Is the Church Causing Americas Fall?

Evil exists, and the only people who can overcome it are knowledgeable, spiritual Christians. Unfortunately, most Christians are not.

By Jack Heckathorne, Author of the book “Separation of Church and God

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“And these are they by the way side, where the word (Bible Doctrine) is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.” (Mark 4:15)

Virtually all major denominations and religions are teaching things that are totally contrary to the Bible. In addition, they are not teaching many of the life changing concepts which are found in scripture. They mix in enough truth as to make their ideas and psychology sound plausible but the messages on key points are totally opposite of God’s word therefore, whole biblical concepts are lost.

Why does this happen? As the above verse says, Satan comes and takes away the word. How does he do this? He will get peoples eyes on entertainment, false doctrines, psychology, social activities etc. and off of the true teachings of scripture. People love to be entertained and despise having to study, but in the end their lust for entertainment will be their downfall. They will go through life ignorant of God’s word and Satan will have his way with them. Along the way they will be easily deceived, make wrong decisions and elect the wrong leaders for their country. Many pastors, especially mega-church pastors, not only allow this type of thing in their church, but vigorously promote it, so that their church will increase in size and stature.

Christians have been deluded to the point where they believe that it is their responsibility to “reform” the world. This will never happen. They will never overcome Satan who has dominion over the entire world and its systems. Despite all of their efforts the world has only been getting worse in past years. Jesus told the church to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to everyone. He said nothing about trying to reform the world. You will never put an end to evil by passing laws or forcing your will upon others. All you are doing is fighting Satan through men and neglecting the gospel message. Only true Bible teaching will change the heart of man. Incidentally, as the churches have watered down their teaching in the past one hundred years evil has been increasing at about the same rate. When a maximum amount of Christians are led by the Holy Spirit they will make the right decisions and elect the right leaders.

If your church is not teaching the Word of God, as the Apostles did in the early church, then regardless of how social and pleasant it seems to be, there is no doubt that it is controlled by carnal Christians and ultimately by Satan.

All one has to do is take a good look at the so-called political leaders which we now have. We have liars, traitors, socialists, radicals and perverts in office and, to a large degree, Christians put them there.

America, and the entire world for that matter, has become apostate and even anti-God. The Church, because of its many false teachers and preachers, has now fallen into tradition, psychology and ignorance. In addition, they have become entertainers and have turned the world away from God’ truth because of their holy rolling, money collecting and other non productive superficial antics which turn many unbelievers away from the church. Liberal churches, that is, churches who teach their own ideas rather than the Bible are absolutely useless and even harmful because they foster spiritual ignorance.

Sermons are normally about how YOU can improve your life or your marriage from a philosophical standpoint rather than teaching what the Bible has to say. Consequentially, Christian marriages and their children have only been getting worse for many years now.

The remedy for sin is never talked about, nor is Satan and his schemes. It is all about you and how to live a better life from mans perspective which, by the way, never works in Satan’s world. People will put up an honorable appearing facade around others but within they are empty. Jesus referred to such people as white washed tombstones, beautiful on the outside, but inside, full of dead men’s bones and iniquity. Church buildings often reflect this. In appearance, they are beautiful structures but inside there is nothing pleasing to God. Without the Holy Spirit’s guidance a Christian is no more enlightened or happy than an unbeliever. They will simply live on their emotions and this is the type of person that the vast majority of the churches are producing today.

The church at Corinth couldn’t even understand the basic things of God because they had unconfessed sin in their life and were not “walking in the light.” They were not filled with the Holy Spirit which is our enlightener and comforter. Therefore, their deeds and actions were superficial and meaningless and they ended up with envyings, strife and divisions.

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, (Christians) but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk (basic bible doctrine), and not with meat (more advanced things) for hitherto (up until now) ye were not able to bear it, (understand it) neither yet now are ye able. (you still can’t) For ye are yet carnal: (unconfessed sin in their lives) for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk (live your lives) as men?” (Unbelievers) (1-Corinthians 3:1-3)

Nearly all local churches, protestant and Catholic, have become as ineffective and as superficial as false religions or worldly psychology. The spiritual things of God are not taught. Our nation will go down in a heap and there will never be a revival if pastors and church leaders do not either start learning and teaching the scriptures correctly or resign and let someone who has the true gift of Pastor/Teacher take over their pulpit. All churches should be teaching the Bible as written and nothing else. But this is an unthinkable idea for many in the church today.

People in the Church Reject Truth

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (silently/secretly) shall bring in (to the local churchs) damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many (in the congregation) shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”(2-Peter 2:1-2)

“And (these people) have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” (Mark 17-19)

Church Gimmicks

This subject has virtually has no end. The schemes and gimmicks that churches will use to get people to fill up their pews is astounding. Listed below are just a few of them:

Trips: Churches will offer a trip to some exotic place to whoever can bring in the most visitors within a specified time.

Dinners: Churches will often have a banquet and offer a door prize to some lucky individual.

Free Dinner give-a-ways: For the most “souls won.” Restaurants will often give free meals to church members in exchange for mentioning their name and telling the congregation how wonderful their food is on Sunday morning. Most often people think they have won souls when they get people in the church door.

Raffles, bake sales, clothing sales: Of course the church members furnish all of these things and the church rakes in the proceeds.

Other gimmicks include Car Shows, discounts for camping trips, trips to Holy Land, Products of the month, holy water, prayer cloths etc. and all of this is designed for nothing more than making money. People are drawn to it because they believe they will derive some benefit from it and to them it is why they go to church.

The problem with all of this is that people are going to church specifically to be entertained or for a meal or whatever a church happens to offer and they ignore and even become hostile toward scriptural teaching.

What would Jesus say about all of this?

“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not (put forth no effort) for the meat (dinners, entertainment etc.) which perisheth, but for that meat (God’s word) which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:26-27)

False teaching, entertainment, commercialism and social activities have become so ingrained in peoples minds that when they hear the truth taught they turn away. People in church will actually speak evil of God’s word. Why? They have become arrogant and legalistic. They think that they know it all but in reality know nothing simply because they are not controlled or enlightened by the Holy Spirit. They focus on their pastor because he is friendly or charismatic and they DO NOT seek truth. In addition, they don’t want to give up their social life or their sins because they love darkness more than light.

Occasionally, a pastor may realize his error and desire to start teaching the truth. However, when confronted with these apostate people that he has created he may cave in because they may be large contributors to the church or seemingly important in some way.

This country is made up of mostly Christians but yet our most of our politicians, our representivies and our judges are God hating, Christian hating people. These evil people were put in office by deceived and ignorant Christians.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (God’s word) because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)


What Churches Will Not Teach

What to Do When a Christian Sins

This is something that is absolutely essential to being guided by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our “enlightener” and with out him controlling our lives we will make the wrong decisions in nearly everything we do in life.

When a Christian sins he is commanded to immediately confess that sin directly to God. This is taught in both the Old and New Testaments

“If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me…(Leviticus 26:40)

“Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.” (Ezra 10:11)

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalms 32:5)

“And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

But what are the churches teaching? They either tell you to ask for forgiveness or to repent of your sins and then they define repent to mean “turn away from sin.” First of all repent [Greek metanoeo] means to change your thinking. It is used in the Bible to mean changing your unbelieving mind about Jesus Christ. Rejection of Christ (Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit’s conviction) is the unforgivable sin and we must turn from unbelief to belief. Jesus Christ could not die for the rejection of himself which is the only means of salvation. All others sins such as overt sins, mental attitude sins and sins of the tongue are forgivable and must be confessed. Repentance concerns salvation and confession concerns carnality.

Read the above verse again. It says “If we confess…(name or cite) He will forgive.” It does NOT say if we ask to be forgiven of our sins, confess that we are a sinner, feel sorry that we are a sinner or turn away from sin he will forgive. We should turn away from as much sin as possible, but that does not bring about forgiveness. We should confess each individual sin that we can remember and then forsake those sins so that we will not soon become carnal again. If there is no forgiveness of sins the Christian is carnal. Then God’s discipline will follow.

Jesus himself said repentance is for unbelievers only, not Christians.

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous (believers), but sinners (unbelievers) to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)

Confession of sin directly to God the father is the basis upon which all doctrinal teachings depend. If sin is not confessed, the Christian will not be led by the Holy Spirit and will not be able to understand or apply any Biblical concepts to their lives.

