By E. L. Bynum
As we again approach December 25th, we are once again embroiled over the birth of Christ and the celebration of Christmas. The merchants are anxious to make the sales, but they exclude all mention of Jesus Christ from their displays. It has not always been that way. Many want to celebrate the bonuses and the time off for holidays, but they want to do this without any recognition of Jesus Christ.
A few years ago there was a strong move to change Christmas to Xmas. The X speaks of an unknown person. This flopped, but this did not stop the enemies of Christ.
Our calendars do not identify the date of the birth of Christ and not even the month and year, but that does not mean that he was not born. The Bible does reveal the time of His birth. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Galatians 4:4) We know that He was born at God’s appointed time.
We wish that the God haters would refuse to take any money with “In God We Trust” printed on it, and they could also refuse pay and time off for any so-called Christian holiday. Of course they want the money and the time off, but they certainly cannot stomach anything that refers to Christ.
Although we reject many things that are connected with Christmas, we rejoice to commemorate the birth of Christ, and have always used this season as a time to preach and sing of His birth. It was one of the high water marks of human history and it was the fulfillment of the very first prophecy of His birth and marvelous work of redemption on the cross.
The great C.H. Spurgeon wrote, “This little planet of ours was made to burn with a superior light among its sister stars while the Creator sojourned here in human form. If for the first time you had heard of the visit of the Incarnate God to this world, you would be struck with a wonder which would last throughout all eternity. This is the heart of the gospel — the incomparable fact of the incarnation of the Son of God, His dwelling upon the earth, and His presentation of Himself as a sacrifice unto God for the sins of mankind.”
This is cause for rejoicing today and every day throughout the year. As John Huss said, “Rejoice, that the immortal God is born, so that mortal men may live in eternity. Rejoice, because the rich Lord of the Universe became poor, that He may enrich us needy ones.”
Santa Claus Is In, But Christ Is out
If you go to the Shopping Mall, you will find large displays and plenty of recognition of Santa Claus, but no mention of Christ. Please tell me where Santa Claus is found in the Bible! Christ is found from Genesis to Revelation, but where can you find the fat man in a red suit with his long white whiskers?
John Gibson, heard on Fox News, has written a book entitled, “The War on Christmas.” He wrote, “‘Happy holidays!’ Every time a supermarket checker or store clerk greets you with those words instead of ‘Merry Christmas,’ you have met another soldier in the war against Christmas. Secularists are bent on imposing upon us a neutered, secular winter holiday that throws out every trace of Christianity from the public observance of Christmas. Its all necessary, they tell us, to avoid offending non-Christians and, above all, to keep from violating the all-important separation of church and state. Meanwhile, Christians in America are increasingly marginalized and shunted aside.”
In 2004 Baptist Press published the following information:
New York City allows Menorahs to be displayed during Hanukkah and the Islamic star and crescent during Ramadan, but no displays relating to the birth of Jesus are allowed during Christmas.
In Denver, a church was not allowed to have a float in the “Parade of Lights” because “direct religious themes” were not allowed. However, the Two Spirit Society, a support group for American Indians who are homosexual, bisexual or “transgender,” was allowed to participate. The group honors homosexuals as “holy people.”
School districts in Florida and New Jersey have banned all Christmas carols. One city in Kentucky declined an offer from a church to stage a live Nativity in the town square. And in Kirkland, Wash., a production of “A Christmas Carol,” was stopped because of Tiny Tim’s prayer, “God bless us everyone.”
In many cities, Christmas trees have given way to “holiday trees” or “trees of light.” Community parades which once celebrated Christmas are now deemed to be “winter” or “holiday parades.” The city I live in hosts an annual “Santa Claus Parade.”
The reasons given for expunging references to Christmas from the public square are twofold. One is a desire to not offend those who are not Christians. The second reason is a fear of violating the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Both reasons are unfounded.
I can appreciate those who want to be sensitive to non-Christians. However, surveys show that 90-plus percent of Americans observe Christmas. The fact is that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christians believe Jesus is God who became flesh in order to redeem mankind from the curse of sin. Other religions view him as a prophet or a good teacher.
