Reasons Not to Sin: 1. Because a little sin leads to more sin. 2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God. 3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted. 1. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me. 2. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders. 3. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart. 4. Because I am doing what I do not have to do. 5. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be. 6. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin. 7. Because my sin saddens the godly. 8. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice. 9. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost. 10. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership. 11. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience. 12. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent. 13. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss. 14. Because my sin may influence others to sin. 15. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ. 16. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin. 17. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time. 18. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin. 19. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony. 20. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins. 21. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin. 22. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body. 23. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless. 24. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both. 25. Because my sin is adultery with the world. 26. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied. 27. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be. 28. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition. 29. Because to sin is not to love Christ. 30. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe. 31. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on its own. 32. Because I promised God He would be Lord of my life.
Jim Elliff

WCC An Ecumentical Tower Of B

WCC An Ecumentical Tower Of B

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

AN ECUMENICAL TOWER OF BABEL

By Dr. M. H. Reynolds

FUNDAMENTAL EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION

P. 0. Box 6278, Los Osos, California 93402

WHAT IS THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES?

The World Council of churches is the major ecumenical religious organization in the world today. Founded in 1948, it represents some 400 million Protestant and Orthodox Church members from 305 denominations in over 100 countries. It represents you if you belong to any of the USA and Canadian churches listed at the end of this report. This is true whether you know it or not and whether you like it or not!

KARL MARX OR JESUS CHRIST?

In August, 1982, the Reader’s Digest created a furor in ecumenical circles by printing an article entitled, “Which Master is the World Council of Churches Serving – Karl Marx or Jesus Christ?” This article was a blistering attack upon the WCC based upon its continual advocacy of some form of socialism while maintaining a steady drum beat of attacks upon capitalism and our free enterprise system. This Digest article correctly called attention to the fact that the WCC consistently shows “a preference for social concerns over purely religious ones.” Hitting the nail right on the head, the article stated, “The World Council owes almost as much to Marxism as to Christianity.” Naturally, WCC leaders were infuriated!

WHERE DO YOUR CHURCH OFFERINGS GO?

In January, 1983, the Reader’s Digest kept the ecumenical pot boiling with yet another article entitled, “Do You Know Where Your Church Offerings Go?” This expose dealt not only with the World Council of Churches’ involvement in funding radical, revolutionary groups around the world, but also the way in which the National Council of Churches (USA) is similarly involved. Liberal spokesmen from the various WCC-NCC denominations were quick in coming to the defence of both councils, not only denying the accusations but fully defending and supporting the way in which the WCC and NCC are spending the funds committed to them by member churches. TOP-RATED CBS TV PROGRAM “60 MINUTES” DROPS ANOTHER BOMBSHELL

On Sunday, January 23, 1983, a major segment of the top-rated CBS TV program, “60 Minutes,” put NCC and WCC leaders on the spot before a listening and watching world. Millions of viewers were understandably shocked as they saw and heard perhaps for the first time just how cleverly and deceitfully the ecumenical movement uses church funds to fuel the fires of a world-wide socialist-communist revolution. Bishop James Armstrong of the United Methodist Church represented the National Council of Churches and Dr. Philip Potter General Secretary of the World Council of Churches was the spokesman for the WCC. As the CBS correspondents pressed these top ecumenical leaders for answers to the very serious questions of the use of church money to promote revolution, it was pathetic but very revealing to observe their evasiveness and doubletalk. Following so closely on the heels of the two Reader’s Digest articles, this further revelation of liberalism’s use of church funds to promote political revolution was a real eye opener to many!

RADICALISM IS NOTHING NEW FOR LEADERS

As editor of Foundation Magazine (previously FEA News & Views), I have closely followed both the World and National Councils of Churches since their formation in 1948 and 1950 respectively. The WCC traces its roots to the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910. The NCC is actually the successor of the Federal Council of Churches which came into being in 1909. The FCC became so radical politically that a layman’s group prepared and circulated thousands of copies of a documented brochure titled, HOW RED IS THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES? And, in the theological realm, the Federal Council of Churches numbered among its leaders some of the most blatant apostates and false teachers of the century! And so it was that by 1950, when the National Council of Churches was formed, leaders of the older FCC welcomed the opportunity to merge with several other ecumenical agencies and obtain a new name – the National Council of Churches. However, it should not be forgotten that the leadership of liberalism and radicalism continued unchanged! It is also important to note that these very same USA ecumenical radicals participated with their counterparts in other nations of the world in the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948.

