership rather than to the laws of the land.

These things should not be. The priesthood of believers is not only entitled, but required, to address such issues.

Recently, I believe this abuse of authority "in house" has gone to the next level: trying to manipulate the authorities of the land to cover up abuse. Instead of transparency and repentance where necessary, ministries have appealed to legal loopholes or launched their own lawsuits against those calling for justice- even launching lawsuits against their own family members.
(see
http://www.abolishsexabuse.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1744:outrage-growing-over-calvary-chapels-bob-grenier-suit-against-allegedly-abused-son&catid=72:us-news&Itemid=180 )

There is a wealth of in-context exegesis of Scripture that could refute such lawsuits as unChristian, but I need not mention those verses here to back up my thoughts, since Christians should know what the Bible says. Suffice it to say, on any level, this is tragic. Beyond that, the laws of the land are in place to protect the victim, not to re-victimize them. The law doesn't always work, and it can certainly be corrupted or abused, but how dare people name the name of Christ and then use the law to silence the hurting? Why not rather be wronged? Instead, we are defeated already.

The kind of initial/gut response I might expect from some who read this is documented just below. My response is highlighted, and I stand by it.

"You're hurting the cause of Christ by talking about this stuff."

NO.

We're hurting the cause of Christ by not dealing with this stuff.

https://m.facebook.com/margaretfeinberg/photos/a.212041835516619.51934.175409942513142/708586582528806/?type=1&source=46

Slandering committed Christians who blog is never noble.

2013-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

When leaders can't handle criticism, they show themselves to be immature and insecure leaders. Those who serve well are worthy of double honor; no one in leadership should be even remotely connected with slandering or beating up or bullying others, whether emotionally/spiritually or verbally/"internetly" or physically/sexually.

Christians are called to discern what is true, and bloggers who criticize constructively (based on God's truth found in Scripture) are a great resource to the church. We don't have to agree with each other entirely to be in this together. Freedom of speech cannot be limited by any form of Christianity, or it's just another cult.

Personal attacks with no basis in truth or objective observation are unChristian, ungodly, and uncalled for- whoever they come from.

Christians must live up to the name they bear, or they themselves may not be His, in which case they should never be followed. This is serious.
This is no joke:
http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2009/12/perry-nobles-employees-assinate-the-character-of-a-critic.html Update: 4-16-2016: I have long been unable to recommend Fighting for the Faith due to apparent associations with un-repentantly arrogant men such as JD Hall of Reformation Montana and Fred Butler of Grace to You.

Bullying has to stop.
True pastors and churches can respond to bloggers and dissenters with respect and humility. This is why I and others must blog. Thank God for freedom of speech! And even for the media and the protection of the legal system, despite all those who would cover things up and have a hush hush attitude. This is not the attitude of Christ. Truth or even having an opinion is never about personally slandering any party.

"I just wonder how in the world some of these bullies/guys are getting into church leadership positions... Seem to be lots of itching ears out there these days."
-A concerned Christian who won't be censored and who believes without apology it's all about Jesus Christ/Messiah (Savior-Anointed One).

"getting real" about a personal culture clash

2012-10-30T16:08:00.002-07:00

Thinking through the things that annoy me about Evangelical Christianity, I had one of those epiphanies the other day- that "aha moment" when things fall in place. I believe my "outside of the box" mentality runs counter-culture to Evangelical culture, and that a lot of the stuff that just grates on my nerves could be partially a result of culture-shock, because much of it is contrary to some hidden British sensibilities I never knew I had.

It always aggravated me when I lived in the UK when people would say nasty things about Americans or American Christianity to me, thinking I would be on their side because I sounded like them and thought a lot like them. Perhaps I am now experiencing this culture-clash in reverse: that would explain why it angers me so much when Mark Driscoll is so appallingly brutal about theology towards Justin Brierly whilst on air in the UK and yet sits down with T.D. Jakes in the US and is so professional, despite deep theological differences (I hope).

I simply hate the way we Christians can play politics with religion; the way that we are (all) afraid to speak the truth in love into difficult situations- especially where truth might reveal our culture- even one's particular church culture- to be off-balance or plain wrong. Just as I hate nastiness in debate, I am sick of people in the church being sometimes more "nice" than they are truthful; also, I am sick of being so afraid to say something wrong that I say nothing at all. I think from my blogging it's obvious I'm moving past that attitude pretty aggressively (!), however, I want to come to a point where my expressions of truth are not simply a reaction to lies, but rather a healthy understanding of what God is teaching me that might positively impact others.

The areas I have great issues with lately include such things as tithing vs giving, church membership vs "covenant partnership", the Christian cliches and jargon I hear all the time such as: "missional", "complementarian vs egalitarian", "being real", "it's all about Him/the gospel", "vision casting", "legalism", and last, but I'm sure there are more: "being intentional".

It's not that these issues should never be discussed, taught about, or defined according to a church's particular understanding of them, but my problem is that I have a cultural reaction to much of these issues, having worked out what I believe and therefore live out regarding them, outside of either my former or my latter culture. And then I come into the church and few people seem to be going back to Scripture to check what they are being taught because it fits their cultural view of the world. The American Evangelical church seems to me to be sometimes so overly focused on being positive they cannot face the fact we need to get down and dirty in the negative once in a while to muddle through what the Bible actually says about this or that.

To explain what I believe, let me take for example what I believe about church membership and giving. From Acts, I understand that the early church did indeed keep records of those who were members of the Body of Christ, that is, "being saved". From the New Testament I see clearly that the only requirements for membership of the Church were salvation by faith in Jesus and baptism in obedience to Christ. Moving on to what I understand about giving, I nowhere in the New Testament see church members required by membership covenant to inform anyone else, not their church, not their leaders, and never in order to become a member of the church, what they were committing before God to give, nor do I see a percentage stipulated. Giving was to be sacrificial and out of a heart of love, and the New Testament nowhere requires tithing, instead we are clearly expected to pay our taxes to our government. A Christian who never gives is potentially an oxymoron, but any Christian who gives under compulsion or without sensible stewardship of all God gives them is also out of the will of God as revealed clearly in Scripture. This is as I understand it from having wrestled through good times and debt, teachings on tithing, and what I see in the Bible.

