Sing4Him
October 1st, 2007, 02:57 PM
Monday, September 17, 2007
A "Messianic Israelite" Book?
Often in the "messianic" American mission field called the "Hebrew Roots Movement" books are read by a man named Lew White. He leaves no wanting for a bizarre message. While reading through the book and looking at its design the thought crossed my mind to get in touch with him and tell him to peddle his books at Venice Beach! The audience would be receptive! His spirit would be right at home there. Maybe this poor guy has a booth there in the summers, and I have just never met him! I did meet one man who said he was with the "12 Lost Tribes" who was convinced he was the Holy Spirit. He really knew the Bible, too. His name was Joseph, and he really seemed to have a solid testimony on the surface, "believing" in "Jesus", reading the Bible daily, being able to quote the Bible far better than most Christians.
But all along he was deceived with a spirit from hell. He was such a nice person with a "love" for the Bible, and he could quote it left and right. There was only one problem: demons had convinced him beyond a shadow of a doubt that "Jesus was his Savior"...and he [Joseph] was the Holy Spirit! Joseph loved to study the book of Revelation. After I gave him Bible verses to show that he, in fact, was not the Holy Spirit, I never saw him again. It seemed that the man liked me and wanted to come and sit at my booth for long periods, always pleasant and very smart. But, once I gave him the Bible verses (very gently, too) which went against his demonic interpretations I never saw him again. All along, he was out to "convert" me to his spirit. Praise God, I am bought with the blood and no other spirit has dominion over me. "Believers" approach our booth at Venice, often with smiles, casually reporting that they have just seen "Jesus." One psychic said, "I said to him, 'O, Hi! I am so happy you came.'" They see "Jesus" there on a regular basis with strange gospels and messages for other "seekers."
Yep, Venice Beach would be the perfect place for this author, Lew White, advertising bumper stickers reading:
"Sunday is Not the Sabbath www.fossilizedcustoms.com "
Another bumper sticker he promotes reads:
"10 Commandments--Love Him Enough to Obey Him and He'll Write Them on Your Heart www.fossilizedcustoms.com "
Sadly, the publishing company, Strawberry Islands, is out of KY, according to the book jacket. Maybe at the rate of apostasy and paganism spreading down South, we will have to start a LTW booth of apologetics in KY.
The book is called Fossilized Customs. Here is a description on the back page:
Fossilized Customs, 176 pages, by Lew White; A MESSIANIC ISRAELITE BOOK EXPLAINING THE PAGAN ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS, EASTER, SUN-DAY, THE CALENDAR, AND MUCH MORE. A UNIQUE OUTREACH TOOL THAT WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU HAVEN'T EVEN THOUGHT TO ASK! IF YOU'D LIKE TO HAND SOMEONE SOMETHING (IN ADDITION TO THE SCRIPTURES) THAT CONTAINS EVERYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO TELL THEM, THIS WOULD BE THE BOOK. Fifth Edition, 1 copy 9.95, 4 copies 20.00; 10 or more copies 3.00 each. Become a distributor of FC automatically with any order of 10 or more.
What zeal! If only Christians could have that much zeal for the true Jesus and the true Gospel.
It is hard to believe that anyone who knows the true Jesus with the true "Holy" Spirit would ever fall for what this man purports. Such a trashy book would never even be held in my hands normally, yet I am researching this heartbreaking movement in the name of "Yeshua", whose message is aimed at true sheep of Jesus, bought by His blood. I have to read this disgusting dung about my Lord and people bought by His blood to warn other Christians, write articles and provide fact sheets. Oh, how the Holy Spirit in me is grieved as I research this book!
On pages 165-166 Lew White writes:
"Jesus Christ" is a man-made fabrication....The true religion of the Messiah, His real name, His mission, and what His followers' sect was called are facts being rediscovered today by diligent seekers.
The author attacks and mocks the solid Christian ministry, Answers in Genesis, which is based out of KY. Lew White writes on page 163 a passive-aggressive, demonic sort of twisted endorsement of these precious Christians. He writes that Answers in Genesis has a "scholarly bi-monthly magazine". Then he continues:
...THE INFORMATION...WAS PUBLISHED IN AN ARTICLE BY ROBERT [BOWIE JOHNSON] IN TECHNICAL JOURNAL, VOL. 17(3) ISSN 1036-2916, A SCHOLARLY BIB-MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF ANSWERS IN GENESIS LTD., CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY PIG-EATING SUN-DAY WORSHIPPERS, BUT THEY COULD CHANGE AT ANY TIME NOW. THIS ORGANIZATION IS BUILDING A CREATION MUSEUM NEAR CINCINNATI, OHIO. THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT, AND YOU CAN LEARN QUITE A BIT FROM THEM BY SUBSCRIBING TO THEIR CREATION MAGAZINE OR TECHNICAL JOURNAL.
