Global Peace, Stability, and Unity Through Interfaith Cooperation

By Justin Edwards

As the world scrambles to avoid world war, stifle economic collapse, and strengthen global governance,  it is fascinating to see the call for religious unity to be their best hope to achieving these efforts. The Jordan Times is reporting today that King Abdullah of Jordan is seeking to bring security among the nations through interfaith dialogue. In a time where the world is on the brink of total chaos by threats of war, terrorism, pandemics, crashing economies, and religious intolerance, this push to bridge religions and cultures by Abdullah could not have been more timely. In fact, it's just on time, prophetically speaking.

The Bible tells us that before the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world will be in turmoil and doing everything in its power to bring peace and unity to the nations through global governance, a global economy, and global religious unity. Of course, these efforts are ultimately to transfer global power to the Antichrist government as he prepares to build an army looking to destroy Christianity and overthrow God Himself. In the end, however, Jesus Christ will return at the brink of Armageddon to destroy evil and set up His earthly kingdom. Until that day, we are fortunate to be living in a time to see these prophetic chess pieces move into place, such as the efforts being made by King Abdullah. The Jordan Times reports:

In his address at the European People’s Party (EPP) summit, delivered in the presence of 20 presidents and prime ministers, EU institution chiefs and opposition leaders, along with HRH Prince Ghazi, His Majesty outlined Jordan’s efforts in interfaith dialogue, stressing the need for joint efforts to spread the values of peace and tolerance (source).

Abdullah stressed, 

We have systematically worked on easing intra- and inter-religious tensions, which pose a serious threat to our collective security (source).

According to the Jordan Times, King Abdullah invoked a message "to spread harmony and love among the world's 1.5 billion Muslims", and referred to a 2007 initiative called "A Common Word".  Abdullah stated:

Through this open letter by 138 Muslim scholars to the leaders of the Christian churches, we sought to promote Muslim-Christian harmony.

Upon further investigation of "A Common Word", I discovered this initiative is embraced by Pope Benedict and the Archbishop of Canterbury. According to the "Official Website of A Common Word's" Abridgment and Summary page:

The basis for this peace and understanding already exists. It is part of the very foundational principles of both faiths: love of the One God, and love of the neighbour. These principles are found over and over again in the sacred texts of Islam and Christianity. The Unity of God, the necessity of love for Him, and the necessity of love of the neighbour is thus the common ground between Islam and Christianity.

On this Christian Responses page of the same website, you will find a smorgasbord of ecumenical leaders and churches endorsing this interfaith cooperation, including the Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Tony Blair, the president from the Princeton Theological Seminary, and the stated chairman from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the latter of whom stated:

In issuing "A Common Word Between Us and You," Muslim religious leaders and scholars from around the world have invited Christians to come together in pursuit of peace and justice, rooted in the principles of love of the One God, and love of our neighbors found in both our faiths.

I welcome this invitation and the careful articulation of the Qur'anic and biblical ideas underlying it. A Common Word offers much that is worth our study and consideration (source).

Other church organizations endorsing the movement include the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Baptist World Alliance, Disciples of Christ, Columbia Theological Seminary, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and dozens more. The stench of liberal ecumenism is overwhelming.

In his address on Thursday, King Abdullah put his foot forward by declaring,

This year, Jordan took the message of religious peace and love to the whole world. We did so by initiating "World Interfaith Harmony Week", which will be held the first week of February each year...[this will be] a voluntary occasion for people to express their own religious teachings about tolerance, respect for others and peace, [hoping it will] help more people come together (source).

The Jordan Times informs that Abdullah's following words were that of the "A Common Word" open letter, which calls for tolerance of "difference, mutual respect and fairness":

Let our differences not cause hatred and strife between us. Let us vie with each other only in righteousness and good works (source).

King Abdullah also stressed how critical it was for the Middle East to achieve peace through a two-state solution between the Palestinians and Israel, as  “nothing less can bring the regional, and indeed the global stability, we need in today’s dangerous era”(source). He continued,

For Palestinians, it is a secure future, in an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state on their own national soil...For Israelis, it is the real security that acceptance and normal relations bring, not just with immediate neighbours, but with 57 Arab and Muslim countries, one-third of the UN...For the Middle East, it is the security of a region at peace, able to devote resources to development and progress, and for the global community, it is the security of a global alliance for moderation and justice...If negotiations do not succeed, the two-state solution, the only solution that can work, might not be possible...If that hope is killed, we can anticipate much more vicious warfare. Europe, the US and other countries have already been dragged into regional conflicts. New catastrophic scenarios would only drag the world in deeper (source).

The Jordan Times article goes on to explain Abdullah's calls for economic cooperation in the European-Mediterranean region, and that "an opportunity-rich future is one of the most effective answers to extremist agitation" (source). Stressing the importance of resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Jordan Times reported,

The King said that the alternative to seeking progress towards this solution is further tensions and conflicts that would hinder efforts to achieve security and stability in and outside the region and pose threats to the US, European and international strategic interests (source).

There is just so much of prophetic significance pact into this single article. The Jordanian King is making every effort to bring about religious harmony and Middle East peace for the sake of global security and economic stability. The writing is on the wall for these things to be realized, even though any sort of peace and stability will be very short-lived according to Scripture. A day is soon coming where the people of the earth see the four horseman of the apocalypse be called forth by as the Lamb of God opens the seals of the scroll in Revelation 6. These judgments against the earth will soon follow the confirmation of a peace accord between Israel and the Antichrist on behalf of the world. The globe will be further deceived as the harlot of idolatry brings together all religions to worship the Antichrist and his image, for they will have trusted in him for the world's salvation as he brings about temporary peace and prosperity. But those who do not pledge their loyalty to this Antichrist will be subject to his wrath (Revelation 13:15).

Praise God the story does not end there. For those who place their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and repent from their sins, there is great hope to be expected as the King comes to set up His eternal reign. If you have doubts about your salvation or are living a lifestyle contrary to the call to holiness, or perhaps you know you have yet to surrender your life to Christ, you can do that today. This article clearly reveals that Scripture is coming alive before us, and any moment, literally any moment, the final dominoes will fall.

