I have received a few anonymous comments that are pro-mysticism and seem to think that I may be promoting "Christian" mysticism. Let me be absolutely clear: I do not endorse or support "Christian" mysticism or contemplative spirituality where we try to use man-made methods ( that are found nowhere in the Bible, I might add) to try to "reach" God. The Bible does not promote mysticism and/or using "centering prayers", the "Jesus prayer" or labyrinths or chanting or emptying the mind. You will not find this promoted in the Bible. In fact, practicing these eastern and new age religious techniques may lead you to have a "spiritual" experience, but you may quite likely encountering doctrines of demons and Satan who masquerades as an "angel of light". Let me be clear, having a "spiritual" experience while practicing these man-made methods does not mean that you are encountering the God of the Bible. In fact you may be encountering demons. The Bible clearly warns to not be of this world. We are not to dabble in ancient pagan techniques to try to reach God. When Nadab and Abihu offered God strange fire, he struck them dead. God is not pleased by using pagan techniques to reach him. Don't base your faith on experience. Base your faith on what the Bible says. God has revealed himself through the written word-The Bible. Many who practice this mysticism end up concluding that Jesus is not the only way to God, or God is all and in all. This is completely wrong and unbiblical.You cannot truly be a Christian and have eternal salvation if you don't believe salvation comes solely through Jesus and that Jesus is God.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."
John 14:6
In Matthew 6:7 Jesus tells us not to use vain repetitions as the heathen do.
Jesus taught us how to pray, and He simply spoke to the Father. This is the example we should follow.
When we base our faith solely on experience, this is not a faith that leads to salvation. Salvation comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) not by experience.
For more information on the dangers of mysticism, click here.
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Hi Jenna:
I can testify myself to the dangers of mysticism. Prior to my salvation, which I believe to be in 1998, I had been involved in many dark things, including computer games that were occult oriented. After I realized I was a sinner in need of redemption, I ran into some old "friends" who had grabbed me almost 30 years ago when I THOUGHT I was a Christian and pumped my head full of "Go learn doctrine and go beat up on the arminians and pentecostals". Oh yeah, into legalism as well.
Anyway, after my conversion almost ten years ago, I ran into these people again. They had also "fallen away" but "returned"...into "out there" spiritual warfare stuff. Hearing voices, seeing visions, all that. People wriggling on the ground and calling that "God at work". The Toronto Blessing. all that. It was a confusing time.
It took a while for me to get away from the mysticism. I didn't agree with the stuff I just mentioned but I was still very confused. I think this was residue from all the trash I used to be into. The enemy really had a grip on me for a long time and he still can be a real thorn in the side.
The Scriptures are our rock. It's taken me years to get a real handle on that. It's amazing to me how people don't get it.
Also, thanks for stopping by the Gadfly and commenting on the "Lone Ranger" post. Things are going ok, but it's still unsettling. What we are doing is unconventional, after all.
I did post a comment there on whether or not those in home churches arrange things so they can maybe go out to lunch together then do evangelism. We'll see what happens. I think thats what our group will be doing before long.
Enough for the off topic stuff. Just wanted to stop by and say hello.
God's blessings to you for the new year.
Tim
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