Controversy within the Church
Some people have believed controversy should always be avoided. There will always be a battle for the truth and it is actually a sin not to fight when the truth is under attack. You cannot and should not contend for unity in the church if it means giving up what you believe. Defending the faith requires warfare. When the gospel is being attacked, we should not be indifferent, timed or compromise.
Some people have attacked the authority and clarity of God’s word and may not be believers at all. Unless the Spirit of God moves upon the person and the mind is changed through the miracle of the new birth, our mind will lead us away from God.
The Emerging Church is a widespread movement of evangelicals. This movement is not black and white. It is hazy, indistinct, and uncertain. These people are not comfortable with any certainty about what the Bible means. The Emerging Church is especially attractive to the young who are caught up in worldly life styles, unholy mi9nds, and ungodly behavior. This movement is willing to adopt the Christian faith, the language of faith, and even the gospel itself to the ideas and rhetoric of postmodernism.
Postmodernism is marked by a tendency to dismiss the possibility of any sure and settled knowledge of the truth. Postmodernism does not speak with strong convictions about any point of truth or you will be judged arrogant and naïve. The word ‘evil’ does not fit in the their language. They despise truth claims and right or wrong have been redefined in terms of feelings and personal perspectives.
In a postmodern culture, dialogue is the preferred method of communication. Some have done away with pastors and replaced them with narrators. “Thus saith the Lord” is not welcomed. The narrow exclusivity of Christ is the only way of salvation does not sit well with postmodernism.
Great believers and Christians in the past have accepted torture or death rather than deny the truth. Today our mega churches cater to entertainment-hungry churchgoers who expect to be entertained with loud rock music with guitars and drums that sound nothing like the beautiful church music of our past. Some Christian lyrics are thrown in and repeated over and over again like a mantra. It’s called 9-11 music, as the same words are repeated 9 or 11 times. Many say they believe in the God of the Bible but want to interpret it their way and are uncertain about what is true.
So how is it, that well educated pastors and church leaders will fall into apostasy while the uneducated will have a understanding of God’s law. They have the new birth and God’s law is written in their hearts. It’s hard to image that a pastor of a large evangelical mega church would be involved in Yoga and not be afraid to talk about it. Yoga is Hinduism and taught in every YMCA, school, industries and churches. Yoga is designed to lead to the realization of one’s true godhead. In the East, where it originated is considered a way of dieing and would laugh at the concept of exercise. It is dangerous and can lead to demon possession and no Christian should have anything to do with this. When the pastor himself and the church leaders are involved in Yoga, you can know for certainty that sound doctrine has been badly compromised and doctrine is a non-issue. The church has already become a battleground and precious few in the church are prepared to fight. The apostle Paul was constantly engage in battles of lies and false apostles. Paul said to expect this as it is on one the favorite strategies of the evil one. Paul warned the church in Ephesus, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you not sparing the flock. Also from among your selves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for 3 years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” Acts 20:29-31. Paul was concerned that these wolves would come from within the church – even elders.
Today there is a campaign to make Christianity contemporary and sophisticated. Today they have contemporary services and traditional. So what are Christians to do? Get into the battle. Fight for the truth. Contend for the faith. Apostasy is present in most Evangelical churches today and it is going to get worse. But we who believe in Jesus have nothing to fear. Today these Seeker Friendly churches hire consumer relations experts to appeal to worldly minds. Their goal is to bring big numbers as proof of success and divine blessing, and careful doctrinal teaching is an enemy of church growth. They customize the message to meet the needs of the audience, not caring about contending for the faith. The Pastors and leaders themselves have become like children tossed to and fro and follow whatever is the latest fad. /they try to package the message to make it sutle and more appealing to the world and the unchurched masses.
Paul wanted to make it clear that lives and hearts are renewed by means of the Word of God and nothing else.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Why Socialized Medicine is wrong
Why was the constitution of the U.S. written and why does it work if we follow it? Because it provides checks and balances against a dictatorship.
All we need to do is look at the world in countries where there are no checks and balances and you will find they have socialism and dictatorships.
There are two ingredients to successful medical care and they are compassion and quality. This is true even in the light of advancing technology. Medical technology does not change human nature and the inherent greed in all of life including healthe care. There is a price tag for this new health care system that is so high we cannot continue the way it is going. If the U.S. government pays for all or part of the medical care of U.S. citizins, we shall see the take-over of the health industry by thge federal government. Individual freedom will be lost in this process. When we are responsible for our own medical bills, we become the customer, the physician's employer. People are less thrifty when spending other people's money then when spending their own.
For those people who are indigent or lower income, there should be an arrangment between welfare and the parient's efforts which would retain their independence and dignity. Apathy and greed will demand from government what it cannot deliver and you will see the fall of a great nation. This new health care plan carries a price tag that we cannot pay. The end result is regulation, inflation, and taxation: our freedom will be lost.
In the country of my ancestors, Norway and Sweden, the womb-to-womb welfare has had an insidious corrosive effect on the moral character of her people. Consider medical ethics. It is the responsibility of all menbers of society, not just doctors or political leaders or the Supreme Court for that matter. Consider also the million and a half abortions every year. Christianity and the nature of man, called the depravity of man, explains why socialism does not work. Why did our founding fathers work so diligently to give the U.S. of America human freedom? In 1776 our constitutional convention was dominated by Christians and they could forsee the deprivity of man that motivated all the checks and balances we have today.
What does the "depravity of man" mean? It is a condition of sin within mankind. Why must we fight against our loss of freedom? No one man or leader is good enough to dictate how another should live. That is why our wonderful constitution is viable today and why we must protect it. My husband was a great student of the constitution and marveled at the brilliance of the men who wrote it.
How exciting it was for my own people, who came from Norway, a country that had a theacracy and control of one church, to be free.
Why is the U.S. regarded as a nation blessed by God? Could it be that Christianity is the very essence of personal freedom and liberty for all, including those of other faiths.
Hillary Clinton, in 1994, speaking for the task force on health care reform recommended that the U.S. adopt the Canadian system. Mr. Pierre Lemieus, economist and author in Quebec said, "In Canada health care is basically a socialized industry. There is no freedom, prices are fixed by law. Services are rationed and patients are forbidden to spend their medical dollars as they wish." American doctors who work near the border with Canada have first hand experience with this heartless system. Throughout the world political leaders have used free medicine to strengthen their control over the country. The sactity of life is not considered. Is this happening in America?
