A brother called recently to talk to me about the story of Job. He shared how - at the end of the matter - God never told Job why he was allowed to suffer. His three friends insisted that his suffering must be the result of either his sin or his children's sin. They claimed that this was a judgment against Job because he really didn't serve the Lord at all. Yet, each of these friends were wrong (Job 42:7-8).
God starts off stating that Job was a perfect & upright man (Job 1:8) and He ends by justifying Job and blessing him anew (Job 42:10-17). Yet here is the kicker: There were still things God needed to work out in Job. Job needed to learn that God is sovereign (Job 38:1 - 41:34). God does what He wants to do and He owes us no explanation...even while His hand of protection remains upon us.
The point here is that - through this process of suffering - Job was convicted and brought to repentance over having spiritual pride (Job 40:3-5, 42:1-6). Job was a righteous man, but there were still things in his heart that God wanted to reveal so that Job could be further purged and cleansed (Job 33:14-29).
This is how we are able to live blamelessly before God, even with there still being things which need to be set right within us (Luke 1:6; I Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 2:15, 3:6; I Thessalonians 5:23; I Timothy 3:2-10, 5:7; Titus 1:6-7; II Peter 3:14). Being upright is not about having no sin, but about not being in covenant with sin...and that is a big difference.
"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins." Hebrews 10:1-2
Whether Christian or not, most people are trying to make continual sacrifices for their sin. There is the erroneous belief that if the amount of "good" I do outweighs the "bad" (in my own eyes), then I am okay. If I curse someone out on my job on Monday, then I can just give some money to the poor on Tuesday. If I lie on Wednesday, then I will give food to the hungry on Friday. If I fornicate on Saturday, then I can just go to church on Sunday.
Much of what the world would call "good works" are really just efforts by a sin-filled people trying to soothe their own consciences. Such works are never received by God (I Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 15:8;Matthew 7:21-23). We cannot game God. He is after our hearts, and not just our lip service (Psalm 51:17).
The very need to soothe one's conscience is due to the awareness of sin. Yet, one of the blessings of the new covenant is that our very consciences can be purged. We don't have to try and convince ourselves that we are alright with God, pretending that the sin we are ever conscious of is not a problem. The Holy Spirit of God cannot only give us the power to resist sin, He change our hearts so that we no longer desire nor pursue the things which offend God. Thereby we break covenant with sin (Romans Chapter 6).
When we are truly walking before the Lord in sincerity, there is no awareness of sin because we are not trying to hide anything from God. We can actually stand before God with a clear conscience. As such, He considers us upright before Him, even while we are still being perfected by Him. "Therefore tohim that knowethto do good, and doeth it not, tohim it is sin." James 4:17
The Time For Ignorance Has Passed
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" II Corinthians 13:5
God knows our hearts (Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 44:21; Luke 16:15; Acts 15:8; Romans 8:27). He knows when we are truly ignorant of something vs. when we want to remain stiff-necked against the truth. Part of being sincere before God (and thus, being perfected) includes having an earnest desire to seek and walk in the truths of God (I Peter 1:22; I John 2:26-28).
What are some of the signs that one is avoiding the truth?
Religious debates - Approaching God's word as a mental exercise in theological gymnastics as opposed to it being a truth to be obeyed. Such persons will talk all around it and philosophize about it, but never submit to it.
Non-essentialDoctrines - While I understand the principle behind laying out what is necessary for salvation, we must realize that every truth of God is truth. Which of God's truths would you presume it is okay for us to reject? Our goal should not be to merely "believe what is essential", but to know the truth of God wherewith we may be set free.
No Personal Study of Scripture - God commands us to study His word to show ourselves approved (II Timothy 2:15). Yet people do not study to know the truth because they do not want to be accountable to it.
Exalting "personal revelation" - Some will heed "another spirit" sooner than the Holy Spirit, in an attempt to deny the truth (II Corinthians 11:4). However, the Holy Spirit will never contradict God's word because both the written and spoken word are inspired by the same Spirit (II Thessalonians 2:15; II Peter 1:21).
Ad Hominem -As with Jesus, if a person cannot dispute the truth being spoken, then they will attack the character of the messenger bringing truth (Matthew 10:24-25).
Why do people avoid the truths of God? Because they are still in covenant with sin. Why did Adam & Eve try to hide when Truth was walking in the Garden? Sin (Genesis 3:8). Sin is always the culprit when we are running from truth. When we forsake God's truths, no matter how religious we are, we are forsaking Christ (John 15:6; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; 2 John 1:1-11; 3 John 1:1-12).
Why am I writing about this? Because the time for playing church is over. The time for drinking down any word just because someone has told it to us must cease. The deception of being "ever-learning" but never coming to the knowledge of truth must end (II Timothy 3:7).
I don't know if there is a God. He could be just a figment of our imaginations. The Bible could just be a collection of people's stories about their ideas of God. Jesus Christ may not even have been a real person. Our beliefs about God may be more important than who God really is...if He really is.
When we claim ambiguity about the things which are expressly laid out in Scripture, we are fooling ourselves into believing that God will accept our excuses. He will not. It is admirable to search the Scriptures for truth; it is evil to assert that truth is not found within them (Acts 17:11; Hebrews 3:12). This is why we must be born again (John 3:7). You cannot just approach Scripture as a religious book. We need the Holy Spirit to bring to life the words of truth and thereby change us into the image of Christ. Unless this happens, it will remain as dead letter, and the most you will be able to do is talk about a God you do not know and a Savior whom you have yet to receive.
I am not singling out this individual, because unfortunately he represents the majority of the so-called churchworld. Whether one publicly doubts God or not, every time we place anything above the truth of God, we are denying Christ for He is Truth (Psalm 19:9-11; Proverbs 8:10-11, 16:16; Job 23:12).
