Leicester@theCross 2015: The Dangers of the Ecumenical Movement

For the second year, John McGinley, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Leicester is one of the organisers of the annual Good Friday event, Leicester@theCross. He describes the event in strong ecumenical terms: 

“Without doubt the event this year will be the most ecumenical event in the city representing churches from many communities.”

Ecumenical is from Late Latin oecūmenicus, from Greek oikoumenikos, from (hē)oikoumenē (gē), (the) inhabited (world).

The two major players in the Ecumenical Movement are The World Council of Churches and The Roman Catholic Church. Their stated aim is to bring about visible worldwide Christian unity in answer to Jesus Christ's prayer in John 17:22: ".....that they may be one even as we are one." Jesus' prayer for the unity of all believers was specific in that he prayed for spiritual unity (John 17:5; 10:30), unity in Truth (John 17:17), and unity in agape Love (John 17:23,26). The difficulty is that in order to "be one" in ecumenical terms, believers must accept "unity" at the cost of truth. In stark contrast the Bible demands spiritual unity in the context of maintaining the purity of the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:3-4). In other words, subjective faith (one’s personal faith) cannot be divorced from objective truth (the body of revealed doctrine).

In recent years we have seen a massive deterioration in doctrine, not only amongst the mainstream Christian denominations, but amongst so called "evangelicals". Since the publication of Evangelicals and Catholics Together in 1994, there has been an unprecedented push for Evangelicals to accept the satanic ecumenical agenda. The meetings last year between the Pope and a number of false teachers (including Kenneth Copeland, James Robison, Joel Osteen, John and Carol Arnott of Catch the Fire Toronto, Geoff Tunnicliffe, head of the Worldwide Evangelical Alliance etc.) are deeply troubling. We heard the deliberate falsehood: "Luther's protest is over" and "division is diabolical" from the Pope's friend Tony Palmer (now deceased) who was a bishop and international ecumenical officer with the independent Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. Tony Palmer's claim that the Roman Catholic church believes in salvation by faith alone just about sums up the disinformation being promulgated by these deceivers (see Catholic Catechism Ref. Nos. 1265-1271, 1987-1995). The reasons for the Protestant Reformation remain, absolutely nothing has changed, apart from the compromise and collaboration of the Church of England and her harlot sisters in the World Council of Churches. Luther's protest can never be over for true Bible believing Christians unless the Roman Catholic Church repents, and I do not have any hope of that happening. 

CHURCHES TOGETHER

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: "The Church: Towards a Common Vision (sometimes abbreviated to TCTCV) is a document from the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (Faith and Order Paper No.214). Published in 2013, it was the result of many years work by representative theologians from Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic Churches asking what can be said together about the Church and how closer mutual understanding might contribute to overcoming the obstacles standing in the way of unity between the divided Christian communities." http://www.ctbi.org.uk/705

Promoters of Leicester@theCross, Churches Together, are ecumenical, interfaith amd interreligious. They actively participate in religious pluralism through "interreligious dialogue and collaboration" - this involves validating different religions and praying with believers of other faiths. The validation of other religions/faiths is a clear departure from the apostolic teaching and is nothing short of open rebellion against God:

The "gods" of other religions are defined as demons in the Bible.

No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20)

For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
 (Psalm 96:5)
   
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. (2 John 1:9-11) 

YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY. (Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8) 

THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Catholic Church is the one true church (CCC 2105), Infallibility of the Catholic Church, (CCC 2035), Only the Roman Catholic Church has authority to interpret Scripture (CCC 100), The Pope is the head of the church and has the authority of Christ (CCC 2034), The Roman Catholic Church is necessary for salvation (CCC 846), Sacred Tradition is equal to scripture (CCC 82), Forgiveness of sins, salvation, is by faith and works (CCC 2036 CCC 2080 2068), Full benefit of Salvation is only through the Roman Catholic Church (Vatican 2, Decree on Ecumenism, 3), Grace can be merited (CCC 2010 CCC 2027), The merit of Mary and the Saints can be applied to Catholics and others (1477), Penance is necessary for salvation (CCC 980), Purgatory (CCC 1031 CCC 1475), Indulgences (CCC 1471 CCC 1478 CCC 1498 CCC 1472), Mary is Mediatrix (CCC 969), Mary brings us the gifts of eternal salvation (CCC 969), Mary delivers souls from death (CCC 966), Prayer to the saints (CCC 2677), The Communion elements become the actual body and blood of Christ (CCC 1374 CCC 1376).
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..... (2 Timothy 3:16) 

If anyone comes with another doctrine, do not receive him....for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds (2 John 10,11).

