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 Today: 10.27.2003

Dear Brethren, friends and neighbors,

It seems to be necessary to further dissect the apostate drama taking place among us so that you may be well informed of the subtle, manipulative heresy which is infiltrating the Christian populous on every level. There is so much to expose that it cannot all be divulged in a simple letter or exhortation in this format. I do hope and pray that each of you who receive these letters and exhortations will take it upon yourself to do your own research and fact finding so that you may keep up with the ever flowing stream of information that is not being publicized in the more popular formats; i.e. Charisma Magazine, Midnight Call, Radio and TV networks as well as the common daily tabloids and Newspapers which purport to delivering a “balanced view” of what is happening around us.

As I continue in this call to expose the “hidden things of darkness” and bring them out in the open to where the light of God’s truth can shine upon them and expose their shame, I will always be mindful that the purpose herein is so that you may not be deceived or mislead as a growing number of Christians are today. I exhort you always to return to the fundamental application of “faith in Christ” and do not be led astray by incorporating the things of a lost, pagan world into the world of redemption that Jesus had thus authored for our sakes. I will always attempt to point out the contrasts that you may judge for yourselves what is truly divine and “God given” and make the necessary adjustments to your own application of faith that you may not depart from the original methods employed and taught by Jesus and His disciples.

For me, His Word remains to be utterly true and cannot be found to be responsible for error or heresy. Only man’s interpretation of said Word makes it difficult to reconcile differences and inevitably leads the hearers and readers to make excuses while attempting to justify why contemporary Christianity is valid today though it so often conflicts with the most basic and fundamental teachings of God Himself known to us as Christ Jesus our Lord. The end result then is becoming ever clearer to me; the Jesus many are worshipping is an entirely different Jesus I have come to know and have relationship with. The Jesus I know is one whom a man cannot hardly stand to face because the piercing gaze of His eyes are like fire that penetrates one’s soul and the Word which comes forth from His mouth is indeed a sword that cuts down and destroys His adversaries and all who deny Him. The result in me then is a “fear of God” that contrasts sharply with the ever popular mainstream ecumenicalism which seems to be without end of the financial support and political favoritism backed by the Catholic Church, United States and British Governments. Behind that curtain also seems to be a wealthy Monarchy that is alive and well and has of late been duly appointing Knights in America who are recognized for their dedicated and loyal service to a “One World Order.” Rather than seeking to prove Jesus wrong, we should all be proving His word to be true and just.

As I recall, someone once said, “If you don’t understand something, follow the trail of money and then you will eventually achieve an understanding.” We all should pay close attention to the trail of money and see exactly whose hands are supplying the Christian right. With a little effort, you will discover there are a lot of hands involved in this political agenda and it has little to do with supporting the teachings of Christ Jesus.

If you find that to be a little abrasive and hard to take, please look for yourselves. There are a number of “Soldiers of Righteousness” who are doing a good work to inform and educate and make available the necessary information that you may make informed decisions regarding your application of faith in Christ and the call to be faithful witnesses. I offer a link here that will give you an eight page exhortation on the birth of “The Christian Right” and expose the authors of this grave illusion. Please go to http://www.seekgod.ca/cnp.b.htm  Please don’t be found as much as it depends on you to be supporting a false Christ, system, theology or religion lest you receive the same recompense as Solomon who accepted all kinds of gods and idols into his household when he married so many women of different faiths. Could it be that this is where ecumenicalism was first born? Could it be that this ugly spirit is still alive and well and has matured into what we see today? Do you really think that acceptance of all kinds of “other faiths” is acceptable and tolerable by God who has consistently rebuked, punished and disciplined mankind for such heresies throughout the ages? Has God changed His mind and repented for being wrong in the witness of His Son, Jesus? God forbid that this should ever be the case! So, “why and how are we being duped?” should be the foremost question on every seeker’s mind. I am certain that none of us wants to hear in the last, “Depart from Me you wicked one, I never knew you!” I beg you, let us all seek out God’s wisdom, discernment and understanding that we may help one another to stay on the “narrow path.”

October 18, 2003

Dear Michelle Bearden, Tampa Tribune,

“I am all for “Keeping the Faith in Christ.” But honestly, what did yesterday’s article on the “Purpose Driven Church” have to do with promoting faith in the Biblical Jesus? I found your article to be very seductive, somewhat subtle and wildly manipulative.

“Well, it looks like the “Me” generation has finally done it. They have created for themselves another idol. This is an idol that comforts them and promises them wealth and prosperity, an idol that tickles their ears and gives them permission to do what ever they want, whenever they want. That’s how some people describe success. The idol they have fashioned for themselves drives home the message that every person has a given purpose in life. Of course, this may well be true but what purpose is mainstream Christianity driving for?

