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ERRORS OF THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT 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 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  Isaiah 42:8 " I am the Lord; that is my name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images." |
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3/18/2009 6:43 pm |
I can almost see the local churches disappearing to make way for the big megachurchs, feel good churches, anything goes churches!...Some are already here!..My daughter called me up six months ago to tell me my old Methodist Church was torn down....And of course a lot of the Catholic Churches closing thanks to satan in my opinion...We "real" Christians are in for the ride of our lives coming sooner than later!...I pray to honor Jesus in my death.....Its one of my fears that I dont honor HIM in my death!....GOD bless us all ‘HE will rule them with an iron scepter.’... He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.... On HIS robe and on HIS thigh HE has this name written:... KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
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3/25/2009 11:13 pm |
GREAT POST, thank you! Rom. 5:8 while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
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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. God is calling his elect to come out of Babylon!!! A line of distinction will soon be evident. The false church will be left behind but Gods people will be taken up and gathered together in him. Time is short! Isaiah 42:8 " I am the Lord; that is my name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images."
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