“contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” jude 3 — vol. 4 no. 10
Evangelical Leader Returns To Catholicism
Rome Sweet Home
By Alan Cooperman Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, May 12, 2007; B09 The president of the Evangelical Theological Society, an association of 4,300 Protestant theologians, resigned this month because he has joined the Roman Catholic Church. The May 5 announcement by Francis J. Beckwith Francis J. Beckwith, a tenured associate professor at Baptist-affiliated Baylor University in Waco, Tex., has left colleagues gasping for breath and commentators grasping for analogies. “This is a sad day for all true sons and daughters of the Protestant Reformation, for all who lived and died for its truths,” Douglas Groothuis, a professor at the Evangelical Denver Seminary, said in a posting on Beckwith’s own blog, adding sternly: “...you are embracing serious theological error.” Beckwith is not the first, or even the most prominent, Evangelical to switch to Catholicism in recent years. Others include Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), theologian Scott Hahn and the Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, editor of the journal First Things. On the other side of the equation, the Catholic Church has been losing droves of ordinary worshipers to the Pentecostal form of Evangelicalism, particularly in Latin America. Beckwith said that for many years he agreed with the criticisms of the Catholic Church made by Martin Luther and other leaders of the 16th-century Reformation, who emphasized the authority of the Bible alone - rather than the pronouncements of church leaders and who argued that justification resulted from the grace of God, not from good deeds. But his thinking began to change, he said, as he read more deeply into Catholic theology, including works by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. Beckwith said he was also deeply affected by a joint declaration in 1999 by the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church on the doctrine of justification, which he said went a long way toward eliminating this historical source of division. “At the end of the day, the reason for the Reformation was the debate over justification. If that is no longer an issue, I have to be Catholic,” Beckwith said. “It seems to me that if there is not a very strong reason to be Protestant, then the default position should be to belong to the historic church.” Editor’s Note: Here we can see the devastating result of multiculturalism and ecumenical dialog. This is a fulfillment of prophecy. Francis Beckwith, a former prominent, Protestant theologian came to the only logical conclusion after participating in the so-called interfaith dialog. He concluded that there was no strong reason to be a Protestant and went back to Rome. The Muslims are also Rome-ward bound. They have been studying at the Pontifical Gregorian Jesuit University. Does this mean that the radical Muslim extremists/terrorists have already taken their Jesuit training? We wonder, who will be the next one to fall into line on the road to Rome Sweet Home and “...follow in the track of Romanism” (7T p. 181)?
The dream is finally being fully achieved. Twentieth Century Popes could only dream of Rome’s restoration as the most important worldwide superpower. She has been reckoned by world leaders as the chief formulator of policies and international, ambassadorial mediator by world leaders, ahead of the USA. Under the reign of the Antichrist, no one will be allowed to overshadow the authority of the papacy. The day has come when the entire world—pagans, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and even the non-religious— have all acknowledged the papacy as both a spiritual and temporal ruler. “These [10 kings] have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them.” Revelation 17: 13, Bush Welcomes Vatican Ambassador to White 14. Praise the Lord for this! House Dinner - President George W. Bush and The kings of the earth are surely giving Laura Bush welcome Roman Catholic Cardinal their power and strength unto the beast. Theodore McCarrick of Washington, left, Cardinal Rome now has the influence, on a Donald W. Wuerl, right, and Papal Nuncio [Vatican global scale, that can benefit or damage Ambassador to the United States] Archbishop Pietro Sambi, second from right, to the White House Tuesany political or economic policy. day evening, July 18, 2006, for a dinner in their honor. White House photo by Kimberlee Hewitt. —continued on page 2
Muslims Given Jesuit Training Muslim Nations' Diplomats Studying the Church at the Gregorian ROME, MAY 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Diplomats of Muslim countries in the Mediterranean and the Middle East are taking a course on the Catholic Church and the Holy See's international politics. The three-week course was inaugurated Monday at the Pontifical Gregorian [Jesuit] University by Cardinals Tarcisio Bertone and Renato Martino - Vatican secretary of state and president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, respectively. The course, entitled “The Catholic Church and the International Politics of the Holy See,” features morning lectures and afternoon visits to key Church offices. Participants will learn about “the organization and functioning of diverse organizations of the Holy See, the diplomatic activities of nunciatures and the humanitarian activities of the Church that promote peace,” Cardinal Bertone told Vatican Radio. The Vatican secretary of state said the theme is “interreligious dialogue as a path for peace,” understood as “an educational instrument for peace used to build a peace that is true and lasting.” The 72-year-old cardinal said the Vatican is concerned about “the situation of countries in the Middle East and this conflict that cannot seem to be solved in the land of Jesus.” It is being promoted in collaboration with Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; LUMSA University in Rome; the University of St. Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon; and the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local offices of the Latium and Piedmont regions in Italy; and by the Italian offices of the European Union.
