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ECUMERICAL FALSE APOSTATE CHURCH......MAN MADE UNITY...NOT UNITY OF THE SPIRIT
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Mar 22, 2009 9:52 am
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Like nothing else in many years, the latest Attack on America has certainly brought forward and emphasized the demonically designed worldwide ecumenical movement. Here is an entire nation created by throwing all sorts of ingredients into the pot all bowing together; all religions under one roof praying with each other to all sorts of differently designed gods with the only thing in unity is the spelling of the word g-o-d. To most people in America now, it seems like a great way to be united, etc. but when one again considers the Scriptural element of the whole situation, one would find out that God is not pleased with these actions.
You know - the Scriptures - that Book that each of those religions got their start from - but with a little wrong division there, we have massive confusion all based around a mess.
The prevailing philosophy of the last days desires that all professing religions join together in unity regardless of doctrinal integrity. It used to be just 'Christians' who made this call, but we should notice that the other world religions are moving in, if not only on America soil do they play that game.
"Ecumenical" means worldwide, universal. The ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement will be to bring all religious groups together into one worldwide group, if not in organizational unity, at least in sympathy of the movement. In their words, we may not all be Catholics or Methodists, Muslim or Lutherans, etc., but we all still worship the same God; but we do it in 'our own way'; so naturally, because we are sincere about our love & worship, we can be sure God DOES hear us because God is love & if we love each other, then certainly God must love us.
The ecumenical movement is a Satanic system of lies built on a lie and supported and promoted by professional liars ($$$). There is NO single final Scriptural authority within the ecumenical movement.
The Ecumenical Movement Exists in Three Levels
(1) There is THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL of the ecumenical movement, represented by the World Council of Churches at the global level, national councils on the national level, and clergy associations on the local level.
(2) There is THE EVANGELICAL LEVEL, represented by interdenominational parachurch organizations, fellowships, and mission organizations. Examples of Evangelical ecumenism are Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With A Mission, Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, and the World Evangelical Fellowship.
(3) There is also THE DENOMINATIONAL LEVEL, which is the 'local church' crowd. While there are exceptions among some old-line Pentecostals, the Charismatic world focuses on experience instead of Biblical doctrine and seeks to unite every sort of denomination. Nobody lifts a voice against any doctrinal heresy. Many of the most popular Catholic and Charismatic and public religious leaders run this show.
In its necessary substitution of the Holy King James Bible, something called Scholarship Onlyism has developed. It is the response to the King James Onlyism title given to those who stick with one Bible - that of the Authorized Version of the English Reformation.
Final authority has been reduced to opinions and preferences, with the arbitrator of these conflicting opinions and preferences being the opinions and preferences of the scholars who conflicted with each other's opinions and preferences.
The final authority is their own opinion, whoever is making their opinion at the time.
The fruits of Scholarship Onlyism is one hundred percent error, while professing to have the ability to find errors in ALL translations and ALL Greek texts.
A Christian is supposed to have some final authority by which he makes decisions and settles issues. If it is not the King James Bible, then what would it be?
This ecumenical Scholarship Only bunch offer a pile of lost scattered pieces of paper written in a dead language that no one could not understand unless they attended a school that would teach them what 'they' believe those papers to say, of course, it is just their opinion based on their own personal studies, mind you.
The goal of the Ecumenical bunch is to destroy the belief in Absolute Authority coming from God and putting in its place, the relative authority of man, composed of the preferences and opinions of men who consider themselves fully equipped to be your guide instead of the Holy Bible itself (Hebrews 4:12,13)
Pastor Mike Paulson
Ephesians 1:11-13
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
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SDA TEACH YOU MUST KEEP SABBATH AND BE BAPTISED IN ORDER TO BE SAVED.
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Mar 21, 2009 11:11 pm
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SDA teachings most clearly contrary to the gospel and unorthodox in nature are its insistence on water baptism as an essential prerequisite to salvation, its teaching about the end time significance of sabbath observance to identification of true believers, and its doctrine of the Investigative Judgement.
Baptism: “…Christ made it clear that He required baptism of those who wished to become part of his church, His spiritual kingdom.” “In baptism believers enter into the passion experience of our Lord.” “…aptism also marks [a] person's entrance into Christ's spiritual kingdom.…it unites the new believer to Christ.… Through baptism ”the Lord adds the new disciples to the body of believers — His body, the church.… Then they are members of God's family (SDA's Believe…, pp. 182, 184, 187).
The Sabbath: “…[T]he divine institution of the Sabbath is to be restored… The delivering of this message will precipitate a conflict that will involve the whole world. The central issue will be obedience to God's law and the observance of the Sabbath.…Those who reject it will eventually receive the mark of the beast” (Ibid., pp. 262–63).
