Is there Apostasy in Your Church?
By Bill Rudge
Probably the most alarming trend in society today is the apostasy infiltrating the church. Biblical Christianity, the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints, is being replaced by what I call "New Age Christianity." This trend reflects what Jesus, Paul, John, and Peter foretold would be the spiritual condition of the church in the Last Days.
Many Christian leaders, obviously lacking scriptural knowledge and discernment, are unknowingly endorsing beliefs and techniques that are New Age, Eastern, and occult in nature. Some pastors are aware of the New Age and Eastern overtones in such practices as yoga and the martial arts but still allow them in their churches. Other supposed Christians and Christian leaders who apparently have an agenda based on New Age and occult beliefs and practices, have infiltrated the Church and are subtly seeking to indoctrinate the body of Christ.
Warn God's People
God is adamant throughout Scripture in His opposition toward those who lead His people astray. The responsibility of every Christian leader to be scripturally sound is of the utmost importance. Their eternal destiny, and that of their flocks, depends on it.
In Deuteronomy 13, for example, God calls for the death penalty to be administered to anyone who would lure away His people into following after other gods. If God would go to that extreme in the Old Testament, don't you think He at least wants us today to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 3). Much of the New Testament was written to expose false teachings and to encourage believers to obey and preserve sound doctrine.
Yoga, Martial Arts, and Meditation
Many pastors are welcoming yoga, martial arts, and meditation into their churches, allowing an unholy mix of New Age philosophies and practices. An evangelical church opened its doors to a martial arts ministry. The
"Christian" instructor said he did not teach Eastern religious philosophy but only the Word of God and Biblical principles. The pastor and leaders of the church were impressed by the Scriptures and references to Jesus Christ in his brochure so they distributed copies to the congregation.
However, the brochure also stated he is a teacher and practitioner of meditation and that "The use of Chi like the 'Light of God' are one and the same. They are both energy. They are both the breath of God and they are very much compatible." Any discerning Christian should know this instructor has an underlying Eastern and occult worldview. Nevertheless, he was allowed to teach martial arts to adults and youth in the church.
Can you imagine the apostle Paul allowing martial arts, yoga, meditation, or teachings that God is an allencompassing energy force uniting and permeating all that exists in the church? I don't think so!
The Lord clearly spoke through Moses –– "I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you" (Exodus 23:31 – 33). Yet many pastors bring into their churches or tolerate beliefs and techniques which at their core redefine God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as impersonal energy forces.
Former Pastor Becomes Buddhist Chaplain
An article in the local newspaper entitled "Military chaplain traded fire and brimstone for Buddha" related the story of an evangelical pastor who gave up his pulpit to become a Buddhist chaplain in the U.S. Army. The transition in his life was gradual. As a Christian, he had been interested in mysticism. That led to meditation. He studied Buddhism, then visited the temple near his home and right away he said it was like, "Whoa, I'm home." He still appreciates the teachings of the Bible and doesn't think of Buddhism as a rejection of Christianity.
Now Serving Idols
A Christian parent recently wrote to tell us the sad saga of his Christian son who dabbled in Eastern mysticism. The latest note from this young man's father stated, "My son is now in India serving at the feet of idols. Please pray for his return to the Lord and back in the hands of God and family."
Are We Becoming Hindus?
"America is not a Christian nation. We are, it is true, a nation founded by Christians, and according to a 2008 survey, 76 percent of us continue to identify as Christian...but recent poll data show that conceptually, at least, we are slowly becoming more like Hindus and less like traditional Christians in the ways we think about God, ourselves, each other, and eternity...." (Newsweek, August 31, 2009)
The Quantum Shift Toward Paganism
"New Spirituality (formerly New Age) groups anticipate what they call 'The Shift,' a quantum leap in planetary consciousness in 2012 that will result in a unified planet functioning in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, many popular Christian leaders visualize the same thing. Participation in this supposed quantum leap requires all humanity to be on the same page spiritually, and the key to that alignment is the concept of 'myth.' The diverse beliefs within paganism are transmitted through myth rather than doctrinal declaration. Pagans use a narrative approach that teaches through story-telling. It is not necessary to believe the stories as literal truth, but only as a metaphorical presentation of subjective truth. If the 'myths' of the world's religions can be synchronized, universal myth will bind all religions together." (Israel My Glory, July/ August 2010)
More Blatant Forms of Occultism
Christians who have become lukewarm and don't know God's Word, lack discernment and are getting involved in New Age and occult beliefs and techniques. They will eventually, if they do not repent, get into more blatant forms of occultism. Unless they repent, this very mentality and spirit could one day result in their taking the mark of the beast. This is a strong statement, but this gradual but continual undermining of many people's commitment to the Christ of the Bible is resulting in a growing tolerance and acceptance of New Age and occult beliefs and practices.
Many years ago I said that we would one day see churches that once loved the Lord committing spiritual adultery by bringing occultism into the church. We are now seeing it. Many have replaced commitment to the Christ of the Bible and obedience to God's Word and the genuine moving of God's Spirit with occult, New Age techniques and beliefs that they have tried to Christianize and justify. Initially, what many thought were new insights from God's Word are now becoming more and more occult in nature, exposing their true source and inspiration.
We will soon see blatant occultism, sexual immorality, lewd dancing, and other fleshly and demonic manifestations around the altars of many churches. Many church services will resemble more the revelry around the golden calf in Exodus 32 than a gathering of New Testament Spirit-filled believers in Acts. The words written about Aaron in Exodus 32:25 will be true of many pastors: "Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughing-stock to their enemies."
A High Price to Pay
Believers who are participating in New Age and occult beliefs and practices must repent and turn away from them. Return to sound Scriptural beliefs and practices— or drift further and further from the truth.
There will be a high price to pay for those being victimized by these unbiblical teachings and an even greater cost for pastors and Christian leaders who allow those under their care to be influenced by them.
In the day and age we live it is imperative we stand strong in our faith in Christ and keep our lives and churches pure and untainted by an unholy mix. We must provide our children and young people clear and accurate biblical instruction so they can discern what is false and remain faithful to the Lord.
Judgment Begins with the House of God
The Lord is searching the heart and examining the lifestyle of each pastor, Christian leader, and believer. If you are tolerating anything contrary to His Word or Spirit, now is the time to repent and be faithful in all things. Let all who name His name strive in every way to live and proclaim biblical Christianity. 1 Peter 4: 17 states: "For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
Impending judgment is facing the entire world, but first the Lord is dealing with His Church. In the day and age we live, it is imperative to stand strong in our faith in Jesus Christ and keep our lives and churches pure and untainted.
