In the church, many have been convinced that without a visible working unity God will not send us revival. That unity is the KEY to revival. Has anyone asked questions like: how many do we need to be in unity with, is it everyone, 50%? Is there anyone we are not to be in unity with? What is the standard? Where does the Bible say this is necessary? 

The example of Jonah completely annihilates this argument--he had 100% of the cruel, ruthless, bloody Ninevites repent and he was not in unity with God; he didn’t want to see it happen. His mouth spoke what God wanted said but his heart was against it.

However, a good portion of the church has been convinced, along with other religions, that the way to this unity begins through dialogue. Once we see that we all share the same concerns, we can begin work together to resolve them. The more we work with each other the more we ignore the doctrinal differences. The more friendships develop we no longer will care about what they actually believe but instead what they do. A diaprax that is so simple yet so powerful-dialogue brings unity. Dialogue- builds friendship + unity and working together. We are watching this being worked out on a massive scale to implement the new spiritual socialism.

An invitation for conversation At this point in history two main trends are the focus of the ecumenical movement, globalisation and pluralism,

More than ever, we sense a growing need not just for dialogue with people of other faiths but for genuine relationships with them. Increased awareness of religious plurality, the potential role of religion in conflict, and the growing place of religion in public life present urgent challenges that require greater understanding and cooperation among people of diverse faiths…. in collaboration with neighbours of other religious traditions, commonly agreed guidelines for relations and dialogue that would inform, instruct, and enable all to embrace the way of trust and community building

The substitution for witnessing is to dialogue. The WCC says, “Dialogue offers the promise of discovering new dimensions of understanding our faith.” That dialogue “enriches dimensions of understanding our faith.” We can Dialogue with Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Humanists …

If you look on their site they will have next to nothing mentioned about sin and the cross. They ignore the Gospel of salvation and replace it with a social gospel; making a synthetic religion of unity.

On the World council of churches website they have this to say about encouraging Christians entering dialogue and where it will lead us.

There are many statements I can go into but these should suffice for us to understand the objective of this world council of churches. This concept is what is used for the majority of interfaith groups. Dialogue brings us into unity, as we befriend each other the differences we has will fade away. While dialogue can help resolve some immediate problems like violence and abuse in certain countries, it also can make one compromise their religious convictions if they are not careful. It’s clear; the World Council of Churches (WCC) cares little about what Christ said of the truth, their basis is acceptance.

Indeed salvation belongs to God and He has communicated how it can take place in each individual's life the same way- through Jesus Christ crucified. He does not give to us more than one option.

We cannot create peace on earth. It is a promise by the savior and will only occur when He comes and reigns on the earth. No church-government or other individual can bring it about.

The Global Ethics Project is a branch of the interfaith movement. It states-The dialogue transcends differences in belief and draws upon the shared ethical convictions of the world’s great religions. They state “A global ethic is a minimal basic consensus relating to binding values, irrevocable standards and moral attitudes which can be affirmed by all religions despite their undeniable dogmatic or theological differences and should also be supported by nonbelievers.” (Emphasis mine)

This dialogue toward unity is not just religious, but political as well. They are trying to convince countries to put aside their differences to work together. On a political social level it may be advantageous to do this to help feed the poor and clothe and educate the needy. On a spiritual level it can be dangerous for Christians to unite with other religions to accomplish this.

Over 7,000 individuals from a wide-range of religious traditions met in Cape Town, South Africa, December 1-8, 1999, to dialogue, worship together and listen to the leaders of world religious discuss a platform for world peace in the new millennium. Robert Henderson, spokesman for the Parliament of World Religions (PVM), referred to the gathering as “the birth of a new system of the organization of the world's religions. “ He added, “We have thousands of people representing all the religious traditions in one place. For the first time, they are giving birth to a common vision of their spiritual and redeeming purpose” (Ecumenical News International, 12/10/99).

Dr. Jerry Chang who worked with World Vision after returning from the Parliament of Religions in 1999 said, “The conviction of the meeting was that most wars, particularly civil wars are a result of religious differences.”

Chang states, “I firmly believe more interfaith dialogue will help us overcome this dichotomy. To seek common ground among the different faiths and try to understand and accept our differences.”

He goes on to say, This is why my wife and I, as well as 14 others from Hawaii, attended the Parliament of the World's Religions in Cape Town, South Africa, last December. The 7,000 participants from around the world were gathered to a huge number, of lectures and workshops representing all faiths.’