In one of her most revered works, Ellen White wrote that Sabbath observance would be the “line of distinction” in the “final test” that will separate God's end-time people who “receive the seal of God” and are saved, from those who “receive the mark of the beast” (The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan, p. 605).
Describing a supposed vision direct from God, Ellen White wrote, “I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers” (Early Writings, p. 33; emphasis added). She also wrote of some Adventists failing to understand that “Sabbath… observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God and unbelievers” (Ibid., p. 85).
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THE BIBLE EXPOSES FALSE TEACHERS
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Mar 21, 2009 3:27 pm
522 Views
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The Old Testament lays bare many religious error, from the unacceptable sacrifice of Cain (Genesis 4:1-5) to the perverted religious practices of the Israelites (2 Kings 17:12-17, 24 Psalm 106:36-38
It is important for us to observe that the Old Testament not only contains details of false religions among those who never claimed to be God's people (Isaiah 19:1-3; 66:17), but it also uncovers false religion among those who claimed to have a relationship with Jehovah.
Examples include the perverted worship of Jehovah engaged in by Micah and Jeroboam (Judges 17-18; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:14-15 the rank idolatry of the Israelites under kings like Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-7, cf. Hosea 4:12-13; Ezekiel 23:37-39; 14:1-7), and the false prophecies propounded in Jeremiah's day (Jeremiah 14:14).
Remedies for false religion were often the subject of messages sent by God through His prophets. The religious reforms instituted by King Josiah illustrate the severity of the measures which were taken (2 Kings 23:1-20).
The New Testament is also filled with descriptions and condemnations of false teaching and false religion, not only among pagans and Jews, but also among Christians. As was already mentioned, Paul was aware of and exposed pagan idolatry among the Greeks of Athens (Acts 17:17-31).
But many New Testament epistles also deal with some erroneous practice or belief among Christians. Even a cursory examination of the New Testament would reveal that false religion among Christians took many forms, including eating meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:14-31; Revelation 2:14, 20), the Judaizing of Christianity (Acts 15; Galatians), early Gnosticism (1 John), and the imposition of human philosophy and tradition (Colossians 2:8, 20-23; cf. Matthew 23:13-33).
ALL Christians have an obligation to maintain unity with one another based on truth (Ephesians 4:1-3). Divergent doctrines are obviously the enemy of unity (Ephesians 4:14). We should "not be carried about with various and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9).
One of the best safe guards against false teaching is a thorough awareness of it; we should be able to recognize a false doctrine (1 John 4:1), convincingly explain what is wrong with it (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:2), and identify those who teach it Romans 16:17-18
In Matthew 16:6-12, Jesus warned his disciples to "take heed" and "beware" of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The phrase "take heed" (Greek. horao) means to "discern clearly" and the word "beware" (Greek. prosexo) means to "hold the mind towards," "pay attention to," or "be cautious about" (Strong's Greek Dictionary).
When it comes to false teaching, the most dangerous thing we can do is stick our heads in the sand and ignore it. The many passages found in the New Testament warning us to beware of false teachers are sufficient by themselves to authorize us to study other religions and cults. (cf. Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-4; 3:17; 1 John 4:1)
Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonia, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
refiners fire min.
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THE FALSE PROPHET HAS HIS/HER OWN GOSPEL........BEWARE.
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Mar 20, 2009 10:42 am
624 Views
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The Fourfold Message of the False Prophet
False prophets never speak all lies. Rather, they speak mostly truth, but woven in and through the many true statements is a lie - probably a major lie. Paul was amazed that the Corinthian church had been taken in by pseudo-apostles (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). The message of the false apostle may demonstrate and/or be characterized by a number of things.
He has his own gospel. Are you surprised at that? Don't be. If the prophet is false, and inspired by the devil, he will have a special message. It will make sense. It will have its own reasons and rationale. It is also likely to be accompanied by its own miracles, and providences. This was exactly the case among the Corinthians. But do not be deceived - it is a different gospel, a different message. Even though the Corinthians knew the Apostle Paul and had been taught by him, they loved the new gospel, and it went down smoothly (2 Corinthians 11:4; see also Galatians 1:6).
He has his own Jesus. If a false prophet comes to a Christian, he will need a Jesus of some kind. He will never deceive any Christian unless he has a Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4). There are many beings called Jesus in the world, just as there are many antichrists 1 John 2:18 and many false Christs (Matthew 24:24). I learned many years ago that when someone comes to me talking about Jesus, I must wait. I wait for the verbal use of His full title. I want to discover which Jesus is being talked about. Is he the Jesus of the New Testament, of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? Is He the Jesus Christ described by the Apostle Paul? Did He come in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3), and is he Lord of all (1 Corinthians 12:3)? Is He the Jesus we confess in the Apostles' Creed?