The author then gives the web site for Answers in Genesis.
Where would we all be without Lew White? After all, "god" has given him revelations that we have never heard of before with mean, rude, vicious attacks on the name of Jesus--that name that we, as Christians, have always regarded as holy and worthy of our praise. He attacks Christians bought by the blood of Jesus and, just like Satan, shows hatred for them in his spirit and then turns right around to compliment them. It makes me think of how the demons spoke to Jesus in Matthew 8:29:
And behold they cried out, "What do we have to do with you Son of God?" They called Him the "Son of God".
Testing the spirits,
Dwayna
P.S.--Lew White's book would also surely be appreciated by Scientologists who are "Operating Thetans" with "advanced knowledge" over the rest of the world.
http://lightingtheway.blogspot.com/2007/09/messianic-israelite-book.html
Sing4Him
October 1st, 2007, 03:10 PM
The Reverend Michael John Rood
Matthew 23: 12-14
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
If one asks Michael Rood's staff about his religious background, one might be told similar to what Linda Miller, Michaels' Executive Secretary stated:
"Michael was raised Baptist, taught in John Hagee's church at a later point, and had a profound experience with the Lord while in the Marines. He has been a student and scholar of the word for many years. The Lord commissioned him to teach the book of Revelation to a couple in Two Harbors, MN back in 1995. That launched his speaking career." 8
Except, Michael said in his tapes, that he went business to business in Two Harbor's, pushing what is Ron Wyatt's videos on so-called archeological discoveries, which will be discussed in a later article. One might also be told by Linda Miller or other staff, that currently,
"Michael is living in Israel - has his own apt there. He does live a Levite lifestyle even though he is married - but he is not a Levite by birth - and of course Levites are allowed to get married - he has been living a Levitical lifestyle for about 6 years. He observes the Sabbath, dietary laws, feasts and festivals and as many of the 613 laws that are applicable for men. As a practicing Levite he has no insurance and does not own a car." 9
Although suggesting she had no idea where he pastored a Baptist church, or where he took his theological training, and neglecting that information until reminded that Michael has referred to himself as "Reverend Michael Rood," Linda Miller has stated to one source who shared with this author,
"Linda said that Michael served as a Baptist minister in Duluth - no name - he also served at John Hagee's church - he grew up Baptist, but Linda thought he taught some Bible classes. When I reminded her that he has called himself Reverend Michael Rood, that's when she plunked in the Duluth and Hagee "pastorates" - has no clue where he grew up, said she has his dad's name on file somewhere and if emailed she will get the information. Linda was also willing to talk to his daughter Leigh and ask her where he grew up, as she attends a bible study with Linda on Friday nights. " 10
It would be impossible for Michael to have been a Baptist minister in Duluth. He supposedly moved from San Antonio, Texas in 1995, to Two Harbors Minnesota and there are no congregations in Duluth that had him as their pastor. However, information reveals addresses for Michael in Gastonia and Charlotte, North Carolina, from 1995 to 2003, although he was from San Antonio prior to 1995. There are actually no addresses listed for him in Minnesota, although that is the address for his website correspondence and he was staying in Two Harbors on and off in 1995, until about 1998. Prior to 1985, he was in Virginia.
After contacting the Hagee church via email, and enquiring whether they "could validate when and what Michael Rood taught while at Cornerstone Church," which is located in San Antonio, the response was:
"...I have checked with Pastor's personal assistant and we are not familiar with Michael Rood, to our knowledge he has never spoke at Cornerstone." 11
Blessings
Terri
John Hagee Ministries
It is also noteworthy that Brian Samtur, in an email to his list, "Date: Tue Jan 29, 2002 7:53 am", with the "Subject: An eyewitness report from messianic brother Michael John Rood," referred to Linda as Michael's daughter,
"...Those who wish to make a donation to his ministry can contact his daughter Linda at newmoon6001@hotmail.com"
NewMoon6001 is one of the email addresses for Michael's website.
