19. THEY WALK BY SIGHT

“…we ought not to imagine that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, like something sculptured by the art and contrivance of man.  True God overlooked the times of such ignorance, yet now he is telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent.”__  Ac 17:29; 2 Cor 5:7

While true Christians walk by faith apostate Christians do not. They walk by sight.  The cross is an inspirational piece use to keep Jesus close to their minds while the fish symbol is used to identify them as Christians.  True Christians would not be identified by a fish but rather by the love they have amongst themselves.  Apostates are unable to worship a God they cannot see, so they make for themselves graven images in what they believe to be God (i.e. Jesus).  Seeing a life-size graven image of Jesus who they claim is Almighty God with his hands stretched out in a welcome gesture at the entrance of their house of worship inspires them.  Another example of apostates walking by sight occurs on the Thursday before Good Friday.  A graven image of Jesus is placed on the church alter complete with a crown of thorn and fake blood running down its head.  Worshipers leave their seats and form a line in the aisle as one by one they pass by the graven image and kiss its feet, a priest wipes the area that was kissed for the next worshiper to do likewise; this practice is continued until the entire congregation as kissed the feet of the graven image of Jesus.  Still another example of apostates walking by sight is in their use of color cloths and flowers on the cross for inspiration.  E.g., Purple for Lent, Black for Good Friday, White for Easter, Red for Pentecost, and flowers on Easter Sunday.66  Seeing the cross which is usually stark, draped in cloths and flowers on these special occasions provide graphic visual symbols of sacred time as well as personal faith journeys.67   The instrument of Jesus death was a symbol of shame, because of walking by sight and needing to make a image of what they believe to be the instrument and see Jesus nailed to it, they expose him to public shame and impale him afresh. Heb 6:6b

Noteworthy: The crucifix and the fish, so-called sacred Christian symbols have roots in phallic worship.

THE CRUCIFIX:  “In ancient times the cross was used as a symbol in phallic (sex organ) worship.  Gods such as the Greek god Bacchus, the Tyrian Tammuz, the Chaldean Bel, and the Norse Odin, were all symbolized to their votaries by a cruciform device.”-  The Cross in Ritual, Architecture, and Art (London, 1900) G.s. Tyack, p.1.

THE FISH SYMBOL: “…The fish symbol has been used for millennia worldwide as a religious symbol associated with the Pagan Great Mother Goddess. It is the outline of her vulva… In the Middle East, the Great Goddess of Ephesus was portrayed as a woman with a fish amulet over her genitals. In Greece the Greek word "delphos" meant both fish and womb. The word is derived from the location of the ancient Oracle at Delphi who worshipped the original fish goddess, Themis. The later fish Goddess, Aphrodite Salacia, was worshipped by her followers on her sacred day, Friday. They ate fish and engaged in orgies… In later centuries, the Christian church adsorbed this tradition by requiring the faithful to eat fish on Friday…The symbol itself, the eating of fish on Friday and the association of the symbol with deity were all taken over by the early Church from Pagan sources. Only the sexual component was deleted.”__wikipedia. fish symbol  

The fish symbol has taken on added meaning.  The fish which supposedly showed that Christians identified with each other in their obedience to follow Christ is now being used as a rainbow fish pin by the Ministry with Lesbians and Gay Catholics as a symbol of homosexual solidarity.68   As the fish was associated with deity so it is associated with Jesus; and as the fish was used as a sex organ symbol so it is used by some Christians as a symbol of homosexual solidarity. If these Christians were obediently walking by faith as they should, they could not be accused of walking in the footsteps of pagans who use the fish in like manner. 

Noteworthy: It is a tactic of apostates to try and conquer a thing by co-opting it.  In the process they become corrupted by it. They are thoroughly corrupted by paganism; now they are bent on conquering the world and have become thoroughly corrupted by it as well. E.g., American Idol their version Christian Idol; Harry Potter their version Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe promoted as a milder version of Harry Potter.  They have Christianized idolatry and witchcraft.