To be offended over the public celebration of a significant historical religious figure is being overly sensitive.
The following was published in the Washington Times:
The Wichita [Kansas] Eagle, ran a correction for mistakenly referring to a “Christmas Tree” rather than a “Community Tree.”
School districts in Florida and New Jersey have banned Christmas Carols, but have allowed Jewish and Jamaican songs.
War on Christianity
Some might wonder why we go to this much trouble to defend a holiday that is not mentioned in the Bible. The secularists are not at war with a holiday, but they are at war against the Lord Jesus Christ the son of God.
That is the reason why they want “under God” from our pledge of allegiance, prayer and the Bible out of schools, our coins changed, and all mention of God removed from out of public life. Make no mistake, they are relentless in their determination and they are well organized and financed. You only need to read our Constitution, the founding documents of our nation, and the speeches of our founders and you will quickly discover that this nation was founded by people who believed in the God of the Bible.
By Jerry Jackson
While out visiting recently, my wife met a woman who described herself as a pagan. She had a five-year-old son, very near my oldest son’s age. The boys played together for a few minutes, which opened up a door of further discussion with this woman. She said that, while she was pagan, she allowed her son to attend church if he chose to do so. She then began asking about the church, and especially what we did in regards to children her son’s age. She told my wife that she had taken her son to several churches, but had not liked what she had seen in these places. “All they do is play,” she said. If her son was going to go to church, she wanted it to be in a place where he would learn something, not just play and be entertained.
The Difference Between this Pagan and Many Christians
How sad that this unsaved woman had more discernment than many Christians today. She claimed to be pagan, which is defined as someone who does not recognize God in any religion. Yet, she knew that for her son to go to church to play was a waste of time. Why is it that God’s children have not figured this out? It seems that the first question Christians ask about any church is, “What sort of activities do you have for the children?” A church without numerous activities for young people and children will fail to see large numbers of visitors who last, unless these visitors are without children, or they feel that activities aren’t what makes for a good church.
Some Christians Go to Church to Play
So many so-called fundamental Baptist churches have changed the format of their Wednesday evening service. It used to be that the children would sit and be taught from the Word of God right alongside their parents, then there would be a time of prayer over the many needs of the church and its people. Nowadays, many churches have done away with prayer, except for an opening and closing prayer. The adults have a Bible lesson, while the children are taken off into another room or building to play and be entertained. The majority of the adults in attendance are “helping out” with the children, and miss out on the teaching from God’s Word. We will never raise up another generation to fear and serve God when we refuse to teach them anything but games and an occasional devotional. Even the occasional devotional is nothing to brag about. The children only endure it so that they can get on with play time. Other churches try showing videos to their children in order to keep them entertained, while their parents are singing choruses along with the worship team. What we see happening today is a competition between the world and churches. What children find as they grow older is that the world has better entertainment than the church, and they drift away from the church and the things of God. Many a parents’ heart has been broken over this very thing, but they do not seem to understand that they, the parents, have taught their children to crave play over truth.
Some Christians Skip Church to Play
Any excuse is acceptable for skipping a church service in these last days. Church services are canceled or rescheduled for the benefit of the Super Bowl, or any other event in the community. This teaches our children that church is unimportant; that we hear enough of the Bible at some times to leave it out at other times. Many individual believers skip church for various and sundry reasons. It seems that meeting with family and out-of-town guests is much more important than meeting with God in His house. Folks claim that they need to get away from everything, but they only succeed in getting away from God. And, in the end, their children never come to God.
This circumstance is nothing new. For centuries people have been unfaithful to the house of God. Even the prophet Isaiah was given some words to say about people’s appetite for play rather than God. “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 58:13-14). It seems a great effort is necessary to get folks out on Sunday morning, while the Sunday night service is nearly impossible to get many people to come to. God’s people sit in the pew and think about all the things they could be doing, if they just hadn’t come to church. According to Isaiah, these people miss out on the blessing of God, while they dishonor the Lord by their lack of attendance. They certainly aren’t helping their children to develop a relationship with God.
Where Is the Teaching?
