“For of whom a man is overcome (by deception, false teaching), of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19
In the grand scheme, the leaders are pivotal. At the hands of wicked leaders, Israel was steered into dismal deception and darkness (Isaiah 9:16). The essence of what Christ hates with the “deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans,” is that they seek to control the people for their own self-serving purposes and thereby move Christ’s church/people away from the LORD’s intended purpose for His body (Ephesians 4:11-16). False leadership, “Nicolaitan” leadership, is conquering the people and that includes squandering their heart affections, energies, and resources (Revelation 2:6, 15). Jesus told us that He hates such. Nico means to conquer and laitans means the people. So, “Nicolaitan” leadership is that false leadership which conquers God’s people and exploits them for their own self-serving purposes (Isaiah 56:10-12; Philippians 3:18-19). | Beware of the Nicolaitans Among Us
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
The LORD, strong and mighty, will severely judge those who have conquered the people, taking the glory from the LORD, spoiling fruitfulness (Jeremiah 12:10).
Leaders who betray the LORD and His people.
Remember that according to the record of the Gospels, it was the wicked religious leaders, the Jews of Christ day, who betrayed the Son of God, their KING to the Roman authorities, calling out for His crucifixion (Matthew 27; John 19, etc.).
Broad Way Robbery
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Matthew 7:13-16
One of the more obvious observations of the visible church-building based system is the demoting, shunning antichrist spirit which does not uphold Christ but rather mere men and their organizations. To the discerning disciple, this becomes clearer daily. Hirelings who are busy fostering allegiance to programs, personalities, things, organizations, and mere men, have robbed Christ of the glory due to His holy name alone (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5; Galatians 6:14). For example: Becoming a church member has replaced the daily cross Jesus mandated for all who will follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24). Going to church in America has become a tradition where people are made to think they are right with God because of their church membership and attendance. Recently, I met a couple who bragged about their pastor and how long they had been going to and members of that church. They never mentioned Jesus. There was no personal testimony of His life and work in their lives. Yet, at the hearing of God’s Word during our conversation, they were convicted and hurried away. This is so very common in this apostate last generation (Matthew 24:10-13; 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13; 4:2-4, etc.). This shunning of God’s very Word, would clearly indicate that they have no life with the LORD in His Word (John 8:47). You see, their pastor is a professional hireling who only says those things that are going to help him garner the mortgage money and keep that franchise open for business. That means that he will never preach on anything from God’s Word that would possibly bring the conviction of sin in order not to anger his customers who are unrepentant worldly consumers. Jesus died to save individuals and those individuals He saves love and hear His Word and worship Him alone. Jesus did not come to save a local church body per se. No, He came and died to save individuals who make up His church. So, joining an organization does zilch to secure one for the King and His blessed, eternal kingdom.
Now are you beginning to see why many are beginning to see that visible church is a hell hole – an agent of Satan on the wide road that leads to destruction? (Matthew 7:13-14)
The Mandate to Equip
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-15
Instead of preparing, edifying, and sending forth the body of Christ “for the work of the ministry,” hireling wolves have actually become the leading roadblock of Christian maturity (Ephesians 4:11-15). Nothing makes this more obvious than the fact that we have a nation of people – millions of them – who are good church members and faithful attenders and yet don’t have a lick of knowledge of God’s Word. The average person claiming to be saved today couldn’t quote 3 Bible verses verbatim! Shocking! They simply do not know the Word and will be “destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
False leadership knows that knowledge is power and so the epidemic of wolves doesn’t want the average individual to be empowered by knowing God’s Word for themselves. Dumb people are easy to deceive and control. On that note: Please know that without exception, any person in leadership who is not teaching the people to get into the Word of God for themselves, is a vile, godless, devilish wolf.
Darrel Moore notes:
“The wolves depend on the lack of biblical knowledge and and lack of discernment in order to deceive. They rely upon the sheep not to read and study God’s Word for themselves and to look to them (the wolves) for their daily sustenance.”
