Chris Lawson | Spiritual Research Network

Warning about the dark dangers of cults, spiritual abuse, and occult deception with the definitive biblical answer. In a culture flooded with counterfeits, discerning truth from spiritual deception is urgently critical. The Spiritual Research Network podcast uncovers the dark reality behind modern mystical trends, dangerous cults, and spiritual abuse. Hosted by veteran researcher and author Chris Lawson, this show delivers hard-hitting biblical analysis, eye-opening firsthand testimonies, and interviews with trusted Christian voices who escaped the spirit world's traps. Episode content boldly confronts spiritual counterfeits with the uncompromised truth of Scripture—equipping believers to stand unshakeable in the gospel and helping seekers turn from false spirituality to lasting victory in Jesus Christ. View our resources at SpiritualResearchNetwork.org.

Spiritual Abuse in Cults and Christian Churches 08/28/2026

Jesus Calling Messages Compared to Channeled Spirit Messages 04/28/2026

Jesus Calling Messages Compared to Channeled Spirit Messages Jesus Calling Messages Compared to Channeled Spirit Messages Examining Sarah Young's "listening prayer" method and her own words See also, . This audio mentions the following: - Crafty teachings embraced in Christian churches. - The danger of "channeled" literature such as God Calling (Edited by A.J. Russell) - Sarah Young claims she was inspired by God Calling to write her "Christian" devotional, Jesus Calling. - Destructive heresies, "deceptive words," and the exploitation of Christians in the Christian Marketplace. - Extensive listing of "channeled" entities, including various demon spirits named and masquerading as numerous biblical personalities, including "Jesus." - Direct quotes from Sarah Young's Q&A Interview from CBN, and other mentions from Christianity Today. - Damage control for Sarah Young's "False Christ" implemented by the publisher of Jesus Calling. - Direct quotes from The Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs and The Donning International [New Age/Occult] Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary - explaining "literary mediumship," "listening" prayer, and "clairaudience" - that are virtually identical to Sarah Young's alleged contemplative "listening prayer." - There are only three options as to what Jesus Calling really is: (1) personal human delusion, (2) total deception writing, or (3) spiritistic communication under the guise of "Jesus Calling." - Massive documentation refuting Jesus Calling on the SRN webpage titled 'Sarah Young's Jesus Calling: Another New Age Jesus'. - Article by Lighthouse Trails Editors titled, 'About That Jesus Calling - Ten Things You Might Not Know'. - Mention of numerous New Age metaphysical terms (buzz-words) found in Jesus Calling, given by Sarah Young's "Jesus," to Sarah Young. - Will Sarah Young and her publisher, who is doing damage control, confess and repent from what they have done - in plain sight? Scriptures in order of mention: 2 Peter 1:12 - 2:3; Jude 1-4, 24-25; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 12-15; Matthew 7:15-23; Psalm 46; Genesis 3:1-5; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 John 3:24 - 4:6; Matthew 24:1-3, 11, 23; Matthew 7:1-5, 15-23 (Recorded: Mar 18, 2015) Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3451138

