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.
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.
Are you born again? PEACE with GOD
Water Baptism
Redemption Through Sacrifice
The Blood of Jesus
PASS THIS ON TO ANOTHER
The Laid Down Life
Sign up here to receive FREE Newsletter by mail.
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.
Sign up here to receive the Moments with My Master email sent out for the edification of Christ’s people.
Abiding
WHY were 24,000 of God’s People Killed at Peor? [podcast]
“Baal was most often portrayed as a strong warrior and was considered the god of storms and fertility. He was said to rule from his palace atop Mount Zaphon, the highest peak in Syria. Baal is referenced several times in the Bible’s Old Testament, where he is depicted as the main rival of the god of the Israelites.”
We must understand that God is severe in His judgment of rebels of which there are “many” who claim they are saved. Eternal damnation awaits all rebels (Matthew 7:13-23, etc.).
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22
DIVINE JUDGMENT, the “severity of God,” IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!
Christians avoid doing as did the Israelites when they worshipped baal by worshipping the LORD, the Father and Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 John 1:3) This begins with fresh and complete repentance, confession of all sin, and denouncing of all dependence, idolatry, all pagan practices like yoga and mantra chanting, etc., and by understanding that truly worshiping the LORD, the one true God, is based on sincere loyalty to Him and not to get things from Him like success or possession in this fleeting world. The heart of the disciple of Jesus must be circumcised perpetually and this is happening as we examine our hearts for idols, the daily crucified life, living a life of prayer, setting boundaries against temptations, and being wholly accountable to the LORD, while avoiding syncretism (mixing pagan rituals with Christian practice) and prioritizing God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 4:1-10
24,000 of God’s own people, men, departed from obeying the instruction, the standard, the Word of God and were destroyed. They partook in the soul damning sin of fornication.
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:1-10
Departing from the pure Word of God always leads to sinful living as was the case with 24,000 of God’s people’s worship at Baal Peor.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses warns God’s people not to change or depart from the LORD’s Word and brings up the example, reminds the people of God’s judgment upon 24,000 of His own people for doing so (Numbers 25).
Of the worship of Baal-Peor, one writer notes:
“Yet what was this worship of Baal-Peor and why did it draw such wrath from God? Baal-Peor is a Moabite god who was worshipped with obscene rituals. The name means ‘Lord of the Opening’ from Baal meaning owner/ husband and Peor coming from pa’ar meaning ‘open wide.’ ‘I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.’ (Hosea 9:10) The worship of Baal-Peor IS an abomination. Notice that those who join themselves to Baal-Peor also ‘become’ an abomination before the Lord.”
Every person who has an idol, just one, has demons (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21). Repent now. Follow Jesus.
In Deuteronomy 4:3, Moses brings back to the memory of God’s people the judgment that fell upon the 24,000 of His own people for their idolatry and fornication. This idolatrous abomination is recorded in Numbers 25.
“And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.” Numbers 25:6-9
Dear reader, camp out on Numbers 25, the whole chapter. Your life is not complete without this vital component of divine truth.
Of Baal, one source notes:
Baal was a major ancient West Semitic storm and fertility god, meaning “lord” or “master,” prominent in Canaanite and Phoenician cultures, associated with rain, thunder, and agriculture, and often depicted with a thunderbolt. He was seen as a powerful deity, central to life, but became a focal point of biblical opposition as Israel’s worship of him (linked to lust and sometimes child sacrifice) was seen as idolatry against God, culminating in Elijah’s famous challenge on Mount Carmel. In later demonology, Baal (or Bael) is a powerful archdemon, and the name appears in various modern media as a demon or powerful entity.
In Ancient Religions
- Identity: A powerful god of fertility, weather (rain, lightning, wind), war, and kingship, often identified with the storm god Hadad.
- Worship: Widespread in the Levant (Canaan, Phoenicia) and beyond, with temples and rituals often involving cultic prostitution and sometimes human sacrifice, especially during droughts.
- Mythology: Key myths involve his battles with the sea god Yamm and the god of death Mot, representing natural cycles, and his dwelling on Mount Zaphon.
