"Are you 1 in 25"

Greetings!

Just as I was beginning to awake this morning the Lord began to direct my thoughts to the content of this email update. Though I knew it would include several emails (see below) I have been baffled for the past few days as to exactly what I would say in these opening remarks. Just a few moments ago the Lord began revealing to me what I should express.

First, I want you to know how deeply we have appreciated your ongoing prayer support for our ministry and family. Melanie and I would never be able to devote the combined 100+ hours of time each week to the ministry without your intercession. Apologetics is not an easy ministry. The opposition of sometimes very intense but the joy of serving the Lord Jesus and seeing so many captives set free from demonic bondage is in itself spiritually medicinal.

Most of you know that the main function and focus of our ministry is the "live" seminar ministry, traveling to churches and conferences and presenting our teaching and evangelistic ministry. But I want to focus on our website and Internet presence for just a moment.

Our website and these email updates have been a real labor of love. Just the constant maintenance on our email list takes several hours each month and that is before any words are written or any web pages are updated or constructed. Still, the web has proven to be a great tool to reach out with the uncompromising truth that God loves mankind and sent His Son to give "whosoever will" the victory over death, hell and the grave. It is also our goal to present, clear and understandable apologetics information which sounds the warning that the Devil's deceptions are real, dangerous and not to be taken lightly.

Over the past nine years our Internet ministry has allowed us to be particularly fruitful as it now reaches people around the world. (This email will be read by folks in over 25 countries that we know of.) The www.ericbarger.com website includes a wealth of information on the cults, occult, spiritual warfare and other issues effecting the Church. As you know I have uploaded lots of articles from myself and other Christian apologists as well as many chapters from my books to the site, including my latest book, Disarming the Powers of Darkness in its entirety. In fact, if you were to print out the entire website it would take nearly TWO 500 sheet reams of paper to do so!

Each day much of our attention and time is focused on answering emails from folks whose family or friends are caught up in Satan's various traps. These emails include requests for information, resources, advice, theological counsel and materials. Each week we also correspond directly with people seeking freedom from from the cults, occult practices and aberrant world religions. And of course we get a fair share of angry and argumentative emails (the majority of which begin something like "I am a Christian but..." That's OK, I can handle it. It is the occasional death threat or those who promise "the wrath of Allah" that is somewhat disconcerting. Still we remain steadfast, undeterred and without fear.

The fact remains though that when it comes to the needed revenue to operate the ministry, the Internet does not produce...at least as it should. Though these email updates apparently reach so many people it is troublesome that approximately only one out of every 250 subscribers have responded in the past year with a donation to support our work or with an order for ministry materials. If this figure was instead one out of every 25 subscribers I imagine that we would not be running a deficit of nearly $5000 this summer.

Whether you are a regular contributor or not can I remind you of just how expensive maintaining the ministry can be?

Here is an idea of just some of the recent ministry expenses.

Airfare - $302 and $235 per ticket for recent trips

Gas - easily $100 a week and sometimes much more if I am "on the road"

* Due to heightened airline security restrictions I am forced to drive much more than in times past. Bringing a large carry on bag with my video projector, cabling and other needed electronics may be impossible in the foreseeable future. As you may know, because of the recent terrorist plot uncovered in the UK there is now a ban concerning laptop computers on at least some routes as well.

Produce new video teaching (time, materials, labor, studio costs) - $1500

Mailing, postage - $1150

Printing (ink, paper, envelopes) - $2200

Purchase ministry materials (DVDs, Videos, Books, etc) - $600

This is not to mention phones, insurance, Internet services, Web expenses, office equipment, lights, etc.

Nor does this speak to the fact that we support our household completely from ministry income as well. (One major concern: We are blessed with pretty good health but we'd like to be able to afford some health insurance sometime soon.)

If you have financially supported up in the past - Thank you! Perhaps however, you may be one of the folks who have not supported the ministry. Can I implore you to pray and consider doing so now?

I feel certain that at least one person who'll read this could give a gift to wipe out the entire deficit the ministry is experiencing. But if just 1 in 25 do something I know that the need will be met. Are you that 1 in 25?