Radio Interview: Yoga and Christianity - Are They Compatible? 06/29/2017

Dangers of Occultism, Inner Healing, Visualization and Guided Imagery 07/06/2017

THE RISING STORM and A CLARION CALL for HUMILITY, TRUTH and REPENTANCE 06/22/2017

THE RISING STORM and A CLARION CALL for HUMILITY, TRUTH and REPENTANCE THE RISING STORM and A CLARION CALL for HUMILITY, TRUTH and REPENTANCE Observations for Calvary Chapel Leaders to Consider Watch - Watch - Video description, originally published on Apr 26, 2016 Filmed between a 45-minute break between down-pouring rain and a storm system approaching from the horizon, this unscripted, impromptu video expresses my heart and desire to see people in the Calvary Chapel movement (and other movements) helped and healed and strengthened in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in these last days. I have no desire to divide the Body of Christ or needlessly offend anyone who is in the Calvary Chapel movement and beyond. I am simply sharing my heart and God’s truth in light of a number of observations I have seen growing for over 25 years now, in the Calvary Chapel movement. Things now have become so blatant in the rising storm of ecumenical apostasy—that only sincere prayer and publicly declared clarion calls for humility, truth, and repentance will make any difference at all. My prayer is that God Himself by His Spirit and His Word will raise up clarion voices around the globe in this late hour. As a Christian missionary and as a former Calvary Chapel pastor for many years, I have been observing a growing trend of too many people remaining silent on far too many major ecumenical compromises. A host of other issues are also of concern. Sadly, true biblical accountability is often sidestepped and leaders (and/or church elders) either remain silent in the face of evil—perhaps out of fear of ostracism or losing their livelihood—or they willfully choose to remain ignorant when presented with documented facts. For whatever reason, when leaders are passively silent, and even suppress the truth when godly action, righteousness, and truth should prevail, God is grieved and the church sinks into malaise, confusion, and apostasy. This video was not a 'planned' event. I was actually standing on the beach alone, praying. As I was watching the rising storm clouds on the distant horizon and observing the turbulent waves, I was reminded of the flood of shameful compromise and storm of spiritual apostasy that is taking over churches and families worldwide. As I began to share my heart and thoughts in this video, some local bystanders slowed down to listen, perhaps you, like them, will seriously consider what I was saying. Altogether, my heart is for pastors, for church leaders, and for fellow believers in Jesus Christ. My heartfelt exhortation is the same as Jude’s in the early days of Christianity, and my sincere prayer is that all who have ears to hear, will hear—for God’s glory—and that laymen and leaders alike, will take heed, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4: 11-16) See also See also Contending for the truth, in the love and joy of the Lord, Chris Lawson Jude 3; Ephesians 4: 11-16 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/5457095

Confronting Abusive Leaders 06/17/2017

Potentially Harmful and Dangerous Spiritual Practices 02/09/2017

A Time of Departing and New Spirituality Terms 02/02/2017

Questions For Those Considering Yoga 01/13/2017

The Priority of Not Neglecting Jesus Our First Love 12/30/2015

The Priority of Not Neglecting Jesus Our First Love The Priority of Not Neglecting Jesus Our First Love Jesus Rebukes the Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) Christian ministry and service should never replace our personal love and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. This message is a reminder for each of us to personally consider what priority we individually place on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our obedience to His Word, and whether or not we are neglecting Jesus as our “first love” (Rev. 2:4). This sermon is not intended to needlessly offend Christians, nor is it an attempt to drive people into more “service” for the Lord. Rather, it is a compelling message intended to encourage believers to remember the goodness of the Lord, to repent from spiritual apathy, and to love Jesus and adore Him, thereby returning to Him as one’s first love - in sincerity and in truth. Scriptures: Revelation 1:1-2:7; Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18, 24; 2:9; 1 John 5:4-5. Revelation 2:1-7 (KJV) - 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/4046509

Paul’s Conduct in Ministry and Appeal for Scriptural Separation 12/22/2015

Purity of Heart, Life and Living 12/16/2015

The Godly, The Wicked and The Judgment to Come 12/08/2015

Our Heavenly Country - The Joy of Dwelling With God 12/02/2015

Humbled, Yielded and Prayerful - From Saul to Paul 11/22/2015

Famine In The Land Yet God Remains Faithful 11/17/2015

Famine In The Land Yet God Remains Faithful Famine in the Land Yet God Remains Faithful Psalm 89 A psalm (Maskil) of Ethan the Ezrahite Author: Ethan (or one of his descendants) is the author of this Psalm. Ethan is possibly the Levitical leader and one of the head musicians/singers in the Temple (1 Chronicles 6:42; 15:17-19). Historical context: God had promised to make David the mightiest King on earth (2 Sam. 7; 1 Kin. 8:23; 1 Chr. 17; 2 Chr. 21:7; Ps. 110). In doing so, God would protect David and David’s descendants (2 Sam. 7:13; 16, 18), and ultimately Messiah Jesus would reign from David’s throne - forever (Luke 1:31-33). Even though Jerusalem was destroyed and no kings were reigning in Jerusalem at this time, God remained faithful and He continues to carry out His promises. God’s promises are - and forever will be - fulfilled through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messianic descendant of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-28) and the Eternal Prophet, Priest, and King of Israel (Heb. 1:1-10:18). Looking beyond the pale of the author’s personal national dilemma - the apparent total ruin of the Davidic monarchy - the author chooses to focus on the LORD and His greatness, regardless of his own personal circumstances and future. As always, man is humbled, and God is glorified. In one word, with restored confidence in God and His Word, the author closes with, “Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 89:52) The Lord’s Covenant with David and Israel’s Afflictions (89:1-37) Praise and remembrance of God’s love and faithfulness (89:1-4). God’s worthiness to be praised and adored (89:5-14). God’s covenant blessing and protection upon David (89:15-37). God’s Seeming Neglect of the Davidic Covenant (89:38-52) The Psalmist's heartfelt cry (89:46-51). The Psalmist's heartfelt distress (89:46-51). The Doxology - “Blessed be the LORD forever!” (89:52) Scriptures: Psalm 89; Luke 1:30; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 26:16; Psalm 135: 1-4; Deuteronomy 14:2; Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 89:52. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3958081

