Whom Will You Listen to – Jesus or a U.M. Bishop? It Cannot Be Both at the Same Time!

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! [Isaiah 5:20 (KJV)].

A while back there was a meeting in the Johnstown District of the W. PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi who is the presiding officer of the conference was in attendance. During the meeting she made this statement: “We are all children of God!” And then for added emphasis she repeated the statement rather loudly. For sure, that is what may be called a “feel good” statement – it makes the person who states it feel good and obviously it is intended to make all who are in attendance feel good also.

There is just one thing wrong – the statement is false! It is certainly declared many times in churches and many people believe it because pastors and church leaders have said so!

First, it is in direct contradiction as to what Jesus said about being children of God. Yes, He said things that had to do with being children of God but He also clearly stated that there are humans who are children of the Devil! On an occasion Jesus got into a dispute with some of the Jews and eventually said this: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” [John 8:44-47 (KJV).]

Notice that it is very clear that Jesus is not referring to these people as “children of God.” He identifies them as children of the Devil! Can you be a child of God and a child of the Devil at the same time? Most people who possess at least a touch of common sense would say, “No!” It constitutes a most incompatible mix!

Jesus in another statement indicated the division between those who are children of God and those who are not by saying: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)].

Even Paul the apostle had a label he pinned on a person on an occasion: “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.” [Acts 13:9-11 (KJV)]. Now if the aforementioned bishop would have been there, would she have said something such as this? “Don’t believe Paul – you are a child of God because we are all children of God!”

One of the greatest indications of the fact that the members of the human race fall into two categories – either children of God or children of the Devil is seen in the book of Revelation. Chapter by chapter you see it revealed and then in chapter 20 we are given a view of a horrible scene known as the White Throne Judgment! This is how it is described: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” [Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)].

There are those pastors and church leaders, including a number of United Methodist bishops, who deny that this is for real. They have a very perverted view of what this is all about because for one thing, it shoots the idea that “we are all the children of God” all to pieces! But then, in church circles today it is not all that uncommon to hear it said that there is no Satan, no God of wrath and judgment, and no Hell! After all, we are all the children of God! But I have a strong uncompromising conviction that no person, bishop or otherwise, will change God’s clear revelation on how it is between us humans and Him and how it will all turn out in the end! Those who are indeed His children are those who have truly repented of their sins and have received His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord into their lives. Those who have rejected God’s revelation and along with that, His Son, Jesus, experience His judgment and eternal separation from Him!

Further, I have a feeling that there are at least a few who agree with that and that God means every word contained in His inspired Word known as the Bible! Amen!

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many… And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [Matthew 24:4,5,11,12 (KJV)].

Letter #6 Sent to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Members of the Cabinet!

NOTE: A total of 6 letters have been sent to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi who is bishop of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. The first was sent shortly after she took her present position in September of 2016 and other letters were sent in the following months, most of which included copies to the district superintendents as well. Never one time did I ever receive so much as a reply or even an acknowledgement that she had received the letters! A few years ago I sent a personal letter to Queen Elizabeth of England and shortly received a reply via her secretary. In that reply I was informed that the Queen had read my letter and expressed some response to the subject which I had mentioned in the letter. That says something about those two persons, does it not, in regard to not just their position in this world but more importantly to character and integrity regarding response to people who communicate with them about concerns! And so, letter #6 is printed below, a copy of which was sent to each of the 10 district superintendents of the W. PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Moore-Koikoi:

In your recent letter you reiterated concerning persons registering to participate in discussions related to the fallout following GC 2019 held earlier this year. You clearly stated that if any of us were going to try to convince others that we were right, DO NOT register!

In the first place, my calling from God as I entered the pastoral ministry 60 years ago as of June 21 was not to convince anyone that I was right! My calling was and is to preach and teach the truth of God’s inspired Word. The choice people make after being exposed to the Word of God presented is their responsibility.

In the second place, however, I know I am right on several critical issues related to the Christian faith such as:

1. Jesus Christ is exclusively the only way of forgiveness from sin and hope of being a resident in His Kingdom forever. Years ago there was a magazine printed for U.M. pastors titled, Circuit Rider. One issue showed a picture of a statue of Jesus with the question, “The Way, the Truth, the Life?” imprinted over it. The issue was devoted to a debate as to whether Jesus is the only way of salvation and eternal hope or the other religions in the world are on an equal level with Christianity and have valid claims in addressing the issue of eternal destiny! Either the radical “I am” statements of Jesus as stated in the Gospel of John are true and exclusive or He is the biggest liar and fraud to ever walk on two feet and certainly not worthy of 1 second of our time! Further, all that He said and did are true. If not, then throw the Bible into the garbage can, close the churches, and live the rest of our lives always wondering what happens when we die!

