Sunday, April 6, 2008

Don't be deceived/My two cents worth on Oprah

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpents's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough...


For such men are false prophets, deceitful workman, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Corinthians 11: 3-15




Ok... so I've read several sites recently and received several emails about Oprah, and I have to tell you that I am just plain mad. And at the same time I am sad. Sad that she is so deluded and that she is confusing so many people. I'm sure many of you have already seen this video:






Did you know that in addition to Oprah doing webcast classes on Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth on her book club, that Marianne Williamson's A Course in Miracles is also being offered on her XM Satellite radio show? The only miracles I am interested in are the ones that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Holy One, the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty God my maker performs. And the only new earth I am interested in is the one that God himself will create as He says in Isaiah 65:17 "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind."


Oprah has been deceived. And now she is deceiving and leading others astray. But before we are so quick to judge... let's not forget how easily we can be deceived too.


God's Word says that Satan himself masquerades as an Angel of Light. We sometimes have difficulty discerning between the true Light of the World and the fake light that Satan tries to trick us with. This is why it is so important to know the Truth. Not just part of the Truth... all of the Truth. Satan will take parts of the Word and twist them to suit his purposes and he wants you to do the same. Don't fall for his tricks. Know and be able to distinguish the voice of the Father from the voice of the accuser.


Colossians 2:6-8 says "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosphies, which depend on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."


The notes in the NIV Life Application Bible on these verses say: "Paul uses the illustration of our being rooted in Christ. Just as plants draw nourishment from the soil through their roots, so we draw our life-giving strength from Christ. The more we draw our strength from Him, the less we will be fooled by those who falsely claim to have life's answers. Paul writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. Paul himself was a gifted philosopher, so he is not condemning philosophy. He is condemning teaching that credits humanity, not Christ, with being the answer to life's problems. That approach becomes a false religion. There are many man-made approaches to life's problems that totally disregard God. To resist heresy you must use your mind, keep your eyes on Christ and study God's Word."


It certainly seems to me that Eckhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson fall into the category of preaching false religions that credit humanity as the answer to life's problems. People who are not rooted in Christ will fall for their false claims.


In my Angela Thomas study this week she focuses on weak-willed women. The passage of scripture she highlights is 2 Timothy 3:1-9. It says: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth - men of depraved minds, who as far as faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone."


As Angela Thomas says in her study... we can all be weak-willed women at times. We must stay in God's Word rooted in Him so we are not deceived. We as Christians should pray for ourselves to be strengthened in our faith and we should pray for those who are lost. We should not attack Oprah and Friends but pray for them.


I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

17 comments:

Jenny said...

I feel sad for her too. I hate seeing her lead so many people astray!

Then I get a little mad, because many of us, notice I said us, give her alot of her power because we continue to support her. I have walked away from her shows and magazine. I know she has some great things but still at some point like I tell my girls you have to stop buying it!

Jen

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Isn't this just horribly sad? So many women follow her like sheep following its shepherd.

I find it interesting that Oprah was named after Orpah in the Bible. Orpah was one of the daughter in laws to Naomi (along with Ruth). I just read the story this morning. Ruth told Naomi that Naomi's God would be her God, Orpah didn't say that.

And it seems that Oprah isn't following after our God either.

Blessings, Joanne

Liz said...

I became aware of Oprah's false religion several years ago, but I just saw this video about two weeks ago. It blew me away to hear from her own mouth why she rejected true Christianity and all this stuff about how wrong we are if we do not have a "feelings" based religion. If I based my religion on my feelings, I would be bowing at the idol of self.

I have chosen not to participate in any media that has Oprah's name on it. I'm just afraid that Christians will nod in agreement that she has false doctrine but continue to watch her program. We should be running the opposite direction.

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

This was hard for me, but something I HAD TO do. Walk away! I WILL pray because so many will continue to move in the status quo.

Crazy .... she does so many good things, but as my husband and I discussed this weekend, I can no longer watch the show.

Some people from our church were on her show last year and the husband discussed his addiction to pornogrpahy and how his wife rallied by his side and they went to the Lord and prayed for help and that things were moving in the right direction now for them.

He admitted it has not been easy and something he commits to the Lord daily.

Oprah seemed shocked that 1, someone would pray about a sin issue, 2, that his wife would stand by him, 3, that they are committed to each other even more so after he admitted the sin to his wife, and 4, that they didn't think about divorce, that she wanted him to get better and be a better man of God.

Oprah kept asking and asking as if they were lying to her. Why ask them on the show if you don't want to encourage someone else .. but instead you beat them down?

I am trying to do a better job with what goes in my head and my heart.

Kimberly said...

Sigh.
This really is a sad situation. I agree wholeheartedly that we need to pray for her. She is in such a tremendous place of influence. I need to be committed to praying for her as she is touching an unbelievable amount of lives!

Thanks for the scripture and information you shared today, Amy. We all need to be aware of what we allow to come into our hearts and our homes!

ocean mommy said...

Very well said. My heart aches for her and those that are searching and will believe they have found their answer in this "teaching" she is promoting.

All the more reason to stay on guard! We have to saturate our minds, our hearts, our homes in the Word. The Holy Word....

All the more reason to just keep the T.V. Off!!!!

twinklemom said...

*Hugs* It was a total shock seeing this video and it was like the final nail seeing it..As I watch this it reminded me of the following verses:

2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.


2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.


I remember actually thinking twice when I had posted on my website a post about about Oprah but then I realized that among the sheep there are wolves in sheep clothing and we have to take special care and be careful we don't just follow blindly lest we can be lead astray without knowing it.

Darlene said...

I know you don't know me ...But, I know that you pray. My family is in need of prayer for my daughter..and for Joey and I ...our family is going through a very dark time and Joey and I need strength and guidance. I need people praying. Will you add us to your prayer list at church and ask your friends to pray for us? I am sure you can go back several posts on my blog and know this is rebellion and involves a non-christian male that is deceiving my daughter into very bad decisions that will affect her future and our family forever.
I know God hears our prayers and I need my family covered in prayer.
Thanks!

Janet Roller said...

The 2 Peter 2 verses are right on.
I remember about 8-9 years ago hearing a young, educated woman describe Oprah as a "modern day prophet". Her reasoning was based on Oprah's book club and the tremendous effect if had on people reading. And I agreed (not with the prophet statement) that it was wonderful that people were actually reading again. Now - look what she's encouraging them to read. I had hoped she would introduce a religious selection - NOT false teaching. Pray.Pray.Pray.

Cheri said...

I have also read many posts on this lately. I say it is sad that a women who has done so many good things for deserving people will end up in hell. For it is not works but God's grace that gets ya to heaven! Praying for her is a must! Too much is at stake, too many lives being deceived.

lori said...

I've seen this come up on my emails today....and you know...why are we all so surprised?? It's just that Oprah has much more exposure than what your neighbor down the street says....

We just can't be taken in by it....
just because it "looks" good....

on a COMPLETELY different note....
great to meet another Georgia gal!!
outside Atlanta we are!!
nice to meetcha!!
lori

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for sharing...

I'm wondering if you would be willing to be part of my prayer team...requests are coming in, but i can't pray alone...My hope is that I can count on several ladies to be willing to be part of the team...as urgent requests come in I will not only post them, but also email them to the team, hoping that these ladies will be able to pass the requests on to their own prayer teams or support system...Many of these people are hurting and are unable to turn to those who are closest to them... I have loved seeing and reading your trust, faith, and hope in Christ and would love for you to join me in prayer for the many requests...

Robin Lambright said...

I agree whole heartedly. I have been on a one woman mission over the last few days. I have posted a few thoughts on my own blog about this very disturbing situation. I think I am most upset at the lack of vocalization there seems to be from the prominent religious leaders out there. I spent several days doing some internets surfing trying to find religious leaders that were speaking out about this. I had very little luck. I found lots of articles (most of them written by laypeople like you and me, however the information highway was woefully silent with any names that were familiar to me) the only person of influence that I have found who has publically spoken out about this is the actor Chuck Norris. I have found an article that he posted on his website referencing this latest tend that Oprah and her friend are promoting. I have sent several letters to many of the more prominent religious organizations asking for someone to publically come out to take a firm stand and share with the masses about this false teaching that is going on. In fact later this afternoon I am placing a list of the sites I have contacted on my blog and will encourage others to write to these religious leaders in an effort to try to get the word out that what Oprah is doing is very wrong and disturbing. I have also begun to pray for all the individuals who are being lead astray by this false teaching, and even thought it is very difficult I have begun to pray for Oprah as well. I am trying to over look my ager and my disbelief at how she has so perverted her Christian faith and how she is taking millions of people by the hand and leading them down this path with her.
I just happen to stumble on your blog this morning. I have recently entered the blogging arena myself and I have several sisters in my church that blog as well. We have found this new experience to be very interesting avenue to share our faith as well as have some fun in the process. I was encouraged to read your opinion about Oprah. On the upside we have the assurance of knowing that in the end we know who the victor will be. Preach on sister, and I will as well!

Jenileigh said...

AMEN!

Jackie said...

Wow....that is incredibly sad...I had not seen before the older clip of her outright denying that Jesus is the only way. She has so much influence, and it's sad to see that even Christians are falling for this way of thinking. After reading this and seeing the other's comments, I know that I can't continue to watch her show either. Thanks for posting this.

Carol said...

Has this woman even read the Bible? I am just shaking my head over this. You know what I think of her. Oh my. This is so awful.

Jenifer said...

Hope you are having a blessed Jesus filled day. This Oprah thing has really disturbed me. Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing. I am so on my knees interceding for her and all those who have been blinded by this false teaching.

And, by the way- You've been tagged. Join me over at byhisgraceministry.blogspot.com for a "Getting to Know You Fellowship X's 5.

Blessings,
Jenifer