Shamanism Revived - The Christianizing of Four Occult Techniques 11/10/2015

Shamanism Revived - The Christianizing of Four Occult Techniques Shamanism Revived - The Christianizing of Four Occult Techniques Ministry of the Holy Spirit versus Visualization, Inner Healing, Centering Meditation, and Hypnosis This audio message takes a close look at the Holy Spirit’s ministry in the Christian life versus dangerous shamanic techniques employed by a wide variety of occultists and many well-meaning yet undiscerning Christians. Part 1 - A brief scriptural review of the person, nature, and work of God the Holy Spirit. The Christian being “born from above” (born-again) by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8). The Christian being regenerated and indwelt by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11-16). The Christian being anointed by God the Holy Spirit to discern spiritual truth versus error (1 John 2:18-27). The Christian being empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God (Acts of the Apostles). The Christian is guided by the Holy Spirit and understands His personal influence (John 14:15-19, 26; 16:7-15). The importance of Bible-believing churches, as they produce Bible-believing Christians! Part 2 - Four occult Shamanic techniques to avoid: Visualization (guided imagery) Inner healing (healing of memories) Meditation (centering prayer) Hypnosis (altered states) Mention of occultist/psychologist Carl Gustav Jung and quotes from anthropologist and practicing shaman Michael Harner (The Way of the Shaman), positivism pioneer Norman Vincent Peale (Positive Imaging: The Powerful Way to Change Your Life ), occultist Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich), and Christian/occult practitioner Agnes Sanford (The Healing Light; The Healing Gifts of the Spirit). Scriptures: Daniel 1; John 3:3-8; Romans 8:11-16; 1 John 2:18-27; Acts; John 14:15-19, 26; 16:7-15; Genesis 6:1-5; Jeremiah 2:11-13; Psalm 46:10; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Galatians 5:22-26. (Originally titled “Shamanism Revived”) Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Dangers of Jesus Calling, etc.) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3940985

Serving Our King With A Loyal Heart 11/06/2015

Serving Our King With A Loyal Heart Serving Our King With A Loyal Heart “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12) This topical sermon considers the work of King David - and ultimately Messiah Jesus - and the glorious unity, organization, commitment, and loyalty of heart that they displayed toward God during their time on earth. The purpose of this message is to encourage committed believers in Jesus of Nazareth -the Risen Christ - to consistently offer willing praise and service to God our Father, and to love our brethren, the body of Christ. A general outline of 1 Chronicles 28 and 29 - Solomon Instructed to Build the Temple (1 Chron. 28:1-21) - Offerings for Building the Temple (1 Chron. 29:1-9) - David’s Praise to God (1 Chron. 29:10-20) - Solomon Anointed King (1 Chron. 29:21-25) - The Close of David’s Reign (1 Chron. 29:26-30) Considering the goodness and grace of God, and our loving service to the body of Christ. Scriptures: Romans 12; Matthew 28: 18-20; Ephesians 4:1-6 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 (KJV) - "Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king. (Originally titled “Our King Today”) Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3926592

