Category: New Age

A Confused Generation Wandering From God

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jul 24, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Education, Entertainment, False Teaching, Leadership, New Age, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Social Justice, Steven Furtick, Universalism | 0 |

The statistics are clear and frightening: Between 70-80% of young professing Christians walk away from their Christian upbringing as they enter College. There are certainly many factors that play into this sad situation: Public Education; a media sold out to humanism and godlessness; Hollywood and an entertainment industry appealing to sex and violence. So what can we as committed Christians do about it?

This morning we continue our look at the sad story of Michael and Lisa Gungor, once rising stars in Christian music until Michael renounced his belief in God and the Bible. They were living a lie. They admitted many times they felt they couldn’t even read God’s word anymore. Lisa says that one of the reasons they strayed into doubt and unbelief was they were afraid to ask questions at church and admit their doubts.

Dave Wager of Silver Birch Ranch and Nicolet Bible Institute has been a teacher for more than 35 years and he shares his thoughts as to how we can reach young people and address their questions.

A Biblical Look At Spiritual Warfare

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jun 4, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Dominionism, Evangelism, False Teaching, Gospel, New Age, Podcast, Spiritual Warfare | 0 |

A few years ago I received a phone call from someone asking for prayer because he thought Satan was really attacking him. When I asked what was going on he told me his boss was threatening to fire him because he had received three speeding tickets while driving one of the company’s trucks. I lovingly told him it was not Satan attacking him, but rather his own careless decisions that were leading to problems.

Sometimes we want to blame spiritual warfare for consequences to our own stupid decisions. But it is equally dangerous to underestimate the actual spiritual warfare the Bible warns us about which is the majority of modern Christians. Satan and warfare is real and God has much to say about it.

Elijah Abraham of Living oasis Ministries joins us to take a biblical look at spiritual warfare and our role in the battle as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Influence of Ann Voskamp

by Stand Up For The Truth | Feb 13, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Book Reviews, Christianity, Church Leadership, Emergent Church, Evangelism, Gospel, New Age, Podcast, Salvation | 0 |

Ann Voskamp is a New York Times best-selling author with a large following among Christians, particularly Christian women. Many have said her books about pain and brokenness have helped them connect in a deeper way with God.

But Voskamp is not without her critics. Some believe her writings promote unbiblical mysticism and emergent theology.

Pastor Mike Abendroth joins us this morning to discuss Voskamp’s books and influence, along with continuing our discussion from last month on challenges facing the Christian Church in America. Today we focus on the gospel that is often presented in churches these days. Is it the one, true gospel and consistent with God’s Word? Or a dangerous path away from God?

Your Comments & Questions

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 26, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, Cults, Discrimination, Education, Evangelism, False Teaching, homosexuality, Islam, Liberalism, Listener Questions, New Age, Podcast, Prophecy, Prosperity Gospel, Religious Freedom, Word Faith Movement | 0 |

Good morning Christians…it’s Friday! OK, apologies to our more seasoned listeners who know that is a knockoff of the late Paul Harvey’s Friday radio greeting. But we really do love Fridays here at Stand Up For the Truth because we turn the show’s topics over to you. Your questions and comments are the focus and here are some of the things we’ll be discussing today:

Advice on starting a home church
Reconciling salvation by grace and the fruit of our works in the teachings of the Bible
“Little gods” theology espoused by many word faith preachers
The New Age promoted at your local YMCA
What to do when your boss asks you to stop reading your Bible during lunch hour bc some are offended
The Mark of the Beast in the book of Revelation; voluntary or forced?
Why do so few liberals speak up against Islam?
And an angry letter from a (Christian?) listener who says to “judge ye not” but claims there is a special place in hell for Christian conservatives who call out the sin of homosexuality and lesbianism.

Alice Bailey, the UN, and the New World Order

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 8, 2018 | Abortion, Beliefs, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Discrimination, Dominionism, Education, Environmentalism, Globalism, Government, Humanism, Islam, Israel, New Age, Podcast | 0 |

Last week, the United Nations condemned the United States for daring to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, even though this has been an historic fact going back thousands of years. And while one reason behind the UN decision was Muslim nations now dominate the UN general Assembly, could there be another reason behind this decision? Historically, how has the UN resisted the Judeo-Christian faith?

