Volume 15 Issue 9 - September 2000

BATTLE BETWEEN TWO WORLDVIEWS

"And I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your seed and her Seed: He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." (Genesis 3:15)

Our opening passage grants us a glimpse of God’s first promise concerning the Messiah that He would send to rescue fallen men from their sins. It also reveals the cosmic struggle that will ensue through the ages between two seeds and two worldviews. Though there are many false religions, cults, and "isms" that have plagued man through the centuries, in the final analysis, the battle is still over who is this Mighty Champion of Men who was sent to crush the head of the Serpent and deliver man from the curse of our own disobedience and who is this seed that rails against His righteous rule and laws?

Recently, a heretic (a proud member of the Seed of the Serpent Sect) by the name of Jason Stanley was allowed to spew his doctrine of demons throughout our city. It was as if the Waco Tribune, our local newspaper, sat down with Satan and implored him to write a religious article that would tickle and deceive the ears of Waco citizens. The article was called, "Many teachings of Christianity twist God’s word." It was a treacherous article that denied the Fall of man, the concept of Original Sin, the Redemption of Christ, the deity of Jesus, and a denial of Hell. It went on to teach that man is inherently good and that God is a "loving" God, so basically, just look to your own depraved little heart to find your own spiritual enlightenment apart from the objective truth of God’s Word.

The following is my rebuttal to Stanley that was refused publication by our newspaper. I pray it will equip you to rise up with the truth in an age that is addicted to the sweet lies of the Evil One. May it also inspire you to contend for the faith in Jesus’ holy name!

Rebuttal to Jason Stanley's article on, "Many teachings of Christianity twist God's Word."

Jesus answered and said to them, (including Mr. Stanley) you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29). The errors, heresies, and the "straw man" arguments presented in this blasphemous piece are as numerous as the amount of words it took to write this damnable article. First off, Biblical Christianity does not base its doctrines upon European Tradition, but on the clear teaching of God’s Word, the very Word Mr. Stanley claims is twisted by Christians. If there is any twisting taking place, it has been perpetrated by this ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing that appears as an "angel of light" and a "minister of righteousness." He is a false teacher who is twisting the Word of God to his and those who follow his heresies to their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16)

Mr. Stanley claims that the whole revelation of the Fall/Redemption and the concept of original sin is based on the teachings of fallible men, such as St. Augustine in approximately 400 AD instead of the infallible record of Holy Scripture. The truth is, every religion, cult, and philosophy of man has as a premise of Origin, (How did we get here?) a concept of a Fall, (What went wrong with the human race?) and a concept of Redemption, (What must happen to fix us?) Here is where Mr. Stanley’s article reveals his flawed reasoning and tragic irony. It is he who has based his twisted theology on the European Enlightenment tradition, instead of God’s Word. He is following the teaching of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

It was Rousseau who burst upon the European intellectual scene with the teaching that man was inherently good, naturally loving, virtuous, and selfless. He believed that was man’s original state, but his explanation for the "Fall" was that family, church, and society with its artificial rules and conventions is what made men evil. He stated, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." His concept of Redemption was to look to the state to redefine, alter, or if necessary, destroy family, church, and the culture to return man to his "natural goodness." Thus the bloody reign of terror of the French Revolution was born. This pagan philosophy that Rousseau and now Mr. Stanley espouses is what gave rise to every totalitarian regime that under the guise of moral goodness, loving intentions, and superior philosophy, killed, destroyed, and decimated the very people it claimed to serve. Communism, Fascism, and Nazism all had their roots in Rousseau’s twisted theology and perverted philosophy. Ideas have consequences and a belief system will lead mankind somewhere. The 20th century was the most bloodiest, tyrannical, and unjust century in the history of man because we rejected Christian orthodoxy for the "inherit goodness of man." We exchanged the truth for a lie and professing ourselves wiser than God, we have become fools (Romans 1:18-32) Jesus said, "You’ll know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15-20)

Mr. Stanley went on to dismiss the revelation of "original sin" by suggesting we should hold a newborn baby in our arms and that should convince us that there is no such thing as original sin. Unfortunately for Mr. Stanley, this example cannot stand up to his own logic. Can anyone name for me in the history of the world any parent who had to invest time, money, and effort to train a child to be bad, evil, selfish, greedy, or lustful? No, the complete opposite is true. Because of original sin, parents have to love, nurture, train, instruct, and discipline children in order for them behave, respect authority, and become good citizens. The Bible, not European tradition, teaches in several passages of Scripture the concept of original sin