The greatest fear of socialism is the concentration of power at the federal level which is dangerous knowing the b asic greed and wickedness of all men. Socialism is ownership and the control of wages, prices, and the means of production. A man or woman who approves of a socialist system of government is usually has no understanding of the concepts of Christianity.
Medicare is socialism and all economist agree that it does not work as government will run out of funds soon. The reason Medicare doesn't work is because the patient does not care about the cost if his medicare care. The patient does not pay any money up front when he first sees the doctor and doesn't ask questions about the cost. Its covered by Medicare so who cares. The money part is ignored and the patient is not expected to pay a bill on the way out. If the doctor told the patient what the proceedure would cost, it would result in a smaller amount than if no ome mentioned it. There is no easy solution.The system need to be corrected. If the patient is paying out of pocked for his health care, he is more likely to be involved in better health habits himself. The patient needs to be actively involved in his own care.
With this new health care plan, much time and effort will be spent by the doctor on how to get the most money out of the government program. Instead, doctors should be only concerned with the best method of treating an illness or condition. Must the doctor become a begger for more money instead of concentrating on treatment for his patient. Will doctors leave their profession and go into another vocation?
Most people do not understand or feel the urgency of the threat of federal control of medicine. They listen to their politicians they support, not thinking for themself. These people are the "don't care" group.
It has already been proven that Medicare does not work so why are not all people up in arms about this new health care plan that is about to go into effect in 2010?
Someone said, "Socialism in any form resembles a parasite that lives off the host until both are dead".
All we need to do is look at the world in countries where there are no checks and balances and you will find they have socialism and dictatorships.
There are two ingredients to successful medical care and they are compassion and quality. This is true even in the light of advancing technology. Medical technology does not change human nature and the inherent greed in all of life including healthe care. There is a price tag for this new health care system that is so high we cannot continue the way it is going. If the U.S. government pays for all or part of the medical care of U.S. citizins, we shall see the take-over of the health industry by thge federal government. Individual freedom will be lost in this process. When we are responsible for our own medical bills, we become the customer, the physician's employer. People are less thrifty when spending other people's money then when spending their own.
For those people who are indigent or lower income, there should be an arrangment between welfare and the parient's efforts which would retain their independence and dignity. Apathy and greed will demand from government what it cannot deliver and you will see the fall of a great nation. This new health care plan carries a price tag that we cannot pay. The end result is regulation, inflation, and taxation: our freedom will be lost.
In the country of my ancestors, Norway and Sweden, the womb-to-womb welfare has had an insidious corrosive effect on the moral character of her people. Consider medical ethics. It is the responsibility of all menbers of society, not just doctors or political leaders or the Supreme Court for that matter. Consider also the million and a half abortions every year. Christianity and the nature of man, called the depravity of man, explains why socialism does not work. Why did our founding fathers work so diligently to give the U.S. of America human freedom? In 1776 our constitutional convention was dominated by Christians and they could forsee the deprivity of man that motivated all the checks and balances we have today.
What does the "depravity of man" mean? It is a condition of sin within mankind. Why must we fight against our loss of freedom? No one man or leader is good enough to dictate how another should live. That is why our wonderful constitution is viable today and why we must protect it. My husband was a great student of the constitution and marveled at the brilliance of the men who wrote it.
How exciting it was for my own people, who came from Norway, a country that had a theacracy and control of one church, to be free.
Why is the U.S. regarded as a nation blessed by God? Could it be that Christianity is the very essence of personal freedom and liberty for all, including those of other faiths.
Hillary Clinton, in 1994, speaking for the task force on health care reform recommended that the U.S. adopt the Canadian system. Mr. Pierre Lemieus, economist and author in Quebec said, "In Canada health care is basically a socialized industry. There is no freedom, prices are fixed by law. Services are rationed and patients are forbidden to spend their medical dollars as they wish." American doctors who work near the border with Canada have first hand experience with this heartless system. Throughout the world political leaders have used free medicine to strengthen their control over the country. The sactity of life is not considered. Is this happening in America?
The greatest fear of socialism is the concentration of power at the federal level which is dangerous knowing the b asic greed and wickedness of all men. Socialism is ownership and the control of wages, prices, and the means of production. A man or woman who approves of a socialist system of government is usually has no understanding of the concepts of Christianity.
Medicare is socialism and all economist agree that it does not work as government will run out of funds soon. The reason Medicare doesn't work is because the patient does not care about the cost if his medicare care. The patient does not pay any money up front when he first sees the doctor and doesn't ask questions about the cost. Its covered by Medicare so who cares. The money part is ignored and the patient is not expected to pay a bill on the way out. If the doctor told the patient what the proceedure would cost, it would result in a smaller amount than if no ome mentioned it. There is no easy solution.The system need to be corrected. If the patient is paying out of pocked for his health care, he is more likely to be involved in better health habits himself. The patient needs to be actively involved in his own care.
With this new health care plan, much time and effort will be spent by the doctor on how to get the most money out of the government program. Instead, doctors should be only concerned with the best method of treating an illness or condition. Must the doctor become a begger for more money instead of concentrating on treatment for his patient. Will doctors leave their profession and go into another vocation?
Most people do not understand or feel the urgency of the threat of federal control of medicine. They listen to their politicians they support, not thinking for themself. These people are the "don't care" group.
It has already been proven that Medicare does not work so why are not all people up in arms about this new health care plan that is about to go into effect in 2010?
Someone said, "Socialism in any form resembles a parasite that lives off the host until both are dead".
Monday, January 4, 2010
Apostacy
Apostasy
Why is apostasy such a threat? Because unknowingly, it will draw more people into the fall because error and unbelief is tolerated rather than opposed. When someone seriously questions unbiblical statements of truth, that person is more likely to be called a “heresy hunter” or someone who is interfering with the doctrine of the church. A pesky whistle blower. Defending the faith is a role very few want any more.
The truth was has been a perpetual battle ever since sin entered the universe. When I first blew the whistle so to speak about Rick Warren and his book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” plus Eugene Pederson and his paraphrase, “The Message Bible” I had very few who supported me but those who did, had done their homework and knew the dangers of apostasy. Scripture tells us to wage war in behalf of the truth. How would the truth of God’s word been reveled if Paul had not waged war in behalf of the truth?
Eugene Pederson, who authored “The Message” paraphrase bible, adjusts the gospel to suit his own tastes. He poisons the teaching of Christ by twisting and reinventing the meaning. An example is Pederson’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, compared to the Lord’s Prayer in the King James translation.
