Reflecting the Heart of the Father

The Roll of the Prophet: Reflecting the Heart of the Father

Prophets must reflect the heart of the Father toward His church.

 Eph. 4:9-13 says It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of God and become mature, attaining to the fullness of Christ.   

The prophet is a critical modern day ministry within the 5 ministries spoken of in this scripture.

In the last post I stated that a key aspect of the New Covenant prophet is they operate out of love. They have the heart of the Father toward His people. This love is not necessarily a warm, fuzzy emotional feeling. It is much more of a deep desire to reveal the fullness of the Father’s heart toward His people through the prophetic voice. Internationally renowned apostle and Prophet Rick Joyner said in one of his books ‘no other ministry carries the potential for either blessing or disaster as does the prophetic’ (The Prophetic Ministry, Morning Star Publications, 1997). 

In order to function as a revelator of the Father’s heart the modern prophet must walk in quality of character that reflects the transforming power of grace. If a prophet speaks a word that implies it is a direct word from the Lord, e.g. ‘thus says the Lord’, then it must be as pure as possible in reflecting the character of the Lord.  Character development and personal integrity are prerequisites to walking in the role of prophet. Prophets must be well seasoned in ministry and mentored by more mature ministers to walk in the fullness of their calling.  

Character development includes four key heart attitudes, the first of which is (1) intimacy with the Father.  Intimacy with the Father is foundational to the prophet’s ministry. A mature prophet’s primary passion and position is being a friend of God.  Jesus said, ‘I no longer call you servants…I have called you friends’ (John 15:15).   THIS is their life goal...being so close to the heart of the Father that they speak only what He speaks. The Apostle John is a good example of this character quality. Throughout the New Testament it was John who was so very close to Jesus. It was John’s gospel that speaks so strongly and clearly about Jesus' relationship with the Father.  Through this intimacy with the Father the prophet gains a heart of love for the people. Without this intimacy a prophet may prophesy but the words will often come tainted with a harshness and hardness that does not reflect the grace or love of God. A lack of intimate relationship will reflect hardness toward God’s people. This does not mean a prophet cannot speak corrective words to individuals and churches, but he/she will speak such words encased in the Father’s heart; the nature of Jesus. If a prophet say’s ‘thus says the Lord’ it must be the intimate heart of the Lord they are reflecting.

This series is from Pastor Harvey Wittmier of the CrossFire Church Centennial Colorado.

Coming in the next post…the second character attribute of the prophet-humility.

The New Covenant Prophet…..Preparing, Watching, Revealing

Ephesians. 4:9-13 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the fullness of Christ.

All 5 of these ministry gifts are NECESSARY in preparing the church toward unity, maturity, and the full measure of all that is Christ in us and through us. Every person who calls themselves ‘Christian’ must have all these gifts speaking into their lives if they are to grow and develop into the fullness of salvation for which Jesus paid the price! Today I’ll begin a series on one of these gifts; that of the prophet.

To prophesy is to reveal and declare the heart of God for a circumstance, a person, a church, a season, or even a nation. We know from 1 Cor. 14:1-3 that prophecy is a spiritual gift that anyone can desire and receive, but the role of ‘prophet’ goes well beyond the gift of prophecy. Many believers can prophesy, but only a few walk in the role of prophet. Prophets certainly have the gift of prophecy but their role in the church is bigger than simply prophesying in a church service.

Rick Joyner, author, pastor, apostle, teacher and prophet said ‘no other ministry carries the potential for either blessing or disaster as does the prophetic’. Why? Because the prophet’s role is to bring forth ‘what the Father is saying today’. The prophet plays what I call ‘The God card’; speaking on behalf of God.  The responsibility to bring forth in accuracy and integrity the words and intentions of God the Father to His people is an awesome and sobering responsibility!