He has his own spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4). There is a reason why Christians must never invite false prophets into their homes (2 John 10). It has to do with doctrine, yes, but it has much more to do with spirits and contagion. Evil power is contagious. Mormons, SDA and Jehovah's Witnesses have another gospel, true. And they preach an alternate Jesus, true. But they are most dangerous because they have another spirit, an evil spirit which can do great damage in the life of a Christian. "So behind every prophet is a spirit, and behind each spirit either God or the devil."
The apostle did not bother to say, "Do not believe every prophet." Rather he went straight to the point: " DO not believe every spirit." Dr. Stott, in looking further at this passage says, "There is an urgent need for discernment among Christians. We are often too gullible, and exhibit a naive readiness to credit messages and teachings which purport to come from the spirit-world. There is such a thing, however, as a misguided charity and tolerance toward false doctrine. Unbelief (believe not every spirit) can be as much a mark of spiritual maturity as belief."
If Christians are discerning, they will have learned the habit of disbelieving all spirits. That, in fact, is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he said, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, KJV).
He has his own anointing. False prophets are sometimes very exciting and colorful. They speak with power. They may be interesting and dramatic. There is a reason for that; being false does not mean being without an anointing. He just has another kind of anointing, an alternate anointing (1 John 2:18-27). Antichrists in the New Testament are those who have substitute enduements. It is not just that they are against Jesus Christ - they are sometimes powerfully, dramatically and excitingly so. They have an alternate anointing that gives them power. The true prophet has an anointing from the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. The false prophet has another kind of unction.
Four Favorite Doctrines of False Prophets
The following are the four favorite doctrines of false prophets.
The Denial of the Deity of Jesus Christ. For false prophets, Jesus Christ may be "a" god but not the Creator, God incarnate, God Almighty. They may even allow that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but not God Almighty (John 1:1). Without exception, they find ways to diminish the integrity and deity of Jesus Christ. If these false prophets are inspired and empowered by Satan, as they are, we should not be surprised that they ultimately attack the Lord Jesus Christ. They do it because Satan is their father, and he has been a murderer and a liar from the beginning (8:44).
The Denial of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. John makes this very clear. Every spirit that does not continually confess that Jesus Christ is come "in the flesh" is not of God (1 John 4:1-3). Why is the incarnation so essential? Because Jesus Christ was not truly man if He was not clothed with flesh. If Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh, who died on the cross? And what was torn if not His flesh? And what was shed if not His blood?
The Apostle Paul preached Jesus Christ crucified. He preached the cross. Why was he so emphatic? Because it is on the cross that the enfleshment and incarnation of Jesus Christ are most clearly seen. Beware when there is no mention of the blood of Jesus Christ. Beware when there is no preaching about the cross of Jesus Christ. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, ). False prophets do not love the cross of Christ. They prefer rather not to mention it. (Their teaching does not concentrate on the cross but alternative ways of getting to God...ex. Sabbath keeping)
The Denial of the Lostness of Man. The Scripture makes very clear that all men and women who have not believed in Jesus Christ are eternally lost (John 3:16,36) To question that there is a place called hell, and to suggest that eternity is not forever is a favorite device of false prophets. Jesus Christ was the most emphatic teacher of eternal punishment and the lostness of man in all of the Bible (Matthew 25:46; John 3:16, etc.). False prophets, moved and controlled by evil spirits, do not want to confess their own future since the lake of fire has been prepared for the devil and his angels Matthew 25:41
The Denial of the Inspiration and Integrity of Scripture. The Bible teaches that God's Word has been inspired as holy men were moved by the Holy Spirit to write (2 Timothy 3:16). All that they have written are God's words (Romans 3:2). Every single word of the original texts has been given by God. Not even a tiny jot or tittle will pass away (Matthew 5:1 . It is the practice of Satan to say, "Did God really say. . . ?"
(Genesis 3:1)
False prophets say the same thing because they are energized by the same spirit.
False prophets also like to have their own revelations and attack the adequacy and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures in order to introduce their own scriptures. If the prophet is adding new revelation to the Bible accepted by the Church for most of these 2,000 years, you can be sure that prophet is false.
Four Favorite Tactics of False Prophets
False prophets are involved in spiritual warfare - against the church and against the Lord Jesus Christ In their wars on behalf of the counterkingdom ruled by Satan, they follow a number of common strategies.
Invasion from the Outside. When Paul was bidding farewell to the Ephesian elders, he warned them that certain men would descend upon their church and cause havoc (Acts 20:29). This is one of the favorite tactics of the false prophet. Coming in from outside, he is unknown and, therefore, more easily able to deceive. The Church of the first century struggled mightily to distinguish between prophets false and true. Several of the criteria they emphasized in the Didache and other early writings have to do with distinguishing between those who come into the local assembly from the outside.