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15). ” As a whole, our children are not being taught in the things of God. Memory verses used to be a part of our Sunday School class when I was growing up, but I hear very little of that sort of thing now. I do hear that it is unwise to expect that children should sit and learn Bible verses, meanwhile, we expect them to learn what they are taught at school. I hear that it is unwise to expect that children should sit and be attentive in Sunday School or in a regular church service, meanwhile, we expect them to sit and be attentive in school. These are wrong priorities, and these wrong priorities will bear bitter fruit. Who is to blame for this lack of teaching among our children? I believe that we can find a two-fold failure to train our children in the things of God.
First of all, these children have parents who are responsible to teach and train their children in the things of God. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 says, “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” The first need for parents who desire to teach their children, is that they themselves have a personal walk with the Lord. The “do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do” philosophy has never worked with teaching and training our children, and it never will.
Beyond this, parents must immerse their children in the things of God. In other words, parents need to talk about these things with their children constantly, not just on the way to church and on the way home from church, but daily. We need to start young with our children, because if we do not, the world certainly will. We must follow the Lord’s command to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). ” The phrase “bring them up” seems to mean that parents are to make the nurture and admonition of the Lord a way of life for their children.
This means that if parents are to teach our children in the things of God, they must regularly attend a church that will teach their children in the things of God. It is inconsistent for parents to seek to train their children at home, and then take these same children into a church that will please their children’s flesh, rather than teach them the truth.
But, what if the father is not a Christian? Should the mother sit idly by and watch as her children are raised as heathens? Of course not. The Apostle Paul talks about Timothy’s training in the Word of God. This training did not come from his father, who was a Greek (Acts 16:1), but from his mother and grandmother, who were believers (2 Timothy 1:5). What a precious thing it is to have a whole family that loves God and serves Him together, but we cannot allow a lost or backslidden loved one to keep our children from being taught in the Word.
Also, a pastor is responsible for the teaching of those who attend services at his church. The Apostle Paul said, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). ” There is no mandate for a pastor to seek out ways to entertain his flock, but to feed them from the pure Word of God (Matthew 28:20). It is the pastor’s responsibility to see that even the children in his church are being taught in the Word of God. It is his duty to set the priorities for the children and youth of the church. Will they be taught godly things or games?
It is vastly more popular to try to entertain the children, because a happy child is cause for parents to remain in a church. Therefore, pastors are tempted to create or allow more and more activities for the children. Many pastors seek to justify this clamor for fun by calling it an outreach tool. The way I remember it, tracts and a New Testament were outreach tools. Has the Word of God become so powerless that it takes modern media and modern tactics to draw folks to Christ? What we lack today is not more methods, but more consecration. If God’s people were totally devoted to Him, there would be no need for other methods to draw people into our churches.
What we have to offer a lost and dying world is far better than a little fun on a Sunday or Wednesday. We have the hope of abundant, eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have the truth. Because we have the truth, we must teach it to our children. If we do not have the truth, then by all means, let them be entertained rather than diluted.
Why is it that a pagan understands more about what should go on in church than many Christians today? I believe that Satan has been working overtime to blind and distract believers from our purpose, which is to bring Christ to a Christ-less world. We must examine ourselves, and be certain that we are not guilty of entertaining our children at the cost of teaching them the truth. If we are not faithful to teach our children in the things of God, in a very few years we will see many churches close their doors, missionaries return from the field due to a lack of support, and countless souls sent into a hopeless eternity.
By Bob Jackson
The west side of the Tabernacle Baptist Church sign read, “Religion may reform, but only Christ can transform.” What a truth, an eternal truth, this statement is. The Lord really used this statement on our church sign to speak to my heart, and God led me to prepare a Sunday morning message using the title to this article. Now, we want to include this message in the Challenger that it might be a blessing and, hopefully, used of God in the lives of others.
The word “reform” is defined as “to correct, change, or improve.” The word “transform” is defined as “to change the form of” like that of a caterpillar that changes form completely to a butterfly. While there is change in reformation, it is not the total change of form that is accomplished in transformation, Romans 12:1,2.