“But the natural man (Anyone who is not led by the Holy Spirit) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Why do we need to confess sin? God knows what sins we commit but he wants us to examine our lives and admit our failures to him. This keep us humble before Him. Arrogance comes from not admitting our sin.

Double Mindedness

This is one of the most common faults that Christians have. They will live in a carnal state and all the while claim to be a spiritual Christian. Its party time Saturday night and church on Sunday morning and they believe as long as they are saved things are just fine. Jesus said, however, that you are either for him or against him. There is no middle ground either for salvation or the spiritual life. For salvation, it is believing in the person and work of Christ that establishes your eternal status and it is confessing your sins that establishes your spiritual status while on Earth.

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30)

Human Good Verses Divine Good

Anything done in our own efforts, regardless of what it is, (including teaching), is counted as dead works if the Christian is carnal. God does not recognize these types of works as good because they come from the mind of man and are not the result of a spiritual Christian. Works done thru a spiritual Christian (sins confessed) is counted as good works for which we will receive rewards in Heaven.

“Now if any man (Christian) build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved (because he is a believer); yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

Filling of The Holy Spirit and The Indwelling Holy Spirit

When anyone becomes a believer in Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit “indwells” or lives within your being. In other words, you are saved. As a result, a believer cannot lose his salvation or become demon possessed because of the Holy Spirits presence, whereas an unbeliever can be. However, a carnal believer can be demonically influenced externally and deceived but not possessed or totally controlled by Satan. All too often it is these types of Pastors and teachers that are out there teaching false doctrines and leading Christians astray. People in the church who resist sound Biblical teaching have also been satanically influenced.

A person cannot be “filled” or controlled by the Holy Spirit when he is in a carnal state. This means that his prayers will not be heard, he will make the wrong decisions in life and he can expect discipline from God.

“If I regard (allow) iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalms 66:18)

Many well meaning Christians pray for things for the right reason but their prayers are not heard for the simple reason that they have unconfessed sin in their lives. There are perhaps millions of Christians in the country praying for our country but with little success and it is all because their prayers are not heard.

If a person is not filled with the Holy Spirit he cannot understand true Bible teaching because the Holy Spirit is our “Enlightener” and our guide through life.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

Human Viewpoint vs. Divine Viewpoint

A spiritually mature Christian views everything from the divine view point based on the scriptures and years of diligent study. In other words, his view of life is from Gods perspective because he has the Word of God metabolized in his soul. A weak immature Christian will not have the knowledge of scriptures to the point where he will operate his life accordingly. Therefore, he will view everything the very same as an unbeliever would or from the human viewpoint which is man’s worldly perspective.

Relative Righteousness

All false religions around the world teach that one would have to be “good enough” to get into Heaven through his own efforts. This, they say, is accomplished by performing good works. The types of works vary from religion to religion but all of them come from the imperfect sinful mind of man.

I’m sure you have known people who you consider to be good, and you have known people who you have considered to be bad. To me, a good person is someone who is honest, thoughtful, kind and patient. A bad person, in my opinion, is someone who is dishonest, mean spirited, egotistical or obnoxious. I have observed that bad people have at least some good in them, and good people have some bad in them. So, I can say as a human being, that certain people are good, and others are bad. In other words, my idea of righteousness, as a human being, is relative, but God’s righteousness is absolute. It is perfect and uncompromising. No matter how good we appear as human beings, and no matter how hard we try to resist sin, the fact is that we are imperfect and can never attain God’s perfect righteousness on our own. We have a flawed and corrupt nature. If we do good works to please God in an effort to get into heaven, and this is what religion does, our efforts are in vain because we have done nothing to attain a righteousness like God has. We must have a righteousness which is equal to God’s righteousness in order to live with God forever in his Kingdom. God detests sin and he is not going to allow a bunch of “pretty good” sinners to live with him for all eternity. Only perfect righteousness will exist in Heaven.

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare (proclaim/require) his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance (Mercy/patience) of God…” (Romans 3:22-25)

Results of Carnality

Any person who remains carnal for any length of time can expect confusion in every aspect of life, he will try in vain to reform the world through activism, he will have ineffective prayers, his needs will not be met by God, and therefore, he will focus upon money. He will succumb to false teaching and exhibit a holier than thou attitude. Also, he will believe he has to live up to impossible, non scriptural man made church rules and try to avoid all of mans taboos. When he is unsuccessful with the taboos he may turn the other way and become involved deeply in sin.

He will be easily deceived by Satan since he does not have the Holy Spirit leading and controlling his life, he will vote for the wrong leaders for the country and the church. He will marry the wrong person, and his children will grow up and become disrespectful and rebellious He will fear being alone and will have an insatiable lust for social life and entertainment.

He will give his money to money grubbing false TV teachers in a desperate and vain effort to please God. He will get into more serious sins and cause other people to sin. This will lead him to having a hardened heart even to the point of becoming a God hater. Discipline from God will not be effective because he will ignore the implications of living in his sin. Then he will wonder why God did all this to him when in reality he did it to himself all because he did not seek God’s truth. At this point he is subject to dying the horrible sin unto death. God will literally hand a person over to Satan and allow him to have his way with him until he dies.

Is it any wonder that Satan does not want these simple doctrines taught in churches today? Most likely you are being dumbed down by your church. However, God in His grace will provide everything you need to know if you SEEK THE TRUTH and nothing else. It is available somewhere and it is the only road to happiness, spirituality and the Christian way of life. Your enemies, evil politicians and the circumstances of life will overtake you and conquer you unless you heed the scriptures. If sins are not confessed the Holy Spirit will not guide you and you will be on your own and Satan will kick you around.

“For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.” (Lamentations 1:16)

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (the details of life) shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

False Things The Church Does Teach

“But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.” (John 5:42)

Giving-The Prosperity Gospel?

There is no such thing as the prosperity Gospel. It is a totally false teaching. The only Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means good news. Prosperity gospel then would mean the good news of money and totally it excludes Jesus Christ and the Bible. Money hustlers have dreamed up this scheme to coerce ignorant Christians into giving money to them for their so-called ministry which consists of a lavish lifestyle and more sermons on giving.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammom.”(Wealth and riches) (Matthew 6:24)

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

(1 Timothy 6:10)

Christians are instructed to give freely as he is able and not because he thinks God will make him rich. One cannot buy God’s blessings.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cornithians 9:7)

“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.” (Deuteronomy 16:17)

Sow and Reap

Churches will teach that sowing a seed is giving money to them. Sowing a seed, according to scriptures, is teaching or hearing the scriptures which will reap a harvest of mature, spiritual Christians. It has nothing to do with money.

The sower soweth the word. (Mark 4:14)

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh (physical things) shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit (as a spiritual Christian) shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

Invite Jesus-False Gospel

How many times have you heard a preacher say: If you invite Jesus into your heart and repent of your sins you will be saved? The Gospel is salvation, the thing that keeps you out of the Lake of Fire, and these so-called preachers refuse to teach it correctly. Why? Who is their God?

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19)

You are going to invite Jesus into that? Sin must be forgiven through faith and faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus doesn’t come to you when sin is present. You must go to him on faith first in order to be saved.

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst…All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:35,37)

Note to Pastors:

If your church is all about money and you are worried that large contributors might leave your church if you should decide to preach the true Word of God, let them go. Stand your ground and use your faith. God will provide your needs. These people are doing the work of Satan by trying to obscure the truth and you don’t want such people in your church.

Time is getting short and God expects his truth to be properly disseminated. If the Bible is not being accurately taught in your church then whatever your church is doing is useless to God. Who do you serve; God or Satan? Who is your master? Remember the words of Jesus:

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Ye (truth seekers) are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, (effectiveness) wherewith shall it be salted? It (You, the salt) is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light (Knowledge and wisdom) so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-16)

The true purpose of the local church is to teach the truth of God to Christians and in turn they are to evangelize the world. Then, and only then, can we begin the revival of a great nation.

“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 55:10-13)~

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2-Chronicles 7:14)

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73 comments to Is the Church Causing Americas Fall?

