The topic of Freemasonry is mentioned in so many places today, including many videos on YouTube where it is often connected with Satanism. Walter Martin connects freemason sources with occultist symbols and fallacious beliefs in this interview with a former freemason.
Walter Martin died in June of 1989. He is still well known for his understanding of Christian theology.
In this discussion, Walter Martin talks with a former Christian freemason who admits that he did not know of certain freemason doctrines. Walter Martin did not think that Christians should be freemasons. The former freemason in this interview is very honest as Walter asks questions. Even though this interview is a bit old, I think it gives a good view of some Masonic views.
This interview is one good source to help show Christians that masonry should be avoided. Christians should not join themselves to freemasonry.
“…and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.’” – Romans 11:26
So why is a large part of Israel not Christian at the posting of this brief article?
The answer is written in the verse that precedes the verse above. Romans 11:25 states:
“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”
Darrell Mansfield tells the Jews that “Your King is this Man from Galilee” in this song.
I enjoyed Darrell’s walk through the streets of Jerusalem in this 30 year old music video.
Darrell Mansfield was once a young man in search of meaning in life. His search ended at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ after some difficult times in his youth. This early music video was Filmed on location in Jerusalem, September 1986.
I agree with Dr. J. Vernon McGee that these verses are talking about literal Jews (Israelites). I also agree on his commentary involving these verses:
I am watching the tiny little country of Israel become more isolated from the rest of the world. Many former friends have and are leaving them. I will always be a friend to the nation of Israel because of an everlasting covenant that God make with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I believe that the Bible teaches that God will eventually intervene on their behalf. How He does that remains to be seen. One thing I am not concerned about is the destruction of the Israelites. It will not happen.
Most would agree that the two definitions listed here fit the general idea of the term:
1) forced out of its natural or proper shape; crumpled. synonyms: perverted, warped, deviant, depraved, corrupt, abnormal, unhealthy, aberrant, distorted, corrupted, debauched, debased, disturbed
2) (of a personality or a way of thinking) unpleasantly or unhealthily abnormal; warped.
A somewhat “twisted” catalog arrived in the mail today. It wasn’t a catalog making available a number of twisted things that are popular in our secular world today.
It was a 60+ page catalog filled with popular books available at reasonable prices. “Why was it twisted?” you might ask. Sadly, it was twisted because it had the term “Christian” at the top of it.
Looking through the catalog, one finds popular names in the “Christian” world. Some names are well known because of television appearances, others because their teachings are followed by many. A “Christian” catalog that is filled with writings by authors that teach unchristian ideas is…twisted.
This is a three hour documentary. The recommendation is to watch the first few minutes. If you are curious about how Biblical Christians understand the truth, you may want to watch more. The points made throughout this documentary contrast Christian beliefs with “new ideas” (really not that new) that the “church” is evolving. Many who believe in this “evolution” call themselves “emerging” or “emergent”.
The catalog received in the mail includes for sale books by more than one teacher with “new” ideas. Books like these can be found in almost every Christian bookstore.
The purpose of this post is to educate Christians who may not be aware of false teachers who are active and numerous in our day. Those who take the name “emerging” or “emergent” usually see something wrong with historical Christianity and do not preach the simple gospel message found in the Bible.
Our world is full of twisted things. To some, good is seen as evil and to some evil is seen as good.
This blog has recently been focused on an organization that twists words to suit its cruel purposes.
This blog has also had a theme about the results of turning away from Godly principles.
This question has been asked more than one time here: “How can God bless a nation that has turned its back on Him?”
Recently, this blog has broadened this question to ask, “How can God bless a world that has turned its back on Him?
These are questions that every person should consider.
Some of the emergents make good points about the lack of sincerity in certain “brands” of Christianity. Some of the questions they have are good, but they don’t seem to have good answers. These “teachers” only create more questions than answers.
The true church of Jesus Christ faces many challenges in today’s world. This is no surprise to the Christian as there are many verses in the Bible that “speak” about difficulties Christians will confront at times.