The text for our thoughts is found in Philippians 2:12,13. These verses read as follows, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Converting to a religion, any religion, brings about certain changes. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, and that when they had made this proselyte, he was two-fold more a child of hell than themselves (Matthew 23:15). No doubt those who converted to the Jewish religion, the Pharisee sect, changed their behavior to fit in with this group. The religion of Islam is said to be the fasting growing religion in America. What a sad and also a frightening thing this is. But when a person converts to Islam, they have to make, and do make, certain changes in their lifestyle. They pray the required number of times in the day, and they reject the eating of certain foods, and they reject as immoral certain types of behavior that are commonly accepted in our society. We understand that many in the prison population in America convert to become Black Muslims. Once again, those who convert to that religion change certain things in their lives. Obviously, it is not God who is changing these lives, but there are changes that take place. These changes are occurring because of the reformation that religion causes in lives. This also means that a person could convert to Christianity, meaning to accept the Christian religion as his own, and change his behavior to conform to certain acceptable standards. Surely we all recognize that there are areas in our lives that need to be improved or changed (reformed). The Scripture is clear that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, Romans 3:10-12,23; Ecclesiastes 7:20. Religious teaching and religious groups offer help to improve our lives. Colossians 2:20-22 reads, “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which are all to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrine of men?” Even though it is not classified as a religion by many, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many that were addicted to drink. If you follow their 12-step plan, you can be free from yielding to the addiction. Included in their plan is the acknowledgment of a “higher power.” (Of course, this “higher power” could be anything you think him/it to be.) This group becomes the religion of some people. Some mistakenly believe they have been saved when they have victory over their addiction. Yet, if a person does not receive Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior, he is not saved no matter from what addiction he has been freed. Religions have certain standards of behavior that are expected of their adherents. And the lives of many people are reformed because they have converted to a religion. (The true believer in Jesus Christ has a whole Book of standards to which we need to conform [Romans 12:1,2], but this can truly be accomplished only through the power of God.)
Commitment to the principles of the religion will cause reformation in lives. It is man changing himself with the help of the religion. Colossians 2:23 reads, “Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. ” The will of man determines to follow the religious teachings, “a shew of wisdom in will worship.” Our will accomplishes whatever reforms in our lives we are willing to allow. This means, of course, that we are still the ones who are in control of our own lives. We will go only so far, and no farther. But, our lives are reformed, because we, through our own will, have adhered to certain religious teachings. These reforms will last so long as the religious individual stays committed to this religion. If his commitment to the religion wanes, then the reforms are lost. Sadly, and yet truly, the change that is wrought through religion is not the eternal change of God’s salvation.
I am convinced that many, even in Independent Fundamental Baptist churches, have converted to a religion. Their changes are those caused by the reformation of religion. It is the will of the person, and the adaptation to the religion that have caused the reforms, but they have never truly repented and received Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior.
The word “regeneration” means “form again, or reborn.” As we think once again of Philippians 2:12,13, we see three things that cause the transformation in our lives and eternal existence as the result of this regeneration we have received.
First, there is the presence of God in our lives. Philippians 2:13 talks about “...God...in you...” we receive the presence of God into our lives when we are truly born again. John 14:16,17 tells us about receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples that only those who knew Him could ever receive the Holy Spirit. Colossians 1:27 says that “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Romans 8:9 makes it clear that a person who does not have the Holy Spirit of God living within him is not a child of God. Romans 8:16 tells us that we who are truly saved know that God is living within us. God’s Spirit bears witness with our spirit. God leads us and speaks to us (not in an audible voice); we know He is present in our lives.
Second, there is progress from God that is being accomplished in our lives. God leads in our lives, Romans 8:14, according to His word, Psalm 119:105,11. God’s leadership in our lives is always toward spiritual maturity, Romans 8:29,30. God continues to change us throughout our Christian lives, 2 Corinthians 3:18. Philippians 2:13 teaches that God is changing our desires “to will” and our behavior “to do.” No, we are not sinless, but we are not what we used to be in our lost condition either. God’s purpose is to conform us to His will and to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ, Romans 6:16-18; 8:29,30.