***GUARDING AND DEFENDING THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL
“That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy 1:14-15
“A pastoral leader must guard and defend the gospel committed to him in a day when many depart from the N.T. faith (2 Tim. 3:13-15; 4:2-5; 1 Tim. 4:1). (1) He must defend it against attack and challenge the church if it is tempted to lay aside the truth. This duty is essential to ensure salvation for himself and for those under his charge (see 2 tim. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 4:16). (2) Guarding of the deposit of faith must be done with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is He who inspired the infallible truths of Scripture (2 tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) and it is He who is the great guide and defender of the truth (John 16:13). Defending the ancient faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3) means standing faithfully beside the Holy Spirit (John 14:17; 15:26-27; 16:13).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1918
Note the sequence here in 1 Timothy 4:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; … If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things (apostasy and the truth), thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. … Till I come, give attendance to reading (the Scriptures), to exhortation, to doctrine. … Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:1, 6, 13, 16
Those who servant-lead are called and accountable before the LORD to equip Christ’s people to do His blessed work and yet, in most cases they are the greatest hindrance to such a New Testament purpose for elders.
False Leaders in the Church: A Nation of Gullible Sheep Breeds a Priesthood of Wolves
Being too hard on leadership? Let’s read a sampling of what God says in His Word about apostate leadership:
“Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” Jeremiah 12:10
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachersamong you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
“For there are certain men crept in unawares (undiscerned), who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13
“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. 2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel 34:10
“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12
Now, as a student of the LORD, a student of Holy Scripture, read Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34, Matthew 23, Jude 1, and 2 Peter 2.
This divinely stated case and warning concerning false leaders makes it incumbent upon the individual disciple to seek and to study to show his own self approved unto God so that he will not be ashamed in that hour (2 Timothy 2:15). We must denounce at once any undue allegiance to mere men and the organizations they have set up to intercept our affections from the One who alone bled to buy us to the Father.
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“False teachers are not to be followed. Teachers sent of God are to be followed, as with the example given by the apostle Paul, who said by the Spirit, “Become followers of me, even as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). A false teacher leads into the emptiness of self-righteousness and death, but a true teacher leads to the fullness of Christ and life.” Carol B.
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
“I know so many who are so deceived by this book!! The author is a woman and she makes Jesus sound like your boyfriend who is so in love with you he can’t bare a minute without you! It is sickening! Plus she says the Bible was not enough for her. She needed more. This author died and if she did repent of her blasphemy against a holy God she is burning in hell as we speak.” Karen Cochran
BEWARE of the Jesus Calling devotional book which is written by a full blown heretic, Sarah Young. This book continually assures things to lost souls (catholics, etc.) reserved only for the true Christian. It promises salvation, assurance, grace, mercy, the glory of God, etc to lost hell bound idolatrous sinners. Like antichrist Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book, Jesus Calling never calls sinners to repent which is a Gospel essential and without which God will never save any soul from sin and hell (Luke 13:3, 5). You will never hear Jesus’ born again commanded or command to repent in this heretical devotional book title Jesus Calling. This monstrosity simply confirms sinners in their sin, sealing their doom in the lake of fire (Jeremiah 23:17; Lamentations 2:14, etc.).
Sarah Young is just another self-willed false prophet who does “ministry” her way, not God’s, in order to sell books and to mislead eternal souls into eternal damnation.
The blessings of God in Christ’s salvation are reserved only for those born again “in Christ,” and never for hell bound religious idolaters (John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:1-4, etc.).
Stacy Strother writes:
“Her subtly, deceptive, doctrinally corrupt fairy tale version of what she calls bible studies for all the different ages of people, including children’s bible studies, teen and other, are found in the book stores—shelves filled full.
She is deceived, a false witness, False bible teacher, and has not heard from our Jesus—the Christ, Son of the living God, of which, is the very Word of God.
She hears from demons. Period! She needs to REPENT, and be born again! Please Lord Jesus, help her see her own demise!”
