FOOD FOR THOUGHT...OBAMA AND THE LUO PROPHECY OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE USA
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Posted:Apr 25, 2009 7:55 pm
Last Updated:May 6, 2009 10:29 am 8565 Views
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I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON OBAMA AND FOUND SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION. HERE IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...VERY WEIRD.
Senator Barack Hussein Obama had a father who was a Luo Kenyan and a mother who was part Caucasian and part American Indian.
Here is some information on the Luo and their religion.
The Luo (also called Jaluo and Joluo) are an ethnic group in Kenya, eastern Uganda, and northern Tanzania. They are part of a larger group of ethnolinguistically related Luo peoples who inhabit an area including southern Sudan, northern and eastern Uganda, western Kenya, and northern Tanzania…
Notable Luos: Raila Odinga ·Barack Obama · Peter A. Odhiambo (Luo (Kenya and Tanzania), Luo… Throughout the nineteenth century AD , the Luo migrated into the area they now occupy in Kenya. They left lower savanna grasslands for higher and cooler regions with reliable rainfall…
According to the last national population census conducted in 1989, the Luo number over 3 million people, or about 13 percent of Kenya’s total population…
The Nomiya Luo Church, which started in 1912, was the first independent church in Kenya. The founder of this church, Johanwa Owalo, is believed to be a prophet similar to Jesus Christ and Muhammad. Owalo later teamed up with a Catholic priest and began teaching a new theology that rejected both the Pope and the doctrine of the trinity. Barack Obama is considered, by Wikipedia at least, to be a Luo.
His first name, however, is Hebrew:
The meaning of the name Barak is Lightning, Spark
His middle name is Arabic:
The meaning of the name Hussein is Handsome One
The origin of the name Hussein is Arabic
His last name seems to mean “slightly bent”:
The meaning of the name Obama is Slightly Bent
The origin of the name Obama is African
Notes: From a rare Luo (Kenyan) name, meaning a baby born with bent arm or leg or possibly a breech birth.
While Obama is apparently a Luo Kenyan word, if it originally came from Hebrew, it most likely would have come from the word "Bama" (The Latin "O" is sometimes used in Hebrew as a conjunction such as meaning "and")
The meaning of the name Bama is: of prophecy So, combining the definitions above, the name Baraq Hussein Bama would essentially mean the Handsome Timid Gleam and of Prophecy.
Now, there is claimed to be a 1912 prophecy by Johanwa Owalo, the founder of Kenya’s Nomiya Luo Church, about the United States. This prophecy concerning Barak Obama was spoken by Johanwa Owalo, and reported by Sister Mary McCrea of the Sorcha Faal Order in her 1915 copyrighted document “Visions of the Great Nyasaye, A Study of the Luo Religion in Kenya”.
“So far have they [the United States] strayed into wickedness in those [future] times that their destruction has been sealed by my [father]. Their great cities will burn, their crops and cattle will suffer disease and death, their will perish from diseases never seen upon this Earth, and I reveal to you the greatest [mystery] of all as I have been allowed to see that their [the United States] destruction will come about through the vengeful hands of one of our very own sons.”
Since Barack Obama's father is ethnically a Luo of Kenya (see Kenya Rejoices as Obama Wins), Barack Obama seems to meet the criteria above as being "one of our very sons".
Barack Obama may be a " of prophecy". Thus, even the name Barack Obama and prophecy seem to be linked to a degree.
Visions of the Great Nyasaye, A Study of the Luo Religion in Kenya.
Wikipedia.
Encyclopedia of World Cultures
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EVEN SATAN CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN
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Posted:Apr 22, 2009 9:48 am
Last Updated:Apr 26, 2009 3:22 pm 10839 Views
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“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14
The Devil himself professes to be a Christian in order to deceive his victims. Satan never appears in his true form, lest he would be exposed for the evil person he is (John 8:44) Revelation 2:12,13 tells us that Satan dwells in the Church, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos… where Satan dwelleth.”
Satan works relentlessly to CORRUPT the church, the Word of God, and our young people‒to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10)
The ecumenical movement is one of Satan’s major influences today upon the world. Ecumenism is the doctrine of the ecumenical movement which promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations; aimed at universal Christian unity. Of course, ecumenism is also Satan’s attempt to corrupt the church by unequally yoking Christians with unbelievers (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17)
How can there be UNITY, when the Word of God commands us to SEPARATE? Romans 16:17 states, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.“
The True Light verses Counterfeit light
2nd Corinthians 11:14 warns us that Satan himself appears as a good guy...as a divine messenger of truth. We hear much talk from the heathen world about “the light“, such as in the Poltergeist movies, and from psychics like Char Margolis. However, the “light” which the Bible warns of is a counterfeit of the true Light.
What is the Light? The Word of God is the Light, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105) The Gospel is the Light, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2nd Corinthians 4:4)
Jesus is the Light, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12)
John 9:5 states, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Christians shine with the Light of Jesus, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14) John 1:4 sums it all up with the statement “In him (Jesus Christ) was life; and the life was the light of men.” The Light is the Truth, and Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me ” John 14:6
Transforming verses Submitting
Satan tries to imitate the Light, and is a master counterfeiter.
Satan’s spirit works in the unsaved (Ephesians 2:2) and some of them even become Satan’s ministers, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.”
Oh! but they’re NOT of Christ, they are demonic, sold out to the Devil. These are the followers of Lucifer, the prince of darkness. Carefully notice the phrase “transforming themselves“. The Greek word for “transforming” is “metaschematizo“, which means, “to change self“. Hence, there are many ministers today who have never been changed by the saving power of the Gospel; rather, they have only changed themselves to look like genuine men of God
This is very interesting, and a powerful Biblical truth to teach others. MOST religious people today have only changed themselves, in their own self-righteousness. They have never submitted to the righteousness of God found only in Christ Jesus. There can be NO salvation apart from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which absolutely forbids any self-righteousness whatsoever! “Ye must be born-again“!!!
Many ministers and priests today are IMPOSTERS! Roman and Orthodox Catholic priests are ALL liars and imposters, because they are going about to establish their OWN righteousness, instead of the righteousness which is of God “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (my note...also SDA,JW,LDS)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Here we see the opposite response of changing ourselves‒SUBMITTING OURSELVES. Do you see the difference? The foolish person tries to change their OWN SELF to please God, going about to establish their OWN righteousness (Isaiah 64:6).
However, the wise person submits in obedience to the Gospel 2nd Thessalonians 1:8 by coming to Jesus Christ as a sinner under the condemnation of God’s Law Romans 3:10,19 deserving of Hellfire 2nd Thessalonians 1:8 trusting upon the finished work of redemption (i.e. the shed blood of Jesus Christ) to take away their sins (1st Peter 1:18-19). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” -Romans 10:13. Have you submitted to the righteousness of God, which is Christ Jesus?
