Fundamental
Evangelistic Association
Watchman's
Trumpet - 1997
©FOUNDATION
A MAGAZINE OF BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM
Dennis W.Costella, Editor; Karel Beyer, Production Manager; Matt
Costella,
Copy Editor
M.H. Reynolds, Jr. (1919-1997), Founding Editor
Index of Articles
Foundation Magazine :
Watchman's Trumpet-Other Years
Watchman's Trumpet - 1998
Watchman's Trumpet - 1999
Watchman's Trumpet - 2000
Foundation Magazine : Jan - Feb 1997
Amazing Statements Of Don Argue,
President Of The NAE
"Gay Catholics Keep The Faith"
"Gospels Based On Jewish Stories, Not Literal Truth" Bishop
Says
"I Was Wrong" Admits Jim Bakker
Pat Boone In A Metal Mood -- No More Mr. Nice Guy
The Bible In The U.S. -- A Tempting Choice Or Too Many Versions?
The New Living Bible -- The Latest Bible (Per)Version On The
Market
The Evangelical's Collapsing Foundation
Theological Pluralism -- Friend Or Foe?
Foundation Magazine : May - June 1997
Can The Great Commission Be
Fulfilled By 2001?
Pope Makes An Impassioned Plea For Christian Unity At Start Of Polish
Visit
"Toward Tradition" Presents "Toward A New
Alliance"
The Global Consultation On World Evangelization Will Be Held In South
Africa
Who's Telling The Truth About The New International Version
"Gender-Neutral" Bible?
Foundation Magazine : July - August 1997
Promise Keepers Change
Doctrinal Statement to Accommodate Catholics
AMAZING
STATEMENTS OF DON ARGUE, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS
The following was reported in the January 10, 1997, issue
of NEWS BRIEFS, a publication of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We quote:
"Argue said he had developed a 'good relationship' with the NCC's general secretary,
Joan Brown Campbell, working with her on causes such as religious liberty. She had told
him he was the first NAE leader to address the NCC." Following Argue's address to the
National Council of Churches, he reported that "The response was overwhelming ...
they gave me a standing ovation." The NEWS BRIEFS article continued:
"While indicating openness to better relations, Argue said he had no specific plans
for developing cooperative work with the NCC. 'I don't know where this is going ... I
don't think things like this can be manufactured.' But, unlike some conservatives, Argue
said he had no difficulty recognizing NCC leaders as fellow Christians. The NAE, his
remarks suggested, wants to distance itself from the more combative and
anti-intellectual fundamentalists" [emphasis ours]. "Argue reported
that the NAE now embraces 48 denominations, and individual congregations from 10 others,
making a total of 42,500 congregations linked to the NAE. The membership of the
association includes over 250 parachurch ministries and educational institutions. The
total constituency exceeds 27 million Christians" [emphasis ours]. NAE
president Don Argue is a minister of the Assemblies of God, and his reported remarks
demonstrate once again the truth of God's Word which says, "Be not deceived: evil
communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33). His good relationships with the
president of the apostate NCC did not just "develop." It was the inevitable
outcome of his disobedience to God's command to separate from false teachers. When he
says, "I don't know where this [relationship with the NCC] is going," he reveals
his ignorance of the text stated above. Another significant issue to note is that he (and
presumably the NAE) wants to distance himself "from the more combative and
anti-intellectual fundamentalists." Such a statement shows that Argue ignores God's
command in Jude 3 to "earnestly contend for the faith" and rejects God's warning
in Isaiah 8:20: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light in them."
Such thinking and such proposals are not new but they are
definitely unscriptural and should be exposed and repudiated. In our own area, we received
a letter from a local Rabbi, Barry A. Manhoff, about a program he has started called the
Institute for the Interfaith Study of the Bible, inviting us to three upcoming events
sponsored by his group and/or the local Ministerial Association of which he is a past
president.
The three events were: the "One World, One Meal, One
Family" program to combat hunger in our community; an interfaith clergy retreat to
study Psalm 2 and 110 from Jewish and Christian perspectives, spirituality,
bibliodrama,
and the study of Matthew 22 -- "The Tests"; and participation in a radio call-in
interfaith Bible study hosted by the Rabbi and a guest Clergy each week on free time
provided by radio station KVEC. Unsaved Jews, like unsaved Protestants (of which there are
many), all need to hear and believe the Gospel.
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CAN THE GREAT
COMMISSION BE FULFILLED BY 2001?
This question is asked and answered by an Ecumenical Press
(EP) release reproduced in the May 1997 issue of The Christian Edge published in
Bakersfield, California. The article clearly reveals the unscriptural claims and programs
of Campus Crusade for Christ and its founder, Bill Bright. We quote as follows:
As the new millennium approaches, Campus Crusade for
Christ/New Life 2000 is planning a massive worldwide celebration of its effort to help
spread the gospel around the world. Millions of Christians from many countries and major
denominations are cooperating in the celebration which will be held in Orlando, December
3l-January 4, 2001. Hundreds of millions more are expected to join in the celebration via
satellite.
New Life 2000, which is a program of evangelism and
discipleship, focuses on the mobilization and training of people all over the world,
including university students. To reach its goal, New Life 2000 has divided the world into
5,743 regions of one million people, called Million People Target Areas (MPTAs). A New
Life 2000 team, operating from a local training center, saturates each MPTA with the
Gospel through discipleship training and mass evangelism techniques, such as showing the
"Jesus" film (a film depicting the life of Christ based on the Gospel of Luke)
in local languages. Over 850 million people have viewed this film, which has been dubbed
in more than 400 languages.
From its beginning in 1951, the organization’s goal has
been to introduce Christ to at least one billion of the world’s more than six billion
people while planting one million new churches. According to Bailey Marks, international
vice-president of Campus Crusade, New Life 2000 has been implemented in 220 countries
representing 98 percent of the world’s population. More than two billion people have
been exposed to the gospel and over 50,000 new churches have been planted in 150 countries
around the world as a result of the project’s efforts.