Yet I keep hearing teaching in the Evangelical church that is based on individual leaders' personal convictions - with proof-texting to support - rather than teaching based entirely on the grace and truth of God's Word. This is where my culture-shock begins: when you try to challenge this stuff and learn and grow by questioning, particularly in American culture although I also experienced this in Evangelicalism in the UK at times, you tend to get shut down, nicely or not, for challenging the leadership who are said to be in authority.

Yet I understood- again from Scripture- that we are to "test everything", "even if Paul or an angel of the Lord should teach it", because even leaders can be deceived. In fact, I always understood that submission and accountability in the Body were mutual despite a variety of roles, and that hierarchies of authority were of the world, not of Christ. The authority that leaders have comes from their correct understanding, teaching, and applying of the Truth, not simply on the basis that they have "seated themselves" in a position of authority or been granted it by a congregational vote. All authority always belongs to Jesus, and that works for me!

I also have understood- especially from experiencing other cultures- that none of us has the monopoly on truth. Also that truth must be tested by God's Word, not proof-texted to make our lives easier. So I feel the clash between the truth I have wrestled with and the culture and politics of being positive in the (American) church. It is good for me to wrestle, but it is hard to stand alone on occasion when you think you actually might just be right.

Finally, I love the church wherever it is found, and so I hope I can be a catalyst for some honest self-examination but not navel-gazing, as that would not help anyone. I don't have everything right, but I don't believe I am or anyone else is in sin if we get a few things wrong, or if we stand on things we are convicted about and later find we were misguided. Growth goes forward, and yet it isn't wrong to stick to one's principles as long as we're open to the possibility we might be wrong. At least the push-back I have got from those in authority in my past and my present has pushed me to go back to the Bible and study out what God in His grace requires of me. It is- always- quite simple, and it begins in REST.

These thoughts about culture clash came to me in the context of some rocking music one Sunday morning. I love music, and I definitely love quality music that is sung to worship God. But I get just as tired of what I see as a brash American fist-pumping and happy-no-matter-what style of worship as I did of the style in some of the churches I attended in the UK where the music was theologically accurate but musically sad and somber.

Sometimes I just long for some "real" reality: to worship humbly in true spirit and true truth. To be still and know that God is God, despite the music, or even yes because of it, but not distracted by how good or loud (or quiet) or excited it is; instead simply pointed to the God of the universe who loved me and gave Himself for me even while I was yet a sinner. I just don't know anymore sometimes if we are really clapping God or "whooping for His glory" so much as being carried away by emotion and engaged in the enjoyment of good music or talented worship leaders. Similarly, I sometimes find it hard to really focus on Jesus- even when it's apparently "all about Him"-because the trappings of cultural Christianity can drown Him out.

What I need- beyond any culture- is to hear God's still small voice speaking truth with grace in power, love, and a sound mind.

What we need to experience is God working by the Holy Spirit to elevate Jesus the Anointed One.

What I don't need is the "being real" religion that so often replaces the real Jesus Christ.

We definitely don't need more religious activity nor perfect conformity.

Maybe we need some creative mess before the full picture can be understood. Maybe what we need is transformation.

When God, not a program or institution, is in charge, then it will truly all be about Jesus Christ/Messiah. Then all cultures, nations and languages will see, not Americanity, but Immanuel: God with us.

religious recipe for disaster

2012-08-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

Christians, "You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world." The verses listed below in step #3 seem to make it quite clear that such a trial is NOT appropriate for a Christian, because Christians are in dwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, though I agree they are not unaffected by the world, the flesh and the devil, as other passages of Scripture make clear.

Yet below is apparently a detailed recipe for how to conduct an exorcism, ahem, "Spiritual Warfare Trial". My concern is how easy it would be to abuse people's minds, emotions, and thoughts by focussing on demons within rather than a counselee's need for Christ, who is "full of grace and truth". Someone suffering from post-natal depression or a profound loss, for example, would be VERY susceptible to spiritual abuse by such a trial, if conducted in the emotional direction this appears to head.

It is also true that cults use the tactic of breaking a person down to gain their loyalty, and this is the danger I would be concerned about with this model of "helping" a struggling individual. God doesn't need to know demons' names to remove their influence, and though there are demonic forces out there, Christians need to be reminded of who dwells in them- His love, power, and sound mind.

If someone is not saved, or is actively engaged with the occult, even so, our greatest need is always salvation by grace through faith- a gift of God that defeats the powers of hell. Exorcism just isn't part of the equation in dealing with precious souls, rather truth and love always are, and the Spirit can guide Christians in conversations without having to have a formula. In my opinion, what is said below could potentially cause a weak mind to go over the edge, and could cause unhealthy fear and accusation. It reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials, to be frank. I may be wrong, but this is here for your perusal- see

http://cdn.marshill.com/files/collection/documents/spiritual-warfare_9080_document.pdf

for context and full teachings. My concern is not so much whether this is what Christianity teaches, or even if it is sound doctrine or not; my concern is whether or not this can ever be used in a healthy way.

My deepest concern is that someone who is hurting might be offered a formula response to their hurt and become very confused about the truth of God's love as a result. If someone with a history of depression was told they have demons, or if a couple can have all their marital problems linked to the wife's so-called "sexual demons" as has actually happened(!) ( http://matthewpaulturner.net/jesus-needs-new-pr/exorcism-at-mars-hill-one-womans-story/ ) I have to be concerned, because I don't see Jesus treating people this way when they are needing help.

Spiritual Warfare

Pastor Mark Driscoll

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Note: Both NIV and ESV are used in this lecture.

[...]

Spiritual Warfare Trial

Step #1 – Share the gospel and make sure they are a Christian.

Step #2 – Explain the world, flesh, and devil, and how ground is given.

Step #3 – Explain our trial.

• 1 John 4:1–6

• Ephesians 6:10–18

• 1 Peter 5:8

• Explain demonic oppression, occupation, and possession

Step #4 – Explain the counselee’s participation.

• Our authority is in Christ.

• You must tell the entire truth.

• Tell me everything the demon tells you, no matter how odd it may seem.

• Tell me everything you see, no matter how odd it may seem.

