The Free-Fall of Evangelicalism
by Dr. David Wells
Post-War Evangelicalism, which linked believers around the
world through the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization..
is now in a free fall.. We are coming to the end, I believe,
of this era of believing in the form that we have known it and
what will follow it is now taking a rather different shape..
The very early signs could be seen of a Faustian bargain in the
making, though at the time I had no idea that the unraveling
of Evangelicalism would come so quickly. At the very moment when
evangelicals seemed poised to conquer the world, they were beginning
to lose their soul. The astonishing outward success of printing
presses in high gear, masive political coalitions forming, megachurches
popping up, and a steady trail of visitors to the White House
could not mask the growing emptiness that would become increasingly
evident. It needs to be said immediately that this is a minority
viewpoint.
George Barna reported in 1999 that 54% of Protestant pastors
thought that revival was breaking out despite the fact that for
every Protestant church that is started, two close down and despite
the fact that giving is down across the board and support for
missions is sinking rapidly..
As Evangelicalism has emptied itself out theologically, novelty,
experimentation and cultural trendiness have overwhelmed many
of the historic, bedrock affirmations that once characterized
evangelical faith..
The weakness of the evangelical church today I believe, is
in its knowledge and experience of God. That is why it was an
ill omen when 'Christianity Today' magazine descended from its
perch, which is usually far above the fray, and published an
editorial that took aim at "classical theism and gave heart
to the process theology being advocated by theologians Clark
Pinnock, John Sanders, and Greg Boyd (God vs.
God, Christianity Today, February 7, 2000, 34-5) ..
This editorial in Christianity Today is simply an illustration
among many that could have been chosen of how confused the evangelical
church has become. More than that, it shows that the growing
definitional fogginess within Evangelicalism is not reaching
into our understanding of God Himself. It is one thing to debate
the wisdom of using inerrancy; it is something entirely different
to imagine that God is as hobbled and as baffled by life as we
are.
The truth of the matter is that the fraying at the edges of
the evangelical world has now turned into an unraveling at its
center. First came the new definitions about who evangelicals
were. Then the boundaries were shifted. Then they were crossed.
And now the reality of God is redefined and made altogether more
accommodating to our postmodern culture. It is for these reasons
I believe Evangelicalism is now in a free fall. (The
Plumbline Newsletter, Vol.6 No 1 Jan/2002)
- The Midnight Herald
America Embraces the Ecumenical Spirit
The events of September 11, 2001 have effectively replaced
December 7, 1941 (the attack on Pearl Harbor) as America's greatest
"Day of Infamy." Pearl Harbor signaled the United States
entrance into World War II... The World Trade Center attacks
are proving to be the spiritual counterpart of the Pearl Harbor
bombing. Countless reports tell how Islamic Fundamentalists effectively
commandeered four planes.. This time, President Bush pointed
out that this "Day of Infamy" was a spiritual event
with spiritual implications. However, he only hinted at what
these implications could be. The first inkling came a few days
later at the Washington Cathedral. During this service, we saw
clerics from Christianity, Judaism and Islam present in full
regalia... They were fully unanymous in their assertion that
"we all worship the same God."
This theme would again be apparent when Oprah Winfrey led
a "prayer service" in Yankee Stadium. This time, we
were treated to prayers and "words of wisdom" from
Protestant Preachers, Catholic Cardinals and Bishops, an Eastern
Orthodox Bishop, Islamic Imoms, Jewish Rabbis, and Hindu Clerics.
Missing from these services were Christian Fundamentalists,
Orthodox Jews and the Shiite Branch of the Islamic faith... omissions
were intentional because their beliefs are incompatible with
the goals and objective of the New World Religion. Yet, it is
this separation that has defined the war for the Soul of America.
On one side of the equation is the unity group, comprised
of clerics and other religious leaders willing to sacrifice their
core beliefs to bring about a "New World Religion."
