Promise Keepers, Freemasonry & The Illuminatti

… and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us."

When we look at history, we know the Gnostics, Cabalists, and many others, each offered their own perversion of truth. The cabalists preferred to say their teachings were "in harmony" with Christianity. These groups would align their error alongside Biblical truth and through careful indoctrination, gradually caused the molding or change in thinking necessary to deceive people. People who proclaim a love for Christ would not step into the occult and accept it without being completely deceived as to what they are embracing. This is why we must evaluate what is happening today first against the word of God, but also against history and what the enemy has used before to deceive Christians and to try and pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Many believe that what they or their "Christian" organization have to offer is completely new, unique and without duplication and totally of God. Many try to introduce new helps and para-church organizations that will resolve the failings in personal and church lives. They believe that these other programs are necessary, and although they might not admit it, they believe they can even be a replacement for the guidelines and truth stated in the Bible, which many neglect. It is apparent some believe that the Bible is insufficient in its wisdom and teachings, and needs their "help".

It could be said that there are no new strategies being used to deceive people, only different names and faces behind the strategies. For example, in the 1800's when the Oxford movement took place, there were many Secret Societies established such as The Holy Cross. This society and others like it were often times on the verge of being exposed and disbanded because of their views and beliefs. As the adherents reviewed their options, they decided whether to remain as they were, or disband and start again, with the same or even a new name. In other words, to continue their deception and agenda in one way or another.

The book "Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster gives in-depth information of various aspects of Freemasonry, Illuminati, Knights Templar, the Cabala and the attitudes and strategies necessary to further these movements. The parallels of thought and strategy between these secret societies and the new men's movements are uncanny.

Adam Weishaupt, head of the Bavarian Illuminati, reflected the organizations Masonic beliefs when he said,

". ...the redemption of the human race is to be brought about...These means are secret schools of wisdom, these were from all time the archives of Nature and of human rights, through them will Man be saved from his Fall, princes and nations will disappear without violence from the earth, the human race will become one family and the world the abode of reasonable men. Morality alone will bring about these changes imperceptibly. Every father of a family will be, as formerly Abraham and the patriarchs, the priest and unfettered lord of his family, and reason will be the only code of Man. This is one of our greatest secrets...."(1) (Bold emphasis mine)

The strategy of many groups such as Freemasonry, the Illuminati, para-church organizations such as Promise Keepers, is to unite men spiritually. Freemasonry, the Illuminati and similar groups make it necessary for men to go through rituals and ceremonies to unite as "brothers" and to grow closer to whichever "Supreme Being" they believed in. This is supposed to lead to healing between religions, races and families. Some believe world peace and the one-world religion and government will be the final result. Rallying cries' of many of the religious right and leadership including Promise Keepers, are family, peace, morality, rights, and next to that, patriotism.

The Cabala, Gnostics and Freemasons are all working towards the same goal of unification of their thoughts and beliefs with those of Christianity. J.M. Ragon, a freemason, made the following statement in regards to the issue of Christianity and the occult:

"the Cabala is the key to the occult sciences. The Gnostics were born of the cabalists..(2) "... The result of Gnosticism was thus not to christianize the cabala, but to cabalize Christianity by mingling pure and simple teaching with theosophy and even magic. (3)"...The central doctrine of Gnosticism-- a movement connected with Jewish mysticism--was nothing else than an attempt to liberate the soul and unite it with God"; ... "through the employment of mysteries, incantations, names of angels," etc.
"....the role of the Gnostics was to reduce perversion to a system by binding men together into sects working under the guise of enlightenment in order to obscure all recognized ideas of morality and religion. It is this which constitutes their importance in the history of secret societies." (4)

According to Nesta Webster,

"Freemasonry is hidden Christianity.... Weishaupt writes: The man who is good for nothing becomes a Scottish Knight. If he is, however, a particularly industrious co-ordinator [Sammler], observer, worker, he becomes a Priest.... If there are amongst these [Priests] high speculative intellects, they become Magi. These collect and put in order the higher philosophical system and work at the People's Religion, which the Order will next give to the world. Should these high geniuses also be fit to rule the world, they become regents. This is the last degree." (5)

Freemasonry is viewed by its adherents as something that,

"... confirms and complements religious faith and church participation. The principles of our Fraternity are based on the same moral absolutes that form the foundation of all true faith. Every Mason must believe in a Supreme Being..."
"... strive to live morally in accordance with the highest standards of individual character and social conduct..."

"... Masons are invariable churchgoing men who extend the precepts of their faith beyond their sabbath to every day of their lives. They work within their churches and in their communities for the betterment of their fellowmen. Masons, in fact, go beyond narrow sectarianism and limiting dogma. They agree with the statement of the famous statesman and writer Edmund Burke: "The body of all true religion consists, to be sure, in obedience to the will of the Sovereign of the world, in a confidence in His declarations, and in imitation of His perfection...."

" ...His declarations"? ...they are the inspired wisdom contained in the Bible, the Talmud, the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita or any of the other Great Books of Faith that have been universally recognized as man's best guides to happiness on this world and reward in the next. Freemasonry, therefore, welcomes to its ranks Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and all good men of whatever religion who truly aspire to live accordingly to the Creator's will. Because it is universal in scope and inclusive in membership,... "(6)

C. Fred Kleinknecht, former Sovereign Grand Commander in Alaska sums up Freemasonry as this. "Freemasonry is a powerful, universal force for the improvement of the individual and of society"(7) (According to Who's Who,1996, Kleinknecht is now Grand Secretary-General of all Freemasons.)