We cannot hide from God behind religion...even a religion called Christianity. Instead of glorying in, and finding camaraderie around, our unbelief, doubt, and uncertainty, we had better seek God like never before to have truth revealed to - and in - us. We cannot just sit back, lackadaisical about the things of God, labeling ourselves a Christian as if our mere profession makes it so. Only those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6). God desires to give us His wisdom; all we have to do is ask (James 1:5). Shame on us if we don't.
Any person can call himself a Christian, but Jesus only receives those who are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14). Are you one of those in that number?
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent." Acts 17:30
If you don't know the Lord, then it is easy to say that all religions are equal. That there are many ways to "God" and none more valid than another.
If you don't know the Lord, then you won't bat an eye at denying His words, perverting them, or just completely disregarding them.
If you don't know the Lord, then you can laugh whole-heartedly when the things of God are mocked, as people in ignorance demean spiritual gifts or spiritual authority.
If you don't know the Lord, then you will find it amusing when men are are depicted as buffoons, are emasculated in the media, or cross-dress for fame & money.
If you don't know the Lord, then you will champion a woman's "right" to be depicted as a whore, to be sexually promiscuous, or to kill her own children.
If you don't know the Lord, then you can call sin a mistake, a "wreck", or simply a lifestyle choice.
If you don't know the Lord, then you can exert more energy in conforming others to yourself and your ideals than to Jesus Christ.
If you don't know the Lord, then you can esteem the acceptance of men more than the favor of God.
If you don't know the Lord, then you can afford to invest your all into maintaining the here & now, and worry about eternity later.
But how many truly desire to know the Lord...and be known by Him?
Are you willing to stand for Jesus, even when it is not popular? Are you willing to lose homes, cars, jobs, friends, and family for the sake of winning Christ? Are you willing to lay down your life as a sacrifice so that others - even those who may currently be your enemies - might be saved? If you know the Lord, it may not be easy, but it is worth it.
Worth it to be made whole, to be made new. Worth it to be delivered from bondage and truly set free from sin. Worth it to not be blinded & ensnared by the deceits and allures of this present, temporary world. Worth it to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, having your identity restored in Him. Worth it to be able to cry out, "Abba Father" and know that you are loved with an unfailing love. Worth it to always be with God, who desires to fill you with His glory and bless you with an eternal inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading.
"Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, IF we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:1-3
Only in "religion" could two fornicators be heralded as a "fairy tale" couple while they participate in a grand, royal wedding - with the whole world enthralled - presided over by a pedophilic priesthood as other fornicators, adulterers, idolaters, drunkards, and homosexuals join them at a "church" full of idols to celebrate the occasion.
God says in His word that the inhabitants of the earth would become drunk with the fornication of the harlot with the kings of the earth. Such is certainly true. Only in Sodom and Gomorrah could that which is defiled be exalted as being honorable.
Is all it takes for us to forget God and His ways a pretty dress? A handsome couple? An ornate cathedral?
I am not picking on any person(s) in particular. I am pointing out how very far the values of men have strayed from God's values. Man routinely calls good what God calls evil...and thinks nothing of it (Isaiah 5:20).
On the outside, religion looks holy and pious, but inwardly it is full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Yet who wants to acknowledge that? Who wants to admit that the Emperor has no clothes? Do we desire to see the world as it really is or would we rather let our minds be lulled into a world of fantasia, deceiving ourselves with our own imaginations?
Satan is a wonderful dreamweaver because that is all he has. He cannot offer man anything more than fiction or fantasy because his entire kingdom is built upon a mirage of lies (John 8:44). And yet when you point that out, you are seen as the enemy (Galatians 4:16). This is why God warns the church to be sober and watchful in this hour.
Contrary to what the world (including much of the churchworld) considers pure, God has the following to say about His Bride:
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." Song of Songs 4:7
"The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold." Psalm 45:13
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:25-27
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." II Corinthians 11:2
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight." Colossians 1:21-22
"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. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. " Revelation 19:7-9
The church is to be "glorious within", not simply outwardly adorned in beautiful attire. The white linen of the Bride of Christ is not merely a show of virtue, it is the righteousness of the saints. Those who are not sincere before Him, will find their linen removed at the most inopportune time - even while following after Him - revealing their true nakedness and whoredoms (Ezekiel 23:28-30; Mark 14:51-21; Act 19:16 II Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:17, 16:15).
We may be able to pull the wool over the minds of men, but we cannot fool God. Don't fall in love with, or become bewitched by, the hocus pocus of the world's pomp & circumstance. The Bride of Christ makes herself ready for her Bridegroom's return and longs for His appearing; where she will be found blameless, without spot and righteous before Him...because she is a reflection of who He is.
The crest of the Vatican featuring a dragon/serpent. The word Vatican literally means "divining serpent".
Continuing the series entitled, "Know Your Enemy" by Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project, this selection of videos addresses the occult and secret societies as extensions of the Babylonian mystery religion.
The "enemy" is not a person or even a group of people for we wrestle not against flesh & blood. The "enemy" is Satan who exerts himself as a spiritual force against that which is of God.
While I am posting a number of videos from this series, these particular ones I happen to believe are some of the most important for Christians to watch. I hope that you are able to take time to watch them.
There are a number of videos in this series, so feel free to use the arrows on the left and right of the video screen - or the listing of videos at the bottom of the screen - to navigate to the particular topic you wish to review, as listed below:
*Part 23 - Roman Catholicism (This one I particularly recommend) When Christianity reached Rome, it dropped into a city completely under the spell of Babylonian worship and whose emperor was the current high priest of the mysteries as denoted by the title "Supreme Pontiff". This is why Rome was so intent on brutally persecuting and exterminating Christians. Never underestimate just how much Satan hates God's people nor to what lengths he would go to harm us if he had the power to do so. Because persecution had only made Christianity more formidable, Satan - through Rome - switched to a tactic of manipulation.