  • Anthony

    Mr. Heckethorne:

    Thank you for your comments. I believe that you have highlighted the greatest problem with our modern society–the idolotry of self. A reading of Scripture makes it clear that God expects us to be in relationship with each other and with Him. The Scriptures do not promote self over others, yet, many modern evangelists do just that. Until we learn that the world is not about ourselves, evil will continue to gain its foothold. Until we realize that we must seek God, God will remain absent from so many lives.

  • chuck

    Amen…and notice how most christians (small c) do not even say His name..will not say Jesus..feel all paths lead to Heaven..all gods are the same god…and of course all of them have read the Bible..how wacked…no talk of sin,Jesus as being the ONLY way to salvation,will not listen to a talk on sin..Demand goodies from God but no thanks or praise or putting Him first,no fasting…And sex…drinking..living w/ and being loved by the world..hmmm sounds more like never really connected…the Truth does not seem to be in them..they use Jesus as a pooper sin scooper..not someone to Awe and Fear as God..such a fallen,asleep,world…so ready for the beast to continue providing all their needs..life in the end times…fallen times…they count Jesus and forgiveness as nothing..so sad….

  • Excellent review. No disagreements on any points. But you seem to overlook the reason the church has drifted away from solid doctrine. Infiltration by more than one group determined to destroy Christianity. I will point out 2. Freemasons and Zionists.

    While Charles Stanley preaches great sermons, he was president of the Southern Baptist Convention for a time. He never did anything while in that position to remove the literal thousands of Southern Baptist PASTORS who have taken an oath to server other gods in the Masonic Lodge/Cult.

    Billy Graham preached solid theology in his sermons, but he only goes so far as to ask for a public decision, never following up on a person's true repentance in their actual lifestyle. Some decision cards were given to a gay church in New York for follow up. I find it suspicious that the man responsible for Billy Graham's early rise in popularity was newspaper tycoon William Randolf Hearst. A Catholic Freemason. His family and offspring, remained catholic to this day. As if Jesuit worship of the Pope and involvement in the Spanish Inquisition torturing and murdering millions is nothing to concern a Protestant mind.

    The other infiltration is by the current term "Zionists." Readers of the New Testament recognize a different term. Pharisees. They don't pay much attention to the Torah. They follow the Talmud, much written in Babylon and more vile and vulgar than the Koran in terms of vicious attack against Christ.

    comment 1 of 3

    • BackToBasics

      I wrote a post about secret societies on this post too. I wnated to serve the Lord part time in evangelistic outreaches. This always made me a target by the secret society members who were in leadership positions. For many years I did not understand why I was attacked like this. Slowly I figured it out. ANd I was even told by a couple ex-members that they had left Secret Societies. Maybe these 2 were true but the others were not. Now whenever I move to a new city because of my job and attend a new church I also try to discern if the leadership is compromised or not. I have learned what to look for. If I sense it is I do not attend for long. I was oblivious to this for years and I think most Christians who are not in leadership still are.

  • Jesus never taught us to worship any race. Jesus never taught us to worship any culture. Jesus never taught us to financially support any government beyond basic taxes of our own government. The only people Jesus called sons of "the devil" were Pharisees. The only people he ever got physically violent with were the money changers in the Temple, who also HAD TO BE Pharisees, as no Gentile was ever allowed in the Temple.

    Israel is a nation and deserves the same respect we give all nations, but no more. Yet thanks to Zionist infiltration of Neocon churches, the US Government has given financial support to Israel exceeding 5 times what we paid for the entire lunar space mission. So why aren't there more Jews on the moon now? An outrageous number of Israelie owned spy satellites may be part of the answer. Mossad entanglement in numerous world terrorist events may be another.

    I believe Israel as a country deserves respect and safety. But they show no accountability for all the support they have received. Closer inspection shows the Israelie government is answering to the same forces controlling America, the CFR, Trilateral Commission, London Bankers, Vatican Jesuits, and the same list of bad guys controlling all the money in the world. Why is the Israelie Supreme Court Building loaded with demonic, occultic symbols, and even shaped like something from a horror film? The have no respect for Christ, that is why. It is time we stop funding demonic behavior and get the log out of our own eyes.

    The pathetic trust of corrupt politicians claiming to be Christian is beyond belief here. None are required to show accountability until after the horrific crimes they commit. George Bush lied about 9/11 to get us into wars with Iraq and Afghanistan, yet never showed any proof of any claims. No one in his administration was convicted of what gross negligence or treason had to happen for our entire military to overlook such an attack.

    comment 2 of 3

    • Steveng

      What is the worse way to stop terrorism? Stop the funding. Saddam Hussein was financing terrorism by giving up to $35,000 to each family of a suicide bomber. This was proven many times. In fact, three months before we went to war, the Los Angles Times listed seven reasons we were going to war and financing was number one. Oil was not on the list, but I would say it was a possible reason.

      As for having weapons of mass destruction, we knew he had them. He used WMD to try to wipe out the Kurds. It's well know that the equipment used to make WMD was manufactured in Germany and the chemicals were from France. Besides, it isn't hard to hide chemical WMD. One small vial, able to kill tens of thousands of people, can easily be buried in an area the size of Iraq and never be found. They did find the chemical mobile units to manufacure the chemicals buried somewhere outside a city.

  • Author Erwin Lutzer, "Hitler's Cross" found German Christians would just sing louder as train loads of Jews went by in box cars headed for concentration/death camps. I know a wealthy Neocon personally. He attends a Charismatic church and sings in the choir. His family was responsible in giving $1 million to Dick Cheney for the 1998 election. He believes the US has a right to fly predator drones over any country and kill anyone we "think" is a terrorist, regardless of national sovereignty. Pakistan has seen numerous wedding parties bombed by this technique, killing numerous innocent by standers. But this Neocon believes "military intelligence" knows everything and has the right to kill anyone they don't like. When I disagreed with him, he claimed singing in his church choir has "lead 12,000" people to Christ. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have killed about 2 million, and made millions more homeless, destroyed both countries basic infrastructure of basic sanitation plumbing and electric grids. But the Charismatic Neocon merely refers to them as collateral damage and disposable because they all worship a false god.

    Jesus NEVER taught us to evangelize with bombs. Our key verse for evangelism is "come, let us reason together sayeth the Lord." He never taught us to issue judgment against any culture, no matter how pagan. "Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord."

    Infiltration has created monsters in all the Christian denominations as bad or worse than the radical terrorists found in Islam. They now only trust 2 sources, TV and Government. Never consulting the word of God for anything, except to seek some blessing. Further historical research shows Islam itself was a creation of the Jesuits for the military strategy of getting Arabs and Jews to kill each other off. It continues to work, and protestant evangelicals who take no time to study religious history continue to fund and participate in the crime of generations.

    I'm not even sure if a catastrophe in the US will wake anyone up. The UK misplaced 3 nukes a few years ago. Israel knew where they were last, but claims ignorance. No telling where they will show up when corrupt people handle dangerous things. The same applies with teaching God's word. Infiltration is a dangerous thing.

    Comment 3 of 3

    Ken Rasmussen
    9/24/2010

    • Rosebud

      I believe you trip yourself up in your commentary. You say, "He (Jesus) never taught us to issue judgment against any culture, no matter how pagan. 'Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.'" Yet your comments do a good job of issuing judgments against several cultures and groups, and you seem to resort to name-calling as if your understanding is absolute truth. Limited knowledge is also a dangerous thing. Leave the script to God. It's all part of His plan, which we are unable to grasp as mere humans.

      • Gary

        I like both Rosebud's and Rasmussen's comments. There's very little in Ken's comments I disagree with, yet Rosebud's chastisement is well placed. I recently reread Ecclesiastes and did the daily devotional to our church staff. It's a very powerful Book (there is no weakness in The Bible!) In Ecclesiastes we are warned not to be too wicked and not to be too righteous. It's about tempering ourselves and recognizing all things on earth are vanity outside of God Almighty.

        So, Ken, I love what you have to say. I agree with it. I say much the same thing to my fellows. But you and I both need to be careful to check ourselves regularly. We are caught up in this great game along with everyone else. We sin, you and I. We sin and fall short. Accepting that, knowing that, keeping that foremost in our minds: let us read His Holy Word daily, let us bow our heads and bend our knees daily. Submit to the Almighty through Jesus His Son. Who can then be led astray? Then let your mouth speak boldly.