"Drawing upon His supernatural resources, we are
trusting God for the fulfillment of the Great Commission by faith," says Campus
Crusade founder, Bill Bright. "With the people and resources the Lord has provided,
this goal is now within the reach for the first time in history."
In 1996, USA Today termed Campus Crusade for Christ the
largest evangelical organization in the U.S. As of January 1, 1997, the organization has
14,200 full-time and 163,000 trained volunteer staff members worldwide, working through
almost 50 outreach ministries to groups including executives, urban youth, military
personnel, and athletes. According to present plans, by the end of A.D. 2000 all of the
1,900 major universities representing 80 percent of the college students of the world will
have an active, staffed ministry….
Campus Crusade is not evangelical in the true sense.
Rather, it is ecumenical. The Gospel it preaches is not the one true Gospel of salvation
by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It should be exposed by true believers, not
supported.
Return to Index
"GAY CATHOLICS
KEEP THE FAITH"
This was the title of an article in the Religion section
of the Chicago Tribune on October 11, 1996. We quote from this article by Terry Wilson,
Tribune Staff Writer: "Members of Dignity Chicago, the oldest gay and lesbian
Catholic organization in the city, gather for mass every Sunday evening at Broadway
Methodist Church in the Lakeview neighborhood. Though the home base is not moored in the
home faith, the Methodist congregation has welcomed them. And Dignity, which will
celebrate its 25th anniversary in May, has survived by holding onto its principles and
meeting its challenges creatively. Dignity members believe that their ability to form
healthy, committed relationships makes them well-rounded people. They also believe that a
healthy spiritual life has nothing to do with the gender of the person they love. The
Catholic Church disagrees. In 1966, the Vatican issued a directive that called
homosexuality an 'intrinsic moral evil' and urged gay groups to be barred from meeting on
church property."
Technically, this ban is still in effect but is being
weakened by vacillation on the part of some bishops and priests. The Tribune article
pointed out the meager numbers involved. Although it is claimed that 'about 10,000 people
attend Dignity services' in Chicago each month, there are only 85 Dignity chapters in the
U.S. with a total of about 2,600 members, and only 'a handful of chapters' are able to
meet in Catholic churches. This further confirms what we have contended for many years --
the Gay Movement gives the appearance of being much larger numerically than it really is
because both homosexuals and lesbians are so persistent and actively outspoken for their
ungodly cause.
When asked by the Tribune reporter "how they found
comfort in a faith that doesn't approve of them," the members said "they felt
secure enough to brush off the judgments." Dignity members that were interviewed said
they "found they were able to develop the church community they wanted. They created
a church community that blesses gay couples, one that grants women opportunities to lead
prayers and preach and one that embraces and affirms all people. Masses are celebrated by
rotating volunteer priests." What a shame!
It is time to listen to God's Word: "Woe unto them
that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope; Woe to them
that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:18, 20.
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"GOSPELS BASED
ON JEWISH STORIES, NOT LITERAL TRUTH" BISHOP SAYS
This was the headline of an article in the religion pages
of the Los Angeles Times on October 26, 1996. The author of the article, Times Religious
Writer Larry B. Stammer wrote: "Even in his own church there are those who call the
bishop a heretic. He has questioned the virginity of Mary, denied the bodily resurrection
of Jesus, and heaped scorn on a literal reading of the Bible. Now the Rt. Rev. John Shelby
Spong, perhaps the most liberal bishop in the Episcopal Church, has written yet another
controversial book, this one arguing that significant events described in the Life of
Jesus -- from the circumstances of His birth to His physical resurrection -- are not
literally true."
Later in the article Spong stated that in the past, the
wrong questions were being asked and the wrong answers were given. We quote: "The
question they asked the Scriptures was the typical Western question: 'Did it really
happen?' They (fundamentalists) answered it with a resounding 'yes.' Jesus walked on the
water. Creation was in seven days. The Resurrection was physical. The Virgin Birth was
literal biology. The Ascension literally took place. These were the unquestioned answers
of a believing age. When 'yes' became an answer to 'Did it really happen?' that people
could not give with integrity, then you began to see the rise of the non-literalists. They
were first the liberals and then they became the secular humanists and then they became
the church alumni association. People began to drop out of the church with great
regularity. It seems to me that what we've got is a bankruptcy in the way we read the
Bible."
Bishop Spong denies every fundamental doctrine of the
Scriptures as well as most of the thirty-nine articles of faith of the Episcopal Church.
He defends and promotes the heinous sins of homosexuality and lesbianism. He should have
been put out of the Episcopal Church long ago, and he possibly would have been dismissed
had it not been for the fact that Episcopalians tolerated liberalism in their ranks for so
long that it has now taken control. Biblical church discipline is now impossible for them
to practice. Episcopalians who reject Spong's apostate views have no other alternative
than to obey God and to "come out and be separate, and touch not the unclean
thing." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.
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"I WAS
WRONG" ADMITS JIM BAKKER
In his recently published 647-page book titled the same.
Note the following very revealing words which appear on the front and back flaps of his
story of shame and regret:
"When the sins and shortcomings of several prominent
'television evangelists' began to surface in the 1980's, no one's fall was as meteoric or
as public as that of Jim Bakker, the winsome host of the immensely popular PTL show and
head of an empire encompassing Heritage USA, PTL, and The Inspirational Network. He and
wife Tammy Faye had found wealth and instant fame with their upbeat message of optimism,
health, and prosperity -- all encapsulated in their oft-repeated slogan, 'You can make
it.' But in 1987 the principles he had preached were put sorely to the test, and he
descended into an accelerating spiral in which he lost, bit by bit, everything he had --
wealth, reputation, dignity, position, power, and finally, freedom. In 1989, Bakker was
sentenced to 45 years in prison -- a virtual life sentence for a 49-year old man. This
much is known.
"But what has never before been recounted is Bakker's
own story: a story of anguish and despair, of grace and repentance, of perspective, and,
at long last, peace. When he was imprisoned at the Federal Penitentiary in Rochester,
Minnesota, he was a broken man, alone and cut off from everything familiar. And in his
deepest need, he discovered that the upbeat slogans and pat solutions that he had so
successfully offered on television were useless to sustain him through his unrelenting
shame and grief. Inmate Bakker, convicted felon, found in prison what Jim Bakker the
preacher and television personality never could. He found fellowship with a different sort
of God -- one who could identify with poverty and pain.