Things are Not as They Appear to Be
Thus, having laid a Biblical foundation, it should be obvious to you by now that Satan’s ministers aren’t what they APPEAR to be. They have “transformed themselves” to look exactly like the ministers of Christ. The Pope looks like a righteous man to the naive, and talks like righteous man to the ignorant; BUT when compared to the inspired WORD OF GOD, the Pope is quickly revealed as a man of sin, a liar, and an Antichrist. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the ” 1st John 2:22
But you say, “Doesn’t the Pope believe that Jesus is the Christ” the Saviour? No, he doesn’t. What? Catholics DO believe that Jesus died on the cross BUT, they are taught that THE CATHOLIC CHURCH is the vehicle through which they must ride if they want to go to Heaven. Catholics are deceitfully taught that the CHURCH is the way to Christ, who is the way to Heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth of God’s Word. The Vatican has perverted the cross of Jesus Christ to mean that God’s Salvation is found THROUGH the Catholic Church, and not directly through Jesus Christ as 1st Timothy 2:5 states “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The Bible couldn’t be any plainer.
Satan’s ministers deceitfully come to us as ministers of righteousness. Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Did you read that: “BUT INWARDLY“! False prophets APPEAR to be of God on the outside, like Benny Hinn and Pat Robertson, but INWARDLY they are ravening wolves.(my note: Rick Warren, Billy Graham,Todd Bentley, Kenneth Copeleand, Robert Shuller,Joyce Myers,Fred Price,and many more)
Pat Robertson’s Deception
According to Pat Robertson, Pope John Paul II was a man of “deep spirituality“.
“Pat Robertson Comments on Pope John Paul II’s Passing
‒ VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 02, 2005 – I am deeply grieved as a great man passes from this world to his much deserved eternal reward. John Paul II has been the most beloved religious leader of our age ‒ far surpassing in popular admiration the leader of any faith.He has been a man of great warmth, profound understanding, deep spirituality, and indefatigable vigor. It was my great honor to meet with him at the residence of my good friend, Cardinal O’Connor, in New York, and to sit in the Consistory during the mass he conducted in Central Park. I told him at the time how much the American people loved him, and he merely smiled. That love was shared not only in America but by millions all over the globe. He has been a steady bridge in the transition of Eastern Europe from communism to freedom. His personal magnetism brought together all Christians in new bonds of understanding.I pray for the Cardinals of the Catholic Church that they might have God-given wisdom in selecting the successor to this great man. Their task will not be easy, but with God all things are possible.”
You’ve got to be kidding Mr. Robertson. And you call yourself a “Christian”? The Pope is the leader of the biggest false religion in the world, Catholicism! For Robertson to speak such gleaming words of praise towards such a Satanic imposter as the Pope, reveals that Robertson is in league with the Devil himself. No born again Christian who loves the Lord would ever praise the Pope, who is leading one billion people straight into Hell. Pat Robertson praises the Pope because he’d be off TV very fast if he criticized the Pope, and because Mr. Robertson is a leader in the demonic ecumenical movement. Satan uses man’s love of money to control the world. Mr. Robertson is exploiting the Gospel for personal gain, and to promote ecumenism. Pat Robertson has sold out to Satan!
Clearly, Pat Robertson is not what he appears to be. So many false prophets are hiding behind a shallow Gospel nowadays. I looked over CBN and couldn’t find a Gospel presentation anywhere. Although they give a basic Gospel presentation on their show, they fail to explain what it really means biblically.
Every unsaved Catholic believes the good news (Gospel) that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again three days later. Obviously a person is not saved just because they claim to believe the Gospel. If this were true, then EVERY Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Christian Scientist, Mormon, and Seventh-Day Adventist is saved. The truth is that none of them are saved
The truth is that the Biblical Gospel EXCLUDES all self-righteousness, works, forsaking of sins, commitments, sacraments, church membership, praying a prayer, making Jesus your Lord, walking down a church isle, giving your all to Christ, living for God, baptism, etc. The Only way to be saved is by faith ALONE if Jesus Christ. We do good works BECAUSE we are already saved, not to get saved (Romans 3:20; 4:3-5).
Satan’s True Nature, and the Sinister Ministers Who Serve Him
Satan does not appear as a sinister demon, with horns, and a pitch fork. Such imagery originated from the pagan god, Pan, centuries ago. Although this certainly would fit the character of Satan, it does not represent his appearance. Ezekiel 28:13-19 clearly makes reference to Lucifer “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God … Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. … Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty.”
Though some Bible critics today claim that these Scriptures don’t concern Lucifer, verse 13 CLEARLY proves that they DO “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God…” Other than the Lord God, there are only 3 beings ever mentioned as having been in the Garden of Eden: Adam, Eve, and the serpent (Satan). Ezekiel 28:12 reveals that Lucifer was "full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” Lucifer was created upright; but sin corrupted him as with all God’s creation. Man was created upright. Ecclesiastes 7:29 reads, “God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” God never created the Devil, demons, or fallen man. Sin is the culprit!
More ugly and sinister than any artist’s rendition of Satan, is the true nature of Lucifer. If you want to see demonic horror, then you need only consider the mind of Satan, which many earthly men posses today. 1st Timothy 4:1, “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.” Just as a beautiful young whorish woman, who is as a whitened coffin filled with rotting dead men’s bones‒so does Satan appear as an angel of light, deceiving the masses of earth.
2nd Corinthians 11:13-15 states, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness[/COLOR” Why is it that so many people today don’t comprehend these warnings from the Scriptures? It is because they don’t place any value or authority upon the Bible as God’s Word. They are following men‒priests and ministers‒instead of God but “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” Psalm 118:8
Jesus stated in Mark 7:9, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” More than any other group of unbelievers, people are going to burn in Hell because they followed men instead of God’s Word.
Satan claims to be a Christian, and his demonic servants have changed THEMSELVES into ministers of righteousness. They are of the Devil, liars, who will take you to Hell with them if you’re foolish enough to follow. Please don’t follow them! Please be aware of false religions. Also, beware of false Christs, and false prophets. Make the Word of God, the King James Bible, your Final Authority! One Book stands, and it’s the precious Word of God!
Satan is a great deceiver, and is deceiving billions today through false religions and ecumenism. Ecumenists say, “God is Love. So let us lay aside our doctrinal differences, and focus on loving and helping one another, as Jesus taught. Let us show the world that love is the answer.” (my note: love does not save people. The word of God saves people. Thats real love!)
Tragically, the Gospel is perverted in ecumenism and people are only converted over to religion instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing could be more offensive to God. Although God is certainly a God of love, it is never an excuse for sinful compromise with unbelievers. 2nd Corinthians 6:17 states, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
“Unclean” refers to anything which is against Biblical teaching. Christians are to SEPARATE from the ungodly, and from those who falsely claim to follow the teachings of the Bible, but do not. Satan and his ministers only APPEAR as being good; but they are evil
When you don’t know what you believe, it makes it all that much easier for the Devil to deceive you. Thus, every believer should study the Word of God, learning the truth about various doctrines. The truth is not just for pastors or Bible teachers, it is for every born-again believer.
So keep in mind as you see differing faiths heading towards a one-world religious system, that even Satan claims to be a Christian! Behind all the talk of love and diversity, a diabolic agenda exists‒the Beast system is being prepared to receive the Antichrist 2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10 The best way to expose Satan’s darkness is to shine the Light of God’s Word upon it.
“In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2nd Corinthians 4:4
David J. Stewart
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Evangelicals appologize to LDS for misrepresenting their faith and beliefs
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Posted:Apr 20, 2009 11:49 pm
Last Updated:Apr 24, 2009 8:45 am 10328 Views
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Richard Mouw (President of Fuller Seminary)
SPOKE AT THE MORMON/CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.
He offered “a stunningly candid apology to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that 'friendship has not come easily between our communities.' He dubbed the evening 'historic' and apologized that evangelicals 'have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints”
Mouw said “Let me state it clearly. We evangelicals have sinned against you,” he said, adding both camps have tended to marginalize and simplify the others' beliefs.
“We've often seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of members of the LDS faith,” he said. “It's a terrible thing to bear false witness. . . We've told you what you believe without first asking you” (Evangelical, LDS find bit of common ground by Kristen Moulton The Salt Lake Tribune.
Mouw states: “I remain convinced there are serious issues of difference that are of eternal consequence, but now we can discuss them as friends.”
Mouw then noted the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's birthday next December and several scholarly events planned to celebrate during the coming year. “I hope many in the evangelical community will take part in those events,” he said.
Mouw's apology to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Our public relations between our two communities have been-to put it mildly-decidedly unfriendly. From the very beginning, when Joseph Smith organized his church in 1830, my evangelical forebears hurled angry accusations and vehement denunciations at the Mormon community-a practice that continues from some evangelical quarters even into this present day. And I think it is fair to say that some Mormons have on occasion responded in kind. Friendship with each other has not come easily for our two communities. “But in recent times things have begun to change. Evangelicals and Mormons have worked together on important matters of public morality.”
Sounds like Mouw has been hearing the Mormons complaints so long that he has become a sympathizer to those who consistently through their own history pronounced scathing attacks denouncing all of Christianity, starting from their founder and others who have followed in his footsteps. A few reminders of what Mormons stated “...orthodox Christian views of God are Pagan rather than Christian” (Mormon Doctrine of Deity by B.H. Roberts) “What! Are Christians ignorant? Yes, as ignorant of the things of God as the brute beast.” (John Taylor, Mormonism's 3rd President, Journal of Discourses 6:25 )
“When the light came to me I saw that all the so-called Christian world was grovelling in darkness” (Brigham Young, Mormonism's Second President, Journal of Discourses 53.) These are official sermons by some of their presidents
Is this a good goal to disregard our religious differences and unite for moral change? What would be the purpose in doing this? What exactly do you men have in mind?
Stating the Evangelicals misrepresentation of the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints: “On a personal level, over the past half-dozen years I have been a member of a small group of evangelical scholars who have been engaged in lengthy closed-door discussions about spiritual and theological matters with a small group of our LDS counterparts. We have not been afraid to argue strenuously with each other, but our arguments have been conducted in a sincere desire genuinely to understand each other-and in the process we have formed some deep bonds of friendship. I know that I have learned much in this continuing dialogue, and I am now convinced that we evangelicals have often seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of the Mormon community.
Indeed, let me state it bluntly to the LDS folks here this evening: we have sinned against you. The God of the Scriptures makes it clear that it is a terrible thing to bear false witness against our neighbors, and we have been guilty of that sort of transgression in things we have said about you. We have told you what you believe without making a sincere effort first of all to ask you what you believe.
Excuse me! I think that Mr. Mouw should speak for yourself and not include us in your corporate repentance. (By the way, the body of Christ consists of more than just evangelicals.) These statements are hypocritical. Mouw didn’t consult any cult evangelism ministries that I know of before he spoke as if he represented evangelicals involved in this type of evangelism.
Who has misrepresented the beliefs and practices of the LDS faith? Whom are you pointing your finger to? (We know who they are. Mouw tells us later in his letter it is Walter Martin, Dave Hunt and all things considered, others like them. Surely your Mormon friends are thrilled to hear this rhetoric)
To generalize and stereotyped good ministries as doing ungodly work and presenting the Mormons as taking the higher road is shameful. We have asked them what they believe and received answers, we have discussed these things, we have read their books we have not misinterpreted what they are saying at all. They argue their case and often try and prove that the Bible is wrong and their religion is right. In fact one only needs to speak to the majority of former Mormons, they can tell you what this is really about.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:8-9 calls the Book of Mormon, “the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” It’s not the Bible that is the fullness of the gospel because according to Mormonism it has certain things pertaining to the gospel missing. It goes on to say, “And I have sent forth the FULLNESS OF MY GOSPEL by the hand of my servant Joseph; ...And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundations of the world....”Doctrine and Covenants, 35:17-18
Joseph Smith, Jr., Founder and Prophet of Mormon Church said of the Bible, “because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen...because of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb (Book of Mormon Nephi 13:26-29, 32, 34; also see 2 Nephi 29:2-3, 6-
I have just quoted their standard works. Joseph Smith, Jr., the Founder and Prophet of Mormon Church says part of the Bible lost “plain and precious things were taken away by the abominable church.”
Who do you think they are talking about? They believe there are only two churches in the world. They are the true one and we are the other one.
Joseph Smith jr. the founder of the Mormon religion, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.194 Deseret Book Company also Joseph Smith, Jr., History of the Church,Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1978
This statement would include the Bible wouldn’t it? How is the Mormon religion misrepresented in this statement, or is it the other way around? What about the Mormon Church bearing false witness against the Bible with their prophet’s testimony? Does Mouw Know their history? Or only what they have fed him behind closed doors. Joseph Smith even altered the Bible itself, is this is to be ignored?
What Mr. Mouw has said is absurd. You can ask Mormons who have converted, become born again and agree with our assessment. It is only because of evangelicals who have taken the time to explain the differences. What does Mouw know about this? Seems very little to speak in the manner he did. To generalize those who have labored years in the harvest field for Mormons to have a relationship through the Christ of the Scriptures versus the Christ of Mormonism is an injustice.