• Pride and fear will hinder our progress.

Step #5 – Explain confessing and canceling sin.

Step #6 – Establish the ground rules.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ . . .

I will be using the personal pronoun we because I stand with

___________ united with them as their brother in Jesus Christ and since the

Holy Spirit lives in us we command you in the name and authority of the One

True God who rules as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are an unwanted

intruder and who is going to have to leave upon command.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we . . .

• establish our authority over Satan and demons delegated to us by the

Lord Jesus Christ

• bind the strong man

• command that you convey your answers to _____________ and they will

convey your answers to me. You will not speak to me because you are on

trial and under the authority delegated to me by the Lord Jesus Christ.

• command that you not change your authority structure, hide, duplicate

your identity, or change your name

• there will be no profanity

• you will answer every question directed at you clearly, concisely,

immediately, completely, and truthfully

• command that you will not have any outside help or reinforcement during

this trial

• command that the answers you give must stand as truth before the White

Throne of the Lord God Almighty

• there will be one-way traffic only from the demon to the pit. You will not in

any way bother anyone else anywhere at any time, especially those in the

room and their families, including but not limited to entering another

person.

• bind you by any name you give, and will name you if needed

• command that you speak only that which can be used against you

• bind you by the ground rules we lay down

• command that there will be no control of the mind, confusion of the mind,

tongue, or body, that they will maintain complete self-control and there

would be no harm done to them in any way

• you will take all of your associates and your collective works and effects

with you

• ask you Holy Spirit to rule over all spirits and force them to cooperate

according to the ground rules and punish any who seek to disobey them

Step #7 – Declarations of truth.

We claim the following declarations of truth before the White Throne of the

Lord God Almighty . . .

• we claim protection from and authority over Satan and all his demons

(Luke 10:18–20)

• we claim our position in Christ and that all things under Christ’s authority

are now under our authority (Eph. 1:18–2:8)

• we claim our victory in the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 2:13–15)

Step #8 – Determine two or three primary areas to begin.

Step #9 – Confess sins and cancel grounds and command leaving in each area

one at a time.

Take each category and have the person pray to God to confess and

repent of their sins in each category. Then have them cancel any ground given,

command that the named spirit and all of his works and effects and all of his

servants and their works and effects be cast away to the pit for judgment by God.

Then, have them request that the Holy Spirit reclaim all the ground they had

given and rule in that area of their life.

Step #10 – Ask the Spiritual Inventory questions.

Often it is best to begin with addressing ancestral sin and address it first

because it tends to have the deepest root in someone’s life. The counselee can

pray something like, “Lord Jesus, if there are any spirits who have anything to do

with me, body, soul, or spirit because of my ancestral sin, I ask that you please

forgive this sin and cancel any ground they have held against me.”

If there are any demons working in (name) in the area of (issue), we bind all of

you together along with all of your works and effects and command that you

come forward.

We now command that spirit holding highest authority of all those bound and

brought forward in the area of (issue) to step forward alone. We put a hedge of

thorns around you, above you, and below you. You will not be interfered with by

anyone.

Then address that spirit holding highest authority of the group bound and brought

forward and ask them.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ . . .

1. What is your name?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

b. You have responded to the name ______, we bind you by that

name and upon command you will go to the pit bound by that name

with all of your works and effects and all of your associates and

their works and effects as well.

2. When did you come?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

3. What work were you commissioned to do?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

4. By what means do you hope to destroy them?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

5. What habitual lies have you told them?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

6. Who sent you?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

7. How many associates are working under you?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

8. What effects have you had on them?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

9. Do you still hold any ground against (name) that would keep you from

leaving him/her upon command?

a. Will that stand as truth before the White Throne of the Lord God

Almighty?

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command (demon’s name) to leave

(person) with all of your works and effects and all of your associates and their

works and effects and go to the pit immediately. We command this in the name

of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Then pray for the Holy Spirit to fill the areas just vacated.

This process can then be repeated through each major area.

Finally, command that the highest-ranking spirit remaining other than the Holy

Spirit (if there is one) step forward and identify themselves to ensure none has

been overlooked. Complete the process of cleansing. Close with a general

prayer to cover anything that may have been overlooked.

Step #11 – Recommended ways to keep the trial moving.

Stop and pray to the Holy Spirit asking Him to intervene as needed and

enforce the ground rules. Stop to read Scripture such as Psalm 18, Psalm 27,

Psalm 31, Psalm 35, Psalm 83, etc.

Step #12 – Follow-up recommendations for the counselee.

• Keep short sin accounts with God.

• Pray offensively.

• Read Scripture.

• Do not obsess over lies and accusations.

• Be in fellowship.

• Schedule another appointment if things arise.

• Exercise the authority Christ has given you.

• Be careful to avoid arrogant pride.

• Keep a journal to record lies and accusations.

• Read the recommended resources.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

who WOULD Jesus smack down?

2012-08-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

In case this email disappears from the internet, I am saving it for posterity. CRAZY-NESS. There is no other word for it. God bless the Brits!

Statement regarding media misrepresentation of healing methods

I would like to ask our friends and partners to read below the story and my brief statement regarding misrepresentation in the media and on social media blogs. I realize most of you that love, follow and support our ministry know this story is a huge misrepresentation of who we are and how we regularly pray for healing. We are not violent nor do we promote violence. I do not expect a secular audience or even many Christians to understand these isolated moments of healing through a gift of faith. No one was injured during this account.
While operating in the gift of faith, I felt I was to kick a woman in the face as a step of obedience. I do not understand it but she was healed and not injured! This is one of several isolated accounts where I have prayed in an unorthodox manner for individuals, but I do not consider it violence when no one is injured and it is the gift of faith operating. The media has interpreted a one-time event from thirteen years ago and presented it as an act of violence with intent to harm someone. I would like to make clear that it was neither and this is generally not how I pray or minister to people.
Please feel free to forward this email, post to blogs and social media as well as continue to pray for this ministry. Thank you!
Todd Bentley
www.freshfireusa.com Twitter.com/iamtoddbentley

The below story was put out by the Huffington Post Canada

A ' religious healer' who claims he can cure people by kicking them has been banned from the UK - after the Home Office deemed he could "undermine" British society.