- Biblical Conflict: The Bible portrays Baal worship as a major temptation for Israelites, a rival to God, whose priests (including those of the Phoenician goddess Asherah/Astarte) were famously confronted by Elijah.
In Demonology & Culture
- Demon: In demonology, Bael (Baal) is a powerful archdemon, often the first of the three kings of Hell in grimoires, associated with invisibility and wisdom.
- Modern Media: The name appears in many forms, from Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons (Bhaal/Bael) to anime like Gundam and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, often as a powerful demon or god.”
Not one of us has lived perfectly holy and yet, at this moment in time, some will choose to truly repent and confess their sins and others will refuse (Proverbs 28:13). Eternity depends on true repentance which always, without fail, yields a changed life, a holy life (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 13:3).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
These 24,000 Israelites were slain for their sin. God is still holy and “The wages of sin” is still death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4).
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
Zimri, a Simeonite (of the tribe of Simeon) was the Israelite whom Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, did slay for his utterly audacious display of sin, having brought the fornication in the middle of the camp of God’s people and even into the midst of their worship (Numbers 25:6, 14).
The great apostle brings this very incident to account 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 and warns New Testament saints never to partake lest they also be destroyed. The sins Paul cites form the natural acronym L.I.F.T.M. = lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, murmuring.
5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]
The spear of Phinehas must begin with ourselves – as we truly repent, lay down our lives in this world, and cut off the hand, pluck out the eye of any sin in our lives. The conscious eternal suffering, the severity of eternal judgment coming on any person who dies in sin is most profoundly declared by the Son of God Mark 9:43-49. Many of the new fake “bibles” removed this important passage.
The new “bibles” have lowered the standard and weakened many by their changing of God’s Word which Moses specifically warns us of in this main text, Deuteronomy 4.
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
Departing from the Word of God, not obeying God on His stated terms, is the sure way to be weakened, destroyed, here and eternally. The LORD speaks often in His Word about this.
“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:” Jeremiah 26:2
Each Man is Choosing to Drink from One Cup or the Other
Baal was ultimately Satan himself and involved things like sacrificing ones own child in exchange for being blessed by this false good. Jesus informed us that Satan has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10).
As was the case at Baal Peor, Satan is behind every idol and so all idolatry is the worship of Satan.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
This passage above is speaking of the Baal Peor event and also to the temptation of Satan and his children today. Baal worship is alive and well today, calling God’s people to worship at the altar of devils, to partake is vile atrocities that separate one to Satan and away from the LORD. “No man can serve two masters” and anyone living in sin is not serving the one, true, holy LORD and Savior (Matthew 6:24)
“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” Psalms 106:28-31
One writer notes:
“Baal Peor, or the Baal of Peor, was a local deity worshiped by the Moabites. When the Israelites, following Moses to the Promised Land, were in the vicinity of Peor, some of them fell into idolatry and worshiped Baal Peor. As a result of their sin, the men of Israel were judged by God.”
Baal Peor consisted of the worship of a false god, Satan, and fornication. Satan is behind the worship of all idols and such idolatry is filled with his devils/demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-22).
Modern day types of Baal Peor are the pornography, strip clubs, and everything in our society that has to do with any form of fornication. Movie and media are filled with such evil. The 24,000 who were destroyed in Moses day (Numbers 25), departed from the Word of God and the standards set forth there for holiness and the divine prohibition of sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Read Deuteronomy 4 and Numbers 25 side by side.
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Before their blunder at Peor, after God brought them out of Egypt (the world), Israel was innocent. Judgment, destruction ensued their sin of all who participated. Today, we can witness that many who once worshipped God with a pure heart, have now turned away to the worship of idols involving fornication of all kinds. Those who would rebuke these backsliders could be liked unto Phinehas.