The world is soon coming under the judgment of Almighty God. For those covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, we need not worry about the future. However, those who continue down the path of destruction have every reason to worry, both in this life and the next. If you would like to learn more about these things or how you can be sure of where you will spend eternity, please leave a comment or contact me privately. That is the very purpose of this blog. Don't play with your eternity any longer, and receive assurance of salvation today.

The footsteps of the Messiah are rapidly approaching, don't wait any longer.

False Teacher Glenn Beck Continues to Push Pluralism and Universalism

From Worldview Weekend with Brannon Howse

We told you we would not re-visit the Glenn Beck topic unless there was a good reason to do so. Well, many of you e-mailed Brannon over the weekend and wanted to know what he thought of Glenn's September 17th TV program. So, today Brannon plays clips from the Beck program and comments. Glenn continues to push pluralism and universalism.

Topic One: Glenn's program was on the four "men" that led revolutions; Jesus, Gandhi, Moses and Martin Luther King Jr.

Topic Two: Beck says "let's talk about Him [Jesus] as a man" and then says "if He indeed is the Messiah". So Beck is not only lowering Jesus to the status of a man instead of what He was, God incarnate, but Beck also left in question whether Jesus was really the Messiah. Beck goes on to say that he has made a deep connection to all four individuals and that "their truth is so universal." Did you catch that? Beck said "their truth". This is total postmodernism and universalism. All religions cannot all be true.

Topic Three: Gandhi's grandson proclaims that at the bottom all religions are the same and even Alveda King, who claims to be a Christian, did not express any disagreement with this pluralistic propaganda. Gandhi's grandson went on to proclaim that all humanity is one. This is the belief of monism and pantheism as promoted in the Hindu religion of Gandhi.

Topic Four: Morehouse College President Dr. Robert Franklin proclaims that Martin Luther King Jr. married his beliefs of Jesus with the beliefs of Gandhi. Franklin says "Jesus provides the theory in a sense Gandhi provides practice" and Beck says "this is starting to sound almost like the Black Robe Regiment." Beck's Black Robe Regiment that consists of 240 pastors, priests, imams, and Rabbis attended the 8-28 rally and literally locked arms with each other. Are the "evangelical" pastors and leaders now ready to admit they were willing pawns for Beck's pluralistic push and promotion of universalism? What will it take before even one pastor or Christian leader separates himself from Beck's unbiblical campaign and agenda?

Topic Five: Evangelical leaders and LDS leaders have had numerous hush, hush, meetings to bridge an agreement together.

Topic Six: The merging of religions is so popular that Christianity Today magazine ran an article on how one could be a "Messianic Muslim". That is a Muslim that "accepts" Jesus but still follows Muhammad. Can you see the one-world religion coming together?(original air date, September 20, 2010 at 1pm CT)

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I'm Sorry, Glenn...It's Over.

From Sola Sisters

Dear Glenn,

This is a hard letter to write, because we've had some good times.  But I'm sorry, it's over between us.  And please believe me when I tell you this: it's not me, it's you.  You see, I haven't changed.  I'm still the same conservative gal, the one who sat around hoping that somehow, some way, this country would be set right again.  And along you came, with a little sparkle in your eye, so full of national pride, so distraught and earnest over what was happening to our country right under our noses.  Hegelian dialectic! Fabian socialiasm! The third way!  And suddenly, I wasn't the only one running up the hill, vainly shouting these things into the wind....you were right there with me.  We were having such a good time.  I was telling everybody about you!

And okay, sure, I knew you were a Mormon.  But maybe, I said to myself, he's really a Christian.  Maybe he's one of those "cultural Mormons," a Mormon in name only, who doesn't even know about all that kooky Mormon theology.  After all, he talks about God and Jesus and salvation and atonement....  Looking back, I'm so ashamed of myself:  I should have known better!  After all, a large part of what I do is write about cults, and how they use the same terminology that Christians do, only with redefined meanings.  Oh, how I wanted to believe.

But then, you changed.  It all started with the rock. You know what I'm talking about, Glenn.  It's no use getting all wide-eyed and coy with me, I'm onto you now.  You brought out that rock, and exclaimed over its "Hebrew" inscription.  Suddenly, we had taken a strange turn.  I didn't want to be proselytized by someone who believed in Planet Kolob and spirit babies; I wanted the old Glenn back, the one with the blackboard, running back and forth between Cass Sunstein and Jim Wallis and Barack Obama, sweating and red-faced.  You began to talk more about faith, and suddenly I could no longer pretend we were on the same page.  "Get back to God," you earnestly spoke into the camera. "Whatever that means for you, go back to your church, your synagogue, your mosque, your whatever."

Excuse me, but....."Whatever that means for you?" As in, however you want to approach God is fine by me, just so long as you have a tidy little moral code that keeps you out of trouble?  I couldn't believe it.  I was crushed! No longer could I pretend that you were somehow secretly a Christian who hadn't yet mustered up the courage to leave his cult.

And then came the 8/28 rally.  By that time, I couldn't even watch.  My heart was already broken.

And then it began to dawn on me: I think I've been played.  Not by you, Glenn.  But by the Progressive Left Wingers.  You see, all along, as your tide was rising, we Tea Partiers and conservatives were cackling about 2012, about "just wait!" and "oh boy, we'll show them!"  But the Progressives weren't concerned in the least.  Why was that?  Could it be that, on the rising swell of your popularity, they were envisioning the possibility of a Mitt Romney run.....and instead of being concerned, they already had it mapped out? Instead of quaking with fear over the handsome, articulate, former governor of Massachusetts, they were ready and waiting with a list of questions about temple garments, Brother Lucifer, and baptism for the dead?   Maybe that's why they weren't worried about you or a possible Mitt Romney run....they were secretly rubbing their hands together with glee at the thought of "temple garments" being shown over and over again on CNN.

Oh dear, it's all starting to become clear to me.  The truth is, we don't believe the same things. Your Mormon "gospel" of moralism and good works and America-as-the-promised-land is the kind of false gospel that the Bible warns about.  And now I'm officially freaked out.  Of course, I'm still conservative and want what's best for the country, but the bottom line for me is God....not country.  Don't get me wrong. I love my country, and I'm heartbroken to see it sliding into socialism, but I'm sorry: God trumps country.

