The following was submitted to my second favorite apologetics ministry Apologetics315, it is about my most favorite apologetics site, how I started an apologetics program at my church and will be featured here along with many other fabulous testimonies and resources to help you get apologetics into your church.
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Hello there, my name is Damon Whitsell. I am a member of, and now long dreamed of Apologetics teacher at, Grace Community Baptist Church in Dayton Texas.

Although I have studied General and Christian Cult Apologetics since 1985 and have been DOING Apologetics online and in life since 1998 because I have Mormons, Oneness Pentecostals, Word of Faithers and Bible Missionaries in my family – I was kind of intimidated when I first thought the Lord was leading me to start an Apologetics class at my church. Because of that I just set out to start an Apologetics Movie Night, possibly in someone’s home or at church on a weeknight.

When I went to looking for DVD resources I found Aplologetics315’s “How To Get Apologetics In Your Church” list of testimonies here and here. I found them epically helpful and thought a full blown class was very possible. I really liked some of the suggestions and even considered writing my own curriculum but I am deep into studying to try to become an effective public speaker on the dangers of Islam, so I had to find the easiest way possible. That is when I found Charlie Campbell and AlwaysBeReady.com. Here is how that very valuable resource helped me start a full blown apologetics program at our church. I believe going the ALWAYS BE READY route is so simple, someone who knows nothing about apologetics can start a complete apologetics program at their church.

I did four core things to get started. I bought a 24 pack of Apologetics DVD’s in one case, a 27 Pack with the same DVD’s, plus two more, in their own cases, a bulk order of 30 of one of Charlies books “One Minute Answers To Skeptics Top 40 Questions” and I created a website. Charlies whole website is awesome really. Here is how I used these resources.

I keep the 24 DVD’s in one case and we replaced our Sunday evening discipleship class with a DVD viewing class from 5pm to 6:30pm. I preview/review the video each week, say a little bit beforehand and field questions afterwards. But because of the quality of Charlie’s teaching and video content (samples clips can be seen on Charlies site and Youtube, although some on YT are not as high of quality), there are relatively few questions asked as Charlie usually answers most of the questions later that pop up in your mind while viewing the DVD’s. It was much easier than I thought it would be and does not eat too much into my Islam study and counter-jihad time, as Charlie has his notes for almost all the DVD’s available at his site. I also purchased 3 prong folders with blank notebook paper and a header page with a 16 week schedule on it. I also print Charlie’s notes for everyone each week. They really enjoy it, as I do, and our class has as many attending as our Theology Program (more on that below). We now have a 16 week class that we plan on repeating over and over. And we are starting an 8 week class for our high-school youth using the best and most foundational of those DVD’s.

I turned the 27 pack of DVD’s in individual cases into our Apologetics DVD Library and that is really really popular. Our people are learning allot and one young autistic man is shining and will do great things for God one day. I got a plastic box for filing papers and it is perfect to be THE BOX for our DVD’s. I put labels on the DVD’s and their cases to keep them together easily, a list of the DVD titles on the outside of THE BOX so we all know what DVDs we have, and I require a phone number, if possible, to check DVD’s out. This proved essential when someone left our church and I had to call to get a DVD returned. I keep a sign-out notebook in THE BOX and at first I was taking THE BOX home with me and bringing it to church on Wednesdays and Sundays. But now members can return and check out DVD’s from our secretary, although I still carry THE BOX with me most of the time. When telling the congregation about the DVD library I would say “for those of you who don’t know me yet, I’m Damon and you can just call me the GUY WITH THE BOX”. It really helped everyone learn my name and I eventually learned theirs even though I am really bad with names.

Each Student got a folder to take notes and keep Charlie’s notes in, and a copy of the great and quick reference resource book “One Minute Answers To Skeptics Top 40 Questions”. The books have been passed around the congregation and 8 have been given away to others outside of our church by those who received them, because they either wanted a friend or family member to read them, or they was asked to loan the book out by someone. I paid for everything up-front but the church reimbursed me the around 500 dollars. So when asked how much the books were, I said they were free, even though most tried to give me the 5 dollars, or so, they cost at bulk rate. We are now buying another bulk order of the books for our upcoming apologetics class for our high-school youth. The only bad thing from my perspective about these books, Charlie and his ministry, is the Lordship Salvation (LS) issue. Mr. Cambell is a LS believer and that means he defines repentance differently than we do. Because of this I got an article on Repentance approved by my pastor to clarify a few things Charlie says and attached the article to the inside of the books. On the new purchase of 30 I will be putting labels inside saying the book is a gift from our church and a bit about our classes, so if the books are given away, the people who receive them will know about our church and the total educational program available to them there.

