About This Site

December 1, 2001 — Simplicity In Christ

It’s all very simple – everything we need is in the Bible

In the classes, programs, and curricula that exist in most churches today, we would be hard-pressed to find the ‘Simplicity in Christ’ that God expects us to adhere to. Instead, we find that repentance, sin, and separation from the world are not anywhere near most churches’ agendas of neighborly, kind, and inoffensive babble.

The whole Gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached – the love of God and the wrath of God. On this website are articles, information, teachings, and videos which encourage you to stay on the narrow path and avoid the behind-the-scenes layers and trappings of the so-called ‘visions from the Holy Spirit’ that are nothing more than man-made wisdom.

Read the articles on the right, either by category or by title. > > >

< < < On the left you will find links to Simplicity In Christ Blogs.

Click the tabs at the top of the page for more information.

God Bless!

Susan Bertalotto

© Copyright 2001-2009 Susan Bertalotto All Rights Reserved
All my articles on this site and on each of my blogs (listed on the left) are copyrighted. Nothing may be used or quoted unless the articles are accredited to me and used for the same purpose as they were originally written and intended.

Posted in General. Leave a Comment »

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

April 11, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

Isaiah 53:3-5

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

John 20:1-18

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Posted in General, Scripture. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Self Empowerment

March 27, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

Self Empowerment
by Susan Bertalotto
March 2009

Self Empowerment is a buzz-word that has been used for teaching people to increase their self-image and be more assertive in daily life. The premise is the process of finding the resourcefulness inside an individual which translates into a stronger, worthier, more confident person.

The Bible refers to Self Empowerment in these scriptures:

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1st Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

SELF Empowerment is not in the Bible, other than as works of the flesh. Then why are “Christian” organizations and individuals promoting it as though it was a fruit of the Spirit of God, and not solely the wisdom of man?

One reason is Love of Money (1st Timothy 6:10). There is much money to be made in enabling people (mostly women) to excel above others, to be ambitious in their spirituality (emulation-a work of the flesh-Galatians 5:19-21). It’s much cheaper (and doctrinally sound) to go with what Jesus said “…let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Another reason is Power. On this page at reference.com, it is stated (bold added):

The term Human Empowerment covers a vast landscape of meanings, interpretations, definitions and disciplines ranging from psychology and philosophy to the highly commercialized Self-Help industry and Motivational sciences.

[...]

The process which enables one to gain power, authority and influence over others, institutions or society. Empowerment is probably the totality of the following or similar capabilities:-

  • Having decision-making power of one’s own
  • Having access to information and resources for taking proper decision
  • Having a range of options from which you can make choices (not just yes/no, either/or.)
  • Ability to exercise assertiveness in collective decision making
  • Having positive thinking on the ability to make change
  • Ability to learn skills for improving one’s personal or group power.
  • Ability to change others’ perceptions by democratic means.
  • Involving in the growth process and changes that is never-ending and self-initiated
  • Increasing one’s positive self-image and overcoming stigma
  • Increasing one’s ability in discreet thinking to sort out right and wrong

The power of God is not what the Self-Help industry is selling. As I stated in the article Metaphysics and Jesus Christ:

If there isn’t any money to be made, then what would be the point? Notice that all the proponents of metaphysics will take a concept, create a process of implementation, and SELL it. Jesus Christ can not be sold! Therefore, you won’t find anyone who is selling the real salvation of man. Metaphysics proponents are working very hard to present a facsimile, a substitute, that unsuspecting, undiscerning people will buy, or buy into.

Here are some buzz-words/phrases that go along with Self Empowerment:

self-image
self-esteem
find your destiny/identity
discover your God-given gifts
be a champion
we are little gods
recognize your potential
live your dream
live the dream God has for you
poverty is of the devil
realize the power inside you
discover how to dig down deep and “grab” your determination
transformation is the key to a better life in God

This instruction erroneously teaches that we choose what our destiny will be based on the world’s perception of greatness, positive image, comfort, and power — based on metaphysics, an occult/New Age concept of controlling ourSELVES and the world WITHOUT Jesus Christ. Self Empowerment depends on humans’ efforts, not God’s power. The proponents are training undiscerning Christians a “new” unbiblical spirituality — one that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2nd Corinthians 10:5).

Don’t be deceived by Self-Empowerment and its euphemisms. Just because one feels better about one’s SELF is no reason to abandon the clear mandates in scripture.

Use the Bible as your only source of information. Do not believe any doctrine or teaching that is not substantiated by the Word of God.