So Glenn, this is it, it's over.  Now, instead of pleading with my friends to tune in, I'm begging everyone to wake up and realize that, as nice and earnest as you are, you are not a Christian. And to pray for you. But I want you to know that I still wish you the best, even though you scare me now.  It's not me, Glenn.  It's you.

Sadly,

 

Sola Sisters

 

(HT: Sola Sisters)

An Open Letter Concerning Glenn Beck

By Nathan Jones

Americans are abuzz over noted author and broadcast personality Glenn Beck. Beck is nationally known by his supporters as a defender of American liberties and by his enemies as an outspoken critic of the current political establishment. Both sides, though, are confused over just what Glenn Beck believes concerning his claim to Christianity and Jesus Christ.

On Saturday, August 28, Beck held a Restoring Honor Rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., presenting such famous speakers as Sarah Palin, Dr. Alveda King and Marcus Luttrell. The purpose of the event, as Beck's website describes, is to "celebrate America by honoring our heroes, our heritage and our future" and remind Americans that "our freedom is possible only if we remain virtuous," calling all patriots to help him "restore the values that founded this great nation."

Just what "values" does Beck see America returning to, though, and where does he derive those values from? Are they from the Bible, or from something else?

These questions were taken to one of today's foremost defenders of the faith, Eric Barger, the founder and director of Take a Stand! Ministries headquartered in the Dallas area. Eric is an authority on the cults, the New Age, and rock music today. He's generated a letter called "An Open Letter Concerning Glenn Beck" that gives great insight into Glenn Beck's belief system.

An Open Letter Concerning Glenn Beck

Over the last few months there have been many questions and much conversation about the popular broadcaster Glenn Beck and his professed Mormon faith. This letter seeks to identify and clear up the confusion concerning both Beck's stand and about the marked differences between Mormonism and historic, biblical Christianity. Please understand that we do not write these words in an effort to simply be "right" or to win an argument. The purpose of the letter is to determine the truth — something that Glenn Beck himself constantly lauds.

Let us begin by saying that we appreciate the stand Glenn Beck has made concerning our country, its foundation, and the great need for America to come back to God. Many of us have no doubt learned and gleaned information from Beck's thorough research and many fine, conservative guests. In fact, as he has stated many times on his national television program on the Fox News Channel and on his much-listened to radio program, the only hope America, indeed any person or nation, has is to return to and surrender to God. However, therein lies the problem. When Beck speaks of God, informed Christians must immediately question "which God?"

The unsuspecting or those less informed are given the perception that, when Beck mentions God, it must be the same deity that is spoken of as the Creator in the Holy Bible. To what extent Glenn Beck is grounded in Mormon doctrine or understanding may be debatable. However, he indeed presents himself in much the same manner as that of an "evangelical" Christian and also consistently states that he is indeed a Mormon. Let us be clear. Each person reading this must be warned that Glenn Beck's spirituality — which he claims to be the only solution — is not orthodox, historical Christianity in doctrine, beliefs, or practice.

Put bluntly, the basis of Mormonism exists in the idea of godhood for mankind in a doctrine called "The Law of Eternal Progression." This cultic belief states that God was a man as we are now and (through Mormonism and its erroneous teachings) we humans can become "gods" as well. Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith, wrote, "... You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you..." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 348). Though the modern Mormon Church has tried to appear to be "Christian," this belief is the very core teaching of Mormonism.

On the "Mormon Jesus," Mormon apostle Bruce R. Hunter, a member of Mormonism's "First Council of the Seventy," emphatically wrote, "The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind" (The Gospel Through the Ages, Milton R. Hunter, p. 15). Though the evidence that separates Mormonism from authentic Christianity is overwhelming, just these two examples should give one pause to question whether the Mormon god and Mormonism's unbiblical Jesus could in any way be construed to be the same as that portrayed in God's holy word, the Bible.

In conclusion...

No matter how good the fruit may appear, no matter how much we may agree with his stand on America or politics, no matter how sincere or passionate he may be, we feel it is incumbent on those in apologetics ministry to point out that, if indeed Glenn Beck is a Mormon, he is advocating a religion that is not Christianity in any fashion but instead a false religion responsible for damning the souls of all who follow it. Being close or just using similar terms or phrases do not constitute sound doctrine. These things matter and each of us — Glenn Beck included — need to examine whether we have placed our faith, hope, and trust in the real Jesus who is able to redeem and save a sinner or in one of the many worthless counterfeits such as the "Jesus" of the Mormon Church.

(HT: The Christ in Prophecy Journal)

Joining Glenn Beck, Potentially Millions of Evangelicals Compromising the Gospel

By Justin Edwards

Brannon Howse delivers another excellent piece on the evangelical compromise of the Gospel while joining forces with Glenn Beck. In the name of patriotism and social justice, biblical Christianity is being attacked from both the right and the left.

Let it be known: Glenn Beck is a false teacher. At one time he was a great stalwart in defending freedoms and our U.S. Constitution, but his mask is finally coming off to show his agenda in promoting Mormon doctrine. Evangelical leaders compromised the Gospel this weekend when joining hands at Beck's "revival" rally, and many Christians followed suit, some in ignorance, some in defiance.

The push for ecumenicism is blatantly clear to discerning Christians - if you have yet to understand where this is all headed, then I urge you to read the following and begin to diligently study where this is all rooted.

As one facebook friend said to me over the weekend, we must not compromise the Gospel on the alter of ecumenical patriotism!

The line is being drawn in the sand - on which side will you stand?

Glenn Beck and Jim Wallis Are Both Pushing Social Justice and an Earthly Kingdom

by Brannon S. Howse

Am I on the only one that watched Glenn Beck's 8-28 rally with red flags going up non-stop? The mixture of Glenn's Mormon theology wrapped in Christian terms, combined with some of the Christian speakers made me very uncomfortable. The patriotic ecumenicalism was very unbiblical.

The dominion theology of some Christians, combined with the "Kingdom of God" theology of Mormonism, combined with all faiths uniting and wrapped in the flag reveals that a one-world religion and a one-world leader will be easily accepted even by people calling themselves Christians.