The apostle Paul warned of such a time as this when sound doctrine is downplayed and even vilified:

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions..... (2 Timothy 4:3) 

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)

Pope Francis to atheists: "You don't have to believe in God to go to heaven."

Pope Francis offers reduced time in purgatory for Catholics that follow him on Twitter.
The Vatican has repeatedly called for a one world religion = New World Order
Pope Francis calls Jews, Muslims and Christians "brothers".

Pope Francis: “Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world. For centuries, blood has been needlessly shed because of the desire to segregate our faiths. This, however, should be the very concept which unites us as people, as nations, and as a world bound by faith. Together, we can bring about an unprecedented age of peace, all we need to achieve such a state is respect each others beliefs, for we are all children of God regardless of the name we choose to address him by. We can accomplish miraculous things in the world by merging our faiths, and the time for such a movement is now. No longer shall we slaughter our neighbors over differences in reference to their God.” - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-followers-koran-holy-bible/#sthash.LCNiPqbX.dpuf

DO THE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS WORSHIP THE SAME GOD AS THE POPE IMPLIES?

The Abrahamic faiths may have some things in common, but they differ in one critical aspect, THE IDENTIFICATION OF JESUS CHRIST AS THE SON OF GOD - THE MESSIAH. It was Peter who confessed Jesus as the Christ, that is the promised Messiah (Matthew 16:16; Luke 9:20), the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). The Koran teaches that Jesus Christ was a prophet and that God has no son. Similarly Judaism rejects Jesus Christ as their Messiah. The sad truth is that Judaism, Islam and Christianity are irreconcileable no matter how many nice interfaith meetings they have.

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.  (Mark 8:27-30)  

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

THE ANGLICANS

Justin Welby's position on many doctrinal issues is nothing short of scandalous:

• The Church of England has embraced paganism as a bone fide "religion" and is creating a Pagan church to recruit members: "Ministers are being trained to creat new forms of anglicanism suitable for people of alterntive beliefs."  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html
• Welby has affirmed Buddhism in his statement that Prince George is "perfectly entitled" to become a Buddhist later in life!
• Welby supports homosexuality!
• Welby has removed "sin" and "rejection of the devil" from baptism! (infant baptism is unbiblical anyway).
• Welby doubts even the existence of God!

Justin Welby: "Anglicans and Roman Catholics have, since 1966, been in serious and prayerful dialogue with each other, to seek the unity that Christ wills for his church in the world,"
http://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-francis-and-archbishop-justin-welby-sign-initiative-against-slavery-human-trafficking-116308/

Holy Trinity Leicester: "We describe ourselves as Anglican, charismatic and evangelical. We believe in strong biblical teaching....."  http://www.holytrinityleicester.org/newcomers.html

Where is the "strong biblical teaching" of John McGinley? He continues on his merry way without challenging any of the above errors. He deceives his members with various false teachings, including The Alpha Course, Contemplative Prayer and the ruinous teachings of Mike Breen. Mike Breen (The Order of Mission, 3DM and New Wine) has left an unprecedented trail of devastation in churches across America and is now in serious financial difficulty. I have been warning people about Mike Breen's wretched teaching for years. I suggest that readers prayerfully examine the links below. In particular I suggest that you read the stream of numerous comments on The Schooley Files (at the end of this article you can "load more" pages for further comments).

UPDATE: 3DM is now known as 5Q with Alan Hirsch, Cairn Network. Kairos network.

http://www.schooleyfiles.com/2013/11/mike-breen-and-building-discipling.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/a-warning-of-pitfalls-of-3dm-and-mike.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/3dm-how-to-reject-someone-and-tell-them.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/divisive-and-dangerous-mike-breens-3dm.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/mike-breen-3dm-playing-havoc-with_1.html 
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/mike-breen-3dm-lifeshapes-and.html
http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79 

BABYLON THE GREAT, MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF EARTH'S ABOMINATIONS

In 1995 The General Council of the Assemblies of God RE-EMPHASIZED a bylaw of long standing in their biennial meeting in St. Louis. Article IX, Section 11, states: "The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of ministers or churches participating in any of the modern ecumenical organizations on a local, national, or international level in such a manner as to promote the ecumenical movement because:

