erm, why is there only a picture and no words in this blog post? what is the content you wanted to publish? i dont understand anything at all from that picture.
You know, I’m not certain about what the picture represents and why there are not any words, but I think the reference to ‘magi’, is refering to the wise men.
Notice the star in the picture, looks kind of Christmassy doesn’t it?
Stephanie! HELLO, my friend in Christ. (I’m part of your bible study group!) I’ve been DYING to chat w/ you on the book THE SHACK….I’ve spoken to A LOT of my friends that are/have read it…this has lead me to A LOT of research. Below is what I’ve come up with, but would VALUE hearing/seeing your blog on this matter! Thank God for giving you ‘time’ to keep this site. Heidi.
“Jesus… said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-36
“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims…. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters.”
–The Shack’s “Jesus.” [1,p.182]
NOW, here is the ‘overview and biblical comparison’ after MUCH digging into:………….sorry about the ‘long read’….>
The Shack opens in the context of tragedy. Four years have passed since the cruel murder of Missy, Mack’s precious six-year-old daughter. Enveloped in grief, he receives a strange invitation. “I’ve missed you,” it says. “I’ll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. Papa.” What could it mean?
Doubtful, but drawn to the meeting, Mack heads for the Oregon wilderness and finds the dilapidated old shack. “God” miraculously transforms it into a cozy cottage, and Mack meets his supposed maker:
“…the door flew open, and he was looking directly into the face of a large beaming African-American woman. Instinctively he jumped back, but he was too slow. With speed that belied her size, she crossed the distance between them and engulfed him in her arms….”[1,p.82]
“Just as she turned… a small, distinctly Asian woman merged from behind her…. He then glanced past her and notices that a third person had emerged… a man. He appeared Middle Eastern.”[1,p.84]
“When they finally stopped giggling, the large woman… said, ‘Okay, we know who you are, but we should probably introduce ourselves to you. …you could call me what Nan [Mack's wife] does: Papa.’…
“’And I,’ interrupted the man, who looked to be about in his thirties…. ‘I am Hebrew….’
“Mack was suddenly staggered by his own realization. “Then, you are….”
“’Jesus? Yes….’
“Mack stood dumbfounded…. Just as he was about to crumple to his knees, the Asian woman stepped closer and deflected his attention. ‘And I am Sarayu [the Holy Spirit, Creativity].’ she said…
“Thoughts tumbled over each other as Mack struggled to figure out what to do…. Since there were three of them, maybe this was a Trinity sort of thing…. ‘Then,’ Mack struggled to ask, ‘which one of you is God?’”
“’I am,’ said all three in unison.’”[1,p.86-87]
Their ongoing dialogues reinforce this new view of God. They immerse Mack in spiritual re-education, for each comment contradicts his previous understanding of God. For example, this new “Jesus” never returned to heaven. Was there no real resurrection? Not according to the female “God”:
“Although by nature he is fully God, Jesus is fully human and lives as such. While never losing the innate ability to fly [which he demonstrates in the book], he chooses moment-by-moment to remain grounded. That is why his name is Immanuel, God with us….”[1,p.99-100]
But the Bible tells us that Jesus did return to His heaven after His crucifixion. Besides, neither God our Father nor the Holy Spirit made themselves finite or visible to man. “No one has seen God at any time,” said the true Jesus. (John 1:18) Yet, here we see all three in human form — on earth! “God” explains:
“‘By nature I am completely unlimited… I live in a state of perpetual satisfaction as my normal state of existence:’ she said, quite pleased. ‘Just one of the perks of Me being Me.’
“That made Mack smile. This lady was fully enjoying herself…
“We created you to share in that. But then Adam chose to go it on his own, as we knew he would, and everything got messed up. But instead of scrapping the whole Creation we rolled up our sleeves and entered into the middle of the mess—that’s what we have done in Jesus…. When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human. We also chose to embrace all the limitations that this entailed. …flesh and blood.”[1,p.98-99]
Denying sin, guilt and God’s authority
Unlike the true God, this false trinity exercises no authority over man. That should please today’s postmodern church leaders! They seem to shun words such as “sovereignty” and “authority.” After all, a reigning God who sets the moral standard for all time could cause division. He could impede their main purpose: inclusive relationships and “authentic community.”