Emergence from the Inside. Just as Paul warned the Ephesian elders about those coming from elsewhere, he proceeded to shock them further by insisting that even from among themselves false brethren would arise (Acts 20:30). We are not to be surprised by those who rise up and become false prophets. They come, still today, from among the faithful.
Resistance to Authority. False prophets challenge the authority of the pastor and elders. If they are to be successful, they must challenge the existing leadership. The Scriptures teach that believers are to obey those who have the rule over them, those who oversee watch for their souls (Hebrews 13:17). If a true undershepherd, a true and godly pastor (1 Peter 5:1-4), is guarding his flock, his authority has to be overturned before the false prophet can rend and tear the sheep. It also must be admitted, unfortunately, that sometimes godly leaders become corrupt and end up as false prophets themselves, remaining in the places of authority all the while.
Isolation of Victims. False prophets are rightly likened to wolves (Acts 20:29). All predators do one thing to their victims - they separate the one about to be destroyed from the protection of the flock or herd. Once the victim is separated from the rest, he becomes easy prey. The word "demon" means distributor and divider. If false prophets are controlled by demons, we should not be surprised when they divide the flock, isolating their victims before destroying them. And if the young, the infirm and the aged are beguiled, we should not be surprised. Young people are inexperienced and unfortunately curious. The weak and aged sometimes do not have the strength or clarity to escape.
Neill Foster, Ph.D
Ps.... BEWARE of the...I am called to......false prophets who exalt self and self appointed ministries. ALL BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO EXPOSE FALSE DOCTRINE!!!!
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HOW TO SAFE GUARD AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS
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Mar 19, 2009 9:29 am
619 Views
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Four Main Weapons against False Prophets
Fortunately, there are a number of powerful spiritual weapons that can and must be used in the Christian's struggle against the deception of false prophets (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).
God's Word. The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more likely he is to recognize false prophets. Conversely, the less one knows about the Word of God, the more easily he will be deceived and led astray. Like Timothy of old, we should give attendance to reading (1 Timothy 4:13), and we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, not ashamed, but able to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Familiarity with the Bible also needs some basic laws of interpretation to go along with it. One of the most helpful is this: If the literal sense makes common sense, seek no other sense. Another helpful rule of interpretation to remember is that the Bible is by far the best interpreter of itself.
A Multitude of Counselors. In a multitude of spiritual counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). God's servants are part of a body - the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). Christians can be very helpful to one another. If pastors or elders or older brothers and sisters in the church warn you, listen! They are probably correct. Their wisdom is exceptionally valuable. Having seen various false prophets over the years, they have learned not to be taken in by them.
Through Truth (2 Timothy 4:2-3). False prophets tickle the ears of the people (4:3). They often pronounce that they have deeper truths to share (Revelation 2:24). Paul observed that those who wish to turn away from the Lord Jesus Christ will not "endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3). The message that is very smooth and attractive probably has something wrong with it. Real truth has an edge; it has bite to it. It makes demands. It sometimes hurts when we hear it. One of the best understandings with which to protect oneself from following false teachers is this: Sound doctrine must be endured.
Pursuit of Love (1 Corinthians 14:1). There are always those who wish to pursue miracles and spectacles. There are always those who wish to have their ears tickled. But love is preeminent. Miracles and martyrdom cannot compare with it (13:3). It is greater than faith and hope (13:13). Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to love one another (John 13:34-35). The great commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:29-30). "By this all men will know that you are my disciples," Jesus said (John 13:35).
Paul's prayer for the Philippian church was that their love would abound more and more in order that they could discern (Philippians 1:9-10).
The most discerning apostle was John. True, he wrote his Gospel, his epistles and the Revelation as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but he was the obvious choice among the apostles to write the Revelation - because he was the apostle of love, because he loved the Master so deeply (John 13:23). He saw more because he loved more.
Final Word
One might assume after reading this appendix that discerning false prophets is a simple matter. If that impression has been conveyed, it is most assuredly wrong. I have been deceived more than once. The struggle to be discerning faces duplicity so great, Matthew says, that even the elect are barely able to discern (Matthew 24:24).
If you have a great concern about false prophets, my advice is ultimately twofold: 1) immerse yourself in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:l5), and 2) pursue love, so that it may abound on every side and bring you discernment in the end (Philippians 1:9)
Neill Foster, Ph.D
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BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS
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Mar 19, 2009 9:06 am
484 Views
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"Beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15, KJV) These well-known words of Jesus immediately imply two things: there are false prophets - and they are dangerous.
The existence of true and false and the danger of deception in the Christian life were not limited to the life and times of Jesus Christ. Moses, before Him, also warned the people of Israel against false prophets Deuteronomy 13 and 18
Two Kinds of False Prophets
Though a great many who are familiar with the Old and New Testaments are aware that there are false prophets, not as many realize that there are two major kinds of false prophets.