I have experience building websites so I made a website @ GraceApologetics.com for advanced apologetics. In Charlies first DVD, “DEFENDING THE FAITH: The Importance of Contending for the Truths of Christianity”, he mentions website building as a way to DO apologetics by creating a site for yourself or others. He says it is a 5 minute process, and it is, but like he himself has done more to his site than that, you too can have a really nice full featured custom website pretty easily. Charlie recommends blogger but I am an ex-blogger user and now WordPress Fanatic. You can register at WP.com, get a blog, select a theme and make minor customizations such as your own background and/or header. You can go a step further and spice up your sidebars with text, pics, pic links and text links, as I did on our apologetics website. All that is required is to Google how to embed pictures, make Picture Links and Text Links with HTML, and follow the instructions. You can go further and get someone to write some CSS code for further customizations to your themes appearance. Or you can self-host your website and buy a custom theme and even have more custom features and fancier designs if you hire a designer or developer . And it is not as expensive as you might think because of a high level of free-market competition. The options are almost unlimited but it is really easy to make and get started on a basic website at WP.com – in about 5 minutes. Here are some customization resources and WordPress basic operational tutorials. And if you decide to self-host I highly recommend HostGator.com and Ithemes.com for themes. We are turning our blog into a group-blog to give students an avenue to DO apologetics in the public square, online. Instructions on how to do that are here and here. The young man with autism I mentioned earlier will be my first co-group-blogger. He does outstanding study, research and writing, and I am very happy to help him learn how to operate WordPress to publish them and provide him with his first avenue to do so. I think investing in him will have many eternal benefits for both him and myself.

Getting things approved was relatively easy considering at the time I only had a close relationship with the Pastor. I bought the 24 pack in one case first, for myself, and gave the first video to him to watch and told him of my plan. He watched three more of the videos and said run with it. He liked it allot and pushed it through the proper channels quickly. I cannot say how much doing this has helped me personally as I am now known by name to everyone and have developed at least five tight relationships so far because of starting and teaching these classes.

We are also doing a READ ALONG class for 3 young guys who just graduated high school that got into a little trouble and where banned from a previous general study class for our youth they were attending. I have developed relationships with all three of these guys and will be doing an 8 week class viewing DVD’s and reading Paul Littles “Know What You Believe” and “Know Why You Believe” classic apologetic combination. There will be a test to pass at the end, if they pass the church is buying them an all you can eat Pizza dinner. If not, we will do the class one more time. The church council for approval on that is now scheduled and the pastor and one of the deacons say it will surely get voted in. And the deacon said he will even pay for the books if funds are not appropriated because of current financial hard-times at the church.

As far as promotion, all I did was have the pastor speak about it from the Pulpit, he even gave a few apologetics based sermons. And he announced the start of the class for several weeks preceding the beginning of the class, and periodically afterwards. For about the first 6 weeks I put up flyers in the church saying a little bit about that weeks specific subject matter and giving the DVD title. I did the same with the Church sign/marquee.

So what we have now is an always repeating 16 week class for everyone, a twice a year 8 week class for high-school youth, a onetime 8 week class for our 3 young recently out of high-schoolers, an Apologetics Library and I am almost certainly fixing to live my dream and will be teaching a class on Islam. I am sure many things will change and one day I hope to also teach a class on the Word of Faith (WoF) Movement too because that is one of my areas of past deep study. We will be videoing and youtubing the Read Along, Islam and WoF classes. We are considering hosting an Apologetics Conference to spread the love of, and need for, Apologetics to other churches in our community. And because we do all this learning emphasizing evangelism, we hope to reach our community and touch the world for Christ too.

Along with our Apologetics Program, Theology Program, and other classes, it is possible that we have the best total educational program in town now that we have started an apologetics program. We have Theology to know WHAT WE BELIEVE and Apologetics to know WHY WE BELIEVE what we believe. And now we are ALWAYS READY to defend the historical orthodox faith that we believe in. I have advocated The Theology Program for about 6 years after I decided to purchase the program for myself instead of returning to Bible College. It is the best learning resource I have ever found. It is rightfully billed a “Seminary For You”. You can find an interview with its founder Michael Patton here on Aplogetics315 . Please take a look to see if it will be perfect for you and your church too.

I prayerfully hope this testimony, idea and reources will help someone, as I was amazed at just how easy and well the ALWAYS BE READY route worked out for me and my church. It is possibly the best thing I have ever done for my spiritual life with my Lord also. Myself and our Church has reaped many benefits and it looks like long term reaping ahead of us. My Pastor said this will probably help us build a larger membership in the long run. It for sure has blessed and grown me. If I can be of any assistance to anyone just contact me @ damonw_25 (AT) yahoo.com

Thanks for reading and GOD BLESS and be with you as you do your part to better your church, community and the world for Christ by starting an apologetics class or program at your church. It really is that big and important of a thing.

