(Editor's Note: In our New & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote. We will give the name of the source in the first quote and thereafter we will give the abbreviation of that name.)
Gambling's Dark Side-Nationwide, there are over 5 million problem gamblers. The 3/31 USN&WR says an army of lobbyists has anted up huge contributions to political candidates touting gambling as the answer to education and other problems. But it also mentioned gambling's "dark side," which includes: increased crime, betting addictions, trouble for local businesses, creating a younger generation of gamblers, and other hidden costs. Gambling has left a trail of broken lives, homes and families (Canadian Revivalist). Money can't buy happiness. The wealthiest are also some of the most miserable. Gambling is an addictive epidemic and is almost always associated with covetousness and deceit. (Calvary Contender, hereafter CC.) (Comments by WWM: Former Gov. Ann Richards, TX, won her position by lullabying those already prone to gambling, and luring others to agree that a state operated lottery was the answer to all Texas' ills and educations. Recently Brad Henry won his bid for governor of OK by parroting Richards. The susceptible, slothful, and doesn't matter group are always looking for something for nothing.)
Pennsylvania's Hate Crime Bill-Pennsylvania's governor signed a bill Dec. 3 that gives homosexuals statewide protection against hate crimes and verbal harassment (3/03 OBF Visitor). According to Ellen Sorokin of The Washington Times, the bill targets preachers who use biblical texts against the homosexual lifestyle. -CC
Fonda Honored By Planned Parenthood-In recent years, much was made of the conversion of activist actress Jane Fonda. But her sincerity was jeopardized with many pro-lifers by her gift of $4 million to help elect pro-abortion candidates in the last national election. Now she has been honored by Planned Parenthood with the Margaret Sanger Award. Pro-lifers had welcomed the news of her "conversion" and hoped that Fonda was changing her ways. But last month's award the highest Planned Parenthood gives leaves to question the validity of her conversion. Sad to say, but Hanoi Jane's actions, promoting the killing of the unborn, indicates she is still fighting on the wrong side. -CC [Continuing in her lifetime profession alone indicates here claimed conversion to Christ unfortified.-WWM]
U.N. Is Dangerous-The goal of the United Nations from its inception was to be a vehicle for establishing a world government. It has been an enemy of freedom and of our nation's sovereignty. "While the U.S. fights terrorists, the U.N. harbors them." Yet, the General Board of the apostate American Baptist Churches USA has urged prayer for the pro-terrorist, anti-American UN that it might "continue to be a voice, a forum and instrument of peace." (3/31 C. News) The SBC is yoked with the ABC in the Baptist World Alliance. -CC
Alpha Course Warning-The Alpha Course, a very popular adult education program imported from England, has a charismatic bent and is "open-ended," meaning that doctrines such as inerrancy and salvation through grace alone are neglected (3/10 Chr. News). The Alpha Course claims to take people through Bible terrain but in reality turns them inward to their emotions and experiences (3/17 Chr. News). -CC
Federal Guidelines On Religion In Schools-The U.S. Department of Education issued a 4-page "Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer in Public Schools" Feb. 7 which included: Schools may neither encourage nor discourage religious activity, and must avoid both promotion and hostility. The heart of the law is official neutrality. Private speech endorsing religion is protected; only government speech endorsing religion is forbidden (4/03 CT). Students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials during non instructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities. Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, and "see you at the pole" gatherings before school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other non-curricular student activities groups. Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written or oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content. -CC
N.A.E. And M.A.C. Form Alliance-America's two largest evangelical associations, the National Association of Evangelicals and the Mission America Coalition, are joining forces to form a strategic alliance that will focus attention and resources on evangelism. Paul Cedar is Chairman of MAC and Ted Haggard is Pres. of the NAE. The NAE has about 43,000 congregations from 51 denominations and individual congregations from an additional 27 denominations, as well as several hundred independent congregations and para-church organizations. It represents some 27 million Americans. -CC
