An Open Letter To Brother Eddie Villanueva

Dear Brother Eddie,

I hope and pray that this letter reaches you and take to heart the sentiments every true born-again believer of Christ wants to convey to you in light of the interview you had with an English daily in relation to the visit of Pope Francis. I write as a brother in Christ, not as a critic wanting to put you on edge for your theology gone wayward, but as a fellow Christian trying to remind you that encouraging your flock to celebrate the pope's visit citing it as not only a Catholic event, is wrong in every way as per biblical principle.

Without a doubt and I have always said this that I am one of those millions who have been blessed by your ministry and that the Lord has evidently touched and changed so many lives through your ministry. With that being said, I am also one of those many people who were completely astounded when in the interview you proudly announced that  JIL members are free to celebrate the visit of the pope and join in the celebration. Though I can understand you only wanted to emphasize that your flocks are not being subjected to restrictions and that they enjoy 'freedom of worship' under your leadership, it is however uncalled for and bordering on leading the flock astray from the truth by encouraging them to indirectly partake of the sins of idolatry and false worship.

I can also perfectly understand that you mean no harm with your intents, and that your heart only desires for what is noble, good and honorable. The pope's message of mercy and compassion is easily identifiable with us Christians because this very same thing is the very heartbeat of God. I do believe that you genuinely do care about people and want them to find wholeness in the Lord and ultimately want to bring them to the knowledge of truth. But have you forgotten that the truth may not always be popular but it shall always remain the truth?  Jesus is the only truth, and you do not find the truth in the midst of idol worship!

You said that "others who value genuine world peace, freedom of worship and interfaith dialogue should also welcome this historic event". I appreciate the fact that you clamor for "genuine world peace" just like everybody else; and who does not? The world is saddled with wars, rumors of wars - and given the advent of ISIS, Boko Haram, and the perpetual religious and cultural wars within societies, are these not too much to bear for any peace-loving individual? So I can understand where's that sentiment coming from.  But if you read your Bible when you get time, the Lord Jesus Christ comforts His disciples that He leaves them  peace, not as the world gives (John 14:27). And these words came from the "prince of peace" himself. Did I just lose my faith in 'world peace' for saying this? Not at all! Anything is possible with God. But as true born-again believers of Christ, living in the last days I believe, and awaiting that Blessed Hope, there is an assurance that in Him we find the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4: 7).

Your sudden association with the Catholic faith saddens me terribly  because I am purely concerned of your flock, who once in their lifetimes were held under the bondage of religiosity and idolatry in the Catholic faith. Whether we admit it or not, many from among your flock have answered your call to celebrate with the pope because as their leader, they believe it is their Christian duty to participate in the cause that you believe in, which is the very same message of hope, unity, and world peace that the pope espouses. 

If in case you have no idea until now whom you are associating with, allow me to cite in details why Pope Francis is probably the most well-loved figure on the planet which rightfully earned him the moniker, "the people's pope":

His stand on Atheism

Pope Francis makes no secret of his agenda of inclusiveness, openness, and welcoming other religions and atheists alike into the Catholic fold. While it sounded noble and honorable, he dared tread the path where no other man has gone before: announcing to the world that even atheists can still go to heaven as long as they do good deeds and they follow their conscience. He would emphasize that believing in God is no longer a prerequisite to enter heaven. So, whatever happened to John 14: 6, Ephesians 2: 8-9, John 3: 16-18, among others?

On Homosexuality

Jesus commanded us to "love your neighbor as yourself". And that's basically a command to love every human being, that's why God sent Jesus to die for the sins of the world - and that's including me, yourself and everyone else. We ought to love others, so much so that we have been called to warn others of the wrath of God if we do not turn away from our sins. But the pope in his effort to welcome everyone to the Catholic church, refuses to condemn the sins of homosexuality by pontificating that "as long as they have goodwill and are seeking God, who am I to judge?"

On Islam

In a series of shocking developments from the Vatican since Pope Francis ascended to the papacy, the one that really made a mark is his recent invitation for an inter-faith dialogue wherein for the first time in the history of Catholicism, an Islamic prayer and Quranic verses reverberated inside the halls of the Vatican. An unedited prayer by the imam calls to their god Allah "to give them victory over the infidels" - and that presumably includes me, yourself and all others not belonging to the Islamic faith. 

The pope further stressed that it is wrong to equate violence with Islam. But their book tells of an entirely different story where Muslims are commanded not to make friends with Jews and Christians (Surah 5:51), to instill terror in the hearts of the infidels and to strike their neck down to their fingertips (Surah 8:12, in case we wonder why there's so much beheading), and slay the infidels wherever they may be found (Surah 9:5). So can we blame the ISIS for slaughtering thousands of Christians and the minority Yazidis in Syria and Iraq? The Boko Haram for butchering three thousand Christians in Nigeria a fortnight ago? And yet the pope condemns those who condemn violence and terror committed in the name of Islam!

