The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; they, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In the light of these things, should I relent? You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices.

Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked on their nakedness. (Isaiah 57:6-8)

Climbing In Bed With Spiritual Harlots

In Be Still Beth Moore says:

You know, one of the things that time gives us is that it erases the lines in between people so many different sections of the people of God. Because many years later it doesn’t matter any longer that this person was of this practice in the Christian faith and this person of another. Time somehow blurs those lines and we are profoundly moved by the historical narratives of all their lives, of so great a cloud of witnesses; that we can look back on and see what kept them running the race, what kept them running toward the face of Christ at the end of that finish line. (channel 1, 00:18-00:50)

So what do you suppose renowned SBC “Bible teacher” Beth Moore is talking about in this section dedicated to the praise of so-called “Christian” mystics who were members of the apostate Church of Rome when she says that time “erases the lines.” She’s referring to the Reformation during which many of Christ’s beloved children were brutally murdered at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church. O, but “time” has somehow erased all of this. No it hasn’t. Rather, it is the work of gutless professing Christians who are themselves now covered in the blood of these martyrs who are doing so through the pagan idolatry of contemplative mysticism.

And if the Lord chooses to sustain me I will have more to say about this travesty in the days to come. Because it is one thing to lament the lack of those of us who make a bold stand for Christ, it is quite another to stand with us as the enemy then quickly steps in to vilify. But for now some of you may recall that a short while ago I published Five Solas Warrior’s Code for Christ (FSWCC) from Pastor Paul Walker of Elm Avenue Baptist Church (SBC) in Grand Junction, CO. In this particular article here I am going to use as a vehicle to teach a series of email correspondence between Brother Paul, myself, his children, and Kent Shirley, Director of Missions (DOM) with the Grand Valley Baptist Association (SBC) of which Pastor Paul’s church is a member.

Following Southern Baptist Convention Embracing Gnostic Mysticism, my initial article on the subject of Contemplative Spirituality (mysticism) and the neo-liberal cult of the Emergent Church infiltrating the apostatizing SBC I received the following letter of encouragement:

October 24, 2006
From: Paul Walker

Wow,

Thanks for calling a spade a spade. This ought to “rattle a few cages”. And, oh yes, Golden Gate is one of our “official” SBC seminaries, like Southern, Southwestern, etc. And our own state convention hosts the Rocky Mountain Campus of Golden Gate. Our church has been supporting them too, but NO LONGER!

From the front lines,

Paul

Through Adversity God Brings Together Brothers In Arms

He is referencing the article above which also deals directly with his own DOM Kent Shirley. At the time I didn’t know Pastor Paul but through this whole situation Lord has been pleased to bring the two of us together as brothers in arms for Christ as well as to become friends. A little while later he sent me the following:

November 8, 2006
From: Paul Walker

Brother Ken,

Here’s a quote from our SBC “pope” Frank Page, it was sent to all of our association pastors from Kent Shirley. Gee, I sure wish I could be more “relevant”, NOT!!

Paul

Subject: A Good Vision by new SBC President, Frank Page

Pastor’s and Other Leaders,

A message from our new SBC President, Frank Page, is printed in the November issue of SBC Life (page 3). Frank's title is ”Revival, Renewal, Relevancy.” Frank says, “The battle of inerrancy was one of extreme importance. If it had not been for the battle which was fought and, by the way, won, we would not even be discussing the issues we discuss today. However, many of us have tunnel vision if we think that (inerrancy) is the only issue of importance. The issue which we must deal with now is not just inerrancy, but it is relevancy. Are we relevant in our ministries, our understanding of culture, and in our ability to relate to this world? “Can these bones live?” is a question of relevancy and effectiveness, and to put it spiritually, it is a question about renewal and revival. We must be (both) right and relevant!” His text for this message is Ezekiel 37:1-14.

Good text! Good questions>
Kent

All Who Desire to Live Godly In Christ Jesus Will Be Persecuted

Time would march on and finally the Lord would move upon Pastor Paul’s heart to become more vocal in trying to help stop this influx of the ECoD new evangelical compromise into our the SBC where we both serve as pastors. Brother Paul would then begin an email exchange with Kent Shirley, whom he personally knows very well. The following will be presented largely without comment in order to give you a firsthand look at what you are going face as this Truth War heats up.

Because is written: in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11), I can tell you that the Devil has already launched his attack upon the proper Biblical Christian faith recaptured during the Reformation. You must come to understand that Satan’s primary vehicle with which to “blur” the lines as Beth Moore put it and then to “erase” all doctrinal distinctives is the alleged spiritual “discipline” of Contemplative/Centering Prayer. And then this just also happens to be among the doctrines of demons practiced by those deceitful spirits within the Emergent Church.

This following is presented as an actual illustration of what will happen to you right now as you begin to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3, NKJV). You are invited to watch how Pastor Paul and his family–true Biblical Christians–are treated below as they make their stand within an SBC Association that is attacking the Protestant Reformation on their way home to Rome:

December 12, 2006
From: Paul Walker
To: Kent Shirley

Dear Kent,

I’m forwarding an email from my daughter which follows mine. I had asked her to read your perspective and give me her feed-back. As I read your comparison of converted vs. transformed, I asked myself, “So why did Jesus command us to be converted in Matthew 18:3?” It appears to me that you’re trying to explain why we have so many un-converted people in the church. I do not believe that the Bible teaches that you can be truly converted and remain unchanged. II Cor. 5:17. Our problem is that for many years we have been teaching a false gospel, one where you can be saved and later decide to go on and be a disciple.

That's not Biblical Christianity, it's actually a Roman theology of faith plus works. Galatians 1:6-10 and 3:1-6. Which brings me to my second point; all these emerging church books that you recommend. McManus, McLaren, Hunter etc., all recommend Roman Catholic practices straight out of the “monastic traditions”. These men are using Contemplative Prayer (aka Transcendental Meditation) and mazes or labyrinths for “centering prayer”. Deuteronomy 12:29-32 and Isaiah 8:19-20 and Matthew 6:7. Kent, don't you realize that these practices are pagan and not of God?

McManus’ own website uses Eastern symbols and terminology, “Earth, Wind, Fire, Wood and Water” along with ying-yang symbology. I John 5:19-21. I am deeply concerned brother that you are being deceived by the things you read and recommend that I should read. Please, I beg you, return to genuine Bible study.

Paul Walker

And as you read the sound Biblical response which will follow from Paul’s daughter I want you to know that this dear Christian woman had just buried her infant child. Those of you who have read FSWCC will remember that Brother Paul tells us, “As many of you know, recently we suffered the loss of our first grandson (second grandchild), Isaac, after 8 days here on earth.”

From: Eve Fortune

I believe that Kent has a point when comparing these two types of members. These two types of members do in fact exist and I have often lamented over the difference.

BUT Kent is not really addressing the same issue that he thinks others such as ourselves are addressing. He thinks that his list separates himself from those who do not adhere to the new “movement”. He thinks he is defining us as converted, and himself and those of his mindset as transformed.

I beg to differ. First there are those whom he describes as converted in the church. His list is accurate. As far as his list of attributes of the transformed, though clouded with catch phrases and power words, is also true. To a point. So where is the flaw?

I believe that flaw is most clearly seen not in his list article but in his relevancy article. Where is the Holy Spirit? Where is the work of the Holy Spirit? Am I confused in Who brings people to Christ? I thought it was the Spirit. Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world.” Conform means to adapt, according to a current and relevant online dictionary. *Do not adapt to the pattern of this world.* It also means, according to the same dictionary, to be similar. *Do not be similar to the pattern of this world.

The same dictionary defines pattern as a practice or behavior. *Do not adapt to the practices or behavior of this world. Do not be similar to the practices or behavior of this world.

Well, I think that's plain enough. Why I bothered with the dictionary I don’t know. After all the Word did say, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world.” Made sense in the “original” language to me.

But why did it make sense to me at all? This is the part that Kent left out. The Holy Spirit. There is no way, no lingo, no model, no rewrite that will make sense to the lost, and still be true without the Holy Spirit. So can the Spirit use the “practices and behaviors” of the world to reach the world. That’s like asking if He can make a rock big enough He can't lift it.

1 Corinthians 1:21-25 – God is pleased to impart (through his Spirit) His wisdom through seemingly foolish methods. Why? Because Jews demand miracles, and Greeks look for wisdom, and Americans look for success. And God demands our holiness, and holiness does NOT come from miracles, wisdom, or expansive fevered growth.

The transformation of which Kent is speaking is no more real and true and holy than the converted. True transformation is this:

An attitude of humility before Almighty God. A Lifestyle that reflects the holiness of God. A habit of gathering as a Body to worship by studying His relevant word. A constant desire to live in the light of God's Word, craving it as spiritual milk. A conscious understanding of God's self. A passion for the Good News of Christ whether anyone else is listening or not. A belief that the focus of the church should be on revealing the glory of God. A genuine joy and fulfillment in being obedient to the demand of holiness.

