1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Yesterday, we entered into a discussion of the Nicolaitans. We found that while there is very little in the Scriptures about them, Jesus hated them as did the Church in Ephesus. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)
The Nicolaitans brought occultic practices and doctrines into the Early Church. For further details on this read the Morning Message from yesterday and do your own research. The purpose of studying this is to ensure that we are pure in the Eyes of God and that these demonic spirits have not infiltrated our churches. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Modern-day Nicolaitans are everywhere in the Church today. New Age religious practices are prevalent in many Churches today and believers are drifting farther and farther away from the simple Truth of the Gospel of Christ.
So, what is New Age Religion and what do they believe and practice? New Age is vast in its scope of beliefs, most of which stem from Eastern Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. While many of their practices seem harmless and in line with Christianity, they are not! In fact, they are totally opposed to the Gospel of Christ and can not be mixed together as some are doing today.
New Agers believe many things but when we put it all together it comes down to believing anything you want. One writer described it as a “Have It Your Own Way Religion.” This is why it is so popular today. It’s all about worshiping yourself and not Jesus Christ Who gave Himself for us.
New Agers believe that they are God and they can make their own way to Heaven. They believe that all religions lead to God and Heaven while we know what Jesus said. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me. (John 14:6) There is ONLY ONE WAY to God and that is through faith in Jesus Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross. We cannot add to or take away from God’s Plan for the Redemption of man.
Jesus also spoke about the Road to Heaven. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:14) Oprah Winfrey has been extremely instrumental in bringing New Age beliefs into the modern Church. Although she was raised a Baptist, she now believes that all religious roads lead to God. She will soon learn that she is sadly mistaken.
New Agers involve themselves in a mixture of occultic practices including Yoga, Meditation, Grave Soaking, Healing through Crystals and Pyramids, Psychology, Channeling with the dead, Reincarnation, Karma, Astrology, Idol Worship, Chi Energy, Chakras, Oneness, Astral Traveling, Self Worship, and many other forms of mysticism including Wicca, Witchcraft, and even Satanism.
Needless to say, any and all New Age beliefs and practices are extremely dangerous to the true, born-again believer in Christ. While most New Agers hold Jesus in high regard they do not believe He is the ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER. When they are allowed to bring their practices into the Church, new Christians can be easily sucked into their evil belief systems because it “feels good.”
There are many warnings in Scripture about being sucked into false teaching and doctrines. Therefore, today I give to you this Scripture: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Stick with Jesus and the Word of God. He will never lead you astray.
God will soon……….turn the tide
On the Narrow Road, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
