PatSieler
May 31, 2006
Please post about your perspective of "The Emergent Church".
Thanks.
Please post about your perspective of "The Emergent Church".
Thanks.
One of the leaders within the Emergent Church movement is Rob Bell. When I originally asked about the book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell I picked up the book and read it to find out just what it had to say. There are some things that Rob says that are spiritually correct but he also takes truth and turns it into lies. I've completed a report on this that I attached to the Weekly Evangelism Report for Las Vegas.
The three main areas that I address in the report is:
1) Finding answers to questions
2) What is meant by the Rabbinic term "Binding and Loosing"
3) Sharing the Gospel
Rob advises people in the book to ask questions (page 28), which is a wonderful thing. Many of use would not be using Biblical Evangelism if we had not asked the question, "How should I share the Gospel?" Rob takes seven pages to address the importance of this but never once directs people to go to the Bible, prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit, or godly counsel from someone who knows the biblical answer to your question.
Rob talks about the Rabbinic term for Binding and Loosing and says that Jesus gave Peter and then the rest of the disciples this power to determine what scripture means. Then Rob goes on to say that we are also given the power to interprete scripture as we want since God and given us the power as well. His quote in the book is, "Notice what Jesus says in the book of Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. What he (Jesus) is doing here is significant. He is giving his followers the authority to make new interpretations of the Bible. He is giving them permission to say, "Hey we think we missed it before on that verse, and we've recently come to the conclusion that this is what is actually means." (page 50)
The way Rob encourages those who read his book to share the gospel is through loving acts. His exact quote is, "And this is because the most powerful thing happens when the church surrenders its desires to convert people and convince them to join. It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display." (page 167) Rob says that we work against the love that Jesus commanded us to have when we are offensive and use terms like believer and non-believer.
Hi Pat,
In my own experience the emergent church is a mixed bag. For some "emergent" simply means the next generation of seeker friendly churches reacting aginst the last generation of seeker friendly churches. They place an emphaisis on informal and authentic "community" as opposed to corporatized "McChurches." They have some really great ideas about creating a place where people are safe to share with one another. Many Emergent churches offer inviting, warm environments for creative intelligent and sensitive Christians who find the corporate cookie cutter stylings of their parents churches to be disingenuine. In fact, Emergent Churches find the ancient mystery of the early church to be much more authentic then the mega-church that sells quick cheap answers to the world. Perhaps most commendable is their general emphasis to reaching the lost "incarnationally"; revealing Christ through demonstrations of compassion to the poor and dejected and not just in word to the already churched.
However, there is a very vocal and influencial group within the Emergent Church, the "post-modern" philosophical theologians who are preoccupied with denying any absolute knowable truth. Clearly they indicate something about the popular mood towards spirituality in this country...cynical of the church and existential towards their own faith. In my own limited experience with the "Emergent Gospel", I came across some significant departures from biblical renderings of the Gospel. I certainly related to some of their questions about shallow churches and robotic fundamentalism but feel their "solutions: are simply too informed by shifting social and academic trends, and not enough on historic, and most importantly, biblical church perspective. They have shifted their exogesis from scripture to the philosophic paradyme of our age.
What is curious about the emergent church is that they are neither evangelical Christianity nor liberal social but a shape-shifting hybrid. In their overall message I personally find a disturbing lack of commitment to firm essential doctrine, such as upholding the exclusivity of Christ's claims as the only atonement for mankind. In fact, I think they would prefer to shy away from such unilateral claims, maintaining careful ambivalency for the sake of inclusiveness.
My feeling about this movement is, while I emphasize with their honest soul searching critique of modern Christianity, and appreciate their innovative methodologies for building bridges with unchurched people, I ultimately could not call myself a post modern Christian because of their general humanistic glorification of "honest doubt" over born again faith.
Some good ideas on orthopraxy (right practice) are canceled out with an abandonment of sound orthodoxy.(Right thinking.)
My comments are broadly generalized of course. The emergent church "movement" is actually a decentralized collection of scattered reactive movements against "traditional" evangelical and denominational churches...sometimes forming within the denominations themselves! As such I'm sure there are some emergent churches that would prove to be an exception to my concerns. I would love to hear about a major emergent thinker who would change my perception for the better!
Blessings,
MC
Hmmmm. Interesting. This is the first time I have heard this term, "Emmergent Church". Since I do not watch TV, read magazines or newspapers, I must be a bit behind the times.
