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Ecumenism
Jim Butler

Exegesis
Exegesis is a theological term used to describe an approach to
interpreting a passage in the Bible by critical analysis. Proper
exegesis includes using the context around the passage, comparing it
with other parts of the Bible, and applying an understanding of the
language and customs of the time of the writing, in an attempt to
understand clearly what the original writer intended to convey. In
other words, it is trying to “pull out” of the passage the meaning inherent
in it. and; Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is the technical term for the process of careful,
analytical interpretation of the meaning of passages in the Bible. The
Bible is not just one document, a narrative written by one author at
one point in history. It is a collection of writings by numerous authors,
created over a period of over 1000 years. These writings include
history, narrative description, guidance for daily living, poetry,
revelation, symbolic dreams and visions, and more. In order to
understand clearly what a biblical writer was attempting to convey to
the reader, a number of factors must be considered. Is the passage
intended to be a literal description of events, or a symbolic
representation of something? Is the passage declaring a principle
applicable for all time for all people, or was it intended to be
relevant to just a certain group of people at a certain time and place?
These and many other considerations need to be incorporated into the
effort to understand how the passage may apply to the Bible student of
the 21st century.

What do faiths such as “Charismatics, Mormon’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Roman Catholicism” and the like use?

Eisegesis
The word eisegesis is a theological term used to describe an approach
to interpreting a passage in the Bible by “reading into” the passage a
meaning that is not evident at all by the passage itself, or the
context in which it appears in the Bible. Thus eisegesis is usually perceived
as a negative term, and indicates that the person using the method of
eisegesis is not being intellectually honest. Instead, they are coming
to the passage with a pre-conceived notion on a particular doctrinal
matter, and wishing to force the passage to fit that preconceived
notion. Often you hear them say “it’s in the bible!” with no scripture
reference mentioned.

and;

The Traditions Of Men

Thus with Eisegesis and man make traditions we have the foundation for
the “One World Church to begin it’s work.”

The Great Man rose to his feet. A swelling silence rolled over the
immense crowd as an ocean wave over the sand of the seashore. The
silence rose in a crescendo of anticipation as he motioned to the high
priest. The priest slowly lifted his staff, and a mountain of fire fell
from the sky, exploding into a raging inferno. The huge crowd stood
mesmerized as the prepared sacrifice was incinerated in the flames. The
silence then erupted into choruses of praise as every individual fell
prostrate to the earth in worship of the Great Man. Is this not the
long-anticipated Holy One? Is this not the Second Coming of Christ to
the Christian, Crishna to the Hindu, Maitreya to the Buddhist, Imam
Mahdi to the Muslim, Hiram Abiff to the Mason, and Messiah ben David to
the Jew? Is he not the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies concerning
each of these and others? After all, he alone accomplished what all
before failed to achieve: he became the provider of world peace,
established himself as the rightful priest-king of all mankind, and
provided both spiritual and political direction for the entire planet.
With all the dissenters humanely removed to rethink their positions, he
successfully blended the common values of all religions into a new,
syncretistic, all-encompassing faith. The long-awaited “Golden Age” has
at last arrived. WELCOME TO THE ONE WORLD CHURCH.

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; but rather, will be built piece by piece, as the mending of
subplots in a complex mystery novel. The pieces are now falling into
place, and the subplots are rushing headlong to the climax the Rapture
of the Church and subsequent 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 becoming unwitting accomplices to the
impending One World Church.

How could any Christian be so naive? How could God possibly allow His
children to contribute to the plans of Satan? The problem lies in a
lack of adherence to the doctrines of the Word of God. When a man is
born-again, he does not mystically become immune to deception. It is
the man’s responsibility to “draw nigh unto God” (James 4:8). This is
accomplished by studying and taking heed to the precepts of the Word of
God. A Christian must study to become established in Bible Doctrine (II
Tim. 2:15). DOCTRINE is the key to discernment and fighting deception.
Curiously, even the “Evangelical Church” of today is subordinating the
teaching of doctrine to social issues, psychological 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 the One World Church,
and the organizations involved in its establishment, one must look back
to the year, 1948.