Thanks so much and God bless you!

To make a donation to the ministry, click here

Warning for the Wayward Church...

"A man on fire disturbs the world, a building on fire attracts the world, a community on fire changes the world. ...I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell."
- William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army

"There is a notion abroad that to win a man we must agree with him. Actually the exact opposite is true. G. K. Chesterton remarked that 'each generation has had to be converted by the man who contradicted it most. The man who is going in a wrong direction will never be set right by the affable religionist who falls into step beside him and goes the same way. Someone must place himself across the path and insist that the straying man turn around and go in the right direction."
- A.W. Tozer quoting G.K. Chesterton - prolific early 20th century Christian apologist

"We do not believe that we should seek to make sinners feel safe and comfortable in church. Is it right for me to speak comfortable words to a man who is going to hell unless he turns from his sin? If I fail to warn him of the consequences of his sin, and he dies and goes to hell, will God require his blood at my hand? When is godly sorrow and conviction of sin such a wrong thing?"
- Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel

Hope in the midst of Apostasy!

Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel denounces the "Emerging Church" movement and discontinues distribution of all materials related to Rick Warren and the "Purpose Driven" movement."
(click links below)

Chuck Smith denounces "Emerging Church" movement

Calvary Chapel discontinues PDL distribution

Read more on disturbing trends in the Church

Islamo-Fascism starts with the Koran

I am certain that I will get a considerable amount opposing mail to what I am about to say but that will be nothing new. Experiencing the somewhat abusive nature of dialog that often proceeds from discussions on religious apologetics is just the price we often pay in this ministry.

I am glad, even relieved, that this morning (August 10, 2006) President Bush took the step of calling the terrorist enemy we are fighting "Islamo-fascist." To my recollection he had not actually stated this before. As one might expect, already this morning Muslim leaders are complaining about Bush's statement claiming he painted all Muslims with far too broad a brush.

The last time I checked not all Muslims are terrorists but almost every terrorist in the world today is indeed a radical Muslim - an "Islamo-fascist." That's an old statement to many by now but certainly one that bears repeating.

In all fairness it should be stressed that indeed the vast majority of Muslims in the world are not terrorist minded jihadists - but that's not the fault of the Koran. The reason many Muslims are not terrorists is because they simply do not follow the explicit commands and teachings of the Koran. Just as so-called "Jack Mormons" are Mormon by name and association only and "liberal Christians" identify with the trimmings of the Church but not with the whole counsel of God's Word, millions of Muslims are doubtlessly troubled by many of the commands and admonitions found in the Koran and are thus not really orthodox. They, like many Mormons feel hopelessly trapped in their religion. They may go through the motions but are not about to act in the prescribed manner that the book(s) their religion is based on implores them to.

I know it is somewhat uncomfortable for some to hear but here's Islam's dirty little secret. When it comes to actually following and living out the teachings of the Koran, the most orthodox Muslim alive today could well be Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama Bin Laden. He and other Islamic terrorists are simply adhering to the teachings of the Koran and their 1300+ year-old dead founder, Muhammad. Allow me to illustrate just a few examples from the Koran that illustrate this point.

Sura 9:5
"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans (infidels) wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them... "

Note: There is no neutrality in the mind of Islam. If you think that "peace" means peace as we understand it to be, think again. In Islam if you are not a member of the "House of Peace" (i.e. a Muslim) then you are automatically an enemy and a member of the "House of War" - an infidel. So much for the "religion of peace" doublespeak that so many people - in particular, politicians and some of the media pundits - are stuck on as their usual opening disclaimer.

Sura 9:123
"O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, (who are near you) and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him."

Sura 8:39
"And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere..."

Note: How can anyone read this sura and then deny that Muhammad is preaching world domination? That has been from the beginning and remains to this day the underlying goal of Islam.

Sura 8:60-61
"Against the infidels make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allah. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you." 8:61 But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah."

Note: Once again…"peace" means conversion to Islam.