No wonder Mack is confused when he asks, “Why would the God of the universe want to be submitted to me?”
“Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationships,” answers “Jesus.” [1,p.145] Together the “trinity” explains:
“Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want…. We carefully respect your choices….” [1,p.123]
“‘Are you saying I don’t have to follow the rules?’…
“‘Yes. In Jesus you are not under any law. All things are lawful.’
“‘You can’t be serious! You’re messing with me again,’ moaned Mack.
“‘…enforcing rules [says Sarayu] …is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty. And contrary to what you might think, I have a great fondness for uncertainty. Rules cannot bring freedom; they only have the power to accuse.’”[1,p.203] [ACIM uses the word "attack" instead of "accuse."]
Are God’s guidelines really “a vain attempt to create certainty?” Of course not! To impress God’s unchanging values in the minds for faithful believers is no “vain attempt.” But there’s plenty of uncertainty for those who believe in evolving Truth and adaptable Scriptures. Such “uncertainty” can lay no firm foundation for either peace or confident faith! In fact, many “Christian” pastors today suffer from agonizing doubts — even about the existence of God! Small wonder, when they build their ministries on the shifting sands of people-pleasing “truths,” not on the solid Rock of God’s Word.
I was not released to share what the Lord has been opening my eyes to at this moment. But this picture that was put up behind Barack Obama has many implications. Some things I was not even aware of. My prayer is that many will press into the Lord and allow Him to open their eyes and reveal the truths. So the picture is there for all to see and for all who the Lord reveals the truth to. In His time many will see and understand, until then I will just keep warning.
erm, why is there only a picture and no words in this blog post? what is the content you wanted to publish? i dont understand anything at all from that picture.
You know, I’m not certain about what the picture represents and why there are not any words, but I think the reference to ‘magi’, is refering to the wise men.
Notice the star in the picture, looks kind of Christmassy doesn’t it?
That’s it from me. Bye.
Stephanie! HELLO, my friend in Christ. (I’m part of your bible study group!) I’ve been DYING to chat w/ you on the book THE SHACK….I’ve spoken to A LOT of my friends that are/have read it…this has lead me to A LOT of research. Below is what I’ve come up with, but would VALUE hearing/seeing your blog on this matter! Thank God for giving you ‘time’ to keep this site. Heidi.
“Jesus… said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-36
“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims…. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters.”
–The Shack’s “Jesus.” [1,p.182]
NOW, here is the ‘overview and biblical comparison’ after MUCH digging into:………….sorry about the ‘long read’….>
The Shack opens in the context of tragedy. Four years have passed since the cruel murder of Missy, Mack’s precious six-year-old daughter. Enveloped in grief, he receives a strange invitation. “I’ve missed you,” it says. “I’ll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. Papa.” What could it mean?
Doubtful, but drawn to the meeting, Mack heads for the Oregon wilderness and finds the dilapidated old shack. “God” miraculously transforms it into a cozy cottage, and Mack meets his supposed maker:
“…the door flew open, and he was looking directly into the face of a large beaming African-American woman. Instinctively he jumped back, but he was too slow. With speed that belied her size, she crossed the distance between them and engulfed him in her arms….”[1,p.82]
“Just as she turned… a small, distinctly Asian woman merged from behind her…. He then glanced past her and notices that a third person had emerged… a man. He appeared Middle Eastern.”[1,p.84]
“When they finally stopped giggling, the large woman… said, ‘Okay, we know who you are, but we should probably introduce ourselves to you. …you could call me what Nan [Mack's wife] does: Papa.’…
“’And I,’ interrupted the man, who looked to be about in his thirties…. ‘I am Hebrew….’