On the other side of the equation, we find three groups of religious
leaders unwilling to surrender their core beliefs for anything.
The battle lines will be drawn based upon these distinctions.
The New World Order has elected, due to the attacks on the
WTC and the Pentagon, to destroy the Shiite movement of Islam.
When they complete that task, they will undoubtedly go after
the Orthodox Jews in the U.S., Europe and in the nation of Israel,
following that fundamental Christians as well.
..It was most intersting to see George W. Bush standing arm-in-arm
with a Muslim "brother," saying how the militant Muslims
who go round the world causing terror have distorted the real
teachings of the Qur'an.
The real spin that is put now on Islam is that Islam is compatible
with Christian teaching, etc. The spin-offs have been fostered
by the New York and Washington strikes are 1) Interfaith services
abound; 2) Islam has been "respectableized;" 3) Religious
goups which don't fit into the New World Order are marginalized
as "extremists" and can be hunted out and destroyed
without public dissent.
"Fundamentalists" groups which do not fit into the
mold can be marginalized as cults, and wiped out in the most
profound fashion, while the liberal "Christianity"
represented by the mainstream denominations is held up as acceptable.
As for the potential for a religious REVIVAL in these recent
events, I see NO evidence of that. True spirituality involves
more than a few warbly tearful renditions of "God bless
America"! There has been a religious revival, but, religion
is precisely what the world does not need. Religion is a product
of the forces of darkness, and is one of the key to old of the
New World Order in establishing its deceptive regime. (The
Midnight Herald, November 2001 p A3)
For the whole world to worship some one kind of savior (The
Antichrist) the people have to set aside their differences and
start adhering to a one-world religion or new world order in
which lip-service is paid to the unknown "God" of your
own imagination.
This very thing is happening before our eyes. Ecumenism, the
joining of religions with UNITY as the top principle and truth
thrown out the window, has been growing at an alarming rate in
the U.S. as well as the world at large.
Dr. Billy Graham (Protestantism / Evangelicalism), as well
as a Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim Cleric, and a Roman Catholic leader..
took the stage and essentially agree that they were serving the
same "God", just using different name for this sme
"God" [at the Washington National Cathedral attended
by many politically powerful men of Congress after the 9:11 incident]
They were unified in their position of anti-evil, and no disagreements
in terms of who "God" is. He or she is "God"
as one understands him or her.. WHERE WOULD JESUS OF NAZARETH
FIT INTO THIS MEETING?
The heart of a one-world religion is the doctrine of "toleration"
which is a subprinciple of relativism. The principle of relativism,
as defined and understood by the world, is that it is wrong /
false to believe that there is any such concept as ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
In regard to relativism's lesser principle of "toleration,"
it is the belief that any single religion ' god the people of
the world claim as theirs (Allah, Jehovah, Jesus, etc.) is NOT
the only way to heaven, if there is a heaven at all (in their
beliefs).
For example, it is currently judged as "intolerant and
hateful" to believe that Jesus Christ is THE ONLY WAY to
heaven, and that all who reject Him will spend eternity in hell.
Absolute claims like that are judged as ignorant, intolerant
and hateful by the relativists who hold to the tene of "toleration."..
Arab nations, who are essentially entirely Muslim, want to
destroy Israel with every fiber of their being. Why is this?
that is a long biblical story that you need to read. What the
media reports and what is really going on are two different things.
The Arab world may well pay lip-service to the Western nations'
desire to stamp out terrorists, and they may even throw a few
bones (a few, select, suicide bombers) toward the Western nations.