On inter-faith dialogue as a way forward

We know and you know, this  leads to Ecumenism that would usher to the one-world religion spoken of by the prophet Daniel and greatly detailed in the Book of Revelation. Harmless and noble as it may seem to appear, we should not forget that the Lord Jesus Christ himself had warned his disciples of the impending trouble that we are about to suffer because of Him. Nowadays, political correctness is being used as leverage for every other religion but Christianity. The atheists and the Islamists always get offended by almost anything Christians do: be it prayer in school, students praying before meals in a public school canteen, and even a small cross planted on a front yard of a private home. Anything with a mention of Jesus and God is offensive to them. Christians are habitually taken to court  because of their faith, and most often than not the accusers come away smiling. 

But are we not supposed to be glad that we Christians partake in the sufferings of Christ just as Paul and Silas rejoiced after they were beaten and jailed? No matter how hard we squeeze ourselves into a gathering of inter-faith leaders to 'achieve peace', the truth that the world will still hate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remains. Jesus said, "you will be hated by everyone because of me" (Matthew 10:22). And, "if the world hated you it's because it hated me first" (John 15:8). Some people would willingly die to defend their religion, or their idols or prophets, but Jesus our Lord and Savior was the one who died for us.

In view of the above, let me remind you lest you forget;

That there is only one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus. That Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by Him. But the pope, the leader of the largest idolatrous religion in the world whom you are all praises for, never said of these things about Jesus - and instead he encourages all his flocks to worship and pray to Mary so that she in turn would intercede for them - and they call her as the queen of heavens. Is this not a blasphemy of the highest order against our sovereign God? God hates idol worship and He punishes them that worship idols up to the fourth generation; lest you forget.

That all these talks of achieving "genuine world peace" and "so-called unity" is a waste of time without Christ at the center of it. Peace without Jesus is false peace and unity without Jesus is false unity. If there's one person who knows it better, it is you Brother Eddie. All these so-called peace and unity efforts can deliver is but temporary peace - and the one that can give it is the anti-Christ; lest you forget.

That the pope's "message of hope" which you yourself affirmed is not what our hopeless generation needs; anyone can proclaim the same message even those who do not necessarily believe in Jesus. But what people do need to hear is the gospel of peace that only Jesus gives: it is how people can be saved from their sins and obtain forgiveness -  and that is by repentance and believing in Jesus as the Son of God - this is the message - and not by celebrating the sins of idolatry and encouraging your flock to celebrate with them; lest you forget. 

That if your belt of truth is not properly buckled up then there goes your breastplate of righteousness. That no matter how people strive their hardest to attain their desired purpose with all their purest intents if it is not founded in the truth of Jesus but of deception, there can only be an expected end. Without God's truth, all of man's effort for peace and unity are bound to crumble because they are not planted on a solid foundation. For when there is no truth, there is no righteousness; lest you forget.

Brother Eddie, I have no doubt in my mind that you are an anointed man of God who loves the Lord Jesus Christ as much as you love His truth. Your passion for the lost is beyond question as much as your desire to obey God. However, your declaration that "the pope's visit will serve as a breakthrough to effect unity among different religions" is beyond me. How "two can walk together except they be agreed"? (Amos 3:3) In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he admonished them "not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion has light with darkness."? (2 Corinthians 6:14) Just to make it clear; lest you forget.

As for your son Joel, himself a man of God just like you, it is inconceivable that he would seek blessings from the pope and ask for his prayers for the nation. He would even call Pope Francis, "the pope of hope". What has happened to our Blessed Hope, and the song of David when he "looked for the Lord for his hope is in Him" (Psalms 39:7)?  Maybe that needs revision? Or you both figure it out. I just hope that the pope would oblige and intercede for our nation (to Mary perhaps?) just as what your son Joel sought from him.   I pray that your son Joel does not believe in his heart that the pope is indeed the "Vicar of Christ on Earth" lest he deprives the Holy Spirit of His job. And by essentially believing that the pope can come more boldly to the throne of grace more than he could, then I think there must be something terribly wrong with the doctrine that your son was brought up into.

Brother Eddie, God has given you unarguably one of the largest platforms for the gospel in Philippine history and beyond. Can you say before Him that you have proclaimed His uncompromising truth, cared for His flock and protected them from the devourer? Have you ever studied extensively the prophetic words of Jesus in the gospel, learning it, feeding on it and sharing it with your flock so that they get properly nurtured? Have you ever worked your way through the epistles of Paul? If not, why not?

Have you ever wondered about how your association with Catholicism plays out among true born-again believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, some of them members of your own flock who have once endured the curse of idolatry and religiosity but have found freedom in Jesus? Have you ever thought about what your message of encouragement to have fellowship with darkness sounds like to those who have found light in Jesus? Have you ever figured out what spiritual adultery can bring about to the bride of Christ? And if that 'monumental speech' you did at a Quiboloy event is anything to go by, all of  Filipino Christian community be better ready to kneel down before God for you.

