Come Out of Babylon

A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that over the last ten years support for same sex-marriage among white Evangelicals in America has more than doubled. In 2007, only 14% of white Evangelicals supported marriage between homosexuals, but that number has now grown to 34%. If you were born after 1964, the total rises to 47%.

So, what could be behind this massive and drastic shift in Evangelicalism?

In 2015, former US House Majority Leader Tom Delay revealed he and others saw a memo stating that the Justice Department had been seeking to legalize 12 new perversions such as bestiality and pedophilia. He also stated that the memo told of strategies the Justice Department was planning to employ to manipulate the Church. That may sound farfetched to some reading this, but actually, it's nothing new.

Alice Bailey is one of the most influential people you may have never heard of. One of the main proponents of the New Age movement, she and her husband founded Lucifer Publishing Company in 1922, later changing the name to Lucis Trust. Lucis Trust has been a consultant for the United Nations for many decades. Additionally, Alice Bailey wrote a 10 point plan outlining how to replace a society’s Biblical worldview with one that would be more fitting for the New Age’s christ, or what we Christians would refer to as the Antichrist.

As you read the 10 points, ask yourself if you can see the world being shepherded toward their fulfillment.

1. Take God and prayer out of the education system.
2. Reduce parental authority over the children.
3. Destroy the Judeo-Christian family structure or the traditional Christian family structure.
4. If sex is free, then make abortion legal and make it easy.
5. Make divorce legal and easy, free people from the concept of marriage for life.
6. Make homosexuality an alternative lifestyle.
7. Debase art, make it run mad.
8. Use media to promote and change mindset
9. Create an interfaith movement.
10. Get governments to make all these (points) law and get the Church to endorse these changes.

I understand that most people don’t like to think about nefarious forces conspiring together to destroy the Church. However, if you think about it biblically, Satan has been conspiring with his followers against the Lord and His people for quite a long time. And though we teach our children songs like This Is My Father’s World, the Scriptures provide us with a spiritual worldview that’s a bit more complex.

Yes, Psalm 24 does teach us that the earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it because He created it. On the other hand, three times Jesus refers to Satan as the “ruler (arche) of this world.”

Pastor and Greg Boyd writes this about our adversary:

An arche referred to the highest ruling authority (the “boss”) in any particular region. Satan is also referred as the “the god of this age” and “the principality and power of the air” (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2). And John goes so far as to claim that, “The whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 Jn. 5:19). If the whole world is under the power of the evil one, it hardly seems Satan was exaggerating in claiming all government was under his power (Lk. 4:5-7).

Not only this, but Satan is referred to as “the destroyer” who “deceives the nations” (Rev. 9:11; 20:3, 8 cf. 13:14). All earthly governments are depicted as belonging to a single Kingdom that is under Satan’s rule but which is now being delivered over to Jesus (Rev. 11:15). Consistent with this, scholars agree that “Babylon” in Revelation symbolizes earthly government under Satan’s authority. Babylon rules “all nations,” all of which are “deceived” by her “sorcery,” which appears to be the deceptive lure of power.

The early Christians did not shy away from the topics of Babylon, her deceptive allure, and the Church’s need to come out of her.

A voice is heard from heaven, forewarning what is becoming for the servants of God to do, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you will not partake of her sins, and that you will not receive her plagues.” He who goes out and departs does not become a partaker of the guilt; but he will be wounded with the plagues who is found a companion in the crime. … A blind love of one’s own property has deceived many; nor could they be prepared for, or at ease in, departing when their wealth fettered them like a chain. … But how can they follow Christ, who are held back by the chain of their wealth? Or how can they seek heaven, and climb to sublime and lofty heights, who are weighed down by earthly desires? They think that they possess, when they are rather possessed; as slaves of their profit, and not lords with respect to their own money, but rather the bond-slaves of their money. These times and these men are indicated by the apostle, when he says, “But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and in perdition.” – Cyprian 250CE, ANF Volume 5, p. 769-770 [CD-ROM]

By putting this research together, we can begin to determine a few key factors that have contributed to the Church’s compromising position on gay marriage.

First, though it may be hard to admit, we have been getting played by the State. The Babylon system has been slowly and cunningly shepherding us to actually choose this perverse path for ourselves, just like the way many cognitive psychologists often work their patients.

Second, the king of the Babylon system has slyly convinced an enormous segment of the American Church that the King of kings got it wrong on homosexuality. And it’s no wonder, considering that most of our must-watch TV programs are hell-bent on promoting homosexuality. All the while, around 60% of American Christians don’t consider reading the Bible (which from Genesis to Revelation speaks against homosexuality) an essential part of being a Christian.

Finally, as the Apostle Paul wrote, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Jesus said our heart is where our treasure is, and unfortunately, many churches have given their hearts away to Babylon out of a fear of losing earthly treasure. When Wicca is said to be the fastest growing religion in the United States, you know the Church has issues. Unfortunately, many churches have respond to this lack of interest by seeking to become just like the world. Instead of seeking to be distinct from Babylon, many of us have gone full Nimrod to keep our mini towers of Babel in operation.

If we want to see homosexuals or anyone else come to Christ, compromising the truth will not get them there. Changing the gospel won’t get them there. The Holy Spirit brings people to Jesus, and He has come to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. So let’s come out of Babylon, return to our first love and allow Him to do His job through a pure and holy Church. 

September 23, 2017 – Homecoming or Ho Hum?

For the second year in a row, certain Christians have been predicting that major, world-changing events will take place on my son’s birthday. It has to be a bit of a bummer when you want to celebrate but folks around you are forecasting apocalyptic-type events for your big day.

A growing number of Christians have been rallying behind the belief that a secret rapture of the Church is going to occur on September 23, 2017. They believe this event will then kick off a seven-year tribulation period, which will ultimately culminate with Jesus’ visible return.

I have to admit; the folks that have been working on this theory have done a ton of research. Hundreds of hours must have been spent putting all of this stuff together. And to be honest, some of it is impressive.

  

The theory, though, totally hinges on the doctrine of imminence. The modern doctrine of imminence basically states that Jesus will secretly rapture His Church without any signs preceding this event, and then the Great Tribulation will begin. Many Baptist seminaries teach this doctrine, and I used believe it as well. It’s become a very popular teaching over the last 150 years, and I admit that aspects of it are quite appealing.  

However, please consider that understanding of imminence in light of Jesus’ parable of the fig tree in Matthew 24. 

Jesus also told His disciples, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Matthew 24:32-34).”

Jesus said that when we see all these things, we will know His return is imminent. So, what are all these things that He referenced earlier in the chapter?

v Vs 10) A great apostasy occurs within the Church.

v Vs 15) The Antichrist sets himself up in temple of God declaring himself to be above God.

v Vs 21) There is a great tribulation like never before in history.

v Vs 24) False Christs and false prophets do remarkable signs and wonders to mislead the elect.

v Vs 29) The sun is darkened.

v Vs 29) The moon doesn’t give its light.

v Vs 29) Stars fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens are shaken.

v Vs 30) THEN, all the tribes of the earth mourn when they see the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and great glory like lightning flashing from one end of the sky to the other. He appears with a great trumpet blast to gather His people to Himself.

Peter affirmed the simple words of Christ in his first sermon on the day of Pentecost. Quoting the Lord God in the book of Joel, he proclaimed, “And I will grant wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come (Acts 2:19-20).”

According to Peter and Jesus, before the day of the Lord, the sun will be darkened and the moon will look like blood. We should be looking for these signs.  

Paul adds his witness against the modern understanding of imminence in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 3-4, writing that Jesus’ return and our being gathered to Him will not occur until after the great apostasy and the Antichrist is revealed.

Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him… Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

Like Paul and Jesus, the early Christian writers overwhelmingly affirmed that the Church would remain on earth while the Antichrist was bringing tribulation upon Christians. Here are just a few examples:

He shall come from heaven with glory, when the man of apostasy, who speaks strange things against the Most High, will venture to do unlawful deeds on earth against us Christians. – Justin Martyr 160CE, ANF Volume 1, p. 413 [CD-ROM]

He will cause all those who will not worship the image of the beast to be put to death. Here the faith and the patience of the saints will appear, for he says: “And he will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead; that no man might buy or sell without having the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” For, being full of guile, and exalting himself against the servants of God, with the wish to afflict them and persecute them out of the world, because they give not glory to him, he will order censers to be set up by everyone, everywhere, so that no one among the saints may be able to buy or sell without first sacrificing. – Hippolytus 200CE, ANF Volume 5, p. 382 [CD-ROM]

The Antichrist, when he begins to come, will not be allowed to enter into the church just because he threatens. We will not yield to his arms and violence, even though he declares he will destroy us if we resist. . . . The Antichrist is coming. Yet, above him, comes Christ also. The enemy goes about and rages, but immediately the Lord follows to avenge our sufferings and our wounds. – Cyprian 250CE, ANF Volume 5, p. 613, 619 [CD-ROM]

The testimony of the earliest Christians is that we are going through the Great Tribulation. We will be around while the Antichrist is wreaking havoc on us and on the earth. Many Christians will fall away. Though we will experience the wrath of Satan and the Antichrist, true believers who persevere will not experience the wrath of God. Jesus will come for us just before He pours His bowls of wrath out upon the earth.

That is the overwhelming testimony of the earliest Christians. Now, it is possible that they could have been mistaken. It’s possible that at any moment, even on 9/23/17, without any signs or warnings, there will be a secret rapture of the Church that will usher in the Great Tribulation. But which is more prudent to prepare for?

Hurricane season is rapidly approaching in Houston, TX. In my lifetime, some have hit close to home, and some have been all bark and no bite. That being said, anyone who has been a Houstonian as long as I have knows that you prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Perhaps we should take the same approach to the Great Tribulation as we hold fast to the simple words of Christ.    

Don’t Judge Me!

Some of my more recent blogs have addressed the growing trend of Christian leaders declaring that homosexuality is not sinful. So far, I have been accused of hate and fearmongering, and was once called a muckraker. Honestly, I had to look that one up.

I find it ironic that the folks who placed those labels on me believed I was “judging” others. Oftentimes, when we tell someone to stop judging us or others, we do so because we believe the action of calling out sin is itself a sin. However, if we’d take a minute to think through the logic of that definition of judging, every time we call someone out for being judgmental, we will actually be engaging in the sin of hypocrisy. Perhaps we've misunderstood Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul rebukes the church at Corinth for not enforcing church discipline on a man who has been unrepentantly sleeping with his stepmother. He commands the Corinthians to expel the man from the assembly and not associate or even eat with anyone who calls themselves a Christian but is unrepentantly sexually immoral. Finally, he tells the church at Corinth that we are not to judge unbelievers, but we are to judge Christians.

So, does 1 Corinthians 5 reveal the Apostle Paul as a judgmental muckraker, who is clearly outside the will of God? If you read 1 Corinthians 5, you realize that Paul has the full backing of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in this matter.

However, is a straightforward reading of these passages about Church discipline really how we should interpret Scripture? Take a moment to read four excerpts from a document written by one of the most well respected Church leaders of the third century.  

We must not rashly judge one another.

In the Gospel according to Luke: “Judge not, that you may not be judged: condemn not, that you may not be condemned.” Of this same subject to the Romans: … “Wherefore you art without excuse, O every man that judges: for in that in which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you do the same things which you judge. But do you hope, who judge those who do evil, and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God?” – Cyprian 250, ANF Volume 5, p. 957 [CD-ROM]

We must depart from him who lives irregularly and contrary to discipline.

Paul to the Thessalonians: “But we have commanded you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that you depart from all brethren who walk disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received from us.” – Cyprian 250, ANF Volume 5, p. 980 [CD-ROM]

The sinner must be publicly reproved.

In the first Epistle of Paul to Timothy: “Rebuke them (unrepentant Elders) that sin in the presence of all, that others also may be afraid.” – Cyprian 250, ANF Volume 5, p. 983 [CD-ROM]

We must not speak with heretics.

To Titus: “A man that is a heretic, after one rebuke avoid; knowing that one of such sort is perverted … and is self condemned.” Of this same thing in the Epistle of John: “They went out from among us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would doubtless have remained with us.” Also in the second to Timothy: “Their talk will spread like gangrene.” – Cyprian 250, ANF Volume 5, p. 983 [CD-ROM]

The early Christians knew how to navigate the tension of the full counsel of Scripture. They neither added to, nor took away from the text. And because of that simple approach, they kept themselves from being judgmental.

So, how can we confront sin in a God-honoring way? This story illustrates how we should begin thinking like holy defense attorneys.

About 17 years ago when I was 20, I got an M. I. P. (Minor in Possession) at a bar in College Station, TX. My brother and I had just finished playing a 3 hour set with our band, and the bar owner gave us a free pitcher of beer, which we gladly accepted. 

What couldn’t have been 15 minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was the police, and though I wasn’t drunk, I was busted. A few weeks later my mom and I showed up at court. Yes, mom came with me, and thankfully, she hired an attorney for me. 

My defense attorney spent about 20 minutes counseling me before we went into court that morning. He knew the judge, and gave me really good advice about how to handle the situation. He instructed me that we should not try to fight the case, but that we should plead no contest. He also said that if the judge asked to speak with me, I should be respectful and remorseful. That was not a problem because I was scared out of my mind. 

There is a Koine Greek word, parakletos, that basically carries the idea of a truthful and helpful defense attorney. Though the word is often translated as “encourage”, parakletos is best understood by thinking about the various helpful ways that a good defense attorney interacts with a guilty client.

My MIP defense attorney beseeched me to never engage in underage drinking again. He noticed I was freaking out, so he comforted me with a pat on the back and told me it was going to be okay. He exhorted me to apply his strategies when I went into the courtroom. He admonished me to banish all pride from my attitude from this point further. And finally, he encouraged me by saying that he would help me get through this situation and back on track again.

Like caring defense attorneys, if we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in sin, we will practice parakletos while holding fast to the simple words of Christ and the rest of the New Testament. It will not be easy. Sometimes people will feel like we are being overly judgmental. But uncomfortable conversations that promote health in the body of Christ serve to make us even more effective in advancing the kingdom of God in the world.