The Lord’s Prayer (The Message Bible)
Our Father in heaven
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
As above, so below
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
Yes, Yes, Yes.
The Lord’s Prayer (King James Bible)
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done.
In earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The phrase “As above, so below” is a metaphysical New Age connotation and routinely substituted for “heaven and earth”. “As above, so below” is a universally accepted mystical New Age term. This term has its origins in the magic of ancient Egypt. It means that God is “in” everyone and everything. It supports the New Age contention that “We are all one”.
“As above, so below” was on the first page of the first chapter of Rick Warren’s quotes from “The Message Bible” to open and close his first chapter. Rick Warren’s message has broad appeal, even to members of other religions. Part of the secret of his success is his ability to integrate statements from people the world admires, combining these with partial biblical passages taken out of context. Paul warns us that the message of the crucified Messiah and the wisdom of the world is incompatible. Warren uses some truth with untruth as Satan did in the Garden of Eden.
Warren’s purpose is to build churches that are relevant to unbelievers, entertain, jazz the music to a beat that will appeal to the worldly but splash in some Christian lyricks. This man is willing to change the nature of Christian teaching so it will appeal to an audience of an unregenerate state. I remember well what our choir leader, Ed Willington told us during choir practice, after singing a beautiful old gospel hymn, “Your not likely to ever hear hymns like this sung again in churches today.” Why, we asked?” “Because, they want the music to appeal to the young.” Will the young never hear the great hymns of the past and will this new music bring them to Christ? I think not. Scripture does not tell churches to meet the needs of the unregenerate. Rick Warren’s goal is to make the church a place for religious consumers instead of a church with gospel preaching and Bible teaching.
Do not be fooled by the size of a church or whether it has grown or not. The church of Smyna and Philadelphia were poor, small, and lacked influence but were commended by God. Rick Warren is in the process of leading the church into the New Age plan for the New Spirituality. So what is Rick Warren’s purpose? To go down in history as a new reformer like Martin Luther? It is a spirit that comes in the name of Christ but actually opposes Jesus Christ. Ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1: 5.
Christians deceived by Rick Warren will fall farther and farther into New Age Spirituality. Instead of being on the narrow road that leads to life, they will be on the broad road that leads to death. If a little leaven is brought into our church, it can spoil the whole church. The congregation needs to be warned by their pastors and leaders about people who will bring doctrines of demons and deception into our churches. The majority of Christians are uninformed and need solid Biblical warnings and teaching on this subject. Pastors are responsible to stand for sound doctrine and to correct false doctrine.
Paul laid down standards for elders in Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” Paul also said there will come a time when many will refuse to correct false doctrine. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled. They will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires”. 11Timothy 4:3.
What Rick Warren has done is to blur the line between pagan culture and the church, therefore attracting more people to his church. The world will reward what it favors and persecute what it hates. This is precisely what the Purpose Driven movement has done—it has created a gospel the world loves. Do not be fooled by the size of a church. Jesus is not impressed with large numbers. He never addresses church growth. When Christianity is popular, churches grow for reasons other then true conversions. What is essential is maintaining the true confession of the church regardless of whether it is being received of rejected. Size or growth of numbers is not important.
Rick Warren tells his followers of his many achievements as proven by numbers. Recently, in interviews with the me3dia, Warren told how much money he has given away. The world loves people who give away their money. Warren teaches pagan prayer practice such as breath prayers and other mystical practices. R. Warren has created a Christianity that the world loves.
Serious threats to our faith come in subtle disguise so they are hardly noticeable. Example is Yoga in the church, even promoted by leaders. Should our pastors and leaders be involved in Yoga? The general public will hardly take notice as it is accepted by the world. If you see false doctrine within your church, you need to firmly oppose it before it becomes accepted within the church.
Why is apostasy such a threat? Because unknowingly, it will draw more people into the fall because error and unbelief is tolerated rather than opposed. When someone seriously questions unbiblical statements of truth, that person is more likely to be called a “heresy hunter” or someone who is interfering with the doctrine of the church. A pesky whistle blower. Defending the faith is a role very few want any more.
The truth was has been a perpetual battle ever since sin entered the universe. When I first blew the whistle so to speak about Rick Warren and his book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” plus Eugene Pederson and his paraphrase, “The Message Bible” I had very few who supported me but those who did, had done their homework and knew the dangers of apostasy. Scripture tells us to wage war in behalf of the truth. How would the truth of God’s word been reveled if Paul had not waged war in behalf of the truth?
Eugene Pederson, who authored “The Message” paraphrase bible, adjusts the gospel to suit his own tastes. He poisons the teaching of Christ by twisting and reinventing the meaning. An example is Pederson’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, compared to the Lord’s Prayer in the King James translation.
The Lord’s Prayer (The Message Bible)
Our Father in heaven
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
As above, so below
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
Yes, Yes, Yes.
The Lord’s Prayer (King James Bible)
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done.
In earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The phrase “As above, so below” is a metaphysical New Age connotation and routinely substituted for “heaven and earth”. “As above, so below” is a universally accepted mystical New Age term. This term has its origins in the magic of ancient Egypt. It means that God is “in” everyone and everything. It supports the New Age contention that “We are all one”.
“As above, so below” was on the first page of the first chapter of Rick Warren’s quotes from “The Message Bible” to open and close his first chapter. Rick Warren’s message has broad appeal, even to members of other religions. Part of the secret of his success is his ability to integrate statements from people the world admires, combining these with partial biblical passages taken out of context. Paul warns us that the message of the crucified Messiah and the wisdom of the world is incompatible. Warren uses some truth with untruth as Satan did in the Garden of Eden.
Warren’s purpose is to build churches that are relevant to unbelievers, entertain, jazz the music to a beat that will appeal to the worldly but splash in some Christian lyricks. This man is willing to change the nature of Christian teaching so it will appeal to an audience of an unregenerate state. I remember well what our choir leader, Ed Willington told us during choir practice, after singing a beautiful old gospel hymn, “Your not likely to ever hear hymns like this sung again in churches today.” Why, we asked?” “Because, they want the music to appeal to the young.” Will the young never hear the great hymns of the past and will this new music bring them to Christ? I think not. Scripture does not tell churches to meet the needs of the unregenerate. Rick Warren’s goal is to make the church a place for religious consumers instead of a church with gospel preaching and Bible teaching.
