Rick Perry and The New Apostolic Reformation

By Justin Edwards

There have been many warnings over the last few weeks with regards to Rick Perry's The Response prayer event in Houston, Texas on August 6, 2011.  I shared Brannon Howse's warning on the blog a couple of weeks ago, and other warnings can be seen at Sola Sisters, an extensively detailed piece from Apprising Ministries entitled IHOP Enters Dominion/Christian Rights Politics, another piece from Howse titled The Emergence of The New Religious Right And Its Threat To The Church, Chrystal Witt's piece Divorcing America from Baal?, and Marsha West's response post-prayer event that offers great insight to the good, the bad, and the ugly that took place at The Response.

What, or who, exactly has Rick Perry aligned himself with?  The links above clearly show what is taking place behind the scenes unbeknownst to many conservative Christians.  Many participated or supported Perry's prayer event  last week, including best-selling author and watchman on the wall, Joel Rosenberg.  In fact, Rosenberg said in this article the day after the prayer event,

Some evangelicals were critical of ”The Response.” They urged people not to attend because they have serious and fundamental theological differences with some of those involved in the event. A few emailed me and urged me not to participate. I heard those concerns and I have strong disagreements with some of the participants, too. But the truth is the vast majority of organizers and participants of this prayer meeting were theologically, morally and ethically solid evangelical, Bible believing followers of Jesus Christ.

It is unfortunate that Rosenberg has not done his research and cannot see the undercurrent of deception that is taking place.  What's more, despite the "serious and fundamental theological differences" and having "strong disagreements with some of the participants", he chose to endorse the event anyway.  Those whom we have serious and fundamental theological differences with happen to believe that before Christ will return to this earth, it is the church's mandate to pave the way for the Kingdom, that Christ won't return until the Kingdom has been established by Christian world domination.  This domination, according to dominionists, will occur by taking over the government and cultural landscape.  Lighthouse Trails has a recent piece titled, Will the Evangelical Church Sell Out the Gospel for a Dominionist Political Agenda? that offers the following definition:

The Gospel of Salvation [according to dominionism] is achieved by setting up the “Kingdom of God” as a literal and physical kingdom to be “advanced” on Earth in the present age. Some dominionists liken the New Testament Kingdom to the Old Testament Israel in ways that justify taking up the sword, or other methods of punitive judgment, to war against enemies of their kingdom. Dominionists teach that men can be coerced or compelled to enter the kingdom. They assign to the Church duties and rights that belong Scripturally only to Jesus Christ.

These, then, are not merely "strong disagreements" that we can just push to the side for the sake of unity as Rosenberg has suggested.  The compromise at hand is one that is centered on the Gospel and has major implications for the Body of Christ, of which many believers are being deceived into co-mingling, or even substituting, patriotism and moralism with our mandate in the Great Commission.  As was said in this article concerning Glenn Beck and Evangelicals from last year, "we must not compromise the Gospel on the alter of ecumenical patriotism!"
    
With this background, I now share with you something from the secular media.  I by no means am a fan of Rachel Maddow, but she brings up some very serious concerns even though the root of her concerns are not the same for Christians.  The following video shows just who Rick Perry has aligned himself with, and that the New Apostolic Reformation has chosen him to be their vessel to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.  After showing various clips of C. Peter Wagner, Mike Bickle, Cindy Jacobs, and John Benefiel, Maddow closes with the following:

Rick Perry did not just do a prayer event in Texas that was a no-non Christians allowed event, Rick Perry did a prayer event that involved a specific Christian political movement, a movement that has political goals, and wants a political vehicle, and that seems to want a Rick Perry presidential candidacy to be their political vehicle.  The Texas Observer begins its story about these new self-styled apostles with a story about a visit two of them paid to Governor Perry in Austin in 2009, quote, "The pastors told Perry of God's grand plan for Texas.  A chain of powerful prophecies had proclaimed that Texas was "The Prophet State," anointed by God to lead the United States into revival and Godly government.  And the governor would have a special role."  The New Apostolic Reformation appears to have chosen Rick Perry as their candidate, as their vehicle for their political goal, which is of course, world domination, blah blah blah.  Rick Perry is announcing his unofficial start to his presidential campaign this weekend in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Iowa, after hosting a stadium prayer event with all of these folks, and frankly, getting away with no one in the beltway media reporting on who those folks are or why they did just this stadium prayer event with Rick Perry.

Here's the video in full:

So the secular media is picking up that these self-appointed prophets and apostles are getting behind the presidential candidacy of Governor Rick Perry.  They have seemingly "chosen Rick Perry as their candidate, as their vehicle for their political goal, which is of course, world domination".  This is not just something to have "strong disagreement" with, but to accept that we indeed have "serious and fundamental theological differences" that include the Gospel itself.  As such, we have clear guidance from Scripture as to what to do in this type of situation:

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,  “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

We must separate ourselves from these false teachers, and continue to admonish, rebuke, and warn our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being caught up in the deception of ecumenical patriotism.

At this point, I do not see myself getting behind Rick Perry, even if he is a born again believer.  He is clearly deceived and lacks discernment, and if his candidacy has any role in the NAR, Joel's Army, the Manifests Sons of God, Latter Rain, etc., gaining a foothold stronghold, then I want nothing to do with it and will continue to sound the alarm against it.

Camping Cultists Yield Scoffers Against True Christianity

By Justin Edwards

Thanks to Trisha Ramos from Fish with Trish for posting this yesterday.  It pretty much sums up the consequences of Harold Camping's false prophecy as a cult leader, which will ultimately tarnish the truth of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We certainly have our work cut out for us - let us begin and stay on our knees.

Scoffing and Harold Camping's May 21st Cult

By Justin Edwards

The hype of Harold Camping's false prophecy will continue to get louder as we approach this Saturday, May 21, 2011.  In the audio and brief article below, Christian apologist Dr. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries addresses some of the issues regarding the fallout from Camping's failed prophecy.  What can Christians do in response to the certain scoffing (2 Peter 3:3-4) that will follow on May 22 and beyond?  What should our response be to those who have been so deceived by Camping and the wecanknow.com cult?  How do we protect our churches from their heresies and influence within the Body of Christ?

These questions and more are answered by Dr. James White:

Harold Camping and May 21st - Sermon Audio

In addition, you can listen to Dr. White's debate with Harold Camping from 2009:

Harold Camping Debates Dr. James White - Part 1

Harold Camping Debates Dr. James White - Part 2

James White Reviews His Debate with Harold Camping

Harold Camping Reviews His Debate with Dr. James White


Some Thoughts on the End of the World

05/14/2011 - James White

Can you imagine what it will be like for Campingites around the world a week from today? Listening to the news, waiting to hear about earthquakes at 6pm all around the world? Maybe saying goodbye to loved ones? Giving away personal items, all the time, wondering….