BWA Faces Crisis Over ABC-CBF Controversy-The Baptist World Alliance is an umbrella organization of 200 Baptist unions and conventions worldwide, representing 45 million baptized believers in 193,000 churches. The Southern Baptist Convention is its largest contributor (Ala. Baptist). The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a moderate liberal denomination like breakaway from the SBC, has applied for membership in the BWA, causing the SBC leadership to reduce its current $425,000 annual contribution by 30% ($125,000). This SBC-BWA rupture, coupled with today's economic downturn, leaves the BWA facing a crisis. An SBC Executive Committee's study committee noted that it is not recommending withdrawal from the BWA at this time but anticipates the SBC will continue its membership and an annual contribution. The BWA is laced with liberals. The SBC has long shown it can tolerate non-CBF liberals. -CC
Charisma Presents Catholicism Favorably?-Charisma magazine caught some heat in its April issue for a report in its Feb. issue on charismatic Roman Catholics. One writer asked how long it would continue to "indirectly endorse charismatic Catholics," and asked "Why would you present [RC] favorably or even with a neutral attitude?" The writer chided Charisma for seemingly endorsing the "world's largest cult." Another wrote: "Do you honestly not know that the Catholic Church is not Christian and never has been nor will be? Catholics pray to idols and Mary. Their materials openly admit there is no salvation outside Mary." -CC
Greg Laurie, `Jesus Freak,' Is A Charismatic-The 4/03 Charisma has a long article on Greg Laurie titled, "California's Jesus Freak." He pastors Harvest Christian Fellowship (Calif.), the fifth largest church in America, and is sometimes mentioned as a successor to Billy Graham. Laurie doesn't mind calling himself a charismatic believes in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaks in tongues, and prays for the sick and he has stern words for non-charismatics who deny the gifts of the Spirit can operate today. He prays using his devotional "prayer language" privately, and believes speaking in tongues in this manner edifies him spiritually. He is critical of emotional excesses, including "holy laughter" and Toronto style shaking, but believes in being "slain in the Spirit." Laurie has been featured as a speaker at Promise Keepers and other such ecumenical events. -CC
Hinduism's Millions Of Gods-Hinduism is the world's third largest religion and the dominant one in India and Nepal. It has 900 million adherents and about 1 million now live in the U.S. Hinduism seems polytheistic because Hindus worship many gods and goddesses. But Hindu gurus say that when they are worshiping those small gods-at least 33 million in all they are actually bowing to Brahman, the supreme god, the impersonal ultimate reality, the world soul. They say the many gods merely represent various incarnations and manifestations of the supreme god. Hindus believe that the soul never dies and reincarnation enables one to complete a journey to nirvana, a oneness with God. Hindu gurus describe their religion as monistic, which means there is no essential difference between God, man, and animals. They say everything is part of God, and that the universe is one unitary, organic whole (3/8/03 World). Those in darkness need the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ. (2 Cor. 4:4). -CC
Today's Worldly Church-Today the church is more beset by traitors within than by foes without. Satan is not fighting churches, he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition. The world is accepted into the church and its programs endorsed. Worldly celebrities are called in to enhance the gospel and preachers participate in the performances of the ungodly. The same popular singer combines sensuous publicity in the papers with the gospel songs in the record shops. Preachers make clowns of themselves and churches become theaters. [Vance Havner] -CC
Maxwell To Succeed Bright At GPN-Bill Bright has been battling pulmonary fibrosis for over a year. He is the founder of Campus Crusade and, more recently, launched the ecumenical Global Pastors Network. John Maxwell is the founder of the Injoy Group (Atlanta) and has been named to succeed the ailing Bright to head up the GPN following Bright's death. Maxwell speaks for Jerry Falwell, Promise Keepers, various charismatics, and for the liberal Robert Schuller. Maxwell appears to be ecumenically compatible with Bright and a logical replacement for him to head GPN. -CC
Universalism-Universalism is basically the belief that all people will be saved. Jesus' death and resurrection will automatically, or at least eventually, save the whole human race. Personal repentance and faith in Christ are not necessary for going to heaven. The Christian mission is reduced to announcing to people the "good news" that they are already saved. [4/03 Charisma] Many liberals today teach this false doctrine, thus denying Christ's exclusionary claim (John 14:6) that no one comes to God the Father except by Christ. -CC
Military Personnel Turn To Religion-"It's the best ministry I've ever had," said Army Chaplain Keith Kilgore, 45, a Southern Baptist minister who preaches at Arifjan. "When soldiers are about to face combat, they start getting spiritual. They want to get right with God." (Washington Post, 2/27/03) Whether it is a true repentance or not, the fact is when anyone faces a death situation, it is only natural to ask help from God. Hundreds of marines fitted for war in Kuwait watch while others receive "blessings" followed by baptism in "a freshly dug pool." Although this is often referred to as a "foxhole religion," the fact is that there is an undeniable awareness in the human heart that there is a true God. (Psa. 19) I feel the ACLU and the liberal news media along with Hollywood greats (?) would be more compelled to call out to God if they faced death for others. - WWM
Rick Warren Enters Bullring-The sky is the limit when it comes to promotions of mega-church building. Or is it "the pit is the limit?" "An indoor bullring in Mexico City will be the site of a Rick Warren-led `Purpose Driven Life and Church' conference in late June." (BP, 2/24/03) It is being dubbed as "the event of the year for evangelicals in Mexico." Warren is the author of two best seller books among many church goers. The meeting is called the Purpose Driven Life & Church Conference. It is ecumenical to the core. The organizing committee includes the leadership of Campus Crusade. Supporters are the Mexican Evangelical Fraternity, the Faith Hope and Love Centers, Campus Crusade, the National Baptist Convention, the Assemblies of God, the Methodist Church, the Full Gospel Church of God of Mexico, Presbyterian Reformed, many Pentecostal churches and several pastoral alliances that number into the thousands of churches. And the number is still growing. Warren is praised by many who call themselves Baptist. Yet he is surrounded by charismatics, liberals, and false religion. Korah had a great following, but they all entered into the pit with him. (Num. 16) They may have to rent a larger bullring.-WWM
Anti-God Radio-A Colorado station affiliated with National Public Radio (NPR) has come under fire for rebuffing a Christian dentist's sponsorship. According to "The Durango Herald," Ignacio- based KSUT, which regularly provides on-air statements for sponsors, recently rejected Glenn Rutherford's dental practice motto, "Gently Restoring the Health God Created." "I was called and told that there was a meeting of the [radio's] staff and they unanimously agreed that I can't put the word `God' in our sponsorship spot," said Rutherford, noting that the motto is on his office's letterhead and business cards. (Crosswalk, 2/28/03) KSUT & NPR are taxpayer-funded. Likely the word "god" is profanely used there many times during the broadcast day. Suppose they pronounce their station as "K-SOOT"? It may not be far down the road when churches who preach the truth will be banned from broadcasting their services, even if they can afford it. -WWM
Abortion Is Already Illegal-We don't deny, Iraq is evil. But the abortion industry is also evil, with a death toll surpassing 42 million babies since the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling. If life begins at conception, as true pro-lifers say, then abortion is premeditated murder and all 50 states already forbid it! -CC
