Rules For Radicals Still In Play

     If you have taken any amount of time to stay informed about American politics, then you are most likely familiar with Saul Alinksy and his Rules for Radicals.  The book is a primer for "the have-nots" in order to empower them to gain social, political, legal and economic equality by challenging the current agencies that promoted their inequality. In short, Alinsky was a believer in the classic Marxist theory which states that Communism is the final stage of the evolution of human socioeconomic relations. In the Marxist model, the feudal state is overthrown by the rise of the bourgeoisie, ushering in the capitalist epoch. Capitalism is then overthrown by the rise of the proletariat, which ushers in not communism, but the Socialist state. Each previous step is the necessary precondition for the next.  And we now have a Presidential candidate, in Bernie Sanders, who is a professed Socialist, and the younger generation is eating it up!
     So, can you see Alinsky's theory being set in motion in our recent history?  Think back to the 1960s and specifically, the 1968 Democratic Convention for President.  Also, it has been effectively argued that the political statesmen of this era have, throughout their careers, drawn inspiration from Alinsky and his call for "fundamental change".  John Fund of the National Review presents an informed argument that both President Obama and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were avid students of Alinsky and his methods.
     His siren call, so to speak, to idealistic and impressionable students was "social justice".  And his approach to obtaining that goal, in the words of the Washington Post, would come to rely on   “generating conflict to mobilize the dispossessed.”  All you have to do is convince any useful group of followers that they are somehow dispossessed or deprived or cheated.  That's where outside agitators and community organizers become valuable tools of the Alinsky method of disruption.
     Alinsky also argued for moral relativism in fighting the establishment: “In war the end justifies almost any means. . . . The practical revolutionary will understand [that] in action, one does not always enjoy the luxury of a decision that is consistent both with one’s individual conscience and the good of mankind.” You can see that the absence of any universal moral truths will lead to whatever action is necessary to gain a personally desired outcome.
     Alinsky liked to boast that those who have the knowledge of his tactics can often achieve preemptive surrender of local officials, businesses, and political power bases.  He also touted the success of his tactics of intimidation.  His most oft-quoted rule is “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. . . . One acts decisively only in the conviction that all the angels are on one side and all the devils on the other.”
      We have seen that tactic used most effectively by this Administrative, in creating racial and social division; and in the ongoing political and legal battles that former Secretary of State Clinton is now undergoing.  MoveOn.org has been a model student of Alinsky tactics, and we have seen them administered in the recent riots and protests in Ferguson, Cleveland, St. Louis and Chicago.

     And now the rules for radicals are evident in the protests beginning to surround the current political season.  Just this past weekend, a rally for Donald Trump was cancelled, due to the threat of violent protestors.  But the sad fact of the matter is that I'm not sure how many of the protestors actually know the specifics of why they are protesting.  This generation of Facebook and SnapChat aficionados have become useful tools of agitators who will feed into this generation's desire to participate in drama of any sort.  So when the status quo, or their entitlement, is threatened in any way by a Donald Trump, they are easily convinced they are being deprived of what is rightfully theirs.  That's where the "pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it" tactic becomes most beneficial.   And when a young person doesn't really know what they stand for, or can't articulate it, they become manageable tools for suggestion and manipulation.
     Nothing has changed in the Alinsky methods in the 45 years since he wrote his influential Rules and dedicated it to "Lucifer".  His followers have stuck to his proven tactics ... to incite constant struggle and agitation so that the oppressive “system” would eventually be brought to its knees.  The sad fact, as D.L. Adams articulates in his excellent article, Saul Alinsky and the Rise of Amorality in American Politics, is that Alinsky was a nihilist.  That characteristic is defined as "the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless; there is found nothing to approve of in the established social order", therefore it is best to destroy it.  No wonder he dedicated his book to Lucifer; he's the perfect model of "the Destroyer".
     But perhaps the saddest element of all this chaos is that in the midst of the promises "to take back", to "fundamentally change", and the "virtue of the struggle", there are no real solutions proffered.  It's all about the perceived righteousness of the struggle.  In fact, as Adams suggests,  “Struggle” itself is the purpose and goal of the Alinsky way.

"All life is warfare, and it's the continuing fight against the status quo that revitalizes society, stimulates new values and gives man renewed hope of eventual progress. The struggle itself is the victory." (Alinsky interview)

     And what is left lying in the ashes of that victory?  Society is further divided; there are severe cracks in our moral foundation; and Alinskyites have to keep coming up with a new "struggle" to keep themselves relevant and maintain their power.  Saul Alinsky promised his followers Utopia, and all we've reaped is continued disillusionment and disparagement.  But isn't that exactly what Lucifer has been offering us since the Garden?  It's time we quit listening to the promises of a long-dead radical and turn to the hope that individual responsibility and accountability offer.  Morality and ethics may have no value for the "radical" who wants to overturn the institutions of society and save the world, but they are gifts to us from a God who truly desires the best for us.  Isn't it time we start following His rules?  
   
Galatians 5:10    "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty."

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I will reject you from serving as My priest.

Since you have forgotten the law of your God,

I will also forget your sons.

     The first line of this verse is probably quite familiar to most of you.  In fact, these words have become a familiar refrain among Evangelicals and those who believe that we are in the End Times.  The "lack of knowledge" has been seen as the reason that God seems to have turned His face from us ... It is discerned that His people are consumed with their status in this world, rather than their future in the next; that the desires of the flesh rule the yearning of the spirit, and there is no longing to know more of our God.  And our "destruction" is the sad and inevitable result.

     But what exactly does God mean in this passage... that we are "destroyed"?  The Hebrew word here is dâmâh, and it means to be "cut off" or "brought to silence".  That's probably a little milder meaning that what we in the West ascribe to being destroyed.  But why would we be silenced?  Scripture says for "lack of knowledge" and because we "rejected knowledge".  In other words, the Lord is telling us that because of our ignorance of Him, we are rendered as useless in His kingdom, and we are not worthy to serve as priests in His kingdom on earth. 

     It is important for us to understand the role we are purposed to play as the priesthood of believers. I ask you to recall the following admonition:  "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ … But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:5-9).

    We must see what a privilege it is to be chosen as a priest of God in the New Covenant, just as it was to be chosen a priest by God in the Old Testament.  But we know that the Old Testament priesthood is no longer necessary. Now people can come directly to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). There are now no earthly mediators between God and man as existed in the Old Testament priesthood (1 Timothy 2:5).  But, as I said, all believers have been chosen by God: a "chosen generation...His own special people"; and it will be a privilege to serve God face-to-face in the Millennial Kingdom and for eternity. 

     In the meantime, we are called to serve Him in the here and now, but we only deserve that privilege if we seek knowledge of Him and offer living sacrifices of praise for the power of Jesus in our lives.  

     And here's what I love so much about studying the Bible, and digging deep, and receiving new revelations of Him every day ... there's a parallel verse in Isaiah 5:13 that says the same thing:  "Therefore My people go into captivity [to their enemies] without knowing it and because they have no knowledge [of God]. And their honorable men [their glory] are famished, and their common people are parched with thirst."

