False Christs

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Roman Catholic Mysticism and the Emerging Church Reexamined

A very important presentation by Richard Bennett from Bearean Beacon given to an audience in London about Roman Catholic mysticism and its promotion by the Emerging/Emergent Church.  From the YouTube posting we read:

Mysticism attempts to gain ultimate knowledge of God by a direct experience that bypasses the mind. Catholic mysticism, now officially married to the Emerging Church, needs to be reexamined. Old-time mystics such as Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross need to be examined again along with modern so-called evangelical mystics such as Richard Foster. All of this, and more, is accomplished in this professional presentation along with graphic inserts of persons and events. An analysis is also made of Phyllis Tickle who has surfaced as a formidable leader of this toxic movement. The fall from power of Tony Jones, a former leading light of the movement, is also documented.

Please watch to get educated on this critically important subject and share with others.

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Manhattan Declaration & New Age/New Spirituality

From: Lighthouse Trails Research 
December 4th, 2009

We are seeking to build a movement – hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Catholic, Evangelical, and Eastern Orthodox Christians who will stand together.–Manhattan Declaration

On November 20th, a document called the Manhattan Declaration was released at an event at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. The Declaration has received wide media coverage, and as of this writing about ¼ million people have signed the document, with a current average of about 10 people a minute adding their names (around 14,400 a day).

Colson and Papa Pope

One of the four drafters of the Declaration is Chuck Colson who also co-authored a document in the 90s called Evangelicals and Catholics Together. The ECT is similar in nature in that it identifies both Catholicism and Evangelicalism as part of the Christian church and asks members of both groups to unite in areas that they have in common. With this new document, the emphasis is on morality: gay versus traditional marriage, abortion, stem cell research, assisted suicide,  etc.

Read the rest of the article here.

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The Papal Curse

pius ix tierraThe anathema of the Pope, words that would strike moral terror in the hearts of men and women throughout time who lived under the tyranical rule of the self-professed Vicar of Christ.  One who not only took upon himself the power to kill men in body, but one who also brazenly claimed the power to destroy men’s souls.  Thereby in effect making himself equal with God (see Mt 10:28). 

Below we will read the curse pronounced by  Pope Pius IX upon Victor Emmanuel, where in Grover’s “Romanism The Danger Ahead”, it is written:

Victor Emmanuel and his patriotic countrymen wrested the temporal power from Pius IX., and liberated the Italian people from the power of the Church of Rome forever, so far as civil government is concerned. Being otherwise powerless, the pope strikes back, with a curse, which is here given, as printed in the Philadelphia Morning Post. It is the perfection of pious swearing by the Vicegerent of God, who said “swear not at all.” (1)

It is also said that this curse was pronounced on the Rev. Wm. Hogan, (a converted Roman Catholic priest), in Philadelphia. (2)  One might also image that less explicit curses and anathemas as found in pronouncements from councils like Trent, carry with them the same underlying intent.  So when you read of the papal curses still on the books, which have never been revoked by Rome, keep these words in mind that flow forth from lips of the man who dresses like an angel but speaks like a dragon. 

Let us now read the words of the Pope:

“Pronounced on all who leave the Church of Rome. By the authority of God Almighty, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and the undefiled Virgin Mary, mother and patroness of our Saviour, and of all celestial virtues, Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Cherubim and Seraphim, and of all the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, and of all the Apostles and Evangelists, of the holy innocents, who in the sight of the holy Lamb are found worthy to sing the new song of the Holy Martyrs and Holy Confessors, and of all the Holy Virgins, and of all the Saints, together with the Holy Elect of God,–MAY HE BE DAMNED. We excommunicate and anathematize him, from the threshold of the holy church of God Almighty. We sequester him, that he may be tormented, disposed, and be delivered over with Datham and Abiram, and with those who say unto the Lord, ‘Depart from us, we desire none of thy ways;’ as a fire is quenched with water, so let the light of him be put out forevermore, unless it shall repent him, and make satisfaction. Amen.

“May the Father who creates man, curse him. May the Son, who suffered for us, curse him! May the Holy Ghost who is poured out in baptism, curse him! May the Holy Cross, which Christ for our salvation, triumphing over his enemies, ascended, curse him!

“May the Holy Mary, ever Virgin and Mother of God, curse him! May all the Angels, Principalities, and Powers, and all heavenly Armies curse him! May the glorious band of the Patriarchs and Prophets curse him! “May St. John the Precursor, and St John the Baptist, and St. Peter and St Paul, and St. Andrew and all other of Christ’s Apostles together curse him and may the rest of the Disciples and Evangelists who by their preaching converted the universe, and the Holy and wonderful company of Martyrs and Confessors, who by their works are found pleasing to God Almighty; may the holy choir of the Holy Virgins, who for the honor of God have despised the things of the world, damn him. May all the Saints from the beginning of the world to everlasting ages, who are found to be beloved of God, damn him!

