And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity 1 Corinthians 13:13

Please help this ministry which takes care of orphaned children and widows in Pakistan. They provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education and more. Check out the website below to find out more and how you can help ♥ God Bless

http://chcpk.webs.com/

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17 

Gambling and Christians...The Deception

In what way does the Bible portray gambling? Consider the following:

#1: Its Reputation is that of a thief. Proverbs 1:19 
#2: Its Association is with darkness/vanity - Proverbs 13:11 
#3: Its Contemplation is endless trouble - Proverbs 15:27

#4: Its Damnation is irreversible - Luke 9:25 

Gambling is not the risk that is familiar to all life; it is a determination of risk for profit at the expense of others.

Gambling is a tolerated risk with the desire for excessive gain that far out-weighs what the investment of time, money or talent would dignify. It is a transaction whereby one person's gain is someone else's loss.

Gambling is parasitic; producing no spiritual benefit, achieving no social good, and is always at someone else's expense. Gambling is self-centered and complicit with the root of all evil... the love of money. 

WHAT GAMBLING DOES IS A MATTER OF FACT.

At the root of gambling is the love of money... the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Gambling and its influence affects all of us because it corrupts our society, increases crime and police and crime prevention costs, and perverts politicians. It is a constant temptation to the selfishly inclined and compulsive people that enslaves them to false hopes. It violates the principle that we should earn our bread by the sweat of our brow, and the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet."

The void of any threat against gambling has created a gamble with crime. Bank robberies on the Mississippi coast increased 400 percent in one year after casino gambling came. Tragically, gambling is tolerated by virtue of a seductive justification that it will produce revenue for essential causes that benefit society. The government that promotes and supplies gambling is gambling the future of the nation, it will always lose.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger      

Psalm 24

Lord of Hosts

1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into thehill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pureheart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive theblessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is thegeneration of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up , ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in . 8 Who is thisKing of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up , ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in . 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart...Won't you let Him in?

We all go through so many things in this life. Sometimes there is heartache and pain that seems beyond what we are able to handle. The good thing is, we don't have to go through it alone, we don't have to suffer by ourselves. Jesus is here for us and loves us so much! If we will be willing to put aside our pride and unbelief and the lies the world tells us and open our hearts to Him, He will come in and change everything. He makes us a new creation in Him, truly being spiritually reborn. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life ♥

Scales Falling From Our Eyes

The rulers of this world,
Who sit on thrones of gold,
Are not godly men at all,
But foolish ones with hearts of stone
Who serve the "gods", the serpent of old.


They all worship idols,
Whether made of paper, metal, earth or stone.
Their leader is the one who blinds us,
Secretly laying chains upon our souls.
With lies he speaks, with venomous tongue
And the world has believed him, hence the fall.


Better to trust in the One and only,
Creator of Heaven and Earth.
His Love is here for you and I
And precious are we in His sight.
He is the Lamb of God,
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
God the Son, He is Jesus Christ.


His love for us is endless
And finished on the cross.
He died and rose again.
He gave His life for all of us,
For we are sinners lost.
If only we'll believe in Him
And trust in Him alone
He'll save us from the darkness,
For He is the Light, alone.


We must repent and turn away from sin,
And in it's place, turn only to Him.
His Forgiveness is complete,
For His blood cleanses us and sets us free
For us to live with Him, for all eternity.
In Heaven He sits on His mighty Throne,
Beckoning ceaselessly for us to come Home.


Dying to ourselves daily
Being crucified on the cross with Him.
We are His sacred children
And ever belong only to Him.
Scales falling from our eyes, 
letting go of this world and letting Him in.


He knocks at the door of our hearts
And all who open it will receive of His loving Grace
Some day each one of us,
Will stand before Him face to face,
Bowing down in humble praise,
Giving thanks for His Heavenly Reign.