I listened to two NPR reports on Camping's prophecy today, and it was truly disheartening to listen to these folks. One lady had been about to enroll in medical college, but did not, so that she could warn people about "Judgment Day." Another man had left wife and children behind, as they did not "believe." A couple, the woman expecting their second child in June, were interviewed. They had given up everything, and had just enough money to make it till May 21. After that…well, they will be destitute. The New York Post just reported on a man who squandered his $140,000 life's savings to buy advertisements in the New York area promoting the May 21 prophecy. Can you imagine the chuckles of all those going to work on Monday the 23rd as they pass those advertisements? Thanks, Mr. Camping.

Well, are you ready? Even those living in a pretty sheltered world are starting to hear about May 21 now. The date is met with chuckles and smiles by most. Another end times prophet, more reason to question those nutty Christians. Atheists are planning Rapture Parties. Documentaries will be made about what happens on May 22nd. Disappointed followers will be looked at closely. Concerns, quite valid concerns, exist about some choosing to depart this world forcibly should they live to see May 22nd. Some of Camping's callers have been calling to ask about euthanizing their pets before May 21, and an atheist group has set up a pet rescue program where, for only $135, they will come get your dog or cat after you are raptured (the offer is good for ten years!).

I have thought a good deal about the whole thing lately, being one of those who have sought to expose Camping over the past decade. One thing is for sure, no one will be able to accuse me of having ignored the issue. It has never been a prime focus, it has never been a top priority, but there are few major ministries who have been "on target" with Camping's false teachings any longer than we have. My debate with him left no questions in the minds of any who were willing to listen, but, of course, that's the problem. Campingites are an odd bunch.

Now, I firmly believe Jesus is coming again. He could come today, He could even come on the 21st---no one on earth, even a false prophet, can keep Jesus from coming back for His bride. But He is not coming back only for Campingites (and they have surely added belief in May 21 as part of what one must believe to be saved). Every time some maverick like Camping decides to go off the reservation and promote a prophecy like this, scorn is brought on all of us who believe Jesus is coming again. The mockery factor will be quite high come Monday the 23rd.

I do not know what Camping is going to do on Monday the 23rd. He has closed every door on his options. He has said the Bible guarantees it. There is no plan B. This is it, plain and simple, no question marks after May 21, 2011? or the like to fall back on. I have thought he might spiritualize it, like Miller did back in 1844 or so, but he has really not left that option open either. He could always claim a blown calculation (we provided him with examples of errors in his numbers last year, in fact), but that would leave him without much credibility as a number-cruncher, and his system is nothing if it isn't based on number-crunching. Will he even show up on Open Forum on Monday? I mean, at 89 years of age, you'd think retirement would all of a sudden become a very viable option.

I can't imagine what a Monday, May 23rd, 2011 Open Forum broadcast would be like, however. Can you imagine the calls? Not only the mockery from unbelievers, but the anger from his own followers? It would probably be the highest rated program ever, to be sure. Their servers would melt down on the Internet side. But that would be temporary, and one can surely predict the collapse of Family Radio as a result of Camping's second major prophetic failure. One would hope, at least, that finally he would be removed and taken off the air so as to deceive no more. But, you would have thought that would have happened back in 1994. It didn't. There is always an audience for false prophets.

And of course there is the issue of what Campingites will do in the future. Let's be brutally honest: Campingites are, in the main, very odd people. As a whole they reject authority. They tend to be loners who do not like being around others. That's why they bought his attack on the church so easily. Many will not want to repent of their following a false prophet, embracing false doctrine, and attacking Christ's church. And I should emphasize this, that is exactly what must be demanded of any and every follower of Harold Camping after the May 21 date passes---repentance. If they show up at your church, be warned! They have engaged in sinful slander of Christ's church and the gospel, and they should be exhorted to repent and confess their errors before being given, over a period of time, access to the fellowship of believers once again. They should be watched carefully by elders to see if they have truly repented or whether they are just putting on a show so that they can once again bring their odd views and beliefs into the church.

At the same time, some of these folks will be absolutely positively devastated when their clock shows them it is May 22nd and the sun will rise in a matter of hours. They will have nothing left, and, given that Camping lied to them and said "the Bible guarantees it," many, many will abandon all belief in the Bible as Scripture. Atheist groups will be touting former Campingites who "saw the light" in the coming months. Remember that in the years after the failed 1975 prophecy of Jehovah's Witnesses, about a million people left the Watchtower. But, they did not join any other religious organization. They became the religiously abused, the burned out, the "don't talk to me about that stuff" crowd. And while I doubt Camping has that many followers, there will still be a large number who will throw it all away, saying the Bible is not worthy to be believed, all because Camping twisted it and distorted it and lied to his followers. He will have much to answer for on the real judgment day, which, at age 89, is very close at hand for him.

So once again, many thanks, Harold Camping. You will once again make the Bible, the Gospel, and the cross, a mockery, all because of your insatiable pride and arrogance. This time, the Lord allowed you to fall into more rank heresy in the process, but still, you say enough "right things" to bring mockery and disrepute upon all who hold the Bible to be the Word of God. Your followers will stand to condemn you on judgment day, to be sure, but more importantly, God well knows how many of us have tried to reason with you, tried to show you the error of your ways. You refused, and now the time is coming for judgment indeed. May 21st is judgment day after all: for Harold Camping, for Family Radio, and for all who have followed Camping into heresy and error.

(HT to John Samson for the video below)

Countdown to Deception - Harold Camping and the May 21st Cult

By Justin Edwards

Millions of professing Christians are set to be woefully deceived 7 days from today on May 21, 2011.  This is the date that false prophet Harold Camping of Family Radio has predicted the end of the world.  In my article on January 4th titled May 21, 2011 and the Harold Camping Cult "Prophecy", I explained some of the heretical teachings of Camping, which have established him as a damned false teacher and cult leader.  Here's a short video from Hank Hanegraff on this false prophecy:

When May 22 comes, what will his followers from the wecanknow.com cult say?  Might this contribute to further apostasy leading up to 2 Thessalonians 2:3:

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first...

There are many other things taking place around the world that are setting the stage for Christ's return, and I think this day of deception on May 21, 2011 just might be one of them.  We shall see - even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

If you are reading this post as one of Camping's followers, please take a moment to read the simple message of salvation at the following link - God's plan is not nearly as complicated as the false prophet Harold Camping has taught:  Eternal Life

Please do post your comments, questions, or concerns below.