Damon Whitsell
The How2BecomeAChristian Apologetics Network
http://how2becomeachristianapologeticsnetwork.religionofconquest.com/

Additional information:

The DVD Titles
1. The Importance of Defending the Faith
2. Evidence for the Existence of God
3. All Roads Do Not Lead to God
4. Evidence for the Bible
5. An Examination of Apparent Contradictions in the Bible
6. If God is Loving, Why is there Evil and Suffering?
7. Hell Under Fire
8. My Top Five Questions (renamed “How to Respond to Critics”)
9. The Case for the Resurrection
10. The Lost Tomb of Jesus
11. Six Cures for the Fear of Evangelism
12. Islam
13. Jehovah’s Witnesses
14. Mormonism
15. Roman Catholicism
16. The New Age Movement
17. Judaism
18. Buddhism
19. The Emerging Church and the Battle for Truth
20. The Deity of Christ
21. Answers to Skeptics‘ Top Five Questions
22. The End Times: Ten Upcoming Events in Bible Prophecy
23. The Case for a Pretribulational Rapture
24. The Second Coming, Preterism, and the Book of Revelation
25. The Universe and the Love of God
26. Reaching the Lost
27. New! Wise Decision Making

Some questions effectively and concisely answered in the book.

1. What evidence do you have that there is a God?

2. What evidence do you have that the Bible is actually true?

3. Hasn’t the Bible undergone corruption as it was translated through the centuries?

4. What about those who have never heard about Jesus? Will they be condemned to Hell?

5. If God is so loving, why does He allow evil and suffering?

6. Does it really matter what people believe as long as they are sincere?

The title of this article was taken from an article that I wrote below entitled “Baptismal Regeneration (BR) Reduced To Absurdity”. Since, even though it is denied by CoCers with the use of semantics, BR is one of the foundations of the CoC, I thought the title would transfer over great.

This post will be mostly text of debates between myself and several CoCers. To that simultaneous series of debates, this response was posted by a commenter named Ex-CoC, they said,,,,

“This is the most helpful information I have come across, I am a former coc, and have had doubts and confusion on the teachings. All the people who posted pro coc just made me feel a whole lot better I was far away from the lot of you. Damon you could afford to be a little more polite, I think but thanks at least I now know I wasnt crazy.”

I responded to Ex-CoC with,,,,

“Hi xCoC,,, I am glad it helped you visiting this site. let me give ya a couple of links I think you will like then I will tell ya why I will not try to be more polite to CoC’ers.

There is a brand new ex-coc book out that I found yesterday. Here is a sample

LINK HERE

Here is where you can buy the whole thing.

http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=53683

This ex-coc member (he has a great site HERE) is right when he says,,,”The Church of Christ denomination uses four main tactics in debating their pet doctrines. These tactics are generally used by all cultic groups. They are: 1. Change the subject 2. Take scripture out of context 3. Straw man arguments 4. Ad hominem attacks (attacking you instead of the issue).

I am lacking in politeness for a few reasons. But the most prominent one is that the CoC will use trollish tactics (meant just to get an emotional responce) and disregard the basics of logic and Logical Interchange (discussion). AND for those who have not had the pleasure of debating CoC for years as I have. People do fall for the twisting of Scriptures and sometimes it gets tough having to exchange with several people at once who’s only objective is to make you look bad and the CoC as the only one true church. AT ALL COST!!! and BY ANY MEANS!!

After all I am not on a CoC blog attacking them. They are guest here and will run no one over on my watch,,, especially me.. lol

The author of the above site says,,,”Scripture twisting is an art form that the CHOCD has mastered. The only other organizations that do it any better are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons…which is nothing to be proud of.”

I have to politely dissagree. The only cult I have more exposure to than the CoC is the Mormons. I have debated “Paid Mormon Scholars” and they are not as bad as the regular CoC folks,,, much less “CoC Scholars”.

Talk given on March 13, 2010 at the Capstone Conference held at Calvary Chapel Salt Lake City.

Leaders among the “restoration churches” have for years been saying that we have no creed/creeds. It appears to me that we have fooled ourselves into believing that if we repeat something often enough and loudly enough sooner or later people will believe it. It’s sort of how creeds are developed in the first place. In other words, if we practice or teach something long enough it will become an “old paths” tradition. Then, if the tradition doesn’t die, it becomes canon law (a creed) and is now a vital enough matter to debate.

Of course not all of us are guilty of accepting all of the creeds that will be here mentioned. So we may pick and choose those of which we are guilty of obeying and enforcing. Not all of the creeds “we” have sired will be here mentioned for two main reasons: 1) I can’t recall them all, 2) Lack of space and/or literary license from brother Charles. Now, if your kindness, dear readers, will allow, I shall launch into my laundry list of ecclesiastical creedalisms developed over myriad of decades of institutional evolution. These are not necessarily listed in order of importance.

First is the matter of the liturgical (orthodox) prayer of the churches of Christ. Our forms and expressions of worship can easily become crystalized. Involved in our prayer creed is the business of who to address. One must direct his prayer to God the Father and to Him alone; never the God the Son, Jesus Christ. Forget that we have a biblical example of Stephen praying directly to Christ. Forget that Jesus is our intermediary to the Father (can you imagine a client never getting to talk to his attorney?). Forget that some may occasionally desire to slip in a small, “I love you, dear Jesus, for what you did for me!”