Sura 8:12
“God revealed His will to the angels, saying…I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers”

The Reward:
Again and again the Koran promises Paradise full of virgins, fruit, wine and song to all martyrs who die in the cause of Islam.
(Sura 2:25, 4:37, 11:23 and 47:15)

The Cost of Speaking the Truth
Sura 5:36 demands swift "justice" against those who oppose Muhammad and Islam:
"The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Apostle, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land."

Commentary
Those who want to prosecute a terrorist holy war against Jews, Christians and western civilization in general are not going away, at least not until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. So let's get real here folks. We all want to be safe when we fly but enough strip searching of 80 year-old grandmothers and 7 year-old kids at airport security check points. Along with a complete revamping of the security measures used to check cargo, we need to renounce the insanity of political correctness and profile - yes, profile - those who fit the description of a terrorist. Do I have to spell out who I am referring to? Will it take more planes crashing into skyscrapers or God forbid, a smuggled nuke detonated in one of our ports before we wake up and get serious about where we focus our security efforts? I am not the first to suggest this and after the events unfolding this morning I am sure others will renew the call for profiling.

Americans (myself included) should expect adequate security at airports - even if it means closing our country's borders and shutting down immigration completely. We must more stridently identify and aggressively screen those who fit the profile of known terrorists and concentrate the majority of our efforts on individuals who fit the description. We had better get serious and quick. It is not racism or paranoia to point this out. We had better realize that only in our liberalistic "politically correct" culture are a vocal minority concerned more with offending someone than with what could someday amount to the very survival of our way of life and even the nation itself. - EB

PS...as I edit this article I just saw a new clip stating that the price of oil dropped by some $2 a barrel today on news of the foiled terrorist plot. Could it be that strong defense and better security could also bolster the economy?

Jesus is firmly on the throne!
PRAISE THE LORD!
But until He comes, remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Why do You Attack Other Religions?

Attention Eric,

Why go and attack a church that in turn does not turn around and attack any of the other so called religions! We are here on this earth with free agency which means we are free to worship who and what we will! Consider that next time you want to attack something.

Just because you cannot think of a subject to preach on, doesn't mean to attack your fellow man.
We live in the U.S.A which means there are choices we can make freely!

Eric Responds:

Not true. Joseph Smith attacked the Christian Church, calling their creeds "an abomination" its people "deceived" and its leaders "hirelings of Satan." Who attacked who? (For the record, I love and respect Mormons...it is Mormonism where the problem is. You can tell that if you really read what I wrote yesterday.)

Also, thanks for making an important point for me. It is indeed a free country. So, considering the mandate the Bible gives we believers to "defend the faith" and to point people towards the only avenue through which man can find rescue from an eternity in Hell separated from God, I will continue to exercise my freedom to expose false systems that cannot save or deliver men. No church and no religion can help us eternally...only the Jesus of the Bible. (Read that as NOT the "different Jesus" of Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Islam, etc. See II Corinthians 11:3-4.)

I can think of plenty of subjects to preach on...and I do speak and an array of topics. And I have been addressing Mormonism for many years now. By the way, where in yesterday's email did I attack my fellow man? I didn't. Did I make a personal attack? I can certainly separate the belief systems from the person. You need to as well.

Ahhh, I love living in the USA where we can at least try and persuade men to follow Christ. This is exactly what my examples the Apostles Paul, Peter, John, James, and of course Jesus Himself did.

My friend you aren't the first person that disdained we who contend for the faith. Acts 9 comes to mind... Verse 22-23 states: "But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him." It seems as though the Killed Jesus for upsetting the religious ideas of the day too, correct?

Accounts such as found in Acts 9 are throughout the New Testament. As the early Church stood for truth, the world - especially those who were caught in worthless religious systems - hated them and tried literally everything they could to stop them.

You should read the vicious threats I receive from Muslims...in comparison I want to thank you for the nice, civil letter.

Jude 3, I Peter 3:15...

Eric

PS...By the way, are you a Mormon or do you have Mormon family or friends? How come you elected to join my email list?

Arrest that Man!

An anonymous writer at our website left this inspiring message in April.