It seems this goal can only be accomplished by NOT having the gospel as the answer. Instead in its place is a mutual agreement to unite and help others. A religious activity that all can agree on to have some peace. I had previously talked with Jerry about his promotion of the Parliament of World Religions and unfortunately he was not receptive to the dangers of interfaith unity.

“At the heart of The Global Ethics Project is a set of shared interfaith ethical convictions. No peace among nations without peace among religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions. No dialogue among the religions without a consensus on shared ethical values, a global ethic.” The harmony project is connected to the World Council of Churches and United Religions Initiative. Both seem to have their hands in the majority of interfaith organizations. This is one of the best explanations from an organization illustrating the use of diaprax as the method to reach consensus. It seems like the right way and makes sense to those who do not hold to a Biblical worldview.

Intrareligious sessions provided the opportunity to explore the particularities and complexities of each religious and spiritual tradition, such as Jain teachings on non-violence; the art of war, the Tao of peace; and exploring Christian motivations for dialogue... http://dfms.org/3577_43605_ENG_Print.html - http://www.cpwr.org/2004Parliament/

The Forum is an unprecedented international event dedicated to the principles of: WORLD PEACE CULTURAL DIVERSITY SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

There are 45 Dialogues on the most important issues of our time with recognized experts, distinguished speakers, celebrated personalities and dedicated people like you offering real solutions—and converting words to action. http://www.barcelona2004us.org/

The church needs to make a decision on how deep our participation will go with other religions. As Jehu the prophet confronted Jehoshaphat on similar matters and stated “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you” (2 Chron. 19:2). Do we want God’s blessings and protection or do we want to be condemned with the world. The time to sit on the fence and observe is coming to a close, we need make a decision.

Humanitarian work is first on the agenda and the gospel is second. In other words, those who are under the Christian umbrella (Christiandom) have exchanged the gospel, which is the power of God for a social gospel, to do good works to affect culture.

“Humanism” is defined as “a concern with the needs, well-being, and interests of people.” This compassion transcends any religious base. Humanitarians want to see the world be a better place. These are all good goals in and of themselves, but they can become disastrous if an individual Christian, a church or organization compromises the truth to accomplish it. Humanists believe that they can attain peace by their own endeavors apart from God. Many hold that national sovereignties and religious differences are the cause of all wars.  In order for the Christian church to part of all of this, it must change its position of absolutism and focus on relationship-building with others (interfaith). One of the main goals of interfaith cooperation is overcoming violence and injustice worldwide as well as working to sustain the environment. World Council of Churches defines it: “engage in Christian service by serving human need, breaking down barriers between people, seeking justice and peace, and upholding the integrity of creation; and- foster renewal in unity, worship, mission and service.”

The WCC meets every seven years. In 1991 the Gathering of the World Council of churches had their seventh assembly in Canberra. 4000 gathered from 360 churches and presented the theme of Jesus dying to save the environment. A letter addressed to ‘all churches, Christians and peoples’ summarized their intentions:” The Spirit calls the churches to a commitment to seek visible unity...The presence of representatives of other world religions as guests in the Assembly reminded us of the growing need to respect the image of God in all people, to accept each other as neighbours end to admit our common responsibility with them for God's creation, including humanity.”

Likewise Occultist Alice Bailey wrote, “Workers In the field of religion will formulate the universal platform of the new world religion. It is a work of living synthesis and will emphasize the unity and the fellowship of the spirit. This group is, in a pronounced sense, a channel for the activities of the Christ the world Teacher. The platform of the new world religion will be built by, many groups, working under the Inspiration of the Christ (The Reappearance of the Christ, Alice Bailey pp.168-159). She goes on to say, “He (Christ) is, however, responsible for a newer and more effective presentation of the coming world religion, and for that the churches should prepare...” (Alice Bailey, The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Lucis Publishing Company: p. 448) [emphasis mine]

Prepare we should, to stand against the change that wants to swallow us into its vortex and make us part of the whole. A new world religion is forming and we need to be aware of its immensity and influence lest we find ourselves serving it. What Christ is this that everyone, no matter which religion they are, can be in service to him?

“Christ is asking that all the people of the world may share the same spirit of God, and be in unity. Bah'u'llah's teachings are for peace and unity of families, nations and the entire world.” (The Return of Christ 1978 Bahai publishing Trust). Of course by the same spirit the Bahai’s do not mean the Holy Spirit. 