About That Jesus Calling – 10 Things You Might Not Know
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
by Lighthouse Trails Editors
1. Did you know that Sarah Young says she had been inspired by the “Jesus” of a book called God Calling?
2. Did you know that Christian publisher Harvest House’s book TheEncyclopedia of New Age Beliefs says that God Calling is an example of a channeled New Age book “replete with denials of biblical teaching”?1
3. Did you know that the “Jesus” of God Calling teaches that God is “in” everyone?
4. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the Jesus of the Bible?
5. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling rejects the Jesus of the Bible’s warnings about the future and tells us to “laugh” at the future?
6. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling frequently flatters his followers, which contrasts the way Jesus Christ spoke to people?
7. Did you know that Sarah Young’s “Jesus” revises the night that Jesus Christ was born and calls it a “dark night” in a “filthy stable” in “appalling conditions” even though the Bible says the shepherds rejoiced in all that they had seen that night? 2
8. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling revises the accounts of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph of the Bible?
9. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling encourages his followers to practice contemplative “listening” prayer and to have a “buffer zone of silence” with no warning about seducing spirits?3
10. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling emphasizes New Age terms and concepts throughout the book?
The 10 points above have been taken from Warren B. Smith’s new book, “Another Jesus” Calling. This book provides valuable information that can help you warn your family and friends how the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the biblical Jesus.
Notes:
1. John Ankerberg & John Weldon, Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1996), p. 103.
2. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, p. 376.
3. Jesus Calling, June 15th entry
FEEDBACK:
“Solid Biblical refutation of the “New Age ” nonsense passing itself off as the latest thing God is doing. In our area a number of Churches have embraced this and other similar material with no discernment to the un-biblical nature of this drivel. Thank God for Warren B. Smith and others who provide an inestimable service to the Body of Christ as “watchmen on the wall.” Pastor Tom, West Harrison NY”
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience […]
How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]
Only God knows the future. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the 332 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true God and that all other so-called “holy books” are frauds. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark […]
Jesus vs The Pope, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and Ellen White [podcast]
*CORRECTION: Ellen White was the false prophet of the SDA (Seventh Day Adventists) and not the JW (Jehovah’s Witness) cult. Both the Seventh-day Adventists and the Jehovah’s Witnesses grew out of the Adventist movement of the 19th century, the Seventh-day Adventists specifically through the Millerites. Both still cults. Jesus Christ founded the Christian faith. The kingdom of Christ is revealed in the Bible which is the only divinely inspired holy Book on the planet and we know that because only God could know “the end from the beginning” which is something He declares and demonstrates in His Word (Isaiah 46:9-10). […]
What should be our view of and responsibility to God-ordained civil authorities?
In light of these truths, it seems wise to remove oneself and family from the country, state, or local jurisdiction that is not punishing evildoers as God has ordained.
CRUSHING AND SEPARATING EVIL DOERS FROM THE GOOD PEOPLE IS GOD’S ORDAINED DUTY AND WILL FOR CIVIL AUTHORITIES TO CARRY OUT.
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26
A king or civil servant, ruler will destroy the wicked, he will truck them, he will crush them! Read the above verse again.
“The phrase ‘bringeth the wheel over them’ comes from Proverbs 20:26. It refers to the act of a wise king punishing or dealing with the wicked, particularly through the process of threshing (separating the good from the bad). The ‘wheel’ imagery suggests a thorough and often harsh application of this punishment.”
“Proverbs 20:26: Bringeth the wheel over them – He threshes them in his anger, as the wheel does the grain on the threshing-floor. Every one knows that grain was separated from its husks, in Palestine, by the feet of the oxen trampling among the sheaves, or bringing a rough-shod wheel over them. Asiatic kings often threshed their people, to bring out their property; but this is not what is intended here.” Adam Clarke
God ordained civil authorities to punish EVIL DOERS and not the good people! Any civil authority, whether an individual or the whole governmental system that punishes the good people, that weaponizes the system to destroy lawful, law abiding citizens, should be replaced. The framers of our Constitution actually set that in place.
