Beware of Scammers

By E. L. Bynum

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

A lot of people fall victim to the Scammers because of their desire to get something for nothing. The crooks know that many people have this desire, and they use it to take money from people who may have a greedy streak in them. This is an old rule which says, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually isn’t true.

There are a lot of people in this world that are trying to scam the churches, the Christians and the elderly. They prey upon unsuspecting people with promises of riches, when in reality they only intend to bilk the people out of their hard earned money. Even churches fall victims to the shysters who delight in fooling people into believing that somehow they are going to be rich.

Schemes That Work for the Crooks

One common scheme to bilk the elderly has been used to take many thousands of dollars that has been used over and over again. It may vary, but it usually is some variation of the following statement. An elderly person is approached on the parking lot of the mall or some large store. They tell the elderly person that they have found a large amount of money, and that they are willing to share it with the victim, but they must first receive some good faith money. They then take the victim to their bank and draw the cash out of their account. They then meet them on the street and exchange sacks with them and disappear. The victim receives old newspaper clippings that have been trimmed in the shape of money.

Sometimes the victim will be approached and told that they have a large lottery ticket, but they cannot cash it, because they are not citizens. They offer to share the proceeds with the victim if they receive some good faith money. When the bank account of the victim is emptied, they receive a worthless counterfeit lottery ticket. The criminals always disappear, and are rarely caught by the police.

A number of years ago an elderly retired member of my Church was bilked out of thousands of dollars. Two well-dressed men knocked on his door and pretended that they were bank inspectors. He was told that someone was stealing money out of his account and that they would give him a large reward if he would help them catch the thief. All things were to be done in haste, so they took him to his bank and he drew at a large amount of cash. The crooks were waiting outside and they fooled the victim into giving them the cash. They disappeared living the old man with a broken heart and an empty bank account.

Great Riches From Overseas?

Almost every day I receive by email one or more offers of millions of dollars if I would help them get money out of a foreign bank account. I never answer them, but they keep on coming. These offers supposedly come from South Africa, Nigeria, India, Philippines and Indonesia, as well as a number of other countries. Apparently they would have me to believe that there are numerous bank accounts with $5 to $50 millions of dollars just waiting to be claimed. One claimed that a gold miner by the name of Bynum had died leaving many millions that I could claim. Here are two I received today. They must be finding some victims, because they keep trying.

Scams I Have Recently Received

(Editor’s Note: We have not corrected the spelling, punctuation, or the grammar in these emails.)

Scamming Christians and Churches

AgapePress

A native Venezuelan couple has been arrested in Ohio on charges of scamming churches around the United States. Ohio detectives say the couple pilfered hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting churches throughout the country, but eventually a paper trail of the crimes led the authorities to the couple. In one case an Indiana pastor had wired $800 to help a woman who claimed she and her five children were stranded, only to find out later that he was a victim of a scam. Meanwhile, in New York, a jury has found two women guilty of bilking more than a thousand investors out of almost two million dollars. According to an Associated Press news story, Roberta Dupre and Beverly Stambaugh have been convicted of cheating investors with a faith-based scam. The wire-fraud trial is unusual, AP reports, because many victims still believe Dupre’s claim that she was using their money to free billions of dollars from a secret bank account belonging to the late Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. However, prosecutors say the bank account does not exist and Dupre was living in a posh Manhattan hotel and using the investors “like a personal ATM machine.” The two women will be sentenced in January and could face up to 20 years. (From Religion Today)

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Women Deacons and the Bible

By E. L. Bynum

More and more we, are hearing about Baptist churches electing and ordaining women deacons. This is not altogether new, for there have been instances of this practice for a considerable length of time. Since the struggle over the Equal Rights Amendment, there has been a renewed interest in ordaining women for the office of a deacon. This has been particularly true among some churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal of Sunday, Dec. 13, 1981, devoted nearly one half of a page of their Religion News to an article entitled, “Women Deacons ‘Trailblazers’ In City Church.”

The news story revolves around the practice of Second Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas, and their ordination of deacons. Of the 45 active deacons in Second Baptist, 13 of them are women. According to the news story, they started this practice in 1976. No other Southern Baptist Church in Lubbock has women deacons, but no doubt this will change.

Without a doubt, Second Baptist is the most liberal Southern Baptist Church in the city of Lubbock. This has been apparent from the time of its organization as a mission from First Baptist Church quite a number of years ago. They have had a steady stream of liberals speaking from their platform over the years. This not only includes liberal Baptists, but also liberal Methodists, and liberals from other denominations. Several years ago, the Lubbock Baptist Association considered taking action against this Church, because of her unscriptural practices. However, they ended up putting them on probation or something similar, for a year. Apparently this Church is in the good graces of the SBC for the pastor’s wife was elected as the head of the Texas Baptist women’s organization this year.