However, the hatred for ..Israel will remain. It is certain that
Israel will be betrayed in a big way in the near future. [Abridged from Grace and Truth Ministries - http://www.john13-6.org
]
The "Gospel" of Unity
by Mike Oppenheiner
Everyone is looking for peace to make a better world. Many
think uniting together, we can have peace in our world. Jesus
spoke about peace: "My peace I give to you not as the world
give." His is a peace through trials, an assurance of well
being, not a compromise to bring two sides together that should
not be. His main conern was of a peace we can have with God,
reconciled through cross. The Bible speaks any unity based upon
man's desires and goals that are independent of the God of the
Bible (Gen. 11:1-9). But, the clarion call today is unity of
the world and unity of religion. This is the false unity that
will be headed by the Antichrist (Rev. 17-18)
The Bible condemns any type of unity which isn't founded in
God's truth. The false gods of unity sacrifice eternal truths
for tolerance... This unity not only affects the Church, but
politics as well.
Moonies want unity of religion. Jerry Falwell Sun Myung Moon
[who impersonates God] after he spoke at a plenary session of
Rev. Moon's "Christian Ecumenism in the Americas" conference
in Montevideo, Uruguay. Falwell called Moon an "unsung hero
to the cause of freedom" who was to be commended for his
determination, courage and endurance in support of his beliefs."
Robert Schuller, whose Crystal Cathedral houses offices for
"Christians and Muslims for Peace," told Imam Alfred
Mohammed of the Muslim American Society that, "if he [Schuller]
came back in 100 years and found his descendants Muslims, it
would not bother him." Does Schuller know that Islam denies
that Jesus is God's Son and that He died for our sins? Islam
offers a "gospel" of good works for salvation, and
death in Jihad as the only sure way for Muslims to ender "Paradise."
Schuller doesn't mind not telling people they are sinners
in need of salvation. Instead, he offers his message of "positive
Christianity." This is the peace and unity he offers, instead
of Christ's death on the Cross for our sins. This certainly can't
bring the peace Christ offers to sinners.
The Bible is explicit on faith and unity. Not everyone is
a child in God's kingdom. He did not leave it up to us to choose
which religion to belong to. Christ is still the ONLY WAY. Galatians
3:26-28, "For ye are all the children of God by FAITH IN
CHRIST JESUS."
John Marks Templeton has become famous for offering a million
dollars from his religious research center that is developing
"progress in religion." This prize has become one of
the most prestigious Ecumenical awards. Templeton has been noted
for saying, "I am hoping to develop a body of knowledge
about God that doesn't rely on ancient revelations or scripture
(the Bible). The main purpose of the Templeton Foundation is
to encourage enthusiasm for accelerating discovery and progress
in spiritual matters."
He goes to say, "the hear of true religion is the willingness
to see truths in other religions. The persian scriptures claim,
'whatever road I take joins the highway that leads to thee. Broad
is the carpet God has spread."
Contrary to his broad road, Jesus said He is "The Way."
The road is narrow and few find it. (Matthew 7:13). To this,
Templeton says, "No one should say God can be reached by
only one path." Norman Vincent Peale has called Templeton,
"The greatest layman of the Christian church in our time"
This he attributes to a man who is an evolutionist and a pantheist.
The prize for contributing toward religious progression is antithetical
to Christianity, which is absolute truth.
The first Templeton prize went to Mother Teresa in 1973. There
have been Muslims, Hindus and Buddhist leaders who have accepted
his prize, as well as many Evangelicals and even atheists. Other
prize winners include Billy Graham in 1982, Bill Bright in 1996,
and more recently Charles Colson.
Jack Van Impe, Benny Hinn, Paul Crouch, and other New Evangelicals"
endorse the Pope, and consider him "a real born again, Evangelical
Charismatic [even though he kissed the Koran publically]."
Pat Robertson stated, "Pope John Paul II stands like
a rock in his clear anunciation of the foundational principles
of the Christian faith." In reality, this is the most Marian
Pope the Roman Catholic church has ever had, who lauds the richness
of other religions such as animists and the Tibetan Lama.