Third, this all occurs in our lives by the power of God. Salvation can only be accomplished by the power of God, Romans 1:16; Titus 3:5. This comes through hearing the true gospel message, Romans 1:16; 10:17, through receiving the new birth (regeneration) by the Spirit and Word of God, John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23. The Spirit of God changes us within by His power. Therefore, true eternal salvation is accomplished in us by God Himself rather than by our own will and determination.
The question then is this, which, if either, of these two things do we have? Do we have a religion that has reformed us, or do we have eternal salvation that has transformed us? While religion may make some good changes in our lives, it cannot save our eternal souls. What has God done in our lives? If we are truly saved, there is evidence of God working within us, and we are aware of His presence in our lives.
By E. L. Bynum
(Originally printed in the August 1969 issue of the Plains Baptist Challenger)
There are a number of reasons why we believe that a missionary should be sent out by, and sponsored by, an Independent Baptist Church. We will briefly state a few reasons.
It Is the Biblical Way
First and foremost, we believe and practice the Independent Baptist way of missions, because this is the way that is taught in the Bible. We find that the Church at Antioch sent forth Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 13:1-3) When these brethren returned from their first missionary journey, they reported to the Church that had sent them forth, and not to some “Board” or “Executive Committee.” (Acts 14:26-28) First things in the Scriptures are always fundamental — they are patterns, examples, pictures. Since this is the only way that is taught in the Bible, it is THE BIBLICAL WAY!
It Is the Spiritual Way
Often we meet those who have “a new plan” for missions that is different than the Bible way. They usually try to justify their “new plan” by saying that they have been led of the Spirit. We maintain however, that the Spirit of God cannot and will not lead contrary to the Word of God. Since the Spirit gave the Bible, He would perjure Himself if He changed His testimony. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 3:16) There can be no conflict between the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the teaching of the Scriptures concerning missions or anything else.
Paul and Barnabas were “sent” by the Antioch Church. (Acts 13:3) They were also “sent forth by the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 13:4) There is no conflict in the two statements. A missionary, pastor or Church may follow the teaching of the Scriptures and at the same time follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit without any fear of conflict between the two.
It Is the Practical Way
Church authority and Church sponsorship does not mean rigid iron-handed control over the missionary and his work. Church authority and Bible methods did not hinder Paul from hearing and obeying the Macedonian call that was definitely the leadership of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 16:6-10)
Being sent forth by the Church and Holy Spirit, Paul had the authority to preach the gospel, baptize the converts, establish churches, and ordain elders in every Church. (Acts 16:15; 14:23) This is the Bible way and the practical way.
It Is the Workable Way
“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” (Acts 16:5) “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10)
God’s plan of mission work was workable in the First Century, and it is workable in the 20th Century. Without fast transportation, without printing presses, and without radio the New Testament Churches of the 1st Century did a great mission work. Fast transportation, printing presses and radio can be used scripturally today, to do mission work according to the Bible way.
“God used Antioch, a particular, local church, without ‘boards’ or ‘committees’ or any co-operative program, to launch and carry to consummation, the greatest missionary enterprise ever undertaken.” — From Studies in The New Testament Church.
Never in the history of Christianity has a greater missionary work been done, than that which is recorded in the book of Acts. Let God’s people return to this method if they expect the blessings of Almighty God to rest upon their mission work. The Independent Baptist way and the Bible way are one and the same. May we go all out in our efforts to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
By Bill Mosley
World religious leaders met at the Washington Nat’l. Cathedral to discuss the abolishment of poverty. The announcement of this assembly: “A Call to Partnership Communiqué From The Consultation of Religious Leaders on Global Poverty, Sept. 13, 2005.” This meeting was timed to align with the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Although the UN had made a commitment to eradicate poverty five years ago, these religious leaders declared this principle, although worthy, a “failure in practice.” Consequently, these world religious leaders have offered to gather at the World Summit with the UN to help make real “the promises of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a crucial step toward a more just world for all God’s children.” (Crosswalk, 9/15/05)
This certainly will not be challenged by the ‘separation of church and state’ group. The reason being, Satan is busy in all areas willing to use ‘religion’ to gain control. Satan doesn’t mind reference to God so long as there is no adherence to His Word. So long as it is only a pacifying language and not a practicing lifestyle.
