Annual Conference of the Secretaries of the Christian World Communions 2020

CU. 23 Oct 2020

More than thirty participants attended the annual Conference of the Secretaries of Christian World Communions (CS/CWC) that took place online from 20–22 October 2020. The Catholic Church was represented by Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, assisted by Reverend Andrzej Choromanski, staff responsible for the multilateral relations.

The meeting was chaired by Reverend Gretchen Castle (Friends World Committee for Consultation), with Reverend Dr Ganoune Diop (General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists), acting as secretary. The conference opened with a prayer led by former Chair Reverend Dr Martin Junge (Lutheran World Federation), followed by a time of sharing from the participants on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the life of churches. It was underlined that the anti-COVID-19 measures had created an unprecedented challenge for Christian communions worldwide, limiting the access of the faithful to the usual pastoral care and restraining ecumenical relations. At the same time, the crisis had necessitated the use of modern technologies, with churches developing new and enduring forms of pastoral ministry and ecumenical life.

Time was dedicated to reflection on the nature and identity of the CS/CWC. It was underlined that the Conference is not an organisation with programmatic aims and determined agenda but a fraternal forum of secretaries from diverse Christian communions as well as representatives of some global ecumenical organisations who meet annually to exchange information, learn from each other and nurture fraternal relationships among their churches.

The recent encyclical of Pope Francis Fratelli tutti was acknowledged as an important encouragement to all Christian communions to unite efforts in building a culture of e

ncounter, solidarity and universal fraternity across political, social, and religious borders

Another Gospel, Another Jesus

 

There is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness

The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon His followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth's sake desired to become His disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold.  

But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ.  

It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed.  

After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children's children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.  

Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God's professed people.     Great Controversy pp. 44,45

The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed

BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH. It may with equal propriety be said that we are patterning after the churches in building meeting-houses. We call the churches Babylon, not because they covenant together to obey God. I am still of the opinion I advanced sometime since through the Review: The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And, fifth, to commence persecution against such. I plead that we are not patterning after the churches in any unwarrantable sense, in the step propose.   Review & Herald, October 8, 1861 p. 149

Leroy Froom was influenced by men outside of our faith

6. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN STUDY AND PRESENTATION. May I here make a frank personal confession? When, back between 1926 and 1928, I was asked by our leaders to give a series of studies on the Holy Spirit, covering the North American union ministerial institutes of 1928, I found that, aside from priceless leads found in the Spirit of Prophecy, there was practically nothing in our literature setting forth a sound Biblical exposition in this tremendous field of study. There were no previous pathfinding books on the question in our literature. 

I was compelled to search out a score of valuable books written by men outside of our faith—those previously noted—for initial clues and suggestions, and to open up beckoning vistas to intensive personal study. Having these, I went on from there. But they were decided early helps. And scores, if not hundreds, could confirm the same sobering conviction that some of these other men frequently had a deeper insight into the spiritual things of God than many of our own men then had on the Holy Spirit and the triumphant life. It was still a largely obscure theme.

But—and this is most vital—these other writers could only go so far. This was because they were without the concept of the consummating place of the Loud Cry and the Latter Rain in the grand finale of God's last message of Righteousness by Faith among men, framed in the great commission and setting of this Movement. Their limitations definitely circumscribed their presentations. They could go only so far. That is the glory and the wonder of Present Truth. 

7. PEERLESS PRE-EMINENCE OF SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.—It was then that I again saw the peerless preeminence of the Spirit of Prophecy portrayals that not only supported but greatly enhanced the choicest gems of truth glimpsed in part by these other writers—and then went on far to surpass them in balance and power. It brought a sobering sense of wonder and gratitude. It intensified confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy, and the significance of this Movement. 

Thank God, that time of reticence and misunderstanding has passed. The full witness of the Spirit of Prophecy is now at our finger tips through the many compilations. This is the supreme hour. This is clearly the call of God to this people today, and primarily to its ministry. Thank God, that final awakening is definitely under way.          Movement of Destiny p. 322

Religious leaders sign letter supporting abortion

Lifenews  Apr 17, 2019 

A group of Tennessee faith leaders and activists publicly declared their support for abortion on demand in a letter urging pro-life Gov. Bill Lee to oppose heartbeat legislation.

Fox 17 in Nashville reports this month, more than 150 religious leaders signed the letter calling for abortions to be kept legal and easily accessible in Tennessee.