In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine signed an edict of Milan which allowed tolerance of Christianity. However, Constantine only did this for political gain and even engineered a false conversion to allow him to use Christianity in furthering his objectives. He appointed leaders in the church as his political advisers and worldliness and corruption began to seep into the church in Rome. Eventually, the title "Supreme Pontiff" which had been reserved for Ceasars in denoting them as the high priest of the mysteries was bestowed upon Damascus, the Bishop of Rome. This remains a title of the pope of the Roman Catholic church until this day. He is still called the "Supreme Pontiff" as the head of the pagan religion of Babylon, the mystery religion, the fount of satanic worship.
To increase the spread of its mystery religion, the RCC continued to compromise Christian principles in order to attract pagan converts. The RCC simply became a mystery Babylon religion with a Christian facade.
* Part 25 - Catholic Symbols II (This one I particularly recommend) A review of how the RCC openly incorporates satanic and Anti-christ symbolology. The word "Vatican" itself literally means "the divining serpent"; it comes from the Latin word vatis which means diviner or soothsayer.
* Part 26 - Islam & Muhammad (This one I particularly recommend) Islam's roots are also in the Babylon mystery religion. Muhammad's inspiration for the Qur'an came from what he initially admitted was a demon. Muhammad's wife Khadija then sought direction from her Catholic cousin to explain the spiritual encounter and was told that it must have been a message from God. After that, Muhammad started to think of himself as a prophet who had been visited by an angel of God. However, as a result of this experience, Muhammad became suicidal and attempted to kill himself multiple times.
Muhammad was thought to be demonically possessed even as a child, and this possession is echoed even in the Islamic holy books (Sura 81:22-25, Sura 69:41-42, Surah 53:21, Hadith of Bukhari Volume 7 #660). There is also overwhelming evidence (including in Islamic holy books) that Muhammad was a pedophile, marrying his wife Aisha when she was 6 years old and consummating this relationship when she was 9 years old. The sexual perversion from which Islam springs is also why Muslim men are promised constant fornication with virgins as a depiction of their paradise after death.
* Part 27 - Allah (This one I particularly recommend) Muhammad was born into a culture of moon worship who referred to this god as "Al-Ilah", denoting him as supreme over all their other gods. This name later became shortened to "Allah". Muhammad tried to convince the Christians and Jews that his "Allah" was the same as Yahweh, but they knew such was not the case and rejected his appeals as heresy. As a result, Satan - through Muhammad - switched from Plan "A" (manipulation) to Plan "B" (intimidation) and began to seek the annihilation of both.
This dichotomy is reflected in Muhammad's writings, where the earlier ones (from Mecca) were peaceful to the Jews and the later writings (from Medina) were antagonistic towards them. To explain the many contradictions in the Qur'an, Islam operates on a principle of Abrogation which means that the later writings cancel out the earlier ones.
When appealing to the masses as a "religion of peace", Muslims will often point to the earlier writings of Muhammad in full knowledge that these verses have been effectively nullified by Muhammad's later writings calling for the slaughter of all infidels (unbelievers). The word "Islam" literally means submission and refers to the fact that its goal is to have the whole world in submission to its moon god, Allah.
*Part 29 - The Islamic Catholic Connection (This one I particularly recommend) The connections and commonalities between Catholicism and Islam reveal the truth of their shared roots in Babylon. This root will become more clear as the ecumenical movement gains more ground in uncovering the fact that they are both offshoots of the original mystery religion.
* Part 30 - The Dark Ages (This one I particularly recommend) Occult philosophies coming out of the Babylonian mysteries began to flourish. For a list of many of these occult practices which continue today, see the Fuel Project's Occult Checklist.
The RCC became the most powerful spiritual and political entity in the world. Legal authority over the setting up of kings in Europe was in the hands of the Catholic church. The previous Roman Empire became the Holy Roman Empire as the RCC conquered lands and pillaged the people to grow its own wealth, privilege, and power. They extorted money from the people by selling indulgences (offering forgiveness of sins for money) and allowing salvation to be purchased by tieing it to the invention of purgatory. By discouraging individual study of Scripture as well as preventing it being made available in the common tongue, the RCC kept the people in ignorance and dependant upon itself for "revelations" from its god.
Part 31 - The Information War I The Reformation (where men started to openly challenge the heresies & corruption of the RCC) combined with the invention of the printing press allowed people to hear the truths of the word of God and break away from RCC tyrany. The Bible then began to be printed in common languages. Although the RCC attempted to burn any copy it found as well as execute those involved in providing the translations, the RCC's control over its empire began to slip. The history of early Bible translations is discussed.
Part 32 - The Information War II
The discussion on the development of Bible versions continues to be outlined here. Henry the VIII broke from the RCC and founded the Church of England or the Anglican Church - including its own English Bible - and the monarchs of England became head of this church. However, when Queen "Bloody" Mary came to power, she attempted to bring England back under Roman authority, burning at the stake anyone thought to be a Protestant. The Reformers were allowed to return to England after the reign of "Bloody" Mary ended.
In 1582, the RCC surrendered their fight against a Latin-only Bible and created its own English version, but based singularly on the already proven corrupt Latin vulgate translation. In many ways, the Church of England is a sister to the RCC in origin, doctrine, and practice, even to the point of persecuting protestants against the church as had the RCC. Although Satan - through the RCC - attempted to establish a heirarchy of knowledge to limit people's knowlede of God and keep them dependant upon that organization, he failed yet again. The Reformers were killed, but because of their moral courage, the RCC stronghold was broken.
