Friday, 19 February 2010
New Ecumenical Mens Group Promise
Keepers and Its Various Deviates
Page 11
A note from JohnChingford. Please Note that the information given here is still applicable as the 7 promises of a Promise Keeper are still foremost in their mission statement as at 2010. See their website:http://www.promisekeepers.org/about/7promises
We do not hesitate to give the strongest possible warning now concerning the dangers of the Promise Keepers movement. Our reasons will be clearly stated and properly documented from original sources so that God's people may be able to see for themselves how this new movement is mixing truth and error.
If for no other reason, the Promise Keepers movement is dangerous because it promotes an unscriptural agenda of forging a religious ecumenical unity which is absolutely forbidden in God's Word (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Eph. 5:11). This full article can be found in
and below (in blue), But first, I would like to show clear evidence of
the ecumenism of Promise Keepers, as follows:
Promise
Keepers and Ecumenism
Upon studying the doctrine of the Promise Keepers, I believe there are
three fundamental problems with the movement:
three fundamental problems with the movement:
1. Promise Keepers is part of an ecumenical trend that puts aside
essential theological issues in order to promote a unity which is not biblical
unity i.e an underlying unity with Rome.
2. The Promise Keepers' plan for producing godliness is not in accord with
God's plan as set forth in His Word.
3. Promise Keepers is founded and driven by men associated with the
Vineyard movement, which was itself a movement characterized by unsound theology, which
introduced the Toronto Curse, which was supported by the Alpha course movement.
Vineyard are NAR (latter rain) based.
Foundation of Ecumenism
There is great emphasis in the church today on uniting professing
Christians of all denominations and beliefs. That effort is commonly referred
to as "ecumenism," which is defined as "the organized attempt to
bring about the cooperation and unity of all believers in Christ." With
ecumenism is an emphasis on setting aside theological differences between
denominations while focusing on areas of agreement. The areas of agreement are
predominantly social, moral, and political.
The foundation for this ecumenical trend has been laid and built upon
over many years. The 1960s saw the beginning of institutional ecumenism with
the rise of the World Council of Churches. Members of this council were mostly
liberal mainline Protestant denominations who denied such essential doctrines
as the inerrancy of Scripture and a literal, bodily resurrection of Christ. For
years, Evangelicals distanced themselves from this institutional ecumenism
because of the unsound theology of the groups involved.
Today, however, that spirit of compromise has invaded
Evangelicalism. The recent Catholic-Evangelical accord is an example of such compromise. In this accord,
Evangelicals compromised essential doctrines such as justification by faith alone
and the sufficiency of Scripture in order to unite with Roman Catholics on issues such
as abortion and school prayer.Doctrines that divided Evangelicals and Catholics
for centuries are now being put aside in order to experience unity.
Another ecumenical influence has been the Charismatic movement which has
been effective in uniting those who supposedly have had a common experience in
the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues. Because of common experiences,
doctrinal differences that once separated denominations have often been set
aside. One can now be an Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, or even Roman Catholic
and still be united because of common experience.
The infiltration of psychology into the church has also strengthened
this trend. Most Christian radio stations are saturated with Christian
psychology programs, yet the vast majority of listeners to these programs know
very little about the doctrine or church affiliation of the men they listen to.
These men are accepted as authorities on Christian living simply because they
say they are Christians and believe the Bible. These men unify Christians, not
on the basis of Scripture but on their psychological influence which is
trans-doctrinal.
So with the influence of institutional ecumenism, the Charismatic
movement, and Christian psychology, there is wave after wave of
pressure that says, "Let's not emphasize doctrine. Let's not emphasize the
specifics of the Word." It is enough to say that we believe in Christ, therefore, we
should not quarrel over areas of disagreement. Over time believers are worn
down and are tempted to compromise. We are tempted to sacrifice truth for
unity. After all, who wants to be known as divisive? Who wants to stand in the
way of unity?
There is, however, great danger when the church compromises essential
doctrines to unite on social, moral, and political issues. Those involved in
ecumenism often quote Jesus' prayer in John 17:21, where He prayed, "that
they (Christians) may all be one" to show that believers should be unified. Certainly,
believers should earnestly desire the unity Jesus referred to. However, in that
same prayer, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is
truth" (John 17:17). True unity must be based on the truth of Scripture or
else it is a false unity. The Bible nowhere calls for unity at the expense of
truth.