Do not be fooled by the size of a church or whether it has grown or not. The church of Smyna and Philadelphia were poor, small, and lacked influence but were commended by God. Rick Warren is in the process of leading the church into the New Age plan for the New Spirituality. So what is Rick Warren’s purpose? To go down in history as a new reformer like Martin Luther? It is a spirit that comes in the name of Christ but actually opposes Jesus Christ. Ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1: 5.
Christians deceived by Rick Warren will fall farther and farther into New Age Spirituality. Instead of being on the narrow road that leads to life, they will be on the broad road that leads to death. If a little leaven is brought into our church, it can spoil the whole church. The congregation needs to be warned by their pastors and leaders about people who will bring doctrines of demons and deception into our churches. The majority of Christians are uninformed and need solid Biblical warnings and teaching on this subject. Pastors are responsible to stand for sound doctrine and to correct false doctrine.
Paul laid down standards for elders in Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” Paul also said there will come a time when many will refuse to correct false doctrine. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled. They will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires”. 11Timothy 4:3.
What Rick Warren has done is to blur the line between pagan culture and the church, therefore attracting more people to his church. The world will reward what it favors and persecute what it hates. This is precisely what the Purpose Driven movement has done—it has created a gospel the world loves. Do not be fooled by the size of a church. Jesus is not impressed with large numbers. He never addresses church growth. When Christianity is popular, churches grow for reasons other then true conversions. What is essential is maintaining the true confession of the church regardless of whether it is being received of rejected. Size or growth of numbers is not important.
Rick Warren tells his followers of his many achievements as proven by numbers. Recently, in interviews with the me3dia, Warren told how much money he has given away. The world loves people who give away their money. Warren teaches pagan prayer practice such as breath prayers and other mystical practices. R. Warren has created a Christianity that the world loves.
Serious threats to our faith come in subtle disguise so they are hardly noticeable. Example is Yoga in the church, even promoted by leaders. Should our pastors and leaders be involved in Yoga? The general public will hardly take notice as it is accepted by the world. If you see false doctrine within your church, you need to firmly oppose it before it becomes accepted within the church.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Letter to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Christians will succumb to the deception and the great apostacy will occur prior to the return of Jesus Christ. Matt. 7:22-23 says, “During the prophesized apostacy, even church leader will be led astray.”
To expose the apostacy of homosexuality in the churches, some Christians will find it difficult to accept the evidence because it may implicate prominent Christian leaders and sometimes the pastor himself. There is no denying this has happened in the ELCA, which unashamedly retains the name ‘Evangelical’ in it’s name.
The Bible condemns homosexuality as an abominable sin. “Thou salt not lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them shall surely be put to death.” Lev. 20:13, 18:25. Nor is the condemnation of homosexuality only for Jews under the Old Covenant. In Romans 1:24-32 says ‘Homosexuals/lesbians dishonor their own bodies between themselves, engage in ‘vile affections,’ which are against nature and unseemly do so of their volition.” It is a crime against nature and God. Homosexuality is a choice and not in the genes. Satan is out to deceive and kill and homosexuality is Satan’s greatest weapon because it will prevent procreation of life itself.
The increase of AIDS among homosexuals is a lethal epidemic. Christ said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous, therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19. It is far more loving to reprove homosexuals than to accept them. If you truly love these misguided souls, you will point them to scriptures which call their perversion a sinful abomination to God. This practice is unnatural and lethal and will bring remorse and premature and painful death.
Christians – believe only the Bible. Not what some theologian tell you. It is every Christian’s responsibility to judge teachings and to accept and follow only which is clearly according to the will of God. Do not accept this perversion of homosexuality that the Bible condemns in the strongest language, with no excuses allowed! The loving thing to do is, try to rescue all from this way of life. It is far more loving to reprove homosexuals than to accept the. Let them know it is and abomination to God.
If you are unsure of what to believe, go to the Bible first. It is the true word of God. Do not believe or follow what some man says as he may be even a pastor and under the influence of Satan. We all need to be watchmen on the wall and see evil invading the church and warn others. So what is happening to Mankind today 2009? There are no moral absolutes. The non-Christian believes they have been developed by man in a past age and are not relevant today. So man has a right to reject, change, or ignore them.
Society has experienced and incredible breakdown of morality. The idea that sexual relationship outside of the bonds of marriage are immoral is rejected. The killing of unborn human beings has been legalized. This is a result of rejecting divine revelation with God. Man is losing his dignity through immorality. While praising his moral freedom, man becomes a slave to lusts.
A biblical believing Christian, who takes a stand against the great moral decline in society and oppose the radical agenda that liberals are trying to force on them, can expect to be attacked and ridiculed. It is easy to see how Satan has used sex to destroy mankind. Women and men have no dignity and will give into the lusts of the flesh without a second thought. It brings untold suffering to them and their offspring. God must look down at the creatures he created and feel sick at what he sees.
The result of immorality is divorce, drunkenness, illegitimacy, obscene language, immodest dress, public display of nudity and a foundation of society with anything goes. If you confront these people, they will try to make you look like a fool and out of touch with reality. What it really is, is a willful rejection of the true and living God. God’s word is not understood by the goats. Only his sheep can understand, those who are “born again.” It is a closed book to the educated. “Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open to you.” “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Let this letter be a warning to pastors and church leaders who are leading their flock to hell.
Carol Schwinkendorf
To expose the apostacy of homosexuality in the churches, some Christians will find it difficult to accept the evidence because it may implicate prominent Christian leaders and sometimes the pastor himself. There is no denying this has happened in the ELCA, which unashamedly retains the name ‘Evangelical’ in it’s name.
The Bible condemns homosexuality as an abominable sin. “Thou salt not lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them shall surely be put to death.” Lev. 20:13, 18:25. Nor is the condemnation of homosexuality only for Jews under the Old Covenant. In Romans 1:24-32 says ‘Homosexuals/lesbians dishonor their own bodies between themselves, engage in ‘vile affections,’ which are against nature and unseemly do so of their volition.” It is a crime against nature and God. Homosexuality is a choice and not in the genes. Satan is out to deceive and kill and homosexuality is Satan’s greatest weapon because it will prevent procreation of life itself.
The increase of AIDS among homosexuals is a lethal epidemic. Christ said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous, therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19. It is far more loving to reprove homosexuals than to accept them. If you truly love these misguided souls, you will point them to scriptures which call their perversion a sinful abomination to God. This practice is unnatural and lethal and will bring remorse and premature and painful death.
