The big question nowadays seems to be this issue of whether belief in Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God – or not.
Throngs of people have been quick to criticize Oprah for her statements such as, “there can’t be only one way to God” (I am paraphrasing), and that she just doesn’t believe Jesus is the only way.
This question has also come up within my circle of influence, family and friends. So, I started doing some research because that question seems to be at the crux of all the debates on the topics of New Age and other religions where Jesus is not the focal point.
I read a book years ago called “Door” (look this up and fix the name) that discussed a metaphysical version of Jesus and how He showed Christians the way to enlightenment. I think it was pivotal for me, because it changed the way I viewed Jesus. I was raised in to believe in Jesus, the person, God’s only begotten Son, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit or Ghost. The three in one, the Holy Trinity and I was not Catholic. I know Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity as well. Some other religions call it the GodHead. In any case, there is all kinds of perceptions on this and I do not have the time or space to go into all of that. Suffice to say, some people look at God and Jesus as actual people, living beings, with physical attributes, i.e. Jesus lived a meager existence, had long hair, brown or white skin, a beard, large nose, you name it. People think God has white hair, a long white beard, sits on a throne in a city where the streets are paved with gold in Heaven.
If you believe that you can quit reading this right now because that is not what I believe.
I do not assign physical attributes to God. In my mind that would be limiting God. I’d be putting Him in a box. God is bigger than that! He’s omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. The Bible tells me that and I believe it. It makes sense to me that God is bigger than everything, the one creator, source of everything. He might choose to appear with any kind of physical attributes, such as a burning bush.
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Every time I read the Bible, or other sacred books I understand new powerful subjects. One of the reasons I like the online approach to the study of spiritual material, along with books, videos or DVDs is that one can read or view repeatedly. In my opinion this “repeat” factor is very often underestimated. While participating in a one-on-one therapy session, seminar, or other live event the mind captures only certain things, because our mind has the tendency to "to file away" the rest. Reading books or watching pre-recorded material over and over again brings up things that have been "forgotten" or that one only "hears" when a person is "ready".
I believe God can use any religion, church, etc to reach His children. And I also believe God can reach you, no matter where you are - in or out of church.
My hope is that you will take one thing from what I've presented, as the Holy Ghost guides you. Consider the words here and understand that our spirit is clothed by our body. We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience.
Okay, so after a lengthy conversation with a wonderfully strong Christian friend of mine about Eckart Tolle and the new "Oprah" religion (you may have heard Oprah touting the New Earth book and online class), she told me that the Bible, specifically Jesus Christ, told us to beware of false prophets - and she quoted me scripture as well. (One reason I just love this gal - she is always learning, as we all are).
She believes that Oprah and Eckart are false, and is really concerned that they will lead millions astray... but she is also concerned about preachers such as Joel Osteen (she got saved in his church many years ago when his father had been living and was the pastor of the church - he's since passed away and left the church to his children). She believes Joel Osteen is also leading millions astray. Judge for yourself, but this was not someone whom I ever would have considered as false before - I have watched Joel Osteen on TV and thought he was a fairly stand up type of preacher (though as many of you know I do not watch many TV preachers - except Billy Graham).
I tend to shy away from labeling people as false prophets because just for me, I believe God can do a good work through anyone/circumstance, but I am interested in your opinions.
Related political debate
http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/frankel_faf.html
Scripture reference
There are many online scripture references and study Bibles available – I use these to research a variety of topics. These are my favorite links. Some of the passages they may take you too are regarding essential oils, healing and eating. God bless you!
Disclaimer: The words expressed within my website do not attempt to cure or treat any dis-ease or illness. Let's all work together, take responsibility for our selves, and share what we learn and try to heal ourselves. This is my prayer.