Most people just think the United Nations is a gathering of countries to talk about world concerns and hopefully avoid war. The truth is there is much more going on behind the scenes at the UN and to understand it we must know its history and the philosophies of the people instrumental in starting it. One such person is Alice Bailey; we will look at her background, beliefs, agenda, and influence. Bailey was one of the first to use the term, “New Age” and she and husband, Foster Bailey were Free Masons who founded the Lucifer Publishing Company in 1922, now referred to as the “Lucis Trust.”

In our first segment today, we check in with Counter Culture Mom, Tina Marie Griffin. Tina will be speaking at the annual Education Policy Conference taking place in St. Louis, MO Jan. 25-27, along with David Kupelian, Jesse Waters, Michelle Bachmann, Michael Medved, Brigitte Gabriel, Kevin Jackson, Sam Sorbo, and others.

Seduced by Scientology: Deceptions of One Man’s Fiction

by David Fiorazo | Nov 28, 2017 | Cults, False Teaching, Humanism, New Age, Salvation | 0 |

Scientology is a religious system of beliefs and practices based on the seeking of self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment through graded courses of study and training. A variation of religious humanism, the Church of Scientology was founded in 1954 by American science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard (LRH). He initially developed a program of ideas called Dianetics and wrote a book about it in 1950.

Scientology claims it alone “brings man to total freedom and truth,” which we know is a lie.

…Any false teaching in conflict with the Bible is an attempt to redefine the truth of God and Jesus Himself.

Should Christians Participate in Halloween?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 26, 2017 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Environmentalism, Globalism, Halloween, Humanism, New Age, Podcast, Satanism | 0 |

In our final segment this morning we look at the recently concluded “Global Oneness Summit”–a call to humanity uniting and taking its place as the divine. It is easy or tempting to just dismiss these people as half-baked “earth muffins”; but their influence reaches into media strongholds and moguls like Oprah Winfrey, who partners with the infamous Rob Bell and Pastor T.D. Jakes, giving Winfrey influence in the Christian Church. And the lure of this “oneness movement” thinking of ourselves as gods is consistent with the temptation of Adam and Eve that got us into this mess of sin, decay and death to begin with. One of the organizers and presenters, Matthew Fox, has profound influence within the Emergent Church movement and Red Letter Christians.

Next Tuesday young children dressed in costume will be knocking at our doors with the familiar refrain of “trick or treat” inviting us to give them candy. While the vast majority of children see Halloween as nothing more than an opportunity to fill up on candy, the history and significance of this “holiday” cannot be diminished nor should it be dismissed out of hand.

Kathi McCarty joins us this morning to discuss the history and tradition of Halloween and its direct connection to the occult. Kathi has extensively studied occult and New Age thinking and shares her thoughts about the pros or cons of Christians participating in Halloween, along with looking at how New Age and even the occult itself is infiltrating certain areas of professing Christianity.

Trafficking and Profiting from Hate

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 18, 2017 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Chrislam, Christian Church, Church Leadership, Contextualization, Emergent Church, Evangelism, False Teaching, gender confusion, Gospel, Leaders, LGBTQ, Liberalism, New Age, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Prophecy, Salvation | 0 |

We have reached a time in America where speaking the truth, no matter how gently done, is called hateful. If you speak out against the facts in the Quran, you hate Muslims. Speak about God’s definition of marriage, and you hate homosexuals. Share what the Bible says about gender being assigned at birth and permanent – even though secular science confirms this truth – and you hate transgenders. Speak up and defend life, and you hate women.

There is big money and power in screaming “hate speech” every time the progressive agenda is challenged or the Bible is referenced out loud. Today, we look at a thought provoking commentary on how the business of hate is consuming our nation.

In our first segment, we check in with Pastor Randy White and continue our discussion on how the Old Testament of the Bible is increasingly overlooked or discarded, even by many professing Christians. Is our growing ignorance of God’s wisdom and proclamations of the Old Testament causing problems in our spiritual growth as Christians and effectiveness as a church?

