Kingdom Of The Cults
New Survey Shows Widespread Confusion On Basic Theology Among US Evangelicals
Breaking News Updates – September 16, 2020
New Survey Shows Widespread Confusion On Basic Theology Among US Evangelicals |
Just when the church needs to be clear and bold about our triune God, the Scriptures, sin, and salvation, many evangelicals are evidently being influenced more by this cultural drift than by the Word of God. |
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit
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This article is a referendum on Biblical illiteracy, and now false doctrine formerly espoused by only the cults is boldly accepted within Orthodox Christianity. For instance, I hope you noted that the reference to the Holy Spirit as “a force” is classic Jehovah Witness heresy. I also hope you noted that believing that “the Father created Jesus Christ, and then Jesus created everything else” is also from the cults, namely Arianism, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and many more. Jesus Christ IS Everlasting God, and One with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Eternal God, Lord of All, and was never created Himself. AMEN & AMEN. Maranatha, Pastor Steve <><
Mormonism: The Devil Made Me Do It
by Chris Cole
In the Bible, the temptation that Satan made to Adam and Eve is quoted in Genesis 3:5: “God knows that, when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This doesn’t mean “knowing” in the sense of “recognizing,” but rather in the sense of “determining.” Satan tells the first couple that disobeying God will liberate them from the control of God, so that they can determine good and evil for themselves, apart from the standards of God.
That temptation is a lie (John 8:44). There is no autonomy from God, not even for Satan himself (Job 1:6-12). It should be obvious that Satan cannot give what he himself does not have.
In Mormonism, there is a doctrine that says that Jesus and Satan were brothers in their preexistence. The Father put a challenge to them to carry out His plan of salvation. Satan offered, instead, a plan of universal salvation. The LDS website explains it this way (references are to Mormon scriptures): “It was in this setting that Satan made an unwelcome and arrogant proposal to change Heavenly Father’s plan so that it provided universal salvation for everyone (see Moses 4:1). Before we discuss how he claimed to accomplish this, it is important to note that Satan is referred to in these verses as ‘the father of all lies’ (Moses 4:4). On another occasion he is called ‘a liar from the beginning’ (D&C 93:25). We would be absurdly naïve to assume that Satan was telling the truth when he made this exaggerated claim of universal salvation.”
According to Mormonism, how is the individual supposed to make the right choice between the Father’s plan of salvation and Satan’s? Their answer is found in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8: “Behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”
Do you see any parallels there? While the biblical God commands us to believe on the basis of His word alone, the Mormon God says that each person will be able to decide on the basis of a subjective feeling. Go back to Genesis 3:5 above. Is that not the same thing that Satan offered, falsely, to Adam and Eve?
While Mormons claim that their doctrine is the rejection of Satan’s lies, that doctrine is the same as Satan’s lies, as recorded in the Bible.
The only hope for the Mormon is to repudiate his autonomous determination of what is right or wrong and to submit to the infallible declaration of truth by the triune God of the Bible.
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How to Recognize a False Gospel: Five Marks
The You Tube below is par excellence. Note the author’s deep knowledge of the scriptures and the fine exegesis. I love exposing false prophets. In His Service, Pastor Steve <><
Today, I give you five non-exhaustive ways to recognize some popular false gospels that have infiltrated the Church today.
Babylon Forsaken Ministries
Babylon Forsaken
Ministries
“Come out of her my people” — Jesus Christ
The Muslim Jesus Versus The Biblical Jesus
Muslim Jesus Vs Biblical Jesus
Twenty Scriptural Reasons Why They Are Not the Same Person
A Compilation and Comparison by James Sundquist
1. The Islamic Jesus was created and not eternal
The similitude of Jesus before Allah is that of Adam: he created him from dust, then said to him, “Be”: and he was. – Koran: Sura 3:59
The Biblical Jesus is from Eternity
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.”– Micah 5:2
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” — John 8:58
“In the beginning was the Word” – John 1:1
2. The Islamic Jesus is a created human
“He created him (Jesus) from dust, then said to him: “Be”.”– Koran: Sura 3.59
The Biblical Jesus Created everything that is
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” – John 1:3
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” – Colossians 1:16-17.
