Homepage Message: November 2009
Just this week (last week of October) I heard the shocking and sad news of three deaths related to James A. Ray’s sweat lodge seminars which people pay hugh sums of money to hear how they can become wealthy, succeed in every area of life by acquiring special knowledge.
I went to his web site and read his letter of condolence to the families and followers. I knew nothing of this man so I read his bio and looked at what he offers through his on-line book store. James A. Ray is simply one of many New Age gurus bilking people out of their money by promising wealth and success. He boasts of his three-hour interview for the DVD, “The Secret,” which is nothing but a promise to elevate one’s consciousness and spiritual and material bliss by discovering and applying certain knowledge that has been around as long as mankind.
Another name for this is Gnosticism, the age-old heresy that the first century church fraught against. It too promised wonderful insights, spiritual knowledge through special revelation and an abundant life, second to none. It goes back to the dawn of time when Satan said to Eve:
“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” —Genesis 3:5
Here’s the promise of special knowledge that never delivered what Satan promised and it doesn’t today. Satan, the founder and promoter of Gnosticism, New Age religion and all non-Christian religions, is a liar and master con artist. He is the father of lies.
What we see going on in America and around the world is people looking for a sense of stability, meaning and purpose when everything around them is rapidly changing and falling apart. Man and his institutions cannot provide lasting peace, security or provide meaning for your existence. So people are turning to anyone who provides spiritual answers couched in human achievement. The result is always disappointment.
There is a much better way that taps into the reality of this world and the spirit world: Christianity. This is the world the God of the Bible created at the command of his voice. This is the world he loves so dearly he became one of us through the incarnation and paid the horrible price of crucifixion so you and I could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, now and forever. The meaning of life will only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s where life truly begins. Jesus said:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33
When we live first and foremost for Jesus Christ he promises to provide for our every earthly need. Also:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” —Jeremiah 33:3
Who holds the secrets of life here and beyond? God does. Through prayer he will direct you in the paths of life that will not disappoint.
Jesus is the way the truth and the life, not some New Age, motivational speaker who promises you the world for a certain amount of money and secret knowledge. How foolish! Jesus offers real life and it’s free.