OUTREACH RESULTS

Stonecroft Ministries states that on average, once every 57 minutes a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior through a Stonecroft Ministries outreach event. 

Actual Results of "Women's Connection of Milwaukee"
(formerly "Christian Business & Professional Women of Milwaukee")

• Out of 73 "decisions" reported to Stonecroft in a 29 month period, 10 were repeat decisions.
• Out of 63 initial first time decisions: 4 stated they were already Christians, 6 were already in a bible study, 3 were sent bible studies, 7 were not reached, 41 had no desire to join a bible study or prayer event and 2 joined an FBC.
• Out of 43 first time decisions, only 2 people joined a bible study as a result of a local event. 

The questions are...

1.  Why were the majority of these people, 41 out of 43, not interested in a bible study (FBC)? Joining and completing a bible study is typically an indicator of a desire to know and follow Jesus Christ through His Word. (Acts 2:41, 42)

DATA

...repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15c

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.  Acts 30:26,27

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor 1:21b

PREACH & TEACH

SCRIPTURES PERTAINING TO THE PROBLEM...
LAW, SIN, JUDGEMENT, & HELL (THE BAD NEWS)

God is Holy

• Ps 99:9  Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
• 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

What is the Law? (Moral Law) Ten Commandments

• Exodus 20:1-8, 12-17  And God spake all these words, saying, ² I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ³ Thou shalt have no other gods before me. ⁴ Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: ⁵ Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; ⁶ And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ⁷ Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. ⁸ Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. ¹² Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. ¹³ Thou shalt not kill. ¹⁴ Thou shalt not commit adultery. ¹⁵ Thou shalt not steal. ¹⁶ Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. ¹⁷ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

What is the purpose of the (Moral) Law? Leaves one guilty before God; breaking the proud heart to receive grace.

• Romans 3:20b  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
• Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
• Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith
• James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  (Romans 3:19, Romans 7:7, 11-13, Psalm 19:7a)

What is Sin?

• 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
• Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (Deut 9:18c, Isaiah 53:6, 2 Chronicles 6:37, Isaiah 58:1, Eph 5:5)

Man's Condition

• Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
• Isaiah 64:6a But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
• Romans 3:23a For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Ec 7:20, 1 Kin 8:46)
• James 2:9-10 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
• (John 3:19-20,  Romans 3:9-18, Colossians 1:21a, I Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:18, 29-32)

Judgment

• Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
• Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
• Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Hell

• Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.   
• Romans 8:34a Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died,
• Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Matt 10:28, Matt 23:15, 23; Luke 12:5, Luke 16:23, Romans 6:23a, Revelation 20:13-15)

MORE SCRIPTURES PERTAINING TO THE SOLUTION...
THE GOSPEL (THE GOOD NEWS)

• John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;

• 2 Corinthians 5:21a  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; 
• 1 John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Jesus Died On the Cross, Buried, and Rose again

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures: (Romans 8:34, 1 John 1:6c)

Jesus Died on the Cross because of our Sins

• Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus had to Die

• Hebrews 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (forgivenss or pardon of sins)
• Colassians 1:14a In whom we have redemption through his blood, 

Jesus is the Only Way

• John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
• John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
• Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Romans 6:23b,  1 John 4:10)

Command to Repent, Believe and be Baptized

• Acts 3:19a and Acts 2:38ab Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
• 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  (Acts 10:34-36;42,43 Acts 26:20b)
• Romans 10:9-10  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Condition of the Heart for Repentance and Faith

• Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
• James 4:6b & 1 Peter 5:5a Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Promise: Forgiven/Sanctification/Eternal Life

• Ezekiel 18:28, 31 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
• Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 1:22, Romans 6:18)

"A NEW BEGINNING" SALVATION PRESENTATION
FROM STONECROFT'S WEBSITE AS OF 1/28/04.₁
(Bold text, underlining is my emphasis; my comments in purple.)

Would you like to start life over again? Things have not gone the way you planned. You are discouraged. You want to give up, because no one seems to care or understand. But Someone does care. Someone who loves you very much!

