Calvary Costa Mesa Promoting Ecumenical Evangelism

In another ecumenical event sure to confuse and stumble believers – Brian Brodersen’s Calvary Costa Mesa will be hosting an ‘exclusive screening’ of “Palau: The Movie” on May 31st. The movie glorifies the life and ministry of ecumenical “evangelist” Luis Palau. [see https://www.facebook.com/events/2743998198974920/]

Palau’s ministry has been intimately involved with the Catholic church in their evangelical crusades. Over the years, the Palau crusades have included Catholic counselors for those coming forward to receive Christ. Palau crusade organizers actively seek out the involvement of local Catholic parishes, in preparation for their events.

The Catholic Voice reported how Father Ryan Lewis was approached by the organizers and remarked: “The thinking was that we (Catholic priests and volunteers) really need to be a part of this festival… if you’re Catholic, he (Luis Palau) wants you to be an energetic Catholic”.

The Palau Association even allowed the RCC to set up a prominent tent on one crusade site. The Palau Association allowed the priests to perform the Catholic sacrament of penance (confession) behind two black screens set up in the tent.

In 1992, the Arizona Republic provided this explanation of Luis Palau’s inclusion of the Roman Catholic Church: “Palau’s form of worship presents such a broad Christian message that it appeals to Protestants and Catholics alike … But unlike other Evangelicals who have actively tried to lure … Catholics away from their churches, Palau aims to keep people in their own Christian churches-regardless of denomination…” [See https://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details3.asp?ID=17165]

A March 2013 Christianity Today article notes: “Argentine native and international evangelist Luis Palau considers Jorge Bergoglio, the newly elected Pope Francis, a personal friend. In the piece, Palau says of Pope Francis: “You know he knew God the father personally. The way he prayed, the way he talked to the Lord, was of a man who knows Jesus Christ and was very spiritually intimate with the Lord…” [See https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/march-web-only/luis-palau-pope-francis-drinks-mate-evangelicals-bergoglio.html]

In an interview with Luis Palau on Relevant magazine website, talking about his friendship with the new pope, Palau stated: “I think that’s the emphasis he is going to bring to the papacy: That the Gospel is primary, that we must emphasize it and especially with youth.” But just what “Gospel” will the pope actually emphasize? Will the true Gospel of Jesus Christ be able to be emphasized when it is shrouded in Masses, Eucharists, Transubstantiations, Marian apparitions, and a “new” evangelization program that seeks to bring back the “lost brethren” to the “Mother” church?

In a 2013 Christian Post article, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/luis-palau-new-pope-francis-a-friend-of-evangelicals-92002/#gbFrZ4eByBRdC32d.99] is quoted as saying of Pope Francis: “”I’ve met him several times, gone to his place, we’ve talked, we’ve prayed together you know. He builds bridges to other Christian groups… He’s a friend. He’s a real friend”.

Luis Palau and his organization have actively evangelized on behalf of the RCC, and by promoting this movie at Calvary Costa Mesa, Brodersen is promoting this false evangelism. If this were an isolated incident, done in ignorance, that would be one thing. But this is only the latest example of what is now Brodersen’s extensive history of ecumenical compromises.

See the movie’s trailer here: https://www.palauthemovie.com/videos/

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Brian Brodersen’s Creation Fest 2019 Exposed

Brian Brodersen – Head of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, and his Calvary Global Network are ramping up for the annual Creation Fest [CF] in the UK (of which Brodersen is also the head). Each year’s event has brought more and closer ecumenical involvement with apostate churches, as has been documented on this site. [see https://emergentwatch.wordpress.com/?s=Creation+Fest]

The official U.S. media releases of CF event info have been careful to conceal the scope of involvement by aberrant churches, but social media posts have revealed much. As has been mentioned in previous articles, the CF is a full member in the Evangelical Alliance [EA.UK], which is controlled by the Anglican Church of England [COE]. The EA.UK org is a member of the World Evangelical Association [WEA], which itself is a member of and closely linked to the World Council of Churches [WCC] (which is linked to other globalist organizations, including the United Nations).

