Witchcraft in the Church

Act 20:30 KJV - Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

1Timothy 4:1 KJV - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

A Watchman, is one who literally watched for danger and then warned the people. Read Ezekiel 33:1-20, to learn more. Ezekiel 33:3-4 KJV - If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

We live in a time when many of us are tempted to follow the latest in "Christian" trends, be it the latest author, leader, or ideologies. It isn't a wise thing to do. We have been given God's Word for a reason. If we don't ensure that our plumb line,  is God's Word and God's Word alone, we are left open, unprotected - able to be easily mislead. Even the many teachers and authors out there, are well meaning and not purposely deceiving anyone. 

It isn't a shocker these days, that more and more Christian churches are promoting questionable authors and ideologies, that take people away from using the Word of God as their number one life support. Instead, for those who fall prey, they are devouring up whatever the latest "Christian" trend or guru is. Attending the latest seminar, conference or what have you. I say this as one who has been there. Praise the Lord, He opened my eyes and showed me that following any Christian leader is dangerous. Even the most godly or well meaning one. Because guess what? They are fallible and sooner or later, the very one or trend you are so dedicated to will let you down. You will then find yourself some what lost and discouraged and even possibly falling away from Jesus, the very One Who saved you. That may sound extreme to some, but it is a very real possibility.  

Today, as I was browsing a local church's website, curious about what they may be up to these days, I was stupified by what I saw (see top right image). If you know what it means when someone draws a circle and prays in it, then you know why. The first words that came to mind were, witchcraft and freemasonry. It was a promo for a live webcast featuring the above title by author Mark Batterson,  offered back in February. Aware of what circle drawings and praying in circles are all about, the alarms blared and quickly, I researched this "best seller." What disturbed myself and my husband, the most, is that the church promoting the event, is home to many of our fellow believers, people we love. 

God's Word tells us that:

2Ti 3:16 KJV - All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1Jo 4:1 KJV - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

On that note, here are the results of today's research:

The Circle Maker

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Ever hear of this book, teaching series or the author? Like I said, we hadn't until today.
Here are but a few links, of many, from other believers who also want to share with whoever will listen, about the occult, non-biblical teachings coming from Mr. Mark Batterson. Maybe he has no idea what he is promoting, and we should pray for him. Considering the number of Christians who are speaking out, exposing what this book is really all about, he can't be that unaware. Instead of regurgitating all of the excellent reviews and information that others have done, I have posted just a few of the many links from others who are equally concerned what this teaching encourages.

The Circle maker Exposed web site link
The Circle Maker Exposed video link
Empowered by Christ: The Unbiblical Teachings of the "Circle Maker" and Mark Batterson
Christian Book Review: The Circle Maker is Nothing more than....
Witchcraft in the Church
Be A Circle Maker?


Witchcraft In The Church
We were able to reach Pastor Mike Hoggard yesterday, our favourite Watchman and turns out he has addressed "The Circle Maker" in his Watchman teaching videos. Just click on the title. We really love watching/listening to Mike's teachings. His heart for Biblical Truth is what endears him to us, not to mention he is my age and he is just a really great dude! The video is not exclusively about this book, it  covers an array of other false teachers and concerns within the Christian church. Worth a listen.

Witchcraft In The Church