Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts

Saturday, June 10, 2023

The Evil Agenda of the World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches and its advocates would like us to believe that this is a wonderful and necessary organization that is doing so much good by helping to bring unity in the Church throughout the world, seeking a common witness and Christian service. They would like us to believe that they are promoting the true gospel. But that could not be farther from the truth.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an ecumenical organization whose leadership has no understanding of biblical salvation and spirituality. They find "spirituality" in this wicked, fallen world. They are blinding the eyes of Christians and others worldwide. 

The WCC is NOT of God and has no biblical moorings. It has also been said that the WCC appears to publicly embrace liberal socialistic and communistic principles, and that they demonize Israel. 

One of their projects called Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) is allegedly anti-Semitic and is said to have promoted terror (see video clip).

The WCC has a pro-Roman Catholic, ecumenical agenda, whereby they are spreading their perverse philosophy throughout Christendom. They are a Trojan Horse, which is something that appears on the surface to be good (like a gift), but is intended secretly to undermine or bring about the downfall of an enemy or opponent -- and in this case the intended target is the Church. The WCC is leaven that is working mischief throughout the world. Beware of that leaven. They are working to replace true, biblical Christianity with a hybrid form of Christianity inevitably leading to Roman Catholic / Luciferian power.

Scriptural Warnings
We have been warned about this in Scripture by Paul the apostle:

"For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things." (Php 3:18-19)

"I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." (Act 20:29-31)

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." (1Ti 4:1-2)

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." (2Th 2:9-12)

"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [i.e., the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction," (2Th 2:1-3, NASB77). Bracketed, italicized text added for clarity.

Closing Words
This organization is part of the New Age-New World Order that I have written against publicly. There are around 350 church groups or denominations are a part of the WCC*, who together represent more than half a billion Christians around the world. It is a syncretistic group combining together the doctrines of demons that even blaspheme our God, tolerating an enormous number of heretical beliefs such as the ordination of practicing homosexuals. They embrace demonic worship and pagan ceremonies, as seen at their 1991 WCC Seventh Assembly in Australia (see video clip). It is the beast religion or the religion of the beast that will probably be pushed by the antichrist. They are seeking to bring the whole world under the control of the New World Order. They are seeking to save the earth apart from Christ. They want to make “saving the earth” to seem more important than saving you soul. Therefore, take heed and beware of this group.

Footnote: According to the WCC website: "WCC member churches can be found in all regions of the world and include most of the world's Orthodox churches (Eastern and Oriental), as well as African Instituted, Anglican, Assyrian, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, Old-Catholic, Pentecostal, Reformed, United/Uniting and Free/Independent churches, Disciples of Christ and Friends (Quakers)."

Attribution notice: Most Scriptures takes from the NIV Holy Bible, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Some Scriptures from the NASB where noted, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.  WCC logo used per the Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, I recommend New Age-New World Order, Pope Establishes One World ReligionPagan Symbols of the Popes, and The False Gospel Without Repentance. You may access more of my articles on the Main Directory of this blog, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

The Truth About the Roman Catholic Church

Pagan phallic symbol at the Vatican
I am a formerly devout, confirmed Roman Catholic, who served as an altar boy for several years, and later as a lector (reader) at mass. I have visited the Vatican and stood there in the crowd as Pope John Paul gave a general address to the audience back in around 1982. In my previous articles, I have revealed the shocking truth about the Roman Catholic Church from a theological, doctrinal, practical, traditional, and moral perspective. As an insider with first-hand knowledge and experience, I write these things in love, with the hopes that those who are still in that religion would know the truth that will set them free. In this post, I would like to make all those past articles available in one place for those who want to do some in-depth research or share this information with a friend or loved one for their information.


If you will take the time to read each of these posts prayerfully, and do your research in the Bible, in Church history, and in other authentic, verifiable sources to see if these things are really true, you will discover that what I am telling you is the honest truth. When I say prayerfully, I mean you need to pray and ask God to show you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.

