GRAPHICAL PDF VERSION

The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this does not imply an endorsement. For instructions on how to unsubscribe to this list or to change mailing addresses, please consult the information paragraph at the end.

THE ELEPHANT ROOM AND HEGELIAN DIALECTICS (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The Elephant Room is a dialogue forum invented in 2011 by emerging star Mark Driscoll, together with James MacDonald, Steven Furtick, David Platt, Matt Chandler, Greg Laurie, and Perry Noble. The stated objective is to discuss controversial doctrinal issues with “guests from all places and belief systems” with the goal of theological sharpening. Digging a little further, we see that the real objective is ecumenism. Driscoll and friends say plainly that their “goal is unity” and that they are opposed to “crouching behind walls of disagreement.” Though they claim to “hold the essential tenets of the faith with a ferocious intensity,” in typical emerging style they contradict this by saying we should “not isolate ourselves from relationship even with those who believe much differently.” There is a Hegelian dialectic at work here. By having public “conversations” with people who “offend you or deny the faith as you see it,” walls are broken down and attitudes are changed. At first we are shocked by theological error, but through dialogue with heretics the very concept of heresy becomes quaint. Through the Elephant Room we learn that “heretics” are likable people who “love Jesus” and merely have another way of looking at things. We are told that we all “see through a glass darkly,” so no one can claim a corner on the truth. Therefore, instead of separating and condemning, let’s relax and dialogue. The apostle Paul was so old-fashioned and non-emerging when he persisted in pronouncing God’s curse on the Galatian heretics instead of inviting them to a dialogue. How could he have been so sure that he even understood the fine nuances of their position? Apparently he just wasn’t clever enough. And he certainly wasn’t cool enough to build a big church in Seattle. (See also “Hegelian Dialectics: The Devil’s Winning Tool” at the Way of Life web site. There is a search engine.)

T.D. JAKES IN THE ELEPHANT ROOM (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In the most recent Elephant Room conversation, which was held at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, last month, Driscoll and friends gave prosperity gospel preacher T.D. Jakes a forum to smokescreen his compromise pertaining to the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity. Mr. Jakes, who is a master of facing two ways and for whom someone like Driscoll and MacDonald are pushovers, said on one hand that he has moved away from a Oneness, “Jesus Only” view to embrace the Trinity as “one God, three Persons.” But he hastened to say that he still “prefers” the term “manifestations,” believes that men on both sides of the issue are “saying the same thing,” and has fellowship with those on all sides. He issued no repentance that he admittedly preached Oneness heresy for years. In fact, he is still at least sympathetic to Oneness theology, still defends its unscriptural terminology (by the misuse of 1 Timothy 3:16, for example), still falsely claims that this doctrine is an issue of “seeing through a glass darkly” and thus no one has it right, and refuses to obey the Bible by separating from heretics. In fact, he’s not sure there are any heretics, and he’s far too busy promoting unity to worry much about them, even if they exist. Far from challenging Jakes in a serious way, a pathetically fawning Driscoll and MacDonald treated the man like a religious rock star. They were so busy praising him as a man of “courage and humility” that they gave him a pass on the aforementioned contradictions and didn’t challenge his sloppy biblical exegesis. So much for boldly unveiling the “elephants.”

ELEPHANTS THAT ARE INVISIBLE IN THE ELEPHANT ROOM (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In typical Emerging New Evangelical fashion, there are lots of elephants that will always be invisible in Driscoll’s Elephant Room. Consider the elephant of biblical separatism. God’s Word clearly demands separation from false teaching and end-time apostasy and even from compromise by true brethren (e.g., Romans 16:17; 21 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:13-14; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:5; 2 John 10-11; Revelation 18:4), but Driscoll and friends ignore this injunction. Separatism is a foreign concept to them, as it interferes with their unity/friendship/kingdom building agenda. Consider the elephant of “cultural liberalism,” which is espoused by Driscoll. He claims to be “theologically conservative and culturally liberal,” meaning that he is free to drink deeply of the pop culture and to baptize huge elements of it in his church, such as Christianizing filthy rock & roll, imitating the world’s sensual fashions, traveling to Las Vegas to attend Extreme Fighting championships, having champagne dance parties, hosting a secular rock theater, and writing X-rated sex books. These and many other elephants won’t be discussed in the Elephant Room for the simple fact that it is not possible to see an elephant when you have been flattened by it.

PASTOR LOSES SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT FOR DISAGREEING WITH ELEPHANT ROOM (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The movers and shakers of the Elephant Room claim that it is all about promoting dialogue, but the treatment of a pastor in their own circles who protested Jakes’ appearance proves that it is all about ecumenical unity. In an ecumenical atmosphere, you aren’t allowed to “judge” or “criticize.” You can hold private opinions but you must not express them in a disruptive way, and if you do you are marked as a troublemaker and ostracized. Pastor Voddie Baucham of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, learned this recently. To his credit Baucham spoke out against Jake’s appearance in no uncertain terms and refused an invitation to participate in the Elephant Room conversation. In fact, this Southern Baptist pastor was bolder in his stand for truth, at least in this particular context, than a lot of milquetoast Independent Baptists preachers who are keeping quiet in the face of the greatest spiritual war that has ever faced them. In his blog, Baucham rightly identified Jakes’ “masterful dodge” on questions pertaining to the Trinity, but he went further and warned of Jakes’ Word-Faith heresy which was another elephant that was totally ignored in the Elephant Room. Baucham wrote: “Having studied the ‘Word of Faith’ movement, and seen the devastation it leaves in its wake, I was disinclined to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the man who has been this country’s most popular purveyor of this heresy in the past two decades. ... [Jakes] has brought a charismatic, theatrical, excessive, ‘Word of Faith’ flavor to the city [Dallas] that permeates many churches (especially black churches).” Elephant Room leader James MacDonald took offense at this outspoken criticism of his dialogue partner Jakes, even though Baucham was speaking the truth, and when Baucham arrived at MacDonald’s church for a previously scheduled preaching engagement at a men’s conference, he was informed that he had been cancelled. “MacDonald had already selected Baucham’s replacement as a speaker, and Baucham and his assistant were escorted to a waiting car and taken back to the airport” (“Texas Pastor Reveals Rift,” Christian Post, Jan. 30, 2012). I have been treated the same way by some Independent Baptists who have gotten too big for their britches and who mistake godly reproof for cheap gossip and who can’t countenance the truth. (We deal extensively with the Word-Faith heresy in the illustrated book The Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements, which is available in print and eBook editions from Way of Life Literature -- www.wayoflife.org.)