     The interesting thing is that this verse lies in the heart of what is referred to as The Parable of the Vineyard.  The sense that I derive from this parable is that The Lord carefully planted His vineyard, choosing the nation of Israel to bring forth righteous fruit, but they yielded "wild grapes" instead (poison fruit).  The result was God's favored people did not seek Him nor justice, but became oppressed by the poison fruit that spread throughout them.  This further resulted in them going into captivity by their enemies (both of the flesh and spiritual), leaving the people hungry and thirsting for knowledge of their God.   God ultimately prophecies their destruction.  

      Can you see the parallel with our generation?  We believers have been chosen to yield fruit for the Kingdom, but we have rejected knowledge of God, and have become oppressed and taken into captivity by the Enemy.  Therefore, we are not fit to serve as priests, and cannot claim victory by the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and have been silenced.  By receiving God's mercy and the gift of salvation, we should be zealous for good works to praise Him and proclaim His glory. We should be growing in our faith and producing fruit and helping others to come out of their captivity in darkness and into the Light.

     But as Hosea 4:6 tells us, it comes back to an ignorance issue.  We have access to the knowledge that we are in a spiritual war and God has given us ways to effectively win that war (through the authority of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit).  But we remain ignorant and refuse to learn and apply the knowledge.   

     The rest of Hosea tells us that since we have forgotten the law of our God (His teaching and instruction), He will forget our sons.  What I believe this means is that God will hold us accountable for rejecting the knowledge He has offered us.  If we fail to take advantage of it, then we are unable to fulfill His purpose for our lives.  He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a purpose and a plan for each one of us, and the common purpose is the Great Commission; to spread the Good News of Jesus's authority and power to deliver us from evil and our sinful nature.  

     If we fail to learn or apply that knowledge in our roles as the priesthood of believers, then how many of our fellow souls will be lost to Satan's grip?  How many will be forgotten by God because He does not know them?  As Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, "For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors." 

     That brings us back to the first admonition .... lives cannot be preserved if we lack the knowledge of how to preserve them.  If we do not acknowledge the authority of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to conquer the enemy and free us from his schemes and captivity, then we are unqualified to serve as priests of the Holy God.  We have lost a huge part of our effectiveness in the Kingdom and our vineyards will bear considerably less fruit.  I don't know about you, but I want to serve Him in any role I can, and I want to praise Him for the deliverance and freedom I have seen Him bestow on those who trust Him to set them free.  How I pray that He will raise up a mighty remnant in these last days that have pure and authentic knowledge of Him, and are zealous to share it with the world.  Just think of the fruit that would be produced for His Holy Kingdom!  

Freemasonry Part 3: How It Has Infiltrated the Church

     This is perhaps the most difficult segment of my three-part exposition on Freemasonry.  It is in this post that we must examine the existence of Freemasonry in our Church bodies and how it effects not only the salvation of those involved, but the work of the saved Christian for the Kingdom of God.
     I am writing from the supposition that Freemasons are members of our Churches, and I assure you, they are.  I know that there are many who will argue that they (or  their beloved fathers or grandfathers) do not share the same understanding of Masons that I have alleged; that for them, their membership in the Masonic Order has been for business contacts, or social purposes, or because it is a family heritage.  And they may even be ignorant of the underlying religious teachings of Freemasonry.  As I have stated in the previous posts, they may think that the oaths they took to the Creator, the Eternal God, or the Everlasting God referred to YHWH and Jesus.
     But do they know of the spirit of deception that controlled Albert Pike, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Masonic Order, and the founder of much of modern Freemasonry's rituals?  Do they know that he wrote in his Morals and Dogma (p. 333), "The Book of the Law shall be an indispensable article of the lodge furniture. This book, however, need not necessarily be the Holy Bible; but according to the religious faith of the members of the lodge. It may be the Koran, the Zend Avesta, or the Vedas or Shasters."  The Koran, we know, but what of the others?  The Zend Avesta is the sacred book of Zoroastrianism containing its cosmogony, law, and liturgy, the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster.  The Vedas is the most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of Vedic religion.  Shasters, in Hindu, is any book of instructions, particularly containing Divine ordinances.  Wouldn't this present a problem for a Masonic Christian who professes his belief in Jehovah, the One True God?
     Furthermore, do these Christians who are members of a Masonic lodge know that on page 524 of his Morals and Dogma that Pike proclaims, "We do not undervalue the importance of any Truth. We utter no word that can be deemed irreverent by anyone of any faith ... And as little do we tell the sincere Christian that Jesus of Nazareth was but a man like us, or His history but the unreal revival of an older legend."  I can certainly see how Christians could be ignorant of the foundation of Freemasonry.  It is quite apparent that deceiving them into believing they are honoring their God is an acceptable practice ... and make darn sure you don't tell them that YHWH isn't the only god being worshipped!  In fact, multiple deities are being worshipped at the altar of Freemasonry!  And do you think that is acceptable to our God?!?  Is He agreeable to being lumped in with all the other foreign gods?  Does that sound like the same God of the Bible, who said, You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God?
     I admit that all I am saying would be very confusing and contradictory to a Christian who is also a Mason.  And all Christian Masons cannot be judged by the same standards.  In his fine article, Freemasonry and the Christian Church, Russ Wise points out that there are different categories of Christian Masons.  First, there are some who do not have a clear knowledge of Christianity. They believe that religion and Christianity are the same and that if someone uses the Scriptures, that person must be a Christian. Such people are sincere but untaught. Because they do not know what Christianity teaches, they see nothing wrong with Freemasonry.   A second category would be those who do not know what Masonry is and what it teaches. They are not only uninformed about Christianity but are equally uninformed about the teachings of Freemasonry. These individuals are without any theological foundation on which to discern truth from error. Likewise, they are often ignorant of the occult direction the Lodge has taken over the past few decades.
     A third group is made up of individuals who profess Christ, yet continue as Masons regardless of how much they know about Christianity and Freemasonry. They are indeed in a state of rebellion and have chosen not to follow the truth of Christ.  The final group are those who profess Christ and yet have abandoned the Christian faith. Those who have embraced this position are essentially Unitarian in their belief. They no longer hold to the absolute deity of Christ or His blood atonement.
     In any of these cases, and independent of the degree of ignorance of Freemasonry's foundations, I am reminded of the words of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 18:21.  In his confrontation with the occultic wickedness of Kind Ahab and Jezebel, Scriptures says Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.  And so today, The Great Architect of the Universe in Freemasonry has become the modern Baal.  And the Bible is clear ... you cannot serve two masters! But the people said nothing...