[Speaking of Pat Robertson: Pat Robertson is another of the
Illuminati boys, according to Power of Prophecy, June 2001, who
have their [hands] in Red Chinese arena. Robertson, unbeknownst
to the Christian world, is a wealthy billionaire whose father,
an influential U.S. Senator, was Chairman of the Senate Banking
Currency Committee. Robertson has invested then million dollars
in the Red Chinese company Zhaodaola, the Asian tiger's equivalent
of our Internet's Yahoo Corporation.
Robertson has assured Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji he'll back
the reds politically, too. So, Pat told viewers of TV's 'The
700 Club' they needed to back free trade between the U.S. and
China. Then, this April, 2001, Pat Robertson told his audience
that the United States should get off Red China's back and quit
bitching about the Communists' depopulation policy of only one
child per family and forced abortions. Robertson also launched
an attack on China's suffering and beleaguered Christians, severing
ties with China's underground churches and recognizing only Beijing
government-approved "churches".
The Bahais [a followup of Islam] state, "Christ was the
Prophet of Christians, Moses of Jews. Why should not the followers
of each prophet recognize and honor the other prophets also?
If men could only learn the lesson of mutual tolerance, understanding
and brotherly love, the unity of the world would soon be an established
fact" (Wisdom of Abdul Baha p.43)
We are never told to make unity, but to "keep the unity
of the Spirit" (Ephesians 4:3). This is something we already
have in Christ. Christ prayed for the unity and all his prayers
are answered. We don't have to strive for it. It is given by
grace [gift] through Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who makes
this unity, because it is a unity of those who are truly born
of the Spirit. We are brought into this unity by faith when we
are added to the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Contrast this with the ecumenical concept of bringing together
all who name the name of Christ, even if they do not hold to
the basic tenets' of the faither and are unregenerate.
True unity began on the day of Pentecost when God made a new
entity: the Church. Those who believed the Gospel were brought
into the Church, and they continued steadfastly in the Apostle's
doctrine in love and fellowship, having all things in common.
The Church increased daily. By listening to the Apostles's teachings,
they had unity.
Jude said in vs. 17, "But you beloved, remember the words
which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ."
He goes on to say there will be mockers in the last days who
cause divisions. How? By not not having the Spirit! They want
to make spiritual union by human reasoning, not lead by the Spirit
into the truth that Jesus already delivered.
Tru unity is found only in Christ. Those who belong to Him
ane "one body," having "one hope.. one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (Ephesians
4:4-6).
Unity is not possible unless once accepts the faith taught
by the apostles, not just faith in "God," whomever
one might imagine Him to be. The Church is commanded to, "earnestly
contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints" (Jude
3).
We are to guard this faith (2 Timothy 1:13,14). But, this
is not the purpose of this new unity that is sought. There can
be no unity between those who believe and follow the Bible, and
those who do not hold to the foundational, core teachings of
the faith.
The Bible asks what spiritual fellowship light can have with
darkness. We're told to not fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness but TO EXPOSE THEM. These would be anything contrary
to Christ, that lifts itself to challenging Christ's exclusive
claims. Jesus said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who
sent Me" (John 7:16).
If one discards doctrine for the sake of being united with
others, he's going aginst all the Christ stands for. Those who
aren't part of Christ's body by believing the Gospel are not
united in the truth. No amount of love from man can do this.
They must accept Christ's love in the Gospel to be in the truth.
Trying to enter the kingdom by climbing up any other way is what
Jesus referred to as being a thief. Rather, the true believer
is to enter through the door, which is Christ. He didn't say,
"Sanctify them by Your love" but,, "Sanctify them
by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
A.W.Tozer: "We can hold a correct view of the truth only
by daring to believe everything God has said about Himself. It
is a grave responsibility that aman takes upon himself when he
seeks to edit out of God's self-revelation such features as he
in his ignorance deems objectionable."