Copyright © 2012 Kristin Willruth

Christians Fearless In Face Of Dying... But How? (Weekly Devotion With Dr. Belanger)

The thought of dying is troubling for all of us when it becomes painfully obvious. Yet, the Bible engages its greatest forcefulness against death. Jesus Christ rose triumphantly over death and the grave. The Holy Spirit understands what we feel in the face of certain death. He knows perfectly and personally our emotions of feeling vulnerable and helpless. Yet, He never tires, nor slumbers or weakens in all His doings to comfort us.

The apostle Paul sat in a Roman prison awaiting a violent execution. He was ready to die. He believed that dying was not the end, but just the beginning of unhindered fellowship with the living God.

Death will hunt and hurt you in this life; but it cannot follow you in to heaven. "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

Sometimes, our lives will experience, even require a major disruption in order to fix our attention firmly on the Lord. Never disregard those moments when dying has become painfully obvious as an obstacle. They are tools in the hand of our Master. Though sometimes painful, these times can become our most life-altering moments, depending on how we respond. Take a moment to be still before God. Meditate on the person of Jesus Christ and His faithfulness. Thank God, that He is forever with us.

More than anything or anyone, we need the assurance that God's Word IS absolute. The Bible alone is our assurance that God is in control and accessible (Hebrews 4:16). No Christian is alone in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23) Thank God for the B.I.B.L.E. ! Amen.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger

Christians Judging Others... When Is It Right To Judge?

It has been said time and time again: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." This verse of Scripture from Matthew 7:1 is often quoted out of context by people who are prejudice to the idea of someone preaching against sin or pointing out any form of error in anyone, especially in themselves. 
The lack of judgment is a chief reason why many Christians today are bound by confusion.

Isaiah 59:8: "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."

Our compass for judging is God's word, not our feelings, our traditions, or our opinions. Right and wrong should always be determined by God's word. 
When it comes to judging... We must first judge ourselves (Matthew 7:4,5; 1 Corinthians 11:30,31). You will always find something wrong about you. Guaranteed!

We must not neglect our obligation to judge others when judgment is needed (1 Corinthians 6:1,5) Note especially, Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. 

Any discerning and spiritual believer knows that division and separation from false doctrine, satanic activity and influences, compromise and worldliness is commanded; thus, behooves judging.

Very often, judging that demands separation and division must often be practiced amongst Christians against Christians. The great challenge of separation is not merely separation from the world... it is separation from Christians who live contrary to the Word of God. Just because someone is a Christian, or professes to be a Christian, and yet not "judge" their error and separate (or divide) ourselves from them is contrary to apostolic teaching.

Note What Paul Said:

Quote:
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." 2 Thess. 3:6

Quote:
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thess. 3:14-15

We are commanded to exercise judgment concerning obvious and damaging contradictions in Christianity that would cause the world to suggest that Christ is irrelevant by what it observes in Christianity.

Judging should never be exercised out of hatred (though it often is). Very importantly, our attitude and actions must be in the likeness of Jesus Christ when we are obligated to exercise judgment. The purpose and goal of judgment is not to condemn a person, but to convert them (James 5:19,20).

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger  

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

When you feel lost and weary and the world is rough on you, trust in Jesus alone and give Him all your burdens. He is your only Salvation. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and He alone will carry you out of the darkness and into the Light, for He is the Light ♥

To you, with love

My Princess,

I see you when you are in the garden of grief, My princess. I hear your cry for help in the dark hours of the night. I Myself cried out in the garden the night I was betrayed. In My suffering, I asked My Father for another way—a less painful way. Yet I trusted His will and purpose for My life and knew the ultimate victory was at the cross.

Just as olives must be crushed to make oil, I poured out My life as a love offering for you. Don’t ever doubt that I am with you and that I long to take you to a place of comfort, peace, and victory. Even when you cannot see Me from where you are, I am working on your behalf. Give to Me the crushing weight of your circumstances, and come to Me in prayer.

When it is time to leave the garden, I will walk with you across the valley and straight to the cross—where your trials will be transformed into triumph.