The
Promise Keepers' movement is also part of this ecumenical trend of down-playing
doctrine for unity. In one Promise Keeper publication this is clearly evident:
"We believe that we have a God-given mission to unite men who are
separated by race, geography, culture, denomination, and economics"
A Promise Keeper is committed to reach beyond any racial and
denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity
Promise Keepers is committed to reaching across denominational barriers
in an effort to unite men. And they have been successful in doing that. Promise Keepers
supporters and sponsors include Evangelicals, Catholics, Lutherans,
Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatics, and others. These
groups have been divided by major doctrinal differences for many years. But now
these differences are being dropped for the sake of unity. One pastor, who
attended a Promise Keepers' meeting said,
I . . . experienced the true oneness among brethren of different faiths, races, and colors,
and I also experienced an appreciation of diversity
Notice that the "oneness" described had nothing to do with
biblical truth but rather with feelings and emotions. True "oneness,"
however, must be based on biblical truth, or it is not true
"oneness." There is a difference between experiential and spiritual
oneness. We can watch a movie with other people and laugh and cry together
because we share the same experience. We may have experiential oneness but that
is not Holy Spirit produced unity.
The Catholic Church denies salvation by faith alone and adds sacraments
and obedience to the Church as necessary for salvation. So when Promise Keepers
say they are "addressing the division that has separated the body of
Christ," are they addressing key issues? Are false doctrines being
addressed? Are the people in these churches challenged to flee their false
religious systems? The answer is "No."
Key
foundational issues have been dropped, all for the sake of supposed unity. There is so
much theological diversity among those involved with Promise Keepers that no
in-depth discussion of Scripture or what it means to be a Christian could take
place without tearing the movement apart. The ecumenical nature of Promise
Keepers is a serious matter. If one followed the doctrines of some of the
groups involved in this movement, one could not even be a Christian. And if one
is not a Christian, nothing that person does will enable him or her to be
godly.
From: http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/pk/pk-fea.htm
Please also notice how biblical authority (within their 7 promises) is not the most important guideline for what they do and is usually stated last of all after practicing other things first. See my comments added (highlighted in yellow).
The Promise Keepers Movement is Dangerous -- Watch Out For It!
Please also notice how biblical authority (within their 7 promises) is not the most important guideline for what they do and is usually stated last of all after practicing other things first. See my comments added (highlighted in yellow).
The Promise Keepers Movement is Dangerous -- Watch Out For It!
By
M. H. Reynolds, Editor, Foundation magazine
Foundation, Vol. XVI, Issue 1
A new men's movement called Promise Keepers is sweeping our nation like a wildfire. Is it of God, or man? Will it solve the problems of those who have embraced its principles and teachings, or will it compound those problems?
Can a Biblical answer be given to those
important questions now, or is it best to withhold judgement until a later
time? Obviously, some very conflicting views already exist as to the basis,
programs, benefits and goals of the Promise Keepers movement. This report
is based upon the actual words of its leaders made in public meetings,
contained in press releases, or printed in books, magazines and articles which
have either been published or endorsed by leaders of the Promise Keepers
movement.
It is obvious that this movement is
superbly organized and has tremendous financial resources at its disposal. The
way it has caught on since its formation in 1990, and its ambitious plans for
expansion in the future, require our immediate response and warning.
Most pastors and other individuals have
so far heard only good reports about it. Even though some have questions and a
feeling of uneasiness concerning it, they have had little or no opportunity to
examine it carefully.
While it is true that most if not all of
the major evangelical and charismatic leaders are praising, supporting and
participating in Promise Keepers, that, in itself is no guarantee that its
principles, practices and goals are in accord with the Scriptures. Having
personally read every word of the book, Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, as
well as all the latest press releases and many of their other articles, we have
come to the inescapable conclusion that this movement represents another
massive effort of Satan to mix truth and error in some very deceptive ways.
Therefore, we do not hesitate to give
the strongest possible warning now concerning the dangers of the Promise
Keepers movement. Our reasons will be clearly stated and properly documented
from original sources so that God's people may be able to see for themselves
how this new movement is mixing truth and error. If for no other reason, the
Promise Keepers movement is dangerous because it promotes an unscriptural
agenda of forging a religious unity which is absolutely forbidden in
God's Word (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Eph. 5:11).
Its founder and several of its leaders
are part of the charismatic movement which is a major catalyst in the effort to
bring about fellowship and eventual union with the Roman Catholic Church; whereas, in truth,
the Roman Catholic Church is a false church, preaches a false gospel and is not
a part of the body of Christ.
Throughout the centuries, the Roman
Catholic Church has been an enemy of all true believers and the blood of
hundreds of thousands of martyrs is upon its hands. However, for the past few
decades, the Roman Catholic Church has changed its outward appearance and
approaches. It has a new face of tolerance and a kindlier public image but the
damnable heresies it proclaims remain as dangerous as ever.
Furthermore, those who are only familiar
with Roman Catholicism, as practiced in this country, would not believe the raw
heathenism which is part of their worship in countries where they have been in
control for centuries.