The New Covenant prophet ministers from the foundation of love and truth. God is love. Therefore the prophet’s ministry comes from a heart of love, first toward the Father, then toward His people. This differs from most Old Covenant prophets who certainly loved God, but many had little love for people. While some may challenge me on this assertion, remember that love as the conduit of God’s grace did not come to fulfillment until Jesus.  It is through being born-again, that we (and the prophet) have the ability to love people unconditionally (agapeo). The old covenant prophet spoke and functioned primarily out of God’s law of righteousness in opposition to sin. Jesus dealt a death blow to the power of sin through His work on the cross and resurrection. He fulfilled the law of righteousness.  By faith in Jesus we are righteous. We have the way grace, undeserved favor and blessing, flowing to those who would believe in Him.  It was God’s love (John 3:16), manifest in His Son, that makes it possible and pre-requisite for the prophet to love the Father AND His people.

This series is from Pastor Harvey Wittmier of the CrossFire Church Centennial Colorado.

The New Covenant Prophet…..preparing, watching, revealing (The Crossfire Minute Blog 3-13-13)

Coming in the next post…..the character of the prophet.

Concluding Comments on Anatomy of Miracle

My Concluding Comments on Anatomy of Miracle
This series on interactions had been and continues to be about the book Anatomy of a Miracle, by James B. Richards
In my last response I said the following:

“It is oblivious to me that you are a very intelligent and gifted person, I cannot argue you into altering your teaching nor should I as you and I both must answer to God alone. I would however recommend that you research the concepts you teach from the point of view of the new age teachers I have mentioned and listed resources quoted on my equippers tool box blog http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com review of your material on this subject. I believe this will protect you and enlighten you as to how these concepts are used by those who do not hold Jesus to be the Messiah use and teach these concepts. The end result is that you would be able to avoid communicating in a way that would hinder your stated goals to me and others. One of the great risk you take when you teach these ideas to those who know nothing about the new age or Gnostic teaching is that they become open to the ideas and may fall prey to New Age teaching that uses the same terminology. Not everyone is as well educated and intelligent as you are or able to discern between what you say your intent is and your content is and a new age writer/teacher who's intent is different and points away from Christ not toward him.”

My additional concern is that when you use quotes from Chinese Philosophers and non-biblical sources without pointing out that the Biblical material is on a different level of truth your non-Christian reader may assume that they are equal and that they have no need of Christ or the that the Bible does require them to come to Christ alone for real Spiritual truth.

The above are Just a few suggestions for you.

These are my concluding remarks. I still strongly believe what I have said about these teachings based on personal experience and study, I would prefer to agree to disagree and leave the matter at that for now as I do not see us coming to any type of theological agreement concerning your Anatomy of a Miracle teachings.

I might also add that success in ministry at one point in your life or over a period of time does not mean that everything we believe to be Biblical enlightenment is. This includes methodology as well as content. We must guard our hearts and those we teach from those things that take others away from the truth of God’s Word. This is even more true when we feel we have a certain out of the box anointing to do things differently in order to reach people.

Sincerely
Equipper

My Response to James B. Richards' Open Letter

Below is my response to James B. Richards' Open letter.

James

Thank you for your response. You are correct that there is much kingdom work to do and my focus is not to belittle you but to evaluate your work on this subject as stated previously!

I too have experience that causes me to respond as I have in seeking to equip and empower the believer to accomplish great kingdom assignments as God empowers them. I have taught on the college level at a Spirit filled Charismatic college, NT Greek, Hermeneutics, Spiritual Warfare, Prayer evangelism-City taking, deliverance, Angels and Demons, the Gospels, The person and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts and personality profiles, Deliverance and Inner healing, Minor prophets, Apologetics...yada yada yada.

I have a passion for revival and the outpouring of the Spirit in our day. I have had students from 27 nations and 18 native American people groups. many have fulfilled their callings in the five fold ministry and have accomplished more in 5 to 7 years then I could have imagined. My blogs are read all over the world. I have spent years crying out against dead religion and the curse of people saying they are Spirit filled and yet watching as those very same leaders continually flee the move of God in the name of not offending some.

All that to say I am not a novice at the things of God, the work of the Spirit both currently and in Church history. God mightily delivered me and has given me the honor of being a part of His wonderful work in the earth. Having said all that I am nothing in and of myself. The prophetic and teaching motivational gifting within me causes me to respond in ways and with a level of passion that is intense and I will not quench His working.

It is oblivious to me that you are a very intelligent and gifted person, I can not argue you into altering your teaching nor should I as you and I both must answer to God alone.