The Holy Spirit has been long speaking to me about the "blight" in our "modern churches". Just this very week, He has spoken to me that the "church" as we know it in the USA is responsible for sending as many to hell as they are heaven.
Of all that was posted below, I have to ask the question, why would anyone want to read a book entitled "The Velvet Elvis"? What spiritual value could you possibly hope to find? If the author is a "church leader", I would have to immediately question what church he is leading. Yes, I know we should not judge books by their covers. But some books just do not warrant being opened. Just my opinion, I do respect yours.
I do believe with all my heart that there is a cry in the true christians heart for a rejection of the "traditional church" left us by our fathers. He is crying come back to the Bible and the first century church, not some new "church" of man's own invention. Haven't you lived through enough "fads" to realize that God is not in them?
Satan tries to counterfit anything that God does. So do not think it at all strange that a "look alike" immerges along side the real work of God. How do you know the difference between the real and the phony? Why, read your bible beloved. Read it for what God wants you to know, not what others want you to think it says. God is able to lead and guide into all truth. If what you are hearing and reading does not line up with the Bible, reject it. Be extremely discriminate about what you read other than the Bible. Psalm 1 is still very wise counsel. Ask God to make it a part of your every day life. Flee in horror from all wickedness, especially when it calls itself a "church". Is it? God knows. Ask Him.
Humbly before Him,
"O"
Well said Mike,
It is indeed a muddy mix. Here is another thread somewhat geared towards all this: [url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?viewmode=flat&order=0&topic_id=10214&forum=35&post_id=&refresh=Go]A plethora of resources
And I think it buttress's very much what Compton has already stated. One of the main reasons for my bringing the site mentioned there forward in the first place was just that even with that gearing towards and I like how Mike put this, [i]shape-shifting hybrid[i]Thank God![i]thinking
To be sure even in what was brought forth here by way of the out take is a dangerous proposition to take matters into our own hands in a fallible position of determining something means something else now than it did when it was spoken;
He is giving his followers the authority to make new interpretations of the Bible.
The problem with labels is that they can take on a life of their own and before long the definitions get blurred and confusion and excess complexity make for a great unraveling to just mine out the pure things. Denominations have become quasi generalizations that have often become their own monstrosities, the very thing that many of us here as well as the new 'hybrids' are both weary of. Maybe all I am attempting to say is that there is still much to be gleaned of a pure ore as SermonIndex attests to. Look at 'us' here. It is a wonderful almost purposeful blurring of various constructs as far as whatever denominational underpinnings many of these past saints were aligned with and I will go a bit further in admitting there is a certain ignorance that holds me back from whatever systematic ideas of "Entire sanctification", the nitty-gritty details of "Calvinism\\Armeniansim" all kinds of different 'teachings'. It is to but glean and not construct something else out of it...
Something I have been musing on and might as well just dump it out here in poor expression...
There is something inside me that tends to think along this line as it applies to much of a discussion here;
"Yes, yes I do hear that, I do grasp what you are saying" and at the same time "No, no, that is not what I am implying." It is not to say some things are not worth discussing as they are and can be helpful and it is also to say at the same time what is the true worth of some things that take up residence in our heads? It is the classic Tozerism of "What's back of it"? What makes these things tick. It is to ask a thousand heart questions rather than a scholarly exercise of the mind alone. Am fairly well convinced that God's thought is geared to us understanding these things, our mannerisms inwardly, where we are off and where He would correct us if we would but have it. And that hardly touches the surface.
My thoughts are far out pacing my expression here... The beauty of SI is not as something of it's own but that it is impossible to pin down, a beautiful paradox in my estimation. We have heard in the past the attempts to put a label of "Charismatic\\Pentecostal" on it and while not outrightly denying those aspects it is sure folly to attempt to make that label stick, especially as far flung from what definition that might bring to minds in this day and age. By and large it could be said, if we have to lower ourselves to a description, that 'we' are fond of the Old Paths only as is far as they lead back to what was at one time just a simple normative Christianity. It is not a million and one things and yet it is still 'orthodox' at the core. The members by and large that traverse through here are 'emergent' in one thing only and that is God's thought on the matter, on all matters and perhaps some are just a bit more honest about the mystery that God is and others hopefully are being made to just think, muse, consider. All of us are still working through various items in this tremendous mystery, this pilgrimage and what a great help it is to be challenged and exhorted and be made to think yet again.