When a person is called by God to shepherd His flock and ceases to lead them in good pasture and still waters, he cannot be a good shepherd anymore. But I believe, your heart and soul constantly seek for what is good for the flock. Jesus has showed us the example of a good shepherd: one who's willing to lay down his life for the flock. This is good shepherding 101, as basic as it gets, yet you encouraged your flock to join in agreement with the pope who only brings idol worship and false hope to a deceived nation. As Christians we are called to win them to Jesus and not us getting into agreement with them.

Bro. Eddie, I know that these words have been strong, yet they are written in love and concern. And since I have no direct access to you and do not know in any way how to reach you, after prayer and reflection, I felt that this was the best way to go, addressing  public statements publicly, by blog, with a fervent hope that this message reaches you. Without a doubt, there are many lives you have touched; by not clinging to the basic truth you have also offended more than you realize; lest you forget. I pray that you will take this to heart. Praying for you.

From a fellow Christian,


Nelson of The Discerning Sheep Ministry

"The Secret" Unveiled

I only heard about this book 'The Secret' on The Oprah Winfrey show back in 2009 - and I immediately bought a copy of it - believing that it can help me get what I want - and what I want was money, and lots of them. I was an unbeliever then. I really thought that this little book could actually be my ticket to a life of comfort and ease - but I was dead wrong. I was neither dirt poor, nor a rich man. But just the thought of having an unspeakable amount of money in your hands that you could spend on whatever and whenever you want was so enticing - but it's doubly frustrating and depressing because you just don't have it. That is where the enemy comes in - by deceiving you that you can get the prosperity you want by way of this book. In all reality, you are committing a great sin against God. 

A lot of Bible illiterate Christians today read this New Age book - not knowing that they are being deceived, being lead by seducing spirits. Last year during my exhortation in a prayer meeting at my former church, I was carrying this book as a teaching tool - to point out the demonic nature of it. I didn't know that a fellow church member also had a copy of this book. We talked it over and I advised him not to read the book anymore and that he should throw it away.

What is it all about?

'The Secret' is just one of the many New Age books that Oprah Winfrey promotes - along with 'A Course in Miracles' and 'A New Earth' on her show. This book is simply about getting what you want by using the law of attraction, or the power of positive thinking by way of visualization, declaration and positive confession. There are three easy steps (the book says) to get what you want: Ask, Believe and Receive. This is the reason why a lot of Christians are attracted into reading this demonically-inspired book - because it is so easy to follow the instruction, yet it claims to give you tremendous reward. But the question is, who are you asking it from?  On page 48 of the book we get the answer.

"This is really fun. It's like having the Universe as your catalogue. 

You flip through it and say, "I'd like to have these experience and 

I'd like to have that product and I'd like to have a person like that." 

It is You placing your order with the Universe. It's really that easy."

So, it's the Universe you will ask from, not our Lord God. I believe that the 'Universe' the book is talking about here is actually Satan, just in different name. After all, the Scriptures refer to him as the god of this world and thus fully capable to grant one's wishes at the expense of that individual's soul. We can see this in Matthew 4:8-9, where Satan tempted Jesus to give Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor - but in exchange Jesus should fall down on His knee and worship him. 'The Secret' will cause you to sin against God, just like what Balaam did to the nation of Israel. He can not curse them, and so by teaching Balak what to do, he let Israel curse themselves in a way. (You can read the full story of Balaam in Numbers chapter 22 through 25. This account is also recorded in Revelation 2:14.)

Name it, Claim it.

The New Age teaching such as the "power of positive thinking" and the "law of attraction" has slowly but surely infiltrated mainstream Christianity through megachurch prosperity gospel preachers like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Robert Schuller, T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, to name a few, and who are nothing more than motivational speakers. They just repackaged this by calling it a different name. The "Name it, Claim it" doctrine, is a prosperity gospel, it teaches that you can have everything your heart desires, just simply ask it and you'll have it, twisting Mark 11:24 which says, "...What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.". It is of the Word of Faith Movement which teaches that Christians can access the power of faith and fear through speech. The basic doctrine being preached by this movement is that of wealth and health through positive confession. A lot of Christians have been deceived by these prosperity gospel preachers, believing that God really wants us to be rich and comfortable in this life while we await our place in heaven. They forget that with much tribulation we will enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) - not with overflowing material blessings that we usually hear from TV preachers.