Those engaged in Freemasonry have done much to shape the world and prepare it for the one-world religion. There is no innocent participation in it, although many that initially become involved are not necessarily privy or aware of the ultimate teachings of the higher degrees. According to Albert Pike, that is the worship of Satan. But, those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be able to read the above information and know that it is something they could never be involved in. However, the numbers grow as group after group embrace and endorse it, or variations of it.

Promise Keepers, Freemasonry and the Illuminati

Some might ask, what does that have to do with groups like Promise Keepers, or it's many supporters? The uniting theme is paramount in secular as well as Christian groups, as is family.

Promise Keepers Mission Statement says this:

"Promise Keepers is a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to uniting men through vital relationships to become godly influences in their world."
"Promise Keepers (PK) calls men from all backgrounds to reconcile and to take responsibility in their relationships with God, their families, and people of varying races...." (From the Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper 2/97)

"...PK encourages men to live godly lives and to keep seven basic promises of commitment to God, their families, and fellow man.... the concept of thousands of men coming together....Promise Keepers seeks to unite Christian men of all races, denominations, ages, cultures and socio-economic groups...."(Fact Sheet)

When we evaluate groups like Promise Keepers, and their supporters, including such notables as Bill McCartney, James Dobson , Bill Bright, Chuck Colson, Billy Graham and many more giving full support and endorsement, we see certain things. One of the supporting ideas used for gathering men together in this fashion is a quote from a verse, "as one man sharpeneth another". The implication is there is Biblical direction that men need to gather together physically and unite as Promise Keepers in order to really experience "Christianity" and a commitment to God.

Those that do not come to these massive meetings are being viewed as missing out on God's blessings, and not being spiritually in tune. Many Promise Keepers are now choosing to fellowship with only "brother" Promise Keepers. The goal of Promise Keepers is to include any that will embrace this para-church organization, which falls under the guise of promoting Christian unity. However, a strain is taking place between those who uphold it and those that do not. In other words, being a Promise Keeper seems to precede belonging to God, although the para-church organization claims to be composed of Christians being obedient to Christ.

In a sense, Promise Keepers are being perceived as the spiritually elite, the examples to follow. To fellowship with fellow Promise Keepers is the foundation on which they must build their organization. The more these men become involved, the more they find the need to exclude those that are in disagreement with the movement.

That thinking is not new. Weishaupt of the Bavarian Illuminati, who renamed himself "Spartacus" after becoming "illuminated", said this of men of his day, "Men," he observes, "no longer loved men but only such and such men." (8)

The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper point number two says, "A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises." These men are being told to enter into accountability with a select group of men, who will mutually uphold and love them in the name of Jesus.

One wonders at the words spoken so many years ago and whether they apply today. Note these quotes,

"....(Philo in a letter to Cato)...he explains the necessity of devising a system that will satisfy fanatics and free thinkers alike: "So as to work on both these classes of men and unite them, we must find an explanation to the Christian religion...make this the secret of freemasonry and turn it to our purpose." (9)

The aligning of error with truth was used to promote the unity and provide the impetus necessary to bring people of faith into agreement and submission to the agenda, without their being aware that there was an agenda.

"Philo continues: 'We say then: Jesus wished to introduce no new religion, but only to restore natural religion and reason to their old rights. Thereby he wished to unite men in a great universal association, and through the spread of a wiser morality, enlightenment, and the combating of all prejudices to make them capable of governing themselves; so the secret meaning of his teaching was to lead men without revolution to universal liberty and equality..." (10)

The Promise Keepers Fact Sheet dated 3/97 includes the following statements:

"...PK encourages men to live godly lives and to keep seven basic promises of commitment to God, their families and fellow man. Promise Keepers seeks to unite Christian men of all races, denominations, ages, cultures, and socio-economic groups, believing that accountable relationships among men are critical in helping one another become promise keepers in their relationships with God, their wives, their children and each other." (Fact Sheet 3/97)

From the Promise Keepers "Statement On Reconciliation" we see similar ideas for removing prejudices and uniting men, worldwide. Christianity is used as the impetus for the unity, but the desired results appear to be the same as what, in essence, Philo described as proper Christian goals.

"Promise Keepers holds to the biblical view of reconciliation. The Bible instructs that God the Father, by sacrificing His own Son on the cross, "reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (II Corinthians 5:18). Whether a man desires to reconcile with his family, the members of his church, or with his brothers and sisters of a different race or denomination, he must first be reconciled vertically with God through Jesus Christ. Only then can he be reconciled horizontally to his brother.

The impact of the cross, then, is that God’s love breaks down the walls of separation between God and man, and between man and man, regardless of race or denomination. Therefore, genuine biblical reconciliation is a divine mandate given every Christian believer by God, predicated upon the atoning blood of Christ. (See Colossians 3:11, Ephesians 2:14.)

The reconciliation desired between all people, denominations and races is no different than that desired by the Illuminati and Freemasons and their "Universal equality" and elimination of prejudices. They include any denominations that will join them, and while many proclaim Christianity, many involved are not Christian.