“Is man not seeking glory for himself rather than God? Is man not making promises in God’s name without God’s permission? Does it not seem that our ever changing desires and lusts lead us to reinterpreting the unchangeable Word of God thus facilitating moral decadence? Is man not elevating himself once again to “God hood?” Oh my, are we looking at a society that has fallen from grace or a society that has always rejected the grace Christ afforded us? Can you fall away from a place or loose your direction when you never arrived let alone, follow the road signs? How can one depart from a place if he never had arrived in the first place? Many Christians today would call this backsliding but Scripture calls it Apostasy; they never arrived at, they repelled from grace rejecting the Gospel of Christ crucified.

“The preachers of this new form of ecumenicalism are promising abundance of worldly wealth and riches and to support their claims to this being the will of God; they dress themselves in finely tailored suits and often times brag about their new car or motorcycle. I have nothing against what a man wears or what he drives but when you dress for success and parade about in expensive automobiles in today’s world; you flaunt the image of success which is nothing less than vanity and idolatry. When you trade in your perfectly good Ford or Chevy for a BMW or Mercedes then you are saying in essence, “Look what God has blessed me with.” In Christian circles, this means to give the praise, glory and honor to God while the impoverished of society are made to feel like they are the weak or incompetent and it should not be this way. The Christians that do this are saying that God is partial and that He favors or respects one person over another. Christians who do this are saying, “God loves me more than he loves the poor man who has nothing.” This new “Purpose Driven” wave that is sweeping America comes in on the coat tails of secular preferences disguised with a cloak of religion and is sweeping the globe in all directions.

“The better part of our world today is envious of what Americans are perceived to have. Much of the big draw to this new brand of Christianity is the perceived wealth, the promise of riches and glory that the Purpose Driven Church promotes. Because of human envy, foreign populations are motivated by what Americans show them because they are in large part, poor Nations and are looking of course for the wealth to be distributed a little more evenly. It stands to reason that if one is made to feel bad about his poverty then he will likely want to do something to change that condition. If people could only stop to consider how much this contrasts with Biblical fundamentals, they might not be so quick to run after the promised gold.

“All these idols man creates for himself serve a greater idol whose power reaches around the entire globe. The majority of mankind is comforted by his new god. This god appears to have the power to make rich and destitute, to save and destroy. Its name is MONEY.” [Do you think it a coincidence that upon the American dollar, it is written, “In God We Trust?” I ask you, “What god and whose god are we putting forth our trust?”].

“Dr. Rick Warren has influenced thousands of Churches and believers who continue to absorb new and creative ways to utilize witnessing techniques and build church growth. His whole agenda is indeed about building up super churches and as I clearly point out, rejects the more traditional and fundamental methods employed by the examples of Christ’s Apostles and some of today’s remnant of traditional value churches. By the methods he employs and trains pastors with, he has and is compromising the most basic and fundamental necessities called for in scripture regarding Christ’s teachings.

“According to his “Saddleback Sam” approach, the newer approach must be aimed at drawing the “unchurched” and the “unsaved” into services so that his “so called” method of gospel teaching can be employed. He does this a number of ways. In his words, “A church service must be non threatening and comfortable to the seeker and un-saved visitor.” He declares that the message in Sunday services must only be positive in order to attract the diverse crowds. He also achieves this goal by offering LOUD rock and roll music to appeal to the secular youth and ridiculous skits and stage antics are a common denominator. To watch one of these services in action is disgusting and down right revolting. Dr. Rick Warren is levitating away from the fundamental examples of what a scripturally correct gathering of believers should look like. This smacks against the teachings of much of the New Testament as I clearly point out.

“I consider these methods to be heretical because what he is doing in essence is to make those who attend feel better about themselves and equal with one another; both the so-called “saved and unsaved.” His dynamic and charismatic sermons are mixed with psychology and positive projection techniques. He deals with such topics as guilt, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and mood enhancement and spends a good deal of energy on positive motivation to encourage the worldly without employing the very Word of God to lead his hearers to repentance. I ask you Michelle, what is our lord’s command in regards to shepherding the seekers and believers?

“As a whole there is no doctrinal instruction given in the church on Sunday services and it all looks more like a concert fest without the cops to keep the unruly tamed. This is in clear contrast to the very instruction given us and set forth by the early Church according to the apostolic teachings of Christ’s disciples (Paul) as described in Acts 20:20-31.

“According to Dr. Rick Warren, The church leaders who are interested in dynamic growth must embrace the attitude that says, “Don’t try to tell me that the Bible requires holiness or a style of worship and ministry that is different from the worldly or secular thinking.” This clearly denies what Paul exhorts in his epistle to Timothy in I Tim 3:15 just before he goes into an exhortation of the apostasy being manifested in the churches in latter times according to what the spirit explicitly says, “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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

“My dear friends and fellow citizens, this is blasphemous and nothing short of another type of heresy designed to draw potential souls away from God’s calling to holiness. The way he comes across is like so many I have experienced in today’s contemporary churches. We at Cephas are a “Discernment Ministry” devoted to preserving the purity of Christ’s teachings and application of “true discipleship” over mainstream heretical teachings of which we were forewarned would be increasing in these latter days of accelerated apostasy. I invite you to check out our websites as they are full of qualitative and relevant information and new exhortations to dispel the lies and hidden agenda’s of men and their apostate doctrines and precepts.

