March 18th, 2007

Christianity and Cults, Kabbalah

Intro…Madonna quote
Kabbalah can be one of those “trendy” religions with the red string on the wrist, Britney Spears, Ashton Kutcher, Madonna and others…


Text: 2 Timothy 2:14-19

What is Kabbalah?
Kabbalah is derived from the Hebrew root for “reception and acceptance.” It is an esoteric (intelligible only to those with special knowledge) system of interpretation of the Scriptures based upon oral accounts handed down from Abraham. It is also considered as secret oral teachings with a mixture of Jewish teachings, occultism, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism. Jewish Kabbalah uses numerology to interpret the Bible’s message.

Gnosticism:
The doctrines of certain early Christian sects that valued inquiry into spiritual truth above faith and considered salvation attainable only by the few who faith enabled them to transcend matter.

Neoplatonism:
“New”-platonism: conceives of the world as an emanation from an ultimate indivisible being with whom the soul is capable of being reunited in trance or ecstasy.

It is considered an esoteric off-branch of Judaism because it teaches meditation, loyalties, and mystical enhancements to a select few. The strongest philosophies of Kabbalah are ideals of religious humanism. (I can do this on my own, I don’t need God.)
Might as well be Tony Robbins…

A key passage interpreted differently, Ex. 14:13-22
Who could the Israelites call upon if not God? The Kabbalists explain that the passage is an encrypted message explaining the secret of human nature and the way to overcome the challenges we face throughout our lives.
In its commentary on this passage, the Zohar, the source of Kabbalistic wisdom, explains that there was no need for the Creator's help — because at that moment Moses revealed the 72 Names, and the collective consciousness of the people was elevated, they had to do this on their own…

What exactly are the 72 Names? According to Kabbalistic teachings, 72 unique combinations of Hebrew letters from Chapter 14 of the book of Exodus create a spiritual vibration that is a powerful antidote to the negative energy of the human ego. This revelation is a crucial step forward in the work of Kabbalistic masters over thousands of years.
Kabbalah teaches that for us to manifest complete fulfillment, we need to evolve into our greatest selves. In our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we need to erase negativity and replace darkness with Light.

Kabbalah – Practices
Some Kabbalahists utilize divination and clairvoyance to foretell events or to know occult events, and some deal with potions and curses. Practical Kabbalah is termed for use in referring to secret sciences (ESP, psychic readings, Ouija boards, tarot cards, reading tea leaves, reading bones, numerology, mediums, spirit guides, channeling, astrology, mysticism, etc.), mystic art, or sorcery.

Principals of Kabbalah are intertwined with Greek and Egyptian deities, the Enochian tradition of angelic mysteries (taken from the “Book of Enus” found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, not written by the prophet Enoch of the Bible), Hindu and Buddhist Eastern ideals instituted within the Masonic-Rosicrucian-Style secret orders, and the occult.

The teachings of both Christianity and Judaism prohibit magical means in foretelling the future.

Kabbalah teaches that in order for us to claim the gifts we were created to receive, we must first earn those gifts. We earn them by undertaking our spiritual work — the process of fundamentally transforming ourselves.
Kabbalah is also tied to astrology and it’s teachings: “The characteristics of our kabbalistic sign (the signs of astrology) are a roadmap to our personal karmic corrections.” (Astrology advise on their website.)


What about the red string?
The red string is tied on the left wrist to prevent the “Evil Eye” (a very powerful negative force) from having negative influence on a persons life. Left wrist because Kabbalists believe that the left arm and hand pertain to the concept of receiving; the right arm and hand embody the power of imparting. Negative forces, therefore, enter the body through the left side.
By wearing the Red String on the left wrist, negative energies are intercepted at the precise point of entry. The string is tied in a carefully prescribed sequence of seven knots, each of which symbolizes a separate spiritual dimension that infuses our reality. It’s important that someone who loves us—someone we deeply trust—ties the string around our wrist. As they do, we should ask for the power to radiate kindness, compassion, appreciation, and absence of the Evil Eye to everyone around us.
Kabbalah teaches us that we can remove intrusive negative influences and, more importantly, that we have the potential to eradicate negativity forever!