It should be of great concern to every
believer to know that the Promise Keepers movement is taught and led by
men who blindly praise the Pope and are giving Roman Catholicism an undeserved
and unwarranted vote of confidence and even appreciation instead of
sounding the warnings God's Word commands.
The Promise Keepers movement and its
leaders totally reject the many plain commands of Scripture to separate from
and warn about false teachers, disobedient brethren and the world. 2
Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15; 1 John 2:15-17. As a result,
those whom they seek to "disciple" are deprived of the warnings God's
Word says are necessary to preserve the purity of the Gospel and the purity of
the church.
Instead of obeying the command of God's
Word to "preach no other doctrine" (1 Tim. 1:3); and by refusing to
heed the warning God gives in Galatians 1:6-10 concerning all who preach
"any other Gospel," they have become "blind leaders of the
blind" about which Jesus Christ warned (Matt. 15:10-14). Since the
inevitable result of such spiritual blindness is that "both shall fall
into the ditch," the strongest warning must be given.
Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper is
the title of a book published in 1994 by "Focus on the Family,"
It is key to the understanding of what Promise Keepers is trying to do. Contributing
authors are:
Bill Bright, Edwin Cole, Dr. James Dobson, Tony Evans, Bill McCartney, Luis
Palau, Randy Phillips, Gary Smalley, Jack Hayford, Wellington Boone, Howard
Hendricks, E. Glenn Wagner, Gary Oliver, Dale Schlafer, H. B. London, Jr.,
Philip Porter, and Gordon England. This 210-page book was edited by Al Janssen
and Larry K. Weeden.
"Seven solid promises that will
change a man's life forever" -- This bold claim, printed on the back
jacket of this book, only serves to heighten the need for an immediate, Scriptural
analysis of the Promise Keepers movement; for, indeed, these seven promises are
not solidly based upon the sure foundation of God's Word alone, but upon a
mixture of God's Word with the suppositions of men.
What Are The Seven Promises?
Promise one -- a man and his
God: A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship,
prayer, and obedience to God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Promise two -- a man and his
mentors: A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital relationships with a
few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his
promises.
Promise three -- a man and his
integrity: A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral,
ethical, and sexual purity.
Promise four -- a man and his
family: A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families
through love, protection, and Biblical values.
Promise five -- a man and his
church: A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of the church
by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving of his time and
resources.
Promise six -- a man and his
brothers: A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and
denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of Biblical unity.
Promise seven -- a man and his
world: A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient
to the Great Commandment (see Mark 12:30,31) and the Great Commission (see
Matthew 28:19, 20).
At first glance, it is not difficult to
understand why most Christians might feel that the Promise Keepers movement is
greatly needed and should be encouraged and supported. Without question there
is a great need today for Godly men who will assume their responsibilities in
the home, in the church and in the world. However, a careful examination of the
programs and goals as set forth by its leaders in public and in print, and by
comparing these with the Scriptures, it becomes clear that discerning believers
must raise serious questions now concerning this rapidly growing men's
movement.
The emphasis upon self-effort within the
Promise Keepers program supplants absolute dependence upon the Lord Jesus
Christ. Only God can unfailingly keep a promise. Therefore those in the
movement will face disillusionment and disappointment because of their failure
to look to God and His promises alone.
Before giving an analysis of the Promise
Keepers movement in the light of the Scriptures, we trust it will be helpful to
mention several basic issues which should not be disregarded nor treated
lightly.
Dangers of the Promise Keepers:
Advocacy of an unscriptural religious
unity at the expense of sound doctrine and practice.
Acceptance and promotion of unscriptural
Charismatic teachings.
Approval and use of psychological
approaches and techniques.
Use and promotion of corrupted modern
versions of the Bible.
Twisting, misapplying, and
misinterpreting key Scriptures.
A program stressing the importance of
evangelism while ignoring the need of a pure gospel.
A subtle and very harmful influence upon
local churches which have heretofore resisted unscriptural programs and
fellowships.
Are the promises demanded of the Promise
Keepers Scriptural? A careful review of their Seven Promises clearly reveals
that a mixture of truth and error is involved. For instance:
Promise One A Promise
Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and
obedience to God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
My Comment: Notice
how biblical authority comes last in the list. Surely biblical
authority should come first and determine how we worship and pray. Like most
Christian groups today, the “experiential” seems to be overly emphasised before
scriptural authority for what we do. If they really considered the Bible as an
authority on all that they do it should read “A Promise Keeper is committed to
honouring Jesus Christ through obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy
Spirit and as directed by His Word through worship and prayer”
(Analysis): Technically, and if
these words are understood in their scriptural and historical meaning, any true
believer -- man or woman -- would gladly support such a statement. However, we
live in days when wonderful words like these are being abused and misused.
