Your Opinions Please
- Thread starter soblessed
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Firstly I did a check on freemasons.
Please note - by this article, we are not claiming that all who are involved in Free Masonry are cultists, or that all Free Masons believe all the items mentioned below. What we are saying is this - Free Masonry at its core is not a Christian organization. There are many Christians who have left Free Masonry after discovering what it is truly all about. Please visit Ex-Masons for Jesus for more information. There are also good and godly men, true believers in Christ who are Free Masons. It is our contention that this is because they do not truly understand Freemasonry. Each person should pray for wisdom and discernment from the Lord as to whether to be involved with Free Masonry. This article was reviewed and approved for accuracy by a former Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge.
Question: "What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?"
Answer: Free Masonry, Eastern Star, and other similar "secret" organizations appear to be harmless fellowship gatherings. Many of them appear to promote belief in God. However, upon closer examination, we find that the only belief requirement is not that one must believe in the True and Living God, but rather, that one must believe in the existence of a “Supreme Being”, which includes the “gods” of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. The anti-Biblical and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed compatibility with the Christian faith. The following is a comparison of what the Bible says with the "official" position of Free Masonry:
Salvation from Sin:
The Bible’s View: Jesus became the sinner’s sacrifice before God when He shed His blood and died as the propitiation (payment) for the sins of the whole world (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8, John 3:16).
Mason’s View: The very process of joining the Lodge requires Christians to ignore the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. According to Freemasonry, a person will be saved and go to heaven as a result of his good works and personal self-improvement.
The View of the Bible:
The Bible’s View: The supernatural and plenary inspiration of the Scriptures—that they are inerrant and that their teachings and authority are absolute, supreme, and final. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Mason’s View: The Bible is only one of several “Volume(s) of Sacred Law”, all of which are deemed to be equally important in Freemasonry. The Bible is an important book, only as far as those members who claim to be Christians are concerned. It is not considered to be the exclusive Word of God, nor is it considered to be God’s sole revelation of himself to humankind; but only one of many religious sourcebooks. It is a good guide for morality. The Bible is used primarily as a symbol of God’s will, which can also be captured in other sacred texts, like the Koran or Rig Vedas.
The Doctrine of God:
The Bible’s View: There is one God. The various names of God refer to the God of Israel and reveal certain attributes of God. To worship other Gods or to call upon other deities is idolatry (Exodus 20:3). Paul spoke of idolatry as a heinous sin (1 Corinthians 10:14) and John said that idolaters will perish in hell (Revelation 21:8).
Mason’s View: All members must believe in a deity. Different religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.) acknowledge the same God, only call Him different names. Freemasonry invites people of all faiths, even if they use different names for the ‘Nameless One of a hundred names,’ they are yet praying to the one God and Father of all.
The Doctrine of Jesus and the Trinity:
The Bible’s View: Jesus was God in human form (Matthew 1:18-24, John 1:1). Jesus is the second person of the trinity (Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11). While on earth, He was fully human (Mark 4:38, Matthew 4:2) and fully divine (John 20:28, John 1:1-2, Acts 4:10-12). Christians should pray in Jesus’ name and proclaim Him before others, regardless of offense to non-Christians (John 14:13-14, 1 John 2:23, Acts 4:18-20).
Mason’s View: There is no exclusivity in Jesus Christ or the Triune God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; therefore there is no doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. It is deemed to be un-Masonic to invoke the name of Jesus when praying, or mention His name in the Lodge. Suggesting that Jesus is the only way to God contradicts the principle of toleration. The name of Jesus has been omitted from biblical verses that are used in Masonic rituals. Jesus is on the same level as other religious leaders.
Human Nature and Sin:
The Bible’s View: All humans are born with a sinful nature, are totally depraved, and need a Savior from sin (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:1). The Bible denies that humanity, since the Fall, has within itself the capacity for moral perfection (1 John 1:8-10, Romans 1:18-25).
Mason’s View: Through symbols and emblems, Masons teach that man is not sinful, just “rude and imperfect by nature”. Human beings are able to improve their character and behavior in various ways, including acts of charity, moral living, and voluntary performance of civic duty. Humanity possesses the capability of moving from imperfection toward total perfection. Moral and spiritual perfection lies within men and women.
When a Christian takes the oath of Freemasonry, he is swearing to the following doctrines that God has pronounced false and sinful:
1. That salvation can be gained by man’s good works.
2. That Jesus is just one of many equally revered prophets.
3. That they will remain silent in the Lodge and not talk of Christ.
4. That they are approaching the Lodge in spiritual darkness and ignorance, when the Bible says Christians are already in the light, children of the light, and are indwelt by the Light of the World—Jesus Christ.
5. By demanding that Christians take the Masonic oath, Masonry leads Christians into blasphemy and taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Masonry teaches that its G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, is representative of all gods in all religions.
7. Masonry makes Christians abide in a universalist approach in its prayers, demanding a “generic” name be used so as not to offend non-believers who are Masonic “brothers”.
8. By swearing the Masonic oath and participating in the doctrines of the Lodge, Christians are perpetuating a false gospel to other Lodge members, who look only to Masonry’s plan of salvation to get to heaven. By their very membership in such a syncretistic type organization, they have severely compromised their witnessing as Christians.
9. By taking the Masonic obligation, he is agreeing to allow the pollution of his mind, spirit, and body by those who serve false gods and believe false doctrines.
As you can see, Masonry denies and contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture and numerous issues. Masonry also requires people to engage in activities which the Bible condemns. As a result, a Christian should not be a member of any secret society or organization that has any connection with Free Masonry.
Again, for more information, we strongly recommend Ex-Masons for Jesus.
Recommended Resource: The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge by Ankerberg & Weldon.
I would not feel right being in a masonic lodge.
I have been in a church split where some members formed a group and met in a house.
These are often not of God and they do not last long.
God bless :rose: :rainbow:
Please note - by this article, we are not claiming that all who are involved in Free Masonry are cultists, or that all Free Masons believe all the items mentioned below. What we are saying is this - Free Masonry at its core is not a Christian organization. There are many Christians who have left Free Masonry after discovering what it is truly all about. Please visit Ex-Masons for Jesus for more information. There are also good and godly men, true believers in Christ who are Free Masons. It is our contention that this is because they do not truly understand Freemasonry. Each person should pray for wisdom and discernment from the Lord as to whether to be involved with Free Masonry. This article was reviewed and approved for accuracy by a former Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge.
Question: "What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?"
Answer: Free Masonry, Eastern Star, and other similar "secret" organizations appear to be harmless fellowship gatherings. Many of them appear to promote belief in God. However, upon closer examination, we find that the only belief requirement is not that one must believe in the True and Living God, but rather, that one must believe in the existence of a “Supreme Being”, which includes the “gods” of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. The anti-Biblical and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed compatibility with the Christian faith. The following is a comparison of what the Bible says with the "official" position of Free Masonry:
Salvation from Sin:
The Bible’s View: Jesus became the sinner’s sacrifice before God when He shed His blood and died as the propitiation (payment) for the sins of the whole world (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8, John 3:16).
Mason’s View: The very process of joining the Lodge requires Christians to ignore the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. According to Freemasonry, a person will be saved and go to heaven as a result of his good works and personal self-improvement.
The View of the Bible:
The Bible’s View: The supernatural and plenary inspiration of the Scriptures—that they are inerrant and that their teachings and authority are absolute, supreme, and final. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Mason’s View: The Bible is only one of several “Volume(s) of Sacred Law”, all of which are deemed to be equally important in Freemasonry. The Bible is an important book, only as far as those members who claim to be Christians are concerned. It is not considered to be the exclusive Word of God, nor is it considered to be God’s sole revelation of himself to humankind; but only one of many religious sourcebooks. It is a good guide for morality. The Bible is used primarily as a symbol of God’s will, which can also be captured in other sacred texts, like the Koran or Rig Vedas.
The Doctrine of God:
The Bible’s View: There is one God. The various names of God refer to the God of Israel and reveal certain attributes of God. To worship other Gods or to call upon other deities is idolatry (Exodus 20:3). Paul spoke of idolatry as a heinous sin (1 Corinthians 10:14) and John said that idolaters will perish in hell (Revelation 21:8).
Mason’s View: All members must believe in a deity. Different religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.) acknowledge the same God, only call Him different names. Freemasonry invites people of all faiths, even if they use different names for the ‘Nameless One of a hundred names,’ they are yet praying to the one God and Father of all.
The Doctrine of Jesus and the Trinity:
The Bible’s View: Jesus was God in human form (Matthew 1:18-24, John 1:1). Jesus is the second person of the trinity (Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11). While on earth, He was fully human (Mark 4:38, Matthew 4:2) and fully divine (John 20:28, John 1:1-2, Acts 4:10-12). Christians should pray in Jesus’ name and proclaim Him before others, regardless of offense to non-Christians (John 14:13-14, 1 John 2:23, Acts 4:18-20).
Mason’s View: There is no exclusivity in Jesus Christ or the Triune God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; therefore there is no doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. It is deemed to be un-Masonic to invoke the name of Jesus when praying, or mention His name in the Lodge. Suggesting that Jesus is the only way to God contradicts the principle of toleration. The name of Jesus has been omitted from biblical verses that are used in Masonic rituals. Jesus is on the same level as other religious leaders.
Human Nature and Sin:
The Bible’s View: All humans are born with a sinful nature, are totally depraved, and need a Savior from sin (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:1). The Bible denies that humanity, since the Fall, has within itself the capacity for moral perfection (1 John 1:8-10, Romans 1:18-25).
Mason’s View: Through symbols and emblems, Masons teach that man is not sinful, just “rude and imperfect by nature”. Human beings are able to improve their character and behavior in various ways, including acts of charity, moral living, and voluntary performance of civic duty. Humanity possesses the capability of moving from imperfection toward total perfection. Moral and spiritual perfection lies within men and women.
When a Christian takes the oath of Freemasonry, he is swearing to the following doctrines that God has pronounced false and sinful:
1. That salvation can be gained by man’s good works.
2. That Jesus is just one of many equally revered prophets.
3. That they will remain silent in the Lodge and not talk of Christ.
4. That they are approaching the Lodge in spiritual darkness and ignorance, when the Bible says Christians are already in the light, children of the light, and are indwelt by the Light of the World—Jesus Christ.
5. By demanding that Christians take the Masonic oath, Masonry leads Christians into blasphemy and taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Masonry teaches that its G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, is representative of all gods in all religions.
7. Masonry makes Christians abide in a universalist approach in its prayers, demanding a “generic” name be used so as not to offend non-believers who are Masonic “brothers”.
8. By swearing the Masonic oath and participating in the doctrines of the Lodge, Christians are perpetuating a false gospel to other Lodge members, who look only to Masonry’s plan of salvation to get to heaven. By their very membership in such a syncretistic type organization, they have severely compromised their witnessing as Christians.
9. By taking the Masonic obligation, he is agreeing to allow the pollution of his mind, spirit, and body by those who serve false gods and believe false doctrines.
As you can see, Masonry denies and contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture and numerous issues. Masonry also requires people to engage in activities which the Bible condemns. As a result, a Christian should not be a member of any secret society or organization that has any connection with Free Masonry.
Again, for more information, we strongly recommend Ex-Masons for Jesus.
Recommended Resource: The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge by Ankerberg & Weldon.
I would not feel right being in a masonic lodge.
I have been in a church split where some members formed a group and met in a house.
These are often not of God and they do not last long.
God bless :rose: :rainbow:
Dreamer
Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2005
- Messages
- 2,134
I watched some of a documentary the other night on the History Channel. They showed secret rituals that the masons do as they aspire into "higher levels" of the masons. It was scary, creepy, and had a satanic feeling to the things they were doing. I turned it off. A few minutes of it was enough for me to know that it was not from God, and against God.
I appreciate your research on this, LadylovesJesus. This is good work you have done.
So blessed....you probably already sense that there are demons abiding in that building where the masons worship, so of course it would not be a good building for the Independent Baptists to rent, obviously, to use for worship of Christ.
I appreciate your research on this, LadylovesJesus. This is good work you have done.
So blessed....you probably already sense that there are demons abiding in that building where the masons worship, so of course it would not be a good building for the Independent Baptists to rent, obviously, to use for worship of Christ.
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Thank you so much for responding.Believe me I have done a lot of research on Freemasonry myself,online and I have read 5-7 books,and I am most uncomfortable with what I have read.I believe with all my heart it is Occult in nature,definately anti-christ,and I guess I need to tell my story.I really really,would appreciate input from my brothers and sisters in Christ on this matter.