Key writings:
The Zohar is a book, a commentary on the Bible, structured as conversations among a group of friends, scholars, and spiritual masters. Zohar is a Hebrew word meaning “splendor” or “scintillation,” and The Zohar is literally an unlimited resource of brilliant spiritual Light. As we gain intimacy and understanding of The Zohar, our consciousness deepens and expands.

Kabbalah vs. Christianity
Primary Texts: Christianity uses the Bible. Kabbalah texts are much like taking notes in a classroom setting, but utilize commentaries from Herchalat, Yetzirah, Sefer Chasidim, Malakh, Bahir, Zahar, Pardes Rimonim, Ets Khayim, and Sulam.
Explanation of the existence of evil: Christianity determines evil as a disobedient rebellion against God. Satan, as an angel, of light first exercised it, when the devil tried to be like God. Then, the perpetrator enticed man to exercise the same rebellious disobedience. Kabbalah’s philosophy of evil stems from the belief that both good and evil come from God.
An existing need for a Savior (Messiah): Christianity teaches that the Messiah came as the Son of God (Jesus Christ) to redeem man from evil. Kabbalah’s philosophy does not include the sinful nature of man, and therefore, there is no need of the redeeming qualities of a Messiah.
One God or Ten: Christianity is built on one God, but expressed in the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Kabbalah’s ideals believe that there are ten parts to God, which they call emanations.


FAQ’s with Rabbi Yehuda Berg, pg. 3.
Rabbi Yehuda Berg is the son of Kabbalist Rav Berg and heir to the millenia-old tradition of Kabbalistic masters, which his father had inherited from his teachers. He is internationally-renowned as a leading authority of Kabbalah, the Torah and Talmud. Currently, he is the associate director for communications of The Kabbalah Centres. He is also the author of The 72 Names of God - a Kabbalistic tool for meditation, healing and spiritual growth.

Will there ever be true peace on earth and in the hearts of all people?
The real way you achieve peace is to bring people together. Unfortunately religion over the years has done the opposite. And spirituality works with religion to bring us together rather than separate us.

What are the core values of Kabbalah?
1. Take responsibility. If you're in a situation there's a reason even it's not our choice. The point is what can we do about it. Example: Christopher Reeve could have been a victim but he chose to pick a cause and be proactive in his life. We don't always know why we're in situations but the question is what can we do about them.
2. Never blame others or external events for what happens in your life.

Is there a specific "higher being" that is worshipped/followed by Kabbalists or is this more of a spiritual mindset?
There is a higher power that is discussed in Kabbalah. But a being could be God, Jehovah, Allah, it's all-denominational. Even if a person doesn't believe in God he or she could still benefit from its teachings.

What exactly IS Kabbalah and how can a lay person learn to understand it best ?
Kabbalah is spiritual system to gain fulfillment in all life. The best place to start is read some basic books. The Power of Kabbalah is one book, The 72 Names of God is another good one.

How does the Kabbalah fit in with the Torah?
The Book of Zohar is the main text of Kabbalah that codifies the old testament or Torah. So Kabbalah can also be used as a commentary on the Torah.

Why would I want to leave my religion and follow yours?
Kabbalah is not about leaving your religion. We have plenty of protestants and muslims, people of all religions who learn our teachings and going back to their religions. It's about becoming a better Jew, a better Christian or a better Muslim. It's about becoming a better you.


If you say Kaballah has a non-judgmental outlook, then how does a Kabbalist know what he/she is doing in life is right or wrong?
The only judge a person has is themselves if they fulfilled then they've done right. But most of us go to bed feeling empty and therefore need to evolve.

Does the teachings of kabbalah believe in a heaven or hell, and a devil
We believe in a heaven and a hell however we believe that it can be achieved in this world not just afterwards. We don’t call it a devil but we do believe there is a power that creates negativity to bring us down.


Kabbalah is basically a vague, humanistic, self-help, new-agey type religion.