The modern downward spiral to religious apostasy began with two very
significant events in 1948. On May 14,1948, the nation of Israel was
reborn. Never before in the history of mankind has any dispersed nation
been re-established in the same territory after an absence of in excess
of 1000 years. The rebirth of Israel can only be attributed to the
direct working of the hand of God. This rebirth signaled the start of
the final countdown to the “end of the age”. In his book, Jerusalem, a
Cup of Trembling, Dave Hunt explains that the last days prior to the
return of Christ will be marked by the following:

Israel in the ‘Promised Land’

The Church in decline, Growing apostasy, The Church finally removed”
(1) If this line of reasoning is followed through to fruition, the
influence of the nation of Israel on world events must increase, while the
influence of the Church must decrease.

This scenario has been aided by the second significant event of
1948 the formation of the World Council of Churches. The WCC was formed in
Amsterdam with 147 protestant denominations (today there are 307) (2). The organization’s goal was clearly stated at its inaugural meeting
(August 1948) by General Secretary of the WCC, W.A. Visser’t Hooft :

“…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 towards the manifestation of the ONE HOLY CHURCH.” (3)

(Lest any misunderstand, the Universal Church certainly does exist.
This is the “Body of Christ”, consisting of all those who have been redeemed
by the blood of Jesus. However, this 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.) The opposite view of the WCC has been correctly
conveyed by Dr. David Cloud:

“We could 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.” (4)

Though 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 (The Ecumenical Movement was a failed effort to
reunite mainline protestants with the “Mother Church”). Dr. Edward
Panosian, chairman of the Department of History at Bob Jones
University, stated,

“Rome’s conception of the ecumenical movement is the joining of all
churches- eventually all religions- to Rome. Rome does not join the
WCC. She invites the WCC to join her….” (5)

The member churches of the WCC have been sliding into an ever-deepening
chasm of doctrinal apostasy. They have turned their backs on the
fundamental doctrines of the faith. Many member churches 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.

After the failure of the Ecumenical Movement of the 1960s, the 1970s
brought forth the second wave of the “Charismatic Movement”. The
Charismatics actively seek unity on the basis of (supernatural)
manifestations, many times at the expense of doctrinal truth. They have
taken the position that differences in doctrine can be overlooked “as
long as those with whom we seek unity confess the name of Jesus and
appear to exhibit the gifts of the Spirit particularly speaking in
tongues . . .” (6). This has led many Charismatics into Dominion
Theology (see page 6 for explanation), and has also given Roman
Catholics the opportunity to regain credibility with many protestants
(7). (“The ‘gift of tongues’ was received spontaneously by many
Catholics as they were engaged in prayer to Mary.”) (8) Many
influential Charismatic leaders have begun to embrace unity with Roman Catholics.
This includes such well-known men as Pat Robertson, Paul Crouch, and
Oral Roberts. Meetings between Catholic and Evangelical Charismatics
have expanded to up to 80,000 participants (9). This scenario is the
direct result of the call for Charismatic Unity.

The two major common denominators of the Ecumenical and Charismatic
Movements are: 1) the forsaking of biblical truth for the sake of
unity, and 2) the influence of the Church of Rome. The forsaking of biblical
truth is obviously the most tragic mistake an ecclesiastical body can
make. Yet, so many have been willing to compromise truth for the sake
of unity. As a result, the idea that theological teaching is dull, boring,
or irrelevant for today’s society is creeping into even the more
conservative churches. Churches (influenced mainly by high profile
media ministries) are starting to cater to emotional, psychological, or
social teachings. This reaction to the compromise by the high profile
ministries is paving the way to find that “set of common values” with
those of every religion. This is the groundwork for the One World
Church.