Yet Satan never changes. He still wants to control the information flow about God in order to limit people's knowledge of God. The most effective way to control the flow of information today is to control the media. Will we be courageous enough to stand up for the Gospel, even at the expense of our lives?
Part 33 - The Jesuits
As the reformation threatened to take away the power of the RCC, they established a counter reformation to nullify it and reassert its dominence. Therefore the Council of Trent was held to "clean-up" the RCC and reaffirm it as the only true church of God. Fundamental to this movement was the establishment of new religious orders, including the Society of Jesus or as they are commonly called, the Jesuits.
The founder of the Jesuits was Ignatius Loyola. Loyola eventually dedicated his life to an Asherah in a Benedectine monestary in Monserrat and later moved to live in a cave. Like Muhammad, Loyola received demonic visitations in the cave after he spent some time in self-mutilation, claiming that a figure in the shape of a serpent gave him revelation about the secret doctrine of the Catholic church. It is said that Loyola had mystic powers after this time. Loyola and 6 companians formed the initial brotherhood of the Society of Jesus, and he became its first Superior General of the order. Their goal was to reestablish the dominence of the RCC, and eventually, that organization saw the need for such a military order to fight against the work of the Reformation and it became a recognized arm of the RCC.
Part 34 - The Spiritual Exercises
Loyola ritualized his actions in the cave which led to the demonic visions as something called the "Spiritual Exercises". Every Jesuit was required to go through this initiation. By the end of this process, the Jesuit's mind would be broken and brought into complete subjection to his superiors and the order. According to their constitution, the Jesuit superiors could even command a Jesuit to sin to further their goalds for the Supreme General was to be seen as the vicar of Christ just as the pope is to the RCC laity. Even today, the Spiritual Exercises are promoted within "Emergent Christianity" by individuals such as Tony Campolo.
Part 35 - The Jesuit Oath
The Jesuit Oath commits each member to do any and all of the following in furthering the goals of the pope:
Become a "dissembler" or "fifth column" in order to obtain the confidence of and deceive the masses in information gathering;
Incite wars and bloodshed in order to disrupt the peace of nations not under RCC control;
Obtain leadership positions in religion, government, financial and education sectors in order to render them in service to the pope;
Consecrate his labors in blood by executing and exterminating heretics.
The Jesuit is assured that he will never have to be accountable, and is absolved of all personal responsibility - even before God - for any act committed in obeying the commands of those higher up in the heirarchy.
Part 37 - The Rise & Fall of the Jesuits
The Jesuits figured out that controlling education went a long ways to controlling information among the masses and therefore set-up various institutions of education worldwide to mold the "minds and souls of men". However, as a number of European governments grew to resent the Jesuit influence, they began to loose favor. Under pressure from European monarchs, the RCC abolished the Jesuit order in 1773.
Part 38 - The Enlightenment
The wickedness of the Jesuits and the RCC in general ignited a dramatic rejection of Christianity by many in Europe via a movement called "The Enlightenment." Even today many do not understand that neither the Crusades nor the Inquisition were Christian endeavors, but were the workings of the satanically-inspired RCC originization whose primary victims were the true Christians. In an effort to be rid of the type of religious control & corruption wielded by the RCC, people began to desire a type of godless society which would be free of such religious influences.
Instead of looking to God's ways (which they falsely believed were exemplified by the Catholic church), man would look to science and reason for all answers. Like Eve in the Garden, they believed the lie that God was a vengeful, wrathful God who hated man and desired to keep him in ignorance. Also like Eve, they did not know that in turning from the Tree of Life (God) to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil (man), they had been deceived by the "divining serpent" (Vatican). Needing some answer for the very existence of man and even the world in general, but not wanting to acknowledge the Christian God, the school of thought called Deism began to emerge.
Part 39 - Deism
Deism puts forth that there is a Creator, but this Creator is not personally involved with his/her creation. Since there is no direct interaction with this Creator, there is no direct revelation from him/her. In this way, all religions contain some validity and it is up to each person to pick and choose which truths are most relevant for themselves. According to this mindset, there is no such thing as an absolute truth of God. Everyone is right in their understanding of God because everyone has just a small portion of the truth.
Deism was a forerunner to Pantheism which says that not only is God observable in nature, but God is nature itself. In pantheism, God typically becomes female and is referred to as "Mother Nature", "Mother Earth", or "Gaia". Deism is also the roots of Universalism, which falsely teaches that everyone will get to Heaven, such as Carlton Pearson teaches. In its affinity to science, Deism began referring to God in scientific terms and referred to Him as the "Grand Architect of the Universe". The master plan of the Architect would then be accomplished by men as they increased in knowledge. It is around this time that Freemasonry became as a sort of church of Deism, exercising the purist form of Bablylonian mysteries in existence.
Part 40 - Freemasons
The history of lodges and the Freemason brotherhood in using the prinicples of Babylonian mystery religion in architecting a new society and new breed of man, free from religious tyranny.
Part 41 - The Illuminati
Information on the life and teachings of Adam Weishaupt who formed the "Ordo Illuminati Bavarensis" in 1776 as an exclusive sect within Freemasonry. Educated by the Jesuits, Weishaupt adopted many Jesuit principles in his Illuminati organization.
Part 42 - Illuminati Themes
One of the mottoes of the Illuminati is "Order out of Chaos". They create disorder and the bring about the solution to that disorder, whereby they gain control/influence over the minds of the people.
Part 43 - Masonic Symbols I
Occultists believe that once a symbol is created, it generates a power all its own; and the more secret the true meaning of the symbol, the more powerful it is. ALL occult symbols have double meanings to help with concealment.