The Roman Catholic Church is corrupt from top to bottom and is run like the mafia, which I can say based on reliable sources within the Catholic Church itself. I am not referring to some isolated incident or some trifling doctrinal difference that I have with the church. This is an occult, Babylonian religion that will lead you down to hell. It is not the true Christian Church that was started by Christ, and which we read about in the New Testament. It's a phony imitation of the Church -- a whore church -- that has satan's fingerprints and designs all over it. It certainly has enough documented, factual evidence of systematic sexual abuse going back over the past thousand years to be considered a perverted sex cult.

Therefore, in my opinion it is not something that we should seek to reform, since its leadership has already had many opportunities to do so in the past and failed miserably. Despite all the precious, sincere, well-meaning people who are a part of it without knowing any better, and who may consider themselves to be true lovers of God, the fact is that it is a satanic sect, which you need to escape from for the sake of your own soul and the souls of your family members. God loves each one of you and doesn't want you to perish.

Think about it. If I am wrong, then when you do your research, beginning with the links above, you can prove to your own satisfaction that I am wrong based on Scripture and historical facts. In that case, you would have nothing to worry about. But if I'm right, which I know I am with God as my witness, then the stakes are high and your soul depends on what I have presented to you here. If you really want to know the truth, then you will not be disappointed. Either way, no matter what you do, you will find out the truth at the judgment seat of Christ. Find out now before it's too late!

Author's note: If you enjoyed this article, I recommend Angelica Zambrano's First Visit to Hell and Angelica Zambrano's Second Visit to Hell. I also recommend watching Sister Charlotte- A Nun's Testimony.I also suggest visiting the Ivarjed website that has a photo journal of some horrible acts of paganism in the Catholic Church, and Jack Chick's page on Catholicism. My testimony of how I came to know Christ is found in my article called The Truth Set Me Free!. I also recommend my daughter's poem, The Dazzling Wine of Deception. You may access more of my articles on the Main Directory of this blog, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Pope Establishes One World Religion

When the Pope arrived for his 2015 visit to the US, people chanted as if worshiping him when he disembarked from the plane. He was greeted at the foot of the stairs by Barack Obama, who at that time held the office of US President. The news report said he was the "rock star pope", because of his popularity.

On September 24, 2015, the Pope addressed a joint session of the US Congress, which is the first time this has ever occurred in history. He did so upon invitation from the leaders of Congress. Behind him at the podium sat two of the most prominent Catholics in the country, Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker John Boehner. And the Pope later met with Barack Obama privately. The White House would not say what the two of them discussed, and there was nobody in the room with them except for translators.

Could it be that in this meeting, the Pope discussed plans for a one world order with a one world religion? It is certainly possible, based on the words he spoke in his address before Congress and his actions later at an ecumenical gathering in New York City.

Pope's Address Before Congress
Pope Francis Addresses Congress, September 2015
First, I would like to quote from the text of the Pope's Congressional speech to provide proof that the he did in fact call for a one world religion of peace.

"Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities, committed even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind. A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms. But there is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners. The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps. We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject."

"Our response must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace and justice. We are asked to summon the courage and the intelligence to resolve today’s many geopolitical and economic crises. Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples. We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good."

"The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States. The complexity, the gravity and the urgency of these challenges demand that we pool our resources and talents, and resolve to support one another, with respect for our differences and our convictions of conscience."

"In this land, the various religious denominations have greatly contributed to building and strengthening society. It is important that today, as in the past, the voice of faith continue to be heard, for it is a voice of fraternity and love, which tries to bring out the best in each person and in each society. Such cooperation is a powerful resource in the battle to eliminate new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus."

"Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves, but I encourage you in this effort."

"This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation."

"...in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost."

"It goes without saying that part of this great effort is the creation and distribution of wealth."

"In Laudato Si’, I call for a courageous and responsible effort to 'redirect our steps' (ibid., 61), and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a 'culture of care' (ibid., 231) and 'an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature' (ibid., 139)."