I certainly do not want to make this article a focus on Mormonism itself but it must be brought up to show how utterly amateurish Mouw is to speak on these matters.
And yes, I agree, “It's a terrible thing to bear false witness,” and so what do we with the founder’s revelation “Joseph Smith was told by God when seeking what church to join: “I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were and abomination in his sight, that those professors were all corrupt.... (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith, History 1:19, Page 49)
It was God the Father and his who appeared when Joseph, “asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right, . . . I was answered that I must join none of them [churches] for they were all wrong; …that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt” (from Times and Seasons, vol. 3 Joseph Smith History )
Thus Smith condemned everyone who was a Christian as an apostate, which is exactly what the Mormon Church has always taught. “Nothing less than a complete apostasy from the Christian religion would warrant the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Introduction to the DHC)
Even in their Book of Mormon Joseph Smith, Jr. Founder and Prophet of Mormon Church. Explains there are only two churches - church of devil, church of Lamb. “Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the Church of the Lamb of God and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore whoso belongeth not to the church of the lamb of God belongeth to that great church; which is the mother of abominations; and she is the of all the earth” The Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 14:10
Mr. Mouw, since you do accept Doctrine of Covenants lets see elsewhere what Mormon scriptures claim. Joseph Smith stated: “This [the LDS] Church...is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” Doctrine and Covenants 1:30
Mr. Mouw: “We have made much of the need to provide you with a strong defense of traditional Christian convictions, regularly quoting the Apostle Peter's mandate that we present to people like you a reasoned account of the hope that lies with in us-but we have not been careful to follow the same Apostle's counsel that immediately follows that mandate, when he tells us that we must always make our case with “gentleness and reverence” toward those with whom we are speaking. Indeed, we have even on occasion demonized you, weaving conspiracy theories about what the LDS community is “really” trying to accomplish in the world. And even at our best, we have-and this is true of both of our communities-we have talked past each other, setting forth oversimplified and distorted accounts of what the other group believes.
I’m not sure about what he means by conspiracy theories but their plain teachings their own doctrine should be enough to speak on what they believe.
We have tried with patience love and longsuffering reach out to Mormons for years and many can attest to its fruit, especially those Mormons who have seen the difference and came to the Jesus of the Scripture. And this could only have been done by 1 Pet. 3:15-16: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”
Sure there have been disagreements and even heated discussions, just as there was with Paul THE APOSTLE and even JESUS OUR LORD. We are defending the truth as well as delivering it. And our conscience is clear despite some who claim otherwise.
Paul’s statement correctly reads in 2 Timothy 2:23-26: “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
In it Paul says they are captive of the devil, yet Mouw in his letter of explanation of his speech accuses Dave Hunt of lying in his book--bearing false witness “whose main thesis is that Mormonism is Satanic in its inspiration and practice.” If Dave Hunt is bearing false witness, so is Paul according to the 2 Timothy 2:23-26. Is not a teaching on the plurality of gods, and man becoming a god satanic in origin?
And what of Paul who argued intensely at times with his own brethren the Jews, and others? An what of Paul saying “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). Paul made a distinction of how to act with the unsaved that were not claiming to be brethren and the unsaved who were claiming to be brethren and had another gospel. We are to make that distinction. Let’s not forget the apostle Paul’s counsel to “reject a divisive man after two times.”
Yet Paul also said, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but expose them” Ephesians 5:11 Has Mouw forgotten the warnings of Paul and only adhere to the love portions of the Scripture. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
You can make friends with people without compromising by standing for what you believe. Are we to be so sensitive that we cannot tell it like is! If you want to make friends on your own you are welcome to, but do not drag the church down your interfaith road or convert them to unbiblical ways of evangelism. You have no Biblical justification for what you have said. Mouw and his associates, have, in their “new way of evangelizing” purposely overlook certain guidelines to forge interfaith friendships. I can honestly say the way he is going about this is not the way the apostles would, nor is it how they instructed the church. This goes beyond twisting the Scripture to his own misunderstanding, it is ignoring it.
Mouw: “I personally take great encouragement from words that Joseph Smith uttered on the occasion of the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April of 1830: “we know,” Joseph said, “that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.” And then he added: “And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, and we know also that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.”
So a false prophets statement that, on the surface appears to have written the right thing personally encourages you. Ignoring that he said false things hundreds of more times. Again this same book you quote states the book of Mormon is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Which Jesus would Joseph Smith then talking about Mr. Mouw? Certainly it is not the Jesus of the Bible according to his full body of teachings. He is Jesus in name only.
EXCERPS
LETUS REASON MIN.
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THE ONE WORLD APOSTATE CHURCH IS HERE...EVANGELICALS NOW ACCEPT MORMONS AS BROTHERS.
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Posted:Apr 17, 2009 8:42 am
Last Updated:Apr 21, 2009 7:37 am 11237 Views
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The global movement toward the One-World Church, prophesied during the Tribulation Period, lurched abruptly forward last week, as Evangelical Christian leaders appeared at the Mormon Tabernacle to ask "forgiveness" and to say that Evangelicals have misrepresented Mormon theology all along!
NEWS BRIEF: "EVANGELICALS SPEAK AT MORMON TABERNACLE FOR FIRST TIME IN A CENTURY: Historic event in Salt Lake City stirs controversy, raises hope for change,Daily News Updates, 2004 ASSISTNEWS
"LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA Noted Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias and other evangelicals shared the stage November 14 with leaders of the LDS church for the first time since D.L. Moody preached there in 1899. The joint event–dubbed “An Evening of Friendship,” was organized by ex-Mormon Greg Johnson, director of Standing Together Ministries, a coalition of evangelical churches working to improve relations with the LDS church. He worked alongside Robert Millet, the prolific LDS author and professor at BYU, to put on the evening. The Tabernacle was filled to capacity with 7,000 tickets distributed. Some estimate one-third or more of the audience was Mormon; evangelicals made up the balance."
"In brief introductory remarks, Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Seminary, apologized to Mormons for misrepresentation of Mormon theology by evangelicals. 'I am now convinced that we evangelicals have often seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of the Mormon community',
Mouw said. 'Indeed, let me state it bluntly to the LDS folks here this evening: we have sinned against you. The God of the Scriptures makes it clear that it is a terrible thing to bear false witness against our neighbors, and we have been guilty of that sort of transgression in things we have said about you', he continued. 'We have told you what you believe without making a sincere effort first of all to ask you what you believe'.”
"Christian singer and songwriter Michael Card led five worship songs for the evening. 'It was surreal to see evangelicals worshiping in Spirit and Truth at the center of Mormon power and influence', reported Biola’s Craig Hazen ..."