As the assaults against Christianity increases, the need for solid Apologetics to defend the faith must also increase. It is not enough for the Church to experience the Presence of God. She must also be equipped to give answers by indisputable proofs that Jesus is Lord over all and the subsequent need for man’s salvation. Romans 3:10-12 declares, "There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one." Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The prophet Jeremiah concluded, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it." Apparently, Mr. Stanley does not know it, nor the words of Jesus who affirmed this Biblical truth by stating, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…"(Matthew 15:19). According to Jesus, Mr. Stanley, the problem with man comes from within the heart of man and not from without, his environment.

As with any other cult leader, Mr. Stanley then goes on to dismiss the Biblical teaching of Hell under the guise that a "loving" God would never condemn "good" people to an eternity of damnation. Mr. Stanley seems to be questioning Christians as to what sort of God do we worship and serve that would be capricious, whimsical, and even appear vengeful as to condemn unrepentive mankind to a burning Hell. The answer is Mr. Stanley, the only God there is! Jesus, not European tradition, taught there really was a heaven to gain and a burning hell to shun. Jesus, speaking of sin and how we should deal with it, proclaimed, "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:29,30) I’m not suggesting that Jesus calls upon us to mutilate the body, but the truth is, lest we deal with sin and overcome it through the grace of God and the power of His Spirit, it is going to deal with us and lead us straight to Hell.

In the Gospel of Luke 16:19-31, Jesus again makes another clear reference to a burning Hell. He stated that there was a certain rich man who died and being in torments in Hell, he lifted up his eyes…and cried, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." Notice, Mr. Stanley, that Jesus speaks of a certain man, not a fictitious one, who died and still had full possession of his faculties. He could still see, talk, cry, and feel the eternal flames of torment. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks to the wicked and says, "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Finally, in the book of Revelations 21:7,8, the Word of God teaches us, "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Tell me, Mr. Stanley, based upon the solemn warning of Scripture and the authority of the words of Jesus, would any rational, thinking person come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as Hell? Whom do you think we should trust and believe, you or the Bible? You be the judge!

As Christians, Mr. Stanley, we do believe God is love (1 John 4:8). The love of God however is not a capricious love nor whimsical. It is not a permissive love that tolerates spoiled, wicked, and self-indulgent humanity. In Hebrews 12:6, the Bible clearly teaches, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." According to the Bible, God’s love has a goal and that is to produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those who believe, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives (Hebrews 12:11). Yes, God is love, but He is also holy. The God of the Bible is revealed as One who loves righteousness and hates sin. His holy character demands justice for the evil acts of man, and yet God is loving, not willing that any man should perish, but all come to repentance and salvation. It was at the cross of Christ that this dilemma was solved. It was at the cross that God’s love is revealed and His demand for justice was met. It was there that Jesus took our place and became our substitute. Instead of God pouring His wrath upon sinful man, He chose to crush His own Son instead. Though Jesus never committed a wrong and lived a sinless life, He died a criminal’s death. The truth is the punishment we deserve for breaking God’s Law fell upon Him, so the love, mercy, and grace of God might be extended to all those who would trust Christ as Lord and Savior.

Mr. Stanley, I will leave you with the words of C.S. Lewis when it comes to the deity of Jesus Christ. He wrote, "I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: (Jesus) ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ This is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would be a lunatic-on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God."

Mr. Stanley, I would encourage you to cease your patronizing comments that Jesus was simply a "Jewish Rabbi who had many mystical experiences." He never accepted any patronizing comments from men. He has not left that open to you nor did He intend to. Jesus Christ significantly parts company with every religious figure in the history of man. He claimed to be God in the flesh. He publicly stated that He and His Father were one (John 10:30). According to the Jews, this was blasphemy, because Jesus was claiming deity on the same level as Father God. That’s why they plotted to murder Him. A good Jewish Rabbi, a good moral teacher, nor a great philosopher would ever make such a claim. If they did, they would cease to be credible to receive such titles. When it comes to Jesus, Mr. Stanley, your options are limited. He is either a lunatic, a liar, or He is who claimed to be, God in the flesh. Choose wisely my deceived friend, your eternal soul along with those you influence hang in the balance and it is my sincere prayer that you are not found wanting.