20. THEY ARE IDOLATERS

“But as for the cowards and those without faith…and idolater…, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur…”  Rev. 21:8; Jo 4:23; Gal 5:19, 20; Rom 1:25; Eph 5:4, 5, 8 

“The images…of Christ, of the virgin Mother of God, and of the other saints, are to be...kept in churches and due honor be paid to them.” [Declaration of the Council of Trent 1545-63] This statement is in complete violation of God’s law. An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imaged.68b  Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love,  worship, or adoration of an idol.68c   It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence(as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature).68d  Idolatry generally involves some form,ceremony, or ritual.68e  Idols have no place in true worship. (2 Co 6:16; 1Co 10:14)  God does not tolerate any rivalry- the worship of any other gods.  Jehovah is a God exacting exclusive devotion. Jehovah is a jealous God.  Jehovah is jealous over his worship and forbids idolatry of all kinds, he is jealous over his Holy Name, over his people, and over righteousness.69  He will put to death all those practicing idolatry. (Num 25:11; Nah 1:2; Ex 34:14) There are three basic kinds of idolatry under which 99.9% of all idolatry falls:

Me, Myself, and I Idolatry -  With this kind of idolatry, self-interest is the major concern- putting self ahead of God or loving self more than God; idolizing oneself.  Selfishness is at the root of this kind of idolatry.  Covetousness and greed are two examples.____ 1 Cor 6:9,10

Religious Idolatry- Involves idolizing, venerating things found in the religious world. The most recognized religious symbol of Christendom, the cross; is an idol, an object of adoration.  The cross is an integral part of the religious worship of apostate Christians.26 The cross is used during prayer and during the Easter season it is adorned in white; it even has its own songs.   Although the bible admonishes Christians to flee from idolatry many of Christendom’s members see nothing wrong with idolizing the cross.  (see 2Ki 18:4; 1Jo 5:21; 1Co 10:14)  The use of the cross as an object of reverence or as an aid in worship is idolatry.  Not only are they practicing idolatry by venerating the cross, they are also practicing a lie.  The cross is not the instrument on which Jesus died.  Other idolatrous practices include:

• Venerate inanimate objects (pledge allegiance to, salute, sing songs of praise to, given worshipful honors, etc)   -
  

E.g., The Host (wafer that represents Christ body), the Cross, church

flags, national emblems etc. - The flag is to nationalism as the cross is to

Christendom, idols...sacred objects of adoration.  “We recommend that

the Church of God have a flag that is unique to and for the church of

God…A flag that is honored and revered from God’s Holy Word.”

thechurchofGod.org

• Creature Worship -
  

1.  Venerating men -e.g.,saints, clergymen, Icons and relics, tomb of

Mary, Pope, Mother Teresa, the dead,St. Patrick's Day etc.

2.  Mariolatry- Marian devotion, pilgrimages and homage to Marian

Shrines, Marian hour, Marian cults;

      3. Deification of nature- Mother’s Day/venerate motherhood, Women’s

(venerate/honor= e.g. icons -incensed, kissed, carried in procession);

• The worship of other gods besides Yahweh (Jehovah) -
  

E.g., Replacing God with Jesus; "saints"; man-made images;

pagan gods and goddess that corresponds to a patron saint are

disguised under that saint and worshiped; worship of angels;

• Idolize Seasons –
  

E.g. Fall festivals, fall flags;  Spring (Easter Sunday aka resurrection

Sunday is associated with spring's rebirth and celebrated)

• Use of material objects of devotion (sacramentals) to bring safety and blessing to themselves and to their homes instead of putting full trust in God-
  