You can see the similarities and influences of the new age teaching on the power of positive thinking and law of attraction from these prosperity gospel preachers through the books they authored. Here are some of titles:

• Joel Osteen - "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential" (2004), "Living in Favor, Abundance and Joy" (2010), "I Declare: 31 Promises To Speak Over Your Life" (2013).
• Robert Schuller - "Move Ahead With Possibility Thinking" (1967), "Self Love" (1975), "Living Positively One Day at a Time" (1986).
• Creflo Dollar - "8 Steps To Create The Life You Want", "Total Life Prosperity", "You're Supposed To Be Wealthy".
• Joyce Meyer - "Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose" (2002), "The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word" (2004), "Change Your Words, Change Your Life: Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak" (2012).
• T.D. Jakes - "Positioning Yourself To Prosper", "The Greatest Investment", "Life Overflowing: Six Pillars of Abundant Living" among others.
• Kenneth Copeland - "Prosperity: The Choice is Yours" (1992), "The Laws of Prosperity" (1995), "Prayer: Your Foundation For Success" (1999).
• Rick Warren - "The Power To Change Your Life", "Daniel Plan: 40 Days To a  Healthier Life", "Purpose Driven Life".
• Paula White - "Birthing Your Dreams: God's Plan For Living Victoriously" (2003), "Daily Treasures (Words of Wisdom for a Power-Filled Life" (2004), "The Ten Commandments of Health and Wellness" (2007), "You're All That!" (2007).
• Clarence McClendon - "And When You Pray: The Key to Accessing the Presence of God" (2002), "Unlocking Dream Dimension: The Principle of First Fruit" (2003), "Beyond Personal Power: Experiencing the "God Kind of Faith"" (2003).
• Kenneth Hagin - "Words" (1979), "How God Taught Me About Prosperity" (1985), "You Can Have What You Say" (1988).
• Leroy Thompson Sr. - "Money Cometh: To The Body of Christ" (1999), "Money Thou Art Loosed" (1999), "Money With A Mission" (2000).

Watch this video of Leroy Thompson teaching his congregation how to attract money (wealth and prosperity) into their lives by way of the power of attraction and through positive confession. "Money, cometh to me now!" is their Mantra. A good example of Mammon worship.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, 

and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 

You cannot serve God and mammon. ~ Matthew 6:24 (AKJV)

Norman Vincent Peale. He's a minister and author of the book "The Power of Positive Thinking". He influenced and mentored TV evangelists like Robert H. Schuller and Rick Warren, and Rev. Billy Graham, who said at the National Council of Churches on June 12,1966 that, "I don't know of anyone who had done more for the kingdom of God than Norman and Ruth Peale or have meant anymore in my life for the encouragement they have given me."

I am God!/Little gods

In the New Age theology, they believe that with right meditation, we can receive enlightenment and will come to the realization that we are all gods, attaining the "Christ Consciousness", just like what Jesus had. In page 164 of the book, The Secret, says,

You are God in a physical body. You are Spirit in the flesh. 
You are Eternal life expressing itself as You. You are a cosmic being. 
You are all power. You are all wisdom. You are all intelligence. 
You are perfection. You are magnificence. You are the creator, 
and you are creating the creation of You on this planet. 

The lie that says we can all be gods goes back from the garden of Eden - when Adam and Eve was deceived to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil - by the most cunning creature of all in the garden: the Serpent - the father of lies himself Lucifer.  In Genesis 3: 3-5 we read:

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, 
God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 
And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die: 
For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, 
and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

The "I am God" new age doctrine is not new to Christianity, and is based solely on pride. In fact, many of the Word of Faith Movement teachers and prosperity gospel preachers like Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Paula White and even the late TBN founder Paul crouch Sr. all believe that they are "little gods". They argue that since God is our Father, and we are the sons of God, therefore we must also be gods, or little gods. Incidentally, most false religions like Islam and Mormonism also believe that if they do good in this present life - when they die, they will either be like gods or be gods themselves. The Lord Yahweh says in Isaiah 45:5, "I Am the LORD, and there's none else, there is no God beside me..." , and in Revelation 22: 13, Jesus Christ says, I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." 

In this final hour, when the enemy does not rest to deceive all humanity into believing that God has planned for all of us to prosper with so much material blessings - we better be warned. Jesus was crystal clear in His admonition to the disciples that whoever would want to follow Him should take up his cross daily and share in His sufferings so that he too may be worthy to share in His glory. But most Christians today have different ideas - they love to twist Scriptures to tickle their itching ears and readily claim promises of abundant life that Jesus had promised in John 10;10. The Bible says that whoever lacks wisdom should ask God who gives it freely to those who desire it (James 1:15). With God's wisdom and discernment from the Spirit you can never go wrong in your walk with Him.

For Further Reading:
The New Age Theology, The Serpent's Lies: God Realization, and The Secret Revealed

Also  'Why I'm Against "Name It, Claim It" Theology' , "Is Name It, Claim It" Teaching Biblical?, Is There Power in Positive Confession?, and What does the Bible means by 'You are gods'/'Ye are gods' in Psalm 82:6 and John 10: 34?

Oprah, Rob Bell, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen et al: Lethal Combination

Who doesn't like Oprah Winfrey? She is a poster girl for hard work, compassion and spirituality. When she speaks, the world listens. Critics may try but fail to succeed in putting her down. After all, she radiates positivity that this world desperately needs. Her words offer up wisdom - deep sense of spirituality and inclusiveness - regardless of anyone's race, creed and religion. If you listen to her, chances are you'll be seeing yourself in a company of legions who admire and adore her. That is what encompasses the name Oprah. Now, that is very easy to see why megachurch pastors come in a beeline to share a platform with her. 