While not every Evangelical attending this meeting agreed completely with the statements of Richard Mouw, there was clearly an air of Ecumenism in the Tabernacle, a deadly air of trying to unite based upon those tenets upon which they could agree, while ignoring the doctrines upon which they disagree. This is the deadly mixture which has suffused this current Protestant and/or Evangelical Church. Based upon this concept, Evangelicals signed that infamous agreement with the Roman Catholic Church called "Evangelicals And Catholics Together" in May, 1994.
Protestant leaders stated that Catholics and Christians are "brothers and sisters in Christ" and that our theology is essentially so identical that we should stop trying to convert Catholics to Jesus Christ!
Also upon this false basis of ignoring doctrinal differences, the Roman Catholic Pope has united the Catholic's inherent goddess worship of the Virgin Mary with the goddess worship of the Eastern Religions in order to forge an Ecumenical union
Now that the Evangelicals have signed that 1994 Concordat with Rome, the whole Evangelical Movement is wedded to Rome; therefore, this new Ecumenical union between Evangelicals and Mormons indirectly weds the Mormons to Rome.
Notice every Evangelical leader at this conference, mark them out, and avoid them at all costs. Whether they are misleading their flocks intentionally or accidentally, it does not really matter, for they are leading their people down the Broad Road to destruction. Truly did Jesus speak of them when He warned
" Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch (pit)." Matt 15:14
CUTTINGEDGE
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THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BILLY GRAHAM OR JESUS CHRIST?
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Posted:Apr 15, 2009 11:35 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2009 9:18 am 5950 Views
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What gospel, Billy Graham, do you preach?
In Poland in 1978 Graham praised the greatness of Pope John the XXIII's successor, Pope Paul VI, and he said, "I praise the greatness of the present Pope Paul VI."
Billy Graham had already said that he preaches the same gospel as the Roman Catholic church.1978: "I found that my beliefs are essentially the same as those of orthodox Catholics." What do you think of that? He says, "We only differ on some matters of later church tradition. I find that my beliefs are essentially the same as those of orthodox Roman Catholics" McCall's Jan. 1978
The gospel according to Rome
Let us examine the gospel of the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church denies the full and final authority of Scripture. My Gospel is "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20)
That is my Gospel. This Book is the full and final authority. Hear the Second Vatican Council: "The Church does not draw her certainty about revealed truth from the Holy Scriptures alone. Hence, both Scriptures and tradition must be accepted and honored with equal feelings of devotion and reverence."
"I preach the gospel of Rome," says Graham, "the gospel that built this great college," but the gospel of Rome denies the authority, the verbal inspiration and eternal truthfulness of this Book and elevates Roman tradition into the same plane.
"Paul, do you preach the gospel of Rome?" and Paul replies THUS
"Beware lest any man spoil you after the traditions of men" Colossians 2:8
The Gospel of the Bible is the Gospel of the sole authority of the Word of God, and that is where this church stands, and that is where all Gospel preachers must stand, and Graham has departed from the authority of God's Word. When you depart from the authority of God's Word, which is a light to our footsteps and a lamp to our path, you go into darkness, and that is where Graham is today; he is in darkness
Graham thinks Mass is "beautiful"
Graham said, "This past week I preached in the great Catholic Cathedral a funeral sermon for a close friend of mine who was a Catholic, and they had several Bishops and Archbishops to participate, and as I sat there going through the funeral Mass that was a very beautiful thing, and certainly straight and clear in the gospel." That was Billy Graham at the Mass, and he went on to say, "There was a wonderful little priest that would tell me when to stand and when to kneel and what to do." So Billy Graham was kneeling before the Mass wafer, and he said it is clear in the gospel and that the Mass ceremony was a very beautiful thing.
The Mass is the greatest attack on the finished work of Christ, yet Graham says, "That is the gospel I preach ... it is clear in the gospel." That is the man that is beaming into the Ulster Temple; and beaming into the First Presbyterian Church, Bangor; and in the War Memorial Hall, Carrickfergus; and in Lisburn, Seymour Street Methodist Church; Omagh, in the Library; Markethill, in the Presbyterian Church; Aughnacloy in the Church Halls; also in Letterkenny, Sligo and Tallaght--beaming in the message of this man that says the Mass is clear in the gospel.
What the Bible says
You know what the Bible tells me? The Bible says, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter in by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:19-22)
Let me say something about this Pope whom Graham rejoiced with, this Pope who called him "brother."
What does this Pope say? I quote him. He says he invites all men and women in the world to "turn with me to the Immaculate heart of Mary, the Mother of Jesus in whom is effected the reconciliation of God with humanity."
That is the most blasphemous statement that the present Pope has made: "You do not turn to Christ; you turn to the Immaculate heart of Mary." Mary does not have a sinless heart. Mary has to be saved. She said, "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." What does Paul say to the Galatians?
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
After Christ was born she went through the Mosaic ceremony for purification. If she was sinless she did not need to be purified. "The Immaculate heart of Mary." Did the immaculate heart of Mary affect our reconciliation to God? No, it was the heart of Christ broken on the Cross, and the shedding of His blood that reconciled us to God. Yet this is Graham's "brother," and this is the gospel that Billy Graham says he preaches. He rejoices in London that he can send back to Rome 2,100 people who have been confirmed in the Catholic faith.
Billy Graham kneeling and worshiping the Mass wafer.
Billy Graham saying the Mass is the gospel straight and plain. Billy Graham saying in Belmont Abbey College, "I preach the gospel that built this school."
This is the gospel of Rome; this is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Graham is preaching, and cannot be.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8, 9
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
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BEWARE OF THE SUBTLE BUT DEADLY APOSTACY OF BILLY GRAHAM
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Posted:Apr 13, 2009 9:48 am
Last Updated:Apr 15, 2009 11:40 am 5611 Views
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BILLY GRAHAM IS A FALSE PROPHET....WHY? CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!
Both The Louisiana Masonic Family Web Site And The Official State Genessee Lodge No. 174 of Flint, Michigan, Report That The Reverend Billy Graham Is A Mason!
Billy Graham Tells Robert Schuller He Believes People Can Be Saved Apart From Jesus Christ!
Graham might be a Freemason, that his fruits are leading the church into the One-World System of Antichrist, and that his doctrines are definitely NOT Biblical.
Billy Graham's , Anne Graham Lotz, spoke at the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations. The goal of the meeting is to form a permanent council of religious leaders to advise the U.N. on preventing and settling disputes. The more than 1,000 participants include representatives Hinduism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Judaism, Spiritism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Confucianism
Does Not Believe Every Word, Jot, or Tittle Is Divinely Inspired
Billy Graham continues to cast doubt on the 100% accuracy of the Bible! He is severely eroding the faith of so many, many people. People's faith will not be based upon the actual Rock of Ages but upon the devil's shifting sand. This is NOT the Gospel, but it is the spirit of error of which the Prophets foretold would be a sign of the End of the Age.