About 3 years ago,at the end of service at the church we all attended(I had then been there about 6 years,most of the others,much longer) two of the male members that I held in high regard,one at a time,announced that they felt led by God to find another church,so they were leaving! I was in such shock that I did not speak to them about it that day,but I called one 2 weeks later to ask if there was anything going on that I should know about. I was told that it was about how some of our members had left,as I knew,and our pastor refused to go with these men to visit those who had left to ask why or see if they could be implored to return. Plus this pastor was not concerned,involved with, or supportive of our youth, in any way,or the women of our church(the women were not even allowed to speak at business meetings).
So some in the church had decided to leave,and form their own church. At that time we had 5-6 preachers(one more had already left) besides the pastor,who preached on rotation. Every single one was part of the group who had decided to leave. They had asked the pastor to open elections several months early and let the congregation decide,but he refused. They wanted one of the other preachers to be pastor. I prayed about it and came to the conclusion that all these people could not be wrong,so I said I wanted to join them,and he told me he would call when they had a place to meet. A couple in the group offered their walk-in basement for our services.
We met there for about a year when,I was called to be told that we had a building,a Masonic Lodge in a neighboring town. The Lodge is still used by the Masons,but we could use it on Sundays and Wednesday night for our services and if we wanted it at any other time for an event,we had to contact them and make sure they didn't have anything planned and pay $50.
When I would invite people to come visit,I was told no way would they come to a Masonic lodge and was even told by one lady that she couldn't believe a church would hold service in there,but no explanation why. I started hearing others were getting the same response.
Thus began some research. I went to our pastor and associate pastor seperately, and asked them if they knew anything about Freemasonry and they both seemed totally uniformed,but also totally unconcerned and uninterested in finding out anything,even though I told them it is occult in nature. They claimed one of our members used to be a mason,but no longer was.That is questionable,as it is unlikely the lodge would be friendly to an ex-member ,and I've come to wonder if I believe that they just freely rent their building to anyone off the street. There are some strange things in that building! Lots of Masonic symbols, and what looks like a throne. I noticed the very first time I was there something that looks like a sheep or goat(seems to be made of chalk) that is lying down,and you can tell something has been burned on it's head. I asked the associate pastor's wife if that was a sheep or a goat and she said she didn't know but we would look after church,which we did but still couldn't tell which it was for sure. Every week after,it was still there,but now covered with a tarp! We were there for over a year,and are now in an actual church 3 doors down from the lodge,after merging with another church that had also at one time rented that lodge.
We have been in our church for 9 months,with a steadily declining membership! Until recently most who left were of those who were in the church we merged with,so I was not real familiar with them.Then recently our pastor's son and his family left,then a cousin of the pastor's and his family and now our Youth pastor(who is my favorite preacher),and his wife. So I called him to ask why and he said because after he spoke against Freemasonry in the pulpit recently he was asked to keep silent on that subject,and he could not do that,knowing several in our church have ties to that lodge! He also has done several months of research on Freemasonry.The worse part is the man who told him to keep quiet said he agreed with him,but that would not be permitted! Now I feel such confusion and a burden!
I have been with most of these people 9 1/2 years,and I love them.Yet I now know I have been decieved,lied to,and I do not want be in a church with people who are involved with the occult!Mostly I believe they preach the gospel,but I have some strong doctrinal differences.Yet after doing research I know that almost every church around preaches the same things that I do not agree with,(Pre-Trib rapture, and satans lie "Thou Shalt Not Surely Die",that man has an immortal soul,which I believe the gift of God is Eternal Life)and also has Masons in their congregation,including some in leadership roles! So I don't know whether to even try to go to another church that will just preach the same false doctrine,or to avoid church like the plague I believe most are,and give my tithes to the Salvation Army,and the likes, instead?
I feel so stupid that I didn't think of these things from the beginning,and I now wonder if it just proves how wrong it is for a church to split,instead of praying our way through problems.I would not go back to the original church because what was said about that pastor is true and he is still pastor. And how wrong it was for a "CHURCH" to ever consider using a Masonic lodge!!
I'm sorry this is so long.I hope it won't put the readers to sleep,but please,please pray for me,this has been a blow to my faith in preachers,pastors and those I thought were Christians as well.
Thank you and God Bless You for your prayers. Your Sis In Christ,Chris
About 3 years ago,at the end of service at the church we all attended(I had then been there about 6 years,most of the others,much longer) two of the male members that I held in high regard,one at a time,announced that they felt led by God to find another church,so they were leaving! I was in such shock that I did not speak to them about it that day,but I called one 2 weeks later to ask if there was anything going on that I should know about. I was told that it was about how some of our members had left,as I knew,and our pastor refused to go with these men to visit those who had left to ask why or see if they could be implored to return. Plus this pastor was not concerned,involved with, or supportive of our youth, in any way,or the women of our church(the women were not even allowed to speak at business meetings).
So some in the church had decided to leave,and form their own church. At that time we had 5-6 preachers(one more had already left) besides the pastor,who preached on rotation. Every single one was part of the group who had decided to leave. They had asked the pastor to open elections several months early and let the congregation decide,but he refused. They wanted one of the other preachers to be pastor. I prayed about it and came to the conclusion that all these people could not be wrong,so I said I wanted to join them,and he told me he would call when they had a place to meet. A couple in the group offered their walk-in basement for our services.
We met there for about a year when,I was called to be told that we had a building,a Masonic Lodge in a neighboring town. The Lodge is still used by the Masons,but we could use it on Sundays and Wednesday night for our services and if we wanted it at any other time for an event,we had to contact them and make sure they didn't have anything planned and pay $50.
When I would invite people to come visit,I was told no way would they come to a Masonic lodge and was even told by one lady that she couldn't believe a church would hold service in there,but no explanation why. I started hearing others were getting the same response.
Thus began some research. I went to our pastor and associate pastor seperately, and asked them if they knew anything about Freemasonry and they both seemed totally uniformed,but also totally unconcerned and uninterested in finding out anything,even though I told them it is occult in nature. They claimed one of our members used to be a mason,but no longer was.That is questionable,as it is unlikely the lodge would be friendly to an ex-member ,and I've come to wonder if I believe that they just freely rent their building to anyone off the street. There are some strange things in that building! Lots of Masonic symbols, and what looks like a throne. I noticed the very first time I was there something that looks like a sheep or goat(seems to be made of chalk) that is lying down,and you can tell something has been burned on it's head. I asked the associate pastor's wife if that was a sheep or a goat and she said she didn't know but we would look after church,which we did but still couldn't tell which it was for sure. Every week after,it was still there,but now covered with a tarp! We were there for over a year,and are now in an actual church 3 doors down from the lodge,after merging with another church that had also at one time rented that lodge.
We have been in our church for 9 months,with a steadily declining membership! Until recently most who left were of those who were in the church we merged with,so I was not real familiar with them.Then recently our pastor's son and his family left,then a cousin of the pastor's and his family and now our Youth pastor(who is my favorite preacher),and his wife. So I called him to ask why and he said because after he spoke against Freemasonry in the pulpit recently he was asked to keep silent on that subject,and he could not do that,knowing several in our church have ties to that lodge! He also has done several months of research on Freemasonry.The worse part is the man who told him to keep quiet said he agreed with him,but that would not be permitted! Now I feel such confusion and a burden!
I have been with most of these people 9 1/2 years,and I love them.Yet I now know I have been decieved,lied to,and I do not want be in a church with people who are involved with the occult!Mostly I believe they preach the gospel,but I have some strong doctrinal differences.Yet after doing research I know that almost every church around preaches the same things that I do not agree with,(Pre-Trib rapture, and satans lie "Thou Shalt Not Surely Die",that man has an immortal soul,which I believe the gift of God is Eternal Life)and also has Masons in their congregation,including some in leadership roles! So I don't know whether to even try to go to another church that will just preach the same false doctrine,or to avoid church like the plague I believe most are,and give my tithes to the Salvation Army,and the likes, instead?
I feel so stupid that I didn't think of these things from the beginning,and I now wonder if it just proves how wrong it is for a church to split,instead of praying our way through problems.I would not go back to the original church because what was said about that pastor is true and he is still pastor. And how wrong it was for a "CHURCH" to ever consider using a Masonic lodge!!
I'm sorry this is so long.I hope it won't put the readers to sleep,but please,please pray for me,this has been a blow to my faith in preachers,pastors and those I thought were Christians as well.
Thank you and God Bless You for your prayers. Your Sis In Christ,Chris
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- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 17,518
I understand this as my faith in leaders and Pastors of churches has received a few blows too. I find it so hard to trust any of them now.
Those masonic lodges have sure made a lot of money from others wanting to use their building.
I am sorry to hear that your church people actually did this too.
I currently go to the Salvation Army. They do a lot of good and help the homeless and overseas crisis areas too. I know there are lots around the country.
