And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Vol 13, Num 24, 07/18/2010

Published by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ

Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692

Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM

Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday

Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers

Editor......Joe R. Price

Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt
Joe Price

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
John Hague
Dan Head

In this issue:

• Freemasonry and the Christian (6)

  Sermon Outlines:

  • Addicted to Sin (Psalms 119:9-16)
  • Lead Us Not Into Temptation (James 1:12-16)

Freemasonry and the Christian (6)
Joe R. Price (edited and condensed)

In this last article of the series, we continue to examine some doctrines and teachings of Freemasonry that stand in opposition and contradiction to plain Bible teaching. If the reader has not read the previous article in this series, please refer to that article which is continued here.

Cannot Know the Truth

Whether the Mason will admit it or not, Freemasonry rests upon the view that truth is relative. The only absolute truth Masonry recognizes is the existence of a Great Architect of the Universe (although Masonry does not admit that He is the God of the Bible) and the immortality of the soul. Between these very broad boundaries, Masonry’s view of truth is that of entire relativity.

“What is truth to me is not truth to another…”

“…No man can say that he hath as sure possession of the truth as of a chattel. When men entertain opinions diametrically opposed to each other, and each is honest, who shall decide which hath the Truth; and how can either say with certainty that he hath it? We know not what is the truth. That we ourselves believe and feel absolutely certain that our own belief is true, is in reality not the slightest proof of the fact, seem it never so certain and incapable of doubt to us. No man is responsible for the rightness of his faith; but only for the uprightness of it” (Morals and Dogma, pp. 165-166).

This noted Masonic writer makes the mistake so many others make. They confuse human opinion and divine truth. Certainly, just because one believes something does not make it true (Prov. 12:15). But, that does not mean truth is relative. There is a standard of truth we can know and by which we can live (Jn. 17:17). Our faith in Christ and His word of truth rests upon solid evidence (Heb. 11:1; Jn. 20:30-31). We can know that we have the truth (Jn. 7:16-17; Prov. 23:23). And, every other belief and doctrine can be measured by the standard of divine truth to determine whether it is true or false (Psa. 119:104; 1 Thess. 5:21-22). Divine truth, the inspired word of God, is the absolute standard which judges us all (Jn. 12:48; Rev. 20:12).

Masons Alone Are Saved

Freemasonry contains elements suggesting that only the enlightened Mason, who is erecting a spiritual temple within himself, shall be saved in eternity. Consider the following: “The religious faith thus taught by Masonry is indispensable to the attainment of the great ends of life; and must therefore have been designed to be a part of it...If we could cut off from any soul all the principles taught by Masonry, the faith in a God, in immortality, in virtue, in essential rectitude, that soul would sink into sin, misery, darkness, and ruin” (Morals and Dogma, p. 196; emp., jrp).

Since supposedly one cannot know what Masonry teaches without being a Mason (which is false), one must be a Mason to know its great truths and thereby escape sin, misery, darkness and ruin! Of the Mason involved in his labor, Pike says:

“Let him who toils complain not, nor feel humiliated! Let him look up, and see his fellow-workmen there, in God’s Eternity; they alone surviving there. Even in the weak human memory they long survive, as Saints, as Heroes, and as God’s: they alone survive, and people the unmeasured solitudes of Time” (Ibid., p. 343; emp., jrp).

Thus, Masonry endorses the position that whether one be Muslim, Jewish, or Christian, only those who are Masons will survive in “God’s Eternity.” However, the gospel teaches that those who “know not God,” and those who ”obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus” shall be eternally lost (2 Thess. 1:8-9). To ”know God” one must “keep his commandments” (1 Jn. 2:3). One who is not a Christian -- bought by the blood of Christ - is lost, whether a Mason or not (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:3-6). Masonry deceives the hearts of men and gives them a false hope of eternal life.

Use of Religious Titles

One obvious error of Masonry is its use of religious titles in its ceremonies. The head of the Blue Lodge is designated as the “Worshipful Master.” No Mason will deny this. In defense of such a practice, one Mason told me that “Worshipful Master” is just an Old English title of respect. My friends, certainly it is a title of respect, but that does not make its use legitimate. “Reverend” is also a “title of respect,” but the Bible says only God’s name is “reverend” (Psalms 111:9). To use such in reference to men is a sin. Jesus said, ”Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ.” (Matt. 23:10)

To use such a title (which is clearly religious in nature, and places men in a position to be unduly honored) is blasphemous because it attributes divine distinction to a man. Why would anyone, especially a Christian, want to defend such an ungodly practice? In this practice, Freemasonry is clearly opposed to the Bible.

Taught to Tolerate All Forms of Religion

The “Grand Masters” (20th degree) of the Lodge are charged to teach their “Brethren”
“To respect all forms of worship, to tolerate all political and religious opinions; not to blame, and still less to condemn the religion of others; but to be content if they have the religion of Socrates; a veneration for the Creator, the religion of good works, and grateful acknowledgement of God’s blessings…” (Morals and Dogma, p. 333).

Such instruction flies in the face of the teachings of Christ and the duties of faithful Christians. Jesus taught that God accepts one who worships Him ”in spirit and truth.” How can a Christian have respect for false worship and false worshippers? The Christian is to teach the gospel to a lost and dying world (Mark 16:15-1; Acts 8:4; 2 Tim. 2:2). Yet, Masonry says tolerate all religious opinions (that would include false doctrine) and do not seek to make converts to your own particular religion (cf. Acts 17:2-4; Gal. 2:4-5; Phil. 1:7, 17; Jude 3). How blatantly opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ! How could a Christian be a member of such a truth-denying organization? Why would he want to be?