For Scripture references that teach that Jesus is Lord and God in the flesh, look up Isaiah 9:6,7, Hebrews 1:8, John 1:1, 14, and 1 Timothy 3:14-16. There are many other passages as well that reveal that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He is indeed the way, the truth, and the life and that no man can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Repent and believe the good news!

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,

Rusty Lee Thomas,
President, Elijah Ministries

KLI

One of the primary purposes of the Kingdom Leadership Institute is to equip young people in the fine art of Apologetics. I define Apologetics as the discipline of communication that can with intellectual and spiritual force bring conviction that persuades and makes a solid defense of the Christian faith with undeniable and irresistible proofs. Jude 3 exhorts us to "contend for the faith" in the midst of a crooked, perverse, and unbelieving nation. The importance of this ministry cannot be underestimated. The threat to our children’s faith is a clear and present danger, especially, when they enter the realms of so-called "higher learning." Most Christian young people are ill-prepared for the assaults against the Christian faith by the pointed-headed liberal professors who literally demolish and dismantle their faith right before their very eyes with very little meaningful response from our unsuspecting kids The unfortunate results are 80% of Christian young people who enter college with the Christian faith intact come out the other side without it. The main reason is many young people had an experience in Church, but never were trained to defend the faith in a hostile, unbelieving world that hates God and everything He stands for. Thus they become a prey to those who ever increase in learning, but never come to the knowledge of the truth, whereby they may be saved (2 Timothy 3:7).

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, serves as an excellent example of a man who was skilled in the discipline of Apologetics. Though he is mainly honored today in the modern Church as a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost, we forget or are ignorant of the fact that he was also steeped in history and had the ability to defend the faith in the midst of deadly, harsh, critics. His masterful address before the Jewish court was so thorough that it shut the mouths of the gainsayers. He presented the truth before the enemies of the cross so powerfully that it was made self-evident. The Bible testifies to his effectiveness, "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke." (Acts 6:10) God give us young people who with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding can be like Stephen of old. Young people who will boldly contend for the faith with undeniable and irresistible proofs. May they also have the courage to suffer as they destroy the arguments of the infidels who can’t touch the message, but take great delight in discrediting and destroying the messengers.

KINGDOM LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PASTORAL RECOMMENDATION

The K.L.I. has truly been a spiritual highlight of the history of our local church. As the pastor, I saw not only young people, but anyone who attended, become sparked and revived with excitement for Christ and His commands. Rusty's passion and gifting has brought revelation and equipping to those who had an ear to hear. The K.L.I is a discipleship experience that I would recommend for the equipping of the American church in the time we live. It was timely that we . hear this much needed message!

Pastor Dan Bawinkel,
Risen Savior Assembly of God,
Chicago, IL.

TREACHERY AT WILLOW CREEK

By Flip Benham, National Director of Operation Save America

"A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 5:30-31, 6:14)

Bill Hybels, pastor of the fastest growing evangelical church in America, allowed himself and over 5,000 pastors attending his Leadership Summit 2000 to be used by the President of the United States of America to whitewash his (Bill Clinton's) sin. God has strong words for prophets like Mr. Hybels.

"Because they lead my people astray, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace. I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground. I will spend my wrath against the wall and against those who covered it with whitewash." (Ezekiel 13:10, 14, 15)

For more than an hour Mr. Hybels questioned President Clinton about his faith, his conversion, his failure, and subsequent recovery from some "mistakes." The 5,000 pastors, and thousands more who were viewing the interview on closed circuit TV, gave Mr. Clinton a standing ovation when the interview was over. Never once did Mr.Clinton mention his sin - only some "mistakes." Never once was he asked about the other "mistakes" he has admitted to in court but never confessed or repented of. Never once was he confronted concerning his unflagging support for the killing of millions of children in their mother's womb. Never once was he questioned about his adamant support for the radical homosexual agenda. No, he was simply affirmed in his "Christian walk" and reminded that he was a great president. What a travesty!