"Stripped of all power and subjected to the daily
humiliations of prison life, Bakker was compelled to embrace the whole of God's message --
not just the 'feel good' parts. God showed Bakker that intimacy with Him was far more
important than frenetic work for God. Never told before, this monumental story of sin and
repentance will resonate with anyone wrestling with the weight of failure and remorse,
guilt and anger, divorce and forgiveness, molestation, and devastating loss."
The following two paragraphs are quoted verbatim from
pages xiii and xiv of the introduction: "THE WORDS 'I WAS WRONG' DO NOT COME EASILY
TO ME. For most of my life I believed that my understanding of God and how He wants us to
live was not only correct but worth exporting to the world. One reason I have risked
putting my heart into print is to tell you that my previous philosophy of life, out of
which my attitudes and actions flowed, was fundamentally flawed. God does not promise that
we will all be rich and prosperous, as I once preached. When I really studied the Bible
while in prison it became clear to me that not one man or woman -- not even prophets of
God -- led a life without pain. God does promise that He will never leave us or forsake
us, no matter what trial or pain we must go through...whether it be loss of reputation,
loss of position or power, financial calamity, addiction, separation, divorce, or
imprisonment...
"I hope that when you have finished reading these
pages, you will have a better understanding of how and why I did things at PTL, in prison,
and beyond prison's gates. More importantly, I hope that the lessons I have learned the
hard way will be helpful to you. I trust too that my story will be preventive medicine for
some. The mistakes I made are still being perpetuated in ministries, churches, businesses,
marriages, and families. The temptation to have more, do more, earn more, build bigger,
emphasize material things rather than spiritual, protect the image regardless of the cost,
look the other way rather than confront wrong -- these are just a few of the areas in
which I have a new mindset, which I hope will be helpful to you."
These admissions of past error and warnings to those who
still follow Bakker's original philosophy, activities and disregard for Biblical commands,
confirm the warnings we have been giving for many years. Despite the fact that most will
likely brush aside Bakker's warnings, we pray that God will awaken Charismatic leaders and
followers to these dangerous deceptions of Satan and his angels of light. In the next
issue of Foundation, we will give a brief analysis of Tammy Faye Bakker Messner's new book
titled TAMMY -- TELLING IT MY WAY in which she seeks to justify her continuing open
disobedience to God's Holy Word, the Bible. Not wanting His children to be deceived, God
warns that evil fellowships always produce corruption, not blessing. 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Return to Index
PAT BOONE IN A METAL
MOOD -- NO MORE MR. NICE GUY
For nearly forty years Pat Boone has been a cross-over
entertainer, sometimes using his musical abilities to entertain the ungodly, secular crowd
and at other times entertaining professing Christians on supposedly Christian platforms.
He has become increasingly popular with both the world and
the church, but now his compromises have resulted in his production of a new album titled:
PAT BOONE IN A METAL MOOD -- NO MORE MR. NICE GUY. The cover of this CD album has a
picture of Boone in biker regalia including tatoos and an earring.
Many people were shocked when they saw the publicity
pictures of Boone in the newspapers or on television and wrote us to see if we could offer
any explanation. Many were doubly concerned when it was reported that Pat Boone is an
elder in the 10,000 member Church on the Way pastored by Dr.Jack Hayford in Van Nuys,
California.
Our direct inquiry confirmed the fact that both Pat and
Shirley Boone are current members of what is called the Deacon/Elder Committee of 100 and
which is also known as the Servants Council. We were also informed that Pat Boone had
given Dr. Hayford a written explanation of his NO MORE MR. NICE GUY album and publicity
photos, but the church was unable to release the text to us without the permission of
Hayford who was away at the time. We then phoned the offices of the Pat Boone Enterprises
and were able to acquire a copy of this "explanation" which we are reprinting
later in this article.
However, the repercussions produced by Boone's new album
and publicity photos were immediate and extensive. The February 20, 1997, issue of the Los
Angeles Times carried a front-page photo and a lengthy article by Larry B. Stammer, the
Times religion writer. We quote portions of that article as follows:
Singer Pat Boone, one of America's
best-known Christian entertainers, has been taken off the air by a national religious
television network after showing up at the American Music Awards dressed like a heavy
metal rock singer. Boone's weekly half-hour show was dropped by the Trinity Broadcasting
Network on Tuesday after the network received thousands of phone calls and letters from
contributors who were shocked by Boone's chest-baring leather costume -- augmented by faux
tattoos and a studded dog collar -- at the awards show broadcast January 27 by ABC.
"A lot of our (prayer) 'partners' had
a real problem with that, more than a lot," said an employee of Trinity, whose
programming is carried by nearly 400 cable systems and television stations worldwide.
"Even before the emergence of the black-leathered Boone," a lawyer for the
network said, "its viewers had been dismayed by the shifting musical genre on the
entertainer's weekly show, "Gospel America," which has been carried by Santa
Ana-based Trinity for four years. Boone had moved away from traditional and pop gospel to
more emphasis on lyrics from heavy metal rock hits -- versions of which he has released on
a new recording.
Pat Boone replied to this by saying:
The only reason they took the show off the air was
not because Paul and Jan Crouch don't get what I'm doing, but because they got hundreds of
calls from their 'little partners,' little old ladies and folks who contribute to TBN
ministries who were so concerned about me in heavy metal clothing. They didn't get the
joke.
Subsequently, at our request, we received a press release
from Trinity Broadcasting Network dated February 20, 1997, confirming the temporary
discontinuance of Pat Boone's Gospel America program. Because of its significance, we
quote this official TBN press release in full:
Earlier this week the Trinity Broadcasting Network
(TBN) discontinued its carriage of Pat Boone's "Gospel America" program. This
decision was reached after thoughtful consultation and agreement between TBN's president,
Dr. Paul F. Crouch, and Pat Boone. The decision was based on recent changes in the focus
and content of Pat's music, which represent a different genre than the Gospel and
traditional inspirational format and ministry of the 'Gospel America' program.