Not only must we pray exclusively to the Father and never utter a word to Christ or the Holy Spirit (who also mediates on our behalf), but we must at home juncture within the prayer speak the words, “In Jesus’ name.” It is preferable to say this at the closing in a public prayer so that the congregants may Amen in agreement without distress.

Oh, I almost forgot, there is the matter of prayer “language” to the ultra orthodox. Majestic pronouns are often preferred over other, less regal, words (thee, thou, and thy over you and your). Somehow these pronouns are able to convey respect and humility to God in spite of the fact that there were no royal pronouns in the biblical languages. To add to this dilemma, there are also preferred cliche expressions to top things off (of course I try to avoid cliches like the plague. Expressions such as: 1) Guide, guard and direct, 2) Ready recollection, 3) Molestation, 4) Another portion of thy word, 5) Sick and afflicted, 6) Next appointed time, 7) Respective places of abode, et al.

Aside from the matter of “holy” pronouns and catch phrases is the business of regressing into Elizabethan English to speak to deity. Joseph Smith used this technique when he penned his Book of Mormon and “Inspired” version of the Bible. He assumed that if he wrote, “And it came to pass” some 2,000 times that the story would have an obvious ring of divinity. He, as we, used phrases with ancient words like wouldst and couldst and hast and loveth and coveteth. Really brethren, is a prayer more sincere if we say, “Holy Father, we loveth thee and coveteth thy bountiful grace” instead of”Dear Lord, we love you and ask for your generous mercy?” Besides, I tho’t coveting was a sin.

Second is the matter of the Lord’s Supper only to be taken on the first day of the week. If it’s taken any other time it’s got to be wrong. Forget that Christ instituted it on a “Thursday” (Thor’s day by our calendar) evening. Forget that there is no direct command found anywhere in the New Testament that requires Sunday (Sun Day) only observance. Forget that Jesus said, “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup.” Forget that in Acts 2 the disciples “broke bread” daily. We have legislated a creed (or simply held on to a vestage of Romish theocracy as many denominations unwittingly did) that demands the communion of our Lord to be experienced/enjoyed only on one day of the week every week.

Third is the creed of unfermented wine. That’s right. Jesus turned water into Welch’s grape juice. Alcoholic wine was not and “cannot” be used for the Lord’s Supper, period. (As fascinating as it seems, there is even a group in our fractured movement that believes only “fermented” wine can be used.) Who says so? Keepers of the creeds, that’s who. Forget that the Corinthian brethren got drunk on Lord’s Supper wine. Forget the prohibition to elders not to be given to much wine (why prohibit the consumption of harmless juice?). This scribe wrote a simple essay on the Lord’s Supper several years back and made the “mistake” of concluding that the fermentation, or lack thereof, of the communion wine was a matter of personal preference or circumstances. Letters poured in from both sides. Letters of disgust at my blatant liberalism. Yes, I’m a teetotaler, but our teetotaling mentality has foisted upon us another creed.

Fourth is the creed of unleavened bread. If the wine must be pure then it follows that the bread must be pure. Forget that unleavened bread was present at the time Jesus originated the Lord’s Supper because it was the only bread available at the moment because of the Passover feast just commemorated by Christ and His disciples. Forget that there is no command to use unleavened bread exclusively anywhere in New Testament scripture. If one doesn’t think we are hard line about such matters then attempt the use of fermented wine and store bought bread in most of our services.

Fifth is the matter of what form our worship singing will take. Form becoming tradition becoming creed again! This position (creed) is that all singing must be congregational (everyone singing at one time). There is no room for quartet or chorus (too much like a choir and everybody knows choirs are sinful) singing. There is no quarter for solos even though we sit mute while a paid orator (usually) tells us (in solo) what we want to hear but somehow we know that nobody has the right to sing (solo) what we want to hear.

Forget the fact that the New Testament is practically silent about the “form” of our singing and rather focuses upon purpose and intent (“with the spirit and understanding”). Forget the fact that Paul said of a group of Christians that each one had a song. Forget that many of our congregational songs have alto and soprano and bass leads that are sung while the rest remain attentive but silent. Who knows how much damage this one narrow minded creed has done to our creativity in developing songs and musical praise to God. And where is the scripture found for such a hard line position? Right next to the one that says we can sing in four part harmony.

Sixth is the matter of elders not needing to answer to the flock but the flock having to answer to the elders. This creed is directly tied to the concept of elders comprising an “eldership” which is more or less a “boat” that carries a decision making board of directors (see Bob West’s “I’ve Learned Better” in The Examiner, Sept. 1988). Forget that elders aren’t elders without the members first desiring and acknowledging such. Forget that elders are to be shepherds and sheep feeders rather than Lords and sheep herders. Most of the trauma concerning church leadership can be directly traced to elder-ships that suppose that somehow or other such servants are endowed with power to rule and reign over institutions called churches. Jesus died for indigents, not for institutions!

Seventh is the creed that worship consists of five (count’em) acts to be done in an assembly hall (usually an expensive edifice that helps maintain the institutional image). Five acts, mind you, is what worship is all about. And usually they must be done within the framework of an opening prayer (which begins worship) and a closing prayer (which ends worship).