What a grand testament to Gods glory it is when His children can come together and deal with things as they are. This mere website is so much more than what is on the surface, it has radically altered so many perceptions of what Christianity is, of what I had (good) suspicions of going in and coming out of so much absurdity. I feel paradoxically much more at ease and frankly aligned with those who do not know the Lord but by what the false front of our modern day Christendom has presented to them than I do with those who are apeing a conduct that is not internally gripping them. I have heard it said we should not criticize "Christianity" in front of the unsaved and I would be hard pressed to not feel compelled to make a grand apology to the masses for failing them, even if 'we' may be somewhat detached from the mixed up muddle of what it has become. It is the same sentiment of Daniels great prayer, we are still responsible like it or not, even if it just means that we haven't prayed enough or prayed about the situation as it is.
Just a couple of thoughts ... some quite redundant to the long tenured here. :-)
May I ask: Has anyone here heard of DeVern Fromke or his book "The Ultimate Intention"?
:-(rm
Hi Ormly,
Most certainly. Haven't read that book, but there are a number of his messages here:
[url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?op=&cid=129]Devern Fromke
Another great man of God.
Amen my Brother, Amen! -- and thank you.
That book I purchase in quanity to hand out as THE Message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will revolutionise the church to be THE Church if they can release themselves from the bondage they have reintroduced into their midst. I believe it --- but look to be repulsed-- you won't find many comrades to stand with you in this.
Go here: http://www.seekerstrove.com/
Double Click on the picture of the cover of the book.
I will glady send to you the intro and preface so full of commendation left out in the new edition offered. Perhaps you would have me post it? With your permission I will do so.
Warmly in Christ,
:-Drm
crsschk wrote:
Hi Ormly,Most certainly. Haven't read that book, but there are a number of his messages here:
[url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?op=&cid=129]Devern Fromke[/url] Another great man of God.
I can certainly relate to this...
My thoughts are far out pacing my expression here...
And also this observation...
The beauty of SI is not as something of it's own but that it is impossible to pin down, a beautiful paradox in my estimation.
I would agree with you Mike. Probably more then in any buttoned down message that we can all agree on, there is 'unity' and 'community' when we share the very unbuttoning that occurs from listening to each other's testimony of the living Jesus. This respectful unbuttoning of presumption, past experience, tradition, culture, and personal preferences is a real part of the ministry found in this diverse and paradoxial group of Christians.
Like you said...
The members by and large that traverse through here are 'emergent' in one thing only and that is God's thought on the matter, on all matters and perhaps some are just a bit more honest about the mystery that God is and others hopefully are being made to just think, muse, consider. All of us are still working through various items in this tremendous mystery, this pilgrimage and what a great help it is to be challenged and exhorted and be made to think yet again.
MC
Amen my Brother, Amen! -- and thank you.
Well brother let me say [i]Thank you!
Was right in the midst of downloading more or less at random yesterday some spiritual food for the work I was doing out here when you brought Devern back to mind again. As the tendency goes when something is gripping you ... If you get a chance check out the series on David. He really gets at a great problem that was plaguing the church at the time he gave the messages, that which may be construed as a full blown epidemic now. It has been stated by other past saints here and I may be thinking of Tozer or Paris Reidhead, think that it was the latter actually;
"An expedient Christianity". It brought readily to mind what the real problem is with "A Purpose Driven Life" mindset at the very root, it is as if it explained that subtle something that I couldn't get my arms around before. The point isn't to debase that mindset for all the reasons that are often given, to wrangle over that particular book itself ... It seems to keep coming back to whether or not we are to live by 'biblical principles' as stand alone ideals that [i]we[i]the law of the Spirit
The examples he gives of some shattered experiences of ministry (including his own) are just incredible and it touches that which we may or may not recognize by just getting ahead of ourselves and the Lord. A matter of order and timing, of waiting and [i]asking
I do not think I have ever heard a better explanation for instance, just why and what happened in:
2Sa 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
He draws this out masterfully.
Your timing brother was perfect.
I will glady send to you the intro and preface so full of commendation left out in the new edition offered. Perhaps you would have me post it? With your permission I will do so.
Yes! Ultimate Intention was really an eye opener for me when I first read it, some profound spiritual truths layed out in simple terms, highly recommended. I am in the process of putting several of the chapters of this book into an online Bible study.
Can agree with Mike also on the David series of sermons from Fromke, in particular the sermon titled 'David-The Father'. Also highly recommended is Fromke's book 'Unto Full Stature'.
