Newsletter Classics
The Greening of the Cross
May 16, 2021 • Dave Hunt
July 1997 Newsletter Newsletter Archives: https://www.thebereancall.org/newsletters Newsletters in Spanish: https://www.thebereancall.org/spanish Newsletters in German: https://www.thebereancall.org/german Audio Newsletters: https://www.thebereancall.org/newsletter/audio Printable Newsletters: https://www.thebereancall.org/newsletter/pdf The "Gaia hypothesis" is taken seriously at gatherings of scientists seeking to restore and preserve the Earth. Goddess worship is, of course, promoted by feminists, even by some who call themselves Christians. Rosemary Radford Ruether, professor of theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, has written Gaia and God: An Ecofeminist Theology of Earth Healing. Consider the "Re-Imagining God, the Community and the Church" conference held in 1993. One of the speakers was Chung Kyun Kyung, a South Korean Presbyterian. In her plenary address to this "Christian" gathering, Chung declared, Endnotes (1) Earth & Spirit: The Spiritual Dimension of the Environmental Crisis, International Conference brochure sponsored by Chinook Learning Center, Seattle, WA, Oct. 19-21, 1990. (2) The Moscow Plan of Action of the Global Forum on Environment and Development for Human Survival, Jan. 1990 (final draft), 9. (3) Ibid., 12. (4) Ibid. (5) Carl Sagan, Cosmos (Random House, 1980), 243. (6) The Oregonian, Sept.13, 1992, Forum 4. (7) Parade Magazine, Mar. 1, 1992. (8) Cited in Ground Zero (C.T. Communications, Box 612, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0, Canada, Oct./Nov., 1996), 8. (9) From a brochure promoting the event and sent out by Marilyn Ferguson and her Brain/Mind Newsletter. (10) Foundation, July/Aug. 1994, 6-7. (11) Christian News, Mar. 21, 1994, 8. (12) Christian News, Feb. 5, 1996, 1. (13) O Timothy, 11:3, 1994. (14) O Timothy, 9:1, 1992. (15) Ed McGaa, Eagle Man, Rainbow Tribe: Ordinary People Journeying on the Red Road (Harper San Francisco, 1992), 3. (16) Los Angeles Times, Feb. 5, 1993. (17) Laura Sessions Stepp, "Creation theories aside, they join forces to save the Earth," The Morning News Tribune (May 24, 1992), A3. (18) "Religious Leaders Join Scientists in Ecological Concerns," Christianity Today (Aug.19, 1991), 49. (19) Tarrytown News (Nov. 1984), 5. (20) Calvary Contender (June 15, 1996). (21) Christian News, Mar. 21, 1994, 8. (22) Norman Vincent Peale, PLUS: The Magazine of Positive Thinking, 37:4, May 1986, Part II, 23.
Caesar and God
May 9, 2021 • Dave Hunt
June 1999 Newsletter Every Sunday-school child knows the story well. Hoping to entrap Him, the Pharisees and Herodians publicly confronted Jesus with an apparently unanswerable question, "Is it lawful [under the law of Moses] to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?" They had cleverly plotted to place Christ in an impossible position. If He answered "yes," He would be a stench to the Jews, who hated Roman taxes. If He answered "no," He would be fomenting rebellion against Caesar, and the Romans would crucify Him. Jesus, "knowing their hypocrisy, said unto http://them...bring me a penny...." When someone presented the coin, Jesus asked whose picture was on it. When they told him it was Caesar's, Christ spoke these oft-quoted words, "Render [give] to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mk12:13-17). His brilliant avoidance of the trap that had been carefully laid for Him left the rabbis speechless. To their chagrin, they found themselves unable either to denounce Him to the Romans or to discredit Him with the Jews.
Unity and Truth - Newsletter from April 1998
April 25, 2021 • T.A. McMahon
"Political/religious correctness" is essential to the false unity desired by this world. "Spirituality" without truth will be the rule. The world will have returned to Babel, where the "city" (i.e., the secular government) and the "tower" (i.e., the religion) were united: "[L]et us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven..." (Gen 11:4). Those who persist in the claim that some teachings are wrong will be silenced for the good of society. That trend is already reflected by TBN's Paul Crouch, whose prayer demands immunity from correction: "God, we proclaim death to anything or anyone that would lift a hand against this ministry...."1.