WHAT IS THE PRESENT SITUATION?

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES will hold its Sixth World Assembly in Vancouver, B C., July 24 – August 10, 1983. Some of the most radical religious leaders in the world are scheduled to attend and participate. Nearly 1000 of official delegates are scheduled to be present along with an estimated 3000 additional persons including journalists, accredited visitors, representatives of non-member churches, representatives of other Christian organizations, special guests, WCC staff, translators, interpreters and stewards. Any true believers who may be able to be present wiLl be able to see for themselves just how extensive and pervasive the radicalism of the WCC really is. The Reader’s Digest articles and the “60 Minutes” expose merely scratched the surface. No matter how many denials may come from WCC leaders or even pastors in local WCC-affilliated churches, the facts are there for anyone to see who wants to see!

PEPPERED WITH MARXIST IDEOLOGY

One Godly Australian pastor, Brian Wenham, had a shocking initiation into WCC radicalism when he attended the WCC’s Conference On World Mission And Evangelism, held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1980. For years he had read about the radicalism of the WCC but this was his first personal opportunity for a first-hand look. He was shocked! He wrote, “At this conference Marxism permeated everything – the liturgy, the songs, the addresses, the questions, the books all, the voluminous free literature – everything! Revolution was in the atmosphere.” One of Pastor Wenham’s friends also having his first personal look at the WCC, commented, “Had I not seen the sign, World Council of Churches, on the gate, and had I not known what I was visiting, I would have thought I had strayed into a Communist Party workshop.” Wenham concluded, “In every session, every paper and almost every brochure and poster, I was being peppered, even pounded with marxist philosophy!”

“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE REVOLUTION”

Just in case you have the idea that Pastor Wenham and his friend may have overstated their impression of the WCC’s meeting mentioned above, bear in mind the fact that they listened to messages such as the one prepared by Rev. Caanan Banana, a Methodist minister and president of the revolutionary government of Zimbabwe. The foLlowing are direct quotes from this radical’s prepared text: “What is wanted today is an outright clear denunciation of capitalistic exploitation and dynamic action to over throw it. It seems that institutionalized religion is not capable of effecting this.” … “In the final analysis it is not so much a social struggle as a class struggle: poor against rich, oppressed against oppressor … each historical situation will determine the choice of the method the poor will use to achieve their ultimate goal of changing the system and building socialism.” … “As for me, I am not ashamed of the revolution, for it is the power of the people unto salvation.” And aU this came from the mind and heart of a Methodist minister – a strong supporter of the World Council of Churches! No wonder Pastor Wenham was alarmed! But what about you? Are you concerned? Are your gifts helping to strengthen the hands of evil-doers?

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF HYPOCRITES

The secular press often seems to discern the radicalism and hypocrisy of the WCC more quickly than the religious press and the average church-goer. The WCC held its 5th Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya in 1975. Here is a sampling of some of the headlines and key statements which were printed by various newspapers in the free world. “World Church Assembly – Spectacle of Decadence,” read the headline of an editorial that ran kn the Gloucester County Times. This editorial began, “The 5th Assembly of the World Council of Churches solemnly assembled in Nakobi, Kenya, presented a stomach-turning spectacle of moral and spiritual illness.” The Pasadena Star News said, “It would be hard to find a Christian in this area who believes the delegates in Nakobi represent Christianity.” The Richmond News Leader titled its editorial, “Dry Rot in the W.C.C.” “HYPOCRISY IN NAIROBI” read the headline in The State, Columbia, S.C., and the editorial continued, “The World Council of Churches … might have changed its name to the WORLD COUNCIL OF HYPOCRITES.” It is very clear that conservatives who reaLly listen to what the WCC is saying and doing have ample grounds for concern, especially when they are paying the bills to help accomplish the undermining of their own cherished freedoms!