Brannon Howse Interview w/ Jimmy DeYoung

By Justin Edwards

Re-post - This post disappeared due to blogger server maintenance:

Yesterday I had the chance to listen to the following interview from Brannon Howse with Jimmy DeYoung of Prophecy Today, and what a fascinating and lively discussion it was! From the Worldview Weekend Radio show notes:

Brannon Howse: Aired May 10, 2011

Brannon’s guest is Jimmy DeYoung. This is one of the best programs we have ever had. The wealth of information on the Middle East, Israel, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem and the coming wars is overwhelming. Jimmy also explains why he believes John Hagee is a heretic and why he believes Glenn Beck is so dangerous to the real church. The volume of Scripture DeYoung quotes to make his points is in itself worth hearing.

Indeed, I hope you also get the chance to listen - our King is coming soon!

Click link to download: Brannon Howse with Jimmy DeYoung 5/10/11 mp3

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist

By Justin Edwards

If you want to get the future right, you've got to get Israel right and you've got to get God's sovereign electing purpose right. - John MacArthur

I am currently going through a series from John MacArthur titled, Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, and wanted to go ahead and share it with you (HT: Defending. Contending). I am halfway through Part 4 and am finding the material to be richly informative of the amillennial view that the Church has replaced Israel to receive her promises from God as Israel has forfeited her rights to those promises through apostasy. Parts 1 and 2 provide great introductions to the series, and Parts 3 and 4 have been rich in Scripture giving key evidence that God's promises to Israel are eternal and not dependent upon her faithfulness to God.

MacArthur poses 5 questions to be answered in this series:

1.  Is the Old Testament amillennial? 

2.  Were the Jews of Jesus' day amillennial? 

3.  Was Jesus amillennial? 

4.  Were the Apostles who wrote the New Testament and those associates of the Apostles amillennial? 

5.  Were the early church fathers amillennial?

Leading up to these questions, MacArthur gives the following brief explanation and quotes Horatius Bonar, a 19th Century Scottish-reformed theologian, in his work titled, Prophetic Landscapes. Keep in mind Bonar penned this is 1847:

So to say it simply, to hold the view of amillennialists, called replacement theology, that the church replaces Israel in the promises of God, Israel as God's Elect is no longer God's Elect, cancelled out, to come up with this idea that there therefore is no real earthly Kingdom to fulfill those promises and that they are fulfilled in the spiritual life of the church both now and in heaven, you have to deny the nature of divine sovereign election. You have to basically say that when God called Israel His Elect, and when God gave them unconditional, unilateral, irrevokable promises, He didn't keep them, or He doesn't keep them, so that election doesn't mean permanent election, it might be temporary as in the case of Israel.

I don't know anybody who believes in the doctrine of election who thinks its temporary with the elect angels, or temporary with the elect Son or temporary with the elect church, so this has to be a category invented to accommodate replacement theology. The second thing that has to happen is, you cannot interpret Scripture in the normal meaning, the normal sense in which it is written both in the Old Testament and the New Testament because clearly in both testaments promises are made to Israel. Therefore Israel doesn't mean Israel, a thousand years doesn't mean a thousand years, reigning in Jerusalem doesn't mean reigning in Jerusalem, it means something else...something not apparent in any normal interpretation of the language. So you can see there are some extremes here in trying to make this work theologically when you have to reinvent the doctrine of election which is so sacred to us and when you have to change the normal meaning of the language.

Now, I want to having said that, say this, that throughout history there have been some in Reformed circles of great note who didn't buy this. I am particularly, as you probably known, drawn more to Scottish Reformed theology than I am to Dutch Reformed theology. And one of my favorite Scots in the area of theology is Horatius Bonar. He's a nineteenth century preacher, Scottish preacher and theological writer. In 1847 he wrote prophetic landmarks and he took a position very different from his Reformed friends, very different. He was always a strong advocate of the doctrines of sovereign grace. He was always a strong advocate of the doctrine of election. He affirmed as well that election was forever and therefore affirmed the primacy of the destiny of the Jews in the scheme of eschatology. So he was going against the grain of his day and his compatriots. This is what Bonar wrote in 1847: "The prophecies concerning Israel are the key to all the rest. True principles of interpretation in regard to them will aid us in disentangling and illustrating all prophecy. False principles as to them...that is Israel...will most thoroughly perplex and overcloud the whole Word of God," end quote. And that's right back to what I said and when I said it I hadn't yet found Bonar's comment. He says you can't get eschatology right if you don't get Israel right.

Source

He further wrote of his conviction as to biblical clarity on this matter. And his language is so magnificent that it needs to be thoughtfully repeated. So let me read to you what Bonar wrote in 1847. "I am one of those who believe in Israel's restoration and conversion, who receive it as a future certainty, that all Israel shall be gathered and that all Israel shall be saved. As I believe in Israel's present degradation, so do I believe in Israel's coming glory and preeminence. I believe that God's purpose regarding our world can only be understood by understanding God's purpose as to Israel." Now remember, this is a time long before they had ever been gathered back into their land.

He went on to say, "I believe that all human calculations as to the earth's future, whether political or scientific, or philosophical, or religious, must be failures if not taking for their data or basis God's great purpose regarding the latter day standing of Israel. I believe that it is not possible to enter God's mind regarding the destiny of man without taking as our key or our guide His mind regarding that ancient nation, that nation whose history so far from being ended or nearly ended is only about to begin." He went on to say this, "He only to whom the future belongs can reveal it. He only can announce the principles on which that future is to be developed. And if He set Israel as the great nation of the future and Jerusalem as the great metropolis of earth, who are we that without philosophy of science we should set aside the divine arrangements and substitute for them a theory of man? Human guesses concerning the future are the most uncertain of all uncertainties and human hopes built upon these guesses are sure to turn out the most disappointing if not the most disastrous of all failures. I believe that the sons of Abraham are to re-inherit Palestine and that the forfeited fertility will yet return to that land, that the wilderness and the solitary places shall be glad for them, and the desert will rejoice and blossom as the rose. I believe that meanwhile Israel shall not only be wanderers, but that everywhere only a remnant, a small remnant shall be saved. And that it is for the gathering in of this remnant that our missionaries go forth. I believe that these times of ours are the times of the Gentiles and that Jerusalem and Israel shall be trodden down of the Gentiles till the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. I believe that the completion of what the Apostle calls the fullness of the Gentiles will be the signal for the judgments which are to usher in the crisis of earth's history and the salvation of Israel and the long-expected Kingdom."

Why did he believe that? Because that's exactly what the Bible says.

