Response to those who claim you must attend Promise Keepers to gain a proper Biblical Perspective.

by Dr. Ken Matto

The following is an excerpt from a sermon delivered by Pastor Steve Nash, Senior Pastor of Zarephath Community Chapel in NJ on June 16, 1996 concerning Promise Keepers and those who oppose it.

"...Yet there’s an onslaught, against it, people are trying to destroy it, even misinformed people within the church of Christ who don’t understand it. Like someone said to me the other day, everyone that complains about the ministry of Promise Keepers in every case they had never gone to Promise Keepers. I don’t like complaining all the time unless they’ve experienced it themselves. Then they can give constructive criticism." This statement properly interpreted and applied means:

I cannot cry against prostitution unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against drunkenness unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against divorce unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against drugs unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against child pornography unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against the occult unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against gambling unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against materialism unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against false gospels unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against homosexuality unless I go and experience it.

I cannot cry against _________ unless I go and experience it. (Fill in the Blank)

The same principle must be applied to all things in life. Either we investigate before and see if God condemns or commends, or we neglect His counsel found in:

(Prov 8:5 KJV) O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

(Prov 14:15 KJV) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

(Prov 22:3 & 27:12 KJV) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

(1 John 4:1 KJV) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

God gave us the Scriptures so we could investigate before we "experience," because experience ministers to the flesh. When Israel came out of Egypt did God tell them to go experience the religion of the Canaanites or did he command them to overthrow them? The answer lies in (Ex. 23:23-25 & Num. 21:3). Have you ever seen a billboard with a beautiful woman advertising some exotic liquor? They never show what is behind that billboard, like a drunk tank or disease of the liver. This is akin to the Promise Keepers euphoria, the attendees only see the window dressing but never see what lies behind it like false doctrine, neutered doctrine, and a watered down doctrine to appease all the false gospel adherents that attend. Only those who are serious with the Lord will check things out in Scriptures. The spiritually lukewarm and cold will check nothing out simply because they are immersed in the teachings of men rather than Scripture, and these very ones condemn those who choose to be obedient and check things out against Scripture. Promise Keepers falls under the curse of Galatians 1:8-9 because it is another gospel. (Gal 1:8-9 KJV) 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. {9} 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. Another pastor in NJ stated if you oppose Promise Keepers you are a "maggot." What a godly statement for a "Promise Keeper" to make! Reminds me of 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

(5/22/99) I think it is quite interesting to note that at one time I opposed Promise Keepers calling it another attempt to seduce the non-thinking Christian with ecumenical undertones and received verbal scourging for doing so.  I was told that I was opposing a great work of God.  Well if it is so great a work of God, then why has it fallen into such deep debt (millions) and the movement is also reduced greatly.   If God started this work, then why did it go down hill very fast?  Let us not blame God for the work of Satan in deceiving the church through these ecumenical mega-movements which come to nought.

It think Gamaliel said it best:

(Acts 5:38-39 KJV)And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: {39} But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Promise Keepers has definitely come to nought.  As the verse below states that God will not give His glory to another and this is where Promise Keepers has also violated the Word of God.  In their meetings, who heads the line up of speakers?  It is sports figures and psychologists.  Both of these groups are Christian Icons.

(Isa 42:8 KJV) I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

When this movement first came on the scene, I opposed it and received the due reward from my brethren.  Now, was it because I had some great prophetic insight into matters?   No, I simply compared this movement to the principles of Scripture and PK came up seriously lacking on all counts.  Then when I found out that Catholic Priests were being invited to speak at local PK sponsored events, then I knew right away that this movement was cursed and not blessed.  Anytime you hear of some so-called "great movement" just get out your King James Bible and compare and no doubt you will find it wanting.  Also ask who started it!  But prepare because all the "love Christians" in your congregations will vilify and ostracize you for daring to stand on God's truth.

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