CHURCH URGED TO HELP DESTROY CAPITALISM

With these exact words, the Nairobi Sunday Nation headlined its report of an address given by one of the main WCC speakers, former Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica. Manley was quoted as saying, “At no point in history has an economic system reflected the process of domination in political, social, psychological and ultimately, even in philosophical terms, more completely than under capitalism.” Down with capitalism — Up with Socialism ! This is a recurring theme running through WCC documents and addresses, and such a program occupies a large portion of WCC staff time and funds!

KGB AGENT SERVED AS PRESIDENT

At Nairobi, the late Metropolitan Nikodim of the Russian Orthodox Church was elected as one of the six WCC presidents. He had been repeatedly identified as an actual KGB agent by many Russian refugees. He, together with other leaders from the many WCC member churches which are under complete communist domination and control, continually use the WCC as a propaganda sounding board for Red philosophies and causes. Ever since the Red-controlled churches joined the WCC, they have effectively silenced any real protest against Red atrocities. In addition, they have supported those programs of the WCC designed to give aid and comfort to revolutionary groups around the world.

RED CHRISTIANS HELPED BUILD COMMUNISM

In 1966, 1 personally covered the WCC’s World Conference on Church and Society held at the WCC headquarters in Geneva. Revolution was the key word of this conference which involved 410 delegates from around the world, 48 of whom were from communist countries. The foLlowing is a direct quote from the late Metropolitan Nikodim referred to in the preceding paragraph. “I should also like to say that Christians in the Soviet Union … have not only accepted the socialist revolution that took place in our country, but have and are active builders of a classless, socialist society, which is free from exploitation, racial or other inequality, and every member of which possesses equal rights as well as the opportunity for individual development and an active participation in the life of the whole society.” Lies such as this are not only tolerated but welcomed within the WCC as Red agents dressed in the robes of the church continue to use the WCC as a sounding board for Red propaganda.

DOCUMENTATION PROVES WCC RADICALISM

Ecumenical leaders who defend the WCC claim that the charges leveled against them are simply not supported by the facts. Exactly the opposite is true! Our own files contain voluminous first-hand documentation which proves conclusively that the World Council of Churches is and always has been extremely radical, both theologically and politically. The materials already produced for the Sixth Assembly in Vancouver clearly indicate that the WCC radicalism will be perpetuated with only a “sop” of evangelical language and terminology given from time-to-time in an effort to pacify evangelicals and other conservatives. THE WCC IS RADICAL POLITICALLY BECAUSE IT IS LIBERAL THEOLOGICALLY

The Bible, God’s Holy Word, explains that when people “turn away their ears from the truth” they will be “turned unto fables.” 11 Timothy 4:4. The World Council leadership has done just that! Oh yes, they have a short doctrinal basis which sounds biblical and even evangelical. It reads: The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches which confesses the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Actually, this “doctrinal basis” is meaningless because an official WCC document goes on to explain that “Since the World Council of Churches is not itself a church it passes no judgment upon the sincerity with which member churches accept the basis.” Document 24 (Appendix 111) of the WCC Central Committee Meeting of August 22-29, 1973, specifically states: “The World Council of Churches has no common confession. It is a fellowship of churches confessing Jesus Christ each in its own way.”

EVIDENCE OF THEOLOGICAL LIBERALISM

The foLlowing statements are taken from the WCC’s World Conference on Faith, Science and the Future, held in 1979. Note the frontal attacks upon the Bible and the God of the Bible. “Traditional doctrines of the Omnipotence of God must be rethought and reformulated … Traditional ways of expressing the authority of Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium, need to find a new way of being stated … One final thing needs to be said about the current situation. The credibility and validity of every human institution – government, industrial, academic, religious or scientific – stands ultimately under the judgment of society at large.” Again we quote: “Some of the views of other religions may prove both closer to the Bible and more appropriate to the intellectual and social needs of our time. This means that learning from neighbors of other faiths can lead to a valuable enrichment of our understanding of the Bible and to a fruitful reformulation of our theology.” Finally, this document says, “Christ has embraced us all, with every people everywhere, people of every religion and no religion, because we all belong to God in life and death and life again.” Are words such as these compatible with biblical christianity? Of course not! Yet, such outright attacks upon the Bible and the promotion of heretical teachings are the rule rather than the exception in the World Council of Churches.