Indeed. You can download each message below or go to the original link here: Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 1

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 2

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 3

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 4

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 5

Why Every Calvinist Should Be a Premillennialist, Part 6

"Increased Seismic Activity"

By Justin Edwards

In this incredible video revealing the extraordinary power of the Japan tsunami generated by the massive 8.9 earthquake, the news anchor and analyst comment:

Anchor: "We've seen a number of devastating earthquakes over the past few weeks...the terrible earthquake in Christchurch, now this in Tokyo - why are we seeing so much seismic activity now?"

Analyst: "Uh, I don't know that anybody can answer that, um, unfortunately, we don't know how to forecast when earthquakes are gonna happen..." 

I believe I can help them out with this unanswerable question rooted in the perspective of natural man:

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.- Matthew 24:7-8

My friends, as I mentioned in this post regarding the Christchurch devastation,

if an unexpected earthquake hit your town and you did not survive, what would that mean for you?

Please don't think such a tragedy could not happen to you. After all, 10 out of 10 people die, and your time will come whether by natural death or something as devastating as a major earthquake, or a car accident the next time you hit the pavement. Click here to find out where you might spend the rest of eternity. There is nothing more critical than knowing the answer to this question.

To my born again brethren...

Please continue reading for Project Challenge #1 - Tsunami at The Speak:Truth Project

Devastating Photos of Christchurch Earthquake

By Justin Edwards

Source: Guardian.co.uk

The aftermath from the earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand on Tuesday is devastating. Please take some time to view these photos and pray for the city of 350,000 and all who lost loved ones in the destruction. This is also a good time to ask yourself an important question:

if an unexpected earthquake hit your town and you did not survive, what would that mean for you?

Please don't think such a tragedy could not happen to you. After all, 10 out of 10 people die, and your time will come whether by natural death or something as devastating as a major earthquake, or a car accident the next time you hit the pavement. Click here to find out where you might spend the rest of eternity. There is nothing more critical than knowing the answer to this question.

(HT: John Samson for posting link to photos)

Last Days Desperation!

By Justin Edwards

For those of you who have been following my pastor's messages lately, you have witnessed and been a part of the urgency in his preaching. The hour is late, the day draws near - Jesus is coming for His Bride! But as Pastor Livingston has been proclaiming, Christ is only coming for those who are walking with Him in righteousness. Those who are eagerly awaiting His return, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who love the Word of God and obey it, and who are watching and praying as Jesus commanded will be the ones who will escape the wrath to come.

Last Sunday evening, Pastor Livingston preached another must-hear message and then he called the church to pray together for those who are still dead in their sins and loving unrighteousness. As straightforward as possible, pastor preached from Galatians 5:24 and several Scriptures from John and 1 John:

Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1 John 3:7  Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

Scripture cannot be more clear - those who do not practice righteousness, who are living a worldly lifestyle and who love not the truth and obey it, are not born again. There is so much deception in the church today in that people believe they can do everything that sinners do, acting like the world, engaging in activities and social events like the world, and if you ask them if they are going to heaven, they say yes because they are a good person. They might even say they believe in Jesus, but Scripture says they are not saved because they do not practice righteousness. They live in sin and they love their sin, and the Bible says they are of the devil.

As Pastor Livingston says, we must start operating in a last days desperation! While there are countless false converts going to hell, there are many believers who give lost loved ones passes and excuses and pretend they are saved when their life shows otherwise. If they once said a prayer and "got saved" yet live as though they never knew God, some of us point back to that prayer as if it actually converted them. No it didn't, and we must stop pretending like it did. These loved ones need our urgent prayer and they need it now. They desperately need the mercy and grace of God to draw them to repentant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I invite you, no, I call upon you with great angst to watch this message so your soul will be stirred with an urgency of prayer and a zealousness to proclaim the name of Christ! This is a call to anguish! These are the last days, and we must fight like good soldiers and endure to the end, proclaiming the Gospel without shame until our King comes.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you as you watch the sermon, and if moved to join the congregation and pastor, intercede with them on behalf of your family and cry out to God to spark revival in the hearts of those nearest and dearest to you. As I drove home today from work listening to the message, it was one of the most powerful communions I've ever shared with God. I hope it stirs you in the same way.

Last Days Desperation mp3

 

Are You Ready?

By Justin Edwards

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. - Luke 21:34-36

Are you ready? Don't just look over these words. Meditate on them. Are. You. Ready?

Is the life you are living one that is ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? Should you die today, in the next few minutes, what would happen to you? Would you be embraced in the arms of Jesus, hearing the words "well done, faithful slave", or would you enter your destruction from the wrath of an angry God?

As is often proclaimed on this blog, Jesus is coming soon. This is not fantasy, nor conjecture. It is reality based on the sovereign truth of God's Word. God penned in Scripture thousands of years ago the very things we are witnessing today, yet most are not ready. Are you ready?

Yes, Jesus is coming. Soon. But He is only coming for those who are ready. He is only coming for those who love Him, who obey Him, and who live for Him. Is that your life? Can you honestly say you are a slave to the Master? Do you love His Word? Do you read it? Do you thirst for it? Are you submitted to His will? Are you surrendered to His Lordship? Do you long to see Him? Are you sick of this world? Do you anxiously await heaven? Do you hate sin?

Or do you merely give God lip service? Are you fearful of His return? You say you know Him, but does He know you? Do you hear His voice? Do you follow Him? Or do you follow the world? Do you follow your own will? Do you follow your flesh? Are you a slave to your sin? Do you love your sin? Do you love the world? Do you love yourself more than you love Jesus? How does your lifestyle answer that question?

Jesus is coming. Are you ready? Today is the day of salvation. There are no second chances. If you hear the pure Gospel truth now and disobey it, I don't believe it will be possible for you to be saved during the tribulation. God Himself will send you a strong delusion, and you will believe the lie of Satan. This will happen because you did not love the truth, you did not obey the Gospel, and because you took pleasure in your unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Please watch the following video from Loran Livingston from 2/13/11. Ask yourself, and be honest, are you ready? Is your sin worth an eternity in hell? Are you eady?

To love God is to obey Him.

Are. You. Ready?

Are You Ready mp3

Iranium - Nuclear Apocalypse

By Justin Edwards

A must watch to understand the recent political history of Iran, which reveals the fascist ideology of Islam to conquer the world and establish an Islamic kingdom. Iran's ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons is intimately tied to their eschatology, and once achieved, they will surely employ this technology one way or the other to usher in the apocalypse.