If you are not a Christian, but you like words and the meanings of words and you enjoy learning about different philosophies, this documentary may interest you.
If you are a Christian, you should be familiar with this subject as it or many things like it are popping up in the strangest places. One example is the catalog that many Christians receive on a regular basis. It is a catalog featuring many books with twisted ideas.
“13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that [s]he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
-James 5
I want to thank Maria Bowen for putting this message up on a website devoted to a church we both attended years ago. Alistair Begg rightly divides God’s Word in this focus on prayer.
I have met some wonderful people across the world in this effort to correct human rights abuses in Norway. Most, but not all, have been Christians like me.
Cristina Nicoli has been one of the protesters that has worked very hard to make Australians aware of abuses in Foster care systems in many places in our world today.
Cristina spent a good deal of time making a wonderful video that has been taken down for some unknown reason.
The video was very encouraging and inspirational to me as it mentioned Biblical stories where people of God did something to protest evil in this world.
Thank you Cristina, for this and the many posters you have designed and taken to churches to make them aware of such abuses. You are using your gift for the glory of God and I can’t help but notice.
(Ravi starts speaking just after minute 42.) ——————————-
I posted the video above with my comments (below) in June of 2016. It is now May of 2020 and Ravi passed away yesterday. I was encouraged by a relative to attempt to contact Ravi regarding my original post here. I know that Ravi was a very busy man but I agreed and emailed his ministry a couple of times to try and get Ravi’s thoughts on the post I had written. I knew that the size of Ravi’s ministry meant that someone else would probably write me back with a response that had been given to others about this particular incident. I didn’t get a reply. So, I leave this post up with the understanding that many consider Ravi the reason for their strong Christian faith. At the same time I must admit that I am still confused about this event. I’m sure that Ravi probably knew at least as much about Mormon theology and history as I do. Many books have been written on the subject and many have left the Mormon church because of these books. If you are curious about why I am critical of Ravi’s appearance at the Mormon Tabernacle, this short article will give you a good start: Seven reasons why Mormonism and Christianity are not the same. From there you can find the truth if you seek it. There are thousands of books and articles about the issue.
-cr ————————————-
This is a telling video. I have heard about Mr. Zacharias but I’ve not followed his life and ministry very closely.
I decided to watch this video pretending to be a good Mormon and found that Mr. Zacharias did a very good job.
He speaks of morality. At about 1:17:50 minutes he says:
“One can lead millions into untold evil. The reason they are able to do it is most people cannot think for themselves anymore.”
“The lost art of rational thinking….”
About 1:29:45, Mr. Zacharias gets a nice round of applause.
After watching this video, I came to these conclusions:
This sounded like any Mormon speaker on any Sunday although it was more polished than most.
It seemed that morality was a theme. This holds well with Mormon teachings. Mr. Zacharias asks them to read the Gospel of John. It is one of the Gospels out of four books Mormons believe to be God’s word. Besides the Bible, there is the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. When ones says: “The Word of God” in Mormon terms it can be from any of these four documents.
This speech is an emotional one. What is our purpose in life? It is to have communion with God and then our relationship with God is like a marriage.
These are Biblical themes but a very good Mormon would be comfortable with these themes as well.
There is no full Gospel message. John Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress, is a great book and Mr. Zacharias mentions it at the end of his message. Mr. Bunyan was a Christian. He had never heard of Joseph Smith as he lived in a different time and in a different country. If he had heard Mr. Smith’s philosophy, I’m sure Mr. Bunyan would have considered Joseph Smith to be a false prophet. After studying Mormonism on and off over many years, I have come to the same conclusion that I think John Bunyan would have.
It is near the end where Mr. Zacharias gets close to the cross but it is not a clear message.
I agree to some degree with a statement of Ravi Zacharias. He says: “We’ve lost it today” when speaking about our worship life and about man’s communion with God.
The same statement could be made in many times in history and in front of many types of audiences.
Ravi speaks of the “absoluteness of God’s Word” towards the end and seems to be getting close to the Gospel. Sadly, he never gets there, as expected, in front of an audience that believes in a different Jesus.