A year ago, Oprah had successfully enlisted some notable pastors to her program MegaFest, aimed at reaching out to hurting communities that needed emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. She could not go wrong aligning herself with popular celebrity pastors such as T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar and Rick Warren who lead congregations in their tens of thousands among them. Given the blockbuster lineup she had gathered, the program needless to say was a massive success. As if that was not enough, Oprah recently hired another (former) megapastor Rob Bell into her fold to launch him into yet another stardom. Rob Bell, the former founder of another megachurch in Michigan who is famous for not believing in a literal hell will debut in his launching program 'The Rob Bell Show' on December 21 this year. This heretic will have another powerful platform to spread lies in exchange for financial gain and media is abuzz heaping praise on this 'new milestone'.

Prosperity gospel

With social media emerging as a very powerful tool to connect the world today, the likes of T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar and Rick Warren are but some famous names in the Christian community to have emerged as having the greatest fan base. Their respective congregations number to tens of thousands. These pastors are also multi-millionaires and labelled megapastors for obvious reasons. So what's their secret for being so 'successful'?

It's no secret that people naturally tend to gravitate towards a feel-good message especially when one's life is saddled with so many troubles. When pastors preach about "God being obsessed with us people and that He desires to give the best life that we could ever have", who would dare resist hearing such comforting and satisfying words? That is in effect very true - that God desperately wants to put us under His wings to enjoy His presence and the security and peace that only He could give in this troubled world. But the issue is that the gospel presented here is being sugar-coated so that people think they have no accountability for their sins because God is too loving to punish us for our sins. People in these congregations are being spoon-fed to believe that God has been itching to pour out so much blessings to them and that it does not bother Him a bit that these people live in sin. After all, "He is only about love, forgiveness and generosity". 

Mega pastors and what they're known for:

T.D. Jakes in one of his interviews pertaining to gay marriage while hosting  Oprah's Life Class, famously said that the Bible affirms "that marriage should be between man and a woman. I'm not particularly political. I'm not particularly denominational. I'm not worried about any of that. I'm not anti-gay, I'm not anti-anything. I don't want to even be known by what I'm against." So, it's quite clear T.D. Jakes doesn't want anyone to know that God abhors same-sex relationship. He does know that it is an abomination to God but he would rather keep it to himself and would not tell the tens of thousands in his congregation.

Well, we know the man Joel Osteen in his famous  interview with Larry King was a confused Christian. All he said was "I don't know Larry I don't know", when asked if atheists won't go to heaven without Jesus. He insists he is not called to preach condemnation but to announce only the message of hope. So, that explains why we see multitudes upon multitudes stampede into his church on Sundays eager to hear his message of hope, prosperity and promotion without even mentioning that 'sometimes' God can get disappointed with their 'little sins'.

And in case you don't know Creflo Dollar, this megachurch pastor is known for his teaching that God wants His faithful (tithers) to be rich. He is also known for defending his friend Bishop Eddie Long who is a child molester. And what's new with Rick Warren the man known as 'America's pastor'? His brave and well-applauded  endeavor to bring together various faiths in unity certainly did not escape Oprah. So he comes as a natural choice to join Oprah in promoting her New Age agenda feigned as a noble endeavor.

As for Oprah's newest recruit Rob Bell, he is a resigned pastor from the one he founded in Michigan and now busying himself up rubbing elbows with Hollywood celebrities. As we mentioned above, the man does not believe in a literal hell and is a staunch supporter of same-sex marriage. So there you are. No explanation needed.

Lethal combination

It's not a real surprise when Oprah has aligned herself with these megachurch pastors and vice-versa. Their common denominator is obvious and that is to send a message of love, acceptance, tolerance and inclusiveness. In Oprah's Life Class with T.D. Jakes, topics that are commonly talked about is how to gain your self-esteem back, acceptance of one's self, and being at peace with everyone in your environment - and guide a person to his or her spirituality. The show has been proven to be a hit and has gained massive following through the years. Oprah articulates that this program does not tackle religion or any particular faith but about spirituality. That to me sounds very New Age philosophy.

Oprah's New Age belief

The world has heard when Oprah in one of her program episodes declared that all faiths lead to God and that there must be over a hundred ways to God other than Jesus. Everyone in the audience seemed to nod in agreement save for one lady who stood up and schooled Oprah on Jesus' claim that He alone is the way to the Father. In that terse and edgy conversation, Oprah seemed to look annoyed at the preaching of that biblical truth and even insisted that a man's compassion and generosity toward a fellow human being should not be ignored. She insisted in her own view that good works should be credited to a person when entering  the so-called higher consciousness.