Love,
Your Savior and your Victor

“For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when our endurance is fully developed, you will be strong
in character and ready for anything.”
~JAMES 1:3-4~

Sheri Rose Shepherd ~~Jennifer

Christians and Yoga...

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in America. Yoga is a philosophical as well as a physical process of life emphasizing harmony of body and mind. 
The philosophy of Yoga is based in Eastern Metaphysical beliefs. The goal of the philosophy is to help a person become balanced in mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. Many people, including Christians, engage in Yoga to improve their physical fitness and reduce stress. Unfortunately, however, most people are unaware of the Eastern religious principles that are foundational to the disciplines of Yoga and its kinship to New Age.

What makes Yoga so dangerous is that its ill motive is never set forth in its naked deformity, Yoga is seductively dressed, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear more true than truth itself.

Discerning believers will reject Yoga for what it is: a futile emphasis of self. The Bible is the means of meditation for God's people (Joshua 1:8).  The Bible is not a catalog of multiple options. The Bible is God's provision for direction that is moved by eternal values. Yet, so many believers feel very uncertain. Many feel this way because they are nurtured by circumstances that leave them suspect of God's leading. The only direction God demands of us is to trust Him. All other pursuits will rob us of a tenacious desire to obey God.

The clear evidence that a Believer is led by the Holy Spirit will be evidenced by a decisive act of trust characterized by pure obedience to the will of God based on sound knowledge of God's Word.

Our only sufficiency necessary to expose the danger of yoga and its teachings is the Word of God under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit.   The highway of reality is the Bible. The Holy Spirit will never direct us contrary to the Word of God. Thus the fundamental concern for the believer is to understand the Word of God as the only means that makes life meaningful. The Bible is the only resolve that instills a pure ambition for the glory of God.Hiding God's Word in our hearts is the only way to be discerning of God's will and purpose.        Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger     

Yoga is a main spiritual component of Hinduism. In the postures, you are a being like "the serpent". You are trying to raise your kundalini (the energy that lies sleeping at the base of the spine, curled as a snake, waiting for you to wake it up). The whole point is to raise this energy up your spine to awaken your spiritual self so that you may become enlightened. 


This is the ultimate lie of the Serpent aka Satan. In the Garden of Eden, He tells Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." -Genesis 3:5. This is the fall of humankind right here. Yoga is the serpent telling us to open our eye aka "third eye", evil eye, all seeing eye, and we shall know all, as the gods. This is a deception, for this will not bring truth but instead complete and total illusion, delusion and evil. 


Who are these gods? They are surely not the creator of the universe, but actually satan's fallen angelic army, lying in wait to capture us all. We do not seek enlightenment from the serpent, the one who was cast out of heaven for his own lack of love for God and his great sin of pride, trying to become like the most high, instead of honoring the Most High, which is what one is attempting to do when practicing yoga. 


We are made free only in God, the one who created us and loves us, Jesus Christ. Jesus created us and came to earth to save us. He paid the ultimate price for all our sins and if we accept and believe in Him and follow Him, we shall be made free from the chains which satan binds us with. We shall be made free eternally with our Father whom loves us so much and wants us to be with Him, as His children. 


In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6

Are you running from God?

Ever feel like giving up or running away from God?  Has your determination to follow Christ at all cost lose it's momentum? This is a very dangerous time in a Christian's life, when their enthusiasm for the likeness of Christ is weakening. A pattern of discouragement must be broken once it gains a foothold in the life of a believer. Remember, even a tiny foothold can quickly become a broad and powerful stronghold. It is worth noting that discouragement is always conceived when we believe a lie.  The only means to overcoming discouragement is when we choose to believe and abide in the truth of God's Word and His faithfulness.