Ordained as a Baptist preacher in 1939, he preached a conservative but not fundamentalist brand of Christianity with a style that took him to six different continents and into the company of 10 presidents. Even in 1939, some people could see the beginning outline of Graham's doctrinal weakness. Even then, discerning people could tell he was not a "Fundamentalist", i.e., one who believes every word in the Bible is "God-breathed" and held literally to every Scriptural teaching.
Graham teaches Universalism. Dr. Graham has flatly contradicted Jesus Christ!
You see, in this teaching of Universal Salvation, which Graham is espousing, each man gets to heaven by way of his own religion. For Graham, that religion is Christianity, so he is trusting in Jesus and His blood sacrifice for his salvation. But, a sincere Buddhist will get to heaven by "being good" through Buddhist principles, a devout Muslim will get to heaven by "being good" through Islamic doctrine and so on and so forth, to all religions of the world.
Eventually, everyone gets to the same heaven. This is the essence of believing God has "absolute love". This doctrine is eternally deadly.
Graham Does Not Recognize Inherent Evil of Islam
"Graham says: 'I would not say Islam is wicked and evil ..."
Even though Islamic forces have slaughtered entire populations in history, Dr. Graham does not think the religion is wicked and evil. Even though Muslims are blowing up men, women, and throughout the Middle East, Graham does not think the religion is evil. Yet, just a brief study of the Koran reveals the wickedness and the evil of this religion. The Koran tells muslims to kill Christians and Jews!
In an interview published in Newsweek magazine, August 14, Billy Graham confirmed his misguided opinion that men might be saved without faith in Jesus Christ. When asked whether he believes heaven will be 'closed to Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people,' Graham replied, 'are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have'."
No one would disagree that God will make the decision about man's eternal destiny, but the fact is that He has already made that decision and has revealed it in the Scriptures. It is not speculation to believe the Bible. God does indeed love sinners and Christ died to make it possible for them to be saved, but the other side of the coin is that only those who are true believer in the Jesus Christ of the bible will be saved
Nothing is more plainly stated in Scripture.
"He that believeth on the hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him'." (John 3:26)
" 'He that hath the hath life; and he that hath not the of God hath not life'." (1 John 5:12).
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved'." (Acts 4:12)
Cutting Edge
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THE MODERN CHURCH OF “ANYTHING GOES”
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Posted:Apr 11, 2009 8:43 am
Last Updated:Apr 12, 2009 12:50 am 5796 Views
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Four hundred and eighty-seven years have past since Martin Luther ignited the Protestant Reformation by nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Luther would be shocked if he could see the deplorable spiritual state of the church that now bears his name. In many ways, the spiritual condition of the whole church today is worse than it was when Luther made his courageous stand for the Word of God. Surely, the church in the 21st century desperately needs a new reformation.
In Luther’s day, the contested issues centered around grace, faith, and the imposition of ecclesiastical authority above Scripture. While these same doctrines still are being challenged, the very essence of Christianity is also being questioned and denied by vast portions of the church–the authority of Scripture, the virgin birth and resurrection of Christ, as well as His deity. Theologians in our day are attempting to convince church members that the Bible is no longer relevant when it comes to deciding issues of doctrine, ethics and personal morality. Sadly, because many church members are biblically illiterate, they are easy prey for those whose intent is to deceive.
THE MODERN CHURCH OF “ANYTHING GOES”
Today theologians and church organizations are rushing to embrace an ecumenical movement that equates other religions with Christianity. Universal salvation for all who believe in anything has become the “politically correct” message of these apostate churches. Ecumenical services that include Christians, Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus and host of other religions are all too common, even in small communities.
Unbiblical teachings and the most perverse human behaviors are being sanctioned and tolerated by one church body after another. Who could have imagined even forty years ago that churches would be ordaining practicing h. sexuals and conducting ceremonies to bless the unions of same-sex couples? Who could have imagined that practicing h. sexuals would be installed as bishops, or that clergy would openly deny the divinity of Christ?
Clergy and liberal theologians, schooled in Bible-denying seminaries, are rewriting the Scriptures to conform with their own perverted opinions. Others have set aside the sacred writings of Scripture in order to proclaim the myths and fantasies of their Satan-inspired beliefs. The gospel of Jesus Christ is being set aside and watered-down in evangelical churches. In order to draw crowds and not offend anyone, a crossless gospel that knows nothing of sin and repentance is being offered up each Sunday as a substitute for the real thing.
Such practices are leading multitudes away from biblical Christianity and straight into hell.
Those who espouse false doctrines and countenance the acceptance of sin within the church are instruments of Satan. We are instructed by God’s Word to turn away from them. Their dangerous and unbiblical teachings lead only to death.
When is the last time you heard of people being born again after hearing perverted teachings? When is the last time you witnessed a genuine revival breaking out in a Bible-denying church? You never have, and you never will!
What will it take for a new reformation to begin in the 21st century? That is a question worth pondering. Even if everything required to bring about such a reformation were fully understood across the church, how many Christians have the courage and the will necessary to bring it about? Christians who think they can experience reformation and revival while supporting denominations that have embraced immorality and abandoned biblical doctrines are sadly mistaken.
The Scriptures are clear: “Come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Cor. 6:17). “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teachings which you have learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-1 .
SCRIPTURE–THE WATERSHED ISSUE
The Reformation in Luther’s time was grounded upon the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God. The whole church of the 21st century is divided between those who believe and accept the Bible as the very Word of God and those who insist that it is a human book filled with myths, half-truths and contradictions. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was right when he called biblical inerrancy “the watershed issue” now confronting the church.
Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and other Reformers believed in the infallibility of Scripture, not in the infallibility of popes or church councils. They accepted at face value what Paul declared: “All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
When Paul visited believers in Berea, “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and scribes for “teaching the precepts of men as doctrine–neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men” (Mark 7 -.
Until and unless Christians return to the Reformation principle of “Scripture alone” in determining their beliefs and practices, and walk in humble obedience to the same, reformation and revival will remain an unrealized experience.
THE GREAT ECUMENICAL DECEPTION
Like Luther, we too must stand on Scripture alone, not on the traditions of man or the traditions of churches. As the Lutheran Confessions affirm, the Bible is the only source by which all doctrines and teachers are to be judged. Christians must return to the Word of God if they desire to be a part of “the one holy Christian and apostolic church.”