This is one reason we have group singing (even choirs) after the dismissal prayer. You see, this makes it all scriptural. It is against our creed that “listening” is an item (act) of worship during singing. Forget that worship is an expression of the heart. Forget that there is no command to perform (engage in) five items of worship.

The five acts of worship, as if anyone would forget, include: 1) Prayer, 2) Lord’s Supper, 3) Money giving, 4) Singing, 5) And most important of all, a religious speech (usually by a professional lecturer) delivered to the very ones who provide his salary. That’s it, folks! Worship! Forget the bedtime Bible stories told by a loving mother to her little ones. Forget the hard work father does to provide for his family (and his tithe). Forget hospital visits, death sympathies, kind words of encouragement and letters to the lonely. There are only five items of worship.

Sadly, we do have an unmentionable “sixth item” of worship which has not yet received full canonical acceptance, namely, the announcements. Yet Goad is serious in making the point that even announcements can be very worshipful and vital to a family of God’s worshippers. So can foyer holy hugs and kisses.

Before I continue, I can hear some of you now. Please love me in spite of my mouth/pen. I love you all. Jesus loves us all. We be brethren because of Christ and not because of unanimity of opinion. As verbal as I am, I am trying to be brief. Every one of these creeds could be a ten page essay. So at least be grateful for my condensation of thoughts. That always leaves more room for ambiguity and misunderstanding, but I would love to hear from all who wish to write in response, whether in agreement or to set me straight.

Eighth is the creedal matter of how we interpret the scriptures. In a nutshell our modus operandi in such areas is simply: 1) Direct command, 2) Apostolic example, 3) Necessarily inference. This “necessary inference” is the one that has gotten us into big trouble throughout the years. Just who determines what is necessarily inferred for another person? If we were Catholics then it would be easy to answer that question. Again, this might assist us in understanding why we have developed elderships. They determine these matters.

Anyway, this three-pronged creed is an exegetical tool of understanding “who said what to whom when” and “is it binding for me?” Of course, there is no scripture that says this is how we define divine truth for the ages, but you couldn’t prove that by the decibels and syllogisms of some of our better known keepers of truth. Tools (formuli) to assist in understanding God’s word ought never to become ends in themselves. We all have differing vantage points from which we view scripture. The command-example-inference approach has its strengths and its weaknesses.

Not to undermine a help in understanding but to enable us to see that that is all it is, a tool, I mention just a few weaknesses. Our fellowship has loosed direct commands (holy kisses & feet washing for examples) and has bound inferences (Sunday only Lord’s Supper, congregation accapella singing for examples). I could list several examples but that is not my point. (I’d be delighted to hear from those with lists where we have inadvertantly or on purpose bound and loosed in such fashion.) My point is this, there are myriad ways for truth seekers to come to a knowledge of truth. I use one rule of interpretation that works for me better than any other. I’d be glad to share it. But I do not hide behind it as though it is an inspired creed revealed from God.

Ninth in our list of creeds is the one that says women can’t serve in a public way without usurping men’s authority. Let me give you an example. A woman can’t serve the Lord’s Supper emblems in assembly. I won’t bore you with other examples. This is sufficient. Forget that a woman can prepare emblems before the “worship begins” and bring them to the table. Forget that she can cook and serve at home without usurping her husband’s authority. Forget that serving has nothing to do with usurping in the first place. She can’t do it! Why? It violates this feminine creed.

There’s more. A ten year old boy who has just been baptized can pass the emblems up and down the church aisle, but a saintly seventy year old elder’s wife cannot. Get this. A woman can pass the emblems from side to side while sitting in the pew, but she can’t pass them up and down the aisle. And she had better be careful about standing up when she passes from side to side. Silly? You bet it is.

We have unknowingly (I’m being charitable) stifled the spiritual growth of countless female disciples by our insensitive and creedal approach that says to women, “Shut up and be quiet.” Please don’t 1,000 watch dogs write to me and remind me to read 1 Corinthians 14 and I Timothy 2. I already have. But my example has nothing to do with those passages in their context (spiritual gifts in assembly and men able to pray “everywhere” tho’ we have loosed the matter of holding up holy hands in that passage).

Tenth is the creed that fellowship implies (confirms) consent of the error of those we fellowship. Nonsense! I could fellowship the pope himself in helping rescue a beggar from his plight. That would not mean I accepted Roman Catholicism or Papal infallibility. Fellowship is a mutual sharing and joint participation. It is not a pot luck. It does not prove endorsement or error. If we could fellowship only those who fully agree with us on every doctrinal matter we’d all be lonely souls indeed. So simple and yet we miss it. We’ve been programmed and conditioned to accept ideas we haven’t even prayed over or thought through to their logical conclusions.