PK Speakers, "Partners"-Promise Keepers claims to have reached over 5,000,000 men during the past 12 years of conferences. Even though they have 18 events planned for 2003, the attendance and interest are declining. Only 9 or 10,000 showed up at Phoenix, though 50,000 had been predicted. Ecumenism was evident by the speakers, who, for the most part, were among the best communicators of our day. They include: Bruce Wilkinson (Jabez fame), Max Lucado, Joe Stowell, Jack Hayford (moderator), Bill McCartney, Tony Evans, James Merritt (former SBC Pres.), and Messianic Jewish rabbi Jonathan Bernis. "Partners" with this PK conference included: Alpha, Answers in Genesis, BGEA, Campus Crusade, Focus on the Family, Jews for Jesus, Mission America, World Vision, Seventh day Adventists, NAE, and American Bible Society. World Vision is liberal; SDA is cultic. We are admonished in Eph. 5:11 to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Dr. Ralph Colas, whose first hand report is the basis for most of this article, said the PK meeting began (the first night) with the big beat of the Maranatha! Promise Band and Marcus Witt as Worship Leader. He said "For over 30 minutes the large group clapped, cheered, raised their hands and swayed back and forth to the pulsating beat of the music." This "big beat" music is fast moving into churches. -CC
Not Legal To Use Full Name On Prayer Lists-A new federal law restricts Australian churches from using the full names of members on prayer lists without specific permission from each person. Churches can't put the names of ill members without their consent (2/6 Ala. Baptist). Clergy can't visit patients in hospitals unless each patient signs a permission form. This will restrict comforting the lonely and ill. -CC
Episcopal Leader Criticizes U.S. Policy-Pres. Bush's father says he finds criticism of U.S. foreign policy by the leader of his denomination "highly offensive." Episcopal Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold told Religion News Service that the world is right to view Americans as "greedy, self-interested and almost totally unconcerned about poverty, disease and suffering." Former Pres. Bush, speaking in Stamford, Conn., asked, "How can this man of God think so little of a nation that provides 60% of the world's food aid" and "does far more for AIDS than any other country?" The Episcopal Church has long been apostate. God tells Christians to "come out" of such liberal churches (2Cor.6:17). -CC
Raves: Late-Night "Christian Dances"-Held in warehouses and fields, all-night rave dance parties have spawned a new generation of teens and college students chanting a mantra of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect). There are probably more ravers today than hippies in the `60s. Youth and leaders describe the rave dance music this way (2/03 Charisma): "It's worship to them they just don't know who or what they are worshiping." "A rave is like the devil's version of church, and ecstasy [rave drug] is the devil's version of the Holy Spirit." Some call it a "whole new way to worship [`getting high on'] God," and say "It's amazing how the music can be so loud and yet I can hear God so clearly." A rave DJ says: "There is something about the repetitiveness and energy of the electronic dance music that causes people to drop barriers and let walls down." -CC
Pope Has Blessed The Charismatics-Though the 35-year-old charismatic renewal in the Roman Catholic Church has waned, it today still touches at least 119 million Catholics worldwide (2/03 Charisma). Pope John Paul II has blessed the charismatics more than once (11/1/98 CC, 2/03 CC, e.g.). In a message to Catholic charismatic leaders in Rome in November, he encouraged charismatics to be "living signs of hope" and beacons of Christ's good news." -CC
Eminem, Popular Profane Rapper-Eminem had by far the most popular, best-selling album of 2002, selling over 7 million copies (1/25 World). His raps about murdering his wife and raping his mother take the form to new lows of depravity (1/1/01 World). No surprise that this angry white male has been called the meanest, most violent and lawless rapper. White teens have become rap's biggest customers. -CC
Evangelism (Of Muslims) Is Not A Hate Crime-Sharing the gospel in most Muslim nations is a criminal act. Trying to change someone's religion is depicted as hateful. Social ministry is seen as a mere smokescreen. From ignorance, some say Muslims do not need converting because Christians and Muslims believe in and worship the same God (2/03 C. Today). A University of Chicago Divinity School professor, years ago said Christians should not try to convert pious Muslims to Christianity. He said: "Christianity is the authentic form of religion for us in our culture, but Islam is the authentic form of religion for them in theirs." But differences between the two are more than merely cultural, and it's not a "hate crime" to point one to the one which has the true gospel. -CC
Another Horrifying Abortion Procedure-Congress seems poised to restrict partial-birth abortions but should also take a hard look at the violent "dilation and evacuation" (D&E) method, in which pre-born infants are removed piece by piece (2/1 World). The doctor rips the parts of a living child out of its mother's womb, one part at a time. -CC