May the Lord give us boldness to be light in this present
hour of darkness. May we speak the plain truth in love. Let's
them the Gospel [the good news]. (The Midnight
Herald, article taken from http:www.letusreason.org )
The One-World Church Has Arrived
This Super Church will not appear out of thin air, as the
plans for this organization are as old as the present antediluvian
civilization itself. It will not result from a direct frontal
assault on established religion. Rather, it will be built piece
by pieve, as the blending of subplots in a complex mustery novel.
The pieces are now falling into place, and subplots are rushing
headlong to the climax - the appearance of Antichrist. Tragically,
many well-meaning, sincere individuals are falling prey to the
vast deception of Satan's plan for the SUPER CHURCH. This includes
many Christians and Christian organizations who are unwitting
accomplices to the impending ONE WORLD CHURCH.
How could anyone be so naive" The problem lies in a lack
of adherence to the doctrines of the Word of God. When a man
or woman is born-again, he/she does not mystically become immune
of deception. It is his/her responsibility to "draw nigh
unto God" (James 4:8), by studying and taking heed to the
precepts of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).
DOCTRINE is the key to DISCERNMENT and fighting DECEPTION.
Curiously, even "Evangelical Church" of today is subordinating
the teaching of doctrine to social issues, psycholigical development,
cultural crises, worship and praise, and practically every other
pseudo-spiritual "ism" or study imaginable.
This course of events has resulted in a generation of Christians
who have no clue as to what they believe or how to recognize
heresy. Since so many are facing this dilemma, they have become
easy prey for deception which comes "gift-wrapped"
in a religious package.
To fully understand the ramifications of this deception, the
building of ONE-WORLD CHURCH, and the organizations invloved
in its establisment, one look back to 1948.
The Groundword for the One-World
Church
The rebirth of Israel signaled the start of the final countdown
to the "end of the age." .. The retun of Christ will
be marked by the following according to Dave Hunt:
1) Israel in the Promised Land
2) The Church in decline
3) Growing Apostasy
The influence of the nation of Israel must increase, while
the influence of the Church must decrease. The World Council
of Churches formed in Amsterdam with 147 protestant denominations
(today there are 307). The goal is ".. there can be and
there is finally only one church of Christ on earth.. we are
aware of the situation, that we do not accept it passively, that
we move forward toward the manifestation of the ONE HOLY CHURCH."
Lest any misunderstand, the Universal Church certainly does
exist. This is the "Body of Christ," consisting of
all who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. However, the
Universal Church does NOT include every member of every church
and/or religion. This "Body" also DOES NOT include
those who merely claim Christianity, but have never experienced
the NEW BIRTH [which includes repentence, baptism of the Holy
Spirit [receiving by asking God for the Holy Spirit] and later
water baptism [ as a sign to the public that one has accepted
Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior].
The opposite view of the WCC has been correctly conveyed by
Dr. David Cloud: "We would describe the error of the WCC
under a number of categories. We could speak of its Doctrinal
Heresy, its Modernism.. Universalism. The simple fact is that
the WCC fails every biblical test which could be applied. It
is patently and grossly unscriptural."
Although the Roman Catholic Church is not officially a member
of the WCC, the Vatican has worked very closely with the WCC
since the "Ecumenical Movement" of the 1960s. [Ed-note:
We attended one of their meetings and a Catholic Archbishop was
running the meeting. [ end of ed-note]. The member churches of
the WCC have been sliding into an ever-deepening chasm of doctrinal
apostasy. They have truned their backs on the fundamental doctrines
of the faith... they deny the Inerrancy of Scripture, the Virgin
Birth, the Bodily Resurrection, and the Deity of Christ. They
have been quick to endorse Marxist causes, gays and lesbians,
feminism, and even promote goddess worship. While many true "blood-washed"
believers may be members of this body, they are certainly supporting
the building of the ONE-WORLD CHURCH.
Many influential Evangelical Charismatic leaders have begun
to embrace unity with Roman Catholics. This includes wellknown
men, Pat Robertson, Paul Crouch and Oral Roberts. Meetings between
Catholic and Evangelicals have expanded to up to 80,000 participants.