If and when this happens in your life, know that Christ stands undaunted and ready to help. You must have a zero tolerance to lingering discouragement. Tolerating discouragement is rooted in tolerating deception.   Never trust your feelings! Trust the Word of God. One point must remain perpetually clear: The Holy Spirit will never direct us contrary to the Word of God. Thus the fundamental concern for the believer is to understand the Word of God as the only reality and reliability. The Bible is the only resolve that instills a pure ambition for the glory of God. Walking in the Light of God's Word is the only way to be competent for the Glory of God. 

Regardless of what your situation is, God will sustain you. Knowing the liberty we have to cast all our cares upon Christ is a matter of biblical fact that compels our obedience to the work of the Holy Spirit.  Be aggressive in turning away from any and all sin the Holy Spirit convicts you of.   Yield to the Holy Spirit's demonstration of the life of Christ in you, and you will find yourself very encouraged and emboldened to renew your mind to the will of God. Amen!

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger        

Jesus Will Rapture Only Faithful Believers... Is That Biblical?

What will be the next big event on God's Calendar?

The short answer to this question is The Rapture Of The Church. 

This is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be instantly removed or transported  from  the earth to heaven before the Great Tribulation(1 Thessalonians. 4:16,17). 

The rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament.  The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believers present behavior... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross.  it is not one'sspiritual condition... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.   

When will this Happen?  Possibly Today!  It is imminent. 

Who will the participants be?
a. Jesus Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16a
b. The Archangel - 1 Thess. 4:16b
c. The Dead In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:16c
d. The Living In Christ - 1 Thess. 4:17

Who will be left behind?   All who rejected Jesus Christ.

What are we to do now before the Rapture?     Note 1 Thessalonians 5
a. Learn The Word of God - 1 Thess. 5:1,2
b. Discern The Times - 1 Thess. 5:3,5
c. Concern For Sinners - 1 Thess. 5:6,9

The rapture of the Church is imminent. Pure consciousness of this reality is essential in bringing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency.

Where in the Bible do we find the word rapture?

The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 we read. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   Notice: Caught Up... is the meaning of the word rapture.

Jesus Christ IS coming! The rapture of the Church is imminent. Pure consciousness of this reality is essential in bringing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency. As Believers, we are not here for our own ambitions, we are here for God's ambition, and the two are not compatible.

Apathy becomes the strain of our spirituality for those of us who are not impressed with the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This is very dangerous!  Why?   Disillusionment sets in as we parade ourselves under the banner of self-sufficiency. The Doctrine of the Rapture inclines the Believer to reflect fervently on eternal values at heart. 

Do you want to be characterized by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The rapture of the church is not just a doctrine we pet.   It is the believer's anticipation in every area of life (1 Thess. 4;16,18). All other anticipations leave us un-settled and unpredictable. Jesus Is Coming and that's a fact. Amen! 

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger      

Daily Devotional: Calling on God for Help

It happens, Christians fall, fail, and falter. When these things become a pattern in our lives, its time to start over. The wonderful thing about God's grace is the assurance that we can start afresh. God is ready to help. The danger in not recognizing one's need to start over often results in greater complicity with vain pursuits and the diminishing of discernment.

The Christian life is possessed with a perpetual state of needing help. Asking God to help will always be desirable when the heart has an understanding of the grace of God. Christians who are growing fervently and faithfully in and by the grace of God are aware of God's dependability. There is nothing more obvious about God than His faithfulness. A Christian will never be an imposition to God. Yet, many Believers feel very unsure and uncomfortable in asking Christ for help.  It is this thinking that is the number one reason why believers inflict themselves with unnecessary  problems... it is rooted in unbelief.  Very dangerous!

It is an absolute fact that each of us will experience the bitter sting of desperation? Desperation literally means to: suffer unbearable anxiety and despair. Sometimes, our lives will experience, even require a major disruption in order to fix our attention firmly on the Lord. Never disregard your moments of desperation as obstacles. They are tools in the hand of our Master. Though sometimes painful, these times can become our most life-altering moments, depending on how we respond.