Global Super-Church Emerging?-Church leaders from 30 denominations agreed in January on a proposal to create the broadest alliance of "Christians" ever formed in the U.S. We reported in the 6/1/00 CC that this movement was afoot. Now AP religion writer Richard Ostling reports that a steering committee of the budding effort, tentatively called Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A., will invite a wide range of national church bodies and agencies over the next several weeks to join them. The loosely knit alliance would represent five segments of U.S. Christianity, listed in the plan as "Evangelical/Pentecostal, Historic Protestant, Orthodox, Racial/Ethnic and Roman Catholic." (2/10 C. News) The U.S. Catholic hierarchy could decide on the proposal within two years, but "one sticking point" may be the largest Protestant denomination the Southern Baptist Convention. Ostling said the SBC may be reluctant to join, though it had an observer at the Fuller Seminary meeting. Those (e.g., SBC, NAE) who disobey Biblical commands to separate from the apostasy of our day will be caught in its web of deception. Sadly, many "fundamentalists" are linking with these deceived brethren who in turn are linked to the ecumenical church of Antichrist. Rev. 18:4 warns: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins that ye receive not of her plagues." -CC
Neo-Evangelical Identity Crisis-Darrell Bock (David Neff article, Feb. Chr. Today) cites the Evangelical Theological Society as an example of an inclusivism that doesn't have a doctrinal statement, as such, and was founded with a single item as its "doctrinal basis" biblical inerrancy. Roger Olson wrote that "since that at least the mid-1970s, the evangelical glue has been gradually losing its binding power." His traditionalists think the only way to avoid the slide into debilitating relativism and pluralism is to recognize firm boundaries. Both Olson and Bock deplore divisiveness and are open to the occasional need to draw lines between those who are in and those who are out. But, the difference: Olson calls evangelicals to avoid slipping back into "fundamentalist boundary- drawing" for the "sake of fellowship, of family"Bock for the sake of mission. Here is a vital distinctive in what separates fundamentalism from new evangelicalism: Fundamentalists seek to obey separation "boundaries" set by God's Word, while new evangelicals shun boundary-drawing, opting instead for an inclusivism. -CC
Pinnock's Openness Of God-Retired professor of systematic theology at McMaster Divinity College in Ontario, Clark Pinnock, is front and center of the current "openness of God" controversy which many consider "blasphemy." For example he says, "God's dependence extends even to his knowledge of the future (2/03 CT)." And: "Though God knows all there is to know about the world, there are aspects about the future that even God does not know." Romans 9:20 says: "O man, who art thou that repliest against God"? To question God's omniscience, or other attribute, is dangerous. -CC
Pro-Homosexual Influence In ETS-Darrell Bock has surveyed the Evangelical Theological Society's five decades and found five hot topics that consumed its attention: science and the Bible, inerrancy, the role of historical criticism, women and the Bible, and openness theology (2/03 CT). But it has featured Thomas Hanks as ETS annual meetings' speaker who challenged members to revise their negative thinking about homosexuality (4/15/98 CC). And, Ralph Blair's pro-homosexual Evangelicals Concerned quoted "long-time member of ETS" Blair as saying: "There's more support for EC's approach than is generally thought, even though it's on the qt." (EC's Winter 2003 Record). -CC
U. Methodist Bishop Accuse Of Heresy-Bishop Joseph Sprague of Chicago has been told to renounce his views or resign his office for his views in rejecting traditional doctrines like the virgin birth of Jesus, His bodily resurrection and His role in salvation. Sprague, a prominent liberal and social activist, has come under fire for a speech he gave at Iliff. -CC
U.R., U.N.World Church, World Government-The United Religions Initiative began in Feb. 1993 when liberal Episcopal Bishop William Swing was asked by the United Nations to host an interfaith service marking the UN's anniversary. The URI Charter was signed June 26, 2000, as walking pilgrimages for peace were conducted in villages, towns and cities at various points over the world. The UR is now an officially chartered apostate coalition of world religions (10/02 Maranatha Bapt. Watchman). Meanwhile the UN seeks to enact a global tax, set up a world court, etc., for global governance. Nations are in such turmoil, any number of things could happen almost overnight to set up a new world order and Antichrist system. So, Christians, "...lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28) Maranatha! -CC