The first, the lying false prophet, announces events or says things that do not come true. He is obviously a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The penalty in Old Testament times was death for false prophets (18:20). This kind of false prophet is the most easily recognized and least dangerous of the two.
The second kind of false prophet is more deceptive (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). He is impeccable in his words at first. An exhortation comes to pass. No fault can be found with his speech. Nevertheless, over time he draws the hearts of the people away from the Lord God Almighty. Finally, he leads them off to serve other gods. This kind of person is very dangerous, indeed the more dangerous of the two.
Four Kinds of False Prophecy
Most of us are inclined to forget that there are false prophets. However, the frightening facts are these: there are at least two kinds of false prophets and four kinds of false prophecies. The details of these false prophecies are listed in Jeremiah 14:14.
False Visions. These may come from the evil heart of the false prophet, or they may come from an evil spirit that controls him. The false visions are truly "seen" by the false prophet, but their source is devilish.
Divinations. This is another form of false prophecy. Diviners may examine the entrails of animals or how rice floats in water. Or they may use a thousand other ways to divine. But their information is finally false even though some things may appear to be true, and entrapment of the simple is made easy. True prophets of God do not read palms or witch water.
Idolatries. Idoltray (Exodus 20:3) is the third form of false prophecy. Idols in themselves are nothing, nothing at all (Jeremiah 10:1-5). However, if they are seized by demons, then the idols reflect the power of the demons involved. The BIBLE explicitly forbid idols or graven images of any kind. When demons empower the idols, it is not long before prophecies emerge from the demons. We dare not have anything with such demons
(1 Corinthians 10:21). Their prophecies are false.
Delusions. These are the final kind of false prophecy - delusions of the mind. They are not necessarily from the devil; they may simply be fabricated by the persons themselves. They are still false, however, and very dangerous. And we recall again that false prophets were under severe judgment in the Old Testament. Jeremiah reminds us that even though false prophets prophesy and say all kinds of fascinating things, the Almighty is saying, "I did not send them" (Jeremiah 14:15)
One might even think that false prophets would have no power to attract at all. But the commentators, Keil and Delitzsch, observe in this Jeremiah passage that these willing listeners are under judgment just as severe as those who prophesy falsely: "They are not. . . excused because false prophets told them lies, for they have given credit to these lies."
Four Characteristics of False Prophets
False ministers exhibit a number of peculiar characteristics. Though not every false prophet necessarily displays all of the traits mentioned here, these are common.
The Love of Preeminence. They like to be important and to have others believe and follow them. Diotrephes is a case in point. He loved to have the preeminence, but his heart was wholly evil (3 John 9). If someone has an inordinate desire to be a leader, if he thrusts himself forward to gain ascendancy, ask yourself a very important question: Is that person a false prophet?
The Love of Money. We know from Scripture that the love of Money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). The early Christians wrote that if a man asked for Money, he was surely a false prophet. Those writings did not get into the New Testament, and certainly godly pastors and evangelists should encourage God's people to give their tithes and offerings. However, if someone is always pressing for Money and seems likely to benefit personally from that gift or offering - beware!
The Love of Immorality. Adultery and fornication are never too far removed from the doors of most false prophets (Jude 4; Revelation 2:20). Some may appear to be holy, even sanctimonious, but their apparent "purity" does not negate the rule (2 Corinthians 11:15). If you have doubts about someone, watch that person's interpersonal behavior.
The Love of Miracles and Spectacles. The God of the Bible is certainly a God of miracles. No one can read the New Testament and come to any other conclusion. Faithful preaching of the Word of God even today will be followed by miracles and deliverances (Hebrews 13:. At the same time, Jesus clearly warned that the presence of miracles and the casting out of demons are not necessarily authentications of true prophets. Rather, some who do those things, according to Scripture, may be the ones who will hear Christ's words: "I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME" (7:23). He will say this even to those who have been using His name in the doing (Matthew 7:15-23, ).
K. Neill Foster, Ph.D.
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THE BIBLE EXAMINES AND EXPOSES FALSE DOCTRINES (TEACHINGS)
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Mar 19, 2009 8:52 am
446 Views
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The Old Testament lays bare many religious error, from the unacceptable sacrifice of Cain (Genesis 4:1-5) to the perverted religious practices of the Israelites (2 Kings 17:12-17, 24 Psalm 106:36-38
It is important for us to observe that the Old Testament not only contains details of false religions among those who never claimed to be God's people (Isaiah 19:1-3; 66:17), but it also uncovers false religion among those who claimed to have a relationship with Jehovah.
Examples include the perverted worship of Jehovah engaged in by Micah and Jeroboam (Judges 17-18; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:14-15 the rank idolatry of the Israelites under kings like Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-7, cf. Hosea 4:12-13; Ezekiel 23:37-39; 14:1-7), and the false prophecies propounded in Jeremiah's day (Jeremiah 14:14).