SEEING THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - At the recent Elephant Room dialogue, T.D. Jakes claimed that the doctrine of the Trinity is a matter of “seeing through a glass darkly,” and the men who conducted the dialogue agreed with him. Jakes said, “We are both attempting to describe a God we love, that we serve, and that we have not seen. And that we are viewing Him through the context of the Scriptures, but that with a glass darkly. Why should I fall out and hate and throw names at you when all that I know and understand, be it very orthodox, is still through a glass darkly?” Jakes was referring to 1 Corinthians 13:12, which says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Jakes is abusing this Scripture by applying it to Bible doctrine. Paul was talking about the fact that we don’t have full knowledge of everything we would like to know. He was most definitely NOT referring to Bible doctrine, which is bright light rather than dark glass. The things God has revealed, we can know for sure and we can understand by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Deut. 29:29). It is only the things that God has not revealed that we cannot yet know. (Jakes’ reference to “hate” is typical ecumenical-speak. In the ecumenist’s mind, to earnestly defend the faith and reprove heretics is “hate,” but if this is hate, then the apostle Paul and the apostle John and the apostle Peter and Jude and all of the prophets of old were great haters!) Jakes said further, “I think it’s so important that we realize that our God is beyond our intellect. And if you can define Him and completely describe Him and say you are the end-all definition of who God is, then He ceases to be God.” No one is saying that we can define God completely. That is a ridiculous straw man. The real issue is that God has revealed certain things about Himself in Scripture, and the question is whether we are going to believe what He has revealed and take a stand for it, or not. Paul told Timothy that men can rightly divide the Word of God and that we will be held accountable before God for doing so (2 Timothy 2:15). Jakes further said, “Because the reason Paul says it is a mystery, is that we deify the fact that God does things that don’t fit our formulas.” Here Jakes grossly misdefines the New Testament term “mystery” and none of the Elephant Room theologians called him on it. Paul plainly and consistently defined “mystery” as a doctrine that was hidden in Old Testament times but is now revealed. “... the mystery ... which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:3-5). See also Romans 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26. The Elephant Room outfit is the blind leading the blind; they can’t even see the elephants!

RICK WARREN’S CHURCH MEMBERS SHED 250,000 POUNDS VIA DANIEL PLAN (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Members of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church have reportedly collectively lost 250,000 pounds since the Daniel Plan was launched a year ago. The alternative health program was created by three men whose thinking is permeated with New Age principles: Mehmet Oz, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman. Oz is a follower of Emanuel Swedenborg, who entertained spirit guides and was deeply involved with Eastern mysticism (“Special Report,” Lighthouse Trails, Jan. 11, 2011). Amen teaches Eastern meditation and deals in pop psychology and self-help. Both Oz and Amen promote Reiki, an occultic practice that allegedly channels “universal healing energy.” Amen told Warren that he intends to help Saddleback church members to have good “brain health,” a subject he has addressed in several books. Amen’s The Brain in Love promotes Hindu Tantra, the pagan concept of combining yogic meditation with sex. Making a Good Brain Great promotes Hindu-style meditation through the vain repetition of the alleged primal sounds saa, taa, naa, maa, aa. Even if these actual demonic practices are not part of the Saddleback health program, Rick Warren has brought his people into potential contact with such things by his enthusiastic recommendation of these men. Mark Hyman promotes meditation based on Buddhist principles. He clams that “diseases don’t exist; their symptoms are related to effects” (“Rick Warren’s Celebrity Health Plan Draws Thousands,” The Orange County Register, Jan. 16, 2011). To say that disease doesn’t exist apart from human causes is New Age nonsense. While it is true that diet and exercise can affect one’s health, all diseases are not the result of lifestyle. We are fallen sinners who live in a sin-cursed world, and disease and death are realities that affect every individual regardless of what type of “healthy lifestyle” he pursues. In our book The New Age Tower of Babel, we warn that the alternative health care field is permeated with New Age philosophy. A friend observed that health food stores are New Age chapels. Beware! Though we know that physical health is important, the Bible itself doesn’t have much to say about it. What the Bible does have a lot to say about is spiritual health in general and not associating with paganism in particular! “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Rick Warren is a major builder of the apostate one-world church.

DRAGON PROGNOSTICATORS (Friday Church News Notes, February 3, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The Chinese New Year has ushered in the zodiacal Year of the Dragon, and the media in Asia at least is filled with prophecies based on the stars. For example, astrologer Peter So makes the following predictions: “Europe will not recover so soon. ... A recovery for the U.S. economy is possible for 2013. I can predict that in Hong Kong and in China a number of high-ranking officials will be forced to step down. Some may be thrown behind bars, or even pass away” (Philippine Star, Jan. 23, 2012). These are typical astrology-type prophecies. They are couched in vague generalities and are therefore meaningless. Any person who reads newspapers could predict that Europe will not recover soon and that the U.S. might recover in 2013! And to predict that some high-ranking officials in China might be forced to step down or might die is an exercise in the ridiculous. Contrast this with the Bible’s prophecies, which are precise. Before Jesus was born, the very town of His birthplace was named, and the details of the events of the crucifixion were described in ancient prophecies by David and Isaiah. These details included the words Jesus spoke from the cross, the mocking of the crowd, the gambling for His garments, the offer of vinegar to drink, the fact that none of His bones would be broken, and His burial in a rich man’s tomb. David’s prophecy in Psalm 22 was written 1,000 years before Jesus was born, and Isaiah 53 was written 700 years before. Believing that the Bible is the divinely-inspired Word of God is not a blind leap in the dark. The evidence is overwhelming for those who are not willfully blind.

CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mat. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14). This material is sent only to those who personally subscribe to the Fundamental Baptist Information Service mailing list. To SUBSCRIBE, go to http://www.wayoflife.org/wayoflife/subscribe.html. TO UNSUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE ADDRESSES, go to the very bottom of any email received from us and click "Manage My Subscription." Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org.

The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this does not imply an endorsement. For instructions on how to unsubscribe to this list or to change mailing addresses, please consult the information paragraph at the end.

GRAPHICAL PDF VERSION

SPACE TELESCOPES AND THE GLORY OF GOD (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The Psalmist said the heavens declare the glory of God, and that has never been more true than in the age of modern science. The evidence for God has never been greater, and the skepticism has never been deeper. If it weren’t for Bible prophecies such as Psalm 2 and 2 Peter 3, it would be an unfathomable situation. The age of space telescopes began in 1990 with NASA’s Hubble, which was placed in orbit by a U.S. space shuttle. NASA also launched the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory in 1991, the Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1999, and the Spitzer Space Telescope in 2003. These space telescopes were joined by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Herschel Space Observatory and Planck Space Observatory in 2009. With no need to pierce the planet’s atmosphere, unprecedented telescopic power and multi-spectrum capabilities, space telescopes have captured never-before-seen images of the heavens. The most iconic is “Pillars of Creation,” composed of columns of interstellar gas and dust from the Eagle Nebula captured by Hubble in 1995. Knowing the willful skepticism that predominates within the American space program, it probably wasn’t named that in honor of the Creator, but it should have been. A more recent example is a new view of the Eagle Nebula created from combined multi-spectrum images from the ESA’s Herschel Space Observatory and x-ray readings from the XMM-Newton space probe. If men don’t want to believe in God, that is their business, but what a joy it is to know the Almighty Saviour God through Jesus Christ and to learn of Him by His incredible creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalms 19:1-3).

MAYORS BAND TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF HOMOSEXUAL “MARRIAGE” (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - More than 70 majors of U.S. cities have banned together in support of homosexual “marriage.” The “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” include the highest elected officials of New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, and San Diego. The objective is to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1996 and signed by President Bill Clinton. This landmark federal law defines marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman” and says that no state may be required to recognize as a marriage a same-sex relationship considered marriage in another state. In blatant disregard for U.S. law, Barack Obama’s administration, which has an avowed homosexual rights agenda, has refused to defend the act in court. The normalization and even acclaim of homosexuality is a sign of the end times, like earthquakes, wars and rumors of wars, the return of Israel to her land, and sweeping apostasy. In His prophecies of the last days, the Lord Jesus specifically mentioned Sodom. “But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” (Luke 17:29-30). Sodom is also mentioned in the prophecies of Peter and Jude.