Pat Boone has also accepted TBN's invitation to
appear on its prime time 'Praise' program on the evening of April 15, 1997, to address his
audience and explain his motivation in shifting the traditional and Gospel nature of his
musical ministry. Pat's pastor, Dr. Jack Hayford of the Church on the Way, is expected to
accompany him. We know it will be a revealing and sincere time for Pat and all of those
participating.
TBN is the leading producer and distributor of
religious and inspirational Christian programs in the country. The Trinity Broadcasting
Network has nearly 400 affiliated broadcast outlets, cable systems, low power television,
wireless cable, and direct broadcast by satellite facilities, with a combined market
population of approximately 70 million. Over the last five years the Nielson rating
company reports TBN as the most watched religious, and inspirational program outlet in the
country. For Pat and his many supporters, the Trinity Broadcasting Network extends its
best wishes for success, and prays for the continued blessings of a life dedicated to
serving our Lord and Savior.
Is Pat Boone continuing to defend and justify his amazing
heavy metal album and publicity photos? He certainly is! We quote verbatim the information
sent to us at our request by Pat Boone Enterprises on February 18, 1997:
"A word to the wise - and maybe "a stitch
in time." Just in case you've heard some sketchy reports, and had people express
concern about my new album of "heavy metal" songs, I wanted to send you this
word of explanation and assurance. I don't want you to think I've flipped out
completelyÐbecause I haven't. I really think God has a method in my madness.
In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul says he
"deliberately chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise." In
1 Corinthians 9, Paul said he'll be "all things to all men, if by any means he might
save some," and he's talking about ministering to "outlaws," those who are
normally outside not only God's purpose, but even any interest in it.
I've just completed my part of the project, we have
a sensational big band sound, jazz, and it will be a great music album, and the songs have
all come from what is called "heavy metal." Naturally, I've been very careful in
my selection of the songs, and have even amended the lyrics here or there, though very
little was required. When the album comes out, I think all will agree that it is an
extremely worthy project, and one of the finest things I've ever done. But meanwhile, the
press reports have skewed the whole thing tremendously, making it seem I am trying to
"change my image," and all sorts of unseemly things. I hope you know me better
than this, and I'm sure you do.
I've been so curious, for so many years, about how
Jesus Himself could not only go into the homes of the publicans and sinners (for which his
religious associates roundly criticized him), but was welcomed in those homes and invited!
He wasn't the wet blanket we might have supposed, and He Himself said they accused the Son
of Man of being a "glutton and a wine bibber." Jesus was not a party pooper, and
yet He was always Jesus; I'm still searching for the right combination, but I think the
Lord is giving me an extra step on the platform He built for me originally, and I hope
you'll pray that I don't slip or slide. Romans 8:28 is still operating, and in my Bible
reading for the morning of July 8, the day I began the recording, the last words my eyes
fell on were Psalm 81:16, "With honey from the rock I would satisfy you." I
don't think it was a coincidence, and I'm really thanking the good Lord for not only His
wisdom, but His sense of humor.
Just thought you ought to have this explanation, in
case somebody tries to convince you I've lost my marbles or, worse, am trying to change my
stripes. No, His stripes are opportunities for sharing Him.
[In a subsequent letter, Boone wrote] I hope my
Christian friends who have known me for many years and know what my priorities are, will
have confidence in my judgment and wait until this "IN A METAL MOOD" music is
heard. There is a method in my madness. In fact, discerning listeners will hear some
specific spiritual references "salted" into the original lyrics... I hope it's a
happy discovery that my Christian friends will make for themselves.
There are doors of opportunity opening to me now
that I could not have had otherwise. That's all I can say for the moment, except the
following: Most Christians do not know that AMAZING GRACE was once an English drinking
song, melodically at least, and that indeed so was our national anthem. Little known is
the fact that Frances Scott Key wrote the STAR SPANGLED BANNER to an old English drinking
song by John Stafford Smith titled "To Anacreon in heaven." None of the songs in
my album may reach that lofty level, but I assure all my friends that this is very good
music and not tainted in any way. Please listen and let me know what you think. Pat Boone
P.S. The crazy way I dressed at the American Music
Awards was obviously a one time joke meant merely to attract attention to an outstanding
musical album that I think can now stand on its own. I'll go back to my white bucks now.
Boone's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" CD and publicity
photos were indeed disgusting, but discerning believers should be even more shocked by the
twisting and misapplication of scripture in his letters.
What will happen when Boone appears on TBN in April? That
remains to be seen, but he made it clear that he does not intend to change his position.
The February 21, 1997, USA Today says: "Boone is due to appear on TBN's Praise April
15 with his pastor to explain himself. 'I almost welcome bringing some things to a head
even though it's uncomfortable. I won't apologize, though. The music speaks for
itself.'" As for his following, Boone says, "I'm going to wind up losing a lot
of fans, but I'll gain new ones who'll realize I'm not as square as they thought."
Boone has already received a vote of confidence as
reported in the February 22, 1997, issue of the Los Angeles Times: "He may have irked
Trinity Broadcasting Network, but apparently not all Christian groups are upset by Pat
Boone's chest-baring, leather-clad appearance at the American Music Awards. The singer has
been named host of the Christian Film and Television Commission's fifth annual Movie Guide
Awards March 19 at the Beverly Hills Hotel honoring feature films with redeeming social
and spiritual values."