Cedarville Celebrates MLK Day-We were a little surprised to note from Cedarville University's Web site that its gospel choir performed in celebration as part of its Martin Luther King Day observance. And also, that Dr. Dolphus Weary, executive director of Mission Mississippi spoke at Cedarville for MLK Day. As with Presidents Kennedy and Clinton, King is not deserving of Christian honor (see 9/15/01 CC). Christian News has had articles for over 35 years documenting his rejection of Christian doctrines, his immoral lifestyle and association with prominent communists. -CC
YWAM Is Very Ecumenical-Youth With A Mission is charismatic and very ecumenical. It is endorsed by Bill Bright (Campus Crusade), Tony Campolo (liberal Eastern College), Jack Hayford, Bill Hybels (Willow Creek), Bill McCartney (Promise Keepers), and Billy Graham (the world's #1 ecumenical evangelist). Lynn Green, a top YWAM director has sought to build bridges between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. (1/03 MBW & 3/15/97 CC) -CC
Euthanasia: Good Intentions, Bad Destination-Look where 30 years of euthanasia in the Netherlands has led. Dutch doctors "lethally inject dying people who ask for it; chronically ill people who ask for it; disabled people who ask for it; depressed people who ask for it; and, disabled babies whose parents ask for it." (12/30 NA) The process has gone beyond voluntary to "termination without request or consent." -CC
Cedarville Partners With Southern Baptists-Cedarville University, a GARBC "partner," has entered into a partnering relationship with the State Convention of Southern Baptists in Ohio. This was formalized in Nov. during the 49th annual session of the state convention when messengers overwhelmingly approved the agreement and committed to recommend Cedarville to all "Southern Baptists as an accredited, quality, four-year university that embraces Southern Baptists." Located in southwestern Ohio, it is a top feeder school for Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Ky. "We're thrilled with the alliance with Cedarville," said Jack Kwok (exec. dir. of the Ohio convention). "Cedarville is a quality Baptist school. They wholeheartedly embrace Southern Baptists. A significant number of our pastors are Cedarville graduates. We're looking to them as a resource for future church leaders. They embrace our theology, our polity and our missiology. We would recommend Cedarville not only to Ohio Baptists but all Southern Baptists." Cedarville Pres. Paul Dixon likewise voiced excitement for "growing a relationship with Southern Baptists." Fundamentalist schools should now be even more wary of being a Cedarville partner. -CC
Why J. I. Packer Walked-Last June, the synod of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster authorized its bishop to produce a service for blessing same-sex unions, to be used in any parish of the diocese that requests it. Many synod members walked out to protest the decision. J.I. Packer, an exec. editor of Christianity Today, was one of those. He explains why in the Jan. CT. (Simply put, the Synod sanctified "sin by blessing what [God] condemns.") "Because this decision, taken in its context, falsifies the gospel of Christ, abandons the authority of Scripture, jeopardizes the salvation of fellow human beings, and betrays the church in its God-appointed role as the bastion and bulwark of divine truth." We commend Dr. Packer's stand against homosexuality, but recall that he was a signer of the ecumenical ECT (Evangelicals & Catholics Together). -CC
Trinity Foundation Warns Of Hinn's Antics-Benny Hinn Ministries dismisses a news report which questioned its fund-raising practices, financial accountability, and claims of physical healings. The late Dec. story on NBC's Dateline was the result of a two-year undercover investigation into Hinn and his worldwide ministry. Dateline producers and reporters interviewed former Hinn employees who claimed his main priority is bringing in millions of dollars to finance a lavish personal lifestyle. The report gave details of Hinn's plans to build a $3 million house on the West Coast. It also featured several who claimed to have been healed at Hinn crusades, only to die a short time later. Ole Anthony runs the Trinity Foundation which investigates televangelists. He says Christians need to think twice before supporting Hinn's ministry. "There are thousands that follow him all over the country [who are] severely disabled in wheelchairs that go because they believe the next crusade is going to be where their healing is going to happen," Anthony says. "Well, that's just not scriptural."...Hinn would not agree to an interview, but a spokesman said Dateline found no incriminating evidence against the ministry. (AgapePress) -