Christians – believe only the Bible. Not what some theologian tell you. It is every Christian’s responsibility to judge teachings and to accept and follow only which is clearly according to the will of God. Do not accept this perversion of homosexuality that the Bible condemns in the strongest language, with no excuses allowed! The loving thing to do is, try to rescue all from this way of life. It is far more loving to reprove homosexuals than to accept the. Let them know it is and abomination to God.
If you are unsure of what to believe, go to the Bible first. It is the true word of God. Do not believe or follow what some man says as he may be even a pastor and under the influence of Satan. We all need to be watchmen on the wall and see evil invading the church and warn others. So what is happening to Mankind today 2009? There are no moral absolutes. The non-Christian believes they have been developed by man in a past age and are not relevant today. So man has a right to reject, change, or ignore them.
Society has experienced and incredible breakdown of morality. The idea that sexual relationship outside of the bonds of marriage are immoral is rejected. The killing of unborn human beings has been legalized. This is a result of rejecting divine revelation with God. Man is losing his dignity through immorality. While praising his moral freedom, man becomes a slave to lusts.
A biblical believing Christian, who takes a stand against the great moral decline in society and oppose the radical agenda that liberals are trying to force on them, can expect to be attacked and ridiculed. It is easy to see how Satan has used sex to destroy mankind. Women and men have no dignity and will give into the lusts of the flesh without a second thought. It brings untold suffering to them and their offspring. God must look down at the creatures he created and feel sick at what he sees.
The result of immorality is divorce, drunkenness, illegitimacy, obscene language, immodest dress, public display of nudity and a foundation of society with anything goes. If you confront these people, they will try to make you look like a fool and out of touch with reality. What it really is, is a willful rejection of the true and living God. God’s word is not understood by the goats. Only his sheep can understand, those who are “born again.” It is a closed book to the educated. “Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open to you.” “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Let this letter be a warning to pastors and church leaders who are leading their flock to hell.
Carol Schwinkendorf
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Seduction of Christianity
My sole purpose in writing this is not to cause controversy or division but to expose a seduction that is happening in my churches throughout. It is my desire to rescue rather than condemn. Last Sunday, the sermon at our church was about a book written by the author of The Message paraphrase Bible, Eugene Peterson. Peterson in his “Message” version of the Bible substitutes his own words for Gods. I rejoice that Peterson cannot improve God’s word. He does violence to God’s word. Example: In Matt. 16:25, The Message says, “Self-help is no help at all. Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” Try finding any hint of one’s “true self” in any other Bible translation of this verse. The Message, substitutes man’s words for God’s word! Peterson says that The Message is not word-for-word conversion of God’s Holy into modern language but what he thinks God’s word means—not a translation but an interpretation. What audacity to rewrite the Bible. What he does is dumb down the language to make it “understandable” What Eugene Peterson is doing is misleading readers into thinking they have the scriptures in their hands. Example: In John 3:17, “that the world through him might be saved,” reads, “He came to help, to put the world right again.” Saved means redeemed from judgment we deserve for our sins – but “to help” merely assists our efforts. And “to put the world right again” sounds like social or political reform.
There is much depth in God’s word that even the most mature Christian finds difficult. The deep things of God are revealed by the Holy Spirit (ICor. 2:10), not by simplifying God’s words. God did it perfect. Eugene Peterson did not. Example: Matt. 24:4-5 Peterson says: “Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers and leaders with forged identities.” The King James Bible says, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” Difference: By omitting the warning to “let no man deceive you and paraphrasing it with only a general caution about identities, Peterson missed exposing all of us who were in the New Age believing we were Christ. r complicating the Good News with 400 years old English using the King James version creates an unnecessary cultural barrier --- clarity is more important than poetry. God has used the King James Bible in a mighty way to reveal the truth. It pulls us out of the New Age and puts us on solid ground.Its straight forward warnings and teaching are clear and true.
Rick Warren uses quotes from The Message over and over again in his book. Both Warren and Peterson have cast aside the sacred words from God's mouth and put men's words in their place. These men have perverted the Bible by changing the meaning of scripture. Using The Message, you cannot read a verse and say, "This is what God's word says. The best you can say is"This is what Eugene Peterson says that God's word says." Men like Peterson have no conscience about changing what God says, replacing His words with his own. What I personally am concerned about is that many Christian leaders and pastors are promoting this wicked Bible version and other books Peterson and Warren have written. Thank heavens God never adjusts Himself or this word to the tastes of men. I am very sorry I ever got involved in teaching a Bible study on The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I became alarmed when noticing quotes time and time again of New Age leaders. The Bible is filled with warnings of a deceptive spirit world. I saw this deception and tried to warn other Christians. Rick Warren has led many church leaders astray.
Missing in The Purpose Driven Life book is anything to convict the sinner of his rebellion against God and the coming judgment. It is about success and fulfillment in this life. It is a very appealing book because of his humanistic approval. He begins his book with "The value of a person" -- a theme repeated throughout." And Warren removes anything we might find negative or offensive. Where is his exphlanation of Christ's payment on the cross for sin.
Rick Warren psychology humanistic delusion of self-image and even applied it to Jesus. We are told, "He served from a secure self-image and task of washing His disciples feet didn't threaten his self-image. (p.269) This very concept of self-image is not found once in the Bible.It is an insult to Christ that suggest a good self-image will enable others to serve God. Its psychobabble and rubbish! Of Gideon, Rick Warren says,"Gideon's weakness was low self-exteem and deep insecurities." Again humanistic rubbish!
Has the apostasy if the churches started? The proof is there. Both of these books are not the word of God but the word of uninspired men who are out to deceive you. The Holy Spirit is the best teacher and if you ask Him for help, He will surely teach you. Christians need to get out their Bible (not The Message but the King James) and compare quotes. Look up Rick Warren's and Eugene Peterson's quotes and see if they have been interpreted correctly. Jesus warned believers to turn away from false teachers and false teaching. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5)
We need to be people who will stand up and proclaim the truth and will not be led astray by counterfeit gospel. Carol Schwinkendorf kittyschwink@yahoo.com
Monday, November 9, 2009
Here Come The Norwegians
This is a book I have written about the history of the Norwegian people into this country. It is based on journals, books, and letters written in Norwegian beginning in 1856. Email: kittyschwink@yahoo.com
Roman Catholicism (rev. 2)
Roman Catholicism
Martin Luther is widely honored today as he stood courageously against the false doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. This is what Martin Luther said in Article IV of the Smalcald Articles:
“The Pope is the very Antichrist, who has exalted himself above, and opposed himself against Christ because he will not permit Christians to be saved without his power --- to lie, to kill, and to destroy body and soul eternally. This is where his papal government really consists.” Spurgeon about the papacy said: “Popery is a much the masterpiece of Satan as the gospel is the masterpiece of God.”
