Ecumenical Movement & Evangelicals – Introduction

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.  1 Tim. 4:1

Sound doctrine is very important to God. His word instruct us to persevere, to hold fast to the doctrine that was given to the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Timothy 1:13, 2 John 1:9-11. We can avoid apostasy (departing from the faith) by learning & searching the Words inspired by the Holy Spirit (the bible), and comparing them with what we hear from others.  An absence of careful examination of the words of men in the church today is leading to a great falling away from the truth of the gospel.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Acts 17:11

Test all things; hold fast what is good.  1 Thes. 5:21

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God .  1 John 4:1

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7: 15

‘Jesus said that we should watch out for false prophets. He stated that we would know them by their fruits. The context of Matthew 7 indicates He is referring mostly to the WORDS they speak… We are instructed to not judge the motives of the heart in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 but we are taught to watch out for false teaching’. Watchman for Jesus

Sound doctrine is important because salvation comes only through repentance and faith in the one & only true Gospel of Jesus Christ. True salvation comes through true doctrine.

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Romans 6:17.  Check also: Acts 11:14, Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:5-6

We are not trying here to accuse anyone, we don’t question their motives, their salvation, personal lives, ways of working, their characters, etc. But we need to question their doctrines/teachings in light of the Scriptures, especially because they say they teach the Word of God and follow Jesus.

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

After much prayer and study, I decided to share this information, to warn the bride of Christ of dangers in these perilous times. My motive is not hate, but love. Some of the information here has been known for many years and I kept silent, but unfortunately the problem has not gone away. On the contrary, it has been increasing and is affecting our family, friends, & the brethren everywhere.

Our silence didn’t help anyone. There is a kind of judging that seeks to criticize or condemn others, while exhortation and admonition (right judgment) seek to correct and restore them. Let us not forget to love one another, and to warn of danger is also to love them, even when you know they may reject you. If you have a heart for souls, then you will understand.

We ought to love what our Lord loves but hate what He hates. He loves people, and we are to love even our enemies, but He hates evil, pride, idolatry, sin, lies, false doctrines, etc. (See Rev. 2:2-3, 2:6-12, Deut. 12:31, Psalm 97:10, etc.). Our Precious Lord Jesus is coming soon for a glorious bride, pure, without spot or wrinkle. He alone deserves all our devotion and service.

The ecumenical movement started with The Second Vatican Council & still continues today. This movement is looking to unite Evangelicals, Mormons, Presbyterians, Lutherans and many others with the Roman Catholic Church, but besides teaching many unbiblical doctrines, the Catholic Church is also uniting with other pagan religions. We need to be careful and ask ourselves is this really the will of God? Or could it be the plan of the enemy for a One World Religion. (Rev. 13:6-8,12 & 15). Please see video of Pope John II speaking of the need of a ‘New World Order’ in an interfaith summit here.

The real purpose of ecumenism is to weaken the church that Christ died for, with destructive heresies & practices. The Lord doesn’t want us to be naive or ignorant of the schemes of the enemy. Matthew 10:16.

Those who think that exposing ecumenism or wrong doctrines is to cause division in the body of Christ are mistaking,  according to the Word of God the ones causing division are the ones bringing a different doctrine than the one given to us by the apostles. Our authority is the Word of God, please see  Rom. 16:17-18

Some evangelical pastors and churches are openly ecumenical while some others don’t recognize it publicly (yet). If you church is teaching Lectio Divina, Contemplative prayer (Communing Prayer – repeating a mantra), Spiritual Formation, Heavenly portals, Mysticism, etc. or is associated with Catholics, ecumenical organizations or churches, then you church is in error or is becoming ecumenical. All these teachings have at their roots Catholic mysticism,  New Age &/or Kabbalah.

A growing number of Christian colleges, seminaries, and universities are also incorporating this mystical spiritual formation into classes and chapel programs.

I’m for and not against encouraging unity across fundamentals, evangelical churches who “stick” to the Bible as our final authority, but ecumenicalism (of our day) doesn’t do this. It associates with Rome, New Age and all sort of other “experimental” Christianity.  Watchman for Jesus

If Jesus had been ecumenical, He would have lovingly dialogued with the (Pharisees) Jewish leaders who loved God and were totally engrossed in doing good, just as are the leaders of the ecumenical movement today. He would have practiced reconciliation with all who named the name of Jehovah, and He could have escaped the Cross. Just one problem: where would we be if He had?

If Paul had been ecumenical, he would never have rebuked Peter or pronounced God’s anathema on those who preached “another gospel”! In fact, he would not have been arrested and sent to Nero if he had only practiced reconciliation with all who claimed to be Christians.  What is wrong with ‘Ecumenical’

Continue Pt. 2 . .