2. Jesus placed 4 demands on us humans. Unless we are converted and become as children, unless we repent, unless we draw life from Him by faith, and unless we are born again we will have no part or place in His eternal Kingdom!

3. The miracles as recorded throughout the Scriptures literally happened as reported in all the details, whether it be the Red Sea crossing, an iron axe head floating in water, a man swallowed by a great fish, feeding thousands of people with a few loaves and fish, the virgin birth, or a host of others. In my elective courses at seminary I chose to do one on contemporary U.S. theologians and one on European theologians. One of the wildest among many was one who said that Jesus was likely conceived when Mary was intimate with a mercenary on duty with the Roman army and he was an ancestor of the German people! How is that one for inspiring your faith and to know that Jesus had German blood running through His veins?

4. Jesus is going to return to this sin saturated planet at some point in the future. And yes, I know, it is common to deny this and be skeptical as to whether He really will come back. But He specifically promised He would return with many changes planned as He establishes His Kingdom. Having been personally acquainted with Him now for over 62 years I know I am right when I say that He always keeps His promises!

5. God is not only a God of love and compassion, but He is also a God of wrath and judgment! Starting in the book of Genesis and continuing all the way through the book of Revelation the truth of this is constantly repeated. The ruins of past cultures are mute evidence of the fact that a society of people cannot endlessly defy God and His standards for a sane, sensible, serene, stable, and secure nation and expect to survive. The once mighty Babylonian and Roman empires are prime examples!

6. God has clearly drawn the boundaries on human sexuality making clear to all who with open heart and mind take an honest look at those boundaries. He has spelled out explicitly what is sexually acceptable and what is not, even to the point that some immorality is not merely a sin, but an abomination!

Still contending at Circuit Rider's Range and blogging at Musings of a Maverick

Clayton D. Harriger, Retired Elder
Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church
cc: Members of the Cabinet

You Really Don’t Want Anything to Do with the god of Progressive Christianity, Do You?

Would you want to read an author who wrote a book full of contradictions and told of things that happened but really had not? Further, that this author made claims for himself trying to convince you they were true when they were lies?

That is what has happened within the ranks of something that has invaded churches which profess the Christian faith! The infiltrator is a malicious group of persons identified as “Progressive Christianity!” They are made up of theologians, scholars, seminary professors, denominational leaders, pastors, teachers, and church pew occupiers.

Notice I have used a small “g” when using the word, god, as applied to this group of persons who claim to be “progressives” regarding the Christian faith.

I use the capital “G” when using the word, God, as identifying the true deity Who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is also the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. But further, Jesus is literally God revealed in human form. Of equal importance is the fact that God is the Author of that very special volume of information known as the Bible or the holy Scriptures!

But back to the progressive crowd. While they refer to a god and try to relate the Bible to their deity, it a most pathetic endeavor to say the least. According to these people, what is reported in the Bible is to viewed in the following ways:

1. The flood at the time of Noah never really happened.
2. There is no such God Who takes vengeance or brings judgment on people or nations.
3. Jonah was not swallowed by a great fish, etc.
4. There is no Hell or such a thing as eternal punishment.
5. There is no Satan in existence nor are there demon spirits.
6. There was no virgin birth.
7. There was no atonement – actual quote on this is: “Jesus did not die for our sins. Let that be said a thousand times. Jesus did not come from God to rescue fallen, sinful, inadequate, incompetent people like you and me. That is an image of a God who comes to us from outside to rescue this terrible and fallen creation. That is an idea from which we need to escape.” From “Living the Questions – The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity” by David M. Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy, p. 114 – HarperCollins, publishers.
8. Jesus is not going to return to this world. A chapter in the above-mentioned book is titled, “Debunking the Rapture.”
9. The discussion on original sin is such that no word has yet been invented in the English language to accurately describe it!

The issue comes down to this in regard God’s revelation to humans by means of the Scriptures – is this statement true or is it not, and is Almighty God the One responsible for the Bible having come into existence? “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)].