Leaders like James Dobson, Bill McCartney and others have stated they are being "called" to lead men. The questions we must ask ourselves, are where are they actually leading people? What scriptural mandate shows that any one or two or even a few influential men are to lead the body of Christ in this manner? What scriptural authority is used by a para-church organization to ecumenically unite any and all that embrace them, regardless of doctrinal truth or error?

Why are so many of Promise Keepers activities, statements and sales items so close in ideology and appearance to freemasonry in its various forms?

For example: Stand in the Gap was held before the Washington Monument (an obelisk), which was built and dedicated by masons. That Monument is the United States' most obvious Masonic, phallic symbol. The obelisk is the Masonic symbol of a male sex organ or phallus, and originates out of Baal worship, and sun and serpent worship. Why then, was a picture of the obelisk printed on T-shirts with the scripture verse, Ezekiel 22:30 on it and sold at the Stand in the Gap rally?

When one compares specific symbols and logos of freemasonry and Promise Keepers, there is a definite likeness. The Promise Keeper's Lapel Pin looks almost identical to the description of the appearance of a Freemason candidate for Entered Apprentice degree. (11) The half-clad torso with left shoulder and breast exposed, and right sleeve rolled up above the elbow on the pin, appears the same as the description of the candidate. What appears to be a rope extending from the left side of the neck of the figure and towards the outside and back is so similar to the Freemason candidate's initiation that we must ask for what purpose? (12) The only significant difference is that the Promise Keepers pin lacks a physical blind fold on the man. Both would claim the inscription on the Promise Keepers' pin, "The Making of a Godly Man". Both groups would also claim to be molding men into just that.

Control of the Clergy Essential

" Spartacus" was thrilled at how easily those who were clergy and who had embraced Freemasonry or the Illuminati, were deceived into thinking they were still faithful and following the true doctrine and Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many in leadership today appear to be as easily deceived.

"...Spartacus writing triumphantly: You cannot imagine what consideration and sensation our Priest's degree is arousing. The most wonderful thing is that great Protestant and reformed theologians who belong to [Illuminism] still believe that the religious teaching imparted in it contains the true and genuine spirit of the Christian religion. Oh! men, of what cannot you be persuaded? I never thought that I should become the founder of a new religion." (13)

It was known by the Illuminati that their success depended on converting and controlling the clergy, who in turn could influence and direct the masses.

"It is on the "illuminized " clergy and professors that W. counts principally for the work of the Order. (14)

Is it possible that this very thinking is still relevant and in use today? One wonders when Bill McCartney, founder of Promise Keepers, said this in regards to his Atlanta Clergy Conference.

" This gathering in Atlanta should exceed 100,000 clergymen. Why? Because we have many more than that, and every single one of them ought to be there. We can't have anybody passing up that meeting. If a guy says that he doesn't want to go, he needs to be able to tell us why he doesn't want to go? Why wouldn't you want to be a part of what God wants to do with His hand-picked leaders? ....You need to go back and tell them: Promise Keepers wants to come alongside you and be everything you need by encouraging (your) men and giving resources."

Any who have done even minimal research into Promise Keepers will probably recognize some of the most controversial statements made publicly by Bill McCartney, originally at the Clergy Conference at Atlanta, on April 29,1995. That is, Mr. McCartney is quoted as saying: " We have a great army that we are assembling. They're the Christian men of this nation. However, our leadership, our clergy are not uniform. Our Clergy are divided...There's no unity of command...."

How like the following quote said by Weishaupt of the Bavarian Illuminati regarding controlling the men and the agenda?

"...Again and again he impresses on his intimes the necessity for unity of command in the Order. "One must show how easy it would be for one clever head to direct hundreds ands thousands of men," and he illustrates this system...."
"... I have two immediately below me in to whom I breathe my whole spirit, and each of these two has again two others, and so on. In this way I can set a thousand men in motion and on fire in the simplest manner, and in this way one must impart orders and operate on politics." (15)

"...'The extraordinary result was brought about that a multitude of men of divers beliefs were all working together for an object known only to a few of them." (16)

Promise Keepers involves people from Roman Catholics priests to Mormons and their clergy and laymen. What a reflection of the above statement.

Promise Keepers also states its call to unite men through the same issues already expressed by Philo and Spartacus.

" We believe that we have a 'God-given mission' to unite Christian men who are separated by race, sectarianism, age, culture and economics... the biblical directive to be 'ambassadors of reconciliation' compels us to breakdown the walls that have divided and polarized the Body of Christ for too long." (17)

On March 4-6,1997, at the National Association of Evangelicals, Orlando, Florida, Dr. Daniel Erickson of Promise Keepers spoke. He is quoted as saying

"… Promise Keepers is shifting to the local church... Promise Keepers is a bridge and whether there is a denominational label it doesn't matter, for we will have relations with any denominations."(18)

The implementation of Masonry and Illuminati agendas must cover all avenues of thought, weaknesses and vices of people. That is the only way to really gain control and direct the masses.