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the eternal gospel herald — volume 4, no. 10 —continued from page 1 With her assistance she can sustain any world leader or through her hostility she can destroy them. All of this is done through her trickery. “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:25.
The Pope implements his policies through his cardinals, bishops, priests, and his 1.2 billion adherents [65 million in the US] which are found in every corner in the world. It is no wonder that the whole world flocks to Rome to coordinate their operations with those of the Vatican. They do so knowing that the Vatican can either be a dangerous ally or a dangerous enemy. Thus, it is necessary that world leaders cultivate a partnership with Rome to ensure political success. And by so doing, they are placing the Roman Catholic Church above all other religious denominations of the world. By sending state ambassadors and granting diplomatic status with the Vatican, world governments have placed the Vatican, a religious order on par with themselves and in so doing they recognize her supremacy. Seventhday Adventists, as students of prophecy, see a fulfillment of Revelation 13: 3, 4 Pope Meets with Iranian Leaders - December when God’s Word declares that “all the 27, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI meets Iranian For- world wondered after the beast” and eign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki (C) and Ira- “who is able to make war with him?” nian vice president Rahim Mashaee (R) during a private audience at the Vatican. Iranian President Would to God that they would go to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a letter to the Him for guidance and not to man. If our pontiff through Mottaki, the Vatican said in a world leaders would humble themselves and pray, seek after God’s righteouscommunique. (AFP/Pool/Arturo Mari). ness, turn away from their evil ways then real permanent, just solutions would come to pass.
Pope Meets with Vietnam's Communist Leader - Pope Benedict XVI(L) meets Vietnam's prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung during a private audience at the Vatican, 25 January 2007, the first time a leader of the communist nation has met the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Vietnamese Catholics praised the milestone meeting for bringing fresh hope to the country's six million worshippers.
Putin Does the Pope's Bidding - Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Russia's President Vladimir Putin at the Vatican Tuesday, March 13, 2007. It was the highest-level Kremlin-Vatican talks in more than three years, a meeting expected to focus on ways of easing tensions between Catholics and Orthodox Christians and finding common ground on moral issues.
Pope Meets with the Head of the EU - Pope Benedict XVI meets with the President of the European Commission, the executive head of the European Union, a intergovernmental union of 27 European countries, which works to implement political, social, and judicial policies for Europe.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Pope to help Improve Christian Relations in Ireland - March 23, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI poses next to Ireland's President Mary McAleese during a private audience in his library at the Vatican. "The Pope said that the world needed this process to work and emphasized the importance of Christians working together, demonstrating that reconciliation can work," a statement from McAleese's office said.
Since the Pope is the head of a global diplomatic machinery, he can influence policies, support or oppose governments, and form alliances. Remember, the Vatican has no parliament, congress, or senate which limit and restrain a nation’s powers. Therefore, the Pope is an absolute, autocratic ruler who exercises uncontrolled power in his church-state monarchy. And he will use that power to exercise whatever influence he can exert for the promotion of her doctrines—the wine of her fornication.
U.S. Lawmakers meet with American Cardinals April 28, 2006— Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) met on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to discuss the need of reforming immigration policies.
“And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:18. Pope calls for More Catholic Involvement in Politics In his recent trip to Brazil during a meeting with his bishops, Pope Benedict XVI “urged the bishops to mold a new generation of Roman Catholic leaders in politics to reverse the church’s decline Muslim King gets Catholic Recognition - Ro- in the region” (USA Today, May 15, man Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick con- 2007, “Pope Tries to Stem Church's Degratulates King Abdullah of Jordan during a cere- cline”). mony conferring an honorary doctorate degree In the same USA Today article the Pope upon King Abdullah at the Catholic University of —continued on page 3 America in Washington, D.C.
Pope meets with New United Nations General Secretary - According to an April 19, 2007, Associated Press article entitled “U.N. Secretary General Confers with Pope Benedict,” U.N. Secretary General Ban Kimoon met with the Pope about how the Vatican could work with the United Nations and help solve international problems.
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Lithuania's President Heads to the Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus during a private meeting at the Vatican April 28, 2007. (VATICAN/Alberto Pizzoli/Pool)
—continued from page 2 was quoted as saying, “Latin America needs more dedicated Catholics in leadership positions in the media and at universities throughout the region.” The purpose of his visit was to keep Catholicism the dominant religious force in the region because millions of Roman Catholics have joined Evangelical Protestant churches in recent years. The call to political mobilization by Catholics would help to fight “secularism, hedonism, indifferentism and, proselytism [evangelism] by Pope Meets with Former Iranian President numerous sects.” May, 4, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with former Iranian President Mohammad Vatican Calls Critics - “Terrorists” Khatami during a private meeting at the Vatican According to a May 3, 2007 Catholic World to discuss issues over Iran and the Middle East. News article entitled “Vatican Condemns (Osservatore Romano/Pool/Reuters) Vile Attacks, Irresponsible Rhetoric,” the Vatican, through its official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, has denounced the critics of the Pope and has labeled them as terrorists! Apparently an Italian performer, Andrea Rivera, made “irreverent” statements “directed at the Pope and the Church” during a May Day concert in Rome. [See page 4 for the entire article]. The Vatican responded “angrily” suggesting that “strident anti-Catholic rhetoric could prompt violence against the Church.”
