Monday, August 27, 2007

Deceived on Purpose

In 2004, my family experienced one of the most painful circumstances a Christian can encounter: the murder of our church. Although it is quite interesting, it is a long story...too much to tell here, too much to read here. I will just say that if you read "Deceived on Purpose," by Warren Smith, you will see at least why it happened: leadership in a church can stray from its duties and become slack in upholding its office. This will give Satan a foothold...and he WILL push his way into a church and set up shop. This gives way to every wind of doctrine to invite itself to come in, and in our case, these winds blew hard. You may not be able to find "Deceived on Purpose" in any bookstore, but give it a try. If you don't find it, it is readily available at several of the usual online stores. It is a paperback, approximately 200 pages and very easy to read. The author had spent considerable time in the New Age movement (which is now also called the New Spirituality) and subsequently became a Christian. When the firestorm of The Purpose Driven Life occurred, he picked up a copy and began reading only to discover that he was being re-introduced to some of his New Age teachings. "Deceived on Purpose" is the result, and I, for one, appreciate Mr. Smith immensely.