“Because we trust pregnant people, we know that these decisions are informed by tremendous reflection and not taken lightly,” the letter states. “When a person decides that abortion is their best option, they need community support not obstacles preventing safe access to medical care.”

This spring, state lawmakers have been considering several pro-life measures, including a bill to ban abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable and another to ban abortions completely once Roe v. Wade is overturned. In January, Lee said he supports legislation to protect unborn babies.

The religious leaders urged Lee to oppose not just the heartbeat bill but “all attempts to criminalize and restrict abortion access.”

They argued that lawmakers should “trust women” to decide whether to abort their unborn babies.

“While there are varied opinions on abortion based on religious beliefs, as persons with deep faith commitments, we affirm a person’s right to decide when to become a parent or expand their family,” they wrote. “As people of faith and as Tennesseans, we believe in loving our neighbors and treating one another as we would like to be treated — with compassion, dignity, and respect.”

Yet, they have no compassion or respect for unborn babies who are unique, living human beings from the moment of conception. By six weeks, their hearts already are beating, and by nine weeks, they have detectable brain waves.

However, religious leaders said the decision to end unborn babies’ lives should be left up to the mother.

“While decisions concerning pregnancy can be complex and difficult, I believe that all persons have the right to make decisions for themselves, in consultation with their doctors and faith leader where appropriate,” said the Rev. Judi Hoffman, a co-pastor at East End Methodist Church in Nashville who signed the letter.

Hendersonville Pastor Napoleon Harris, another signer, told lawmakers they should focus on making sure families can make a “living wage” rather than restrict abortion.

“This decision is one that should be prayerfully made by families – the parents of the soon-to-be-born. This is not a decision to be left to legislators,” Harris said. “If legislators want to act in the best interests of morality and families, both admirable endeavors, procuring a living wage would be a more feasible means to that end.”

The letter was signed by pastors and other religious leaders and activists who identify as Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist, African Methodist Episcopal, Catholic, Episcopal, Brethren, Seventh Day Adventist, Anglican and Nazarene – all Christian denominations. Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish leaders also signed, as well a pagan priestess.

NAD Hosts First Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast

NADA  January 16, 2019

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 78 percent of the world’s population is unable to worship their God in whatever way they see fit.  

Today, on Religious Freedom Day (Jan. 16, 2019), local faith and civic leaders gathered at the North American Division (NAD) headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, for the NAD’s first Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast. They celebrated the freedoms enjoyed in the United States and prayed for guidance in further fostering and sharing it with others. 

“We were just really hoping to bring together a lot of religious groups to pray together as a faith-based community — not worrying about what day we worship [on]or what type of house of worship that we’re in,” said Orlan Johnson, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and one of the event organizers. “Just the idea that we should all pray together and to seek the best that we can seek for our nation, for our community, for all of our loved ones and we think we accomplished that today.”

Is the SDA Leadership Hiding Our Past?

Look What's Missing In The Great Hope

 

Published by both Seventh-day Adventist denominational presses, Pacific Press and Review and Herald Publishing Association, The Great Hope lists as its author “E. G. White.” But would the prophet support an “adapted version” of her classical book The Great Controversy that does not include:

 (1) the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary message

(2) the second angel's call to come out of Babylon

(3) the third angel's message exposing Sunday as the Mark of the Beast

(4) 1844 as the hour of God's judgment [part of the first angel's message]

(5) the investigative judgment [part of the first angel's message]

(6) the identification of who and what is Babylon, the harlot woman, and her daughters

(7) the identification of the beast of Revelation 13 and 17

(8) the little horn who persecuted the true church from 538-1798 and will be the chief instigator in these last days  

(9) Luther and all the reformers and their trials and persecution which will again be repeated

(10) the rise of the Advent awakening of the 1840s culminating in formation of the Remnant church and the seed of the woman, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.

 Notice what the prophet wrote: “I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books.” Publishing Ministry, 358.         Source

Left Behind by the Jesuits

Here is the dictionary definition of the word Jesuit and Jesuitism BEFORE the dictionary was OWNED by the Jesuits:

JESUIT, n.

One of the society of Jesus, so called, founded by Ignatius Loyola; a society remarkable for their cunning in propagating their principles. ((Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

JESUITISM, n. The arts, principles and practices of the Jesuits.

1. Cunning, deceit; hypocrisy; prevarication; deceptive practices to effect a purpose. (Webster 1828 Dictionary).

St. Paul said that 2 things MUST happen FIRST before the end of the world:

1.	A falling away or apostasy from Apostolic Christianity.
2.	The Antichrist or Man of Sin to be revealed.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth (restrains) that he might be revealed in his time.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. (II Thessalonians 2:1-12).

