In Him We Have Been Made Complete

In September 21 and August 10, 2006 posts I had written articles warning about "contemplative spirituality" coming into the church. To get a feel for the teachings and an example of what is taking place please listen to Crosstalk's interview with Brian Flynn from November 1, 2006 here. Brian, as a former New Ager, is well equipped to see the mystical and contemplative inroads that have been made into the "evangelical" community. I was made very aware of this incredibly subtle influx back in 1981 as I graduated from seminary and entered into the ministry. It was right about this time that "Celebration of Discipline" was making a big "splash" in many churches and with many church leaders. (You should see my side comments in the book that I have!) I wrote a review here were I attempt to warn the Body of the mysticism of Richard Foster, the author, who has his roots deeply embedded in Quakerism.

The fountainhead, to various degrees, of this mysticism having entered into the church are the charismatic movement, Vineyard/signs & wonders, river revival, Promise-Keepers, the Third Wave, and currently the New Apostolic movement and, yes, the Emergent Church, and even has an "amen" from Rick Warren. But we must understand that it is already entrenched in the church and that is why it is "popping up" all over the place, per the Crosstalk interview. And, in my opinion, it is the underlying "teaching" issue in many of the "worship" issues - we probably just don't quite yet realize it. And although I enjoy talking about issues of Cessationism versus Continuationism I believe this to be what I would call a "surface" debate. Because lurking under the waters of many (not all) who hold to continuationism is mysticism. Please be aware of this.

As we plummet toward the end result of the current great apostasy taking place in the visible church - we should make sure we completely understand mysticism/contemplative spirituality. Because this is more than likely the thing that will move Protestantism (if you can call it that anymore) into the "Great Rome Death Embrace." Mysticism/Contemplative is like the small bubbles that slowly begin to form at the bottom of a pan of water just before it starts to boil like crazy!

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Colossians 2:8-10 ESV

God's Gospel - Paul's Gospel

The true gospel is and always will be God’s gospel. It is the good news we preach and share because it is first of all God’s opinion! We dare not tinker with it. Paul shows us how he relates to both the God of the gospel, the people to whom he has preached the gospel, and to those who would preach a contrary gospel in the book of Galatians. Here are a few pertinent points:

Galatians 1:4-5 – It is God’s gospel and to His glory because it is according to His own will that he saves us.

Galatians 1:6 – When we abandon the gospel we abandon HIM. Read the text very closely. When we abandon the reality of the true gospel – we abandon God. This does not bode well for those who say they “just want Jesus” but do “not like doctrine.”

Galatians 1:8-10 – Whether it is a human being or even some supernatural spirit entity like an “angel” – it better line up with Paul’s gospel or he pronounces them “accursed.” Literally, cursed of God. And notice – cursed OF GOD! This text assures us we are to listen for and only receive the true gospel. And if someone or something preaches something different – we do not have to judge that vessel – because GOD already has! Let HIM be accursed OF GOD. Paul’s reason for preaching the true gospel is simple – He wants to please God and not men. Those who would do different are simply wanting to please men.

Galatians 1:11-12 – Paul DELIVERED as gospel what he RECEIVED as gospel. Faithfulness and clarity of message was first and foremost.

Galatians 2:4-5 – The false brethren twisted the gospel and Paul did not subject himself to them for even a moment! He didn’t come under their teaching – he exposed it. He didn’t care if they had other “positive things” to say because he had tuned them out once he discerned their underlying message! And this was so he would be assured the true saints would allow the impact of the true gospel to REMAIN with them.

So there you have it. Paul’s mindset and it should be ours as well. All true shepherds of the flock of God both proclaim and defend the gospel. They do BOTH things together just like Paul.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith.'" Romans 1:16-17 NASB

Dave

The True Gospel is Worth Defending

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8,9 ESV

Paul knew the true gospel was worth defending. Immediately after this text he states that he is pleasing God in preaching the true gospel. Others who don't are only man-pleasers.

I have warned about Rick Warren's false gospel in the "40 Days of Purpose" video for about 3 years now. See brief article here. And I have also briefly reviewed the first seven chapters of his PDL book here.

A few books have been written on the subject but very few "visible" ministries on the American church scene have "bothered" to defend the gospel. Of course, men like Dr. John MacArthur would be exceptions.

This dear sister in Christ - Tamara Hartzell - has taken the time to do a major online work about Warren's false gospel. This is very excellent and comprehensive. It is titled "In the Name of Purpose: Sacrificing Truth on the Altar of Unity." I have linked you to the introductory page. The complete online e-book is under "books contents" on the left side of the page. It is here.

Committed to the gospel,

Dave