Now do you see why I used a small "g" in the word god as it pertains to progressive Christianity? Their god is in a sense identified with the Bible -- but their god is one that is very contradictory in things he has allegedly revealed in his "book!" And he tells of things that actually did not happen, according to the progressives!

Yes, the god of the progressives does really exist. Avoid him at all costs! Now take a close look at his feet – notice, that they are not human with toes on the end – they are cloven hooves!

And Jesus answered and said unto them, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.…. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many…..For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” [Matthew 24:4,5,11,24 (KJV)].

What Purports to Be Progressive Christianity Is Really Unregenerate "Christianity!"

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Jeremiah 6:10 (KJV)

It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Psalms 119:126-128 (KJV)

A deadly evolution has taken place since the beginning of the 20th Century. No, it is not the alleged “theory of evolution” which is usually associated with a fellow whose last name is Darwin. This is also a very deadly thing which is being forced on our children and youth in the public school systems as well as in colleges and universities. The one to which I refer is that which has infiltrated the ranks of what professes to be Christian in faith! In the latter part of the 19th Century there was an importation of raw theological garbage from Europe, with much coming from Germany. Claiming to be the results of concentrated “scholarship” this stuff literally butchered the Scriptures with brazen unbelief! Miracles as reported in the Scriptures were denied and treated as though they never took place. The first 11 chapters of Genesis were regarded as myth and fairy tale type of material! Pastors buying into this junk and preaching it were regarded as modernists. Over time they became known as liberals within the church. They refused to accept a number of things reported as having actually taken place. This included the literal virgin birth and later resurrection of Jesus Christ – that is, that Jesus actually came back from the dead after His crucifixion!

The evolution continued over decades of time in the 20th Century but eventually the identity of the liberals was changed to something more sophisticated and deceptive! They now want to be known as progressives. The word is also used in the political arena but is just as deceptive as in professing Christianity. With politics it is a disguise worn by those who want to turn our republic into a socialistic nightmare! The battle really boils down to one main issue – is the Bible to be believed and considered the authority in regard to matters of faith, relating in a personal way to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and accepting responsibility in serving Him as a representative of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ or not?

A couple of progressives authored a book where the following statement was made which effectively spells out the position of these people. They say, “Jesus did not die for your sins, let that be said a thousand times. Jesus did not come from God to rescue fallen, sinful, inadequate, incompetent people like you and me. That is an image of a God who comes to us from outside to rescue this terrible and fallen creation. This is an idea from which we need to escape.” [Source: Living the Questions The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity by David M. Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy – page 114 – published by HarperCollins Publishers]

Hmmmm! Looks like we have come to a fork in the road regarding the issue of Jesus dying for the sins of the members of the human race! In contrast to the statement made by the “progressives” above, it was predicted about 800 years before Jesus’ birth by Isaiah the prophet: “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. [Isaiah 53:4-6 (KJV)]. Or how about this statement? "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." [2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)]. Or, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree...." [Galatians 3:13 (KJV)]. Or, "Who (Jesus) His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. [1 Peter 2:24-25 (KJV)]. Which will you believe? A statement that is heresy in the extreme by one more than qualified to be a theologian as defined in the next paragraph or those which describe God's love in graphic detail to remind us of the horror of human sin and rebellion and the high price paid to make total forgiveness and reconciliation with a holy God possible for each of us? The choice lies with each one of us as to which way we will go when coming to that fork!

Scattered throughout the book are numerous quotes from those considered scholars and theologians. This of course is an attempt to convince the reader that these people are authorities and if you disagree with them, then you are wrong and need to change your views and ways of thinking so that you also will join them and become an enlightened “progressive!” Upon being exposed to this stuff I am often reminded of a definition I heard while in seminary. Here it is: “A theologian is a blind man in a dark room at midnight looking for a black cat that isn’t there!” However, it needs to be noted also that God has used persons who respected the inspiration and authority of His recorded Word to write books that have been encouraging, challenging and helpful to those whose faith is centered in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

It’s that bunch that claims to be “Christian” who deny the truths revealed in the Scriptures that you must be on guard against! Jesus clearly warned against an invasion of false prophets and teachers in the latter days before He returns. He especially stressed this in such chapters as Matthew 24. See also statements in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:3,4; 2 Peter 2:1,2 and Jude 3,4 on this critical issue. Over the years I have been exposed at times to the writings and teachings of those who are a fulfillment of the statement found in Jeremiah which is quoted at the beginning of these comments. One statement by Jesus which has helped me to weather the storm of unbelief as expressed by those who claim to be “Christian” is this: “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” [Matthew 18:2-7 (KJV)].