Todd Bentley, the leader of Fresh Fire Ministries, based in Lakeland, Florida, planned to tour Britain this month.

The 36-year-old preacher previously claimed he cured a man of cancer by kicking him in the chest.

He is quoted by The Huffington Post discussing kicking an elderly woman in the face saying "just as my boot made contact with her nose, she fell under the power of God."

A Home Office spokesperson told The Huffington Post UK: "We can confirm that Mr Bentley has been excluded from the UK. The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the UK if we believe they are not conducive to the public good.

"Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society."

Bentley said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" and was praying for the UK leaders.

"I am deeply saddened by the recent decision of the UK government regarding my entry into the country. At this point, we are thankful to God for the support from our friends in the UK who truly love Jesus and embrace the supernatural, faith and healing.

"We know and believe that the UK has a great destiny, and we are praying for the leaders and those in government. Please continue to stand with us in prayer regarding this decision and our return to the UK."

But spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church welcomed the decision, saying:"The violent activities reported as part of Mr Bentley's faith healing technique have no part whatsoever in our understanding of a loving, caring and compassionate ministry that is sought often by weak, frail and distressed people."

"The Home Office has a responsibilty to protect vulnerable people and in the light of what we know, is wise to respond in the way it has."

It's not the first time the Home Office has banned 'controversial' religious figures with the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church, being banned from the UK in 2009.

Previous Statement from Todd Bentley regarding the U.K.

Greetings Friends and Partners,

Todd and Jessa Bentley are currently travelling to Norway for the anticipated Miracles Signs & Wonders event. At this time, we are requesting your prayer and support as they continue to do what the Lord has called them to. Please read the below statement from Todd Bentley on the recent decision made by Home Secretary Theresa May to ban Todd from entering the UK.

I am deeply saddened by the recent decision of the UK government regarding my entry into the country. At this point, we are thankful to God for the support from our friends in the UK who truly love Jesus and embrace the supernatural, faith and healing. We know and believe that the UK has a great destiny, and we are praying for the leaders and those in government. Please continue to stand with us in prayer regarding this decision and our return to the UK.
In Him,
Todd Bentley

conversations about scary controlling "counselling" as seen on youtube

2012-08-22T14:34:00.004-07:00

Last night I posted the following on my facebook page:
In case it gets deleted, I commented on http://youtu.be/aVyFyauE4ig as follows:

What is happening here has no basis in the Bible Mark purports to teach. This is mind control at its best. Rationally, who reacts with "yeah, but you were only like a year or two old?" when accused of pedophilia?? Rationally, who says "I don't talk about this stuff", and then continues? Rationally, how does anyone concerned with Christian purity go into detail about an illicit sexual encounter? How is this healthy counseling on any level? WHY are people listening to this guy as if he were God?

Today I read through the comments and found quite a lively and often nasty debate going on about whether or not visions as described in this video are the same as prophecy. I think to the average thinker the answer would be clear- this is psychological manipulation of people who already lap up anything Mark says, and though no names are mentioned, it violates confidentiality and focusses the mind on horrible sinfulness, which is despicable.

I have copied and pasted the current comments I made today, and before that I will include three other peoples' comments who said what I believe, just to show it isn't just me who has concerns. It is sad when the church cannot agree to disagree respectfully, but it is even sadder when towing the party line is more important than thinking critically. You don't have to agree with me, but that doesn't make my opinions any more spam than yours.

Other comments included:

The fact that this guy is so successful is an indictment of the church. If those professing believers had seriously spent time in the Word of God, learning the truth, they would be able to recognized a counterfeit immediately.Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when people would follow those preaching what they wanted to hear. Such is the case today...we are surrounded by hirelings and posers who are able to live in the lap of luxury because their brainnumbed followers support them.

ScreeminMeeme 5 months ago

The gift of discernment isn't seeing visions. It's knowing truth from lies, right from wrong, recognizing false teaching, recognizes evil vs good, can see through people and their smoke screens. They can tell if something is from God or not. It has nothing to do with visions and you can't find it in scripture. He has manipulated his congregation with his interpretation of the gift of discernment. He's a false teacher and he's a liar because of it.

blubirdTN in reply to dsnacks2312 (Show the comment) 5 months ago

I'm not an atheist but I know a con artist when I see one. In fact I'm a Christian. Any minister that stands in front of his congregation and reveals counseling sessions in front of the whole congregation is an arrogant & vile man. Why would he share it? Why would he take pride in revealing others sins? He wants his congregation to be in awe of him, wants them to look up to him, wants them to fear him, etc....Sounds like a controlling, egostical, manipulative man, godlike.

blubirdTN in reply to JoshSaintJacque (Show the comment) 5 months ago

And the current debate (before everything gets flagged as spam):

Not spam- freedom of speech: What is happening here has no basis in the Bible. This is instead mind control at its best. Rationally, who reacts with "yeah, but you were only like a year or two old?" when accused of pedophilia?? Who says "I don't talk about this stuff", and then continues? Rationally, how does anyone concerned with Christian purity go into detail about an illicit sexual encounter? How is this healthy counseling on any level? WHY are people listening to a man as if he were God?

Melody Young 1 second ago

I have known MANY believers who have the gift Mark is speaking of. Unfortunately, they are often misunderstood, misrepresented, or just plain hated by clueless people. Many prophetic people have testified that they had to learn to apply wisdom to using this gift, and it doesnt appear Mark has totally learned that, but I am confident he will. If it really was the Holy Spirit working in the story he has told, these lives were touched and a breakthrough happened.

denoinwa 4 months ago

then tell me this: why does he go into detail about a sexual encounter? what person in their right mind is going to admit they sexually abused their grandchild when they are asked that by the grandchild?

Melody Young in reply to denoinwa 2 minutes ago

I meant he thought he was seeing a vision, and couldn't tell that it was actually happening. My point was he is seeing stuff in his head. The person I am writing this too said that God showed people visions all the time. What Mark is seeing isn't visions so you can't base it on biblical facts.

Insanonymous in reply to Insanonymous (Show the comment) 1 week ago

thank you! exactly.

Melody Young in reply to Insanonymous 9 minutes ago

Did you do this to me when I was a child? Oh yeah, I totally own up to that right now, I did it. Really? People need to wake up to reality.