Remedies for false religion were often the subject of messages sent by God through His prophets. The religious reforms instituted by King Josiah illustrate the severity of the measures which were taken (2 Kings 23:1-20).
The New Testament is also filled with descriptions and condemnations of false teaching and false religion, not only among pagans and Jews, but also among Christians. As was already mentioned, Paul was aware of and exposed pagan idolatry among the Greeks of Athens (Acts 17:17-31).
But many New Testament epistles also deal with some erroneous practice or belief among Christians. Even a cursory examination of the New Testament would reveal that false religion among Christians took many forms, including eating meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:14-31; Revelation 2:14, 20), the Judaizing of Christianity (Acts 15; Galatians), early Gnosticism (1 John), and the imposition of human philosophy and tradition (Colossians 2:8, 20-23; cf. Matthew 23:13-33).
ALL Christians have an obligation to maintain unity with one another based on truth (Ephesians 4:1-3). Divergent doctrines are obviously the enemy of unity (Ephesians 4:14). We should "not be carried about with various and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9).
One of the best safe guards against false teaching is a thorough awareness of it; we should be able to recognize a false doctrine (1 John 4:1), convincingly explain what is wrong with it (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:2), and identify those who teach it Romans 16:17-18
In Matthew 16:6-12, Jesus warned his disciples to "take heed" and "beware" of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The phrase "take heed" (Greek. horao) means to "discern clearly" and the word "beware" (Greek. prosexo) means to "hold the mind towards," "pay attention to," or "be cautious about" (Strong's Greek Dictionary).
When it comes to false teaching, the most dangerous thing we can do is stick our heads in the sand and ignore it. The many passages found in the New Testament warning us to beware of false teachers are sufficient by themselves to authorize us to study other religions and cults. (cf. Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-4; 3:17; 1 John 4:1)
Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonia, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
refiners fire min.
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EVANGELICAL ECUMENICALISM
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Mar 18, 2009 10:15 am
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The last few years have witnessed a shift in aggressive ecumenicalism from Liberals to Charismatics and now to Evangelicalism. We are told that we must unite with any and
everyone (including Catholics and even Mormons) so that our evangelism efforts will bear fruit.
Sure we can maintain our doctrinal distinctives, but those should not be a barrier to thisnew spirit of group participation. For example, Joe Stowell, President of Moody Bible
Institute participated in The National Consultation on Evangelism on May 1, 1996 nearWashington, D.C. It is reported that he “reminded participants that God historically moves
only when His body is unified.”1 Joe Aldrich, then president of Multnomah School of theBible, argues that unity is the universal cure for all spiritual ailments.
Its presence would silence the critic and attract the unconvinced. Its presence would release large amounts of spiritual energy. Remember, where it exists, God commands his blessing (see Psalm 33). When Present, unity scatters hope in every direction.Its return would be a miracle.
Friend, we’re talking about UNITY. Not uniformity, not even union, but unity.
I recently recall hearing a charismatic espouse the following formula for effective evangelism in any community: “If a city has 10% unity, then there will be 10% response to the gospel.
If 30%, then 30% response. If 80% unity, then an 80% response to the gospel.”
Theimplication was that if you or your church don’t participate in city-wide events, then your nonparticipation
would prevent people from getting saved. Such Evangelical superstition isincreasingly common in our day. However, no such thing is taught in the Bible.
BIBLICAL UNITY
The New Testament does teach us about the unity of Christ’s Body—the Church.However, it is very different than many popular notions that are even penetrating some IFCA churches through such recent movements like the “March for Jesus”and “Promise Keepers.” Both organizations were conceived within the Vineyard
movement of the late John Wimber and have as goals a unity that is in conflict with the New Testament faith.
There are two unity passages in the New Testament that we should consider in order tounderstand this issue (John 17:11, 21-22; Ephesians 4:3, 13). Correspondingly, I see two
aspects to biblical unity. John 17 speaks of positional unity, while Ephesians 4 instructs Believers about experiential unity. Confusion of these two aspects of unity are at the core
of the error of ecumenical unity.
POSITIONAL UNITY
John 17:21 says, “that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.”
This passage in Christ’s High Priestly prayer is a seed-plot statement about Church Age.
Believers being placed into the Body of Christ and thus union with the Triune God. This is a forensic work done by God in the bookkeeping room in heaven at the moment of salvation on behalf of all believers. It is not an experience, even though this act will be the basis for experience with our Lord. The unity spoken of in this verse is not the result of any
human act. It is a sovereign work of God when an individual believes the gospel.