Weaning Evangelicals Off the Word - Part 2
April 18, 2021 • T.A. McMahon
Last month, in part one of this series, we quoted the Apostle Paul speaking about how Christians would view doctrine in the time prior to the return of Christ for His church: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4). Obviously, biblical doctrine will not be looked upon favorably. The implication is that doctrine will be regarded as rather burdensome, something that Christians of the future won’t want to “endure.” Conforming to sound doctrine involves spiritual discipline, thoughtful diligence, and making choices based on God’s Word that go against the desires of the flesh. What is sound doctrine? Very simply, it is the teachings of God, including His instructions, His precepts, His commandments—in short, it is every word that He says from Genesis to Revelation. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). Yet in the Last Days, many if not most Christians will not endure sound doctrine. So what will be left? Apostasy—a form of Christianity that is a mere shell of what the Bible teaches. It will accommodate the lusts of the flesh under the guise of godliness, as Paul tells us in his second epistle to Timothy. Furthermore, there will be an ample supply of persuasive Christians around who will, wittingly or unwittingly, subtly and not so subtly (but nonetheless surely), subvert sound doctrine. And the process is already well underway.
Weaning Evangelicals Off the Word - Part 1
April 11, 2021 • T.A. McMahon
Apostasy is rampant within the evangelical church today. At least that’s my perspective as one who has observed religious trends and developments for three decades. Before I present my specific concerns, let me define some terms. The use of the word “evangelical” in this article simply refers to those who would say that the Bible is their authority in all matters of faith and practice. “Apostasy” consists of those teachings and practices that are contrary to the Word of God yet seduce and deceive both professing Christians and true believers. “Biblical apostasy” is a falling away that will result in a false Christianity under the control of the Antichrist: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away...”(2 Thessalonians 2:3). Although the culmination of the Apostasy takes place after the Rapture of the church, various aspects of this apostate religion have and will continue to ensnare many believers throughout its development.
Great Among the Gentiles
April 4, 2021 • Dave Hunt
We have often pointed out in these pages that prophecy comprises nearly one-third of the Bible. Though so neglected by most of the church, prophecy is, in fact, the cornerstone of Scripture. In Isaiah 42:8-9, 46:9-10, 48:5 and many other places God declares that He will prove His existence and vindicate His Word by telling, through His prophets, what will happen in the future and watching over history to make certain that it does. To most Christians, prophecy involves "last days" events. Yet most biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled. These are world-shaking and history-making events foretold centuries and even thousands of years in advance—and their fulfillment has been witnessed by the entire world.
What's Happening to the Faith?
March 21, 2021 • Dave Hunt
The one true "gospel of God's grace," which God offers as our only salvation, has three basic elements: 1) who Christ is—fully God and perfect, sinless man in one Person (were He less, He could not be our Savior); 2) who we are—hopeless sinners already condemned to eternal death (or we wouldn't need to be saved); and 3) what Christ's death accomplished—the payment of the eternal penalty for our sins (any attempt by us to pay in any way rejects the Cross). Christ has commanded us to "preach the gospel [good news!] to every creature [person]" (Mark 16:15). What response is required? Both the desperate question and uncomplicated answer are given to us: "What must I do to be saved?...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31). Neither religion, ritual, nor good works will avail. God calls us to simply believe. "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8)—whosoever believes in him will not perish, but has eternal life (John 3:16). It is the gospel alone that saves those who believe it. Nothing else will save. Therefore, we must preach the gospel. Paul said, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (1 Cor 9:16). Sentimental appeals to "come to Jesus" or "make a decision for Christ" avail nothing if the gospel is not clearly explained and believed. Paul specifies the gospel that saves: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3-4). "I am the door," said Christ: "by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). The gospel contains nothing about baptism, church membership or attendance, tithing, sacraments or rituals, diet or clothing. If we add anything to the gospel, we have perverted it. —Dave Hunt, excerpt from The Nonnegotiable Gospel, 2006.
A City on Seven Hills
March 14, 2021 • Dave Hunt
...I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads.... And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.... And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains [or hills], on which the woman sitteth. Revelation 17:3,4,18,9 A woman rides the beast that represents Antichrist and the revived Roman Empire he will rule. She is a city built on seven hills that reigns over the kings of the earth! John equates the readers' acceptance of this revelation with "wisdom." That insight demands our careful and prayerful attention. Many prophecy teachers insist that the woman is the United States. No, the US is a country. It might justifiably be referred to as Sodom, considering the honor now given to homosexuals, but it is not "Mystery Babylon." She is declared to be a city. Nor is the woman ancient Babylon now being rebuilt in Iraq, for it is not built on seven hills. Some other cities are, but only Rome meets all the criteria, including being known as Babylon. Even Catholic apologist Karl Keating confirms that Rome was known as Babylon and cites 1 Peter 5:13.1The Catholic Encyclopedia states, "It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills, that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined.
A Cult is a Cult
March 8, 2021 • Dave Hunt
The evangelical church today is being seduced as never in its history. It faces a danger so grave that, although we have discussed this problem before, it must be addressed again with new insight and vigor. If evangelicals succumb to the seduction, as they increasingly are doing, then their gospel witness will be submerged in confusion and could eventually be lost—a tragic and new dimension to the apostasy from which the church and the world will never recover. Most astonishing and alarming is the fact that (with few exceptions) evangelical leaders and even the major cult watchers refuse to acknowledge this threat. We are therefore compelled to address the subject once again with renewed concern.