There are two prophecies that have come out of the Roman Catholic Church: Two great men will enter into a time of peace. A great Catholic Monarch will rule the entire world. The Holy Pope will convert the entire world. To Catholicism and it will become the only religion. Together they will usher in a period of enlightenment, peace, and prosperity.
The historic goal of the Papacy states: “It is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.” Pope Boniface VIII, 1302-Unan Sanctum. This pronouncement by the Pope has been the same for over 1000 years.
Unity under the papacy of Pope Pius X11, 6-29-43 states: “We must not Passover the truth of Catholic teaching that the only true union is by the return of separated Christians to the one true church of Christ. Otherwise none can be assured of salvation.
Pope John Paul’s states: “To promote the unity of all Christians until they reach full communion and to cultivate and authentic spiritual ecumenism through the Virgin Mary. 1995.
The Catholic Church still teaches salvation through baptism, good works, and other sacraments mediated by Mary as the doorway to Christ. All anathemas pronounced by Trent against Protestant beliefs remain in full force and effect today 2009. Trent remains the official teaching of Rome and has been reconfirmed many times by the highest church authority. The Council of Trent damned the reformers. For example, it says: “If anyone says that the sacraments of the New Law (which refers to Catholic rituals) are not necessary for salvation – but – that without them – men obtain from God through faith alone the grace of justification – let him be anathema.” “If anyone says that baptism is – not necessary for salvation, let him be anathema.” “If anyone says that in the Mass a true and real sacrifice is not offered to God – but a mere commemoration on the cross and not a propitiatory one – let him be anathema.”
Is Trent still valid? Absolutely! Vatican II, Catholicism’s highest authority proposes again the degrees of the Council of Trent in honor of the 145th anniversary of Trent on 12-13-95. Now we understand Rev. 13:8,12: “The false prophet causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the false Christ.” And now we see how the false prophet will unite the world to worship the False Christ -- a man who comes in the name of Jesus Christ. The one world religion will be formed by a union of non-Christian religions with all professing Christians who have never been born again.
There are many pastors today who have never experienced the second birth. These are the ones who can fall into apostasy. When left behind after the rapture, they end up merging with these non-Christian religions. When this happens there will be a one world religious system. All religions will be accepted under truth. There are several organizations that are moving this forward: --World Peace Summit 2000. The United Nations brought together for first time thousands of the worlds religions and spiritual leaders, a major step towards the creation of a global religious body. The World Council of Churches, formed in 1948 now has 342 denominations moving towards the manifestation of the One Holy Church. The ALC, American Lutheran Church is a member of this organization.
When will this one world religion system be fulfilled? This is what Paul has to say in II Thess. 2:3-4: “That day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God in the temple of God, showing himself to be God.”
Satan’s goal has always been to be like the moist high god. Satan’s method is to bring counterfeits to bring man’s faith away from the one true God. So we have the unholy Trinity: Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet. Our Christian Trinity is: God the Father, The Son, Jesus Christ, who rules King of Kings, and the Holy Spirit, who glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.
Does the Papacy oppose and exalt itself above God? Yes! It steals titles from the Triune God. Example: Holy Father, head of the church, Vicar of Christ, and robs Christ of His power and our souls. The Pope has supreme and immediate and universal power in the care of souls. He is said to exercise this power unhindered. Usurps God’s infallibility, condemns all who believe God’s Gospel. From the Council of Trent there are over 100 anathemas. Receives worship due only to God. llCor.11:13. I’ve often wondered how a pastor can support men who have clearly fallen into apostasy and false doctrine. They are men who have not experienced the second birth. They are men who compromise with the world. When wheat and tares comprise, it is the wheat that suffers. Truth and error are incompatible. It is difficult for me to understand how they can not see through this. To promote wicked Bible versions such as Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” that perverts God’s word. Men like Peterson have no conscience about changing what God says, replacing His words with their own.
Eucharist of course is a wafer given during communion. The wafer or Eucharist in the Catholic Church is given and understood to be the true body of Christ to give us divine life. Pope Benedict XV1, 3-9-08 said this: “The transformation of the world is in the fragile, white, consecrated host -- the real presence of Jesus. The only true medicine of immortality and the certainty of being loved by God is the Eucharist.” The Vatican sees the Eucharist as non-negotiable sign of unity. “All Christians will be gathered church as something she can never lose. Vatican Council II 1965, The Pope, in 2008 stated: “The road of ecumenism celebration of the Eucharist which would only strengthen our resolve to love and serve one another in imitation of our Lord.” The Catholic believes he is truly eating the real body of Christ Jesus.
Is it possible the image of the False Prophet will force the world to worship the Eucharist? The Catholics can bow down and worship it because they believe that the Eucharist is the physical body and blood of Christ. There are only two options of this. It is really the Lord Jesus or a false Christ. The Bible says, “Those who refused to worship the image are put to death.” Is the image the Eucharist?
This week, Oct. 30, 2009 on Fox news there was an invitation by Pope Benedict XVI for all Anglicans to come back to the Sheppard and say, “What do I have to do to come home?” He believes thousands and thousands will turn to the Catholic Church. Rome has a strategy for Christian unity. Redefine evangelical terms to make vague and acceptable to all. Confuse Protestants with Catholic mystics and contemplative spirituality. Urge separated brethren to come home to the Holy Mother, the church, for the fullness of salvation. Seduce highly visible evangelicals to promote Catholicism as a valid expression of Christianity, such as: Rick Warren, who states, “I really do feel that these people (Catholics) are brothers and sisters in God’s family. I am looking to build bridges with the Catholic Church. Chuck Colson, “We evangelicals and Catholics have differences, but on the ancient creeds and the core beliefs of Christianity we stand together.” Pat Robertson, “My meeting with His Holiness Pope John Paul II was very warm and I pledged to work for Christian unity between Evangelicals and Catholics. Jack Van Impe, “I read the New Catechism, l,800 points. I accept 99 % of it. Why should we divide over l%?”