I attempt to approach the Scriptures in the spirit of a small child with assurance that the promise of Jesus regarding the Holy Spirit will be fulfilled. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and teach us all things, guide us into the truth and show us things to come. I fully believe that. I do not claim to fully understand everything that is written in the Bible nor why God did the things the way He did nor why He did them at the time. But whatever is written, no person, living or dead, has ever given me a reason not to believe what God has clearly revealed in His holy Word! For those claiming to be “progressive Christians” it is like a hobo who somehow manages to trade his rags for a tuxedo. He attempts to impress others as he parades about in his new suit. However, he is still a hobo at heart and really as poverty stricken as ever. Those who are sensitive to who and what he is know that the tuxedo does not change a single thing!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16,17 (KJV)].

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Jude 1:3-4 (KJV)].

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” [Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV)].

NOTE: for any who may want to wade further into the swamp of progressive “Christianity,” here are some references. Just make sure you have all your armor on when you make the trip!

Progressive Christianity

Eight Points of Progressive Christianity

12 Theses of Progressive Christianity by Bishop John Shelby Spong

Progressing Spirit

Religious Tolerance This one claims no religious identity with any group but attempts to describe different groups, their respective beliefs etc. The basic appeal is to work together for the common good of all no matter what your belief system may be.

"Progressive Christianity" Is After You! Watch Out and Do Not Be Deceived!

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
[2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)].

The word, progressive, is being used frequently now and has been applied for quite some time in the arena of politics and in professing Christian circles. Another word which is like a twin to the word, progressive, would be the word, liberal! A number of church groups have church leaders and clergy who claim to be "progressive" in their professed faith.

One example would be the United Methodist Church which has a considerable number who claim to be progressives as opposed to conservatives, evangelicals, etc. As of this writing (19/07/31) the UMC is in a war over the issue of human sexuality with progressives advocating support for those who live a same-sex lifestyle, including marriage. Conservatives are in opposition to this on basis of God's revelation in the holy Scriptures. Progressives claim cultural change, human reasoning methods, scientific studies, etc to establish their case.

Bishop John Shelby Spong is a retired bishop in the Episcopal Church and some time back put together what he refers to as the 12 Theses of progressive Christianity. He summarizes these in brief statements as given below. You will note that these statements are in direct conflict with God's revelation as given through the holy Scriptures.

The problem began to surface in this country at about the beginning of the 20th Century when some theological garbage was imported from Europe, particularly Germany! It boiled down simply to unbelief in God's activities as reported in Scripture. A bit later the controversy at the beginning of the 20th Century came to be known as the "modernist/fundamentalist" controversy. The modernists were those who did not believe certain portions of the Bible, especially where miracles were reported. Fundamentalists were those who did believe the miracles literally happened as reported. One of the miracles attacked early on was the virgin birth of Jesus and you will see Bishop Spong's reference to that in his theses.

The Twelve Theses

1.God

Understanding God in theistic categories as “a being, supernatural in power, dwelling somewhere external to the world and capable of invading the world with miraculous power” is no longer believable. Most God talk in liturgy and conversation has thus become meaningless.

2.Jesus – the Christ. If God can no longer be thought of in theistic terms, then conceiving of Jesus as “the incarnation of the theistic deity” has also become a bankrupt concept.

3.Original Sin – The Myth of the Fall

The biblical story of the perfect and finished creation from which we human beings have fallen into “Original Sin” is pre-Darwinian mythology and post-Darwinian nonsense.

4.The Virgin Birth

The virgin birth understood as literal biology is impossible. Far from being a bulwark in defense of the divinity of Christ, the virgin birth actually destroys that divinity.

5.Jesus as the Worker of Miracles

In a post-Newtonian world supernatural invasions of the natural order, performed by God or an “incarnate Jesus,” are simply not viable explanations of what actually happened.

6.Atonement Theology

Atonement theology, especially in its most bizarre “substitutionary” form, presents us with a God who is barbaric, a Jesus who is a victim and it turns human beings into little more than guilt-filled creatures. The phrase “Jesus died for my sins” is not just dangerous, it is absurd.

7.The Resurrection

The Easter event transformed the Christian movement, but that does not mean that it was the physical resuscitation of Jesus’ deceased body back into human history. The earliest biblical records state that “God raised him.” Into what, we need to ask. The experience of resurrection must be separated from its later mythological explanations.