"In the discourse of reception to the "Illumination Dirigens," the appeal to love of power plays the most important part: Do you realize sufficiently what it means to rule-- to rule in a secret society? Not only over the lesser or more important of the populace, but over the best men, over men of all ranks, nations, and religions, to rule without external force, to unite them indissolubly, to breathe one spirit and soul in to them, men distributed over all parts of the world?" (19)
... And finally, do you know what secret societies are? what a place they occupy in the great kingdom of the world's events? (20)

We know that there are many religious and government leaders that are members of Freemasonry, Scottish Rite and other of its various forms, and have been for years. The numbers are phenomenal of those involved from Southern Baptists, Pentecostals, Catholics, Mormons and Evangelicals.

Some noted leaders reported to be involved in these groups, from history and today in the United States and Canada have been: Norman Vincent Peale, (Scottish Rite,33° ) George Washington, Harry Truman, Newt Gingrich(33° ), George Bush (33° ;Skull and Bones), Bill Clinton (33° ), Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole (33° ), Jack Kemp (33° ), Rick Joyner (Knights of Malta), Andrew Young (National Council of Churches), Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland (33°), Robert Marshall (MLA New Brunswick), Hon. John Valentine Ellis, (MLA;MP; Senate of Canada);

Prime Ministers of Canada: MacDonald, Abbott, Bowell, Borden, Diefenbaker,

Others include: Bishop Carl J. Sanders (33° G.C. United Methodist Church); Rabbi Seymour Atlas ( 32°); Dr. James P. Wesberry, (32°, Executive Director and Editor of Sunday, Georgia Baptist Church); The Reverend Louis R. Gant, (33°, District Superintendent, The United Methodist Church); The Reverend Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., (32°); Robert Schuller (33°), Oral Roberts (33°) and so many more.

CNP Freemason Members also include: Don DeFore, Rich DeVos, Jesse Helms, Rep. Jack Kemp, Hon. Trent Lott

Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta [SMOM] ~ J. Peter Grace, William E. Simon, Frank Shakespeare, Jeremiah Denton, Thomas A. Bolan

There are many others involved in the various branches of Freemasonry who hide their affiliations and work inside other organizations, implementing the agendas through whichever groups and people are available.

Some who are being researched to see if rumor is true regarding their possible involvement or support of Freemasonry are: Pope John Paul (Opus Dei); Phyllis Schlafly (Dame of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta), Billy Graham (33°), and also many more.

Double-talk, Deception and Rationalization

Note the rationalization regarding the deceit used by those involved in these groups,

"We must consider [says Weishaupt], how we can begin work under another form. If only the aim is achieved, it does not matter under what cover it takes place, and cover is always necessary. For in concealment lies a great part of our strength. For this reason we must always cover ourselves with the name of another society. The lodges that are under Freemasonry are in the meantime the most suitable cloak for our high purpose, because the world is already accustomed to expect nothing great from them which merits attention.... As in the spiritual Orders of the Roman Church, religion was, alas! only a pretense, so must our Order also in a nobler way try to conceal itself behind a learned society or something of the kind.... A society concealed in this manner cannot be worked against. In case of prosecution or of treason the superiors cannot be discovered.... We shall be shrouded in impenetrable darkness from spies and emissaries of other societies." (21)

Many people beside myself have interviewed Steve Chavis and other Promise Keepers' personnel. One conclusion we reached after listening to their presentations was that they used double-talk and avoided answering specific questions with openness and honesty. The Promise Keepers do's and don'ts regarding what Biblical issues Promise Keepers Ambassador's are allowed to discuss is contained in these statements:

"Answering Doctrinal and Denominational Questions and Challenges: ...our Purpose Statement and Statement of Faith have been carefully worded to give you tools to answer questions that arise as you contact churches and pastors on behalf of Promise Keepers. Remember as you are going out that you are not representing yourself and your personal stands on a doctrinal issue, but representing our unique mission and participating in the task of uniting men.... Remember that our mission is to unify men. We have found that it is best not to address doctrinal issues unless compelled to. We expect you to be committed to your denominational heritage, but this is not the time to proudly wear your colors."(22)

Are people expected to withhold scriptural truth on important issues, for the sake of "unity" with Promise Keepers? Or are they simply to avoid speaking about important issues for the sake of that unity, whether those involved are promoting scriptural truth or not? Biblically all that are in Christ are already united in the Body of Christ. What isn't covered or understood regarding that, for those who belong to Him?

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Recruitment

Freemasonry and Illuminati are experts at bringing their agendas to fruition, by using those means as necessary.

"...You should proceed gradually in a roundabout way by means of suspense and expectations, so as to first arouse indefinite vague curiosity, and then when the candidate declares himself, present the object, which he will then seize with both hands."(23)
".... One must speak, first in one way, then in another, so as not to commit oneself and to make one's real way of thinking impenetrable to one's inferiors. "(24)

Steve Chavis made a statement to me that men are encouraged to come back to stadium events, so that they can get "it" the second and third time and each time they get "it" a bit more. He never referenced what "it" was, but that falls in with the principles used to "process" individuals or groups of people. Repetition of ideas becomes indoctrination to those ideas.

I believe it is possible that Promise Keepers have used their stadium meetings to this end. People caught up in the "sports god" were enticed to attend, and then they were given what they wanted to hear, which in this case was connected to their religious beliefs. Whatever hook is necessary has been used to deal with any and all that will succumb to "what their itchy ears want to hear". One reporter tried to become a member of PK through a local group of Promise Keepers without going to a conference but no one would meet with him. He was told he had to attend the stadium conference. Why? Could he not understand the issues unless involved at a stadium with thousands of others?