     And here is where Satan is winning the battle.  You see, Masons are encouraged to be an active member in their local church, and therefore, you often find that the most influential members of a particular church are Masons.  They can be found on various Church boards, are deacons or elders, and often control the finances of a church.  And, of course, many are pastors.  While not advocating that Masons be denied membership in churches, I would be very careful about the positions they hold within your church body.
     It is also interesting to note the varied stances that different denominations have taken on this subject.  Dr. David R. Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries has written a concise blog on church denominations and their acceptance or rejection of Freemasonry.  It is his contention that a Christian who is a Mason can never grow to his full potential in Christ.  And isn't that what we all aspire to?
     There is another issue that I feel cannot be ignored when considering the infiltration of Freemasonry in the Church.  How does the presence of Masons in the congregation affect what is said from the pulpit?  That is where the inspiration of the Holy Spirit comes into play.  True Christians would recognize the false religion of Freemasonry if expressed in its fullness and truth.  But remember ... it is an organization based on SECRECY.
     And the Church must recognize the foundation of Freemasonry, as spoken by Albert Pike, once again in his Morals and Dogma:  "Religion ... must needs be alloyed [mixed] with an amount of error [lying] ... the religion of the many must necessarily be more incorrect than that of the refined and reflective few" (page 224).  And again on page 102 in his Teaching for the 3rd Degree:  "A spirit ... that loves wisdom and contemplates the Truth close at hand, is forced to disguise it, to induce the multitudes to accept it ... Fictions are necessary to the people ...".  There you have it!  Lying is not only encouraged, it is necessary to protect the false truth of "the refined and reflective few".
     So, I come to you, pleading in all earnestness --- Do your research on Freemasonry!  Can you really turn a blind eye to the implications of false religious doctrine, even if it means conflict within your Church?  Don't you want your Church to stand for God's unadulterated and pure Truth?  Or are you willing to compromise with the world to keep the peace and maintain unity within your Body?  Will you be able to stand before God and profess that you did all you could to remove false doctrine and influences from His Church?  Will Jesus remove your lampstand?
     But I warn you... it will cost you.   To stand against Satan and his false religious systems is not for the fainthearted.  I urge you to read the testimonies of Southern Baptist pastors Stewart Bedillion, Pierce Dodson and Stoney Shaw, as they provide classic examples of the response to any rejection of Freemasonry in the Church.  Funny thing is, I can identify with each of these scenarios... it is a lonely road.  But one that I cannot shy away from because my Lord has shown me the truth through the Holy Spirit.  And that is my prayer for you.  That you will search the Scriptures for God's Truth, and not blindly follow any human leader or organization.  Pray for your pastor that he will have the strength to stand for True Doctrine, and that he will be like Elijah, unwilling to compromise for the sake of glorifying The One True God.  Do not be tempted to fall for the lies, deception, and delusion that Satan so enticingly offers.  And most of all, put on your full armor of God to withstand the slings and arrows that will come from exposing the Enemy's false and blasphemous promises.  May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May He make His face shine upon you, and be gracious towards you. And may He lift up His countenance towards you, and give you peace.

When doing your research on Freemasonry, there are many knowledgeable articles from which to choose, and you will find many that speak the truth from a Biblical perspective.  Here are just a few:  Christians and Freemasonry; Freemasonry and the Christian Church; The Impact of Freemasonry Within The Church; and What Are the Ramifications of Freemasonry in Your Church?

Galatians 1:6-9     "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."
   
   

Freemasonry Part 2: Blending Christianity and Freemasonry

     If you are reading my blog today, then at least I know you have kept an open mind to what I have to say.  And I pray that you will take what I present and continue in your own diligent research... because I think it is that important!  So, today, I want to present the opinions of Freemasons, in their own words, as to the origin of Freemasonry and how it correlates to Christianity.
     First, a little history .... I would venture that few subjects are as enveloped in mystery and misunderstanding as Freemasonry.  For sure, no one can explain with certainty how or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed. A widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that it arose from the stonemasons' guilds during the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in the fraternity's rituals come from this era.  Known under a variety of names (the Craft, the Brotherhood, the Order, the Fraternal Order, the Lodge, etc.), Masonry has been aligned with both the Christian church and the occult.  It can't be both, so which is it?
     If you go to the website for the Masonic Service Association of North America's website, you will note that the emphasis is put on "service to the community", and because of all the controversy, they even post a statement on Freemasonry and Religion.  And they actually do a pretty good job of explaining away all the criticisms and condemnations that have been lodged against the secret society.  If, as a Christian, one is willing to water down God's commandments as to how He wishes to be worshipped, I suppose you could rationalize becoming a Mason.
     That being said, there was a period in time in America where the Christian influence in Masonic lodges held sway.  In his book titled, The History of Freemasonry; It's Legendary Origins, Albert Mackey writes that in the 18th and 19th centuries, such leaders as Rev. James Anderson, William J. Hughan, William Hutchinson, Rev. George Oliver, and others had a Christian view of their Craft. Hutchinson, in particular, noted that Jesus Christ was the example for the Master Mason. He stated, "The Master Mason represents a man under the Christian doctrine saved from the grave of iniquity and raised to the faith of salvation. As the great testimonial that we are risen from the state of corruption, we bear the emblem of the Holy Trinity as the insignia of our vows and of the origin of the Master's order."
      But in the early 19th century, there were a series of incidents that cast a negative light on "the Brotherhood", most notably what would become known as "the Morgan affair".  This resulted in a mass exodus of Christians from Masonic lodges across the nation.  And is it really surprising that when Christian influence vacates a situation, that Satan is waiting in the wings to fill that void?  That's exactly what happened.  During this time Albert Pike seized the opportunity to spread and entrench his pagan interpretation of the Craft, and along with others, Pike began to reinterpret the symbols of the Craft.
     What I find interesting is that while Pike is paganizing Freemasonry in the mid-19th century, there is simultaneously a new influx of Christians into the Fraternal Order.  Can you see the cosmic chess match between YHWH and the devil?  However, the Christian influence wasn't enough to fight off the pagan domination.  Manly P. Hall, a 33rd degree Mason, was one of the early authors who claimed a pagan origin for Freemasonry. In his book entitled The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, he says that Freemasonry is not a material thing: it is a universal expression of the Divine Wisdom. "The Masonic order is not a mere social organization, but is composed of all those who have banded themselves together to learn and apply the principles of mysticism and the occult rites."  With book titles such as The Secret Teachings of all Ages, The Secret Destiny of America, and Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians, you should be getting a clearer picture of the occultic mysticism that surrounds this organization.
     The religious cornerstone for the Brotherhood became "universalism".  The primary standard for membership was, and continues to be, that the candidate believe in "God." This god could be Krishna, Buddha, Allah, or any other god, but Jesus Christ is not to be considered anything more than their equal.  This universalist, or inclusive, idea about God has opened the door for every false deity to have a place within the Lodge. Hall makes his universalist orientation unmistakable by stating, "The true disciple of Masonry has given up forever the worship of personalities. With his greater insight, he realizes that all forms . . . are of no importance to him compared to the life which is evolving within." (My emphasis).