Some “Christians” and conferences:

Sunday Adelaja
The Road To Greatness

Liz Babbs
Book: Into God’s Presence
Video: On Daystar TV with Ron Luce

Victoria Boyson
A proponent of “finding your destiny”

Barbie Breathitt
Her New Age prophecy states “God has hidden destiny and eternity in our hearts.” which is a pantheistic teaching (God is in all of creation, including all humans).

Bil Cornelius
Glo Conference

Mark Chironna
Stepping Into Greatness

Extraordinary Women

T D Jakes

Joyce Meyer

Casey Treat 
Book: How to Be Your Best When You Feel Your Worst
Article: Finding Your True Identity

Paula White

Women of Faith

plus many more …

Posted in Alpha Course, Apostasy, Casey Treat, Cleansing Stream, Contemplative Prayer, Creflo Dollar, Destiny, Elijah List, Metaphysics, PDC, Psychological Warfare, Purpose Driven, S.H.A.P.E., Spiritual Formation, Word / Faith. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Blasphemy Incorporated

March 24, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

From Christian Research Service:

BLASPHEMY INCORPORATED
Terms and Catch-Phrases of the Ungodly
by Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com/
March 23, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
blaspheme
to speak irreverently of God or
sacred things; utter impieties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thousands of years ago, Satan, a former anointed cherubim angel, was convinced he could raise his throne above the stars of God and make himself like the Most High. But his hopes of ruling over Almighty God and the universe He created was only a pipe dream. God clearly demonstrated Who was in charge and booted Satan and one-third of the angels out of heaven (Ezekiel chapter 28; Genesis chapter 3; Isaiah chapter 14; Revelation chapter 12).

Satan’s efforts to play wiser than God backfired. It was a costly decision on his part, as well as those he conned into following him. Currently, Satan roams the earth roaring like a lion seeking to kill and destroy, and is the first blasphemer recorded in God’s written word, the Bible (1 Peter 5:8; Genesis chapter 3).

But Satan’s days are numbered. His fate, and the fate of those who follow him is sealed (Revelation 20:1-10).

Throughout the ages, blasphemers have come from all walks of life, races, and religious belief systems. Although the word blasphemer brings to mind the atheist, a New Age UFO cult-leader, or a shrewd, egg-headed man in Siberia who claims to be “Jesus Christ,” oddly enough, there are blasphemers who claim to be Christian, many of whom carry Bibles in their hands.

Here is a list of what all blasphemers have in common, whether or not they claim to be Christian:

  • they mock the God of the Bible (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and refer to God with words and actions that bring dishonor to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.they downplay sound, Biblical theology and teachings, and twist and misinterpret Scripture to conform to their particular belief system.
  • they play wiser than God, attempt to reduce God to their human level of mentality, and believe God can be manipulated according to their own thoughts, whims, and fancies.
  • to them, God is no more than a cool dude waving a peace sign, and a fellow goatee-wearing, earring-dangling beatnik with a good sense of humor.
  • they cause doubt, and even shipwreck the faith in weak and innocent believers. They drive the unsaved further into sin and further away from Jesus Christ (i.e., If this is Christianity, I want no part of it!).
  • they are severely malnourished in God’s written word, and driven by their own feelings, emotions, and experiences.
  • they rely on “new revelations” from their corrupt leaders, and consider themselves the holiest of all. Many have been conned into believing they are “God’s chosen army” who will usher in a worldwide revival.
  • they promote each other, mimic each other, and feed off of each other’s folly. They compete with each other to see who can come up with the most outlandish, blasphemous terms and catch-phrases.
  • they condition and desensitize new recruits over a period of time to believe what they say–even over the Bible. They are the deceived leading the deceived; the manipulated leading the manipulated.
  • they push the gullible into supporting their “ministry” with financial donations and by purchasing books, videos, and DVDs–all of which fund trips around the world and expensive lifestyles.
  • they ridicule discerning Christians who reach out with correction and rebuke, and warn them to “stop attacking” and “stop judging” the anointed. Yet, they stand guilty of the very thing they accuse others of doing.
  • those who disagree with their ungodly behavior and damnable teachings are considered either sub-Christian or religious zealots, Pharisees, cultists, fear-mongers, hate-mongers, sensationalists, liars, witch hunters, heresy hunters, unsaved, and haters of Jesus Christ, who are possessed by a “religious spirit.”

but in reality, in these last days it is they who are …lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

What you are about to read is a list of terms and catch-phrases from the mouths and writings of blasphemers within the hyper-Charismatic movement–a movement gone wild and, perhaps in some cases, mentally disturbed (refer to the YouTube video, John Crowder: Magic Carpet Ride by VinnieActs2030).