Groups like Boy Scouts, International Order of Demolay (ages 13-21) and Jobs Daughters (11-20) are all examples of branches of Masonry. Consider also, the Shriners, Order of the Eastern Star and The Young Fellows. These are all avenues of pulling people into Freemasonry, often without the adherents being aware the groups are connected.

The description of what the Illuminati look for in recruits is found in the following counsel. It was believed there was a,

"...necessity for enlisting esteemed and "respectable" persons, but above all young men whom he regards as the most likely subjects. "I cannot use men as they are," he observes, "but I must first form them." Youth naturally lends itself best to this process. "Seek the society of young people," Weishaupt writes to Ajax, "watch them, and if one of them pleases you, lay your hand on him." Seek out young and already skilful people.... Our people must be engaging, enterprising, intriguing and adroit. Above all the first." (25)

Most governments and departments of education have made a commitment to patterning the global school after Europe and UN initiatives. Anyone that is watching what is happening in education can attest that it is controlled, not by the parents, but the "agenda". Freemasons are responsible for the policies that all children must obtain schooling that is approved by the government. As listed above, we can see that many freemasons hold high government positions. This can mean many things to a Christian family. The European school system was pridefully viewed by the Illuminati as a way to have youth embrace their thinking without being aware of it.

"...The Institute of Cadets also comes under the control of the Order: All the professors are members of the Illuminatis,...so will all the pupils become disciples of Illuminism...The German schools are quite under the influence of "I" and now only members have charge of them... The charitable association is also directed by "I". (26)

Christians are not exempt from upholding the thinking of recruiting young people into rituals and ceremonies. Consider what Robert Lewis, author of "Raising a Modern Day Knight", stated in "Focus on the Family", June 1997 edition.

"I believe it is time to resurrect the chivalrous knight: his ideals, his process and his ceremonies. I want him to speak to a new generation that has the potential for greatness but lacks only the opportunity: our sons!"

According to Pastor Joseph Chambers of "Pawcreek," Rick Joyner has stated he and others became Knights of the Sovereign Military Order Malta. From that source, and quoting from "Audio by Rick Joyner Ministries, no date on tape"

"...They still have the little strips of paper. He sent one out. One minute later, one comes in, this is it. So, these things happen strategically. Anyway, we went on and a bunch of us got knighted by these Knights of Malta. Okay, I did first. And I wasn’t even going to do it. I thought it was a great honor and all. But, I just don’t join things like that . . . Anyway, Paul Cain called me from Austria. And said, you know, ‘Just tuned in on it.’ And said, ‘The Lord is going to give you some credentials like Paul’s credentials where his Roman citizenship really was used at times . . .’ And he said, ‘You’re really supposed to do this thing.’ So, I did and then later some of the other guys, we even got Bobby Connor knighted and Steve and Leonard. Anyway, we had a big time. Bobby, we dubbed Sir Bubba and Mahesh (Chavada) became Sir Loin. We seriously polluted the Blue Blood of Europe. I mean it was bad. Ricky Skaggs, you know, country (singer). Aw man, it was a blast. We had a great time though. Anyway, we got knighted by this thing. It’s a real, this somehow is real important to the Lord. He’s kept this order in existence, I think, like He has Israel. It has an end times purpose and destiny . . . They went on, made me a knight commander which gave me authority to knight others and then they made me something else, where I have authority over all the knights supposedly in the U.S. . . ." (Audio by Rick Joyner Ministries, no date on tape.) http://www.pawcreek.org/new world order.htm

From Rick Joyner's wrote in his MorningStar in April, 1998, and currently, and he declared the difference between Masons and Knights of Malta, stating they were not the same. [http://gabe.eaglestar.org/MSPBApr98.htm]

In October 2001, Joyner added 'Knights of Malta Q& A and "Q. Why did I join the Knights of Malta?"

"...In 1987 I met a man from one of the old noble families of Eastern Europe. His family had owned a large and prosperous industry before the communist takeover in their country. In a conversation with him I was told about an extraordinary order of knights who were keeping alive the vision of chivalry and the defense of Christianity, and were waging a brave fight to reclaim what had been lost to the enemies of the cross. He explained that you could not join this order, but had to be recommended and proven to be true of the most stringent biblical standards of morality and integrity, and have risked your life for the sake of the gospel. I was very intrigued, and decided to research this order called “The Knights of Malta.”
...I saw many parallels in the history of the Knights of Malta, who are also called the Order of St. John (OSJ), with what I had been shown prophetically in the vision I was given about the coming harvest and the struggle that much of the world was about to face.
...The call is for Christians to arise and do the same thing in the spirit that the OSJ did in the natural during the Middle Ages. Our weapons are the Word of God and His truth, which are infinitely more powerful.

I was also shown that some of the great last day leaders of Christianity would emerge from these extreme Islamic groups who would be converted by the power of God. These would be as radical for Christ as they had been for Islam, and they would be willing to make any sacrifice required for the sake of the truth, and turn multitudes to life in Christ that they would have otherwise killed.