In Christ,
Ron
Thank you [b]chrsschk
I first became acquainted with Fromke's work in the early seventies. I only wish I had had ears to hear what I am presently obsorbing like a sponge from his anointed teaching.
This was left out of the latest printing. It was thought to be too difficult to grasp by the reader.
For the sake holding interest I will post this in segments.
[b]INTRODUCTION TO DEVERN FROMKE’S
“ULTIMATE INTENTION”
\tTHROUGHOUT THE WORLD today there is the echo and re-echo of revolution. Surely this is evidence of the crisis hour in which we live. A NEW DAY is on the horizon. We are now in the night—a time of political, social, religious and philosophical shaking. Everything that can be shaken is being shaken. We can expect shaking to increase in tempo and momentum until only that which is unshakable remains. But we need not be alarmed for God has determined to build anew on His SURE FOUNDATION—a foundation which cannot be shaken.
\tFor this reason I believe it is time for a revolutionary note to be sounded in the Church. You will recognize in this Book such a note. Here is a challenge to reconsider some of the basic concepts which presently hold sway in evangelical circles.
Careful observation will disclose that the philosophical appeal of our current evangelistic endeavor is essentially selfish. The Church extends an offer that consists primarily of hope of gain and fear of loss for the individual—this suggests a “get” way of life! The fundamental of our invitation is for man to come to our church and get something for himself. Even our deeper life conferences are usually promoted on a man-centered level which suggests participants may obtain Christian victory and more profound blessings for their own heart satisfaction. It has become difficult for our generation to understand the real meaning of sacrifice, and the poured-out life is considered visionary. The rugged Pauline altar to which the great Apostle, called men to come, suffer and die, has been replaced by the invitation to come to the altar and get over suffering. Our twentieth century altars are plush and comfortable. One approaches them to get and not to give.
\tWe are past the point of revival; we have gone beyond the possibility of repair through reformation, Christianity must experience a vital revolution! The only solution to the problem of the Church today is a destruction of the philosophy that is ruining it and the introduction of another theme, a true goal, the real touchstone—one that is ultimate
and final in every sense. Let me ask, is there a new frontier of truth in the Bible that must be discovered to furnish the supreme challenge to lives of old and young alike? Is there a hitherto unpenetrated spiritual barrier waiting for a breakthrough in our generation? Is there an unveiling of truth with power to bring lives to a dedication to God so as to fulfill His purpose in a measure and to a depth that no existing philosophy, either religious or political, at present is able to do? Let the reader of these pages decide for himself.
\tThis book will unfold God’s Word in a brand-new light. There are keys herein that can unlock the truth and bring divine transformation and power to the inner life. I say can, but I do not guarantee such experience. The great spiritual work in any life is God’s to do, it is His sovereign prerogative.
\tWhen Galileo’s discovery finally and authentically gave the earth a new center, it caused the greatest scientific revolution that had ever been known. The writings of centuries had to be adjusted in order for this truth to become the basis for mathematical and astronomical fact, thus it may be with much in our religious libraries when the facts of this book have gripped human lives.
\t\t\t\t—Pastor H, J. Stanley, Lovers Lane Church Christian and \t\t\t\t\t\tMissionary Alliance, Akron, Ohio
[b]INTRODUCTION TO 7th PRINTING—1974
\tFar beyond our expectation, in the past twelve years the Lord has caused several hundred church groups and schools to use this book as a weekly study guide. We are grateful that this message has been acclaimed by leaders from the widest diverging backgrounds, who testify that they have incorporated many of these principles into their own life and ministry.
\tSeveral years ago when the author ministered in New Zealand, it was with great joy and surprise that he discovered thousands of his books had already prepared and challenged God’s people to a God- centered viewpoint. Similarly, in many places in Europe this vital message has been both taught and caught. THE ULTIMATE
INTENTION has been published in French and is now in preparation in German and Spanish.
\tWith much praise to the Lord we send forth this new printing. It is our earnest prayer that each reader will not only be stimulated by a new perspective, but will also embrace these truths in such a living way that a chain-reaction will be precipitated, thus reaching around the world and continuing until HE comes.
PUBLISHERS
Cont.....