Mormon Theology at Beck's 8-28 rally came out within the first few minutes that Glenn stepped on to the stage. Beck proclaims; "God's chosen people, the Native Americans and the Pilgrims." Mormon theology says that Native Americans are a lost tribe of Israel that came to America and that Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection in the Americas in the Western Hemisphere. The teachings that "Jesus" gave them are what Joseph Smith claimed to have found on the gold tablets when he was a teenager. Smith was directed to the golden plates by an angle of light. (Quote by Beck on the Native Americans can be found at the 4:30 mark on this clip)

I believe the 8-27 and 8-28 rallies have greatly furthered the acceptance of ecumenicalism by even those who call themselves evangelicals. The pastors and Christian leaders (including women pastors) standing behind Glenn Beck at the end of the rally with their arms locked together looked silly and not at all like Christian statesmen. I truly believe they sold out. I do not think even one of them realizes how they compromised the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and have damaged their testimony and added massively to the acceptance of pluralism and ecumenicalism.

Whether they know it or not; those Christians that took part in these two rallies have endorsed an overwhelmingly humanistic message that was wrapped in patriotic and Christians terms. While a few speakers tried to give a true Biblical message; I believe it was so diluted in a soup of unbiblical messages that their presence only gave credibility in the minds of non-believers and non-discerning Christians that the "God talk" was all good.

Unless Biblical repentance, the exclusivity of the Jesus Christ of the Bible (not the cults) and the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ was proclaimed, the entire message was one of "we must save ourselves" and as Beck said "man can make a difference". The Bible says even my righteous deeds look like wickedness to God. It makes no difference that many of the speakers used the name of God over and over because for most of them it was not the God of the Bible but a god of their own making just as if they had crafted an idol with wood or wax.

Glenn Beck, on his TV program on August 27, 2010, affirmed that he is a Mormon. Thus his god was a man like you and I that evolved and Mormons believe they can be as god.

Glenn slipped what many experts believe is fraudulent archeology into his program. Glenn was not forthright with his audience as to why the highly suspect Bat Creek Stone is important to Mormon theology and history.

These next few statements will be shocking to some and many will not have the Biblical knowledge and discernment to accept the truth of what I am about to present. Social justice is a man-centered attempt to create heaven on earth.

Reverend Jim Wallis is pushing a liberal, leftist, man- centered, Godless, good works, social justice and Beck is pushing a conservative, right-wing, Godless, man-centered, good works, social justice. Both Wallis and Beck want a revolution in America and they both are basing their revolution on humanistic thinking. One is coming from the left and one is coming from the right. Both Wallis and Beck are both pushing for an earthly kingdom based on humanism and paganism mixed with their individual versions of social justice. I believe that Wallis and Beck both reject the God of the Bible and the salvation that is only found through the Jesus Christ of the Bible. In the end Beck and Wallis are on the same team as Jesus Christ Himself declared in John 8:42-47:

"If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God." In verse 44 He continues, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." Then in verse 47: "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."

Listen up members of the true Bride of Christ, the perilous times warned about in II Timothy 3:1-5 are here and many within our own families and churches are being deceived. Verse 5 says "having a form of godliness but denying its power, and from such persons turn away."

Man serves either God or Satan, and thus every issue at its very foundation is theological and spiritual.

I began the week on my radio program and in my columns stating that I could join Glenn Beck on non-spiritual issues but not theological ones. I believe I must now change my position based on all the research I have done this week on Mormonism and based on Glenn's own words from the past few months. To me it is clear that Glenn is not even attempting to separate his defense of the U.S. Constitution from his radical and pagan religious beliefs.

I believe that Glenn Beck's spirituality, theology, and doctrine cannot be separated from his public policy. I truly believe Glenn Beck, through his Mormonism, is seeking to build a "kingdom" that Biblically committed Christians must take no part in helping him build.

Many years ago LDS President John Taylor boasted of this goal of building a Mormon Kingdom on earth:

Let us now notice our political positions in the world. What are we going to do? We are going to possess the earth and reign over it for ever and ever. Now, ye Kings and Emperors help yourselves if you can. This is the truth and it may as well be told at this time as at any other. There's a good time coming, Saints, a good time coming.[1]

Former Mormon Ed Decker reveals that this Mormon "Kingdom of God" is really based on a socialistic theocracy:

Joseph Smith implemented a program called the United Order in the church. It was a plan of sharing everything in common, all properties and wealth turned over and owned by the church and dispersed by the Brethren to the people on an as needed basis with a requirement for good stewardship or loss of use. It was later determined that it could only work when both the secular and ecclesiastic functions operated under one authority. An LDS prophet ruling over a theocratic government where eternal commandments like the United Order would function within the "Kingdom of God."[2]

The Mormon view of the U.S. Constitution is that it is god-breathed by the Mormon god and that America's Founding Fathers were specially chosen spirit babies sent by the Mormon god to grow up and write the U.S. Constitution and found "America, the land of liberty to be the Lord's latter-day base of operations for His restored [Mormon] church."[3] How can committed Christians even now join Glenn Beck in a common goal around defending the U.S. Constitution when we know what his religion teaches lest we be partakers in the works of darkness?

Defend the U.S. Constitution and original intent but not in a shared endeavor with Beck unless you embrace the ultimate goals and objectives of his Mormon religion. God's church is not so weak that we have to partner with the theocratic agenda of a cult in order to accomplish God's will-if indeed it is even God's will that we reclaim America. Based on Biblical descriptions, I believe God is even now beginning to judge America because of our national rebellion that includes pastors compromising on the supremacy of Scripture for political and social gain.

The pastors that were at Beck's rally today would have been far better off if they were back at home studying their Bibles and preparing a Sunday sermon that called for the members of their congregations to reject the pagan spirituality and pluralism they endorsed today by standing behind Glenn Beck. A June 26, 2008 article in the Denver Post revealed that pagan spirituality is doubling in America every eighteen months. That number is sure to increase as "evangelical" leaders give it credibility as they did today.

Please pray for Glenn Beck's Biblical salvation. However, unless, and until that happens, I now believe that I must warn you that Glenn Beck is a false teacher that is teaching another Jesus, another god and another gospel. The headlines will read that Glenn is calling America back to God but it is NOT the God of the Bible since Glenn admits to being a Mormon.

I have warned you about Jim Wallis, Oprah Winfrey and many other such false teachers; shall I not warn you of Glenn Beck simply because he can draw a crowd of 500,000 on the mall of our nation's capitol.


