The Ecumenism Established by the National Day of Prayer, Sept. 3, 2017
READING TIME: 12 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/281580652341650/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth).
President Trump has proclaimed today as a National Day of Prayer. He has stated the prayers are for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. At least 44 people have lost their lives. There has been an incredible amount of destruction and rebuilding will be challenging to say the least. But, while we will always pray and help in any tangible way we can, participating in a nationwide call to prayer on a specific day should not even be considered by a true believer.
In this situation, as in many others, I pray people would look at the story behind the story as it were. The enemy is coming as an angel of light in so many instances and most people don’t even realize it. What we have is a nation of church attendees who have been trained to look for revival in the last days; who have been told 2 Chron. 7:14 applies to America today; who have been told America is a Christian nation, and all of these most likely will view this call to prayer as a wonderful thing. However, anyone who reads the full proclamation should be stopped dead in their tracks by the following lines: I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey…Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer…
Let’s examine the problems with each of these three statements: 1) “I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today…” – With this statement the President has legitimized all false religions. He has given them the false assurance that their religion is valid and that their gods hear and answer their prayers. 2) “Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time.” – The phrases “in our own way” and then “upon our God” instead of saying upon our own God, along with the capitalization of “God” indicate a belief that all paths lead to the same God, the true God, which is universalism. 3) “I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer…” – The President has given equal standing to all houses of worship: churches, mosques, synagogues and so forth. Again, we see the idea all Americans pray to the same God with the “one voice of prayer” phrase. Also, with this phrase he has shown his support for false unity.
(Here are many scriptures on separation and sister Tammy shared several of them in this discussion: Romans 16:17-18; II Corinthians 6:14-18; 11:1-4; Galatians 1:8-9; Ephesians 4:14-15; 5:11; Philippians 3:1-2; Colossians 2:8; II Thessalonians 3:6; I Timothy 1:3; 6:3-5; 6:20-21; II Timothy 2:16-21; 3:5,13; Titus 1:10-14; 3:9-11; II Peter 2:1-3; 3:17; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3; Revelation 2:2,6,14-16,20-23; 18:4).
Thinking back to the specific statements from the proclamation, none of this should surprise us because even though many people believe Trump is a Christian, there is no evidence to indicate this is true. And, while I recognize that statement might upset some people, the Bible does say we will know them by their fruits. We are not declaring a person’s eternal destination when we say these things, but our hearts are that someone would truly preach the gospel of salvation to the President. But, let’s give some specific facts concerning his beliefs. Many of the listeners probably have heard that Trump attended Norman Vincent Peale’s church for years. Norman Vincent Peale wrote “The Power of Positive Thinking” and mainly preached a message that said our thoughts can change our lives, our health, our destiny. Then, in addition, many probably have seen the video or heard about Trump’s interview where he very clearly said he had never repented, but just tried to do better.
In another interview conducted by syndicated columnist, Cal Thomas who asked Trump about his earlier statement, Trump responded: "I will be asking for forgiveness, but hopefully I won’t have to be asking for much forgiveness.” At the conclusion of the interview, Cal Thomas asked Trump, "Who do you say Jesus is?" Trump said this: "Jesus to me is somebody I can think about for security and confidence," Trump said. "Somebody I can revere in terms of bravery and in terms of courage and, because I consider the Christian religion so important, somebody I can totally rely on in my own mind." However, a Christian will clearly answer that Jesus Christ is his/her Savior.
Then, during an appearance at the Family Leadership Summit in July of 2016, Trump said that he had never asked God for forgiveness but that he does take communion, which he described as "[w]hen I drink my little wine -- which is about the only wine I drink -- and have my little cracker, I guess that is a form of asking for forgiveness, and I do that as often as possible because I feel cleansed."
Additionally, in June of 2016, James Dobson came out and said someone had led Trump to the Lord, but he was still a baby Christian. To this we would say, baby Christian or not, a believer would sell his casinos and so forth and completely repudiate his former lifestyle.
Moving on we would like to mention that the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, also designated today, Sept. 3, as a Day of Prayer in Texas. He stated: “I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day…” So, he and Trump have both legitimized all false religions. They both have given people of all religious systems the false assurance their religion is valid, and that their gods hear and answer their prayers. And, incidentally, Greg Abbott is a practicing Catholic. This statement is from the Texas Tribune. Org: “As a practicing Roman Catholic, Abbott often points to his faith as a building block of his political values. Religion and politics often being inseparable in Texas, the governor routinely takes to social media calling for prayers and quoting scripture.” And, I am sure many people are excited about him doing so, either not knowing or not caring that he is a Catholic. But, we have discussed many times the push after Vatican II to bring the “separated brethren” back to Rome so this shouldn’t surprise us.
So, how have those in the modern church come to accept the idea that praying with people of other religious systems is permissible?
Well, one reason is that it has become the expected response for many to attend prayer vigils, or events, in times of tragedy, whether it is terrorist bombing incident, or individuals are killed or harmed another way. Another reason is many such as Glenn Beck and Liberty University president, Jerry Falwell Jr., have promoted the idea we can push aside religious differences in times of crisis in the government; that we can pray together and work together for the good of the whole nation. The idea has developed that people with varied beliefs can come together in prayer and that somehow they’re all still praying to the same God. If we think about it, Christians have been encouraged on a regular basis, for a few years now, to attend events which include prayer, even when we have no knowledge of the beliefs of those present.
Here are a few examples: “The Response” events in Houston in 2011 and in Baton Rouge in 2015; and, then, ERLC President Russell Moore and Focus on the Family President Jim Daly have encouraged evangelicals to attend the March for Life events which are mainly organized and attended by Catholics; also, Franklin Graham’s “Decision America Tour” of 2016 and then the prayer vigil which was held in July of 2016 when 5 police officers were shot in Dallas. The following religious leaders spoke: Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter’s House, Imam Omar Suleiman and Catholic Bishop Kevin Farrell; we had the Republican National Convention, held last July, which featured prayers by members of the Sikh, the Muslim, and the Greek Orthodox religions. In addition, the presidential inauguration featured prayers by those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths. The Mormon, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baha’i, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu faiths were all represented at the prayer service held at the Washington National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Then, this past May, we have the example of the NDOP event which was held in the Rose Garden. The first prayer was given by Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, a 40,000-member mega church near Plano Texas. Here are some excerpts:
“We do humble ourselves before you our great God. We thank you for your amazing grace that brought us into your family and brought us here together today, for your love that restores and renews us and this nation in times like these.” Now, he was praying to a group that included Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Jews, and so forth. How did he have the nerve to say, “Your amazing grace that brought us into your family? Is he so Biblically illiterate that he doesn’t know Gal. 3:26 which says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus?”
Additionally, Trump said this at the NDOP: “It is a beautiful thing to see these three faith leaders from three very different faith traditions come together and lift up our nation in prayer,” Mr. Trump said. “Not only are we a nation of faith, we are a nation of tolerance.”
Then, in our last two discussions we talked about the clergy in Charlottesville and their response to the news that alt-right protestors would be coming to their city on August 12. Here is a press release that was sent out: “Congregate C’ville has issued a call for 1000 clergy and faith leaders to travel to Charlottesville August 11-13. Local clergy and faith leaders are planning trainings, interfaith services and opportunities for visible prayerful presence throughout the weekend. Together, we can confront the rising threat posed by these white supremacist groups in Charlottesville and across the country.” And, as we learned there were Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Buddhists, and Unitarians present.
So people have slowly been indoctrinated to the idea that we can pray with those of other religions and God doesn’t mind one bit. We would strongly say otherwise, however, because we have read the verses about being separate and we take them seriously and pray that others would, too!
A major problem is most people don’t stop to consider whether their attendance at such events pleases God. They don’t even stop and question whether God listens to prayers at such events because they just assume all prayer is a wonderful thing. Those who attend have the same goals, whether it’s saving the nation or gathering to show unity in the face of violence, and so forth, but there is no way to ascertain the beliefs of everyone attending these events. So, if those in attendance are from different religious systems the prayer vigil is, by definition, an ecumenical event.
And, it is evident, from these scriptures (John 9:31, Psalm 34:15, Proverbs 15:29, etc.) God does not listen to the prayers of lost people, or false believers, unless they are calling out to Him in repentance. And, then we should remember the example of Elijah in 1 Kings 18. While gathered at Mt. Carmel, Elijah didn't tell the children of Israel to join up with the prophets of Baal to pray to God because of the three-year drought they were experiencing, but rather he said to separate! 1 Kings 18:21: "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." So, we can clearly see that Elijah didn’t encourage false unity, but rather the opposite.
You know, when I first read this proclamation I couldn’t help but think of Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I know the President used the words urge and call on, rather than commanded, when addressing the people of this country, but this is still troublesome. I would like to read just a few of the verses from Dan. 3.
Verse 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And, then verse 18 which should always be the response of true believers:
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
We know many people are excited about the President declaring this National Day of Prayer. One reason they are excited is because they were fed the line that Hillary Clinton was going to abolish Christianity and now, look, we have a President who staunchly defends it. But, what many people don’t seem to want to address is having a nation which offers religious freedom means people have the right to worship any false god they choose! So, this country tolerates and allows all kinds of false pagan practices and religions and then people have the nerve to call this a Christian nation! This makes no sense!
In times like these we should consider scriptures such as Ex. 20:3: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” I was listening to a program yesterday that mentioned this verse and the fact that the word gods, besides referring to deities, also refers to magistrates and rulers. So anyone who might want to participate in this National Day of Prayer by saying he or she isn’t praying to another god, but rather to the God of the Bible, well they are still breaking this commandment because they are following the directive of a magistrate or ruler, in this case Donald Trump, who is establishing a false unity among all Americans who participate in this National Day of Prayer. The One True God says for His people to remain separate in 2 Cor. 6:14-17.
And, you know, every news report I have seen about this hurricane mentions coming together, joining together, working together. The enemy is definitely using this event to instill the idea of false unity in people’s minds in many ways.
Another scripture to consider is John 15:7. Jesus says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” So, we must abide in Him in order for our prayers to be answered.
So, to reiterate, we have seen that true believers joining together with those of other faiths and presenting a united front, knowingly or unknowingly, gives credence to these false, pagan beliefs; such joining together flies in the face of clear, Biblical commands to remain separate.
READING TIME: 12 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/281580652341650/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth).
President Trump has proclaimed today as a National Day of Prayer. He has stated the prayers are for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. At least 44 people have lost their lives. There has been an incredible amount of destruction and rebuilding will be challenging to say the least. But, while we will always pray and help in any tangible way we can, participating in a nationwide call to prayer on a specific day should not even be considered by a true believer.
In this situation, as in many others, I pray people would look at the story behind the story as it were. The enemy is coming as an angel of light in so many instances and most people don’t even realize it. What we have is a nation of church attendees who have been trained to look for revival in the last days; who have been told 2 Chron. 7:14 applies to America today; who have been told America is a Christian nation, and all of these most likely will view this call to prayer as a wonderful thing. However, anyone who reads the full proclamation should be stopped dead in their tracks by the following lines: I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today for all those harmed by Hurricane Harvey…Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer…
Let’s examine the problems with each of these three statements: 1) “I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers today…” – With this statement the President has legitimized all false religions. He has given them the false assurance that their religion is valid and that their gods hear and answer their prayers. 2) “Each of us, in our own way, may call upon our God for strength and comfort during this difficult time.” – The phrases “in our own way” and then “upon our God” instead of saying upon our own God, along with the capitalization of “God” indicate a belief that all paths lead to the same God, the true God, which is universalism. 3) “I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the Nation to join in one voice of prayer…” – The President has given equal standing to all houses of worship: churches, mosques, synagogues and so forth. Again, we see the idea all Americans pray to the same God with the “one voice of prayer” phrase. Also, with this phrase he has shown his support for false unity.
(Here are many scriptures on separation and sister Tammy shared several of them in this discussion: Romans 16:17-18; II Corinthians 6:14-18; 11:1-4; Galatians 1:8-9; Ephesians 4:14-15; 5:11; Philippians 3:1-2; Colossians 2:8; II Thessalonians 3:6; I Timothy 1:3; 6:3-5; 6:20-21; II Timothy 2:16-21; 3:5,13; Titus 1:10-14; 3:9-11; II Peter 2:1-3; 3:17; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3; Revelation 2:2,6,14-16,20-23; 18:4).
Thinking back to the specific statements from the proclamation, none of this should surprise us because even though many people believe Trump is a Christian, there is no evidence to indicate this is true. And, while I recognize that statement might upset some people, the Bible does say we will know them by their fruits. We are not declaring a person’s eternal destination when we say these things, but our hearts are that someone would truly preach the gospel of salvation to the President. But, let’s give some specific facts concerning his beliefs. Many of the listeners probably have heard that Trump attended Norman Vincent Peale’s church for years. Norman Vincent Peale wrote “The Power of Positive Thinking” and mainly preached a message that said our thoughts can change our lives, our health, our destiny. Then, in addition, many probably have seen the video or heard about Trump’s interview where he very clearly said he had never repented, but just tried to do better.
In another interview conducted by syndicated columnist, Cal Thomas who asked Trump about his earlier statement, Trump responded: "I will be asking for forgiveness, but hopefully I won’t have to be asking for much forgiveness.” At the conclusion of the interview, Cal Thomas asked Trump, "Who do you say Jesus is?" Trump said this: "Jesus to me is somebody I can think about for security and confidence," Trump said. "Somebody I can revere in terms of bravery and in terms of courage and, because I consider the Christian religion so important, somebody I can totally rely on in my own mind." However, a Christian will clearly answer that Jesus Christ is his/her Savior.
Then, during an appearance at the Family Leadership Summit in July of 2016, Trump said that he had never asked God for forgiveness but that he does take communion, which he described as "[w]hen I drink my little wine -- which is about the only wine I drink -- and have my little cracker, I guess that is a form of asking for forgiveness, and I do that as often as possible because I feel cleansed."
Additionally, in June of 2016, James Dobson came out and said someone had led Trump to the Lord, but he was still a baby Christian. To this we would say, baby Christian or not, a believer would sell his casinos and so forth and completely repudiate his former lifestyle.
Moving on we would like to mention that the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, also designated today, Sept. 3, as a Day of Prayer in Texas. He stated: “I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers on that day…” So, he and Trump have both legitimized all false religions. They both have given people of all religious systems the false assurance their religion is valid, and that their gods hear and answer their prayers. And, incidentally, Greg Abbott is a practicing Catholic. This statement is from the Texas Tribune. Org: “As a practicing Roman Catholic, Abbott often points to his faith as a building block of his political values. Religion and politics often being inseparable in Texas, the governor routinely takes to social media calling for prayers and quoting scripture.” And, I am sure many people are excited about him doing so, either not knowing or not caring that he is a Catholic. But, we have discussed many times the push after Vatican II to bring the “separated brethren” back to Rome so this shouldn’t surprise us.
So, how have those in the modern church come to accept the idea that praying with people of other religious systems is permissible?
Well, one reason is that it has become the expected response for many to attend prayer vigils, or events, in times of tragedy, whether it is terrorist bombing incident, or individuals are killed or harmed another way. Another reason is many such as Glenn Beck and Liberty University president, Jerry Falwell Jr., have promoted the idea we can push aside religious differences in times of crisis in the government; that we can pray together and work together for the good of the whole nation. The idea has developed that people with varied beliefs can come together in prayer and that somehow they’re all still praying to the same God. If we think about it, Christians have been encouraged on a regular basis, for a few years now, to attend events which include prayer, even when we have no knowledge of the beliefs of those present.
Here are a few examples: “The Response” events in Houston in 2011 and in Baton Rouge in 2015; and, then, ERLC President Russell Moore and Focus on the Family President Jim Daly have encouraged evangelicals to attend the March for Life events which are mainly organized and attended by Catholics; also, Franklin Graham’s “Decision America Tour” of 2016 and then the prayer vigil which was held in July of 2016 when 5 police officers were shot in Dallas. The following religious leaders spoke: Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter’s House, Imam Omar Suleiman and Catholic Bishop Kevin Farrell; we had the Republican National Convention, held last July, which featured prayers by members of the Sikh, the Muslim, and the Greek Orthodox religions. In addition, the presidential inauguration featured prayers by those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths. The Mormon, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baha’i, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu faiths were all represented at the prayer service held at the Washington National Cathedral the day after the inauguration. Then, this past May, we have the example of the NDOP event which was held in the Rose Garden. The first prayer was given by Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, a 40,000-member mega church near Plano Texas. Here are some excerpts:
“We do humble ourselves before you our great God. We thank you for your amazing grace that brought us into your family and brought us here together today, for your love that restores and renews us and this nation in times like these.” Now, he was praying to a group that included Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Jews, and so forth. How did he have the nerve to say, “Your amazing grace that brought us into your family? Is he so Biblically illiterate that he doesn’t know Gal. 3:26 which says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus?”
Additionally, Trump said this at the NDOP: “It is a beautiful thing to see these three faith leaders from three very different faith traditions come together and lift up our nation in prayer,” Mr. Trump said. “Not only are we a nation of faith, we are a nation of tolerance.”
Then, in our last two discussions we talked about the clergy in Charlottesville and their response to the news that alt-right protestors would be coming to their city on August 12. Here is a press release that was sent out: “Congregate C’ville has issued a call for 1000 clergy and faith leaders to travel to Charlottesville August 11-13. Local clergy and faith leaders are planning trainings, interfaith services and opportunities for visible prayerful presence throughout the weekend. Together, we can confront the rising threat posed by these white supremacist groups in Charlottesville and across the country.” And, as we learned there were Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Buddhists, and Unitarians present.
So people have slowly been indoctrinated to the idea that we can pray with those of other religions and God doesn’t mind one bit. We would strongly say otherwise, however, because we have read the verses about being separate and we take them seriously and pray that others would, too!
A major problem is most people don’t stop to consider whether their attendance at such events pleases God. They don’t even stop and question whether God listens to prayers at such events because they just assume all prayer is a wonderful thing. Those who attend have the same goals, whether it’s saving the nation or gathering to show unity in the face of violence, and so forth, but there is no way to ascertain the beliefs of everyone attending these events. So, if those in attendance are from different religious systems the prayer vigil is, by definition, an ecumenical event.
And, it is evident, from these scriptures (John 9:31, Psalm 34:15, Proverbs 15:29, etc.) God does not listen to the prayers of lost people, or false believers, unless they are calling out to Him in repentance. And, then we should remember the example of Elijah in 1 Kings 18. While gathered at Mt. Carmel, Elijah didn't tell the children of Israel to join up with the prophets of Baal to pray to God because of the three-year drought they were experiencing, but rather he said to separate! 1 Kings 18:21: "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." So, we can clearly see that Elijah didn’t encourage false unity, but rather the opposite.
You know, when I first read this proclamation I couldn’t help but think of Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I know the President used the words urge and call on, rather than commanded, when addressing the people of this country, but this is still troublesome. I would like to read just a few of the verses from Dan. 3.
Verse 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And, then verse 18 which should always be the response of true believers:
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
We know many people are excited about the President declaring this National Day of Prayer. One reason they are excited is because they were fed the line that Hillary Clinton was going to abolish Christianity and now, look, we have a President who staunchly defends it. But, what many people don’t seem to want to address is having a nation which offers religious freedom means people have the right to worship any false god they choose! So, this country tolerates and allows all kinds of false pagan practices and religions and then people have the nerve to call this a Christian nation! This makes no sense!
In times like these we should consider scriptures such as Ex. 20:3: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” I was listening to a program yesterday that mentioned this verse and the fact that the word gods, besides referring to deities, also refers to magistrates and rulers. So anyone who might want to participate in this National Day of Prayer by saying he or she isn’t praying to another god, but rather to the God of the Bible, well they are still breaking this commandment because they are following the directive of a magistrate or ruler, in this case Donald Trump, who is establishing a false unity among all Americans who participate in this National Day of Prayer. The One True God says for His people to remain separate in 2 Cor. 6:14-17.
And, you know, every news report I have seen about this hurricane mentions coming together, joining together, working together. The enemy is definitely using this event to instill the idea of false unity in people’s minds in many ways.
Another scripture to consider is John 15:7. Jesus says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” So, we must abide in Him in order for our prayers to be answered.
So, to reiterate, we have seen that true believers joining together with those of other faiths and presenting a united front, knowingly or unknowingly, gives credence to these false, pagan beliefs; such joining together flies in the face of clear, Biblical commands to remain separate.