No matter what has happened, no matter what you have done, no matter how you have lived your life, God is personally interested in you, and He cares what happens to you. He loves you!

He understands your frustration, your loneliness, your heartaches. He wants you to come to Him so He can take care of your greatest need and enable you to cope with life. God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3b

(NOTE: Notice the focus on unmet needs of loneliness, unhappiness and emptiness rather than the personal acknowledgement of sinning against a Holy God due to transgressing God's moral law.  How do people recognize they need to be saved FROM the wrath of God? No moral law mentioned, sin vague, no warnings of judgement, hell and the need to repent.  Also, if someone is living to please others, the Bible says they are still a sinner in need of salvation.)

How does this presentation address happy, fulfilled people? Whether unhappy or happy, how does a person understand through this presentation they are a desperately wicked sinner deserving judgement and Hell; needing to forsake sin and follow Jesus?

There is a cost to following Jesus Christ.  2 Timothy 3:12 ...all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. John 16:33b In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 1 Peter 2:21b because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1 Peter 4:1a Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.)"For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him, may not die but have eternal life." John 3:16 (Poor translation)

Prayer for a New Beginning (The Stonecroft message of salvation does not prepare hearers to understand they're sinners deserving God's wrath, to repent, believe and follow Christ.  Sinners prayer not in scripture; contents based on scripture. )

Now that I understand who Jesus Christ is and what He did for me, I want to receive Him as my Savior and Lord. Dear Lord Jesus, I do believe You are the Son of God and that you died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. Please come into my life, forgive my sin, and make me a member of your family. I now turn from going my own way. I want You to be the center of my life. Thank you for your gift of eternal life and for Your Holy Spirit, who has now come to live in me. I ask this in Your name. Amen.

Congratulations! (Paragraph reaffirming decision)

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." Revelation 3:20

Stonecroft trains Speakers to include this "needs"emphasis within their personal testimonies.

STONECROFT SPEAKER TESTIMONY GUIDELINES

EXCERPTED from "Speaking for Stonecroft Ministries" Brochure (as of 2004, Rev. 1002 - No.27) 

To view the brochure, click here --> Copy of Brochure

Your Purpose: To clearly communicate the most important news in the world, how to get to Heaven and how Jesus Christ has changed your life! 

1.  Present Jesus Christ: God's son, died for sins, buried & rose.

2. Tell how you came to know Him

• Effective Opening Suggestions etc. 
• Establish the need in your life: attitudes or feelings about yourself that made you realize you had a "need" for Jesus Christ.  (Speakers are asked to select from the LIST of unmet needs per Stonecroft's Effective Speakers"Training Guide.  See the below *LIST.)
• Clearly present how you came to know Christ: circumstances & what you did to become a believer

3.  Illustrate what God is doing in your life; Share what has changed within your since you invited Christ into your life.

• How did God meet your previously stated
(unmet) needs?
• How God is currently meeting your needs?
• Support some of your illustrations with Scripture, but be cautious of teaching or preaching.

4. Explain how to personally receive Christ, etc.

NOTE:  While scriptural truth of grace is shared, there is no presentation of "law, sin, judgement, hell and repentance" in the above guidelines. Focus is on the false teaching of "unmet needs" rather than sin.  Preaching and teaching discouraged versus following scriptural commands to preach and teach the gospel.

• Naming religions, churches, denominations, or cults.
• Controversial issues (doctrinal, political or social)
• etc.