Thankfully, God has other plans and Islam will not be successful. We know that Iran will be part of an alliance with Russia and other Islamic regimes to wage war against Israel, and to their demise, God will supernaturally intervene and destroy them all (Ezekiel 38-39). Even so, Iran's intentions to wipe Israel off the face of the earth must not be overlooked. The threat is real and Israel knows it. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for God to protect His people, both the Church in the Middle East, and the Jewish remnant who have yet to know their Messiah. War is coming soon, perhaps to your backyard. Make sure your salvation is secure, as the day of judgment is drawing near.

Iranium

"I Will Set Egyptians Against Egyptians"

By Justin Edwards

Rocks pepper the air during violent clashes among Egyptians on 2/2/11

Watching the clashes in Egypt unfold Wednesday was disheartening as I saw a people outraged not only against their government, but against their own people. Several days ago Bill Salus from Prophecy News-Stand posted a fascinating piece that I decided to chew on and just see how things unfolded. That was January 28, 2011, and having returned to the article four days later, I can only imagine how close we are to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Before I rediscovered Salus' article, I was tagged in a note on facebook that touched on this same story. It led me to pick up Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum's The Footsteps of the Messiah (Copyright 2004) to see what was said of this particular passage of Scripture that has been buzzing the internet in the last few days. Admittedly, this is a prophecy I was not aware of, so out of caution, I wanted to inquire of this prophecy expert before researching the topic further. To my amazement, this is what I read on page 94:

In this passage the land of Egypt is in view and the idiom points to a conflict all over the land of Egypt as the nation is engrossed in civil war. 

My mouth nearly dropped open when I read these words. The Scripture in Isaiah 19:1-4 reads straightforward enough, but this confirmation from Fruchtenbaum made it a bit more realistic, enough for me to read it to my wife. We both sat in awe and wonder of what we may be witnessing in Egypt. Here is the passage from Isaiah 19:1-4,

The burden against Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; Everyone will fight against his brother, And everyone against his neighbor, City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, And they will consult the idols and the charmers, The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them,” Says the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

Is this what we are seeing before our eyes? Watch this video for instance (you can literally see the rocks flying through the air):

Would you say Egyptians are against Egyptians today? In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus said in Matthew 24:7,

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

Jesus is speaking of regional conflict when He mentions kingdom against kingdom. Would you say the Middle East is in total conflict today? Is not Iran waging war against Egypt through a Muslim Brotherhood proxy? Have not the Tunisian and Lebanese governments toppled in the last month? Are not the people of Jordan and Yemen seeking fundamental change of their governments? Should all of these governments become radicalized, will they not all come against Israel as the Bible predicts in Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39? Will not Damascus, Syria become a ruinous heap as prophesied in Isaiah 17:1?

Is not the world's food supply stretched to its limit, which could precede global famine?  Is the earth not experiencing greater earthquake activity and in various places? Is the world not on the verge of a major pandemic? Are not terrorists organizations threatening the use of biological weapons? These are just a few of the signs we are to expect in the last days. Others include an apostate church, merging of religious ideas, a global economy, a global government, and a persecuted Church. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:8:

All these are the beginning of sorrows (emphasis original).

Prophecy watchers have been sounding the alarm for years that Christ's return is before us. Though we've seen events cycle like birth pangs of a woman in child labor, as she gets closer to delivery, the contractions become more frequent and more intense. My friends, we are in an intense contraction and God only knows when the clock will strike midnight.

If you have been looking for a time to get serious with God and turn from your sinful lifestyle, now is the time. The warnings are screaming of His return, and there is nothing more that must happen before He comes for His Bride, the Body of Christ. Are you sure you are saved? If you have been playing games with your eternity, time is up. Repent and trust in Christ as Lord and Savior, or you will suffer at the hand of His judgment.

Now, time will only tell how things pan out in Egypt and the Middle East. I can't help but believe they will continue as Scripture has foretold, and what we are witnessing is indeed the beginning of sorrows. The footsteps of the Messiah are kicking up dust on the horizon. We believers must step up our efforts to proclaim the Gospel. We must run like never before to the finish line set before us, and may we all pour ourselves out like a drink offering, anxiously awaiting our Savior's return and the crown that awaits us for loving His appearing! (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Be sure to read Bill Salus' article HERE.

Also, I highly recommend following Scott at Prophecy Update as his Middle East coverage has been excellent.

And here's the 24/7 live feed from Al Jazeera with up to the minute coverage of the region.

Muslim Student Association = Muslim Brotherhood

By Justin Edwards

This is the face of the Muslim Brotherhood on American college campuses as you will see from a representative of the Muslim Student Association.

Glenn Beck | Universalist and New Age Mormon

By Justin Edwards

There can be no more gray area. No more doubts. No more apologizing. It is clear - Glenn Beck is not a Christian. In his own words, he denies essentials of the faith and teaches idolatry.

As if the many articles that have come out since last summer that have shown how Glenn Beck is  deceiving even the evangelical community were not enough, the following article from Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend should put all doubts to rest. If you are still able to apologize for Beck after reading this, then I don't know what else to offer you.

Glenn Beck has elevated himself to a false prophet. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing and is deceived and deceiving (2 Timothy 3:13). His message is clear and it is the same demonic message of the New Age, pantheism, and panentheism. By his own words, He denies that Jesus is the only path to God. He is preaching another gospel, and potentially leading thousands to the slaughter. Glenn Beck needs our prayer as do those who continue to fall for his lies, Christians and non-Christians alike.

So what do you think? After reading Brannon's article, what are your thoughts on the direction Glenn Beck has been going and the continuing apologetic from evangelical circles giving him a pass for the sake of patriotic idolatry? Please post your comments below.

All red emphasis has been added.

Glenn Beck's New Book Reveals He Embraces New Age Theology, Is a Knowledgeable Mormon, and a Universalist

By Brannon Howse

In August of 2010, I predicted on my national radio program that it was only a matter of time before Glenn Beck would release a distinctively religious book that would promote his New Age Mormonism and universalism. I sensed that Glenn was setting himself up to be the politically conservative alternative to Oprah. His new book, "7 Wonders That Will Change Your Life", could have been written by Oprah for sure.

Many self-professing Christians cannot see what Beck is up to but there are those in the unsaved world that seem to be exhibiting more worldview understanding than some in the Christian community. The Business Insider published an article on January 4, 2011 entitled, Glenn Beck's New Year's Plan Sounds A Lot Like Oprah's New Network.

Last week (second week of January 2011) Beck released his latest book entitled The Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life. The book is co-authored by psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow.

Beck's new book is nothing less than the promotion of universalism, postmodernism, and pagan spirituality, also known as the New Age Movement.

I tried to warn America's pastors and Christian leaders in early August of 2010, not to unite with Glenn Beck in his spiritual rally that sought to unite all faiths and look to one God. I gave these Christian leaders plenty of evidence that Glenn Beck was a practicing Mormon that was also embracing New Age paganism.

