The Laodicean Church in the last half of the 20th century can be defined in one term – New Evangelicalism (or neo-Evangelicalism.) It began within Fundamentalism itself, in the 1940′s, and has proven to be Satan’s strongest weapon in defiling the church – bringing it from the Philadelphia Church Age, 1700-1900, when this country was founded – to a fully lukewarm, weak and ineffectual body.
The term “New Evangelical” was coined by Harold Ockenga, pastor of The Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts. In a news release, dated Dec. 8, 1957, Ockenga stated:
The New Evangelicalism has changed its strategy from one of separation to one of infiltration.
Ockenga believed that separation was outdated, and no longer useful in Christianity – despite the Biblical mandate for Christians to avoid being unequally yoked. Like a giant snowball – the movement gained momentum – and doctrine after doctrine was cast aside for what was deemed to be appropriate for the times.
Here you see Evangelical John Hagee in the center, with Mormon Glen Beck on the left, and Patriot David Barton on the right. This performance is done under the auspices of patriotism, but anyone who seriously studies the Bible knows what it is. And we can’t exactly give it a pass under the domain of political expediency, as John Hagee is neither a politician nor a news pundit.
Mixing solid Biblical belief, with cults and liberality equals one very lukewarm church. This tepid soup, has given birth to spiritual poverty, apathy, and utter blindness. The old Jesuit philosophy – “The ends justifies the means” – has brought Romanism right-smack-dab into the middle of the church in the form of “Evangelical ecumenism,” a phrase coined by Billy Graham, wherein he became the “spokesman of the convictions and ideals,” of the New Evangelist. Here is Graham in an interview with Larry King regarding the passing of Pope John Paul II:
KING: You said that he was an Evangelist.
GRAHAM: He was, indeed. He traveled throughout the world to bring his Christian message to the world. And we see tonight the outpouring from the world that he touched. And I think he touched almost everybody in the whole world.
Read cbn.com article here.
When I see Glen Beck speaking of Joseph Smith, while on stage with Evangelical Sarah Palin during a rally – I point it out to whomever I can. Would you like to know what response I receive? “That’s not so bad. They’re trying to take back this country! You’re being too judgmental!”
The hallmarks of New Evangelicalism:
- Liberals and cultists are included in prayer, crusades, committees, and given equal recognition as Christian leaders.
- Believes it is appropriate to join forces to reach souls for Christ – “The ends justifies the means.”
- Remains in liberal churches and organizations, like a mega or Purpose Driven Church, or the Masonic Lodge. Infiltration is better than separation.
- Conforms to the world’s thoughts and preferences.
- Questions the authority of Scripture and accommodates evolutionary theory by co-opting it into the Book of Genesis.
And just as Billy Graham received great “puff” press support from William Randolph Hurst in the 40′s and 50′s, so today, does Rick Warren receive the same support from Rupert Murdoch and his powerful news agencies. Living along side and cozying up to evil has served us the same as it served ancient Israel. When they did not eradicate the Canaanites remaining the land – they became just like the nations that were before them. They intermarried, joined in ventures, and worshiped their gods.
We do not need to be “like” the world to “win” the world! Our greatest and only tool is the Word of God. Period. Just as our Savior responded to the devil – every time – with the Word of God.
The Vine Vigil 