Then I was shown that the Lord had preserved a remnant of true knights of the OSJ because they had a purpose in the great last day battle between light and darkness. One day I actually prayed that, even though I had never desired earthly honors or titles, I would like to become one of these knights. After this prayer, it seemed that hardly a month went by and prophetic people began saying that they had seen me being "knighted by the Lord.” Sometimes I was told this in public meetings, which I am sure many who were in our early meetings remember.
...while I was in Berlin speaking at a conference, Paul Cain and I had dinner with Colonel Eugene Bird....

...Col. Bird told me that he had recently been knighted by this Order, and that I too had been recommended for investiture by an Austrian baron. He also told me about a spiritual renewal that was taking place in the , and that some of this had come about because of my books which were being read by the knights

Q. Is The OSJ connected to the Masons? A. No. Neither are there any secret vows or rituals in theOSJ. The OSJ is a true Christian order, and the vows for knighthood are commitments to be servants of Christ and no other god, as well as to Christian truth and principles. The eight pointed Maltese Cross was designed to represent the eight beatitudes of Christ which the knight was to wear on his heart at all times as a constant reminder of what was to be in his heart...."
http://rickjoyner.com/pages/questions/answer_index/Oct_1_2001_Print.html

Charisma Magazine wrote an April 2001 article about Rick Joyner titled, God's Lightning Rod, and said this:

"...Joyner has also distanced himself from those who have criticized him for his association with the Knights of Malta, a charitable organization that allegedly has its roots in medieval chivalry. Some who learned of Joyner's connection to the group began spreading rumors that he had become a Mason or that the Knights of Malta was a secret society with occult origins.
"We do not let paranoid people dictate what we do," Joyner wrote in the May/June 1999 issue of the Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin, adding: "I have never been a member of the Masons." He explained that he had been knighted by a "European order of chivalry" in the early 1990s and that the Knights are widely recognized as "a registry of nobility."

According to Joyner, the Knights of Malta--also known as the Order of St. John--has Christian roots and can be linked to the Hospitallers, who were credited with starting hospitals during the Middle Ages. The order conducts no secret ceremonies as does a Masonic lodge and actually has undergone a spiritual revival, Joyner says.

Joyner has even written a book about the Knights of Malta, Courage That Changed the World, which features a photograph of the robed "grand master" of the order. In the book, Joyner compares the Knights to end-time Christians who will overcome the world's evils through faith in Christ.

What Joyner didn't realize when he wrote his book is that the group he joined has "no connection whatsoever with any legitimate order of chivalry of that name," according to Guy Stair Sainty, historiographer of the priory in the United States of the Most Venerable Order of St. John.

In a letter of response to an inquiry about Joyner's group, Sainty said the order Joyner has joined is not the original Knights of Malta but "one of more than 20 similar bodies which misuse the name of St. John [to distribute] invented titles...and worthless knighthoods." Sainty added that individuals who join the legitimate Knights of Malta group must be Roman Catholic and have a bishop's recommendation.
...Another former ministry staffer told Charisma that he got concerned when Joyner began urging friends to be knighted in an inner circle. "I never felt a peace about it," the former employee said. "It is an elitist club. People started vying for position so they could be knighted. The ones that were knighted had a special bond with Rick." [http://www.charismamag.com/a.php?ArticleID=1017]

It is implied that Paul Cain, one of Mr. Joyner's associates, also became a Knight of Malta. However, this author received an email from Paul Cain declaring he has never been a Knight.

"Mon, 16 Aug 1999

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

THIS IS TO ADVISE THAT I, (PAUL CAIN) AM NOT NOW NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN KNIGHTED OR HAVE I BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE "NIGHTS OF MALTA" IN ANYWAY. I AM NOT NOW NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN A MEMBER OF ANY SECRET ORDER."

Update: Paul Cain issued a public Letter of Confession in Jan 2005 on his website, stating, "I have struggled in two particular areas, homosexuality and alcoholism, for an extended period of time." He also admitted to lying about those issues. [http://www.paulcain.org/66701.html]

Regaled in the charismatic and Pentecostal circles as an anointed prophet, and close friend to Rick Joyner, who viewed him as his 'spiritual father', he had been part of what some called the Kansas City Prophets. In October 19, 2004, Rick Joyner, Mike Bickle and Jack Deere released a Special Bulletin Number 36 regarding Paul Cain's activities and stated:

"Paul Cain has been used mightily by the Lord to touch many lives in our times. He is esteemed by many around the world as a major prophetic voice and as a spiritual father. It would be hard to estimate the number who have been healed, delivered, or saved through his ministry. We have especially benefited from his friendship and ministry in too many ways to count.

...In February 2004, we were made aware that Paul had become an alcoholic. In April 2004, we confronted Paul with evidence that he had been recently involved in homosexual activity. Paul admitted to these sinful practices and was placed under discipline, agreeing to a process of restoration which the three of us would oversee. However, Paul has resisted this process and has continued in his sin....