Take a moment to be still before God. Meditate on the person of Jesus and His friendship. Thank God, that He is forever with you.. Although we may not realize it, moments of desperation reveals what we truly think about Christ. God wants you to be comfortable with asking Him for help (Hebrews 4:16). The longer you wait to ask, the weightier your burdens will become. Asking God for help is not impossible. If you will not ask God for help, you will find yourself becoming impossible. Yes, it will likely cost you much to ask God for help; if you don't, it will cost you the most. Remember, the day you stop asking God for help is the day you start asking for trouble.
Starting over must begin with a determination to identify with Jesus Christ as His disciple. There is no other way to be stripped of the blinding effect of self-interest. We are not here for self-realization, but to know Jesus Christ as God's only means for life that makes living so meaningful. Amen!
Sincerely Dr. Arthur Belanger              

Christians Serving God...

The deception that many of us ignore or are ignorant of is the tendency of measuring our devotion to God through our service for God.  True devotion to Christ is compelled by who Christ is and not merely demands to serve.  Devotion to God is a direct result or outcome of God's faithfulness and graciousness to us  (2 Corinthians 5:14a). 

It is quite possible to serve God without devotion to Him(Matthew 5:8).   However, it is impossible to be devoted to God and not serve him (Joshua 24:15).

If you are a believer attempting to walk in the likeness Christ, you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will be assertive within your spirit when confronted with a situation or decision that would take you outside the will of God. Because it all boils down to a life of unreserved dependence upon Christ.

Many Christians are very discouraged because they lack a sense of  accomplishment or success in their service for Christ.  Success as a goal is a cruel slave master masquerading in a deep rooted  and subtle display of pride.   There is only one thing a Christian can succeed in... Faith in God (Hebrews 11:6).  Faith in God acknowledges the faithfulness of the living God.  Success is a finite  treasure. 

A biblical devotion is always instigated and nurtured  by the grace of God and is an infinite treasure of eternal value.  God's grace is the standard of service that becomes the statement of our service and life.

Sincerely Dr. Arthur Belanger 

Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality by Ray Yungen from A Time Of Departing

Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality by Ray Yungen from A Time Of Departing

Kundalini is a Hindu term for the mystical power or force that underlies their spirituality. In Hinduism it is commonly referred to as the serpent power. Philip St. Romain, a substance abuse counselor and devout Catholic lay minister, began his journey while practicing contemplative prayer or resting in the still point, as he called it. What happened to him following this practice should bear the utmost scrutiny from the evangelical community-especially from our leadership. Having rejected mental prayer as “unproductive” he embraced the prayer form that switches off the mind, creating what he described as a mental passivity. What he encountered next underscores my concern with sobering clarity:

Then came the lights! The gold swirls that I had noted on occasion began to inten- sify, forming themselves into patterns that both intrigued and captivated me ... There were always four or five of these; as soon as one would fade, another would appear, even brighter and more intense ... They came through complete passivity and only after I had been in the silence for a while.1

After this, St. Romain began to sense “wise sayings” coming into his mind and felt he was “receiving messages from another.”2 He also had physical developments oc- cur during his periods in the silence. He would feel “prickly sensations” on the top of his head and at times it would “fizzle with energy.”3 This sensation would go on for days. The culmination of St. Romain's mystical excursion was predictable:

When you do Christian yoga or Christian zen you end up with Christian samadhi as did he. He proclaimed: “No longer is there any sense of alienation, for the Ground that flows throughout my being is identical with the Reality of all creation. It seems that the mystics of all the world’s religions know something of this.”4 St. Romain, logically, passed on to the next stage with:

[T]he significance of this work, perhaps, lies in its potential to contribute to the dialogue between Christianity and Eastern forms of mysticism such as are pro- moted in what is called New Age spirituality.5Many people believe St. Romain is a devout Christian. He claims he loves Jesus, believes in salvation and is a member in good standing within his church. What changed though were his sensibilities. He revealed:

I cannot make any decisions for myself without the approbation of the inner adviser, whose voice speaks so clearly in times of need ... there is a distinct sense of an inner eye of some kind of “seeing” with my two sense eyes.6

St. Romain would probably be astounded that somebody would question his claims to finding truth because of the positive nature of his mysticism. But is this “inner adviser” St. Romain has connected with really God? This is a fair question to ask especially when this prayer method is starting to spread within a broad spectrum of Christianity.

[T]his practice has already spread extensively throughout the Roman Catholic and Protestant mainline churches. It has now crossed over and is manifesting itself in conservative denominations as well—ones that have traditionally stood against the New Age. Just as secular society has been hit by a tidal wave of practical mystics, so also has the religious world. St. Romain makes one observation in his book that I take very seriously. Like his secular practical mystic brethren, he has a strong sense of mission and destiny. He predicts:

Could it be that those who make the journey to the True Self are, in some ways, demonstrating what lies in store for the entire race? What a magnificent world that would be-for the majority of people to be living out of the True Self state. Such a world cannot me, however, unless hundreds of thousands of people experience the regression of the Ego in the service of transcendence [meditation], and then restructure the culture to accommodate similar growth for millions of others. I believe we are only now beginning to recognize this task.7

A book entitled: Metaphysical Primer: A Guide to Understanding Metaphysics outlines the basic laws and principles of the New Age movement. First and foremost is the following principle: “You are one with the Deity, as is all of humanity ... Everything is one with everything else. All that is on Earth is an expression of the One Deity and is permeated with Its energies.”8 St. Romain’s statement was: “[T]he Ground [God] that flows throughout my being is identical with the Reality of all creation.”9 The two views are identical!

St. Romain came to this view through standard contemplative prayer, not zen, not yoga but a Christian form of these practices. The lights were also standard proce- dure as one contemplative author suggested:

Christian literature makes reference to many episodes that parallel the experiences of those going a yogic way. Saint Anthony, one of the first desert mystics, fre- quently encountered strange and sometimes terrifying psychophysical forces while at prayer.10

Unfortunately, this experience was not confined to St. Anthony alone. This has been the common progression into mystical awareness throughout the centuries, which also means many now entering the contemplative path will follow suit. This is not just empty conjecture. One mystical trainer wrote:

[T]he classical experience of enlightenment as described by Buddhist monks, Hindu gurus, Christian mystics, Aboriginal shamans, Sufi sheiks and Hebrew kabalists is characterized by two universal elements: radiant light and an experience of one- ness with creation.11

Without the “radiant light,” there can be no oneness. The second always follows the first. Here lies the heart of occultism.

Footnotes

1. Philip St. Romain, Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality, Crossroad Pub. Co., 1995, p. 20-21. 2. Ibid., pp. 22-23. 3. Ibid., pp. 28-29. 4. Ibid., p. 107.

5. Ibid., pp. 48-49. 6. Ibid., p. 39. 7. Ibid., pp. 75-76. 8. Deborah Hughes and Jane Robertson-Boudreaux, Metaphysical Primer, Metagnosis Pub., 1991, p. 27. 9. St. Romain, Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality, op. cit. p. 107.

10. Willigis Jager, Contemplation: A Christian Path, op. cit., p. 72. 11. Michael J. Gelb, The How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Workbook, Dell Publishing, New

York, NY, 1999, p. 142. This article is an excerpt from A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen.

What is Contemplative Prayer? Is it Biblical? Is it dangerous?

Question: "What is contemplative prayer?"

Answer: It is important to first define “contemplative prayer.” Contemplative prayer is not just “contemplating while you pray.” The Bible instructs us to pray with our minds (1 Corinthians 14:15), so, clearly, prayer does involve contemplation. However, praying with your mind is not what “contemplative prayer” has come to mean. Contemplative prayer has slowly increased in practice and popularity along with the rise of the emerging church movement—a movement which embraces many unscriptural ideas and practices. Contemplative prayer is one such practice.

