Over a year ago, I wrote a piece called “When Unity Is Evil.” Today I felt the Lord lay this on my heart once again; but this time as a stern warning.
Yesterday we watched our 45th President, Donald J. Trump, as he was sworn into office. It was thrilling for Conservatives, and such a relief to so many who love America. We clearly saw impending doom if Hillary Clinton had prevailed in the election. But as Christians we know that the election of Donald Trump has not in any way caused Bible prophecy to change. God never changes and neither does His Word.
The Ecumenical Service
I turned on the TV this morning, only to see the traditional “Prayer Service” taking place in the Episcopal Cathedral in D.C. It is a stark reminder that the world is still deceived into believing that all faiths lead to God.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
I don’t see how God could have been any clearer than in this Scripture. Jesus is the only way to be reconciled to our Father in heaven. One must be “born again” and that means to be born from above. Our first birth is from our mother’s wombs. The second birth is when we are born again. Repentance and belief in the finished work of Christ on the Cross; and that He rose from the dead – believing this personally is how one is made right with God.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3: 3-7).
Those Who Do Not Believe This Are Not Part of Us
The evil one has always loved and pushed for “unity” of beliefs. Certainly not Christian unity – but unity of all religions. He whispers into unsuspecting ears “There are many ways to heaven. Be a good person and believe what you will – God will honor it.”
This is the spirit which slithers about the National Cathedral on a gray day in January of 2017. He is telling the people that certainly there is no reason to disparage one another’s religions. He says to them “Let all men and women have their beliefs and live in peace.”
The Only Truth and Peace is From Our God
Jesus said that He is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been perpetrating the lie to every generation, that there are many paths to the Kingdom of God. But we know there is but One.
When Unity is Evil Part 1 (excerpts from prior article)
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is from the book of Acts:
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:10-11).
I think about the brethren from Berea, and how they received the preaching; the NASB says “With much eagerness.” I can just picture them leaning forward so as not to miss a word of what was being preached, but what made them noble in the eyes of the writer of Acts, was their complete reliance on, and devotion to God’s Word. They searched the Scriptures daily to make sure that what they had been told, matched up with God’s Holy Word. Oh, that we would all be like the Bereans!
Unfortunately, many in the church are led by their emotions. This is why people like Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland, and many other so-called preachers can pack in thousands of people on a Sunday morning. These congregations hold onto every word spoken by these types of preachers; never thinking to open up their Bibles to see if the sermons line up with God’s Word. If they did, they would immediately see that “Your Best Life Now” is not found anywhere in the Word of God. They would find that speaking in tongues in church, without an interpreter, is forbidden in God’s Word.
But the charismatic preachers tell their people what they want to hear, and the people trust them. Most probably never pick up a Bible to read what God says about these matters. The “Itchy ear crowd” are easily deceived.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
Unity
Jesus spoke of unity in the spirit and unity of the brethren. He was not speaking of uniting with others who held beliefs which were opposed to His teachings. When He said that He was the only way to the Father, He meant it! Teachings which oppose the Word of God are heretical, and should be avoided by the child of God.
Pope Francis has aligned himself with Universalist Unitarian churches and other religions which deny the inerrancy of Scripture. I have never heard this pope speak of sin and repentance. Actually, I’ve not heard any pope speak of these essentials of our faith! But Pope Francis takes this to a whole new level. See what this universalist website writes about this pope whom they love:
“If the Pope embraces reconciliation with Candomblé, with real, human, interface between leaders, why shouldn’t Catholics also embrace practitioners of Vodou? Or indigenous African religions? Or modern Paganism, for that matter? Indeed, the Pope’s new attitude is needed more now than ever before. We live in a world where human beings, fueled by religious beliefs, are persecuting and killing one another in increasingly disturbing incidents. What better time for a Pope to emphatically embrace an interfaith mission? A mission that had been blunted during the Papacy of Benedict, but now, hopefully, will bear new fruit.”
From God’s Word
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
It is so apparent from the Scriptures above, that we must adhere to God’s Word. Unity with another gospel is forbidden, and it is for our safety and our well being that God tells us these things!