CHINESE BIBLE EXHIBITION IS POLITICAL PROPAGANDA (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Chinese Bible Exhibition,” China Aid News, Oct. 13, 2011: “China Aid Association issues the following solemn declaration with regard to the Bible exhibition ‘Thy Word is Truth,’ currently touring the United States, that was organized by the “Bible Ministry Exhibition of the Protestant Church in China,” which is part of China’s official Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement. ... [Though Bibles can be printed and distributed on the Chinese mainland within the official Chinese Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement network] any Christian organization or individual outside the Three-Self system that engages in not-for-profit printing, shipping and warehousing of Bibles is deemed to have engaged in illegal activities and is punished according to the law. ... In November 2005, Beijing house church pastor Cai Zhuohua was sentenced to a three-year prison term because he had transported and warehoused a large quantity of Bibles and other Christian materials. During his imprisonment he was subjected to forced labor: making soccer balls for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In June 2009, Beijing house church leader Shi Weihan was given a 3-1/2 year sentence for printing and transporting a large quantity of Bibles and Christian materials. In August 2009, Uyghur Christian Alimujiang was sentenced to a 15-year prison term for his work as a house church leader, and he is still serving that sentence today. This is the real ‘truth’ of Red China. ... such a Bible exhibition is a political propaganda show, the intent of which is to mislead members of the public, politicians, and church leaders overseas who are unaware of the realities in China and to cover up the Chinese government’s persecution of house churches and any government-approved church that dares to adhere to the principles of the Christian faith and refuses to submit to the government’s political control and go against those principles.” The communist propaganda display was welcomed by the Billy Graham Library and Dallas Theological Seminary. Information sent to these organizations by China Aid were ignored.

WASHINGTON D.C.’S LAW AGAINST KILLING RATS (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Cuccinelli Smells a Rat,” ARL Now, Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2012: “Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli called a local talk radio show on Tuesday to complain about rats in D.C. Specifically, Cuccinelli was peeved about a D.C. law--the Wildlife Protection Act--which, since March 2011, has outlawed some common pest control practices including the use of lethal traps on certain species of rats and mice (and on other wild animals that get stuck in homes). ‘Last year, in its finite wisdom, the D.C. City Council passed a new law--a triumph of animal rights over human health,’ he told the hosts of WMAL’s ‘The Morning Majority‘ show. ‘Those pest control people… aren’t allowed to kill the rat. They have to relocate the rat. And… that’s actually not the worst part. They cannot break up the family of the rat.’ ... Industry leaders say the Wildlife Protection Act makes it prohibitively expensive for homeowners to pay for a letter-of-the-law pest control service. Such a service, they say, would involve trapping an entire family of animals in and around a home and then driving around the District looking for an uninhabited wooded spot to let the critters out.” “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened: (Romans 1:21).

HEADPHONE-RELATED DEATHS ON RISE (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The journal Injury Prevention reports that the number of young people killed and injured while wearing headphones has tripled in the past six years in Australia. In six years there were 116 cases, the number jumping from 16 in 2004-05 to 47 in 2010-11. “Most of the incidents involved young people--with an average age of 21--and 70 per cent of the time the collision was fatal. Sixty-four of the 116 victims (55 per cent) were hit by a train. Eighty-one of the 116 collisions (70 per cent) resulted in death, researchers Richard Lichenstein, Daniel Clarence Smith, Jordan Lynne Ambrose and Laurel Anne Moody wrote. They say distraction and sensory deprivation are the two likely factors. ‘The actual sensory deprivation that results from using headphones with electronic devices may be a unique problem in pedestrian incidents, where auditory cues can be more important than visual ones,’ they wrote.” Hughie Seaborn observes, “If they can’t hear a train bearing down upon them because of the loud, pounding rock music, it makes you wonder how they’re ever going to hear the call of God.  It’s one of the instruments of deception that the devil is foisting upon the masses.”

“EVANGELICAL” BELIEVES IN BREATHING GOD (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Leonard Sweet, a very influential “evangelical,” believes you can breath God in your nostrils. In his 2012 book I Am A Follower, Sweet quotes Sufi poet Kabir who says, “God is the breath inside the breath.” Sweet then makes the following blasphemous, pagan comment: “All of creation is made alive with the holy breath of the Creator. Breathing Yahweh breath is breathing the holy breath of life. Yahweh. ... Our breathing and heartbeat are in tune with the name. Breathe in ‘Yah’ and breathe out ‘weh’ ... I guarantee you will relax.” This heresy is the product of contemplative prayer, which Sweet is recommending in this passage. Sweet is the author and co-author of more than 30 books. He was twice voted “one of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America” by ChurchReport magazine. Rick Warren recommends Sweet’s book Soul Tsunami (his recommendation is printed on the cover). Warren and Sweet collaborated on an audio set entitled Tides of Change, and Sweet spoke at Saddleback Church in January 2008 for a small groups training conference. Sweet has spoken at Bill Hybels’ Willowcreek Community Church. Sweet’s book Jesus Manifesto (co-authored by Frank Viola) was recommended by Southern Baptist Ed Stetzer, who has spoken at Southwide Baptist Fellowship and Trinity Baptist College, Jacksonville, Florida.

ANOTHER REMINDER OF THE WORLDLINESS OF CCM (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - One reason why contemporary Christian music has such powerful transformative power, so much so that it is at the heart and soul of transforming hundreds of formerly fundamentalist churches to contemporary ones, is its worldliness. From its inception in the Jesus People movement of the 1970s, Christian rock has been a bold renunciation of the Bible doctrine of separation from the world. Marc Martel, lead singer for Downhere, recently exhibited his love for the world by entering the Queen Extravaganza, a contest that honors a filthy rock band. In an attempt to join Queen drummer Roger Taylor onstage for the Extravaganza live tour, Martel submitted his rendition of Queen’s sensual rock song “Somebody to Love.” He emulated lead singer Freddie Mercury, who flaunted his homosexuality, pushed for homosexual rights, said he “felt like a devil on stage,” and died of AIDS in 1991. Martel’s rendition on YouTube received millions of views and thus encouraged multitudes of young people to listen to vile rock groups like Queen and to emulate the Freddie Mercury’s of the rock world. Martel has also appeared on the talk show of lesbian entertainer Ellen Degeneres. Martel says that he has often been told that he sounds just like Freddie Mercury and his reply is that “it’s always just a huge compliment when people tell that to me.” Christian rockers think of all of this as “innocent fun” and “mere entertainment” but they will be held accountable before God for their influence, and for brazenly disobeying such Scriptures as Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; James 4:4; and 1 John 2:15-16, and for the spiritual and moral shipwrecks that occur in the lives of their fans because of the breakdown of the walls of separation from sin and error.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The media is abuzz with speculation about a recent announcement that scientists have stalled aging in mice with a stem cell treatment. Some reporters have treated the announcement with passionate hope that it could point to a fountain of youth within the foreseeable future. The study, which was published January 3 in Nature Communications, involved the injection of cells from young healthy mice into ones with advanced progeria (an aging disease). The life span of the injected mice increased by three or four times and they experienced a decrease in the symptoms of aging. The Bible believer has both good news and bad news for those who are waiting with bated breath for the discovery of a fountain of youth. The bad news is that it’s not going to happen. The Bible says the wages of sin is death, and it isn’t mice that have sinned against God; it is man. Every man. Science can redeem neither man’s body nor his soul. It is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27). The good news is that Jesus Christ offers salvation and those who know Him as Lord and Saviour have eternal life. Though this sinful body will die, the spirit cannot be separated from Christ and upon His return the body will be resurrected to immortality. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