Note that this is the same Church of England that has affirmed the transgender lifestyle and homosexual marriage – and whose leader, Archbishop Justin Welby, has called on Christians to “repent” for the Reformation split with the Rome. [see https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/26/transgender-people-encouraged-become-priests-church-england/]

In 2017 it was revealed that the COE’s Diocese of Truro has been a major financial supporter of Brodersen’s Creation Fest.

Brodersen’s partnership with the COE in his Creation Fest has grown to include the coordination of CF events at the COE’s heretical Holy Trinity Brompton [HTB] (home of the UK’s ‘Holy Laughter’ aberration; and home of the contemplative Alpha Course). [see https://www.biblebelievingtruthwatch.com/toronto-blessing-error.html] CF events have also, for some years, featured music artists from HTB’s “Worship Central” collective.

The HTB clone church – St Matthias in Plymouth, UK is now regularly hosting CF events, and the pastor of this church – Olly Ryder, will be a featured speaker at CF19. The CF is apparently so intimate with St. Matthias, they are posting their ads for internships at the church on their Twitter page that say: “We’d love for you to JOIN US for a year of adventure…” [see https://twitter.com/creationfestuk ]

Speakers at this year’s event include: Brian Brodersen and his wife Cheryl; Calvary Chapel affiliate Ben Coursen; former gay activist and “Celibate” gay Christian, David Bennett [see https://www.christiantoday.com/article/why-i-call-myself-a-gay-celibate-christian-and-say-no-to-nashville/112891.htm; Chris Goldsmith – Bishop of the [COE] Diocese of Cornwall and others.

The CF home page has listed GOD TV as a “Key Partner”. GOD TV regularly broadcasts events by Word Faith preachers and NAR postles such as Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Chuck Pierce, Heidi Baker, Jesus Culture, Mike Bickle, etc. GOD TV also promotes “Featured e-Courses” by Bethel Redding’s Bill Johnson and Kris Vallottan. [see https://learn.godtv.com/courses]

The 2019 Creation Fest will also feature the aberrant NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) group Lindy and The Circuit Riders. Originally with YWAM, this group has played backup at Jesus Culture conferences, and such NAR events as Lou Engle’s Azusa Now and (recently,) The Send. [see https://creationfest.org.uk/summer-festival/bands-and-artists/]

Brodersen has stated: “When evaluating other ministries and church leaders, WE SHOULD NOT BE QUESTIONING whether they are Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Anglican, Charismatic, Methodist, Calvary Chapel, Purpose-Driven, Seeker-Sensitive or whatever… Too many times we are over-emphasizing minor, non-essential doctrinal issues, rather than looking to come together with other brother and sisters…” [11/24/2013 -KWVE Facebook post]

Note also the Wikipedia entry on the Creation Fest informs us: “The organizers want to see local churches brought together in unity… and for the event to be a blessing and [NOTE] A REAPING GROUND FOR THOSE CHURCHES.”

The Bright Ones: Bethel Redding Meets Disney

The notorious NAR (New apostolic Reformation) cult Bethel Redding continues their incursions into mainstream Christian media with their latest gimmick – a movie called ‘The Bright Ones’. Taking a page from the Disney Channel playbook, Bethel is targeting kids as young a seven years for indoctrination into their demonic practices. The Bright Ones youth recently even appeared on Radio Disney. [See https://www.facebook.com/BrightOnesOfficial/videos/312275572771007/]

Originally a Bethel youth stage production, the Bright Ones has been made into a movie that is now playing in select theaters. The movie’s narrative is a seductive play on fleshly desires for popularity and recognition. This is but another vain attempt to rebrand Bethel Redding as a mainstream evangelical movement. Parents Beware the Bright Ones.

See: Bright Ones (2019) Official Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH4VmRiSW8M

See their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BrightOnesOfficial/

And see: https://www.facebook.com/BrightOnesOfficial/videos/2153010771457063/

Calvary Costa Mesa’s KWVE Radio Now Features Contemplative Advocate Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

The most recent addition to the line-up of preachers on Calvary Costa Mesa’s KWVE Christian radio is author & speaker Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Demoss was exposed by Pastor Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries, as far back as 2012, as a promoter of contemplative mysticism and spiritual formation – See Nancy DeMoss Turns listeners to Richard Foster for guidance – See http://apprising.org/2012/06/28/nancy-demoss-turns-listeners-to-richard-foster-for-guidance/

DeMoss has also been cited as a promoter of ‘Circle Making‘ witchcraft (see Mark Batterson’s aberrations) alongside her friend, contemplative advocate Priscilla Shirer. See: Nancy DeMoss “Hearts Revived”, but at what price? A veneer of Christianity hiding Spiritual Formation disciplines, contemplative mysticism & witchcraft?  https://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2013/06/nancy-leigh-demoss-hearts-revived-but.html

See also: Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is so undiscerning she can’t recognize pagan witchcraft & heretical teachers – https://cryingoutforjustice.com/2017/02/13/nancy-demoss-wolgemuth-is-so-undiscerning-she-cant-recognize-pagan-witchcraft-heretical-teachers/

Although this writer does NOT endorse the Calvinist or Reformed views of the website, a more recent article on Demoss is here: https://pulpitandpen.org/2016/09/20/nancy-leigh-demoss-wolgemuth-mixes-pagan-witchcraft-circle-making-with-christianity/ 

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Hillsong, The Alpha Conference and Catholic Ecumenism

The annual Alpha Conference USA will be hosted by Hillsong Phoenix (again), and kicks off Jan 31st., with a host of ecumenical and social justice speakers.

The Alpha Con19 promo vid is HERE: https://vimeo.com/289133410

The conference will be hosted by Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel – Vicar of the heretical Anglican church Holy Trinity Brompton – home of the ‘Holy Laughter’ heresy in the UK. See https://alphausa.org/alpha-national/the-alpha-conference-2019?fbclid=IwAR2iXro4SOPiakmYkjlvWAGAnYVH3abVRTubYDoVCyXF7zPaMjH4dV4usE8

Their ad proclaims: the need to “Forge kingdom friendships for greater unity across dividing lines”, and that “Together, with churches of all denominations, let’s reshape the future church to see the kingdom of God on earth…” Another advert proclaims – in huge bold font – “Church UNITY is possible.”

 Social Justice’ advocate Danielle Strickland will help everyone “Discover paths forward to shape the future of the church” [see https://www.daniellestrickland.com/]

Catholic priest Father Mike Schmitz “will help you discover paths forward” at Alpha Con19. [see https://www.facebook.com/FatherSchmitz/]

Alpha is contemplative at it’s core, and this is revealed by their own recommended resources, which promote materials by Richard Foster, Brother Lawrence, St. John of the Cross, Richard Rohr, as well as books by the NAR’s Mike Bickle, Bill Johnson, and even Joyce Meyer.

Past Alpha Cons have included Word-Faith preacher Joyce Meyer, Franciscan Capuchin (Contemplative) priest Raniero Cantalamessa, Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Archbishop of Westminster) and many other Catholic clergy.

Last year’s Alpha Con – also at Hillsong Phoenix – featured a Catholic Track with Catholic clergy, and Eucharist communion service. And notably, many Hillsong conferences have included an Alpha Track.

EmergentWatch did an article last year on the partnership of Alpha and Hillsong – See https://emergentwatch.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/hillsong-sponsoring-contemplative-alpha-allows-catholic-mass-at-conference/

Calvary Chapel Missions Conference Promotes the NAR’s Michael Brown

The 2019 Missions Conference (Jan. 7) hosted by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa promoted NAR apologist Michael Brown’s speech entitled: “Jesus, Israel, LGBT politics, speaking in tongues and Donald Trump”.

See https://calvarychapel.com/posts/the-link-missions-2019-livestream-michael-brown-on-current-topics-five-ways-to-be-a-more-effective-leader-more?fbclid=IwAR3e7U1BR5N5Zmx5PxWo2Rdv6ufUdX_Jd5vEQ2fn6whIkiDdoLvqlR_dXxA

Dr. Brown was a key player in the ‘Brownsville Revival’, with it’s charismatic excesses and ‘Holy Laughter’, etc. Brown has since become the chief apologist for the false teachers of the New Apostolic Reformation, even, at one point, denying the existence of such a group.

Here’s Brown last year, in the midst of the very worst false teachers – the NAR core!

So, once again, we have to ask WHY? Why is Brodersen’s Calvary Global Network promoting people such as Michael Brown at their Missions Conference? Might this not legitimize this man and his errors in the eyes of many CC followers? How many will be emboldened to now follow Brown, being as the CGN has thus legitimatized him?