Part 44 - Masonic Symbols II
A continuing review of the Freemasonry occult symbols.
In a previous article, we examined the Biblical example of Mary, the mother of Jesus contrasted with the "other" Mary some in the churchworld attempt to promote.
Posted below is a documentary by Jim Tetlow entitled "Messages from Heaven" which examines worldwide apparitions of a young woman who claims to be Mary, the "Queen of Heaven". During these visitations, it is not uncommon for there to be men or women who serve as "seers"/ "visionaries" channeling messages from "Mary" to the rest of the world.
This video examines:
What is behind the increase in marian apparitions in what is called the "Millennial age of Mary"? (Part 1)
The supernatural evidences which accompany these visitations such as healings, paintings of her which weep oil, tears, or blood, and turning silver rosaries into gold. (Part 1)
What are the words of this "Mary"? In the end times, does God really "step in with Mary as the Commander and Chief of all of His forces" to usher in a time of "peace & goodness"? (Part 2)
This last video is an interview with Jim Tetlow regarding his book "Queen of Rome, Queen of Islam, Queen of All" which examines the role "Mary" will play in uniting the world into one ecumenical religion.
"We believe the revelation and inspiration of both the Bible and Ellen White's writings to be of equal quality." SDA Ministry Magazine
People often contact me asking about the Seventh Day Adventist organization (SDA). Likewise, people in line with SDA beliefs often link to this site based in part on our article "Sunday, the Mark of the Beast" which they falsely assume supports the necessity of a Sabbath day of worship for believers.
As a young believer, I even attended an SDA bible study, although I had no idea that is was tied to SDA. This was due in part to the fact that it was not promoted as such. I have found that SDA materials and seminars often obscure the fact that they are disseminated by the SDA. While I cannot speak as to why this is done, I have seen it being a source of confusion for others and thought it best to address it. As with any deception, that which works best is that which incorporates some truth in with the lies.
The purpose of this article is not to speak about the relationship of the law to a believer. We have done that many times before. This article aims to provide information on where the SDA organization comes from and whether their teachings line up with the word of God.
The following video series "Seventh Day Adventism: The Spirit Behind the Church" discusses the life of Ellen G. White and the root & evolution of her spurious teachings and false prophecies. Such teachings include that Christ's atonement for sin was incomplete, That Jesus Christ is Michael the Archangel, and that there is no hell. The Jehovah's Witness is but one splinter group stemming from these false SDA teachings, including its own "inspired" versions of Scriptures.
The next video series "The Seventh Day Abomination (The SDA Mystery Babylon Connection)" shows how Ellen G. White's teachings were founded on the work of Freemason William Miller. It also connects these Millerite teachings back to their roots in freemasonry and Egyptian occult worship.
Egyptian pyramids were created to mirror the belt of Orion in astrology, which they believed to be the home of God. Ellen White makes various references in her writings to God being the "All-seeing eye" and God's home being in Orion. This is a continued theme in SDA teachings even today.
SDA also is at the forefront of the ecumenical movement to bring the world religions together under an Age of Aquarius "Rule of Law" as part of the new world order. The video shows how disunity between the SDA and the Roman Catholic Church is only a cunningly devised farce which will become more revealed as the two work closely together to bring about the ecumenical objectives.
**Potential Posters: You are welcome to post comments here, but please ensure they are relevant to the content of this article. As such, actually watching the videos before commenting is suggested. This is not a platform for SDA members to proselytize or to explain why they love the SDA institution. Nor is this a place to argue about the believer's relationship with the law. If you have questions about the law, please review one of the blog's many articles on this topic and post any appropriate comments there. Lastly, all assertions of truth should be accompanied with some Scriptural evidence. The purpose here is not to serve as an ecumenical forum where everyone just shares their opinions, but to facilitate an honest search & study for the truths of God based on His holy word. Comments not meeting these criteria may not be approved. Feel free to peruse existing comments as well, for your questions may already be addressed.
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil." James 4:14-16
In the following videos, Pastor Gary C. Price does a study on the Book of James.
By introduction to the message, Pastor Price gives a short overview of a book called "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. This book teaches new age occultism by encouraging men to tap into an energy source or higher power so that man can dictate what happens in his own life. He also shows how this approach to self-actualization is permeating through all parts of society.
Yet "The Secret" is actually no secret at all. It is the same old lie spoken by Satan in the Garden of Eden which seeks to undermine God's words and entice man to determine what is good or evil for himself. Set your own path. Create your own destiny. Speak your own existence into being by the power of positive thinking and proclamation.
Take this book, change the words "higher power" to Jesus, and you have an exact mirror of the Word of Faith heresy being taught by false preachers all across the globe. The world is being woven together in a humanistic, antichrist matrix and the enemies to this system will be those who stand for Jesus Christ alone, refusing to modify or compromise on His words.
Will you be obedient and endowed with power by God to stand or will you believe the lies of the god of this world and be deceived? Will you fall for The Secret - even if it is dressed up in the name of Jesus - or will you submit to the Truth who is The Way?
Our life must not be grounded in this world, but in Christ. Therefore, our focus must be in preparing for true eternal life in Christ and not building up temporal, pseudo-kingdoms in the earth.
These messages are part of live broadcasts from Omega Church & Ministries Center which occur at 1:00 pm EST on Sundays at the following site: http://www.stickam.com/omegaministries. So feel free to tune in directly to participate in the bible studies as they occur.
Vatican synod called by Pope Benedict XVI to address the plight of Christians in the Middle East
No Longer Chosen?
Who is Israel and to what group of people is God referring to when we see that reference in Scripture, especially the New Testament?