"It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same."

" A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind..."

"Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world."

Now let's take these words he spoke to Congress and couple them together with what he did in New York City.

Pope's New York City Ecumenical Meeting
Indeed, the one world religion is rising. During his visit to the US, the Pope met with leaders of many different world religions in New York City to talk about healing. The pope prayed for peace with those religious leaders, which shows that he wants to bring all religions together. At that event, the people were singing a song about peace.

This is not the first time such an event has happened. Pope John Paul II did the same sort of thing at the Interreligious Talks in Assisi in 1986, and so did Pope Benedict at the 25th Interreligious Talks in 2011, which I wrote about in my article, New Age-New World Order.

Pope's Address at Ground Zero
As he spoke at the Interreligious Meeting at Ground Zero in New York City, he said that the we must build global unity on the basis of our diversity of religions. He said, "For all our differences and disagreements, we can experience a world of peace. In opposing every attempt to create a rigid uniformity, we can and must build unity on the basis of our diversity of languages, cultures and religions, and lift our voices against everything which would stand in the way of such unity. Together we are called to say “no” to every attempt to impose uniformity and “yes” to a diversity accepted and reconciled."

Pope's Address to St. Patrick's Cathedral
As he began his address to the audience gathered to hear him at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, he made a reference to his "Muslim brothers and sisters." This assumes that those of the Muslim faith are brothers and sisters with those who follow Christ, but this is not a biblical concept. For more on this, please see my article, Children of God.

Personal Relationship with Jesus is Dangerous
Incidentally, I also want to make you aware of the fact that the Pope has stated that it is dangerous to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This statement of his goes directly against Scripture. At his weekly Wednesday address to a general audience of 33,000 people in January 2014, he said, "There are those who believe you can have a personal, direct, and immediate relationship with Jesus Christ outside the communion and mediation of the Church. These temptations are dangerous and harmful. They are, in the words of the great Pope Paul VI, 'absurd dichotomies.'"

Moreover, he has described fundamentalist Christians as mentally ill. The following are excerpts from an article on LifeSite, in which several reporters heard the Pope saying these things on the papal plane in November 2015:

Fundamentalism is a sickness that is in all religions,” Francis said, as reported by the National Catholic Reporter’s Vatican correspondent, Joshua McElwee, and similarly by other journalists on the plane.  “We Catholics have some — and not some, many — who believe in the absolute truth and go ahead dirtying the other with calumny, with disinformation, and doing evil.”
They do evil,” said the pope. “I say this because it is my church.”
We have to combat it,” he said. “Religious fundamentalism is not religious, because it lacks God. It is idolatry, like the idolatry of money.”

The Pope had also said previously in 2014 that “A fundamentalist group, even if it kills no one, even it strikes no one, is violent. The mental structure of fundamentalism is violence in the name of God.”

This helps to explain what kind of one-world religion he is advocating. It embraces all religions, except those which believe and teach that you can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ without the mediation of the Catholic Church. If you are a fundamentalist who believes that God's Word is absolutely true, then you don't fit into his one-world religion, because he believes that you are "sick," "violent," "doing evil," and that he must "combat" you.

Prophecies Regarding the False Prophet and Beast
The Pope was Time magazine's Person of the Year in their December 2015 edition. Interestingly, in the cover photo of him, the top of the letter "M" in "TIME" was positioned in exactly the right spot to make it appear as if he had tiny lamb's horns on his head.

It reminds me of the verse about the false prophet that says, "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon." (Rev 13:11).

In my opinion, Pope Francis definitely fits this description. Amazingly, when he was first introduced as the new Pope on March 13, 2013 (numerically written 3-13-13), the shadow of his head had two small horns on it (pictured below). I also find it amazing that the date of that announcement and the chapter number (13) of the book of Revelation describing him are the same. (For more on his role, please see my article, Pope Francis Supports Homosexuality). 