3. The Islamic Jesus is not the Lamb of God who was slain
“That they said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of May, the Messenger of Allah.’ But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them… for of surety they killed him not” – Koran: Surah 4.157
The Biblical Jesus is the Lamb of God
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” – Revelation 5:12
4. The Islamic Jesus was never crucified and therefore was not resurrected
“but they killed him [Jesus] not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man (and they killed that man)… For surely; they killed him not… But Allah raised him up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All Powerful, All Wise” – [Koran 4:157-158]
The Biblical Jesus which (by his death and resurrection) saved his people from their sins
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” – John 11:25
Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
“And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain.” – I Corinthians 15:14
5. The Islamic Jesus sent Mohammed as another Comforter (not the Holy Spirit)
“And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of an Apostle to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, “This is evident sorcery!” – Koran 61:6
The Biblical Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (Comforter) which came at Pentecost 50 days later NOT five hundred years later (Mohammed)
“But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost” – John 14:26
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me” – John 15:26
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” – John 16:7
6. Islam teaches Salvation is found only in the Five Pillars of Islam
“Salvation can only be found in the Five Pillars of Shahada (Testifying of God’s Oneness), Salat (Prayer), Saum (Fasting), Zakat (Charity), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).” – KORAN 5:116
The Biblical Jesus Teaches Salvation is found in none other than himself
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
“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
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” – Acts 16:31
7. The Islamic Jesus is an involuntary Slave to Allah
“I will then say what the Pious Slave Jesus the son of Mary said…” (Hadith: Narrated by Ibn Abbas 5.117-118).
“Jesus..although he is just one of Allah’s slaves.” (Hadith: Narrated Nafi, 007.063.209).
“You’d better go to Jesus, Allah’s slave” – (Hadith: Narrated Anas, 009.093.532, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 507.)
Biblical Jesus made himself a voluntary servant
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Philippians 2: 6-8
8. The Islamic Jesus is simply another prophet
“Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them” – KORAN 2:136, 2:84
The Biblical Jesus has a name that is above all names
“[Jesus is] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” – Ephesians 1:21
9. The Islamic Jesus is not the Divine Son of God
Islamic Jesus is NOT the Son of God (and they teach whoever believes this will be thrown into the fire)
“Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about Jesus], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that Jesus is the son of Allah] from the Meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire)” [KORAN19:34-38]
“That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allah) as a slave” – Koran 19:88-93
“Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son.” – KORAN 4:171
Biblical Jesus who is the Word Made Flesh is the Son of God
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
“And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven [the voice of the One God], which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” – Luke 3:22
“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”– 1st John 5:9-10
10. The Islamic Jesus can not be worshiped
“And behold, Allah will say–O Jesus Son of Mary, did you say to men, worship me and my mother as gods beside Allah? He will reply–Glory to you, I could never say what I had not right [to say]” – KORAN 5:116
“Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger: many were the messengers that passed away before him” – KORAN 5:75
Biblical Jesus is commanded to be worshiped (by both men and angels)
“For the Father [the One True God] judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” – John 5:22-23
“And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:11
“And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” – Hebrews 1:6
11. The Islamic Jesus is not fit to be an Intercessor
“They will go to Jesus who will say, ‘I am not fit for this undertaking, but you’d better go to Muhammad whose sins of the past and future had been forgiven (by allah)” – Hadith Volume 9, Book 93, Number 507.
Biblical Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and Man
(Jesus is alone the sinless Lamb of God. How could a Mohammed a sinner be more fit than Jesus?)
“For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” – I Timothy 2:5
“Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25
12. The Islamic Jesus will judge by the Law of the Quran and not by the Gospel (Fateh-ul Bari page 304 and 305 vol 7)
Biblical Jesus will judge by both the Old and New Testament (Gospel)
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law (Torah), till all be fulfilled.” – Matthew 5:18
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” – John 12:48
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” – Romans 2:16
13. The Islamic Jesus will return and help annihilate the Jews
“When the Muslims will fall in lines to offer prayers, Christ son of Mary (PBUH) shall descend from heaven before their eyes. He will lead the prayers. When the prayers are over he will say to the people: “Clear the way between me and this enemy of God.” God will give victory to the Muslims over the hosts of Dajjal. The Muslims will inflict dire punishment upon the enemy. Even the trees and stones will cry out, “O Abdullah, O Abdul Rahman, O Muslim, come, here is a Jew behind me, kill him.” In this way God will cause the Jews to be annihilated and Muslims shall be the victors.” – (Mustadrak Hakim – A brief version of this tradition has been recorded in Muslim. Hafiz Ibn Hajar in Fath-ul-Bari Vol. VI, p. 450 declares this tradition to be authentic.)