“I am hoping that an objective reporter who writes for a typically better than average objective Newspaper will see her way to making sure that equal time and space is given to those  like us here at Cephas Ministry and others who are in the trenches fighting hard to KEEP THE FAITH. Please, find a spot to print my letter. It should be read by all your readers.”

Can anyone guess how that letter was received? If you guessed that it was ignored and perhaps filed in the trash can then you are probably right. The whole purpose behind the letter was to expose that Michelle had covered the “Purpose Driven” strategy in a positive light and it was clear to me that once again, people are being led into a “belief” that poverty is a negative symptom and result of a “lack of faith.” Her article further promoted such false beliefs as the wildly popular, “Name it Claim it” and acceptance of ALL inter-denominational faiths. It is clear to me that Jesus is being represented in a veritable “light show” allowing for all kinds of divisive beliefs thereby allowing the participants to feel welcome and comfortable with their own delusions rather than exposing them and leading some of the hearers to a genuine repentance! See how subtle the enemy is? The masses are becoming “comfortably numb.” How many actually understand that salvation is impossible without a genuine repentance and full turning away from these manipulative forms of idolatry? In order to accept this way of thinking the deceived have to manipulate almost all of Christ’s teachings to justify their seeming relevancy. In this case, the rich young ruler who had walked away very sad would have been allowed to follow Jesus and maintain all his wealth, possessions and power in order to be made complete. We know that this is not what happened!

Matthew 19:16-30 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, ‘Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, and Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ The young man saith unto him, ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?’ Jesus said unto him, ‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

So many today are seeking for the worldly wealth and prosperity that life affords when any pursue selfish interests and desires and in the process make it difficult for them to enter through the narrowest of passages, the inner gate. Jesus made it pretty clear in a number of parables and instructions given to those who were gathered around Him. We MUST be willing to give up our vain pursuits and worldly treasures if we ever expect to get through the Kingdoms narrow gate. I was asked recently why Jesus said, “but the poor you will always have with you.” Having to trust and rely on the Spirit, I responded, “So that those with the wealth would have opportunity to serve the poor by giving away their excesses thereby helping to reduce the suffering of many.” One then could say that the poor exist to give the wealthy a chance at serving God’s purpose by giving liberally to others who have no chance at giving something back in return. Scripture clearly points out that God is kind to ungrateful and evil men. That too Jesus clearly stated in the following passage.

Luke 6:30-36 “Give to every man that asks of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Therefore, I submit that the poor have as much a divine purpose for existing as the wealthy who are often rulers over authorities that govern the peoples and the resources we are all very dependant on. But this does not at all mean that Christians should be seeking more than they have nor does it mean that the wealthy should be praising God for their abundance of unrighteous mammon while they selfishly attempt to hold on to their precious wealth and watch the poor get driven into the trenches by the elite and aristocratic classes of people. What we have today is a clear contrast of sound biblical principle and resulting forms of partiality, prejudice and favoritism. I heard it said recently that this is replacement theology and it is a dangerous course to be on indeed! It is becoming even clearer as I dig deeper into man’s propensity for seeking self glory. Many in society are exalting themselves above God as various cultures seek to fashion for themselves another god made out of Gold, Silver and all kinds of precious commodity.

It seems to me more and more that Christian Americans and neighboring Christians in other Nations have in large part rejected the Jesus I know and are fashioning for themselves a more palatable form of salvation (another idol). It would appear that many are going to attempt to climb over the walls of God’s Kingdom after failing to enter in through the narrow gate with all their excess baggage and worldly treasures. I am counting on God’s watchmen and gate keepers of the only true faith to be on alert and at their posts when an overwhelming multitude tries to force their way into the promised Kingdom.

Let this be a warning to all and I say that if you believe it and receive this word exhorted then proclaim it to all whom you love for many are they who will be left out in the dark and sent to that place where torment, pain and suffering will be common place. Trust not what I say apart from God’s Word or Spiritual discernment but reconcile for yourselves that the Word is tried and proven to be unwavering, pure and blameless all by itself. It is not I whom any should answer to but God Himself for in the end it will be each one alone having to give an account for all he had loved and every word he spoke and everything he did under the sun. Each of us will have to give an account of himself and we  all will be measured by our understanding and application of the Word. Woe to those who refuse to accept and heed the words of all God’s messengers for they are given to bring about change and help to deliver some from the wrath and judgment thus promised. I seek neither to tickle your ears nor to earn your praise but for all to accept and apply themselves according to the instruction, witness and testimony afforded us in scripture.

Luke 6:43-49 “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”

Therefore we should also be of like mind with Christ Jesus…

John 8:27-32 “They understood not that he spoke to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spoke these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

By His appointment and command according to the grace and mercies afforded me in Christ, your most humbled and faithful brother, Nicholas