Many of you are losing friends over your Biblical stance for Truth. Some of your own family members are opposed to your defense of Biblical truth. Jesus Himself said it would be this way in Matthew 10:34-26 when he said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household."

I close with a quote I gave you earlier in the week from the late Dr. Vance Havner:

The devil is not fighting religion; he is too smart for that. He is producing a counterfeit Christianity so much like the real one that good Christians are afraid to speak out against it.

Amen!


Past articles for review:

Following Glenn Beck's Divine Destiny or God's Word

Can We Better Understand Glenn Beck's Divine Destiny By Understanding What the Mormon Church Says About The Constitution, America, and the Last Days?



An excellent resource for your family on Mormonism, the cults, and false religions would be the book, Fast Facts on False Teaching by Dr. Ron Carlson and Ed Decker. This book is available at the website of Ron Carlson:

Past Radio Programs on this topic:

8-27-10

8-26-10

8-24-10

Glenn Beck's Divine [Mormon] Destiny

So many Christians are being deceived into thinking that it is perfectly acceptable to join with other faiths in spiritual matters as long as it's for the "good of the country". That by pledging to "God" or country, no matter the religious affiliation, we can join hands together to get the country back "on the right track". 

I challenge you to read this excellent article by Brannon House that explains why uniting together with other religions in the name of Patriotism is so dangerous. A precedent is being set here, one that confirms the direction the visible church has been headed over the last century. Ecumenism is the order of the day, and it's flinging us deeper into apostasy just as Scripture prophesies.
 
Following Glenn Beck’s Divine Destiny or God’s Word

By Brannon S. Howse

Would you approve or disapprove if some of America’s evangelical pastors and religious leaders announced they were going to show up at “Oprah’s Divine Destiny” meeting at the Kennedy Center for an evening that would include uplifting music and nationally-known religious figures from all faiths as they unite in prayer and recite historical speeches? Would it concern you if you knew that on her radio program Oprah has taught the book called A Course in Miracles written by Helen Schucman?

This book and the workbook include such quotes as:

“A slain Christ has no meaning.”

“The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.”

“Do not make the pathetic error of ‘clinging to the old rugged cross’.”

“My salvation comes from me.”

True Bible-believing Christians would not approve of evangelical pastors and leaders uniting with Oprah in a self-described, religious and spiritual meeting. Why? Because most Biblically thinking Christians do not agree with Oprah’s liberal politics and they know that the truth of God’s Word and Oprah’s pagan spirituality do not mix.

However, many of these same Christians will have no problem when some of America’s evangelical pastors join radio personality and television host Glenn Beck for a spiritual program, because unlike Oprah, they share Beck’s conservative, political views. To many it makes no matter that Beck is a self-described Mormon because his political views trump his religious views and for this reason many will justify taking part in “Glenn Becks Divine Destiny” program at the Kennedy Center on August 27^th.


The Apostle Paul warns Christians against uniting with unbelievers in spiritual endeavors in 2 Corinthians 6:14 where we read, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” In verse 16 Paul declares that Christians must be spiritually separate from non-believers. Remember Paul is talking about being spiritually separate. “Glenn Beck’s Divine Destiny” program at the Kennedy Center on Friday evening August 27, 2010 has been specifically described by organizers as “a unique spiritual event.”

While I applaud and agree with many of Glenn Beck’s conservative and constitutional views, that does not give me or any other Bible-believing Christian justification to compromise Biblical truth by spiritually joining Beck in an event, that according this his own website, will include an evening in which “nationally-known religious figures from all faiths will unite…”. The website continues “The audience for the event will be overwhelmingly made up of pastors, ministers and clergy…” The event is also described as an evening “that will help heal your soul.” This event is clearly a spiritual event with Glenn declaring on a video on his website that the hymn Eternal Father Strong to Save “is the message of 8/27″.  The problem is that as a Mormon, Glenn’s definition of God the Father is not the same as that described by Jesus Christ Himself in the Bible. Glenn says, “I have been reaching out to the biggest names in faith for the last year…I have met with the biggest leaders of faith in the country privately and I have asked them to help me put differences aside and to reach out with one another so we can remind people to get down on their knees for our brethren’s shield in our dangerous hour.”

Christians that want to be committed to Biblical truth cannot “put aside” the cross and Gospel of Jesus Christ nor the supremacy of Scripture by spiritually uniting with those that proclaim another Jesus, another gospel and declare the cross foolishness.

Many  American Christians will allow their commitment to reclaiming the country, reclaiming Congress, lowering taxes, and defeating the progressives trump their commitment to the Biblical mandate declared in 2 Corinthians 6 as well as the mandate of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 which commands Christians to expose every high and lofty thing lifted up against the principles of the Lord.

American Christians should not and cannot rate our success on whether or not we return our country and culture to its Christian roots. Our success or failure must be based on whether or not we have been faithful servants of the one and only true God and have earnestly contended for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

We appreciate the strong and courageous stands that Glenn has taken but Christians must understand that Glenn is now, by his own choice, promoting something that is not compatible with Biblical Christian doctrines. While Christians can join Glenn in opposing tyranny, socialism, cultural Marxism, and the like; we cannot join him spiritually. We can be co-belligerents on many moral issues with non-Christians but we cannot find common ground theologically, doctrinally, and spiritually. This is not according to me, Brannon Howse, but according to the Word of God. Christians must understand that the Jesus of the cults is not the Jesus of the Bible.

Please remember that I started the website www.keepglennbeck.com to support Glenn when the radicals wanted his advertisers to stop advertising in his program because at the time he was not promoting spirituality but simply providing excellent information about what was happening in the arena of civil government and law. However, Glenn has now moved into an area where we must draw a clear line theologically, doctrinally and spiritually.

I have yet to see anything that would cause me to have a problem with the 8-28 event at the Lincoln Memorial because I have not seen that event described as a “spiritual event” or a “uniting of all faiths” for the purpose of “healing your soul.” If that is what it becomes then I will be equally opposed to the 8-28 event. My concern is really focused on the 8/27 event for the reasons I have articulated.

Some misinformed Christians have e-mailed me Mark 9:38-41 to try and convince me that partnering with Glenn Beck for a “unique spiritual event” is acceptable Biblically even if Glenn Beck is not a Christian, but indeed a Mormon by his own admission. Verse 40 says “For he who is not against us is on our side.” There is just one big problem; the people emailing me this verse are taking this scripture completely out of context. Mark 9 is not speaking of a non-Christian that is doing something good but it is clearly speaking of a true follower of Jesus Christ that was successful in casting out a demon.

