Why Would a Pastor Condone Freemasonry

One possible reason could be that the entire church "board", most of the elders and half the deacons are freemasons, and he fears for his job.

I remember several years ago, maybe 15 or so...I was attending a SBC church at the time...freemasonry was a big subject that year at the convention. In the midst of all the discussion about what the "official" statement of the SBC should be, several pastors were interviewed and told horror stories about how they knew pastors who were told by the church board that if he didnt stop preaching against freemasonry they would fire him immedietly.

He didnt, and they did.

Job security could be a reason.

Praise God for those men who did not back down and were fired. They are right where God wants them to be, and it wouldnt suprise me if every one of them is being used mightily by God in some other ministry, or church, since they were supposedly "fired"

As if a group of men can "fire" one of Gods servants.

God bless,

Mike

 

I am not sure if Masonry's teachings are anti-Christian or not. Frankly, I'm worn-out over the posts on this issue, as the back-and-forth doesn't seem to come to any resolution. That said, WHY would anyone want to be a part of an organization that TAKES AWAY from time better spent at Church???

 

Perhaps there are more important doctrines to preach and the gospel itself without attacking charitable organizations such as the Lions Club, the Legion,Moose, Elk, ad nauseum, Masonry and the Shriners.

If we spent more time preaching sanctification, prayer, worship and study of the word, it seems that these outside organizations wouldn't be a threat.

On the challenge to the pastorate, there isn't a man on earth who could curtail my preaching of the gospel and the doctrines of the Lord Jesus. The local assembly has every right to disengage me on political grounds. The pulpit is for worship and the preaching of te word, and not a political platform.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Mike(OFF),

Thanks! That was a good message. Very sad sometimes, unfortunetly...but still good. Very much needed.

God bless,

Mike

 

Jim,

I dont know the 1st thing about the Mooses, Elks, Lions, or Legions, but Freemasonry is far more than just a "benevolent" organisation. And I am not argueing that they do lots of good work...they do. But regarding the "heart and soul" of freemasonry, buried under the thin veneer that most people see, there is very dangerous poision.

I tend to agree with you on that point. However, the masonic lodge infiltrates churchs where all that is going on.

I agree, and I would venture to say that these men who were "fired" are still being used mightily by God, in spite of this situation where they were forced out for proclaiming the truth concerning Satan infiltrating the church.

God help those who sided with Satan over Gods man...

Peace,

Mike

 

Again I say, if we preach the unadulterated truth of God's word, there is no need to name cults. Let every man examine for himself that these things are so.

Now, in defence, somewhat, of some masonic lodges, comprised mostly of twice born men, meetings can be a very spiritual event. These men behave differently and apply different interpretations. I cannot knock these men, but I can preach the word. Yes, there are some lodges, and prolly the majority, who are secular at best. Then so is the Legion, the Lions Clubs and many other fraternal orders. Are we to spend all our valuable times "exposing" all these cults? As I look over the churches to-day, I see all manner of evil far more imposing than these organiations. Divorcement is at an all-time high, even among Christians. Separation from the world is almost non-existant. They were called Christians first at Antioch. Why? It was because they lived lives that told forth their lifestyle. There was no second guessing. That can't be said to-day. So, I say, preach the word and all these things should fall into line. If the world believes in universalism who is at fault? We mainly have ourselves to blame because we occupy the pulpit with everything but sound docrine. That, my friend, is the thrust of my message, and not whether freemasonry is right or wrong.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Is this the way we are supposed to view all sin? Is the preacher simply supposed to preach the unadulterated truth, but then let individuals decide if it is actually sin or not and live accordingly?

It seems to me that if one were to practice what you are saying, there would be no such thing as accountability within the church. It seems to me that you are throwing 1 Corinthians 5 right out the window.


To answer the original question:

Many churches are more interested in money than making waves. Many Masons have money and are powerful people in the community.

[ May 23, 2004, 03:51 PM: Message edited by: Eladar ]

 

If a person wishes to Preach against Freemasonry if they are led by God to do so than so be it. But is they do it out of there opnion and not by the influnce of the Holy Spirit than they are doing it for personal gain. As I stated before Dr. Gary Leazer one of the Researches for the SBC at the time of the Study Shows that according to Him Jesus is mentioned in the Lodge. Faith in the Merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. In the Knights Templar a Masonic Body were are told it is through the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ that we receive Salavtion. These statements fly in the Face that Jesus is not mentioned in the Lodge when even the SBC admitts Christ is mentioned in the Lodge. The just do not like the words used by Freemasonry because they can be so easily taken out of context this is what SBC states about Freemasonry. Again I can witness Jesus Christ to anyone in the Lodge as long as it is not open for Business at that time we are to conduct business or else none of the needed people we help will be feed or have bills paid.