Pope Francis is Calling Protestants Back to the Fold
The Vatican’s ecumenical movement goes beyond the unity of all professing Christians. Their strategy is to bring all religions under the power and influence of the papacy. Pope John Paul II has been traveling the world to build bridges to all non-Christian religions. In a recent speech he said, “Christians and Muslims, we meet one another in faith in the one God…and strive to put into practice…the teaching of our respective holy books. Today, dialogue between our two religions [Roman Catholicism and Islam] is more necessary than ever. There remains a spiritual bond which unites us and which we must strive to recognize and develop.” Even Mother Theresa had the ecumenical spirit as noted from her book Servants of Love. She stated, “we went every day to pray in some temple or church. The Archbishop gave us permission to do so. We prayed with the Jews, the Armenians, the Anglicans, the Jains, the Sikhs, the Buddhists, and the Hindus. It was extraordinary. All hearts united in prayer to the one true God.
As we watch the Vatican we can see a seductive strategy for uniting all Christians. They masterfully and deliberately redefine biblical terms to make them more vague, ambiguous and acceptable to both Catholics and Protestants. An example of this is the 1999 Lutheran-Roman Catholic “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.” In the declaration, Rome uses equivocal and indefinite words to affirm the doctrine of “justification by faith alone” but, at the same time, continues to affirm the anathema’s that condemn all who believe this doctrine. We must not be misled. Rome has not changed its position on things that really matter! Instead they take advantage of professing Christians who lack discernment or who are unwilling to contend for “the faith.” –source
Evangelical Community is Moving Away From Sound Doctrine
As the Vatican continues its quest to bring back the Protestants to the Catholic Church, it seems that many Evangelicals are falling away from the Truth of the Word. This renders them vulnerable to being deceived. Many leaders in these churches would trade sound doctrine for “unity” but not the kind of unity of which Christ spoke. What has light to do with darkness? Can you see the perfect storm developing for the body of Christ at this time?
From End of the American Dream:
Is Pope Francis Laying The Groundwork For A One World Religion?
“As the ecumenical movement gathers momentum, we must be strong and continue to contend for the faith, no matter what others might do or say. Let us pray for our evangelical leaders to return to the authority of Scripture for every issue of faith. Let us use God’s Word to lovingly admonish any church leader who encourages unity with apostates or unbelievers.
And finally, let us resist the pressure to participate in any activity or event that will deliberately suppress or compromise biblical truth for the sake of unity. We must return to the infallible, inerrant and inspired Word of God to heed its warnings and obey its commands. The Bible exhorts us to test all teachers and spirits (1 John 4:1,6). We are to expose false teachings and the evil deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Christians are to lovingly confront and rebuke false teachers (Titus 1:9, 13). We are to separate from those who persist in teaching error (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10). If we ignore these exhortations we may be disqualified for service (2 Timothy 2:20), or worse yet, be identified with the false teachers themselves (2 John 10-11).” source
What Are We To Do?
First, we must understand that all of God’s prophetic Word will be fulfilled. Nothing we can do will stop that. What we can and must do is to continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can. Show them love and pray for openings to share truth with the lost.
Pray for our new president. Some say that he has been born again. But pray for him as if he has not met the Savior. Pray for salvation and pray for discernment for President Donald Trump.
Stay strong in the Lord!
MARANATHA!
I have come to the sad realization that “Christianity” to most, means Not reading or searching GOD’s Scriptures, but, in hanging on every word of their idol…their pastor, leader, bishop, apostle,…whatever their idol wants to be called. And, it is not just the youngsters, it is the elders! They will Not listen to TRUTH. Stating, “my God would not do/be that/like that!” And, heaven forbid one tells them that GOD is not “their god.” That HE IS GOD OF ALL, and beside HIM there is No other! I do not argue with them…what is the point…they do not want to hear the TRUTH. Itching ears hear what they want to hear…so do hardened hearts. So sad.
Indeed, it is so very sad.
I just wanted to say I watched a bit of the inauguration yesterday when the three faith leaders came up and gave the benediction and I think prayer before trump was sworn into office I didn’t know if I should have prayed with them I wanted to use discernment I kinda prayed and then stopped if I remember right i couldn’t pray with those faith leaders am I wrong?
No. You’re not wrong. I felt such a heaviness, except when Franklin Graham was praying.