NOTE:  Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

As Paul counseled the churches, he did name names and religions and exhorted believers to expose false teachers, mark them, and rebuke them; even silence them if they are in the Church. Not to do so and remain silent is the cause of confusion. (Titus 1:13, Titus 3:10, Romans 16:17, 1 John 4:1, 1 Ti 4:1)

______________________________________________________

HOW I WAS	GOD GIVES	HOW I WAS	GOD GIVES
(key needs in my life)		(key needs in my life)
anxious	___________	despair	___________
lack of purpose	___________	lonely	___________
depressed	___________	not feeling good enough	___________
disappointment	___________	no meaning to life	___________
dissatisfied	___________	perfectionist	___________
fear	___________	rejected	___________
grief	___________	unhappy	___________
hopeless	___________	unloved	___________
impatience	___________	stress	___________
low self-esteem	___________	worthless	___________
if only...	___________	angry	___________
questions - no answers	___________	left out	___________

WHERE IS REPENTENCE?

Does the Bible call people to come to Jesus to get their needs met or to repent of their sin? Their sin.  Without true repentence from sin, there can be no true salvation.  We are called to repent of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.   Jesus said, I came not to call the righteous (with unmet needs), but sinners to repentance -Luke 5:32. 

If you believe someone can be saved without realizing they are a sinner needing to repent, Jesus said, I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7. 

In Luke 13, Jesus repeats a warning twice in verse 3 and 5, I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

When someone prays a sinners prayer on the basis of getting their unmet needs met, rather than the desire to turn from sin and believe on Christ for forgiveness, there is no true repentance of sin.  Acts 26:20 states, they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Following true biblical salvation, sinful works begin being replaced with works unto God as evidence of salvation.

EVIDENCE OF CHANGE

How I Was THEN                                               [CHRIST Made the Difference]                                      How I AM NOW

"FELT NEEDS" REQUIRED IN SPEAKER TRAINING GUIDELINES 

STONECROFT'S MOTTO

"In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity."

Is this biblical? Excerpt from "A LIMITED MESSAGE OR A LIMITED FELLOWSHIP" by Pastor David Nettleton₃

"The great apostle (Paul) had never allowed himself to be drawn into anything which would limit his message. He could say with a clean conscience, "I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Why cannot many say that today? In my case, and in many other cases, it was due to a desire to teach a larger audience and to work with a larger group of Christians. Many have been carried away from full obedience by a noble-sounding motto which has been applied to Christian work. "In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." Some things are not essential to salvation but they are essential to full obedience, and the Christian has no liberty under God to sort out the Scriptures into essentials and nonessentials! It is our duty to declare the whole counsel of God, and to do it wherever we are."

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 (emphasis mine)

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Positive Message
    -Preaching and teaching replaced with "reaching". 
    -Speakers training does NOT include the doctrines of moral law, sin (replaced with "unmet needs"), judgement, hell and repentance.

Corrupt Bible Translation
    -Good News Bible used for bible studies. GNB is based on corrupt text affecting many key doctrines.

Ecumenicalism
    -Avoid all "controversial subjects" including doctrine differences (or false teachings) within various faiths.
    -False Doctrines are ignored rather than leadership exposing them as the bible instructs to protect the flock.
    -Converts are sent back into churches that preach "other" gospels ultimately leading to a false unity. 

NOTE: Other issues not addressed in this paper include Stonecroft's lack of directing people to sound bible believing churches as well as the commands concerning baptism and faithful church attendance.  The New Testament instructs believers to establish churches rather than organizations outside of the church.  (1 Timothy,  2 Timothy, Titus) This organization is a parachurch organization not responsible to or directed by an established local church.  To learn more about the importance of a sound church, please read "Finding a Sound Church" by David Cloud.

