By Joseph Chambers
Genesis 1:26-28
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
The whole idea of a "One World Order" is an evil design that Satan has dreamed from the beginning. He wants a system under his control that no one can resist. The liberals in America have no idea of the foolishness this scheme really represents. Man was not made to be ruled by dictators and big government. You put most people in a position to control the lives of others, and they become controlling freaks.
Every man or woman is responsible for their own life and choices. You were created by God Himself to be godlike and to walk a responsible path. Study the Bible to learn of this satanic design. The Antichrist is Satan's last effort to rule the world. This design wants to put you in his control, and he will give you liberties until he rules. Then he will destroy you. That's his ultimate goal.
Jesus spoke, as recorded in Matthew 24, of this hour so dark that he called it "The Abomination of Desolation." We already know what an abomination is, but to call it an "abomination of desolation" is a giant step further into despair and darkness. I do not believe there is one voice today declaring how horrible this hour will be. In fact, I'm not sure it is possible to truly explain this coming desolation.
It will begin when the Antichrist has so wooed the world that he produces a living statue of himself and then displays that statue in the Holy of Holies of the newly-built Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Not only will he display his image, but he will command the world to worship this image. The image will be given an identification (number or name) and all the kingdom of the Beast will gladly bow before this mighty person identified in the image. The Antichrist will not be satisfied to be worshiped by those that promote his kingdom, but will now require the whole world to surrender.
Daniel had called the new god that this abomination of desolation represents, "The God of Forces." Remember the film series, Star Wars, and its emphasis on "the force." All of the world is being prepared to worship this false image and the "force" that will quickly be displayed. It is still a mystery to us. We see a new religious world, and it is evidence that something is strangely different. It is biblically called, "god of forces."
The Deep Sorrows of the Abomination of Desolation
- There will be no mercy for anyone.
- This new religion is far more vile that Muslim terrorism.
- Children will be molested and viciously slaughtered in front of parents.
- This Antichrist image will be a dark creature.
- Anyone that is a Jew or a professing Christian will be hated and hunted for destruction.
- There will be at least millions slaughtered every day.
- Burial will be by bulldozers.
- Sodomy will rule the world.
- Children of unsaved parents will be the source of great sorrows.
- Anyone rejecting the mark of the beast will be subject to horrible assault until they submit or else die.
- Those who take the mark will be immediately possessed by demon spirits and a dark moral plunge into sodomy.
- It will be like the bottomless pit has become the worldwide lifestyle.
THE GOD OF FORCES AND HIS ANTICHRIST ARE QUICKLY REPLACING JEHOVAH GOD IN SO-CALLED "CHRISTIAN" CIRCLES.
Man is at the center of this new theology. It is a synchronizing of New Age thought, psychology and theology. It is also a subtle change from the Western mindset of God acting in all His transcending sovereignty to an Eastern mindset where God is subject to human whims and man-centeredness. It's God with a little "g" and man with a capital "M."
Robert Schuller's book, Self-Esteem: A New Reformation, was partially introduced by Dr. David Burns, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, with these words: "I have been reviewing with great interest your new book, Self-Esteem: The New Reformation.... It is surprising how our minds have come to a similar position-you have pursued a religious route, and I have pursued a scientific path, and we have both arrived at the same bottom line: Unconditional self-esteem, self-love that doesn't have to be earned, because it is given. I believe that the vision that forms the core of most religious thinking has to do with joy. From a psychiatric point of view, I would say man's deepest flaw is to mistrust himself and to withhold love and self-acceptance..."
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
David Spangler, a name recognized in educational circles, has become a champion in the world of the psychologists and New Age thinkers. In his book, Revelation: The Birth Of A New Age, he presents this new deity and describes his action in the evolutionary process:
"The Christ is eternally the agent of rebirth throughout creation. He is the universal power and life that prevents stagnation, that invokes and nourishes growth and continuous unfoldment. He unites with the consciousness of what is and what has been, and through that union gives birth to the consciousness of what can be and shall be. The life of the new is the life of the old that has been transformed, through some degree of union with the Christ, into a greater fulfillment and expansion. In the presence of Christ, the past and the future become fused lovingly, creatively into the reality of manifestation in the living Now. Thus, the Cosmic Christ united with the consciousness of the Earth Logos, in which were sunk the foundations of Earth and its past development and future potentials" (Spangler, 1979, p. 130).
The teaching of the New Age personalities differs very slightly from the new leaders in charismatic and religious circles. They say the same things but use different terminology. In both camps God is treated with a little "g." The center of thinking is man, and the "god" or "christ" in them is the basis of their theology or psychology. Please notice several words in Spangler's statements. Both New Agers and the new religious leaders use the term, "freedom of expression." Choreographed dancing is called "freedom of expression." The terms, "greater fulfillment" and "expression," are used equally by both groups. Instead of losing ourselves in surrender, which is the New Testament basis for discipleship, it's now finding fulfillment in being "me." As one well-known person wrote, "I've gotta be me!"
"New consciousness" is the key statement of New Agers and the new religious leaders. At a PTL conference just before the fateful fall, Rev. Tommy Reid, a leading Charismatic, said, "We have discovered a new world view, and we are not returning to the old views" (Paraphrased from a conference to discuss Dave Hunt's book, Seduction of Christianity, PTL Conference Center, Charlotte, NC).
There are several other expressions in the short quote of Mr. Spangler that are parallel to the new theologies of our modern preachers. If your church is a new free-style congregation, check the next few sermons for similar words tucked throughout the message.
Faith teachers have raped one of the Bible's most powerful words. "Faith" no longer means "the Faith" (sum total of all biblical truth) or "trust" in God's promise, but man's creative ability to produce miracles just like God performs them. Since man is a "little god," they say, he is a creator also, and his faith can cause miraculous things to happen. Paul Yonggi Cho said, "You can incubate a miracle in your mind." This is raw Hinduism and turns God into a puppet manipulated by man. This is the new "beast of a god" being readied for the Antichrist's "One World Order."
Worship Styles: New Age Seduction!
The new styles of worship filling our churches are straight from the New Age subculture. They have written the script. I visited a New Age setting in a Methodist church approximately 30 years ago and watched the choreographed dancers seduce the worshipers to this "new consciousness." The human mind is a powerful part of our person and capable of transforming our entire system of thought by ingesting impulses, which unite ideas and emotions. It appears to me that this should be labeled soulical, and is the opposite of true spirituality. One is clearly limited to man and his environment, while true spirituality opens up our heart to communion with Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Jehovah God. The first is used by Satan to gain control of men's lives, while the second is the center of man's God-given spirit and can be the door to an indescribable relationship with Him.
There are numerous efforts to create all kinds of new experiences called worship, but the most prominent at this time is choreographed dancing, drama, and mime. Satan has always used human celebration connected with dance, art, drama, and music to break open the human psyche and then invade the personality with his influence and control. This was how the Babylonians made paganism a world religion and controlled the masses.
A recent article in Charisma Magazine (propaganda voice for radical Charismatics, Kingdom Dominion theorists, and other aversions from Classical Pentecostals) gave great coverage to Earl Paulk, Jr. (Harvester Church, Atlanta, GA. and presently fully discredited) and his effort to restore the arts of the church. This man, who lost his minister's license in the Church of God for fornication, represents the most radical form of heresy in Charismatic circles. I guess it's fitting that he is the voice for choreographed activity in our modern churches. These strange activities are introducing people to a new god unknown to the sheep, who are following these new mindless shepherds.
Proverbs 21:1-3
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."
Daniel described this new god 2,500 hundred years ago and warned that he would be the choice of this brutal beast:
"And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain" (Daniel 11:36-39).
This new religion is not new at all but simply disguised in modern garb.
The new idol in charismatic circles is Benny Hinn of Texas. In a recent television program, I watched as he performed for his audience. One unsuspecting gentleman approached and asked for the power of God. As Mr. Hinn trembled with his right hand in distortion, he asked:
"Are you sure you want the power of God?"
"Yes," came the reply.
"But are you sure?" he asked again.
"Yes!"
Mr. Hinn, with great emotion, flung his hand toward the man. There was no apparent contact. The gentleman appeared to be miraculously jerked up and flung to the floor with a great power. The atmosphere was charged with powers from the god of forces, fleshly titillation.
Discerning Between Fleshly Titillation and God's Power!
Is this the power of God, or is it the "god of forces?" Only the Bible can really answer this question.
Paul stated, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:1-4).