For example, in the first chapter of the
book, Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, Charismatic leader Dr. Jack Hayford
sets forth some precious truths concerning the different aspects of worship as
set forth in the Scriptures. However, when he writes about "Redeeming
Worship" on page 19, he teaches serious error. Hayford writes:
"Redeeming worship centers on the Lord's Table. Whether your tradition
celebrates it as Communion, Eucharist, the Mass, or the Lord's Supper, we are
all called to this centerpiece of Christian worship."
Is there any difference between the
Eucharist and the Mass (celebrated by Roman Catholics and Orthodox), and the
Lord's Table, Lord's Supper and Communion observed by true believers? Of course
there is! Historically the mass has been recognized by Bible believers as
blatant blasphemy. Yet, today, Hayford, like other Charismatic leaders, is teaching Promise
Keepers and others that this false view of Christian worship is approved by God
and proper for all Christians to accept.
Promise One has the right words but the
wrong application. Many other examples could be cited of errors concerning
prayer and the ministry of the Holy Spirit which are believed and taught by
Charismatic leaders. We have to ask, "How could anyone possibly promise to
obey God's Word and in the same breath disobey that Word?" It is this
inconsistency and incongruity that makes Promise Keepers a deceptive movement.
Promise Two A Promise
Keeper is committed to pursuing vital relationships with a few other men,
understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.
(Analysis): How very
dangerous is this false premise which is based upon psychological theories
rather than on Biblical principles. Of course Godly men can be of help to
others and be helped by others. But to encourage the false notion that a godly
man cannot make it on his own in these tumultuous times without depending upon
other Promise Keepers to help keep him "on the right track" is another
trick of Satan to belittle the power of God and negate His "... great and
precious promises" (2 Pet. 1:3, 4).
God's Word repeatedly warns about the
danger of putting trust in men. Isaiah 2:22, "Cease ye from man, whose
breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" Jeremiah
17:5, "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." By
contrast, note Jeremiah 17:7, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the
Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." God's Word clearly commands us to
"... have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3). God specifically
warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall." Those who disregard God's warnings are surely
headed for a fall.
Promise Three A Promise
Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.
(Analysis): Once again, here
is a statement that all Christians should desire to see fulfilled in their lives,
not just the men but women also. But if the men have to depend on their
brothers to attain these goals, what about the women? Will a women's Promise
Keepers movement also become a necessity and be established as the newest
women's movement on the scene?
In fact, however, the spiritual, moral,
ethical and sexual purity needed by every believer is not to be found in making
boastful promises nor in dependence upon other believers but can only be
obtained by heeding the Word of God which says, "Whereby are given unto us
[all of us!] exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the
world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
It is the promises of God that are
all-important and they assure divine power to accomplish His purpose of
godliness in an ungodly day, not the promises of even the finest, most sincere
men who attempt to formulate what they believe is needed to change men and then
the world.
Promise Four A Promise
Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love,
protection, and Biblical values.
My Comment: Notice
how biblical authority comes last in the list again. The right type
of love and protection should be learnt from the Bible “your Word is a lamp to
my feet”. How can biblical values be tagged onto the list as an afterthought?
(Analysis): Here is another
promise which is certainly desirable as stated. However, the question which
must be asked and answered concerns just what are these "Biblical
values?" A careful study of Promise Keepers literature reveals that their
programs are based upon some Biblical values given by God, but are also mixed
with some very dangerous psychological principles and practices which rest upon
the theories of men. This unsound material will continue to flow into churches
long after the initial excitement of the program wanes.
Promise Five A Promise
Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of the church by honoring and
praying for his pastor, and by actively giving of his time and resources.
(Analysis): Whether such a
promise is scriptural or unscriptural depends entirely upon which church is
involved. Is it a church which proclaims a false gospel (such as the Roman
Catholic, Orthodox and liberal Protestant churches)? Is it a church which is
disobedient to God's Word by its fellowship with false teachers and those who
"love the world"? (1 John 2:15-17). If so, to "support the
mission of such a church, honoring and praying for its pastor, and actively
giving of his time and resources" is helping to build the one-world harlot
church of the antichrist. Promise Keepers ignore the plain commands of God's
Word concerning separation from those who teach error, and fail to
"reprove" such (Eph. 5:11). As a result, the men in the Promise
Keepers movement are totally unprepared to stand against all the "wiles of
the devil" (Eph. 6:11).
Promise Six A Promise
Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers
to demonstrate the power of Biblical unity.