FOUR FALSE TEACHINGS DEFINED

1.  INTEGRATION OF PSYCHOLOGY & THE BIBLE IN SALVATION PRESENTATION

PSYCHOLOGY Man's Condition:	BIBLE Man's Condition:	PSYCHOLOGY & BIBLE Man's Condition:
Miserable/Victim/Confused	Rebellious/Guilty/Sinful	Miserable/Victim/Confused
Man Needs:	Man Needs:	Man Needs:
Security/Significance/Self Focus	Sins Forgiven/Sanctification/Follow Christ	Security/Significance/Self Focus
Problem: Victim with Unmet Needs	Problem: Sinner condemned by the Law facing Judgement and Hell	Problem: Victim with Unmet Needs
	- Use Moral Law (Ten Commandments) to bring knowledge of personal sin.	- Dissatisfied, low self-esteem, unhappy; disappointed, unloved
	- Sin separates man from a holy God	- Sin separates man from God
	- Judgement of Sin - Punishment in Hell - Command to Repent & Believe the Gospel	- No Law used to bring knowledge of personal Sin, Judgement of Sin, and punishment in Hell  - No command to Repent
Solution: Self Improvement/ Sanctification without God.	Solution: Gospel of Grace - Jesus Died, Buried, Rose	Solution: Gospel of Grace - Jesus Died, Buried, Rose
	Promise:	Promise:
	Forgiven/Sanctification/Eternal Life	Unmet Needs Met/ Forgiveness/ Eternal Life
	- Sins Forgiven - Sanctification/Holiness thru forsaking sin and following Jesus Christ - Everlasting Life in Heaven.	- Sins Forgiven  - Jesus provides security and significance - Everlasting Life in Heaven.
	Results:	Results:
	Humble: True Conversion Proud: Rejection	Humble & Proud: False Conversion or Rejection * False Conversion lacks true understanding of personal sin in light of Holy God deserving Judgment and Hell, need for repentance; comes to Jesus for own unmet needs versus forsaking sin and following Jesus Christ.

 

Excerpted from "The Spoiling of Christianity By Psychology" by David L. Brown ₄

"But, as in every generation, there are those who do not want to submit to the Word of God. Freud and Jung were two such individuals from their generation. They boldly rejected the authority of the Word of God. But did not stop there. They developed a theory that claimed offered an alternative solution for the sin problem and the problems of life. It was called it psychology. Freud and Jung believed that they had found a means through which the soul of man could be perfected without having to repent of sin and submit to God. Man didn't need Jesus as his Savior, he could be his own Savior.

From this root psychology has grown by leaps and bounds with more than 250 separate systems of psychotherapy. But is even more mind boggling is that the Christian church has been duped into buying into this human wisdom. (Integration of Psychology) There are many Christians that have been convinced that the difficult problems of life need more than Word of God and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. But, the Bible assures us, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:3 and "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.. because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.

Non-believers can only attain spiritual life and health by surrender to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. That is the direction the church should be pointing them. Psychological techniques, even in the name of Jesus, cannot produce spiritual life. It's time we get back to the Bible!4_a

The church must minister under the function of the Holy Spirit--not according to man's wisdom. The problem is many churches and Christians have been spoiled by the humanly devised philosophy of psychology.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8"

______________________________

Learn more about Psychology and it's role in Christian Churches and Ministries

See Endnotes for "The Christian and Psychology" by Pastor Gary Gilley. (Adobe Reader Required. Substitute King James scriptures when reading this article.) ₅

______________________________

Larry Crabb, Psychologist and integrationist was noted as the main endorser of Stonecroft Ministries previous to Stonecroft's new website of April, 2005.  He also speaks on Stonecroft's Caribbean Cruises.

2.  POSITIVE MESSAGE

Speakers are instructed to replace preaching and teaching during the speakers testimony with reaching. They are to "reach" with an emphasis on the speakers experiences.  Yet, the bible states in Romans 10:14,15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

No emphasis on defining personal sin in light of God's moral law, no mention of judgement, hell, and repentance. Grace Only. Psychology (unmet needs) used to draw sinner to Christ rather than exposing sin and providing the solution for their sin.

________________________________

SCRIPTURE WARNINGS AGAINST CHANGING THE WORD OF GOD (AS DONE WITH THE UNDERLYING MANUSCRIPTS OF THE MODERN BIBLE VERSIONS.)

• Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
• Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
• Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
• Luke 8:12 then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word. . .