The Biblical Jesus will return and save the Jews from annihilation
Romans 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
Romans 11:25-28 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Zechariah 14:2-3 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
14. The Islamic Jesus Returns in yellow garments
“Jesus (peace be upon him). He will descend (to the earth). When you see him, recognize him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments” – (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4310)
The Biblical Jesus returns arrayed in white light
“And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” Matthew 17:2
“And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Mark 9:3
“And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.” – Luke 9:29
15. Islamic Jesus lands in Damascus, Syria
“Most Muslims believe that Jesus descent from heaven will be accomplished by resting his hands on the wings of two angels. He will descend onto the white minaret, situated in the eastern part of Damascus. He will invite the whole world to be Muslim including Christians and Jews.” – (Mawdudi, A.A, Finality of Prophethood, pp. 58-61), and (Vol 18, Hadith No. 814)
Biblical Jesus descends and lands on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem
“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east” – Zechariah 14:4
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
16. Islamic Jesus returns on the wings of two angels
(Mawdudi, A.A, Finality of Prophethood, pp. 58-61).
Biblical Jesus is accompanied by the armies of heaven
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints” – Jude 1:14
“… and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.” – Zechariah 14:5
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses…” – Revelation 19:14
17. The Islamic Jesus destroys Antichrist with his lance at Mount Afiq (near City of Fiq, Syria)
“Christ (PBUH) will advance with the Muslims for fighting against Dajjal (Antichrist). The enemy will retreat before the powerful assault of Christ son of Mary, and Dajjal will run away towards Israel by way of the slope of Afiq (Reference to Tradition No. 21). Christ (PBUH) will pursue Dajjal and destroy him on the airfield of Lydda (Traditions No. 10-14- 15). A great slaughter of the Jews will ensue and every one of them will be annihilated. The nation of Jews will be exterminated (Traditions No. 9-15-21). At the proclamation of truth by Christ, the Christian religion will become extinct (Traditions No. 1-2-4-6).”
Biblical Jesus destroys Antichrist with his breath at his return to the Mount of Olives
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” – 2 Thessalonians 2:8
18. The Islamic Jesus which returns will not be pierced
“They killed him not nor crucified him” – Koran: Surah 4.157
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The Biblical Jesus was pierced for our transgressions
“They shall look upon me whom they have pierced..” – .Zechariah 12:10
19. The Islamic Jesus will marry a woman and have children
“He (Jesus) will live for forty years during which he will marry, have children, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage).” — (Wali ad-Din, Miskat Al-Masabih, (tr. James Robson), Vol.II, p.1159; Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, p.92).
The Biblical Jesus will marry his Bride (the Christian Church) at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made herself ready.” – Revelation. 19:7
20. The Islamic Jesus will die forty years after his return
“He (Jesus) will perish all religions except Islam. He (Jesus) will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die.” – (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4310).
“After his death, he will be buried beside the grave of the Prophet Muhammad” – (Wali ad-Din, Miskat Al-Masabih, (tr. James Robson), Vol.II, p.1159; Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, p.92).
The Biblical Jesus is alive forevermore
“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.” – Hebrews 7:24
“I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”– Revelation 1:18
Conclusion:
There you have it. Here are two different versions of Jesus Christ. One Islamic and one which is Biblical. Clearly the Islamic Scriptures [Koran, Hadiths, and Traditions] and the Bible are not describing the same Jesus. So the question remains does this make any difference? Well clearly it does. Jesus Christ himself said that many would come in his name, claiming to be Christ and would DECEIVE many (Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22). The Apostle Paul is so severe in his warning that in Galatians he records that if any man preach a different Gospel (another Jesus) which he said is really is NO gospel at all, let him be eternally damned. (Gal 1:6-9) The Apostle John says that whoever denies Christ (as God’s son) is an antichrist. God is not an author of confusion. The Islamic Jesus is an imaginary Jesus. The Biblical Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), through whom the Father made all things [Ephesians 3:9]. Any other Jesus is the Prince of Darkness. So, I invite you to choose today whom you will follow. If the Islamic Jesus is not the true Jesus then all of your religion is in vain. If the Biblical Jesus is the Christ, then trust in him and serve him only. For you can not serve two masters! AMEN! AMEN!
Muslim friend, do you know the One True God and Jesus who he sent?
Despite what many people in the world may believe today, the fact remains that there is only one true God, the Creator of the universe. We did not come from evolution, but we were created by the True and Living God, and we were put here to serve Him. In the beginning, when God made the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, He then declared that it was very good. Everything was perfect, and there were no sorrow, no suffering, and no death, but then something happened. Man sinned against God, and because of sin, death passed upon all mankind. The very reason why the world is in such a mess today, is all because of sin! It was sin that brought the curse upon us, and sin has separated us from God.
Is there any hope for mankind?
When God created man, He already knew that man would sin against Him, and that sin would bring destruction, but God had a plan. Down through the ages God showed His people time and time again that He would send a redeemer. One who could reconcile God and man. One who could bridge the gulf that sin had put between us, and God. The prophet Isaiah said that this savior would be “despised and rejected,” and that God would place on Him the iniquity of us all. The prophet Isaiah also told how that God would make this savior’s soul an offering for sin (read Isaiah chapter 53). The prophet Micah told how that the redeemer would come from Bethlehem, and that His goings forth “have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). So we see, the prophets said that He would come from Bethlehem, and that His goings forth have been from eternity, and that His soul would be made as an offering for sin, so who could this be?