I would however recommend that you research the concepts you teach from the point of view of the new age teachers I have mentioned and the resources quoted on my equippers tool box blog http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com review of your material on this subject.

I believe this will protect you and enlighten you as to how these concepts are used by those who do not hold Jesus to be the Messiah use and teach these concepts. The end result is that you would be able to avoid communicating in a way that would hinder your stated goals to me and others.

One of the great risk you take when you teach these ideas to those who know nothing about the new age or Gnostic teaching is that they become open to the ideas and may fall prey to New Age teaching that uses the same terminology. Not everyone is as well educated and intelligent as you are or able to discern between what you say your intent is and your content is and a new age writer/teacher who's intent is different and points away from Christ not toward him. Just a few suggestions...

I would also like to conclude this discussion. I still strongly believe what I have said about these teachings based on personal experience and study, I would prefer to agree to disagree and leave the matter at that for now as I do not see us coming to any type of theological agreement concerning your Anatomy of A Miracle teachings.

Wayne

A Response from James Richards

The following is a response from Jim Richards to my previous post concerning his book, Anatomy of a Miracle.

Wayne,

I don’t know if we have ever met. It is hard to imagine that we have. Since you have so boldly and publically expressed your opinion about me I wondered if you would want to know the truth, which you have not bothered to discover, and if you had the courage to post my reply alongside your public attack.

I agree with your right to say anything you desire to say about my book. You have an opinion and by all means have the right to express that opinion except where it departs from fact.

First of all and most importantly, contrary to what you have written, I believe on and preach Jesus as Lord and Savior. I believe in the finished work of the cross. I believe in salvation through faith in the risen Lord. I do not claim, in my book nor in any of my teaching to have any secret knowledge or special anointing, both of which are Gnostic claims. This is something you extrapolated. I don’t think there are any secrets, Jesus was the revelation of God and we should look to Him, His Word and His finished work for our every belief, thought and opinion about every aspect of life and faith. I do in fact, strongly and clearly preach and warn against, Gnosticism, asceticism, mysticism and religious legalism.

I have been a fully committed believer for nearly forty years. I have preached the gospel to millions of people through crusades, books, videos, recorded messages and television. I have trained thousands of leaders around the world. I have had my share personal struggles as I have sought to walk with and grow in God, as we all have, but I have never had an unfulfilled life or ministry. I have never looked outside of the Gospel or outside of my relationship with God for anything. There has never been the need! Every day of following Jesus as Lord has been an adventure of faith and service. You do not know me, you know nothing of my beliefs yet, you seem very comfortable attacking, assuming and misrepresenting someone that you never bothered to call. write or email, and yet you seem to think that you have some scriptural right to do so. Yes, if you think something is not true, addresses it, but to jump to so many misrepresentations of the fact, seems to violate the truth for which you say you are stand.

You misquoted and/or misrepresented me on almost every point in your writing. I never said my concept of faith is not in the Bible. I may use a word, just as any preacher does on any sermon that is not in the Bible. But that is not departure from the Bible. We use words that make sense to people today. The number one tool that has always been fundamental in reaching any generation is using language they know. As you know, so much of what we do as ministers is help people understand these Biblical words and concepts, many of which are not even good translations from the original language. But, never have I represented any concept of departing from the Bible or having knowledge that is based on anything other than the Bible.

I did use medical and scientific research and discoveries to explain many of the things that are happening when we operate faith. But even Jesus did this, albeit on a more fundamental level that was more effective with the people He was reaching. The world is going to hell, partly because the church has been unwilling to speak a language that is relevant to this generation. We think that to depart from the King James English is an abomination or evidence of new age beliefs. The church is more comfortable with people going to hell than learning how to communicate. And if you know church history, this is a plague that has been repeated generation after generation by a hard hearted, unbelieving church.

You criticized the fact that I said we should chose the end we desire. Jesus said we should have the faith of God (Mark 11:22), one aspect of the faith of God is to see, perceive, experience and declare the end from the beginning. Isa 46:10, speaks of God, Declaring the end from the beginning. In Mark 11: 23 Jesus said we had to, speak to the mountain, believe that what we say comes to pass, and not doubt. That would infer the end that has been chosen. The Bible tells us that we have life and death, blessing and cursing set before us, we must make our own choice. Deut 30:19, I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

You criticize me for using the word intention. The Bible talks about the thoughts and intent of the heart, i.e. intention. There are many scriptures and words that in the original point to the concept of intention. I’m sure you understand the role intention has in faith. The word decide, intention and other words are implicated in the idea of repentance. For me to repent I have to change my mind, create new intentions about God life, sin or whatever. Just because they are not King James English it does not make the demonic. Intention may be mentioned in many ungodly writings, just as prayer, faith, love and every other Biblical truth is misrepresented and twisted. However, you are the one that has departed from reality and truth to imply that to use the word “intention” is to align myself with the Gnostic gospels or any New Age teacher. Satanist, conjure demons in the name of Jesus, should we stop using His name in prayer because of their misuse? Many new agers use the same words that you use when you talk about God; does that mean that when you use those words I have the right to pass judgment about all of your beliefs as you have mine? I think not!

You say, and I quote, “The author parts from the whole teaching of Bible on sin, the Word of God, the role of God's power in man's life and righteousness. By so doing he lifts up humanism (man's ability or potential is exalted) and God's redemptive work pushed to the side.” This is another complete untruth. Because I do not address those issues in this book is no indication of what I do or do not believe about them. Do you address every single doctrine about God every time you speak or write? If so does that give me license to pass judgment about your position on the issues you fail to address, or simply make things up, as you have done concerning me? If you preach a sermon that doesn’t deal with sin should I say that you are permissive? If you quote some of Jesus’ statements about whom man is in relationship to God does that make you a humanist?

You say I am a humanist because I have exalted man’s potential. My Bible Says we are created in the likeness and image of God, all things are possible if I believe. Jesus said He gives us the glory God gave Him. So does that make Jesus a humanist? I believe very deeply that in Christ we are all new creations. But I also believe that unregenerate man is still created in the likeness and image of God and that in that condition, as the scripture says, are loved by God! What you accuse me of, is the exact issue that ultimately drove the religious community to kill Jesus!

I probable preach a much stronger message about the issues of man’s fall, the effects of sin and man’s need for righteousness; through the finished work of Jesus than you have ever heard. It is the corner stone of everything I preach concerning man, his capacity for knowing God and experiencing eternal life. I had a very specific purpose for not addressing every Biblical issue in this book. I have been effective at winning the lost, especially those who have grown in antagonism toward the church. I do it based on the principles that Jesus used and what the scripture foretold of Him and His ministry. He didn’t shout in the streets, quoting scriptures at every sinner and pointing out every flaw. Most of His scriptural debates came when the legalists attacked Him for preaching what you have labeled as a humanistic message. He paraphrased scriptural truth into parables and concepts, usually about nature, that the people could conceptualize, thereby turning them to God!

Jesus didn’t minister like the legalists who had driven the people away from God. Isa 42:2-3, He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench. He just wasn’t religious enough for the Pharisees, but he was great at reaching the lost… as am I!

You claim to be charismatic, yet when I talked about flowing in what the Bible called words of knowledge, you ridiculed it. I may not have used a religious enough terminology to satisfy your mind, but if you were interested in the truth you would have acknowledged what I was talking about instead of twisting it. Hearing and perceiving, by the Spirit of God, what is happening internally with those to whom we minister is a cornerstone of Spirit led ministry. If it is of the devil then Jesus and every preacher who has flowed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit is of the devil. I have led thousands of people to Jesus because, as I shared the Word of God with them, the word of knowledge operated and I was able, by the Holy Spirit, to help them face their fears and life issues, including some of the issue that arose at that very moment.

You say these laws that operate in this world, the laws of physics, the natural laws are of the devil. If that is the case, you should never drive a car, fly in an airplane, or ride in a boat, in fact you should not eat, breathe or sleep, because life in this world is dependent on the laws that God Himself, the One and only Creator established. If a person experiencing healing apart from praying is of the devil then every time our body supports our natural healing process of our immune function, we are demon possessed. I realize that many people as Paul said, learn of these laws and worship the creation instead of the Creator. It is hard for me to imagine people being that stupid and it is hard for me to imagine how you extrapolated that from what I wrote. I see all that God has created, and I honor Him in everything. I recognize that every scientific discovery, every capacity of man, and every benefit of nature is a gift from God. Acknowledging that is worshipping our God, and in no way diminishes the Lordship of Jesus in my life or the lives of those who read my material. In fact, it has just the opposite effect.

I don’t know if you mean well, or if you are just a mean-hearted legalist that attacks everything he doesn’t understand. But, if you actually care to know, let’s get this down to the bottom line: I wrote a book about the laws of nature that have operated from the beginning. I explained how people could operate in these laws whether they were or were not saved and I gently pointed people to the proactive love of our Creator. My bible says God is good and causes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust. The religious dichotomy of secular and sacred has been what has caused those who value nature to be driven out of the church into other movements. It is the churches unscriptural dualistic theories that have driven science and a lot of intelligence out of the church.

You say you have a back ground in new age and witchcraft, and then you should heed the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 14 where people attacked him for eating meat sacrificed to the devil. The apostle Paul pointed out that their observance and sensitivity to those false gods and religious rules indicated they were weak in the faith. They believe more in the life they came from than the finished work of Jesus! I have known hundreds of former new agers that were more moved by what they feared than what the Bible actually taught about who we are and what we have in Jesus!

I say these laws honor God and help us understand God. You say they don’t. The apostle Paul said they would in fact help us understand God. Rom 1:20, for since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

I said operate faith the same way God does, since we are created in His likeness and image. You say that is new age. Jesus said, Mark 11:22, so Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. Bro Hagin and most Word of faith teacher, and the Greek language all agree that could be translated have the faith “of” God.

I say, choose the end you desire. You say that to choose the end you desire is new age and of the devil. Moses said you choose (Deut 30:19). Jesus said, What thing you desire when you pray…(Mark 11:24).

I used 21st century terminology, firmly based on scripture in order to make this more understandable and appealing to the lost, the struggling and those who have been turned away from Christianity. You claim that is a departure from the word of God. Yet, this is exactly what Jesus did through the use of parables.

I have not written you to persuade you. But, if you are a man of integrity, you will post my reply. You will also repent publically of the places you took liberty with your judgments and assumptions. Feel free to clearly state that you disagree with this book. But if you are a man of integrity you will retract your attacks on my beliefs. You will admit that you addressed issues that were totally outside of the scope of this one book and that you actually have no knowledge of what I believe.

This book has already sold more than 6000 copies. I have had about 5 complaints, counting yours. There were actually a couple of those who had enough integrity to write or call me and ask their questions. Most of those were satisfied with my response. On the other hand, this book has been widely accepted by many of the most reputable teachers and preachers in America. Testimony after testimony has come in from people who have not only made faith much simpler, but have actually fallen more deeply in love with God. Young people, college students and youth are able to sit through science and biology classes and realize that God created all things. Many parents have reported their children started reading the Bible again. New Agers who had been so opposed to Christianity are taking a fresh look at Jesus and some are coming to the Lord.

For centuries, the church has fought over every “jot and title;” we have fought over words and terminologies. Despite Paul’s many warning over the vanity of fighting over these issues, we still tend to think that if someone is out of the religious box, or if they say something different than we say it, that it is automatically of the devil. The church has arrogantly and hypocritically taken the position that unless “truth” came from the church it was not truth and was of the devil. They held on to the idea that the earth was flat and all who disagreed should come to a violent death.

I’m sorry if my book offends you. But I promise you this. While you are busy arguing over your doctrinal struggles (which I can respect if you have the integrity to follow scriptural rules for communication and honesty), I will be reaching people that you will never reach and they will come to Jesus, and fall in love with God!

Do you have the courage to post this reply? Do you have the courage to be a man, and open honest dialog with me before you continue in your unscriptural rant?

If not then there is no need for any further dialog. As I said, I’m not writing to change you. I’m just giving you and your followers an opportunity for the truth you left out, or twisted!

Sincerely,
Jim Richards

Anatomy of a Miracle or Deception

The Anatomy of a Miracle: Cutting-Edge Science Has Finally Advanced to a State That Puts the Miraculous Within the Grasp of Modern Man by Dr. James B. Richards.

Dr Richards is a popular Teacher in Some Charismatic Circles.

I do not write this review as a non charismatic for I am charismatic and in love with the supernatural outworking of God in people's lives. 
I write this as a former new age cult member and later in life as a Pastor of several Spirit Filled Churches and a Charismatic Bible College Dean and Professor with degrees in Bible and Theology, as well as a warning to all who might be deceived by this book.

Throughout Church history there have been those who sought to combine the philosophies of the men and women with the revelation of God in the Bible to show us a better way. Some would call this syncretism (the combining of Biblical teaching with the Philosophies of the world) others will call it deception. 

Throughout church history there have been great outpourings of the Holy Spirit and Revivals that changed the course of history and brought a revitalization of the Good News proclaimed by Jesus Christ and a supernatural outpouring works among God's people.

Other people in Church history have experienced the supernatural power and truth of God through Jesus Christ and then lost their way through their own unmet needs which left them open to deception or through the combining of the teachings of Jesus the messiah who is the fulfillment of the prophecies in the Old Testament the revelation of the one true God given to the Hebrew people with other philosophies or religions.

The Anatomy of a Miracle offers extra biblical teaching about faith and the author admits that this concept is not found in the Bible. He says "You have to see the ending that you want." "You really won't find this word in the Bible, but as you study faith, you start finding this principle and it's the principle of intention."

It is Gnostic in its Character: The term "Gnostic" derives from "gnosis," which means "knowledge" in Greek. The Gnostics believed that they were privy to a secret knowledge about the divine, hence the name. It is this lie about special knowledge that tricked Eve in the Garden of Eden. This special knowledge is the foundation of the Masons, the Rosicrucian and many other false religions.

The author said, "You know what? When I'm preaching...so many times I hear what people are thinking. For real! I'm hearing all these voices....."

As one who was saved out of the new age movement and witchcraft I know that hearing the thoughts of others is a new age and occultic concept not a Biblical concept.

Deepak Chopra, Ester Hicks, Rhonda Byrne, Marianne Williamson, Edgar Casey and Eckhart Tolle would love this book. Unfortunately it does not place a high value on Jesus the Messiah, the Holy Spirit or the full teaching of the Bible.

It is the most deceptive combination of Scripture and New Age Laws to date.

Speaking about these laws, they are not Biblical nor do they comply with Biblical teaching. Perhaps one of the greatest faults of this book is it's placement of the so called law's on a par with the truth of God's Word, the Bible.

BELOW IS A DETAILED ANALYSIS

The Anatomy of a Miracle by Dr. James Richards This analysis covers both the book and the seminar that was streamed in Denver.

Jim teaches extra biblically about faith and admits that his concept is not found in the Bible. He says “You have to see the ending that you want.” “You really won’t find this word in the Bible, but as you study faith, you start finding this principle and it’s the principle of intention.”

Law of Intention-Jim advances this concept which is clearly taught in New Age philosophy, e.g. Deepak Chopra’s book, Seven Principles of Success. Chopra calls it the ‘law of intention and desire.’
o Chopra is especially fond of the Gnostic gospels in his presentation of Christ as the ‘Third Jesus’.
o Many new age authors endorse this ‘law’ and its centrality to new age spirituality.

Redefining key concepts Redefines sin, removing God from the equation as being offended by sin... “Don’t ever think about sin as ‘these are the bad things, these are the wrong things;’ think about things as ‘these are the self-destructive things.’”
o Redefines ‘logos’ as not being the written Word of God, but rather “concepts…logic…the way God works…creative ideas based on Scriptural principles” (This inserts much elasticity in the Word that affords much room for “new” interpretation.)
o Redefines righteousness… “Righteousness…is when things are as they should be…Righteousness is a state of being where things are as they should be…Being happy is righteous because that’s how it should be.” (Many unsaved people are quite happy in their sin-based lives, but their happiness certainly does not reflect any righteousness before God!)
o The overall effect of all the redefining moves man to the center and God to the background.

Serendipity principle –
o Direct quote: Jim says “In reality, if we live in joy and peace, 90% of what we are wasting our lives praying for, we will never have to pray for again. It’ll just happen. See, I believe in walking in the pathway of life.” “If I am walking in this path, the serendipity principle works. You know, serendipity is where you find something…the thing that you want on your way to something else.”
o New age authors espouse this spontaneous or accidental discovery of your ‘pathway’.
o According to The American Heritage College Dictionary, serendipity is defined: The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. [From the characters in the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip, who made such discoveries.]

Jim claims to hear your thoughts-He said, “You know what? When I’m preaching…so many times I hear what people are thinking. For real! I’m hearing all these voices…..”
o This is dangerous territory in the spirit realm; multiple voices bringing people’s thoughts to Jim Richards
o Hearing of others’ thoughts is also a new age teaching that revolves around ‘thought vibrations’ that not only create your personal universe but can be heard by other finely tuned spiritual people.

Jesus Christ is not central to miracles, to your life, to blessing.
o Anyone can operate in the supernatural based upon quantum physics.
o There is much that can happen in the realm of the supernatural which does not emanate from the power of God, but this teaching does not stipulate that there can be a difference.

The Anatomy of a Miracle gives credence and credibility to universal theology of ‘same god, different approaches’ to get your miracle.
o Does not include Holy Spirit.
o Does not draw people to Jesus.
o Parallels ideas and concepts in many of the books aligned with ‘new age’ or ‘new thought’ philosophy; uses same language and content.
o Gives credibility to muli-theistic, multiple-pathways to a miracle; gives credibility to the Gnostic gospels which are very popular among some new age authors.
o This book has been presented as “evangelistic.” Virtually any book can be evangelistic, i.e. a believer uses it as a platform to bring Jesus into the conversation.
o Jim’s book is consistent with the writings of Deepak Chopra, Ester Hicks, Rhonda Byrne, and Marianne Williamson. Are they evangelistic? If so, unto whom or what?

Law of Attraction-comes from prolific writings emanating back to the late 1800’s and currently popularized by Ester and Jerry Hicks, Michael Losiere, Louise Hay, Ophra Winfrey and by Rhonda Byrne’s book The Secret.
o This ‘law’ states that we create our own reality. (Under this concept then, is it fair to say that the disciples all created their own persecution and martyrdom?)
o It’s all about what we think that creates everything.
o Our thoughts create the miracle; create all circumstances of life.

Law of Harmony- Also known as the ‘law of rhythm’ in metaphysical circles and is closely related to the ‘law of vibration’. Jim discusses this law in the context of the ‘yin and the yang’ Chinese philosophical thought and attempts to tie it to Old Testament principles. This ‘law’ is something Jim advocates as valid and is also advanced as legitimate among new age authors and bloggers.

It is difficult to see how a born-again believer who did not know Jim Richards, had never read any previous books, and simply read The Anatomy of a Miracle objectively could conclude its content to be evangelistic for Jesus, aligned with the Biblical gospel, or consistent with the work of the Cross, and the contemporary activity of the Holy Spirit.
o Filtering his teachings through the grid of positive previous knowledge, i.e. Jim has other good books; he is a minister; he teaches grace and faith righteousness; he’s highly educated and he frames his teaching within the context of Christianity enables one to “assume” his teachings are based in Christianity.

Egocentric theology - It’s all about what YOU want.
o Think it and get it.
o You are the creator of your world…..not a kingdom perspective.
o It’s all about you (me)
o This self-centered theology is central to all new age thinking and practice.

0verall teaching tone Heavy use of condescension, humor and sarcasm to belittle, demean and
diminish those who do not agree with him.
o Demeans and criticizes ‘the church,’ setting up an “us against them” kind of elitism. Continually refers to the church as “they” or “them” instead of including himself.
o Jim’s approach is not the approach laid forth in the New Testament scriptures, but it is rather condescending, manipulative, and diminishing as a means of controlling people’s response…how could anyone disagree without being viewed as stupid, religious, legalistic, rigid, and ‘one of them’?
o Creates an elitist attitude, i.e. we’ve got the only true message and others either agree or be cast in the light of the above.

Conclusion: Embracing Jim Richard’s latest book and teaching
I believe this to be a major departure from Biblical Truth that is being heralded as ‘good news.’

It is a departure from core beliefs of Spirit filled, Charismatic and Pentecostal believers.

New Age References as examples consistent with Richard’s teaching:
Ask and it is Given, Esther and Jerry Hicks. Hay House, Inc. 2004.
Quantum Healing; Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine, Deepak Chopra. Bantum Books. 1989.
The Law of Attraction, Ester and Jerry Hicks. Hay House, Inc. 2006
The Secret, Rhonda Byrne. Atria Books. 2006.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra. Amber-Allen Publishing. 1994.
The Five Rules of Thought, Mary T. Browne. Atria Books. 2007
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire; Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence, Deepak Chopra. 2003.
The Spontaneous Healing of Belief; Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits, Greg Braden. Hay House. 2008.

Thanks to PHW for his valuable research on this book. You also see another review of it at

Equipper

New Age References as examples consistent with Richard's teaching:

Ask and ; It Is Given, Esther and Jerry Hicks. Hay House, Inc. 2004.

Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine; Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine, Deepak Chopra. Bantum Books. 1989.

The Law of Attraction, Ester and Jerry Hicks. Hay House, Inc. 2006

The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham, Rhonda Byrne. Atria Books. 2006.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams, Deepak Chopra. Amber-Allen Publishing. 1994.

The 5 Rules of Thought: How to Use the Power of Your Mind to Get What You Want, Mary T. Browne. Atria Books. 2007

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence; Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence, Deepak Chopra. 2003.

The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits; Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits, Greg Braden. Hay House. 2008.

Living Gnosis: A Practical Guide to Gnostic Christianity The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

I will post the interactions between Dr Richards and myself about his book over the next few days.

Revival is More Than Being Full

REVIVAL IS NOT Just Being Saturated With the Presence of God!! 
Most people who have experienced God's Presence are in for a surprise If God pours out His mighty Power in revival. 
Revivals Change people. churches, cities and nations and sometimes the World.

"Revival is a sovereign work of God–in answer to sincere, prevailing prayer–in which He:

• Grips His people with deep conviction, repentance, forgiveness, and deliverance from personal sin
• Fills His people with the Holy Spirit and manifests in them the fruit and grace of the Holy Spirit
• Causes non-Christians to earnestly seek Him
• Ignites in His people, young and old, a passion to bring the lost to Christ at home and around the world

Charles Finnely, revered as the father of modern revival, called revival a "renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one's will to God in deep humility." (1) Who is responsible for revival? God or man? Do you work a revival up or do you pray a revival down? What are the conditions for revival? These are legitimate questions that Christian theologians and laymen frequently ask.

The great and holy, righteous, and loving Creator God is sovereign. He rules in the affairs of men and nations. Everything in creation is under His control He has chosen, however, to give to His children the privilege of working together with Him to take the "Good News" of His love and forgiveness to Christ to the world. In like manner, He has entrusted to man a virtually important role in preparing the way for revival. Whatever God tells you to do, He will give you the power and ability to do. the apostle Paul said, "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippines 2:13). God has given to me and to multitudes of others a desire to fast and pray, and to work for a spiritual awakening for our country and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission throughout the world.

During World War II, we were fighting the Japanese man-to-man from island to island with great casualties. with a kamikaze spirit the enemy fought fiercely, willing to die for their emperor whom they believed to be god. American forces knew that when they invaded Japan, millions of people would die, and the outcome of the war could still be in question. Suddenly, President Truman dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Japanese surrendered and the war ended immediately.

In the providence of God, I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual atomic bomb of our moment in history to bring down the strongholds of evil, bring a great revival and spiritual awakening to America, and accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission. On the basis of His Holy Word and divine assurances He has placed in my heart, I am absolutely convinced that our Sovereign God is going to send a great revival to our nation and world so that the Great Commission will be fulfilled.

God's Word admonishes us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33, NKJ). Jesus said, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34, NKJ). In Mark 10:29, 30 He promises great rewards to everyone who forsakes all to follow, trust, and obey Him.

I urge you with every conviction within me–yes, with tears of compassion and commitment–to plan and prepare for revival. I trust that these insights will be mightily used of God to help you in your preparation."

Bill Bright(Excerpt from Coming Revival)(1) 1 E. E. Shelhamer, How to Experience Revival (Springdale, PA:Whitaker House, 1984, p.7)
http://www.thegreatawakenings.org/images/revival_12