E.g., Pins, statues and icons, rosaries, crucifixes, shrines and pictures,

• Idolizing organizations and nations- 
  

E.g., The United Nations, honoring the nation of Israel, Independence

Day Festival (patriotic holiday) such as 4th of July Church gala

All such things are detestable to the Father God; they are symbols of jealousy. (Ezek 8:5; Lev 26:1; 2Co 6:16)  Christians are not permitted to render sacred service to God’s creation, nor are they permitted to venerate graven images or the person represented by the image, regardless of whether they are placed after God.  What determines whether a statue or picture is displeasing to the Father?70  This:  Is it reverenced or worshiped; perhaps candles or food being placed before it, as in some countries?71 Does it portray a pagan symbol such as the Nimbus (halo)?72 Do people kneel, bow, or stand before it and pray?73 Is it an integral part of religious worship?74  “If you act perversely, making a carved image in one shape or another, doing what displeases Yahweh and angers him, on that day I will call heaven and earth to witness against you;….you shall be utterly destroyed. ( Deut 4:25, 26 JB; Ro 1:25) At Ex. 20:4, 5, God commanded that his people not even make an image before which people would bow down.75 Not only have they ignored God’s command at Exodus 20:4,5 and Deuteronomy 4:25 they have also ignored his command spoken through an apostle at 1 Jo 5:21, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”

[Note: Even though the Bible warns Christians against rendering sacred service to God’s creation the vast majority have ignored that warning. (Romans 1:25, 32)  See rotten fruit #30 for what constitutes sacred service.]

Worldly Idolatry-  Idolizing things found in the world, e.g., rulers, countries, national emblems, organizations, singers, actors, and individuals who excel in sports.  The pledge of allegiance, patriotic songs, national emblems [e.g., flag/eagle], and patriotic holidays [e.g. 4th of July] help to breed this “spirit of idolatry” that permeates the world and are all means Satan uses to get people to worship their respective country.  National emblems like religious emblems are reverenced (worshiped).  Nationalism and patriotism are subtle forms of idolatry.  The flag is to nationalism as the cross is to Christendom---idols. Sacred of objects of adoration.  Tattooing the flesh is also considered idolatry, likely because of being linked with prevailing idolatrous practices.76  People tend to tattoo on themselves things they idolize; a girlfriend, 666, a swastika.  The world sees tattoos as: rebellious, sexy, as well as spiritual.  Getting faith symbol tattoos is another way apostate Christians try to assimilate into the culture of the world.  “…and you must not put tattoo markings upon yourselves. I am Jehovah.”  (Lev 19:28)  The land is polluted with idolatry.  There is no place for idolaters in God’s kingdom.  Will false religions stop practicing idolatry?  Is the road to life small and narrow? ___ Matt 7:14

21. THEY DABBLE IN SPIRITISM

“And he cried out with a strong voice, saying: ‘She has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen, and she has become a dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhalation…..for by her spiritistic practice all the nations were misled.”  Rev 18:2, 23; Deut 18:10-12

“..and they did not repent of their murders nor of their spiritistic practices nor of their fornication...”  Rev 9: 21

Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religions, has misled the nations of the earth by her spiritistic practice.  Christendom which is the dominant part of Babylon the Great has misled the Christian world by her spiritistic practice.   Many apostate Christians are fascinated by the mysticism and exotic aura of spiritism.  Some do it for the entertainment while others, unable to get answers to their problems through prayer, seek it from the spirit realm.  A number of Christendom’s members read books on spiritism and binding others with spells, watch occult movies, and attend magic shows.  [e.g. Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe--(blends Christian teaching with occult symbols); Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Harry Potter, Hansel and Gretel, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Annemarie’s Baby, Jason, Pet Cemetery, The Dead Zone, The Ghost of Christmas Past, Scrooged, etc.].  Some even go to a meeting where a medium seeks to contact the spirit world.  Astrology [e.g. reading the horoscope] is another popular form of spiritism practiced by Christendom’s members worldwide. Other examples include:

• Consulting Psychics,  Witchcraft,  New Age Movement
  

• Hypnotism, Obeah, Voodo, Ouija Board
  

• Divination (e.g. astrology, numerology, palmistry)
  

• Crystal-ball gazing, Fortune Telling, Tarot Cards
  

• Necromancy, Sciomancy, Dream Interpret/Dream Cards
  

• Santeria, Socery, Macumba, Horoscope, Magic
  

• Zodiac (consulted for advice on financial matters, travel plans, career moves, wedding dates, military strategies, and identifying prospective mates).
  