Masonry Teaches a False Plan of Salvation

Some Masons have told me that if it could be proved that Freemasonry has a plan of salvation they would acknowledge it to be a religion. Well, the evidence is in, and Masonry is found guilty of propagating a false formula of salvation. In Morals and Dogma, pp. 638-642, the “Christian interpretations of the Blue Degrees” are given.

Herein is taught what the degrees of Freemasonry mean to the Mason who believes in Jesus as the Christ. In this instruction we are told: “Notwithstanding the death of the Redeemer, man can be saved only by faith, repentance and reformation” (Morals and Dogma, p. 639).

This coincides with general Masonic teaching, that one must believe in a Supreme Being, change his outlook on life and erect a spiritual temple. Masonry basically teaches the same formula of salvation many other religious organizations teach, namely, faith only. But, the Bible plan of salvation is: faith in Jesus as the Christ (Jn. 8:23-24), repentance of sins (Acts 17:30), confession of one’s faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and water baptism for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then, once saved from past sins, the Christian is to live a faithful life in Christ (Rom. 6:17-18; 12:1-2; 2 Tim. 4:7-8). The poof is clear and cannot be successfully refuted. Freemasonry teaches one can be saved in a way different from what the Bible teaches.

Such contradictions of Bible truth could be multiplied. This evidence has been presented to show clear and undeniable proof that Freemasonry conflicts with the word of God in both its beliefs and its practices. To those Christians who are members of the Masonic Lodge, I ask you to give prayerful consideration to this evidence against the backdrop of divine truth, and reject Masonry for the safety of your own soul (1 Thess. 5:21-22; 2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1).

“Freemasonry and the Christian” www.bibleanswer.com/masonry.htm

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

Addicted to Sin

Scripture Reading: Psalms 119:9-16

1. Addiction commonly defined.
2. Sin can be addicting, 2 Pet 2:14, Eph 2:3.
3. Sin repeated over and over sears the conscience (1 Tim 4:1-2), hardens the heart (Heb 3:12-13) and can make repentance “impossible” (Heb 6:4-6).
4. Addiction to sin can be overcome in Jesus Christ! 1 Jno 4:4; Rom 8:37; Heb 4:12

I. THE PROBLEM: ADDICTED TO SIN, Rom 3:15-18 (Isa 59:7).

A. Sin, Left Unattended, Grows Worse and Worse, 2 Tim 3:13.
B. Sin’s Addiction: Eyes that are Set on Sin, 2 Pet 2:14; 1 Jno 2:16.
C. Ruled by Sin (slave to it), Rom 6:6, 12; 2 Pet 2:19. (Discuss freewill)

II. THE SOLUTION: BECOME ADDICTED TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, 1 Jno 2:28-29; 3:7-9.

A. Develop a Heart Given to Doing God’s Will, Gal 2:20.
B. How Sin’s Addiction can be Broken:
1. Do not let sin rule over you, Rom 6:6-7, 11-14; Col 3:5-7.
2. Yield up yourself to obedience, not to sin, Rom 6:15-18.
3. Be alert to the dangers of sin, Rom 13:11; 1 Cor 10:13.
4. Deliberately choose to stop sinning, Rom 13:12-13 (2 Cor 12:21).
5. Put on the Lord in your life, Rom 13:14 (12:21, 2; 1 Cor 9:27; Phil 4:6-7).
6. Trust God to work in your life by obeying Him, Phil 2:12-13.
C. Be Addicted to Righteousness, Phil 4:8; Rom 8:38-39; Prov 4:23; 3:5-8.

Conclusion
Choose whom you will serve, Josh 24:15.

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Scripture Reading: James 1:12-16

1. Matt 6:13: Protect us against temptation; do not allow us to be led into temptation, Lk 22:40 (Matt 26:41).
2. There are ways of escape, 1 Cor 10:13.
3. Identify and avoid temptations.

I. TEMPTATION TO GROW (SUCCEED) AT ANY PRICE.

A. Desire to be “Progressive” / “Innovative” at the Expense of Truth, 1 Sam 8:19-20.
B. These Things Amount to Compromise of Christ’s Doctrine and an Abandoning of the Old Paths of Truth, 2 Jno 9-11; Jer 6:16-17.

II. TEMPTATION TO BE POPULAR AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR PERSONAL CONVICTION AND CONSCIENCE TOWARD TRUTH.

A. The Appeal of Popularity is Strong, Jno 12:42-43; cf. Gal 1:10; 2:11-12; Phil 4:8. Lk 12:4-5 (Heb 13:5-6).

III. TEMPTATION OF FITTING INTO THE WORLD’S MOLD, Rom 12:1-2. (Matt 6:24; Lk 12:15; Col 3:2; Jno 17:17)

A. Solution: Be Conformed to the Image of Christ, Col 3:10; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Pet 2:21.

IV. TEMPTATION TO BECOME COMFORTABLE IN NOT FULFILLING OUR SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

A. Lose Vigilance to Serve, Jno 9:4; Ro 12:11
B. Regarding Opportunities to do Good as a Nuisance, Gal 6:10 (Lk 10:29-34, 36).
C. By Seeing no Need to Personally Mature, Heb 5:12-14.

V. TEMPTATION TO LOVE THIS PRESENT WORLD AT THE EXPENSE OF SALVATION IN THE WORLD TO COME, Heb 11:25; 1 Jno 2:16-17 (Psa 73:3, 12-14, 17-19); Phil 2:14-16.

Conclusion
Pray the Lord’s protection, Matt 6:13.

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
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