CerebrumPedere 1 week ago

yep. exactly what I said, until someone flagged it as spam. Glad you said it.

Melody Young in reply to CerebrumPedere 11 minutes ago

I knew my comment would be flagged as spam- yet there are others who have commented good stuff in the past about how bizarre and controlling this is. I leave it to them to speak the truth, because others prefer to suppress it when I say it. And yes, I know this may be flagged too. Thanks for supporting my freedom of speech, guys...

Melody Young 19 minutes ago

Actually, I am not offended at all by Mark, and I rather admire him for being real. Anyone with an ounce of understanding can hear his heart in the testimonies he is sharing here, which is to set the captives free. The Holy Spirit obviously was exposing something in a counseling environment, in the context of trust and relationship that was very important for healing and freedom. So no, I have zero tolerance for the likes of religious people so easily offended in their petty religiosity.

denoinwa in reply to glQnn (Show the comment) 7 hours ago

I live in Seattle and understand the people he is reaching. It's a very "hipster" community. There really is no way to describe them, just to experience them. I do not consider him graphic, but merely answering the questions his congregation is asking. People from Arkansas cannot see a work in a land full of people they do not understand and seek to justify it according to their understanding. It didn't work in the Bible, and it certainly will not work today.

glQnn in reply to denoinwa (Show the comment) 9 hours ago

What is happening here has no basis in the Bible Mark purports to teach. This is mind control at its best. Rationally, who reacts with "yeah, but you were only like a year or two old?" when accused of pedophilia?? Rationally, who says "I don't talk about this stuff", and then continues? Rationally, how does anyone concerned with Christian purity go into detail about an illicit sexual encounter? How is this healthy counseling on any level? WHY are people listening to this guy as if he were God?

Melody Young 15 hours ago (flagged as spam)

UPDATE: I have removed some of my comments and flagged some of the comments made to me as spam, since it is evident that some youtube users are on a crusade to stifle opinion and draw people like me into a "he said, she said/I'll pray for you; No, I will pray for YOU" kind of debate. That is a destructive waste of time, so I will not engage. I do pray for the church to be wise about sin and constructively critical about issues and for Mark Driscoll and other leaders- whether we agree or not- as siblings in Christ.

My thought for today is: would you let the person seen in this video counsel you if you were going through an issue with anxiety or depression? How would you and/or your spouse feel about seeking counsel about marital issues such as an affair from the person we see in this video? I would love to hear others' thoughts, even if they disagree with my feelings and opinions on this issue.

all I know is...

2012-08-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

Is Christ "cool"? some thoughts.

2012-06-24T14:45:00.003-07:00

"Calling the Lord Jesus Christ a “construction worker” is limiting to his Glory…

It does not do WHO HE IS justice nor bring glory to his name.

But it makes him seem kind of cool to the guys in the crowd who want their church lifestyle

and their Christian identity to be…. Cool." -as stated in a blog I read:

http://twocleareyes.blogspot.com/2012/05/hardcore-christians.html Check it out!

My thoughts:

I don't think Jesus could care less about his perceived coolness, and He wasn't Gladiator,

He is God. Willing to treat women with dignity and respect, interacting with people as equals

(though He is God), willing to lay down his life for his friends, willing to care for his family

as was right and appropriate.

We cannot superimpose our view of manliness on Him, nor did he have a wife that women
should emulate, rather Jesus shows us who we are created to be, and the masks don't matter,
our money doesn't count; we are loved in our humanity, no matter what our brokenness or strength.

Simply: Jesus is the epitome of humanness in its truest form. He stoops down from his eternally

rightful place as God and in his humble humanity he shows us who we are created to be.

Being "cool" or culturally relevant is simply never on his agenda; love is,

and oftentimes love is counter-cultural, though never irrelevant.

why burning the Koran is wrong for Christians

2012-04-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,

'If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.'

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

^"Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit."

1 Peter 3:9-18 (NLT)

Christians started from the position of being persecuted, and were never told to fight for political control or change. They were told to respect their leaders, submit to authority, and live quiet lives. This is still the clear teaching of the New Testament, to those who read it without their own agenda superimposed upon it.

What Terry Jones and Dove World "Outreach", along with Westboro "Baptist Church" do not seem to grasp, and which makes me doubt their true understanding of the gospel, is that Christians were always to be known for their LOVE, for what they stand FOR, not for their hate nor primarily for what they are against.

The time that Jesus got publically angry was over the desecration of the Temple by those who should have known better because they had the Law and the Scriptures. Jesus never attacked the false gods of the Romans or Greeks; he actually healed Gentiles when Gentiles came to him asking for help, and praised their individual faith. Jesus dealt with people on personal levels, and didn't get involved with politics, nor even with false belief-systems outside of aberrations of the Scriptures. He was too busy teaching the truth to engage with falsehood except to correct false beliefs in love.

Picture from the first time, when he changed his mind.

So for any group of people to call themselves Christians and yet be known for their hate rather than for any love at all, makes no sense. What I am asking myself, is what does Terry Jones think he can achieve by threatening to burn the Koran (again)? Those militants who kill people in response to his hate are no less guilty than he is, but what he doesn't understand is that there are many beautiful image-bearers of God all over the world who adhere to the Islamic religion. That doesn't make the religion right or wrong, but it certainly is a challenge to those who know they are no better than anyone else, yet trust that Jesus forgives them of their wrong-doing!

Instead of treating with contempt a book that some revere so much they raise it above their heads and treat it with the utmost respect as containing the words of God; instead of showing total cultural disdain plus ignorance and thereby insulting a whole community of people created in the image of God, why isn't Terry Jones praying for and speaking God's love and grace to that community? I believe the answer is that he has judged them as wrong, feels superior to them because he thinks he has the truth, and doesn't realize how decieved he is.

God is not threatened by Islam or any other form of religion. God is love, and his grace is available to all who believe Him and trust in Him instead of in themselves. It is simply sinful pride to denigrate people created in his image, and hatred is not the way to heal or change hearts. Christians are not called to speak out in bitter hatred or show disrespect to other religions, whatever individual Christians may think or teach.