As you read the terms and catch-phrases, if you truly believe that Jesus is your drug, the Holy Spirit is a crack pipe, the gospel is thick and juicy mud, and that the glory of God is Papa’s milky goo, be encouraged to study the following Scriptures, for they are God’s written commands and warnings to those who flippantly mock and dishonor the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in callous disrespect, dishonor, and irreverence:

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7).

You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people (Exodus 22:28).

You shall not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:2).

Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice, and haughtily lifted up your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel! (2 Kings 19:22)

“Now therefore, what do I have here,” declares the LORD, “seeing that My people have been taken away without cause?” Again the LORD declares, “Those who rule over them howl, and My name is continually blasphemed all day long” (Isaiah 52:5).

“Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed Me by acting treacherously against Me” (Ezekiel 20:7).

Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will (Proverbs 14:9).

For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written (Romans 2:24).

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:18-20).

Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? (James 2:7)

And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven (Revelation 13:6).

Terms and catch-phrases of the ungodly:

Alcoholic Beverages (references to):

drunken bartender
Holy Ghost bartender
Jesus is my bartender
Godaholics
Holy Ghost drunks
angel bell figurine/statuette to summon bartender angels
drink with the fat Friars
angel cup for Godka (God + vodka)
Godka Holy Spirits
releasing the slobbery drunken glory
suckling Godka
drunken druelers
drunken slosh pit
drunk in the Spirit
drinking in the cemetery
drunk circus
drunken glory
drunkenness is holy
drunken masters
Guild of Drunken Masters
Extreme Drinking conference
firewater of God
holy intoxication
drinking with the Holy Ghost
heavy holiday drunken glory
drunken evangelism is dominion evangelism
loaded with the revelation beer of heaven
pop open a cold one and enjoy a frosty mug of revelation
suckle the wine vine
wasted on the revelation drinks
too drunk in the Spirit to drive
shot glass filled with streams of living water
“Yer gonna have to learn to hold yer liquor” (Bob Jones)

Animalistic behavior:

barking like dogs
growling, snarling in Jesus’ name
shaking like a mad dog
shaking uncontrollably
howling like wolves
crawling around on hands and knees (also wearing a leash)
hissing like snakes
clucking like chickens
chicken impartation (clucking sounds)
sheep impartation
oinking like pigs
piggy anointing
chirping like birds
drunken druelers
foaming at the mouth

Anointing:

piggy anointing (snorting sounds)
blitzed on the anointing
release of the pig anointing
party in the anointing
meth anointing (crystal meth)
imparting the anointing

Apostolic covering:

apostolic covering ball cap
apostolic government
apostolic global conquest
“Apostolic finger” (gesture with middle fingers)

Drugs (references to):

smoking Jehovahjuana
meth anointing (crystal meth)
angel pipe full of happy Pappy
Jesus is my drug
post-glory dust snorting impartation
heavenly portal of Holy Ghost crack
taking power hits off the baby Jesus
smoking the Holy Spirit crack pipe
smoking the cross of Christ
toking the Bible
huffing the Bible
smoking the Bible
licking the Bible
five layer toke
power injection off baby Jesus
The Crack Shop
smoking the Holy Spirit crack pipe in Papa’s pleasureland
huffing olive wood from the garden of Gethsemane
snorting dust from the tomb of Jesus Christ
smoking the Lamb of God

Glory of God:

swimming in Papa’s milky goo
glory shoobie-boobie juice
glory hose to heaven
glory-soaked
glory chunks
glory juice of our Papa
suckling Lucy the milk angel
bliss bashes
electrum Bliss
bliss bombs
hammered in the glory
buttery, intoxicating glory
blissed out on the God of ecstasy
immersing into electric solitude
possessed by a realm of supernatural glory
HA-HA-HA GLORY!
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
enigma realm of God’s glory
glory acceleration
no high like the most High
monkey bliss bombs
dominion glory
glory juice of Papa
trance formed by glory invasion
caught up in the ecstatic realm
releasing the slobbery drunken glory
releasing the glory
soaking in the glory
ecstatic trance
ecstasy trance
ecstatic worship
trance glory
tranced-out in the glory
heavy, trance-like glory
nuclear glory dew
revelatory realm of heaven
glory hose to heaven

Gospel:

gospel euphoria
the gospel is pure laughter!
buzz evangelism
birthing revival (man simulates childbirth with a beach ball)
baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and BAM!
smearing one’s face into the gospel like a pig in a trough
rolling around in the gospel like a pig in the mud
thick and juicy mud of the gospel
the real gospel, not the do-it-yourself kind

Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit:

inhaling the Holy Ghost
blowing the Holy Ghost
huffing the Holy Ghost
toking the Ghost
slinging the Holy Spirit
slinging the Shing Ding
smoking the Holy Spirit crack pipe
Holy Ghost pusher
hurricane of the Spirit
heavenly portal of Holy Ghost crack
infected with the Holy Ghost virus
dreuling (slobbering) in the spirit
take a ride on the mystical Holy Ghost carpet
throwing the mind through the Spirit
transporting in the Spirit
positioning yourself for transport in the Spirit
super sloshing in the Spirit
whacked in the Spirit
whacked up in the Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost crack of heaven
holy toking
heresy hunters hate Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

Holy/Holiness of God:

circus holay (holy circus)
holy laughter
holy intoxication
holy whacking teachings
holy electricity
holy electrical buzz
crazy funk worship
tingling sensations in hands, arms, and body

Jesus Christ:

denial of the deity of Jesus Christ and the Trinity
Jesus had to be born again in hell
swimming in the fatty-ashes of the Lord Jesus
pentagram (taking it back in the name of Jesus)
laid-down lover of Jesus
Jesus, life of the party
Jesus hippies
jackin’ for Gzuz
naughty stuff in Jesus’ name
chamber room intimacy with Jesus
taking Jesus into the shower
fullness of Jesus’ deity imparted into your belly
High Priest of bliss
possessed by Mr. Bliss
slosh fest on the blood of Jesus
blood of Jesus makes you evil for inside and outside
smashed and drunk on the finished work of Jesus Christ
being high and drunk on Jesus’ Love
shigga-digga-ding-dong of Jesus
thick, sticky dew of the Lord
feast on the flesh of Jesus
snorting dust from the tomb of Jesus Christ
smoking the Lamb of God
smoking the baby Jesus
silly for da Lord
qwokked up on Jesus
jacked up on Jesus
jacked up on Jeebah
high on Jesus
Jesus junkie
Jesus is my drug
visits, visitations from “Jesus”
crazy like Jesus
Jesus is the true source of beer, vodka, and weed
Jesus juice
Lambinator (Lamb of God + Terminator)
Lambacide
Jesus trip
whacking the masses with Jesus juice!
whacked-out on Jesus
whacked up on the cross of Jesus Christ
permiwhacked on the gospel of Jesus Christ
permiwhacked on Jesus
Jesus injected into your spirit (with needle)
smoking the cross of Christ

Religion/Religious Spirit:

spirit of religion
religion is crap
crap flowing through the church
religious demonic persecution
persecutors of the Apostolic church
Jezebel religious system
sewage flowing down the aisles of church religion is crap
God’s doing away with all the religious doo-doo
Christian #2 doo-doo
religious demons/devils
mysticism
mystical schools
necromancy (communication with the dead)
levitation
prophetic numerology
stigmata (blood, oil, gold dust on hands)
restoration of mystical Christianity

False belief systems within the hyper-Charismatic movement:

Word of Faith
Manifest Sons of God
Dominionism
Kingdom Now
Latter Rain
New Apostolic Reformation
Apostolic Movement
Restoration Movement
Third Wave
New Breed
Signs and Wonders Movement
Toronto Blessing
Pensacola Outpouring
Lakeland Revival
Centering Prayer
Contemplative Spirituality
Mysticism
Indigenous Peoples Movement
International Coalition of Apostles

Closing comments…

In what can be best described as savagery in the name of God, the above terms and catch-phrases are the product of twisted minds, and a bi-product of doctrines of demons the Apostle Paul warned about in 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

Question: Why would anyone who claims to love God turn around and mock, scorn, and blaspheme His holy and precious Name? The Bible provides the answers:

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19).

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:12-13).

For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain (Titus 1:10-11).

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).

On the outside, the hyper-Charismatic movement is growing, and has spent years trying to convince Christians that its “apostles,” prophets, teachers, evangelists, and revivalists are legitimate and a “must have” within the body of Christ. But in the background, it has spent years producing a steady stream of male and female heretics, false prophets, and false healers.

But growth and popularity within what claims to be Christian doesn’t necessarily mean it is sanctioned by God. The hyper-Charismatic movement separated from truth and common sense many years ago. Thus, what appears to be a steady growth and popularity is, in reality, a steady decline and a fulfillment of Scripture:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

If God were their Father, they would love and understand Jesus Christ. Their terms and words would be filled with honor, respect, and humility for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 8:42-44). But blasphemers mimic their father, the devil, who was cast out of heaven thousands of years ago. Unless there is repentance, those who blaspheme God will be prevented from entering heaven:

But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever (Jude 1:10-13).

Blasphemers present a clear and present danger to the spiritual welfare of the believer, as well as those searching for the real Jesus Christ. The damage caused by these men and women to individuals, families, and the cause of Christ is beyond words.