The influence of the Church of Rome in these movements is obvious. One
need not be a great historian to understand the desire of the Vatican
to
garner ecclesiastical control of the entire planet. From its earliest
days, the intent of the Church of Rome has been to “establish the
Kingdom of God on earth under the headship of the pope” (10). The
Bible
is very explicit in its description of the One World Church. The
Apostle
John, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, records in Revelation 17
the image of a harlot riding a beast:

“And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven
mountains which the woman sitteth.” (11)

This is a very clear reference to Rome. The entire passage not only
accurately describes the Catholic Church, but many (including this
author) believe the pope to be the “False Prophet” of Antichrist as
described in Revelation 13. Pope John Paul II has been quoted by
Catholic Priest, Malachi Martin and others, regarding his rulership of
the planet. In an interview with the National Research Institute,
Martin revealed the following:

“According to Malachi Martin, John Paul II is anxiously awaiting the
reappearance of Mary, which will be seen by all on earth and will
authenticate John Paul II as her’s and God’s personal ambassador to
RULE THE WORLD AND SOON . . . John Paul eagerly awaits this event, since it
will confirm his claim to geo-political world dominion. It will be part
of a great disaster which will transform minds and catapult humanity
into chaos (from which John Paul will rescue it) . . . This event will
particularly involve the sun and will be seen as ‘the glory of the
woman clothed with the sun and giving birth to the child who will rule the
nations with a rod of iron.’ (Malachi Martin, Keys of This Blood) . .
.
Malachi Martin told NRI, ‘The sign will be so potent you will have to
(believe) . . . Your own conscience will scream out that THIS IS GOD!”
(12)

As if the thoughts of the pope are not convincing enough, the Roman
Catholic Church has now taken steps beyond the Ecumenical and the
Charismatic Movements. In 1986, the Church of Rome sponsored the
Vatican Interfaith Conference. This was not another effort to bring rebellious
protestants back into the fold of the “Mother Church.” This was a
council of world RELIGIONS. The conference included Catholics,
Protestants, Buddhists, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Native Americans, African
Animists, and Aboriginal Snake Worshippers (13). This was an effort to
find common ground, common values, and learn 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
(14). This declaration included those values common to all religions.
Also in 1993, Rev. William Swing (Episcopal) announced the formation of
the United Religions (UR). The UR is to be fully functional by the year
2000, and will serve as a ngo (non-governmental organization) to the
UN.
One goal of the UR is the establishment of a “Value Bank” that will
allow people to invest their money to “promote the values of the UR.”
The UR also desires to be a “symbol of unity in a world of disunity”
(15). The World Conference of Religion and Peace, organized in 1970,
gathered at Melbourne, Australia, in July 1997. This organization
stressed “Acceptance, Tolerance, and Collaberation” 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). They also
endorsed the UR and sought the common values found in all religions
(16).

The One World Church is nearing fruition. The UR and similar
organizations are aggressively seeking to bond all world religions. The
leaders of world religions are actively seeking common ground, common
beliefs, and common values. The World Council of Churches is determined
to participate in and aid these efforts. The pope and Church of Rome
are “seizing the moment” to finally grasp their goal of establishing the
so-called “Kingdom of God” on earth. Absolutism and exclusivity are
rapidly becoming labeled as intolerance and bigotry.

This certainly reveals the serious threat of ecumenism to Bible-based
Christianity. Yet, many Christian leaders are busy making their own
overtures of unity. In May of 1994, the document Evangelicals and
Catholics Together (ECT) was authored by Charles Colson of Prison
Fellowship and R. J. Neuhaus, a Catholic priest [former Lutheran]. The
document “laid the groundwork for Evangelicals to set aside their
distinctive doctrines and unite with the Catholic Church and other
religions which are coming together by the year 2000 A.D.” (17). 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. The
following are some prime examples:

“I found that my beliefs are essentially the same as those of Orthodox
Roman Catholic.” –Dr. Billy Graham (18)

“We (Catholics and Evangelicals ed) have differences, but on the
ancient creeds and core beliefs of Christianity, we stand together.”
–Charles Colson (19)