“May he be damned wherever he be, whether in the house or in the alley, in the woods or in the water, or in the church! May he be cursed in living or dying!

“May he be cursed in eating and drinking, in being hungry, in being thirsty, in fasting and sleeping, in slumbering, and in sitting, in living, in working, in resting, and in blood letting! May he be cursed in all the faculties of his body!

“May he be cursed inwardly and outwardly. May he be cursed in his hair; cursed be he in his brains, and his vertex, in his temples, in his eyebrows, in his cheeks, in his jaw-bones, in his nostrils, in his teeth, and grinders, in his lips, in his shoulders, in his arms, and in his fingers.

“May he be damned in his mouth, in his breast, in his heart, and purtenances, down to the very stomach!

“May he be cursed in his reins and groins, in his thighs and his hips, and in his knees, his legs and his feet, and his toe-nails!

“May he be cursed in all his joints, and articulation of the members; from the crown of the head to the soles of his feet, may there be no soundness!

“May the Son of the living God, with all the glory of his majesty, CURSE HIM! And may Heaven, with all the powers that move therein, rise up against him, and curse and damn him; unless he repent and make satisfaction! Amen! So be it. Be it so. Amen.” (3)

 

Endnotes
1 Ray, D. B.  The Papal Controversy Involving The Claim Of The Roman Catholic Church To Be The Church Of God Between “American Baptist” and “Church Progress”. St. Louis, MO.: National Baptist Publishing Company, 1892. Online at: Source.
2 Richardson, Sarah J. Life In The Grey Nunnery.  Boston: Edward P. Hood, 1857. Online at: Source.
3 Ray, D. B.  1892.

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The Harvest Past for the Dying Universalist

ISpencer“Here is a moving account of the tragic death-bed of a hopeless universalist who has seen the error of his way, but refuses to pray to God for mercy. Ichabod Spencer (1797-1854) recounts this emotional scene with such vivedness (sp) that you feel yourself an eyewitness to the scene. Hear this man plead with his younger brother not to follow his ways, and see him confront his father who raised him in the false doctrine of universal salvation. This is one of the most amazing incidents recorded in the book “A Pastor’s Sketches” which is filled with amazing incidents drawn from the pastoral journal of a remarkable pastor who was nicknamed THE BUNYAN OF BROOKLYN.” (Quote from “Brief Sermon Overview” on Sermon Audio)

More than sixteen years have now passed away since the occurence of which I am now to write made its first impression upon me but  I am still unable to recall the scene to my mind without the most painful emotions.  There was something in that whole scene too horrible for description and I would much rather were to consult my own feelings, pass it over in silence.  And let a vail be drawn over it forever, than have the recollection revived by copying the notes made respecting it. 

To hear the entire message, go here. 

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Why we do what we do

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Many people who visit DefCon come here seeking truth. They have heard lies and stories told by those who claim to be shepherds and pastors, only to find they have been lied to and misled. Others are new Christians who are looking for help to understand what is truth, where to find it, who can be trusted, and who to should be avoided at all costs.

Then there are some who come here from a mindset, a philosophy, a religion, that is opposed to the truth of God. They are Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness or Emegerent or postmodern or they come from the prospoerity gospel, and so on and so forth. Or they may come from The Church of the Fluffybunny–those churches where they would not DARE speak biblical truth, lest somebody’s feelings get hurt. They would not DARE talk about sin, lest somebody’s self-esteem be injured. They are from an all-inclusive, seeker-sensitive, porpoise-drivel, Osteen/Warren/Schuller/Ed Young type church where truth is simply whatever you want it to be.

So, this person comes to DefCon, sees that we are not afraid of offending anyone, knowing that the cross is “to the Jews a stumblingblock, and to the Greeks foolishness” (1st Corinthians 1:23). And they see us tear down the foolishness of these “little boy preachers,” and compare/contrast what they say against the Scripture. And the accusations come flying. We are “Pharisees.” We are “judgmental.” We are “putting God in a box.” We are “the only ones who know the truth.” We have never “talked to God.” etc. etc. etc

At this point, the question becomes: “Why do we do what we do.” That’s what you’re about to find out. Let me tell you in a parable.

Suppose I served a master who was married to a young bride. This bride is not always wise when it came to the ways of the world (Matthew 10:16). Now, my master is going on a long trip, and will not be back for a long time (John 16:16). While my master is gone, he has entrusted me with the care of his bride (1st Timothy 3:15). I promise that I will look after her, watch over her, and let nothing happen to her. I promise to let no one do violence to her or despoil her (Acts 20:28). After all, my master has gone to great lengths to keep her pure (Ephesians 5:27).