Every Believer in Christ is in unity with the Triune God and every other Believer in the history of the Church because God has never failed to fulfill what He said He would do. Nothing in
this passage speaks of any human activity. At this point, the Believer is passive. It is a statement of what God will do on our behalf. The increasingly popular teaching that experiential unity is the basis for greater results in evangelism or will bring revival cannot be supported from this passage. Further, the
phrase, “that they may all be one” refers to the union of Jew and Gentile into one body, the Body of Christ.
This was accomplished, as Paul teaches in Ephesians 2—3, with the birth of the church as Jewish and Gentile Believers are co-equal in the Body of Christ. They are made one—positionally—enabling the world (i.e., the Gentiles who were previously
“without God in the world” [Ephesians 2:12]) to now have access to God through Christ. It is instructive at this point to read Ephesians 2:11–22 paying attention to the phrases of
unity that Gentiles now enjoy with saved Jews on the basis of Christ’s work for the Body of Christ. Jesus prayed for it in John 17 before the cross and Paul reports on the fact that
Christ’s work is an answer to the prayer.
EXPERIENTIAL UNITY
I recall our church history professor in seminary noting that the basic of theological error of holiness and Pentecostal/charismatic theology is their confusion of positional and experiential truth. For example, the idea of sinless perfection was erroneously developed by teaching that we could experience what Christ has done for us (usually related to
justification) with what He has enabled us to experience in our Christian walk (usually related to sanctification). This same error is at the heart of those who think that Believers will ever
experience the type of union that Christ has provided for us positionally.
However, Paul does teach in Ephesians 4 that there is a basis for experiential union. Simply put, doctrine is the basis for experiential union. Strangely, this is the very item that current ecumenicists insist must be set aside if we are to have their kind of unity and its fruits. The context of
Ephesians 4 is that of doctrine[/B]....until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
As a result,..... we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:13–16)
CONCLUSION
The basis for Christians getting together to do things for Christ is to be based upon what we believe and not on the liberal counterfeit of setting aside our beliefs to accomplish
some greater good. Starting at Babel, apostates have always wanted to get together to accomplish some great feat, to “make for ourselves a name” (Genesis 11:4) through thepower of numbers. Yet, God Himself judged them by scattering them.
Today we see the same spirit telling us that we should lay aside God’s Word, come together with any willing soul in order to accomplish some great task—evangelism. History has shown that Satan still uses the same basic lie of Babel, but he has refined it by attempting to blend it with some degree of the truth.
The IFCA and similar organizations were formed earlier this century as a response to liberalism. Their basis for fellowship was a doctrinal one based upon a faithful adherence to
God’s Word. Our forefathers fought the battles of their day and stood strong regardless of the circumstances.
Years later the issues have changed (at least their packaging), yet the basic issue remains the same: Are we going to express our loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ in the way He has prescribed devotion—doctrinally? Or, will our hearts be stolen
away by the promise of pseudo-success if we will all just get along?
trib. min
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ERRORS OF THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT
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Mar 18, 2009 10:01 am
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True Christian unity is God-made, not man-made (Ephesians 4:1-6)
John 17:21 is often used by ecumenists as a proof text for their objectives, but they fail to point out that Jesus was not instructing Christians to create some sort of ecumenical unity; he was praying for God the Father to create a spiritual unity. The unity Christ prayed for is one based on truth and the Word of God (John 17:6,8,14,17,19; I Corinthians 1:10; I Timothy 6:3-6) whereas the ecumenical movement downplays the importance of truth and doctrine.
The ecumenical movement downplays the local church and exalts inter-church and inter-denominational relationships.
The local church is the entity which Christ established for the fulfillment of His program in this age. Christian unity is primarily a local church matter (1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25-27; Philippians 1:27; Romans 15:5-6; Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 10:25)
Ecumenical groups substitute social and political work for
Christ's command of world evangelism & preaching.
The Great Commission (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; Acts 1), instructs the churches to preach the Gospel and disciple converts through teaching and preaching of the words of God until the end of the age. (Preach and teach,) (I Corinthians 1:17-21; II Timothy 2:2)
The Apostles and early churches took this Commission seriously and dedicated themselves EXCLUSIVELY to this task. The nations in which they labored were full of social ills and needs, but there is no hint in the Scripture record that the Apostles gave any attention to remedying such problems. They were dedicated to preaching the Gospel and seeking to win the lost to Christ before it was eternally too late.
To have turned aside for any other task, no matter how seemingly helpful to the community and to humanity in general would have been the gravest disservice to mankind for there is no other institution on earth that can do what the churches are tasked to do. The 'local church' as we knew them in 'yesteryear' will quickly be phased out in America - all in the name of uniting. America Unites - sounds good, doesn't it? The 'United States of America'!
As America 'unites' ecumenically, the body of Christ continues to be united spiritually. Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"
Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! And God provides the ability for us to unite.
The ecumenical movement downplays doctrinal purity
and refuses to practice biblical separation.