Pope Addresses World Representatives - Pope The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Benedict XVI, left, delivers his speech during an Romano condemned the “vile attacks” by saying: “It is an act of terrorism to stoke audience with diplomats representing 173 nations blind and irrational rage against someone in the Regia hall at the Vatican, Jan. 8, 2007. who always speaks in the name of love.”
Pope Calls for Dialog - Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse to the Vatican April 20, 2007. Pope Benedict spoke with Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan president, today about the need to resume dialogue following a recent intensification of the island's two-decade-old What did Italian performer Andrea Rivera say that the Vatican accused her of being a civil war. (REUTERS/Plinio Lepri/Poo) terrorist and warned that she must be stopped because her comments may result in terrorist acts against the church? What was the irreverent, vile attack? She simply said, “The Pope does not believe in evolution, and the Church has never evolved.”
Pope Meets with Prominent Evangelical Leader Pope Benedict XVI (L) poses with Wolfgang Huber, President of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, during a private meeting at the Vatican May 4, 2007. (REUTERS/Osservatore)
With all the new terrorism legislation and the new hate crime legislation are we going to see these new measure used against the critics of Rome? Regardless of all the inventions of Rome and of all her hosts, they will not be able to contain the power in which God’s work is going to finish. And if we are faithful in the Lord’s work, many of these world leaders who have read the Earth’s Final Warning, or have seen the billboards, or have received one of the millions of pieces of literature that the faithful servants of God have been distributing all over the world; many of these world leaders in whom the seeds of truth have been sown will take their stand for truth and endure persecution with us.
Vatican Ambassador at the UN - Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Governor of Vatican City and representative of the Pope addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations.
“The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble.” Maranatha, p. 31.
Pope goes to Restore Catholicism in Brazil - Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, greets Pope Benedict XVI during a welcome ceremony at the air base in Sao Paulo, Wednesday, May 9, 2007. The Pope denounced Marxism and Capitalism for Latin America's problems and urged bishops to mold a new generation of Roman Catholic leaders in politics to reverse the church's declining influence in the region. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Now is the time to give the Final Warning message to this perishing world. The whole world is turning to the beast for truth and light when we as Seventh-day Adventists have been given the mission to turn the focus off of man and on to God—to worship Catholics Sign Historic Document - Pope Him, and not the beast—to keep His comBenedict XVI signs an agreement with the head mandments and not the commandments that of Greece’s Orthodox Church Archbishop Chriswas changed by the Antichrist! todoulos (L) at the Vatican December 14, 2006 to work towards full-visible unity of the church. —continued on page 4 (REUTERS/Danilo Schiavella-Pool).
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—continued from page 3 The Pope Threatens World Politicians A few weeks ago the Pope threatened to excommunicate all Catholic politicians world-wide who support abortion. Using strong language, the Pope raised the stakes in this controversial issue by suggesting that he was in agreement with bishops who have stated that Catholic politicians in Mexico excommunicated themselves by legalizing abortion. [See article on page 4]. The Pope’s remarks have had an immediate alarming effect in the debate over whether Catholic politicians, who are in the overwhelming majority in Central, South, and North America, can follow their own conscience or whether they are bound by the church’s teaching on abortion or other issues, like gay marriage. Here’s what the real story is—Politicians will go straight to hell because they don’t follow the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Can it get any clearer than that? Could this not be considered a forcible campaign to convert the “heathen” and the “heretics.” Is the way being paved to impose a Sunday Law legislation? We know what God has revealed in this matter. This is only preparing the way for what is going to come upon the world and the church as an overwhelming surprise: “The dignitaries of church and State will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments.” The Great Controversy, p. 592. Here at home, Presidential Candidate and Roman Catholic Rudy Giuliani was feeling the heat over the Pope’s statement. He was asked to respond directly to the Pope’s comments. Giuliani replied, “I don’t get into debates with the Pope.” He went on to say his positions were “between him, God, and his spiritual advisor, not Pope Benedict.” Giuliani reportedly has said that he would continue to take communion even if the Pope states politicians like himself have automatically excommunicated themselves.” It would be in the better interest of all that Rome remove herself from meddling in the democratic processes of sovereign nations. And because we know that she will not do so—it is in the interest of every Seventhday Adventist to give the Final Warning of Revelation 14 and leave the results and consequences to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
— The Editors
Pope Supports Excommunication for Politicians who Backed Abortion The Associated Press, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 ROME: Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he supports excommunication for politicians who backed Mexico City's decision to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Roman Catholic Church teaching calls for automatic excommunication for anyone procuring an abortion. "It's nothing new, it's normal, it wasn't arbitrary. It is what is foreseen by the church's doctrine," Benedict said during an airborne news conference aboard the plane carrying him to Brazil on his first pilgrimage to Latin America. Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi later told reporters that the politicians who voted for abortion had automatically excommunicated themselves by their actions. Mexican church officials have said that doctors and nurses who performed abortions as well as lawmakers who supported the legalization would be excommunicated. Church teaching also says any woman who has an abortion faces automatic excommunication, meaning the Vatican does not have to issue a formal excommunication order. Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, whose leftist Democratic Revolution Party backed the bill approved by city lawmakers last month, has said he would not be deterred by the church's statements. Elsewhere in Mexico, abortion is only allowed in cases of rape, danger to the mother's life or severe fetal defects. The only countries in the region that allow abortion are Cuba and Guyana.