According to the LAJ story, “The first woman deacon in Lubbock was Dorothy White who was elected in 1967 at First Presbyterian Church.” As you can see, the liberals always pave the way for the more conservative churches.

One curious twist to the Second Baptist story is that “Ardelle Clemons, the wife of the church’s senior pastor and Madelin Douglas, wife of Larry Douglas, the church’s worship minister, are both deacons.” If the deacons crack the whip at Second Baptist, as they do at many Baptist churches, the pastor could get his orders at the breakfast table, instead of waiting and getting them at the Church.

Second Baptist Pastor Explains

The LAJ article says, “Dr. Hardy Clemons, senior pastor at Second Baptist Church, said the decision to ordain women as deacons came after a long, biblical search which had nothing to do with wanting to flaunt the fact that the church was choosing women as deacons.” “Clemons explained, ‘The evidence is clear there were women deacons in biblical times and that there have been women deacons throughout Baptist history.’”

“Part of the controversy seems to center around what Paul said in I Cor. 14:34-35. Here he said essentially that women should not speak in church meetings.”

“Clemons said that Paul had written that message as a letter to one church and had never repeated the instructions throughout the Bible. The pastor said Paul wrote that particular letter to Corinth because there were prostitutes in the Corinthian church who spoke at the Temple as their only means of advertisement. He encouraged the church women to remain silent so as not to be confused with the prostitutes, Clemons said.”

“I don’t think you can take one verse out of the Bible and say this is what the Bible teaches,” Clemons said. “I think you have got to take the thing as a whole. Paul said there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female in God’s sight,” the pastor explained.

What Does the Bible Teach?

We are always saddened when we hear any preacher make such sloppy and misleading remarks, especially if he is a Baptist pastor. Only disbelief of God’s word, or faulty exegesis of God’s word would lead anyone to advocate women deacons.

Clemons’ faulty explanation of I Cor. 14:34-35, would be funny if it was not so serious a matter. “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” That is plain enough for anyone to see, and there is no mention of prostitutes in this text and nothing about heathen temples. Paul here considers that the law backed up his stand, for he said, “as also saith the law.”

Clemons should be chided for saying that “Paul had written that message as a letter to one church and had never repeated the instructions throughout the Bible.” We suggest that he read I Tim. 2:11-12, which says, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” This is found in the first of the Pastoral Epistles, just before he gives the qualifications for pastors and deacons.

In those qualifications for church officers, two statements are made which forever stand as a barrier to any woman ever occupying the office of a pastor or deacon. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife . . . .” “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife . . . .” I Tim. 3:2,12. How in the name of common sense can any woman be the husband of one wife?? This should be enough to convince any Bible believer that a woman can neither be a pastor nor a deacon and be in the will of God.

Was Phebe a Deacon?

The English word “deacon” only appears five times in the entire New Testament. Four times it is used in I Tim. 3, and once in Phil. 1:1. In none of these instances does it refer to a female occupying the office of a deacon. However, when some modern preachers have learned a little Greek, they then begin to find many strange things in the Bible. Some of these soon discover Rom. 16:1, where Paul says, “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.” These are quick to tell us that the word for “servant” is the same Greek word that is translated “deacon” in I Tim. 3:8,12. So this makes Phebe a deacon they say! Right? WRONG!! The Greek word “diakonos” is translated as “servant,” as “minister” and as “deacon.”

It is a serious mistake in interpretation to try to make the word “diakonos” refer to deacons everywhere it is found. In fact we cannot find one instance where “diakonos” is used to refer to the office of a deacon, except in the places where it is translated deacon in the KJV. The truth of the matter is that “diakonos” was a common word as used in New Testament times to refer to servants, and those who ministered to others. “Diakonos” is translated servants in Matt. 22:13, and 23:11. It is also translated servant in Mark 9:35; John 2:5,9; 12:26; and Rom. 16:1.

Would anyone suggest that the servants of the king were deacons, or that the servants at the wedding feast in John 2 were deacons? “Diakonos” is also translated minister in Matt. 20:26; and Mark 10:43, as well as a number of other places. Paul uses “diakonos” in Rom. 13:4 to refer to civil rulers where it is translated ministers. Would anyone suggest that these civil rulers were deacons? In Col. 1:23,25, Paul refers to himself as a “diakonos” where it is translated minister. Was Paul declaring that he occupied the office of a deacon? Certainly not, and we know of no commentator that says so.

Paul speaks of Satan’s “diakonos” in II Cor. 11:15, where it is translated ministers. Were these ministers of Satan occupying the office of a deacon? Certainly not!! While some Baptist churches may have had some deacons who were Satan’s ministers, God never intended it that way. Paul uses “diakonos” in I Thess. 3:2 to refer to Timothy where he writes “... “Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God . . . .” He is not saying that Timothy occupies the office of a deacon. If “diakonos” is used to refer to ordinary servants, to angels, to preachers, and to apostles, by what curious mode of interpretation can we be led to believe that a faithful woman by the name of Phebe was a deacon in the Church at Cenchrea. She was a servant to the Church, as should be every man and woman in the Church. Not all church members are faithful enough to be designated as such, but it is certain that they all should be.