We apologize to the body of Christ for our lack of discernment in promoting Paul’s ministry while he had these significant strongholds in his life. We failed to see them until this year. It is also a mistake to assume that others who were close to Paul or worked with him shared these same problems. We also do not feel that this should in any way negate or reduce the great benefit that Paul’s ministry has been to so many in the past..." [Special Bulletin: 36 - by Rick Joyner, Mike Bickle, and Jack Deere http://www.morningstarministries.org/pages/special_bulletins/oct_2004/SB36_Oct_19.html]

That was followed October 25, 2004 Special Bulletin Number 37, which in part stated:

...Please also understand that if Paul had been a true member of a local church, under the true authority of a pastor, we would have simply taken it there. However, with Paul this was not the case. As Mike, Jack, and I have talked about considerably, one of our biggest failures in this matter was to think that because Paul had such special gifts he deserved special treatment and did not need to be incorporated into the life of the local church like others. I have little doubt that if Paul had been required to comply with the disciplines of a normal Christian life, which without question includes a true church life, these strongholds would have been exposed long ago. He would be free now and probably far more productive than he has ever been. This is the first and possibly the most important lesson that we have learned from this.

Because Mike, Jack, and I felt so inadequate in trying to help Paul with these issues, we were always open and praying for the Lord to provide anyone who could do a better job than we were doing. From the beginning I think we all saw that this was a much greater problem than any of us had ever dealt with before

...Even so, we continue to pray for this provision of someone to help him that can do better than we did. However, because of the extraordinary and powerful gifts that Paul has and the way that they have been used recently, there are very serious dangers for anyone who does not understand these things. Anyone who is presumptuous in this could be in even more jeopardy.

I am not saying this to hurt Paul, but I am saying this for the sake of protecting God’s people from what has been proven to be a danger. When the devil gets an inroad into someone with a great anointing he takes full advantage of it, and the level of deception and seduction that is working in Paul at this time is greater than anything I have personally ever witnessed before...." [Special Bulletin: 37 - By Rick Joyner http://www.morningstarministries.org/pages/special_bulletins/SB_Current.html; http://www.morningstarministries.org/feature/sb/2004/SB07_04.html]

The Scriptures remind us:

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1 Corinthians 6:9 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,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

End Update

Mr. Joyner runs with such notables as James Ryle (Promise Keeper, Pastor to Bill McCartney); Jack Deere; Francis Frangipane; Dudley Hall, Andrew Strom, Mike Bickle, and many more involved in the "Kansas City Prophets, the Vineyard, and the Charismatic movement.

Rick Joyner stated this about the Knights of Malta,

"...Malta is still recognized as a sovereign order having its diplomatic center in Malta. It is considered by some to be the only true international registry of nobility still in existence. It has remained intact as a Christian order for over 900 years and its vows center on serving the Lord Jesus Christ, defending Christian unity, and serving "our lords, the poor and the oppressed." It is considered by many to be the only true chivalrous order remaining..."
"Now there is a Protestant/Evangelical/Ecumenical Order (which is known as the "Sovereign Order") and a Catholic Order. The Sovereign Order has been significantly revitalized in recent years. With little or no fanfare, its knights have been instrumental in important world affairs, and have done much to keep the Christian faith alive in nations under communist domination, or other places where Christianity is persecuted. Some of these knights must be secretive about their roles in these affairs because of the sensitive nature of them, and for the protection of persecuted believers. However, this has nothing to do with secret beliefs or practices..." (http://gabe.eaglestar.org/MSPBApr98.htm)

Regarding why para-church groups like Promise Keepers come about, Joyner says this,

"Almost every cult, sect or deviant group can be traced to a void created by the church not fulfilling her ministry. The ranks of the Masons tend to swell after each war because men are used to having a depth of male comradery during war that they cannot find anywhere else when they return home, including in the church. This is one reason for the popularity of movements like the Promise Keepers, which I think God has given to the church to help fill this void in men. Women also need comradery with each other, which they have been able to find within the church, or church programs, more easily than men..." (http://gabe.eaglestar.org/MSPBApr98.htm)

Norman Vincent Peale, icon to many Christians and world renowned for his psychological, self-based teachings and book "The Power of Positive Thinking", was a 33° mason. In a letter written in response to an inquiry about his support of Freemasonry, Peale related that his father and grandfather had been Masons, and he was a Mason for over 60 years.

"...What does Freemasonry mean to me?"
"...Masons say that Freemasonry actually begins in each individual Mason's heart. I take this to mean a response to brotherhood and the highest ideals....Freemasonry is not a religion though, in my experience, Masons have predominately been religious men and, for the most part, of the Christian faith. Through Freemasonry, however, I have had opportunity to break bread with good men of other than my own Christian faith. Freemasonry does not promote any one religious creed. All Masons believe in the Deity without reservation. However, Masonry makes no demands as to how a member thinks of the Great Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry is, for all its members, a supplement to good living which has enhanced the lives of millions who have entered its doors. Though it is not a religion, as such, it supplements faith in God the Creator. It is supporting of morality and virtue. "

"Freemasonry has no dogma or theology. It offers no sacraments. It teaches that it is important for every man to have a religion of his own choice and to be faithful to it in thought and action. As a result, men of different religions meet in fellowship and brotherhood under the fatherhood of God. I think that a good Mason is made even more faithful to the tenets of his faith by his membership in the Lodge...."