     That statement alone tells me that the worship of the One True God and the reverence for His character (or "personality" to put it in Masonic lingo) is replaced by the worship of self, or becoming your own god.  Sounds like the same message that was delivered in the Garden, doesn't it?
     Hall adds to his belief in universalism by stating that "the true Mason is not creed-bound. He realizes with the divine illumination of his lodge that as a Mason his religion must be universal: Christ, Buddha, or Mohammed, the name means little, for he recognizes only the light and not the bearer." So, for the Mason, God is not a personal being, but an impersonal force, an energy that has no substance.  And if one only recognizes the light, and not the bearer, that bearer could be any false god or demonic spirit posing as the light.  So, I simply must ask the question that should be on everyone's mind .... how can a Christian remain a Mason?
     But believe me, the tradition and the subterfuge within Freemasonry is strong enough to delude many a Christian.  Here are a couple of testimonies from a website called Ex-Masons for Jesus.  I urge you to visit the site and read poignant declarations of men and women who came out of the darkness and into the real light, Jesus Christ.  Here are some snippets from their testimonies:
•  "The Grand Master informed me that one of my duties as a Worshipful Master of my Lodge was not to offend any brethren who were not Christians, even if this meant I had to refrain from using the name of Jesus Christ in my prayers. He advised me that as Grand Master he had the authority to disband my Lodge and remove its Charter as a Lodge, if I persisted in using the name of Jesus with members present who objected ... In the center of every Blue Lodge is an altar. Resting on top of the altar is what many Masons refer to as the Great Light of Masonry, the Bible. I later discovered that Freemasonry declares the sacred book of any and all religions in the world equivalent to the Bible. Any "sacred book" may rest on the altar in a Masonic Lodge, to oblige a Mason who does not accept the Bible as God's word ... After reading and studying various Masonic authors, I realized that Freemasonry considers Jesus Christ as no greater than Moses, Elijah, Mohammed, or Buddha"  (Jack Harris).
•  "I didn’t know anything about the Masons at that time. I knew I had been intrigued at one time, in younger years, by things of the supernatural and New Age, and had renounced that. I didn’t really know anything about the Masons except what I was hearing from my husband, which was very little. He took his oaths to the Lodge very seriously, and didn’t disclose any secrets. To him, that oath, I believe, was more sacred than the vows we had made.  He wanted me to join the Eastern Star. I still didn’t know anything about it; I didn’t feel right about it. I felt a check in my spirit. But, he felt that this would help us as a family, and help in our relationship, so I agreed to go ... As I entered that place, there was such a feeling of oppression. I felt that I could hardly breathe. The spirit of fear came over me so strongly, it was such a place of darkness, and I just prayed, “God, if You get me out of here, I promise You I’ll never be back.” After we left, I told Tom that I could not go back there." (Kay Hilton).
•  "I started each of the three degrees of Masonry with my eyes blindfolded. I discovered some time later that I had been spiritually blindfolded as well ... Every prayer offered in lodge, and even in open funeral services, is closed with the invocation, “So Mote It Be.”. I had never heard any such thing when prayers were offered in any other organization or setting. With the advantage now of Internet searches, it is easy to learn that beyond Masonic references, one can find the phrase in common usage in witchcraft and other similar secret bodies."  (Now you know the origin of that phrase that I used in yesterday's post) ... "A new Mason has to acknowledge before entering the lodge room – that he is “in darkness” and is seeking true light in Masonry."  What was that again?  "The true light" in Masonry?  Seems to me if you are a Christian, the True Light is Jesus!  So, once again, I ask... how can a true Christian remain a Mason? 
     I could continue with testimonies and evidence, but I hope by now I have provided enough to encourage you to become knowledgeable about Freemasonry; to pray about it and seek guidance and counsel from the Holy Spirit.  Sadly, it is not enough to seek counsel from your Church leaders, many of whom have not done their own due diligence.  Take for example this 1993 Report on Freemasonry, from the Southern Baptist Convention:

"In light of the fact that many tenets and teachings of Freemasonry are not compatible with Christianity and Southern Baptist doctrine, while others are compatible with Christianity and Southern Baptist doctrine, we therefore recommend that consistent with our denomination's deep convictions regarding the priesthood of the believer and the autonomy of the local church, membership in a Masonic Order be a matter of personal conscience. Therefore, we exhort Southern Baptists to prayerfully and carefully evaluate Freemasonry in the light of the Lordship of Christ, the teachings of the Scripture, and the findings of this report, as led by the Holy Spirit of God." 

     Think that fits the description of the "lukewarm" Church of Laodicea?  I do!  If any tenants and teachings are incompatible with Christ, why would you not denounce Freemasonry for Christians?  Once again compromise wins out, and Jesus is devalued.  But that's the way the devil works, isn't it?  He weasels his way into being accepted as "almost" like God and offers us the tempting titles of leadership and good standing in our community.  So, prideful Christians look the other way, and remain loyal to the Lodge.  In the next post, I will show you how Freemasonry has left the Lodge and entered the Church.  Stay tuned!

2 Corinthians 6:14   "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?"
   

Freemasonry Part 1: The Necessary Conversation

     I am constantly amazed at the boldness and tenacity of women who will stand for what they believe in.  Last week, just such a woman, whom I admire greatly, traveled to Washington D.C. to pray at the Supreme Court as the Justices heard oral arguments in a Texas case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.  As many of you know, this case is about setting strict limitations on abortions in the state of Texas, and before the death of Supreme Justice Antonin Scalia, there was actually hope that if the Supreme Court upheld Texas's law, we might be seeing the death of Roe v. Wade.  
     As much as I would like to discuss this case and its implications for the millions of prospective aborted fetuses, this case was not the sole reason my friend was in D.C.  She also went to our nation's capitol to pray against the influence of Freemasonry on the Court and in our Government.
     Now, I am fully aware that this is a highly controversial subject and there are those who will refuse to even consider it.  And before I go any further, I want to make it clear that I am not speaking out of ignorance or personal bias.  I have done my research and so should you!  Do not take my word for it, do not agree with me because we might be on the same page on other issues, and most importantly, do not accept what others have said about it, either.  Do your own research because it is that important of a topic, and you should be educated on the subject and form your own opinion.  And please ... the one thing I do not want you to do is simply ignore it.  I believe Freemasonry will become increasingly important to us as we select our next President and as we come ever closer to the return of our Lord.
     Why?  Aren't the Masons just another organization like the Rotary Club or the local Optimists Club?  Aren't they just a group of networking professionals?  After all, how many of our grandfathers were Masons, and they always told us it was a charitable and community organization, right?  But here's the first thing you need to know ... it is a highly secretive society.  And if you are a Christian that should be your first red flag.
     Before I get into my concerns about the organization, I want to make this statement: to determine if something is right or wrong, according to God's will, we should always go to the Bible.  If we are immersed in God's Word, and pray for God to reveal His truth, we can count on the Holy Spirit to help us discern any matter.  That has been the basis for my taking on the task of understanding the history and consequences of Freemasonry.