• We believe the basis of doctrinal fellowship of said movement to be so broad that it includes people who reject the inspiration of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the universality of sin, the substitutionary atonement, and other cardinal teachings that we understand to be essential to biblical Christianity.
• We believe the emphases of the ecumenical movement to be at variance with what we hold to be biblical priorities, frequently displacing the urgency of individual salvation with social concerns. 
• We believe that the combination of many religious organizations into a world superchurch will culminate in the religious Babylon of Revelation 17 and 18."

http://www.spiritwatch.org/fireecumen1.htm

Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world. For centuries, blood has been needlessly shed because of the desire to segregate our faiths. - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-followers-koran-holy-bible/#sthash.LCNiPqbX.dpuf

Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world. For centuries, blood has been needlessly shed because of the desire to segregate our faiths. - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-followers-koran-holy-bible/#sthash.LCNiPqbX.dpuf

Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world. For centuries, blood has been needlessly shed because of the desire to segregate our faiths. - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-followers-koran-holy-bible/#sthash.LCNiPqbX.dpuf

To attend Leicester@theCross is to put ones stamp approval on the ecumenical Antichrist activity within the apostate churches. There are fearful eternal consequences for those involved in the Ecumenical Movement: 

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for /them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15) 

Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?" And then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23)

Why do you call me "Lord, Lord," and not do what I tell you? (Luke 6:46)

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Thousands-Christians-expected-gather-Humberstone/story-26089367-detail/story.html
http://www.churchestogetherinleicestershire.org/index.php?module=pagesmith&uop=view_page&id=134

GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html

“Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Jehovah, Allah. These are all names employed to describe an entity that is distinctly the same across the world. For centuries, blood has been needlessly shed because of the desire to segregate our faiths. This, however, should be the very concept which unites us as people, as nations, and as a world bound by faith. Together, we can bring about an unprecedented age of peace, all we need to achieve such a state is respect each others beliefs, for we are all children of God regardless of the name we choose to address him by. We can accomplish miraculous things in the world by merging our faiths, and the time for such a movement is now. No longer shall we slaughter our neighbors over differences in reference to their God.” - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-followers-koran-holy-bible/#sthash.LCNiPqbX.dpuf

revelation tv - howard conder's vile threats against critics!

Howard Conder, founder of Revelation TV continues to lash out against his critics. An investigation into the Revelation Foundation was launched last year by the Charity Commission after they received a number of complaints that the charity was being used for “private advantage”. In a statement, the regulator said it had scrutinised the Revelation Foundation’s accounts and had identified a number of concerns including “potential significant loss of charitable funds, trustee benefits, conflicts of interest and connected party transactions”. The Charity Commissions investigation into the Revelation Foundation is the most serious form of inquiry available to them. 

VILE THREATS AND TWISTED LOGIC!

In January Conder vilified critics of Revelation TV (RTV) on his Facebook page as "demons, bullies and creeps". He is now attempting to smear critics as anonymous "trolls" and "cyber bullies"!  I must point out however that there is nothing anonymous about those who have expressed their concerns about Revelation TV!!!

Howard Conder R Mornings 6th of March 2015:

 http://www.revelationtv.com/programmes/episode/r-mornings901087
(watch from about 39 minutes into the programme)

"I have got plenty of evidence of that (internet bullies), I have got a paper trail, I have got an email trail; I can point the finger to, and name the people that have said things about us..... It will come to nought...... because if God is behind Revelation TV, which I believe it is, otherwise we wouldn't be here and wouldn't have arrived at this stage....."  In other words, Conder justifies God's approval of RTV by the fact that it exists. This is an illogical argument. The Third Reich existed - were they approved by God?

"There is a day, there is payback day. When all this is over, we will be putting things back out there. We have got the proof, got the names, there are people that have been talking about us...... Gordon Hudson's blog..... by the way Gordon I have got your email, I can see exactly what you are up to and the things you have said about us are untrue and we will be dealing with you, trust me....... There are lots of people who have said they are not involved, you are all involved and I know who you are and this is the thing with trolls, they think they can hide behind and do this"  

Gordon Hudson makes no secret about his identity, either on his blog or on his twitter page!
http://www.ecalpemos.org/2006/10/why-i-decided-to-stop-supporting.html
http://www.ecalpemos.org/2009/04/genesis-tv-and-revelation-tv.html
https://twitter.com/gordonhudsonnu/status/536948685339238401