How do I know this? Well, I have studied Mormonism at length in the past. I have viewed documents taken from early sources that are in serious error. Current Mormon doctrine is not Christian in spite of what anyone states. If I need to go more in detail than the following quote, only let me know and there is an abundance of evidence. Here are some concerning words of Joseph Smith, the first Mormon:
“A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.” (SOURCE)
It is hubris to think that one has done anything better than Jesus.
I remember this usual statement of the Mormon church that started with its founder. My source for this is a Mormon one:
“A revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831, soon after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke of those who had been given ‘power to lay the foundation of this church.’ The Lord then referred to the Church as ‘the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased.’” (D&C 1:30)” (SOURCE)
If Mr. Zacharias wants to join Mormons to those who believe the Bible is the only inspired world, he has to struggle uphill against this statement.
Ravi sounded like a good Mormon, I will say that. But if he claims to be a Christian, how can he not take the road that Pilgrim took? In Pilgrim’s Progress there are many false ways. Here, Mr. Zacharias is surrounded by falseness and he has an opportunity, just like Christian does in The “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Christian succeeds where Mr. Zacharias fails. Christian makes it to the “Celestial City” in The Pilgrim’s Progress. Mr. Zacharias speaks of the “Celestial kingdom” and never gets to the Gospel message. The term “Celestial kingdom” is found in many places in Mormon literature. In the Pilgrim’s progress, the term “Celestial City” is used in every version I have. HERE IS WHAT THE MORMONS BELIEVE ABOUT THE THREE “KINGDOMS OF GLORY.”
I have taken Mr. Ravi Zacharias’ words to heart: “most people cannot think for themselves anymore.” Mr. Zacharias is a literate man as this video shows. My question is: “How can a Christian associate with those who think they will be gods someday?” HERE IS WHERE SOME OF THAT VERY FAULTY DOCTRINE COMES FROM.
To speak to those who believe in serious doctrinal error and not use the opportunity to preach the Gospel makes one appear guilty by association. I certainly hope this is the last time Mr. Zacharias speaks at the “Temple.” He must know of the major differences. He is an intelligent man.
In fact, I actually have a copy of THIS BOOK CALLED: “THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS” with Ravi Zacharias’ name on the front. One of the chapters in this book is dedicated to the Mormon church and it isn’t friendly. I’m sure the Mormons know of this also, so why are they so friendly to Ravi when they were never very friendly to Walter Martin, a man who exposed Mormonism and other groups as cults? It is very strange.
Here is the end of the Pilgrim’s Progress without the final poem, if you would like to read it.
CR
“Now I saw in my dream, that these two men went in at the gate; and lo, as they entered, they were transfigured; and they had raiment put on that shone like gold. There were also those that met them with harps and crowns, and gave them to them; the harps to praise withal, and the crowns in token of honour. Then I heard in my dream, that all the bells in the City rang again for joy; and that it was said unto them, “Enter ye into the joy of your Lord.” I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with a loud voice, saying, “Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be to him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever”.
“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13, 14
Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them: and behold, the City shone like the sun: the streets also were paved with gold; and in them walked many men, with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps to sing praises withal.
There were also of them that had wings; and they answered one another without intermission, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord!” And after that they shut up the gates, which when I had seen, I wished myself among them.
IGNORANCE COMES TO HIS END Now, while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw IGNORANCE come up to the river side; but he soon got over, and that without half the difficulty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in that place one VAIN-HOPE, a ferryman, that with his boat helped him over: so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the hill to come up to the gate; only he came alone, neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked upon the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him; but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of the gate, “Whence came you? and what would you have?” He answered, “I have ate and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets.” Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and show it to the King. So he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, “Have you none?” But the man answered never a word. So they told the King; but he would not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones that conducted CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL to the City, to go out, and take IGNORANCE, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the city of Destruction . So I awoke, and behold it was a dream! (SOURCE)
Afterwards:
It is December of 2023 and it turns out that at around the time Ravi made this “speech” that he was also guilty of serious misguided sexual behavior. I will eventually put up a post about the latest on this because things like this have become a problem in the “Christian World” of our day. About 2 years ago, Mike Winger discussed the situation as well as it could be discussed at that time in my opinion. Here is brother Mike’s heartfelt comments about the issue at that time:
The account of this little Norwegian boy continues to spread worldwide. Caspian’s mother Nadia is focused on the welfare of her son and is very concerned about several things. Nadia has had very little visitation with Caspian. She fears that her own son will not recognize her the next time he sees her. This happened the last time there was visitation, now days ago, before Caspian had been moved as far away as Bergen. The Wings of the Wind has not been able to verify this but it is thought that Norway’s CPS has moved the child there because Nadia has an address listed there.
