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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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Abiding

Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]


“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People

God could trust Abraham:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19

Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4  So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Abiding

The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]


The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts

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

The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).

There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).

All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9

We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.

“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

Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).

Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).

Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

 

Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.

We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58

Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?

The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)

Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).

Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).

No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).

Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).

The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.

BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.

Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

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

FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).

Read Romans 6-8.

I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9

The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22

The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.

The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross

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Gospel Preached at Funeral of a Decorated United States Marine Officer in Mexico [podcast]


This past Sunday, here in beautiful Mexico, a saint’s temporal body was laid to rest. Brother Mark and I were given the opportunity, asked to speak to the whole group.

Our LORD Jesus’ Gospel was preached and everyone there was invited to repent and receive Christ before it’s too late—because Jesus died for them to be forgiven and receive eternal life, and that hell is forever (Revelation 22:17). Oh, the funeral attendees were also informed that “purgatory” is a lie, and that when they die, they will be going to Heaven or hell.

After a bit, an interpreter helped, joined in, and so every attendee heard the Gospel in their language—Spanish or English.

Trevor and Trish are the couple’s names. The way brother Mark met Trish, the now widow was 100% a miracle. Two weeks ago, we were invited to this couple’s home and spent the afternoon with them. Little did we know that the husband would pass shortly thereafter. God knew and orchestrated the events according to His perfect will.

Saints, thank you for your prayers for sister Trish.

After the people disbanded, several came and asked us about further fellowship. The preaching of God’s Word ignited them. A breakfast group fellowship had recently already begun to form, so they were invited.

Life springs out of death – “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (1 Corinthians 15:36).

Christ’s economy is a cross economy. Here we see that very thing where out of one of His saint’s death and burial, the life of Jesus is at work, raising up others. Life springs out of death (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

God is so very good, saints. See Psalm 86.

Here’s comfort from “the God of all comfort” for each of you, concerning losing loved ones, namely born again loved ones! You can be assured that they are with Christ and the Father and protected from ANY and ALL danger, forever! See 2 Corinthians 1:2-5, also Revelation 21:4.

“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2  He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1-2

Interestingly, the LORD brought together 4 United States Marines/Marine vets in Mexico to bring this to pass….

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

The Brevity of Life in this World

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

We all face death and judgment, and the Good News is that Christ’s perfect sacrifice, as we humbly appropriate it, means we are forgiven and will avert the judgment of eternal damnation.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

Our Prayer with Isaiah for God to Prepare and Send Us

It’s the “Here am I; send me” LORD prayer in action! (Isaiah 6:8)

Child of God, are you ready, today, to lift your heart and hands to your Maker and dare to declare this prayer to Him? – “Here am I; send me!”

If you dare to freshly surrender the life God gave you and cry out to Him, get ready beloved for the fruit-bearing adventure of your life! Remember that Abraham was in Haran (means barren, dry, fruit-less) until he was instructed by God to get up and leave. That’s when the promised blessings began to unfold in his life. See the end of Genesis 11 and thereafter.

When you cry out to Him with the prophet Isaiah, the LORD is going to hear, answer, and do things that are utterly miraculous.

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Just “Go” and watch God! (Mark 16:15). Your life is never more richly blessed by God than when you live by faith, when you surrender afresh and ask Him to take all of you, to prepare and use you.

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