[b]Preface to Ultimate Intention
\tYOU WILL UNDERSTAND, if you have groaned as in travail and anguish to be delivered of a burden of prayer or message of truth, crying to the Lord for strength to bring forth, what I mean when I say this book has not been written; it has been born—born in the wee hours of the morning, and more often in the long hours of the night. The truths contained herein do not represent sudden conclusions or passing fancies, but they represent long months and years of prenatal growth until they have become overmastering and imperative. I appreciate your reading the preface for it will save you from wandering through many chapters, not clearly understanding the main thesis and burden of the author.
\tWithout maligning or misreporting any man or any group of men, this small volume points to underlying principles which I believe to be the cause of the present spiritual climate, which supports a great deal of religious activity but little spiritual growth. It strives to open for the reader a broader view of God’s purpose to be seen from a new viewpoint.
\tOur burden is this! The hour is too desperate for us to continue to play with surface issues, we must turn from our selfish playthings; we must cease our man-centered attempt to make religion serve us. It is imperative that we turn from recitation of tenets and defense of doctrine to a revelation of the basic issues and principles of the faith. We must choose deliberately to be nonconformists to the present world system, not because such an attitude coincides with the bent of our personality, but because we are living by principle.
\tIt seems modern believers have imagined they can win men by agreeing with them. This is a farce that simply means they have won us. History demonstrates the exact opposite. Dr. A. W. Tozer points out, “The man who is going in a wrong direction will never be set right by the affable religionist who falls into step beside him and goes the same way. Someone must place himself across the path and insist that the straying man turn around and go the right direction.”
[b]NOT TRADITIONAL BUT SCRIPTURAL
\tIt will be helpful from the very beginning, if the reader is made conscious that the message of this book does not follow the traditional, the modern evangelical, or fundamental approach, I am calling for a God-centered approach. If we observe the pattern which God has followed since the Reformation, we can see there has been a continuous recovery of Biblical and historic truths, Such restoration is imperative if the Church is to come to full maturity and bear fruit, Through Luther, God restored justification by faith; through Calvin, the importance of reasoning from God down to man; through Whitefield, Wesley and others, the emphasis of a holy, separated life; through Darby and others, glorious truths concerning the body of Christ and other Church truth. More recently, since 1900, the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been more generally recognized as an imperative need of the Church.
\tYou may interpret this recovery of truth in your own way, but who can deny that God has used different men and movements not to corner truth but to recover and herald truth to the upbuilding of the entire body of Christ. Every major awakening has centered in a major recovery of a truth necessary to mature and balance other aspects of truth.
\tI believe the hour has come when God is initiating another major recovery, This time it is not just a truth, but the restoration of some thing SO imperative that it will give the ultimate perspective to all truth Is it possible the Church is unable to fully appreciate or interpret the truth she has, simply because her perspective is wrong.
Cont.....
[b]THE MAIN THEME
It is important that you immediately put on the right pair of glasses in order to see the path to ultimate truth. It is the objective of the first chapter to move the reader from his usual viewpoint to see things from God’ viewpoint, only then can ultimate issues be appreciated. We make no appeal for man to come to God in order to be happy, to be blessed, or to be saved. Our approach is to urge men to wake up and become adjusted to the purpose for which they were created. It is a call for man to realize God’s Ultimate Intention. The primary theme of this book, then, is not man, his welfare, his needs, or his salvation. The primary theme purposes to reveal who God chiefly is so we can understand what He primarily desires and ultimately intends for Himself and for His universe. The first concern is not to turn our attention to man’s problems, but rather to turn our eyes to God Himself. The primary emphasis is not the awful emergency which sin has caused, but the purpose of One who will most surely consummate His intention according to schedule, The primary motive of our writing is to bring men to really see HIM who is worthy of all honor, glory and satisfaction. Once we see Him and His purpose, we shall see all other things in their true light and perspective.
[b]MAN-CENTERED or GOD-CENTERED
\tBelievers may not often realize it, but even as believers we are either centered in man, or centered in God, There is no alternative. Either God is the center of our universe and we have become rightly adjusted to Him, or we have made ourselves the center and are attempting to make all else orbit around us and for us., When the truth dawns, we are amazed to discover how the snare of making all things to revolve around man has become the bane of most of our preaching and teaching. This is true even of the area of teaching which is considered to be of the deeper life emphasis. As long as men are victims of this wrong philosophy and approach to truth, they cannot avoid reckoning from a self-center. When the center is wrong, then everything in our reckoning is wrong. It is my prayer that in these pages the reader will discover the lost coin of truth and be prepared to take what may seem like drastic measures in accepting a new center, where the whole conception of Christian life is changed from man-consciousness to God-consciousness; from man as the center to God as the center from which all truth is seen.
