I have a friend that is sucked into one of these churches. He asked me to go with him, about a year and a half ago.
I said, “sure, if you go to church with me next week, and he agreed.”
I went, and thank God noone “caught the spirit” while I was there.
That morning, they had a “Christmas Program.”
It was like a we-are-world telethon. It was a rock concert. The Spanish language songs were beautiful, and there were very talented singers and musicians.
But the ego, on these performers and “preachers” was blatantly obvious. It was PERFORMATIVE.
Even when some of the performers would say “all glory to God, we do this for God,” they were posing… it was likes and shares they wanted, but IRL. Charlatans.
Meeting with some of the people afterwards.
Wow. Their eyes… Jonestown vibes.
I don’t think of the churchgoers themselves as evil or anything like that. Just misled… But the leadership gave me the heebie jeebies.
So he goes to church with me, a 3 hour+ long liturgy,+ agape meal, and I guess what you’d call “Adult Sunday School” where we would discuss topics.
During the group discussion, he raises his hand to get the microphone and says a pretty short spiel closing with the words “Christ Consciousness.”
Now if you’ve studied Blavatsky and that Lucis trust witch, you would know that phrase is some theosophical hoo doo.
So we get back in the car… and I’m beaming. He’s looking in the floorboard, and doesn’t say anything at first. Then he looks over at the window and back at me with the most disapproving and disgusted face and says, “what do you get out of this?” (‘Get’ in italics)
I understand the desire to expose what is likely not pure, but I tread very carefully when it comes to the Holy Spirit because blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the one (and as far as I understand) only thing that cannot be forgiven. I could be wrong, but I prefer to err on the side of caution with this subject.
I would never want to do that either. But I've prayed for discernment and feel comfortable calling out certain heresies.
Also look at the heretical pastors who tend to embrace charismania. People like arch heretic and demon possessed Kenneth Copeland. Meanwhile all the pastors I know of who preaches sound biblical doctrine rejects their ways based on scripture.
You've always appeared to be a solid Christian, so I just give warning so we can finally meet on that great day. I need to warn myself often, so don't think it's just thrown out there at others. And feel free to admonish me as needed, I'd rather hear hard truths than soft lies
I've definitely become more solid as a believer over the years, praise God, and thanks for the compliment.
I don't know if I have the authority to admonish you on this issue, but I can put forth my arguments based on my understanding. I would at least say be careful of any practices resembling Kundalini and leading to drunkenness.
I have a friend that is sucked into one of these churches. He asked me to go with him, about a year and a half ago.
I said, “sure, if you go to church with me next week, and he agreed.”
I went, and thank God noone “caught the spirit” while I was there. That morning, they had a “Christmas Program.” It was like a we-are-world telethon. It was a rock concert. The Spanish language songs were beautiful, and there were very talented singers and musicians.
But the ego, on these performers and “preachers” was blatantly obvious. It was PERFORMATIVE. Even when some of the performers would say “all glory to God, we do this for God,” they were posing… it was likes and shares they wanted, but IRL. Charlatans.
Meeting with some of the people afterwards. Wow. Their eyes… Jonestown vibes.
I don’t think of the churchgoers themselves as evil or anything like that. Just misled… But the leadership gave me the heebie jeebies.
I will never ever go back to a “holy roller” church. If you look into the movement, it was rotten from the very start. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
So he goes to church with me, a 3 hour+ long liturgy,+ agape meal, and I guess what you’d call “Adult Sunday School” where we would discuss topics.
During the group discussion, he raises his hand to get the microphone and says a pretty short spiel closing with the words “Christ Consciousness.”
Now if you’ve studied Blavatsky and that Lucis trust witch, you would know that phrase is some theosophical hoo doo.
So we get back in the car… and I’m beaming. He’s looking in the floorboard, and doesn’t say anything at first. Then he looks over at the window and back at me with the most disapproving and disgusted face and says, “what do you get out of this?” (‘Get’ in italics)
I understand the desire to expose what is likely not pure, but I tread very carefully when it comes to the Holy Spirit because blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the one (and as far as I understand) only thing that cannot be forgiven. I could be wrong, but I prefer to err on the side of caution with this subject.
I would never want to do that either. But I've prayed for discernment and feel comfortable calling out certain heresies.
Also look at the heretical pastors who tend to embrace charismania. People like arch heretic and demon possessed Kenneth Copeland. Meanwhile all the pastors I know of who preaches sound biblical doctrine rejects their ways based on scripture.
You've always appeared to be a solid Christian, so I just give warning so we can finally meet on that great day. I need to warn myself often, so don't think it's just thrown out there at others. And feel free to admonish me as needed, I'd rather hear hard truths than soft lies
I've definitely become more solid as a believer over the years, praise God, and thanks for the compliment.
I don't know if I have the authority to admonish you on this issue, but I can put forth my arguments based on my understanding. I would at least say be careful of any practices resembling Kundalini and leading to drunkenness.
Oh yes. And it can be any area you see I need to be admonished. I'd rather repent than burn
Good attitude. That encourages me as well. Makes me want to find IRL fellowship again.
Even St. Paul says to test the spirits and to retain what's good.
When pentacostals and others babble in tongues...