We believe that any logical and orderly study of the Scriptures will show that there were no women deacons in the New Testament churches, and therefore there should be none today!

—Reprinted from the Plains Baptist Challenger, Dec. 1981

Editor’s Note: This article is much needed today. Second Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX has many women deacons and ordained women preachers on their staff. Across the nation there is an appalling number of Baptist churches that have women deacons and women pastors. As churches continue to ignore the Bible this false doctrine will spread to other churches.

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What Is Really Wrong with the Charismatics?

By Don Howard

Perhaps the most significant thing to come on the religious scene in this century is the Charismatic Movement. It has penetrated both liberal Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. In some cases, fundamental churches have had to contend with it. Literally multiplied millions of dollars are raised to support its “shows” and “clubs.” One Carolina-based group is now collecting approximately one million dollars a week to maintain its empire.

Many sincere, untaught Christians are taken in by this thing. The question is often asked, “What is wrong with the Charismatics?” In answer to that question, the following observations are made.

1. It Is Ecumenical in Its Concept

In the end time there will be the amalgamation of apostate religions into one super church. The charismatics are doing for the ecumenical movement what nothing else has been able to do — that is, bringing all sects and denominations together.

2. It Accommodates The World

It takes the music of the world and the world’s philosophy and incorporates them into its religion. Its aim is to Christianize the world rather than convert it. It advocates fitting Christ into one’s life style rather than changing one’s life style to fit the mind of God. Its programs are referred to as “clubs” and its religious performances as “shows,” which is exactly what they are! Rock stars are featured with their devilish rock music. Worldly “professors” who perform in night clubs are promoted as model Christians. James tells us that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” James 4:4.

3. It Disregards Doctrine

It matters little to the charismatic what one believes as long as he identifies with its movement. One charismatic leader has said, “The doctrinal walls are crumbling.”

But to have no regard for the doctrine is to have no regard for the teaching of the Scriptures. Paul told Timothy to “preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine ” II Timothy 4:2. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine . . .” II Timothy 3:16. In I Timothy 3:13 and 16, Paul exhorts his readers to give attendance to “doctrine” and to take heed unto “doctrine.”

4. It Is Experience-Oriented

To the charismatic, experience takes precedence over the Word of God. The Bible speaks to this issue of experience by declaring, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ; depart from me, ye that work iniquity” Matthew 7:22,23. The Bible must be the final authority in matters of faith and practice.

5. It Claims Extra-Biblical Revelations

With the charismatic emphasis on experience, adherents claim to have had new revelations from God. But the Scripture maintains that nothing may be added or deleted from God’s Word without the wrath and displeasure of a holy God (Revelation 22:18-19).

6. It Lays Claim to a Superior Spirituality

Charismatics advocate that speaking in tongues as a language (foreign to the person) was one of the sign gifts in the early church. These sign gifts were for the purpose of authenticating the message of God’s servants. They were actually credentials. The early church did not have the complete written Word as we have today.

But these sign gifts are not now opperative. With the completion of the Bible (I Corinthians 13:8), there is no need for signs. It was because of the lack of spiritual maturity that they were employed in the first place. Tongues-speaking is a sign of carnality and spiritual immaturity — not of superior spirituality. Tongues-speaking is worked up — emotional, psychological, fleshly and sometimes, Satanic.

Generally, those who seek the “gift of tongues” are seeking a short-cut to spirituality. However, there are no short cuts to growth in grace.

7. It Appeals to the Flesh

That which appeals to the flesh appeals to the multitudes. People are looking for a magic cure-all that will enable them to escape the realities and responsibilities of life. Cross-bearing, separation from the world, and reproach are avoided. One religious entertainer is noted for his cliche, “Something good is going to happen to you!” In actuality, when one follows Christ it is going to be costly. There will be valleys. There is a price to be paid — some may be called on to be faithful “unto death.”

8. It Is Divisive

Charismatics are old mainline Pentecostals with a different veneer. The movement is a New-Pentecostalism. It could best be described by the term “Neo-Penetrationism.” It has moved from the storefronts, “across-the-track” communities, and “hills and hollows” into the liberal, liturgical, ritualistic, formal churches. Cells have been established, many times dividing the flock.

Because there are virtually no standards, no doctrine, and no discipline, the charismatic movement appeals to a broad base. It never gets a foot-hold nor survives in a church where the pastor militantly stands for truth and righteousness. Biblical preaching with the proper emphasis on ecclesiastical and personal separation is the one thing it cannot and will not acknowledge.