The Promised One
Friend there is good news for us today, because God has already sent this redeemer! Jesus Christ is that redeemer that God Almighty promised He would send! He was born in the town of Bethlehem, and he died for the sins of the world just as the prophets had said a long time ago. Jesus said in John 17:3, “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Do you know God? Do you know Jesus? Who is Jesus Christ? As we have already seen, the prophet Micah said that His “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting,” which means that He is from eternity. The bible says (speaking of Christ) in Proverbs 8:22-36 – “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.”
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. He was there with God, when all things were created, for God said “Let US make man in OUR image” (Genesis 1:26). The prophet Isaiah spoke of Christ in this manner: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
God the Father is the one true God who no man has seen, nor can see with mortal eyes. He is above all. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, who proceeded forth from the Father, and came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost! He has revealed the Father to us, because He is the very image of the Father. It was by Christ, that all things were created, thus all creation should honor Him even as the Father, because He is Emmanuel, God with us. You see Jesus is Divine, because he is the Son of God. Christ is the only begotten Son, and he had to partake in the Father’s nature. The reason Christ is sometimes called “God” in the Bible is because as a Son he shares in his Father’s nature, essence and glory. God can be a proper name, a title or refer to the nature of God. Jesus isn’t The God [the Father], he is the Son of God, he is called the “Mighty God” and he has the fulness of the Godhead in him.
He is the only one who could pay the debt for our sins! Mohammed could not have accomplished this! No Pope, priest, or preacher could have either, but only Jesus. He is the only way. Both the Pope and Mohammed are the same as thieves and robbers, because they never came by faith in Christ. If you do not enter by faith in Christ, then you will not enter at all.
John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Dear friend, there is only one way to be saved from the wrath that is to come, and that way of escape is by faith in the Son of God. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Will you believe upon Jesus, the Lamb of God that was slain for the sins of the world, or will you reject Him and die in your sins?
Witches Outnumber Presbyterians in the US; Wicca, Paganism Growing ‘Astronomically’
When the United States of America gradually left the Judeo Christian ethic and the model of the Biblical family, a vacuum was left for Satan to enter. ….and enter he did! Going back to “innocuous” sitcoms such as Bewitched and I Dream Of Jeannie, the groundwork was already laid to dupe the masses and prime the pump for real Satanic deception. Baby Boomers remember groups like the Eagles (they sang Hotel California which expounds on Satan worshipper Anton Lavey), Black Oak Arkansas, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult (their song Don’t Fear The Reaper encouraged young people to commit suicide) to name a few.
Hosea 8:7 “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”
Pray for this rebellious and sin sick nation ~ Pastor Steve <><
Witches Outnumber Presbyterians in the US; Wicca, Paganism Growing ‘Astronomically’
November 16 2018
The population of self-identified witches has risen dramatically in the United States in recent decades, as interest in astrology and witchcraft practices have become increasingly mainstream.
While data is sparse, Quartz noted, the practice of witchcraft has grown significantly in recent decades; those who identify as witches has risen concurrently with the rise of the “witch aesthetic.”
“While the U.S. government doesn’t regularly collect detailed religious data, because of concerns that it may violate the separation of church and state, several organizations have tried to fill the data gap,” Quartz reported.
“From 1990 to 2008, Trinity College in Connecticut ran three large, detailed religion surveys. Those have shown that Wicca grew tremendously over this period. From an estimated 8,000 Wiccans in 1990, they found there were about 340,000 practitioners in 2008. They also estimated there were around 340,000 Pagans in 2008.”
Pew Research Center studied the issue in 2014, discovering that 0.4 percent of Americans, approximately 1 to 1.5 million people, identify as Wicca or Pagan, meaning their communities continue to experience significant growth.
The rapid rise is not a surprise to some given philosophical and spiritual trends in culture.
“It makes sense that witchcraft and the occult would rise as society becomes increasingly postmodern. The rejection of Christianity has left a void that people, as inherently spiritual beings, will seek to fill,” said author Julie Roys, formerly of Moody Radio, in comments emailed to The Christian Post Tuesday.
“Plus, Wicca has effectively repackaged witchcraft for millennial consumption. No longer is witchcraft and paganism satanic and demonic,” she said, “it’s a ‘pre-Christian tradition’ that promotes ‘free thought’ and ‘understanding of earth and nature.’”
Yet such repackaging is deceptive, Roys added, “but one that a generation with little or no biblical understanding is prone to accept.”