Satanism, Witchcraft and Halloween 10/30/2015

Satanism, Witchcraft and Halloween Satanism, Witchcraft and Halloween A sober warning about the kingdom of darkness! This audio message is from a series of lectures on the dangers of Occultism and many practices associated with it. Recorded in the late 1990s during an outreach in San Luis Obispo, CA - when Chris was serving as a pastor in that same city - the message includes several audio clips from other speakers as well. These clips are not blanket endorsements for these other ministries, but rather, they serve to illustrate the reality of the powers of darkness and the importance of being educated on the subject. The first illustrative audio clip is from a Christian evangelist who spent 4 hours being educated - by the Los Angeles County Satanic and Occult Task Force - about the reality of satanic activity and crime in Southern California. In the second clip, the same author explains how teen suicide is part of the occult revolution. The third illustrative audio clip is a piece from Dr. Walter Martin speaking on the origin of Halloween and the Christian’s responsibility to make every opportunity to proclaim the biblical gospel. Christians of all sorts need to hear this message, for many are completely ignorant about what truly takes place in the kingdom of the occult, what oftentimes occurs on Halloween, and what witches and Satanists seek to do when they visit Christian churches for non-Christian purposes. “If you can tear down the prayer foundation of a church then you’ve destroyed that church. And that’s what every witch or Satanist plans to do when they go into a church, is to tear down that prayer foundation, and the rest of the church goes quickly after that.” - From an ex-Satanist who is now a committed Christian Topics in this audio: - Clarification on Satanism versus Witchcraft. - Re-cap from the previous seminar on several components of Paganism (Pantheism, Reincarnation, Moral Relativism, Esotericism). - The global spiritual/cultural phenomenon of snake/serpent worship. - Who and what Satan is, and what the devil’s goals are. - Mention of Freemasonry and the occult symbolism on the American dollar bill. - The activities of Satan. - Defining terminology. - Various illustrations on Satanism, Witchcraft, Wicca, occult practices (i.e., Hillary Clinton and Shamanism). - Disney’s “desensitizing” movies that are full of occult themes (i.e., sorcery, spiritism, shamanism, pantheism, etc.) - Fantasia, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, etc. - Subliminal occult images in Jehovah's Witness Watchtower literature handed out at your front door. - Extensive listing of terms/techniques employed by New Age spirituality/occult practitioners. - Warning about Halloween and an exhortation for the Christian to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 13:1-11; 18:9-14; Acts 19. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3902601

Comfort Through Jesus Christ Our Magnificent Creator 10/28/2015

The Coming Apostasy is Here 10/06/2015

From Worry to Worship - The Just Shall Live by Faith 09/10/2015

Spiritual Warfare and Guarding Your Soul 09/01/2015

Loving God and Being Transformed by His Word 08/28/2015

Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to the Cults 08/27/2015

Considering Him Who Endured the Cross 08/21/2015

Praying to Our Ever-Loving Everlasting Father - John 17 08/12/2015

Scientism, Sorcery and Word-Faith Movement Christianity 08/05/2015

Scientism, Sorcery and Word-Faith Movement Christianity Scientism, Sorcery and Word-Faith Movement Christianity The dangerous lust for power and godhood! As more and more churches and Christian movements are being boldly deceived into embracing occult principles wrapped in Christian terminology, the discerning believer in Christ must not remain silent! Desiring to educate the local body of Christ about the necessity of biblical discernment in such times, this audio message was given at an informal small group study where Chris formerly served for 10 years as a fellow church planter and pastor. The delivery of this message is soft-spoken in tone and follows Chris’s small group study outline, based in part on a chapter from Dave Hunt’s 1985 book, The Seduction of Christianity (Used by permission from The Berean Call). The content of Hunt’s book - along with Chris’s message - applies today more than ever! As internationally recognized false teachers and false prophets disciple whole new crops of johnny-come-lately (newcomers/latecomers/recent adherents) imposters, it appears that the bulk of western Christianity is succumbing to the great apostasy. This audio will help equip the individual with Scripture and also warn of some of the dangerous principles being taught by “evil men [and women] and seducers” who are waxing “worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Some of the topics covered or briefly mentioned include: Sorcery, Scientism, Atheism, Evolution, UFO’s (i.e., polymorphs), Religious Science/Mind Science cults, alleged “Laws of prosperity”, creating one’s own reality, Hinduism/karma/reincarnation), Transcendental Meditation, Word of Faith (Positive Confession), occultism, pantheism, chanting mantras/decrees, the universal force (i.e., impersonal energy/occult power), formulas and techniques for success, grasping for godhood, the lust for power, and more. Some of the biblical texts covered: 2 Timothy 3:1-17. Deception is widespread in the church and the world, and we must take heed. Perilous times are here! Exodus 7:1-25. Example of worldly-wise men and the sorcerers of Egypt resisting God’s truth through lying signs and wonders which they performed as they resisted God’s spokesman, Moses, and Aaron. Acts 8:5-24. The true faith of Philip and Peter versus the corrupt faith of an occultist named Simon (the Sorcerer). Simon wanted to buy God’s power and be recognized like many false teachers in our own day, who seek to declare and positively confess their authority and do miraculous “Signs, Wonders, Healings and Miracles.” In Acts chapter 8 we see Simon rebuked by God through the apostle Peter, for his great wickedness which he committed. Romans 1:18-32. Divine judgment against all who persistently suppress and reject God’s revealed truth and the Gospel of God (Romans 1:1-5) – His salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Acts 17:11. Encouragement to be a Berean and to “search the Scriptures” - to find out whether the things Paul spoke were true, and us too!. This message also includes mentions and quotes from authors, book covers, scientists, ufologists (UFOs), occultists, Word-Faith teachers, etc. ---> For other messages in this same series see Chris’s online archives and podcasts. Recorded Sep 1999, San Luis Obispo, California. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3717855