INQUISITION REVISIONISM (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - One way that Rome’s apologists have downgraded the brutality of the inquisition is in dramatically decreasing the number of its victims. Recently a reader asked the following question: “We sometimes listen to pastor David Jeremiah. On September 18th, in a sermon entitled ‘When Atheists Would Be Angry,’ he referred to a book by Dinesh D'Souza, ‘What’s So Great about Christianity,’ in which the writer referred to the Spanish inquisition and claimed that the total number of people that were executed for heresy was approximately 2,000, and that this occurred over a period over 350 years. Can that be true? Is David Jeremiah on the Catholic side, although being a pastor in an evangelical church?” REPLY FROM BROTHER CLOUD: Those figures about the Spanish inquisition are the product of historical revisionism. The following web page summarizes the statistics given by other historians:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060903192705AAZ0Dnd
Will Durant, in The Reformation, cites Juan Antonio Llorente, General Secretary of the Inquisition from 1789 to 1801, as estimating that 31,912 people were executed from 1480-1808 (Llorente’s Histoire critique de l'Inquisition espagnole, 1817-18). Durant also cites Hernando de Pulgar, a secretary to Queen Isabella, as estimating that 2,000 people were burned before 1490. Philip Schaff, in History of the Christian Church, gave a number of 8,800 people burned in the 18 years of Torquemada alone. Matthew White (The Great Big Book of Horrible Things), in reviewing these and other figures, gives a median number of deaths at 32,000, with around 9,000 under Torquemada. R.J. Rummel (Death by Government) describes similar figures as realistic, though he cites some historians who give figures of up to 135,000 people killed under Torquemada. This number includes 125,000 asserted to have died in prison due to poor conditions, leaving 10,000 sentenced to death. (Death rates in medieval and early modern prisons were generally very high, thanks in part to inadequate sanitary conditions and a poor diet.) There are no death toll figures available for the massacres of 1391, 1468, or 1473. These numbers will likely never be known. Evangelicals have capitulated to the ecumenical spirit of the age and are busy building the apostate one-world church. Most of the influential evangelical leaders have become deeply sympathetic with Rome.

CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mat. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14). This material is sent only to those who personally subscribe to the Fundamental Baptist Information Service mailing list. To SUBSCRIBE, go to http://www.wayoflife.org/wayoflife/subscribe.html. TO UNSUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE ADDRESSES, go to the very bottom of any email received from us and click "Manage My Subscription." Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org.

The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this does not imply an endorsement.

GRAPHICAL PDF VERSION

EVANGELICALS PROMOTING NECROMANCY - A REVIEW OF “HAVE HEART” (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is a review of Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf between Heaven and Hell by Steve and Sarah Berger, which is about the death of a child. The following is excerpted from a review by T.A. McMahon of The Berean Call. Have Heart is recommended by Chuck Missler, Greg Laurie, James Robison, and others. “The first part of the Bergers’ book [contains] wonderful comfort and some sound biblical counsel. ... Sadly, however, midway through Hake Heart, the Bergers take leave of their statements regarding the objective Word of God and begin introducing their subjective experiences involving their deceased son, Josiah. Dreams become a vehicle of communication between Josiah and his family and friends. ...  Communication through dreams featuring a deceased loved one quickly led to direct communication: ‘Only two weeks after Josiah went to Heaven, I (Sarah) made it a habit to talk to Josiah. ... I would then be in instant conversation with Jesus and Siah [Josiah]’ (p. 82). Sarah declared to her son that she needed ‘to be involved with your life even now’ (p. 82). ... The authors introduce many things that are allegedly taking place in heaven that are not specifically taught in the Bible. ... They offer support for the legitimacy of their view experientially by adding that ‘several people in our family and inner circle of friends have experienced similar meetings with Josiah,’ including their pastor. The latter declares, ‘The next thing I knew, Josiah came into [the church] sanctuary ... and he got down on one knee and bent to speak into my ear’ (pp. 99-100). Much of what the Bergers hold for their hope in heaven is not stated in the Bible. ... They transfer things they love about their temporal life into the eternal realm, particularly their family relationships, and they see that relationship continuing with their deceased son: ‘We want all of us to continue to have relationship with Siah right up until the day that we are face-to-face in Heaven with him’ (p. 103). Just because someone wants it doesn’t make it so. We know that our relationships with unbelieving family members will not continue in heaven. How joyful, then, would a family unit be there with perhaps multiple missing members? Will there be family relationships in heaven? No matter what our rationale, Scripture simply does not tell us. We do know that there is neither marrying nor those given in marriage in heaven (Mat. 22:30). ... One of the dangers of this book for a person who doesn’t study the Word of God for himself (which is epidemic today) is that he is disarmed by the multiple claims of biblical veracity, which give way to human speculations--which are then accepted as biblical truth. With no scriptural support, the Bergers write, ‘We know that [Josiah] can see us, hear us, and even be involved, not only in our lives but also in the lives of his friends. We are continually hearing of Siah coming to friends in dreams....The dreams are incredibly profound and always prove God’s Word, point to the glory of God, and compel us to get closer to Jesus’ (p. 104). They add, ‘We mean no disrespect to the prophets, but the idea of Siah being able to observe the choices we make here on earth is way more motivating as we seek to live for God moment-by-moment...’ (p. 107; italics added). ... In their attempt to comfort those who have also lost loved ones to death, the Bergers fail to give the biblical warnings of spiritual deception, especially since their grieving state may make them terribly vulnerable to Satan’s ploys, such as transforming himself ‘into an angel of light’ (2 Cor. 11:14-15).”

BROTHER CLOUD BANNED BY INDEPENDENT BAPTIST PREACHERS’ LISTS (Friday Church News Notes, January 27, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In November of last year I was banned from the IBF-Preachers list. After two of my articles were posted to the list (“What's Missing in Soul Winning Programs” and “Reply to a Pastor about West Coast: Good Fruit, Hamilton, Gaither, Pastoral Ignorance, etc.), I tried unsuccessfully to subscribe simply to answer the replies and personal attacks for myself. (The moderator originally said that I didn’t submit the application properly and that he didn’t know it was from me, but even when he was informed that I was trying to join the list he continued to bar me.) Then in December a pastor submitted another of my articles (“Why Most Fundamental Baptist Churches Will Be Emerging within Two Decades”) to the BP Canada list. The moderator reproved the pastor for posting the article, warning him that he now had “two strikes” against him. These actions and the comments by many of the IFB preachers only demonstrate the truth of my warning in “Why Most FBC Will Be Emerging.” I listed the following five reasons: (1) the maligning of warning and reproof, (2) unquestioning loyalty to man, (3) following the crowd, (4) ignorance about important issues, (5) soft separatism. I never cease to be amazed at the way that many preachers reply to my writings. The reports and books I publish are extensively researched and carefully, prayerfully written, but the responses are typically nothing more than personal attacks, cheap shots, and near-childish sloganizing (e.g., “don’t shoot the wounded”). One reason why so many preachers respond inadequately is that instead of making the effort actually to read what I have said and to measure it with God’s Word, they depend on what some other Baptist preacher says about me. This is evident from the responses but it is not wise, and such willful ignorance is going to be the downfall of a large number of IB churches. There is not an independent Baptist preacher who could not benefit from reports such as “Musical Associations and CCM Adaptation,” “Analyzing Adapted CCM Songs,” “The Transformational Power of Contemporary Praise Music,” “Why Most Independent Baptist Churches Will Be Emerging within Two Decades,” and the new free eBook “Biblical Separatism and Its Collapse among Fundamental Baptists” -- regardless of whether he agrees with every conclusion I reach. “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13).

