Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of psycho-babble spirituality is conning so called Christians to turn from their faith. CINOs (Christians in Name Only) need to stop playing with New Age concepts of God and start trusting in Jesus Christ for their salvation.
Countless so-called Christians are allowing pop culture and Celebrities to tickle their ears with a new religion where everyone is pretty much their own god. It’s all the same garbage the early Christian church struggled with, just repackaged and marketed using people like Oprah to sucker in millions of people not rooted in Christ.
Authors like Eckhart Tolle really teach a mixture of mystical Eastern religions like Buddhism with the idea that humans are really good and part of God. Tolle even goes so far as to interpret sayings of Jesus from the New Testament. Writers like Tolle who blend the hard sayings of Jesus Christ and spin it out of context are nothing new. Even Oprah’s explanation as to why she strayed from her Baptist roots shows that when people take a word or phrase out of context they can easily be misled.
On a call-in show Oprah denied that Jesus is the only way to God, and in another call-in she explained how she couldn’t understand how a God of love could also be a ‘jealous’ God, and therefore started looking for something more.
Had Oprah understood the Holiness of God, she might have realized that His desire to be with His creation and to be loved by us meant that we should make nothing more important in our lives than God himself. The first commandment is ‘Thou shalt have no other god’s before me’. And since God is so holy, He has good reason to be a ‘jealous’ God and demand that we place Him over everything else.
Countless so-called Christians are allowing pop culture and Celebrities to tickle their ears with a new religion where everyone is pretty much their own god. It’s all the same garbage the early Christian church struggled with, just repackaged and marketed using people like Oprah to sucker in millions of people not rooted in Christ.
Authors like Eckhart Tolle really teach a mixture of mystical Eastern religions like Buddhism with the idea that humans are really good and part of God. Tolle even goes so far as to interpret sayings of Jesus from the New Testament. Writers like Tolle who blend the hard sayings of Jesus Christ and spin it out of context are nothing new. Even Oprah’s explanation as to why she strayed from her Baptist roots shows that when people take a word or phrase out of context they can easily be misled.
On a call-in show Oprah denied that Jesus is the only way to God, and in another call-in she explained how she couldn’t understand how a God of love could also be a ‘jealous’ God, and therefore started looking for something more.
Had Oprah understood the Holiness of God, she might have realized that His desire to be with His creation and to be loved by us meant that we should make nothing more important in our lives than God himself. The first commandment is ‘Thou shalt have no other god’s before me’. And since God is so holy, He has good reason to be a ‘jealous’ God and demand that we place Him over everything else.
Books SOCOM Recommends
The Two Babylons
Alexander Hislop
The Two Babylons was an anti-Catholic religious pamphlet produced
initially by the Scottish theologian and Protestant Presbyterian
Alexander Hislop in 1853. It was later expanded in 1858 and finally
published as a book in 1919. Its central theme is its allegation that
the Roman Catholic Church is a veiled continuation of the pagan religion
of Babylon, the veiled paganism being the product of a millennia old
conspiracy.
Satan and His Kingdom
Dennis McCallum
Description
"Not since C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters have we had as convincing a presentation... Highly recommended!" --Dr. Ben Witherington, III This highly readable--and useful--examination of Satan and spiritual warfare was written out of necessity. In recent years, pastor and teacher Dennis McCallum found himself fielding more and more questions about Satan. He wanted to recommend a book on the subject, but those he found either reflected extreme beliefs, contained little biblical instruction, used fear tactics, or were poorly written.
In Satan and His Kingdom, McCallum clarifies what is true and what is false about Satan, demons, and demonic control--all biblically backed.
Learn biblical answers to key questions:
* How can you battle the enemy while keeping your focus on Christ, not Satan?
* How did God's plan anticipate Satan's moves?
* What do Christians have most to fear from Satan?
* Why did Satan help to kill Jesus?
* What are Satan's plans for you and your church?
