Trojan Horses in the Church Today - Part 6: Contemplative Spirituality

[@sheryljames8704]

THANK YOU❤

[@Crossbearer100]

Outstanding series on Trojan Horses In the Church! I love hearing great preaching that confirms my own preaching. I would also add role playing games to make the person something they aren't. It becomes their idols like in Ezekiel chapter 8. Thank you

[@chuckyoo]

What an awesome teaching, thank you so much and God bless you. Shared on my channel.

[@glengovan6496]

Thanks again Pastor!!!

[@SavedInANanosecond.]

Fantastic Pastor Tom!

[@tracywatson4756]

Popular Christianity isn't Biblical and Biblical Christianity isn't popular.

[@Serious_Sam003]

I got to share this with my family excellent message the whole Trojan horse series is really great

[@loriirons9503]

This was just an outstanding series...So appreciated Pastor Cucuzza!!!

[@GodisLoveUK24]

Excellent series many thanks from Isle of Man 🇮🇲 Uk

[@frazikat]

This has been a very timely and excellent series! Thank you SO MUCH for showing the truth about these "new" movements in the mainstream church. I have yet to find a local church that is not deep into at least one of these errors (not to mention teaching a false gospel). Thank you for sharing this online!

[@tumipeele8174]

Thank you for this message Ps Cucuzza. I listened to christians talking about one having to be still after praying and let God speak in turn. I tried this and got up from praying without any extra message from God outside the scripture that I read, believing that I am not as holy as other christians who heard God speaking. I am thankful to God for allowing me to listen to this message. God bless and keep you

[@PerrynBecky]

As a former Charismatic, I can say that they have been doing this for years calling it "Rema knowledge".

[@gregorylatta8159]

Occult!!!

[@RealBobEvans]

Thank you for this series pastor Tom! I'm very glad someone on KZbin directed me here.

[@psalm2129]

Not even 4 minutes in and love the message already. I’ve subscribed!

[@carrotstick1970]

A friend gave me Pete Scazerro’s book, “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality,” and I knew from the title and subtitle that this was not a premise that would align with the Bible. It was complete rubbish that is contemplative spirituality, and now on Amazon there are empty lined journals so that when engaging in “contemplative prayer” you could write your very own “inspired” “word of God.” The only thing not okay is believing the Bible as it is written. I appreciate this message so very much. Thank you, thank you!

[@pattytoscano9569]

Awesome, from New York!

[@gregorylatta8159]

Clear teaching!!!

[@faith_alone]

I heard a preacher say this: If you get an "extra-biblical revelation" that agrees with scripture, it's uneeded because it's already in scripture. And if you get an "extra biblical revelation" that disagrees with scripture, it's not from God. Also, how can you be sure that the "voice" you're hearing isn't just your own deluded mind talking back to you? Anyways, stay far away from people claiming that "God told me X," or "God showed me Y", ESPECIALLY in regards to the rapture.

[@myname-ns1rp]

We should not despise prophesy, as Paul instructs people who were not apostles (the congregation at Thessalonica) and not quench the Spirit, but test everything and hold to what is good. Scripture tells us what to do, the Holy Spirit sometimes guides us in who to do it to, when, or by what approach to evangelize, or what words to say, such as when brought before courts. Bethel, NAR, "holy spirit bartenders", barking like a dog, rolling on the floor, this stuff is obvious and just requires basic discernment to realize its from the devil. I'm against eastern mystical practices such as meditation, two-way prayer, etc. But we shouldn't shun what scripture endorses either. Should Philip have thought it was a demon who whispered to him when the Holy Spirit told him to stand next to the chariot? Why did Philip need "extrabiblical" guidance when Jesus had already taught them and given him the great commission to preach the gospel to every creature?

[@densershepherd4479]

Love your ministry Pastor Cucuzza! Thank you for preaching the Word! I find spiritual, emotional and physical strength in your consistency to never waiver from TRUTH.