“I don’t know anyone more dedicated to the great doctrines of
Christianity than the Catholics.” –W. A. Criswell (20)

“I am eradicating the word ‘protestant’ from my vocabulary . . .
it’s time for Catholics and non-Catholics to come together as one.” –Paul
Crouch (21)

“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
wouldn’t be exaggerating. And he makes a statement and backs it with
the Word of God. ” –Jack Van Impe (22)

Why would these “Evangelical Leaders” praise the Catholic Church? Was
the Reformation simply a misguided mistake? Were the millions 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 unbelievers: 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 YE SEPARATE saith the Lord.” (23)
Do these Evangelical leaders accept Apostolic Succession, Papal
Infallibility, Transubstantiation, Mary as Intercessor, Salvation only
of the Catholic Church, and/or the doctrine of Pergatory? Are any one
of these found in the Bible? How can they possibly follow the commands of
Scripture and unite with those who hold these unscriptural doctrines?
The tragic truth of the matter is this: Whether intentional or not,
these “leaders” are leading unsuspecting, undiscerning Christians into
promoting the plans of Satan for the One World Church.

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. Promise Keepers
(PK) was birthed into existence by former University of Colorado
football coach, Bill McCartney. PK has as its basic premise “to see men
become the spiritual leaders in their homes and make a moral impact on
their communities” (24). The book, The Seven Promises of a Promise
Keeper, goes even further to declare 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” (25). 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.” What are these walls of division? At
what point in time is this reference to seeing “the entire world come
to know God’s love?”

Found within these two goals of Promise Keepers is a conduit to connect
many “evangelicals” and other conservative Christians to the effort to
build the One World Church. The second goal, “to see the entire world
come to know God’s love,” needs to be addressed first. 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 that 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. This
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.

Some Dominionists believe this will happen prior to the Rapture of the
Church, while others believe a Postmillennial concept a “Spiritual
Millennium” rather than a literal 1000 year reign of Christ on earth
(as clearly taught by Scripture). For the purposes of this discussion, the
primary danger of Dominion 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” (26). Furthermore, the upper echelons of
the PK organization are filled with those from the largely Dominionist,
Charismatic Vineyard movement. The current PK president Randy Phillips
is a member of the Boulder, Colorado Vineyard Fellowship. The pastor of
this church, James Ryle, is a PK Board of Directors member. Bill
McCartney is also a member of this fellowship (27). This dangerous
Dominionist connection to PK is clearly seen by the goal of to “see the
entire world know God’s love.” According to Scripture, this goal will
not be reached in this present age. Furthermore, this is also the goal
of those who seek to build the One World Church (it is not clear which
“god” they desire to reveal).

Returning now to the first question (What are these walls of
division?), nestled within the answer to this question are the same common
denominators previously noted the Church of Rome and the forsaking of
biblical truth for the sake of unity. Therefore, red flags of warning
quickly turn to alarm as one continues to inspect the Seven Promises.
Promise One refers to a man’s relationship to God. This chapter,
written by Jack Hayford, speaks of this relationship. Under the subtitle,
“Redeeming Worship,” Mr. Hayford relates:

“Redeeming worship centers on the Lord’s Table. Whether your
tradition celebrates it as communion, Eucharist, the Mass, or the Lord’s
Supper, we are all called to this centerpiece of Christian worship.” (28)

This statement reveals the “walls of division” are the walls that
separate the Church of Rome and the Orthodox Church from the balance of
Christendom. The truth is that the Eucharist and Mass are not
equivalent to the Lord’s Supper. The Church of Rome and the Orthodox Church
teach that this sacrament is efficacious in and of itself. Furthermore, they
believe the bread and wine became the literal body and blood of Christ
via an act of alchemy performed by the priest (this is called
transubstantiation). The commemoration of the Lord’s Supper is simply
what Scripture demands a memorial service (“this do in remembrance of
Me”) (29). The Lord’s Supper is IN NO WAY EFFICACIOUS forgiving no
sin of the partaker.