“It’s tragic, and a reminder of how badly we need a spiritual revival in this country, and also that ‘our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world,’” she said, referencing Ephesians 6, which explains spiritual warfare.
Similarly, radio host and author Carmen LaBerge noted on Twitter that the figures are striking in that witches outnumber certain Christian denominations.
“As mainline Protestantism continues its devolution, the U.S. witch population is rising astronomically. There may now be more Americans who identify as practicing witches, 1.5 mil, than there are members of mainline Presbyterianism (PCUSA) 1.4 mil,” she said Tuesday.
Reported by: ChristianPost.com
By Prophecy in the News|November 16th, 2018|Tags: Bible Prophecy, Christian News, Paganism, Prophecy News, rejection of Christianity, Wicca, Witchcraft, Witches
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Something Wiccan This Way Comes: Why Is The Occult On The Rise?
By John Stonestreet/Breakpoint.org December 17, 2018
Netflix’s most talked-about new show this fall is “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” The “Sabrina” of the title is Sabrina Spellman, a half-witch/half-mortal who is about to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. On that day, which is, not coincidentally, October 31, she is expected to undergo what the show calls a “dark baptism,” in which she would pledge loyalty to Satan.
Now before you are tempted to say “Okay, it’s just another stupid TV show,” consider this: According to recent reports, occult ideas and practices are booming in the United States, and not just outside the church.
A recent Pew Research study found that a large and growing percentage of Americans believe in reincarnation, astrology, psychics, and the presence of spirits in nature.
In fact, six in ten Americans accept at least one or more of these beliefs. Shockingly, that number is just as high among self-identified Christians. Even agnostics–over half, in fact–have adopted occult ideas, along with the overwhelming majority of those who call themselves “spiritual, but not religious.”
The occult is becoming mainstream in this country. At least part of the reason why is how easy, user-friendly, and infinitely customizable the chaotic buffet of beliefs borrowed from Eastern pantheistic faiths and pre-Christian religions is these days. There’s no church or creed or set of rules. You can pick and choose whatever you like. It’s spirituality meets consumerism. And you are the god.
Still, there’s also an increase of more rigorous disciples of the mystical–those who really identify and practice religions like Wicca.
According to new research by Trinity College in Connecticut, Wicca is one of the fastest-growing religions in the country. Between 1990 and 2008, it saw a forty-fold increase in the number of adherents. One-and-a-half million Americans now identify as either Wiccan or Pagan.
The Web publication Quartzy appropriately described modern witchcraft as “the perfect religion for liberal millennials…” Wiccans emphasize “free thought and will of the individual,” encouraging “learning and understanding of the earth and nature,” as well as tolerance and the ideals of feminism. It even comes with a cool hashtag: #WitchesofInstagram.
In other words, for most of its adherents, Wicca functions as a spiritual patina on progressive politics, not really a source of supernatural powers. You won’t find these witches stirring cauldrons or riding broomsticks, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing darker going on.
As C. S. Lewis wrote in the preface to “The Screwtape Letters,” there are two equal and opposite errors we can fall into concerning devils and demons. One is to disbelieve in or disregard their existence, a posture far too common in the western world. The other is to have an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.
This upsurge of occult beliefs and religions in this country, though often political and consumeristic, is still a sign that forces of darkness are at work. For one thing, all false faiths lead people–including people within the church–away from Christ, and that has eternal consequences.
For Christians, there are more immediate consequences. The Scriptures are clear: Satan is a defeated foe, put to open shame by the resurrection of Christ. But make no mistake, he’s still an active foe, roaming about “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
From Acts 19, we learn that the defeated forces of the enemy pose a very real and even sometimes physical threat. Those who don’t take that threat seriously may end up like Sceva’s seven sons: bleeding, naked, and running for their lives.
Not every plastic lawn vampire or self-proclaimed “witch” is a manifestation of spiritual evil; but the rise of occult beliefs, especially within the church, is–making the old call to “renounce the devil and all his works” even more relevant today than ever.
Originally published at Breakpoint.org – reposted with permission.
Read more at http://prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2823#mmxExZAFojOJBVE2.99
Pray For Revival In America!