8.The Ascension of Jesus

The biblical story of Jesus’ ascension assumes a three-tiered universe, which was dismissed some five hundred years ago. If Jesus’ ascension was a literal event of history, it is beyond the capacity of our 21st century minds to accept it or to believe it.

9.Ethics.

The ability to define and to separate good from evil can no longer be achieved with appeals to ancient codes like the Ten Commandments or even the Sermon on the Mount. Contemporary moral standards must be hammered out in the juxtaposition between life-affirming moral principles and external situations.

10.Prayer

Prayer, understood as a request made to a theistic deity to act in human history, is little more than an hysterical attempt to turn the holy into the servant of the human. Most of our prayer definitions of the past are thus dependent on an understanding of God that has died.

11.Life after Death

The hope for life after death must be separated forever from behavior control. Traditional views of heaven and hell as places of reward and punishment are no longer conceivable. Christianity must, therefore, abandon its dependence on guilt as a motivator of behavior.

12.Judgment and Discrimination

Judgment is not a human responsibility. Discrimination against any human being on the basis of that which is a “given” is always evil and does not serve the Christian goal of giving “abundant life” to all. Any structure either in the secular world or in the institutional church, which diminishes the humanity of any child of God on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation must be exposed publicly and vigorously. There can be no reason in the church of tomorrow for excusing or even forgiving discriminatory practices. “Sacred Tradition” must never again provide a cover to justify discriminatory evil.

Source for Bishop Spong's theses in his own words are from Bishop Spong - 12 Theses of Progressive Christianity

It is wise to always weigh what is said in this world with what is said in the holy Scriptures, remembering Jesus' promise in the Gospel of John that the Holy Spirit would come -- He would guide us into the truth, teach us all things and show us things to come. (John 16) Jesus also clearly warned of the time coming when there would be many false prophets and teachers who would appear and deceive many! (Matthew 24).

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
[2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (KJV)].

Needed: A New ID for a Certain Group of Persons Claiming to Be Doctors!

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. [Isaiah 59:7-8 (KJV)]

A lot of time and expense are involved for a young person to obtain what is commonly referred to as a M.D. degree. After getting the degree they are referred to as doctors or physicians. Some engage in family practice and others choose to specialize in the practice of medicine. Some choose to become surgeons. All share one common goal which is to use their developed skills for the preservation of human life and improve its quality in every way possible.

However out of this large number of persons holding M.D. degrees there are some that eventually choose not to use their skills for the preservation of and improvement of the quality of human life! They have developed their skills originally to work with and treat pregnant females. They see these females on a regular basis from early weeks of pregnancy through to the birth of the child they have carried for about 9 months.

But in the lives of some of these doctors, a critical decision has been made. No longer will their developed skills be used to enhance and preserve life but to destroy human life! One of those who made such a tragic choice described it as living a life much more convenient and still gaining wealth! When treating pregnant females he was on a schedule of seeing them on a regular basis. Sometimes there were problems which required extra time and attention. And then when time for the birth of the baby came, he never knew at what hour of the day or night he might be called for the delivery at the hospital. And so the choice was made to become a “doctor of death” – that is, to engage in the practice of abortion at a special clinic existing for that purpose only or to do abortions at a hospital which sanctioned such practices!

Being an abortionist is much more convenient when it comes to scheduling. You work a few hours each day and do not have to see the pregnant female over a period of months. A time is set – she meets the appointment – is taken into a room and in a few minutes the “doctor” invades the womb, dismembers the baby, withdraws its parts, and makes sure he has all the parts laid out on the table! It is not good to leave a piece of a leg, or an arm, or a head inside the mother! Always a hefty fee is collected for this job and at the end of the day the “doctor” gets into his luxury automobile and drives home to his mansion to be with his wife and kids!

So, for this group a new ID should be given and no longer would they wear white coats with the following stitched above left breast pocket which says, John Doe, M.D. Rather it should be changed to say, John Doe, B.K. You should be able to figure out what the initials, B.K., represent. But if not, this is what they tell about the wearer of the white coat – John Doe, Baby Killer! The wearer of the coat is part of a group that has betrayed the medical profession and contributed to the murders of tens of millions unborn children since January 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court said in a majority decision that it is a woman’s constitutional right to have her unborn child aborted if she so chooses to do so and that without any penalty whatsoever. And by implication the one who has conspired with such a female and does the actual killing will never be charged with murder in the first degree! Stitched behind his name on the white coat he wears should be the initials, B.K. – that is, Baby Killer, and never the initials M.D!