From: Sam (Paul’s Son)

Dad,

I don't know if you got my other email from this morning or not, but there are also some verses I sited for this purpose. I think that what you have written is very good. I might suggest expounding a bit further. However, being less informed as to some of things mentioned therein, I may be mistaken in that and correct myself by saying that this is sufficient. One thing I would do is add all the Scripture I can possibly find regarding false prophesy--for that is what we are dealing with. Although this all may very well fall on deaf hearts, God's own Word is the most powerful testimony against this apostasy. I would not tell you to be as tactful as I so commonly have in the past, although respectful speech is necessary of course. The time for politeness is extinct. Indeed, the truest truth will make strong men weep when they believe it; it will make them angry and uncomfortable.

Read and quote Matthew 7. I knew it well before today as I know you do, but reading it through again gives greater affirmation to me of the right course to run. So read it. Also read James 3-4. Evie sited the messages of these passages herself though not directly. I need stark reminders daily of my sins. What Kent needs to understand is that teaching and recommending these silly and foolish doctrines is sin. It is sin of a most grievous nature. Out of our love for a brother, we must demonstrate the path of a righteous teacher and that he, in his current course, is leaping off that path in disgust of God's simple, clear and un-mysterious truth. Furthermore, it is grievous sin because he is taking by the hand dozens, if not hundreds and even thousands of souls and showing them a broad but very dark way. And that is indeed serious business.

This is the final and most damaging deception conjured up by the enemy. Stemming from the serpent who told Eve that God did not indeed say what God did indeed say, it now has grown into the apostate doctrines that we see now in our own ranks. Both either subversively or blatantly disparage the real truth of God’s Word. What we are seeing now in our time is the transition of this deception yet again from subversive to blatant. Therefore, we must go out and meet our enemy in the shining armor of righteousness and in view of the entire world. We too must be blatant because our enemy is thus. There cannot be any amount of covert action; that is the enemy’s game. We are being met with full frontal assault of Truth and we must meet it with the impregnable might of the Word.

So, say what you have and let God do His work. If God began a good work in Kent, He will be faithful to finish until the end.

In Christ,

S. J. Walker

Now here is the response issued to Pastor Paul Walker, a man who each Sunday is faithfully proclaiming what the Bible says, by his own Director of Missions Kent Shirley. Afterward follows what Eve and Sam had to say after reading what Shirley had conveyed to their dad:

December 12, 2006

From: Kent Shirley

Paul,

You and your family remain in our prayers! Paul, your personal attacks, outbursts of anger and root of bitterness are destroying your witness! Brother, there is professional Christian help available for you. I don’t know what deep seeded causes are behind it, but you need help to deal with it, or you are in danger of ruining the special ministry that the Father has given you. There is free, quality Christian help available though the CBC. Dallas Speight is a trained professional Christian counselor. Dallas is a qualified professional and he has helped many in our state. His ministry is confidential. Dallas’ private phone number is [such and such]. I strongly encourage you to give him a call, soon before you destroy the balance of your influence! I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Kent

December 13, 2006
From: Eve

There is an implication that not only are you in need of counseling, but both Sam and I as well. Is this not a personal attack as well?

As to outbursts of anger, the Word says to be angry but to do it without sin. If he believes that your expressions of anger are rooted in sin, he as a Christian brother should exhort you with the truth to help you defeat you sinful anger problem. As to a root of bitterness, what are you bitter about? If he can sense a root of bitterness in you, then as a Christian brother he ought to be able to tell at least in some measure what is causing your bitterness. He at the very least has some idea of what he thinks is causing your bitterness. And how is your witness being destroyed? You are speaking the Word, taking your thoughts and concerns and expressing them through Scripture.

Remember Matthew. First you approach your brother one on one. Then with two or three witnesses. Then before the whole Body. I advise you Dad that you speak to and cc your correspondence to witnesses, and save them in hard copy as well. Kent has opened the way to be seriously damaging to you on a personal level and to your church.

I sense a strong implication here that if you do not do as he suggests and continue to stand for the Truth, or as he puts them, “personal attacks” he will take action to have you deemed unfit for the ministry. Beware of his power to slander you should you continue to stand against these lies.

Remember that you are under attack. Remember that as far as you know, Kent is being deceived, and sometimes those are the most powerful weapons of the enemy. Remember to love him. Don't give the enemy any foothold in that area.

Test your own heart. Make sure that any anger that is born in sin is confessed before God and repented of before your brothers if necessary. If there be any root of bitterness, identify it, confess it and repent. After all, even when standing for the truth, we still may stumble. Give the enemy, in whatever form he takes no foothold.

Remember that the Truth will set you free. Stand firm in God's tower of Truth. It will protect you. But do not become complacent. Wear your armor. Remember to respond to every attack with the sword of the Spirit. It can and will pierce and divide. Guard your heart and emotions with your shield. Have faith that you are standing with the Master even when in the heat of battle. Remember that our righteousness is our helmet not our mantle. Keep your thoughts pure, and do not stumble into the error of wearing righteousness as a cloak.

Keep your feet moving. Spread the Good News. Nothing annoys the enemy more then new recruits, and renewed warriors. And lastly Dad, remember your flock. They need you to remain strong, and to protect them from the wolves hiding in their midst. Be faithful to the flock your Master has placed in your care.

I do not think you should retreat. Nothing would please the enemy more. But I do not think you should attempt an advance. Stand with the Master and get a lay of the land. Ensure that you are in an easily defensible position. Make sure that others stand with you to help guard the flanks. And stand and wait and see the salvation of the Lord. He will give you the right command at the right time. Be strong and very courageous.

Standing with you,
Your girl

December 13, 2006
From: Sam

Dad,

I am disheartened greatly by such a response to a most definitely non-bitter, non-dissentious plead on the behalf of not only yourself but many others included, notwithstanding your immediate family. I am writing to you now not as your son, although I remain respectfully such. The thing that we are seeing here in Kent specifically, but moreover in the general Baptist assembly is statement of faith. If we can call it that. To respond with assumptions that someone’s mental health is at risk and/or that they are harboring a deep root of bitterness toward someone or group is indicative of something truly “deep rooted”.

This root is one of blindness due to the pride of the “Ministry”. No where does Kent cite Scripture for his arguments. No where. When we cannot cite God’s word in rebuke or retort it is because we will not. If we will not cite the word’s of the God of the Universe any argument is spoken/written in vain. If we argue in vain, we are liars and God hates our wickedness and pride. “But He gives us more grace. That is why the scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” – James 4:6. That is the first weakness of his response.

Secondly, this sort of response is a statement of faith because it displays with no ambiguity the fact that entertaining the notion that he/they may indeed be in error is out of the question. In fact, as it seems, one would be utterly crazy to entertain the thought. We can’t forget that when men accuse others of being insane, there are only two possibilities. Either this man is actually off his rocker, or he is telling the truth. The latter of these is impossible to some because they have they have opened their minds so far that they have shut again in the wrong direction. The crazy card is effective. It renders any rejection irrelevant. “Well, that’s insane man! You need help, you poor fool.” What can a man say to such things? The answer to that question is simple. He can say the Truth; and in doing so allow the Higher Counselor to render His diagnosis.

So, here we have an ideology and subsequent methodology that is minus the one key factor of determining its relevance–Scripture. The reason for that is that the B-I-B-L-E is no longer a relevant source. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eye’s of Him to Whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13

Any dissenters are marked as insane or uncontrollably angry. And most troubling of all, it is conformed to the pattern of this world. Call me insane, call me angry, call me anything you wish. This ideology is missing God and I do not want to be where He is not, and that is not insane–it makes complete sense. I almost welcome any such remarks for they reveal the true intentions of men.

Finally brother, “blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.

In Christ,

S.J. Walker

The Future Of The SBC Splits Wide Open

As a bit of an addendum let me add here a rather salient comment from Pastor Paul’s wife concerning this most unfortunate issue in the Emergent Takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention:

What those have done, who pursue “spiritual disciplines”, labyrinths and other supposed “spiritual formations” in order to get “deeper into God”, is put another mediator between God and Man. Jesus Christ is the only Mediator God says we have. To attempt to use anything else to get closer to Him is to insert a mediator of your own making between yourself and God.

And yet this is exactly what we see in Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (SBC) And Contemplative Spirituality. I do pray that Kent Shirley, Dr. Frank Page, and those holding various levels of leadership within the apostatizing Southern Baptist Convention are listening. You see the truth is that if those people who are involved will not repent of dabbling in such things the SBC itself is going be ripped right apart because the LORD God Almighty Himself has already called these self-centered practices idolatry.

Remember, it is written:

For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.’ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:5-16)