     So, as I have already stated,  Freemasonry is a secret and exclusive organization.  While it may seem as if they are a harmless fellowship of businessmen, and they appear to promote a belief in God, you should know that my research has shown the only belief requirement is not that one must believe in the True and Living God, but rather, that one must believe in the existence of a “Supreme Being”, which includes the “gods” of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion.   In fact, Masonry teaches that it is G.A.O.T.U. [the Great Architect of the Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, and who is representative of all gods in all religions.  So, while it may appear to be compatible with Christianity in outward appearances, it clearly contradicts God's first commandment:  You shall have no other gods before Me.
     You will hear all kinds of arguments that Freemasonry in America is different; that our Founding Fathers (including George Washington) were Masons, so how can it be bad?  I find it interesting that those who say that there's nothing wrong with Freemasonry will use this argument... we all know George Washington was an honorable man, and he was a Mason.  Yet these same people, when confronted with skepticism about Freemasonry, are quick to point out that there are only one or two references to him ever attending a meeting, and he eventually quit his local Lodge.  So, which is it?  Are you defending Freemasonry, or trying to create distance between it and the Father of our Country?
     What these same people may be unaware of is that there was such concern about the nefarious activities of Freemasons in the early years of our republic, that John Quincy Adams ran for President on an anti-Masonic ticket.  In fact, the movement against Freemasonry was quite extensive and lasted throughout the 19th Century.
     There are still others who will try to say that, yes, historically Freemasons may have included practices and symbols from ancient Egypt, but they don't have any real significance to the modern Mason. This fact alone should be enough to steer away any Christian. Egypt in ancient times was known for pharaoh-worship and dedication to various false gods.  That certainly could not be the practice of today's modern Masonry ... or could it?  Read what an ex-Mason, who is also a Christian, shared about his experience:  In January of 1968, I was installed as Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge of about 600 men. As far as I was concerned, I had reached the pinnacle of life. As a Worshipful Master, I had total autocratic authority over the affairs of my Lodge with accountability only to the Grand Master of my State....
     Very early during my term as Worshipful Master, while conducting a Masonic business meeting, one of the brothers present voiced his objections to the closing of Lodge prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. Masonic tradition in Maryland had been to close the prayers by saying: "May every moral and social virtue cement us, Amen, So Mote it Be."
     In all my years as a Mason, I had never heard one objection to the name of Jesus being used by our Chaplain to close his prayers. I assured the Masonic brother who objected that I would take up the matter with the Grand Master. Several days later, I met with the Grand Master and explained the problem with the prayers, as well as other concerns. The Grand Master informed me that Freemasonry accepts for membership men of every faith or religion, so long as the prospective member believes in a Supreme Being (whomever he may be) and in the resurrection of the body to a future life (however and through whomever that was accomplished.) This was a great shock to me. I had not realized that those who were members of anti-Christian religions could become Masons. 
     The Grand Master informed me that one of my duties as a Worshipful Master of my Lodge was not to offend any brethren who were not Christians, even if this meant I had to refrain from using the name of Jesus Christ in my prayers. He advised me that as Grand Master he had the authority to disband my Lodge and remove its Charter as a Lodge, if I persisted in using the name of Jesus with members present who objected. 
     In March of 1973, The Grand Lodge of Maryland Committee on Masonic Education approved the following statement regarding prayers in a Masonic lodge:  

All prayers in a Masonic Lodge should be directed to the one Deity to whom all Masons refer as The Grand Architect of the Universe. We address Him as our Heavenly Father, Eternal God, Almighty, or Everlasting God. We should close our prayers with an expression such as, 'In Thy most holy and precious name we pray...’, using no additional words which could be in conflict with the religious beliefs of other Masons present at the meeting. The brother who offers up the prayer does so for all members and visitors present, rather than for just himself. (Maryland Mason Magazine, March 1973). 

     Now this man's faith in Freemasonry was shaken; although his faith in Jesus Christ was not.  And it caused him to take a closer look at the "fellowship" of this organization and how it corresponded to his Christian faith.  With new eyes, he was able to see that in the center of every Blue Lodge is an altar. Resting on top of the altar is what many Masons refer to as the Great Light of Masonry, the Bible. I later discovered that Freemasonry declares the sacred book of any and all religions in the world equivalent to the Bible. Any "sacred book" may rest on the altar in a Masonic Lodge, to oblige a Mason who does not accept the Bible as God's word.
     He came to the shocking realization that "I now had an irresistible force meeting an immovable object, namely the God of the Universe, Jesus Christ, and the god of Freemasonry, Satan. How could both belief systems be regarded as truth? I believed that the primary purpose of every Masonic degree was to depart spiritual light, wisdom, truth, and knowledge regarding life, death, the hereafter, and our interpersonal relationships with others.  [But now] after reading and studying various Masonic authors, I realized that Freemasonry considers Jesus Christ as no greater than Moses, Elijah, Mohammed, or Buddha."
     Now, maybe this doesn't matter to you.  If you aren't a Christian, then I doubt that these revelations will have much impact on you.  But if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then there is much more in the oaths and the demands on men and their families that I will be revealing to you in the next post.  It is not my desire to bash the sincere desires of men to better themselves or society. But it is my wish that everyone understand the deception and the temptations that lure people into this organization.  And I especially want to warn Christians about letting it into their families or their Churches!  I want you to put on your spiritual armor and concentrate on the Belt (or Girdle) of Truth -- it is God's Truth! -- Not the truth of the world or men, no matter how enticing and convincing it may be.
     I know that I may have offended many people with this post and will be discounted as an alarmist or unduly inflammatory.  But I am accountable to Jehovah God and when the Holy Spirit pricks my spirit with something to speak forth, then I cannot suppress that command.  It is my sincere hope that you will not dismiss this topic as inconsequential, because I fear that the spirit behind this organization can cause great damage to both believers and non-believers, alike.  Please take the time to study it and pray about it, asking God to reveal to you what you need to know.  And tune in for the next post, where I will discuss the blending of the Church and Freemasonry.

John 18:20    "I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing."

  

 

2 Timothy 2:15

 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

     While this verse is usually determined to be talking about pastors or ministers, it is also a verse that speaks directly to the heart of every impassioned Believer.  We all want to be diligent in our study of the Word; endeavoring to be conscientious and caring about preserving the veracity of Scripture.  Are we not all "workers" in the Kingdom?  Are we not all called to present the Gospel to a lost world?  I know that I take this particular verse very personally and very seriously.

     I believe that all Believers desire to be presented to God as "approved".  To me, this intimates a process or examination, if you will, of being deemed right by God.  In other words, God is fully aware of the effort we put into understanding His Word, and the state of our heart and spirit in discerning a true interpretation.  That is not to say that two equally passionate workers cannot come up with different understandings.  If both have been eager in their pursuit of knowledge and study, I cannot imagine that God will not honor both of their efforts.  And if each continues in his diligent pursuit of wisdom from God, then I fully expect the Holy Spirit to grow and move their knowledge into alignment with the Father.  Like I said, it is a process ... we do not attain instant knowledge; it is by the will of the Father and in His timing.

     However, we must all be careful not to invent a new gospel.  And we must discern that we are not all at the same level of understanding.  So patience and love should be part of our Christian brotherhood.  At the same time, if we are not familiar with an understanding that someone shares with us, it is wise to engage in a serious conversation, using Scripture as our guide, and doing further research and study to enlighten ourselves.  And I am not one to dismiss the possibility that because our God is so big and is Sovereign, that He could be teaching different aspects of the same Scripture to different people in order to carry out His particular purpose in their lives.  Isaiah 40:13-14 says it better than I can:  Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding?…  
     So, on the one hand "rightly dividing the word of truth", could be explained, as it is in the Amplified version of the Bible, as "accurately handling and skillfully teaching" the word of truth.  And that applies to all of us Christians... We are all called to Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).  This is to be the position of the Believer.
     But I've also had another thought concerning this passage.  What if being "approved by God" and "not being ashamed" of the Word of Truth involves "rightly dividing" the Word to reveal and separate (divide) the God of Grace and Mercy from the God of Righteousness and Judgment?  Or, as one of my favorite theologians, Matthew Henry, says, "To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort [belongs]; to give every one his portion in due season."  Can you now see that this one simple verse may have two distinct and different meanings to different people?
     Here's the bottom line:  the Word of God is to be taken seriously and studied with careful and persistent work, and it is to be done by each of us as we grow in our salvation process.  We must not rely on spirits of religion that exist in the Church, or man-made doctrines that have become comfortably accepted.  That is not to say that these should be thrown out or disregarded.  But each of us have a responsibility to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we search the Scripture for God's Truth.  This very Truth is vast and deep and complex and profound... to think that anyone of us has reached our apex of understanding is to suggest that God cannot teach us anything further; that we know it all and have reached our maturity as a Christian.  Speaking for myself, I am amazed at the new insights He is showing me day by day.  I know I am being refined and purged, and I hope this process continues to the moment I take my last breath.  It is my humble desire to remain willing to receive instruction and growth in my knowledge of the Lord.  May He teach me to do His will, and may the Holy Spirit lead me forward on level ground.