At my Lodge we have many deccussions while business is not taking place such as the following:

The Age of the Earth
The Saving Grace of Jesus Christ
The Trinity
Praying for sick Brothers
Saturday night we talked about Doctors and how we perfer to see a Doctor who is Christian.

Never once were we told to be quit or stop.

There are so many things mike does not tell you about Freemasonry and how Jesus is mention. There is not savior called Hiram. Hiram is a man who worked on King Solomons Temple you can read about Him in 2King and Chro in the Old Testiment at the Building of King Solomons Temple. And Hiram has been dead for a long time.

Here is a link to a website if you wish to honestly study Freemasonry you will look at both sides Mike gave you a link to E5-11 through the Real Player link He posted Here is a couple Pro Masonic site.

www.thelodgeroom.com

http://p081.ezboard.com/fmomministryofmasonsfrm31.showMessageRange?topicID=43.topic&start=1&stop=20

 

Mike
Could you post the points that are non-biblical. For me I would like to read them. As for Gary Leazer He did not become a Mason until after He was pushed into recignation. Again Mike you leave out the part where Dr. Gary Leazer says that Freemasonry teaches Salvation thru Jesus Christ by the Following: Faith in the Merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is how we gain access to Heaven. This is from the Study the SBC done.

As far as delving into someones beliefs at the Blue Lodge level you are simple wrong. You are asked in you believe in a Supreme Being it does not have to be YHWH they ask because they want to know if you feel accountable for your actions. Also some lodges ask what church you belong. Because in some states religions that support man married to more than one woman is not allowed to be made a mason.

And Yes it is true you can lie about being a Christian and join the York Right. But you are told to uphold the Christian Faith above all others. You prayers will begin and end in the Name of Jesus Christ while at meetings. But Mike is wrong they will investigate to a point. But the same goes for a person who would want to bring False teachings to the Chruch they can go to the Alter claim salvation even thou they do not believe in Christ maybe just to date a person attending there who knows. I have heard it done before.

If I teach God demains us to be with out sin to enter Heaven, The Love your neighbor, to be Charitiable, That God is the Threefold aspect of the Trinity, If I call God Jehovah, If I say Man's soul is immortal. If I say Faith in the Merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5) is how one gets to Heaven. Are any of these non-Biblical Teachings.

You asked way is Freemasonry under cults on some boards. It is because of misinformation.

 

Again Freemasonry teaches that God comes first. If you feel that you need to leave Freemasonry for what ever reason wether be no time or your duties you own to God are requiring more of your time than leave. No one who abids by the teachings of Freemasonry will condim you. But do tell half truths about encourage others to look at both sides the Pro and Anti. I found that with some not all they are just looking for a fight. You give your testimony and they say it is without merit. They tell you that you are going to Hell. To some it does not matter wether you prfess a Faith in Jesus Christ or not as long as you are a Mason you are going to Hell. Now I will say this there has been a couple of anti-masonic people who have not been this way and I applaud them for it I will not mention names but Mike knows the person of which I speak.

 

(1) Freemasonry uses offensive, non-biblical, and blasphemous terms relating to God.

I believe this is about the Worshipful Master which in Mid ages terms means respectable man

(2) Freemasonry insists on the use of “bloody oaths” or obligations, which are strictly forbidden by the Bible (cf.Matt. 5:34-37).

Eastons Bible Dictionary
Oath

A solemn appeal to God, permitted on fitting occasions #De 6:13 #Jer 4:2 in various forms #Ge 16:5 2Sa 12:5 Ru 1:17 Ho 4:15 #Ro 1:9 and taken in different ways #Ge 14:22 24:2 2Ch 6:22 God is represented as taking an oath #Heb 6:16-18 so also Paul #Ro 9:1 Ga 1:20 Php 1:8 The precept, "Swear not at all," refers probably to ordinary conversation between man and man #Mt 5:34,37 But if the words are taken as referring to oaths, then their intention may have been to show "that the proper state of Christians is to require no oaths; that when evil is expelled from among them every yea and nay will be as decisive as an oath, every promise as binding as a vow."