Pat Boone's worldly views and his use of worldly music to
entertain Christians is not new. Our introduction to such a program took place in 1969
(nearly 30 years ago) at the U.S. Congress on Evangelism sponsored by Billy Graham in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. There we heard public statements like: "We are a Congress to
express all kinds of views"; "Jesus Christ was not a flag-waving American";
"God is doing 'His thing' in the revolutions of our day"; "The world sets
the agenda for the Church"; "We would have invited the Pope, but we didn't want
to embarrass him"; and "The youth turn-on was an exciting existential moment --
a swinging presentation of the Gospel." (This last statement referred to Boone's
Youth Turn-On Concert where he told the young people, "I just finished appearing in
Las Vegas at the FLAMINGO, and I followed Tom Jones in ... and I saw his show the closing
night and I'm going to tell you, the way he moves is not only illegal, but he makes Elvis
Presley look arthritic" (these remarks were greeted by applause and laughter). Then
Boone said, "I'm not going to try to do that, but I did ask Al Werner, my conductor,
to steal one of his arrangements ... sort of copy it and see if we can do some of my songs
with that kind of a feel or something like it. So, Al, let's give it a whack."
Boone's move to hard rock/heavy metal is not
surprising. It is the inevitable result of nearly forty years of compromise and is an
example of the dangerous, deceptive work of a seducing spirit! 1 Timothy 4:1-6.
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POPE MAKES
IMPASSIONED PLEA FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AT START OF POLISH VISIT
This was the headline of a June 2, 1997, Ecumenical News
International wire story which documents the increasing thrust for ecumenical unity by
Pope John Paul II. The article says, "Addressing the International Eucharistic
Congress in the southern city of Wroclaw on Saturday night 31 May, the Pope said there
could be ‘no turning back on the ecumenical path.’ He said he was asking Roman
Catholics and members of other churches for a new ‘joint Christian
witness.’"
The pope began an 11-day pilgrimage to Poland, his native
country, on May 31 and addressed the International Eucharistic Congress the same evening.
The ENI story said 20,000 people attended the congress from 86 countries, including
leaders of churches belonging to the Polish Ecumenical Council and representatives from
German Protestant churches. "In recent years, the distance separating churches and
ecclesial communities from one another has diminished significantly," said the pope.
"But it is still too great!" Pope John Paul II asked the congress, "Can we
be fully reconciled with Christ without being fully reconciled among ourselves? Can we
bear joint and effective witness to Christ if we are not reconciled with each other?"
The pope is a major force in bringing to pass the
apostate, ecumenical church of which the Scriptures prophesy shall come to pass in the
last days. Revelation 17, 18. Anyone who believes he is leading the Roman Catholic Church
to a more evangelical position is terribly deceived.
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PROMISE
KEEPERS CHANGE DOCTRINAL STATEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE CATHOLICS
Since its inception in 1990, the Promise Keepers movement
has purposed to bring men of all religious denominations together to worship, pray and
learn how to be more Godly men in a Godless society. While the basic goals and aims of the
Promise Keepers movement are noteworthy, the underlying premise that believers should
forget their denominational differences in order to pray, worship and learn is completely
contrary to the Scriptural principle of separation from unbelief and errant brethren in
the Lord. Men from many de-nominations, including Roman Catholics, Mormons, Charismatics
and apostate Protestants regularly join together in Promise Keepers conferences. Just
recently, one Roman Catholic magazine highlighted the changes that the Promise Keepers
organization has made in order to better accommodate those Roman Catholics who attend the
Promise Keepers conferences. The article in the July 20, 1997, issue of Our Sunday
Visitor entitled "Making New Catholic Men?" explains how the Promise Keepers
leaders have changed their doctrinal statement and welcomed a Catholic as a member of
their board of directors. Mike Timmis, the Catholic named to the Promise Keepers board of
directors, is described as a "longtime leader in the Catholic charismatic
renewal." The article also notes that Catholic evangelist Jim Beriucchi has been a
key speaker at several Promise Keepers rallies and adds that the Promise Keepers hosted a
"Catholic Summit" in Denver last June.
The article in Our Sunday Visitor vividly describes
the Catholic involvement in the Promise Keepers movement. The second paragraph says,
"While there are no hard figures, some say that 1 0-20 percent of those men
[attending Promise Keepers rallies] are Catholic. And recently, Promise Keepers, a largely
evangelical movement, has taken steps to attract even more Catholic men to its events and
principles of discipleship." Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney, who referred to
himself as a "born again Catholic" and is associated with the Boulder Valley
Vineyard Church of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, told Our Sunday Visitor that
Catholic participation in Promise Keepers was his intention from the start. "Back in
1992, at our first stadium event, we very clearly stated from the podium that we eagerly
welcomed the participation of Roman Catholics, and we've had scores of Roman Catholics
attend and go back to their churches excited," McCartney said.
The change in the Promise Keepers doctrinal statement
epitomizes the accommodation of false doctrine for the purpose of "Christian"
unity. The article in Our Sunday Visitor states, "Last year, Promise Keepers
published a 'statement of faith' with lines that seemed to be crafted to exclude Catholics
- or force them to reject their Catholic faith." The section in the Promise Keepers
doctrinal statement to which the article is referring states, "We believe that man
was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. That
alienation can be removed only by accepting, through faith alone, God's gift of
salvation, which was made possible by Christ's death." Several Catholic theologians
objected to the statement "faith alone" and voiced their concerns to one Promise
Keepers leader. Responding to these concerns, the Promise Keepers revised their doctrinal
statement in order to appease the Catholics and to accommodate their belief that salvation
is through faith plus works.
The new Promise Keepers doctrinal statement reads,
"Only through faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation, which was made possible
by His death and resurrection, can that alienation be removed." Catholics understand
the significance of the change. The subtle rewording allows for works, sacraments,
religious ceremony or whatever else to be added to "faith," depending upon the
"What must we do to be saved?" formula for any religious sect. Yes, our
salvation is centered upon "Christ alone," but it is also by faith alone
in His finished and perfect Work that secures forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal
life. The article later notes that "Paul Edwards, Promise Keepers' vice president for
advancement, explained that the statement of faith is a 'dynamic' document, and that
Promise Keepers is open to change." According to Edwards, this new statement retains
the truth, but "not truth that dissolves into denominational squabbles."
This blatant move by the Promise Keepers is a clear signal
that they are open to accommodate error. There is a great difference between saying that
salvation is by "faith alone" and that salvation "comes only through faith,
trusting in Christ alone." The former definition implies that one can be saved only
through faith and absolutely nothing else. Performing good works or adhering to the
ordinances of the church could not save an individual according to this first definition.