Howard Conder is misleading people when he claims that the viewers who brought their concerns about Revelation TV to the attention of the Charity Commission did so "anonymously". Those viewers may not be known to RTV, but they are certainly known to the Charity Commission! In fact it is the Charity Commission who keeps complainants identities confidential! The Declaration in Section 4 of the Charity Commissions procedure for Raising a Complaint requires: "your name, postal and email addresses and telephone number and connection (if any) to the charity. Please note that this will be kept confidential". http://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/our-regulatory-work/concerns-about-charities/submit-a-concern-about-a-charity/

Who does Howard Conder think he is, and how exactly is he going to "deal" with his critics on "payback day"? His outburst sounds like the ravings of a psychotic - I really do wonder whether he is delusional! Even in the unlikely event that Howard Conder's critics are in error, THERE IS NO SCRIPTURAL MANDATE TO TAKE REVENGE:

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all..... Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17, 19) 

Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. (2 Timothy 4:14) Notice that Paul named Alexander the coppersmith for the harm he had done, but he left "payback day" to the Lord.
 
See also Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; Proverbs 20:22, 24:29; Hebrews10:30).

To talk in this manner about "payback day", Conder shows at the very least that he has failed as a Christian:

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?  .....brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat (failure) for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? (1 Corinthians 6:1-7) 

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. (Matthew 15:18 see also Matthew 12:34; 15:11; Mark 7:20; James 3:6) 

It seems fashionable to call anyone a "troll" who cares about the truth and who dares to do something about it. Has Howard Conder heard of Freedom of Expression? Unless RTV's critics have broken the law by making threats or committing slander, they are quite entitled to an opinion! A classic hallmark of spiritual abuse is treating the person who dares to express their concerns as the problem!

Conder talks about "Damage being done, especially to young people." RTV themselves are causing untold spiritual damage, not only to young people but to all their viewers by hosting false teachers and promoting doctrines of demons which will send people to hell e.g. Seventh Day Adventists, Jesse Duplantis, Benny Hinn, Sid Roth, Joyce Meyer etc. etc.

Alan Tun calls people "detractors" who criticise "successful preachers" at about 46 minutes into this programme. Are Tun and Conder telling their viewers not to "test the spirits" as we are exhorted to do in the scriptures? If something is unbiblical, then it is our responsibility to speak out and challenge it. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9) The gift of "distinguishing between spirits" is God given (1 Corinthians 12:10). "Successful ministry" is no guarantee of truth. If a minister really is teaching truth, then his teachings should be able to stand the scriptural test - his/her teachings should compliment, not contradict other scriptures! Conder says that if teachings are not of God they will come to nothing - that may be so eventually, but how much devastation do false teachers do to the body of Christ before this happens? 

Alan Tun: "He (Jesus Christ) did not set his disciples up to teach doctrine, he told them to be lights." I find this statement deeply troubling. 

To downplay biblical doctrine is to downplay the teaching of Jesus Christ - which is to actually downplay Jesus Christ Himself! Jesus prayed that the Father would sanctify believers in THE TRUTH - GOD'S WORD IS TRUTH (John 17:17). JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF ACTUALLY IS THE TRUTH (John 14:6).

Jesus Christ is both the Logos (Word) and the Light (John 1:9) - in other words, the teachings of Jesus Christ (doctrine) and the light are inseparable!     

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, (Proverbs 6:23)    

Jesus Christ:  “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15) 

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words (teaching). And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. (John 14:24) 

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going." (John 12:35)   

.....in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:8) 

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16) 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, (2 Timothy 4:3)  

Qualifications for elders written by Paul the Apostle (Titus 1:5-16):
.....give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.....  ....in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, (Titus 2:1, 7-8)   

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1) 

See also Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:8; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Galatians 4:17; Acts 20:29.

ian mccormack open heaven spiritual deception part 2

This is my second post about the "third heaven" experience promoted by Assemblies of God pastor Ian McCormack. I am adding some further information as a general response to some of the comments I have received, and also as a result of having done some further research.

Ian McCormack's multiple trips to heaven follow his initial experience in Mauritius in 1982 when he claims to have died and gone first to hell, and then to heaven. He claims that the experience of "open heaven" is available and even normative for every Christian. He is currently promoting his film "The Perfect Wave" which was released last year. Ian's full testimony can be found on his website: http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/

What I am going to challenge primarily is Ian McCormacks flawed "discussion" about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:20-31) on his website: http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/faqs/answers/