Oprah has confessed her belief that the biblical Jesus  must not be the only way. That is painful for her to admit that there is only One way and that is Jesus. Her insistence that good works can also be a man's ticket to heaven is proof that Oprah does not believe in the Bible. If we are to look at her background, Oprah was brought up in a Baptist church in her early years. But when she found fame and became very successful, she seemed to have repudiated all the things she learned from her formative years in church. She would go on to question why would God be jealous of her based on what the Bible says that 'God is a jealous god'? Her belief of God and His attributes seems very vague to her if not unrealistic. While she professes to be a Christian, she still insists on not talking about religion or faith - rather she would love to welcome the topic of spirituality which to her is more appropriate for its inclusive tone, devoid of any religious color.

Blinded Christians

Despite Oprah's hair-raising confession of her New Age belief, many Christians are prepared to be up in arms to defend her. To them that does not take anything away from her 'Christian faith'  even if she habitually invites Deepak Chopra and other notable New Agers to her show and ask viewers to listen intently to the 'wisdom and spirituality' from her perennial speakers on her show. Whether they are in town promoting their New Age books and speaking about 'higher consciousness', Oprah has only had wonderful words to say about the wisdom she has learned from them that has "helped her tremendously in her own quest for higher consciousness".

So, what's with the alliance?

When Oprah announced that she will join with megachurch pastors for a MegaFest last year, no one had doubted the intent of the celebration. It's surely meant to help the community, bring healing to wounded families and reaching out to those who are hurting. The names T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen and Rick Warren and Creflo Dollar had emerged to be joining forces with Oprah for the said purpose -all formidable names and all superstars in their own right. Others may have heaped praises for it but I call it very unholy and demonic alliance. In what manner shall one reach out to the hurting if there is no Jesus in the equation? Remember that whatever problem this life brings, only God and God alone is the answer. The root of every trouble in this world is sin. So if you take out sin when witnessing to the wounded how does it bring about healing? 

Witnessing in love to someone in a lifestyle contrary to Scriptures is one thing - aligning forces and mixing together with that someone is quite another. New Age teachers have no place ministering in the church. That spirit comes upon the congregation. Perhaps she is seeking God. Perhaps she has some interest in the things of the Lord. That does not constitute placing even a regenerated disciple in the pulpit. Church leaders have a responsibility to place God fearing men and women who teach the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the hungry, the weary and the hurting. Mixing the truth with half-truth is most dangerous. New age philosophy is being spoon-fed to believers. We must be aware that the enemy of our souls will deceive even the elect if possible. This is proving to be one way to do just that. The church must stand for the truth and be wary of such practices.

Our aim

We write articles like this with the objective of warning Christians of the deception that has infiltrated the Body of Christ. The Bible has no shortage of warnings and reminders of the coming deception that others have fallen prey to such. And we feel it is our Christian duty to let others know of the wiles of the enemy, especially those who do not take time to search the Scriptures but only have Sunday sermons of their pastors for their spiritual food. Nowadays, even pastors are greatly deceived en masse. Most of them refuse to acknowledge that their 'mentors' have gone heretical and that they stick to their teachings no matter what. Let us be reminded that it is Jesus who died for our sins, not our pastors or our mentors. Warn your brother or sister if he or she loves to watch Oprah, T.D. Jakes or Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar, Rob Bell or Rick Warren. These false teachers should be called as they are: false teachers - and they are leading millions to hell. And it's a company you certainly would not enjoy to be with. Nevertheless, we cease not to pray for Oprah, these false teachers and all our brethren who are being deceived. While the grace of God still beckons its door, we do hope and pray that these people will still be snatched from the fire, that is if they are willing to repent.

Rick Warren Declares "Other Religions Love Jesus"

"We all love Jesus!" is the marked declaration by Pastor Rick Warren that reverberates across  four corners of the room when speaking at an inter-religious conference hosted by the Vatican.

On 17th to 19th of November this year, Pope Francis hosted at the Vatican the Humanum Conference with a theme: An Inter-religious Colloquium on the Complementarity of Man and Woman. The said conference gathered faith leaders from the world's major religions such as Islam, Judaism, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhism, Taoist, Mormons, Southern Baptists led by Russel Moore, and of course the Evangelicals who were proudly represented by the popular and well-loved Pastor Rick Warren.

This endeavor by the Vatican to gather different religious minds and get them to speak to a worldwide audience was aimed at knowing and understanding every faith's stance on marriage and how it can still facilitate unity and respect amid 'little differences' in one another's doctrine. Well, to a natural man that sounds pretty noble and awesome to hear, that is if wisdom is not applied here.

But why in the world is Pastor Rick Warren in attendance and 'representing' the Evangelicals? For starters, Pastor Rick is widely considered as "America's pastor". The man is incredibly famous - his exploits are already sealed in the annals of world history due to his world-renowned peace, unity, understanding, and reaching-out-to-other-religions no-nonsense initiatives that make him constant fixtures in global forums. Given the weight of his resume, Rick Warren understandably was a popular choice to represent Evangelicals or the Bible-believing believers in general.