This can be a question which generates much debate...from the 'Christian identity sects' who all want to claim to be descendants of Israel to those who deny the existence of Israel altogether. However, this is also a topic about which Scripture is very clear.
In a Vatican Synod last week addressing the nation of Israel's presence in the Gaza Strip, the Roman Catholic Church stated:
"We Christians cannot speak of the ‘promised land’ as an exclusive right for a privileged Jewish people. This promise was nullified by Christ. There is no longer a chosen people – all men and women of all countries have become the chosen people."
Now the Roman Catholic Church has a highly anti-semitic history, which is consistent with the anti-christ spirit under it operates (even while waving a false banner of "Christianity"). However, once again the Scriptures clearly refute the erroneous assertions of this institution. God repeatedly states that there is still a particular people which He chooses as His own.
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." I Peter 2:7-10
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:13-14
There is a chosen generation, a peculiar people that God calls His people. Is this "all men and women of all countries" as the Catholic Church states? No! It is those who believe in Christ, and these individuals are contrasted against those whom God calls "disobedient". So while the Ecumenical movement desires to weave all religions together as equally acceptable to God, this is a lie. Although the chosen are "few", they are still chosen (Matthew 20:16, 22:14). Those who stand with Christ at the end of time are not only called and chosen, but faithful (Revelation 17:14).
Another falsehood the RCC asserts is that the promises made to Israel were "nullified by Christ". This is because that organization holds to what is called a Replacement Theology, which claims that the Church has replaced Israel as God's chosen people. Therefore, according to this doctrine, God is no longer dealing with the physical descendants of Israel as His people.
There is also another extreme to this position which might be called a Wipeout Theology, because it essentially attempts to wipe Israel off of the map when it comes to them ever being God's people. It says that the literal descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were never considered by God to be His people. Instead, they claim that Scriptural references to "Israel" refer only to those "spiritual Jews" based on faith and never a national heritage.
Both of these theologies are false.
Natural Israel is Still "Israel"
The New Testament continues to speak of the literal, physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as "Israel", disputing the fact that this word always signifies the Christian Church.
"Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I." II Corinthians. 11:22
Paul is speaking here of false prophets who are not part of the Body of Christ. He confirms that these Hebrews of the physical lineage of Abraham are in fact Israelites.
"Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?" I Corinthians 10:18
There remains an "Israel after the flesh" or in other words, an Israel determined by one's genealogy or earthly heritage.
"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises." Romans 9:3-4
Here Paul grieves over the lost condition of his "kinsmen according to the flesh" because they have not turned in faith to Christ. Without question, Paul confirms that these kinsmen are Israelites, in spite of their unbelief.
Natural Israel is Still God's Chosen People
Not only are there New Testament references to the physical Jews still being Israel, they are also dealt with by God as His people. Jesus Christ did not nullify God's promises to them.
"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." Romans 11:25
In referencing Israel, Paul addresses their lack of faith in Christ. Notice that God's promises to them have not been nullified by Christ, as the RCC asserts. God is using the Christian Church to move His people (Israel) to jealousy and by that turn their hearts back to Him as He continues to fulfill His promises to them (Romans 11:7-12). They have been blinded in part only until all of the Gentiles who will be saved have come into the faith. At that point, the blindness in Israel is lifted and they will see and recognize their Savior (Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7).
"As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes." Romans 11:28
Going further to discuss the blindness of the Jews, Paul calls these Israelites "beloved" of God. Not only are the unbelieving Jews still God's people, but they are agapētos meaning "esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love". As with us, this is not because of any righteousness they possess. Rather, it demonstrates the faithfulness of God as He continues to honor the promises made to their forefathers. Such promises do not grant the natural Jews salvation - for they still need to turn in faith to Christ to be saved - but it does mean that they continue to be recognized by God as His people.
"I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew." Romans 11:1-2a
God's people have not been replaced nor "cast away", but He works in them even now until the Second Coming to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ (Revelation 7:4-8).
There is Also a "Spiritual" Israel
"For neither is circumcision [now] of any importance, nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [the result of a new birth and a new nature in Christ Jesus, the Messiah]" Galatians 6:15-16Amplified Version
There is a natural people of Israel as determined by an earthly lineage of the flesh; and there is a spiritual people of Israel as determined by the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.
The physical people of Israel are often symbolized in Scripture as an "olive tree" (Jeremiah 11:16-17; Hosea 14:5-6; Romans 11:24). In Romans Chapter 11, we are told that Gentile believers in Christ Jesus are engrafted into that same tree to be made partaker of the root (who is Christ) and fatness (the blessings) of the tree. This of course is not a physical engrafting where our earthly heritage changes; it is a spiritual birth with a spiritual inheritance. We have not supplanted the olive tree, but are joined to and made one with it (Ephesians 2:15).
It is through this new birth that Jerusalem becomes the "mother of us all" and Abraham the "father of us all" (Galatians 4:26; Romans 4:16). The same also makes us people of the "circumcision" in that we have been circumsized spiritually in our hearts (Philippians 3:3; Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11). We are brought "nigh" unto the commonwealth of Israel making us "fellow citizens" with them (Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-20).
Why All the Confusion About Israel?
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Genesis 12:2-3
With all of the Scriptural evidence to the contrary, some might wonder how people can assert that Israel is no longer God's people.
Why is there so much animosity against Israel? Why such attempts to not only discredit them, or replace them, but to remove any remembrance of them from the face of the earth? The problem that the RCC has with Israel is the same problem that the world in general has: Israel is God's chosen people.