Scripture Inspired by God

• 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture (not translations) is given by inspiration of God (Orig. Hebrew & Greek, Textus Receptus text), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
• 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Scripture is Preserved

• Psalm 12:6-7 ⁶ The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. ⁷ Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (Purest English Translation is King James Version, 1611.)
• 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
• Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Searching Scripture To Discern Truth

• Act 17:10-12 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

4.  ECUMENICALISM (also known as INTERDENOMINATIONALISM)

Ecumenicalism is a movement toward a worldwide church consisting of religions (including "professed" Christian religions) joining together by:

1. agreeing on a portion of biblical doctrines,
2. ignoring the remaining biblical doctrines and
3. promoting false doctrines.

It's a religious unity movement falsely promoted in the name of God’s love yet it is not based on the full counsel of God. This false ecumenical unity causes great confusion and error to those not well grounded in God’s Word.

God commands true believers to ...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Cor 6:17)

Ultimately, it leads to the False Prophet's One World Religious system mentioned in Revelations 17 and 18. Rev. 18:4 states "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

See Endnotes: "True Christian Unity" by David Cloud ₇; "Ecumenical Excuses for Unequal Yokes" by John R. Rice. ₈

WHY THE FALSE TEACHINGS?

NEW EVANGELICALISM MOVEMENT - A deliberate, liberal movement AWAY from God's Word.

"Dr. Harold John Ockenga, Founder and President of Gordon-Conwell College, Boston, coined the term, "neo-evangelical", (same as "New" Evangelical) and has taken leadership in this movement as revealed in a news release of Dec. 8, 1957:"₉

Below are 4 out of 8 goals of the New Evangelicalism movement, from Fundamental Evangelistic Association Web Track that line up with Stonecroft's speakers guidelines and practices for sharing the Gospel and God's Word.

From Track₁₀

2. Re- thinking, re-investigating, and keeping an "open mind" regarding the fundamentals of the Faith, including the inerrancy and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.   CORRUPT BIBLE TRANSLATION

Faith in the Word of God and the Son of God are matters of God's revelation, not man's investigation (2 Tim. 2:15;1 Cor. 2:14).

3. Practicing "infiltration" instead of Biblical "separation" with respect to compromised churches and apostate denominations.   ECUMENICALISM

It is always God's will for the faithful believer to withdraw from any fellowship that has departed from sound doctrine and practice (2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Rom. 16:17; 2 Cor. 6:14-18).

5. Seeking to develop lines of thought and arguments which would "Christianize" pagan ideas and systems founded upon unbelief (glorification of psychology, psychiatry, astrology, etc. )  INTEGRATION OF PSYCHOLOGY WITH THE BIBLE

Nothing is better for modern man than the absolute truth of God 's Word (Col. 3:16; 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13).

6. Preaching only a so-called "positive message," as often expressed by the statement, "God called me to win souls, not to criticize others."  POSITIVE MESSAGE

God calls every believer to win souls, but He also commands every believer to contend earnestly for the Faith (Jude 3-4; Acts 20:24-31).

DOES GOD'S WORD OFFEND?

One of the reasons for watering down the preaching and teaching of God's Word, is to avoid being offensive.  If the speaker is preaching and teaching based on the full counsel of God, (the moral law, sin, judgment, hell, repentance and grace) why does that offend us?  Keep in mind, Jesus represents holiness, righteous as well as grace and mercy.  Here's what the bible states about being offended.
 
Matt 26:33  Peter answered and said unto him (Jesus), Though all men shall be offended because of thee... 
 
1 Peter 2:8   Speaking of Jesus...And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
 
Matt 13:57  And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

Matthew 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
 
John 6:60, 61  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61  When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
 
Matt 15:12  Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Gal 5:11e  then is the offence of the cross ceased.

The reason for this paper is to do God's will by warning of error to protect the true flock as well as bring about true conversions.

WARNING MEN

• Ezekiel 33:8-9, "When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. 9 "But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life.
• Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: