Eric's Corner

Cry for the lost and the "blasphemy challenge"....

I'm almost hesitant to make a post such as the one you're about to read. However, I will leave it up for a short time at least. As you may or may not know, there's a "fad" going around on the popular "youtube" site. It's called the "blasphemy challenge". It was started by a group of atheists that encourage video posters to "commit the unpardonable sin" and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. This fad has unfortunately become somehwhat popular for some odd reason---be it actual atheists or kids who just think it is "a cool thing to do". What it shows me is that the depth of depravity of the human mind knows practically NO LIMITS. It is truly sad to watch these videos---which i must admit are troubling to watch. But i think we as Christians should also be aware of just how LOST the world is (and how vulnerable people are, especially young people to spiritual danger). The fact that blasphemy can go forward in such a provocative, bold manner is astounding. Thankfully, there are those believers (even on youtube) who have decided to respond to the blatant ugliness displayed on such a popular website. They have started a "Praise the Lord" challenge in which people can proclaim their faith and love for Jesus Christ.

  I am going to (at least temporarily) post some of the videos below from the blasphemy challenge just so you can see what i saw. I must admit my heart was SORELY GRIEVED for the people (especially young people) in those videos. The last video is in response to the blasphemy and contains people upholding their faith in the Lord ( I figured i would end on a somewhat "up note"....) As you see the atheist videos, take a moment and pray that we as Christians would do better in intelligently articulating our faith in the Lord; that we won't sit idly by twiddling our thumbs--because we DO have SOLID evidence on which our faith rests (though sadly most Christians today don't know what it is). And maybe, perhaps the Lord will move on your heart to pray for the lost souls in these videos that they would be convicted of their sin and repent before it is too late.

Eric

You get the idea, i'm sure. There are HUNDREDS of these SAD, SAD, MISGUIDED, LOST people posting all over the web. Now for a video from the other side:

Liberty University's Ergun Caner Answers The “Blasphemy Challenge”

On February 7th in Liberty University’s Campus Church (listen to the podcast), in front of more than 4000 college students, Liberty Theological Seminary president, Dr. Ergun Caner, decried the irrationality of the so-called “Rational Response Squad.”

Caner cited their media frenzied “Blasphemy Challenge” as a perfect opportunity to answer the legitimate questions of skeptics while exalting the oft neglected intellectual defenses of Christian theology.

The “Blasphemy Challenge” has received prolific media attention from the national networks and magazines like Newsweek.

Their website states that “this campaign encourages participants to commit what Christian doctrine calls the only unforgivable sin -- blasphemy against the Holy Spirit…“

The website defines the parameters of the challenge, “You may damn yourself to Hell however you would like, but somewhere in your video you must say this phrase: ‘I deny the Holy Spirit.’”

Those “blasphemers” are then encouraged to place their video recorded renouncement onto the wildly popular youtube.com website in exchange for a free DVD.

Dr. Caner is an apologist, engaging speaker and a converted Muslim with angst against those who think Christianity is built blandly upon blind faith.

Caner said, "our faith is hooked to the God who created all logic and all knowledge… I’m telling you lazy Christianity will not change one person. It takes a heart committed to the cross, a mind committed to learn, a mouth committed to stand and speak, and a person committed to the simple act of courtesy in answering honest questions…they’re asking their questions because they see a gap between faith and reason.”

Caner mentioned by name Richard Dawkins, Producer Brian Flemming, and the American Atheist Forum stating, “to any one of you, I say, ‘bring it,’ because I believe that by using rational, coherent rules of logic and law that the God who created those rules of law will manifest himself.”

Caner, promising to play nice, offered an open invitation to interested atheist leaders to travel to Liberty University to engage in an intellectual dialogue concerning the probability of the existence of God.

Addressing the Rational Response Squad and their compatriots, Caner concluded to a thunderous rally of applause:

“You asked for Christians to prove what we believe. So we accept this challenge. If you want answers, we’ll give them to you. Invite your most brilliant colleagues and we’ll bring ours. We only ask three things: 1) that we all follow the rules of logic 2) that we agree that the Bible is an old book and 3) that we treat each other respectfully.”

Caner will continue his provocative sermon series, coined “Skeptics Welcome” on Wednesday, February 14th with the message “Blasphemy Challenge: God’s Criminal Negligence?”

The Rational Response Squad has yet to comment on Caner’s challenge.

Hey friends:

I received the email notice below from Way of the Master ministries about an upcoming debate. If there's anybody in the New York area that can help please let them know. Also, I want you to take a look at the VERY VERY DISTURBING video below. It's from the "blasphemy challenge" (warning: it is TRULY disturbing!)....and what's sad is how popular that action has become on the web.  And pray for Kirk (Cameron), Ray Comfort, and the rest of the people at Way of The Master Ministries in their upcoming debate with the atheists.

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URGENT - Need a New York Church
Many of you know that in January ABC aired a news story about two atheists who video-taped themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and encouraged others to do so. Hundreds copied them. I contacted the network and said that Kirk and I wanted to challenge the atheists to a debate. ABC loved the idea and so did the atheists. So the debate (Does God Exist?) will be in New York City, and will be streamed LIVE on ABC's website early in May (we will give more details in the April newsletter). It will be filmed for Nightline, moderated by Martin Bashir. Here's where you may be able to help us. We need a small church building in the New York City area -- seating for 100 to 150, stained glass windows -- lots of character. Can anyone help us? This is urgent. Please contact us at mark@livingwaters.com or call 1(800) 437-1893 and ask for EZ.

We greatly value your prayers,
Ray Comfort

End of days on CNN....

Well,

Not sure if you caught this but it was a nice  program/summary on the end times BROADCAST ON CNN NO LESS!!! lol...The audio lags a little behind the video but otherwise the whole program is there. Check it out and enjoy. Of course, as we all know eschatological (endtimes) viewpoints vary amongst believers and not everyone agrees 100% with the particular perspective of the Left Behind authors. But think about this. Did you EVER think we'd get to the point where we'd be having these discussions about end times on the MAJOR NETWORKS??  And if you read Joel Rosenberg's "Epicenter" you'll definitely get interesting insight into things (political and religious) that have been going on and shaping up behind the scenes that are consistent with what the Bible says is coming. Wow...times sure are a-changing....something's definitely afoot...

Eric

Online Videos by Veoh.com

The Mormon president.....

As you may or may not know, there is a practicing mormon running for president this year on the Republican ticket. Politics aside, many in the media have asked, "should a candidate's religion matter" in evaluating them.   I'm sure most Blacks wouldn't EVER vote for a Republican or a conservative anyway (which is a whole 'nother post...lol) but religion is definitely one of the things that should be considered when evaluating a candidate.

Read the article below and note among other things, how the mormon beliefs sound oddly like the present day teachings (from Creflo and the likes) in the church that man is a "little god"??? and that Jesus was "just a man" who "grew into His 'anointing' and godship?"???

Doesn't the word of God say something about us being "WISE as serpents, harmless as doves"?  Just when the church should be exercising WISDOM we are embracing doctrines of devils or burying our head in the sand like a good 'ol "anointed" OSTRICH. As the author below states, the church is indeed being "infiltrated" by a host of false teachings, new age doctrines, and heresies---and pretty much NOBODY is saying a word about it. And sadly many in the world (and the church) view mormonism as just another "denomination". (See this link as to why mormonism is NOT Christian: http://www.irr.org/mit/Is-Mormonism-Christian.html 

So evaluate and make your own decision about Romney in particular (especially if you even have the nerve to CONSIDER EVER voting for a conservative...lol)---like i said, the political aspect is another beast altogether but know this: "family values" and the "right terminology" does not a Christian make. 

Eric

   Regarding Romney and his mormonism, here's what a former mormon turned Christian had to say about his candidacy and the motives of the mormon (LDS) church: Former Mormon warns fellow Christians not to support Romney (emphasis added)

A woman whose father was a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and who is a former Mormon herself says Christians considering Mormon candidate Mitt Romney’s bid for the U.S. presidency need to be reminded about the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity.

Writer, consultant, and business woman Tricia Erickson spent her childhood growing up in a Mormon home and knows a great deal about that religion, which she considers a cult.
…
According to the LDS understanding of Jesus Christ, Erickson notes, “He was born as a mere man, and he worked his way through good works into godship.” Furthermore, she says Mormons believe they are potential gods, capable of becoming divine by following the example of Christ.
…
Up until recently, Erickson contends, Mormons would never even describe themselves as born-again Christians. She believes many do so now because they want to gain access to mainstream Christianity, especially now that their church is facing difficulties.

“Their missionaries are not doing as well out in the field,” the former Mormon woman notes, and “their numbers are going down as far as new recruits.” For that reason, she says, LDS members “want to infiltrate regular Christian religions so they can bring those Christians into Mormonism under the [impression] that they’re Christian, too. They’re anything but.”

Gog who??

Many of us may have heard something vaguely familiar about "gog" and "magog" in the Bible. But to what does that really refer? Well, it actually is one of the most fascinating prophesies in the Bible and its found in Ezekiel 38. Long story short---these passages tell us of a coming attack on the nation of Israel. Most scholars believe the "magog" in the passage to refer to Russia and "gog" is a name for the leader of this attack---similar to the term, "king" or "prince". This passage also predicts an alliance that will form between several nations but principally Russia and Persia (which is present day Iran).  One look at the headlines of our day and one can't help but wonder if this alliance is strengthening everyday before our very eyes. If so, how close is the conflict of gog/magog? Only time will tell but it is fascinating to watch.

Scholars differ on the timing of the rapture in relation to the conflict of gog/magog. Some think that this battle will precede the rapture, others say the rapture will likely happen first. Again, we just may soon find out. Furthermore, many scholars feel that as a result of God defeating Israel's enemies in this battle, the long awaited 3rd Jewish Temple may be rebuilt (without Arab opposition) in Israel. I don't know but I do know that the plans for the third Temple are already in the works, the artifacts to be placed in the temple are already prepared. The ancient Jewish Sanhedrin has re-organized (after 1600 years), and the Middle East is reaching the boiling point. History is definitely headed somewhere---only God knows how quickly we'll arrive.

Eric

How Long?

How long will the flock tolerate foolishness? I can recall the scandals of Jim and Tammy Baker and how the world mocked the foolishness of Christians at being so obviously fleeced by the excesses of the televangelists. But sure enough, over time it seems that there always arises another 'crop' of so-called teachers who once again fleece the flock with promises of divine health, wealth, and prosperity. Every so often it seems God shakes the foundations of such foolishness and the real motives and greed of these swindlers comes to light. But the church seems to want to continue to return to its vomit, so to speak, and continue to heap up for themselves "teachers after their itching ears". And we end up with a new round of false teachers, so-called prophets, and blasphemers who are more than willing to take the faithful's money. And the "teachers" seem to get  worse with each round---add a little false prophesy, a little heresy here, add a little blasphemy there.....and the church soaks it up and shouts in the aisles for their promised "season" and "breakthrough" while the money changers count the take in the offering plate and beg for more. Unbelievable!

  I doubt the videos posted below will mean much to the brainwashed, but see if you can put on your theological 'thinking cap' and spot the heresy and false doctrine dripping from the lips of the prosperity gurus:

Seen enough? well, don't forget to call in and "plant your seed" and "make that pledge" for the mouthpiece of this junk---TBN. Eric

Am i dreaming?

Sometimes i feel as if i am in a dream.

Sometimes i just want to shake myself because SURELY  the Christian church could not be in the shape that it appears to be in these days. If you are standing for sound doctrine and the Biblical gospel, it is as if you are "fighting against the wind".  Take a look at "christian television". We now live in a time when so called preachers will look directly at the camera and tell you that "you are god". That statement (rightfully) bothered a lot of Christians years ago when Shirley McClaine proclaimed it in one of her films but now---THE CHURCH EMBRACES IT. The wide reach of "Christian television" is negatively offset by how much pure FALSE DOCTRINE is proclaimed via pulpits and ministries around the country.

 

I never thought i would see the day when the church so willingly would accept things that are clearly OPPOSITE to scripture. Rather than reprove the "works of darkness" (as Paul says in Ephesians) Christians now seem to want to "blend" new age mysticism with Christianity. Christians now take scriptures regarding authority and dominion out of context to build a theology that elevates man to "godhood". Gone are the calls to true repentance, holy living, denying selfish pleasure.

"Bishop" George Bloomer recently spent THIRTY minutes on his program on a message called "You have Dominion" saying that we are gods and that the popular 90s gospel song, "God is in Control" (by James Hall)  was WRONG---because WE are in control and God cannot act unless we "give Him permission". What kind of teaching is this? That the SOVEREIGN GOD of the universe, the maker of Heaven and Earth is not in control of  His creation???? That God NEEDS man for anything???

   Right after Bishop Bloomer's program, on the Word Network, was "Prophet" E. Bernard Jordan (also Rev. Run's pastor) ; another proclaimer that "we are gods" and the power of "positive thinking". A little exploring on "Prophet" Jordan's site showed that he actually proudly holds to the ZODIAC astrological signs as "Christian" and is a believer in the "age of aquarius" (a blatantly new age belief).

   It's well documented that Creflo Dollar teaches that we are" little gods" and that Jesus didn't come to earth as God (pure heresy!) And the congregation shouts and applauds as he fills their souls with blasphemy. Why do i even mention such preachers by name?? Because they have PUBLIC far-reaching ministries. Also, not only do they not respond to private correction, they openly mock those who disagree---so, i have no problem critiqueing the TEACHING (and not the person). Further, Paul openly rebuke Peter when Peter was not teaching appropriately.

  And at this time of year when we should be reflecting on the significance and reality of the Lord's resurrection, so many  pulpit scheisters have completed "revised" what the Resurrection is all about and started proclaiming that resurrection Sunday is a time "for your abundant breakthrough" and the endless pitches for money should start any day for TBN's fundraising travesty "praise a thon".

  Yes, the lines are clearly drawn. Sound doctrine vs. selfish greed and heresy---pure and simple. The masses are being led astray---in droves. I pray that the discerning believers no longer accept such foolishness from those that have 'crept in amongst us' unaware--despite the slick packaging.

  I wish i could wake myself up.

Eric