"We have long needed a lucid, biblically sound presentation of spiritual warfare and the satanic kingdom. This is it, and it is both readable and deep. Everyone should read it." --Grant R. Osborne, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
A reliable resource for pastors, lay leaders, and any Christian wanting to know more about evil in the world.
From the Back Cover
A Biblical Look at Satan--and How to Counter His Influence Pastor and teacher Dennis McCallum clarifies what the Bible teaches about Satan, evil spirits, demonic control, and spiritual warfare--and how it applies today.
Comprehensive, reliable, and balanced, this book avoids extremism and sensationalism, making it the ideal resource for pastors, layleaders, and any Christian wanting to know more about the work of evil in the world.
"Drawing upon solid biblical support, careful reasoning, and extensive experience, Dennis McCallum has developed an important tool from which all Christians can greatly benefit." --R. Scott Smith, PhD, Biola University
Dennis McCallum is the author of several books, including The Death of Truth and Organic Disciplemaking. The founder and lead pastor of the 5,000-member Xenos Christian Fellowship in Columbus, Ohio, he is also a well-respected teacher and leads a college ministry. Dennis and his wife, Holly, have three adult children, each active in ministry.
"Not since C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters have we had as convincing a presentation... Highly recommended!" --Dr. Ben Witherington, III This highly readable--and useful--examination of Satan and spiritual warfare was written out of necessity. In recent years, pastor and teacher Dennis McCallum found himself fielding more and more questions about Satan. He wanted to recommend a book on the subject, but those he found either reflected extreme beliefs, contained little biblical instruction, used fear tactics, or were poorly written.
In Satan and His Kingdom, McCallum clarifies what is true and what is false about Satan, demons, and demonic control--all biblically backed.
Learn biblical answers to key questions:
* How can you battle the enemy while keeping your focus on Christ, not Satan?
* How did God's plan anticipate Satan's moves?
* What do Christians have most to fear from Satan?
* Why did Satan help to kill Jesus?
* What are Satan's plans for you and your church?
"We have long needed a lucid, biblically sound presentation of spiritual warfare and the satanic kingdom. This is it, and it is both readable and deep. Everyone should read it." --Grant R. Osborne, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
A reliable resource for pastors, lay leaders, and any Christian wanting to know more about evil in the world.
From the Back Cover
A Biblical Look at Satan--and How to Counter His Influence Pastor and teacher Dennis McCallum clarifies what the Bible teaches about Satan, evil spirits, demonic control, and spiritual warfare--and how it applies today.
Comprehensive, reliable, and balanced, this book avoids extremism and sensationalism, making it the ideal resource for pastors, layleaders, and any Christian wanting to know more about the work of evil in the world.
"Drawing upon solid biblical support, careful reasoning, and extensive experience, Dennis McCallum has developed an important tool from which all Christians can greatly benefit." --R. Scott Smith, PhD, Biola University
Dennis McCallum is the author of several books, including The Death of Truth and Organic Disciplemaking. The founder and lead pastor of the 5,000-member Xenos Christian Fellowship in Columbus, Ohio, he is also a well-respected teacher and leads a college ministry. Dennis and his wife, Holly, have three adult children, each active in ministry.
The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him
Warren W. Wiersbe
Description
Dr. Wiersbe zeroes in on Satan's attacks as deceiver, destroyer, ruler, and accuser. He emphasizes that conquering the enemy comes by obeying God's truth.
The Invisible War
Donald Grey Barnhouse
Description
An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm carefully traced back to the period before the beginning of recorded time can be found in this book.
From the Back Cover
An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm, Dr. Barnhouse carefully traces this vast spiritual conflict back to the period before the beginning of recorded time. Step by step, he then follows its unfolding to the final battle at the end of time. Here are answers to questions that have long troubled thinking people--concerning the trials, sufferings, and difficulties of life--with added helpful suggestions for facing life's obstacles. Dr. Herbert Henry Ehrenstein says, "I am certain that this book will take its place as one of the greatest Dr. Barnhouse wrote during his lifetime, unfolding as it does an entirely new area of biblical truth for many readers who have never before contemplated this invisible battle involving God, Satan, angels, demons, and mankind. Indeed, I know of no other available book of so complex a subject."