This scenario is the direct result of the call for Charismatic
unity. The pope has sponsored a number of Vatican Interfaith
Conferences the last one just last month which included Catholics,
Protestants, Buddhists, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Native Americans,
African Animists, and Aboriginal Snake Worshippers. These were
efforts to find common ground values, and TOLERANCE - the building
blocks of the ONE-WORLD CHURCH.
Since 1986, many other groups have begun similar efforts.
In 1993, Chicago hosted the Council for a Parliament of the World's
Religions. This meeting generated a proclamation for a Declaration
of Human Values. This declaration included those values common
to all religions.
The World Conference of Religion and Peace, organized in 1970,
gathered at Melbourne, Australia, in July 1997. This organization
stressed, "Acceptance, tolerance and collaboration"
among all religions except those who hold to any form of exclusivity
(i.e., "no man cometh to the Father but by me") or
absolutism (i.e., absolute truth).
The One-World Church Is Nearing Fruition
The Pope and the Church of Rome are "seizing the moment"
to finally grasp their goal of establishing the socalled "Kingdom
of God" on earth. Absolutism and exclusivity are reapidly
becoming labeled as intolerance and bigotry.. Many Christian
leaders are busy making overtures of unity. In May 1994, the
document Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT) was authored
by Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, and R.J. Neuhaus,
former Lutheran, now Catholic priest.
The document "laid the groundwork for Evangelicals to
set aside their distinctive doctrines and unite with the Catholic
Church and other religions. The ECT document was also signed
by such notable Evangelicals as Bill Bright, Pat Robertson and
Mark Noll.
Other Christian leaders have also been making statements that
link them to this train of thought.. "I found that my beliefs
are essentially the same as those of an Orthodox Roman Catholic."
- Dr. Billy Graham.
"We (Catholics and Evangelicals) have differences, but
on the ancient creeds and core beliefs of Christianity, we stand
together." - Charles Colson.
"I am eradicating the word 'protestant' from my vocabulary..
it's time for Catholics and non-Catholics to come together as
one." - Paul Crouch.
"In all the Pope's writings.. he has hundreds and hundreds
of Bible verses. If I dare to say there are less [sic] than seven
to ten thousand Bible verses in the new catechism, backing everything
they say, I would't be exaggerating. And, he makes a statement
and backs it with the Word of God." - Jack Van Impe.
Why would these Evangelical leaders praise the Catholic Church?
Was the Reformation simply a misguided mistake? Were the million
murdered at the hands of the Office of the Inquisition really
heretics?
While only God knows the heart, these men do not pass the
test of scrutiny when evaluated according to the principles of
the Word of god. Scripture DEMANDS SEPARATION, NOT UNITY.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliervers:
for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness..
light with darkness.. Christ with Belial.. he that believeth
with an infidel.. the temple of God with idols.. Wherefore COME
OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE, saith the Lord" (2
Corinthians 6:14-17a).
The tragic truth is: Whether intentional or not, these "leaders"
are leading unsuspecting and undiscerning Christians into promoting
the plans of Satan for the One-World Church.
Promise Keepers
In 1990, an organization was formed that has the potential
to ignite the flames of Ecumenism already present in the Evangelical
community into a raging inferno. This organization is Promise
Keepers (PK), birthed into existence by former University of
Colorado football coach, Bill McCartney [Catholic]. PK's basic
premise is "to see men become the spiritual leaders in their
homes and make a moral impact on their communities."
The book, 'The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper', declares
that the book is, "for any male who wants to: know his Creator
better, be closer to his wife and children, tear down the walls
of division, see the entire world come to know God's love."
This all sounds very pious and spiritual. However, based on
the rampant Ecumenism of our time, red flags should immediately
be raised concerning "tear down the walls of division"
and "see the entire world come to know God's love."