I don’t know if you heard about the Bible prophecy news website nowtheendbegins well that was a article on there that said Franklin Graham is a false teacher and ally’s with the Catholic Church is that true correct me if I’m wrong it was a article I saw months ago. I try to use discernment in all things how do I know if what a article says is true?
I used to be Geoff Grider’s feature writer a couple of years ago on Now The End Begins. I left him to write on my own. I do not believe that Franklin Graham has partnered with the Vatican. Every time I see him, he is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that he is born again and firmly planted in Christ.
I think some of those “faith leaders” are interfaith leaders. The “all roads lead to heaven” lie.
Geri, a few months ago I compiled a list of denominations and churches that have signed documents stating allegiance to the Catholic religion;one-world- religion; Israel/Jews as no longer loved by GOD and replaced by “Christians”; and the one-world council of religions, which have to sign another document stating that their true allegiance belongs to the Catholic religion, and the Catholic religion being supreme over their denomination, faith, or church. I started copying the lists down by hand. Found most of them listed alphabetically. I was saddened, and sickened! I had to stop at number 300 (these were the heads of denominations, faiths, churches,…around the world!), my hand was exhausted and my spirit hurting! I did not see a church, faith, or denomination, in America that was Not listed! Likewise in other nations, countries, islands!
Now, we know Islam/Sharia Law is not a religion, it is a way of total forced governance of people. The Only list and document they are on, is the Chrislam List that most American demons/churches Have signed. It basically stated that the “said church” and Islam is the same; However, there Is a clause they have to sign, and all have done so…it stated that all other churches, religions, faiths, govts, Are subservient to Islam, and Islam reigns Supreme.
Bless your heart. It’s the great falling away and we’re seeing prophecy fulfilled. I think that the evil is so thick right now – people like you and me really need to refresh ourselves in the Word. Also we should be listening to worshipful music. And pray pray pray! Trust God. He is in control. Everything we see happening was allowed by Him. NOTHING surprises Him! Shalom.
Geri, I am so glad you understand! Yes, I, too, get a very heavy spirit! I have to read GOD’S WORD every night/day. And, I try to put on worship music…the Scriptural music. Makes such a difference in just a moment! HE IS SO GOOD! Keep on, keeping on! We need truthful watchmen on the walls! It does get lonely. But, it also helps knowing there Are others “out there!” Yes, pray, pray, pray!! I have given studies on the importance of prayer…and it also helps myself to do so. Love and hugs, long-distance!
Excellent RePost—Your Sensitivity To The Holy Spirit’s Leading Is Very Commendable……On January 22nd,2017 I will Be Preaching a Sermon Message Our Lord Jesus Laid On My Heart—during the 5:00pm—7:00pm Et on BEREAN BIBLE CHAPEL Blog Talk Radio Broadcast.The Sermon Message Is Aligned with This Very Message You Posted—It Is entitled: WOLVES AMONG THE FLOCK–It Is a Biblical Study and Expose’ of Sexual Sin and Iniquity Within The Church and Body of Christ—There is a Direct Connection Between False Teaching,False Doctrine,False Prophets & False Preachers and The Explosion of Sexual Sin and Iniquity among the Pastors,Evangelists, Deacons, and Leadership . This particular Sermon Message is very Controversial, Shocking,Stunning and Startling…and I have Requested Prayer from Brethren throughout the Preparation period,Research phase,and For Sunday’s Broadcast When I hope To Preach it By God’s Grace…
Praying for the broadcast. I agree with you completely about why all the sexual sin. It’s all part of the slippery slope syndrome. When people get away from the Word of God and neglect reading it – the devil has a field day with their thought life! We are only safe being close to the Lord. And His Word keeps us near His heart.
Excellent blog. Jesus is The Door. The Great IAM. There is no need for one new world order. In the beginning God said let there be…
Jesus Christ the Righteous. The Bright & Morning Star.
AlleluYAH 🕇✡
Do you realize, every time we say, “I am…,” we are saying GOD’s Personal Name?!😀 Even unbelievers are saying HIS NAME multiple times per day/week, acknowledging HIS LORDSHIP, whether or not they realize it!!!! Smiles
Got a question i looked up this question is it true you can be saved and follow false teachers? How do I answer that question.