LUKE 16:19-31:
There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Ian's first error is that he says that both Lazarus and the rich man talk to each other - this is actually NOT the case, the conversation is between the rich man and Abraham! This is important because Ian claims that if this is a literal account, then people in heaven and hell can see each other and those in heaven observe those tormented in hell. It is critically important not to read something into the text that it does not say, and yet this is precisely what Ian McCormack does. Nowhere in the biblical text does it say that Lazarus can actually see, hear, or have any interaction with the rich man, or that he is even aware of the conversation! The interaction is solely between the rich man and Abraham. Verse 22 - The rich man saw Abraham far off and Lazarus by his side - "Abraham's side" is a translation of "Abraham's bosom" (κόλπος) which is a synonym for paradise (Luke 23:43). The same Greek word is used in verse 22 - Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham's side/bosom (κόλπος). Deceased believers are now present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23); the scriptures do not tell us their level of cognizance beyond that. Ian's second error is that the rich man does not plead with Abraham to send "some one" back from the dead, he pleads specifically for Abraham to send Lazarus.

Ian McCormack: "In the story both men talk to each and the rich man pleads with Abraham to send some one back from the dead to warn his family lest they end up in Hell. Abraham tells the rich man that they have Moses & the prophets let them hear them and that even if some one was to come back from the dead they still wouldn't believe.

For if this story was a real/literal one as some believe and that Abrahams Bosom is heaven then it seems very strange to me that people in Hades / Hell can talk to people in Heaven and that they can see each other and watch the torment. If this was so then this would actually be hell as how could you as a Christian be able to see your lost friends and neighbors being tormented."

Ian McCormack argues that theologians use this parable to nullify his testimony because Abraham said there is a great chasm set between Abraham's Bosom and Hades and that no one can pass over from Hades/Hell into heaven. He then goes on to argue that because Jesus Christ crossed over this impassible chasm, then it is also possible for others to do so.

"Of course Jesus himself went from the cross to hell and from hell to heaven. So He crossed over this so called chasm himself. Going firstly to hell { Hades } then into Heaven.
 
The scriptures tell us that Jesus himself spent 3 days & 3 nights into Hades { Matt 12: 40 } and He now has the keys of Death & Hades { Rev 1 : 18 }"   http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/faqs/answers/

Most commentators agree that ἔσται … ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς, (in the heart of the earth) is Hades. The parable speaks about "those who would pass" meaning departed spirits. Jesus Christ was unique, he was not in the category of a departed spirit in the context of this parable. Christ was 100% human and 100% divine. 1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us that after his crucifixion, Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. The meaning of these verses in 1 Peter 3 is much disputed, but it appears that Jesus did go into Hades. However, we should also note that Jesus said to the thief ".....today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). The parable in Luke 16 tells us that none may cross from there to us. If Jesus Christ did cross the impassible chasm as some claim, he was the only One who was able to do so: "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18) The audacious claim to have passed the chasm between hell and heaven "because Jesus did", is not only unbibical but highly presumptuous.

In any event, Jesus Christ says that human testimony of returning from the dead is not only forbidden (none may cross), it will definitely not produce true faith. Why then would Ian McCormack be the exception to this rule in contradiction to God's Word? This is a further instance of Ian McCormack in some sense making an inappropriate comparison between himself and Jesus Christ. Notice that Abraham said that they should hear Moses and the Prophets. Similarly today, faith comes through hearing the word of Christ, it does not come by believing a mere man who claims to have risen from the dead and other fantastic claims:

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

Why does Ian McCormack have such poor biblical exegesis? If he were so very close to God, then his exegesis would be spot on surely!

The short video below shows Ian McCormack's take on experiencing heaven:



Ian McCormack attempts to validate "third heaven experiences" by citing the apostle Paul and John's encounter of heaven in the scriptures. As already discussed in my previous post, Paul was forbidden to speak of the things he saw and heard. Paul's experience was a very rare event, it happened only once in fourteen years. John's Apocalyptic vision on Patmos was fearful (Revelation 1:17). His terrifying vision is definitely not an example of an ecstatic spiritual experience. I reiterate that these two events were exceptional occurrences, they are definitely not described by the apostles as normative for Christians. http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/ian-mccormack-open-heaven-or-spiritual.html

In contrast to the Apostle Paul and John, Ian McCormack claims to have open access to the Shekinah i.e. the dwelling or setting of the divine presence of God in a very personal intimate way: " I am seeing the Lord, its all the senses, the mind the emotions the heart the senses the touch the sight; its like seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting, smelling - all of the senses are activated. It is like you are meeting a person."  Ian McCormack says that his initial encounter in 1982 was the "entry point" into the glory realm when he met Jesus Christ tangibly face to face. "I knew the tangible presence, the manifest presence of God physically on me."  After this initial encounter he claims that God told him:"You can have the kingdom of heaven here on earth."