Spiritistic Practices Condone by Christendom's Churches

A. Halloween -   Halloween, second in popularity to Christmas, is directly linked to spiritism. Some, because of their love of pleasure are unwilling to give up this dark night and like those before them, they change the name to “Hallelujah Night”.   Some churches will have a pumpkin party on Halloween.

B. Necromancy and Sciomancy-

Necromancy- a form of divination that involves summoning the dead

Sciomancy- a form of divination that involves the observation of or even communication with ghost

Ways in which Necromancy and Sciomancy are practiced among

apostate Christians include the following:

• Exorcisms
  

• Calling upon the dead (through prayer to dead relatives and friends) to intercede on their behalf.
  

• Removing the dead (e.g., priests) from their graves and having a “mystical experience” with the corpse.
  

• Going to the graves of dead loved ones and carrying on a one-way conversation with the dead; asking for guidance from the dead, etc
  

• Having visions of the dead and communicating with the dead in the visions.
  

" Some Christian clergy are perhaps responsible for the propagation and the ongoing practice of necromancy, even though it is forbidden in the Bible. It is apparent that necromancy was a method of witchcraft available to the scholarly of Europe, because of the accessibility, language, knowledge, and methods it employs.  There are confessions of some clergy members themselves professing a history of experience with necromancy.....The confessions of clergy members regarding necromancy clearly illustrate that there was a range of spell casting and related magical experimentation among the clergy.....The probable reason that clerics were dabbling in the dark arts is that the evolution of natural and spiritual magic was slow, leaving the church divided in its tolerances...It is possible to trace Christian ritual and "prayer" and its subsequent mutant forms of utility and healing prayer/spells to full-blown necromancy."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necormancy#spread_of_necormancy_in_Christianity

" The Church does not deny that, with special permission of God, the souls of the departed may appear to the living, and even manifest things unknown to the latter."

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10735a.htm Necromancy in the Christian era

Some Christian sects believe there are rear instances where God will allow the dead to come and ask for prayer from the living.   While others believe they are spirits in physical bodies and at death they the spirit leaves the body and tarry on the earth [walk about on the earth invisible to most humans but can be seen by a few] until judgment.  Apostates will interpret the bible around sciomancy beliefs e.g. the spirit medium of Endor.

C. Worship of the dead –  a particular sect of Christendom is known to put certain of their dead in a glass sarcophagus for the faithful to venerate, pray to dead loved ones who’ve passed on, as well hold a Mass to honor the dead (e.g. Pius). 

D. Tolerating the syncretism of native spiritistic practices from Africa with elements of Catholic liturgy and paraphernalia – the result, a number of Christendom’s members are also members of religions that practice outright spiritism [e.g., voodoo, Santeria, witchcraft, spiritist institutions, etc.]

E. Speaking in unintelligible tongues/being slain in the spirit- are common practices of Christendom’s spiritist churches and “Christian spiritist”. 

F. All Soul’s Day (the day of the dead)- A number of Christendom’s members welcome the dead into their homes on All Soul’s Day and leave food on the graves of the dead.

G. New Age – Astral projections [near death experiences/out of body experiences], reincarnation, centering prayers, yoga, martial arts, transcendental meditation, collective consciousness, spirit guides and helpers, channeling, gemstones and crystals etc.

H. Superstitious fear- Take the following for example: if you are caught outside of a church midnight New Years Eve bad luck will follow you throughout the year; Friday the 13th; breaking a mirror means 7 years bad luck; sounds of bells drive away demons; wear red to ward off evil; when someone dies, windows must be open to let the soul out;  a pregnant woman should not go to a funeral; opening the Bible at the head of a baby will prevent demons or the dead from playing with or harming the child.