“All the world is awaiting the day of peace. mankind realises that world peace must come. world peace will not come by accident. World unity will be achieved by each person recognising the way to unity, and then following that way” (The Return of Christ, p.22. 1978, Bahai publishing Trust).

No matter what plan man comes up with the Bible teaches that peace cannot be reached on earth by any government, man or any religion. Not until the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings comes to reign on earth will this take place. If we look at our last century there has been very little peace time. Rev 6:4: “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another.” We have yet to see this fulfilled.

The great ecumenist Baha’u’lla who was well before his time said: ALL RELIGIONS ARE ONE ALL RELIGIONS SHOULD JOIN TOGETHER AS ONE UNIT, IN THE UNITY OF FAITH. “O’ ye people of the world! The religion of God is for the sake of love and union; make it not the cause of enmity and conflict….: LO: ALL ARE OF GOD:” (Baha’u’lla’s Last will and Testament)

Victor Kazzaniian Jr. an Episcopal agrees, he writes, “We walk side by side, fellow travelers on life's pathways. I speak of being awakened to the wonder and mystery of the world, using words that reflect my window to the divine, the one whom I call my Lord and my God, Jesus, the Risen Christ.

“As my heart softened, these claims of exclusive ownership over truth began to peel away like scales before my eyes. Then, I not only discovered the unique beauty and truth that lies at the heart of other religious traditions, but I also discovered, in a much deeper way than I thought possible- the unique beauty and truth that is the Christian experience, free from the idolatrous bonds of exclusivism that have held it captive for so long.”

There is no place for religious exclusivism in Christianity. It has been arguably the single greatest source of human misery during the past two millenniums. It must be replaced by an understanding of the interwovenness of all life, of all religious traditions. For Christians to understand the magnificence of God, it is necessary for us to bask in the beauty of the many other manifestations of this one great divine force by looking lovingly into the faces of people of other religious traditions and thereby glimpsing a more complete image of the one whom we now see as though through a glass darkly, but only then face to face. (Do all faiths really worship the same God? In Episcopal life Forum p.20 June 1998 BY VICTOR KAZANIIAN JR.)

Is Christianity is single greatest source of human misery during the past two millenniums! “Idolatrous bonds of exclusivism.” How can any true Christian say this? It’s not to say we have not had problems along the way. Yet, Christianity has built more hospitals and given more education than any other religion. Jesus said you are either for me or against me; it is Jesus himself that said that “He was the way (the only WAY) to the Father.” This shameful to take the name of “Christian” and deny Him.

At this juncture there are so many that compromise the exclusive claims of Christ, that we know this is no ordinary time, for it is the time Paul spoke of, “the great falling away,” before the Tribulation and coming of the Lord Jesus to judge the earth. We are watching it play out right in front of our eyes.

Ecumenism is not based on the belief of truth but accept what others believe as the truth. So if there any contradictions they are ignored for the noble goal of having a working unity.

What is at stake is nothing less than the gospel. Many believe as long as someone believes in God they are okay. Salvation does not come from believing in God- but in the gospel. General revelation cannot bring one to a saving knowledge. One must understand the person and work of Christ. We are not saved by our goodness or behavior but by God’s grace that comes ONLY through Jesus Christ. However, this simple message is becoming more rare as the days grow darker.

Do we all worship the same God? Is he known by different names and natures to the people of the world?

Bishop John Spong who wants to bring his form of liberalism to the church, testifies: In the fall of 1988, I worshipped God in a Buddhist temple. As the smell of incense filled the air, I knelt before three images of the Buddha, feeling that the smoke could carry my prayers heavenward. It was for me a holy moment. . . beyond the words and creeds that each [religion] uses, there is a divine power that unites us ....I will not make any further attempt to convert the Buddhist, the Jew, the Hindu or the Moslem. 1 am content to learn from them and to walk with them side by side toward the God who lives, I believe, beyond the images that bind and blind us.” (Courier-Journal, May 11, 1984, p, A7.)

Carlton Pearson, a Universalist has invited Spong to speak at INCLUSION 2005 June 15th-19th, 2005. Asking- When was the last time you heard something fresh about God that you may have never heard before? He advertises Spong as (former Episcopal Bishop, one of the leading spokespersons in the world for progressive Christianity and author of "Why Christianity Must Change or Die").