9. It Disregards the Local Church

The charismatics are inclusive and interdenominational. No distinction is made as to whether one is or is not a member of a local church nor between churches as to whether they are or are not New Testament in doctrine and practice.

The Bible teaches and advocates Christians’ joining, supporting, and working through Biblical New Testament churches. There is no such thing as a “churchless” Christianity in the Bible. Paul refers to the New Testament church in I Timothy 3:15 as “the pillar and ground of the truth.” Every Christian should be an active member of some good fundamental, Bible-believing and Bible-practicing church. Such a church is worthy of one’s presence, prayers and purse.

Without a doubt we are living in the most religious confusion the world has ever known. Modernism, Liberalism, Neo-orthodoxy, Neo-evangelicalism and all the rest of the “isms” have never caused the deception the charismatic movement is causing. There is a bright side, however. The formation of this apostate, worldly, ecumenical church is an indication of the soon return of our Lord. “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” Luke 21:18.

In the meantime we need to be faithful to our fundamental, Bible believing churches and heed the admonition of John regarding apostate Christendom: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” Revelation 18:4.

—Reprinted from the Plains Baptist Challenger March 1980

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Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Life

Rick Warren, author of the best-selling Purpose-Driven Life Book, Celebrated the two-year anniversary of The Book’s Release by touring several states and speaking to the nation’s leading “cultural influencers.” Warren addressed journalists, entertainers, government officials, business leaders, philanthropists, psychologists, religious leaders and university students at several locations from September 17-25. Thus far, Warren’s book has sold 18.9 million copies—an average of nearly 800,000 copies a month since its release. According to a September 17, 2004, Religion News Service press release, Warren spoke to his audiences about “the renewal of purpose happening in America—the grassroots spiritual awakening that has been reported in dozens of national newspapers.” Warren attributes this new “spiritual awakening,” in part, to the popularity of his book The Purpose-Driven Life. “I believe that we are possibly on the verge of a New Reformation in Christianity and another Great Awakening in our nation,” Warren said. “The signs are everywhere, including the popularity of this book.”

Over 75 churches worldwide received “Church Health Awards” from Rick Warren and his “Purpose-Driven” ministries last May. Since 1999, Warren has given awards to 4-6 churches per year, but since thousands of churches have recently participated in his “40-Days-of-Purpose” campaigns, he decided this year to award 79 churches from 20 countries (Assist News Service, 5-18-04). In order to receive the $1000 reward, a church must “embrace purpose-driven characteristics to not only grow in numbers, but, more importantly, to grow in health,” Warren said. Warren announced the awards at his May 11-14 Purpose-Driven Church Conference. It is interesting to note the variety of denominations and doctrinal backgrounds of the churches receiving rewards. They include Southern Baptist, Assemblies of God, Full Gospel, Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Free Methodist, Baptist General Conference, Evangelical Free Church in America, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of the Nazarene, Lutheran and Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations. Sound doctrine is apparently not a concern for Warren and his Purpose-Driven ministries as many of these denominations and churches embrace aberrant theology and are associated with New Evangelicalism and theological liberalism. While Warren may view these churches as “healthy” congregations, God certainly does not view them as such. Sound doctrine is important to God! Beware of the Purpose-Driven philosophy in which doctrine is minimized and pragmatic results are glorified.

—From Foundation A Magazine of Biblical Fundamentalism, September-October 2004

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Editor’s Email

I also didn’t see the movie. My reason for not seeing it was mostly based on, I have read the book and know what God wants me to know about the death of Christ. I often wonder what God thinks of these kinds of movies. We are not to make any graven images of Christ but yet people make movies of him and many see that actor as Christ. My church is going through some changes I feel are not of God. Our pastor wanted us to go see the movie and even got tickets so the church could go together. Seems strange how you can’t preach about sin but you can tell the congregation to go see a movie. I want so much to hear the Word of God from a pastor that loves the people enough to preach the Word of God, not what the world wants to hear to make us feel better. People ask me why I haven’t seen the movie and I use that time to tell them that I don’t need to see it, I know how it ends. Anything that comes from Hollywood isn’t of God but of the Devil. The Church is being lead in the wrong direction by the new generation of feel good pastors and mega churches. I have to get going and I’m sorry, but I wanted to let you know there are some like me that will not see the movie and am glad to tell it.

Dear Brother: Thanks for your article on Dr. Rice. I will be careful to keep to the Lord’s KJV material. I have spent several hours on your site and I’m going back right now. Thanks a lot. Also I will be in the same mind as you were in the beginning of your article on Dr. Rice.
Respectful of him. Roberta

I really enjoy your Web Site, I am so glad that there are some Fundamental Christian Web Sites out there! I am a Deacon at New Life Independent Baptist Church in Soddy-Daisy, Tn. & I have been teaching from Your Salvation & Christian Growth Sunday School Lesson Plans. Thanks & God Bless!!! Adrian T. Berry

You Sir are an idiot! WILLIAM PROCTOR (Editor’s note: I have been called worse.)

Enjoyed looking through your site, appreciate your work. J.R. Boyd

Question: Are you an Independent church in the sense that is how your church is identified (i.e. Southern Baptists are identified as southern Baptists). If yes, what is the belief about the current movement of Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Church? Does your church advocate his principles and are you a P.D. church? Thank you for your response

ELB replied: I am very glad to answer your question. We definitely do not approve of Rick Warren’s purpose driven church ideas. If you want to find out why, please go to our website and use the search engine and type in “Rick Warren,” and you will get a lot of material. We are not Southern Baptists and we are not affiliated with any convention, association or organized fellowship. When we say independent, we mean it. We do fellowship with other churchs of like faith and order. We are glad to be “Independent and Unaffiliated.”

I recently read your message on abortion and I couldn’t agree more. I think that the whole idea of killing unborn children is atrocious. I have only been saved a couple of years and I admit I have a lot to learn but what I have learned I have tried to take it to heart. I just wanted to say that I applaud you for speaking the truth. I also have a pastor who preaches a uncompromising gospel and a man can’t help but respect the truth... Sincerely, Yusef Franklin

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One Nation Under God

Historical revisionists have for a long time tried to deny or obscure the fact that our nation was founded upon belief in God. These quotations are proof that our forefathers, including the framers of the Constitution, never intended a separation of GOD and STATE.

1620 — the Mayflower Compact. “In the name of God, Amen, Having undertaken for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith... do... solemnly and mutually in the presence of God covenant and combine ourselves together...”

1643 — Constitution of the New England Confederation. “Whereas we all come into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the Liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace.”

1681 — William Penn. “If you are not governed by God, you will be ruled by tyrants.” 1752 — Liberty Bell. “Leviticus 25:10 Proclaim Liberty thru all the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”

1772 — Samuel Adams.~ “The rights of the Colonists as Christians. . .may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institution of the great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament.”

1776 — Declaration of Independence.

“...the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God...

“...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights...

“...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions...

“...with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence...”

1787 — Benjamin Franklin. “Here is my creed. I believe in one God, the creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped.”

In the Constitutional Convention: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth... that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without this aid?”

1787 — Alexander Hamilton. Soon after the Constitutional Convention: “For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests.”

1789 — George Washington, Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection, aid and favors... Now, therefore, do I assign and recommend Thursday, the 26th day of November next ... that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.”

1820 — Daniel Webster, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. “...more than all, a government and a country were to commence, with the very first foundations laid under the divine light of the Christian religion... Who would wish that his country’s existence had otherwise begun?” “Let us not forget the religious character of our origin.”

July 4, 1821 — John Quincy Adams. “From the day of the Declaration... They [the American people] were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledged as the rules of their conduct.”

1861 — Abraham Lincoln. Farewell words in Springfield, Illinois. February 11: “Unless the great God who assisted him [Washington] shall be with me and aid me. I must fail; but if the same omniscient mind and mighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support me, I shall not fail — I shall succeed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now.”

1863 — Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address “...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

1892 — U.S. Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justice Brewer, delivering the opinion of the Court (143 V.S. 457) stated: “These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.”

July 4, 1913 — Woodrow Wilson. “Here is the nation God has builded by our hands.”

March 3, 1931 — National Anthem adopted by Congress The Star Spangled Banner closes: “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. And this be our motto — ‘In God is our Trust’.”

June 14, 1954 — Pledge of Allegiance. Words “under God” adopted by Congress. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands — one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Adopted as national motto of the United States by joint resolution of Congress on July 20, 1956.

— Pro-Family Newsletter, May, 1981 (P.O. Box 14701, Fort Worth, TX. 76117).

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Paul Crouch and TBN

The founders of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Paul and Jan Crouch, are living in opulence as a result of their “prosperity gospel” theology. A reporter for the Los Angeles Times, William Lobdell, recently penned an article for the Times highlighting the “money and the message” of the TBN founders and many of its programmers: Send more money, and God will bless you; fail to send money and lose future reward. Crouch and others who appear on TBN continually appeal for millions of dollars in order to continue or expand programming, yet, Lobdell says, the interest alone earned from TBN’s assets and investments generates millions of dollars for TBN. In 2002, TBN held $238 million in Treasury bonds and other government securities and $31 million in cash. Paul Crouch collects a $403,700 annual salary while his wife receives $361,000 per year. Lobdell writes, “The Crouches travel the world in a $7.2 million, 19-seat Canadair Turbojet owned by TBN. They drive luxury cars. They have charged expensive dinners and furniture to TBN credit cards. Thirty ministry-owned homes are at their disposal—including a pair of Newport Beach mansions, a mountain retreat near Lake Arrowhead and a ranch in Texas.” The Crouches have also been known to treat TBN employees to lavish dinners at various restaurants where heavy consumption of wine and liquor has been observed. TBN has posted an average yearly surplus of $60 million since 1997. Sadly, millions of people are being deceived by Paul and Jan Crouch and TBN’s “prosperity gospel” message. Crouch claims God grants wealth to the faithful while withholding from the unfaithful. He has built his media empire on this unbiblical teaching. True believers have a responsibility not only to separate from TBN and refuse to support it in any way but also to warn others about the dangers of the TBN religion and lifestyle.