Conclusion:
1 Timothy 1:3-7

March 4th, 2007

Christianity and Cults, Mormonism

Intro…Children of Waco show the other night…

Cults defined:
A religious group that follows a particular theological system. In the context of Christianity, it is a group that uses the Bible but distorts the doctrines that affect salvation sufficiently to cause salvation to be either unattainable or something you have to work for.

A system of religious beliefs and rituals with a body of adherents deeply devoted to an extrabiblical person, idea, or thing; it cultivates worship in a religion that, with reference to its basis for man's salvation, is considered to be unorthodox, spurious, or false, thereby insulating its members against true salvation in Christ.

And inasmuch as the central doctrine of Biblical Christianity is the sacrificial death of Christ for man's sin (Eph. 2:8,9), all cultic deviations tend to downplay the finished work of Christ and emphasize the importance of earning moral acceptance before God through one's own religious works.

We’re going to make sure that we compare each of these world religions to the basic tenants of Christianity. It’s how these other religions measure up to Christianity, not our own views. series...

BRIEF OVERVIEW !!
I know the term “cults” tends to bring up images and thoughts of the Branch Davidians or Jim Jones. But what about those friendly Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses? They’ve still got a few issues from a Biblical standpoint.

More cultic tendencies:
Extrabiblical Authority
Works Salvation/Legalism
No Assurance of Salvation
Guru-Type Leader/Modern Prophet
Vacillating, Ambiguous Doctrines/Spiritual Deception
Exclusivity from/Denunciation of Other Groups
Claims of Special Discoveries/Additional Revelation
Defective Christology
Defective "Nature of Man” (often “sin” isn’t an issue)
Out-Of-Context Scripture Used as ProofTexts/Segmented Biblical Attention
Erroneous Doctrines Concerning Life After Death and Retribution
Entangling Organization Structure
Financial Exploitation
Pseudomystical/Spiritistic/Occultic Influence

Text: Matthew 24: 4-5, 10-11, 24-25
Key is to focus on Christianity…. Counterfeit money training…
Please be aware that there are people here who are seeking God and we would not want to offend anyone by making offensive statements.