The Chapel Store Inc. Still Selling Aberrant Materials

The EmergentWatch blog was started in response to aberrant material that were found in various church bookstores, particularly Calvary Chapel’s Chapel Store online bookstores. Chapel store Inc. is controlled by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa’s Brian Brodersen. YELP confirms: “The Chapel Store is an outreach ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa…”

One of EmergentWatch’s first bookstore surveys was of CC Downey [CCD], where over 1,700 items by aberrant authors was discovered. A video was done, entitled “Calvary Chapel Downey – Who’s Minding the Store?” – which showed screen captured documentation – webpages from the CC Downey store. The list is here:

The video got quite a response, but was shortly removed from You Tube for an alleged “copyright violation” filed by Chapel Store inc. However, CCD subsequently pulled down their online bookstore, and we hoped and prayed the bad materials would be removed. See https://emergentwatch.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/calvary-chapel-downey-whos-minding-the-store/  See also: https://emergentwatch.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/chapel-store-inc-has-our-video-removed-claiming-copyright-infringement/

The online store was down for quite some time, and I had checked occasionally to see if it was back online. I happened to check it recently and found it to be back up online @ http://www.chapelstoredowney.com/CustomModule.asp?pageid=201

From the brief survey that was done recently, it appears that the majority of the aberrant materials are no longer there. However CCD’s Chapel store is selling music by the aberrant Bethel Music, Bethel Redding’s Jesus Culture and Hillsong.

As the above image shows, their bookstore page @ http://www.chapelstoredowney.com/Product.asp?sku=0793573095060 is marketing Bethel Redding’s Jesus Culture, and declares: “Jesus Culture’s own Kim Walker-Smith and Chris Quilala carry their signature call to intimate worship and bold praise.” and: “Jesus Culture is a community of worship leaders and musicians who’s heart is to see a generation impacted by encounters with the presence of God… is focused on equipping a generation to transform society by bringing people into an encounter…”

Some of the aberrant materials still sold by CCD’s Chapel Store include books by:

Francis Chan [4 items]; Jim Cymbala [7 items]; Steven Furtick [1 item]; Louie Giglio [4 items]; Timothy Keller [12 items]; Beth Moore [6 items]; Priscilla Shier [7 items]; Ann Spangler [6 items]; Andy Stanley [5 items]; Lysa Terkeurst [10 items]; and Gary Thomas [14 items]

The Chapel Store of CCCM’s online store link says: “We are in process of rebuilding our online store”. However, their Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/CCCMChapelStore] shows that they are now (Oct. 2018) selling materials by:

Tim Keller, Priscilla Shirer, Francis Chan, Emergent Chip Ingram, and Gary Thomas, Jim Cymbala, Max Lucado, Ann Spangler, Craig Groeschel, Lysa Terkeurst, John Piper, Stormie Omartian

Of particular concern are materials by Ann Spangler and Gary Thomas. Spangler is an advocate of ‘Spiritual Formation’ [see https://www.annspangler.com/spiritual-formation/ ] and dangerous ‘contemplative prayer’. In her books Spangler uses citations by Dallas Willard, Thomas Merton, Eugene Peterson and other contemplatives.

Spangler is also the editor of the Catholic Women’s Devotional Bible, which states that it’s contemplative “Meditations are drawn from a rich variety of authors, including: Esther de Waal Catherine of Siena, Julian of Norwich, Mother Teresa and Teresa of Lisieux” [see: https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Womens-Devotional-Thomas-Nelson/dp/0310900573]

Author Gary Thomas has been popularized as ‘an expert’ on marriage. However his roots are deep into contemplative mysticism. In his book, ‘Sacred Pathways’, he tells his readers to “Choose a word (Jesus or Father, for example) as a focus for contemplative prayer. Repeat the word silently in your mind for a set amount of time, until your heart seems to be repeating the word by itself.” [pg. 185]

Thomas’ book Sacred Pathways is listed at #23 on Lighthouse Trails Top 50 “Christian” Contemplative Books – a NOT Recommended reading list [See https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=9707

See the EmergentWatch video on Christian Bookstores

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