"Everything in your site about the religion islam is false. you simply sound racsist! and you should be arrested!"

As usual, those defending Islam or making threats do not leave a name or email address. Its just a drive-by slandering as they yell from the shadows - EB

Christians and Public School Funding - again

In our January 28 Update I printed a letter I wrote to Dr. Randy Brinson of "Redeem the Vote" concerning a plan to try and raise funding from Christian sources for public schools. Below is his response to me some six months later.

You may want to read that first letter which can be found by clicking here. It is in the "Emails" section.

In a message dated 07/18/2006 12:49:13 PM Pacific Daylight Time, randy.brinson@charter.net writes:
Dear Eric,

I am in receipt of your letter and extremely disappointed. First of all, the bible literacy project in no way demeans or dilutes the christian message, particularly when it comes to salvation and the deity of christ, which should be the main concern. Secondly, numerous evangelicals have been involved in the production of the book as well as endorsements from key academic religious leaders such as the past president of Moody Bible Institute and Dr Ryken at Wheaton College. I would imagine that many of these christian theologians have a much greater biblical background that you or I.

The main objection to the text is that it includes the interpretation of the bible by other christian denominations and other faiths. I think this is necessary for students to have a full understanding of other faith tenets as well as understanding their own biblical doctrine.

The problem is that many public schools don't teach the subject of the Bible for fear of lawsuits and the fact they may run into constitutional questions. Our organizations effort with the educational system in Alabama and other states is to be balanced so that the bible can be understood by more students.

As a homeschooler, you must also understand that all students need to be offered this opportunity, not a select few and if we are ever going to raise a generation of Americans that understand the truths of the bible and its influence, we must seek ways to make it available to public schools.

Randy Brinson,MD
Redeem the vote

Eric Responds:

Randy,

I appreciate you writing me. I assume that you probably found my comments through a search on my website as you did not reply to my letter back in January of this year.

We obviously have complete differences of opinion. Though I do not know him, I agree with Matt Friedeman's comments (see: http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/1/202006e.asp). But my point is simply one of common sense and Christian morality. It is certainly not deeply theological to point out the significance of Psalm 1 as it relates to public vs. Christian schooling. Can we not just read the text and garner the meaning?

Though I am not a homeschooler as you mentioned me to be in your letter, I am an indeed an outspoken advocate of Christian school and home education. Paying the bill to keep my grandchildren in a terrific Christian school is easily the most important money I spend each month.

My beef with your ideas are not with text or interpretations as you intimated. Since I have not seen your curriculum ideas to see if the entire Christian message is in tact or not I cannot speak about that at this time. My problem is with the very premise you are building on. My point remains that (1) any idea that weakens the effective outreach made by the majority of Christian Schools in America or that (2) induces some unsuspecting Christian parents to enroll their children in the public schools thinking they are going to receive a truly Christian education because of a single elective Bible course is plainly just misguided.

I would surely hope that no Christian parent would believe that a Bible class could somehow pass for the depth of biblical education and righteous lifestyle advocated and taught by many Christian schools.

Also, though I am in no way an isolationist or radical fundamentalist to defend the idea by merely saying that "key academic religious leaders" are backing it doesn't prove much to many of us. We're far more interested in the eternal well-being of our kids.

With that said, let me restate that it is a combination of the entire educational and social genre present in the public schools that perhaps concerns me. I know that each district and each school has different dynamics but generally speaking the public school system is the unofficial headquarters for teen and preteen immorality today. Satan is using it as a training ground which actually makes my point (and the one Noah Webster made as I sited in my article - see: http://www.ericbarger.com/emailers/2006/update1-28-06.htm).

I am sincerely glad we have Christian teachers and administrators in the public schools disbursed to make an impact (if only a subtle one) wherever they can. However, to do anything but advocate authentic and complete Christian school and Christian home schooling for our precious young is taking the chance that they will be indoctrinated with evolution, humanism, drugs, inappropriate sexual behavior, gangs or worse.