[b]A SHOCK TREATMENT
\tElectric shock treatments are used in treating mental patients in order to break up old patterns of thought and prepare the way for new ones. The moral and spiritual crisis leading to surrender is a similar experience. It breaks up the old patterns of self-centeredness and shifts to a new center—GOD, Various shocks are often necessary to blast us from the pseudo-centers we have established, before the Holy Spirit can draw us to the ultimate center, Until we place ourselves in God’s hands for His treatment, we may be centered in an experience, a group, an emphasis of truth, a spiritual person, our work, or a religious cause,, All of these are marginal, As false centers, they become false viewpoints, and lead to faulty understanding of truth, It often takes quite a shock to cause us to organize life around a new center. A certain measure of healing is to be found in any center of life outside oneself, but there is no ultimate healing until we find the ultimate center.
\tYou are anticipating a shock! May the Holy Spirit place His finger on the false center around which your life revolves and make you free! We earnestly pray this vital truth might lay hold of lives so as to initiate repercussions to ignite spiritual revelation around the world, This, no doubt, seems like strong language, but we are sure that until one has grasped the value and significance of this viewpoint, he cannot properly evaluate the necessity for its recovery by the Church in this hour.
\tI am convinced of the importance of this message as I have observed the impact and revolutionary effect it has produced in pastors and laymen who have been gripped by it. These lives speak louder than any appraisal I might attempt.
Cont.......
[b]THE NEUROSIS OF OUR TIMES
\tThere is a sense in which I understand how Jeremiah must have felt when he was commissioned to “root out, to pull down, to destroy and to throw down” (four negatives) before he could begin to “build and plant” (the positives). Before positive restoration can proceed, false foundations must be exposed and destroyed. In these desperate days of spiritual lethargy and confusion, we must with a prophetic voice call a halt to all this beating of the air and fumbling around with surface issues, The present message of the Church simply does not awaken men or uncover the deepest need, There is deep-seated disillusionment amid the frenzied activity of the Church; there is a Strange emptiness.
One well-known diagnostician writes: “About a third of my cases are suffering from no clinically definable neurosis, but from the senselessness and emptiness of our lives. This can well be defined as the central neurosis of our times.”
\tThe human personality simply cannot survive in an empty, meaningless universe. It is alarming to see not only those outside, but even some inside the church who are going to pieces. Men are tired of being pushed into an empty routine labeled “Christian activity.” There is something within every man which soon revolts against doing, so he will be rewarded with crowns. No matter how perverted and self- centered he is, if there is a spark of godly desire, man will eventually react negatively to this. Because the moral tissue within has not been completely deadened, he will come to hate his own selfishness, He yearns for deliverance from the emptiness of serving self in a religious system which says, “Find happiness and satisfaction in serving the Lord.”
[b]ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT
\tIn this modern day of religion, education, science and philosophy, many have insisted there is no ultimate touchstone for reckoning; all is bound by the law of change; all is relative. Not only is there a general rejection of the idea of ultimate basis for reckoning, but there is a downright antagonism to anything absolute or ultimate in a final sense. If you have unwittingly imbibed this spirit, which has invaded even evangelical circles, we trust you will purpose in your heart to reserve judgment of the material presented here until the book has been read and evaluated as a whole.
\tWe approach the vast and magnificent theme of GOD’S INTENTION with humility, and pray that you will join in the study with the same spirit. For who among mortal men could ever adequately deal with God’s Ultimate Intention? Yet, we believe He has designed for us to understand the ultimate principles upon which are based the unfolding of His purpose throughout the ages. We are gently restrained by the Holy Spirit from attempts to probe or press beyond that which He has revealed in His Word, or to proceed on the false assumption that everything in heaven or earth can be explained. Let this be our rule, “The meek will He guide in judgment (critical evaluation): and the meek will He teach His way” (Ps. 25:9). Be assured of His promise; He will guide!
\tWe must also observe the careful balance between God’s part and our part in the pursuit of truth. All the while we are expectantly waiting for His sharing of truth; we must be learning to think. “Human thought has its limitations, but where there is no thinking there is not likely to be any large deposit of truth in the mind. Evangelicals at the moment appear to be divided into two camps: those who trust the human intellect to the point of sheer rationalism, and those who are shy of everything intellectual and are convinced that thinking is a waste of the Christian’s time.” (A. W.. Tozer).