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (2 Corinthians 5:7)   

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12) 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Ian McCormack is not content with the fact that the Bible tells him that God loves him, it is all about the experience: "I found the living Word made flesh and beheld his glory, which is what the apostles talked about....  'We beheld the word made flesh and beheld his glory.'"  Ian McCormack has a habit of mis-quoting the scriptures and only using parts of verses; what he is referring to are the following verses: 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) 

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (1 John 1:1-4)

In fact the exact opposite of Ian's experience was true of the apostles - they beheld the glory of the living Word, the Messiah, Jesus Christ in the flesh i.e. - they saw, heard and touched Jesus Christ while he was on the earth, not in the heavenly realm. The reason John was writing these things was because the apostles were eye witnesses - these things were written for the benefit of those who had not seen, not touched, not heard etc. so that they might believe. Do you think that if later believers received ecstatic experiences directly from God they would need the eyewitness testimony of the apostles? These claimed "third heaven" experiences actually displace the Word of God and negate faith. .....for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) 

..... just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, (Luke 1:2)

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16).

In fact there is a blessing for believers who have not actually seen: Jesus said to him (Thomas), “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory..... (1 Peter 1:8)

Finally I would draw your attention to a video recorded back in 1993 where Ian McCormack speaks to an audience in Christian Family Church, Johannesburg, South Africa. If you watch from about 51 minutes in and you will hear hysterical laughter reminiscent of the fake Toronto/Pensacola outpourings.

http://vimeo.com/22104255

In fact Ian McCormack endorses John and Carol Arnott, the false pastors of Catch The Fire Toronto (formerly Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship). The Arnotts along with Kenneth Copeland and James Robison are amongst the traitors of Jesus Christ who met Pope Francis last year. Bill Johnson is another false teacher/prophet who gets Ian McCormacks endorsement along with Heidi Baker, John Wimber and convicted fraudster David Yonggi Cho.

Ian McCormack comes across as a genuine guy and he appears to have a lot of knowledge about spiritual things. In many instances false teachers do not come to us with horns or two heads, they often come across as really "nice" people in my experience which can be disconcerting. Beware: Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). We are exhorted to test everything by scripture (1 John 4:1) and Ian McCormack's teaching fails that test. I do warn believers to avoid these dangerous teachings and to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

.....while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13) 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. (John 14:23-24)

MIKE BREEN 3DM FURTHER UPDATE

I was contacted by two separate sources in February who advised me that 3DM has failed as a business in the USA leaving behind debts and job losses.

Apparently senior members of the Anglican community in the UK are looking into what has been going on within this organisation.

This news follows Breen's announcement in January that he was giving up his contrived position as "Senior Guardian" of The Order of Mission (TOM).

FURTHER UPDATE

CHURCH RESTRUCTURE ST THOMAS PHILADEPHIA SHEFFIELD UK 
FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT - 1ST MARCH 2015:

Peter Findley Senior Leader Network Church Sheffield: 
"As you know, in November we found that there was a big hole in the finances and a huge deficit to the end of 2014, and then an ongoing deficit of about £12000 a month this year......" 

"It is with great regret that the NCS Board announces the role of St Thomas’ Philadelphia Base Leader now redundant, due to reorganisation and finances. This role has been shared by Nick and Marjorie Allan since 2011, therefore due to this redundancy, they will be leaving the NCS staff team and the Philadelphia family just after Easter 2015.  - See more at: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79#sthash.qHCtvRkm.dpuf....." 

Read the full article on the following link:  http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79

"UPDATE FROM THE BOARD: As many of you are aware January 1, 2015 marked the completion of the 3DM decentralization process.  3D Movements now fully operates under the leadership of the 3Dmovements Board."  http://3dmovements.com/

Notes on 3DM and the Order of Mission - makes very interesting reading: http://www.andyrowell.net/andy_rowell/2015/05/notes-on-3dm-and-the-order-of-mission.html

http://www.schooleyfiles.com/2013/11/mike-breen-and-building-discipling.html 

UPDATE: 3DM is now known as 5Q with Alan Hirsch, Cairn Network. Kairos network.