While it is a noble aspiration to attempt to bring biblical literature into the Public Schools, I reiterate that unless the schools revert to the pre-John Dewey era acceptance of the Bible as key in educating our young then why do something which would in essence hinder or harm the Christian School movement?

Eric Barger
Take A Stand! Ministries
Rowlett, TX
www.ericbarger.com

Harry Potter and Christians...again...and again...and again

After reading your article concerning the Harry Potter series, I feel utterly disgusted with some members of my own religion. There was an overwhelming sense of piety (in a very self important way) and ignorance. If, perhaps, you had bothered to read the books, BEFORE writing your article, you would understand that Harry Potter is in no way related to Satan. The Harry Potter series sets an example to children of many Christian values. LOVE is a big one.

Felicity

Eric Responds:

Felicity,

I've answered well over a hundred letters like yours but let me say it one more time...all I am interested in explaining what the Bible says about the occult. I am not interested in opinions or feelings or what is popular or what someone thinks. God's word is crystal clear concerning the occult.

Who cares how nice Harry Potter may seem? The occult is the occult and there is no such thing as God's approval of so called "white" magic or magic for good. Even the writer of the Satanic Bible said that anyone who thinks they are doing magic for good by non evil sources is deceived. By who's power is Potter doing witchcraft? Satan or God? Those are the only sources of supernatural power in the Universe. Take your pick. God's word condemns ALL witchcraft. How can anyone claim to be a real, biblical Christian and then advocate witchcraft...even if its just fantasy and for entertainment? This is why the Church is powerless today...we're not only trying to act like the world but we're defending its practices.

You need to read:
"The Nine Forbidden Practices of the Occult"

and...

"Harry Potter and Christians"

God is deadly serious about the occult. Don't you think you should have the same position on the subject that God does?

Eric
www.ericbarger.com

An Ex- Satanist Warns about Harry Potter

Eric,

I think it is time for me to take a stand. You do a wonderful job of defining the problems with Harry Potter from the Word, but I thought you might like a personal view. I was raised in satanism, and witchcraft, and although there are many different forms and levels the source of the power is the same. The Word makes it clear that all witchcraft, no matter what it is used for, is not only real, but sin. This is not fantasy. Not only is there the power to turn rats into goblets, (one of your readers questioned this) but I have seen things beyond anyone's imagination. The Word shows the power of satan, i.e. the wise men were able to recreate the miracles of Moses.

Harry Potter is not only real, but it opens doors that are hard to close. It seduces children toward the supernatural, creating a craving for power, without revealing the truth of its source. However, there is a part of Harry Potter that is not real, there is nothing good about witchcraft. I know what it is like to be trained as a child to be a witch, it is done with heinous, horrible torture. It is not fun, or fantasy. For those readers who only practice one of the forms of mild witchcraft and have not had this experience the source of your power is still Satan, and he will devour you.

I hope my reality will help some to see the truth. I know some of you will not believe me, but is it worth the spiritual life of your child. The Word says, "think on these things, things that are pure, lovely, good report".... I don't think Harry Potter passes that test.

Mickey

Eric Responds:

Wow Mickey...what a true and solid word. Thanks so much for sharing it.

God bless you!

Eric

Regarding Harry Potter - a Pastor Speaks Out

Eric,

Thank you very much for your position regarding Harry Potter and many other issues of deception that are steering people away from God while edging their way into established Christian homes and Churches. I agree with your platform of truth concerning persons who make statements in derision to Biblical truth that, they are either unlearned regarding their statements, or they know exactly what they are saying in direct response to their currently held beliefs, and are pricked with your stated factual truths regarding Salvation and destruction. You have our prayers and support, and it is our pleasure to call you our friend and brother in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. God's Speed Eric.

Pastor Donald Foss

Eric Responds:

Don,

Thanks for the awesome letter and all of the input, intercession to the Lord and care you send our way. Even more, thanks for the your unfailing love and support to our work. Melanie and I take it personally that you and Brenda have been so faithful for so many years to seed into us and the work we do...its our privilege to do what we do on your behalf.

Thanks brother...we love you and Brenda. Hope to see you soon.

Eric

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