“INTERIM THEOLOGIES”

One of the great dangers of the World Council’s philos-ophy and program is the unbiblical premise that, in the interest of unity, all different kinds of theological views will not only be tolerated but actually welcomed. So it is that even evangelical theology is welcomed (although it is reaLly not well received by the majority of WCC people). At the other extreme, you have extreme liberal theology and, in recent years, what is called “Liberation Theology” which sounds so much like communism that you can scarcely tell the difference. There are also many other theologies (all of them liberal in essence) which go by a variety of terms such as “Contextual Theology,” “Black Theology,” “A Theology of the Poor,” etc. Perhaps the most accurate description of the WCC’s theology is “INTERIM THEOLOGY.” Having forsaken God’s eternal Word as the basis of their theology, they are left with only that which is temporary and subject to continual change – a “Theology of Man.”

MIXING TRUTH WITH ERROR

Our Lord Jesus Christ warned about the “leaven (false doctrine) of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6-12. God tells us in I Corinthians 5:6 “… Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” The WCC boasts of the wide theological latitude represented by its members but God pronounces a woe upon those who call evil, good and good, evil. Isaiah 5 :20. The fact that the WCC does use evangelical terminology and language at times should not be permitted to obscure the fact that along with the evangelical language is the deadly mixture of heretical doctrines and the preaching of a false gospel. When there is “poison in the pot,” everyone who partakes will be harmed!

“THE LEOPARD CANNOT CHANGE HIS SPOTS”

One does not need prophetic vision to forecast some of the things which the WCC wiLl say and do at Vancouver. God’s Word reminds us that just as the “leopard cannot change his spots, neither can those do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Jer. 13:23. The WCC cannot change its radical spots but they may try to mask some of them and deny others. More likely, the WCC will even boast about their “radical spots”, attempting to make them appear to be benefits rather than liabilities! But nothing can hide the WCC’s radicalism from the eyes of those who exercise spiritual discernment and who view the WCC in the Light of the Scriptures. WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT TO SEE AND HEAR AT VANCOUVER

(1) An elaborate series of “Bible Studies ” is planned with the theme, “IMAGES OF LIFE.” This will be another ecumenical exercise in “twisting the Scriptures”, 11 Peter 3:16, in an attempt to “politicize” the Bible and use it to further the cause of world revolution.

(2) A supposed new “doctrinal convergence” on BAPTISM, EUCHARIST & MINISTRY will be featured as a wonderful new breakthrough on the road to christian unity. The B.E.M. Document, hammered out by the WCC’s Faith & Order Commission over a period of many years, is a masterpiece of compromise and double-talk with a little something to please almost everyone. But it will not be swallowed by true Bible believers who will note its acceptance of the heresy of baptismal regeneration; its Romish position concerning the eucharist; and its approval of apostolic succession and the ordination of women ministers.

(3) There will be a massive new peace emphasis – one which closely parallels the current communist peace offensive which would leave the free world an easy prey for a communist takeover.

(4) There will. be stepped-up attacks upon capitalism and demands for a new world economic order – one which is based upon the unscriptural premises of socialism rather than on the biblical free enterprise system.

(5) Leaders of heathen religions wiLl be welcomed and praised. Dialogue with heathen religionists and communists will be continued and enlarged.

(6) There will be praise and flowery words for evangelicals and Roman Catholics. Both groups are being wooed by WCC leaders who are actuaLly paving the way for a return to Rome!

(7) The “POOR” will be used as pawns in the WCC’s efforts to promote world socialism. Some WCC leaders are claiming that the “poor” are already a part of God’s Kingdom on earth.