—From Foundation A Magazine of Biblical Fundamentalism, September-October 2004

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News & Views

Edited by E. L. Bynum

(Editor’s Note: In our News & 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.)

Cashing In On Religion—Trinity Broadcasting Network is the cash and carry supermarket of religion. Religion Today, 10/6/04, reports that TBN founders Paul & Jan Crouch receive combined annual salaries of more than $750,000. Gullible believers in fantasy are to send their cash and TBN will carry it for them. With all the wealth this couple have accumulated, a continued plea goes over the air pleading for more money to keep TBN on the air. What a sad spiritual & mental condition much of the religious world is in. What a somber thought to think some Baptist send tithes and offerings to such shenanigans. (1 John 4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” —WWM

Marketing Religion—“Biblical” marketing is an attempt to use the latest sales concepts and marketing principles to attract the lost in the hope that they will be won to Christ. The approach begins with a survey and an analysis of the community in order to discover what would motivate the lost to attend a local church. Once the survey is evaluated, the structure of the organization is conformed to accommodate the stated desires of the unsaved. Such changes usually include key elements that will make the lost feel more comfortable: a contemporary and entertaining style of music, a positive, non-convicting, feel-good message with dramatic illustrations and stimulating programs oriented more to the flesh than to the spirit. One of the theories is that the more the church reflects the culture familiar to the lost, the more likely it is that they will continue to attend. (Berean Call, 10/1/04)

“Hate Speech” Lawsuit—“There is a deliberate political move in all of Europe toward restricting the freedom of religion, with Sweden serving as a sort of European Union pilot project.” (Crosswalk , 10/6/04) So told Ulf Ekman, a Swedish pastor, to Charisma magazine. This charismatic pastor also said something that should bring spiritual alertness into the heart of every Baptist pastor/preacher in America. “Unless we now claim the freedom to preach the gospel in all of its facets and consequences, we soon will not be allowed to preach it at all.” If preaching against the sin of homosexuality is declared unlawful hate speech, preaching against adultery and fornication will soon follow the same path. Along with drunkenness, gambling, stealing, profanity, etc. and on & on. The seers and the prophets of old faced the same problem. (Isa. 30:10) “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” Flattering sin will not make it whiter. —WWM

V. Gene Robinson’s Appointment Costly—Since the Episcopal Church confirmed an openly homosexual bishop last year, pledges to the church in Colorado have dropped by $340,000. (Agape press, 10/4/04) Last year the ECUSA consecrated openly homosexual Gene Robinson as bishop of the Episcopal church in the US. The African Council of Anglican Provinces voted to reject any missionary who supports ordaining gay priests. Robinson has a live-in partner in this sin and debauchery. The Anglican church does not come close to being biblically right doctrinally. It is good to see, however, that even natural inclinations reveal to the lost that homosexuality is against nature. (Rom. 1:26) —WWM

McCartney On The Road To Jerusalem—A new ministry that urges Christians to embrace Messianic Jews is drawing mixed feelings among Jewish religious leaders in a California community. Started by Bill McCartney, founder of the men’s organization, Promise Keepers, The Road to Jerusalem (TRJ) will officially launch with an event at the 16,200-seat Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells on Dec. 3. (Charisma, via Religion Today, 10/5/04) The plan is to bridge the gap between Christians and Jews. The Apostle Paul reported this was already accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 2:14) “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; . . . ” (See Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11) And all this in Christ before and without the help of McCartney. —WWM

Graham Crusade In NY—Billy Graham has accepted an invitation to lead a New York City crusade at Madison Square Garden in June 2005, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announced Sept. 30. Pastors from more than 150 New York area churches gathered to extend an official invitation to the evangelist. (RT , 10/5/04) The chair of this crusade is the pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, according to the BGEA. Up to the present Graham’s 1991 crusade recorded the largest religious assembly in NY with more than 250,000. As always, those sponsoring this event will be a montage of religions giving the impression they are of a similar persuasion. Two still can’t walk together unless they are in agreement. (Amos 3:3) Jesus told His church to come out and be separate, then the heavenly Father would claim them as sons and daughters. (2 Cor. 6:17) Jesus did not sit down with the Pharisees, Sadducees, or the Herodians and discuss how they could all get along. —WWM