The New Age Then and Now - Acts 19 07/22/2015

The New Age Then and Now - Acts 19 The New Age Then and Now - Acts 19 A brief overview of Acts 19:1-27 We live in a world that is hostile to the biblical Jesus Christ of Nazareth. So too, many of us have experienced growing hostility from non-Christians and from apostate Christian churches that have become theologically offensive to Jesus Christ. This audio message considers various topics in the Christian missions life, cross-cultural work, spiritual warfare, and the biblical injunction to confront teachings that are hostile to biblical revelation. Topics mentioned: - Boldly reasoning, speaking, and persuading individuals to repent of sin and believe in the biblical Gospel, instead of ecumenical Interfaith “dialogue.” - The danger of Occult healing arts, lying signs and wonders, and demonic manifestation and possession states that deceptively mislead people under the guise of being "gifts of the Holy Spirit." - The problem of New Age and ecumenical Christian churches engaging in dialogue and alleged “Gay Christian” workshops. Teachings and people mentioned: New Thought Metaphysics (Warren Felt Evans, Phineas Quimby), Christianized Metaphysics for Evangelical Ecumenism (Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller), Mormonism (Brigham Young, Joseph Smith), Evolutionism, Hinduism, Yogi’s, Theosophy and Occultism (Helena P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant), Mind Science Cults (Christian Science - May Baker Eddy), Guru’s (The Beatles and the Hare Krishna cult), Modern Occultism (George Gurdjeiff), Theosophical Society (Helena P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant, Nicholas Roerich), Spiritism, Spiritualism and Christian Spiritualism (Moses Hull), Rudolph Steiner (Anthroposophy and the Anthroposophical Society), Rosicrucian Movement (Max Heindel and the Order of the Rose Cross), Unity School of Christianity (Charles and Myrtle Fillmore), Church Universal and Triumphant (Elizabeth Claire Prophet), Science of Mind and Religious Science (Ernest Holmes), Religious Science (Terry Cole Whitaker), The Sleeping Prophet (Edgar Cayce), George Baker (aka “Father Divine”), Scientology (L. Ron Hubbard), Erhard Seminars Training (Werner Hans Erhard), Foundation of Human Understanding (Roy Masters), The Silva Method (Jose Silva), The Aquarian Conspiracy (Marilyn Ferguson), The Master Plan (Alice Bailey), Unitarianism (Richard Buckminster "Bucky" Fuller), Templeton Prize (John Marks Templeton, Bill Bright and Charles Colson), Word of Faith Movement (Prosperity Gospel - Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, Oral Roberts), and more. Recorded 06-30-1999, San Luis Obispo, California. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3690132