Found within these two goals is a conduit to connect many
Evangelicals and other Christians to the effort to build the
ONE WORLD CHURCH. While the Lord Jesus Christ did indeed command
His disciples to, "go into the whole world and preach the
gospel" (Mark 16:15), nowhere does the Bible state the entire
world will know God's love prior to the Millennial Reign of Christ.
There exists a theological belief system among some Evangelicals
and Charismatics known as DOMINION THEOLOGY. The theological
system, led by notable Charismatics Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland,
Kenneth Hagin, and others, declares the earth will be ruled by
or come under the dominion of the Church.
The primary danger of Dominion Theology [also part of Mormon
theology] is the embracing of Ecumenical movements as the fulfillment
of Bible prophecy. This is a major cause for concern with the
PK organization. As a matter of fact, while interviewing Bill
McCartney, "Pat Robertson suggested that PK is a fulfillment
of Bible prophecy."
This dangerous Dominionist connection to PK is seen by the
goal to "se the entire world know God's love." according
to Scripture, this goal won't be reached in this present age.
This is also the goal of those who seek to build the ONE-WORLD
CHURCH.
As one PK Roman Catholic member of the PK Board of Directors,
Mike Timmis, prayed at the 10/4/97 Washington rally: "We
recognize that we do have doctrinal differences, but Father,
we will not let these differences destroy our unity."
This statement echoes the Ecumenical Movement - "Do not
let doctrine prevent unity." The policy of blindly embracing
other religious groups that simply "name the name of Jesus"
is not sufficient. Jesus Himself related that all who call "Lord,
Lord" will not enter into heaven. In the final analysis,
TRUTH MUST BE THE ULTIMATE GOAL NOT TOLERANCE.
Doctrine divides because truth divides. As the end of the
age approaches, this policy of unity is creating a bridge from
the "Evangelical Community" to the One-World Church.
Jesus Christ will return. He will establish His Millennial
Kingdom on the earth. Prior to that time, however, the inhabitants
of the earth will witness the strongest deception in all of history.
The One-World Church is a key ingredient to that deception. All
religions will worship Antichrist as God. The stage is now being
set, and the siren song of unity is invading every area of established
religion. Born-again Christians must pray for discernment to
fight, not tolerate, the Ecumenical philosophies of the time.
Contend for the Faith
The book of Jude instructs the Church "to earnestly contend
for the faith" because "there are certain men crept
in unawares." I Timothy predicts "that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith." 2 Timothy warns
"that in the last days perilous times shall come.. (men
will have) a form of godliness but denying the power thereof."
These passages speak of the deception from within the ranks
of the professing Church in the latter days. There is warning
here of deceptive "wolves in sheep's clothing" that
will infiltrate the body of believers to turn from the faith.
Jude instructs true believers to "contend for the faith."
Does contending for the faith include tolerance of and cooperation
with those who deny fundamental doctrines? The conclusion can
be summed up in simple statement of Timothy: "FROM SUCH
TURN AWAY."
Born-again Christian are obligated to obey the Great Commission.
This includes not only evangelization, but also TEACHING: "Go
ye therefore, and TEACH all nations.. TEACHING them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you.. "
The bridge of the Gospel, supported by the foundation of doctrinal
truth must be extended to those trapped in false religious systems,
while the bridge of unscriptural Ecumenical Unity must be burned.
These are simply the requirements of the Word of God. May
God give us courage and discernment to stand for the truth in
these perilous times. [http://www.cuttingedge.org
via The Midnight Herald, November 2001]
Globalism, Where Did It Come From?
A quick look at the history of globalism proves that globalism
is rooted in the mystery of iniquity which goes back to the secret
priesthood that practiced astrology, magic and witchcraft to
achieve their goals. The priesthood also understood the geometry
neccessary to build temples which were given to these illuminist
[enlightened ones, wise men]. The secrets were to be kept from
the rest of the population to keep the cost up [They already
knew the principle of creating shortages to increase the price
in those days]. Temples and Cathedrals were built all over Europe
over time and these men traveled with their secrets. For safety
and sustenance purposes they formed small pockets of a secret
brotherhood which eventually spread all over the world known
today as Freemasonry.