This exposes an attitude of unity at the expense of doctrine. Again,
this is a direct violation of Scripture. The PK organization is willing
to sacrifice Biblical truth for unity with the Roman Catholic Church.
PK also includes Roman Catholics on the PK Board of Directors. Mike
Timmis, a Catholic PK board member, 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.” (30)

This statement echoes the Ecumenical and Charismatic Movements “Do not
let doctrine prevent unity.” PK takes the call for unity even further.
They have extended their hand to the CULT of Mormonism. They contend
that the Mormons believe in Jesus Christ. However, who is the Jesus of
Mormonism? Mormonism teaches that Jesus was the elder brother of
billions of spirit children born to a god and his wives in some spirit
realm. Furthermore, all of humanity consists of his younger brothers
and sisters. THIS IS NOT THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE! Yet PK is willing to
exercise tolerance in ignoring these “insignificant, petty, miniscule,
irrelevant doctrinal differences” in order to join into the bond of
unity with Mormons. Lest anyone feel ignored, Reuters News Service
reported the PK call for unity was also extended to Louis Farrakhan and
his Nation of Islam in the form of an invitation to join the 1997 PK
rally in Washington, D.C. (31).

Promise Keepers has many merits. Men certainly need to be the spiritual
leaders of their homes and churches. There are those who have become
better husbands, fathers, and leaders due to their association with PK.
PK does present the gospel, and the gospel needs to be preached to all
who will listen. However, the “encounter group psychotherapy” methods
and unity at any cost are not biblical principles. 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 (32). In the final analysis, TRUTH MUST BE
THE ULTIMATE GOAL NOT TOLERANCE. M. K. Reynolds, in Foundation
magazine noted:

“Separation from, not reconciliation with false teachers is God’s way
of preserving the purity and power of the Church.”(33)

In the spirit of the Ecumenical and Charismatic Movements, PK has
sacrificed doctrine for unity. Doctrine will always divide because
truth divides. Hugh Latimer, while burning at the stake, cried out, “Unity
must be ordered according to God’s Word, or else it be better war
than peace” (34). As the end of the age approaches, this PK 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 (35). The stage is now being set and the siren song
of unity is invading every of established religion. Born-again Christians
must pray for discernment to fight, not tolerate the ecumenical
philosophies of the time. The Church is facing guerilla warfare, and
the enemy is not easily identifiable.

The book of Jude instructs the Church “to earnestly contend for the
faith” because “there are certain men crept in unawares” (36). I
Timothy predicts “that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith”
(37). II Timothy warns “that in the last days perilous times shall come
. . . (men will have) a form of godliness but denying the power
thereof” (38). 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 them from the faith. Jude instructs the 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 of the matter can be summed up in the simple statement of
Timothy: “FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.” (39)

Born-again Christians are obligated to obey the Great Commission. This
includes not only evangelization but also TEACHING:

“Go ye therefore, an TEACH all nations…TEACHING them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (40)

The ECT document prevents evangelization of Roman Catholics. Promise
Keepers forbids the teaching of doctrinal truth to Catholics and
Mormons so as not to threaten their unscriptural bond of unity. 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.

The scripture says “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Preach the truth and the self seeking will run in horror as the spirit of
error guides them. Tickle men’s ears make a friend, tell the truth
friendship ends.