Celebrating Evil, & Listener Friday!

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 6, 2017 | Beliefs, Christianity, Culture & Morality, False Teaching, Halloween, Humanism, immorality, In the News, Listener Questions, Media Watch, New Age, Podcast, Satanism | 0 |

The City of Manitowoc, Wisconsin kicks off its Windigo Fest tonight. “Windigo” is an American Indian folklore about a cannibalistic monster and evil spirit who allegedly possesses humans and becomes monstrous. There is even a modern medical term associated with it these days called “Windigo Psychosis.” Despite protests and concerns from some citizens, the city is allowing this dark event and some are very concerned the city is opening its arms to demonic presence and influence.

And guess who is kicking off the event? Opening with “some prayers for healing from the evil violence shaking our nation,” is a local Presbyterian pastor. So pastor, you are endorsing and participating in an event that celebrates violence and spiritual possession, while praying against violence in our nation?

We also share your comments and questions from the week, including comments from students who received varying reactions to bringing their bibles to school yesterday, gun control, understanding the liberal mindset, and what to do when your children argue with you about going to church.

Separating Fact from Fiction with Climate Change

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 9, 2017 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Creation, Dominionism, Environmentalism, Fake News, Globalism, Media Bias, New Age, Podcast, Social Justice | 0 |

Young people today are very passionate about the subject of climate change. And more often than not they are being indoctrinated with emotional, fear-driven arguments about mankind destroying the planet because of our “carbon footprint.” We should acknowledge and applaud their concern about being good stewards of God’s earth, but how can we help separate fiction from fact? Dr. Cal Beisner of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation joins us this morning.

We also look at a concerning report that North Korea, led by a man who is undeniably a maniac, now has the full capability to strike the U.S. with a nuclear weapon. Oh, and by the way, it could take less than 40 minutes for a launch from North Korea to strike the heartland of America, and while the U.S. has a missile defense system, it is apparently only reliable about half of the time. How should we respond as Christians to today’s headlines?

Guarding Against Growing Deception

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 7, 2017 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Creation, New Age, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Prophecy | 0 |

Over the past decade we have seen increasing attacks on God’s Word and Jesus permeate media, education, and social media. And if we do not study and understand the Bible we can become easy prey for the deception that is being presented as factual these days.

The Book of Genesis is a foundation for the rest of the Bible, but it clearly has been lied about and attacked. The enemy knows if we doubt Genesis, the truth about creation and the fall of man, that we are prone to his slick lies that we ourselves can become like gods.

Today we are joined by Tim Chaffey of Answers in Genesis and Midwest Apologetics. Tim has written several books and travels the country debunking the lies and misinformation presented about God and His Word. He was also instrumental in the development of Ark Encounter — a life size replica of Noah’s Ark where people experience the truth of God’s Word.

Is Scientology Compatible with Christianity?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Apr 12, 2017 | Apologetics, Christianity, False Teaching, Moral Relativism, New Age, Podcast, Prophecy, Spiritual Warfare | 0 |

Why are people seduced by cults? What would make an intelligent person fall into deception or be drawn into anti-biblical teachings? Something that sounds good on the surface perhaps, but is not what it appears to be when you do a little digging. Today we will discuss the Church of Scientology with an expert, James Walker of Watchman.org and touch on some basics.

Exposing Radical Liberalism to the Light

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 14, 2018 | Abortion, Beliefs, Biblical Social Justice, Christianity, Church Leadership, Contextualization, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, Israel, Leadership, Liberalism, Podcast | 0 |

Radical Liberalism will reveal its own hypocrisy and contradictions when it is exposed to the light of truth and logic. Ultimately it shows its true agenda and colors when viewed objectively and exposed to rational thought. This is particularly true of liberalism when it attempts to thinly veil itself with the Word of God. In one case we cover today, a Religious studies professor says God approves of abortion because Jesus wants us to have an “abundant life.” Then, a Canadian conundrum: a woman who was a victim of rape is conflicted because she supports the LGBTQ but an abuse shelter made her share a room with a man pretending to be a woman.