I. Religious Mysticism- 1) having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence 2) hoax 3) beyond human understanding 4) of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites:  occult  5) having magical properties

Christendom’s churches strongly believe in mysticism.  There are immense differences between the sacred secrets of God and the secrets of mystery religions.

Examples of Mystical practices and beliefs:

• Icons that bleed or cry;  Unicorns, Flying deer/reindeer
  

• Miracle of the Bleeding Host ;  Eucharist-mystic food
  

• Mystic marriage;  [FSH] symbol ; Stigma; The Mass
  

• Perpetual virginity of Mary ; Trinitarianism/Binitarianism
  

• Miracle spring water; Hellfire doctrine/Dante’s Inferno
  

• The Bible Code;  Miracles of Fatima; Mystic Healing
  

• The Incarnation; Yoga
  

• Transubstantiation/Consubstantiation
  

• Mystical experience of the Inner Light
  

• Nimbus/Halo (astral mysticism in Christian artwork)
  

• Mystical objects( Holy Grail, Shroud of Turin)
  

• Contemplative prayer and meditation
  

• Humans are spirits in physical bodies
  

• Mystic Revivalism- (Members when caught up  in a state of ecstatic union with what they believe to be the holy spirit laugh uncontrollably, bark like dogs, fall to the ground, utter unintelligible sounds, hear inner voices, levitate, sweat blood, alleged prophesies and visions)
  

22. THEY SUBJECT THEIR CONVERTS TO GEHENNA [Eternal Destruction]

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  because you traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte [e.g. crusades], and when he becomes one you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves.”  Mt 23:15

Jesus foretold that after the death of the apostles a great apostasy…a massive falling away from true worship would occur.77  He said he had sowed good seeds [wheat/true Christians], but the enemy Satan, would over sew the field with weeds/bad Christians.78  Thus, a deviation from pure Christianity was to be expected until the harvest, when Jesus would set matters right by destroying the weeds and storing the wheat.79   (Matt 13:24-43) The apostasy was gradual, but in the 4th century C.E., it came into full bloom.80   In order to get heathens to accept Christianity the church tolerated syncretism, the absorption of heathen customs and beliefs dear to the people’s heart.81   Instead of conquering paganism, the adulterated church absorbed it.  (2 Pet 1:19-2:3)  It was during the 4th century that the custom of celebrating one’s birthday rejected by earlier Christians as pagan was accepted.82   It was also during the forth century that Christians began to celebrate Christmas.83   As pagan doctrines and customs continued to infiltrate Christianity, other scriptural teachings were also distorted or abandoned.84   One such distortion is the 4th century doctrine that God is a Trinity.85  Much of the doctrines fundamental to the Christian churches are built not on God’s Word (the Bible) but on pagan foundations and lies.86  A little leaven [sin/corruption] ferments the whole lump.  (Gal 5:9)  It only takes a little leaven for an entire body of Christians to be spoiled.  There is none righteous among them [apostate Christians]; no one who is doing good and is not sinning, not even one. (Rev 14:19, 20)  Apostate Christians are led by a clergy class “man of lawlessness” who instead of teaching the people the difference between a right thing and a wrong thing, join with them and practice badness. By abandoning true worship they have in effect shut up the kingdom of heaven before their members. Their proselytes [converts] have been converted to an adulterated church.  Like the Scribes and Pharisees, they subject their converts to Gehenna [hellfire] twice as much so as themselves.