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Stand in the gate of the Lord'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these. For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord. But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. [Jeremiah 7:1-15 (KJV)]

Letter #5 to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi with Copies to the Cabinet!

The following letter was sent to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the District Superintendents of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church following the special session of the General Conference held in St. Louis toward the end of February 2019. Purpose of the special session was an attempt to resolve the endless conflict over human sexuality. The main issue is in regard to homosexuality and whether it is morally legitimate or not. The Traditional Plan, one of three possibilities, was adopted at the conference. This means that the restrictive language regarding homosexuality as spelled out in the denomination's Book of Discipline will remain in place. No practicing homosexual or lesbian can be ordained for United Methodist ministry. No UM pastor is permitted to perform same-gender ceremonies/weddings. And no UM church is to be used for same-gender ceremonies/weddings. Enclosed was a letter submitted to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat newspaper. This follows at the end of the letter to the bishop and the cabinet members.

March 5, 2019

To: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Members of the Cabinet

Subject: Approval of the Traditional Plan at General Conference 2019 and related issues.

I preached my first sermon on June 21, 1959 at two Methodist Churches to which I had just been appointed in the New Castle area. Most of clergy, including the bishop, in the W PA Conference were not around at that time. There may be a few who are older than I, but very few! If I and my congregations had been told at that time that the day would come when homosexuality and lesbianism would be practiced and accepted within the denomination, we would have said something like, “You’re crazy – it will never happen!” Unfortunately, I was very wrong on my prediction.

But one prediction that has not changed is the fact that adoption of the Traditional Plan has resulted in an ongoing conflict over the issue of human sexuality. It involves persons who believe God has clearly drawn the boundaries on human sexuality wherein same-sex intimacy is not merely regarded as a sin, but worse, as an abomination! Acceptable sexual experience and expression are strictly limited to one man and one woman living within the holy covenant of marriage!

There are those who disagree with the above, insisting that same-sex intimacy is just as morally legitimate as is the sexual union between a husband and wife. This is based on human reasoning, cultural changes, alleged scientific studies, etc.

There is an appeal that we learn to work together and put our differences aside. I have enclosed a letter recently submitted to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. In that I describe a simple illustration of an attempt to mix some motor oil and water. It cannot be done and with that I rest my case concerning the conflict on human sexuality!

For a number of years I had a homosexual person attending one of my churches. His partner was a Roman Catholic and faithfully attended mass at his church. The man was still attending my church regularly when I retired in 1996. I have been at times labeled as homophobic, unchristian, unloving, mean-spirited, hateful, deeply prejudiced, etc. If that is really true and I really am that kind of person due to my choice to agree with God and His view of same-sex intimacy, why did a homosexual keep attending my church for years? Perhaps some of you can explain that to me.

As mentioned in the letter, the shootout at a corral named the United Methodist Church continues unabated!

Clayton D. Harriger, Retired Elder in Full Connection
Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

\/-----------------------------------------------------\/

Editor

Tribune Democrat

The special General Conference of the United Methodist Church concluded recently with the approval of what is known as the Traditional Plan. This means that the restrictive language regarding homosexuality along with procedures for dealing with violations will remain in place in the denomination’s Book of Discipline which contains its church law. No practicing homosexual is to be ordained for ministry in the UMC. No UM pastor is to perform same-sex weddings. No UM church is to be used for same-sex weddings.

There is a marathon of comments and replies, both positive and very negative, taking place presently in social media regarding the outcome of the General Conference held in St. Louis. Somehow I was reminded of an event called the shootout at the O.K. Corral in the latter part of the 19th Century!

The issue can be illustrated rather simply. Take ½ pint of water and ½ pint of motor oil and put them in a clear quart container with a cap. Shake vigorously for a length of time and then set the container down. Eventually you will see a distinct line where one begins and the other ends! An auto technician will tell you that it is not a good thing to have both water and oil in the crankcase of your vehicle!

Meanwhile the shootout at a corral known as the United Methodist Church continues unabated.

Clayton D. Harriger
Retired Elder
Western PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

Revised Letter to President Donald Trump

NOTICE: The letter on display here is one that has been revised and updated from the original sent to President Trump. This letter is sent to him periodically. A copy of this letter is also included in communications with all the members of the 116th Congress. These letters are sent either by fax or by USPS, depending on whether the senator or representative accepts fax messages.