ALL of the Reformers applied this prophecy to the PAPAL DYNASTY. Saint Martin Luther said:

Oh Christ, my Lord, look down upon us and bring upon us the day of judgment, and destroy the brood of Satan at Rome. There sits the Man, of whom the Apostle Paul wrote that he would oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God — the Man of Sin, the son of perdition . . . What is the Temple of God? Is it stones and wood? Did not Paul say, The Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are? To sit — what is it but to reign, to teach and to judge. Who from the beginning of the church has dared to call himself master of the whole church but the Pope alone. None of the saints, none of the heretics ever uttered so horrible a word of pride. (Luther's Works, Vol. 2. p. 281).

To the Reformers, the Man of Sin was synonymous with the Antichrist. Saint Martin Luther also said:

Antichrist is the pope and the Turk together; a beast full of life must have a body and soul; the spirit or soul of antichrist is the pope, his flesh or body the Turk. The latter wastes and assails and persecutes God's church corporally; the former spiritually and corporally too, with hanging, burning, murdering, &c. But, as in the apostle's time, the church had the victory over the Jews and Romans, so now will she keep the field firm and solid against the hypocrisy and idolatry of the pope, and the tyranny and devastations of the Turk and her other enemies. (Table Talk of Saint Martin Luther, p. 193).

This was the standard Protestant exposition of the Book of Revelation, and millions of Latin Church members were turning from Antichrist to Christ as they saw the clear fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Joshua the Messiah said:

And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that, WHEN it comes to pass, ye might believe (John 14:29).

This prophetic teaching (historicist) was playing havoc with the Latin Church. Millions were escaping and obeying the Lord's command to "come out of her" (Rev. 18:4). 

The Rapture or Millions Missing hoax!!

In order to stop the hemorrhage from Papal Rome, 2 Jesuits invented a counter-interpretation called FUTURISM.

Francisco de Ribera, S.J. (1537-1591).

2 Jesuits named Francisco de Ribera and Robert Bellarmine invented the system called FUTURISM. Futurism places the coming of Antichrist just 7 years before the end of time. The Christians were hindering his coming, and they will be raptured out before his appearance.

Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, S.J. (1542-1621).

Francisco Ribera was a Spanish doctor of theology who wrote a 500 page Latin commentary on Revelation (Apocalypse) entitled: In Sacrum Beati Ioannis Apostoli, & Evangelistiae Apocalypsin Commentarij, and published it about the year 1590....This commentary was never translated into any other language and was for the eyes of the hierarchy only!!

Robert Bellarmine was an Italian doctor of theology and is best known for his opposition to fellow Jesuit Galileo and his HELLiocentric theory. He also wrote a book in Latin entitled: Disputationes de controversiis christianae fidei, or Polemic Lectures Concerning the Disputed Points of the Christian Belief Against the Heretics of This Time. This book follows the basic outline of Francisco de Ribera's book with the reign of Antichrist limited to a few years way off in the future before the end of time.

In the Futurism system of Ribera and Bellarmine, Antichrist is an evil superman who emerges just 7 years before the end of time and causes all kinds of havoc.

In the English speaking world, Edward Irving and John Nelson Darby further elaborated on this system by inventing a secret rapture 7 years before the end. They correctly taught that the Christians are restraining evil—in this case Protestant Christians— who will be removed from the earth before the Antichrist will be revealed. In popular literature it is called the Rapture or catching away!!

Those who are LEFT BEHIND will get another chance to be saved ... if they choose death rather that accept the mark of the beast!!

Francisco Ribera was a Spanish doctor of theology who wrote a 500 page Latin commentary on Revelation (Apocalypse) entitled: In Sacrum Beati Ioannis Apostoli, & Evangelistiae Apocalypsin Commentarij, and published it about the year 1590....This commentary was never translated into any other language and was for the eyes of the hierarchy only!!

Robert Bellarmine was an Italian doctor of theology and is best known for his opposition to fellow Jesuit Galileo and his HELLiocentric theory. He also wrote a book in Latin entitled: Disputationes de controversiis christianae fidei, or Polemic Lectures Concerning the Disputed Points of the Christian Belief Against the Heretics of This Time. This book follows the basic outline of Francisco de Ribera's book with the reign of Antichrist limited to a few years way off in the future before the end of time.