Recommended reading and viewing:

Will The Real Blasphemers Please Stand Up? by Sandy Simpson

To Judge or Not to Judge: The Rights and Wrongs of Biblical Discernment

What God Has To Say About False Prophets

For the Love of Jesus Christ: When Paul was weak, he was strong

Videos by LocalPastor

Todd Bentley Articles Page

Todd Bentley Videos Page

Posted in Apostasy, Contemplative Prayer, Creflo Dollar, Destiny, Elijah List, Lakeland Revival, Metaphysics, Scripture, Spiritual Formation, Todd Bentley, Word / Faith. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

Jews and Christians Worship the Same God?

February 17, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

Do Jews and Christians Worship the Same God?
by Susan Bertalotto
February 2009

I have heard comments from people and read articles on the internet that state:

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the Christian and Jewish God. The Jews don’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but why does that preclude them from reverencing the God of scripture?

I had answered that question one time with the fact that the Jewish god does not have a Son Jesus Christ, so they can’t be the same God. Big difference, right? The questioner retorted that the Jewish god is still the same God as they worshipped before Jesus came so nothing has changed.

But that just isn’t true. Jesus Christ IS God. So how can anyone say that without Jesus they are worshipping “God”? Jesus is the Word made flesh, the second Person of the Godhead who came to earth as fully God and fully human (John 1). If Jesus Christ is removed as a Person of the Godhead, then I suppose the Jews could say, at best, that they worship a “fractured” god which is a false god according to the Bible.

Why do so many Christians believe that the definition of God is “He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”? How about Jesus Christ? The Jews have rejected Jesus as the Messiah, therefore they have rejected the true God. Some of those who believe this fallacy are Casey Treat and John Hagee, plus many more prominent Bible “teachers”. Be careful what you learn in Sunday’s sermons and on the internet.  Do not be deceived.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also].
1st John 2:22-23

Posted in Casey Treat, General, Scripture. Tags: , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Memorizing the Bible

February 16, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

Memorizing the Bible

I have added a new page (see tab above) to download a PDF file which explains how to memorize scripture.

I would recommend this approach for anyone who is interested in scripture memorization and for those who are weary of fumbling around looking for a particular verse.

How to Memorize the Bible

Posted in General, Scripture. Tags: . Leave a Comment »

That JESUS Thing

January 25, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

That JESUS Thing
by Susan Bertalotto
January 2009

…there is none other name … whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

I was explaining God’s plan of salvation to a young man. He stopped me short when I said the name of Jesus. “Wait a sec!”, he said. “Are you saying that there isn’t any other path to God except Jesus Christ?!” “Yes”, I replied. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

His answer: “I don’t know about “that Jesus thing”! I know there’s a God… but JESUS?!! No way! That’s too hard!”

There is only One Way to the One True God — Jesus Christ.

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Any other name is just a name, a false god. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. Christians, or evangelicals as they are often called, must adhere to the beliefs or doctrine of the Bible, the Word of God, in order to be considered Christians.

Unfortunately, some “Christians” have taken the broad road to destruction, all the while claiming to be on the strait, narrow Way of Jesus Christ. A clear example is given by Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church, who wrote The Purpose Driven Life. He gave the invocation at Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th. In the invocation, Warren prayed to “god”:

Almighty God — our Father. Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’ And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

[...]

We now commit our new president, and his wife Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life — Yeshua, Isa, Jesús, Jesus — who taught us to pray:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

Who is Isa?

Isa is the Muslim jesus and, according to Wikipedia, is not Jesus Christ of the Bible — Isa is a substitute for the real Jesus. Therefore, praying in the name of Isa, who is not the only begotten Son of God and is not the Only Way to God, is Warren’s way of appeasing as many religious groups as possible, while also mentioning the name of Jesus. The reason Christians pray to God in Jesus’ Name is because of Jesus’ atonement of our sins. No one can be reconciled to “Almighty God” through Isa, therefore Warren turned his back on Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work on the cross, and invoked the spirit of a false god in his “blessing” of the Obama family, et al.

Warren is sanctioning and preaching a false jesus, a false gospel, and a false god.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

Warren knows there’s a God, but “that Jesus thing” is much too difficult for him to preach … or to believe.

More on Warren & That JESUS Thing

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Angelic Delusion

January 11, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

Angels, angels, angels…

Or should I say, demons, demons, demons…

James Goll, Todd Bentley, Ryan Wyatt, John Arnott, and Bobby Conner

Stay clear from these people and their demonic teachings.