If you do not think it is Biblically acceptable for a Biblically committed Christian to be united in a spiritual event with Oprah Winfrey then why is it not also unacceptable to unite spiritually in the 8/27 event with Glenn Beck or any other religious leaders that do not adhere to Biblical orthodoxy? How much different are the religious beliefs of Oprah and the beliefs of Mormons?  Christian author Ed Decker who was a Mormon for 20 years of his adult life and was a member of the Melchizedek priesthood, a Temple Mormon and active in many church positions before becoming a Christian has revealed to me such facts as:

• Mormons believe the cross of Christ is foolishness and thus you will not find a cross in or on top of a Mormon temple.  Thus a Mormon could say “Do not make the pathetic error of ‘clinging to the old rugged cross’.”

• Mormons believe the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross is not what saves and thus Mormons will not use red wine or red juice for communion but they use water. Thus a Mormon could say “A slain Christ has no meaning.”

• Mormons believe that salvation is not found in placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone but in good works.  Thus a Mormon could say “My salvation comes from me.”

• Mormons believe that God is one of many Gods and that every good Mormon man can become a God himself. This belief is called the law of eternal progression and is best described in this popular Mormon saying, “As man is, God once was, and as God is, man may become.” Thus a Mormon could say that “The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.”

Do these pastors and Christian leaders not understand that by appearing on stage at this “unique spiritual event” they are sending the message that Biblical Christianity and Mormonism (and any other unbiblical worldview represented) can indeed find spiritual common ground? This is not only a public relations victory for Mormonism but also for universalism.

According to the LDS General Authority and President of the Council of the Twelve, Ezra Taft Benson, the LDS doctrine is that the living prophet is above the scripture.[1]  I would humbly plead with those Christians taking part in this spiritual event to not put their own personal desires and agenda above the scripture.

Christians e-mail me to tell me that Glenn Beck uses Christian terms and thus he must be a Christian. Indeed Mormons, as well as New Agers, use many of the same terms that Bible believing Christians use but their definitions of those terms are in direct opposition to the Biblical definitions.

Christians also e-mail me to tell me that they heard Glenn Beck give the gospel on his television program one night. I watched that program and Glenn clearly stated that he had called Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention to have Land explain to Glenn the gospel message according to evangelicals so Glenn could contrast it with the collective salvation of President Obama. Glenn provided this contrast; he did not state that he had rejected Mormonism for the truth of the Biblical gospel.

It is not Biblically acceptable for Christians to join Oprah for “a unique spiritual event” and it is equally not Biblical for Christians to join Glenn Beck for “a unique spiritual event.” I do however urge all Christians to pray for Oprah and Glenn that they may indeed come to know the Jesus Christ of the Bible as their personal Lord and Savior. (John 14:6)
 
Millions of Christian families are watching to see who will have the Biblical discernment and courage to be obedient to God and His Word in which He has clearly revealed His will for us concerning this matter. My heart grieves for the teenagers, college students, and spiritually immature Christians that will be confused and even led astray by this co-mingling of spiritual worldviews.

Do not be shocked, pastors and Christian leaders, when your personal appearance and endorsement of this spiritually pluralistic event increase the already rising numbers of young people leaving evangelical churches to join the Mormon Church. Neither be surprised, my friends, when discerning Christians are leery of your future work because of your betrayal of clear Biblical instruction on this very issue. I want your testimony and credibility preserved and beg you to graciously cancel your participation in this “spiritual event”.

I have received numerous e-mails from former Mormons who understand the seriousness of this issue. Here is one such e-mail:

I was a tenured professor at Brigham Young University from 1999-2008, a dug-in Mormon for 30 years. Christ drew me and I went face down in surrender to the Biblical Christ, now a strong Christian. As former Mormon leaders, my husband and I have been speaking to Christians about Glenn Beck for some time and are shocked at the resistance we hear from Christians who don’t seem to understand the gravity of this false and slippery “christ” of Mormonism.

The late Vance Havner was correct when he declared:

The devil is not fighting religion; he is too smart for that. He is producing a counterfeit Christianity so much like the real one that good Christians are afraid to speak out against it.

As long ago as 1898, Abraham Kuyper warned in the Stone Lectures at Princeton:

Do not forget that the fundamental contrast has always been, is still and always will be until the end; Christianity and Paganism, the idols and the living God.

I pray that America’s Christians and pastors will understand that there is an unbiblical and dangerous spiritual convergence taking place throughout the nation and the world and today is the day to choose whether you will uncompromisingly stand for the living God or give creditability to pagan spirituality.

In I Kings 18:20-21 Elijah declared to the Children of Israel, who were seeking to follow God while also mixing their worship of God with pagan spirituality, that they must choose to whom they would pledge their allegiance. Elijah asked the Israelites “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”

Yes, I would like to see the progressives defeated and the original intent of America’s Founding Fathers restored, but that certainly will not happen if the true Bride of Christ compromises on Biblical truth. This is no time to be committed to pragmatism because the end does not justify the means. The means simply declares our priorities and Whom we really serve.

(HT: Defending Contending)

10 Scriptural Reasons Not to Be Involved with Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity

By Justin Edwards

The following from Warren Smith lists 10 reasons why Christians should not be involved with Rick Warren's brand of Christianity. If you are one who follows Warren and supports his ministry, please prayerfully consider the information. This is not an attack on Rick Warren or those who follow his work, but rather an attempt to show how he does not line up with the fundamentals of the faith in light of Scripture. When the world loves you, beware. 