It is with great regret that the NCS Board announces the role of St Thomas’ Philadelphia Base Leader now redundant, due to reorganisation and finances. This role has been shared by Nick and Marjorie Allan since 2011, therefore due to this redundancy, they will be leaving the NCS staff team and the Philadelphia family just after Easter 2015.  - See more at: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79#sthash.qHCtvRkm.dpuf

It is with great regret that the NCS Board announces the role of St Thomas’ Philadelphia Base Leader now redundant, due to reorganisation and finances. This role has been shared by Nick and Marjorie Allan since 2011, therefore due to this redundancy, they will be leaving the NCS staff team and the Philadelphia family just after Easter 2015.  - See more at: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79#sthash.qHCtvRkm.dpuf

It is with great regret that the NCS Board announces the role of St Thomas’ Philadelphia Base Leader now redundant, due to reorganisation and finances. This role has been shared by Nick and Marjorie Allan since 2011, therefore due to this redundancy, they will be leaving the NCS staff team and the Philadelphia family just after Easter 2015.  - See more at: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79#sthash.qHCtvRkm.dpuf

It is with great regret that the NCS Board announces the role of St Thomas’ Philadelphia Base Leader now redundant, due to reorganisation and finances. This role has been shared by Nick and Marjorie Allan since 2011, therefore due to this redundancy, they will be leaving the NCS staff team and the Philadelphia family just after Easter 2015.  - See more at: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/news/79#sthash.qHCtvRkm.dpuf

Katy Perry, the Super Bowl and Satan

ADAM SIMMONDS PCC NORTHAMPTONSHIRE - GOOD GUY OR VILLAIN?

No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!.....

It hasn't escaped my notice that Adam Simmonds has an uncanny resemblance to a villain in a James Bond film! Perhaps his critics could convince him to change career - I'm sure it would be very lucrative and there are many who would say how suited to the role he is! On a more serious note, perhaps Simmonds is not far from playing that role in reality!

Why are critical comments about Adam Simmonds PCC Northamptonshire being deleted from news provider, the Northampton Chronicle and Echo? Not only that, but I find that my own posts about Simmonds are not showing up on search engines as they should!! Last year, Simmonds deleted two of my posts about Trinity Life Church (TLC) in Leicester (Simmonds is the Director and Trustee of TLC which is a Pentecostal Assemblies of God denomination). I had quite a battle trying to prove that the removal of my posts by Simmonds was an illegal action. I believe the reason I failed was because I do not have Simmonds powerful connections!

My complaint against Adam Simmonds was “considered” by the toothless Northamptonshire Police & Crime Panel (PCP). One of the statutory functions of the PCP is to deal with complaints about Simmonds conduct, and yet they have absolutely “no investigatory powers” i.e. they are impotent to investigate any complaints about his conduct. The Government Ombudsman are also toothless since they cannot change the system that exists for scrutiny of a PCC – they can only look at the way the current system has been implemented. The irony of the whole ludicrous facade is that no body set up to hold Simmonds accountable has the power to actually investigate his actions. This makes Adam Simmonds effectively unanswerable!!!

Justin Brown has written the following on his Facebook page:

"Like many other folk, I have had numerous posts deleted from the on line version of our local news provider the Chronicle and Echo. No explanation ever given to me. Last year I wrote personally to the editor David Summers exploring certain reasons why my posts had been deleted. I never received a reply. We know from my recent FOIA request that the OPCC has requested removal of content from the said site. I don't believe peoples opinions regarding an elected representative should be censored. Do you?
Over the course of the next few weeks I intend to investigate this matter further, starting with this FOIA request I sent a few days ago:
Under the provisions of the FOIA I would like to request the following information:
1) How many times has the OPCC requested messages removed that were posted onto the Chronicle and Echo on line 'have your say' forum by Justin BROWN?
2) The rationale for these requests if any were made
3) Have the OPCC retained a copy of any such messages? How are they stored and for what purpose?
Many thanks"

COMMENTS

Treena Gisborn "Simmonds actions are the very opposite of 'Christian'. I really do hope that Justin gets somewhere with this - it just isn't right at all - evil actually (in my opinion)!"

Treena Gisborn "I think it is funny that my recent posts about Adam Simmonds on my blog do not make it onto Google Search Engines.... I have been saying this for ages. Anything I write about him gets very few views - far less than my other posts! I have queried this with Google but did not get anywhere." http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/.../who-is-god-of...

xxxxx "I think your first mistake was thinking the Chronicle was a news provider, looking at their current stories 'Oh look its snowing' 'Councillor Macintosh has a photo in the paper again' 'Ohhh look the snow is melting' and the ever repeating 'Here is another photo of Councillor Macintosh' and you think it delivers news?"

xxxxx "From where does he get the power to do this."

xxxxx "And using public money to employ staff to censor his political opponents should be a crime in its own right. He should remember he was elected by a minority and with just one more vote he can become a nobody again at the next election." 

xxxxx "Just proves how corrupt simmonds and his pals are."

xxxxx "Best of luck in your campaign for transparency. But you will have to pierce several layers of corruption and sharp practice before you succeed. There are wheels within wheels within wheels." 

xxxxx "Well it all smacks of '1984' and we only hear the news they want us to hear. And next week the truth/facts will be different and we will be expected to swallow that trash too grrrrrr." 

UPDATE 6TH FEBRUARY 2015: JUSTIN BROWN CENSORED BY FACEBOOK!

Justin Brown: "It seems my previous post about censorship by Adam Simmonds has itself been censored by Facebook. I have not been contacted by Facebook explaining the reasons why or who the request to remove the content was from.

Like many other folk I have had comments posted onto the on line version of the Chronicle and Echo removed in relation to Adam Simmonds. I have had no notification as to the reason why despite writing to the editor personally seeking clarification. From my previous FOIA request to the OPCC we know Simmonds office has requested the removal of such comments. I have submitted a new FOIA request to the OPCC seeking answers, along with a request to Facebook asking why posts on this forum are now being censored.

I also note blogs critical of Simmonds posted elsewhere on the web have recently been censored."

COMMENTS:

Treena Gisborn: "Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing," (2 Peter 2/15) 

xxxxx "The Chronic has become a joke. Only use I had for it was to line my pet degus cage. But even they rip it up in disgust now."

xxxxx "The cover all excuse is 'Potentially Libellous' which is a utter cop out and used so Simmonds's mouthpiece and propaganda paper can censor what he chooses without question. The Chron is about as contemptible as Simmonds and certainly in bed with him. I messaged the Chron last night re the 5000,000 paid to one of his buddies to market the part timer recruitment drive and they responded this morning saying they would look into it. seconds later this response from them disappeared from my messages, i am guessing nothing will be said/written about this important matter that should be of concern to all the people of Northamptonshire. as for removing your comments i am sure they will say they are 'off topic' or such, we all know the real reason..."

xxxxx "What can you expect Justin, when the results of expensive public enquiries are tailor made to whitewash guilty people, files go missing which incriminate important national figures, bankers get away with what amounts to theft, public funds are squandered, and political debate is used as a substitute for action. In my opinion, these are the hallmarks of a dying democracy and a decadent civilisation.But, rest assured, the top people, and we all know who we are referring to, will not lose out."   

xxxxx "The Chron is a disgrace.does anyone know how to contact the head office, as clearly contacting the editor and his team is a complete and utter waste of time." 

xxxxx "My comment has been removed. What of free speech in this country." 

xxxxx "I am now blocked from commenting on this xxxx poor paper."

xxxxx "the system stinks!!!!"

xxxxx "Simmonds owns the Chron so you'll have no luck there!"

https://www.facebook.com/justintelligence

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28/13) 

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Galatians 6/7) 

This situation is extremely concerning because democracy and freedom of expression are being seriously compromised - BUT WHY? The strength of feeling against Simmonds from many members of the general public is astonishing and Justin Brown's concerns are very valid. The right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are crucial in a democracy – information and ideas help to inform political debate and are essential to public accountability and transparency in Government. This is something glaringly absent from Simmonds regime in Northamptonshire. What a terrible witness to the people of Northamptonshire who have first hand experience of Simmonds' autocracy and his heretical version of ecumencial Christianity.

Justin Brown is planning to stand for election as an independent councillor at the next local elections (Obelisk Ward). I do hope and pray that the voters of Northampton have enough insight and wisdom to vote for Justin. 
 
From my own point of view, I believe that Simmonds autocracy is a complete scandal and absolutely unacceptable. We are not yet part of the authoritarian New World Order/One World Government prophesied in the Bible, but I am sure when it does arrive, Simmonds will fit in perfectly well with his new boss the Antichrist. He will have just a short time, three and a half years actually, and then it will all be over!!!!! It makes me wonder whether Simmonds and is cronies at TLC have really considered the eventual consequences of their actions (Revelation 17/16).

FURTHER INFORMATION:
 
https://standfirminthelord.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/the-trouble-with-adam-simmonds-pcc-northamptonshire/
http://www.justintelligence.net/



Dear Reader – Do you have questions about Jesus Christ and how to be truly saved? If so, then please read my post: GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html