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ENDNOTES

1. Hunt, Dave. Jerusalem, a Cup of Trembling, Harvest House Publishers,
Eugene, OR., 1995, p.350.
2. “ENI News Highlights,” Ecumenical News International, World Council
of Churches, December, 1997, http://www.wcc_coe.org/eni.
Ibid.
Cloud, David. Way of Life Encyclopedia, (as quoted by) Aho, Barbara,
Watch Unto Prayer Ministries, http://www.watch.pair.com/pray.html
Ibid.
Dager, James Albert. “Kingdom Now,” Media Spotlight Newsletter, Vol. 7,
No.3, July-December, 1986, p.18.
Ibid.
Hunt, Dave. A Woman Rides the Beast, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene,
OR., 1994, p.431.
“Religion in Politics,” Political Christianity,
http://www.isrp.org/PolChrs.html., p. 12.
Dager. P. 45.
Revelation 17:9.
Hayes, Kathleen. National Research Institute Trumpet, May, 1991, p.1.
Kah, Gary. The Demonic Roots of Globalism, Huntington House Publishers,
Layfeyette, LA., 1996, p.140.
The Council,for a Parliament of the World’s Religions brochure,
Chicago,
IL, 1993.
Swing, William. “Invitation to Share the Vision,” United Religions, San
Francisco, CA., p.3.
Howard, W.B. “World Conference of Religion and Peace,” Despatch
magazine, August 8, 1997, http://www.cth.com.au.
Aho, Barbara. “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” Watch Unto Prayer
Ministries, http://www.watch.pair.com/pray.html.
A Woman Rides the Beast, p.389.
Ibid. p.347.
Ibid. p.388
Ibid. p.411
“Van Impe Accused of Bias,” Personal Freedom Outreach,

http://www.pfo.org/vanimpe.html.

II Corinthians 6:14-17.
McMahon, T.A. “Compromise Keepers,” The Berean Call, November, 1995,
p.1.
Philips, Randy. The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, Focus on the
Family Publishing, Boulder, CO., 1994, Cover Fly Leaf.
Hunt, Dave. “Unity and Truth,” The Berean Call, April, 1998, p.1.
Randles, Bill. “An Open Letter to Bill McCarthy,” August 22, 1995, p.5.
Hayford, Jack. The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, p.19.
I Corinthians 11:24.
“Unity and Truth,” p.1.
Meyer, David. “Promise Keepers and Farrakhan,” The Last Trumpet
newsletter, June, 1997.
Matthew 7:21.
Reynolds, M.H. “Promise Keepers is Dangerous,” Foundation newsletter,
vol. XVI, issue 1.
Hangraaf, Hank. Counterfeit Revival, Word Publishing, Dallas TX., 1997,
p.248.
Revelation 13:8.
Jude 3-4.
I Timothy 4:1.
II Timothy 3:1-5.
II Timothy 3:5.
Matthew 28:19-20.

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Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

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Hypocrites or Disciples?

Is There a Difference Between a Disciple and a Hypocrite?

God-fearing people have integrity. They love the truth and are like Jesus, the table-flipping Son of God – they fearlessly call out and expose hypocrisy and hypocrites (Matt. 10:26-28). Read Matthew 23.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“If someone loves God, prays, reads the Bible, wants nothing to do with worldly entertainment, loves the truth even when it hurts, but still struggles with a sin, is that person a hypocrite and a liar?  I have a few people that say things like that. They say that if someone is struggling with a sin that they really aren’t saved, being saved, born again. However you want to say it. Or they say that if you struggle with sin you don’t love God. I don’t get that at all, because isn’t the spirit at war with the flesh? I don’t know… It’s confusing!” Misty L.

RESPONSE:

The Bible speaks of us “striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4) and that “the flesh lusteth (strives) against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh (Galatians 5:17-18) and so we know that is a war going on in our members.  The daily cross is to crucify that old man and his sinful deeds and as we do we are raised up by the Holy Ghost in His victory (Romans 6; 8:12-14, etc.) … we are to “fight the good fight of faith”and yet at times we fail but that doesn’t mean we are hypocrites (1 Timothy 6:12) In fact, as long as we are fighting – learning to live the crucified life – we manifest that we are Christ’s. Peter sinned against Christ in the worst way and Jesus did tell him to “get thee behind me Satan” but didn’t call him a hypocrite as He often called the religious posers, actors, the pharisees (Matthew 23). That’s actually the definition of a hypocrite – a poser or actor. When Jesus foretold Peter that he would deny Christ three times, the Son of God then told him that He would pray for him to be restored (Luke 22:31-32). Again, Jesus never called His disciples hypocrites though He had much opportunity to do so. Furthermore, Paul speaks of those believers who are “weak” in Romans 14-15.