        • Your "everybody is a sinner" type pastor lays guilt trips on every married couple in the church with problems leading to divorce. What is the LARGEST cause of divorce in the church? Finances. Yet how many pastors preach the fact that the Central Bankers set up a scam in 1913, in direct collusion with IRS to gradually cause inflation to ruin the economic life of EVERY American, forcing wives to work jobs just to make ends meet? These collapsed marriages are NOT due to personal sin, they are VICTIMS of a corrupt economic system. And 501c3 churches are unwittingly CAUSING the destruction of every marriage within the church, and blaming it on the church members. We have strained at gnats and swallowed camels. Complaining about not getting an extra $20 in the collection plate, but allowing Israel to burn our money worse than a drunken sailor. Telling church members they sin to even complain about taxes, referencing Christ: "give unto Caesar what is Caesar's" while the church organization itself is exempt under 501c3. The church has partnered with Satan by doing this. Yet they complain they have no political voice. Reorganize as a "C" corporation, start paying taxes like the rest of us, and find out you suddenly get your political voice back, just like Halliburton and all the corrupt corporations you complain about, yet THEY pay taxes,(at least some taxes) the church doesn't. That is WHY "evil corporations" have a political voice and the church does not.

          When I have wronged anyone, I apologize and do what is possible to make things right. Condoning the mass murder as the church is doing is beyond an apology, it is a hideous crime.

          And Michael, I am deeply offended by your twist of the doctrine of eternal salvation. The word "sin" means missing the mark. It refers to mistakes. It does NOT allow you to contrive mass anihalation of an entire country, and plead the blood of Christ for an excuse. If you think you can get away with that, you are as deceived as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and every Mafia Don who had his competition bumped off on Friday and went to "confession" Saturday night. Salvation is true repentance. True repentance means you have NO DESIRE or even capacity to commit the crimes you once did. If anyone continues, they were NEVER saved in the first place, they are only deceiving themselves.

          We can debate whether to tip 10 or 15% or none at all. But don't you dare call me judgmental when I point out the church is responsible for bloody mass murder, massive abortion deaths and totally unjustifiable wars. For God's sake read and watch some documentaries on 9/11 that are not twisted by George Bush and his Skull and Bones Cult. Neither Iraq nor Afghanistan had ANYTHING to do with it. Believing government, especially this corrupt government, that uses YOUR tax money to pay for abortions, is a gross sin in itself. Who is your God anyway? Who do you really believe and trust? Stop equating mistakes with pre-meditated murder.
          Ken 9/24/2010

        • Gary, Rosebud,

          It’s a bit difficult to restrain my frustration. Christ said get the log out of your own eye before judging others. He also accused Pharisees of straining at gnats and swallowing camels. The few churches teaching a vague resemblence to Christianity suffer from extreme naval-gazing, making the congregation feel extreme guilt for not tipping the waitress enough, not tithing a full 10%, or driving to church 10 miles an hour over the speed limit.

          In the mean time, a Masonic Lodge controlled Supreme Court in 1973 made abortion legal. Since then, we have now butchered nearly 50 million human beings in the womb. The same number of deaths we Americans use to condemn to Hell and damnation the likes of Mao and Stalin for killing the same numbers of their own citizens. What is the difference? I see none.

          Except for a handful of public protests by a group called Operation Rescue, the Protestant church has done NOTHING but flap some lips about the problem and start a few crisis pregnancy centers. At the same time the same limp wrist churches condemned Randal Terry as being an extremist. Who is killing people? Randal? No. The church is. Why is Randal labeled the “extremist?” No. It is churches who condone Freemasonry in both congregation and pulpits. It is churches who condone Neocon politicians who introduced TORTURE for the FIRST TIME IN US HISTORY. We executed the Japanese who did it to us in WWII. But George W Bush felt it should be standard procedure now. I DON’T SEE ANY CHURCH SPEAKING OUT ABOUT THIS CRIME. My neocon associate I mentioned earlier endorses torture. His pastor, Jack Hayford, apparently agrees. Both feel military intelligence is appointed by God himself and knows all.

          And by and large the protestant church put both Bushes in office. 2 million dead from that choice. Who wants to answer for that mistake? Do you really think God agrees with the term “collateral damage” of any human made in His image?

          reply comment 1 of 2

          Ken

  • 63rd Patriot

    What an amazing article! Thank you and may God bless you.

  • Michael

    I don't know about the rest of you but…
    When I was saved Jesus' Blood cleansed me from all of my sin, past present and future. Those of you who believe you need to confess something that is already forgiven are blinded! There was no sin that God's grace did not impart on my behalf.
    If I sin and have something 'convivting' me of sin, that thing is the Devil because the Holy Spirit can not convict of something that is forgiven!
    The author of this story gave two NT verses on sin confession, one about baptism (obviously a new believer) and the other was if we confess He cleanses us of ALL unrighteousness! None is left! I am free, free by the Blood of my Jesus!

    Don't let satan blind you into playing the sin, repent, sin, repent…over and over for we have been pardoned in the Blood. Do not think that 1 out there can do 1 thing that can get you into heaven. He chose you and I before the foundation of the world and it was Hid grace that saved me. Even the faith I have in Him came from Him (Eph, Acts, Heb) open your eyes…you and I did nothing to become sons of Christ…it was all Him!!!

    • maxkennedyuky

      I concur. You did nothing to save yourself and it is finished. The devil will make you miserable by trying to make it a process, but we have been washed in the blood of the lamb, and made white as snow. Once and for all – we wear Jesus's righteousness in the eyes of God, not our own, and this will never change because He loves us. And he also already sees is as we are and will be for all eternity, perfected completely when He comes and redeems the earnest He has given us – sealed by the Holy Spirit.

      I like the observation that the Holy Spirit does not convict of something that is already forgiven. And no, it isn't God, its the devil.

    • Author

      Confession of sin does not save you-Faith does. Faith in Christ produces forgiveness of sin as far as your eternal status is concerned. Your earthly status or spirituality is determined by confession. John, who was a believer, in his letter to the church (1st John) who were believers, included himself when he said if WE confess OUR sins…"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness (live in sin/ carnality), we lie, and do not the truth: "But if we walk in the light, (confess our sins) as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, (you and God) and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1 7-10

      We do still sin as Christians and this is the remedy that John and Paul have given us in order to "walk in the light" and live a spiritual life.

      The Apostle Paul wrote something similar to the church at Corinth. "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (unbelievers) The word carnal means "not spiritual or worldly-naturalistic.

      For someone to believe that once you are saved you are forgiven of earthly sin with no consequences is a license to sin indiscriminately and that is exactly what Satan would want you to think is is not? This is precisely the problem in the churches today. They teach that all you have to do is repent of your sins and ask jesus into your heart and you are forgiven of all sin and so you can do whatever you want and
      god doesn't care. God does hold you responsible for your actions but has provided a way of forgiveness of sin while on earth and for our eternal state. Author

  • Edward

    Excellent! It now seems hopeless, but God's work through Elijah will turn things around. There will be a revival!

  • Barbie

    This has to be one of the best articles, I have ever read.

  • Mark

    Which "god" should we follow? The one who had to walk around in Eden looking for his creation? The "god" that killed 50,070 people for peeking in the Ark of Covenant? Or how about the god who instructed Moses to kill 3000 men for not claiming his god? Or how about the god who wished to destroy mankind with the deluge or the god who wished to save mankind? Or how about the god who conversed with other gods to destroy Babel and confuse man's language?
    Well. I have researched for two years finding out who these gods were. And on every instance. I was led to the ancient writings in Sumerian. The bible is a copy of writings that came thousands of years before. You can find the almost exact same stories in Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian texts.
    The Torah, Koran and Bible are copies from civilisations that copied the authors of Sumeria. One simple study of the city of Ur will show for a fact that the Hebrew bible is a copy.

    • Steveng

      In your "one simple study" of this issue, you have left out one important fact: before the sumeria written down what you claim were their stories, the stories of God's word were handed verbally from one generation to the next generation. Just becasue the sumerians written down the stories and made "copies," it doesn't mean it was their stories to begin with.