Some of these Christian leaders said that Beck was a "new Christian", "a baby Christian", "new brother", a "little lamb", or "very close to becoming a Christian." If they think Glenn Beck meets the Biblical descriptions of a Christian then they have no clue what the book of I John says are the Biblical hallmarks of a true follower of Jesus Christ.

A friend of mine even e-mailed a mega pastor that was publically supporting Glenn Beck's 8-28 rally to ask him to be careful about embracing Beck and his black robe regiment because of some of the false theology Glenn was espousing. The pastor replied:

Glenn Beck is a new brother and he is learning and growing and coming to the light day by day as he is being discipled by [name of Christian leader removed]. There was once a day when you and I were in the same place he is now. Be careful that you don't place a yoke on a little lamb rather than an ox.

Would this pastor say Oprah Winfrey is a Christian?

According to Christian Post, another Mega Church pastor said:

I have interviewed persons who have talked specifically with Glenn about his personal salvation  persons extremely well known in Christianity  and they have affirmed (using language evangelicals understand), 'Glenn is saved' He understands receiving Christ as savior.

How confusing to the unsaved world and to baby Christians it must be to have Christian leaders make this claim about being a Christian in light of Beck's latest book. Many now believe what Beck is promoting in his book is Christianity because Pastors and Christian leaders have announced that "Glenn is saved." I have had teenagers e-mail me and come up to me at our conferences and express how confused they are by what Christian leaders have said about Beck being saved when they have heard Beck promote New Age heresy.

In light of Beck's religious and spiritual proclamations in his new book, this would be the week for the Christian leaders and pastors that embraced Beck on the national stage, and proclaimed Beck's salvation, to release a press release and post a statement on their website that they disagree with Beck's pagan spirituality and that indeed Beck is not demonstrating theology and doctrine consist with what the Bible says are the hallmarks of a Christian. These Christian leaders need to apologize for leading people to believe that Beck was a Christian or to believe that Beck held and promoted religious views that were compatible with Biblical Christianity. Dr. Erwin Lutzer, of the historic Moody Church in Chicago, correctly declared in August of 2010 on my radio program that any pastor or Christian leader involved in Beck's rally would be involved in heresy. I agree 100% with that statement.

In his new book Beck and Dr. Ablow promote psychologist Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, New Age authors Robert Pirsig and James Redfied, Buddha, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche, Gandhi, The Bible and the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas. Sadly, Glenn is confused and all Christians should pray that he will come to salvation in the Jesus of the Bible through faith and repentance.

On page 56 Beck says he read A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman which is the Bible of the New Age Movement. I wrote an entire chapter in my book Grave Influence on Helen Schucman and the demon she channeled that helped her write the book.

I have several friends who were Mormons for many years before accepting the Jesus Christ of the Bible as their Lord and Savior through faith and repentance. Tracy was a Mormon for 26 years and e-mailed me to explain why many Mormons are open to New Age Spirituality:

It's not surprising how easy it is for many LDS to get involved in occult practices based on the "power of the priesthood." For example, energy healing (chakras), cloud-busting, and other mind-power things. My LDS friends and I were always interested in books like The Magic of Believing, Embraced by the Light, and other New Agey kinds of books. I remember seeing Star Wars when I was Mormon and how many of us in the ward (LDS congregation) were comparing The Force to the priesthood power.

Since we believed we were on the godhood track, using the phrase "I AM" in the context Glenn uses it, fits in neatly with the power of the priesthood through which worlds are created (according to Mormon doctrine). In fact, Mormonism teaches that God did NOT create the universe exnihlo, because God can only manipulate and arrange existing matter; he cannot create it. Thus we see, from the LDS perspective, we too can become I AM, through the divine nature within us.

On page 79 Beck and Dr. Ablow promote transcendental meditation and Eastern Mysticism. On 85 we read, "As you commit to unlocking and bringing forth the truth inside you, don't be afraid to pray for help. Don't be reticent to sit with yourself in silence and meditate. Connect with the miracle of spirit, of God, that has lived inside you from long before you were born."

Christian mediation is not about "bringing forth the truth inside of you" nor is it about contacting God that has "lived inside you from long before you were born." This is not Biblical and any Christian that thinks otherwise is either a false convert or is Biblically illiterate. Click here to hear a short video clip by Dr. Ron Carlson on the dangers of New Age meditation.

On page 132 Beck and Ablow proclaim, "Pray to whatever higher power you believe in Praying that God or Nature or the Cosmos or your own internal, immeasurable reservoir of spirit allows you the courage and faith to find and then face the truth"

In several places readers are told it really does not matter what religion or religious leader they follow. On page 157 Beck writes, "Finding what worked for me made all the difference. Finding what works for you will do the same."

On page 74 the reader is instructed "Just be sure you visit with a minister or therapist from a religion or healing discipline you actually have affinity for, or suspect you might."

On page 236, reincarnation is promoted through the writings of Robert Pirsig's book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, "the 'spirit' of Chris or the 'ghost' of Chris, then you can say without further translation that the spirit or ghost of Chris is looking for a new body to enter."

Beck is a very committed and knowledgeable Mormon:

I have had several Christians tell me that Beck does not really know much about the Mormon faith. That is not what Beck writes in his new book.

"I questioned everything I could think to question about the faith. I went over my doubts again and again with the church bishop. I read everything there was to read on their website and every word of Mormon Doctrine I went to anti-Mormon literature for hints, but I found most of it to be unfair or just plain wrong. I tried every trick I could think of to find a contradiction. The problem was that I couldn't. Mormonism seemed to explain the world and my place in it better than any other faith I had looked at." (Page 149-150)

Beck does not believe in Hell, original sin or that Jesus in the only way:

"Latter-day Saints do not believe that your chances ever cease, even with death. They end only with the full understanding and denial of truth by your own exercise of real free will. And even then there is no 'lake of fire.' (Page 149)

"As Keith likes to say, 'There's no original sin left in the world. Everyone's just recycling pain now.' "(Page 154.)

"There is no infant delivered evil, out of the womb. There never has been. Not even one Charles Manson was not born evil. Ted Bundy wasn't. The BTK killer wasn't. Hitler wasn't." (Page 162)

The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible says that even babies are born with a sin nature and that we are all conceived in sin. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5)

"People are inherently good." (Page 165).