We certainly are commanded to “Be ye holy as I am holy” and to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” and to perfect “holiness in the fear of God.” (1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1) This is accomplished by our submission to the LORD daily – presenting our bodies a living sacrifice – and the power of the Holy Spirit, raising us up in His holiness to bear fruit to the LORD glory (Romans 1:4; 6:1-23; 8:1-14; 12:1, etc.).

On this topic Theodore W. writes:

“It depends on personal attitude toward that sin. If one is struggling, and is humble repenting and praying to God for help, they are in the process of growth in their spiritual life. If they care nothing about sin and God, doing what they please, having NO remorse, then there is a good chance they are in eternal trouble.” Theodore W.

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FEEDBACK:

“Misty asked a very good question. It is sad that so many self professing Christians don’t know the truth to her question. Looking to the Scriptural truth of God’s Word we find all the answers. Thank you brother Todd for all the Scriptures to back up your answer~! PRAISE GOD!” Darlene T.

“We have to keep our eyes on Jesus, and have faith that He will guide us in all things, and that He will give us strength to say no to the devil and his temptations. Thank you, brother, for answering me with gentleness and in truth. God bless you, and all others on this post!” Misty L.

“Amen, it’s such a joy to know that when we accepted the finished work of the cross, we’re no longer slaves to sin, that means we can say no!! and by the power of the holy spirit, he’s provided a way of escape, when we’re being tamped or struggling.” Paula W.

“1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. ( I have met people who tell me they don’t sin, and they go to church and never have been born again, and you can discern that when you talk to them, there is no renewing of their minds, no spiritual words coming from spiritual thoughts.” Diane V.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ChristologyBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern ChurchPeace with God

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Abiding

The Cross Imperative [podcast]


The cross is not about self effort but rather self denial.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

Dear LORD Jesus, please take all of me. Have Your way in this life.

“not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

The cross, the blood of Christ’s cross is what He commanded we take up daily in order to follow Him (Colossians 1:20; Luke 9:23-24). The divine economy is a cross economy and that is the only way one can truly walk with the LORD, pleasing Him in all things. Pouring over the words of 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 is an imperative. Also reading Romans 6 each morning this week, prayerfully. Memorize Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14. John 3:30 and Colossians 3:3.

You have to die if Jesus is going to reign in your life (Romans 6).

Most men pretending to represent Christ are so busy telling people how wonderful they are that they don’t have time to preach that Jesus is the only “Wonderful” One and that we are “desperately wicked” without Christ (Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 9:17; John 15:5; Romans 3; 7:17, 24, etc.).  The few true servants of Christ are known in that they preach the original Gospel of Christ which begins with us repenting, believing upon Christ, and then abiding, remaining in Him by denying self, taking up the cross daily and following the King (Luke 9:23-24; 13:3; John 15, etc).

Remember how Saul served God partially, didn’t count Him important enough to meticulously do His will, exactly how the LORD instructed him? Read 1 Samuel 15. Saul is ousted and so shall every half-baked fake “Christian” who makes excuses for their sins of ommission and commission – because they have not truly repented, flattened themselves before the Almighty. As was the case with Saul, so shall the LORD declare to all rebels – “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” and Hell awaits (Matthew 25:41).

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 

Anyone who is not walking the way Christ mandated, the crucified life, is in rebellion.

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Saul partially obeyed God and the LORD calls this unrepentant fake offering rebellion, sin, witchcraft, stubborness, iniquity, idolatry. Like Cain, Saul and his half truth partial offering to God were rejected.

Jesus says that to follow Him….