The latter statement implies that salvation can come only through Christ, but it is not
necessarily faith alone that saves. According to the latter definition, one can have faith
in Christ but also have faith in works and in the church in order to be saved.
Bible-believing Christians should not only avoid
participating in Promise Keepers conferences and rallies, but they should also warn
against the dangerous, anti-Scriptural ecumenism that is foundational to this movement.
God's Word specifically commands believers to mark and avoid those who cause divisions
contrary to the doctrine found in the Word of God. While it is getting more difficult to
"stand fast" and "earnestly contend for the faith," God will reward
those who uncompromisingly serve, honor and obey Him.
The Bible in
the U.S. -- a Tempting Choice or Too Many Versions?
This is the headline from an Ecumenical News Service wire
report dated September 30, 1996. The main concern seems to be that sales have dropped
considerably over the past year according to a New York Times survey of several commercial
publishers. However, some leaders of organizations such as the National Council of
Churches and the American Bible Society say their figures are more encouraging. Michael
Maus, communications officer for the ABS, said, "In our most recent fiscal year,
ending 30 June 1996, ABS's overall scripture sales were up 15 percent." He said part
of this rise was due to the success of the newly released Contemporary English Version and
the extra effort that went into promoting this version. But Hargis Thomas, sales and
marketing director for Oxford University press, said,"I've never seen a time in which
well-positioned and well-financed and well-done translations have entered the market with
such horrible results. I think we have reached the saturation point."
New York Times reporter Doreen Carvajal said the decline
in sales could have been from a large influx of new versions from which to choose.
"There are now several hundred versions of the Bible, catering to every niche of
reader," Carvajal said. David Lull, NCC director of Bible translation and
utilization, agreed that the increasing number of new translations could have created a
problem. He said, "Today, people are confused by the almost daily appearance of new
translations."
Publishing companies are reaping huge profits today,
either by selling these new versions or collecting royalties from books written by popular
Bible teachers who use the new translations either as a source or base and are offered
special discounts by publishers for combined interest. Whatever the case may be, the
bottom line always boils down to the "almighty dollar."
Regardless of the "glut" of new translations and
the unwillingness by major publishers of Christian material to print or promote the KJV
Bible, it is still a main contender for first position of popularity. Needless to say, it
is the only version that lacks mistakes and error which has plagued all the hundreds of
modern translations. Sad to say, the only time a comparison is drawn between the KJV and
any other translation is when the new translation begins to compete with the KJV in sales.
The promotions of the new versions only last for a few years at best until another
contender comes along to deceive the unwary. No, God has given the English-speaking world
a perfect Bible which can be quoted for free at any time. Those who use the KJV never need
to worry about being wrong as to their Bible's content or embarrassed by any supposed
inconsistency. Isaiah 32:7-8 says, "The instruments also of the churl [withholding
truth] are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even
when the needy speaketh right. But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal
things shall he stand."
Return to Index
THE GLOBAL
CONSULTATION ON WORLD EVANGELIZATION (GCOWE ’97) WILL BE HELD IN PRETORIA, SOUTH
AFRICA JUNE 30-JULY 5, 1997
This was supposed to be one of the largest evangelical
consultations ever held, but the information contained in the May/June issue of Mission
Frontiers published by the U.S. Center for World Mission clearly reveals it to be a
massive new attempt by evangelical/charismatic leaders to further a false, unscriptural
unity which the apostate ecumenical movement has been promoting for more than nine
decades.
Ten separate but coordinated consultations are scheduled
with each group and its participants "learning from each other." These ten
consultations are: (1) Mission Executives. (2) Business Executives. (3) Meeting the Needs
of the Poor. (4) African National AD 2000 Initiatives. (5) Training for Church Planting
Movements. (6) South Africa Local Pastors. (7) Theological Institution Presidents and
Academic Deans. (8) University Students and Youth Leaders. (9) Worship and Performing Arts
in Missions. (10) Children’s Ministry.
Some of the well known leaders scheduled to be included at
the consultation are: Ralph Winter, U.S. Center for World Mission; Avery Willis, Sr.
Vice-president for Overseas Operations of the Southern Baptist International Mission
Board; George Verwer, founder and director of Operation Mobilization and one of the chief
figures at Intervarsity’s huge student missions conventions called "Urbana
’96" (see our Urbana ’96 report in the January/February Foundation); Bob
Logan, instructor of Church Planting at Fuller Theological Seminary; and C. Peter Wagner,
also of Fuller Seminary, whose emphasis is upon casting out demons and "territorial
spirits" through prayer and confrontation.
The words "creative" and "our dreams and
expectations," both favorites of ecumenists for many years, were used frequently in
the promotional article announcing the meeting. A great emphasis was repeatedly placed on
the supposed necessity of the unity of the church which ecumenists have misused and abused
all these years. The double talk of new evangelicalism is evident even in GCOWE
‘97’s promotional article, for the article says that participants are working
for "increased unity of the Church committed to biblical authority." However,
the unity they advocate is forbidden by biblical authority. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18;
Ephesians 5:11.
The word "partnership" was also repeatedly used.
They said this partnership was characterized by that relationship being (1) International;
(2) Inclusive (Anglicans, Youth With A Mission, Operation Mobilization, Southern Baptists,
Presbyterians, Pentecostals … and more partnerships are being constantly added); (3)
Integrated (as to ministry on the mission fields); (4) Intentional. The leaders and
institutions participating will combine ecumenism, psychology and charismatic heresies and
false teachings concerning angels and demons. GCOWE ’97 should be exposed, not
praised.