Pulpit & Pen: THEOLOGY ~ POLEMICS ~ DISCERNMENT
Key the following link for the latest edition from the Pulpit & Pen blogsite
THEOLOGY ~ POLEMICS ~ DISCERNMENT:
This discernment blog goes into great depth, addressing the plethora and varieties of apostasy that are encroaching the church today. How does one counter falsehoods? By becoming steeped in the scriptures and being aware of false prophets and wolves in sheepskin. A thorough knowledge of the Word, and Godly wisdom, are the proper tools used to counter heresy. In Christ, Pastor Steve <><
Thought For The Day:
16 Signs of a False Prophet
This is a very good list of the characteristics of false prophets. If you are like me, as you read this, you will be thinking of well known “celebrity preachers” in the public eye, as well as false teachers you personally experienced yourself. This is also great material to pass on to young believers, lest they are beguiled! Notice how it is entirely based on the scriptures, Blessings, Pastor Steve <><
16 Signs of a False Prophet/Teacher
What does the Bible say about false prophets/teachers?
by Mark Ballenger
What does the Bible say about false prophets and teachers? Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Whenever Jesus tells us to “beware,” he means this in the most literal sense. As Christians we must be on guard, for wolves dress in sheep clothing, trying to masquerade as innocent pastors but in reality are dangerous false prophets and teachers. Wolves are cunning, they prey on sheep rather than on other wolves, and therefore Christians must know how to detect a dangerous leader, for they will not be obvious, especially if you are an accepting person.
1 John 4:1-3 tells us that anyone who does not confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh from God is a false prophet. This sign of a false prophet is the most obvious. But again, as Jesus warned us, false prophets are crafty and they won’t always reveal themselves this easily. This is why 1 John 4:1 tells us, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
So here are 16 signs of a false prophet and teacher.
1. Many false prophets/teachers are gifted communicators but poor expositors.
The requirement of an elder (pastor) is not gifted communication but the ability to teach the word of God accurately. If someone is pretending to be a good teacher of the Bible when in actually they are simply a gifted orator who uses Christian ideas in their talks, which are presented as sermons, this person is a false teacher/prophet.
Twisting a passage of Scripture to mean something other than its intended meaning is the defining mark of a false prophet or teacher. But because they are cunning, they mask this deception with brilliant communication style.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
2. False prophets/teachers love large crowds rather than deep growth.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to preach to a lot of people. This is a good desire if the motivation is to help many know God more through your preaching. However, a false prophet/teacher loves large groups of people rather than “loving people.” Individuals are a nuisance. They love crowds for the sake of being admired and praised.
(John 12:18-19)
3. False prophets/teachers hate being rebuked and disciplined.
You can always know how authentic someone’s faith really is when they get corrected and disciplined. False teachers/prophets love to be seen as the leader, model, and the one doing the rebuking. But their faith is not genuine if they cannot receive corrections because all Christians will at times be in need of loving discipline by others.
(Matthew 15:12-14)
4. A false teacher/prophet loves money.
The mark of a true prophet or Bible teacher is not a hatred of money or a vow of poverty. But most false prophets/teachers love money and use the gospel for personal gain.
(2 Corinthians 2:17, Titus 1:7, 1 Timothy 3:3)
5. False prophets/teachers hide problems in their family life.
One of the qualifications for being an elder/pastor is that you manager your own household well. This does not mean, however, there will never be problems in a qualified pastor’s home. Sometimes he can lead well while his family is following poorly.
However, when his poor leadership (which he does not repent of) is the cause of ongoing problems, this is when he is disqualified. A false prophet/teacher knows this, and so they hide the problems in their family. When a good pastor has family issues, he will seek the help of others, overcoming his fear of people judging him.
(1 Timothy 3:4)
6. A false prophet/teacher is often accompanied by a spiritually immature spouse.
Having an immature spouse does not mean you are a false teacher/prophet. And being a false teacher/prophet does not automatically mean your spouse is also a problem. Typically, however, people with similar character and values flock together (which is also why false prophets/teachers have bad marriages since both have bad character).
(1 Timothy 3:11)
7. A false prophet/teacher will be adored by his followers but despised by many “outsiders”.
If everyone hates you, it probably means you are a cruel person who advances your own agenda at the cost of others. If everyone loves you, it probably means you fear telling people the truth and want the approval of man more than God’s approval.
A good teacher, however, will be loved by some and despised by others. He will have a good reputation with outsiders. A false prophet will have a bad reputation with people who are not his followers. He will create an “us verse them” mentality in his church (cult). Those who don’t support him will be blacklisted by him and his followers. A true Christian leader desires his local church to be united with other local churches and leaders for the sake of supporting the universal church and being a witness to the world through Christian unity.
(1 Timothy 3:7, John 17:20-21)
8. Pride fuels false prophets/teachers.
Satan was brought down by his own pride. So many times pastors start out with good intentions, but over the years their own pride corrupts them. They may not have started out as a false leader in the church, which makes it difficult for people who have been around them along time when suddenly they realize this person has changed. The mark of maturity is humility, and only mature Christians should seek to be leaders in the church. A false prophet/teacher is not motivated by love for God and people but by pride and the desire for self-exaltation like Satan.