Many church leaders today would have us believe that doctrinal differences between Protestants, Roman Catholics and even non-Christian religions no longer exist. Surely this deception is helping to usher in the great church prophesied in the Scriptures.
Let it be stated for the record, not a single doctrine within the Roman Catholic Church that brought about the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century has been rescinded. Indeed, many new doctrines and teachings have been promulgated by popes and councils throughout the years since the Reformation.
As for other world religions, let it be stated that the whole of the Old and New Testaments refutes any notion that the God of the Bible will co-exist with gods of other religions. There is but one true God. He is the God of the Bible. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The ecumenical movement today calls upon everyone to lay aside doctrines and come together in Jesus. But under which Jesus are we to unite? Is it the Jesus Christ of the New Testament whose atonement covers all our sins, without any merit on our part? Or is it the Jesus whose atonement still requires our personal works and sufferings to achieve our salvation? Shall we all come together under the banner of the apostate church’s Jesus who denies sin, judgment and hell?
If we are willing to close our eyes to revealed truth in the written Word of God, if we are willing to compromise foundational doctrines, then a unbiblical type of Christian unity will not be far off. But if we want to be unified in the truth, we must search the Scriptures and obey God’s every Word. We must not be part of the great ecumenical deception that seeks to unite all Christians by blending truth and error. Paul warns us, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Col. 2:.
According to the Bible, true Christian unity already exists among those who embrace and obey God’s Word. Jesus prayed, “Father, sanctify them in the truth, thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).
Each year it seems that fewer Protestant churches celebrate Reformation Day. Instead, observances are often marked by ecumenical services and apologies for the divisions caused by our forefathers. At a symposium sponsored by Concordia College Moorhead, Minnesota, October 31-November 2, 2004, Roman Catholics and Lutherans gathered under the theme “The Future of the Reformation Tradition.” According to a press release, “the presenters agreed that whatever the future brings, the past is mostly past.” The Rev. Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said he believes Martin Luther prayed for the day when Lutherans and Catholics would again be united.” Bishop Victor Balke, head of the Catholic Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, stated: “Really, it was a matter of language the churches used and not truth.”
It is a sad day, indeed, when Lutheran leaders feel that they must apologize for the Reformers’ courageous stand on the Word of God. The Protestant Reformation was neither a contrived conspiracy nor an accident of history. It came about as men and women of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to stand upon and proclaim Scripture’s foundational truths–Grace alone, Faith alone, and Scripture alone.
A reformation in the 21st century is possible if we Christians will find our voices and reaffirm our glorious heritage of faith and stand where our forefathers stood–upon the unalterable Word of God
BACK TO THE BIBLE
The Bible stands, regardless of all efforts to discredit its truth. God’s Word is a personal Word, a practical Word, and a powerful Word. The Bible is our guide for all of life and even eternity. It is a book of comfort for the broken in heart, a book of hope for those in despair. God’s Word convicts of sin and leads the repentant sinner to heaven by the road of Calvary. Only through the inspired Word of God will the church ever find the pathway to revival and reformation.
BACK TO PRAYER
We have our instructions from the Lord of the Church to “hold on to what we have” (Rev. 2:25). It is not easy to “hold on” when the vast majority around us are joining hearts and voices with the enemy of men’s souls. It is not easy to hold on when we find ourselves the objects of ridicule for believing what the Church has declared for nearly 2000 years. But hold on we must.
“Holding on” is not something we do in our own strength but in the power of God’s Spirit who indwells every true believer. Hold on through prayer! When your denomination, pastor or congregation will not heed your pleas to walk in the counsel of God’s Word, take it to the Lord in prayer. You can not hold on by looking to man for approval. You cannot hold on by looking to man-made institutions for security. Prayer is not merely talking to God, it involves listening to His Word and living in obedience to His commands. True prayer lays hold of God’s commands and unbreakable promises.
Church members, pray for your pastor! Pray daily that God will strengthen and bless his ministry. Pray that God will guard him from discouragement. Pray that God will grant him power to preach the Word of God with boldness.
BACK TO GODLY LIVING
It never ceases to amaze me when people set out to pray for revival but make no effort to see that their lives are purified from sin. God may use a broken vessel, but He will not use a “dirty” vessel (Matt. 23:23-2. Sin and spiritual decay in North America’s churches are the primary reasons revival tarries. Only as we humble ourselves, pray and turn from our wicked ways will the power of God fall upon us. We must be willing to cast out of our lives and our churches all that is contrary and offensive to God if we expect to experience revival and reformation.
Across our land, Christians are obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit and separating themselves from church bodies that no longer heed the Word of God. Congregations, laity and pastors are separating themselves from denominations that have walked away from the Truth. In doing so, they are finding new life and freedom in the Spirit of God. This is part of the revival and reformation in the 21st century for which we have been praying. Will you be a part of it?
excerps from David R. Barnhart
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BILLY GRAHAM SAYS PEOPLE IN OTHER RELIGIONS CAN BE SAVED
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Posted:Apr 8, 2009 6:12 am
Last Updated:May 8, 2009 11:07 am 13357 Views
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In an interview with McCall’s magazine, January 1978, entitled “I Can’t Play God Any More,” Graham said: “I used to believe that pagans in far-off countries were lost–were going to hell–if they did not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them. I no longer believe that. … I believe that there are other ways of recognizing the existence of God–through nature, for instance–and plenty of other opportunities, therefore, of saying ‘yes’ to God.”
Though Graham later tried to stem the controversy brought about by his comments, he continued to allow for the possibility that the unsaved in other religions might not go to hell if they respond to natural light.
In 1985, Graham affirmed his belief that those outside of Christ might be saved. Los Angeles reporter David Colker asked Graham: “What about people of other faiths who live good lives but don’t profess a belief in Christ?” Graham replied, “I’m going to leave that to the Lord. He’ll decide that” (Los Angeles Herald Examiner, July 22, 1985). While this answer might appear reasonable to those who do not know the Bible, in reality it is a great compromise of the truth. God has already decided what will happen to those who die outside of faith in Jesus Christ. The book of Ephesians describes the condition of such as “ of wrath” (Eph. 2:3) and “having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12) That is why Christ must be preached. Men without a saving knowledge of Christ are condemned already (John 3:1. There is no mystery or question about this matter, because the Bible has plainly spoken.
In 1993, Graham repeated this philosophy in an interview with David Frost. “And I think there is that hunger for God and people are living as best they know how according to the light that they have. Well, I think they’re in a separate category than people like Hitler and people who have just defied God, and shaken their fists at God. … I would say that God, being a God of mercy, we have to rest it right there, and say that God is a God of mercy and love, and how it happens, we don’t know” (The Charlotte Observer, Feb. 16, 1993)
In his interview with Robert Schuller in May 1997, Graham again said that he believes people in other religions can be saved without consciously believing in Jesus Christ.