      As for God killing (not the commandment that says "thou shalt not 'murder'"), that the line from the beginning to the birth of Jesus was suppose to be pure. Satan was active in severing that line so Jesus would not be born. It was a war between God and Satan and it was Satan that dragged the humans into that war.

  • Most churches have failed to teach the Bible faithfully and accurately.

    Individual Christians need to learn how to study the Bible independently for themselves.
    To study the Bible is much different than simply reading the Bible.

    It is a wonderful thing to read the Bible. But it is even more important to study it carefully. The Bible was written to be understood (Psalm 119:130, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."). The Bible is a self-correcting Book, because if we misunderstand any of its teaching, continued study will enlighten us further, and correct our mistaken view. The Bible is our spiritual food (1 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.").

    Have you been living on a "Starvation Diet"?

    If you own a Bible, you are utterly without excuse–it contains the only spiritual food you will ever need, and the Bible has enough spiritual food such that you will never run out.

    It is certainly time to learn to do Real Bible Study.

    • God's word is not fast food. 😉

    • Mark

      As for "self correcting". Indeed! What happened to the infalable word of "god"? That not one part be added nor taken away?
      All of these "religions" are a mixture of differnent beliefs systems throughout history. The bible ,torah, koran are control objects to keep man ignorant and submissive to governments.
      Is Abraham's father in hell for being a pagan priest. Or how about the murderer, adulterer, and possible homosexual King David. Is he "burning" in hell? How about the all "wise" spirit conjuror and warlock Soloman, with his 700 concubines?
      Were these men after "god's" own heart?
      How is it that certain groups of "holy" men are allowed to destroy, rape, murder and steal? And peasents, just by "looking" at another female invokes damnation? Does this make any sense? Of course not!
      The tales of these "holy" books are the blueprints for tyrants to CONTROL mankind, nothing more.
      Man was "created" a slave for the "gods".

      • Stratiotes Christos

        Without YHWH's Spirit you can read the Bible all you want, it won't make sense
        (speaking of my own experience);
        "no part added or taken away" refers to the book of Revelation, not to the entire Bible.

        There is no one in Gehenna/hell yet and no one is judged either.

        muslims were created to be "slaves" for allah
        jews were created to be"servants" for elohim
        denominational christians were created to be "friends" for jesus.
        If one really wants to be part of YHWH, one must choose between
        being part of the problem or being part of the solution.
        If you believe YHWH, follow in faith.
        if you don't believe YHWH, than pick your idol!

  • Krusade

    Glittering generalities never a prophet voiced. the relevancy of faith is in understanding. Faith in a truth such as the Internet and it contains has exposed the manipulations by men of faith.

    Exposure to truth has fulfilled many through understanding but the “Churches” have opted for obsoleting themselves in spite of the evidence–wherin political favoritism becomes a necessity.

    Call Quantum level studies for reality, then phone yourself for an answer.

  • John

    Many churches never discuss honoring the Sabboth. Worshiping on the seventh day of the week.
    Before Christ transfigured to heaven he told his disciples to keep my commandments and have faith in me. Our free gift from God ( salvation) that was given to us at the cross also binds us to the law. The catholic church in their own doctrine admit to changing the Sabboth worship from Saturday to Sunday ( sun worship ). Before the Catholic church changed this day everyone worshiped on Saturday. God is calling all his people out of Babylon ( false teachings ) back to him. Now is the time. Smile and as John the revelator said, "Here are the patience of the saints those that obey thy commandments and have the faith of Jesus."

  • "This country is made up of mostly Christians." Really? Where is the evidence? Most are Christians in name only because once they "accepted" Jesus they continued in their sinful lifestyle. God's true people have always been a remnant, America is no exception. But other than that comment it was a great article.

    Satan has also got genuine believers at war with each other. I get so tired receiving hate from so called Christians because I and millions of others believe in the pre-trib rapture and use some modern Bible versions. It matters not to these people that we individually have spent years in study. Perhaps when the persecution finally comes the sheep will be separated from the goats and petty differences among believers will be set aside and God can really use the western Church again..

    • Michael

      Steven,

      Here is the problem with the belief of Pre-tribulational rapture.
      If your right, wonderful but if you are wrong then your family will pay an incredible price. If you are wrong you will be in violation of 1 Tim 5:8. If you are wrong youir family will be matyrs because you did nothing to prepare for what is very clear in the Bible. If you do not prepare for your family you are worse than an unbeliever and have left the faith. God's Word is plain of what is to come whether or not you think it applies to you.

      Luke 21:36 Watch therefore and pray always that you may be found worthy to escape all these things and stand before the Son of Man. (This is the last command that Jesus gave befoer He went to the cross)
      Why did He give this command? Why does no one ever speak of it? Why, most importantly does no one practice this command?

      • The hope of every Church Age believer is that we will be saved from the wrath of God, His judgments upon the world. World here is "Kosmos" this is satan's world, control network and followers (which all unsaved are)

        In such simple terms 1 Thessalonians 5:9, as well as all the other verses related to the church escaping the wrath of God in the tribulation.

        Question, Why would God include the church in his wrath?

        Not understanding the ages is why so many fail to see how/why the church is removed, because of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is to be removed, only one way to do that. To remove the containers. Enter the Rapture event. The catching up of the believers.

        The Rapture is the event where God ends the age of the church, takes his focus off the church (ended) and puts his focus back to Israel. The tribulation is the continuation of the Age of Israel. Thus why 144,000 of them will become the Evangelical force on earth. (Thus where the new Christians come from in the tribulation. ) Note these Christians are told not to even hide from the ones seeking to kill them. Why? Because God is showing the world their hate for God. By killing Christians in the Tribulation they will actually celebrate these public killings of Christians. Clearly the Church Age isn't told to do this. But in fact to defend itself.

        Clearly it's a wonderful thing to do to thank God for Jesus that we are able to escape the coming wrath. By being found worthy is to be saved, that is to accept What Jesus was about to do! That is, to pay for your sins! So you don't have too!

        If God was going to pour out his wrath on the Church, WHY did Jesus die? Clearly the Body of Christ (Church Age Believers) will not see this tribulation times. The worse judgment unsealed by Jesus himself. Even now God is holding back his judgment to give the world a chance to turn to him and be saved from it.

        Remember that in the rapture, Jesus is coming for his bride for the marriage celebration in Heaven. You have to understand the ages. God removes the church and puts the focus back to Israel. It's beautiful. The Church brought about this.

        Most people think the Church has failed, the Church has NOT failed. The goal was not that everyone become saved, rather the goal was that the message of salvation be spread all over the world to all nations SO THAT THEY MAY BECOME SAVED, it never said they would all become saved.

        Yes many churches are failed unproductive at best, but not all of them, but the true body of Christ is getting the Job done. When will the rapture take place? When the number of the gentiles comes full. Jesus gave us signs to look for (for the ones who are watchers) so that we would k now when that comes close.

        I'd love to continue but I'm the worst it seems I get so off topic and what not trying to get so much out at once.

        • Stratiotes Christos

          YHWH can protect his children during the wrath
          (like the israelites in egypt during the plagues).

          Holy Spirit is omnipresent, won't be removed.

          the 144 000 won't be evangelizing, only an angel will (Rev 14:6).

          • Sure he could, however why then does it say that the Christians will be put to death in the trib?

            Yes, of course. The Holy Spirit is how God explains how he works in believers. However in the Trib the HS will be working as it did in the Age of Israel

            The lack of understanding how Jesus and the bible teaches in parables shows how you think it will be an angel doing all this. Just like the angel that takes peace. It's not the angel phy. doing this things, rather it's taking place in man and God is showing how it's being done. check: http://www.heart4god.ws/id592.htm

            They are not going to see some thing flying around in the sky yelling out the gospel rather, it will be men on earth doing so. This Angel would be whats helping them. (just as they do now) yet you don't see them today do you. At least not in the sense your speaking of.

          • Stratiotes Christos

            Christians are put to dead since the beginning (and still and will),
            the difference is that in the great tribulation all religion will be
            prohibited.
            Also the question is where the christians are going to be than;
            in the mountains, the deserts or in the world-system.

            One needs the fulness of the Holy spirit to survive in the great tribulation,
            so it can't be on the O.T. basis again.

            Angels can appear in human form but
            Rev 14;6 is not a parable text.