That same passage in Revelation 13 tells us about the relationship the false prophet will have with the first beast. "He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed." (Rev 13:12)

What is so ironic about this passage is that the very next verse that continues to describe the false prophet, which is 13:13, is just like the date that Pope Francis was announced on 3-13-13. It says: "And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people."  (Rev 13:13). The pronoun "it" in this verse refers back to the false prophet mentioned in verse 12. And verse 14 also confirms that this is about the false prophet, because it says that he has power to perform signs on behalf of the first beast.

Announced as new Pope on March 13. 2013
In order to find out what the first beast is like, we go to the beginning of the same chapter, which states: 

"And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain." (Rev 13:1-8)

This is the description of the first beast, who will amaze the whole earth by his fatal wound that was healed. He will have authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. All who dwell on earth whose names are not in the Book of Life will worship him. This is the antichrist ruler that the false prophet will work closely with. He is also called "the son of destruction" by the apostle Paul.

In speaking about the coming of the day of the Lord, Paul said, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God." (2Th 2:3-4). He meant that before the day of the Lord comes, there will first be a great falling away of those who profess Christ, and the son of destruction will be revealed on earth. The man of lawlessness will come to the fore and take his seat.

The Nature of the One-World Religion for "Peace"
You need to understand that ecumenism and the one-world religion for peace is the goal of the Roman Catholic Church. At a “world peace” gathering in Fatima, Portugal, where each year people from religions around the world convene to pray to Mary (known as "Our Lady of Fatima" and "Our Lady of Peace"), Jesuit priest Jacques Dupuis defined the nature of this religion when he stated:

"The religion of the future will be a general converging of religions in a universal Christ that will satisfy all. The other religious traditions in the world are part of God’s plan for humanity and the Holy Spirit is operating and present in Buddhist, Hindu and other sacred writings of Christian and non-Christian faiths as well. The universality of God’s kingdom permits this, and this is nothing more than a diversified form of sharing in the same mystery of salvation."

Putting it All Together
We can learn a lot from the words the Pope spoke during his address to Congress and from his actions at the Inter-religious prayer gathering in New York City in 2015. In his address to a joint session of Congress, he emphasized the following points:

  1. Guard against fundamentalism: "No religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind."
  2. Guard against seeing the world as good and evil, righteous and sinners, and instead blur the lines: "...we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners...we [must] confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps."
  3. Join together to bring hope and world peace: "Our response must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace...Being at the service of dialogue and peace..."
  4. Join together as one in a global brotherhood with solidarity for common good: "We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good."
  5. All religious denominations and all people must cooperate together globally as one: "The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation...the various religious denominations...the voice of faith...is a voice of fraternity and love, which tries to bring out the best in each person and in each society. Such cooperation is a powerful resource in the battle to eliminate new global forms of slavery..."
  6. We must have a new global consensus (i.e., general agreement among society worldwide): "...grave injustices...can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus."
  7. We need unity and solidarity among the global community in order to share in peace: "...our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace... a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost... It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same...with the interests of all in mind
  8. We need to redistribute the wealth: "...the creation and distribution of wealth."
  9. We need to save the earth from destruction by humans: "...avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity."
  10. We need world peace: "...to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world...[and] the abolition of the death penalty."
I ask you to consider these ten points together with his words at Ground Zero that we must build global unity on the basis of our diversity of religions, so that we can experience world peace, and that we must raise our voices against everything that would hinder such unity. Consider how he refers to Muslims as brothers and sisters, and how tolerant he is of all religions.