ARCHIE COMICS PROMOTING SAME-SEX “MARRIAGE” (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Archie Comics is promoting same-sex “marriage” in its Life With Archie series. A newly-introduced character, Kevin Keller, gets married to his homosexual partner in a full-blown wedding, “Walking down the aisle, surrounded by friends and family” (“Archie Comics,” Christian Post, Jan. 11, 2012). The smiling male couple appear on the cover of issue No. 16, January 2012, under a banner which says “Just Married.” The comic publisher reported that reception to the new storyline has been “enthusiastic” and there has been a surge in readership. This reminds us that the pop media is not morally and spiritually neutral, not even when it comes to children’s comics, cartoons, and toys. Often it is more about philosophical brainwashing than entertainment, and God’s people must walk in wisdom and godly caution as we live as strangers and pilgrims in this fallen world. The Bible says that the devil is the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) and he is actively involved in the lives and thinking of “his people.” “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

IRANIAN PASTOR REFUSES TO DENY CHRIST IN EXCHANGE FOR FREEDOM (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is from the Christian Post, Jan. 14, 2012: “International Christian news agency BosNewsLife claims to have received information from persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide Friday, confirming that Nadarkhani had refused an offer to be released from prison in exchange for his public acknowledgement of the prophet Muhammad as ‘a messenger sent by God,’ as believed by adherents of Islam. ... Nadarkhani, an evangelical pastor, has remained in Iranian prison since October 2009. He was originally arrested for protesting against the teaching of Islam in his children’s schools. His charges were later changed to apostasy and attempting to evangelize Muslims. He was sentenced to death unless he renounce his Christian faith, and Nadarkhani continues to hold strong to his beliefs in Jesus. Iran received a large amount of international criticism for violating the international covenant on civil and political rights in Nadarkhani’s case. Intense pressure eventually caused Iranian officials to pass Nadarkhani’s case to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for final review, where the case now sits, awaiting a verdict. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Europe Union, 89 members of Congress, France, Great Britain and Mexico have all condemned Iran, demanding Nadarkhani’s release.”

THE MULTIPLE MURDER THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Last week Paul Gilkey shot and killed his son and two sisters-in-law in front of his terminally ill wife, Darlene, and then turned the gun on himself (“Terminally Ill Woman Witnesses Husband Kill 3 Family Members,” FoxNews, Jan. 11, 2012). The murders occurred over a dispute about whether Darlene, who is bed-ridden with cancer, should have been fed tea and toast or the orange that her husband peeled for her. All of the victims were shot in the head. This vicious mayhem should never have happened, because Gilkey was convicted of murdering a man in the 1970s and should have been put to death as God’s law requires. Instead, he served a 10-year prison sentence. God’s law of capital punishment predates the law of Moses. It was given to Noah following the Flood and is intended for all nations. “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:5-6). Unbelievers think God’s laws are too hard and overly strict, but actually they are the way of life and blessing and true freedom. Man was not made to follow his own way; he was made for intimate association with the wonderful God of Creation; and God’s way is always the best way.

GREECE TREATS PEDOPHILIA AS A “DISABILITY” (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In an act worthy of ancient Sodom and Canaan, Greece has added pedophilia to its list of government-recognized disabilities. Exhibitionists and kleptomaniacs also won a place on the list, joining fetishists and sadomasochists (“Pedophilia Added,” CNSNews, Jan. 9, 2012). This is a product of humanistic psychology which has thumbed its nose at Almighty God and His holy laws by redefining sin as disease. In America, some activists are going much farther. They are pushing to normalize pedophilia as merely another “alternative lifestyle.” They even have a new name for this sin -- “minor-attracted people” -- and are pursuing the same strategy that was used by homosexual activists in the 1970s to remove “same sex attraction” from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental defects in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. J. Matt Barber, vice president of Liberty Counsel Action, says the proponents are the disciples of Alfred Kinsey and represent “the North American Man-Boy Love Association all dolled up and dressed in the credible language of the elitist Ph.Ds.” (WorldNetDaily, August 22, 2011).

EXCEPT THE LORD KEEP THE CITY (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - “... except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalms 127:1). America has a great military, and its military technology is impressive, and I thank the Lord for the brave men and women who fight on the front lines in defense of the nation. It is the only nation that can project an aircraft carrier battle group to multiple parts of the world at the same time. Its military satellites span the globe. Its special forces are brilliantly trained and powerfully motivated. But none of this can protect the nation from its enemies without God’s blessing. America’s military might and global spy machine didn’t protect it on 9/11, because “... except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” America’s stealth drones are a marvel, but they fall into hands of the silliest of its enemies to be displayed for all the world to behold. “... except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” The book Seal Target Geronimo describes the impressive training and equipment that made the mission to kill Osama Bin Ladin a success by Seal Team Six. The book calls Seal Team Six “Jedis,” but the “Jedi” training didn’t save the fabled Navy Seals on that sad day a few weeks later when their helicopter crashed. “... except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Other than Israel herself, no nation has had more spiritual light and no nation has sinned so grievously against that light, and America’s military is a reflection of the nation. There is a “form of godliness” but the power thereof is denied (2 Tim. 3:5). There are some shining Christian testimonies in the military, but as a whole it is in open rebellion against Almighty God and His holy laws, flaunting acceptance of moral perversion. The special forces, with few exceptions, don’t pray before missions, humbling themselves, acknowledging their sin and beseeching God’s help. More typically they walk in arrogance and glory in their aptitude for drunkenness and licentiousness, like the Navy Seal who shot himself in the head last week in California after bringing a woman home from a bar. A drunken Seal or Green Beret or whatever is just a pathetic drunk and is no Jedi at all. America needs to fall on her face before God, from the lowliest citizen to the current occupant of the White House, and repent before it is too late. Above all, the churches need to repent for fearing man more than God and for loving the world more than Christ. Restoration will only come by this means. It certainly won’t come by the dirty waters of compromising politics. “... except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

THE KEY TO SANCTIFICATION (Friday Church News Notes, January 20, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Many teachers have espoused one particular key to sanctification in the Christian life. For some it is “abiding in Christ,” and they use John 15 as the key. For others it is a second blessing or a spiritual baptism of some sort. For others it is to rest in or dwell on one’s identification with Christ at the cross (e.g., the “Calvary Road”). John Piper proposes “Christian hedonism” as the key. Yes, many “keys” have been proposed, but the Bible takes a multiple approach to sanctification and spiritual victory. It is not only resting or not only abiding or whatever, it is abiding and resting and yielding and obeying and avoiding and pursuing, etc. If there were one “key” to sanctification and spiritual victory, the New Testament epistles would be much shorter than they are. Writing to the church at Corinth, for example, Paul would merely have laid out the “key” and that would have been the end of the problem.

CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mat. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14).