Vatican Labels its Critics as Terrorists Vatican Condemns Vile Attacks, Irresponsible Rhetoric
Politicians Bound by Church Teachings, Pope Says New York Times, March 13, 2007 VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Church's opposition to gay marriage is “non-negotiable” and Catholic politicians have a moral duty to oppose it, as well as laws on abortion and euthanasia, Pope Benedict said in a document issued on Tuesday. In a 140-page booklet on the workings of a synod that took place at the Vatican in 2005 on the theme of the Eucharist, the 79-year-old German Pope also re-affirmed the Catholic rule of celibacy for priests. In the “Apostolic Exhortation” Benedict says all believers had to defend what he calls fundamental values but that the duty was “especially incumbent” for those in positions of power. He said these included “respect for human life, its defense from conception to natural death, the family built on marriage between a man and a woman, the freedom to educate one’s children and the promotion of the common good in all its forms.” “These values are not negotiable,” he said. “Consequently, Catholic politicians and legislators, conscious of their grave responsibility before society, must feel particularly bound, on the basis of a properly formed conscience, to introduce laws inspired by values grounded in human nature,” he said. Gay marriage is legal in several European countries, including predominantly Catholic Spain, and Italy is currently severely divided over the issue of whether to give more rights to unmarried couples, including homosexuals. The Pope’s words were also applicable to countries such as the United States, where some Catholic politicians have said they are opposed to abortion but felt bound to support pro-choice legislation because they represent many people. This was an issue in the 2004 U.S. presidential campaign, when Democratic candidate John Kerry, a Catholic, supported abortion rights. The Pope implied local bishops could not turn a blind eye to such politicians. “Bishops are bound to reaffirm constantly these values as part of their responsibility to the flock entrusted to them,” he wrote. Some bishops in the United States have refused to give communion to Catholic politicians who back abortion rights.
3-May-2007 -- Catholic World News Brief
Rome, May. 3, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican has reacted angrily to criticism by an Italian performer at a May Day concert in Rome, suggesting that strident anti-Catholic rhetoric could prompt violence against the Church. The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano condemned the "vile attacks" against the Church, inflaming passions in "an easily excitable crowd." The editorial was clearly referring to remarks by performer Andrea Rivera during the May Day concert, which was held outside the basilica of St. John Lateran. Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, followed up with a complaint that the "irreverent comment directed at the Pope and the Church during the May Day concert were clearly an act of irresponsibility." L'Osservatore Romano had made the same point in much stronger language, charging: "It is an act of terrorism to stoke blind and irrational rage against someone who always speaks in the name of love." During the concert, Rivera had roused the crowd with a series of comments directed against the Church, drawing loud applause between songs with remarks such as a comment that "the Pope does not believe in evolution, and the Church has never evolved." Church officials have been particularly sensitive to rhetorical attacks because of the threats that have been made against the life of Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, the president of the Italian bishops' conference, and the vandalism of several churches, particularly in Genoa. Leftist politicians have depicted the Church as the main obstacle to their effort to gain parliamentary approval for a bill granting legal recognition to same-sex unions. Church leaders fear that the harsh anti-Catholic rhetoric used during the May Day concert could prompt further acts of violence. Father Lombardi remarked that both Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, had appealed for a de-escalation of political rhetoric. The Vatican press spokesman echoed their message, saying that "it would be as well for all of us to seek to diffuse tensions and to recreate the conditions for serene dialogue in our society." The Radical, Green, and Communist Refoundation parties are defending Rivera’s comments. The senate leader of the Communist Refoundation Party, Giovanni Russo Spena, stated: "Honestly, L'Osservatore Romano is exaggerating."