Consider how negatively he views those people who believe you can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ without the mediation of the Catholic Church, and how leery he is of every type of fundamentalism, including the religious kind, which he seems to equate with ideological extremism. Keep in mind that he did not exclude from his black list those Christians that are deemed to be fundamentalists, who believe the Bible is actually true, but in fact considers them to be sick, violent, evil doers that he must fight against. Recall the horrific persecution of Protestant Christians throughout history by the Catholic Church, especially by the Jesuits who are avowed enemies of Protestant Christian liberty. Remember that the Pope himself is a Jesuit. Learn from history that one of the Jesuits' crucial tactics, which they have used successfully against their Protestant enemies, and are still using, is to infiltrate their ranks and undermine them from within. Of course, it is well-documented that another one of their key tactics is to persecute the Protestants, even unto death.

I am one of many who believes the Pope will join hands with a political world leader to establish a one world religion of peace, which may have already occurred at this point, in light of all that took place during his 2015 visit to the United States. This one world religion is going to be accepted by all the political leaders of the world, because it promotes and guarantees peace. Many Christians will also embrace it. Beware, people! Don't be deceived by it along with the masses.

Jesus said, "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division." (Luk 12:51)

The apostle Paul wrote, "While they are saying, 'Peace and safety!' then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape." (1 Thes 5:3)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Photos of pope used according to Fair Use Act that allows their use for educational and commentary purposes. Federal Law allows citizens to reproduce, distribute, or exhibit portions of copyrighted motions pictures, video tapes, or video discs without authorization of the copyright holder. This infringement of copyright is called "Fair Use", and is allowed for purposes of criticism, news reporting, teaching, and parody. For the full transcript of the Pope's messages at these gatherings, please see this link.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, I recommend New Age-New World OrderPagan Symbols of the Popes, Pope Francis Supports Homosexuality, Former Pope in Hell Declared a Saint,  and Unbiblical Practices of the Catholic Church. I also suggest visiting this site about the Jesuit Vatican.  You may access more of my articles on the Main Directory of this blog, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Unbiblical Practices of the Russian Orthodox Church

Saint Basil's Cathedral, Red square, Moscow
During Moscow's Victory Day parade on Red Square in May 2015, the Kremlin cleverly staged a deceptive publicity stunt. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu entered the square to inspect the awaiting troops, standing in the back of an open car. He was driven through the gate in the Spasskaya Tower, and the car slowed down as it passed beneath the giant icon of Jesus in the tower. There beneath the portrait with St. Basil’s Cathedral to his right, Shoigu, made the sign of the cross before putting his headgear back on. Since this man is not a Christian, but a Buddhist, this carefully orchestrated act of veneration was probably not an expression of sincere devotion on his part. Rather it shows how important it is to President Putin to promote Russian Orthodoxy. Putin, a former KGB member, claims to be a man of faith and his administration has also consistently sought closer relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Although there is currently a resurgence of interest in the Russian Orthodox Church, it is just as much of a false religion as the Roman Catholic Church.  In fact, these two major religions are inseparably connected. The Russian Orthodox religion has most of the same unbiblical practices and doctrines as Roman Catholicism. Don't be fooled by it. The primary difference is that Russian Orthodoxy refuses to recognize the pope in Rome as their leader, and instead has its own patriarch in Moscow. However, Putin himself, an Orthodox Christian, has gone to meet with the Pope three times in the past six years, most recently in June 2015, demonstrating his desire to strengthen ties between the Vatican and Russia, and improve relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches.

While there has historically been a great division between these two religions, they have the same sinful practices of Mary worship, image worship, and priests as mediators. Therefore, if you are in this Russian Orthodox religion, I am here to warn you that it is not of God. If you stay in that Church, you will not make it to heaven. Please take the time to read my previous article about the Unbiblical Practices of the Catholic Church. The same things I said there apply to your religion, too. And please also read Messages from the Lord for Catholics Worshipping Idols.

One Mediator
The way to God is through Jesus Christ alone, not through Mary, the saints, or the priests.

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'" (Joh 14:6)

"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Ti 2:5)

No Idolators in Heaven
In his 2013 visit with the Pope, Putin brought him an icon of the Madonna as a gift, and they both took turns kissing it, joining together in their idolatry. However, no idolater will inherit the kingdom of God.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." (1Co 6:9-10)

The use of titles
The Orthodox Church is very hierarchical and uses many titles. For example, every single priest is called "Father." All such titles are completely unscriptural.