Christians are called to love each other and the people of the world as image-bearers of God himself. They believe they have the truth, and they may even state that their truth makes other views untrue, but they must have humility, because God has saved them in love from the lies, and they are responsible to share that love and the truth. Christians should be so free in the truth that they are not threatened by other religions, but instead, prepared to dialogue respectfully and live humbly with other human beings.

By burning the Koran, Terry Jones simply enables other evil people to have an excuse for violent behavior. If the Koran is untrue, then he need not fear it. I am concerned he has so little regard for the true truth, that he is afraid of other views to his own. That is truely sad at best and evil at worst.

witch hunt

2012-04-17T13:53:00.002-07:00

The Salem Witch Trials that occurred under the Puritans have always fascinated me. I read about them in a novel when I was younger, and whenever I watch The Crucible or the more recent adaptation of the historical events, what strikes me is how excruciating it is to see people under such delusion as the Puritans of that part of the world at that time were. I always wonder to myself why people didn't get out of town when all hell was breaking loose; why they didn't move west, hide out with the natives, organize a militia- anything, rather than submit to such misguided authority. The more I watch the stories unfold, the more I see evidence of serious spiritual and emotional abuses- even if there was a drug element (as some have theorized) that affected the village by chance.

The point is, people believed in their leadership until it was too late; until they were faced with the rope for refusing to take responsibility unjustly. These days we think a lot, read a lot more than just the Bible, and most ordinary people can see through superstition a lot easier because we can access a variety of world-views, and analyse them all. The truth can be looked at from all angles, and the Bible can be understood in its historical context as well as interpreted into the cultures in which we curently live.

The problem comes when subcultures spring up and create dogmas around Biblical (or extra-Biblical) texts or forms of worship or behavior, limiting their adherents' freedom to exist within the culture in which they are found. The Bible itself does not carry the dogmatic weight or controlling authority that seem to come with many Christian subcultures, even especially in the religiously "free" world. Abuses happen because there are people who believe that they have the absolute truth, yet are too afraid to test it by thinking outside the box. If something is true, then it can tolerate testing, and part of growth and maturity is the ability to know how little we can truly know for sure.

What angers me most, when considering the events of the Salem Witch Trials is how blind people can be to reality, though they study the Scriptures and back then, probably knew it better than I do, and how superstitious people, who have so much of the truth, can yet be, when they are willing to hold onto fears and prejudices that are lies from a dark form of paganism- the very thing the Puritans were apparently against! The reason these things anger me so much, is that even today, these same sorts of witch hunts go on in some churches and groups- not just on the fringes of Christianity, but right in the mainstream. When people can be accused of having "hidden sin" for disagreeing with their leadership, for leaving a certain membership, or for speaking out against lies, we haven't left the Dark Ages just yet; we're still part of them.

What I desire to do is to speak out and question until the day I die, because my God will not strike me down for being honest. God always prefers honesty to people who draw near with their lips, but not with their hearts. What I hope for is for healed hearts and truth, with the love that still exists among the people of God.

I can't find a good youtube, due to copyright reasons, but this isn't a bad video at all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Eel02K-WPo&feature=relmfu

on community groups

2012-03-30T15:55:00.003-07:00

Best (and funniest) description of what "doing life together" can look like in two contrasting situations. I have experienced both, and am currently blessed to be in the wacko category. ;-) Enjoy!

http://www.cloudtownsend.com/video-advice/channel/Spiritual%20Life/CCNT1066/

ps- as a woman

2012-03-28T21:27:00.003-07:00

I believe there is a subtle flaw in the teaching going around about how the husband being the head of the wife is now meant to mean that the husband is responsible for the wife and children's spiritual and emotional life. I get it- I get what that teaching is trying to say- that men need to be more involved in actively caring about the needs of their loved ones- fair enough.

However, though Christ takes responsibility to love the church, he does also expect her to take responsibility for herself. I cannot agree with a teaching that subtly pushes me under a man-made umbrella of authority, when Christ came to set us free to submit to him out of love.

I don't believe my husband is responsible for my issues- I am.

A lack of personal responsibility leads to codependence, and Christ doesn't have that kind of relationship with the church. The husband leads the wife and family like Christ leads the church and his children; do we have to read anything more into it than that?

"Do not go beyond what is written"...and thank God for Cloud and Townsend. ;)

(references Ephesians 5:15-33 and 1 Corinthians 4:6 for more info/to check context)

the problem with religious groups

2012-03-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

"It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering.

What's important is that God makes the seed grow. [...]

What do you have that God hasn't given you?

And if everything you have is from God,

why boast as though it were not a gift?"

(1 Corinthians 3:7; 4:7b NLT)

What I am seeing in Evangelicalism is a very unhealthy trend towards a large distinction between clergy and laity. I don't see that distinction in the early church; it is a "newer" phenomenon, started perhaps from the era of Constantine, and obviously not challenged very well by the Reformers.

There are always different roles in life and in the church, but pastors are always accountable to other leaders and to their congregations as servant-leaders.

Peter was rebuked for unsound doctrine by Paul, and Paul wasn't afraid of hurting Peter's feelings or looking bad, he knew that what mattered was the people who would follow the example set by a leader! And we know that even Paul had his theology checked on by a local church (the Bereans).

The culture of fear to speak out has to be challenged in our churches; it is a sad comment on Christianity when atheists can see the truth better than we can, even though they don't believe it. It is disheartening for me as a believer and a woman to think that if I was abused in a church, religious people might not believe me over their leader, and my only solace would be the worldly, who aren't clouded in judgement by toxic control.

The problem is that religious groups have forgotten the grace Christ-followers were given in the person of Jesus; we have forgotten the Head, who is Christ!

No leader is superior to God, much as their behavior proves that they (think they) are. Grace is radically available to deal with sin at the moment of true repentance. There is a place for counselling, willingly sought and humbly offered- with the caviat that "there but for the grace of God go I". But counselling should not replace the work of the Counsellor that Christ-followers believe indwells believers!

Control of people by leadership through their delving into the depths of depravity of their members so they can "work them through things" is appalling, obscene, and ridiculous. Members who repent will be proved in their repentance by their behavior, not by their "submission" to something so unhealthy as toxic control. The work of God is not subject to an authoritarian leadership, but we are all equally accountable to Jesus, privately and publicly.