(Analysis): This required
promise once again mixes truth and error and provides another example of how
the word "Biblical" is misused. While reaching beyond racial barriers
is Scriptural, reaching beyond denominational barriers as Promise Keepers are
doing amounts to open defiance of God's plain commands. It is not
"Biblical unity" which Promise Keepers think they are demonstrating,
but an unbiblical unity which will bring God's eventual judgment. 2 Peter
2:1-3.
Should anyone doubt the fact that the
Promise Keepers movement seeks an unbiblical unity, just read the words of its
founder, Coach Bill McCartney, as found on pages 160, 161 of Seven Promises of
a Promise Keeper: "Now, I don't mean to suggest that all cultural differences
and denominational distinctives are going to disappear. But what I know is that
Almighty God wants to bring Christian men together regardless of their ethnic
origin, denominational background, or style of worship.
There's only one criterion for this kind
of unity: to love Jesus and be born of the Spirit of God. Can we look one
another in the eye -- black, white, red, brown, yellow, Baptist, Presbyterian,
Assemblies of God, Catholic [emphasis ours], and so on -- and get together on
this common ground: 'We believe in salvation through Christ alone, and we have
made Him the Lord of our lives'? Is that not the central, unifying reality of
our existence? And if it is, can we not focus on that and call each other
brothers instead of always emphasizing our differences? Men, we have to get
together on this!"
In this statement, McCartney's
contradictory words should be noted concerning the necessity of believing in
salvation through Christ alone -- and then including Roman Catholics as
"brothers" in spite of the fact that they do not believe in salvation
through Christ alone, adding sacraments and good works as requirements for
salvation.
Promise Seven A Promise
Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great
Commandment (see Mark 12:30, 31) and the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:19,
20).
(Analysis): The Great
Commandment referred to in Mark 12:30, 31 records the words of Jesus Christ in
which love to God and love to one's neighbor are commanded. However, Promise
Keepers presents a faulty understanding of genuine Christian love in which
reconciliation with a disobedient brother is insisted upon, whereas, in truth,
separation from disobedient brethren is commanded by God (2 Thess. 3:6, 14,
15).
In these days of increasing compromise,
Satan has succeeded in blinding the eyes of many believers to the fact that
separation from disobedient brethren is not only for the preservation of a pure
church, but is also for the disobedient brother's spiritual welfare. Promise
Keepers' mistaken premise that genuine Christian love necessitates fellowship
with, rather than separation from disobedient brethren, will do untold harm to
all concerned.
The Great Commission referred to in
Matthew 28:19, 20 involves not only the preaching of the Gospel, but also
teaching those who believe "... to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you." Giving the impression that it does not matter what church
is attended or what doctrinal creed is embraced by any true believer is foolish
-- it does matter to God and a warning against error must be given.
The apostle Paul, one of the greatest
evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and teachers of all time, writing by
inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Acts 20:17-32, reminded the Ephesian elders
that he had not shunned to declare "all the counsel of God" (v. 27),
warning "every one night and day with tears" for three years (v. 3l).
What were these warnings about? The grievous wolves (false teachers) who would
enter in, "not sparing the flock" (v. 29), and those from within the
church who would arise, "speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them" (v. 30). Separation from, not reconciliation with such false
teachers, is God's way of preserving the purity and power of the church.
Much of the strong appeal of the
movement is based upon humanistic psychological principles and techniques. Many
of its leaders, however, have become very proficient in using such dangerous
theories even while claiming to repudiate humanistic psychology.
In another of Satan's "dangerous
mixture" deceptions, the term "Christian Psychologist" has mesmerized
its proponents into believing that it is possible to take the "good
things" from humanistic psychology and combine these with Biblical
teachings. The result supposedly provides answers to problems Christians are
experiencing which can be found in no other way. As a result, Dr. James Dobson,
who is one of the Promise Keepers leaders, and other well-known "Christian
Psychologists" such as Gary Smalley, John Trent, and Robert Hicks are
leading many astray.
We fully concur with the statement of
Martin and Deidre Bobgan on page 29 of their 41-page booklet, "Promise Keepers & PsychoHeresy." We quote:
"If men are to come together as men, they would do well to follow what the
Bible says rather thanFreudian fables, Jungian
myths,
and other self-serving, man-made psychologies.
And they would do well to gather
together in the place where they are meant to grow -- in the local church --
not in huge rallies with "mob psychology" or in groups using
encounter group techniques and undermining important doctrinal
distinctives."
What does Promise Keepers say about its
history and future plans? The following information is quoted in full from the
Fact Sheet which was part of the official press packet prepared in January
1995:
How we started: On March 20, 1990
University of Colorado Head Football Coach Bill McCartney and his friend Dave
Wardell, PhD were on a three-hour car ride to a Fellowship of Christian
Athletes meeting in Pueblo, CO, when the idea of filling a stadium with
Christian men first came up. Later in 1990, seventy-two men began to pray and
fast about the concept of thousands of men coming together for the purpose of
Christian discipleship.
Yearly attendance figures as given in
this Fact Sheet testify to its small beginning and rapid growth.
1991 -- 4,200 men met at the Univ. of
Colorado Events Center; 1992 -- 22,000 men met at CU's Folsom Stadium; 1993 --
50,000 filled Folsom Stadium to capacity; 1994 -- Seven sites nationwide totaling
278,600 men. 1995 Plans: Promise Keepers has scheduled 13 conferences across
the United States from April through October 1995. Sites include Pontiac, MI;
Los Angeles, CA; Boise, ID; Washington D. C.; Houston, TX; Denver, CO;
Indianapolis, IN; Atlanta, GA; Seattle, WA; Minneapolis, MN; St. Petersburg.
FL; Oakland, CA.; and Irving, TX. Total attendance for these 13 conferences is
projected to be between 500,000 and 600,000. [BDM Editor's Note -- 10/96:
1995's stadium rallies attracted 727,000 men. PK scheduled 22 rallies in 1996,
with an expected attendance of 1.5 million. They plan 50 conferences in 50
states by the year 2000.]
Why "For men only": The
conferences are designed for specific men's issues in the context of an
all-male setting. We have discovered that men are more apt to hear and receive
the full instruction of the sessions when they are not inhibited by concern for
a woman's responses. One of the primary goals of the conference is to deepen
the commitment of men to respect and honor women.
(Analysis): Yes, Promise
Keepers is a rapidly growing movement. In addition to the plans for 1995, we
understand that tentative plans for 1996 include bringing together 75,000
clergy for a Conference as well as a huge rally in Washington, D.C. with the goal
of one million men in attendance. In Promise Keepers literature, repeated
references are made to the supposition, "There is strength in
numbers." But where is such a false idea supported in Scripture? God
usually had to reduce the numerics of Israel's armies so they would not become
proud and take glory unto themselves for victories won -- glory which belonged
to God. Read the record of Gideon in Judges 7:1-22 as a prime example. Of
course, in our day, the great majority of professing Christians are willing to
compromise Biblical principles, mistakenly assuming that size is all-important
to God as it is to men. That is a grievous error. Fidelity to the Truth is of
utmost importance.
Speakers
at Promise Keepers "Raise the Standard" conferences include: Ron Blue, Wellington
Boone, Bill Bright, Dave Bryant, Ken Canfield, Tom Claus, Ed Cole, Chuck
Colson, Rod Cooper, Daniel DeLeon, Tony Evans, Steve Farrar, Joseph Garlington,
Bill Glass, Franklin Graham, Jack Hayford, Howard Hendricks, E. V. Hill, Bill
Hybels, T. D. Jakes, Jeffrey Johnson, Billy Kim, Greg Laurie, Crawford Loritts,
John Maxwell, Bill McCartney, Bob Moorhead, Gary Oliver, Juan Carlos Ortiz,
Luis Palau, John Perkins, Randy Phillips, Dennis Rainey, Raul Ries, James Ryle,
Gary Smalley, Joe Stowell, Chuck Swindoll, John Trent, E. Glenn Wagner, Stu
Weber, John Wesley-White, Al Whittinghill, Bruce Wilkinson, and Ravi Zacharias.
(Analysis): Without doubt
these speakers are very capable teachers who are able to give forceful
presentations of what they teach. The question to be raised however, concerns
whether or not they will be giving these huge crowds of men the whole counsel
of God or a modified, altered, misleading presentation of essential Scriptural
truths. Since the ministry of these teachers runs the gamut from compromising
new-evangelicalism and charismatic error, to ecumenical liberalism, it is clear
that they will be introducing the Promise Keepers to unscriptural doctrines and
fellowships. This is a very serious matter.
Promise Keepers is being welcomed by
Roman Catholic leaders in Southern California. According to the official
publication of the Los Angeles Roman Catholic archdiocese, The Tidings, March
31, 1995 edition, Promise Keepers is now considered a viable ministry for
Catholics. The Tidings reported that at the urging of Cardinal Roger Mahony,
Christian Van Liefde, Roman Catholic priest and pastor of St. Hillary Church in
Pico Rivera, "has studied the feasibility and appropriateness of utilizing
Promise Keepers at the Catholic parish level." Van Liefde, while noting
"the evangelical roots of the program," was quoted as stating that "there
is no doctrinal issue which should cause concern to the Catholic Church."