The Loss Of Critical Thinking and What It Is Costing Us

     I recently read an excellent article by Daniel Juster, an author and Jewish religious leader.  His topic explored the state of our higher education and this generation's loss of real critical thinking skills.  Like him, I have often heard that college students of today are among the most educated in history.  But what are they educated in?  If it is how to navigate the latest in electronic devices, or complex technologies, then I would have to agree.  But are those the skills that will make them good citizens of the world, or productive and moral leaders of tomorrow?
     It seems to me that there has been a "dumbing down" of our cultural history.  The cultural knowledge has suffered from a lack of teaching on how, as a nation, we have arrived at who we are.  And the history part of that knowledge is appallingly deficient.  Juster points out that students cannot even find China on a globe. They cannot grasp many important aspects of World War II, and know barely anything about literature. One young graduate was asked if she knew about Martin Luther. She responded by asking, "You mean the civil rights leader?" He opines that the cultural deposit of the West is simply being squandered. Why?
     To begin with, educators like to discuss the differences between Objectivism and Relativism, and throw words like egocentric and sociocentric tendencies around -- highfalutin words that, to me, just mask the failure of our education system to teach old-fashioned critical thinking.

     And what exactly is Critical Thinking, and why would the lack of it harm our kids and the future of our nation?  The definition of critical thinking is as follows ... the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.  There's that word objective, which is often disparaged in the halls of our universities.   To be objective is to believe that certain things (such as moral truths), exist independently of human knowledge or perception of them.  In other words, there are truths and values that are definite, unconditional, and unquestionable.
     But in this age of relativism, educators are more likely to teach a doctrine or philosophy that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.  What that means is that our kids are convinced that they should not judge any religion, culture, art or philosophy as superior to another.  They are taught a whole new set of values that have a sliding scale of relevance, depending on an individual's experience.  And depending on the religious, political, and social experience of a university professor, students may be taught a personally biased view of everything from the Founding Fathers as white male oppressors, to the nation of Israel as a colonial power who is oppressing Palestinians.  What is so hypocritical about these positions is that they will be defended as absolute truths, all in the name of relativism.  That reasoning is so contradictory as to be laughable! Do you see the lack of critical thinking?  The lack of any strict analysis or evaluation?
     As an example, feminist leaders of American universities will vote to boycott Israel, when Israel is the only country in the Middle East with full women's rights! Why? Their anti-colonialism simply blinds them to the women who are so oppressed in the Muslim world.  Furthermore, Christianity is despised as judgmental and restrictive, but Islam is to be embraced and respected!
     There is no effort made to study our cultural history and to discover that, yes, the Founding Fathers were slave owners.  But their writings disclose their desire to eliminate the abusive system.  Further study would reveal that they transcended the limits of their time and moved history toward greater human rights and freedom. It was a long historical process, and one that established this nation and its moral foundation.  Yes, at times it was rocky and ugly, but when carefully analyzed and studied, the bigger picture emerges and one sees a more balanced perspective.  But without the practice of critical thinking, and an established and accepted set of moral values, where does one find the real truth?  Isn't it then subject to one person's self-directed and self-monitored thinking?  Do you see that society could soon descend into a morass of confusing standards?
     But perhaps the saddest aspect of it all is that our kids are in danger of being unable to think for themselves and determine a distinction between good and evil.  They are being taught to submit to the herd; that they should not have an opinion that might offend someone else.  What is evil to one person, may be accepted by another, simply because he chooses to see it that way. After all, it's whatever is relevant to each individual, correct?  But here's the thing ... there IS a definite right and wrong in the world!  Not everything can be relegated to someone's self-determined set of moral codes (or lack thereof).  We must regain the ability to think for ourselves and to examine and compare our own decisions, and those of our leaders, to a high and uncompromising standard of righteous living.  I know just the place to start ....

Proverbs 1:7           “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ”

Confusion, Compromise, and Chaos

     We are in the midst of an aggressive and strife-filled political season.  I think we all agree that there are many issues that will effect the future of not only this nation, but the world.  And the varying views by candidates of both parties deserve careful consideration.
     We have received an earful on the subjects of immigration, the Supreme Court, our economy, national security, etc.  An underlying, yet no less significant topic is the conflict between Christianity and the Islamic faith, as evidenced in the angry and bitter disagreement over fundamental issues of faith.  Whether we realize it or not, these differences foretell a national struggle that is becoming increasingly inevitable.
     It is also starting to become an issue between leading candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and could very well become a focal point of this Presidential election.  At the heart of this issue is the question, Can a faithful Muslim be expected to be a good American citizen?  

      There are those who will point out that this question has been asked of every new ethnic group who gained a foothold in the American experience ... from the Irish, to the freed slaves, to the Japanese, to Mexicans; the Muslims are just the latest minority to be assimilated into the melting pot that is America.  But is it really that simple?  Because I don't recall a radicalized faith among those other diverse groups that called for the annihilation of Christians, or "infidels".
     I guess you could argue that it depends on how fundamental any particular citizen is in his Islamic faith.  I know that there are many Muslims who will say, "I believe in Jesus (Isa). The Koran says he was a true teacher, a great prophet, and a good man."  In fact, there are many non-Christians who would say the same thing.  But I would like to ask them all (both Muslim and secularists), "How can you say He was a true teacher, yet deny what He taught when He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  And how can you believe that He was a great prophet, yet deny the prophecy He gave about His own death and resurrection?  And I imagine that it might be a tad difficult to believe that He was a good man, and the Son of God, both at the same time.  So, how would a faithful Muslim be able to follow the laws of a nation that are based on the principles taught by Jesus -- a teacher, prophet, and man with whom you disagree on His identity as the One True God; on his resurrection; and on His Deity.  Isn't their a fundamental conflict according to the tenets of your faith?
     In that vein, I would sincerely like someone of the Islamic faith to explain how they reconcile the principles and directives of their faith with compliance to the laws and culture of this nation.  Because I know that the First Pillar of Islam is to sincerely recite the Muslim profession of faith ... "There is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his prophet." This is the basis for a Muslim's allegiance to Islam, which has social, political, intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual ramifications -- just as it does for Christians.
     Can you be a faithful Muslim and a good American if the mullah at your mosque preaches against allegiance to this country; or calls for destruction and devastation against this nation?  Can you be a faithful Muslim and a good American if you believe the Bible is corrupt, and the Constitution is based on its principles?  Can you be a faithful Muslim and a good American if spiritually, you bow down to a different god?  Can you be a faithful Muslim and a good American if you follow the Hadith, a collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad that, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Koran?  What do you do when the Hadith is in conflict with American laws?  Which takes priority in your life, and is there really room for compromise?
     Ah, that word compromise .... It seems that the Enemy has found a way to work that into something as incompatible as Islam and Christianity.  And I will let the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, who graduated from Brown University, earned master's degrees from two seminaries, and received her Ph.D. in New Testament from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, tell you how she believes you can have it all.
     "In the fall of 2005, a Muslim leader gave a talk at St. Mark's Cathedral where I worked. I was moved by his prayer. During the spring of 2006, another Muslim leader taught a chanted prayer to God at a cathedral's inter-faith class."  She began reciting the prayer daily. She began to study Islam intensely and in March of 2006, she became a Muslim by reciting the shahada -- "There is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his prophet." [The First Pillar of Islam].