The WOW has learned of two major legal events that will occur this week.
Today, Nadia and Caspian are scheduled to receive a change of address from a location that is seven hours away, to a closer address in Brandel. This new address is much closer to the CPS office where Caspian was first taken after his abduction on Monday, the 13th of June. This publication will be watching this development closely as the new residence is much closer than Bergen. Barnevernet’s stated intention is to help children. Will the CPS move Caspian back to Volda where he is much closer to his mother?
The Council Court is scheduled to be held in Fylkesnemnda this Thursday, the 23rd of June.
The Wings of the Wind has learned of another concern.
Nadia was planning to have Caspian baptized. Family and friends were to be invited, and after a ceremony in church, a celebration was to be held in the home of Margaret Hennum. Margaret is the nurse who has been helping Nadia adjust to normal living after spending five months in a Mothers’ Home. The incident that happened at the Hennum home last Monday changed those plans. The incident was reported in some detail in NORWAY’S CPS KIDNAPS CHILD…TODAY!!!!!
As infant baptism is important to many in Norway, a question has been asked by many inside and outside of the country, “Will the country bearing the Cross on its flag allow a mother to baptize her child?” The WOW finds this to be a very good question because of statements made in this case.
Ms. Hennum has made this statement:
“Why was Caspian kidnapped? Because he was living in the same house as me, a person criticizing the abuse done by Barnevernet! Their acute decision to kidnap him was terribly wrong. They admitted this the day after, saying that staying with us will not do him any harm!”
As this publication is not aware of any public comment made on this subject by Barnevernet officials; Ms. Solveig Horne, Norway’s Minister of Children and Equality; or Ms. Erna Solberg, Norway’s Prime Minister, another important question emerges.
Norway is considered a democracy. In a democracy people are allowed to voice disapproval with most things, including issues within a government. It appears that Ms. Erna Solberg reads her Facebook page in spite of the criticism that she sometimes receives. This is the way a democracy works. No one is above the law and citizens have a vote to help determine that law.
Why is Ms. Hennum not allowed to write a public opinion on any social media?
“In 1814, Norway was given a unique opportunity to write its own Constitution, and to take the first steps towards independence. The Norwegian Constitution is the oldest in Europe, and the second oldest in the world, that is still in use.
“Today, the Norwegian Constitution safeguards fundamental human rights – both political (freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association) and economic. This is the foundation of Norway’s democracy today.” (SOURCE)
Ms. Hennum stated: “Removal according to an emergency decision can be carried out only when a child is in acute danger, and only then. Even the police responsible for the removal, stated several times that we were good caregivers.”
Does a democracy treat its citizens in this manner?
Brynhild Solvang, is the head of the CPS office that was responsible for taking Caspian away from his biological mother. This publication is not aware of any statement made by the responsible CPS office regarding this incident.
As each day passes, possible damage is being done to Caspian.
Pastor Jim has posted something very interesting here. One of his comments after the post reads:
“I don’t know why there was the added sounds. I thought it was insightful though of how some Jews today react to the Gospel being preached. I support the state of Israel to exist but I think Christians must remember that modern Israeli are not necessarily all friendly to the Gospel.”
Today, I was talking with some friends about the United Nations. It has decided to make negative and unequal (in proportion to other nations) statements about the small little country. It appears that the entire world is against Israel.