Today we’re going to compare Biblical Christianity and Mormonism.
Key points of difference: (Rose publications)
Key person or founder:
Christianity: Jesus Christ (via God and the beginning of time and his grand plan) about AD 30-33 in the Judean province of Palestine (Israel today), under the Roman Empire. Followers of Jesus Christ became known as Christians.
Mormonism: Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in 1830 in New York. Headquartered today in Salt Lake City, Utah. TABLETS!
Key writings:
Christianity: The Bible, written originally in Hebrew and Aramaic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament).
Mormonism: The Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants; Pearl of Great Price; the Bible (King James version only or Smith’s “Inspired Version”): authoritative teachings of Mormon prophets and other LDS “general authorities.”
Who is God?
Christianity: One triune God in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is a spiritual being without a physical body. He is personal and involved with people. He created the universe out of nothing. He is eternal, changeless, holy, righteous, loving and perfect.
Mormonism: God the Father was once a man, but “progressed” to godhood. He has a physical body, as does his heavenly wife (Heavenly Mother). No trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three separate gods. Worthy men may one day become gods themselves.
Who is Jesus?
Christianity: Jesus is God. As God the Son, he has always existed was never created. He is fully God and fully man (the two natures joined, not mixed). He is co-equal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was born of the virgin Mary. He is the only way to the Father, salvation and eternal life. He died on a cross according to God’s plan, as full sacrifice and payment for our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day. For the next 40 days he was seen by more than 500 people. His wounds were touched and he ate meals. He physically ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of God. Jesus will come again visibly and physically at the end of this world to establish God’s kingdom and judge the world.
Mormonism: Jesus was a separate god from the Father. He was created as a spirit child by the Father and Mother in heaven and is the “elder brother” of all men and spirit beings. His body was created by sexual union between Elohim (the Father) and Mary. Jesus was married. His death on the cross does not provide full atonement for all sin, but does provide everyone with resurrection.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
Christianity: The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity. He comforts, grieves, reproves, convicts, guides, teaches and fills Christians.
Mormonism: The “holy spirit” is different from the “Holy Ghost.” The “holy spirit” is not God, but is an influence or electricity-like emanation from God, or “light of Christ.”
How to be saved?
Christianity: Salvation is by God’s grace, not by good works. Salvation must be received by faith, believing that Jesus died for sins and physically rose again, which is the assurance of forgivness and resurrection of the body. This is God’s loving plan to forgive sinful people.
Mormonism: Resurrected by grace, but saved (exalted to godhood) by works, including faithfulness to church leaders, Mormon baptism, tithing, ordination, marriage and secret temple rituals. No eternal life without Mormon membership.
What happens after death?
Christianity: There will be a final judgment for all. Believers go to Heaven, those who are lost or don’t chose Christ will suffer the torment of eternal separation from God (Hell).
Mormonism: Eventually nearly everyone goes to one of three separate heavenly “kingdoms,” with some achieving godhood. Apostates and murderers go to “outer darkness.”
Other facts, key beliefs etc.
Christianity: Group worship as the church. No secret rites. Baptism and Communion. Active voluntary missionary work. Aid to those in need: poor, widows, orphans etc. Christians believe that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah promised to Israel in the Old Testament. Jesus said his followers would be known by their love (always a good thing to keep in mind).
Mormonism: No alcohol, tobacco, coffee or tea. Baptism on behalf of the dead. Two-year missionary commitment strongly encouraged. Secret temple rituals available to member in good standing. Extensive social network. People of African ancestry were not granted full access to Mormon priesthood and privileges until 1978.
Feedback?
Things to consider when comparing Mormonism with Christianity:
Mormons have had to modify or deny some of their more embarrassing past doctrines (polygamy, anti-black beliefs, Adam was God who took on a body and came to Eden with one of his heavenly wives, Eve)
The Mormon Jesus is not God. He’s just “another Jesus”. So Jesus isn’t necessary for salvation.

Some key Biblical passages:
Matt. 18:1-6, 23:13-15,
So, as we study other world religions each week lets remember:
Many people outside of the Christian faith believe that the church arrogantly claims that all other religions are wrong. Instead, the church is respectful of other people’s beliefs and faiths, gently pointing them to God of the Bible and Jesus.
God...man peoples search for God... and meaning have driven them to create their own religions.

Conclusion: “What Mormons won’t tell you” page (email that to Michelle also)
Again, it’s always good to know what we believe. Nicene Creed

Suggested websites:
www.contenderministries.org/mormonism/comparison.php
www.carm.org/lds/compare.htm
www.spiritrestoration.org

What the Mormon Missionaries Won't Tell You

Most of us have had a Mormon Missionary knock at our door. If you have ever invited them in and listened to a presentation of their beliefs, you probably found most but not all of what they said very similar to those beliefs held by Christians. However, while trying to convince you that your Church is wrong and the Mormon Church is right, there are several points they intentionally leave out. Below is a list of Mormon beliefs the missionaries will be reluctant to tell you about:

They will be reluctant to tell you that the God they worship was not always God.
"We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 345)

They will be reluctant to tell you that they believe Jesus Christ is the spirit brother of Satan:
"The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." (Milton R. Hunter, Gospel Through the Ages, pg.15)

They will be reluctant to tell you that, according to Mormonism, Jesus Christ was a polygamist.
"I discover that some of the Eastern papers represent me as a great blasphemer, because I said, in my lecture on Marriage, at our last Conference, that Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary, Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children." (Orson Hyde, Journal of Discourses 2:210)

The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based upon polygamy, according to the testimony of the philosophers who rose in that age. A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were 'Mormons'" (Jedediah M. Grant, Journal of Discourses, 1:346)

They will be reluctant to tell you that for at least half a century church leaders were teaching that Adam was really God and the only God with whom we have to do.
"Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days! about whom holy men have written and spoken--He is our Father, and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do." (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 1:50)

"I have learned by experience that there is but one God that pertains to this people and he is the god that pertains to this earth--The first man. That first man sent his own son to redeem the world..."(Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses 4:1)

They will be reluctant to tell you that Brigham Young, who held the office of President of the Mormon church longer than any other man, taught that men must practice polygamy in order to become Gods.
"The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy." (Journal of Discourses 11:269)

They will be reluctant to tell you that the book of Mormon fails to contain any Mormon doctrine
Many portions of this Mormon Scripture even contradicts Mormon theology.

They will be reluctant to tell you about their secret temple ceremonies which, until April 1990, portrayed Christian ministers as hirelings of Satan. Nor will they tell you about the sacred underwear they are wearing which, they believe, actually protects them.

They will be reluctant to tell you that Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus was conceived by way of a sexual relationship between God and Mary.
"..how are children begotten? I answer just as Jesus Christ was begotten of his father. The difference between Jesus Christ and other men is this: Our fathers in the flesh are mortal men, who are subject unto death: but the Father of Jesus Christ in the flesh is the god of Heaven" (Joseph F. Smith, Family Home Evening Manual, 1972, pg. 125)

They will be reluctant to tell you that they believe the bible has been corrupted throughout the centuries and cannot be trusted fully by itself.
"I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph smith, pg.327)
"But the Bible has been robbed of its plainness; many sacred books having been lost, others rejected by the Romish Church, and what few we have left, were copied and recopied so many times, that it is admitted that almost every verse has been corrupted and mutilated to that degree that any two of them read alike." (Orson Pratt, The Seer, pg.213)

They will be reluctant to tell you that the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, which they claim to be both sacred and without error, contradict each other many times.
For example, in the Book of Mormon, God called David and Solomon's act of polygamy an abomination, whereas in the Doctrine and Covenants He claims to justify it. Jacob 2:24 in the Book of Mormon says, "Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord." Section 132:1 in the Doctrine and Covenants, however, states: "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines."

They will be reluctant to tell you that they use Christian terms with Mormon meanings.
For example, a Mormon would probably agree with you that a person must be born again. To the Mormon, however, "born again" is a process which begins with water baptism. Another example are the words "salvation" and exaltation," which are synonymous in the Christian's mind. However, general salvation to the Mormon merely means the resurrection which everyone in the world will receive at death. Exaltation, or individual salvation, is the reward earned by the Mormon by following the laws of the Mormon church. "Eternal Life" to the Mormon means Godhood. Regarding the word "scriptures," the Christian thinks of the Holy Bible while the Mormon could be thinking of not only the Bible but the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price as well.

They won't want to tell you that in order to gain entrance into the highest form of Mormon heaven, the Celestial kingdom, you must accept Joseph Smith, Jr. as a prophet of god. Faith in Jesus alone, Mormonism teaches, will force you to spend eternity in a lower form of heaven.

Tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith stated in his book, doctrines of Salvation, that there is "No salvation without accepting Joseph Smith. The word "salvation," used in this context, must really mean "exaltation" because former Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated in his book Mormon Doctrine that general salvation is given to everyone regardless of belief. Personal salvation or exaltation to the highest form of Mormon heaven comes only by accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of god and by following the laws of the LDS church.

They will be reluctant to tell you that their founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., made many false prophecies which, according to the Bible, would classify him as a false prophet rather than a true prophet of God.

For instance, in 1835 Smith claimed that the Lord would again come in just 56 years. We would gather from this "prophecy" that Jesus Christ would again come to earth on or before 1891; no doubt Joseph Smith was incorrect (History of the church 2:182). In 1832 Joseph Smith claimed he had a revelation concerning the building of a temple in Independence, Missouri. According to section 84, verses 4 and 5, of the Doctrine and Covenants, he stated this "temple shall be reared in this generation. For verily this generation shall not pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it..." to this day the spot consecrated by Smith fails to be the sight of a great temple, but instead is covered with a well-kept lawn. In fact, the Mormon church does not even own the land.