Shortly thereafter, a young man comes knocking at the door. He is a finely-dressed, good-looking, well-spoken young man. But I also know he is not as he seems. Yet, when He asks to come in, I let him in. After all, I don’t want to offend him or make him feel bad or unwelcome. Then I step out to go to the store, leaving the young man alone with my master’s young bride. When I return, the young man is gone. I go upstairs to find my master’s young bride in the bedroom. Her face is bruised, her clothes are torn. She is crying and inconsolable. I know what has happened. I also know that it is my fault that it happened, because I left her alone with someone whose intentions were evil–and I knew it. I have done evil by allowing this evil to be done–all the while thinking my master will never know (Psalm 10:11).

But, my master does know. He has cameras all over the house. He can see everything that happens (Hebrews 4:13). And He has seen that I left His bride with a man who was good-looking outside, but evil resided within him (Matthew 7:15). When He finally returns, will He be angry? I dare say He would be extremely angry for allowing such evil to be done to his bride (Jeremiah 23:1). He would be furious with me for allowing His bride to fall prey to someone that I knew good and well was evil throughout (James 4:17). And He would beat me severely for my disobedience (Luke 12:47).

On the other hand, suppose when that young man came to the door, I knew his intentions (Hebrews 4:12). And instead of letting him in, I proclaimed to the entire neighborhood that he was evil (Philippians 3:17-19). I let it be known to all who could hear that this man who looked so dashing and charming was a snake on the inside (Romans 16:17-18). Thus warned, men kept their brides hidden from him, and would not so much as open the door to him (2nd John 1:9-11). And when my master returned, He would reward me for my obedience (2nd Samuel 22:21; Revelation 22:12).

That, friend, is why we do what we do. Because there are many good-looking, fine-sounding religions that are just waiting to find their way into the true church and wreak havoc upon her. We, with every breath in us, will fight to never let that happen! And will warn everyone we can so they do not fall prey.

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Traffic cop turned false Christ in Russia.

ABC News has an article and a video on this guy that is definitely worth checking out. I also found the following video on YouTube (although not as insightful as the ABC News piece, it is telling).

On a side note, because of the increase in false Christs, and the promise from Scripture that in the end times many will come claiming to be Christ and lead many astray, I’ve decided to create a new category called False Christs.

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Street preachers boldly go into the wanna-be anti-Christ’s church and engage the deceived.

For those who watched the videos in this post on the false prophet who claims to be Christ and wondered to yourself how could anyone believe that stuff, here’s your chance to see how this anti-Christ’s followers justify their belief. I haven’t seen this much Scripture twisting since the last time I talked to Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Same lies, different cult.

Although there seems to be a lot of disorder, and Scripture is simply thrown back and forth, I do commend these guys for their valiant effort to confront the error of this cult (I wish there were those willing to confront Joseph Smith and Charles Taze Russel when they began their cults).

Parts one and two of the video take place inside the cult’s church building. Parts three and four take place outside. All in all it is a very interesting debate (and I sure do miss that south Florida rain).

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

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The wanna-be anti-Christ: “Behold, he is in Houston; Behold, he is in Miami; Behold he is in prison serving time for heroin possession”.

Not only does the con-man in the following videos claim to be Jesus Christ, but he denies the existence of Hell and sin and claims that Jesus came to “take away the law.” But this false-Christ who’s damning souls to the very Hell he denies is in direct opposition to the words of Christ when our Lord said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). And that’s just one of his many errors.

In this next video he explains why he wears a Rolex. It’s comical to watch the interview because it seems like he’s making this stuff up as he goes, but then reality strikes when you see the kids involved in this mess.

In the following video he claims he’s teaching the “mysteries” of the Bible (that one never seems to get old and there’s always an endless supply of people who swallow that one). He also claims he was visited by angels and even Jesus Himself . . . sound familiar? Think Mormonism, and Todd Bentley. I wonder if this is why he moved to Texas . . . can Florida can only handle one major false prophet at a time? But this devil has a soft side; in this video he says that he feels hurt if someone calls him a sinner.

Glenn Beck (a Mormon) is relentless in his interview with the con-man in the next video (yet Glenn Beck can’t see the folly and error that permeates his own cult . . . strange).

And finally, to top it all off, here’s the video of the 666 tattoos. And listen carefully as this false prophet says that he does greater things than Jesus. It kinda reminds me of this quote from the LDS false prophet Joseph Smith (but let’s avoid pointing out the striking similarities found among all the cults or we’ll be here all day).

On a side note, I noticed the church members in these videos seemed very sincere in their worship. I wonder if they are experiencing the same thing those following Todd Bentley are? After all, who are we to “judge” them by comparing their emotional experiences with those archaic Scriptures we keep referring to?

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Then if anyone says to you, “Behold, here is the Christ,” or “There He is,” do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, “Behold, He is in the wilderness,” do not go out, or, “Behold, He is in the inner rooms,” do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Matthew 24:23-28