“Mack was suddenly staggered by his own realization. “Then, you are….”
“’Jesus? Yes….’
“Mack stood dumbfounded…. Just as he was about to crumple to his knees, the Asian woman stepped closer and deflected his attention. ‘And I am Sarayu [the Holy Spirit, Creativity].’ she said…
“Thoughts tumbled over each other as Mack struggled to figure out what to do…. Since there were three of them, maybe this was a Trinity sort of thing…. ‘Then,’ Mack struggled to ask, ‘which one of you is God?’”
“’I am,’ said all three in unison.’”[1,p.86-87]
Their ongoing dialogues reinforce this new view of God. They immerse Mack in spiritual re-education, for each comment contradicts his previous understanding of God. For example, this new “Jesus” never returned to heaven. Was there no real resurrection? Not according to the female “God”:
“Although by nature he is fully God, Jesus is fully human and lives as such. While never losing the innate ability to fly [which he demonstrates in the book], he chooses moment-by-moment to remain grounded. That is why his name is Immanuel, God with us….”[1,p.99-100]
But the Bible tells us that Jesus did return to His heaven after His crucifixion. Besides, neither God our Father nor the Holy Spirit made themselves finite or visible to man. “No one has seen God at any time,” said the true Jesus. (John 1:18) Yet, here we see all three in human form — on earth! “God” explains:
“‘By nature I am completely unlimited… I live in a state of perpetual satisfaction as my normal state of existence:’ she said, quite pleased. ‘Just one of the perks of Me being Me.’
“That made Mack smile. This lady was fully enjoying herself…
“We created you to share in that. But then Adam chose to go it on his own, as we knew he would, and everything got messed up. But instead of scrapping the whole Creation we rolled up our sleeves and entered into the middle of the mess—that’s what we have done in Jesus…. When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human. We also chose to embrace all the limitations that this entailed. …flesh and blood.”[1,p.98-99]
Denying sin, guilt and God’s authority
Unlike the true God, this false trinity exercises no authority over man. That should please today’s postmodern church leaders! They seem to shun words such as “sovereignty” and “authority.” After all, a reigning God who sets the moral standard for all time could cause division. He could impede their main purpose: inclusive relationships and “authentic community.”
No wonder Mack is confused when he asks, “Why would the God of the universe want to be submitted to me?”
“Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationships,” answers “Jesus.” [1,p.145] Together the “trinity” explains:
“Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want…. We carefully respect your choices….” [1,p.123]
“‘Are you saying I don’t have to follow the rules?’…
“‘Yes. In Jesus you are not under any law. All things are lawful.’
“‘You can’t be serious! You’re messing with me again,’ moaned Mack.
“‘Child,’ interrupted papa, ‘you ain’t heard nuthin’ yet.’…
“‘…enforcing rules [says Sarayu] …is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty. And contrary to what you might think, I have a great fondness for uncertainty. Rules cannot bring freedom; they only have the power to accuse.’”[1,p.203] [ACIM uses the word "attack" instead of "accuse."]
Are God’s guidelines really “a vain attempt to create certainty?” Of course not! To impress God’s unchanging values in the minds for faithful believers is no “vain attempt.” But there’s plenty of uncertainty for those who believe in evolving Truth and adaptable Scriptures. Such “uncertainty” can lay no firm foundation for either peace or confident faith! In fact, many “Christian” pastors today suffer from agonizing doubts — even about the existence of God! Small wonder, when they build their ministries on the shifting sands of people-pleasing “truths,” not on the solid Rock of God’s Word.
I was not released to share what the Lord has been opening my eyes to at this moment. But this picture that was put up behind Barack Obama has many implications. Some things I was not even aware of. My prayer is that many will press into the Lord and allow Him to open their eyes and reveal the truths. So the picture is there for all to see and for all who the Lord reveals the truth to. In His time many will see and understand, until then I will just keep warning.