The natural seed of Israel was chosen to bring forth the Messiah in the flesh. The spiritual seed of Israel is chosen to bring forth the Messiah in spirit. Therefore the world - and all of its systems (religious, financial educational, governmental) - hates Israel, both natural and spiritual, because they bring forth the one who stands against the world: Jesus Christ.
I stated this above, but I want to reiterate just in case there are any questions. Although the natural people of Israel are still considered by God to be His people, that does not grant them salvation. They must turn in faith to Jesus Christ and be born again (Romans 11:23-24). They must become Jews "inwardly" in order to be saved (Romans 2:29). Yet, God is not through with them yet. They still remain His people as He urges them to repentance, and He continues to keep His promises to them even today. The "Promised Land" was not given to Israel by man, and neither can it be taken away by man. It is their promised inheritance from the Lord. Once the time of the Gentiles has been completed, He will turn His focus back to them once more (in the land He has given them) as Jesus comes forth to defend them in the Battle of Armageddon.
Whenever you see hatred of the Jews, know that you are looking at those who likewise hate the church. It is the spirit of anti-christ. Similarly, what happens to the physical nation of Israel in the natural is a reflection of what happens to Christians in the spirit. Just as the nation of Israel's enemies are encamped around her to bring about her destruction, so are the enemies of the church gathered spiritually around her to bring about our destruction. The anti-christ spirit hates God's people...all of them. Yet God will prevail for He is strong to deliver.
"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 6:13-18
It is critically important who we believe Jesus to be and how we represent Him to the world. The world may not have a clue who Jesus really is, but part of the salvation experience is an inner revelation by God the Father about the identity of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus says that it is on "this rock" - the revealed truth of Jesus as the Anointed Messiah, the Son of the Living God - that Jesus will build His church.
Yet, as many of you are aware, there is an effort underway to deny who Jesus really is and to even redefine who God is. This ecumenical message is being drummed into society in many ways via churches, schools, and the media. One example is a song by Michael Gungor entitled "God is not a white man".
Gungor is described as a Christian worship music singer & songwriter whose most noted work "I am a Friend of God" earned him a Dove Awards "Song of the Year" nomination in 2006. According to his website, he and his band have been developing a "new understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus". Much of this new understanding however seems to be for the birds...as depicted on their website, which invokes images of drinking blood and repeatedly incorporates symbols of death (skulls & crossbones) into their logo designs.
This better understanding of Jesus caused them to start their own church called "Bloom" which led them to the following conclusions about Jesus:
We aren't sure that God is all that into labels, so we aren't either. At Bloom we have tied ourselves to the story of God found in Jesus, which makes us decidedly Christian, but we gladly welcome anybody among us regardless of creed, race, sexual orientation, or any other division that we humans like to divide ourselves into. Our hope is that everyone who wanders into our community will come to love and embrace Jesus and his story too."
Do you see how they have completely redefined not only Christianity, but Jesus Christ Himself? Being Christian is not about repentance from sin and turning in faith to receive Jesus as Savior through a born again experience. Being Christian simply means that one has "embraced" or appreciated the "story" of Jesus. Jesus is not God Himself, but someone in whom the "story of God" may be found. While The True & Living God tells us to have no fellowship with darkness, Gungor says they will have fellowship with all no matter what one believes or the lifestyle they live. Do we show love by preaching acceptance of all beliefs and lifestyles or do we show love by obeying God's words? (John 14:15)
And, of course, this new revelation of God also impacts how they view worship music:
"“If leading worship is just about bringing a group of people into a room so we can get goosebumps and sing songs together, there’s not much value in that. But if leading worship is a means to an end, that we leave this place as a different kind of people, as part of a new humanity that God wants to create – the people that are caring for the widows and orphans, that aren’t bound by the systems of this world but becoming free, becoming fully engaged in our world – then that matters.”"
They see themselves as having moved from 'people pleasers' to those urging others to become more "fully engaged" in the world. Notice, the vehicle or the "means to the end" of getting people more into the world is their music.
It would appear that Gungor has never had a Biblical understanding about what worship is. Worship is not about what pleases people or what is acceptable to the world; it is that which is inspired by God's Spirit and His Truth. If "worship" is not grounded first in the Spirit and truths of God...it is not worship. And that leads us to the band's song "God is not a white man."
This song can best be described by the video itself, as that illustration gives a clear depiction of the "god" being promoted in this song. In tearing down what they depict as false images of God, the song's conclusion is very simple, "God is love and He loves everyone."
In one scene, there is a child with a sad face because she is sitting before a plate full of vegetables. But then "love" comes in and changes these nutritious foods into candy...and that is what Gungor has done in this song.
In this song, he has stripped away from his presentation of "God" any of the saving strength and power of the Gospel, and replaced it with a message that is sugary sweet & pleasing to the flesh, but has no spiritual value. It would seem Gungor has not moved as far from being a 'people pleaser' as he may think.
What parent would cater to a childish whim to let kids eat candy instead of vegetables just because candy tastes better? How would such a decision affect the development of the child? Would not depriving him/her of essential nutrients and replacing that with empty calories actually be feeding sickness and death to them? Yet this is exactly what Gungor's "god of love" does and that is also what he is doing spiritually to those listening to such "worship" music.
Why am I even bothering to write about this? Because the church is being sung lullabies of false gospels and feel-good doctrines which are simply rocking many to sleep. We need to stop swallowing what every "artist" puts out and giving ear to every "song" when such is devoid of true spiritual food.
There is a saying in the computer industry of "Junk in, Junk out." It means that if you put bad data into a processor, you will only get out bad data. What are you feeding on? Do you not know that you are what you eat? And it is not just Gungor; he is but one example. There is a whole horde of "Christian" music which is about anything BUT Christ, yet many in the churchworld continue to embrace it. They play them on the radios, buy their CDs, and even sing them in the church fellowships; becoming increasingly indoctrinated into a one world Babylonian religious system that denies Jesus Christ.