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The Tyranny of the New World Order Descends on the EU and the US On January 26, 2007 LifesiteNews.com reported that “a member of France’s ruling party has been fined almost $4,000 for comments opposing homosexuality, under the country’s hate speech law.” He was facing a $30,000 fine and a 6 month prison term. Christian Vanneste, a member of the French Parliament, was fined by the French court for having stated his opposition to a homosexual “marriage” performed by the mayor of a town in southwest France, which marriage was later declared illegal.
Christian Vanneste Vanneste’s “crime” consisted of expressing the opinion that the purported marriage was objectionable because “homosexuality was ‘inferior’ to heterosexuality” and that the practice of homosexual “marriage” would be “dangerous for humanity if it was pushed to the limit.” Vanneste’s criminal punishment resulted from a suit filed against him by “three homosexual and lesbian activist groups … under the law criminalizing the incitement of hatred against minorities; homosexuality had recently been included under that law.” What does this mean? A member of Parliament, equivalent to our US Congress, has incurred a “criminal” conviction for expressing remarks that are fully supported by the Holy Scriptures. This is religious persecution! Christians throughout the European Union [EU] are in grave peril simply because they believe the Bible and are critical of homosexual marriage—all thanks to the EU. We have come to the place where we can no longer have an intelligent discussion on homosexuality. There are only two positions: You either (1) celebrate the homosexual, gay, lesbian, transsexual, and all other “alternative” lifestyles, or (2) you shut up and don’t say anything. Coming Soon to America On March 20, 2007 a bill was introduced into the U.S. Congress called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592). With the election of a Democrat-controlled Congress in 2007, this dangerous piece of legislation has been voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and submitted to the full House of Representatives for a vote and was passed on May 3, 2007. Now if the Senate passes this bill the President can sign it into law. This should come as little surprise now that Nancy Pelosi and her Jesuit friends have taken over the U.S. House of Representatives [See Eternal Gospel Herald Vol. 4 No. 9]. There has been an outburst of protest against H.R. 1592 by fundamental Protestant groups, but hardly a word from the more liberal/ mainstream Churches. This is very alarming since H.R. 1592 would criminalize the moral teaching of the Bible on marriage and procreation. The Bill states: “Whoever…willfully causes bodily injury to any person… because of the actual or perceived religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability of any person… shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both…” H.R. 1592 begins with those who “willfully causes bodily injury.” That is how hate crime legislation first began throughout the European Union. Hate crime legislation first begins with bodily harm but ultimately ends with free speech, as in the case of Christian Vanneste. Parliamentarian Vanneste was convicted not because he caused bodily harm but because he expressed words that were considered hateful. However, this new bill currently being debated on Capitol Hill is not limited to homosexuality, but also includes acts of hate against other religions. This new law symbolizes the utter demise of our freedoms to preach the Word of God, which has already destroyed the right to express the truth, as it is in Jesus, throughout Europe. The ideology of H.R. 1592, if passed, will one day reveal its true nature—an oppressive, ugly 10 year prison sentence for those who are faithful to God and give the most solemn warning message of Revelation 14 to the world. These all-powerful governments, in the name of “tolerationism” and “equality” and “multiculturalism” will soon oppress anyone who dares to transgress the official state religion of the New World Order. And make no mistake—they are coming for you and me. For all those who
are being labeled as “hate groups.” The Catholic League has been foremost in advancing this campaign to wipe out every trace of the socalled “hate groups.” And they do so in the name of liberty, civil rights, and democracy. The Criminalization of Truth In short, H.R. 1592 creates a new category of “crimes” in which the penalty will depend upon whether the accused holds certain “unacceptable” moral and religious beliefs, which is to say the moral and religious beliefs of the Remnant Church, “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12). And the next step, inevitably, will be the criminalization of speech alone, as we see already in Canada and the EU. This is the tyranny of the New World Order—all being done in the name of the “toleration” that is “intolerant” of the truth of God and “intolerant” towards the faithful Remnant of God. The criminalization of truth, specifically the Third Angel’s Message is but the final stage of the logic of Hate Crime Legislation. But God will not tolerate evil, errors, lies, or distortions of His truth. Hate Crime Laws try to force you to accept falsehoods, and because of that, God has something to say about it and that is found in the Three Angels’ Message. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isa. 58:1. —The Editors
Church’s Sign Against Islam Sparks Controversy May 11, 2007 | Reporter: Mike Charbonneau WRAL-TV News Channel 5 Raleigh, NC WRAL.com | (800) 532-5343 Words like “bomb” and “die” draw attention to the small sign in front of Good News Independent Baptist Church. Rev. Gary Murrell put up the sign, which on one side claims the message of Islam is “submit, convert or die.” The other side reads: “When is the last time you heard of a Jew or Christian with a bomb strapped to their body?” Despite some in the Islamic community who claim the sign is offensive, Murrell says it is not a hate sign. “It was not put up there with the purpose of showing that we hate those people,” he said. “It’s not the people, it’s the religion.” Murrell says it is a violent religion compared to Christianity. But not everyone agrees. “I would really say that the actions of one individual really do not represent the Islamic faith,” said Debbie Jaunich, with the Islamic Center of Raleigh. “The Islamic faith really calls for peace.” “It’s sad to see that we still have this kind of ignorance in the community about the Islamic faith,” she added. Murrell says he is trying to make people think but Jaunich said she thinks it breeds discrimination and bigotry. “The point is that their salvation is in Jesus Christ, not in the Islamic faith,” Murrell said. “I am not trying to be a bigot. I’m not. I don’t hate those people.” Murrell says the sign has been up for about a week and that he plans to change it this weekend. But discussion about the message will likely continue. The Islamic Center of Raleigh is inviting Murrell and his congregation for a visit to learn more about Islam.