Van Liefde was further quoted as saying, "Promise Keepers places a very
strong emphasis on returning to your own church congregation or parish and
becoming an active layman." Van Liefde also mentioned the fact that one of
the promises of Promise Keepers is his commitment to "give generously of
their time, treasure and talent to their local church." Roman Catholic
leaders are quick to observe how Promise Keepers can be used to build a false church
which preaches a false gospel.
The pressure to follow the crowd and
silence the voice of scriptural reproof is growing. In closing this article,
however, we would point out that any pastor and church wanting to stand against
such compromise will have to take a stand now against the Promise Keepers
teachings. Many who have already joined this group are now bent on recruiting
new members with fully as much zeal and pressure as sports-minded college
alumni men seek to recruit top athletes for sports programs.
We see this recruiting zeal of those who
become involved in the movement to be one of its greatest hazards. Why? Because
there will be many faithful pastors who have in the past taken a stand against
all ecumenical endeavors and movements which would introduce doctrinal error
and the devilish spirit of new-evangelicalism into their congregations, but who
now are pressured into buying into the Promise Keepers program.
How could a pastor say "No, we
cannot ..." to men returning from a Promise Keepers conference who promise
the pastor they will support him, work with him, and pray for him as never
before? How can he deal with these undoubtedly well-meaning, yet misled, men
within his own church who are now exerting pressure upon him to fall into line
with the program? Imagine the faithful pastor's dilemma! Up until now he could
herald a warning against Romanism, liberalism, ecumenism, charismatic delusion
and the like without reservation. But now he has men within his own flock who
are introducing the people to all of the above and more under the attractive
packaging -- Promise Keepers!
Fundamental,
Bible-believing pastor, you must take a stand against this or you will be taken
down by it. The machinery is coming into place for this movement to have a
continuing influence on its Promise Keepers for years to come. Should you be
forced into the program now, dear brother, you will be battling its impact for
the duration.
A closing word about those who say,
"Why not just emphasize the good things in Promise Keepers?" Such
an argument sounds reasonable until you consider the very serious doctrinal
errors involved. When a deadly poison is discovered in a popular medicine, no
one insists on emphasizing the good ingredients; every one insists on
identifying and warning about the poison. When meat or other food is found to
be contaminated, the concern is not about the beneficial substances involved,
but rather the giving of strong warnings as to the nature, source, and
elimination of the contamination. Spiritual poison and contamination
(error) are even more dangerous since they affect the eternal welfare of
individuals and the reward or loss of reward for believers (1 Cor. 3:9-15; 2
Jn. 8; Rev. 3:8-11).
As far as naming names is concerned,
this also is frowned upon by most believers today. Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ
(who is the very personification of love) issued some of the strongest warnings
and rebukes ever given to the false teachers of His day. Read Matthew chapter
23 and pay careful attention to the words our Saviour used concerning the
Scribes and Pharisees. Notice His instruction to "call no man father"
upon earth (v. 9), and also the particular words He used forbidding repetitious
prayer (Matt. 6:7). Both of these are disobeyed by Roman Catholics. And, mark
well the warning of Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves." And, what about Peter, one of the three disciples who were
closest to Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry? Was Christ's rebuke of
Peter before the other disciples unnecessary and unloving (Matt. 16:21-23)?
And, look carefully at the experience of Peter who learned the hard way about
the disaster of claiming to be a promise keeper in his own strength (Mark 14:26-42).
Furthermore, the apostle Paul, one of
the greatest Bible teachers, pastors, evangelists and missionaries of his day
spent three years warning the Ephesian elders about the wolves (false teachers)
who would enter into the flock from without; and a similar warning about those
who would arise from within the church who would desire to "draw away
disciples after themselves" (please read Acts 20:17-32). Likewise both
Paul and the other apostles, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, did not
hesitate to mention names. Notice how often they rebuked by name those who were
disobedient to the Word of God. 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:10, 14; 3 John 9.
We must follow their example and obey God rather than to trust the promises of
any man.
Promise
Keepers is dangerous, but please do not forget that these words of warning are
an effort to "speak the truth in love," praying always that God will
help those affected to see this.
Labels: Ecumenical
Organisations Specific Info, Errors Of
Experiential Christianity, Heresy Watch, Info On Specific
Ecumenical Organisations, Rise Of Apostasy
John Chingford said...
I am sorry to inform that Josh McDowell endorses
"Promise Keepers". I discovered that he spoke at PK events and
wondered why, so I wrote an email to his organisation.
The following are my emails and the replies I got as follows:
From: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 9:51 AM
To: Info@josh.org
Subject: Promise Keepers Query
I have always been in favour of Josh McDowall's ministry. However, I have heard something which concerns me. I wonder if you would clarify the issue please.
Is it true that you are a supporter and activist of Promise Keepers?