Anti-Christianity Ascending - Part One
February 25, 2020 • T.A. McMahon
When I first began speaking at prophecy conferences years ago, I was intrigued by the fact that during the panel question-and-answer sessions there were always a few questions related to the Antichrist. It was a bit unsettling—probably because I knew little about that end-time biblical figure and cared even less. I therefore avoided adding my uninformed remarks and usually passed the microphone to the speaker to my right or left. Then there came a time when that wasn’t an option, and I had to say something. As I remember it, my comment was something that I now regard as astute sounding but in reality was ignorance verging on stupidity, i.e., some sort of babble about “Why should we concern ourselves with the Antichrist when we believers will be raptured before he comes on the worldwide scene?” I know people who feel that way today, but I gave up that misconception early on, and here’s why.
They Have Forsaken the Lord
November 1, 2019 • Dave Hunt
Most of us fail to grasp the depths of depravity into which the United States—and the world––are rapidly sinking, provoking a merciful and patient God to judgment. The evidence is overwhelming. Yet we’re blinded to the truth like the proverbial frog in the pot that is slowly, by small degrees, being brought to a boil. Deceit is everywhere, and lies pass for truth. The major promoter of abortion calls itself Planned Parenthood. By what perverted logic can a husband and wife who deliberately murdered in the womb what would have been their baby be called its “parents”? Shouldn’t the organization that inspired and assisted in this foul deed rather be called “Planned No Parenthood”?
Justice, Forgiveness and Transformation
May 16, 2019 • Dave Hunt
This is a newsletter article taken from our archives. More newsletters area available here: https://www.thebereancall.org/newsletters Introduction: The Bible declares, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." After the creation of all else, God said, "Let us make man in our http://image....so God made man in his image." He then created Eve, a wife for Adam, and gave them the easiest command possible: of the innumerable trees of delicious fruit He had planted in the Garden paradise, there was only one of which they were not to eat: "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" (Gen 2:9). It could have borne any variety of fruit. There was no spiritual power in the fruit of this tree any more than in any other fruit just like it.
A Call to Repentance
April 16, 2019 • Dave Hunt
It is now nearly 500 years since October 31, 1517. We need a new Reformation—this time more biblical and thorough. We are drowning in “political correctness.” Having changed from a president who couldn’t define “is,” we have one who persists in calling Islam “peace” in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary. What the Bible clearly calls sin is whitewashed as “alternate” styles of living. Nothing is wrong, so nothing is right. The church has joined the world, the gospel has been compromised, and we think God doesn’t care. Elijah’s words come across 3,000 years of history to rebuke us as he did Israel: How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. (1 Kings 18:21) More than 90 percent of Americans claim to believe in God. About 80 percent call themselves Christians. But when asked to define God, the answers range from “Mother Earth” to a “higher power.” Even many who claim to be born again deny that Jesus Christ is the “only way to God.” About 70 percent of Americans, 64 percent who call themselves born again, and 40 percent of self-proclaimed evangelicals reject the idea of absolute truth. And most of those who claim to believe in absolutes have fallen victims to a universal reluctance to speak the truth.
Christ Died for our Sins
April 6, 2019 • Dave Hunt
In desperation, the Philippian jailor cried, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s reply was simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). The great apostle said nothing about baptism or sacraments, candles, incense, church attendance, reforming one’s life, or anything else being necessary or even helpful for salvation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible makes it clear that there is nothing a sinner can do, much less must do, to pay the infinite penalty required by God’s justice. One can and need only believe in Christ, who paid the penalty in full: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30)! continue reading: https://www.thebereancall.org/content/christ-died-our-sins
O, Jerusalem!
April 1, 2019 • Dave Hunt
Israel is the major topic of the Bible, occupying most of its pages. The many prophecies concerning its past, present, and future are vital in understanding God’s Word. Sadly, they are ignored, explained away, or simply rejected by the vast majority of professing Christians, a growing number of whom insist that Israel has been replaced by the church. Yet Jeremiah declares that Israel will never “cease from being a nation” (Jer 31:35-37); in just one sermon Paul refers to Israel as an ongoing entity three times (Acts 13:17, 23, 24); and on the twelve gates of heavenly Jerusalem are written the names of “the twelve tribes of the children of Israel” (Rev 21:12)—so ten tribes were not lost after all!—along with the names of “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” in the foundations (21:14). Unaware that “replacement theology” is one of several Roman Catholic doctrines that clung to Luther, Calvin, and other leading reformers, it is accepted by many as Reformation theology.