BETH MOORE BUILDING THE ONE-WORLD CHURCH (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Beth Moore is one of the most popular female Christian speakers and authors. Her Bible-study books have sold multiplied millions of copies. Her Living Proof Live conferences, hosted by LifeWay (Southern Baptist), have drawn thousands of attendees. Moore’s meetings are attended by people from “every denomination,” because she “doesn’t get caught up in divisive doctrinal issues” and “steers clear of topics that could widen existing rifts between different streams in the body of Christ” (Charisma, June 2003). This is the unscriptural “positive-only” ecumenical philosophy that is so helpful in furthering end time apostasy and building the apostate one-world church. Paul exhorted Timothy not to allow any other doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3) and warned the brethren to avoid those who teach error, but Mrs. Moore knows better than to be so ridiculously intolerant and narrow-minded. Moore’s worship leader, Travis Cottrell, “has a uniquely fresh approach to worship that brings the church together,” an approach “that permeates every denominational wall” (LifeWay Christian Resources web site). In a conference in Houston, Texas, Moore had women sit on the platform to represent a hodge-podge of doctrine. She said, “We are a very interdenominational group; I can’t tell you how much I love that diversity.” The groups she specifically highlighted were United Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Charismatic, and Roman Catholic. Moore is the blind leading the blind. She ignores the Bible’s solemn warning about the multiplication of false teachers and the explosion of end-time apostasy. She ignores the fact that within the “denominational diversity” she “loves” is found a bewildering variety of heresies, such as baptismal regeneration, infant baptism, sacramentalism, Mariolatry, veneration of relics, popery, antinomianism, universalism, contemplative mysticism, theological modernism, and The Shack’s female goddessism, to name a few. We are living in the midst of rampant end time apostasy as prophesied in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3-4). It is not time to “permeate” denominational walls; it is time to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and to raise up walls of biblical separation as a godly protection from error and worldliness. Romans 16:17 and Jude 3 and similar commandments are commonly ignored by popular evangelical speakers, but they will not be ignored at the judgment seat of Christ (assuming these people are truly born again). For a video clip of Moore praising the different denominations see http://apprising.org/2011/12/22/beth-moore-gods-vision-for-the-church-includes-the-roman-catholic-church-denomination/

APOSTATE BAPTIST SEXUALITY CONFERENCE (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Most Baptist churches in the world today are either apostate or spiritually and morally compromised with the world. We were reminded of this at the recent announcement of a Baptist Conference on Sexuality and Covenant scheduled for April at First Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia. The event, co-sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Mercer University, is “headlined” by Jenell Paris, author of The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex Is Too Important to Determine Who We Are. Music will be provided by contemporary Christian musician Jennifer Knapp, who “came out” as a lesbian in 2010. Conference sessions will “explore how current realities and research challenge traditional categories of sexual ethics” (“Baptist Sexuality Conference,” Associated Baptist Press, Jan. 10, 2012). The conference planning team invited speakers who have “genuinely struggled with questions and matters of sexuality.” This “struggle” is a product of unbelief, because God’s Word describes the issue of sexuality in the clearest terms and it’s not our part to “struggle” with God’s Word; it’s our part to believe. “But without faith it is impossible to please him...” (Heb. 11:6). From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible nowhere says God approves of “same sex” relations; rather, it reproves them as an abomination (Rom. 1:26-28). According to Scripture, the only acceptable environment for sexual relationship is holy marriage, and there is no divine authority for marriage for same sex couples. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). This has been true from the time of man’s creation as recorded in Genesis and Jesus confirmed its abiding authority during His earthly ministry (Matthew 19:1-6). This puts the lie to the claim that Jesus didn’t address the issue of “same sex” relationships. He addressed the issue both by limiting the lawfulness of marriage to male/female and by warning of the destruction of Sodom (Mat. 10:15; 11:23-24). Further, He addressed the issue of homosexuality by His Spirit in the prophets and apostles who delivered the canon of Scripture by divine inspiration (John 16:12-15).

PASTOR IS THANKFUL FOR THE INFORMATION AND THE NEW FREE EBOOK (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A pastor recently sent the following by e-mail: “I wrote you a couple weeks ago questioning your sources on a warning about John MacArthur's Masters College & Seminary. [See Friday Church News Notes, Dec. 9, 2011.] I need to say ‘thank you’ for the 5 video clips you sent. I was appalled at what I saw! ... There’s no way I could ever recommend Masters College and Seminary. And, to think these are kids that will be graduating and filling the nation’s pulpits. Wow! Today I spotted your Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians as a free e-reader download. I have put it on my Sony E-Reader. I can’t thank you enough for all the research that went into that directory. It is most needed and will be used by me to warn as many as possible. Thank you, again, for your ministry of warning Gods people of the departure from sound Biblical teaching and standards. We certainly must be in the last of the last days.”

WORLD’S FIRST INTER-RELIGIOUS UNIVERSITY (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following report is on what is billed as the world’s first inter-religious university. I’m not sure it is actually the first, but if they want to bear the shame of holding that title, that is their business. As for me and my house, we wouldn’t touch this spiritual filth with a ten-foot pole. “Claremont Lincoln University, once a Methodist seminary, has decided to add other religious schools to its program, including most recently several Eastern religions. Tammi J. Schneider, a professor of Hebrew Bible at Claremont School of Theology at Claremont Lincoln University, said that she had a favorable opinion of Claremont’s direction. ‘I am a big fan of religious diversity,’ said Schneider, who is also dean of the School of Religion at Claremont Graduate University, unofficially affiliated with Claremont Lincoln. ‘I think people learn more about themselves and their own religion when they learn about how others do it.’ In June 2010, Claremont School of Theology’s president, the Reverend Jerry Campbell, announced the seminary will be partnering with Jewish and Islamic schools to offer training to seminarians of various faiths. In September 2011, the schools launched Claremont Lincoln University. The name was a combination of the name of the theology school and the last name of a trustee who donated $50 million to the interfaith project. By late 2011, Claremont Lincoln further expanded its interfaith campus to include Eastern religious views such as Buddhism and Jainism” (“World’s First Inter-Religious University,” Christian Post, Jan. 4, 2012).\

WILL THE WORLD END IN 2012? (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Much is being made in the media about an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end in December 2012, that being the alleged end of 12 cycles of time called b’ak’tun. Actually, there is no clarity to the Mayan prophecy, but this is being used as yet another opportunity to mock the very concept of an apocalypse by demonstrating that such predictions have always failed. In this the mockers are correct. Apart from the Bible’s prophets, no one has been able to predict the future accurately. Nostradamus is one of the most acclaimed of the extra-biblical prophets, but his predictions are mired in hopeless obscurity. In contrast to the uncertain and failed predictions of astrologers and soothsayers, the Bible’s prophecies are set in brilliant relief. Not only are the Bible’s prophecies ancient; they are clear and infallible. Israel’s entire history was prophesied in the Mosaic Scripture in Deuteronomy 28-30 before she even entered the land of Canaan. This amazing 3,500-year-old prophecy described how that Israel would reject God’s law and be evicted from her land to wander throughout the world suffering endless pain and sorrow until she repents and is returned to the land in the last days. The details of Jesus’ life were likewise recorded in the Old Testament Scripture hundreds of years before His birth, and these details include the name of His birthplace and the minute details of His death on the cross. The Psalmist, writing in about 1000 B.C., described the piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet, the very words He spoke on the cross, the mockers who sat and stared at Him, the soldiers who gambled for His garment, and the offer of vinegar to drink (Psalm 22). The prophet Isaiah described Jesus’ unjust trial and his burial in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53). And those are only a few of the Bible’s prophecies of Christ’s First Coming. On the basis of this “track record” we can be sure that the prophecies of Christ’s Second Coming are equally accurate. These prophecies describe a period of unprecedented “great tribulation” during which the antichrist will rule the earth with brutality, followed by Christ’s return. When will the biblical apocalypse occur? At any time. Jesus warned against setting exact dates, but He said we see the signs of the times and can therefore know that the day is drawing near. That no man can know the day warns us from following any teacher who sets dates for Christ’s return. That Christ’s return is imminent warns us to be ready at all times. Why has Jesus “tarried His coming” for 2,000 years? The Bible answers this question. It is because of God’s love for sinners and His desire to save those who repent. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