God bless our Constitutionally abiding law enforcement which God ordains in order to punish evil doers. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF EVILDOERS, and for the praise of them that do well.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15
Read Romans 13 and notice…. Civil Rulers, including the Police, are ordained of God to punish those who do evil. They are His “ministers.” A few bad cops doesn’t change this fact. Oh, and notice how criminals all go to hell—“damnation.”
Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:12-14 …. whenever government isn’t punishing evil doers, and instead, turns and punishes well doers, that government is the antitheses, the opposite of what God ordained civil government for and should be abolished.
Submission to the Authorities
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Fulfilling the Law Through Love 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13
Truth: This priesthood of fake pastors bowed to Satan long ago. They are antichrists who bought into and even defend Satan’s fake “bibles” and teach heresies such as eternal security, etc.
Submission to civil authority has its limits and is contingent upon those authorities who are punishing evil doers and not having become the evil doers who then turn and punish the righteous.
Submission to Authority
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” 1 Peter 2:13-14
Jesus died. He shed His precious blood to redeem His people “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
The Purpose, Limits, and Blessing of Civil Government
WHO ELSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS DAY? “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 There […]
The Golden Rule Life: What's that Really Mean? [podcast]
Thinking, Knowing, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus Golden Rule living is the only way to live in glorification of our Maker. Spread this word. God calls you, yes you – to love Him supremely and to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved, treated (Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40; Philippians 2:3-5). We must teach ourselves, our children and those around us the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus is coming. “Golden Rule, […]
Billy Graham Promoted and Sent People to Go Join the Catholic Church
“One of the most troubling problems within the church today is the unwavering loyalty to a ‘christian’ personality rather than to Christ and His Word. The unwillingness to test every man’s teaching with God’s Word, coupled with a stubborn lack of discernment, produces fertile ground for deception to flourish.” Evangeline DiChristi
from Chick Publications
Billy Graham Still Sending Converts Back to the Pope
Billy Graham. We know that his messages are solid gospel. Few in or out of the Christian World have not heard of him. Since 1949 he has held the spotlight as the most prominent evangelist in Christendom. He has just finished his 416th crusade in Pasadena, California that drew over 300,000 people in four days. 13,000+ responded to his altar calls. Graham is now 86 years old and has one more crusade scheduled in New York City next year, health permitting.
The Pasadena crusade was on the anniversary of his first Los Angeles revival 55 years ago. It was after that meeting that Graham was “kissed by William Randolph Hearst” according to Dr Cathy Burns in her book, Billy Graham and His Friends. This meant that Hearst had decided to promote Graham’s ministry in his nationwide chain of newspapers.
Immediately, reporters and photographers were crawling all over the Graham meetings. Front page articles began to appear in the leading local papers wherever Graham held meetings. One reporter was assigned full time to travel with Graham’s team.
In 1991, Graham claimed that this sudden attention remained a mystery. Burns describes a more complex scenario. Regardless, the publicity propelled Graham into the national, if not international, limelight.
Jesus warned, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you.” Over the years, Graham became the friend of presidents and kings, a beloved “America’s Pastor.”
But the fame came with a price. In his book, Smokescreens, written in 1983, Jack Chick describes how Roman Catholic leaders viewed and used Graham as a key player in their ecumenical plans. As early as 1965, he was a guest speaker at Catholic Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina where he received an honorary doctor’s degree. A college official’s letter describes Graham’s address as “theologically sound” as may have been given by “any other Catholic preacher.” The letter further states, “I would state that he could bring Catholics and Protestants together in a healthy ecumenic spirit.” Graham was also speaking at several other Catholic colleges at that time.
This prediction was fully realized. In Smokescreens, Chick shows various illustrations. In 1971 Graham is shown meeting with Oakland, California, Catholic Bishop Floyd Begin who lauded Graham’s ministry. In 1972 he received a Franciscan Friars’ award for true ecumenism. In 1979 Graham praised the pope as a “moral and spiritual leader that believes in something.”
In 1981 he was closeted for almost two hours with Pope John Paul II. After the 1982 New England crusade, thousands of those who went forward for salvation were turned over to Catholic clergy for follow-up.