The templars became part of this movement. The Templars appointed
themselves to protect travelers who wanted to visit Jerusalem.
They were crusaders for Christ at the beginning and people trusted
them. Aristocrats often so impressed with their commitment to
Christ gave them large endowments of their estates and joined
them or for safe keeping.
This practice became the banking industry. Over time these
Templars got very rich and flourished even in industries by investing
and running businesses until they got too rich for popes to stand
by and watch.
To keep himself from being involved a particular Pope influenced
a French king to accuse and prosecute the Templars until most
of them were jailed for life or burned at the stake with the
exception of an Italian Order, the Hospitaler Order which is
now the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Maltese Order and
various others. Others who were able to escape the Pope's scurge
fled to Scottland, and the United Kingdom.
The secret priesthood continued building temples until Martin
Luther in the 1500s geared into eradicating the various European
Masonic Brotherhoods by now had become heavily involved with
politics and the Roman Catholic priesthood.
America became the next stage. The Masonic Order had the opportunity
of a lifetime, a dream come true of a world managed by the illuminati.
The Masons wrote the Constitutions so that they could grow and
prosper without interference. As previously in Europe, the Masonic
spirit flourishes within churches not only to participate in
good deeds of one kind or another but because the brotherhood
is secret. In churches they could openly be brothers. The other
reason they live within churches is that they have no use for
Jesus Christ and wish to bring division from within. Their ultimate
goal is to destroy the church altogether.
It was the same spirit that was inspiring the pharisees who
contrived charges against Jesus to get him crucified. Masons
have their own death and resurrection ritual and serve the Egyptian
underworld god Osiris, Isis and Horus in secret. Osiris, who
according to Albert Pike, a 33 degree Mason, can be interchanged
in meaning with the Sun. On the surface they worship the Sun.
Their temples have to face east and that is what they have in
common with Islam. Muslims face east to worship Mecca in Saudi
Arabia. Islam is represented by the Shriners in the Masonic hierarchy.
Freemasonry and the interfaith movement are compatable because
Masons don't care who they pray with, wether they use the Bible
or the Koran. Masons go to church and most American churches
allow them to participate. We believe that is truly why the ecumenical
spirit was able to permeate all the denominations. Churches were
not following God's mandate to separate from unbelievers. If
the response of Christians is to band together with heathens
and non-believers in prayer to "the power" or any "god
of your choice," it bankrupts the church because God can't
participate. The Holy Spirit has to flee from these bodies because
they are not on the straight and narrow being sanctified day
by day nor are they washed by reading the Word of God.
Dr. Billy Graham is still highly respected in religious circles
considering all the dollars that flow into his organization and
honors still bestowed on him. He was recently knighted by a representative
of Queen Elisabeth II, Order of the Garter. He also received
the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Templeton Prize and many
others here and overseas. In spite of the fact that people find
his name on lists of Famous Masons and its gotten around Christian
circles, people feel pride when his name comes up. He seems so
clean cut and has been around for many years and feels like an
anchor to heaven. Well, knowing what we know, the umbilical cord
has to be cut if we want to please God.
Dr. Billy Graham represents all American Christians when major
events emerge and knowing what we know, born again believers
are not represented anywhere because we are dead to the world.
We are part of His Body and work behind the scenes to try to
rescue a few out of the fire so states the the Bible in Jude.
That is the state of our Lord's Church and GLOBALISM represents
Judas who will try to betray Jesus's Body once again and nail
it to the cross because Jesus is the stumbling stone that has
to be removed. They may kill true Christians but this time they
are not going to succeed. The sacrifice has been rendered in
full and in perfection. And this time Jesus will take the throne
that is only His to occupy and rule the world with an iron rod
in which we will participate with great joy forever. |