Your Child Wants A CD?—Hollywood’s Brian Warner, stage name ‘Marilyn Manson,’ declares he is opposed to all religions. His tour is called the “Against All Gods Tour.” His tour will promote his retrospective CD with an equally distasteful title. Manson defends the devil in this manner: “The devil is often the more human character, the one you can relate to. After all, he was cast out of heaven for wanting to be an individual.” (NewsMax.com, 10/5/04) Where else but Hollywood could you find such deep theology? This despot knows even less about the Bible than he does about performing. His plan is to marry a Playboy model & stripper and wants to hold the wedding in a church. Parents have more enemies to proper rearing of children than simply knowing where they are. They must be attentive to what they hear. —WWM

Sweden Today—Where Tomorrow?—Pastor Ake Green, has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for preaching from the Word of God. A Swedish court ordered Pastor Green to jail because he read Bible verses to his congregation of 50 people stating that homosexuality was a sin. Similar sermons are preached in American evangelical churches . . . In the sermon Pastor Green clearly distinguished the sin from the sinner saying Christians needed to express love for homosexuals, but that their activity was wrong and sinful. (RFC, 10/8/04)

Poor Source on Moral Behavior—In a recent interview in the Chicago Sun-Times, the founder of Playboy magazine reflected on religion and morality. When asked whether he had ever sinned, Hefner replied, “Oh, sure, but I haven’t pursued very much immoral behavior. I’m a pretty moral guy.” (BP, 10/8/04) Now there is an eye opener. Of course it would depend on how you define ‘haven’t pursued’ and ‘immoral behavior.’ Hefner should, but will not read Paul’s instruction to Timothy. (2 Tim 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts:” Or the charge given to the church in 1 Thes. 5:22: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Nor will he likely accept the Master’s warning of repent or likewise perish. Fools continue making a mock of sin. (Prov. 14:9) —WWM

Christian Persecution in Belarus—(Part of the Union of Russia) Two Baptists are set to have personal property confiscated, while a third is having his pay docked after the three visited a hospital at Easter to sing hymns and hand out copies of the New Testament. According to religious affairs official Vladimir Klevtsov, the Baptists had broken the law because they did not get the hospital authorities’ permission to hold “a mass event with music and give out literature,” Forum 18 News Service reported. The trio reportedly does not belong to a registered church.

Peaceful(?) Islam Threatens Christians—Written threats, kidnappings, bombings and murders committed by Muslim extremists are driving thousands of Iraq’s Christian minority to flee to neighboring Jordan and Syria. Although an Orthodox bishop in Syria warns that if the emigration continues at the present rate, there could be no more Christians in Iraq in 10 years, an Iraqi church leader said he believes the Christian community would go underground first to avoid such a possibility. Christians are viewed as collaborators with the occupying U. S. forces, because “they share the same religion.” Militants also try to kidnap Christians, because they believe Christians have Western connections and access to more money than other Iraqis. (Voice of Martyrs, 10/12/04)

Be Not Deceived—Max Lucados books and articles . . .have been a source of encouragement for millions of believers around the world. (Crosswalk, 10/11/04) This is a portion of an advertizement concerning Lucado’s newsletter and publications. Lucado is a Church of Christ preacher who has dropped the name ‘Church of Christ’ from their title. The purpose was to attract people who were hesitant to attend a Church of Christ. Attendance increased from 3,300 to some 4,500 on Sunday. Sounds like the same move Rick Warren did with the name ‘Baptist’ at his Saddleback church. Lucado is a speaker for PKs and is a charismatic. True believers will be wise staying away from the books by both men. —WWM

Celebrating or Curtailing Diversity?—Agape Press , 10/11/04, reports an Ann Arbor, Mich. high school has had their “annual Diversity Week program.” A forum on “homosexuality and Religion” that included only pro-homosexual clergy members. Student Betsy Hansen requested that the panel include a clergy that expressed her RC views against homosexuality. A judge ruled in her favor slapping a $100,000 attorney bill on the school. The only diversity that could possibly appear at this Diversity Week was different methods of homosexuality. All of which are an abomination to our heavenly Father. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end of liberal morality being taught in too much of our public school system. —WWM

Australia Takes A Stand—Australia’s Anglican (Episcopalian) Church has voted not to condone the blessing of same-sex relationships or to ordain people in such relationships. Participants at a general synod—the church’s “national parliament”—held in Western Australia also passed a motion opposing sex outside of marriage for heterosexuals — and congratulated Australia’s federal government for outlawing same-sex “marriage.” (Religion Today, 10/12/04) The federal government of Australia is to be congratulated for leading in this action. Homosexuals in the U.S. have the backing of liberal politicians and the media and are gaining ground in so-called human rights. No human has any right outside the liberty salvation brings through the blood of Jesus Christ. (Gal. 5:1) —WWM