Contemplative prayer begins with “centering prayer,” a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. The purpose is to clear one’s mind of outside concerns so that God’s voice may be more easily heard. After the centering prayer, the practitioner is to sit still, listen for direct guidance from God, and feel His presence.

Although this might sound like an innocent exercise, this type of prayer has no scriptural support whatsoever. In fact, it is just the opposite of how prayer is defined in the Bible. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24). These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehendible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation.

Contemplative prayer, by design, focuses on having a mystical experience with God. Mysticism, however, is purely subjective, and does not rely upon truth or fact. Yet the Word of God has been given to us for the very purpose of basing our faith, and our lives, on Truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What we know about God is based on fact; trusting in experiential knowledge over the biblical record takes a person outside of the standard that is the Bible.

Contemplative prayer is no different than the meditative exercises used in Eastern religions and New Age cults. Its most vocal supporters embrace an open spirituality among adherents from all religions, promoting the idea that salvation is gained by many paths, even though Christ Himself stated that salvation comes only through Him (John 14:6). Contemplative prayer, as practiced in the modern prayer movement, is in opposition to biblical Christianity and should definitely be avoided.


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Christians Turning to Cremation...Is that Ok?

The reasons provided are compelling enough to convince us that the practice of cremation is unscriptural.

#1: THE BIBLICAL PATTERN IS CONSISTENTLY BURIAL Genesis 23:1-4; 25:8-10; 35:19,20;29; 49:33; 50:1,3; 50:26; Josh 24:29,30; 24:33; 1 Samuel 25:1; 1 Kings 2:10;Matt. 14:10,12; Acts 5:5,10; 8:2 Note Deut. 34:5,6... God Buried Moses. But most importantly, note John 19:38-42 concerning Jesus and burial.

#2: EVEN WHEN BURIAL SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE Even under difficult circumstances God's people practiced burial. For example, Joseph's body was kept for over 400 years in Egypt and then carried through the 40 years of wilderness wanderings before being buried in the Promised Land. Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19. From this account, we observe that even if cremation is considered more convenient than burial, it is still rejected, as the Israelites refused the convenient and simpler way and chose to carry Joseph's remains to the Promised Land.

#3: CREMATION IN THE BIBLE IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH HEATHEN AND SATANIC PRACTICE. In particular, Hindus practice cremation because of the indoctrination of reincarnation.

#4: GOD DECLARES CREMATION SINFUL "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime" (Amos 2:1).

#5: CREMATION IS INDICATIVE OF GOD'S WRATH Throughout the Bible the destruction of a human body or of an object by fire is used as an indication of God's wrath. Note The Following: The example of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6) The example of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1,2) The example of the men who rebelled with Korah (Numbers 16:35) The example of idols (Exodus 32:20; Deut. 7:25; 2 Kings 10:26. The example of magic books (Acts 19:18-19) The example of unsaved cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15)

#6: BURIAL ANTICIPATES A RESURRECTION "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Rom.8:22-23). See also 1 Cor. 15:20-23; and 1 Cor. 15:51-57; 2 Cor. 5:1 The physical body is LIKENED to the seed for the resurrection body. When planted, a seed decomposes, and the new plant comes forth. The Bible uses this to illustrate resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:35,44

Heathenism Conflicts with this reality. They possess no such knowledge or hope. The Hindus and Buddhists, for example, believe in reincarnation. They believe the soul will be reincarnated in another entirely unrelated body, or into a non-physical sphere of existence. God's people have always buried their dead with a glorious hope instilled in their soul.

Please know that the manner of one's burial does not affect his or her resurrection. Cremation of a Christian does not prevail over God's ability to resurrect the cremated remains of a Believer to a glorified body. However, we must understand that whether in life or death. we do all to the glory of God. This includes a determination to be consistent with the biblical pattern of burial., In these dark days of obvious and rampant apostasy and doctrinal error, a biblical emphasis in all matters of Bible teaching is rightly demanded of us by the Spirit of God.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger