“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Shortly after I was saved, in my zealous sincerity, I attended a discipleship class.  It was an hour away and the required books was expensive, so I did not attend long.  It was during that time, while also attending a word of faith church, that I had a dream and all I could remember was the phrase “paradigm shift”.  A paradigm is simply an example for a change process.  At the time I had no idea what that dream or term meant but now I see with my eyes wide open.  Seeing this brings this humble servant of God to her knees in gratitude…not pride.

As I stated earlier a “paradigm shift” is associated in a change process; a change in the way of thinking.  As a born again Believer, our thinking process should be a didactic paradigm which is built on the view that states the Word of God is true with moral absolutes.  Amen!

However, here is the danger that the seeker sensitive, purpose driven and many other modern churches are bringing to the Body of Christ; they are bringing in a new paradigm.  This new paradigm is also known as dialectic and is built upon the view that feelings determine what is right and wrong and compromise is for the perceived common good of everyone. Political correctness is the religion of unbelievers and is being brought into the church through this “paradigm shift”.

So how is this “dialectic paradigm” presented to the church?  Well, communist China’s success was manifested in the cell group.  A cell group is exactly what I was in while attending these “discipleship classes”.  The cell groups serve as the change agent.  These cell groups are presented to unsuspecting members as Bible studies, ministry groups, ladies groups, etc., etc..  In these cell groups the leader is the facilitator.  Silly games are played to help break down proper inhibitions, which is followed by the loss of common sense as we are persuaded that reform is needed in our church.

As the group meets weekly, ego and self esteem are built.  One’s importance and ministry is determined by various questionnaires given by the facilitator.  As we become more and more accountable to the group and not God and family; peer pressure keeps us in the flock.  Everyone is asked to share something about themselves.  Friends tell more than you ever thought they would say which results in the next person spilling their personal thougts and experiences and finally your up and you too talk and tell entirely too much of your own personal business.  Conversations that should be held between you and God or you and family are now opened up to the cell group; THEY are your confidant and you are now accountable to them.

During my short stint in a cell group, I was being transformed from a didactic paradigm (Biblical truth) to a dialectic paradigm (humanistic truths according to feelings).  I had no idea what was happening.  It all sounded good and certainly not sinful.  However, it was justifying compromise of Biblical truths…just as satan did to Eve.  Satan himself was the first facilitator when he told Eve “you shall not surely die…”.

“⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Prayerfully consider the various discipleship classes and cell groups offered in the modern church.  They are nothing more than a new model to facilitate humanistic psychology into the church and many are being led astray.  If you believe the Word of God to be true, contend for the faith and the doctrines of Christianity.   If the Child of God will not contend for the Biblical Christianity according to the Word of God, who will?

“Also I heard the Voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8

From Genesis to Revelations, the Word of God points to Jesus Christ, Who He is and what HE did for whosoever will believe.  We are not here to replace Jesus Christ. The Lord sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us into all Truths according to the Word of God.  God has given us Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Preachers and Teachers to lift up the Word of God to the congregation and the Holy Spirit will witness to our spirit when God’s Truth is given.  The witness of the Holy Spirit is not a goose bump, it is a knowing in your spirit that what has been said is true…true according to the Word of God; not feelings.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren