Many are anticipating the ‘epiphany’ or manifestation of the Messiah in these times of Tribulation. Christ himself revealed how he would manifest and to whom. This article will show the false and the true.
The word ‘epiphany’ is one of Greek origin. It is defined as; 1. to manifest or to show 2. an appearance or manifestation of a divine being 3. a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (as when something ‘dawns on you’, you suddenly or slowly perceive or understand).
Most people probably wouldn’t associate a Christmas Tree with idolatry. But God’s Word commands against this ancient custom of vanity and idolatry.
“The modern Christmas tree is frequently traced to the symbolism of trees in pre-Christian winter rites, wherein Viking and Saxon worshiped trees.” BBC Religion and Ethics
The Resurrection from the dead is the concept of coming back to life after death. It is a doctrine of the dead!
Many ancient cultures including Egypt and Babylon obsess over the dead and their funerary practices! They sacrifice to the dead, commune with and seek to for protection and favors. Their practices include veneration to and worship of the dead. With repetitious prayers, they cry out to and petition the dead thinking they’ll be heard. Some even cut and paint themselves in remembrance of the dead. Their gods must be out to lunch or asleep because they never respond!
The Apostles Creed is recited across many of the “Christian” religions. This creed is a “statement of faith” often used as part of baptismal ceremonies. In the previous article on this subject, we showed that the apostles themselves would not even know the Apostles Creed. It was fabricated three hundred years after Jesus and the Apostles under the influence of Babylonian, Greek, and Roman worship practices. These practices are contrary to God’s Word.
Let’s look more closely at this creed and at what Jesus and the Apostles themselves had to say. To begin, what exactly is the creed?
The Apostles Creed is recognizable to most “Christians” in the world.
Does this sound familiar?
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary…”
The creed is recited as part of the Roman Catholic Mass and baptism. The Episcopalians, Lutherans and Methodists also recite the creed as part of their baptism rituals. It may come as a surprise to the laity in the Protestant branches of Christianity to learn that Catholics recite the Apostles Creed and vice versa. Why? Because the Apostles Creed is a “statement of faith” and these different religions are taught that their religion is the correct religion, yet they all have the same “statement of faith.” Even more surprising is that this creed cannot be found in the Bible or in any other writings by the Apostles. So, where did it come from?
This article will answer the question of “Apostolic Succession,” what it is, who has claimed it for themselves, and to whom it rightfully belongs.
Jesus warned to watch out for “false prophets/teachers who come to you as wolves in sheep’s clothing.” The Book of Revelation states that the “whole world” has been deceived by a certain religious entity who is the “Mother” of them all. Let’s take a closer look at this and see what it all means.
Roman Pontifex Maximus claims succession to Christ
Jesus and the Apostles warned often of “false prophets.” In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses spoke of false prophets. Who were they talking about? Meanwhile, there are legitimate prophets like Moses, Jesus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, the Apostles and many more. What is a prophet and how can you tell a false prophet apart from the one you should actually listen to? Let’s take a look.
Jesus is not God. Jesus, more accurately known as Y’hoshua, is a son or child of God, one of many. Most “Christian” religions teach that Jesus and God are one and the same. Jesus himself said otherwise. Where?
“…Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God…” Matthew 19:17
Jesus said, “I have not come but for the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.” How did these sheep become lost? And why can’t religious leaders who profess to know God answer this question? The prophet Isaiah says, “If they don’t speak according to His Word, it’s because there is no light in them.” Beware of false prophets! “My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray…”
Shepherds Lead the Flock Astray
The following video looks at the tradition of the Christmas Tree and it being commanded against even before the time of Jesus. Religious leaders (the shepherds) don’t teach the people (the sheep) that this ancient tradition is evil to God according to His Word.
All we, Like Sheep… Isaiah 53:6
Truly “Ignorance of God is the greatest evil!” and the “reverence of God is the beginning of knowledge…” If your religious leaders are promoting a tradition that is Evil to God, they are ignorant of God and have no real reverence for Him!
October 31st, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther published his 95-theses document challenging doctrines of the Catholic church. The importance placed on the practice of selling indulgences, the false security it gave to those who purchased them and the true destination of the collected money offended Luther.
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
Martin Luther’s 2nd These states “This word (“repent”) cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.” These 35 states “They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessional privileges, preach unchristian doctrine.”
Luther greatly missed the mark by not denying the existence of purgatory or the ability of the church to sell indulgences. He was just alarmed that “Indulgence Preachers” were selling indulgences as a catch-all for anyone and any sin even if there was no remorse or contriteness. In addition, more importance was placed on selling indulgences than teaching the Catholic church’s interpretation of the Word of God. Luther’s These 53 states “They are the enemies of Christ and the pope who forbid altogether the preaching of the Word of God in some churches in order that indulgences may be preached in others.”
Martin Luther points to the true purpose of indulgences, funding the building of St. Peters Basilica in Rome. His 86th These states “Again, ‘Why does not the pope, whose wealth is today greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build this one basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?’”
Basilica of St. Peter – Built with Funds Raised from Indulgences