We are interdependent, we belong to one another in the Body of Christ. However, we are not codependent, and we aren't required to stay in one local church throughout our life. There come times to move on, as we grow and as God leads us practically. The beautiful thing is that God made us all unique, gives us all his free grace, and the Body of Christ has never been primarily about a paper membership. If you are of the truth, if you love Christ, if you love your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are part of the Body no matter where you attend, what transition you are going through, or even what sins you may be struggling with!

I've used enough exclamation points in this note for now, but my conclusion is this: the problem with religious groups is that they are religious, not acting in grace. Jesus dealt with sin on the cross, so we should know better that man-made rules don't help us beat sin any more than the Law could. Church discipline is for the unrepentant evildoer, not the questioning thinker. As we grow in maturity, we can only become more and more uniquely who we were created to be, as God leads us in freedom.

If we allow ourselves to be controlled by a human being, we are not being allowed to grow (and part of growing may mean making mistakes and learning from them); we are simply being religious-following the rules, and there can be no guarantee we are truly of God. That's how serious the problem in the church today has become; this is why we must all take responsibility to examine ourselves, and be unafraid to watch and challenge the direction in which our churches, and especially the leadership(s), are heading.

some excellent thoughts from atheists

2012-03-25T23:08:00.001-07:00

"If you believe there is a heaven or hell, and

people could be going to hell ...

how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?" -Penn

Honestly, in our culture, atheists often have more discernment than Christians, because they actually think about stuff for themselves.

And for some comments on Mark Driscoll's comments to the British church, amongst other comments, see link:

http://heathen-hub.com/blog.php?b=1472

dealing with [my?] critical spirit

2012-03-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

In thinking through all the stuff I have blogged about here and in other discussions, I have been feeling much more liberated from the grip of guilt and fear of authority. I feel I have been bullied by controlling people at times in my life, and I don't want to be a controller or bully myself. I am searching my heart, and asking God to search it where I am blind, and the thought occurred to me that maybe I needed to consider whether I have an unhealthy perfectionistic desire to criticize- a "critical spirit"- and work through that with God.

I honestly, sincerely, want to speak truth IN LOVE. I want those I "criticize" to be constructively pointed to truth for their own benefit, not simply so I can have a cosier relationship with them, though that would be a lovely added benefit of them changing over time, and is definitely a motive that can be a temptation for me. I accept, however, that those I "criticize" may never change, and I am committed to loving the unlovely, because I myself am an unlovely person when my sin nature rears its ugliness. I know I can be harsh and judgemental myself, and some of my posts may prove I have bitterness yet to deal with, and I don't excuse sin in anyone.

However, though I clearly have a lot of room to grow, I know for a fact that anger is part of grief, and to deny the pain is to allow the wound to go untended. I have a need to express my feelings, and I respect the need to be real that other people have too. I only ask that we all- me included- try to be kinder with each other. As David Augsburger has said, "God loves whole persons", negative emotions included. I sincerely desire for other people to see the truth and change, but the only person I can control and change is myself. The more I work through my hurts, the more real and at peace I can become.

So I believe- though I may be wrong- that accepting an accusation of having a critical spirit would prevent me from moving forward at this time. I certainly do need to keep tabs on my attitude and the health of my expression, but I don't believe my problem is really about having a critical spirit, though I welcome constructive criticism of my blogs and motivation. Questioning and expressing hurt or loss is not the same thing as having a critical spirit, which is more about being negative simply for the sake of it, because I enjoy the power-trip it gives me. Though I am certainly not invulnerable to such a thing, that's not my desire nor my purpose in writing or thinking through issues.

As I prayerfully considered my heart in this, whether I could objectively be accused of having a critical spirit, I came across a great article about whether questioning leadership is the same as having a critical spirit. I have the link below, and it says what I believe better than I can express it. I feel my conscience has been deeply wounded by certain controllers because I let them guilt me that my feelings were wrong, out of fear of their reprisals if I should speak honestly. I have a propensity to worry that I am being divisive/have a critical spirit, or on the other hand, to dredge things up over and over in an unhealthy way.

But to be real, truthful, honest- I don't want to divide people; I do want to see justice done. I accept I cannot control the outcome, but I will speak the truth in love, without fearing a critical spirit- in me, or from others.

Defining a critical spirit- what it is/what it is not:
http://latigo214.info/page5.html

"A mature leader who depends on God, rather than their own ego, can deal with difficult questions, and difficult people, without getting defensive and aggressive. They are committed to sharing the truth in a calm, respectful, mature, and helpful way with anyone who asks. They don’t require people to adopt a deferential, submissive attitude before they will agree to deal with them. They don’t need to drag people down to feel superior. They do not point and yell “critical spirit”.

They just answer questions."

An open letter to Michelle Duggar

2012-03-06T15:19:00.001-08:00

As sent February 12th 2012 to the Duggar's email address listed on their website ( http://duggarfamily.com/content/contact ) :

Dear Michelle,
I am a mother of a very precious one, and I have watched your show and seen such a beautiful family and the work of God in your life; your gentleness has encouraged me, and although you and I come from very different backgrounds, we share the same God and Savior and are so blessed by His love. I don't know if you will ever read this personally, but I wanted to write now that things may have quieted down a little after the loss of your child to tell you how much I feel for you, how blessed I have been by your steadfastness and response publicly to this hurt, and to share that I suffered the same loss the first time I conceived... You may have read John MacArthur's book "Safe in the Arms of God," and I have to say that is the only book other than the Bible that helped at that point in my life. Well-meaning people can say such awful things, or ignore what feelings there are when a child is lost before birth- unfortunately this was my experience. God has been so gracious and patient with my grief, which actually came back after my healthy baby boy was born, and as we are now planning to try to conceive again. You and I do not see eye to eye on everything doctrinally, but I believe we see eye to eye in valuing the truth of God's Word, and the beauty of Christ in us, the hope of glory. I have been concerned, watching you guys, about some of the beliefs that you have taken on in addition to the Word of God, and though I am sure that there are many things in my life that need to be challenged, I don't believe it is right of me to miss an opportunity to speak the truth in love. I do hope you will prayerfully click on the link below and read the article I have recently read. Please do not let guilt from grief about this loss or anything past persuade you of anything other than that God's love is sufficient and when we don't have the right feelings, He is greater than our hearts, and holds us still.

http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2011/10/a-call-for-discernment/

With love in Christ, and see you in heaven,
Melody

Jesus did not come to establish a religion.