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Evangelical/Catholic Encounters of the Worst Kind Seventh-day Adventist Participation in Interfaith Worship - by Pastor Ron Spear The Churches Unite—On March 16th, 2007 an ecumenical coalition of churches organized an event, Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, to protests the War in Iraq. This event began with an interfaith prayer and worship service at the Washington National Cathedral, followed by a candlelit procession to the White House and a late night prayer vigil. About 3,000 church leaders from pews and pulpits all across the United States descended upon Washington DC. to join forces with other religious groups and participated in singing, prayers, meditations, and in calling upon the holy name Adventist Development & Relief Agency [ADRA] of God to bring true, lasting peace and unity to this nation and to president, Charles Sandefur, was a participant in the rest of the world. the interfaith prayer and worship service at the
Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell JackWashington National Cathedral on Marth 16, son, president of the North Participants included: Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, Roman American Region of the World Catholics, Episcopalians, Disciples of Christ, Lutherans, Method- 2007. Charles Sandefur is also a member of the General Conference Executive Committee and repCouncil of Churches. ists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Mennonites, the National Council resented the Seventh-day Adventist Church at this of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and others. event.
As a minister of the Gospel for more than 50 years, I’ve longed to see our people revived and reformed. Many other faithful Seventhday Adventists have also desired to see our people revived and reformed. But how can we revive and reform our people when we have leaders participating in these apostate worship services? What has happened to our beloved remnant church? Have we become Evangelicals in thinking and preaching? Is it possible that Rev. Robert W. Edgar, Nawe have reached over the gulf and clasped hands with the Evantional Council of Churches. gelicals and the Catholic Church? It was prophesied by our prophet Ellen White: “When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.” Testimonies, vol. 5, Rev. Marshall Dunn, Disciples 451. of Christ. When did such a liberal evangelical movement begin among us in the Seventh-day Adventist Church? We turn in our history to 1955-1957, when Elder Unruh, President of the Pennsylvania Conference introduced Barnhouse and Martin, and Eternity magazine to the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These meetings started a trend by our leaders to be accepted by the Evangelical churches.
Rev. Rex McKee, Episcopal Church.
Here Pastor Charles Sandefur stands among a diverse group of church clergymen and clergywomen. He gave a prayer during the March 16, 2007 event.
Then appeared a book, Questions on Doctrine. This book was 90 percent correct, but 10 percent deadly. Leroy Froom, R. A. Ander- General Conference Executive Committee memson, and Elder Reed were chosen by the General Conference com- ber, Charles Sandefur, applauds during the spirimittee to lead out in our evangelical attempt, and were responsible tual, ecumenical worship service. for the book, Questions on Doctrine. In the papacy’s masterful attempt to bring the Protestant Churches back under their domination, next came Vatican II. Then a gold medallion was presented to the Pope by one of our General Conference leaders in the religious liberty department.
Elder Maxwell, editor of the Signs of the Times, went as an observer to Vatican II in 1962. He returned from that meeting and gave a glowing report of the papacy and how it had changed. All Rev. Clifton Kirpatrick, Pres- these coming together, Vatican II has been most successful. We now in every one of our General Conference sessions have the byterian Church. Vatican flag marching down the aisle with the flags of the rest of the countries. In the recent General Conference session held in St. Louis, two priests had a booth with the other booths. They represented the Vatican. Have the Seventh-day Adventist Church really reached across the gulf and clasps the hand of the papacy with the Evangelical churches? I leave the reader to make the decision. But there Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, is one more that must be added. The Protestant world and Catholic Ebenezer Baptist Church. world have reached across the gulf and clasps hands with spiritualism, Are Seventh-day Adventists ready to do this? For many years we have been clasping hands with Pentecostal music and worship. We have sent one thousand pastors to Saddleback and Willowcreek to train in the ideology of Pentecostalism. In many of our churches around the world we have an orchestra playing Pentecostal type of music and the rising of arms and clapping of hands. Sister Luma Khudher, Dominican Nun, Roman Catholic.
—continued on page 7
Above: ADRA’s President, Charles Sandefur, was on a short list of those who were allowed to march in the procession. Below: Charles Sandefur had a front-row seat throughout the entire event.
the eternal gospel herald — volume 4, no. 10 page 7 —continued from page 6 “Worship With a Bedlam of Noise—“It is impossible to estimate too largely the work that the Lord will accomplish through His proposed vessels in carrying out His mind and purpose. The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time. Better never have the worship of God blended with music than to use musical instruments to do the work which last January was represented to me would be brought into our camp meetings. The truth for this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls. A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing. The powers of satanic agencies blend with the din and noise, to have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit’s working.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 36. How could this fall have taken place in God’s remnant church? Where did it begin?—It began in 1932. The General Conference voted accreditation for our colleges, which demanded that we had so many PhD’s in our schools. This has paved the way for our attempt to become Evangelicals. As a result, our schools have adopted the world’s curriculum and the attitude of many of our leaders and pastors have placed Ellen White our prophet in the 19th Century. They claim she was a nice little old lady for that time. Also, they have placed the three angels’ messages, the sanctuary message, and the 2300 day prophecy in the 19th Century. What is to be the end of all of this apostasy?
Father Joel Nangle, Roman Catholic Franciscan Priest [white arrow] standing next to General Conference Executive Board Member, and ADRA’s President, Charles Sandefur [yellow arrow] during the Candlelight procession to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
The Fatal Choice—“Unsanctified ministers are arraying themselves against God. They are praising Christ and the god of this world in the same breath...Let the son of deceit and false witness be entertained by a church that has had great light, great evidence, and that church will discard the message the Lord has sent, and receive the most unreasonable assertions and false suppositions and false theories. Satan laughs at their folly, for he knows what truth is...Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan. If doubts and unbelief are cherished, the faithful min- Could this be what Ellen White saw in a dream when isters will be removed from the people who think they know so much.” Testimonies to she described how some of our people whom she knew bore the “appearance of a Catholic procession. One Ministers, 409. bore in his hand a cross” (1T, p. 578)? These candles
When the wrath of God comes down on the confused Protestant and Catholic Churches, were commemorating all those who died in Iraq. This is what will happen to the leaders and pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who have spiritualism in behalf of the DEAD! participated in this terrible apostasy? “The people turned upon their ministers with bitter hate and reproached them, saying, ‘You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was to be converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was aroused. You have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us of it you declared to be fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us.’ But I saw that the ministers did not escape the wrath of God. Their suffering was tenfold greater than that of their people.” Early Writings, 282. Sunday laws are coming—Sunday Laws hang ominously over the horizon of our confused world today. The evidence is overwhelming that America is preparing to enforce the image to the first beast of Revelation 13. How?—through these ecumenical, interfaith worship services which are a combination heathen rites and customs, devoid of the true Spirit and power of God. By our participation in these services we are helping to set up the Image and connected, bear away the victory. This great blessof the Beast here in America. ing has not been prized, or even realized.” Testimo“But what is the ‘image to the beast’? and how is it to be formed?...When the early church nies, vol. 1, 129. became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the con- Ellen White’s inspired writings, along with the 2300 day sciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the pa- prophecy, the three angels’ messages, and the sanctuary message must again be brought before the church and the pacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own world. These messages make us the true remnant church ends, especially for the punishment of ‘heresy.’ In order for the United States to form an of God. All the loyal and obedient pastors, teachers, laimage of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the au- ity, and leaders are challenged now to bring Ellen White thority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.” The the prophet of God before the church. This should be a Great Controversy, 443. privilege not just a duty. The Last Deception of Satan—“Satan is . . . constantly pressing in the spurious—to lead away from the truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony—Letter 12, 1890.
Israel Became A Curse—“Israel was a cumberer of the ground. Its very existence was a curse; for it filled the place in the vineyard that a fruitful tree might fill. It robbed the world of the blessings that God designed to give. The Israelites had misrepresented God among the nations. They were not merely useless, but a decided hindrance. To a great degree their religion was misleading, and wrought ruin instead of salvation.” Christ Object Lessons, 215.
