#Rethink: Culture Differences, False Prophets, and Simplicity
Join me as we explore culture differences in Scripture, question false prophets and teachers, and ponder the beauty of simplicity.
#Rethink - March 2023
Welcome to March issue of Rethink where we are wondering why we don’t talk more about culture differences in Scripture, questioning false prophets and teachers in the NAR, and pondering the beauty of organization and simplicity.
Why Don’t They Teach Us These Things?
I’ve mentioned this Bible study multiple times now on my podcast and in my emails, but Jesus & Women by Kristi McLelland has rocked my world. Mostly because of this little chart that she puts in every chapter reminding us of the differences between Western and Middle Eastern Culture. Because of the culture differences we approach the Bible through different lenses.
I’ve stared at this chart, pondered the truth that the Bible was written by Middle Easterners for Middle Easterners, and I’ve been left with opened eyes and a mind full of questions.
Is it hard to teach these differences to people? Do they not talk about ancient culture in seminary? Why don’t we learn about the vast difference in our culture compared with Biblical culture at church? Why isn’t this studied and taken into account in every sermon? Why don’t more people get back into original intent, idioms, and expectations of the day? Why are we allowed to think the Bible is about rules and principles for us to follow rather than a narrative that shows us who God is?
I feel very confused.
Maybe this is where we get the fake gods so many of us found and left within our religious and/or church experiences. I talk about this a lot in the book I’m publishing. (Oh yeah, a lot has happened in the last month. I’m PUBLISHING my book. It’s already been proofed and edited, and is currently with the design team. And I am anxiously awaiting some cover ideas. God is crazy!)
How are we supposed to get an accurate picture of God when we have an inaccurate understanding of Scripture because no one told us we should think differently? I’m really intrigued to do more digging. I’d love to study in Israel with rabbis, study with Messianic Jews here in the States, and learn about all of the things I’m missing and arrogantly assuming as a modern Western believer. Stay turned, maybe I’ll write another book. :-)
“The new apostles and prophets have it all wrong.” Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett
Speaking of fake ideas about God, I had no idea what the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) was all about or how dangerous and cultic it is. This book Counterfeit Kingdom has been shocking and eye opening.
I knew about some strange and suspicious things that have been happening at Bethel Church out in Redding, CA. I remember when the entire internet was talking about baby Olive and praying for her to rise from the dead. I know that many of our modern worship songs are written and produced through Bethel Music. I’d heard about the new Passion “translation” of the Bible. But I didn’t know that the NAR was a global network influencing churches worldwide with twisted Scripture, false assumptions, and downright lies.
I’m about two-thirds of the way through the book. What I appreciate most is the way the authors don’t simply condemn the strange goings-on at Bethel Church or it’s affiliate Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry or bash the leaders of the movement (although they do call them out). Instead they dig into the false teachings of the NAR, expose serious problems with the Passion Bible (think Joseph Smith and the LDS), and point out twisted Scriptures and lies. Much of what I am learning reminds me of my days in Bill Gothard’s cult. All of my cult sensors are going off as I read and I’ll be sharing more about this on my podcast tonight.
If you are unfamiliar with the NAR, or if you have questions, or if you’ve been burned by a Christian experience at a church tied with the NAR, you should read this book.
False prophets and teachers are quick to tell their followers that they are the only ones with true truth. They claim to find hidden secrets and new revelations. They create an us versus them mentality. They use fear to control. I know, because I lived under one for a decade. It’s important that we know the real truth and the real Jesus so that we can expose false prophets and teachers for who they are. Just because something seems good doesn’t mean it is. Satan loves to come in as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14-15).
It Doesn’t Have To Be Amazing
It’s kind of a crazy season of life right now. Working full time attempting to teach 5th graders who never stop talking how to do math they don’t care about, writing, publishing, and soon launching a book, being a wife and mom, finding time for family and friends, and more.
I want to be amazing. Not fake amazing or look at me amazing, just genuinely amazing. But I always find other people who are definitely more amazing than me, and then I feel dumb or envious depending on the day.
I like things to be organic and spontaneous rather than rigid and planned, but usually what’s in my head doesn’t meet reality and instead life ends up being stressful and disappointing.
I’m learning to embrace simplicity and organization. I’m telling myself that my math lessons don’t need to be amazing, they just need to be good. My book doesn’t need to be amazing, or sell a ton of copies, or have people rave about it, I just need to be faithful to what God has called me to do.
I’m learning to meal plan and buy what I need for those meals instead a bunch of random stuff for “in case the mood hits me.” It’s a little more boring, but I always know what’s for dinner. I’ve discovered that meal planning isn’t legalistic after all, but it actually makes life less stressful. :-) Simplicity is a good thing. Being ordinary is good. Learning organization is healthy.
What normal, boring, real-life, good things are you learning?
Thanks for taking a moment to #Rethink some of our religious traditions and beliefs. I know that it can be scary to deconstruct and reconstruct our faith, but finding the Real Jesus is absolutely worth it. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or comments.
You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook, my website, and on my podcast Looking for the Real God. I’d love to connect with you on any of these places!
Re -- “I’m really intrigued to do more digging. I’d love to study in Israel with rabbis, study with Messianic Jews here in the States, and learn about all of the things I’m missing and arrogantly assuming as a modern Western believer.”
Get your hands on Kenneth Bailey’s *Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes* if you can. His massive tome is an awesome place to do some more digging. I have not read it cover to cover yet (these days I tend to peruse books and read where I find myself drawn, lol), but the Samaritan woman + the woman at the house of Simon the leper + the parable of the serving master -- all just wow.
Christy, you are already amazing, and I think you know it :D
Just think about all the amazing things you've done over the past few years. You've escaped from a cult. You've moved jobs, both yourself and Josh. You've waded out into deep waters (like the big cults sing about without having experienced it themselves!) and God has held your head above water. I could go on, but I'm sure you've a more realistic grasp of it than I have :D
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure..." (Is 46:9-10). I love this verse because it reminds me of all the former things that God has done with me; how He's never let me down, and how He'll keep doing things into the future. It's mind-blowing. You too have that testimony.
Regarding the songs from 'off' groups, well personally I think they're only songs. Unless a song makes you think of the uncleanness of its source, feel free to use it in your worship, because to the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Nothing that is in those songs can hurt you, so if you want to use them to bless God, go right ahead. I remember back in my Charismatic days, people in more staid churches used to pinch our songs even though they disapproved of our worship style. It's the same in churches all over. You just go ahead and worship, as long as your conscience is clear!
I am really looking forward to your book; please let us know on your newsletter when it has been released!
Grace and Peace