23. THEY ARE A PART OF THE WORLD

“Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself and enemy of God.”  Jas 4:4

One of Christendom's clergy speaking of members of his own faith said, "They've assimilated into the culture of the world and absorbed it, becoming a part of it and imitating its ways."  This not only true of his faith but of other Christian faiths as well.  They've become friends with the world (the world of unbelieving mankind controlled by Satan or the mass of human society alienated from God) socially, politically, economically, and religiously.  For example:

• They seek its association socially.__1 Pet. 4: 3,4
  

• They give into its immoral fleshly desires.__ Mt. 5:27,28; 1Thes. 4:3-5
  

• They join with it in idolizing men and organizations.__Acts 12:21-23; 1Cor. 10:14; Rom. 1:25
  

• They share its disregard for the counsel of God.__1Thess. 4:7,8; Lu. 7:30; Col. 2:8
  

• They indulge in its dishonest way.__ Eph. 4:25,28; Titus 2:10; Heb. 13:18
  

• They copy the world in its materialistic pursuits.__ Mt. 6:19-33; 1Tim. 6:8-10; Lu. 12: 15-21
  

• They participate in its religious affairs.___ 2 Co. 6:14-17; Rev. 18: 4,5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5
  

• They manifest its corrupt mental inclination.__1 Co. 2:12; 2Tim. 2:1-5
  

• They copy its music style, its manner of dressing, and unrighteous manner of speech.__ 1Pet. 3:3,4; Tim. 2:9,10;  Eph. 4:29,31; Eph. 5:3,4; Titus 2: 7,8
  

• They imitate worldly class distinctions.__ 1Pet. 5:2,3; Mt. 20:25-28; Jas. 2:2-4
  

• They share its nationalistic outlook.__ Acts 17:26; Acts 10:34,35
  

• They get involved in its political affairs.__ Mt. 4:8-10; John 6:15; John 18:36
  

• They suffer from its fears.__ Lu. 21:15-31;  Mt. 10:28; Ps. 112:1,7,8
  

• They join the world in lining up under demonic control. ___Rev. 16:13,14;  Eph. 6:12
  

______List taken from: Make Sure Of All Things Hold Fast To What Is Fine. Friendship with the World.  pg. 197-202. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 1965

Christian religions, as well as Christians, are referred to as “worldly” not because they are in the world, but because they are a part of it.  By becoming a part of the world they fail to do what Jesus said would be vital in gaining entrance into the kingdom of the heavens; that is, doing the will of the Father. (Mt 7:21; Jo 4:23) “Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”1 Jo 2:15 

Why are Christians told to be no part of the world?  Because the whole world is lying in Satan’s power.  Satan is the ruler of the world-the world of unbelieving mankind under his control or the mass of human society alienated from God.  By becoming a part of the world they join the world in lining up under demonic control.87 (1 Jo 5:19)  “Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”(1 Jo 2:17)  Believing in God is not enough to be saved.  Doing God’s will is also required. It is God’s will that true Christians keep separate from the world. 

24. THEY ARE ANTI-CHRIST

“Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as (had) coming in the flesh.  This is the deceiver and the antichrist.”  2Jo 7; 1Jo 4:2, 3

Those to whom the term antichrist [a composite man] applies:

• Persons who deny that Jesus is truly the Messiah and the unique Son of God. (1 Jo 2:22)
  

• Those denying the Father and the Son.
  

• Apostate Christians [imitation,counterfeit Christians, pagan Christians]. (1 Jo 2:18, 19) 
  

• Those who oppose and persecute Christ true followers. (Jo 15:20, 21)
  

• Any not truly on Christ side.  Lu. 11:23; Matt 7:22,23
  

• Individuals who falsely claim the messianic role or who oppose Christ as king. 
  

• The wild beast and its image [the kingdoms of world]. (Ps 2:2)
  

• The Harlot Babylon the Great [the world empire of false religions]. (Rev 17:1-5)
  

-List taken from: Make Sure of All Things Hold Fast to What is Fine.  Antichrist.  Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Page 14,15

25. THEY MIX RELIGION AND POLITICS

“Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world the love of the father is not in him.”  1 Jo 2:15