[b]CAUTIOUS, BUT CURIOUS
\tBecause there are so many things to read these days, we are concerned that God’s children develop the faculty of spiritual discernment so as to avoid error, There are so many areas of Christian thought and life where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish that we avoid the snare only as God helps us to develop both a sharp eye and a proper yardstick for measuring facts.
\tIn our travel we observe scores who are being deceived by error, misplaced emphasis, or a combination of both. This results from weakness in some aspect of the spiritual walk. But while it is right to be cautious, yet we must remain curious, God has made us to wonder, He has implanted this faculty which, when properly functioning, is ever calling out for the unfolding of truth. Spiritual hunger, then, is a genuine curiosity.
It is my settled conviction that once the reader has grasped the thesis of this book, he will find the answer to the deepest gnawing of his heart for ultimate answers. We know that in the physical realm a constitutional deficiency, or a lack in the diet, causes a person to become susceptible to the many maladies floating about. So it is in the spiritual realm. This may be manifest in individual believers or in an assembly. Because the hunger of the heart has not been satisfied, there is a constitutional weakness. This is manifest in the daily lives of the underfed flock and in their susceptibility to spiritual maladies and various kinds of wrong emphasis.
\tThe basic lack is a central, unifying, defensive position—an ultimate viewpoint from which believers can properly understand the purpose, value and significance of all of life. Of course, the author believes such a touchstone for truth exists, but has been lost by the Church, otherwise such a book as this would be unnecessary.
Cont................
[b]MODERN COUNTERFEITS
\tWhere there is no ultimate viewpoint and men relate everything to themselves and measure truth with a human yardstick, there is inevitable fragmentation and distortion of truth., Cults are evidence of this phenomenon You will find that off-color religious groups put much emphasis on the ultimate issues of life.. But because they have invaded these areas, must we continue to neglect them? God forbid! The alarming growth of false cults, especially in America, is a resounding indictment on the evangelical church. It is time to recognize that only whole truth—unbroken and undistorted—will meet the need of the whole man. While we should have been teaching people to think in order that their hunger for truth might be satisfied, we have instead prescribed what is to be received as truth. Because they have treated truth as though it were contained in rather small, easy to be grasped packages, men have inferred it could be received one package at a time, opened, and used as it best suits their needs.
\tSome minds sense that truth is a vast ocean, and when they do not find adequate answers in the packages handed them in the average church, they seek elsewhere. Because they have not been given an ultimate goal, nor the proper instruments for navigation on so wide an ocean, they flounder into some treacherous lagoon where they drift without chart or compass. If emphasis on proper thinking were given place in the church, such cults as Christian Science, Unity, Christ Unity Science, Religious Science, New Thought, and the rest would never have gained foothold,. Those mentioned know no triune God; no incarnate Word, no vicarious sacrifice and no risen Savior. But they have an appeal to the natural minds of men who have not found adequate answers in the average church,
\tSurely this is the hour of judgment. Our country is being engulfed by a deluge of Eastern philosophy and esoteric teaching which has great appeal to those who have become sickened by the gross materialism of the West. Such illicit doctrines always seem to carry more appeal for the lustful, natural mind. Because they “loved not the truth” He sent “strong delusion” that they might believe a lie. But we must not answer this invasion of Satan with evasion. The human heart longs to know the ultimate of God.
\tSurvey the teachings of the cults and you will discover that they are always attempts to get at ultimate issues; they are intent on bringing adherents to a new way of thinking, a new philosophy of life, They offer “peace of mind” or “healing” to those who will “sit where they sit, so as to see as they see.” They know one is not converted to the fundamental issue around which they center until his thinking has been bent to their point of view. This reveals the weakness of too many church groups. Adherents are not expected to probe beneath the surface of truth dealt out in packages—simple as a do-it-yourself kit or a box of ready-mix. There is no appeal for a basic change in philosophy, nor is there a message which ultimately rectifies false views and produces a God-centered philosophy of life.
\tKnowing this to be our deepest need, we can see why Paul in writing to the Corinthians unveils God’s primary objective in sending His Son “Christ Jesus brought a philosophy from God to us, as well as righteousness, and purity and redemption” (1 Cor,1:30, Ferrar Fenton). By this divine philosophy, man’s greatest questions and problems are answered, and through obedience to it, he is utterly rectified to God. Here we should point out that the word “philosophy” means love of wisdom and has to do with the study and knowledge of the principles that cause and explain facts and events, We urge, therefore, that you not fear the term, but rather learn to distinguish between the philosophy of men and that divine philosophy which is given in God’s Son.