In the Futurism system of Ribera and Bellarmine, Antichrist is an evil superman who emerges just 7 years before the end of time and causes all kinds of havoc.

In the English speaking world, Edward Irving and John Nelson Darby further elaborated on this system by inventing a secret rapture 7 years before the end. They correctly taught that the Christians are restraining evil—in this case Protestant Christians— who will be removed from the earth before the Antichrist will be revealed. In popular literature it is called the Rapture or catching away!!

Those who are LEFT BEHIND will get another chance to be saved ... if they choose death rather that accept the mark of the beast!!

If you think this is some kind of hoax or fantasy think again....This teaching is held by millions of "Protestant" Christians and is the foundation of a multi-million dollar publishing and movie empire.

The Pope and Caliph LOVE this fantasy because it blinds the believers to the PRESENT Antichrist!

According to the Futurist FANTASY:

1.	Antichrist was one man . . . not a dynasty.
2.	He would be an atheist or infidel.
3.	He would not be revealed until 7 years before the end of time.
4.	He would sit in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and make a covenant with the Jews.
5.	He would call himself God etc., etc.
6.	The Christians were hindering his appearance but they would be "caught up" or raptured to Heaven before his appearance—the "Left Behind" madness!!

This Futurist fantasy was/is a fantastic money-maker.

Hal Lindsey and C.C. Carlson

The first book to really bring Futurism to the masses was a book entitled The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey and C.C. Carlson which appeared in 197O. That book has sold over 35 million copies and was translated into 54 languages.

Hal Lindsey is known as the father of modern "Bible" prophecy. His famous Late Great Planet Earth sold over 35 million copies and spawned the billion dollar end-times industry, whose books and videos repeat his dispensational theme, and are patterned after his novel writing style. Lindsey actually is a Jesuit in disguise as 2 of his daughters attended Jesuit Gonzaga University.

Hal Lindsey, father of modern "Bible" prophecy.

Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth book has sold over 35 million copies worldwide To Lindsey, Antichrist is a superman who will conquer the world just 7 years before the end of time.

The mysterious C.C. Carlson, who was the ghostwriter for Lindsey's books, turns out to be a woman—and most probably a nun in disguise!!

The mysterious C. C. Carlson—ghostwriter for Lindsey's book's—finally turns out to be a woman....She should be called the MOTHER of modern "Bible" prophecy.

In Protestant Christianity, it is very unusual for a woman to write a prophecy book. Prior to 1971, you could count them on one hand. Edward Elliott and Charles Spurgeon surveyed history and listed the best expositors in Horae Apocalypticae and Commentating on Commentators. Neither man mentioned a woman.

Fortress Antonia a.k.a. Temple Mount.

According to Lindsey, the Dome of the Rock will be torn down and a Jewish temple built on the spot. Then Antichrist will sit in this temple and make a 7 year covenant with the "Jews."

Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

According to Lindsey, the Antichrist will be ONE man who will make a 7 year covenant with the "Jews." 31/2 years into his reign he will break his covenant, persecute the Jews, conquer the world, and finally be destroyed by Christ in a literal battle called Armageddon.

That is a brief synopsis of the entire Futurist fantasy.

Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

When it became apparent that Futurism was the road that led to fame and riches, many jumped on this "Bible" prophecy bandwagon....2 of the most famous false profits are "Reverend" Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins who originated the Left Behind publishing empire.

"Reverend" Tim LaHaye.

These men are laughing all the way to the bank because the Futurist FANTASY is a goldmine. Obviously these self-fulfilling "prophecies" need "Jews" for their fulfillment and that is the reason for the existence of the state of Israel.

Jerry B. Jenkins.

These men are laughing all the way to the bank due to the phenomenal success of their Left Behind series. Most libraries in the U.S. have copies of their books . . . but fortunately they are listed under "Christian" FICTION.

In their books, the Rapture has already taken place and the hero and heroine battle the evil Antichrist named Nicolae Carpathia from the country of Romania!!

The phenomenally successful Left Behind series features over 8 full length books and 2 Hollywood movies. These books were almost as successful as the Harry Potter books.

---

References

LaHaye, Tim, & Jenkins, Jerry B. Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days. Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 2000.

LaHaye, Tim, & Jenkins, Jerry B. The Mark: The Beast Rules the World. Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 2000.

LaHaye, Tim, & Jenkins, Jerry B. Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind. Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1996.

Lindsey, Hal with C.C. Carlson. The Late Great Planet Earth. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1970. 

Reformation