And this hasn’t changed. Before the Pasadena crusade this year, The Tidings, official newspaper for the Los Angeles diocese, reported that Cardinal Mahony had written to parish priests to encourage their members to attend the crusade.
Crusade officials bragged that they had “a marvelous agreement” with Graham to give all registration cards to the diocese, of the inquirers who identified themselves as Catholic. The object was to “reincorporate Catholic Crusade participants back into full sacramental life in the Catholic Church.” “This is ecumenicity at it finest,” said Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the archdiocese.
There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands have been swept into the kingdom during the Graham crusades. But how tragic that so many who responded to Graham’s call to salvation were then sent back to the spiritual bondage and pagan rituals of the pope’s prostitute church?
Jack Chick concludes the Smokescreens chapter: “Yes, beloved. Billy Graham, as much as I love him and hate to say it, I believe was cleverly used as a smokescreen and as a pied piper for the whore of Revelation.”
In Graham’s 1952 Pittsburgh crusade, the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported that Graham said:
“Many of the people who reach a decision for Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic Church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their Church following our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community. If after we move on, the local (sic) churches do not feel the efforts of these meetings in increased membership and attendance, then our crusade would have to be considered a failure.” [Emphasis in the original.]
Did you notice that Graham was only interested in a church’s increased membership-but nothing was said about a person receiving Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior. This is what is important-not church membership! Church membership could increase a 1000-fold but if people are not being saved, then all is in vain.
Graham also gave a boost to the Catholic Church (in 1952) when he added that he “hoped to hear Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at one of the masses at St. Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow. ” [Emphasis in the original.]
“In 1968, Graham was in a meeting in San Antonio, Texas. He said that the Roman Church had given ‘tremendous cooperation’ in areas where he had held crusades. He added, ‘A great part of our support today comes from Catholics. We never hold a crusade without priests and nuns being much in evidence in the audience.”
By 1973 nuns were singing in the choir at Graham’s crusades.
Continuing on with Graham’s ecumenical outlook, the June 10, 1966 issue of Time said that volunteers “will tactfully receive those stepping forward to make a decision for Christ, [and] steer them to the nearest church of their chosen denomination….”
In Poland in 1978, “Graham taught nuns and priests how to evangelize. A picture taken at the famous Polish Shrine of the Black Madonna shows Graham welcoming pilgrims to the worship of their Virgin.”
Historical List of Atrocities of the Popes [video]
Peter was not the first so-called “pope” because there’s no such thing in Christ’s kingdom. Not one mention in the Bible and such would actually blaspheme the only Head of HIS truth believers, the nail scarred risen Savior Him, “the blessed and only Potentate (Supreme Ruler), the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6:15) Therefore we rightly conclude that the pope is the head of a false church. 1 Timothy 2:5 Historical List of Atrocities of the Popes Speaking of things not found in God’s Word ….. Can anyone please show us where there is a novena […]
Paul Washer Exposed: Pope Connection Exposed! [video]
IF we want to see who the antichrists are among us, just look at the frauds who get their picture with the pope. By doing so they told you with shameless impunity that they are antichrists. Should we be quoting this guy? NO. …. Watch the demons manifest when one of the puppet idols of Satan is exposed. Those who’ve put their trust in these false prophets garnered to themselves demons which manifest when these dark agents of hell are exposed. … We already know that Paul Washer is a Calvinist which alone makes him a diabolical heretic. WANT to […]
Did Mary Die for Our Sins? [podcast]
Mary is just one of millions of people who have obeyed their Maker. That doesn’t make the immaculate conception heresy correct, that doesn’t make her anything other than a sinner, which she admitted (Luke 1:47). If Mary had refused to obey God, He would have simply replaced her (Esther 4:14). Did Mary walk on water? Did Mary tell anyone to pray to her? Is there even one prayer in the Bible to Mary? No. Did Mary raise the dead, open blinded eyes, heal the lepers, or die for anyone’s sins? No. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES THAT MARY IS THE MEDIATRIX/co-redeemer: […]