  • Heidi

    AMEN and thank you for writing this excellent article. I'm going to get your book and read it.

  • linda

    This article is very apropo for Christisns. What stands out for me is that we need to examine our lives daily. Everyone has a tendency to say what is wrong with everyone except themselves. If all Christians would work daily to examine their lives, seeking forgiveness where we fail in our carnality, then the world would become a better place to live. Can you imagine a world where each individual stands accountable for their actions, measuring how they act by the Word of God? This would be result in a world of people acting like Jesus. Isn't that our supreme goal as Christians, to be like Jesus? That is my purpose in life and I cannot cast stones at anyone but myself. We can get so busy worrying about the beam in the eye of others that we forget to remove the mote from our own eye. Scripture is truly for guidance and the Scripture in this article offers wonderful guidance for each individual Christian. If we live by the Scripture, God will take charge of our world and we will lead by example.

  • Rosebud

    I agree wholeheartedly with Steven. I am also a pre-tribber, and I am tired of being told that I am wrong in my belief. The way I see it, if the eternal outcome (heaven) is the same for us, why are we wasting time arguing about it?

    • Steveng

      Rosebud: "The way I see it…"

      How about the way the Word of God sees it? End time christian are so vain to think that they will escape the tribulation while other christians and godly people throughout all of man's history has gone through their tribulations. Look what is happening to christians throughtout today's world. The tribulation is to separate the chaff from the wheat, the christians and the ones who call themselves christians.

      • Rosebud

        Steven — how DOES the Word of God see it? We all go through tribulations in our lives, even after we are saved. The Great Tribulation is for the Jews, not the Christians. We who are saved before the Great Tribulation, by believing that Jesus was who He said He was, that He died for our sins, and that He was resurrected from the dead, are ALL Heaven-bound. I can't believe God plans to un-save some of us at the end, which is what I am getting from your comment. When I was saved, I don't think I had ever even HEARD of the Rapture, but Jesus accepted me anyway — in spite of my not knowing about it. That is why it seems foolish to me to argue about it with those who disagree.

  • Michael

    I'm replying t the one who questioned David'd sexuality as well as Solomon's heart because of the plural marriages.
    The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob stated in 2 Samuel 12:8 "I gave you your master's wives and the daughters of Israel and the dauters of Judea and if that had not ben enough I would have given you more". Those in the church who deny this are those who cleave to traditions. I have tried over and over to show the Christian this truth and am shouted down as an heretic and been anathema. I have looked at every verse dealing with marriage in the Old and New Test and have found that polygamy that was outlined in the Mosaic Law was given by our God! God created men to desire women and gave them the bounds of marriage/concubines to stay true to His demand of sexual purity. Even Biologically men were created to "Be fruitful and multiply" and women were created to be the avenue for men to do this. A woman can be pregnant maybe 5-6 times in a lifetime yet a man can impregnate almost an infinite amount…why? Because God made it this way, thus the desire fr women…in the confines of marriage

    • Steveng

      There are 2 places in the bible that say a man should be the husband of one wife. The first one is in Leviticus, and the second one is in one of Paul's writings.

    • Linda

      To Michael

      You do err. The 'marriage formula' was given by the Lord way back in Genesis 2:24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Jesus affirms this 'marriage formula' still stands in Matthew 19:5 "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" In fact, Jesus did not even discuss polygamy because there was no need to. God had already spoken in the Torah and now through His Son, that one man leave father and mother to cleave to one wife.

      When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees about the matter of divorce, He made it clear that it was NOT God Who granted men the right to divorce their wives, but that it was Moses who, "because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so." Matt. 19:8

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      Note that God said that the MAN shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his WIFE. The first to breach this ofdinance was Eve. Adam alone was driven out of Eden because rather than own up to his sin, he blamed the woman and ultimately God, but protected the 'serpent'/satan by not mentioning his part in the betrayal. Eve, on the other hand, did repent and told the Truth and didn't do satan the favour Adam had done for him. Eve was forgiven while Adam refused to submit to God and chose rather to remain 'friends' with satan. Therefore Eve was restored to God and could have remained in Eden, while Adam's refusal to repent/part company with the devil, necessitated his expulsion.

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      In Genesis 3: God WARNS Eve not to follow her banished husband. The English translations are in error suggesting that God referred to Eve's 'desire/lust' for Adam. What the original Hebrew says is 'teshuqa', which transliterated is 'turning' (not 'desire or lust'). God spoke warningly to Eve at this time, telling her that she was inclining to turn away from Himself to her husband, and telling her that if she did so her husband would rule over her. The correct rendering of the next phrase of Genesis 3:16 is this: “Thou art turning away to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee,”

      Men have perverted this passage to concoct a false doctrine that God 'cursed' the woman, and have used this lame excuse to oppress and abuse womankind. This is evidence that Adam retained satan as his 'friend' since he left Eden. Of the three culprits, only the 'serpent'/satan was 'cursed'. For Adam's sake/sin, the earth was cursed. But Eve was WARNED about what the man and his 'friend' would do to her, if she followed her husband out of her Father's home.

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      Eve was WARNED not to follow Adam because, as satan's friend, Adam would seek to make himself 'god' over the woman. After all, that is what satan 'promised' man…godhood. If Eve had listened to God, her Father, and stayed home with Him, instead of following her husband, Adam soon would have returned in repentance and also have been restored to God and to Eve and Eden. Satan had no interest in merely having Adam alone because it would not have served his purpose. Adam, now that he had been divided into two individuals, was of little use to satan, since procreation would require both Adam and Eve, and what satan wanted was to obtain 'seed', 'children' and ultimately use them in his rebellion against Christ.

      So, God's marriage formula is that the MAN shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. Since Adam refused to repent/part with satan, he chose satan as his spiritual father. It's obvious then why it is MAN, not woman, who is compelled to leave HIS father and mother to cleave to his wife.

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      The first polygamist was Lamech, Cain's descendant, who TOOK wives (Gen. 4:19). He 'stole' women from Seth's descendants and the men of his tribe followed their leader and did the same. In Seth's lineage, the marriage formula of a man leaving his father and mother was adhered to, whereas Cain's descendants breached the ordinance of God and not only multiplied 'wives' to themselves, but kidnapped women from Seth's descendants to add to their harems, separating the women from their father's house. Lamech's gluttony for 'wives' created a shortage of wives for the men of his tribe, so like their wicked patriarch, they stole women from other tribes.

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      So, if you want to believe that it's ok with God that men commit polygamy, you merely demonstrate the influence of Cain on your way of thinking. How anyone can believe that Jesus would condemn divorce but approve of polygamy would be a puzzle except that this is the kind of thinking that develops when Christians listen to mortal teachers, (including their own fleshly minds) instead of obeying Christ Who told us in John 16:3 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." Again in Matt. 23:8 Jesus says: "But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers."

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      Any time we allow mortals, whether they are pastors or preachers, etc., to usurp the roll of the Holy Spirit as our ONLY Teacher, we can count on being deceived and led a stray, and this nasty sin of idolatry is what has kept the body of Christ from fulfilling His will on earth. Men are afraid to let the Holy Spirit rule over His own children, and the children have clung to their earthly 'fathers' and trusted them with their souls. We have robbed Christ, ourselves and those who are still languishing in sin and darkness in the world, waiting to see Christ in His redeemed.

    • Linda

      To Michael cont'd

      We Christians are the reason why the world has become more corrupt and wicked. We, more than sinners, have made it really easy for satan to progress in his rebellion against our own King. Real repentance from Christians for our idolatry and adultery is what Christ, our Husband, is waiting for. Read the first three chapters of Revelation. Don't sit and wait for Christ to rescue us from this wicked world that we have permitted and supported and indulged in…have become part OF. Christ is calling US to 'COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE'…And REPENTANCE, turning away from our own notions of 'God's will' for us, and turning to Christ…for real this time, and stay put to become familiar with His Voice and take instruction from Him, is what Christ is looking for and waiting for from US, His own people.

  • Mark

    Again. You can’t have it both ways. The OT (leaders) men were instructed by the gods to marry their HALF SISTERS.
    Abraham (Abram) married Sarah his half sister and had children with his slaves. Hice fellow huh?
    In the NT. A man is guilty of adultery for even looking at another woman. Just plain silly.
    Until people wake up and cast off these manmade yokes of shame and oppression. Our lives will continue to be filled with strife and ignorance.
    Until then. Let the stoning continue.