10 Scriptural Reasons Not to Be Involved with Rick Warren's "Broad Way" Christianity

By Warren Smith
(from A “Wonderful” Deception)

Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven movement has, in a relatively short period of time, become what TIME magazine has referred to as a “Purpose Driven empire.”1 The word empire is defined in the dictionary as “supreme rule; absolute power or authority; dominion.” It also means “an extensive social or economic organization under the control of a single person, family, or corporation.”2 For all intents and purposes, Rick Warren has become the titular head—the almost emperor-like CEO—of an increasingly apostate postmodern church. But while Warren continues to be embraced by much of the world and much of the church, it is not too late for people to reconsider their involvement with him and his Purpose Driven movement. Here are ten scripturally based reasons why people with any love of the truth should not involve themselves in Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity:

Ten Basic Reasons

1) Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven movement offers a “Broad Way” Christianity. One of the mysteries of the Christian faith can be found in Jesus’ warning that the way to life is “narrow” and that “few” would actually find it. Jesus is telling us in advance that the “broad way”—no matter how well intentioned—is not from Him. With Rick Warren’s reformation movement based on deeds and not creeds, everyone is invited to partake in this global effort. But biblical principles are watered-down and often cast aside.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

2) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity does not declare “all the counsel of God.” Rick Warren teaches only what he wants to teach from the Bible. As a result, there are many important teachings that he skips over, de-emphasizes, and leaves out—particularly in regard to prophecy and spiritual deception.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:27-31)

3) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity does not discern the spiritual signs of the times. Just as the leaders in Jesus’ day discerned the weather but not the signs of the times, Warren discerns many of the social and economic problems, but not the spiritual signs of the times.

O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:3)

4) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity is ignorant of Satan’s devices. Whereas the apostle Paul stated that he and other believers were “not ignorant of Satan’s devices,” Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity states that Satan’s schemes are “entirely predictable.”3 By being ignorant of Satan’s devices, this “Broad Way” Christianity has fallen prey to Satan’s devices—particularly in the area of the New Age/New Spirituality/New Worldview.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

5) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity does not expose spiritual evil. Warren’s version of Christianity does not sound a true warning about the deceptive spirit world and spiritual deception. There is much more to evil than the problems that Rick Warren is seeking to remedy with his Purpose Driven P.E.A.C.E. Plan. We are told to expose false prophets and false teachers, not to study under them, spiritually join with them, and further their plans.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)

6) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity does not “earnestly contend for the faith.” By not declaring all the counsel of God, by not discerning the signs of the times, by being ignorant of Satan’s devices, and by not exposing spiritual evil, Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity is not fighting “the good fight of faith.”

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)

 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)

7) Rick Warren and his “Broad Way” Christianity are loved by the world and its leaders. Jesus loved the world, but the world did not love Him. Jesus warned his followers they would be hated, persecuted, and even killed by the world—just as the world hated, persecuted, and killed Him. In his compromised effort to reach out to the world, Warren and his “Broad Way” Christianity have become the world.

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:5)
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. (Matthew 10:22)
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:25)

8. Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity is engaged in a process of ungodly change. Rick Warren describes himself as a “change agent” but in his attempt to change the world, he and his Purpose Driven movement are actually changing biblical Christianity. The Bible warns about those who push for unbiblical and ungodly change.

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. (Proverbs 24:21)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)
For I am the LORD, I change not. (Malachi 3:6)

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)

9) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity is frequently “double-tongued” and “double-minded.” Rick Warren’s attempts to seemingly distance himself from the New Age/New Spirituality while simultaneously spiritually aligning himself with New Age sympathizers is “double-tongued,” “double-minded,” and deceptively self-serving. In the Psalms, David refers to those who speak with “flattering lips” and a “double heart.”

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psalm 12:1-2)
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:8-9)

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)

10) Rick Warren’s “Broad Way” Christianity is “not valiant for the truth.” Warren has demonstrated, in numerous ways, that he is politically and spiritually expedient when it comes to the truth. His “Broad Way” Christianity plays to the world and embraces the world because it is the world. It does not hold fast to the truth because it is not “valiant for the truth.”

And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth. (Jeremiah 9:3)
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31) 

The Time is Here

The apostle Paul preached the importance of adhering to God’s Word. He warned that the time would come when believers would not endure sound doctrine but would find teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear:

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

As Rick Warren’s “broad way” Christianity seems to be headed down the “broad way” of the New Spirituality, it is very clear that his Purpose Driven movement is anything but the “narrow way” that Jesus Christ described in Matthew 7:14.

It is important to understand what is at stake here—the centrality of the Cross as the one and only true Gospel—without which the hope of salvation is lost. Jesus Christ, dying on the Cross for our sins, is the central message of the Gospel. It is the plumb line for ultimately discerning truth from error. But in discerning truth from error, it is essential that we must adhere to all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

Jesus is the one and only Savior—the one and only true Christ. Science cannot and will not prove otherwise (1 Timothy 6:20). God is not “in” everything. We are not Christ, and we are not God. What is born of the flesh is flesh. What is born of the Spirit is spirit. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). It is not “as above, so below.” The apostle John states:

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)

Jesus Christ is Lord. His name is above all names (Philippians 2:9). He is not the “Jesus” of The Shack, and He is not the “Jesus” of the New Age/New Spirituality. Most assuredly, He is not the “quantum Christ” of a deceived world and an apostate church.

The apostle Paul describes the simplicity of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). According to many of today’s spiritual and religious leaders, it has taken humanity 2000 years to finally “get it.” They say we need quantum physicists, cellular biologists, Ph.D. mathematicians, New Age channelers, and emerging postmodern preachers to finally understand what Jesus was trying to tell us back in the first century. No, this is not the simplicity that Paul was describing. This is the deceptive work of our Adversary as he tries to transform the creation into the Creator and co-opt God’s creation to himself.

Unfortunately, many of today’s pastors have forgotten that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) and that we are to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). As a result, the church is now catapulting into great spiritual deception.

For those who still rightly divide and depend upon the Word of God, the Bible warns that the coming deception will be so great that most of the world will be deceived (Revelation 13:13-14). Jesus warned that His way is not the broad way but the “narrow way” of continuing in His Word (John 8:31). And it is His way that leads to eternal life.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)

(HT: LHTR)

Look Up

By Ron Graham


“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28.

It is my sincere hope and my fervent prayer that my brethren are all in the same frame of mind and that they are all, metaphorically speaking that is, looking up right now. We are so close to the return of Jesus Christ that many believers have moved into the position of being watchmen on the wall. The Israelites had their watchmen to sound the alarm when danger approached and Christians today have their watchmen who are sounding alarms. Listen to the voices of those who are telling you to get ready for there is no doubt that we are on the very precipice of the Rapture of Christ’s Church.