HT: Christian Research Service

Posted in Apostasy, Elijah List, Lakeland Revival, Metaphysics, Todd Bentley. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Food Tactics: Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. Plan Role in the World Food Program

January 9, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

From Herescope:

Now, what the church has, when I talk about churches, first thing, universal distribution. I could take you to 10 million villages around the world the only thing in it is church. They don’t have a school. They don’t have a clinic. They don’t have anything else. It is the only social structure in much of the world. You get out of the capital, there isn’t a government in most of the world. The church is universally there. The boots are already on the ground. The church is bigger than the United Nations. It speaks more languages than the United Nations. It’s with more people groups than the United Nations. There are 2.3 billion people in the world who claim to be followers of Christ. Now, that’s all different varieties, factions, and levels of commitment. But there are 2.3 billion people who are church members. That means the church is bigger than China. [1]

In a little-noticed Wall Street Journal article last week (1/2/09) a new way to address the problem of world hunger was proposed. Rather that simply handing out food to the poor and needy, from now on the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) will be databanking and monitoring food distribution to starving individuals.

“U.N. Tackles Rising Threat of Urban Hunger in Africa” authored by Sarah Childress is subtitled “High Food Prices Spur World Food Program, Usually Employed in Rural Crises, to Find Tactics That Work in Crowded Cities.”

Just what tactics? According to the article, the “escalating hunger in Africa is forcing aid agencies… to scramble for strategies” that will help “identify who’s most in need of help.” As part of this identification process, the WFP will be conducting an “experiment with cash and voucher systems” ostensibly for the purpose of avoiding the upset of local economies. The recipient will receive a “beneficiary card” which they can show at “a local office each month to receive vouchers” for cash, and a “local microfinance agency… will take the vouchers and handle the reimbursements.”

The aid groups are using “more nuanced surveys” as one of the tactics to identify the “neediest people” and will be “evaluating them on factors including access to clean water and the size of their dwellings.” The article then says that the aid “organization will analyze the data.”

In a perfect world this idealistic plan might work to help local microeconomies. But that isn’t what this plan is all about. It isn’t about simple food distribution to the poor, starving and needy in Africa. Rather, this plan represents a fundamental shift in how aid will be given to people. This shift is taking place at both the macro and micro levels in tandem with international foundations, NGOs, corporations, mission and aid groups.

This food voucher plan requires people to register first before they receive food. Register with whom and for what purpose? From the point that someone registers for and/or receives the voucher they will enter the “system.” Everything they do from that point on will be monitored, databanked and assessed. This is how the emerging global governance system will work.

What role will Rick Warren and his church-based health clinics play in all of this? Perhaps none. But it is remarkable how similarly structured this food voucher plan is to the purpose-driven formula of “transforming health care delivery through the full engagement of the local church linked to existing health care systems to work together for the common purpose of community health.”[2]

The Pied Pipers of Purpose monograph published in 2004 (Conscience Press) examined management guru Peter Drucker’s activities on overhauling the conduct of the Private Sector (the 3rd leg of his 3-legged stool concept). Drucker, who mentored Rick Warren, advocated an assessment-based system of monitoring efficiency and effectiveness for charitable organizations, which included the concept of merging State and Church (including private charities) into faith-based endeavors. A key facet of this results-based system was regulating “choices,” which notably would include the concept of “vouchers.” These vouchers, while purportedly giving people “choice,” would actually function as a method of human control. “Accountability” for quantifiable and qualitative results would be based institutional standards — benchmarks for human performance that were inflexible, restrictive, unyielding, and even punitive. And in Drucker’s model, human beings are referred to as “human capital” — their “value” is assessed in terms of how much they can contribute to the common good of Society. The monograph explained how “vouchers” work in the education realm:

Charter schools and vouchers blur the lines between Drucker’s three sectors of society – nonprofit, corporate and state – because of how the money passes hands and who is ultimately in control. Charter schools and vouchers, which are run by business corporations and/or sub-entities of the government, operate in compliance with education reform standards set by the State. The State defines the results and prescribes the assessments to measure the learners, who are technically public students. State monies are then, in turn, paid to the corporations who operate the charters.

Now, apply this same concept of vouchers to global food distribution and it becomes apparent that this system could quickly become fraught with trouble. The Wall Street Journal article does not mention the corporate partners in this voucher-for-food program. But State (local, national and international) corruption alone, including bribery, unseemly conduct and unethical collusion, could easily cripple this system. The poor starving individual who just wants food to eat could become caught up in a web of unsavory interconnections and entanglements.