Is this progressive or apostasy? The key word is "change” and it comes to the church in the word REFORM. Of course this reform is not the same meaning as Martin Luther wanting to get back to the Bible, it is means going away from it. The intentions are clear if one wants to face the facts.

“Religions in Renewal is a site to link members of groups within the major established religions or ideologies who are seeking respectfully and gradually to reform their traditions from within while remaining loyal to the spirit of their path” (emphasis mine).

We need to understand the shift that is taking place even among those who would want to identify with Christ. Take for example the Christian Humanism website that wants too change the church from without and within. To reclaim “faith" as a virtue - not as blind and uncritical acceptance of unprovable dogma.”

They explain-What makes this humanism Christian? Unlike the secular humanist, the Christian humanist believes that the symbol God can have a proper place within human experience…Whether the Christian humanist defines God as the Creator, the source of life, ground of being, principle of good, transcendent spirit, sum of ideals, or something entirely different, he or she is always aware that the word necessarily points to something larger and is not itself the end-all of being, so to speak”

“the Bible, though they do not regard everything written therein as a literal account of history. Many too find the sharing of bread with Christians and non-Christians a simple but beautiful symbol and prayer for unity among all peoples.” (emphasis mine)

To provide community for those who find their source of spirituality in the experience of Jesus the Christ, … who view their Christian faith as one of many valid paths to the divine, and for whom belief in God as a supernatural, separate being who actively controls the earth and intervenes in its daily affairs is no longer feasible. Such persons must be encouraged to stay with the church and work for reform while seeking fellowship among the likeminded” http://www.christianhumanism.org (emphasis mine).

It becomes obvious that the liberals behind this are not Christian and do not have even a basic understanding of the doctrines of Christ and Him being the way. Yet they are willing to keep inside the church to change it from within. The reform they have in mind is not going back to the Bible but using only certain portions they accept that will bring about their greater cause.

Similarities to Rick Warren’s peace plan that is a worldwide humanitarian effort which cannot be overlooked, he also calls it a reformation. Once we become aware of these efforts we can recognize them at work all around us.

Peace through Unity is the goal of the interfaith movement. The Bible states: “when they say Peace and safety sudden destruction will come upon them” The Bible teaches us that we will one day have peace when Christ Jesus comes to earth but before this comes a period of destruction unlike anything the world has experienced. The world believes they will solve this problem and the way to peace is to drop our differences and work together. The nations and organizations continue to forge ahead peace according to their own standards. World Healing Day was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace. The promoted events were designed to cumulatively shift human consciousness into viewing the world as one interdependent whole and dissolve separateness.

Bishop Swing at the 1997 URI summit meeting: “What if we said 'We will investigate the foundation of the religions and live into a growing religious dialogue We will pursue this dialogue until we have lived into a new peace among religions. We will so pursue peace among religions until we have discovered a new peace among nations” (my emphasis).

A call for 'United Nations of Religions' Kazakhstan conference brings together leaders of 18 faiths September 30, 2003 “As a two-day conference of major religions ended in Kazakhstan, key leaders of 18 faiths agreed to meet regularly under the banner "Congress of World and Traditional Religions." One delegate hoped the group would translate into a "United Nations of Religions." Speeches touched on how to address differences between religions, the need for more dialogue, and the issue of terrorism.” (WorldNetDaily.com ).

"I am addressing you, representatives of the world's religions and confessions with a proposal. Let us hold a dialogue of religions on a regular basis.”" The conference's elaborate website lists participants from 17 world faiths and denominations. It says the goal of the conference is, in the statement's words: "to develop interconfessional dialogue [and] consolidate peace and confidence” (Kazakhstan: Astana Convenes Religious Dialogue Congress by Don Hill) [emphasis mine]

The Berean Call Newsletter July, 2003 reported: In a historic effort to help educate the community about their religions-and to show they have more in common than their differences-local Catholic-and Muslim leaders on Monday signed “An Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation.”

“There are lots of innocent misunderstandings on both sides,” said Patrick O'Connor of Henrietta... He said Catholics and Muslims have in common a sense of community responsibility, respect for life and the strength of their faith.

“Christians, Muslims and Jews, we are very close to each other. If we agree to leave our differences aside, we are one religion. All religions stand for peace,” said Salahuddin Malik, a professor of history at the State University College at Brockport. “That makes it all the more reason we must understand each other.”

The Catholic diocese has signed similar agreements with local Jewish and Episcopal leaders. DemocratandChronicle.com, 5/6/03)

Dr. Desmond Berghofer, Chairman of the International Foundation of Learning, officially opened the Global Citizenship 2000 Youth Congress With these words “Welcome . . . Global Citizens.