This was another main point in my blog on the clergy-laity distinction. As I stated there, we have only One Leader, and His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself taught us not to use titles like “Father,” “Leader,” or “Rabbi” to distinguish ourselves or set ourselves apart from other believers. He said, "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Mat 23:8-11). So we should not use titles of any kind, such as “Father,” “Bishop,” "Reverend," "Most Reverend," "Right Reverend," etc.  The Lord doesn't know you by that.  He knows you by your name. You shouldn’t let anyone address you with titles, and you should not address anyone with titles.

You Must Be Born Again
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (Joh 3:3). Please read You Must Be Born Again.

Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. The photo of Saint Basil's Cathedral, Red square, Moscow by Ludvig14.

Author's note:  Don't miss Unbiblical Practices of the Catholic Church, Angelica Zambrano's First Visit to Hell, Angelica Zambrano's Second Visit to Hell, Messages from the Lord for Catholics Worshipping Idols, and Visitation of Jesus to Samuel Oghenetega. You may also like the other posts in this blog, such as Exposing Heresy, Accurately Handling the Word of Truth, Tradition vs. Truth, and Former Pope in Hell Declared a Saint. You may access more of my articles on the Main Directory of this blog, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Monday, January 4, 2016

The Cult of Mormonism

Today I would like to expose the cult of Mormonism. Regrettably, I don't think preachers in churches are exposing cults like this. If preachers don't warn people about cults, then they will become easy prey to those who actively work to bring people into these false religions.

One thing that makes the Mormons even more deceptive to unsuspecting Christians is that they claim to be genuine Christians. In fact, they call themselves the Church of Jesus Christ, the Latter Day Saints (LDS). Therefore, I would like to give you some solid proof that Mormonism is indeed a cult, in order to remove any doubts you may have about that. Just before my conclusion below, I have posted three videos that are well-worth watching, and are the highlight of this article. But first let me make a few brief points in preface to the videos.

Another Testament of Jesus Christ
They do believe in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Bible, God's Word, "as far as it is translated correctly." However, they do not believe the Bible has been correctly translated, but that it has been corrupted. That essentially negates the Bible as far as they are concerned, since they don't believe it is reliable.

Moreover, they have added another book -- the Book of Mormon, which they claim is "another Testament of Jesus Christ." However, that is a lie. It is not another testament. It was written by Joseph Smith, the founder of their religion, who is a false prophet that claims he received an angelic visitation with this revelation.

The Book of Mormon is full of lies that contradict the Word of God, and the Word of God is our sole rule of faith. The reformers referred to this guideline as Sola Scriptura. For more on this, please read my article, Scripture Alone.

The Bible warns us about adding to Scripture.

The apostle Paul said, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!" (Gal 1:8-9)

In the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, we are warned not to add to or take away anything from the words of that prophecy. "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book." (Rev 22:18-19)

Little gods
Mormon Temple in Utah
They believe we can become gods in the afterlife. This goes completely against Scripture, which says there is one God. Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord...” (Mar 12:29). The apostle Paul said, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph 4:4-6). For more on this, please see my article, Are We Really Little gods?

Mormonism teaches an infinite regression of causes.  This means it teaches that each god was made a god by a previous god. This is refuted by Matt Slick: Logical Proof that Mormonism is False.

Polygamy Required to Become Gods
Although Mormons have abandoned the practice of polygamy in order to attain Utah's statehood in the United States, polygamy and eternal marriage are still required to become gods. For more on this, you can read about their beliefs on polygamy here.

Furthermore, while polygamy is still technically illegal in Utah, according to the state's constitution, the law has been changed there, so that it is not longer considered a crime. It is illegal in a similar sense that speeding or failing to stop at a red light are illegal. It is now a minor infraction and not a criminal act.