And what role would the 3rd leg of the stool — the church and/or aid groups — play in this food-for-voucher scheme? What if the local church “distribution center” in every local village became an outlet for food voucher registration and management? It may not be a far-fetched possibility. The monograph observes the downside to all of this:

Many advocates of government-funded faith-based charities believe that the end justifies the means, and will point to the “results” as evidence of a good work being done. These good-intentioned people probably don’t realize that their activities further the political goals of communitarian societal transformation. These folks may not understand the long-term negative repercussions of cooperating with this new system of governance. In a communitarian worldview any truly private entity (family, charity, church and small Christian school) poses a direct challenge to the “common good.”

This is an interesting statement in light of Rick Warren’s recent activities in promulgating Communitarian agendas and ideals such as the “common good.” When one considers that his church-based clinics in Africa are health-care data-driven centers, cooperating with a multitude of partners across the full spectrum of a global 3-legged stool, it raises many uncomfortable questions about their ultimate “purpose.” Is it really to offer care and meet physical needs? Or is there more to it? What happens to the survey information once it is databanked? It this just a way to get poor people into the international governance “system”? The monograph comments on the negative effects of Peter Drucker’s plans for overhauling the 3rd leg of the stool:

This is institutional charity, not the private act of a widow’s mite. The Scriptural admonitions to give to him that asketh thee (Matt. 5:42) and freely ye have received, freely give (Matt. 10:8b) no longer apply. If a charity doesn’t perform up to par, monies are withdrawn. This is because organized charitable donations are now being used as an instrument to effect change, to produce transformation….

Transformation is being built on the backs of those who are the most vulnerable, helpless, and powerless. To put this post in its larger global context, check out Berit Kjos’s new webpage topic GLOBAL FOOD MANAGEMENT and follow the many links. It is not too far-fetched to question any new-fangled global food management program. And it is important to raise ethical concerns about how food is being used as a lever for transformation.

The Truth:
“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 5:30-31)

Endnote:
1. Transcript of American Public Media radio program “Speaking of Faith” with Krista Tippett hosting, Part II: Rick & Kay Warren, http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/warren/transcript.shtml
2. Quote from a Larry Ross Press release http://www.alarryross.com/Client_Info.aspx?ID=37 and http://www.alarryross.com/PressRelease.aspx?ID=347 (8/6/08 ) “PASTOR RICK & KAY WARREN BRING TOGETHER LEADERS TO DISCUSS UNIFICATION OF EXPERTISE TO STOP HIV/AIDS: Saddleback Church Hosts International AIDS Conference Satellite Session on the Partnership of Government, Business & the Church.” Cited in an ASSIST News Service story published 8/6/08, “Pastor Rick & Kay Warren Bring Together Leaders To Discuss Unification Of Expertise To Stop HIV/AIDS: Saddleback Church Hosts International AIDS Conference Satellite Session on the Partnership of Government, Business & the Church,” by Dan Wooding. http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08080030.htm

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2009/01/food-tactics.html

Posted in Globalization, Local Church, PDC, Purpose Driven. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

Homeschooling Growth Explodes

January 8, 2009 — Simplicity In Christ

From Slice of Laodicea:

school1

There is good news from a government report on home education. There has been a 77% growth in homeschooling over the last eight years. More and more parents, Christian or otherwise, are waking up to the toxic realities of government education and are choosing to take charge of the education of their children.

As a homeschooling parent for a number of years, I can tell you that it is possible to have top-drawer Christian education in your own home. Whether you choose to do the instruction yourself or make use of some of the wonderful distance learning programs available, there are so many options for parents today. For bright, motivated children, you absolutely cannot do better than a program like the Abeka Academy DVD school. I have witnessed the results in our children with this program, and I am singularly impressed. Our youngest son in particular loves taking charge of his own education and has not only learned much academically, but has learned to organize himself, follow instructions and discipline his time. For $1100 a year, Abeka has enabled us to provide an excellent education that is rooted and grounded in God’s Word.

There are many other options, and parents need to seek out the best curriculum and method based on their child’s needs. Bob Jones also has a DVD and satellite school, and both Abeka and Bob Jones have home school high school, complete with testing and transcripts provided for college. Those are just two of so many options.

The vast array of co-ops, sports leagues and homeschool activities long ago put paid to ’socialization” concerns from critics.  The real challenge facing homeschool families today is knowing where to cut back on extra-curricular activities due to the sheer volume of what is available.

Home education provides rich time with your child to both spiritually disciple and train in character issues. When a child is not socialized by a peer group, but rather a wider age range of believers, respect for authority and adults is the result. The peer segregation in churches and schools today breeds rebellion and disregard for adults and authority. A companion of fools, Scripture tell us, becomes a fool. The biblical model is for the older to teach the younger.  Home education facilitates that in a wonderful way. If you are concerned about shoddy academics and negative peer influences, consider the benefits of home education.