Dousing The Dog—Houston, Texas—The (Episcopal) Church of the Redeemer in Houston will hold its first Blessing of the Animals on the lawn, Saturday, October 9, at 3 p.m. All creatures great and small are welcome. Refreshments for all God’s creatures will be served. (Episcopal News Serv., 10/10/04) The direction to the church is given also so that no one would miss this blessing of the beast. The Methodist church in Snyder, OK provided this service several months ago for the pets of their parishioners. Even their harlot mother’s church confines their blessings to those who can reimburse monetarily. Would this apply here? “ . . . the foolishness of fools is folly.” (Prov. 14:24) —WWM

New Generation Needs Old Gospel—John Styll, president of Nashville-based CCM Communications said “It has become known: do contemporary worship and your church will grow; resist and die, or at least stagnate.” He went on to say that “What contemporary Christian music has done is make the worship experience more relevant and therefore more meaningful to a new generation.” But he said “...the danger is, contemporary music is very performance-oriented. The line between worship and entertainment can very easily get blurred. Music in worship should draw our attention toward God, but contemporary music often draws attention to itself.” (ABI Newsletter, 10/3/04) CCM moves the flesh. This is the mega in the mega-church business. The reason this is not spiritual is because it is done in the flesh. (Rom. 8:8) “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Worship pleasing to God must be spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:14) “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” CCM is less than discernable. —WWM

Improper Conduct In God’s House—“Things done in the house of God are not acceptable to Him merely because they are done in the house of God. Neither are they acceptable to Him merely because they are done in the name of Christ.” (CC, 10/4) This short quote borrowed from the October Calvary Contender may raise the ire of some, but it is chucked full of truth. 1 Tim. 3:15 says the house of God for New Testament saints is “the church of the living God.” This is the church that Jesus is the Head of. It is also “the pillar and ground of the truth.” Yet many in the Lord’s church seem uninterested in knowing how they “oughtest to behave” themselves in the house of God. Special music is often no more than a sham when the conduct of those involved is considered. CCM is not the only music in the church that is less than proper. Acceptable hymns delivered from smirking faces bring no honor to our Lord. —WWM

Our Omniscient Creator—Why do we not tremble like Israel when they knew God’s presences had filled the Tabernacle? Silver-tongued orators move congregations with glib statements of “God knows youR heart,” etc. When God revealed to Job that he and his friends were less than knowledgeable concerning His Being and creative power, He gave Job questions to ponder in Job 38. Man spent the best part of 6,000 years finding out the earth was round and the ocean was deep. God revealed to Isaiah the shape of the earth Isa. 40:22. Not many decades ago scientific research found a chasm in the Pacific Ocean floor almost 7 miles deep. God said to Job: “Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?” (Job 38:16) (Rom. 11:33) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” —WWM

Depends On Who’s Speaking—Recently a Baptist pastor was threatened he would lose his tax exempt status for using his pulpit to encourage parishioners to vote properly. More recently the former president spoke at the Riverside Church (NYC) in behalf of his favorite wannabe prez with no such threat. This church was built in 1927 and first pastored by ultra liberal Harry Emerson Fosdic, who claimed he was Baptist, but failed the biblical test. Years later Jimmy Creech, noted defrocked homosexual marrying Methodist preacher, performed a union ceremony for two homosexuals in this same church. Clinton and Creech both doing what they do best. Standing contrary to biblical principles and on the side of enemies to the Word of God. (Phil. 3:18,19) “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” —WWM

ACLU’s Ugly Nature—“A Christian law firm has filed a brief in a case involving government officials, the American Civil Liberties Union, and judges who are accused of trying to undermine the state’s laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.” (AgapePress , 10/25/04) It is a sad commentary on any government to have officials who would side with such a liberal law firm as the ACLU. They will defend abortionists, challenge the teaching of Christianity and prayer in public schools. They bestowed their National Civil Liberties Award on Mel White, homosexual Methodist preacher. They also support the legalization of drugs, child pornography, and prostitution. It supports tax exemption for satanists, mandatory sex education, and the right of homosexuals to become Big Brothers and scout masters. Nothing about this law firm is American, nor is it Civil, it produces no Liberty, it is not in the business of blending the Union. They have all the attributes of the wicked one. (2 Thes. 2:9,10) “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” —WWM

Respect Witches?—“A school district in the state of Washington has banned all forms of Halloween activities, arguing they are a waste of time and disrespectful to witches.” (AG, 10/25/04) They are right about it being a waste of time. Halloween activities shouldn’t be a disgrace to witches. It is a satanic holiday. What should disturb them more is how the God of heaven feels about them. (Exo. 22:18) “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Using divinations (Deut. 18:10) and being of a satanic spiritual closeness with Jezebel’s offspring would supplement contempt for Wicca’s witches. (2 Kings 9:22) Dressing up in a garment like the devil is too often not confined to Halloween. —WWM