An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm carefully traced back to the period before the beginning of recorded time can be found in this book.
From the Back Cover
An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm, Dr. Barnhouse carefully traces this vast spiritual conflict back to the period before the beginning of recorded time. Step by step, he then follows its unfolding to the final battle at the end of time. Here are answers to questions that have long troubled thinking people--concerning the trials, sufferings, and difficulties of life--with added helpful suggestions for facing life's obstacles. Dr. Herbert Henry Ehrenstein says, "I am certain that this book will take its place as one of the greatest Dr. Barnhouse wrote during his lifetime, unfolding as it does an entirely new area of biblical truth for many readers who have never before contemplated this invisible battle involving God, Satan, angels, demons, and mankind. Indeed, I know of no other available book of so complex a subject."
The Kingdom of the Cults
Walter Martin
Description
The authoritative reference work on major cult systems for nearly forty years. Working closely together, Ravi Zacharias and Managing Editors Jill and Kevin Rische (daughter of Dr. Martin) have updated and augmented the work with new material. This book will continue as a crucial tool in counter-cult ministry and in evangelism for years to come. Among cults and religions included are: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, New Age Cults, the Unification Church, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and more.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Martin held four degrees, including a doctorate from California Coast University in the field of Comparative Religions. Dr. Martin was the founder and director of the Christian Research Institute.
----------
Jill Martin Rische and Kevin Rische, Dr. Martin's daughter and son-in-law, serve as managing editors for this revision.Martin. They live in Southern California.
----------
Ravi Zacharias, the general editor, is president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, a respected speaker, and author of many books.
The authoritative reference work on major cult systems for nearly forty years. Working closely together, Ravi Zacharias and Managing Editors Jill and Kevin Rische (daughter of Dr. Martin) have updated and augmented the work with new material. This book will continue as a crucial tool in counter-cult ministry and in evangelism for years to come. Among cults and religions included are: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, New Age Cults, the Unification Church, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and more.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Martin held four degrees, including a doctorate from California Coast University in the field of Comparative Religions. Dr. Martin was the founder and director of the Christian Research Institute.
----------
Jill Martin Rische and Kevin Rische, Dr. Martin's daughter and son-in-law, serve as managing editors for this revision.Martin. They live in Southern California.
----------
Ravi Zacharias, the general editor, is president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, a respected speaker, and author of many books.
The Kingdom of the Occult
Walter Martin
Description
The Kingdom of the Occult delivers the timely followup to Dr. Martin's best-selling The Kingdom of the Cults
This book takes Dr. Walter Martin's comprehensive knowledge and his dynamic teaching style and forges a strong weapon against the world of the Occult-a weapon of the same scope and power as his phenomenal thirty-five year bestseller, The Kingdom of the Cults (over 875,000 sold).
Chapters include: Witchcraft and Wicca, Satanism, Pagan Religions, Tools of the Occult, Demon Possession and Exorcism, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
Features include:
The Kingdom of the Occult delivers the timely followup to Dr. Martin's best-selling The Kingdom of the Cults
This book takes Dr. Walter Martin's comprehensive knowledge and his dynamic teaching style and forges a strong weapon against the world of the Occult-a weapon of the same scope and power as his phenomenal thirty-five year bestseller, The Kingdom of the Cults (over 875,000 sold).
Chapters include: Witchcraft and Wicca, Satanism, Pagan Religions, Tools of the Occult, Demon Possession and Exorcism, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
Features include:
- Each chapter contains: Quick Facts; History; Case Studies; Theology; Resources
Secrets of a Prayer Warrior
Derek Prince
Description
One of the most personal and powerful acts a Christian can engage in is prayer. Yet many believers struggle with their prayer lives, wondering whether they are really making a difference and how they can be more effective. Delving deep into the biblical understanding of prayer, beloved author and leader Derek Prince shows readers the secret to leading a dynamic prayer life, how to receive what they ask for, and how to align themselves with the heart of God. Practical strategies like fasting, biblical study, discipline, and consistency are extensively explained and illustrated by powerful testimonies. This is a life-changing book.
About the Author
Derek Prince (1915-2003), founder of Derek Prince Ministries International, wrote more than fifty books. He was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University and studied Hebrew and Aramaic at Cambridge and at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His daily radio broadcast, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, still reaches listeners around the world.
One of the most personal and powerful acts a Christian can engage in is prayer. Yet many believers struggle with their prayer lives, wondering whether they are really making a difference and how they can be more effective. Delving deep into the biblical understanding of prayer, beloved author and leader Derek Prince shows readers the secret to leading a dynamic prayer life, how to receive what they ask for, and how to align themselves with the heart of God. Practical strategies like fasting, biblical study, discipline, and consistency are extensively explained and illustrated by powerful testimonies. This is a life-changing book.
About the Author
Derek Prince (1915-2003), founder of Derek Prince Ministries International, wrote more than fifty books. He was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University and studied Hebrew and Aramaic at Cambridge and at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His daily radio broadcast, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, still reaches listeners around the world.
Know What and Why You Believe
Paul Little
Description
Have you ever asked Do science and Scripture conflict? Are miracles possible? Is Christian experience real? Why does God allow suffering and evil? These questions need solid answers. That's what a million people have already found in this clear and reasonable response to the toughest intellectual challenges posed to Christian belief.
Paul Little tackles the difficult questions that confront today's Christian.
Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today
Merrill F. Unger
Description
"The supreme merit of Biblical Demonology is that it holds closely to the Word of God. . . . It will remain for many years to come the standard treatment of biblical demonology." —Dr. Wilbur M. Smith
About the Author
Merrill F. Unger(1909-1980) graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and then went on to obtain his Th.M. and Th.D. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and his PhD from Oriental Seminary of the School of Higher Studies. He served as a pastor and professor at various seminaries including Gordon Divinity School and Dallas Theological Seminary.
Transformed by Truth
Joseph Tkach
Description
While generally well written, this book may at first seem to be of interest to a very limited audience -- those directly associated (now or previously) with the Worldwide Church of God.
This book is in essence a candid, first-person narrative of a type of "Reformation" of a single, small church denomination from unorthodoxy to mainstream Christian beliefs, and from insular exclusivism ("God's only true Church") to a greater fellowship with Christian believers of all stripes.
The book's appeal may also be greater than only to those who have been directly involved with this particular denomination -- many religious groups have unwittingly gone down similar paths of personality worship, prophecy addiction, and "special" doctrines, observances or insights that supposedly make their groups "better than thou".
Other religious leaders supportive of the WCG's move to orthodoxy call the event "Unprecedented in church history", and "The top religious story of this decade".
While the first description may possibly be slightly over the top, there can be no denying that this type change -- to drastically alter a Church's established doctrinal platform and focus, particularly at the expense of losing half of its membership and most of its annual income -- is virtually unknown. In his foreword to the book, Hank Hanegraaff, President of the Christian Research Institute, highlights this fact.
Christian readers not associated with this denomination can find this story illuminating, particularly if they (or someone they know) has felt they were in the bonds of a "religion", but were instead seeking a personal relationship with God. While the story of the WCG's collective journey from religion to relationship is here documented in Transformed by Truth, the individual's personal journey on that path cannot be missed.
While generally well written, this book may at first seem to be of interest to a very limited audience -- those directly associated (now or previously) with the Worldwide Church of God.
This book is in essence a candid, first-person narrative of a type of "Reformation" of a single, small church denomination from unorthodoxy to mainstream Christian beliefs, and from insular exclusivism ("God's only true Church") to a greater fellowship with Christian believers of all stripes.
The book's appeal may also be greater than only to those who have been directly involved with this particular denomination -- many religious groups have unwittingly gone down similar paths of personality worship, prophecy addiction, and "special" doctrines, observances or insights that supposedly make their groups "better than thou".
Other religious leaders supportive of the WCG's move to orthodoxy call the event "Unprecedented in church history", and "The top religious story of this decade".
While the first description may possibly be slightly over the top, there can be no denying that this type change -- to drastically alter a Church's established doctrinal platform and focus, particularly at the expense of losing half of its membership and most of its annual income -- is virtually unknown. In his foreword to the book, Hank Hanegraaff, President of the Christian Research Institute, highlights this fact.
Christian readers not associated with this denomination can find this story illuminating, particularly if they (or someone they know) has felt they were in the bonds of a "religion", but were instead seeking a personal relationship with God. While the story of the WCG's collective journey from religion to relationship is here documented in Transformed by Truth, the individual's personal journey on that path cannot be missed.
Satan on the Loose
Nicky Cruz
Description
The dramatic story of NICKY CRUZ was first told in the bestseller The Cross and the Switchblade. The founder and director of a Christian organisation which operates rehabilitation centres for teenagers in trouble he also spends much of his time travelling and preaching at rallies and crusades. He is the author of Run Baby Run and The Lonely Now, and has made a documentary film, "No Need to Hide", which traces the important steps in his life.
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek
Description
Truly unique work that's not only comprehensive but easy to read. Geisler and Turek have written the only book that builds the case for Christianity from the ground up--it's the 12 Points in a book! Challenging for skeptics, engaging for seekers, and affirming for Christians. Foreword by David Limbaugh. Endorsed by Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Hank Hanegraaff, Phillip Johnson, Bill Dembski, Cal Thomas and others.
Here is a Five Star review on Amazon.com from an Atheist:
Having read quite a few Christian apologetics books, I feel I can say that this one is by far the best in scope, logic, and wit. The authors convincingly build up their case in layers, starting with well-reasoned arguments why God exists, and building in stages as to why Jesus is the way to go, once everything else is accepted.
The authors include run-ins they've had with professors and debate opponents, making for an interesting read. The appendixes, which feature a mock dialogue between a Christian and an atheist, are entertaining. The book covers all the important issues that this topic entails, from cosmology, life origins, evolution, morality, and a defense of the Bible.
No honest atheist can read this book without being impressed by the quality of the theistic arguments as presented by the authors. The objections of skeptics are confronted with confidence. Did it change my mind? It may have planted a seed.
I highly recommend this book to both atheists and Christians, and to anyone else interested in this topic. It is VERY convincing. These guys know their stuff.
Truly unique work that's not only comprehensive but easy to read. Geisler and Turek have written the only book that builds the case for Christianity from the ground up--it's the 12 Points in a book! Challenging for skeptics, engaging for seekers, and affirming for Christians. Foreword by David Limbaugh. Endorsed by Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Hank Hanegraaff, Phillip Johnson, Bill Dembski, Cal Thomas and others.
Here is a Five Star review on Amazon.com from an Atheist:
Having read quite a few Christian apologetics books, I feel I can say that this one is by far the best in scope, logic, and wit. The authors convincingly build up their case in layers, starting with well-reasoned arguments why God exists, and building in stages as to why Jesus is the way to go, once everything else is accepted.
The authors include run-ins they've had with professors and debate opponents, making for an interesting read. The appendixes, which feature a mock dialogue between a Christian and an atheist, are entertaining. The book covers all the important issues that this topic entails, from cosmology, life origins, evolution, morality, and a defense of the Bible.
No honest atheist can read this book without being impressed by the quality of the theistic arguments as presented by the authors. The objections of skeptics are confronted with confidence. Did it change my mind? It may have planted a seed.
I highly recommend this book to both atheists and Christians, and to anyone else interested in this topic. It is VERY convincing. These guys know their stuff.
The Cult Explosion: An Expose of Todays Cults and Why They Prosper
Dave Hunt