As people sing along with this song (and others like it), I hope they truly understand who they are worshiping.
They are worshiping a "God" who is mocked as someone just like man, an imperfect sinner. Jesus then is no longer your Savior, but He has now become your "homeboy" as shown in the T-shirt graphic.
They are worshiping a "God" who is one with cross-dressers and transvestites.
They are worshiping a "God" who cannot "be owned by religion". In other words, God is SO big, that there is not just one way you can access Him.
They are worshiping a "God" who is a "friend" to "atheists, charlatans, communists, lesbians, and terrorists" to name a few. Yet we know from Scripture that God is not a friend to sinners.
These are just some of the messages promoted in this song.
Is that what God means when He says that He is love? The problem is not whom God loves, but the fact that man loves darkness more than he loves light (John 3:19). And according to this song, even embracing deeds of evil and darkness is "good". This is the "god" they are promoting.
I was recently informed by Youtube that my video on pedophilia in the mainstream media had been removed due to a violation of the "community guidelines". Which guideline did I violate? They did not say. However, it was not hard to surmise:
We encourage free speech and defend everyone's right to express unpopular points of view. But we don't permit hate speech (speech which attacks or demeans a group based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, and sexual orientation/gender identity).
The day after the video was removed, I received a message from a Youtuber saying in part:
Awww looks like they removed your pedophilia video!! That mighta been cuz I flagged it!! Your head is too far in the logic of this dark satanic world, even the light of your supposed religion is only in your mind. God has no religion, Yeheshua means "Messiah" YHShVH - we are all to become YHVH YAHWEH + Sh Shin Holy Spirit, to become Messiahs of ourselves, nobody will save you.
We must understand that the opposition we encounter in the world for work God is doing through us is not about us at all; it is always about Jesus Christ. Now sometimes we are just so fleshly and carnal that we create our own messes. However, when the Lord is working, it can bring about antagonism on your job, alienation from your family, animosity at your school, etc. His mere presence disrupts any "community" that is not established in Him.
There is a separation from the world which occurs all by itself as we walk in Christ because we bear about the sweet savour of Him. To those who are saved, this is the fragrance of life; to those who are perishing, it is the fragrance of death (II Corinthians 2:15-16). Do not be deceived and thereby offended thinking such conflict is somehow about you.
People often comment that they are surprised my videos have remained hosted by Youtube as long as they have. My response has been that they will be around as long as God wills. When He is through using them, they can go to dust. And such is really the topic of this post.
The internet has served as a great tool to help publish the Gospel around the world. You can search the world wide web and find info on almost any topic including songs, sermons, articles, books, etc. However, it has also been a disservice in some ways, creating a culture of "pop-preaching".
Preaching the Gospel has become about posting an on-line article or sermon. Fellowship has become sharing a blurb on Facebook or on message boards. I am not saying that such tools have not been useful, but they often create a sanitized, superficial, comfortable, and impersonal type of interaction that misses the essence of soul-winning. I believe that God is stripping these things back so that we will focus on the old pathways: pouring out of ourselves through personal evangelism and discipleship.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:13-15
The "feet" of preachers are beautiful because it illustrates us going out to reach those who are lost. We must be sent, for how else will they hear? Preachers are not people standing behind pulpits in some building. Church fellowship is not the primary source of evangelism because the assembly of the saints is for the edification and exhortation of the saints.
When Philip met the Ethiopian who desired to understand God's word, Philip didn't say, "Let me bring you to the assembly." He preached Jesus to the man right then and there. Each and every Christian is called to be a witness, to proclaim the Good News, to bear about the testimony of Christ, and to DO the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Do you know your calling? How is God using you to minister to His people?
Jesus poured out His soul unto death to save those who were lost, and our testimony as Christians must be just that personal. How much are we willing to invest of ourselves (and divest from ourselves) in order to preach this Good News? Let's not let the convenience of technology lull us away from the zeal and on-going personal commitment needed to represent Christ, for what happens when those avenues are no longer available?
Even now Congress is working on approving legislation which would allow the government to shut down private sector access to the internet when deemed necessary. This past Friday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced to its employees that it will start blocking access to certain websites, including those sites with "Controversial opinions".
A world "community" is being formed as the kings of the earth give their power over to the beast (Revelation 17:12-13, 17). If you stand with Christ then you are automatically an outsider to that community. You are the one violating the "community guidelines" by stating that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. You are the ones with the "controversial opinions" claiming that God's word is the standard of truth. You are the ones causing trouble with a message to forsake this world and seek the Kingdom of Heaven. And you will be the ones targeted for silence.
Some will say, "Let's fight for our right to free speech! This is after all America!".
Instead, I say, "Get prepared spiritually to engage in the fight and be used by Him to reach people around you - right where you are."
Many of us have created a network of virtual friends and acquaintances, and thank God for that fellowship! However, our standing for Christ will often result in us standing alone with Christ. There will not be a host of emoticon smileys, "Like" votes, "hearts" and "Amens" to show support. We may not have an Internet search handy whereby we can quickly check out the Scriptures in order to answer questions. We will not be able to just turn off the person in need standing before us like we shut down a computer. We will need to be living testimonies with the law of God written in our hearts and His very Spirit within. Will we be able to stand and represent the Gospel to the lost under such circumstances? When there is more at stake than some of our computer time, are we willing to disciple others in the faith? Let's use these things while we can, but be ever ready and available to have our feet be sent as personal witnesses to His glory.
May we each be built up in the inner man to be prepared for the days to come and to win souls with power.
"...he that winnethsouls is wise." Proverbs 11:30b