The Law of God that was given to lead people to repentance and to Christ (Galatians 3:24) was forsaken by Mr. Hybels as too harsh and judgmental. It was replaced by a gentler, kinder Gospel that speaks only sweet words of forgiveness for those who have sinned and plan on doing it some more. Mr. Clinton brilliantly played Mr. Hybels and evangelical church leaders like a drum to receive his religious whitewash. Unfortunately, thousands of other pastors were quickly and unwittingly seduced in the process. They left the summit believing that Mr. Clinton was a true brother in Christ working toward the same ends as they. Mr. Clinton left the interview feeling that all things were right between him and God. Why would he be led to believe such a thing? The prophets of God declared it so!

Pastor Hybels and all the pastors at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit pronounced peace upon Mr. Clinton and his "Christian walk" when there was no peace. In so doing they now share in his guilt: "Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt." Leviticus 19:17.

In a similar event in history, on January 25, 1934, Adolf Hitler summoned hundreds of the pastors and leaders of the churches in Germany to a personal conference in Berlin. He was concerned about a possible split among the pastors concerning his policy over the German church. He chided and cajoled them, reminding all that the economy in Germany was in great recovery and that he needed their unified support. He told them, "You confine yourself to the church.

I will take care of the German people." In his inimitable way, Hitler mesmerized the pastors and the way was paved for the silence of the church during the Nazi holocaust. The pastors bowed to Hitler and, in bowing to his broken cross - the swastika, they turned their backs on the cross of Christ.

Martin Niemoller, who along with Deitrich Bonhoeffer founded the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany, rose up in opposition to Hitler during this meeting. His statement is profound and needed in this day. "We are not concerned with the churches in Germany. Jesus Christ will take care of them Himself. We are concerned with the heart and soul of our nation." With that courageous statement in the face of a tyrant one would have expected a standing ovation from the men of God. Instead, Niemoller was ushered out of the meeting by several pastors and soundly rebuked for rocking the boat and ruining all of the good work and relations that were built between the church and Hitler. It was the men of God who silenced the very voice of God. Sound familiar?

The same spirit that inhabited the shell of Adolf Hitler is now inhabiting the shell of the President of the United States of America. He is totally unaware of it. The prophets of God have not told him the truth. The same spirit that mesmerized the church leaders in Hitler's day has mesmerized the church leaders in our day. The blanket forgiveness and approval of this President at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit is a physical manifestation of the bewitching. It has made them cowards in a day that calls for great hearts.

God, give us men like Martin Niemoller and Deitrich Bonhoeffer. Give us men who fear nothing but you. Give us men who stand firm upon your Word when the subtle compromises of a liar tempt us to waver. Give us men who can distinguish between right and wrong, holy and unholy, black and white, and not allow the world to force them into accepting a strange shade of gray. God help us to love our neighbor (our President) not by accepting sin but by confronting it and allowing the blood of Jesus to cleanse rather than repeating the sin of 1 Corinthians 5.

When hearing of this travesty, I spoke with Flip concerning the Lord’s rebuke to a godly king who was duped into sanitizing the evil of a wicked king. King Ahab exploited the righteousness of King Jehoshaphat to further his political and military policies. The Lord’s response to Jehoshaphat’s duping is telling and I believe absolutely appropriate to the Willow Creek scandal. The Lord sent the prophet Jehu to demand of him, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord is upon you." (2 Chronicles 19:1-3)

Though the Lord has tender mercies and lovingkindness that doesn’t give us permission to utilize His grace and mercy to whitewash the unrepentive sinner. It was the height of foolishness for a segment of the Evangelical Church to put their stamp of approval upon a man that has consistently exploited Christianity to mask his evil. Had Bill Clinton truly repented of his sin, not only would he have brought forth fruit meet for repentance by resigning from his high office that he publicly disgraced, but he would surely acknowledge that he is violating God’s law by promoting the killing of the innocent in the womb and the abominable practice of homosexuality. To this day, still no repentance!!!

In the Book of Wisdom, the Scriptures teach, "A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well." (Proverbs 25:26) Flip and I will be heading back to Chicago from October 20th-23rd to prayerfully clear up some of the murky spring and help purify some of the well that has been contaminated by this show of religious pretense. Please pray for us that our prophetic rebuke to Willow Creek will be motivated by God’s love, for His honor, to clarify Biblical Christianity, tempered by grace, seasoned with salt, and received by the wise!

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,

Rusty Lee Thomas