No one with any Christian love and sympathy can ignore the seriousness of the lack of material comforts. However, anyone who grew up in the 20s/30s is well aware that lack of monetary resources was not uncommon. In most cases it was not even considered altogether uncomfortable. All who were poor shared like conditions and no one knew anything differently.
Today when a problematic condition comes to mind, some seek to organize the cure without consulting those effected. The capacity to achieve the cure for most undesirable circumstances invariably will, in their mind, include help from government. This call to partnership is not only a partnership of religion with religion, but one of government with government, and religion with government. Some of the denominational leaders meeting on this eventful day were of the Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Anglican (Sweden, Canada, & UK), Africa Conference of Churches, World Evangelical Alliance (Africa, Canada). Many more denominational organizations joined these for the purpose of purging the world of poverty. These must be in agreement on more than poverty, or else they cannot successfully walk together. (Amos 3:3)
Their Declaration
Even as the UN is involved in the globalization of the nations of the world, so also does this partnership desire, and believe, churches can make an unequaled contribution to the globalization of religion.
Somehow it is difficult to see this materializing if the Lord’s church sticks to His commandment for them. It is admirable for the church to render necessities to those legitimately stricken with adversity. Or even to help when disaster strikes. The Lord’s church is exhorted to care for widows indeed. (1 Tim. 5) However, the primary responsibility of the Lord’s church is to preach the Gospel of salvation, baptize those who believe, and teach them to observe all things commanded by its Head. It is not to cure poverty, or even join alliance with the government to bring about a coalition of religions.
When Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with precious ointment, Judas brought up the question of this being a waste. His argument was, this should have been sold and given to the poor. That would sound good to many church members today. Yet our Lord said, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.” (John 12:7,8) This was not a lack of compassion of the Lord toward the poor. It was a declaration that there would always be poor folks on earth. Although many are poor because of lack of opportunity, some are poor because of the lack of exertion.
Their Call to Governments
The first action they call on governments to do is to ‘Create a Just Society.’ Under this they call upon governments to protect human life. A desirable condition should be created where all people can fulfill their human potential. This very likely would not include the unborn, since they have only a few trying to protect them. To infer that abortion should be abolished might offend some in this association of aspiring religious leaders.
Jeremiah would never have been invited to this gathering. His attitude would not be acceptable. “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23) The true God was also absent from this gathering, although some of these would call themselves followers of Christ. Yet those who worship contrary to God’s Word were there as well. God’s emphatic statement that two cannot walk together except they be agreed can never be negated. There may have been those in attendance who, like the motley crowd before Elijah, answered not a word based on the Word of God.
Another action they posed before the UN was to cancel all debts. This was to relieve the many nations that were laboring under a burden of debt which hinders them from investing in health provisions. They call upon creditor nations to cancel all debts that remain, helping to release their poverty.
LifeSiteNews, 9/16/05 reported on former president Bill Clinton’s most recent project. His scheme is also similar to the goals of the UN as well as the religious leaders communiqué of togetherness. It is called the Clinton Global Initiative, (CGI), which attracted 1000 of the worlds most prominent internationalists. It was a three-day conference implementing a new global cooperation. Finding solutions to poverty as well as a way to resolve religious conflict. It would be interesting to know if some attended both meetings.
No one, with only a small familiarity of biblical events, can possibly miss the progressive move toward one worldism. World Net Daily reported the advisory board for this Religion Forum is “packed with those who are noted for their liberal views toward religion . . . ” None seemed to have any solid conviction that God has truly spoken to humanity in His preserved Word, the Bible.
Their Call to The Church
The church referred to is no doubt made up of all those who claim their allegiance to any religious dogma. Their desire is that the churches would actively partner with all governments in building a successful world economy. Working across denominational and faith lines, engaging in the community effort of human development.
Their aim is to have these Millennium Development Goals achieved by 2015. In just one decade this group hopes to disclaim the statement of the Lord that there would always be poor people with us.
At the close of their discussion this statement is declared: “These targets of basic material well-being can only be reached in the context of peace, human rights, environmental sustainability, and gender equity. Building a just society involves costs and risks. We will stand with courageous political, religious, and community leaders. We commit ourselves to work as partners with all who work to achieve a more just and peaceful world.”