Brian Samtur has the website We Are Yisrael and works closely with Michael. Brian introduced Chaim Goldman, Michael's producer, 12 to Michael, writes music and on his website states,
"...Our music team produces and composes the original score for the “A ROOD AWAKENING!” TV series filmed in Yisrael with Michael Rood....An urgent need exists to provide a steady flow of materials for international distribution via the “A Rood Awakening!” television series." 13
Brian also sent out an appeal after lightning fried his computer, and stated,
"Monday, March 17, 2003 6:32 PM..."The computer is used 100% FOR THE MINISTRY. The computer is VITAL and necessary in order to moderate and post to this egroup and , of course for the work we are doing with the A Rood Awakening! TV series from Jerusalem, AND an upcomimg weekly radio show which we will be doing theme music for, TORAH TALK on American Information Radio Network from Jerusalem with Avi Ben Mordechai." 14
By his own words, Avi ben Mordechai, aka Bradley M. Marcus, is a Sephardic Jew 15 and kabbalist (Jewish mystic/occultist), although he has changed his biography to now say that he is, "Jewish Conservative/ Orthodox" or "Conservadox" who studies Biblical "mysticism." He has also stated he has studied under "Dr. James Scott Trimm", mentioned in the article, Doctor James Scott Trimm.
It's noteworthy that an online article discussed the usage of the term "Sephardic Jew" and concerning the Jewish roots of others who claimed coming from either Sephardic Jew heritage, or claiming themselves to be Sephardic Jews stated:
"...This guy is terribly ignorant of Jewish history. The Sephardic Jews did/do speak a combination of Spanish and Hebrew called Ladino, and therefore are sometimes called, "Spanish Jews", but the Jews were thrown out of Spain in 1492, and there have been very few Jews in Spain since then.
It is highly unlikely if there were any Jews in Fascist Spain, so unless his granny was very old, like 500 years old, she was a not a Sephardic Jew from Spain. He was probably told some times that she was a "Spanish" Jew and at other times that she was a "Sephardic Jew" and doesn't know enough to know that it just two ways of saying the same thing...." 15b
In other words, Bradley Marcus, who was born and raised in San Rafael, California, didn't come from Spain, although he has Jewish heritage. Avi was mentioned many times in the Seek God, To Embrace Hebrew Roots series. Avi, denies the virgin birth amongst other things.
That series is a must read for those who need to understand the significance of the Hebrew Roots movement, kabbalism and people like Michael Rood, Avi ben Mordechai and associates. For More on Avi ben Mordechai see: Avi ben Mordechai & Millennium 7000
The Hebrew Roots movement has little to nothing to do with the scholarly study of history or culture, but rather the judaizing of believers dealt with many times by the Apostle Paul. One merely needs to look at the claims, statements, backgrounds and blatant lies of the various individuals mentioned in these articles to see that. If something or someone is of God it will not be built on lies.
Proverbs 14:5 - 9
"A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."
Brian Samtur is also "Music And Cantorial Services: Cantor Chaim Baruch Samtur" with Michael's friend, Rabbi Moshe Konuichowsky's , Your Arms to Israel, and submits articles to that site as well, which is based on the Two House beliefs rooted in British Israelism.
See also the Series: The Spreading Hebrew Roots
Brian Samtur stating that Linda Miller is Michael Rood's daughter, certainly brings into question Linda Miller needing to speak with Michael Rood's daughter Leigh, or "check the files" for Michael's father's name. He would be her grandfather if Samtur is telling actual facts. It would also obviously mean that Linda Miller and Leigh are sisters or half sisters or ?
Some might suggest that he probably meant Michael's daughter, Leigh. But, that is highly unlikely as Linda is the email contact listed on the website, and Michael has mentioned both Leigh and Linda in his reports. Eric Fransen is Leigh's husband. In 1999 Michael went so far as to state that at that time Leigh answered all his emails. But he also mentioned both Linda and Leigh. For example, in a 2000 statement he said,
"...We are in a 'beans and rice' mode in the north woods with Eric, Leigh and Linda. Linda is helping me catch up on my email that became delinquent in the throes of this last 400- hour teaching tour..." 16
Update, Friday July 11, 2003: Linda Miller, Michael Rood's Secretary, has sent an email requesting the following: "
Dear Vicky, Please remove my personal information from your website: Home address, home telephone number, home email address, age and reunion information.
Thank you, Linda C. Miller Secretary for Michael John Rood"
After consideration, I felt there was no real use to have validation of that material, although it is all public information, in the public domain and found on search engines and web pages. The purpose was to prove that Linda Miller could not be Michael Rood's daughter.
However, After the following edit was done...I received another email, as is, saying: "Dear Vicky,
"Thank you for what you have edited. Please edit the following two paragraphs as well. Since our personal address is on Norm Willis' site, and has nothing to do with my position with Michael Rood ministries please remove; also please remove my husband's name and remove the information about my high school and age."