“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.” Hosea 9:10
“I found Israel – The Lord speaks of himself in the person of a traveler, who unexpectedly in the wilderness finds a vine loaded with grapes; such love did God bear to Israel. Your fathers – Whom I brought out of Egypt. As the first – ripe – As the earliest ripe fruit of the fig – tree, which is most valued and desired. Separated themselves – Consecrated themselves to that shameful idol. Their abominations – Their idols, and way of worshipping them. As they loved – As they fancied.” John Wesley
Deuteronomy 4, Numbers 25, and 1 Corinthians 10 speak of the same event – the sin of God’s people in Baal worship at Peor and the consequent divine judgment that fell upon 24,000 of them. This is an eternal memorial for the judgment of God against all sin, namely idolatry and fornication.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
“To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. What an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper! It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit.” FB Meyer
Those who depart from the standards set forth in God’s Word separate themselves to idols, to devils and are under divine judgment from the unchanging God (Malachi 3:6).
The Examples of Phinehas and Jael
Perhaps we can liken what Phinehas did in spearing the sin out of the camp of God’s people, with those who call His people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth and according to His pure, uncorrupted Word (Numbers 25:10-18; Psalms 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). Phinehas boldly, courageously in the fear of God stood up and stamped out sin in the camp. The judgment ended. Those who stand and boldly, fearlessly declared the Word of God and call out sin among God’s people, are the Phinehas’ of our day. Do we have a Phinehas priesthood in our midst?
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16
In Job 4:21-22; 5:24-27 we read about another bless-ed patriarch of the faith who stood up, who rose up against sin, slaying a wicked king.
In both the cases of Phinehas and Jael, these biblical accounts make specific record that the LORD greatly blessed these faithful followers of His, and their families, and He will do the same today for His true bold witnesses who stand against the evil of this late hour.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Fornication | Holiness | Bible Version Issue – Fake Bibles Exposed | The Bible/Word of God | Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God



Apostasy
The Result of Real Repentance [podcast]
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16
WE DON’T NEED JUST ANOTHER “CHURCH SERVICE” OR “SERMON,” WE NEED TO REPENT AND WHEN WE REALLY DO, WE WILL OBEY GOD—OTHERWISE WE DIDN’T TRULY REPENT.
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:1-12
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
When we repent – re-turn to God: Do we want to see who has truly repented, beginning with the examining of ourselves?
- We will be washed afresh from our sins and have “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
- We will forsake our lives in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33).
- We will live holy “in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
- We will be about our “Father’s business” and not our own – the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 2:49; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
Forsaking All?
What does that mean?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
One must be willing and obedient to put aside religion and familial bonds to follow Christ, or he will not and “cannot be my disciple” says the LORD. Non-negotiable. If Jesus Christ is not first place, first priority of your life, you are a hell bound counterfeit who shall suffer the flames of eternal justice, damnation (Mark 9:43-49).
Jesus says:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37
Repent. Turn wholly to the LORD, putting all of your trust in the LORD your God, who “is a jealous God.” Jesus Christ is the name of the only LORD and Savior!
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14
Jesus says He will “spue,” vomit, reject anyone who dies without Him being their very “first love” their “first” priority—and talk is cheap (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16).
“Psalm 51 is our perfect model of repentance and restoration in the Lord! God forgave the beloved David because of his honest prayer of repentance and restored to him the joy of his salvation!” Karen Cochran
Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the LORD – Fresh Start with God
Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Great Commission



Articles
God’s Universal Way of Fighting with Todd Tomasella and Travis Bryan III [podcast]
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” Hebrews 2:14
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“Powerful message! Thank you. I was always a fighter. But I fought for myself. And have had to learn through the cross life that meekness is not weakness. It’s actually strength in God to keep quiet and not have to retaliate when attacked or persecuted. But taking a step back, and asking God to bless them while lifting them up in prayer to the Lord. This is the bowels of mercy extended to those who attack us and to know as Paul did, I am the least of all the saints. And let God repay. Romans 12:19.” Karen Cochran
“Two very deep resonant radio voices on fire!” Justin
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ | Travis Bryan III


-
America10 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years agoChildren being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years agoSelf-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years agoSHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True