“There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them, for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded—Letter 40, 1890.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 48. There were so many promises and blessings to Israel Ellen White was chosen by God to be the prophet of this final generation. God inspired her which are today applicable to spiritual Israel. But we to write 25 million words to direct His church so that it would not follow in the steps of must never forget that those promises were based on apostasy of the Old Testament Church and the apostasy of the New Testament. Many of obedience. our people want to leave her in the 19th century when it is our duty to bring her writings to “A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the the 21st century. LORD your God, which I command you this day: And Have we done worse than the Jews?—“ ‘Ye have done worse than they.’ I saw that God has given His servants the truth so clear, so plain, that it cannot be resisted. Wherever they go, they have certain victory. Their enemies cannot get round the convincing truth. Light has been shed so clear that the servants of God can stand up anywhere and let truth, clear
a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.” Deuteronomy 11:27, 28. —continued on page 8
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the eternal gospel herald — volume 4, no. 10
—continued from page 7 Obedience brings blessings, disobedience brings cursings. And today our theology has become a curse to the world. We have not obeyed God in education, in medical missionary work, in evangelism, and in the publishing work. And when we don’t obey we are under a curse. The Finishing of the Work—Many leaders are standing in the way of God’s work. They are keeping the true message from being presented to the world. Therefore God is forced to take the reins into His own hands. “God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” Testimonies to Ministers, 300. “As the time comes for the loud cry to be given, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 424. The reason why Seventh-day Adventists are still in this earth is because we have been preaching the Evangelical gospel and engaging in their
I want to praise the Lord for having touched our hearts during the recent Spring 2007 Oklahoma Camp Meeting. We heard some compelling and heart-moving messages. I want to say thanks to all of those who came. Our next Oklahoma Camp Meeting will be October 5-7, 2007. All are welcome. I hope to see you there. We know that we are strengthened and encouraged spiritually when we meet together with God’s people. —Pastor Raphael Perez
interfaith worship services which is causing us to loose our peculiarity. The Evangelicals and Roman Catholics are determined to destroy the three angels’ messages, destroy the sanctuary message, destroy the 2300 day prophecies, and destroy our opportunity to be the Remnant people. And the end will never come as long as these encounters with the Evangelicals and Catholics continue. What we need is a powerful encounter with God and His Holy Spirit so that with boldness we can live up to the high and holy standard of God’s Word.
Letters - Dear brethren in Christ, May the grace and peace of Christ be with you. Your newsletter is excellent. I like the new format. It is a great source of light and information. Your message is clear and straight to the point. That is how we should present our message. Your newsletter has awakened many souls here in Puerto Rico. Thank you for what you are doing. David Medina, Puerto Rico.
—Pastor Ron Spear
Dear Pastor Perez, Thank you for all you have done for Christmas Behind Bars this year and in 2006. The Lord is opening more doors than ever before. We have been to 26 jails and 2 prisons. One of the prisons is maximum security with over 2000 incarcerated. Much love, Lemuel & Donna Vega, Indiana.
Dear Pastor Perez, I have seen a copy of your newsletter through an uncle. It was very “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation enlightening and I would like very much to hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, de- be a subscriber. Sincerely, D. Warhaftig, nying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should Arizona. live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and To whom it may concern, I am not a SDA, the glorious appearing of the great God and our however I attended Southern Missionary Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, College (Southern Adventist University). I that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and am willing to pay for a subscription, if perpurify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of missible, so please subscribe me. Marcia Abernathy, Tennessee. good works.” Titus 2:11-14. Let us not be like the Jews of old who refused Pastor Perez, We look forward to seeing you to acknowledge God’s call for renewal and re- in Oklahoma this year. We pray for your generation: “Even from the days of your fathers continued faithfulness in preaching the truth. ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and Thank you for keeping us informed on world have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will events. So much is happening so quickly. return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But Truly, God is coming soon. God bless, Jack ye said, Wherein shall we return?” Malachi 3:7. & Barb Loudermilk, Indiana.
Lemuel Vega and Seventh-day Adventists, A word of thanks and appreciation for your kindness and perseverance in spreading the truth to the prisoners here. The bag of goodies that you delivered here to each prisoner definitely raised the spirits here. The literature [Earth’s Final Warning] in each bag was Left to Right: Pastor Barry Mellor, Pastor Raphael Perez, and Pastor Jan Marcussen were the featured such a tremendous act of kindness. I now know that Saturday is the Sabbath and that speakers at our 2007 Spring Camp Meeting. Catholicism is not for me. Thanks for the education in truth. God bless you all! D.W. To Seventh-day Adventist, My name is H.W. and I am a prisoner. My location is one of the lock-up units. Thank you very much for your gift during the holidays. Your gift brought so much peace on the unit. It was like living in peace-time for one day. This is a unit where there is so much hate. The day we received your gift package was a day that we all were like brothers. Once more, Thank you very much. H.W. Dear Brother Perez, After reading your special edition of the Eternal Gospel Herald, Vol. 4 No. 9, I know I must write you and request more copies to share. Keep up the great work. James Lindner, Iowa
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Pastor Raphael Perez