Return to Index
THE NEW
LIVING BIBLE -- THE LATEST BIBLE (PER)VERSION ON THE MARKET
The original Living Bible, the work of one man, Kenneth
Taylor, was not even intended to be a translation. It was a paraphrase that contained much
undermining of precious biblical truth. Yet, based in part on the strong recommendations
of evangelical leaders like Billy Graham, the Living Bible has sold more than 40 million
copies since it was produced in 1967. However, in these days when "new" Bibles
are so popular -- New King James, New American Standard, New International, New Jerusalem,
New Revised Standard -- it was almost inevitable that a "NEW LIVING BIBLE" would
appear. Now it is here. It has been widely promoted with the following interesting and
revealing caption: "Introducing the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. It took one
dedicated person to create history's best loved, best selling paraphrase. And ninety more
to make it a translation." At a later date, we hope to prepare and publish a complete
analysis of the NEW LIVING BIBLE, but meanwhile, we felt immediate words of warning are
needed. The following documentation is excerpted from page four of the Text & Product
Preview of the New Living Translation issued by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (Bold print
is ours and used for emphasis)
"With 40 million copies in print, The Living Bible
has been meeting a great need in people's hearts for more than thirty years. But even good
things can be improved, so ninety evangelical scholars from various theological
backgrounds and denominations were commissioned in 1989 to begin revising The Living
Bible. The end results of this seven-year process is the Holy Bible, New Living
Translation - a general purpose translation that is accurate, easy to read, and excellent
for study ... The New Living Translation is based on the most recent scholarship in the
theory of translation. The challenge for the translators was to create a text that would
make the same impact in the life of modern readers that the original text had for the
original readers. In the New Living Translation, this is accomplished by translating
entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English. The end result is
a translation that is easy to read and understand and that accurately communicates the
meaning of the original text. We believe that this new translation which combines the
latest in scholarship with the best in translation style will speak to your heart."
Any rational person would presume that if the New Living
Bible were more accurate than the original Living Bible, there would be no need for the
latter. However, on pg. 36 of the above publication, the question is asked, "Will
Tyndale House continue to publish The Living Bible?" The answer was given in these
words: "More than 535,000 copies of The Living Bible were sold last year alone.
Editions will continue to be published as long as demand exists." This answer once
again confirms the fact that Bible publishers today are interested in profits, not truth.
Since Kenneth Taylor who prepared the copy for the original Living Bible was also an
active member of the Bible Translation Committee that oversaw the entire New Living Bible
project, why doesn't Kenneth Taylor and the other supposedly evangelical scholars who
produced and have endorsed the New Living Bible repudiate the older less-accurate Living
Bible?
The New Living Bible is being produced under a variety of
titles such as New Believer's Bible, Life Application Study Bible, Touch Point Bible and
The One year Bible. You may be sure that most religious book stores will be featuring and
promoting this New Living Bible because they, like those who publish all these
"new" Bibles are seeking financial gain, not the spiritual welfare of their
customers. Among well-known evangelical leaders who have endorsed The New Living Bible
are: Billy Graham, Bill Hybels, Josh McDowell, Greg Laurie, Arthur Evans Gay, Hyatt Moore,
U.S. Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, and many more. We pray that God may open the
eyes of millions of deceived believers who do not yet see how Satan is using all the
modern Bible versions to create doubt as to where the true Word of God may be found, thus
leaving uninformed people without the sure foundation of the pure, divinely preserved
Scriptures which is already ours in the King James Version of the Bible.
Return to Index
THE
EVANGELICAL'S COLLAPSING FOUNDATION
OUR COLLAPSING FOUNDATION is the title of an article by
Jim Reapsome, editor of Evangelical Missions Quarterly. Basically, this publication
advances the new-evangelical position but Reapsome's article in the October 1996 issue
gives some biblically sound warnings which all evangelicals should hear and heed. We quote
the following excerpts: "Biblical authority is under attack all over the place.
Earlier this year the Church of England joined other church bodies in rejecting the
biblical doctrine of hell because it distorts God's love. Hell, according to the Anglicans
who signed off on this statement, pictures God as 'a sadistic monster.' Such ideas are not
only intellectually wrong, they are the death of world missions ... Our rationale and our
driving purpose and passion must be rooted in what God has declared his purpose and
passion to be. There is no salvation other than in the name of Jesus. You can't mix up a
bowl of conflicting religious truth claims and somehow bake a cake of truth out of
it." This is a very timely warning indeed but will most evangelicals heed this
warning? Not likely.
In this same issue of Evangelical Missions Quarterly is an
article by the associate editor, Gary Corwin, titled: BEWARE OF "MISSIOLOGICAL
CORRECTNESS." Like Reapsome's article, it gives warnings which those familiar with
evangelical programs will certainly recognize. Concerning the seductions of
"Missiological Correctness," Corwin writes, "You know you have been seduced
by 'missiological correctness' (1) If you can only see the lost through a window, but have
no interest in open doors. (2) If you measure missionary effectiveness on a cost per
conversion basis. (3) If you champion prayer walks, but spend little time in your closet
actually praying. (4) If you mention the year 2000 more than twice a day. (5) If you decry
the lack of unity in evangelistic efforts but consider first-tier theological issues of
minor importance. (6) If you are more concerned with discerning demonic hierarchies in an
area than in preaching and teaching the gospel of grace. (7) If you are apologetic about
the bulk of 19th and 20th century missionary work and consider it imperialistic. (8) If
you love contextualization, but consider indigenous principles of little importance. (9)
If you put a lot of stock in extrapolated projections regarding how much evangelistic
activity will take place by the year 2050, particularly if you aren't engaging in much in
1996. (10) If you are still fuming about item No. 1."
Of course, one would have to read the entire articles by
Reapsome and Corwin to understand their full significance, but it is obvious that many
evangelicals will find both articles offensive and consider them unloving because they
deal with basic issues which for too long have been swept under the rug. Reapsome and
Corwin sound more like biblical fundamentalists than compromising evangelicals and we pray
that the Lord will help them to take an even stronger and more consistent stand in the
future. Will they be willing to warn about the dangers of cooperation with Roman
Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Ecumenical Protestants and others who preach a false gospel?
Such a warning is certainly needed now and would be especially helpful if it came from
acknowledged evangelical leaders.
Return to Index
THEOLOGICAL
PLURALISM -- FRIEND OR FOE?