Only God knows the heart. It is HIM who saves and HIM who is the fruit tester. Rather than being concerned with ” is person X saved? Is person Y saved” We ought to be workers of truth. Let us sow seeds of GOD’s Word among those caught in falsehood. Challenge them by seeking the Truth in GOD’s Word.
I have a great many friends caught up into false teachings, bizarre hyper faith, occult like eastern mystical, word faith movement, nonsense. I believe they are seeking the truth and have a genuine love for seeking Christ. I have not broken fellowship with them. I always tell them the Truth in love. Lets be tillers in the garden of the LORD.
False teachers these days like to tell you. “Sow a seed into the kingdom” AKA Send me your money, and if God doesn’t bless you, sow more seeds for your breakthrough. I say. Sow Seeds of TRUTH (Gods Word) into the hearts of the false teacher and student alike. Remember Brethren, we are ambassadors and soldiers of the King. He arms us with the “Sword of Truth”
That is of our concern…
As to answer the the question Sir. Let the LORD answer it. Let’s see what he says, shall we?
John 10:27-30 (NASB)
27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
30 “I and the Father are one.”
Judgement is the LORD’s alone. We are not to judge.
Matthew 7:1-2 (NASB)
1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2 “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
Judgement here DOES NOT mean do not discern and speak the truth! It means Condemn as in one that can punish. ONLY the LORD can do that!
That said, let us be of sober mind and discernment.
Matthew 7:15-23 (NASB)
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’
23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
Pray for the false teachers and false student alike. Let them come to repentance and full knowledge of the LORD!
Because:
Hebrews 10:30-31 (NASB)
30 For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”
31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The all Glorious all Powerful Creator, is also a being of ALL-WRATH. No-one need fall into the hands of everlasting judgement and eternal doom.
But I do believe that the Word instructs us to mark those who preach a different gospel, and avoid them.
Gods word says:
שַׁ֭אֲלוּ שְׁל֣וֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם יִ֝שְׁלָ֗יוּ אֹהֲבָֽיִךְ׃
(Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.)
Psalm 122:6
We are not simply praying for a peaceful unity. We are praying for peace in Zion, which will NEVER know peace until; the Prince of Peace comes to reign.
We ought to seek peace and unity in the sense of being Christ-like. Also to live a good and peaceful life honoring God. Yet unity as to unify each to a MAN centered doctrine is plain evil.
Even among good rooted bible believing brethren there is disunity. Only when the LORD comes will there be true unity!
Good posting, Geri!
Good word from you too, brother 🙂
Thank you for your article. I agree with you in most of it Except on bashing at Lakewood church without knowing and criticizing the people in it. I come from that church and i can guarantee you we do open the Bible and read it and believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Pastor Joel encourages us to open our bible as well. I have been in different churches with different denominations and in many including baptist denomination don’t even open the bible the pastor don’t encourage bible reading or even worse don’t talk about evil or tithing, yes it was a baptist denomination that failed to do this. I was part of this church and left for this reason. Lakewood is not for everyone to handle, granted, but the Lord uses his people for his glory. Who are we to belittle the work that God has put in place and even worse belittle the people worshipping the same Jesus as you are?? Lakewood gave me the tools to get to know Jesus and to have a relationship with him. Im not part of that congregation any longer. I belong to a traditional baptist church now but i will always be grateful to Lakewood and the holy spirit for allowing me to get close to God, Me an atheist. We should be careful the way we speak about our own christian brothers. there is a los of division already for us to be part of it and there are a lot of people searching out there and is up to our behaviors and words to keep them in the right path. Thats the reason God put us here. So lets be proactive and let God judge and handle the rest. James 1:26 “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Thank you!
Dora
Sent from my iPhone
Osteen’s father preached the Gospel. I have yet to hear an alter call for people to repent and trust Christ as Savior. Joel Osteen is more of a motivational speaker than a preacher. I know that he really didn’t want this position at first. I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict his heart and the heart of his wife to preach the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. I pray that they will trust Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Also, I believe that it is not a good witness for a pastor to live in a $10 million dollar mansion. Just being honest with you.