     She said, "Coming to Islam was like coming into a family with whom I'd been estranged. We have not only the same God, but the same ancestor with Abraham... I am both Muslim and Christian, just like I'm both an American of African descent and a woman. I'm 100 percent both."
     And here we encounter another of the Enemy's lies .... inclusion.  But why should we be surprised by this tactic?  Even the Vatican's Catechism states, "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."  If you have picked yourself up off the floor, then consider how the Vatican justifies this position.  They write, "...  Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: the one Christ is the mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church... This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church [my emphasis]: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation."
     Do you see inclusion here?  According to the Catholic Catechism, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, etc. will be saved despite their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Savior!  Is it any wonder that there is so much confusion and compromise?  Sadly, there are a number of theologians who find no error in the Rev. Redding's position.  They say it is all "a matter of interpretation" ... she just has a somewhat different definition of what it means to be a Christian.  Really?!?  So, the natural conclusion to that supposition is that a home-grown radical Islamist just has a different interpretation of what it means to be an American, right?
     Other theologians see Rev. Redding as "a bridge" between the faiths, something they say is desperately needed.  But I would ask you to recall the fate of the Old Testament nation of Israel every time it tried to build a bridge with nations who followed after other gods.  One of the most pronounced examples in the Bible is the reign of King Jehoshaphat.  He was certainly a godly man. He sought the Lord and walked in His commandments. He took great pride in the ways of the Lord and removed idols from the land. He sent out teachers to instruct the people in God’s law. When a prophet rebuked him for his wrongful alliance with Ahab, unlike his father, Jehoshaphat accepted it and went on to institute further religious reforms. In chapter 20 we see his heart as the nation is threatened by a vast army, and he calls the people to prayer and fasting. Jehoshaphat’s prayer before the assembly reveals his humble trust in the Lord.
     But King Jehoshaphat was not exempt from the temptation to compromise with the world.  As Bible.org points out, during his alliance with Ahab, he allowed Ahab to finagle getting his daughter married to Jehoshaphat’s son. The next thing we hear is Jehoshaphat promising the godless Ahab, “I am as you are, and my people as your people, and we will be with you in the battle”! Incredible! It’s as if a boxer has trained for the big fight and his opponent invites him out for dinner and slips poison into his coffee.
     As Christians, we must be on guard against becoming entangled in wrong relationships -- wrong political relationships, wrong social/cultural relationships, and wrong spiritual relationships.  Yes, we are to love our fellow man, but "love" that compromises Biblical truth will lead to unhealthy alliances.  We can have mutual respect and treat others with humility and kindness, but never abandon God's Truth, as we know it and practice it.  And seeking "politically correctness" in a spirit of compromise will only result in concessions to our Biblical principles and a lowering of God's standards of obedience.
     I began this blog post talking about the divisive issues that face this nation on the eve of a very important election, and what I discern is a growing conflict between faiths that is prophesied in the Bible.  We are living in a time of great confusion, compromise, and chaos.  I believe it is important, now more than ever, to fix our attention on God; to come into submission to Him -- in our personal lives, in our public lives, and in the ways we relate to this godless culture, without being conformed to it, or transformed by it.  God wants unity among the peoples of the world, but that unity must be centered on faith in Christ.  If unity comes at the sake of His Truth, then destruction will be inescapable.

Ephesians 2:2   "In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—"


   

Worship or Self-Glorification?

     I was intrigued when I ran across two opposing articles on the subject of Worship in the Church.  One article called for a boycott of the "Worship Industry", while the other was concerned about those who made their living from leading worship; even noting that "the singers in Nehemiah made their living from worshipping God."  Actually, they received a portion of the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil that were brought to the storerooms of the Temple.
     But back to the controversy over contemporary worship ... There are definitely two sides to this argument.  The boycott subscribers point out that the focus of singing our reverence for God has turned from honoring Him with Biblically-based songs and hymns to satisfying our own cravings for entertainment.  Worship services have become a marketing tool to attract potential congregants.  A mega-church that I used to attend in a major Texas city actually advertises on its website's home page that the 2015 Grammy winner for Best Roots Gospel Album will be appearing soon.
     In addition, they announce that they have three varieties of worship services:  the "Contemporary, Choir & Professional Orchestra-led" version in their main auditorium; followed by the "Participatory, Modern, Band-led style of worship (also in the big sanctuary); and the "Traditional, Intimate, Hymn-based" version of worship service, which is relegated to the small chapel on the church campus.  It is quite clear, as my husband says, who their "customer" is.