‘Courageous political, religious, and community leaders’ may well be a rare commodity. There will, however, be a large number in the last days who seem to have the cure for all the world’s ills. Such a global partnership of government and religion may bring a simulated healing. Yet it is impossible to dismiss the possibility/probability that this move is not altogether emptied of covetousness for power and personal gain.
Regardless of the self conferred entitlements, or those rights bestowed upon others, there will be no peace until the Prince of Peace comes with healing in His wings. Beware of those who come together with answers when they ignore the real problem. Until it is realized and accepted that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34), there will only be a slight healing (false hope), when they say, Peace, peace. (Jer. 8:11)
Look for an increase in alliances made between religions. The same will be seen in governments . . . and between religions and governments.
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.)
The ACLU Don’t Mind? — “A California high school says it will no longer prohibit a student from using religious music to accompany her dance performance audition for a January dance team concert. Officials with West High School in Torrance initially told student Lauren Stoudt she could not choreograph her dance to the song ‘In Your Presence’ because of the song’s religious content.” (AgapePress, 10/14/05) Why would her parents allow her to perform in this manner? Or why would her pastor keep quiet? The song may have more dance incentive to it than true worship. Since the ACLU didn’t hop on this would discredit both the action and the music. (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM.)
Intelligent Design vs. Evolution — Some “intelligent design” proponents are presenting their argument as being a theory along side the theory of evolution. The point of such reasoning is to promote its acceptability. The ACLU is challenging this move on the grounds that such teaching is religious. Thus motivating some intelligent design supporters advancing the ‘only another theory’ opinion. Some feel that accepting intelligent design will grow into an ‘any god’ designing the progress of development. Such as the god of the Muslims, Hindus, New Agers, and others. Why not simplify matters and look to the Word of God? In the beginning God created! (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1-3) Past, present, and future, all things are from Him and are maintained by Him. (Col. 1:17) —WWM
A Baptist Constitution Minus Jesus? — Just three months after the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly decided to remove explicit references to “Jesus” from the its constitution, the group’s national leaders voted to add a preamble that mentions the text in hopes of quieting critics of the initial change. (The Christian Post, 10/18/05) When did believers in the name of Jesus become critics? Baptists that would dare intentionally omit the name of Jesus ought to never be identified as Baptists. Read and tremble at the prominence of the name of Jesus. (John 3:1-3) (Rev. 19:13) “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” —WWM
Uncommitted Design — Evolutionary design of all things is nothing more or less than a gap theory. This explanation of creation was once heard: “God made a mistake in creation and all things became void.” Reasoning that He had to start all over and it took millions of years to make fossils and the petrified forest. If God made a mistake, and He did not, there is no assured hope of any promise. The One Who inhabits eternity is the Judge of all the earth and has done all things right. (Gen. 18:25) (Heb. 11:3) “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” In six 24 hour days God created all things and rested (ceased to create) the seventh day. This in NOT a theory...it is fact! —WWM
Created, Controlled, or Non-existent? — A majority of adults support the biblical account of creation according to a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll — the latest in a series of polls reflecting Americans’ tendency to reject secular evolution. In the poll, 53 percent of adults say “God created human beings in their present form exactly the way the Bible describes it.” Another 31 percent believe humans “evolved over millions of years from other forms of life and God guided” the process. Twelve percent say humans “have evolved over millions of years from other forms of life, but God has no part.” (BP, 10/19/05) The world says, “Take your pick!” But the Word of God declares: “As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Rom. 14:11; See also Phil. 2:9-1)1. —WWM
Harry Potter Books No Joke — Vivian Dudro, a freelance writer, along with others warn of the danger of the “Harry Potter” reading fad. She reports that “in San Francisco, the Potter stories already have inspired countless children to seek other books about witches, wizards, and spooks. The city’s libraries have stocked their juvenile collections with this subject matter. — “The trend concerns me because, apart from serious sin, occultism is the main way the diabolical can enter a person’s life.” She is concerned about the fascination with these book and the long term (eternal) effect on children. Yet some who call themselves Christians laud such material as beneficial to their children’s reading habits. —WWM