(8) The WCC will seek to enlarge its program of socialistic indoctrination through education in the USA and around the world. Much church money will be deceptively budgeted for “education” – a kind of education designed to completely change the social and moral value5 of all men everywhere. (9) Precious scriptural words like liberation, justice, freedom, redemption, salvation, etc., wiLl continue to be redefined and reinterpreted, so that instead of preaching the gospel of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, the message will be one of economic and social revolution through the efforts of man. (10) Stung by recent revelations of their radicalism, WCC leaders may be expected to launch a counterattack upon the “new right”, “unloving christians” and “reactionary conservatives.” “A PIECE OF CHRISTIAN POETRY, SYMBOLIC STATEMENT-OR A PIECE OF NONSENSE”

The WCC has published a pre-assembly book titled, “The Feast of Life – a Theological Reflection on the Theme – Jesus Christ, the Life of the World.” This book actually reveals the pathetic situation in which the WCC finds itself today. Having turned away from the truth of God’s Word, they are left with only fables. On pages 69 and 70 of this book, the various “contemporary responses” seeking to address the problem of church renewal in multifaith, pluralist societies are listed. Of the seven responses given, only one sets forth the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. AU the other views stated are heretical and anti-christ in nature. Yet all are presently held by WCC members and this portion of the book closes with the highly significant statement, “WE ARE IN A TIME THEREFORE OF INTERIM THEOLOGIES!” No wonder confusion reigns supreme within the WCC and the entire ecumenical movement! It is time for Bible believers to wake up, face the facts, and take necessary action! FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Fact 1. The WCC is extremely liberal and radical, both religiously and politicaLly! Fact 2. The WCC is one of the best friends the world wide communist movement has! Fact 3. The WCC has close ties with and wholeheartedly supports the United Nations! Fact 4. The WCC strongly backs the radical Women’s Liberation Movement! Fact 5. The WCC is committed to the concept of “One Visible United Church” Fact 6. The WCC’s eventual goal is “Unity of all religions – Unity of all Mankind.” Fact 7. The WCC is promoting an unscriptural program for world peace! Fact 8. The WCC is using your church contributions to accomplish their purposes and goals!

ACTION YOU SHOULD TAKE

STEP ONE – Immediately withdraw all financial support from the WCC!

STEP TWO – Withdraw membership from any church which is a member of the WCC!

STEP THREE – Help to inform and alert other Christians as to the true nature of the WCC!

STEP FOUR – Join and support only churches and organizations which are true to the Bible!

Some evangelicals are advising believers to remain in the NCC and WCC; to withhold or designate financial support; and seek to effect corrective changes from within. One of the two Reader’s Digest articles gave just such advice. But such action is a myth and an exercise in futility. More importantly, God’s Word commands exactly the opposite: “come out and be separate and touch not the unclean thing.” 11 Cor. 6:14-18. Further God says, “Have no. feLlowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them.” Eph. 5 :11. Theological and political liberalism is so firmly entrenched in both the World and National Councils of Churches that it is “too little, too late” to attempt to clean house. Conservatives in various WCC-NCC denominations have tried for years to withdraw their denominational membership without success. Meanwhile, ecumenical leaders are doing their best to maintain the support of conservatives without which they would be severely handicapped.

It is time for true Bible-believers to obey God and separate from the apostate ecumenical movement as represented by the NCC and WCC. If you are a true, born-again believer in Jesus Christ and you at the same time belong to any of the denominations listed below then you are certainly not pleasing the Lord but are rather giving aid to those who are undermining the very Faith and Freedom so dear to us all!

MEMBERS OF THE WCC AS OF 1982:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

African Methodist Episcopal Church; African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; American Baptist Churches in the USA; American Lutheran Church; Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of New York and all North America; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States; Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Church of the Brethren; Episcopal Church; Hungarian Reformed Church in America; International Evangelical Church; Lutheran Church in America; Moravian Church in America (Northern Province); Moravian Church in America (Southern Province); National Baptist Convention of America; National Baptist Con-vention, USA, Inc.; National Council of Community Churches; Orthodox Church in America; Polish National Catholic Church; Presbyterian Church in the United States; Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.; Reformed Church in America; Religious Society of Friends: Friends United Meeting; United Church of Christ; United Methodist Church; United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America

CANADA

Anglican Church of Canada; Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada; Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada; Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia in Exile; United Church of Canada.