The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9, The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Beck's book uses the phrase "Your truth" or "your true path" or "my truth" at least 23 times. Here are a few examples:

"It is never too late to embrace your truth." (Page 124)

"What is your truth whispering?" (Page 130)

"Use compassion to stay on the path to your own truth (Page 161)

"...determination to unearth and embrace my truth." (Page 215)

"The fact that I am always attempting to honor my truth (Page 216)

"There is only your truth." (Page 220)

"You must use courage and faith to empty the hard drive of your soul and then fill it with your truth." (Page 288)

Beck's book promotes the New Age that God dwells within all:

"The third chapter of Exodus helped me start to understand how crucial it was that my focus be on finding God not just in the seas or the cosmos, but in myself." (Page 57)

If God is everything and everywhere and inside everyone, then I figured He had to be inside me, too (Page 58)

This is the promotion of pantheism and panentheism.

"Divine power is still inside you." (Page 71)

"Reach out to people to steady them and enrich them and reflect back to them the light that comes from God inside them. (Page 283)

"You won't doubt your ability to achieve what you want to achieve in this life because you won't doubt that God is not only by your side, but inside you." (Page 254)

Beck's book promotes the New Age idea that you need to tap into a positive energy for a successful and happy life: (Ten times). Some examples include:

"You have a polestar inside you. It is connected with all the energy in the universe. When you begin to follow that star you align yourself with immeasurable, inexplicable forces that will actually help you manifest your best intentions." (Page 79)

"The current energy that flows in your favor when you stop denying what you have lived through and how it has shaped you and how you must change is the immeasurable force that you can tap into to dramatically improve your existence." (Page 113)

"you will elicit the same positive energy from others. When you stop pretending to be just fine and start admitting that you have struggled, just as we all have, then spiritual energy will fill you." (Page 117)

I wrote this article because I want discerning Christians to have the information they need to refute unbiblical teaching. I want Christians to be watchmen who warn their Christian family and friends about the spiritual deception of people like Glenn Beck, Oprah Winfrey, and a host of other individuals that are promoting another Jesus and another gospel.

Christians also need to be ready to explain to their unsaved family and friends why Glenn Beck's worldview will not lead them to God as their savior but as their judge. Nowhere in Beck's new book does he mention the Biblical gospel. What Glenn is promoting is the same lie promoted by Satan in Genesis 3:1-5. I am fearful that the spiritual poison Beck is promoting is not seven wonders that will change your life but in fact, lies that will condemn the souls of millions for eternity.

Distributed by www.worldviewweekend.com 

To read more about Glenn Beck and his role in the "I AM" trend of deception, please see "I AM" Movie Blasphemes I AM.

"I AM" Movie Blasphemes I AM

By Justin Edwards

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?   And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am (Christ); and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. - Luke 21:7-8

Humanity has stepped to a new low and it's right on time with everything else that is pointing to the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tom Shadyac, who previously directed "Liar, Liar", "Bruce Almighty", and "Ace Ventura", has taken on a new venture "to discover how he as an individual, and we as a race, can improve the way we live" (source). In doing so, he has attributed the divine title for God, the Great I AM, to the title of his movie to be released in February 2011. Seemingly unapologetic for doing so, Shadyac has capitalized all letters in the title of the movie as if to put any doubts to rest.

The trailer for "I AM" (view below) clearly shows us the intention of this movie to draw worship for the creation rather than the Creator. Visuals of creation and worshiping false gods (Islam and Buddhism), focusing on man, and claiming "we are more interconnected with each other at a fundamental level than people realize or previous thought" stamp the movie with a pantheistic agenda. The very premise of the movie is that "we might have it all wrong" and calls the audience to

Forget what you know...and wake up...to the miracle...of who we really are.

After a biking accident that faced Shadyac with near-death, he set sail on a journey to find out what's wrong with our world and to discover what we can do about it (obviously, the Bible is not his source). In asking "today's most significant minds", Shadyac interviews various people claiming that

"Science has discovered elements that undermine everything we've been told about how we work and how the world works."

"The truth of who we are is that we are because we belong."

"The basis of nature is cooperation and democracy - it's in our DNA."

"We're just at the point where technology and this narrative are beginning to come together."

"The science shows us that we are all connected."

"Very deep connections at a very deep level."

"This is the most profound discovery in all of physics."

"What we do at the individual level really does affect the global environment."

"We're really geared at a primordial level to feel what another feels."

"It's like we are born to be our brothers keeper - it's the way that we're wired."

"This is the emerging story - we are far grandeur than we've been told."

"I AM." (emphases added)

I can't help but think of Avatar and its deceptive strategies to mainstream pantheism and panentheism  when viewing the trailer. The "I AM" movie seems to want to show how we are all connected at a spiritual level, which would actually be in line with New Age thought and the likes of Leonard Sweet's Quantum Spirituality. Nevertheless, with such focus on self and the human race's natural interconnection, the clear agenda of this movie is at root a spiritual one, as the trailer closes with these words:

The shift is about to hit the fan in February 2011. (emphasis original)

Think this film is an isolated incident? The movie is merely part of a growing trend to deem man, not God, as "I AM". In 2010, Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend discussed Oprah and Glenn Beck's assertions that we are "I AM" ( read here and listen here). And just this morning, I received an email from Brannon on this very topic of "I AM" regarding Glenn Beck. In his 1/5/11 article titled Glenn Beck and Oprah Winfrey Launch New Age Programming for 2011, Brannon writes,

Many Christians continue to defend Beck despite the fact he is becoming more and more blatant in his New Age preaching. I expect Beck will continue to gather around him a huge audience that is looking for a spiritual experience that tickles the ears.

On his TV program on January 4, 2011 Glenn unveiled what he calls the "E4 Experiences" that he will be promoting for 2011. Part of the theme he will be promoting is nothing short of New Age heresy and blasphemy. Beck proclaimed:

Over the next 12 months, all Mercury divisions, radio, television, books, digital and stage will focus on what I call The E4 Solution. The four Es consist of: Enlightenment, Education, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship. We will challenge ourselves and those who choose to chart this course with us, to find what we as individuals really believe, challenge what we think we know and dig deep to find out what we are each capable of.

The "E4 Experiences" include Enlightenment, Education, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship. The two that are the most disturbing were described by Beck on a giant poster that included the following wording. Enlightenment: God "I AM That I Am" Miracles, faith and Divine Providence. Empowerment: Yes I AM! Yes I Can!

On the January 4 program Beck preached:

I choose to ReFound this amazing nation by rediscovering within myself, and my own circle of influence, the principles and ethics that defined American exceptionalism.

So Glenn thinks the answers for America's spiritual, moral, political, economic, and cultural problems can be found by "rediscovering within myself" some kind of New Age enlightenment or that man is really the "I AM"? (emphases added)

Do you see the trend too? This blasphemy is coming from the liberal left and the conservative right. The complete articles and audio from Brannon Howse are must-reads to really grasp what is going on here. The attempts by man to steal glory away from God are getting more bold by the day, and I can only imagine how close we really are to the Lord's return in light of this. Romans 1:18-32 speaks to this idolatry, and those who continue in this way are storing up the righteous judgment of God for themselves (Romans 2:5). May those reading this article who may fall into this category turn to the One True God and be healed.

Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. - Romans 1:22-25

May 21, 2011 and the Harold Camping Cult "Prophecy"

By Justin Edwards

The world is not lacking in its number of cults who have attempted to set dates for the return of Christ or the end of the world. Whether drinking poisoned kool-aid to join the passing comet gods or merely predicting dates for TEOTWAWKI (the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it), obviously these have failed miserably - and for good, biblical reason. Despite the clear truth of Scripture on these matters, false prophets such as Harold Camping and his Family Radio cult continue to set dates for the end of all things.

Unfortunately, Camping's date of May 21, 2011 is only the surface of this deception. According to the Family Radio cult website, the church age ended and the Great Tribulation began on May 21, 1988. What's more,

Several years ago we had learned that the silence in Heaven for about half an hour referred to the 2,300 days that were the first part of the 23-year (exactly 8,400 days) Great Tribulation period. This period began on May 21, 1988. It was during this 2,300-day period that, both in the churches and throughout the world, very few, if any, were saved (emphasis added).

Yes, the teachings of the Camping cult are that the Holy Spirit has left the Church and it now stands in condemnation:

We had learned that May 21, 1988 was the last day of the church age and was also the first day of the 23-year period of Great Tribulation, during which Satan has been employed by God to officially rule all of the churches as well as the whole world. During the first 2,300 days of this 8,400-day period the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from all of the churches as well as the entire world. This produced silence in Heaven. This sad situation is to continue in the churches until the end of the 23-year Great Tribulation period. However, beginning 2,300 days after May 21, 1988 (the end of the church age), the Holy Spirit was again poured out, producing what the Bible calls the “latter rain” (Zechariah 10:1; James 5:7) throughout the world (but not in any church), and God began a final great harvest of salvation, bringing great joy in Heaven. This salvation is not occurring in any church, but will continue outside of the churches to the end of the Great Tribulation, on May 21, 2011 (emphasis added).

If you have not quite understood what the implications of this might be with regard to the Holy Spirit having withdrawn from the Church, continue reading the Family Radio cult's own words that have placed an anathema (Galatians 1:9) on themselves:

The language of this verse [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3] describes perfectly all of those in the world who on May 21, 2011 are still following any church. Because churches teach many things that are not true to the Bible, including a plan of salvation that is contrary to the Bible, and the Holy Spirit has abandoned all churches, those still following any church on May 21, 2011 are not saved. Nevertheless churches teach their members that (emphasis added):

1. They as confessing members of their church are safely in Christ’s care.

2. No man can know the day or hour of Christ’s return. Therefore, they are certain that Christ will come as a thief in the night.

These dear people do not realize at all that they, themselves, are in spiritual nighttime, a condition that guarantees that when Christ comes they, themselves, will be destroyed in the Day of Judgment. How awful! It is the true believers who know the time (the hour) and much about Judgment Day (the day). They are not in the nighttime of spiritual darkness (emphasis added).

My dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, I am posting this information today because deception is abounding not only in the world, but in the professing church as well. We are indeed on the doorstep of the last days, but not as Harold Camping and his cult would have you believe. Do not be deceived, this false prophet has reserved for himself the blackness of darkness forever (2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:13), as he is of the

evil men and impostors [who] will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. - 2 Timothy 3:13

The truth is, no one knows the day or hour of the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:36). Scripture tells us we may know the season, and indeed tells us to lift our heads when we see the signs prior to the return of Christ (Luke 21:28), but never will we know the exact date.

Please understand, it is not this nonsensical date-setting that warrants the branding of heretic to Harold Camping and his minions. No doubt there are many true believers who are ignorant and immature in their eschatology who might also set dates for the rapture of the church. What awards this cult the title of rank heresy is their pronouncement for Christians to exit the churches and that no one who is currently in a local church is saved because the Holy Spirit has left all local churches around the world. Moreover, they pronounce that only true believers have this knowledge of the timing of Christ's return "as revealed to them by the Holy Spirit", so all professing Christians, as they say, who deny May 21, 2011 as the day of the rapture, are not saved at all and should expect the wrath of God to fall upon them.

As this cult phenomenon is making its way across the United States and around the world via internet (wecanknow.com), you will no doubt be hearing of this in the coming months. But let me warn you,

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

The Apostle Paul is referring to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is to say, Christ died so that we might live. It is according to His righteousness alone that we may be justified by faith alone by the grace of God alone, and our salvation is secure in the person and work of Christ alone for the glory of God alone, not according to the deceptive ploys of men to sway the sheep from the Body of Christ to trust in heretical teachings. We must protect this good deposit with everything we are and shield ourselves from every wind of doctrine by staying grounded in the Word.

Unfortunately, Harold Camping is not the only person spreading this madness. According to the AP,

Billboards, bus stop benches, and travelling caravans of RVs from Bridgeport, Conn. to Little Rock, Ark. are being used to spread the word. 

It saddens me to believe that true Christians have been caught up in this deception. There may be many who have no idea of the teachings of Camping, and are merely running with the crowd in hysteria and hoping for Christ's return in 2011. If this is you, I also hope the Lord Jesus Christ returns in 2011, but it won't be on May 21. This is a false prophecy preached by a false prophet who says you are not saved if you go to church, and no one has been saved in the last 23 years except those who believe in May 21, 2011. This is destructive heresy of the worst kind, my friend - I pray you will make your calling and election sure according to the Word of God, not this false prophet.

Take a moment to catch your breath and seriously consider whether what you believe is actually true, and we can know this by going directly to Scripture and reading it in context. If you have any questions, please, by all means, post a comment below. I have a feeling this post will generate some traffic, so I'm prepared to help anyone with humility to walk this through, by the grace of God.  If you have questions about salvation, then please take a moment to read the following:  Eternal Life

Until that Glorious Day, the Lord will protect His Bride and she will be found holy and blameless on Her day of Redemption. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. - Ephesians 5:23-27

For additional information on Harold Camping and the Family Radio cult, please see the following:

Question: "Is Harold Camping and Family Radio a cult?"

Camping with Rapture Loons in 2011

Harold Camping Strikes (Out) Again!

Harold Camping: Modern Day Cult Leader 

Harold Camping: Heretical Attacker of Christ's People