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/family/homeschooling-growth-explodes/

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God’s Conundrum: Obama or McCain?

October 9, 2008 — Simplicity In Christ

God’s Conundrum: Obama or McCain?
by Susan Bertalotto
October 2008

We all have a decision to make when voting for the next president of the United States: Obama or McCain? According to Kim Clement, the ElijahList prophet extraordinaire, God can’t decide who to place in the White House – it has become an extremely perplexing puzzle for him.

In March, Clement’s god told him to say that Obama was the person for the White House. See article HERE. In a complete reversal of his prophetic word, god said on September 5th through Clement:

For I will place in the White House, one that will call just by one word of prayer, and I shall come running…

When I place in the White House those who know how to pray, not just those who “paddy-whack” in prayer, not those who repeat and pray repetitious prayer, but those who know how to shake, to shake the very altar, those are the ones that shall bring into the marketplace this outpouring that I have planned… These four years will be energetic outpourings in every state… Alaska, you have offered unto me something [Sarah Palin] that I will use and breathe upon and bring a blessing of fire into that cold place…

The White House shall become the prayer house… And they will mock and say “It is the wild house because the Quakers have come”…

Because of President Bush… who prayed every day [Bush is a universalist], I am going to produce in the White House, Spirit-filled human beings that will pray with the Spirit and power.

Kim Clement’s god is quite confused and powerless, and is faced with a conundrum of such magnitude that he continues to tell his follower/priest Clement very conflicting words for the future. It is quite clear that this god does not know the future.

Only the one true God of the Bible can reveal the future, and He never contradicts his Word.

___________________           _______________________

The prophecy in full is posted below (emphasis in orginal on elijahlist.com):

Kim Clement:
“This Resurrection that is Coming to My People will Bring Great Outpourings in Every State“

Prophesied on September 5, 2008 – Oklahoma City, OKlahoma:

A Multiplication of Great Outpourings This is the season for the children. The adults who have lost childhood have become corpses. Children bring life to corpses. I’m hearing Him say, “When a man, when a woman, when they lose childhood, they grow into corpses. This is a season where your children have been given a marvelous opportunity.

“I hear men speak about the races, and how this race and that community; that city. There will be no election of cities anymore. For what I have done in Florida and what I have done in all of the beautiful places that I have rested, they are now graveyards.”

And God said, “This resurrection that is coming to My people will bring about a multiplication of great outpourings in every state in this Nation. For I will place in the White House, one that will call just by one word of prayer, and I shall come running. And it shall be said, ‘can a woman bring to this Nation the Spirit of God from a political house of power?’ Watch Me,” says the Lord, “watch Me, says the Lord!”

Energetic Outpourings in Every State

“When I place in the White House those who know how to pray, not those who ‘paddy whack’ in prayer, not those who repeat and pray repetitious prayers, but those who know how to shake, to shake the very altar, those are the ones that shall bring into the marketplace this outpouring that I have planned beyond the four walls of religion and that which they call the church.”

For God said, “These four years will be energetic outpourings in every state. And they will say, ‘let us go to Texas, for it is there; and they shall say no, no, no, no let us go to Florida for it is there; no let us go to Oklahoma for it is there. Truly.’ And they shall say, ‘where else? Go to California, it’s there, go to Arizona, it’s there.’ And they shall look at all of the states. Alaska, you have offered unto Me something that I will use and breathe upon and bring a blessing of fire into that cold place,” says the Lord! “I will do it,” says the Lord!

“And they shall say, ‘there’s fire everywhere, fire everywhere, consuming, consuming, consuming.’ There is fire everywhere coming from an energy that shall rapidly come.” So God says, “People, do not say, ‘you are not elected.’” For God said, “The elect of God have had a severe adversary as they have pushed through this great door that has opened. For the great adversary that has stood at your door has now been put under your feet, therefore, run through that door, run through that door, run through that door,” says the Spirit of God!

The Lord says, “The White House shall become the prayer house. The White House shall be called the prayer house. And then they will mock and say, ‘it is the White House,’ and then they will mock and say, ‘it is the wild house because the Quakers have come.’ And they will say, ‘there is even shaking there and trembling.’”

God said, “This is going to be as a result, and even though many men have hated this President – of his own battle with a Babylonian prince with a Babylonian spirit – that has endeavored to take this Nation and bring it to its knees. Because of President Bush,” God said, “who prayed every day, I am going to produce in the White House, Spirit-filled human beings that will pray with the Spirit and power. And they will not be ashamed of it.”

Posted in Apostasy, Contemplative Prayer, Elijah List, Elijah List Prophecy, Metaphysics, Spiritual Formation. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »
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