Lucifer and Jesus
They believe Lucifer was Jesus’ brother. This is a lie, because Lucifer is a created being, originally created as a high-ranking cherub angel. Jesus is God and was not created. So there is no way they can be brothers. Please see my articles: The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music and The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician.

Adam was God
Brigham Young is Mormonism’s ‘prophet,’ who taught in his official capacity that the first man Adam, and God the Father, were one and the same being. That is also false, according to the Bible, since Adam was a created being, who fell into sin. On the contrary, God is eternally existent and holy, without sin. This topic is covered by Let Us Reason (my sharing the link to this article does not constitute endorsement of the "Let Us Reason" ministry).

Jesus a Created Being
They believe that Jesus is a created being and worked His way to godhood. That is false, according to the Bible. Scripture says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (Joh 1:1). This passage is clearly referring to Jesus the Word of God who was God in the beginning, before the world was created, prior to His incarnation. He declared of Himself that "before Abraham was born, I AM." (Jn 8:58). The expression in the original Greek is ego eimi, "I AM". That is the same name that God used when He identified Himself to Moses at the burning bush as the Great I AM. Also in Colossians 1:15-20, Paul clearly states that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. And the apostle wrote in Hebrews 1:1-3 that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. There are countless other passages we could site to prove that Jesus was not a created being who worked His way to godhood as the Mormons falsely teach. Please see my articles: Is Jesus God? and The Holy Trinity.

Official Doctrines Not to Be Questioned
The LDS Scriptural Canon
Its early leaders made it very clear that the doctrines they taught were official doctrines, and were not to be questioned as Mormonism’s leaders do today. This topic is covered by Let Us Reason (my sharing the link to this article does not constitute endorsement of the "Let Us Reason" ministry).

Masonic Handshakes and Penalties
In Mormonism, they are taught that the only way you can live in the presence of Heavenly Father is to participate in temple worship. But in order to participate in temple worship, something known as a temple recommend is required before a Mormon can go through a two-part initiation called a temple endowment ceremony. The person who participates in the temple initiation ceremony is called a participant in the endowment.

During this endowment ceremony, someone pretending to be God stands hidden behind the veil of what is supposed to be the Holy of Holies, asking the participant certain questions, as well as reaching out their hand to do certain secret handshakes with the participant, which are the same kind used by Freemasons. That is occult behavior. 

Moreover, during the ceremony an oath was formerly made that was essentially a "blood oath" like that of the Freemasons. The participant was required to perform a slashing hand gesture with the thumb sticking out like a knife across the throat, stating that this is what should be done to them if they ever revealed the secrets of the endowment ceremony. They were also required to make a similar hand gesture across their gut with the same sort of oath. These were known as penalties (i.e., penalty of death) for those who broke secrecy, but they have since been removed, as the LDS has sought to appear more like a mainline Christian denomination and less like a cult. 

The information in this section was shared by a former Mormon high priest named Michael Wilder, who testified on Delafe Testimonies that he had been a dedicated Mormon for over 30 years before coming out and being born again as a new creation in Christ. He reported that he felt physically ill when he went through the endowment ceremony, and others in the comments likewise shared that they also felt ill with nausea and/or headaches while being initiated into the temple.

The participants who go through the endowment are basically trying to save themselves, so that they can be pure and clean, and so they can have the knowledge necessary to live with Heavenly Father. Then once they complete the ceremony they are encouraged to come back again and again to repeat the ceremony on behalf of their ancestors, in order to endow the dead who are in "spirit prison" so that they can be saved, too, and get to live with Heavenly Father. Saving the dead is an unbiblical practice along with the secret handshakes, blood oaths known as penalties, and saving yourself.

Saved by Grace After All You Can Do
Mormons teach that you are "saved by grace after all you can do." However, the Bible teaches us that salvation is a free gift that God has given us in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8). You cannot earn it, but can only receive it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (Joh 3:16).