Did you know that they are highly ecumenical? I have read their 7 promises. It seems that for the sake of unity experience through prayer and worship is more important than following biblical truth.
When scripture teaches to not be conformed to this world (eg unscriptural unity) by being transformed by the renewing of our mind (which comes through scriptural application)it means the bible decides what we do - not experience! On this basis I am wondering how your organisation can be a supporter of Promise Keepers. Please advise. God bless
From: Penny Woods
Subject: RE: Promise Keepers Query
To: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Thursday, 18 February, 2010, 17:23
Josh has been a speaker at Promise Keepers’ events from time to time over the years. I will make Josh aware of your comments and pass your email on to him.
We appreciate your sending your thoughts.
In His service,
Penny Woods
Josh McDowell Ministry
From: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 20:09 PM
To: Penny Woods
Subject: Promise Keepers Query
Thanks Penny,
I wonder if Josh would be able to answer my question personally. I have many email contacts and a website. As a number of apologetic websites are warning us about Promise Keepers and naming those associated (the name of Josh came up - this is why I wanted his personal response rather than hear it second hand) I would like to clarify things. However, if Josh is endorsing them, then I will have to advise everybody about this.
Doesn't Josh know that any allegiance (in any way) with the Catholic church and popes is going down the road of the apostate, babylonic whore of Revelation? The ecumenical movement is basically the brain child of the Vatican to Babylonise the true faith. Promise Keepers being ecumenical and accepting Roman Catholics as Christian brothers (for the sake of unity) not disputing doctrinal issues is in fact going to bed with Rome.
What should I tell my readers?
Yours in Jesus
From: Penny Woods
Subject: response from Josh McDowell
To: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wednesday, 5 May, 2010, 21:38
John,
I have just received a response from Josh concerning your February email to him requesting the level of his involvement with Promise Keepers. His comment is below:
“I appreciate P.K. but am not a supporter or activist.”
I’m sorry, John, that it’s taken some time to get back to you, but Josh has a busy schedule which prevents him from having speedy responses to those who have questions for him.
In His service,
Penny Woods
Josh McDowell Ministry
The following are my emails and the replies I got as follows:
From: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 9:51 AM
To: Info@josh.org
Subject: Promise Keepers Query
I have always been in favour of Josh McDowall's ministry. However, I have heard something which concerns me. I wonder if you would clarify the issue please.
Is it true that you are a supporter and activist of Promise Keepers?
Did you know that they are highly ecumenical? I have read their 7 promises. It seems that for the sake of unity experience through prayer and worship is more important than following biblical truth.
When scripture teaches to not be conformed to this world (eg unscriptural unity) by being transformed by the renewing of our mind (which comes through scriptural application)it means the bible decides what we do - not experience! On this basis I am wondering how your organisation can be a supporter of Promise Keepers. Please advise. God bless
From: Penny Woods
Subject: RE: Promise Keepers Query
To: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Thursday, 18 February, 2010, 17:23
Josh has been a speaker at Promise Keepers’ events from time to time over the years. I will make Josh aware of your comments and pass your email on to him.
We appreciate your sending your thoughts.
In His service,
Penny Woods
Josh McDowell Ministry
From: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 20:09 PM
To: Penny Woods
Subject: Promise Keepers Query
Thanks Penny,
I wonder if Josh would be able to answer my question personally. I have many email contacts and a website. As a number of apologetic websites are warning us about Promise Keepers and naming those associated (the name of Josh came up - this is why I wanted his personal response rather than hear it second hand) I would like to clarify things. However, if Josh is endorsing them, then I will have to advise everybody about this.
Doesn't Josh know that any allegiance (in any way) with the Catholic church and popes is going down the road of the apostate, babylonic whore of Revelation? The ecumenical movement is basically the brain child of the Vatican to Babylonise the true faith. Promise Keepers being ecumenical and accepting Roman Catholics as Christian brothers (for the sake of unity) not disputing doctrinal issues is in fact going to bed with Rome.
What should I tell my readers?
Yours in Jesus
From: Penny Woods
Subject: response from Josh McDowell
To: anonymousalways2010@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wednesday, 5 May, 2010, 21:38
John,
I have just received a response from Josh concerning your February email to him requesting the level of his involvement with Promise Keepers. His comment is below:
“I appreciate P.K. but am not a supporter or activist.”
I’m sorry, John, that it’s taken some time to get back to you, but Josh has a busy schedule which prevents him from having speedy responses to those who have questions for him.
In His service,
Penny Woods
Josh McDowell Ministry
John Chingford said...
Please advise me how I should understand the
response I got from Penny Woods. It isn't a direct email from Josh, but is
surely enough to indicate that Josh is ecumenical?
Is this important enough to place on a specific post?
Is this important enough to place on a specific post?
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