Eleventh is the implied creed that in order for a church to grow it must acquire an edifice and secure a paid edifier. That’s correct. To start a church one must get some land, build a building, put the sheep in debt for years, hire a F.T.P.G.P. then we’re in business. Somebody forgot to tell Peter, James and John about such methods. The Examiner has dealt so thoroughly with this idea that I’ll be quiet, such a task as it is.

Twelfth is the belief that the genuinely restored church of the first century A.D. is one that can be traced to a pioneer American religious movement. Religious movements can be productive when they force us to think ourselves out of indifference and creeds and point us back to the source of life. Yet we have a way of canonizing our restorationists.

Campbell no more had a monopoly on truth and understanding than did Luther in his time. We ought to be grateful for the contributions of both of these men. But to say, “Campbell’s movement has it!” or “Luther’s movement has it!” is a big mistake. Christ has it. Christ is it! We must learn to stop funneling our thinking through movements and men and focus on what makes us children of God.

Thirteenth is the notion that faithful preachers of the gospel are men graduated from our schools. True, Jesus operated a preacher training school for three years. But, again I say, nobody (body of teachers especially) has a monopoly on truth and faithfulness, not even us.

Fourteenth is the unwritten (I’ve even seen it in print) creed that deacons handle physical matters and elders decide on spiritual affairs. Forget that to be a true servant (deacon) of God is a highly spiritual matter. Forget that among the first deacons were found great evangelists. Forget that in many churches the elders are so bogged down with administrative trivia that they have precious little time left for the feeding and tending of sheep. Being a deacon is not merely a matter of physical administration.

Fifteenth is the notion that true New Testament preaching of the gospel is any talk or sermonette or homily delivered on Sunday from behind a wooden box or “pulpit” regardless of content. A sub notion is that if it’s out of the box then it falls under the classification of teaching. I am of the persuasion that most if not all of New Testament preaching was done without benefit of the clerical pulpit of today.

Did Peter have a pulpit when he used the keys of the kingdom on Pentecost? Did Paul have a pulpit on Mars Hill? Did Phillip, while riding in the eunuch’s chariot? It seems apparent that the proclamation of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and how sinners can participate in it is the heart and center of the gospel and that it can be delivered with an open Bible from across a kitchen table or while riding in an automobile. Few souls who have never heard of Jesus seem to be clamoring to attend our religious services so they can humbly sit at the feet of professional clergy. Probably less “conversions” take place in our stained glass cathedrals than we would like to admit.

Sixteenth is the creed that unity in Jesus can be had if the sectarians would just agree with us. In other words, unity is achieved through unanimity of opinion. Our opinion, of course. Just which of the many segments of the Restoration Movement possesses this truth (sound doctrine) remains to be seen and depends on who one talks to. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17. It must have been achieved because Paul wrote that it was something one could endeavor to keep or maintain. It was not had because everyone thought exactly alike but probably because all those in Jesus were of like mind…a big difference. Unity? Yes! Robots all thinking alike? No. We’re correct and you are not! Come join us and we can be one? Never!

Seventeenth is a creed already mentioned as we began this trek into reasoning, namely, the creed that says we have no creed but the Bible. It may be the noblest of all our creeds. I admit, I like it! It acknowledges a standard an authority. It points us to the liberating word. Yet it misses one glaringly fundamental point. The doctrine truth seekers encounter in the word are always open to individual interpretations. Our brains are different. Our backgrounds vary. Thus we often end up drawing dissimilar conclusions. Do our conclusions alter truth? No. Does a first impression understanding of a doctrinal matter mean one is correct? No. Does changing one’s mind or altering a position as maturity and insight are achieved suggest that truth is in a state of flux of the seeker of it is without proper understanding? Of course not.

Deciphering the mysteries of God’s divine revelation to humankind is a challenging and humbling experience. No one has an edge on how to come to grips with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. To say one has a hot line to Biblical interpretation smacks of popery and apostolic prowess. We deny papal right to speak ex cathedra yet some of our brethren come frighteningly close to it in their pronouncements and their efforts at keeping the brotherhood pure. Beware!

Eighteenth is a creed held by many that the Lord no longer divinely intervenes m bodily healing through prayer. We pray for the sick, often in token fashion, then usually add a disclaimer after a request by saying, “If it be thy will.” To me this implies that it is the Lord’s will that cancer ravage bodies and babies lives are snatched in infancy by sickness. Who of us really believes such? Do we pray believing the power of the universe is at our disposal? I confess that I have been programmed for so long that I wonder if I have the capacity to completely utter a prayer with childlike faith and trust, especially regarding the healing of the sick and infirmed.

Faith as a grain of mustard seed is all that is required but we have been taught such things ended about the time John penned his revelatory “Amen.” Perhaps we are afraid that if we teach and pray believing that this will lend credence to charlatans and frauds who dupe desperately ill and gullible people out of their money all in the name of divine gifts. Do frauds and fakers really detract from the promised blessings of Almighty God?