The Bible teaching of separation forbids God's people from fellowshipping with error (Romans 16:17-18; II Corinthians 6:14-18; 11:1-4; Galatians 1:8-9; Ephesians 4:14-15; 5:11; Philippians 3:1-2; Colossians 2:8; II Thessalonians 3:6; I Timothy 1:3; 6:3-5; 6:20-21; II Timothy 2:16-21; 3:5,13; Titus 1:10-14; 3:9-11; II Peter 2:1-3; 3:17; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3; Revelation 2:2,6,14-16,20-23; 18:4).
Ecumenical groups do not have high moral and doctrinal standards.
Sadly, it is common to find drinking, smoking, cursing, immodest dress, homosexuality, and various other forms of immorality among ecumenical Christians. The cry of the hour is "liberty" and "self-esteem," and those who call for strict Bible standards of morality are labeled "legalists."
The same attitude was manifest in apostate Israel of old. "Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations" (Jeremiah 7:9,10). These people thought God had set them free to live as they pleased, and that He would receive their worship regardless of whether or not they obeyed the Holy Scriptures.
The final book of the Bible describes the worldwide religious harlot which will arise in these last days.
Revelation 17-18 God's command in regard to this apostasy is "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues"
Pastor Mike Paulson
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The Dangers of ECUMENICALISM
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Mar 18, 2009 9:53 am
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Like nothing else in many years, the latest Attack on America has certainly brought forward and emphasized the demonically designed worldwide ecumenical movement. Here is an entire nation created by throwing all sorts of ingredients into the pot all bowing together; all religions under one roof praying with each other to all sorts of differently designed gods with the only thing in unity is the spelling of the word g-o-d. To most people in America now, it seems like a great way to be united, etc. but when one again considers the Scriptural element of the whole situation, one would find out that God is not pleased with these actions.
You know - the Scriptures - that Book that each of those religions got their start from - but with a little wrong division there, we have massive confusion all based around a mess.
The prevailing philosophy of the last days desires that all professing religions join together in unity regardless of doctrinal integrity. It used to be just 'Christians' who made this call, but we should notice that the other world religions are moving in, if not only on America soil do they play that game.
"Ecumenical" means worldwide, universal. The ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement will be to bring all religious groups together into one worldwide group, if not in organizational unity, at least in sympathy of the movement. In their words, we may not all be Catholics or Methodists, Muslim or Lutherans, etc., but we all still worship the same God; but we do it in 'our own way'; so naturally, because we are sincere about our love & worship, we can be sure God DOES hear us because God is love & if we love each other, then certainly God must love us.
The ecumenical movement is a Satanic system of lies built on a lie and supported and promoted by professional liars ($$$). There is NO single final Scriptural authority within the ecumenical movement.
The Ecumenical Movement Exists in Three Levels
(1) There is THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL of the ecumenical movement, represented by the World Council of Churches at the global level, national councils on the national level, and clergy associations on the local level.
(2) There is THE EVANGELICAL LEVEL, represented by interdenominational parachurch organizations, fellowships, and mission organizations. Examples of Evangelical ecumenism are Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With A Mission, Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, and the World Evangelical Fellowship.
(3) There is also THE DENOMINATIONAL LEVEL, which is the 'local church' crowd. While there are exceptions among some old-line Pentecostals, the Charismatic world focuses on experience instead of Biblical doctrine and seeks to unite every sort of denomination. Nobody lifts a voice against any doctrinal heresy. Many of the most popular Catholic and Charismatic and public religious leaders run this show.
In its necessary substitution of the Holy King James Bible, something called Scholarship Onlyism has developed. It is the response to the King James Onlyism title given to those who stick with one Bible - that of the Authorized Version of the English Reformation.
Final authority has been reduced to opinions and preferences, with the arbitrator of these conflicting opinions and preferences being the opinions and preferences of the scholars who conflicted with each other's opinions and preferences.
The final authority is their own opinion, whoever is making their opinion at the time.
The fruits of Scholarship Onlyism is one hundred percent error, while professing to have the ability to find errors in ALL translations and ALL Greek texts.
A Christian is supposed to have some final authority by which he makes decisions and settles issues. If it is not the King James Bible, then what would it be?
This ecumenical Scholarship Only bunch offer a pile of lost scattered pieces of paper written in a dead language that no one could not understand unless they attended a school that would teach them what 'they' believe those papers to say, of course, it is just their opinion based on their own personal studies, mind you.
The goal of the Ecumenical bunch is to destroy the belief in Absolute Authority coming from God and putting in its place, the relative authority of man, composed of the preferences and opinions of men who consider themselves fully equipped to be your guide instead of the Holy Bible itself (Hebrews 4:12,13)
Pastor Mike Paulson
Ephesians 1:11-13
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory.
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