SCHULLER: Tell me, what do you think is the future of Christianity?
GRAHAM: Well, Christianity and being a true believer--you know, I think there's the Body of Christ. This comes from all the Christian groups around the world, outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the Body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival, that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the Apostle James in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said that God's purpose for this age is to call out a people for His name. And that's what God is doing today, He's calling people out of the world for His name, WHETHER THEY COME FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD, OR THE BUDDHIST WORLD, OR THE CHRISTIAN WORLD OR THE NON-BELIEVING WORLD, THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN CALLED BY GOD. THEY MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THE NAME OF JESUS but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven.
SCHULLER: What, what I hear you saying that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and soul and life, even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?
GRAHAM: Yes, it is, because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations, that THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A BIBLE OR HEARD ABOUT A BIBLE, AND NEVER HEARD OF JESUS, BUT THEY'VE BELIEVED IN THEIR HEARTS THAT THERE WAS A GOD, and they've tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived.
SCHULLER: [trips over his tongue for a moment, his face beaming, then says] I I'm so thrilled to hear you say this. There's a wideness in God's mercy.
GRAHAM: There is. There definitely is (Television interview of Billy Graham by Robert Schuller, broadcast in southern California on Saturday, May 31, 1997).
“I have some difficulty in accepting the indiscriminate baptism of infants without a careful regard as to whether the parents have any intention of fulfilling the promise they make. But I do believe that something happens at the baptism of an infant, particularly if the parents are Christians and teach their Christian Truths from childhood. We cannot fully understand the miracles of God, but I believe that a miracle can happen in these so that they are regenerated, that is, made Christian, through infant baptism. If you want to call that baptismal regeneration, that’s all right with me” (Graham, interview with Wilfred Bockelman, associate editor of the Lutheran Standard, American Lutheran Church, Lutheran Standard, October 10, 1961).
In Time magazine, November 15, 1993, Graham said: “The only thing I could say for sure is that hell means separation from God. We are separated from his light, from his fellowship. That is going to be hell. When it comes to a literal fire, I don’t preach it because I’m not sure about it. When the Scripture uses fire concerning hell, that is possibly an illustration of how terrible it’s going to be–not fire but something worse, a thirst for God that cannot be quenched.”
GRAHAM SAYS THE VIRGIN BIRTH NOT A NECESSARY PART OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
In an interview with a United Church of Canada publication in 1966, Graham gave the following reply to a question about the virgin birth of Christ:
Q. Do you think a literal belief in the Virgin birth--not just as a symbol of the incarnation or of Christ’s divinity--as an historic event is necessary for personal salvation?
A. While I most certainly believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, I do not find anywhere in the New Testament that this particular belief is necessary for personal salvation (“Billy Graham Answers 26 Provocative Questions,” United Church of Observer, July 1, 1966).
In his zeal to appease the apostates in the United Church of Christ (its current moderator, Bill Phipps, denies that Jesus Christ is God), How would it be possible for a saved person to deny the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? If Jesus Christ were not virgin born, he was a sinner; and if he were a sinner, he could not have died for our sins. Further, if Christ were a sinner and if He were not virgin born. Therefore, apart from the virgin birth there is no Gospel and no Salvation and no authoritative Bible. Billy Graham is dead wrong. The virgin birth of Christ is “fatal” doctrine, meaning it is crucial for salvation. The entire Gospel stands or falls on the virgin birth.
Biblical Discernment min.
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I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY WALK IN TRUTH SAYS THE LORD
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Posted:Apr 6, 2009 8:57 pm
Last Updated:Apr 11, 2009 8:23 am 5188 Views
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How can one know how to get saved if he does not have sound doctrine? What is sound doctrine?
Sound argument, an argument that is valid and all of whose premises are true
Doctrine is a principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma.
So in other words. Sound doctrine means to have a religious belief that is valid and true.
If you believe in an unsound doctrine, how can you be sure that you are believing truth and have
eternal life?
What does the bible say about sound doctrine?
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.
Romans 6:17,18
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Titus 2:10
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
I Timothy 1:3,4
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Titus 1;8-10
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision.
II Timothy 4;3,5
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
II Timothy 2:4
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry
3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my walk in truth.
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THE NEW EVANGELICAL COMPROMISING CHURCH
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Posted:Apr 5, 2009 10:40 am
Last Updated:Apr 20, 2009 8:34 am 5137 Views
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There is a group of Christians in America who call themselves "New Evangelicals." Dr. Harold Ockenga of Boston says he coined the term. Christian Life magazine, Christian Today, Fuller Seminary and Dr. Billy Graham are, we suppose, the principal exponents of the "New Evangelicalism."
The term means that they have invented a new kind of evangelicalism which is not so offensive to the enemies of Christ and the Bible, and so they hope to avoid much of the reproach which came to old-time fundamentalists or old-time evangelicals as they defended the historic Christian faith.
The New Evangelicals are for Bible believers' staying in the denominations controlled by modernists, joining in ministerial associations on an equal with those who deny the faith and with Catholics and with false cults, and uniting with modernists and neo-orthodox people and false cults in revival campaigns, etc.
The Bible has many clear statements forbidding Christians' having spiritual fellowship or ties with unconverted people.
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." - Ps. 1:1.
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." - Eph. 5:11.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hat Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18.
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the . If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." - II John 9-11.
So what do the "New Evangelical" people do? They take other Scriptures and try to cancel out these plain commands of God! They attack the character and motives of anybody who defends the faith and opposes modernistic unbelief and yoking up with unbelievers! They try to show that God is blessing their compromise so much that we must have misunderstood the Scriptures!
It is shocking that great crowds can attend a so-called revival campaign these days and when it is over, there are just as many crimes, just as much delinquency, just as many divorces. Infidelity is just as strong as ever before! The revival campaigns of the mighty soul winners of the past really changed things. They cleaned up corrupt governments, shut up saloons, emptied the jails, doubled the attendance at churches, shut the mouth of infidels, dispersed the infidel clubs of Bradlaugh in England and Ingersoll in America!
If you want to win souls, then set out to please Jesus Christ instead of sinners. Even a lost sinner knows that a good Christian ought to stand up for Christ and the Bible.
Whatever the Bible says, we ought to follow it. No one ought ever to set one Scripture against another and try to cancel out a plain command of Scripture by a twisted interpretation of another Scripture.
We do not need "New Evangelicals," but old evangelicals who stand for the old truth, with old-time fire and old-time convictions.
To follow a man as an idol, right or wrong, is sin, and leads to twisting of Scriptures to excuse the sin.
Sword of the Lord
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