How can Evangelicals encourage unity with Catholics when we are divided on: l) The essentials of the gospel. 2) How one is born again. 3) How one is justified. 4) How one is purified of sin. 5) How can we mediate between God and man? Do we need Mary?” Ecumentical believers will have to suppress the truth; tear down the walls that separate believers from unbelievers so we can all work together.
The Pope displayed his powerful influence by calling a meeting for peace in Assisi, Italy. Leaders from all major religions attended. Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc. All images were there except anything that pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ image were removed from the meeting, while the image of Mary was present. Now why would the head of the Christian Church do that? Because he knows the Lord Jesus Christ is intolerant and so he knew he could reach unity only through the (false) Mary.
Islam and Catholicism have more in common than Catholicism has with Christianity. l) Both have a history of persecuting the Jews. 2) Revelations from extra-biblical sources. 3) The Pope says they worship the same god. 4) Both have prayer beads and pilgrimages. 5) Both seek world domination. 6) Mary is highly revered and considered the Mother of all Humanity. What is the attraction of Mary to Islam? There is an entire chapter in the Koran that pay homage to Mary. They look to Mary as the one who submitted to God in the birth of Jesus and Islam is a religion of submission. Apparitions have appeared to Mary in Fatima, Lourdes, La Salette, Paris, Spain, and Portugal. Muslims visit apparition sites to honor her. Pope John Paul said, “Mary would be the key for reconciling the faith of Rome and Mecca. Mary is the perpetual virgin, the Queen of Heaven. In 2007, a document identifies some core common ground with Christianity and Islam. This was signed by 138 Muslims along with Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Robert Schuler, Timothy George and others.
What must a born again Christian do? Expose the evil deeds of darkness and do not participate in them. Eph. 5:11. Be on your guard so you will not be carried away by the error of lawless men. II Pet. 3:16,17. Let no one deceive you. Test everything by God’s true word and warn others so they will not perish. Christians must not tolerate apostasy or false teaching or anyone who represents the attributes of God and His gospel. To remain silent shows indifference towards the Lord Jesus. Scripture tells us to war in behalf of truth.
Luther and Calvin had been Roman Catholics and carried much Catholicism, including Sacramentalism over into the Reformation. Every Lutheran church follows Luther’s Small Catechism, published by Concordia Publishing House. It says that infant baptism: 1) Works forgiveness of sins. 2) It delivers from death and the devil. 3) It gives eternal salvation. Infants cannot understand or believe the gospel and thus cannot biblically be baptized. Only those who have believed the gospel are to be baptized is clear from Christ’s commands to his disciples. There are multitude passages that offer salvation through faith alone with no mention of baptism. Scripture does not indicate anywhere that those who believe but are not baptized are not saved. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourself – it is a gift from God. Not by works so no one can boast.” This verse establishes that faith in Christ is the only means of being saved. Some parents have believed, wrongly, that through baptism there children are saved. A religious background will not make it for you children. The only way your children can know God is to spend time with him and get in deeper. A parent cannot do this for them.
Can a Christian stay in the Roman Catholic Church if they are worshipping the Eucharist? Is that any different from worshiping the golden calf? In our love for Christ and concern for the lost, we must do all we can to proclaim the truth to everyone.
Martin Luther is widely honored today as he stood courageously against the false doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. This is what Martin Luther said in Article IV of the Smalcald Articles:
“The Pope is the very Antichrist, who has exalted himself above, and opposed himself against Christ because he will not permit Christians to be saved without his power --- to lie, to kill, and to destroy body and soul eternally. This is where his papal government really consists.” Spurgeon about the papacy said: “Popery is a much the masterpiece of Satan as the gospel is the masterpiece of God.”
There are two prophecies that have come out of the Roman Catholic Church: Two great men will enter into a time of peace. A great Catholic Monarch will rule the entire world. The Holy Pope will convert the entire world. To Catholicism and it will become the only religion. Together they will usher in a period of enlightenment, peace, and prosperity.
The historic goal of the Papacy states: “It is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.” Pope Boniface VIII, 1302-Unan Sanctum. This pronouncement by the Pope has been the same for over 1000 years.
Unity under the papacy of Pope Pius X11, 6-29-43 states: “We must not Passover the truth of Catholic teaching that the only true union is by the return of separated Christians to the one true church of Christ. Otherwise none can be assured of salvation.
Pope John Paul’s states: “To promote the unity of all Christians until they reach full communion and to cultivate and authentic spiritual ecumenism through the Virgin Mary. 1995.
The Catholic Church still teaches salvation through baptism, good works, and other sacraments mediated by Mary as the doorway to Christ. All anathemas pronounced by Trent against Protestant beliefs remain in full force and effect today 2009. Trent remains the official teaching of Rome and has been reconfirmed many times by the highest church authority. The Council of Trent damned the reformers. For example, it says: “If anyone says that the sacraments of the New Law (which refers to Catholic rituals) are not necessary for salvation – but – that without them – men obtain from God through faith alone the grace of justification – let him be anathema.” “If anyone says that baptism is – not necessary for salvation, let him be anathema.” “If anyone says that in the Mass a true and real sacrifice is not offered to God – but a mere commemoration on the cross and not a propitiatory one – let him be anathema.”
Is Trent still valid? Absolutely! Vatican II, Catholicism’s highest authority proposes again the degrees of the Council of Trent in honor of the 145th anniversary of Trent on 12-13-95. Now we understand Rev. 13:8,12: “The false prophet causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the false Christ.” And now we see how the false prophet will unite the world to worship the False Christ -- a man who comes in the name of Jesus Christ. The one world religion will be formed by a union of non-Christian religions with all professing Christians who have never been born again.
There are many pastors today who have never experienced the second birth. These are the ones who can fall into apostasy. When left behind after the rapture, they end up merging with these non-Christian religions. When this happens there will be a one world religious system. All religions will be accepted under truth. There are several organizations that are moving this forward: --World Peace Summit 2000. The United Nations brought together for first time thousands of the worlds religions and spiritual leaders, a major step towards the creation of a global religious body. The World Council of Churches, formed in 1948 now has 342 denominations moving towards the manifestation of the One Holy Church. The ALC, American Lutheran Church is a member of this organization.
When will this one world religion system be fulfilled? This is what Paul has to say in II Thess. 2:3-4: “That day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God in the temple of God, showing himself to be God.”