In spite of all these negatives, one very important thing is true. Here is a portion of the discussion on FB today regarding this truth and it’s nonacceptance at the U.N.:
“Look at the continued pressure they put on God’s covenant land and people. It is unwise. “Cursed be those who curse you, And blessed be those who bless you.” This is an everlasting covenant that came from God to Abraham and continued through Isaac and Jacob.”
“It is quite a thing that the Jews are being regathered in Israel. I don’t think there’s another example like it in history.”
I am like Pastor Jim. I support Israel because of an everlasting covenant that God has made. I think they have a great leader currently. He is very friendly towards Christians unlike the Jews in this video.
A gospel presentation should always be balanced. It should include the ramifications of the Law along with the Good News. Hell is a real place and when we talk about it, it must be in a balanced manner.
I would like to add this little story. When I was in Jr. College, I was a member of the Christian Club. Our goal was to share the Gospel on campus. We held weekly meetings and we were quite visible on campus. We did the best we could, as young people, to balance the scriptures. There is the Law. There is the Gospel.
One day, a man none of us had ever seen, walked on campus with a large sign that said something about “Burning in Hell.” He was very unbalanced. There was no gospel about him. It was all Law and we feared he would undo much of what we had tried to accomplish. We divided up. One group prayed while the other tried to explain his imbalance to him. Christians were much more concerned that day than any non-Christians. The argument that day was between Christians and this man, whatever he was. It was Christians who chased the guy off in the end.
After watching this video twice, I think there is a balanced view shared here. I was not there for the entire day but I will say that I wish I had been. I have never been to Jerusalem but I know I will be there someday and that it will look quite different than the Jerusalem in this video. If I had been there for the entire day, I could give you a better view about the balance in the message. Based on the video, however, I appreciate these men of God and their willingness to face possible harm in order to reach the lost.
Thou hast good reason to “hate evil,” for only consider what harm it has already wrought thee. Oh, what a world of mischief sin has brought into thy heart! Sin blinded thee so that thou couldst not see the beauty of the Saviour; it made thee deaf so that thou couldst not hear the Redeemer’s tender invitations. Sin turned thy feet into the way of death, and poured poison into the very fountain of thy being; it tainted thy heart, and made it “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Oh, what a creature thou wast when evil had done its utmost with thee, before divine grace interposed! Thou wast an heir of wrath even as others; thou didst “run with the multitude to do evil.” Such were all of us; but Paul reminds us, “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” We have good reason, indeed, for hating evil when we look back and trace its deadly workings. Such mischief did evil do us, that our souls would have been lost had not omnipotent love interfered to redeem us. Even now it is an active enemy, ever watching to do us hurt, and to drag us to perdition. Therefore “hate evil,” O Christians, unless you desire trouble. If you would strew your path with thorns, and plant nettles in your death-pillow, then neglect to “hate evil:” but if you would live a happy life, and die a peaceful death, then walk in all the ways of holiness, hating evil, even unto the end. If you truly love your Saviour, and would honour him, then “hate evil.” We know of no cure for the love of evil in a Christian like abundant intercourse with the Lord Jesus. Dwell much with him, and it is impossible for you to be at peace with sin.
“Order my footsteps by thy Word,
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Born: June 19, 1834, Kelvedon, United Kingdom Died: January 31, 1892, Menton, France
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Posted by Chris 
Wings of the Wind 
Should Christians be Freemasons?
July 29, 2016The topic of Freemasonry is mentioned in so many places today, including many videos on YouTube where it is often connected with Satanism. Walter Martin connects freemason sources with occultist symbols and fallacious beliefs in this interview with a former freemason.
Walter Martin died in June of 1989. He is still well known for his understanding of Christian theology.
In this discussion, Walter Martin talks with a former Christian freemason who admits that he did not know of certain freemason doctrines. Walter Martin did not think that Christians should be freemasons. The former freemason in this interview is very honest as Walter asks questions. Even though this interview is a bit old, I think it gives a good view of some Masonic views.
This interview is one good source to help show Christians that masonry should be avoided. Christians should not join themselves to freemasonry.
CR
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