Nineteenth is that somehow God authorized a particular English translation of the Bible, namely the King James Version (or insert your choice). Someone jokingly said, “The KJV was good enough for Paul so it’s good enough for me!” Absurd, you say. Who believes such? Then why all the commotion and writing and debating about which translation is authorized? Authorized by whom? Sadly some people still don’t possess any Bible in their own native language yet some among us have created disturbances (even splits) over versions. God should be thanked, and linguists too, that we have so many good committee translations in English. Can you imagine French Christians arguing and splintering over the KJV when they can’t even read it in the first place?

Sometimes it appears our church leaders spend overtime deciding which topics we can debate over and quarrel over rather than focusing their talents and energies on the message of a redeeming Saviour. Brethren, no modern translation of the Bible is inspired of God (excluding the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation and Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of course).

Twentieth is a widely held creed among so many of us that the proper and divinely designated name for God’s kingdom on earth is (little c) “church of Christ.” Can you believe it? Yes. Try to alter the name. Just suggest such a thing. The ekklesia was called so many things that an obvious conclusion an open mind could draw was that there was never given (or intended) a proper name for the body of Christ. The “way” has always been described but never named. “The church of God” identifies the “bride of Christ” ten to one over “church of Christ.” Come to think of it “church of Christ” is found only in the plural and refers to congregations of the Lord’s people. We are so hung up on pigeon holing people. They all must have a name. We must have a name! The family of God transcends such legalism.

Twenty-first is the creed that only members of the (little c) church of Christ will be saved. Forget that all those who are in Christ Jesus will be saved. Our narrow understanding of that is to equate being in Christ with being in the church of Christ (our particular branch thereof). “One cannot be saved outside the kingdom of God and obviously the kingdom of God is us, the church of Christ.” What answer would one have received had he been able to ask a 95 A.D. disciple of Christ, “What is the name of the church?” Would such a question have made any sense?

Whew! I understand this seems negative. It could have been presented much more gently. But, alas, I have at my disposal only the writing skills thus acquired. So be patient with me. Forgive me for not quoting or scripture referencing every allusion to the Bible but I deliberately left those out to encourage you to search the scriptures personally. Those familiar with the word are aware and could easily quote appropriate scriptures at proper places within the text. The Lord bless you.

http://www.theexaminer.org/volume4/number1/creed.htm

from http://logosresourcepages.org/FalseTeachings/freemas_2.htm

Generally, the Freemason will inform anyone who asks, that his organization is not a religion. Thus, there would be no problem with any church affiliations, because joining the Masons is not joining “another church.”

Recently many newspapers carried an insert entitled, Freemasonry – A Way of Life. The insert stated, “Masonry is NOT a religion in any sense of the word, yet it is religious. Church membership is not a requirement, yet membership in ANY church is no bar to admission. There is nothing in the requirements of Masonry to prevent a Catholic, a Mohammedan, a Jew, a Buddhist, a Protestant, a Mormon, or any member of any religion from becoming a member.” (The Question of Freemasonry, Computers for Christ). Dr. Richard Thorn, a 32 degree Mason writes, “Masonry says that it is not a religion. An honest interpretation of the teachings of Freemasonry will show that instead of teaching men what to believe, men are simply asked to put the religion they already have, when they become a Mason, into everyday practice” (“Fundamentalist & Freemason,” The Northern Light, Vol. 25 No. 3 August, 1994, p. 9). Many similar statements are given by those involved in Freemasonry, and likely many believe it. But are they correct in their conclusion that Freemasonry is not a religion? Let’s investigate and see what we uncover.

• The Definition of “religion”

To begin with, we need to define the word “religion.” Webster defines it as “…a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of people or sects…” (Webster’s College Dictionary, Random House 1991 ed., p. 1138). To be sure this definition could be expanded to include much more, but this basic definition is sufficient for the purpose of this report.

Let’s apply the key words and phrases from this definition of religion to Freemasonry. First, Masons have “…a specific fundamental set…” That is, they have set parameters, or guidelines, they operate by. Second, Freemasons hold to a system of common “beliefs” that form the foundation of their organization and which are agreed upon by their members. Finally, it encourages “practices,” which require a written standard from which to formulate them. Among their teachings are volumes of written materials explaining their doctrines, beliefs and goals. It is clear, Freemasonry fits the dictionary definition of a religion.

• The Teachings of Freemasonry

Albert G. Mackey and Charles T. McClenachan wrote the 2 volume set titled Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. This set is a standard reference for the “beliefs and practices” of Freemasonry. Note the following statement concerning Freemasonry and religion: “There has been a needless expenditure of ingenuity and talent, by a large number of Masonic orators and essayists, in the endeavor to prove that Masonry is not a religion… I contend, without any sort of hesitation, that Masonry is, in every sense of the word, except one, and that its least philosophical, an eminently religious institution — that it is indebted solely to the religious element which it contains for its origin and for its continued existence, and that without this religious element it would scarcely be worthy of cultivation by the wise and good” (Vol. 2, p. 618).