BIOLA’S GREAT EVANGELICAL THINKERS (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Biola University, which long ago renounced its fundamentalist roots but still claims to be an “evangelical” institution, has accepted a $3 million grant from the New Age John Templeton Foundation to establish a “Center for Christian Thought.” The objective is to bring “world-renowned scholars together to collaborate and engage others outside academia on important questions facing Christianity in the 21st century” (“Biola University,” Christian Post, Jan. 4, 2012). The inaugural semester will feature “visiting scholars” and “philosophers Alvin Plantinga from Calvin College, and Yale University’s Nicholas Wolterstorff.” The grant will also fund the publication of material produced by the great thinkers. Biola president Barry Corey envisions the Center for Christian Thought as “a leading source of scholarship on some of the most important issues facing the Church.” I have a suggestion for these great thinkers. Issue a warning about all of the heresy that is represented by John Templeton and his foundation. Templeton is one of the greatest promoters of New Age philosophy and interfaith unity. A committed Presbyterian, Templeton is also an evolutionist, pantheist, and universalist. His biographical sketch says, “Templeton’s goal has been nothing less than to change mindsets about the concept of divinity,” meaning that he believes man is divine. He says that the Bible was written by men who “were limited by cosmologies long since discredited” and whose writings were “ignorant and primitive” (The Humble Approach, 1995, p. 135). Next, we suggest that Biola’s great thinkers take on all the heresy that has permeated Biola University itself because of its foolish renunciation of “separatism,” such as Roman Catholic contemplative mysticism. But we won’t hold our breath for anything biblically sound to come out of these “evangelical” thinkers’ horribly compromised thinking. Like the church at Laodicea, which was rich and had need of nothing, in reality they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). New Evangelicalism begin with the “small” error of rejecting “separatism” and “negativity” for a more positive, respectable face on its Christianity, and look how far it has fallen in one mere lifetime! Fundamental Baptists are trooping down this same path by the multitudes and the result will be the same. (See Biblical Separatism and Its Collapse among Fundamental Baptists, which is a free eBook at the Way of Life web site - wayoflife.org.)

WISDOM CRIES OUT (Friday Church News Notes, January 13, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors” (Proverbs 8:1-3). Wisdom calls out earnestly to men in every place where they live, and this is a testimony of God’s wonderful compassion. John 1:9 says that Christ gives light to every man. Genesis 6:3 says the Spirit of God strives with men. The Spirit reproves men of their sinful condition (John 16:8-9). Wisdom cries out through the light of creation (Rom. 1:20). Psalm 19:1-6 describes the voice of creation and how that it speaks from “day unto day and night unto night” and how that its voice is heard through all the earth. No man can say that he has not received light from God, because the very creation testifies of Him. Men can consider their own wonderfully-made bodies and know that there is a great Creator God. Wisdom cries out through the light of conscience whereby men know that there is a God, there is right and wrong, and there is accountability for one’s actions (Rom. 2:14-16). God was pricking Paul’s conscience before he was saved (Acts 9:5). Wisdom cries out through the Law of God in the Bible, which is a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ (Rom. 3:19; Gal. 3:24). Finally, wisdom cries out through the gospel, which is to be preached to every individual in every nation (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). Missionaries span the globe preaching the gospel. The entire Bible has been translated into every major language of the world, and portions thereof into most minor languages: 2,450 altogether. The gospel can further be heard on shortwave radio and the Internet today. Indeed, wisdom cries out!

CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mat. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14). This material is sent only to those who personally subscribe to the Fundamental Baptist Information Service mailing list. To SUBSCRIBE, go to http://www.wayoflife.org/wayoflife/subscribe.html. TO UNSUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE ADDRESSES, go to the very bottom of any email received from us and click "Manage My Subscription." Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org.

GRAPHICAL PDF VERSION

POOR TEMPORARY ATHEISTS (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is by Pastor Buddy Smith, Malenda, Queensland, Australia, smiletex@bigpond.net.au -- “Christopher Hitchens, one of the most militant atheists of our generation, died recently. Another poor temporary atheist. Somebody needs to tell the modern crop of infidels that there are no atheists in the cemetery. Why? Because whichever viewpoint you hold eliminates atheists after they die. Consider how a Christian views the death of an atheist. According to the Bible, atheists go to hell when they die to wait in torment for the judgment of the Great White Throne and the Lake of Fire. In hell the atheist knows that the God of the Bible is real and that he is accountable to him for his angry rejection of Christ. A man who knows that God has put him in hell for his sins is no longer an atheist. He may still hate God and rail against Him, but he can no longer deny the existence of God! There are no atheists in Hell. Universalists, Unitarians, and muddle-headed modernists would like us to believe that atheists go to Heaven, like everybody else (they think), but there are no atheists in Heaven. No man comes to the Father but by Christ, so there are no atheists in Heaven. Don’t believe the Bible? Well consider how the atheist views his own death, and you will still see that atheism is temporary. The atheist believes that there is no life after death. He believes he ceases to exist the moment he dies. So if he ceases to exist at death, then his atheism ceases the instant his conscious existence ceases. By his own admission, death makes him a non-existent atheist, and non-existent atheists are not atheists! It’s a fact that there are no atheists in eternity. And there are no atheists in the cemetery. So where are the atheists? They are here on earth for a little while, angrily denying the existence of the compassionate God who gives them their every breath and every good thing that they enjoy every day of their lives, foolishly rejecting His gracious offer of eternal salvation. And then death comes knocking, and they cease to be atheists. Poor temporary atheists. Voltaire, Robert Ingersoll, Christopher Hitchens, and a host of others called themselves atheists while they were alive, but the moment they died, they ceased being atheists. We Christians should put markers on their graves that say, ‘No longer an atheist!’”

KNOWLEDGE SHALL INCREASE (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Last year’s inventions include the following: An optical microscope that can see objects of 50 nanometers, which is 20 times smaller than the previous record of 0.001 millimeters (“World’s Most Powerful Optical Microscope,” Science Daily, Mar. 2011). This is beyond the theoretical limit of optical microscopy, which only reminds us that modern science knows very little actually and that theories are not facts. The new microscope, which has advantages over the electron microscope, can potentially view inside human cells and examine live viruses in great detail for the first time. An endoscope that can provide high-resolution optical images of the interior of a living cell (“Single Cell Endoscope,” Science Daily, Dec. 20, 2011). Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab, the endoscope can “manipulate light at the nanoscale inside living cells for studying biological processes” as well as “deliver payloads into cells with spatial and temporal specificity.” A trillion-frame-per-second video camera which is fast enough to produce a slow-motion video of a burst of light traveling the length of a one-liter bottle, bouncing off the cap and reflecting back to the bottle’s bottom (“Trillion-Frame,” Science Daily, Dec. 13, 2011). Micro-generators that harvest electro-mechanical energy from the wings of insects to power onboard micro-surveillance equipment (“Government Eyes Turning Bugs into Spies,” WorldNetDaily, Dec. 3, 2011). Tiny probes near the base of an insect’s antennae or implanted in the central nervous systems also allow government researchers to control the creature’s brain. About 2,500 years ago, during the Medo-Persian Empire, an angel told the prophet Daniel, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). The Psalmist said, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalms 119:160).