(1 Timothy 3:6)
9. A false prophet/teacher knows the Bible just enough to twist it towards their own ends.
A false Bible teacher will know some doctrines, but they will not love doctrine. They will know some Bible, but they will not love reading it. They will preach passionately but not live for Christ passionately. They will have an appearance of godliness, but they will lack real power in applying God’s word for his glory.
(2 Timothy 3:5, 1 Timothy 4:16)
10. A false prophet/teacher avoids strong elders.
A pastor who picks elders rather than a pastor picked by elders is a red flag. Certainly there are times for church-planters to pick elders to start a church, but even these elections should not be his sole decision. A good pastor will seek strong elders before seeking large numbers of congregants. A good pastor is eager to empower elders and be submissive to them.
Trying to build a church without strong elders is like building a house on a weak foundation. It’s like starting construction before getting your loan approved. A New Testament Church must be elder led, where everyone, including the pastors and other elders are held accountable to the group of elders. A false prophet knows this but avoids other strong leaders because he wants all the control and hates being corrected. He sets up figurehead “yes men” as elders to have an appearance of a New Testament church but in actuality he alone is still able to keep control. He surrounds himself with weak leaders who will struggle to discipline him (which is also why a false prophet/teacher often puts family in leadership).
(1 Timothy 1:5, Acts 14:23)
11. A false teacher/prophet will have a life that looks nothing like his sermons.
A false teacher/prophet primarily errs in preaching the word of God accurately. But another significant mark of an unfit pastor is one whose life contradicts the content of their own sermons. It’s possible to fake your faith for an hour in the pulpit. But it’s impossible to fake your faith throughout your whole week. Faith is expressed through your deeds. A false prophet will have a life full of evil deeds, hidden from the public of course. Don’t expect a false prophet/teacher to open up his home life to his church. There are too many secrets there for that.(Matthew 5:19-20, 1 Timothy 4:12)
12. A false prophet/teacher often points to their past “ministry successes.”
Again, many pastors turn into a false prophet/teacher over a period of time. Just because God did good through someone in the past does not mean they are for sure a true pastor pleasing to the Lord. God is so powerful, he can bring about converts and develop true Christians even through false teachers/prophets (Philippians 1:15-18).
Overtime, however, the fruitfulness usually fades, and thus they typically talk about the glory days of the past and remind people often of their past “successes” in ministry.
(Matthew 7:22-23)
13. A false prophet/teacher will often preach the same message over and over again.
John Stott said, “Every heresy is due to an overemphasis upon some truth, without allowing other truths to qualify and balance it.” By zeroing in on one doctrine, they often misrepresent other doctrines. A false teacher/preacher also steers clear of expository preaching because he wants to avoid parts of Scripture that do not advance his personal agenda or that he feels personally convicted by. Many false preachers try to preach through books of the Bible, but they reveal their falseness through turning every passage into a sermon about what they want to say rather than what the point of that specific passage actually is.
(2 Peter 2:1-3, Matthew 6:7)
14. A false prophet/teacher will surround himself with weak willed people.
A wolf maybe evil, but he is not stupid. False pastors love power, therefore they try to fill their churches with people who are easy to manipulate and control. If you are an “easy going person,” a false prophet/teacher will butter you up with titles, compliments, promises of promotions, and through confiding in you as a friend. But don’t be mistaken, this is all about getting control over you.
15. A false teacher/prophet seeks to “please God” in return for “blessings” and “success.”
A false teacher/prophet is often very religious. They might fast often, pray long public prayers, and perhaps have never even taken a drink of alcohol in their life. While doing such pious acts can be great benefits for any pastor, a false pastor does these things as a way of appeasing God. A false pastor makes sacrifices because he thinks God will bless him with power, ministry success, financial gain, or a bigger following (Acts 8:18).
A false prophet/teacher seeks to “glorify God” so he can be successful in ministry (followed by a lot of people for his ego) rather than seeking to be successful in ministry for the glory of God. If a false prophet/teacher like this does achieve some “success,” you will know he is false because he will take the credit for the success, sometimes blatantly but always in the heart. He will give himself credit because he believes that through his religious acts God has blessed him and his ministry.
(1 Corinthians 3:5-7, 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, Acts 8:18-23)
16. False prophets/teachers are led by their desire to be worshiped.
So what does the Bible say about false teachers, prophets, and pastors? Ultimately a false church leader is just that – false. The theme of their life will be deception, hiding, and lies. They distort the word of God in preaching and they distort the example of Christ in their behavior. They tell people what their itching ears want to hear so that they will receive from the people what they want in return – power, fame, finances, and other worldly pursuits.
In short, a false prophet/teacher does what he does because he desires to be worshiped by people rather than lead the people in worshiping God. He does not want to serve God. He pretends to serve God so people will serve and worship him.