Salvation Only Through the LDS Church
The Mormons will tell you that salvation comes only through their church and in no other way. In fact, Christ is not even in the whole Book of Mormon, except for one little section of third Nephi. Yet Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Joh 14:6). It is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior that you are saved, not through a religion. You don't need to be a member of the Mormon Church in order to receive salvation. In other words, you don't need the Mormon authority in order to make it to heaven.

No Cross or Blood of Jesus Preached
Moreover, Michael Wilder also stated that in over 30 years as a Mormon, he never once heard a sermon on the cross or the blood of Jesus. He said that the Mormon religion believes the atonement happened in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus' sweat was like great drops of blood. The reason they don't preach the cross or the blood is because that is the power of God unto salvation. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18).

Many Titles
Since it is a religion that caters to and appeals to the ego (especially male ego) and pride, there are many offices and titles, most of which are unbiblical. Depending on which denomination of Mormonism you are talking about, here is a list of titles used:

Aaronic priesthood, Melchizedek priesthood, High priest, Apostle, Bishop, Stake president, Deacons, Presiding Bishop, Presiding Bishopric (a council of three men), President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President of the Church, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Assistant President of the Church, Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Branch President, Common Council of the Church, Council of Fifty, Council of the Church, Council on the Disposition of the Tithes, Mission President, Prophet, seer, and revelator, Temple President, Regional representative of the Twelve, Elder, Patriarch, Seventy, Presidency of the Seventy, General Authority Seventies, First Counselor, Second Counselor, Senior President, Area President, Second Quorum of the Seventy, General President, High council, High council of Zion, Traveling High Council, Stake Council, Ward Council, Ward Youth Council, Ward Young Single Adult Committee, Missionary Coordination Meeting Relief Society President, Bishops' Welfare Council, and Common Council of the Church.

Moreover, it is an abomination in the sight of God to call any man a high priest, since we have only one High Priest, who is our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 4:15). And as the Scripture says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time." (1Ti 2:5-6).

Christian or Cult?
Biblical Discernment Ministries has an excellent article refuting Mormonism and proving that it is a cult (my sharing the link to this article does not constitute endorsement of "Biblical Discernment Ministries").

The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon
The following video is a thorough and scholarly analysis that puts the book of Mormon to the test against the Bible. In the following video documentaries, both books are examined. Geography, archaeology, history and geology are some of the points analyzed in these documentaries.


MP4

How Mormonism Contradicts the Bible


MP4

I highly recommend watching these videos. I cannot see how any true Christian could continue to be a Mormon after seeing these.

Putting it All Together
In this article, I have provided you with irrefutable proof that the Mormon religion is a cult. Joseph Smith was a false prophet. Anyone who is a part of this religion will not see God's face. It will take you down to hell. If you are a Mormon, then please repent right now and give your life to Jesus.

I challenge you to read the Bible as a child and ask God to show you the whole truth and nothing but the truth. See if you can prove solely from Scripture that the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone is not true, and that Mormonism is the true Church.

There is the only one way to be saved. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Joh 14:6, NIV). You must be born again by repenting of your sin and putting your faith in Him to save you. He died on the cross for you and shed his blood for your atonement. But your faith must be solely in Him, and not in anything else to save you, including your own good works. Repent and give your life to Jesus now before it's too late. And if you know someone who is a Mormon, please share this article with them, too.

There is no hate here or malice, but only love and the hope that precious souls whom the Lord Jesus died for will be saved.

See The Cult of Mormonism - Part II  

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, except where noted otherwise. The photos are in the public domain.

Author's note I also recommend reading You Must Be Born Again, Are We Really Little gods?, Scripture Alone, Accurately Handling the Word of Truth, Exposing Heresy, The Rise of Antichrists, The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music, The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician, Michael Thomas Sambo's Revelation of Heaven and Hell, By Grace Alone, and Righteousness by Faith not Law. You can access the Home page of this blog for more articles on Truth and heresy, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.