President Donald Trump
Washington DC

Dear President Trump:

You and Vice President Pence have been chosen to lead our republic for four years until January 20, 2021. The choices you make and the policies implemented will determine whether our nation will prosper and survive or whether it will deteriorate and eventually collapse with the latter taking place due to judgment at the hands of Almighty God!

You continue to have a vicious uphill battle in doing what is right for this nation due to intense opposition from the mainstream (or is it slipstream) media, Democrats who do not want to see you succeed, rogue Republicans, and a number of church leaders and pastors! The latter group includes a sizable number of United Methodists due to the fact that their patron saint, Mrs. Bill Clinton, who opposed you in the presidential election in 2016, was defeated in her quest.

There are a number of major issues that need to be addressed in order to get our nation back on track after years of destructive policies which have taken place.

Certainly one policy that needs to be confronted and positive action taken is the intentional homicides of unborn children by the thousands each week. Thank you that you and Vice President Pence addressed the March for Life gathering in DC on January 18, 2019. This was in sharp contrast to your predecessor who is an ardent supporter of the policy of killing unborn children. The total number of unborn victims in the United States’ version of holocaust is about 61 million. We need to remember that Almighty God regards the “shedding of innocent blood” to be an abomination and if it is not stopped, He will respond with severe judgment in due time! A Supreme Court decision in 1973 paved the way for our republic to travel a path that will lead to certain disaster by declaring it is a woman’s “constitutional right” to conspire and have her unborn child intentionally murdered!

Two other SCOTUS decisions have also further paved the way to disaster. In 1963 the Supreme Court ruled that no longer was it permissible to have prayer and the reading of the Bible in public schools. And in 2015 the Court ruled that it is now legal for sodomites to marry each and for lesbians to marry each other throughout the United States! God has made plain the fact that same-gender sexual intimacy is an abomination in His sight!

A final issue that needs urgent attention is the out of control national debt. There must be an intentional plan implemented to reduce that mountain of debt as soon as possible. There is no way we can continue to increase the debt due to reckless spending and expect to survive! You will have a difficult time convincing the Congress to give serious attention to this crisis. I pray you will have success in regard to this pressing challenge.

May God’s best be your daily portion during the time you serve as our President.

Still contending at www.crrange.com, blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com and warning at www.crrange.com/USACoffin.html

Clayton D. Harriger, Pastor
Isaiah 41:10

If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my
face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will
I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and
will heal their land. [2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)]

Letter Now Being Sent to All Members of the 116th U.S. Congress!

Below you will find a letter now being sent to all members of the 116th United States Congress. This will take a bit of time since I have to update my files on the membership with changes involving recently elected senators and representatives. Over years past I have communicated with both the presidents who have been in office at the time as well as members of the Congress. Unfortunately they are unaware that our republic is perched on the very threshold of experiencing judgment at the hands of Almighty God, as are the majority of U.S. citizens!

TO: All Members of the 116th United States Congress

Subject: Critical issues which will impact our republic’s future destiny!

Enclosed is a letter sent to President Trump on a regular basis. It draws attention to extremely critical issues which are not widely recognized.

The most critical of these is the ongoing practice of intentionally murdering unborn children since the infamous Supreme Court decision of 1973. Over 60.75 million unborn children have been victims of planned homicide! We are a nation of fools of the first magnitude if we believe Almighty God is not going to make a full response to what could be defined as the United States version of Holocaust!

There are two other SCOTUS decisions which are in defiance of God’s standards for a sane, sensible, serene, stable, and secure culture. In 1963 the Court ruled that reading of the Bible and prayer in public schools would no longer be permitted. In 2015 the Court ruled that it is legal for homosexual men to marry each other and lesbian females to marry each other. God has clearly revealed that same-sex intimacy is an abomination!

Finally, we are a nation wallowing in debt. The national debt continues to worsen and the Congress, which seems to like to spend money like there is no tomorrow, does absolutely nothing to stop the financial hemorrhaging!

Will the 116th Congress take such action as needed to correct our destructive ethical, moral, and spiritual practices which are taking us down the road to judgment? You have the power to choose!

Still contending (Jude 3,4) at www.crrange.com and blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com

Clayton D. Harriger, Pastor

“Good News! A Day Coming in Which All Politicians Will be Removed from Office” at http://crrange.com/comment69.html