Clearly, according to this statement, it is legitimate to speak of the “Religion of Freemasonry.” The above statement speaks of the “religious element,” which would indicate some form of doctrine. It uses the term “cultivation,” which seems to imply its practices. Mackey and McClenachan continue: “The tendency of all true Masonry is toward religion. If it makes any progress, its progress is to that holy end. Look at its ancient landmarks, its sublime ceremonies, its profound symbols and allegories — all inculcating religious doctrine, commanding religious observance, and teaching religious truth, and who can deny that it is eminently a religious institution?… Masonry, then, is, indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it” (Vol. 2, pp. 618-619).

It is obvious in the view of these Freemasonry writers that Freemasonry is a religion when they declare, “…who can deny that it is eminently a religious institution?“

• Other Indicators of The Religious Nature of Freemasons

There are other indicators that clearly verify the religious nature of Freemasonry including their ancient landmarks, ceremonies, symbols, allegories and teachings. One example is the meeting place, the Masonic Lodge. “Every lodge is a Temple, and as a whole, and in its details symbolic… A ‘lodge’ is defined to be ‘an assemblage of Freemasons, duly congregated, having the sacred writings, square, and compass, and a charter, or warrant of constitution, authorizing them to work’” (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1917 ed., p. 7).

The ranks of Freemasonry also suggest a religious order. Note the titles included in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry — Perfect Master; Prince of Jerusalem; Chief of Tabernacle; Prince of Tabernacle; Knight of the Brazen Serpent; Prince of Mercy and Commander of the Temple. These titles are immersed in religious meaning and symbolism.

There is a great deal of symbolism involved in Freemasonry. “Freemasonry is a system of morality developed and inculcated by the science of symbolism… Withdraw from Freemasonry its Symbolism, and you take from the body its soul, leaving behind nothing but a lifeless mass of effete matter, fitted only for a rapid decay” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Vol. 2, p. 754). “Masonry uses many symbols. They’re our primary way of teaching, just as they were in ancient times” (Questions and Answers, The Northern Light, February 1993, p. 19).

Though there is much more that could be stated, it should be apparent that Freemasonry is a religion. It is seen through the writings of the Masonic Order, the terms used in various activities, the titles of the hierarchy and the symbolism that is involved.

• Why The Denial?

Why do many Masons deny that their organization is a religion? Why would a friend or relative neglect to be honest about their organization? There may be various reasons for the uncertainty of their answers.

To begin with, there are people who become involved in organizations in a superficial manner. I am convinced that many join Masonic organizations without a full understanding of the teachings the organization holds. They join simply for the companionship or for social contact or social standing. Their involvement is limited to the initiatory status without their knowing the history, doctrines or practices of the organization.

In reality, Freemasonry does not reveal its teachings to every Mason. One of their own publications admits that. “Masonry, like all the Religions… conceals (italics his) its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the Truth, which it calls Light, from them, and to draw them away from it. Truth is not for those who are unworthy or unable to receive it, or would pervert it” (Morals and Dogma, p. 105).

Clearly Freemasonry allows intentional deception within its ranks when it desires to do so. In any event, it appears that not all Masons understand what is involved in the beliefs and practices of the Masonic Order.

Finally, the Mason is sworn to secrecy through oaths throughout the 33 degrees. For example, the Entered Apprentice of the first degree swears, ” …binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the sands of the sea, at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, should I, in the least, knowingly or wittingly violate or transgress this my Entered Apprentice obligation. So help me God, and keep me steadfast” (Ralph P. Lester, ed. Look to the East! A Ritual of the First Three Degrees of Masonry. Charles T. Powner Co., 1982, p. 31). Could it be that the denial is due to the oaths taken, and the penalty for disclosing any secrets? I believe the answer is “YES!”

• Is Freemasonry a Religion?

Though the arguments stated above are certainly nowhere near exhaustive, they are sufficient to establish the fact that Freemasonry is a religion. It fits an acceptable definition of a religion, and has its own order and system of doctrine.

Best known for their “prosperity gospel”, they promise riches in this life. W ask and answer the question, “Is Word Faith prosperity really Biblical prosperity?” The answer might surprise you. We let the Bible speak.

However the Word Faith Movement is in far deeper water doctrinally. Certain lines cannot be crossed without becoming outright heresy. These lines include the Person of Jesus Christ. We must not misrepresent our Lord and Savior, or we could be found guilty of presenting “another Jesus” and “another gospel” as the Apostle Paul warned the church.

Has the Word Faith Movement crossed the line? We believe so and you can decide for yourself as this DVD takes a Biblical look at some of their more aberrant teachings. Be prepared to be shocked!

Lorri MacGregor brings over thirty years of Discernment Ministry experience to this expose, having authored two books, ten DVDs, numerious articles and booklets examining various groups.

Lorri was a Jehovah’s Witness for 15 years and together with her husband Keith MacGregor and ministry partners Richard and Cheryl Schatz, serves with MM Outreach a US based non profit organization dedicated to the preaching of the gospel message to lost and hurting people.

Word Faith Is it the Word or the Faith of the Bible? © 2009 MM Outreach Inc

Posted by Basilius M. Kasera

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