The Los Angeles Times of February 1, 1997, carried the
report of a meeting held the previous week at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena,
California, at which a Protestant minister and a Jewish Rabbi claimed that "no
religion has a monopoly on God's Truth."
At a two-day seminar, both speakers proposed and then
explored a "theology of pluralism" in which they made it clear that a principal
reason for their proposal was "the furtherance of domestic tranquillity." The
Protestant speaker was Rev. Donald F. Theimann, dean of the prestigious divinity school at
Harvard University. Representing Judaism was Rabbi A. James Rudin, national director of
inter-religious affairs for the American Jewish Committee in New York.
The Los Angeles Times article began: "Is it
possible to proclaim the truth of your own faith and at the same time agree that other
religions are also paths to salvation? As paradoxical as that may seem, two religious
thinkers -- one Christian, another Jewish -- say that must happen as the United States
becomes a nation of growing religious diversity ... What is needed, they said, is for each
religion to delve deeply into its beliefs to discover theological grounds for affirming
the truth and legitimacy of other spiritual traditions."
Return to Index
"TOWARD
TRADITION" PRESENTS "TOWARD A NEW ALLIANCE"
Under this title, we just received an invitation to
participate in a national conference for Jewish conservatives to be held in Washington,
D.C., September 21-23, 1997, further described as: "Toward a New Alliance-American
Jews and Political Conservatism." The attractive brochure says, "Join us for a
unique and exciting event in the nation’s capital!" The following questions are
listed for discussion at the conference:
• Are the liberal Jewish organizations fighting
anti-Semitism-or encouraging it?
• How can Jewish and Christian conservatives
cooperate politically while respecting their theological differences?
• What does the Torah have to say about welfare,
school choice, and affirmative action?
• Do social and economic conservatism depend on one
another?
Before listing some of the conference speakers, it is
important to note that question three asks, "What does the Torah have to
say…?" but no question is raised as to "What does the Bible have to
say…?" The majority of speakers are identified either as Jewish Rabbi’s or
political figures with only two men particularly identified as
"Christian"—D. J. Gribben, National Field Director, Christian Coalition;
and Gary Bauer, President, Family Research Council. Of course, there may be other speakers
who would identify themselves as "Christian," but there appears to be no one on
the program who would present Bible answers to the questions to be considered.
The opening keynote speaker is listed as Honorable Jack
Kemp, Co-Director of Empower America. Senators and Congressmen either participating or
having been invited to do so are the following: Dick Armey, John Ashcroft, Steve
Largent,
Chris Cox, Jon Fox, Ernest Istook, David McIntosh, Jennifer Dunn (the only woman listed),
Trent Lott, Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich and John Kasich.
Jewish Rabbi’s listed include: Mendel Epstein, Daniel
Greer, Leonid Feldman, Barry Freundel, Daniel Lapin, David Dalin, and Mayer Schiller. A
number of participants edit publications or are columnists. Michael Medved is listed as an
"Author, Film Critic, Talk Radio Host." Several other speakers represent various
conservative organizations.
No, we cannot participate in any such conference which
evades and ignores the basic theological differences involved. Most Christians and Jews
today are hopelessly divided among themselves, but instead of turning to God’s
eternal, infallible, inerrant Word, they are desperately seeking solutions to national and
world problems based upon man’s wisdom. They are headed for failure and must be
warned as well as urged to turn to Jesus Christ who alone can save and satisfy.
Return to Index
WHO’S
TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NEW INTERNATIONAL "GENDER-NEUTRAL" BIBLE?
When Joe Belz, publisher of World Magazine, broke the news
that the translators of the New International Version Bible were quietly trying to foist
upon the American public a "gender-inclusive" NIV Bible which they had already
introduced and printed in England two years ago, Belz was falsely accused of
misrepresenting their intentions. Thankfully, Joe Belz stood by his guns and subsequent
developments prove conclusively that he was indeed correct and used of the Lord to alert
believers to the fact that "The popular NIV Bible was quietly going
‘gender-neutral.’"
The NIV is today’s most popular Bible according to
sales, with more than 100 million copies in print and an amazing 45% share in the highly
competitive Bible market. The International Bible Society holds the copyright and the
Zondervan Publishing House has exclusive commercial rights in the USA. Zondervan at first
denied Belz’ disclosures but were finally forced to admit that World Magazine’s
follow-up article, which said that no one had challenged World’s thesis that
Zondervan had already given its blessing to publish this new edition, was indeed correct.
The 15-scholar panel that controls the NIV text, called the Committee on Bible
Translations, permitted Hodder & Stoughton to publish this same edition in England
back in 1995.
The on-going repercussions have been almost unbelievable.
Faced with the threat that leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention were making plans to
revolt against the proposed NIV gender revisions in the United Sates, the International
Bible Society said it would abandon plans to revise the NIV, return traditional gender
references to its New International Readers Version and ask the British publisher to cease
printing its inclusive-language NIV. Such actions were unprecedented and we have confirmed
that, at least for the present, they are being carried out.
We have a copy of the now controversial NIV version
published in England. God willing, we will be reviewing it in detail in the next issue of
Foundation magazine as well as presenting further facts about the hypocritical double-talk
of Southern Baptists and others whose protests have been so well publicized around the
world. While fundamentalists have rightly warned about the serious dangers in the NIV New
Testament first published in 1973 followed by the NIV Old Testament in 1978, the present
controversy reflects the very serious differences which have developed among evangelicals
over this latest version. Charges and counter-charges continue to escalate. Dr. James
Dobson announced on June 3rd that Focus on the Family, "Upon our realization that the
Odyssey Bible contained some unnecessary gender changes, … moved immediately to
remove this Bible version from our resources for the family." The differences over
this new version continue to escalate and affect even members of the NIV translating
committee. We pray God may awaken His people to see the importance of the divine
preservation of His Word which He divinely inspired in the originals.
Related Resources:
1997 News and Views
1998 News and Views
1999 News and Views
2000 News and Views
Watchman's Trumpet - 1998
Watchman's Trumpet - 1999
Watchman's Trumpet - 2000
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