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Christ mandates your death and His reigning life in you.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

“Until I embraced the cross, I had no lasting victory! No seed-bearing fruit, like clouds without rain, all promise but dry bones within. Christ will only indwell a vessel emptied of self and only he can give complete salvation to overcome all sin to be enjoyed at the marriage supper of the LAMB. Til then we press in abiding in Jesus, so that he may work in us his great salvation. (John 15; Rom 6; Php. 2; Col. 3; etc.) I die -> He raises me up.” Jon Crane

It seems that some among us have more faith, more confidence in themselves sinning than they do in God being able to forgive and establish them in His righteousness to overcome all sin. Jesus asks, “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25). It’s time to re-turn to the LORD, afresh, and to learn to apply the cross.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Recently I saw a clip of a pastor saying that the #1 reason God hates sin is because He loves us and sin separates us from Him. While these things are true, what is missing?

Of holiness, one writer profoundly notes:

“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man through the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature through the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess. 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom. 7:5; 5:20; Gal. 3:20). They are enemies of the cross!”   

#1 reason God hates sin – is not because He loves you…. it’s Because He is holy! (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16). And yes He loves His people also. It’s time to let Jesus reign in all things and cease making everything about us. HE is first.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. … We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:9-10, 19

Does sin separate one – anyone – from God? Yes. Did God cease to be holy? No.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2

“Death” means separation.

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23

How do we know if we or others are truly “Christ’s”?

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

Interesting how we never hear verses, divine mandates – essentials, imperatives – such as the scriptural truth below:

“Awake to righteousness, and sin NOT…” 1 Corinthians 15:34

There are a few ministries which declare “stop all sinning,” etc.. Yet how?

How can we possibly preach holiness, something nearly no pastor does today…. and not be preaching the cross, the crucified life as the only answer?

Yes God mandates, requires, and fully expects each of His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Again, how? The crucified life.

The cross and nothing else is the LORD’s solution to overcoming sin. It’s only when God Himself is raising us upward out of the state of death and burial that victory is transpiring in our lives. Saying we are sinless perfection,  praying, reading the Bible, going to church, or fellowshipping with other saints, etc. is not the answer. These are all important and yet the cross is the answer to being right with our God. Nothing else is the answer, nothing is the remedy for sin but the cross of Christ and the one He commanded us to take up (Matthew 16:24-25). There is no other divine prescription for victory over sin but the cross. | Sinless Perfectionism Rebuked

Any man pretending to be a representative of Christ and not regularly preaching the crucified life, is a false teacher (Philippians 3:18-19; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14, etc.). Such a man is not teaching the original Gospel and so is teaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).

Make Romans 6 your spiritual meat each morning this week. Read it prayerfully, asking God to teach you His ways.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4 

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I here and now repent of my wicked sin, my rebellion, my unbelief, not trusting You, self-idolatry, and spiritual adultery. Please wash and cleanse me now dear LORD. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me Jesus in this last hour. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Cross Saturation 101 – Get Saturated Here |

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His FeetThe 7 Sayings of Jesus on the CrossHow We Know the Bible is the Only Holy BookPrayerMaking Peace with God – Before it’s too late | The Return of Christ

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Abiding

Overcoming the Antichrists Among You [podcast]


Anti as in antichrist means in place of: It’s the “spirit of antichrist” working through Satan’s false ministers that robs the glory from Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Colossians 1:18; 2:8-10, 18-19; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.).

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1 John 2:18

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1 John 2:22

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:3

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 1 John 2:18-19

anti – a. Against, opposed to. b. Before, predating. c. Usurping, in place of.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7

We know when “that spirit of antichrist” is working through a rebel when he speaks contrary to God’s Word (John 8:47; 1 John 4:3). “That spirit of antichrist”anti (in place of) Christ is anything that contradicts His what God’s Word says, working to subvert divinely stated truth while posing as Christ’s minister (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

OBSERVATION: Jesus, the prophets, and Christ’s apostles never sought to change or reform the false leaders. They rebuked and exposed them and went about the Father’s kingdom business. See Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 15:14; 23; Acts; 2 Peter 2; Jude 1. There was the hope of the false leader repenting yet only after being rebuked (Titus 1:13).

It’s a futile endeavor, a waste of the precious resources of our time and energy.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14

More on Antichrists

Overcoming the Beast Within [podcast]Support | STORE | PodcastsLight of the World | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ

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