The well known phrase comes to mind. By their fruits you will know them
I found the verse now.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
God bless
:rainbow: :rose:
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SpiritLedEd
Member
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- Aug 14, 2005
- Messages
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I watched some of a documentary the other night on the History Channel. They showed secret rituals that the masons do as they aspire into "higher levels" of the masons. It was scary, creepy, and had a satanic feeling to the things they were doing. I turned it off. A few minutes of it was enough for me to know that it was not from God, and against God.
I appreciate your research on this, LadylovesJesus. This is good work you have done.
So blessed....you probably already sense that there are demons abiding in that building where the masons worship, so of course it would not be a good building for the Independent Baptists to rent, obviously, to use for worship of Christ.
How did the idea of renting space in the Masonic lodge come about? Are Masons active in this new congregation? Do they hold leadership positions in it?
If the church decides to rent space in the lodge building, it is imperative that separation be established between the congregation and Free Masonry, that details involved in that separation be duly spelled out in the rental aqreement, and further, that the rental agreement be signed by representatives of both parties and notarized so that its terms are legally enforceable.
Free Masonry must not be allowed to control or influence that congregation.
SLE
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- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 17,518
SLE he posted this recently maybe you have missed it brother.
It was a long reply.
God bless :rainbow: :rose:
It was a long reply.
God bless
:rainbow: :rose:Soblessed, I think you are learning that not everyone confessing to be a born-again believer is actually following Christ. Just because someone has a title of pastor or a group has a building and they call it church doesn't make it part of the body of Christ. I have found that man is building lots of churches but they are apart from God's kingdom. Jesus is building a church, it is spiritual in nature and design. The HolySpirit is the governing power within the Church that Jesus is building. His character qualities are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,*gentleness, and self-control (Galations 5:22&23). So if a leader(pastor) actions are contrary to these characteristic qualities then they are not governed by the HolySpirit and working in something other then what Jesus is building. Jesus said that when we are not working with Him, we are working against Him (Matthew 12:30)
II Corinthians 11:12-15
12*But I will continue doing this to cut the ground out from under the feet of those who boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They have fooled you by disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. In the end they will get every bit of punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
I can find no scripture to support that once you fellowship with one group of believers that you have to stay with that group through good and bad. After all it's not your connection with a group that makes you a member of the body of Christ, it is your connection with Christ. So, soblessed be led by the HolySpirit, He knows what you need and who you need to fellowship with. Try not to be anxious and don't allow any manipulation. Don't worry about being identified as a "wondering sheep" thats all garbage. Jesus the Good Shepherd will lead you to a place where you will find all you need.
II Corinthians 11:12-15
12*But I will continue doing this to cut the ground out from under the feet of those who boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They have fooled you by disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. In the end they will get every bit of punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
I can find no scripture to support that once you fellowship with one group of believers that you have to stay with that group through good and bad. After all it's not your connection with a group that makes you a member of the body of Christ, it is your connection with Christ. So, soblessed be led by the HolySpirit, He knows what you need and who you need to fellowship with. Try not to be anxious and don't allow any manipulation. Don't worry about being identified as a "wondering sheep" thats all garbage. Jesus the Good Shepherd will lead you to a place where you will find all you need.
When this happened about 3 years ago a man in our congegation and the son-in-law of the couple who were letting us use their walk-out basement to meet,was the one who was/is a mason, and arranged the deal with the lodge. My pastor and associate pastor denied knowlege of freemasonry when I asked after doing some research. I don't know for sure how many in our congregation are Masons,but several. BTW many of these people are also related!
The church is no longer in the lodge,I was just wanting opinion on whether is was wrong,foolhardy,and suspicious for a Baptist church to rent an active-still-in-use masonic lodge to hold church services in,in the first place?
Amen,I sure am! Now the problem is, after learning how I was lied to by several,and what phonies they in fact are,(and reading how many masons are in our churches),I do not trust any organized church/pastor or preacher! I am feeling that Christians are safer at home,studying God's Word for themselves and letting the Holy Spirit be their teacher.The only one who is truth.
I do not want to be the cause of others to leave their churches,if they can prove to themselves through their own bible study that the full truth is being preached at their church,but it is our responsibility to study the Word and see if they are in fact not false prophets. Also to examine their fruit to see they live what they preach. Many of us know absolutely nothing of the people in church,outside of the church. We only occassionally,or never, see them except in church,or a church event. That is not knowing them,and being easily fooled.