Gwen Shamblin, Remnant Fellowship Reject Trinity-Remnant Fellowship, a controversial new religious movement, was founded about two years ago in Nashville by Weigh Down Workshop founder Gwen Shamblin. RF has grown to about 90 sites, though thousands canceled Weigh Down classes in 2000 after Shamblin publicly rejected the doctrine of the Trinity (12/9 C.Today). Critics see a "graceless legalism" in RF, and "total obedience" after conversion is needed to keep one free of sin and confident of salvation. -CC
NRB Convention Speakers-National Religious Broadcasters are slated to meet in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville for its 60th Annual Convention & Exposition, Feb. 7-11. Campus Crusade sponsors a Public Policy Breakfast. Scheduled speakers include: Pres. Bush (invited), Rick Warren, Jim Cymbala (Brooklyn Tabernacle), Alistair Begg, and Joni. Charlie Daniels will emcee the awards presentation. Music is by Steve Green (concert), Vicki Winans, Charlie Daniels, Sara Paulson, and others. HCJB World Radio chairman Ron Cline serves on a panel. The NRB is mainly a hodgepodge of ecumenicals, charismatics, and New Evangelicals. -CC
The Heresy Of Harold Camping-The following is from an ACCC resolution: Harold Camping, founder, president, and voice of Family Radio, has announced that the church age has ended and that "the church as a corporate institution has no spiritual authority," and is now advising believers who are members of a local church to "withdraw their membership, and fellowship on Sundays with whomever there may be who are of like mind." He has written: "No longer are you to be under the spiritual rulership of the church. We must remove ourselves from the church.The church has ceased to be an institution or divine organism to serve God." He instructs local churches to "reorganize their congregation, to become a fellowship of believers." The American Council of Christian Churches meeting in Monett, MO, October 22-24, warns Christians of this dangerous and false teaching, and goes on record as saying this is heresy. -CC
Russian Orthodox Favored In Belarus-A new repressive religion law, signed in Belarus, established the Russian Orthodox Church as the favored state religion (11/23 World). It bans activity by "unregistered" religious groups. -CC
Is Jim Cymbala A Charismatic?-We have shown that he is riding high, back and forth, in both charismatic and New Evangelical circles (9/15/99, 2/1/01 CCs). Cedarville Univ. has had him as a speaker. Yet his charismatic and ecumenical associations can't be ignored. His Brooklyn Tabernacle's statement of faith claims that all the gifts of the Spirit are for today. The 11/02 Charisma says he has endorsed the TNIV, and referred to him as a "charismatic megachurch pastor." -CC
Tammy Faye & "Gay" Fans-Tammy Faye Messner, former wife and co-host of PTL with Jim Bakker, now ministers to homosexual fans and attends "gay-pride" events nation-wide (12/02 Charisma). She said if someone comes up to her and asks her if homosexuality is a sin, then she tells them that "it's best not to take a chance with your soul." -CC
The New Age Movement-Although the New Age Movement is a catch-all phrase, for myriad of non-Christian beliefs (much of it a blend of counterfeit Christianity and eastern mysticism), there is a common theme that includes the following: (11/18 CN). 1. All is God [Not true, there is only one God.] 2. Humanity is divine. [Not true, it is corrupted by sin.] 3. Humanity's fundamental flaw is ignorance of its divine potential. [Not true, the flaw is sin.] 4. Humanity's greatest need is personal transformation. [Not true, basic need is salvation.] 5. All religions are true. [Not true, only one is true Christianity.] 6. For humanity's total liberation there must be religious unity on a global scale. [Not true, only faith in Christ brings total liberation.] 7. Liberation will come through the feminine divine (Sophia, goddess of feminine wisdom). [Liberation will come through the Son of God, not from the feminine divine or any other source.] 8. Morality is relative; there are no absolute truths. [Not true morality is absolute] 9. God of the Christian Bible is a male construct, a human invention[Untrue, Scriptures are divinely inspired.] -CC