[b]A FINAL CONCERN
\tIf you, like many, have been accustomed to using the microscopic method of Bible study, which scrutinizes every detail and phrase in order to understand the will and purpose of God, may God help you to shift gears! The method of this book is telescopic instead of microscopic. We shall be concerned with presenting a panoramic sweep of the ultimate truths of God’s Word. It is my conviction that we have too long been involved with a method which centers attention on immediate details without reference first to the larger scope of God’s purpose. We have been majoring in minors. We have been more alive to the marginal than the central. We have become so accustomed to speaking in comparatives that we are almost afraid of superlatives. Let us make the necessary mental adjustments, move to the God-centered viewpoint, and take an entirely fresh look at the old, old truths of God’s Word.
End
Thank you brothers.
This looks truly remarkable and reading the preface alone is enough to want to go through here quoting incestantly. This is puzzling though;
This was left out of the latest printing. It was thought to be too difficult to grasp by the reader.
:-? My goodness and the content inside would be anticipated as less so? At any rate, am glad you brought it forth. I will be shortly getting my hands on a copy of this.
Two quotes I couldn't but help;
We must also observe the careful balance between God’s part and our part in the pursuit of truth. All the while we are expectantly waiting for His sharing of truth; we must be learning to think. “Human thought has its limitations, but where there is no thinking there is not likely to be any large deposit of truth in the mind. Evangelicals at the moment appear to be divided into two camps: those who trust the human intellect to the point of sheer rationalism, and those who are shy of everything intellectual and are convinced that thinking is a waste of the Christian’s time.” (A. W.. Tozer).
While we should have been teaching people to think in order that their hunger for truth might be satisfied, we have instead prescribed what is to be received as truth. Because they have treated truth as though it were contained in rather small, easy to be grasped packages, men have inferred it could be received one package at a time, opened, and used as it best suits their needs.
And this;
Careful observation will disclose that the philosophical appeal of our current evangelistic endeavor is essentially selfish. The Church extends an offer that consists primarily of hope of gain and fear of loss for the individual—this suggests a “get” way of life! The fundamental of our invitation is for man to come to our church and get something for himself. Even our deeper life conferences are usually promoted on a man-centered level which suggests participants may obtain Christian victory and more profound blessings for their own heart satisfaction. It has become difficult for our generation to understand the real meaning of sacrifice, and the poured-out life is considered visionary. The rugged Pauline altar to which the great Apostle, called men to come, suffer and die, has been replaced by the invitation to come to the altar and get over suffering. Our twentieth century altars are plush and comfortable. One approaches them to get and not to give.
PatSieler wrote:
Please post about your perspective of "The Emergent Church".Thanks.
This may of interest to some. Todd Friel on [url=www.wotmradio.com]Way of the Master Radio[url=www.brianmclaren.net]Brian Maclaren
Anyway, the link is [url=http://www.wotmradio.com/audio/podcasts/0506/WOTMR-052206-1.mp3]http://www.wotmradio.com/audio/podcasts/0506/WOTMR-052206-1.mp3
Crsschk wrote:
This looks truly remarkable and reading the preface alone is enough to want to go through here quoting incestantly. This is puzzling though;
Quote:This was left out of the latest printing. It was thought to be too difficult to grasp by the reader.
Older printings of the book can be found on ebay. I recommend getting one and make the comparison. But regardless, buy the book.
The sequel to it; "Unto Full Stature" is equally revolutionary and takes it to the church.
Truly, two books that will answer against this so-called, "Diaprax" serpent.
In Him,
Orm
In light of these postings having to do with the "Emergent" church and a "Plethora" of information. Don't you/we believe the below scripture can now be seen in better light? What was Jesus forcasting as being the issue[s] that would/could devide a family that we wouldn't suspect given we all claim His name, making us all family? Actually, I believe it too be only one underlying issue after we say we are a Christian.
If we say we are born again and assume Satan believes that also, aren't we more ready to place the blame on him [Satan] instead of Jesus?
Christians go to heaven when they die. That's the only place they can go and family is family. Jesus makes no distinctions here except that He brings division into it.
[b]Luke 12:51-53 (NASB-U)
"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
In this, I can speak from personal experience. It has hit my family.
:-(rm
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