Perilous Times and the True Purpose and Dangers of Yoga 06/23/2015

Perilous Times and the True Purpose and Dangers of Yoga Perilous Times and the True Purpose and Dangers of Yoga An Overview of the Facts Subjects covered: 1. Perilous times are here! (2 Tim 3:1- 17). 2. Yoga has arrived in our communities! 3. What is the “occult,” and occultism? (various definitions). 4. Community-wide illustrations and literature samples a. New Age/occult infiltration and practices. b. “Exercise” and “Wellness” Yoga classes at state universities and colleges such as California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, California. c. Local Yoga Studios, journals, publications, etc. 5. Worldview clarifications: a. Biblical worldview - Man is created, separate from God, sinful, and in need of salvation through the atoning work of Jesus Christ and His bodily resurrection. b. Monism (monistic) - "All is One, One is All." c. Pantheism (pantheistic) - "God is All, All is God." d. Pantheistic Monism - "All is One, One is All, All is God." * Pan-en-theism (panentheistic) = Variations of ”All in God” and/or “God in All.” e. Gnosticism - Salvation through “knowledge” (gnosis) via esoteric and mystical experiences, rather than through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. f. Polytheism (polytheistic) - Belief in many gods. g. Animism - Frome animae, "spirits" in rocks, trees, animals, etc. h. Karma/Reincarnation - The Law of sowing and reaping and an endless cycle of judgment and rebirth. i. Occult “energy” - creative force, life force, vital force, "The Force", impersonal force, animal magnetism, chi (yin/yang), the innate, New Age “consciousness,” vital energy, universal life energy, cosmic energy, mana, orgone, para-electricity, prana, vital energy, etc. j. New Age (occultism) - Umbrella term defined. 6. Our duty as Christians (Ephesians 5:6-14): Ephesians 5:6-14: "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” 7. What is Yoga? a. Definitions from Collegiate dictionaries. b. Definitions from Christian authors. c. Definitions from Hindu yogis and occultists. 8. How did Yoga invade the West? a. Theosophy and the Theosophical Society, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Annie Besant, Jiddu Krishnamurti. b. Christian Science, New Thought and Unity School of Christianity. c. The pervasion of the 1960’s hippie, drugs, music, and yogi “god-men” occult explosion. 9. Dissemination of Hindu and Buddhist variations of occult philosophies and teachings. 10. Is this a New Age, or the Same Old Lie that Lucifer (through the serpent) deceived Eve with? (Genesis 3:1-5; Deuteronomy 13:1-3). 11. The theory of Yoga (occult philosophy) is inextricably tied to the practice of Yoga (postural and meditative). a. Postural Yoga is designed to physically and spiritually open up the “psychic” senses. b. The aim of all Yoga is to arouse Kundalini shakti - the serpent power of Hinduism. c. The ultimate end result of yoga is, “a progressive dismantling of human personality ending in a complete abolition.” d. Quote from the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs (John Ankerberg and John Weldon): “This is why people who practice yoga only for physical or mental health reasons are ultimately the victims of a confidence game. They are promised better health; little do they suspect the end goal of yoga is to destroy them as individuals. As yoga authorities Feuerstein and Miller comment, yoga results in "a progressive dismantling of human personality ending in a complete abolition. With every step (anga) of Yoga, what we call 'man' is demolished a little more.” (George Feuerstein, Jeanine Miller, Yoga and Beyond: Essays in Indian Philosophy, New York: Schockenn, 1972.) Note also that Dr. Georg Feuerstein (born 1947) is a German-Canadian Indologist who has authored over 45 books on mysticism, Yoga, Tantra, and Hinduism, and Buddhism. 12. The progression and the ultimate goal of yoga leads to delusion and the destruction of the individual human. 13. Warnings, acknowledgments, and dangers from the authoritative yoga texts. a. “Giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1). b. Why so many quotes in this audio - because the warnings are authoritative, documented, and published. c. Quotes: - What about the Occult? - Risks and Hazards of Yoga. - Kundalini arousal. d. Spontaneous yoga poses fueled by occult power can manifest at the whim of the forces of darkness. 14. God’s purposes versus “Eastern [occult] ways” (occult spirituality and pagan religious practices). Hebrews 12:14; Hosea 2:5-6; Isaiah 47:8-15. 15. Christianity and Eastern occult religions cannot be combined or blended. a. Printed testimony of Christina Grof of her kundalini manifestations from doing Hatha Yoga, September 28, 1968 (See, The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth through Transformational Crisis, June 1, 1992, Christina and Stanislav Grof). b. Manifestations, psychoses, painful and agonizing experiences, and extreme delusion as ”spiritual emergencies.” These are actually demonic possession states wrongly labeled as states and stages of “personal metamorphosis,” “healing,” the alleged “cycle of inner death and rebirth,” and “spiritual transformation” that (as the Grof’s believe) bring healing through a connection to a transcendent Higher Power or Higher Self. c. The Biblical Gospel versus Yoga (i.e., Hindu occult Self-Realization). d. God’s wrath against sin versus His judgment on sin at the cross and the current and future hope of the Christian. e. John 3:36 - “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” f. John 8:21-24 - “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” 16. Salvation and victory through Jesus Christ! a. Satan is a liar, murderer, the wicked one, the devil, the slander, the God hater, etc. b. Yoga is a works-based-do-it-yourself-religion that cannot save the soul. c. The simplicity of the biblical Gospel. 17. Final warning about Yoga! a. All yoga practice (postural and meditative) is directly tied to the occult philosophy that it is derived from. b. Yoga is Hinduism and Christian and non-Christians alike should - and are - warning about its dangers. c. Christians need to warn others about spiritual deception - including the dangers of Yoga. Recorded 1997, San Luis Obispo, California. Chris Lawson Jude 3 (Ministry Support/Missions) (Research/Articles) (Chris Lawson | SRN Store) (Dangers of Yoga and Meditation) (Various Booklets) (Book) /episode/index/show/chrislawson/id/3633257

Chris Lawson | Spiritual Research Network

TOPICS