Letters from my brethren are continually flowing in concerning the Rapture, and folks are now becoming concerned with the lateness of the hour. Obviously many are now seeing the signs which are beginning to make a real impression on us. Jesus spoke of signs as future history as He sat with His disciples. He fully explained the end times scenarios which were to unfold. We can read all about them in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. As we read those chapters the light begins to shine on us. What do those chapters say to those who are watching and waiting? Read them and at the same time read current world events and you’ll come away thinking the Bible was written yesterday. 

The signs Jesus addressed would begin gradually, and increasingly those very same signs would appear to be even more severe, ultimately bringing their frequency and severity to a raging crescendo of catastrophes. And what do we currently see unfolding before our very eyes? The beginning signs Jesus told us to watch for and be mindful of. Remember, Jesus said that when they begin to appear “look up”. 

Right now, and each day from here until the Rapture, the signs Jesus spoke about will become so numerous and intense that it will be impossible to keep up with these events as they rapidly unfold. We can see that we are currently standing just this side of the seven-year tribulation period.

Speaking for myself, I can hardly wait to get up in the morning to see what has transpired overnight with my country and world events. I know the signs are emerging exactly as Jesus foretold. I’m not frightened by those signs, no, not at all. Instead I’m encouraged and even excited with each sign that unfolds. We, that is those who follow Jesus Christ, were given our history lesson in advance for one reason, so we would know how very close His return is and put forth a definitive cry of warning to those who are still lost. 

As we watch world history unfold around us we are to prepare ourselves for the inevitable, “...then look up, and lift up your heads...” Luke 21:28. But more importantly we are to spread the Gospel of Christ as never before. We who are believers in Christ must not allow ourselves to be muted, but clearly and concisely speak the truth to all who are perishing. 

So, what are the signs Jesus spoke about? Let’s take a look at a few of them, sign by sign. First of all we read “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 21:8. We’ve seen the damage wrought by those who’ve falsely declared that they are the Christ, and through their deceptive ways many have been led astray. Clearly not everyone has heeded Jesus’ words. We aren’t going to stop these deceptions from occurring but we need to be on guard, ever watchful, and ready to confront deceptions.

Secondly, we read “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.” Luke 21:9. Jesus basically tells us that these are non-signs. Not to get all worked up over rumors of wars and even full blown wars when they take place because they are ever constant and somewhat predicable, they’ve always been numerous as well as frequent, so essentially they’re non-signs. 

In three of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus lays out a scenario that pretty much details the future of humankind. “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.” Luke 21:10-12. Surely we’ve all witnessed, either by reading about them or being there firsthand, great earthquakes in many different (divers) places. They are increasing in intensity and frequency, and apparently, according to many scientists, we haven’t seen anything yet. 

All of the above mentioned signs Jesus prophesied are going to open up for many to behold in the last days, but for the believer in Christ we will only see the beginnings of these signs “And when these things begin to come to pass...” Luke 21:28. “Begin” is the key word here; believers won’t be on earth for the brunt of the action. 

Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, this too is currently in the making and can be somewhat unnerving as we read about all the saber rattling. And Israel is constantly being blamed for every little skirmish. One of these days, and very soon I’m afraid, either North Korea or Iran will push the rest of the world into another world war. 

Certainly, we are currently witnessing around the globe and within the boundaries of many nations, turmoil, nation against nation, their own citizenry rebelling and fighting in the streets, many are being slain and many more are being injured, and for what? Because their governments, in many cases, have cut back on the handouts people were accustomed to receiving. It takes money and lots of it to withstand the turmoil besetting the world, and this world’s economy is very much at risk of failing. The US economy is teetering on a knife edge; watch for the turmoil of aggressive demonstrations beginning to occur here in the states in the not so distant future. 

The unrest now surrounding Israel due to the flotilla incident is a worldwide phenomenon; the hatred is obvious in practically every nation. We are seeing the stage being set for the prophetic war of Psalm 83. This unrest will continue and worsen as the days progress. Most of Israel’s enemies are arming themselves to the hilt. They have one purpose in mind, one agenda, and that is the annihilation of Israel. Their only reason for living is to eliminate Zionism from the face of this planet. God says in His word to pray for the peace of Israel and we should be doing so daily. But we also know that God’s hand is upon Israel and He will not allow the annihilation of His chosen people, no matter how many come against her. 

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem . And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Zechariah 12:2, 3. The scriptures are clear, and they point out that every nation will come against Israel and that God will destroy them. Seemingly, since all nations wish to curse Israel and do so without fear of God’s retribution, believers should be keenly aware of just what’s around the corner. Every nation is going to be in that mindset of destroying Israel; clearly those who faithfully follow the Savior of the world should be looking up. 

Earthquakes, pestilences, fearful sights, great signs from heaven will only be as a prelude for those of us who are in Christ to be witness to. But for those folks who remain on earth after the Rapture, they will witness the full force of all those prophetic catastrophes. 

Besides all the news on the national and world fronts which clearly indicate the last days are upon us and that we should be “looking up”, there’s a strange spiritual, supernatural side unraveling before us. Jesus also tells us of a great apostasy (falling away from the faith) in the last days. This phenomenon is quite pervasive. How do I know? By the many letters I receive concerning the inability of many believers to find a Christ-centered, Bible-believing congregation where they can attend worship services. I can tell you all that the apostasy Jesus speaks about has now infiltrated many a Christian Church worldwide.

When these things begin to come to pass? My brethren, they’ve begun. Interestingly, an unthinkable event occurs in the 8th chapter of the book of Revelation which may give us reason to pause and reflect as we read “And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.” Revelation 8:8-9. I wonder if that mountain could be a mountain of oil seeping from a broken pipe out in the Gulf of Mexico. Could this catastrophe be a prelude to fulfilling Revelation 8? We’re told by the scientists observing the leakage that the oil under the water now resembles huge plumes, kind of like mountains, and the US coast guard is using fire to disperse that oil. Certainly a catastrophic event is unfolding before our eyes. Just my thoughts.

At any rate our days on planet earth are clearly numbered. As such, those of us who are diligently following our Lord Jesus Christ and His commandments should be in the midst of the unsaved sharing the Gospel of Christ with them, praying for the ones we’ve spoken to who are fence setting, and looking up intently as our “redemption draweth” so very close.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

(HT: Michael Mickey)