Since attendance to the said conference is by invitation-only status, his presence did not come as a surprise. To be representing the entire Bible-believing community in the world stage carries as much of a responsibility as well as opportunity to preach Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. It's incumbent of every true Christian to proclaim his faith and what he believes just like an Imam who you would find assertive of his proclamation that Mohammed is the last messenger of Allah - to a captive audience. 

Being in this select group of 'like-minded' faith leaders pursuing a unified goal to 'put definition to and restore the sanctity of marriage', you do not expect Pastor Rick Warren to be in violent disagreement with other faith leaders. The essence of this gathering was to 'solve minor differences' in order to advance the cause of healthy family life. Of course, a seeker of truth finding himself struggling to connect the dots would naturally be in a dilemma when the definition of marriage is being juxtaposed in the contexts of both Muslims and Christians. The former will have nothing against the latter, that's for sure. But will Pastor Rick Warren readily concur to a Mohammedan assertion that a 4-wife limit still falling into a 'sanctified marriage' category? 

Interestingly enough, here's what Pastor Rick Warren had to say in his speech:

"It's great to be with leaders from different streams of Christianity from all over the world. Although we have some differences, we all love Jesus Christ and we all want marriages and families to be healthy and strong."

And there you have it! but the last time we did some fact-checkings:
1. not everyone in attendance belongs to a 'stream of Christianity',
2. I still have to find a Taoist, a Hindu or a Buddhist among others, that love the Lord Jesus Christ,
3. that 'little differences' to Pastor Rick is but 'negligible' compared to the sovereign truth of the gospel,
4. or perhaps Pastor Rick suffers from confusion about his audience?

As if 'America's pastor' has been feeling sick and tired to the perception towards the Christian religion in general that he has had enough, hence self-deprecating by announcing to the world that, "as Christians, we seem to be known more for what is against than what we're for; and I want to change that". Such is the unpopularity of Christians that he is hell-bent to change that in order to blend in for the 'common good'.

Unfortunately for him, we are yet to find Bible verses that states Jesus wanted to be popular so that he made friends with sadducees and pharisees, high-fived with Caiaphas and thumbs-upped those traders at the temple. Jesus did talk to prostitutes to show them the Way to His Father; He ate with sinners to lead them to Himself. But Jesus never did as Rick Warren does:  blending together false religions with Christianity, and never blending the lies with truth. If Pastor Rick believes he ought to be popular, by all means, but Jesus clearly warned His disciples in Luke 21:17 "and you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake". In John 15:18 He also added, " if the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you".

While Jesus made himself clear about the world ultimately hating us Christians because of Him and His message, some famous evangelicals on the other hand are in a frenzy to win approval and admiration from those who do not acknowledge Jesus. Key to this is the safe assumption that every religion strives for man's well being by advocating peace and harmony. This is not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!" ~ (Galatians 1:8,9)

"Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad." ~ (Matthew 12:30)

So how can all these false religions agree with Rick Warren's assumption that 'they also love Jesus'? Which Jesus is he referring to?

Here's a very interesting subject central to the conference according to facilitators:
"Religious scholars will examine how this relationship is lived in cultures and societies of Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, Taoists, Muslims and Jews.

The focus is on the meaning of marriage around the globe, and God's plan, as understood by religions around the globe.

"God's plan, as understood by religions around the globe." Really? So, when did God's plan become subject to the interpretations of men? Whether or not these faith leaders  have different concept of marriage as opposed to the biblical marriage between a man and woman only, is totally irrelevant. Whether the Catholic's centuries-old doctrine on conventional marriage has evolved and is subject for fresh interpretation to accommodate deviants is totally irrelevant. God's plain command, plain and simple, that was given to men, totally immutable in nature - is one that should matter. What can these false religions say then at the authority of the Bible when they themselves ironically are being dragged under a broad umbrella of those who 'love Jesus Christ'?

Central to the issue of marriage, and central to social ills, is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the true Lord and Savior. And here's what the Bible emphatically decrees: that unless a person has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, it does not matter how brightly his morals shine, he nevertheless dwells in darkness.

It does not take this conference alone to expose Rick Warren and other false teachers from the evangelical mainstream (there are a lot of them), for the Lord Jesus Christ will always see to it that His true bride is being adequately warned and continued to be sanctified by truth. 

"Why he said, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." ~ Ephesians 5: 14-16

More "James White on Rick Warren's Capitulation to Rome" at Do Not Be Surprised.

"Son of God" the Movie and Its New Age Connection

It was not long time ago when I was on vacation in the Philippines and I finally got the chance to see the movie "Son of God" which is critically acclaimed to be a "good Christian film" (well, depending on who makes the critique). Obviously, it's about the life of Jesus Christ, His ministry, His death and resurrection. Even prior to the film's baptism in cinemas, you can hear people raving about it - praises are heaped into it - with its stunning casting, technical excellence and even endless compliments for the producers who they say got people's interests in the biblical Jesus stirred up.