     And then there is the question, "Are we creating idols of these worship leaders and performers?"  Are people coming to church to hear the Word of God and to revere and pay homage to Him?  Or are we more enamored with the celebrity and entertainment value of the worship portion of the service?  What has happened to the sacred atmosphere of being in the House of the Lord?  At times, it feels and looks like a Hollywood production!
     Then there is the fact that more emphasis is given to the "performance" of an individual or group, than the voices of the entire congregation lifted as one to praise the Holiness and Sovereignty of our God.  Does God really want us to sit there passively watching a talented personality, or does He want us engaged in celebrating Him?  Do we leave the service with our hearts full of God's instruction, or do we leave humming the words to the stellar performance of the day?
     Those who are speaking out against the Entertainment industry invading the church service simply want music to return to its proper place in corporate worship.  Their position can be summed up in the following statements:  "It’s time to stop mimicking pop culture.  It’s time for us to learn how to sing and make music again, instead of allowing others to do it for us."
    Now, the other side will protest and say that a God-gifted and talented singer or group should be compensated if they decide to use their talent to honor God.  After all, "we will pay top dollar for a doctor or an accountant, but we don't want to recognize or reward a gifted singer or musician who loves God."  They suggest that the Body of Christ should celebrate the Christian music industry; celebrate that there is an alternative to the secular and unholy music industry that is represented in the pop culture.  They suggest that rather than get angry about the music and worship leadership in churches today, people should "get upset about the lack of God's presence in your church, or the fact that the widows and orphans aren't being taken care of in your back yard. Get upset about the person with a disability who is being ignored or overlooked. Instead of wondering if light shows are from God, channel your anger by praying for an outpouring of the Spirit in the church."
     They also say that emotion derived from spectacular performances in church are a good thing; that God desires His people to express their passion for Him, much like David did when he danced before the Lord.  Here is their argument:  "Kansas City Chief fans paint their faces, spend hundreds of dollars, get off work to sit in a parking lot for hours, jump up and down and scream in their own form of worship and adoration. We cry at secular concerts. We raise our hands when our favorite team wins the game. Why would we divorce the very gift of emotions given by God to express ourselves to Him in an act of worship?"  They go on to say that "the fact worship has emerged as a commercially viable genre is a sign that people want God."  They cite the thousands of kids that are drawn to stadiums to hear superstar Christian groups and to worship with kids their own age.  That, they say, is a reason we should all celebrate and support the worship industry.
     But here is my two cents, for what it is worth... and remember, this is just my opinion, and reflects my personal preferences.  The latest trend of "contemplative" and repetitive verses, sung over and over is almost mind-numbing.  I find myself waiting for the 20-minute portion of "worship" to be over with, so that I can garner what the Holy Spirit wants me to get during the 20-minute portion of hearing the Word.  And, frankly, it bothers me a bit that hearing God's Word is treated, time-wise, as an equal to hearing/watching/singing contemporary "praise music".
     Secondly, did you notice that the arguments for celebrating the worship industry all compared them to what we do "in the world"?  Church performers should be compensated like a doctor or an attorney ... expressing emotions in church is no different than "worshipping or adoring" our favorite sports team.  But here's my question ... can you not see that they are comparing the Church to the world?  Doesn't it say in Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the patterns of this world?  And does it not say in 1 John 2:15, Do not love the world nor the things in the world? Why would we want to model the Church's standards after those of the world?
     And finally, I agree with this position's argument that we should be more concerned about the lack of assistance to the Church's widows, orphans, and disabled.  And we should be lamenting that the presence of the Holy Spirit is absent in many of our churches.  Yes, all that should be our priority!  But why isn't it?  And if all these things are missing, shouldn't we be asking ourselves, where is our attention being placed?  What are our priorities?
     In the end, shouldn't how God desires us to worship Him be our criterion?  He says in Amos 5, “I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies.  Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.  Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps."  
     It is not the artificial means of our worship that pleases God.  It is the state of the heart that worships Him.  And our church services should be focused on helping to create worshipful hearts, rather than on entertaining the masses to fill seats.  In our Church worship, our emphasis should not be on the building, the rituals and the value of the performance, but on God’s Glory and the importance of encouraging His people to live righteous lives.  That does not mean that song and celebration has no place in His House.  I simply think that we must be careful to avoid following the world's model, and make sure that God is always the center of our worship.  Remember, as Jesus traveled among the churches in Revelation, Chapter 2, He made it quite clear that He is judging the fruit produced by each church and their commitment to Him.  How would He be evaluate your church?

John 4:23   "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him."

Deuteronomy 5:9

You must not bow down to them or worship them, 

because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,

 punishing the children for the fathers’ sin 

to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

     This is a difficult verse for many Christians, and it is especially difficult for non-Believers.  How, many ask, could you worship a God who would punish innocent children?  And besides, isn't this confined to the Old Testament and Mosaic Law?  Didn't Jesus come to take all our punishment upon Himself?  How could this idea of "generational curses" still be in effect today?

     I know that many who discount the Old Testament as having any relevance to modern Christianity will probably stop reading right now; or at least give no credence to what I'm about to say.  And to be sure, it is only my opinion, but I would like to share my thoughts and experiences with you, and why I believe that the whole Word of God is still our reality today.

    First of all, God has not changed.  He is the same God, consistent in character, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.   What He has determined about our relationship with Him is the same today as it was with Adam in the Garden and in Moses' time.  The reason that His punishment seems so harsh to us, is because we don't fully comprehend what He means when He says, "I am a jealous God."  And it is important to understand this, because the punishment of the children for the fathers' sin is the end result of God's jealousy.  So, what does He mean?

     The word jealous comes from the Hebrew word Qanná, and according to Strong's Concordance, refers directly to the attributes of God's justice and holiness, as He is to be the sole object of human worship and does not tolerate man's sin.  His holiness does not tolerate competitors or those who sin against Him.  In other words, He is zealous for our worship, and desires our full allegiance and obedience; so much so, that our sin can provoke Him to anger.  

     Now, for those who only see God as Love, Grace, and Mercy (all part of His holy character), this characteristic of a God who demands Justice for Himself, is a difficult pill to swallow.  That's why we must take the full counsel of the Word, not just the New Testament .  

     And there will be those who will point to Ezekiel 18:20, which says, The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. They will say that we are each only responsible for our own personal sin.  That our sins will have no effect on anyone else, and certainly not on subsequent generations.

     But let me share with you some of my observations.  How many children from broken homes become rebellious and fall into sin?  It's easy to point to those who fall into drug addictions or promiscuous sex, and say that they made their own choices to sin.  No one made them do it, and you can't possibly think that it is a generational curse.  I will agree that each of us can resist the devil and make our own choices to live a righteous life.  But can you honestly say that a father's adultery, or a mother's abandonment did not open a door for the Enemy to attack their child with thoughts of acting out, or pursuing a sin that would help stop the pain?  And what of the child, who on the outside looks to be living a blameless life, but suffers from anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and stifled anger and bitterness?  Are these not tangible results of the parents' sins?

     In the healing ministry that my husband and I have been brought to by the Lord, almost every person seeking healing from their spiritual wounds can trace their hurts and soul damage to events that happened in their childhood; events that opened the door for Satan to attack them in areas that would remain vulnerable into their adult years.  That is not to say that we are to blame our parents for every slight or injury and not take responsibility for our own actions.  But it is to say that the actions of each one of us, when we offend God, has a huge impact on those we love.  

     We can make God jealous when we pursue obvious false gods, such as those in secret societies and organizations (such as Freemasonry).  But we can also make Him jealous when we worship our jobs more than our families; when we worship our status in the Church more than showing Jesus's love to all we come in contact with; when we allow our culture to compromise our faith and we bow down to unholy principles and values.   

     What has been absolutely astounding to me, is that when we minister to people who need deep spiritual healing, there is always a root of some demonic spirit that gained a foothold in their childhood. The Holy Spirit can heal that wound, helping them to know (in their spirit) that Jesus was always there with them during the hurting times.  They can allow that inner child to surrender the hurts to Jesus and let Him lay them at the foot of the Cross.  Once they do that and forgive the ones who hurt them, it is time to deal with any demonic spirits that may still be in them.  Oftentimes, the Holy Spirit has healed them with very little residual interference from Satan.  But when the hurts are deep-seated, the Holy Spirit has to root out spirits of anger, or resentment; spirits of rejection or abandonment; and oftentimes spirits of perversion, lust, or Jezebel.  Yes, she is still around afflicting and oppressing people, even in the 21st Century.  But you know what?  When asked how these spirits gained authority over the life of the person, they almost always reveal that they have been there for multiple generations!  They have been passed down from generation to generation; the sins of some long-ago ancestor affected the lives of his children and the sins became familiar and habitual down that family line.  Just think about it … alcoholism and drug addiction; sexual, physical, and emotional abuse; and unwanted pregnancies often form patterns in a family that continue for several generations.

     Could anyone at any time break that pattern and repent of their sins?  Absolutely!  And that is where the personal responsibility comes in.  But we cannot dismiss the Word of God and God's holy character, either.  If someone in our family line falls prey to Satan's lies and worships anything other than Almighty God, He is good to act on His Word.  That part about hating God means that one has rejected Him and is subject to this pronouncement of His judgment as presented in Deuteronomy 5:9. It couldn't be stated any plainer than it is, and is the undisputed Word of YHWH.