Christ said of his disciples, “they are no part of the world just as I am no part of it.”  Although Jesus was in the world he did not get involved in its affairs.  Jesus, knowing they (the Jews) were going to seize him and make him king, withdrew into the mountains all alone. He wanted no part of it.  (Jo 6:15; Jo 18:36) Apostate Christians do not feel they are in the world if they are not a part of it.  Politics, which is a part of the world, is a major part of the religious life of apostate Christians.  It is very common to see clergymen and their members meddling in the political affairs of the nation in which they live, actively campaigning for or against candidates and social issues or running for political office, attempting to influence its decisions and to control its direction.88 “.. but you have disregarded weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binding to do…” (Matt 23:23; Jo 17:16; Col 1:13)  During Jesus temptations, Satan offered Jesus great political power [when he offered to give him all the governments of the world] and Jesus refused Satan's offer...Christ disciples would likewise refuse any offer of politcal power within Satan's kingdoms.  As ambassador of God's kingdom did Christ meddle in the political affairs of Israel?  Should ambassadors substituting for Christ [the church] meddle in the political affairs of the kingdoms in which they live?  By mixing religion and politics apostate Christians fail to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ…to be no part of the world as he was no part of it.__ James 4:4

Conflicts that arise when Christians get involved in the political process:

• Censorship on public airways (religious channels). The opposing party wants equal air time on social as well as political issues.
  

• Clergymen become targets by opposing party members and sometimes are gun down inside their churches.
  

• Clergymen change their interpretation of the Bible.  E.g. A well known religious clergyman made a public apology to Catholics who decided they will not vote for the party if this religious clergy is a public supporter of their candidate.  The clergyman recanted what he said which was, the Catholic church is the whore of Babylon, so as to get his candidate into office.
  

• Parliament chooses a pastor/patriarch who sides with their politcal party to govern the church.
  

26. THEIR PRIESTS INSTRUCT JUST FOR A PRICE

“.. and her own priest instruct just for a price, and her own prophets practice divination simply for money, yet upon God they keep supporting themselves, saying:  Is not God in the midst of us”?  Mic 3:11;  Titus 1:11,12

“Now the Pharisees, who were money lovers, were listening to all these things, and they began to sneer at him.” Lu 16:14

The latter part of the “Last Days” has seen unscrupulous individuals who join the ministry to make money – lots of money to be had from mail-in contributions and collection plates.  It has seen television evangelist defrauding their members of millions of dollars; it has seen so-called evangelism that commercialize God and his Son; it has seen members deceived into believing if they give, and give, they can expect wealth and good health in return-- Prosperity teaching; it has seen the clergy receive a salary in exchange for their ministry, making as much as $50,000 or more per year to give a sermon on Sunday and maybe one or two Bible studies during the week- which leaves one to wonder whether the sermon is truly genuine or just another way of making a living.  Unlike the 1st century where becoming a minister was at the direction of the Holy Spirit, today, anyone aspiring to be a pastor can go to Theology school/Divinity school for a degree –spending thousands of dollars to be taught the word of God by so-called ministers of God. These ministers make their living by selling their (inaccurate) knowledge of God to those willing to pay for it.  Their graduates in turn ask a price from churches in need of someone to teach them God’s word. If the church members are poor and cannot afford to pay the price for a so-called “man of God” to teach them-they do without one.  It has seen ministers going back to Theology school just so that can get a higher degree whereby they can demand more money and prestige e.g. Reverend to Reverend Doctor. (Matt 20:7, 8)  The latter part of the Last Days has also seen so-called “miracle water” being sold for a price; it has seen large local and international crusades where collection plates are passed around multiple times.  They rob the poor in exchange for salvation, yet upon God they keep supporting themselves, saying: “Is not God in the midst of us?”  Instructing just for a price is not limited to clergymen.  Even members who write songs of praise to God expect to be paid for their work.  Christian rock bands claim they use rock music to spread the “Good News about Jesus” to young people, in order for these young ones to hear the “Good News” they must buy tickets to their concerts.  Even prayer is sold for a price.  In New York City a man can have his own personal Nun to pray for him in return for the prayers said, he gives her a monetary sum.  Accepting money for prayers said is how these older Nuns support themselves.  “You received free, give free” is yet another of Jesus commands they ignore.