On the flip side, people especially Christians have a different perspective on the film that doesn't quite agree with the script - if only to be based on its purest literal context from the Bible. As if to feed moviegoers of their imagination of the typical Jesus, there is no shortage of it as his bouncy long locks already satisfies one's fantasy. One particular scene in the film though that doesn't escape a supposedly discerning Christian's prying eyes is the misrepresentation and utter omission of the true account of the death of Lazarus. What is annoyingly noticeable is Mary Magdalene portrayed as being in ubiquity with Jesus. In each scene she is shown always with Jesus and the apostles.

Typically, a  school of thought conveys that a prostitute will always be labeled as one for the rest of her life - though the Bible affirms that whoever is in Christ becomes a new creation (1 Peter 5:7). And Mary Magdalene's inclination to be always with the company of men seemed to be what the producers of the movie wanted to convey in the story. Further proof of its ambiguity is Mary Magdalene had no other significant roles in the biblical account, save for her mob-eager-to-stone-her and graveyard scenes where she tearfully inquired of Jesus' supposed stolen body. This is only one of the so-called blatant loopholes in the story. Below is a scene of the resurrection of Lazarus as portrayed in the film. Then, let's find out how distinctly it was rewritten as opposed to the true biblical account.

In John 11: 38 - 44, we find these following accounts:

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself comes to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay on it. Jesus said, Take you away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him, Lord, by this time he stinks: for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her, Said I not to you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. And I knew that you hear me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that you have sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to them, loose him, and let him go.

Compare this scene from the 1977 TV mini series, "Jesus of Nazareth"

The Bible explicitly says that it is outside of the grave where Jesus prayed to the Father - commanded the dead Lazarus to come out of the grave in a loud voice - and Lazarus came out still wrapped in linen clothes, his hands and feet still bound with grave clothes. So, this is exactly what you wanted to see in the movie. But it just did not happen. The Jesus in the film however went straight inside the grave with Martha in tow, prayed there, kissed the unwrapped Lazarus on the forehead and voila! - his eyes suddenly opened and the three casually emerged from the cave.

These are but some of notable inconsistencies and loopholes I found in the movie. There are numerous others but too long to narrate. Needless to say, I came out of the cinema thoroughly unhappy and disappointed. Is it not time to buckle up our loin's girth even more tightly after seeing this widely acceptable platform for deception?

If one wonders why the producers opted not to follow the true biblical account portrayed in most of its scenes; let's take a peek at who the producers are if only our curiosity requires us to investigate. Perhaps it has something to do with their personal backgrounds, religious affiliation, etc.? Here is what we found:

The producers' background
Roma Downey is most well-known to be one of the producers, and the one usually at the forefront of this project. She also happens to be an actress and the one who portrays the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus in the film. She was also the co-producer of 'The Bible' miniseries. In 1999, she released her one and only New Age music album called 'Healing Angel' under RCA Records.  Roma became popular for her role as an angel named Monica in the American TV series 'Touched By An Angel'. She and and her husband Mark Burnett are thought to be Catholics, but it's no secret that she also attended the University of Santa Monica, a private graduate school founded in 1976 by the New Age spiritual guru Roger Delano Hinkins, an educator, author, and lecturer who is also known as John-Roger, who was also the founder of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA). Roma graduated with a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology.

Roma Downey has once been quoted in an interview early this year saying,“As someone who has been on a spiritual journey for many years, it seems a natural extension of that work. The skills I’m learning will ultimately qualify me to be a therapist.” 

Roma, who is from Malibu, is also into reading new age authors. From that same interview she said, "My kids go to school about a 40-minute drive away. I’m open to the group’s opinion about what we listen to on the way there. On the way back, I get my own selections — books on tape by Eckhart Tolle, Tony Robbins…My husband says I’m so self-realized I’m practically levitating.

And in July of 2011, OM Times Magazine released it's special 2nd anniversary edition with Roma Downey on the cover. OM is a New Age Magazine with 'Co-creating a more conscious lifestyle' as their slogan. You can't get any new age-er than that!

So there you go! The producer of the movie herself declares her leanings if not affiliation with New Age group and practically she adheres to its teachings and even "proudly levitating". And that explains why we get this kind of twisted movie supposedly lifted from the Bible. But the truth is, it is to condition the minds of the public that truth is parallel to what is half-truth, and right to what is almost right.

New Age belief is demonic and be warned about it

New Age and  mysticism are quietly creeping inside every Christian home. We should always be sober and vigilant, always comparing everything to the light of the Word of God. We are in the last days where deception abounds and if we do not soldier up as Christians we too are easily dragged into the trap of subtle deception. Let us all guard our faith, as the apostle Peter warns us "to be sober and vigilant for the enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) Jesus further warns us to "take heed that no man deceive you" (Matthew 24:4).

*Some references taken from: Stand Up for the Truth - 'The New Age and Roma Downey' .

For further reading:
'Addressing Concerns Over "Son of God" Film',
Roma Downey: 'Obama is a "Fellow Christian"  
What is New Age? (Wikipedia)

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