    • We are saved by grace which is a kissing cousin and closely related to power through our faith which is an action word not a mind game.
      Jesus is the savior and he is the one who delivers us from all shame and oppression. We are told not to compare ourselves with each other but to imitate Christ: ergo christians(little christ)
      You are quite right Josh the carpenter from Nazareth was either the son of man/and son of God or he was a lunatic and/or a lunatic. Every person's choice. If you chose that he was fully man and fully God then you are bound to obey him with your actions and as he stated "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself".
      Of course no Abraham, David, or Peter ever did that so we come back to grace and he has told us to come boldly before him and daily ask for all we need to do the best he can in us.
      Never forget we are only held accountable on that day when everyone of us stands before him for what we do know of him not what we don't. but I know as I sit on my back porch with my buddy skipper(Jack Russell Terrier) every morning after Skipper takes me on my walk – I call him my personal trainer- and give a tithe of my 24 hours to my master and savior I enter the world with strength and power to deal with whatever comes my way.

  • Michael

    Replying to the post about Abraham.
    First, Abram did not marry Sarah he married Sarai and God changed her name to Sarah. Second, He did not have "Children with his slaves", he had a child with his concubine. Third, you seem to be mistaken about the Sermon on the Mount in which you quoted (paraphrased) a man is guilty for looking at another woman…Jesus started this portion of Scripture by stating "Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Pharasees and Scribes you will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven". Jesus was explaining to those who were trying to keep the law that the law said not to commit adultery and He said if you even look on a woman with lust you were guilty of breaking the law. In other words YOU CAN NOT BE SAVED BY DOING GOOD WORKS only by the Blood of Jesus. Let the stoning continue is just ignorace, the law was fulfilled at the cross and we live by It NO LONGER. Lastly, It was not wrong to intermarry until the Mosaic Law.

    • Glen Alexandre

      Jesus wasn't describing good works, but bad works, in this case adultery. His point in this case is not that you can't be saved by doing good works, but that you CAN BE DAMNED BY DOING BAD WORKS. Don't confuse the two doctrines.

  • Rosebud

    Mark, if your life is filled with strife and ignorance, may I humbly suggest that you follow Jesus to the truth and the resultant freedom? God interrupted his program for Israel when the Hebrews rejected their Messiah and inserted the Church Age for 2000 years (see GodFear’s comments above). After the Rapture, He will once again turn to Israel to complete the 70th week prophesied in Daniel. This means that God had a completely different program for the Hebrews and the Christians, and it is like mixing apples and oranges to say that everything that pertains to one pertains to the other. I pray that God will open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to His love and that you will find that the Bible is God’s Word, not just “manmade yokes of shame and oppression,” and not just “silly” stories. I wish you Godspeed in learning the truth — time is running out! God bless you!

  • Mark

    Thank You above posters.
    I believe in the Great God of the Universe(s). Again. The Hebrew bible, Torah and Koran are COPIES of more ancient text(s). If you notice the "law" that you speak of is delegated to different civilisations.
    These "laws" were given to CONTROL mankind during certain periods of time.
    To pick and choose these "laws" as MOST do, is hypocritical at least and dishonest at most.
    I rather enjoy the teachings of the Christ. He was the greatest REBEL on earth. And was killed for exposing the fables, myths, frauds and SILLY STORIES!
    Open my mind? I am not the one limiting mankind's exsistance to a mere 6000 years. This is one of the greatest follies of all. According to bible "believers". Alexander the Great, Ramsus, Cheops were Noah' s neighbors. What's next? Is someone going to expect me to believe the Effel Tower was built at the same time as the Great Pyramids of Giza?
    All one needs to do is research. And that research leads right to Ancient Sumeria. For it is there that man's first civilisation(s) began.

  • Stratiotes Christos

    Mark, you bark up against the wrong tree,
    the law is important to the jews, muslims and certain denominational christians.
    If you really would know about Christ, you would know that he fulfilled the law perfectly,
    thus real believers are under grace lead by the Spirit.
    but for you the law will still be the measure to recognise your sin,
    you will probably play the broadminded agnostic, but it is quite obvious that you can't really
    distinguish between the O.T and N.T./ old covenant and new covenant..
    The adversary will let you believe anything to deny all spiritual truth and keep you away from YHWH.

  • BackToBasics

    In three of the churches I have attended, I have had one co-pastor in one church and 2 elders in the other two churches confess to me that they were "former" secret society members. Although with some of the things that they did and the subtle ways in which I was attacked n these churches I wonderd if they were really former or not. I have come to the conclusion that almost any sizeable church of 50 or more adult members has a t least one wolf in sheep's clothing in a lerdership position, i.e. a deacon, elder, assistant pastor or even pastors themselves. They are on the lookout for intelligent and strong Christian workers who do not share their false leanings and they attack these men. I have slowly come to this realization and I find it difficult to find a truly loving church as a result. These secret society types are NOT motivated by love, that's for sure.

  • I have enjoyed reading this article and comments .Truley there are many pastors in the pulpits today that have not been called by GOD. This is one profession that one does not choose but is chosen.I have read the Bible so many times I have lost track of how many times.I too have struggled with the rapture and all the opinions about it lately.When God distroyed Sodom,brought the flood I noted that he spared the rightous Noah,Lot,etc.I believe that Jesus return will be in two stages ,first as a thief in night and second as a conquering king seperated by 7 years as the bible discribes to Me 2 different occasions. The first he says I come as a thief in the night when you least expect it,two in the field and one taken ,two grinding and one taken as well as the great restrainer removed ( Church-holy spirit)then we start to read about the evil tribulation and how he returns with the sound of the trump(loud noise)and every eye will see him along with the heavenly host . If his return is not in 2 stages how can we reconcile these clearly different events. If it is the same event can someone explain it to Me.I think I will get a copy of this book as the condition of many of our Churches today has been a growing concern to Me.God bless all who seek truth !

  • K.C.

    Mr. Heckathorne,

    I appreciate what your wrote recently. We are in a spiritual battle and need to realize this as we see what is happening to our country. There is just one thing I'd like to comment on if I may. We don't need more biblical teaching. We need more biblical obedience.

    We do not have a shortage of sound, biblical teaching in the church. We have a shortage of participation by believers to act upon what has already been taught to us by Jesus…we being the "salt" of the earth. If many of us did act, it would impact our country almost overnight. The corruption we see that is destroying our nation would literally be stopped in it's tracks and an immediate wave of Godly righteousness would begin sweeping our land. The "solution" is simple. Remember what salt does and then act!

    Salt is useless unless it does two things. Get involved and dissolve! If salt doesn't make contact with what it's supposed to influence, it is worthless. If it doesn't dissolve it provides not benefit whatsoever. Only salt that is involved and dissolving is the salt that is effectual. I believe Jesus had this in mind when he told us about us being salt.

    It's not an "either or" situation we're in. It's both. We need Godly people getting involved in the governing process of our country. We've been given a huge privilege by God to do so. We also need the "Shepherds" of God's flock to spur us on to act in every sphere He has placed us in. If this we're to happen, we'd see an amazing transformation take place in our lifetime.

    it's not hopeless. It's time to act.

    K.C.
    Middle East

  • Renee

    This is for Brut yeo
    Jesus's 2nd coming is in two stages. He comes first as a thief in the night to Rapture his Church (true Christains). He comes again as a conquering King to set up his millenial (1,000) kingdom.

  • Mark

    Christos:
    Are you telling me that men in pointy hats that wrote the NT an average of 150 years after the crucifixtion are more accurate than actual texts from 5000 years ago?
    Have you ever heard of postdiction? Over man's vast history. Certain beliefs and customs had to be explained or changed by rewriting history to match the present era. And this has been done to the bible, torah and koran. So when the NT was composed the authors made sure to pick and choose certain highlites from history to complete their story.
    If you read history. You will begin to see that there's not much differance between 2070 BC and 1 AD. At both times in history. The people were expecting a "deliverer" to set things right. Great judgements were to be meted out. And then peace on earth would commence.
    I believe the Christ did exsist. But he was more than just a "holy" man. Like I said before. He was not here fulfill pre-history. He came to EXPOSE the frauds and correct the ingnorant. And for that, he was executed. But to constantly relate the teachings of the Christ to Elijah or Moses is moot. If you truly believe that Christ is the messiah.