Satan’s goal has always been to be like the moist high god. Satan’s method is to bring counterfeits to bring man’s faith away from the one true God. So we have the unholy Trinity: Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet. Our Christian Trinity is: God the Father, The Son, Jesus Christ, who rules King of Kings, and the Holy Spirit, who glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.
Does the Papacy oppose and exalt itself above God? Yes! It steals titles from the Triune God. Example: Holy Father, head of the church, Vicar of Christ, and robs Christ of His power and our souls. The Pope has supreme and immediate and universal power in the care of souls. He is said to exercise this power unhindered. Usurps God’s infallibility, condemns all who believe God’s Gospel. From the Council of Trent there are over 100 anathemas. Receives worship due only to God. llCor.11:13. I’ve often wondered how a pastor can support men who have clearly fallen into apostasy and false doctrine. They are men who have not experienced the second birth. They are men who compromise with the world. When wheat and tares comprise, it is the wheat that suffers. Truth and error are incompatible. It is difficult for me to understand how they can not see through this. To promote wicked Bible versions such as Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” that perverts God’s word. Men like Peterson have no conscience about changing what God says, replacing His words with their own.
Eucharist of course is a wafer given during communion. The wafer or Eucharist in the Catholic Church is given and understood to be the true body of Christ to give us divine life. Pope Benedict XV1, 3-9-08 said this: “The transformation of the world is in the fragile, white, consecrated host -- the real presence of Jesus. The only true medicine of immortality and the certainty of being loved by God is the Eucharist.” The Vatican sees the Eucharist as non-negotiable sign of unity. “All Christians will be gathered church as something she can never lose. Vatican Council II 1965, The Pope, in 2008 stated: “The road of ecumenism celebration of the Eucharist which would only strengthen our resolve to love and serve one another in imitation of our Lord.” The Catholic believes he is truly eating the real body of Christ Jesus.
Is it possible the image of the False Prophet will force the world to worship the Eucharist? The Catholics can bow down and worship it because they believe that the Eucharist is the physical body and blood of Christ. There are only two options of this. It is really the Lord Jesus or a false Christ. The Bible says, “Those who refused to worship the image are put to death.” Is the image the Eucharist?
This week, Oct. 30, 2009 on Fox news there was an invitation by Pope Benedict XVI for all Anglicans to come back to the Sheppard and say, “What do I have to do to come home?” He believes thousands and thousands will turn to the Catholic Church. Rome has a strategy for Christian unity. Redefine evangelical terms to make vague and acceptable to all. Confuse Protestants with Catholic mystics and contemplative spirituality. Urge separated brethren to come home to the Holy Mother, the church, for the fullness of salvation. Seduce highly visible evangelicals to promote Catholicism as a valid expression of Christianity, such as: Rick Warren, who states, “I really do feel that these people (Catholics) are brothers and sisters in God’s family. I am looking to build bridges with the Catholic Church. Chuck Colson, “We evangelicals and Catholics have differences, but on the ancient creeds and the core beliefs of Christianity we stand together.” Pat Robertson, “My meeting with His Holiness Pope John Paul II was very warm and I pledged to work for Christian unity between Evangelicals and Catholics. Jack Van Impe, “I read the New Catechism, l,800 points. I accept 99 % of it. Why should we divide over l%?”
How can Evangelicals encourage unity with Catholics when we are divided on: l) The essentials of the gospel. 2) How one is born again. 3) How one is justified. 4) How one is purified of sin. 5) How can we mediate between God and man? Do we need Mary?” Ecumentical believers will have to suppress the truth; tear down the walls that separate believers from unbelievers so we can all work together.
The Pope displayed his powerful influence by calling a meeting for peace in Assisi, Italy. Leaders from all major religions attended. Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc. All images were there except anything that pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ image were removed from the meeting, while the image of Mary was present. Now why would the head of the Christian Church do that? Because he knows the Lord Jesus Christ is intolerant and so he knew he could reach unity only through the (false) Mary.
Islam and Catholicism have more in common than Catholicism has with Christianity. l) Both have a history of persecuting the Jews. 2) Revelations from extra-biblical sources. 3) The Pope says they worship the same god. 4) Both have prayer beads and pilgrimages. 5) Both seek world domination. 6) Mary is highly revered and considered the Mother of all Humanity. What is the attraction of Mary to Islam? There is an entire chapter in the Koran that pay homage to Mary. They look to Mary as the one who submitted to God in the birth of Jesus and Islam is a religion of submission. Apparitions have appeared to Mary in Fatima, Lourdes, La Salette, Paris, Spain, and Portugal. Muslims visit apparition sites to honor her. Pope John Paul said, “Mary would be the key for reconciling the faith of Rome and Mecca. Mary is the perpetual virgin, the Queen of Heaven. In 2007, a document identifies some core common ground with Christianity and Islam. This was signed by 138 Muslims along with Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Robert Schuler, Timothy George and others.
What must a born again Christian do? Expose the evil deeds of darkness and do not participate in them. Eph. 5:11. Be on your guard so you will not be carried away by the error of lawless men. II Pet. 3:16,17. Let no one deceive you. Test everything by God’s true word and warn others so they will not perish. Christians must not tolerate apostasy or false teaching or anyone who represents the attributes of God and His gospel. To remain silent shows indifference towards the Lord Jesus. Scripture tells us to war in behalf of truth.
Luther and Calvin had been Roman Catholics and carried much Catholicism, including Sacramentalism over into the Reformation. Every Lutheran church follows Luther’s Small Catechism, published by Concordia Publishing House. It says that infant baptism: 1) Works forgiveness of sins. 2) It delivers from death and the devil. 3) It gives eternal salvation. Infants cannot understand or believe the gospel and thus cannot biblically be baptized. Only those who have believed the gospel are to be baptized is clear from Christ’s commands to his disciples. There are multitude passages that offer salvation through faith alone with no mention of baptism. Scripture does not indicate anywhere that those who believe but are not baptized are not saved. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourself – it is a gift from God. Not by works so no one can boast.” This verse establishes that faith in Christ is the only means of being saved. Some parents have believed, wrongly, that through baptism there children are saved. A religious background will not make it for you children. The only way your children can know God is to spend time with him and get in deeper. A parent cannot do this for them.
Can a Christian stay in the Roman Catholic Church if they are worshipping the Eucharist? Is that any different from worshiping the golden calf? In our love for Christ and concern for the lost, we must do all we can to proclaim the truth to everyone.
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