27. THEY ARE HYPOCRITES

“… Watch out for the leaven (corruption/sin) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1

There is a common saying among people that to find hypocrites one needs only to go to church.  Why is that?  It is because many profess Christians do not practice what they preach/believe.  Their words and deeds are not one.  Christians are judged by their works and when their works are not in harmony with the Christian faith/belief, it is proof they are not children of God.  The apostate clergy of Christendom have for so long taught their members that only faith a part from works will get them saved and that works have nothing to do with salvation. They practice every kind of wickedness thinking their salvation will not be affected.  Jesus spoke of these ones when he said: “You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you, when he said, ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me.’”  They publicly declare they know God but disown him by their works.  Apostate Christians consider Christians whose words and deeds are one, “under law”.  They (apostate Christians) believe because Christians are not under the Mosaic Law they do not have to obey the law of the Christ so they may be judged favorably by that law.  They are without law toward God and are not under law toward Christ. They are detestable and disobedient. (Titus 1:16) They use God’s grace as an excuse to practice and take delight in willful sin.  Holiness is perceived as self-righteousness or false piety.  “What follows?  Shall we commit a sin because we are not under law but under undeserved kindness?  Never may that happen!”  (Rom 6:12-14,15) God will not allow his creation to take him for granted.__ 1 Pet 2:16

28. THEY CONDONE DIVISIONS AND SECTS

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind as in the same judgment.” 1 Cor 1:10 (AV); Eph 4:13; John 17:20-22

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest and they are.....divisions, sects, ....those who practice such things will not inherit God's kingdom."  Gal 5:9

Two Christian faiths cannot have oneness. However, when there is lack of oneness within the same faith, it is evidence that religious faith is not of God.  For example, within the same faith some believe that homosexuals should be accepted as part of the church others disagree; some believe in the ordination of gays and lesbians others disagree; some believe in female ordination others disagree; some believe in abortion others do not.  Church members and clergy alike disagree with the beliefs of their own faith.   Some members are willing to accept the fact that they are not united and go along with the false teachings of their fellow apostates on the issue of unity which states- in matters of importance, unity; in matters of non-importance, diversity.  Of course what some members consider of no importance other members consider important.  Is this how Jesus intended for Christians to be united?

Even in their way of worship there is a lack of unity.  Some believe in traditional worship, others prefer contemporary worship. Another example of their lack of unity is the number of associate churches/divisions within the same faith. For example: Anglicans have approximately 40 associate churches, Catholics have 22 associate churches, Church of God around 305 associate churches. There are many other divided faiths.  They are not one in the same mind as in the same judgment and accept each other as divisions of the same faith.

Acceptance of names that foster a sectarian spirit is one way in which they condone or promote sects. E.g., Lutherans are followers of Martin Luther a 16th century reformer; Wesleyan Methodist are followers of John Wesley; Arian Catholics are followers of Arius of Alexandria etc. (1 Cor 3:4)  Another way is through theological differences. It only takes one difference. It is said if you believe in "Jesus Only" then you need to be Oneness Pentecostal, if you believe in "adult baptism" then you need to be Baptist, if you blieve in "episcopacy" then you need to be congregationalist or presbyterian. Catholics consider Roman and Orthodox Catholics as the right and left lung of the Catholic church. The bible clearly states those who practice divisions and sects will not inherit God kingdom.

"For the hearers of law are not the ones declared righteous before God but the doers will be declared righteous."   Become a Doer of God's Word and not a Hearer Only!

If you are interested in learning about the beliefs and teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, or in a free home bible study, please go to the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses: www.watchtower.org

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"Because Sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily that is why the hearts of the Sons of Men have become set in doing bad."

They Have a Form of Godly Devotion but prove false to its power!

Christendom's  Ungodly Acts Cont'd

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