Our Young People are Being Seduced
by Bill Rudge
For many years I have warned how our young people are being seduced by the occultism they are exposed to through the media, school, and even in some churches. There is a price to pay by parents who allow their children to watch movies and televi-sion shows, listen to music, play video games, and participate in activities with occultic overtones, or attend churches and conferences where unscriptural teaching and phenomena are occurring.
It may seem harmless initially, but in the end it can prove deadly. One day these parents will have broken hearts as they face the tragic consequences of defiant children who reject clear Biblical teaching.
Yoga and Martial Arts in the Church
While some pastors are refusing to compromise biblical Christianity, others are welcoming yoga and seemingly innocent martial art classes into their churches, allowing an unholy mix of New Age phi-losophies and practices. Who will the Lord commend –– the pastor who tries to grow a church by blend-ing Christianity with New Age, occult, and Eastern mysticism or the pastor who protects his flock from seductive and dangerous teachings and practices?
I believe the words Jesus spoke to the church in Pergamum, a church that did not deny His name but allowed an unholy mix of false teachings and unbiblical practices, are His words of rebuke to many pastors and churches today –– "I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth." (Revelation 2:14-16)
Hundreds of young people and adults have shared with me the eventual spiritual oppression and confu-sion they encountered through martial arts and yoga practices. Many who wanted to serve the Lord whole-heartedly went through years of anguish in unravel-ing the techniques and philosophies they were taught that enveloped their minds and hearts. For more information on the potential spiritual dangers of the martial arts, request Bill's booklets Why I Quit Karate and Self-Defense from a Biblical Perspective.
New Age and Immoral Encounters at Health Center
In January of 2008 my wife and I attended a health clinic in Southern California for one week. It focused on physical, mental and spiritual health. Most was from a New Age perspective, so our involvement was limited to exercise, wheat grass juice, and organic salads.
People there were involved in everything from various styles of the martial arts, yoga, meditation, chanting, toning, visualization, recognizing the god within, to "the Golden serpent moving with energy up their spines and to their heads."
All this seemed like love and spirituality on the sur-face –– but underneath was rejection of the Creator, pride and egotism, and in many cases, subtle or bla-tant immorality and idolatry.
Interestingly, what was visibly manifest were the very two things that repeatedly took down Israel –– idolatry / false gods and sexual immorality. No won-der the admonition of Acts 15:29 to the early church included abstaining from food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality. God knows our human weakness and where the enemy focuses his deceptive attacks.
Initially, we thought the Lord led us there to be a witness for Him as we had during two previous visits. But at the end of our stay this time we realized the Lord sent us there for another reason –– to expose this new spirituality sweeping our country and world. We both also determined in our hearts that no matter what the health benefits were, we would not return.
The people –– many who had a Christian back-ground –– rejected Jesus without ever knowing Him. Others had been steeped in mysticism and occultism their whole lives.
A 76 year old business man told me he rejected Christianity (Catholicism) in his 30's because he felt closer to God on LSD than doing "Hail Mary's." He spent the rest of his life in every New Age and Eastern mystical experience imaginable. When I asked him his concept of eternal life, he said he believed God is spirit and will be a he or a she or personal or impersonal –– he wasn't sure. He believes when he dies it will be darkness, but his spirit will live on and he will be able to escape the darkness through meditation. He actually encouraged me to reject Christianity and embrace his belief system –– a chaotic mess of confusion and hopelessness.
There was absolutely nothing impressive in this man or anyone else there that I desired in the least. It only showed me how amazing and superior is the Gospel of Christ. Karen's and my daily Bible studies that week were in the books of Philippians and Colossians which reveal Christ's surpassing greatness.
Our spirits were grieved. Many times I fell on my knees and prayed with Karen in our room, "O Lord, how can we reach these people?" They would accept and tolerate anything and everything –– except biblical Christianity.
During the testimony time and talent show some of them praised the gods who provided wheat grass and others praised the gods within. They used vulgar language, engaged in opposite and same sex kissing on the lips, and flaunted licentious behavior.
Many people I knew from my youth rejected Christ because they wanted to continue in their immoral lifestyles. However, these people embraced a spirituality that allowed them to feel connected to God while continuing any lifestyle and pursuit they desired. But their source of spirituality was obvious from their conversations and behavior.
As we prayed for these people, and wondered why we could not reach even one as we had during two previous stays at this clinic, the Lord spoke to my heart that they had become like the people in Sodom and Gomorrah during Lot's time –– none repented.
It was as though they were under a strong seductive influence, like the people at the golden calf (Exodus 32), or the Israelites at Shittim when the men sinned with the Moabite women and offered sacrifices to their gods (Numbers 25).
These people had seared consciences and reprobate minds. It was obvious from what they were willing to accept –– virtually anything –– and what they openly rejected –– the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. Because they did not love the truth, a strong delusion had overtaken them.
Many people are rapidly moving in this same direction of false spirituality and immorality. Time is short and this nation and world are rapidly changing. We must reach as many people as possible with the true gospel while we still have opportunity.
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.
Ad in a New Age Magazine
Millan Chessman, author, lecturer, and nutritionist in San Diego deals with many people involved in New Age and Eastern mystical practices. She writes:
Dear Bill:
I have placed the following ad in a New Age, metaphysical magazine to lead those who are struggling with demonic torment or attack to the saving knowledge of Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit. The ad stated:
Being Bothered, Attacked, Disturbed or Tormented by Spirits? Call for confidential help and freedom ...
Millan continues:
My 27 years in the alternative health field has led me to the conclusion that many people who meditate and practice yoga, open themselves up to tormenting spirits by inviting "spirit guides" into their lives. At first these spirits seem helpful and necessary for one to experience a new level of spirituality. As they continue to encounter and enhance these spirits, they discover another side as these spirits become dangerous, ugly, and threatening.
That individual then is perplexed and sometimes becomes suicidal. Only God's Holy Spirit and His power can bring victory in defeating these spirits that play havoc on one's life.
Our precious Lord has already enabled me to lead 19 individuals to the saving knowledge of Him through this ad, and with continued prayer, hopefully many more who need Jesus Christ and His precious love.
I give them or mail them a Bible, an outline of instructions in their new life, and oftentimes your book Spiritual Warfare and Victory in Christ.
God bless you and keep you for His own,
-- Millan Chessman