"...To me, Freemasonry is one form of dedication to God and service to humanity. I too was a Freemason in my heart and so I will remain. I am proud of my involvement. I am proud to walk in fraternal fellowship with my Brethren. Why am I a Freemason? Simply because I am proud to be a man who wants to keep the moral standards of life at high level and leave something behind so others will benefit. Only as I, personally, become better, can I help others to do the same." (27)

Promise Keepers have consistently denied that they or the leadership have any political motivation. Yet the leadership and speakers are very vocal in the political arena. And when you start taking the individual issues such as abortion or homosexuality, since those issues are moral, spiritual and political, it would be wrong to say they will not have influence in those areas simply by what they say and do.

Weishaupt says this:

"But the admission of political aims is reserved only for the higher grades of the Order. "With the beginner,"...we must be careful about books on religion and the State. I have reserved these in my plan for the higher degrees." (28)

James Dobson, who has provided much funding and support for Promise Keepers, said this, " ...conservative Christians have been betrayed by the Republican Party."

Also: "Focus on the Family President James Dobson, said Saturday (2/7/98) that he will personally lead a national campaign to weed out GOP elected leaders who have failed to keep promises to uphold strict Bible-based principles as part of their lawmaking activities...". Dr. Dobson is also quoted as saying that he would use his internationally broadcast radio program, to the extent that federal regulations governing nonprofits allow, to spread the word that Republicans have betrayed the powerful bloc of voting conservative Christians sometimes referred to as the Religious Right. (29)

Note Weishaupt's statements here: ".... the leaders were able to eliminate ambitious people who might become their rivals to power and to form their ranks out of men who would submit to be led blindly onward by unseen directors... "(30)

The following quotation fits into so many attitudes towards what is taking place today. In fact, it is often discussed how it seems that with all the agendas being played out, there is a planning that has taken place to encompass dealing with those that might not agree and "come on board".

Author Reinhart Dozy described the new sect that arose out of Islam through careful manipulation and deceit,

" (the revolt against Islam) Ismail...made into a system by founding a sect..."To link together into one body the vanquished and the conquerors, to unite in the form of a vast secret society with many degrees of initiation free-thinkers- who regarded religion only as a curb for the peoples... to make tools of believers in order to give power to skeptics...to build up a party, numerous, compact and disciplined, which in due time would give the thrones...an extraordinary conception which he worked out with marvelous tact, incomparable skill and a profound knowledge of the human heart. The means which he adopted, were devised with diabolical cunning..."(31)

He went on to say:

"His missionaries, who were inculcated with the idea that their first duty was to conceal their true sentiments and adapt themselves to the views of their auditor, ..."(32)

A person does not have to adhere to mysticism or a deception to be a part of it. Many are claiming to be Christians, or of God, but are simply acting the part. They are then able to influence people from within whatever organization they are a part of.

Dozy continued to describe this amazing project to remake Islam:

"By means such as these the extraordinary result was brought about that a multitude men of diverse belief were all working together for an object known only to a few of them...."

Nesta Webster concluded with stating the immense importance of the above quotes in throwing a light on the organization of modern secret societies.

"It does not matter what the ends may be, whether political, social, or religious, the system remains the same-- the setting in motion of a vast number of people and making them work in a cause unknown to them." (33)

However, God warns us about all these things in His inerrant Word.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."

It is apparent that Promise Keepers and those providing the support and direction of it, are simply one of the many instruments being used to provide the unity that eventually divides. Many are uniting for the "cause" and some would say that cause is a combination of Freemasonry principles, psychology, politics and a total commitment to the ecumenical movement which will result in a unified world religion. Christians cannot and must not unite with those who have doctrines that are contrary to the word of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

All Scripture Quotes from the Authorized King James Version

Footnotes:

Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati. Pg. 215
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster . Pg, 28
Ibid, pg 29
Ibid, pg.31
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati, page 217
Freemasonry and Religion, "Masonry in Alaska
Ibid
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati. Pg. 215
Ibid page 218
Ibid
Picture of Candidate for Entered Apprentice degree can be seen in :"The Master's Carpet"; Mah Hah Bone, page 252 by Edmund Ronayne;
Description in: The Brotherhood by Stephen Knight, Initiation to the First Degree, Appendix Three, pg. 312
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati, page 219
Ibid
Ibid, pg. 222
Ibid. Pg. 222
Promise Keepers Statement of Faith, Promise Keepers 1996 magazine, pg.5
The ACCC Report, by Dr. Ralph Colas, June,1997: National Association of Evangelicals 55^th Annual Convention--Orlando, Florida, Mar/1997
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati;pg 221
Ibid. Pg. 222
Ibid pg. 219
Promise Keepers : Answering Doctrinal and Denominational Questions and Challenges (Promise Keepers Ambassadors)
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati, page 221
Ibid, pg. 220
Ibid, pg. 219
Ibid, page 219
"What Freemasonry Means To Me, The Reverend Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 33°; The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati, page 222
"A Righteous Indignation" by Michael J. Gerson 5/4/98; & "A Conservative Leader Threatens to Bolt G.O.P" by Laurie Goodstein, New York Times, Feb 12/98
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements" by Nesta H. Webster; Ch. 9. The Bavarian Illuminati, page222
Ibid pg. 37
Ibid pg.38
Ibid pg.38

Copyright . All articles are the sole property of SeekGod.ca and Vicky Dillen. All Scripture King James Version unless otherwise stated.

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