First up today, we welcome back Pastor Gary Gilley (check out his articles at Think on These Things ministries) to look at sanctification in the life of the disciple of Jesus Christ and the delicate balance of Christians working with the Holy Spirit in this process. Gilly also tackles concerns of a “Christocentric view” of the Bible that claims every single verse of the Bible is about Jesus. Are there pitfalls for the believer in this view?

Churches Built on Shifting Sands

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 13, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, False Teaching, Leadership, Liberalism, Podcast, Prophecy | 1 |

In our final segment today, Mike and David look at Willow Creek Church’s implosion based on the sexual harassment allegations against former pastor Bill Hybels. Last week, the entire Board of Elders, along with the new pastoral leadership team resigned, admitting they failed in their investigation on the allegations against Hybels. The question now is does this moral failure and implosion discredit Willow Creek’s global Leadership Summit and the Willow Creek Association, which was supposed to build leaders in the church? We discuss WHY the Willow Creek fallout matters and what can true Christians learn from it.

First, today’s guest is Pastor Randy White. We discuss how to respond in an increasingly caustic, divisive culture, including interacting on social media. We also discuss good and bad daily devotionals and why we should not recommend any devotional instead of God’s Word. We also discuss some interesting Bible facts you may not have known are in God’s Word.

Pastors: Stop Imitating and Embracing the World

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 9, 2018 | Apologetics, Christian Church, Christianity, Church Leadership, Discrimination, Emergent Church, Evangelism, False Teaching, Hebrew Roots, Leaders, Podcast, Psychology, Replacement Theology | 2 |

Today Mike and David discuss a provocative and compelling article by Shane Idleman that challenges pastors to stop imitating the world and return to the fundamentals of being a pastor: Teaching the complete Word of God, challenging the flock assigned to them to grow in holiness, and to quit worrying about offending members of their church. Idelman makes an interesting observation in his article: that at a time when “unity” is the buzz word in many churches perhaps it is time for a little separation to divide true born-again believers from the goats.

In our first segment, Mike and David talk with a Messianic Jew who has committed his life to reaching Jews with the truth and gospel of Jesus Christ. We will discuss why most Jews reject Jesus as messiah and how we can share the truth of the gospel with them.

Refuting the Deceptions of Islam

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 8, 2018 | Apologetics, Beliefs, Christianity, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Evangelism, False Teaching, Islam, Israel, Liberalism, Podcast | 0 |

Human nature is such that if a lie is repeated often enough people will believe it if they are not grounded in the truth of God and His Word. We have witnessed this in the areas of abortion and acceptance of homosexuality within our culture and even in many professing Christian churches. A vast majority of Americans used to oppose these issues, but now over time many people – even Christians – have caved to culture and generally accept both practices.

The same appears to be happening with Islam. Deceivers and those they have deceived keep repeating lies about Islam and an increasing number of Americans jumped on board. Even in the Christian Church an increasing number of pastors and church members think Islam is an “Abrahamic faith” and that Muslims and Christians worship the same god. But the Quran and other Islamic “holy books” contradict these ideas. And certainly, anyone familiar with the Bible knows that Allah of the Quran is clearly not the God of the Bible.

What other deceptions about Islam are people accepting today as truth? Elijah Abraham, a former Muslim and now born-again believer joins us to discuss the issues. Elijah travels around the world equipping and teaching pastors about Islam and how to reach Muslims with the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Who is Influencing Whom?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 7, 2018 | Abortion, Beliefs, Brian McLaren, Christianity, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Emergent Church, False Teaching, Gospel, LGBTQ, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Prosperity Gospel | 0 |

The Church should be full of salt, preserving culture, providing flavor, and being a positive influence in secular society. Instead, by any measurable standard, immorality is increasing and secular culture is infiltrating and influencing the church in part by creating division and deceiving many. Whether out of ignorance, fear, or heartfelt but compassion, more congregants as well as church leaders are embracing secular principles and beliefs in the hopes of attracting the world.

Today, Mike and David look at several news stories addressing this subject, including the ongoing controversy at Willow Creek Church as it prepares for its Global Leadership Summit. We also discuss a survey revealing the majority of Christians think God wants them to prosper financially, and the author of ‘The Shack’ claims unbelievers can still be saved even after they die.