(2 Timothy 4:1-5)
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Article From Mark Ballenger ApplyGodsWord.com.
Kingdom Of The Cults ~ Walter Martin
Below are about twelve hours of lessons exposing the lies of all of the major cults. The instructor is Walter Martin, who has unparalleled expertise in the false belief systems of these manmade religions. Included are teachings on the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons (LDS), Zen Buddhism, Freemasonry, Eastern Mysticism, Hare Krishna, Universalism, the Church of Scientology and many others. If you become well versed with the facts, you can become a marvelous witness of God’s truth.
The Mormons ~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ~ The godmakers
The theology of the Mormons is one of the most profound pack of lies ever concocted by Lucifer. It is out of the pit of Hell and it smells like smoke. There is absolutely nothing in this belief system whatsoever that resonates with orthodox Christianity. The following are teachings from John MacArthur, Charles Haddon Spurgeon and an ex Mormon RICHARD PACKHAM, on this cult.
In The Name Of Jesus, Pastor Steve
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Spurgeon Thursday – On Mormonism
LDS Defined
What shall we say of Mormonism, the haggard superstition of the West? (Nov 5, 1854)
LDS and Polygamy
Then what will ye choose? Shall it be Mahometanism? Will ye choose that, with all its fables, its wickedness and libiditiousness? I will not tell you of it. Nor will I mention the accursed imposture of the West that has lately arisen. We will not allow Polygamy, while there are men to be found who love the social circle, and cannot see it invaded. We would not wish, when God hath given to man one wife, that he should drag in twenty, as the companions of that one. We cannot prefer Mormonism; we will not, and we shall not. (May 27, 1855)
The 1855 Plague of Locusts
A little while ago some of us were fretting about this Mormonism, and we said, “It will never be broken up.” Some stupid fellows in America began to kill the poor Mormonites, and so carve them into saints, which was the very way to establish them. Christians trembled, and said, “What can this be? We shall have Sodom over again.”
But did you read the Times newspaper of Thursday last? You will there see a wonderful instance of how God can scatter the clouds and make them dust of his feet. He has caused to come out of the ground, near Salt Lake, at Utah, thousands of crickets, and all kinds of noxious insects, that devour the crops; creatures that have not been seen in Utah before, with swarms of locusts, have made their appearance; and the people, being so far from civilized nations, cannot of course carry much corn across the desert, so that they will be condemned to starve or else separate and break up. It seems to all appearance that the whole settlement of the Mormonites must entirely be broken up, and that by an army of caterpillars, crickets, and locusts. (Aug 19, 1855)
A Transparent Delusion
Take again the increase of Mormonism. What has been its strength? Simply this—the assertion of power from heaven. That claim is made, and the people believe it, and now they have missionaries in almost every country of the habitable globe, and the book of Mormon is translated into many languages. Though there never could be a delusion more transparent, or a counterfeit less skillful, and more lying upon the very surface, yet this simple pretension to power has been the means of carrying power with it. (Apr 27, 1856)
Victorian Universalism
That seems to me to be the right spirit, but where do you find it now-a-days? The modern spirit mutters, ‘We are all right, every one of us.’ He who says, ‘yes,’ is right, and he who says, ‘no,’ is also right! You hear a man talk with mawkish sentimentality which he calls Christian charity. ‘Well, I am of opinion that if a man is a Muslim, or a Catholic, or a Mormon, or a Dissenter—if he is sincere—he is all right.’ They do not quite include devil worshippers, thugs and cannibals yet—but if things go on they will accept them into the happy family of the Broad Church. Such is the talk and cant of this present age, but I bear my witness that there is no truth in it and I call upon every child of God to protest against it and, like Moses, to declare that he can have no complicity with such a confederacy! (July 28, 1872)
Mike Drop (oh yeah!)
And, last of all, though much more might be said, what happiness this brings to a man to know that he is a child of God. I remember, some 22 years ago, being waited upon by a Mormon who wanted to convince me of the Divine mission of Joseph Smith. And after hearing some of his talk, I said, ‘Sir, would you kindly tell me what you have to offer me and how I am to get it? I will listen to you if you will let me tell you afterwards what I have to offer you and the way to it.’ I heard him with a great deal of patience. He listened to me not quite so patiently, but when I had done he saluted me thus, ‘If what you say is true, you ought to be the happiest man in the world!’ To which I replied, ‘Sir, you are correct. I ought to be and, more, I am!’ And so I left him. (Sep 21 1875)
A Disclaimer
One of the most modern pretenders to inspiration is the Book of Mormon. I could not blame you should you laugh outright while I read aloud a page from that conglomeration. (April 25, 1891)