3) Freemasonry urges that occultic and/or pagan readings be used, and that their teachings be appropriated in interpreting such concepts as the Trinity.

This is not True Albert Pike is not seen as and is not recommended reading by a majority of Masons

(4) Freemasonry includes the Bible as part of the “furniture of the lodge,” but only as an equal with non-Christian symbols and writings.

I have ask several non mason Pastors about how they feel about this they say it does not bother them. And I follow with this question everytime you talk about the stuff in your House do you specificly point out every time that there is a Bible in your House our do you say Stuff. This point has no merit


(5) Freemasonry misuses the term “light” to refer to moral “reformation” as a means to salvation.

Again this is False Freemasonry uses the term Light to represent Knowledge not Salvation

(6) Freemasonry teaches that salvation may be attained by “good works” and not through faith in Christ alone.

Again I Fasle nowhere does Freemasonry teach Salvation unless you are reffering to what the SBC Study said that Freemasonry teaches Salvation thru Jesus Christ: Faith in the Merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5) is how one gains admittents into Heaven.

(7) Freemasonry advocates in many of its writings the non-biblical teachings of universalism.

Freemasonry does teach some not all of non-biblical teachings are universal. Like if you act in an unkind way it will come back on you this is thought in many non-biblical teachings but still holds truth to it.

(8) In some of its lodges, Freemasonry discriminates against nonwhites.

I will not lie this is True as in everywhere in the nation including Churches. Freemasonry does not require a certain color of Skin to join if a person is rejected on basis of Color it is against the Teachings of Freemasonry. And I would like to also point out there are intergrated Lodges in Tennessee and all around the world. In my Lodge we have members of Native Americain descent no one complains and they are non-white I guess but when you get down to it we are all the same color some just have more or less of it.


(Please let us know in what Blue Lodge degree within the ritual of what jurisdiction does Freemasonry teach that Jesus in the only way to heaven? To state the opinion of one Mason who, like yourself, super imposes Christian meaning to Masonic teaching just doesn't line up with the authoritative position of any Grand Lodge in the world)

It was not my statement it was from the Study done on Freemasonry from the SBC.

(If I am wrong, please provide the Grand Lodge documentation that supports that Freemasonry teaches a plan of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Also, you cannot find one Mason from the two Masonic websites you recommended earlier (M.o.M. or thelodgeroom.com) -- or anywhere else for that matter -- who will support the fact that Freemasonry teaches a plan of salvation AT ALL; let only the biblical plan. In fact, I challenge you to find ANY other Mason besides Dr. Gary Leazer and youself who will back you on your delusion and WHO CAN PROVE IT via Grand Lodge documentation.)

Again it was the Study by the SBC that states it. But if you goto the link I provide there is an explianation there on the Symbols of Freemasonry includding the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.


(Corey, it's not a matter of what you teach or what Gary Leazer says. What matters is what Freemasonry teaches through Grand Lodge literature. When examined under the light of Scripture, it is clear that Masonic literature teaches heresy, plain and simple. I know you desperately want Freemasonry to be Christian, but it's not; it never was and never will be.)

Again Mike what does the Grand Lodge teach that is Heresy. I gave answers to all eight which some parts of the question were left out like the part about the SBC not liking the Language used because it can be easliy taken out of context. They did not say it was wrong but that it can easily be misunderstood. Such as the Lamb Skin you take to be a plan of salvation. While I was studying Freemasonry before I became a Mason I presented it to several non-Mason Preaches some of which were anti Masonic and they said it tells that you have to be without sin to enter Heaven no plan of salvation only the requirement God has laid down for all.


(Quit trying to undermine the firsthand experience of former Masons. As Ex-Masons for Jesus we are primary witnesses in the Christian case against Freemasonry. Unfortunately, the Masonic Lodge stands guilty as charged -- it is incompatible with biblical Christianity.)

I am not trying to undermind your experience in Fremasonry it must have been a bad one or you did not really study it that much. I am just trying to get you to present the Truth not just bits and pieces that suit your cause.

I fully admitt there are non-christians in Freemasonry it is not a Christian Frat I never said it was, But the teachings of Christ are in it. The Knights Templar is a Christian Masonic Frat and Salvation thru Jesus Christ is taught in it. That is why only those who profess a Faith in Jesus Christ can join. And also the Ritual in the Blue Lodge comes from the York Rite the Christian Frat so there is no wonder as to why Christ teachings are in the Blue Lodge.

 

Could I compormise and join the "Cheapmasons" as a lesser-evil strategy?