What was the demonstration of the power in biblical days? There was great conviction of sin, of judgment, and an awesome turning from the world to godliness and a Christ-centered, cross-bearing lifestyle. There were also tremendous miracles, where sickness and evil spirits were broken from human lives. Great change was wrought in the people. However, none of the demonstrations we see in today's mass televangelism was evident. Biblical precedence does not allow for the extreme emotionalism we are now witnessing. The difficulty, however, is that the line between great demonstrations of life-changing Holy Ghost power and cheap manipulation is not easy to discern.
It's important that we don't rule out genuine excitement and spiritual worship while we identify the extremes. As a pastor, I would never touch, nor desire to touch, anything in human expression that isn't honorable, sincere, and truly praises the Lord. But, anything that focuses attention on an actor performing for the people or on a type of mass hysteria, where emotions are inflamed by cheap psychology, must be rejected and stamped out.
There is unquestionably a fine line between the work of the Holy Spirit and the work of deceiving spirits. The gift of discernment was given to the church to forever maintain the difference. We must use the wisdom and discernment imparted by that gift without fear or embarrassment. I'm sick of hearing these impostors in Pentecostal and Evangelical circles being protected in the name of Christian unity. It is not Christian unity to protect "false prophets;" it is "biblical irresponsibility."
Revelation 2:14-15
"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."
Religious Leaders Corrupted By Flattery!
Prophets of God have always been men who have obeyed God without compromise. What the world states about them may hurt their heart, because they care about souls; but it doesn't intimidate them. They won't bend, bow, or burn. Daniel warned that this season of Antichrist influence would be evident by covenant breakers, who would sell their souls for a mess of pottage. He said, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32).
Satan's henchmen are ever ready to confirm the individual who starts apostatizing in his new freedom. They will flatter you with every imaginable compliment. Anytime worldly Christians or unconverted people start bragging on you, something is wrong. If you don't reject it immediately, you will be hooked by its influence.
Very few ministers or laypersons appear to be willing to stand up against this religious crowd. They are intimidating, to say the least. While they spout openness, you will notice that this openness does not include us uncompromising Fundamentalists. Bible-believers are a threat to their control and their "new consciousness." The very spirit of this mindset is satanic, and any person who opposes them will be marked. First, they will seek to change you by "flatteries." The pressure that will be directed toward an outspoken fundamentalist is indescribable. If flattery doesn't work, then efforts will be made to destroy his or her character. Lies and distortion are acceptable tools if these can accomplish their goal. I know because I have been through both stages.
Paul the Apostle described this scenario for our warning, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12).
Please notice several key things in Paul's warning. He admonishes us to not be "deceived by any means." He then states that the Antichrist will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." He does it by deception. He replaces God with himself without the people realizing what's happening.
How does he do it?
He replaces the God of biblical reality with the "god of human forces." Paul states, "Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved"(2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
The words "power, signs, and lying wonders" are expressive of this new god. But, notice these "forces" are set in contrast to the words, "because they received not the love of the truth." Simply, they love fleshly titillation, an exciting display of signs and wonders, more than they love truth. A minister with a big display of so-called miracles will draw thousands, while godly ministers of truth will be preaching to a remnant of the faithful. You may want to notice that the miracles in these mega centers are always the kind that cannot be confirmed. The real supernatural miracles are still happening quietly in inconspicuous places.
"And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:11).
When you enter a New Age-style church, you take your spiritual life into your own hands. These churches are entertaining and present enough fun things to do to completely inoculate you. They will first "deliver" you from all past "restrictions." One of the first steps in freeing people from convictions of godliness and holiness is to label them as legalistic and regressive. "You have been in bondage," they will say, but "Jesus (the new Jesus) wants you free." Remember the words of David Spangler, "freedom of expression" and "new consciousness." Everything that feels good and okay to you is permissible in this new environment.
According to these new prophets, standards of the Bible were cultural and, therefore, not relevant to today-God/god wants you to be everything you can be by freeing you from all past fetters. It's amazing to see the real results: adultery filling churches, effeminate men and masculine women on the organ bench and in the choir and singing groups, cigarette smokers servings as ushers, and every expression of the world in the church.
There is one thing, however, that this new god cannot produce: holiness and righteousness are beyond his capacity. He will create a contrived substitute high on smiles and the Dale Carnegie personality, but woefully lacking in the selfless lifestyle of the "cross of Christ." Missing also will be the unspeakable joy that is evident when someone walks in unhindered discourse with the Lord Jesus Christ. I have found the "pearl of great price" and desire no other.
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