    • Stratiotes Christos

      Mark,
      Most of the New Testament was written under Holy Spirit inspiration (direct or indirect),
      the ten writers really did not care about being historically correct (in reference to sumeria)
      things that were written down can only really be understood in the H.S.
      Without its indwelling, gifts, inspiration, revelation and application one is merely walking in the
      dark without perceiving the truth.
      It all boils down to this; Jesus The Christ, Saviour or just a holy man? you make your choice!

      • Mark

        Holy inspiration? Your kidding right?
        Who are these sacred "10"? Were they prophets, holy men or simply agents of Rome? I choose the latter. Seeing the destruction and death that the "christian" church has plagued mankind with. The so-called church was (is) the most oppressive system of governance ever invented. I dare anyone to deny that fact.
        The NT itself contradicts the teachings of Christ. The commandment…."love your neighbor, as yourself" being the greatest command from Christ is somehow twisted to… "love your neighbor…but.
        The NT has basically the same oppressive "law" as did the OT, just repackaged.
        The NT still allows the torture, maiming and death to "unbelievers".
        If anyone believes "unbelievers" minding their own business should be hunted down and beheaded for Christ. Are sadly LOST! Like in France under Charlemaign. .
        How much blood has been spilled in the name of "religions"? And how much more will it require before mankind will throw off the yoke of the oppressors? Time will soon tell.

        • Stratiotes Christos

          Inspiration/revelation by the Ruach YHWH is not a joke.
          without it you can't really deduct the Bible.
          you choose for the spiritual Faith in YHWH or
          you put your trust in the sumarian stories.
          you can write what you want, it is all in the natural.
          I do not think you have the "diakrisis" to distinguish biblical facts.
          Can you deduct Acts 7?

          You know the 10 people who were used to write N.T

          History of mankind (in most aspects) has been bloody
          and will be bloodier yet, just wait for the anti-christ and
          the battles following Armageddon.

          .

  • THIS IS FOR RENEE

    Thank you for your reply and encouragement.I am hopeing to hear from someone who has been promoting the post-trib doctrine to reconcile these 2 events as I know many are pastors.Over the past 40 years I have known 2 pastors who did not even believe Jesus was who he said he was,and we wonder what is wrong with our Churches thus my orginal comment.We had a freind about 20 yrs ago who seemed to be a sincere devout Christain and when her teenage daughter became pregnant she insisted she have an abortion ,however the daughter insisted on having her baby and giving up for adoption .Personally,I think our Churches are full of similar type Christains and we wonder why we cannot feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in Worship,prayer,healings,etc. I now know that I am not the only person who God has been speaking to about the Churches today. ie;Jack.

  • Ivan Vivian

    I don't believe the church was ever for the Most High God. Those of you who are really shollow, will now condemn me. However, Jesus Christ never ever did build a church, nor did He promise to build a church. He promised to build an ekklessia, a called out gathering; something that could even be political in nature. The word 'church' is a man implanted word. Now if you believe in such things as integrity or infedility, you will undertstand that the Holy Spirit takes what is seen and heard from the Father and the Son, and in the highest of moral standards, delivers exactly what is seen and heard. The Holy Spirit does not take away from, not does the Holy Spirit add to. AND yet, when the translators of most English versions came to the word 'eklessia, they determined that the word had to be replaced by two different Greek words. Hence, they came up with the word 'church' which they claim to mean the house of the LORD. To agree I agree, but their word better portrays 'the house of the [man]-lords'. Hence, 'church' has never been of God, and will never be of the Most High God. It is always an entitiy that is ruled by man-lords.

  • Glen Alexandre

    Why does the world not believe that Jesus is from God the Father? Well according to John 17:22, it's because of the disunity in the Church: "I pray they will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. I pray that they also will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me."

    Jesus founded his "ecclesia" on Peter (Matthew 16:18). The successor of Peter is Benedict XVI. Anybody not in communion with Benedict XVI is causing the disunity of the "ecclesia" and is preventing the world from believing in Jesus.

    • Rosebud

      What is the Biblical reference you are using for Benedict XVL being a successor of Peter? Or any pope, for that matter? I can't find one … but I could be wrong … 🙂

  • Stratiotes Christos

    In Mat 16:18 Jesus refers to faith of Peter not to the person.
    The real successor of Christ on earth is the Holy Spirit.

  • Michael

    Dear Author,
    You seem to 'write' your own Scripture. "But if we walk in the light " ' (confess our sins)' …"We have fellowship one with the other" '(you and God)' ". Are you kidding me? You and God. Look up the words "One with another" and you will find neither of these words has a meaning of Christ.
    Also, you may state that you do not live in sin but yet the Bible says if you say you have no sin you make God a liar. You state that "You have faith" and this is why you will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven some day…well I will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven someday for one reason and one reason alone, God, chose me in Him before the foundations of the world. It is not me, nothing I have done will get me anywhere. Even the faith I have is from God, I claim nothing. You on the other hand have some works of which to boast, even if it is just the faith, you are boasting and I am not.

  • Michael

    If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. I have been cleansed from all my unrighteousness and will eagerly awaite the day when God delivers me from this body of death Paul talks about.
    Maybe you consider yourself better than Paul, and you do the things you desire to…I, on the other hand, live in a body of death (flesh) and will praise Him for all eternity when He changes me and I no longer sin!
    You can put words in peoples mouth, but they were yours not mine. I do not have a licence to sin but I do have an forgiving God who forgave me once and for all at Calvary!

  • Bikerlady2

    Interesting that you brought this up, I had a male client come into the salon on Mothers Day, he mentioned that he just came from church, I asked where he attends, and it's a church I myself attended. I asked how was the service, his reply was, it was very nice, you should see what they did for all the mothers, each one was given a piece of jewelry from a well known jewelry store, and one mother won a beautiful diamond necklace. I said nothing as a stylist there are 3 topics we're not able to get into discussion over, sex, politics and religion. But in my mind I thought it's sad that churches has to bribe with offers of gifts and trips etc, to get them to come. What ever happened to the old adage of "Feed them they will come". I grew up on a farm and attended a little farm church, simple and the Pastors message was dead on, he preached from the bible, he quoted from the bible and it was the whole church that helped raised the children. I have found churches to lean towards legalism, they write their own 'guidelines and bylaws" one church I attended many times a woman could not enter the sanctuary wearing pants of any sorts, where in the bible does God say "no pants". It was the Pastors requirements, doesn't God accept everyone as long as their dressed modest? I raised my daughters in a small church, they attended Wednesday night services and their youth group was put in front of a tv to watch a movie, Disney, as the youth leaders sat off to the side and had their coffee and chatted, my daughters were 15 at the time, they came to me and said "Mom, we've asked the leaders to teach us "meat" in our bible studies but they won't, and we're not getting anything from the time we're there" I went to our Pastor and told him what my girls informed me of, and that something needed to be done, as I didn't want to leave the church, but would if things didn't change, he was very positive and said that he would do something about it. A week later he approached me and said that he will hold a one on one bible study in his office for my girls and any other teens that wanted to attend would be welcomed. Problem solved, over time the leaders were replaced, but in the meantime, my girls received the bible study they were wanting. My daughters graduated and went off to college, today they are 28 and very involved with serving our Lord Jesus Christ, both have taken as a teenager the vows of purity till marriage, I give all the credit to God, I submitted to him and did what God expected from me while raising them.
    They also say that churches are trying to reach out and bring in the next generation with the theatrical nature of the new wave churches. And that it's the older generation that isn't willing to accept the change, maybe so, but give me a little brown church in the vale any day, and thats where I will feel the Holy Spirit move big time, I want to have the message convict me, not make me feel good. I have spent many services up front kneeling at the alter, I have had laying of hands many of time, on me during prayer, speak your tongues, dance if you wish, but keep the Holy Spirit alive by preaching the word of God!

  • Bikerlady2

    Sorry I meant to say in regards to the church that gave jewelry at Mothers Day, I do not attend that church, I had visited the church many times.