United Religions Initiative Global Assembly in 2002 met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The United Religions Initiative (URI) is working to build a global interfaith community, in which all religions are to be recognized as valid and equal pathways to God.

February 16 2005- Religious leaders assembled yesterday to proclaim world peace and foster an understanding of people's differences and common bonds.

Nine colorful batik banners with symbols representing the world's major religions and cultures were unveiled during a morning service at Memorial United Methodist Church.

The flags — representing Baha'ism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity and American Indians — will hang in the chapel below 40 flags of nations around the world.

“We live in an interfaith community — in our world right now we need to talk and share,” the Rev. Joe Agne said … Messages from religious leaders stressed world peace and compassion for people's differences.

“Violence is a root cause of all misery in the world,” said Sara Lukose, who spoke for the Jain faith.. http://www.thejournalnews.com/ 

The Bible tells us where violence comes from- the heart of man, who is a sinner. To solve this problem the answer can only be Jesus Christ not the numerous religions coming together to make peace

By the mid 1990’s we were in the fast lane of changing the religious landscape. Ecumenism was accepted and interfaith alliances were growing. The church at large had begun its steep slide down to being considered equal with all the other religions.

1996 saw a gathering in San Francisco of 60 religious leaders from around the world calling for the founding of a United Religions Organization similar to the United Nations. California's Episcopal bishop, William Swing, returning from a trip around the world attempting to establish unity among all religions, declared, “I am convinced that the time is ripe for a global initiative to call the world's religions together. . . .” ( San Francisco Chronicle, June 20, 1996)

On June 23, 1997, “200 delegates from scores of religious bodies around the world” met at Stanford University under the leadership of Bishop Swing. Plans were laid to establish on June 26, 2000, the “United Nations for all religions” that has been Swing's dream. The United Religions Initiative “seeks to bring religions and spiritual traditions to a common table, a permanent, daily, global assembly. There, respecting each other's distinctness, they will seek to make peace among religions …

Global education must prepare our children for the coming of an interdependent, safe, prosperous, friendly, loving, happy planetary age as has been heralded by all great prophets. The real, the great period of human fulfillment on planet Earth is only now about to begin. (Secretary-General U Thant, United Nations, from his 1971 farewell address to the United Nations, cited in Muller School, op. cit., p. 8.)

The First Alexandria Declaration of the Religious Leaders of the Holy Land Alexandria, January 21, 2002 The first Middle East Interfaith Summit with the participation of the leaders of the three monotheistic faiths, held in Alexandria, Egypt claim: The Holy Land is holy to all three of our faiths.”

They are coming to the table to dialogue and from the viewpoint that all are equal.

In 1989 Fuller theological teacher Peter Wagner said that he received a prophecy regarding three-strand cord not easily broken. This cord was comprised of conscientious Liberals, Evangelicals and Charismatic Pentecostals. This cord to him was the Third Wave. This has become a thinly disguised word for the new ecumenism now taking place. Liberals have always been an enemy of the church (the Jesus seminar is liberal) and to have them bound in unity with those who hold to a literal true interpretation of the Bible is a disaster. God says a threefold cord is not easily broken.

The World Council of Churches held its U.S. Conference as a guest on the campus of Fuller Theological Seminary last December. Pastor John Ashbrook quotes from a 12/19/96 WCC letter saying Fuller Pres. Richard Mouw attended the early session of the meeting and extended a warm welcome to the group (2/96 OBF Visitor).

Fuller being open to the WCC should be a concern. Dr. Richard Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary endorsed ECT Evangelicals & Catholics Together. Mouw also has others in Fuller working toward reconciliation with Muslims. Not surprising that Fullers president Richard Mouw would write about a Mormon and Christian representative “I am very enthusiastic about the ongoing public dialogues between Robert Millet and Greg Johnson.”

Mouw made his position clear last year at the Mormon Tabernacle meeting when he apologized to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for evangelicals that 'have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints” and bearing false witness against them.” Public dialogues which are part of the World Council of Churches agenda to achieve unity have the intention to open the people on both sides into a non-biblical unity. We should be able to recognize those who are doing this by their own position and statements. We should not be apprehensive or fearful in making a decision on being unsupportive of this ecumenical movement.

pt 3 When doctrinal beliefs become Irrelevant