[@3962_]

Great teaching and insight.

[@timothyIII1977]

Amen Pastor Thomas

[@myname-ns1rp]

Scripture must be the authority and any subjective experiences we have must be held to scripture as the litmus test for whether an experience is valid and from God. The Bible says "it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." (acts 2) I don't think we are even a decade away from the tribulation, so these are certainly the last of the last days. Even back in Acts, we see Philip having a subjective experience- The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” (acts 8) Now we could say "well that's because He didn't have a completed new testament so the Spirit had to give Him special guidance but that's not for today." But the 12 apostles (of which Philip was one) had already received the great commission and was told to "preach the gospel to every creature." (mark 16) Shouldn't that be sufficient? We also have Paul instructing the Corinthian congregation to "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." (1 cor 14) Why do they need prophets since none of the Corinthian congregants end up writing a word in the Bible? It says the reason is that "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." Also, it says it would win over unbelievers: "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth." How do we delineate, if this was "just for the Corinthians and not for us reading the Bible today" where the line is for anything written to the 1st century church (the whole new testament)? We are fine with following the other instruction Paul gives them on idols or marriage, but suddenly when it becomes about the Holy Spirit's gifts, many say, "no, no, that's not for today." I am against the NAR. I am against Bethel and against Sarah Young's writings and folks doing practices that are akin to eastern mysticism, yet I am open to the HOLY Spirit in my life, His conviction, His leading. I do not go seeking "experiences," yet the Holy Spirit can and does guide the body, and this is biblical. Visions, dreams, prophesying (not new additions to the Word of God, but prophesying about situational things for certain individuals), the leading of the Holy Spirit (as far as He leads us in doing the will of God according to the Word of God) are all for today and we should not grieve or quench the Spirit, but discern and test all things and hold to that which is good. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess 5) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (Jesus Christ in John 14) 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." -Jesus Christ in Mark 16 Why do we teach verse 16 is for everyone, but relegate 17 and 18 to not be valid for any but the apostles? It's one connected thought: If you believe, you'll be saved. Signs will follow believers (not every believer, but they will occur). There are so many false healers and slight of hand "miracle workers" who profit from their act. True. But we can't just shun the Holy Spirit's operation when it is genuine because of these. Just as we do not change the gospel like Lordship crowd does because there is sin in the church. It's also interesting to note that verses 17-18 were deleted from the bible in the corrupt translations, but it's there in the KJV. why should we effectively delete it by saying it's "not for us?"

[@photoniccannon2117]

This is why I'm not a cessationist. I'm not a charasmatic either (too much confusion in that crowd), but the Bible simply does not teach anywhere that the spiritual gifts will cease on this side of heaven.

[@amazinggrace4507]

2 Corinthians 11:14 - 'And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.'

[@SOG8014]

Excellent thank you!

[@trentthompson2899]

Amen, Thanks Pastor. All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness: .... Nothing outside of the rightly divided scriptures is safe to use for assurance of salvation or for assurance of any type of spirituality.

[@MarcG7778]

Amen! Praise Jesus! 🥰🩸🌹✝️👑

[@19bmase]

Reformers Unanimous ministries teach a two-way prayer in their prayer journal. The founder of Reformers Unanimous, was a guy named Steve Curington, who has now passed away. Anyway, Curington taught a two-way prayer technique. He said to pause and write down the thoughts that come to your mind. I tried that in 2014, and nearly lost my mind with the spiritual attacks. The Bible never says to listen to voices!

[@bstein9500]

Sounds like the charismatic movement.

[@sagepeace9088]

He said to have your senses exercised to determine both Good and Evil.... You should know. His word is truth and Life. He said let no man be you're teacher but the Holy Spirit be you're guide. Jesus said there is danger in the teachings and doctrines of men. Be careful of the teachings of men. Talk to God he lives in you. By faith.

[@gaylewoikey-qn4tn]

Thank you for this ministry. Are there any safe congregations in Katy Texas? So many “churches” are off the deep end of the pier! Deception abounds.

[@fishouttawtr]

God's truth reigns supreme through His eternal word!!! HALLELUJAH!!!🎶the B I B L E...yes that's the book for me... I stand alone on the word of God...the B I B L E🎶 I learned that as a 5 year old!

[@catherinegray1367]

What are we to do? How are we to *not* lose our humanity? This world has nothing for me. But if I live under a rock how am I going to win anyone to Christ?

[@foxiefair123]

For “all beings”? That’s a red flag right there.

[@Benny-zx6bi]

I know God in scripture and in prayer.

[@richardmaldonado574]

What about Tim Kelller ?

[@promaster1351]

there are some things we pray or ask for that is not found in the bible...so then we need an answer from the holy spirit........God can and does at times speak to his kids in an audible voice when he sees fit.....the bible does say that his sheep know his voice and that can be audible.....the holy spirit does speak to us in thoughts to lead and guide us.......the primary way is thru the written word......God can give us a dream if he sees he needs to.....if i ask God if i should buy the house i am looking at since he wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives then we need an answer ...God then would reply by an impression on our heart or a peaceful thought.......the holy spirit can also warn us of things to do or not if it might harm us.......

[@Benny-zx6bi]

Prayer? Isn’t prayer interaction with God outside of the scriptures? Of course scripture is the standard but prayer is so important.

[@Benny-zx6bi]

Is being quiet ok?

[@soulh4838]

Yeah, no surprise. I use to kinda listen to Luis Palau in years past before I started reading my Bible through cover to cover. Now, he has gone to hell for his heresies!

[@kathleenking47]

You think so🤔

[@bobtaylor170]

How dare you make such a judgment? You have no right to do it. If Palau believed in Jesus as the Second Person of the Triune Godhead made Incarnate, he is in Heaven.

[@bobtaylor170]

And you should be ashamed of yourself.

[@freyaaldrnari6086]

I keep getting blasphemous, Intrusive thoughts. I didn't until I trusted Jesus as my saviour. It does make me question my salvation. I don't always feel secure. It is called scrupulosity/ religious OCD. Martin Luther had this .... These thoughts (I can't control) I will be judged by thoughts I can't control? They keep me up at night. This is very upsetting.

[@amazinggrace4507]

Thoughts that are contrary to the new birth you receive when you believe the one true gospel; you believe the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ washed all of your sins away on that cross and the Son of God rose from the dead for your justification are coming either from demonic attack or the old nature. Remember the old and new natures are at war with each other (Galatians 5:17). I find it helpful to listen to reassuring books of the Bible on audio Bible while you sleep. It keeps your mind on Christ. John's Gospel is great for reassurance of salvation. Don't forget you are held by the power of the Trinity. If we believeth not God abideth faithful for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). I can have faith lapses, too. Renew your mind and remember who you are in Christ.

[@densershepherd4479]

Frey’s Aldrnari. Satan is fighting! Continue in the Word of God. Salvation is not your feeling anything but place your faith in the Fact of God’s Word that is never changing! Feelings change; God’s Word does not.

[@promaster1351]

why not start seeing yourself as God sees you everyday......and also dont even bother with thinking your not saved....your salvation is based on what jesus did for you not what your think do or say......God says he is the one who keeps and maintains our salvation by his power and his faithfulness not ours........when God looks on us he sees us everyday thru the blood thats is placed on the mercy seat in heaven.....and thats sinless pure holy blood...therefore he can only see us as righteous, holy, forgiven justified and sanctified in christ. as for thoughts thats just the evil demons that try to influence people...we all have to deal with that....

[@19bmase]

​@@promaster1351amen, amen, amen!! I praise the Lord Jesus Christ for your post. It is a tremendous blessing and encouragement

[@19bmase]

​@@densershepherd4479thank you for this. Lord bless you abundantly. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ for your encouragement and finding this series.

[@JensenSarpy]

39:21 - Traditional Catholicism was already wicked and never was Christian to begin with. But now they're going a step further with that ecumenical stuff which makes sense because that religion will be the one-world religion during the Tribulation. Excellent teaching and great series!!

[@bobtaylor170]

When you say they were "never Christian," you show what is almost universal among American evangelicals: stunning ignorance of history. Who do you think it was who held The Seven Ecumenical Councils, which hammered out which books were canonical to the New Testament and which were not? Who do you think formulated The Apostles Creed and The Nicene Creed. The Holy Catholic Church, as it was called. But there is a Devil, isn't there? And he polluted that church horribly, didn't he. Still, with all of its miserable flaws, the Roman Catholic Church still teaches the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, most importantly, that God became Incarnate in Jesus Christ. I am not suggesting that you become Catholic. But you really go too far when you say that the Catholic Church was "never Christian."

[@paulgee8113]

I'm a Baptist and speak in tongues. I'll go by what Paul says over any Baptist preacher . 1 Cor 14:39

[@petermaisey]

Which tongues?

[@amazinggrace4507]

I can't make you listen, but I have done 1 Corinthians with Pastor Cucuzza. Here is his study in this section of 1 Corinthians. I do hope you will listen to it. 1 Corinthians 14:1-26 - The What, Who, And Why Of Spiritual Gifts - Part6 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH3WZnuwjtung68 1 Corinthians 14:27-40 - The What, Who, And Why Of Spiritual Gifts - Part7 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIS8gHSfpNCAnMU

[@Ahmedpuno]

Gibberish tounge?

[@randyd9805]

There is no such thing as praying in tongues as you are practicing in the Bible. Satan has deceived you on this and you are being influenced by demonic forces. Tongues in the Bible simply mean a language, nothing more or less. Satan has deceived many with the misunderstanding on this and to make them think this is from the Holy Spirit. Nothing could be further from the truth. The gift of tongues in the Bible was the supernatural ability to understand or speak in a language in order to preach the gospel and teach God's word so that the hearers could be saved and edified or built up in the faith. It WAS NEVER so you could pray in a language you do not even understand to God who alone understands it. You are fooling around with DEMONS, not the Holy Spirit of God.

[@keith3362]

@@randyd9805 If it's just a language then explain this scripture - For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2, NASB) You said ' it was never so you could pray in a language you do not understand to God who alone understands' - Paul said one who speaks in tongues does not speak to men but unto God for no one understands. So the Bible itself DIRECTLY contradicts what you said.

[@patrickbarnes9874]

This was a wonderful message in everything but the title. The title is too broad. Certainly it is true that a subjective experiential spirituality is dangerous to your soul. However, calling that contemplative is also dangerous because it risks limiting people's growth in their walk with the Lord. Journaling about your thoughts on God is contemplative. Doing daily devotionals is contemplative. As he said, he encourages people to spend quiet time alone with the Lord. But by using such an overly broad term as contemplative spirituality to describe practicing something that strays from the word of God, you are also condemning legitimate prayer because "contemplative spirituality" is an accurate description of spending quiet time with God. So if you encourage people to avoid contemplative spirituality then you are doing the opposite of encouraging people to spend quiet time with God. The content of the message was A+ quality but I don't think the framing of it was wise. If what you are meaning to warn about is subjective experiential spirituality then that's what you should say up front. Be accurate and specific. I picture someone seeing a book of prayers or thoughts about Bible verses and rejecting it if the description happens to contain the word "contemplative" and possibly missing out on healthy discerning thoughtfulness about scripture because of using a vague term that throws the baby out with the bath water.

[@theeternalslayer]

Sola scriptura isnt true 🤦‍♂️

[@carrotstick1970]

For a sincere, practicing Christian, sola scriptura is the highest and best approach, because the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible.

[@Dilley_G45]

​@@carrotstick1970 sola scriptura doesn't mean you can't read a bible commentary. Thats not what sola scriptura means