2012-02-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

While thoughts have been running through my head about issues ranging from Westboro "Baptist Church" to the Quiver-full Movement to some of the sub-cultures and ideas I was influenced by in my upbringing, during the talk-part of worship today, our pastor taught through some verses from Colossians in the Bible, and it hit the nail on the head.

Christians have always been struggling with legalism attacking from within, and this is what causes our divisions and sub-cultures. Christianity, as we know it, has painted itself into a corner with its battle-cries regarding a "culture war" and so on. Much of what Christians are fighting for is not the main issue; the main issue is as simple as "what would Jesus do," but unfortunately even that old phrase causes a recoil in society because some Christians have tried to make Christianity "cool."

I don't think God is interested in being "with it" or "in" or "cool." Popularity simply isn't his style, nor is winning the cultural war. There are greater issues at stake!

I will at some point be discussing the various issues I have mentioned above, but to set the stage for all that, I guess I better be a little explicit about what I believe, for better or for worse.

Quite simply, Jesus did not come to establish a religion. Jesus is God, as I have established as part of my world-view in the previous post, and he came to earth as a human to set humanity free from worthless religious activity. God is love, and he loves without condition. The Mosaic law taught the nations through the people-group to whom it was given that no one could live up to God's standards with all their being, including the heart, which no one sees. The freedom, that those who trust in Jesus' atoning death and liberating resurrection receive, is the freedom to cease from striving after perfection on human terms. It means we are reconciled to God through a loving savior, regardless of our failings or addictions, past, present, and even future, though out of love for our savior we will desire to do right instead of wrong.

What bothers me so much about Christianity in America is how far from simplicity it has come. We are in a new Dark Ages where truth is concerned, and post-modernism is not at fault for that. (More on that another time.)

Legalism can be defined as "seeking to achieve or maintain acceptance by God through obedience to God." That means, I am only accepted if I obey perfectly. That equals religion and human effort, but history has already established that I, like all people, cannot be perfect 100% of the time. Whatever you believe, we all make mistakes, if not flat out murderous atrocities. So this would mean that God is a very cruel, exacting, selfish person who demands a lot out of me that he doesn't even give me the power to do!

The power to do right is there, however, but it isn't all on me; God's unconditional love has set me free from the guilt, fear, pride, and selfish focus that I will fall into every time I live legalistically. God himself gives me power to live from the heart he puts in me, and forgives me as a loving father forgives a child, every time I fail.

This probably sounds like an excuse to got out and party like it's 19-whatever- after all, I live in Vegas...! Fact is, I have learned more about grace out here in Vegas than I ever got in middle-class Christian Britain, or the Bible belts of the USA. Simply, God loves me, exactly as I am, no matter where I've been, and he doesn't give me loads of rules to follow; he gives me himself. I've had a lot of reasons to yell, scream, and cry at him because of things that have hurt me in life, and he patiently loves me through it. Some of the most judge-mental people around me have been those who are thought by others to be close to God, yet by judging me rather than accepting me, they've turned me away from his comfort that I could otherwise have had through them.

I went through a miscarriage; I thought it was my fault. I struggled with my emotions; I thought there was sin in my life. I fell in love; I was told he wasn't the one. I made adult decisions, having to defy "parental authority" (I was 28 btw); I was told I was out of the will of God. And so it goes.

There have been times in my life I have been so low I have felt like God doesn't exist, but somehow, I never doubted his love for me. His love is not harsh, but it can be tough. I think he wants me to learn the truth for myself, and not depend on others to tell me what it is. So I am critical of what I hear, study, or read, but if it resonates with the truth of who Jesus really is, not who we've been told he is, it heals me. Today what was said in church made sense: Jesus didn't come to enslave us; he came to set us free: free to live from the new heart he gives. If we are all uniquely created individuals, as I believe we are, it follows that my story will not be like your story, and that none of us belongs in a cage or a box.

I hope these thoughts help someone on their journey. With much agape love.

Pilate's question, or "What is truth?"

2012-02-25T23:41:00.001-08:00

It is not popular to claim there is absolute truth. It is even very dangerous to assume that my truth or your truth is absolute, and try to impose it on others. This is what leads to cults and mind control, so it is reasonable to be wary of any claim to absolute truth.

The historical Roman ruler Pilate, who famously washed his hands of the murder of the historical figure, Jesus, asked the question, "What is truth?" in response to Jesus' claim that, "anyone on the side of truth listens to me."

I believe there are many different ways of looking at issues, belief-systems, and life in general, and it is unnecessary to insist one way of doing or being is right or wrong. This is evident as we begin to grasp the scale of the huge dimension of cultures and world-views this international, multi-cultural world has to offer. One culture prizes one thing, another culture other things, and who's to say which is right or which is wrong?

Some truths do however appear "self-evident" in the common values people-groups share. The importance of love, for example, is undisputed in most cultures, although there may be exceptions.

What I wish to discuss, in this series of blogs, is the importance of claims to absolute truth, the damage such claims can cause, and the common values humans share that point us to a truth or the truth, which is self-evident when we are willing to take responsibility to listen to it. I also wish to expose what I believe to be lies that cults or cult-like groups have spread, so feel free to think for yourself about what I share.

My disclaimer here will be that I believe in God, and I rest in the grace he has shown me through Jesus. If that puts you off, I apologize, but I still welcome healthy debate.

I don't believe we can get to the truth unless we are willing to look at it from all angles. Part of my learning and growing is enjoying the freedom to discover the truth as I bounce opinions off others who may or may not agree with me.

I hate cults and mind control, but I have come out of situations where I feel people have tried to usurp the truth by planting their own shade of it, in order to control others.

However, I believe the truth truly does set free.

I do not have a monopoly on truth, whatever I trust or believe. I simply desire to develop what I believe, and seek and find TRUE truth.