“CHRISTIAN” PRIESTS FIGHT IN BETHLEHEM (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - It happened again last year. A fight broke out in December in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem between rival groups of Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests and monks who fought over boundaries of jurisdiction. Armed with brooms and fists, the 100 or so “clerics” went at it until police could restore order. This has happened repeatedly at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Unbelievers mockingly say, “See how those Christians act!” What they don’t understand is that these aren’t true Christians. They are followers of a Christianized religion that is built on human tradition rather than the Bible. Further, their actions prove that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, because the Bible prophesied about the rise of false teachers who would come in the name of Christ but would bring reproach upon Christ by their unchristian deeds. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:1-2).

MUSLIMS THROW ACID ON CHURCH LEADER (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - On Christmas Eve, Muslims threw acid on Umar Mulinde, pastor of Gospel Life Church in Manasuba, Uganda, and a convert from Islam. The vicious attack left him with severe burns that have blinded one eye and threatened sight in the other. “From his hospital bed in Kampala, he told Compass that he was on his way back to the site for a party with the entire congregation and hundreds of new converts to Christianity when a man who claimed to be a Christian approached him. ‘I heard him say in a loud voice, Pastor, Pastor, and as I made a turn and looked at him, he poured the liquid onto my face as others poured more liquid on my back and then fled away shouting, Allahu akbar [Allah is greater],’ Mulinde said, still visibly traumatized two days after the assault. ... ‘The burn caused by the acid is so severe that there is an urgent need for specialized treatment,’ said area Christian Musa Baluku Symutsangira. ... ‘I have been receiving several threats for a long time, and this last one is the worst of all,’ Mulinde said. Mulinde is known for debates locally and internationally in which he often challenges Muslims regarding their religion. His extensive knowledge and quotation of the Quran in his preaching has won him enemies and friends. Often criticizing Islam, he has relied on police protection during revival campaigns throughout Uganda. ‘Mulinde poses a big threat to those who cannot take the challenge as he engages the Muslims in debate,’ said Dr. Joseph Serwadda, an area church leader. Mulinde is married and has six children ages 14, 12, 8, 6 and twins who are 3. Mulinde has faced several injuries and attacks from Muslims since his conversion to Christianity in 1993” (“Muslim Extremists in Uganda” Christian Post, Dec. 28, 2011).

JEWISH TEMPLE SEAL FOUND (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In December 2011, a seal associated with ritual purification rites in the Second Temple was found. The seal was discovered during excavations under the Robinson’s Arch in the western wall of the Temple Mount. The seal, which is inscribed with the Aramaic words “Pure for God,” was found in soil dating to or just prior to the first century A.D. Archaeologist Eli Shukron of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa said: “It constitutes direct archaeological evidence of the activity on the Temple Mount and the workings of the Temple during the Second Temple period” (“Seal Found in Temple Mount Excavation,” Jewish Press, Dec. 26, 2011).

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY SAYS ISRAEL MUST BE DESTROYED (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Israel Must Be Destroyed,” Strategy Page, Nov. 7, 2011: “The Palestinian Authority (which actually only represents 60 percent of Palestinians, who live in the West Bank) is in trouble again. Palestinian Authority (PA) leader, Mahmoud Abbas, was recently seen in an Egyptian TV interview stating flatly that the PA would never recognize the state of Israel and was determined to destroy Israel. While anyone who follows Palestinian Arab language media (especially TV) knows this, the PA represents itself to the UN and the non-Moslem world as receptive to peace with Israel, and with the establishment of a Palestinian state that would coexist with Israel. Yet Palestinian TV and newspapers constantly depict Israel as, well, not existing. Maps of the area show Israel as part of a greater Palestine. This is all done in a matter-of-fact way, especially in schools. The other 40 percent of Palestinians are in Gaza, and controlled by Hamas (recognized worldwide as a terrorist organization). Hamas is more direct about its goal of destroying Israel, and does not pretend to be negotiating a two-state solution.”

CHOOK AND THE CHOOK-PREACHER (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Chook, the Adelaide Zoo’s acclaimed lyrebird, has died. In the new book Seeing the Non-Existent: Evolution’s Myths and Hoaxes, we wrote the following: “Some birds can even recreate other non-bird sounds in nature and man-made noises. The Australian lyrebird, the king of feathered mimics, can imitate such things as the whirring of a camera’s motor drive and shutter, car engines and alarms, rifle-shots, explosions, a baby’s cry, a dog’s bark, and the screech of a chainsaw. There is a sound clip online of Chook, a lyrebird at the Adelaide Zoo, imitating construction equipment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeQjkQpeJwY). See also http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Superb_Lyrebird. These amazing feats require not only a wonderfully-designed voice box but also marvelous intelligence, not only to control the voice apparatus but also to identify and recall sounds.” A pastor friend likened Chook to a preacher who merely repeats what his “crowd” believes. The Chook-preacher can imitate with amazing accuracy the position of the good old boy’s network, but he doesn’t think for himself with the Bible truly as his sole authority and Christ truly as his only Lord. I guess this isn’t fair to Chook, though, since he was only a bird, designed by the Creator to entertain humans, and had no wisdom with which interpret the meaning of the sounds he reproduced. The Chook-preacher has no such an excuse.

ANOTHER ENTERTAINER MAKING A MOCKERY OF MARRIAGE (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Foul-mouthed rocker Sinead O’Connor’s fourth marriage, to Barry Herridge, lasted only 16 days. She says that one of her friends observed, “Well, at least you got married in Vegas in a pink Cadillac! Can’t get more Rock n Roll than that” (“Website Says Sinead O’Connor’s Marriage Over,” KHOU.com, Houston, Texas, Dec. 28, 2011). O’Connor has described herself as “three-quarters heterosexual and a quarter gay” (Entertainment Weekly, May 2005). Few things if any have done more than rock & roll to destroy biblical morality in Western society. Rock & roll is the soundtrack of end-time apostasy. “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-4).

IS THIS THE YEAR? (Friday Church News Notes, January 6, 2012, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is by John Ecob, editor of Herald of Hope magazine in Australia, jrecob@sharpdsi.com --

2012 - Is this the year?
The year of the upward call
The year the Church will see her Lord
When tears will cease to fall?

Is this the year, the crowning year
When all around the throne,
The year when saints of every age
Join praise to Him alone

Is this the year, the final year
Life’s journey now complete
The year we rise, in glad surprise
And sit at Jesus’ feet

Is this the year when saints will meet
With those who’ve gone before?
The lonely days will all be past
No parting there for evermore.

Is this the year with terror filled
The year the world will see
The “man of sin” rise on the scene
With beastly claims of deity

Is this the year when chosen men
From every tribe of Israel’s race
Are sealed by God to tell the world:
Prepare to stand before God’s face.

Is this the year - the Father’s choice
When He will send His Son
To snatch away His lovely Bride
Which He by grace has won?

Come quickly, Lord, we cannot wait
Thy lovely face to see
Is this the year? How soon t’will be?
Together, all, at home with thee.

CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mat. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:11-14). This material is sent only to those who personally subscribe to the Fundamental Baptist Information Service mailing list. To SUBSCRIBE, go to http://www.wayoflife.org/wayoflife/subscribe.html. TO UNSUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE ADDRESSES, go to the very bottom of any email received from us and click "Manage My Subscription." Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org.