My response is this. John and Linda Miller have a publicly posted Home Fellowship listed with Michael Rood's close friend and associate, Norman Willis. It is a public advertisement for those interested in joining them. Norman Willis has been discussed in the Rood articles, and there will be further discussion about him and his teachings in future articles. Since the Home Fellowships are an extension of his beliefs, those involved are also of interest, particularly since there is also belief/connection to Michael Rood Since the information is in the public domain it can and will be quoted as necessary.
As far as the High School information...the High School Reunion was posted on the public internet and found via public search engines. Schools are public institutions and they have public information including yearbooks. I changed the age information to not being specific. That information is necessary to reveal that Linda Miller is older than Michael Rood ...and cannot be his daughter...These articles are not simply about Michael Rood...they are about those who also stand in agreement with him, especially if they know the things about him as discussed in these articles...they may even know if he has a name like say...Bill Anderson, Bill Smith or some other ...which would surely fully dispense the Jewish background story.
**** End Update
Linda Miller and her husband John, appear as Home Fellowship leaders under Nazarene Israel's website, which belongs to Norman Willis, a friend of Michael Rood's, and which also lists his friend Jeff Weiss as having a home fellowship. Norman Willis also posts to Michael Rood's website. Linda Miller has stated that Michael Rood's daughter Leigh attends their study.
http://www.regathering.com/fellowships.htm
For more on Norman Willis See: Michael Rood: WAY Colleagues, Occult Calendars & False Prophecies; Tom Mitchell, Board Member of the Union of Two House Messianic Congregations; Michael John Rood: Messianic Karaite Rabbi; Marshall Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky; The James Trimm & Michael Rood Factor; Michael Rood & James Trimm & The WAY
Note: Since posting the various articles, the name of Union of Two House Messianic Congregations has been changed to : Union Of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations, as of October 26, 2003
Linda Miller graduated from Minnesota's Grand Rapids High School, class of 1961. That would mean Linda Miller would be in her late 50's and it would be impossible for Michael John Rood to be her father, being that he is 51 in 2003. An older sister maybe, but not his daughter. Unless, of course, Michael is in his mid 70's or early 80's, which is impossible since he was born in 1952.
Various individuals relate Mr. Rood's very defensive posturing, anger and blustering and refusing to give his background information when asked. Omitting The Way International involvement is clearly an attempt to hide his cult background and leanings. Others recount that when Michael has actually given a 'resume' to pastors, and particularly one church board, they found all his references were bogus and noticed that his listed 'college' was that of The Way International. 17
We know that a man of God is to have certain qualities, so that shame is not brought upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
As far as his "Rev." title, it would be impossible for Michael to have become a Reverend in anything but The Way International, because he joined the cult at the age of 20 or 21. That is where he got his "Bible scholarship." Based on various information, The Way International was his religious affiliation for a minimum of 22 years and most of his adult life.
In fact, depending on the speaking engagement, he's promoted as "Reverend", "Former Baptist Minister" or as a "Rabbi", "Rabbi Michael Rood" or "Messianic rabbi (teacher) Michael Rood", "Messianic Kairite Rabbi", "Messianic Jewish Rabbi, " and is even referred to as “honorary mohel”--all depending on the audience to be indoctrinated.
For those who aren't aware, "mohel" is a person of the Jewish faith who is ordained to do circumcision under the guidelines of the Jewish religion. In the case of Michael Rood, he was attending as "honorary mohel" for the "circumcision" or the removal of a "pagan church steeple" from a church in Austin, Texas.18
Matthew 23: 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
An example of his "Baptist Minister" promotion was found "Web posted Saturday, December 1, 2001" 19
Former Baptist minister to talk about end times
Former Baptist minister Michael Rood will speak about "God's message to his people during the last days" at 7 p.m. Monday night at St. Andrew By-the-Sea Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island, said Rabbi Jeffrey Weiss of For the Glory of Yahshuah Ministries. There is no charge.
Rood and his message have been featured on numerous Christian programs, including "The Prophecy Club." He is the author of the book "Mystery of Iniquity." ...
For more information, call [Jeff] Weiss at 342-2777."
The contact, Rabbi Jeff Weiss, speaks with Michael on various platforms, and has no congregation of his own. His ministry called, For the Glory of Yahshuah Ministries has the address, http://www.forthegoym.net . "For the Goym," of course meaning, 'for the nations" or "the heathen.'
For More on Jeff Weiss see: Mainstreaming the Fringe; MJAA Executives & The Hebrew Roots Fringe
For an in-depth discussion from a reader about the various Names, please see: Yahshua, Yehoshua, Y'shua, Yeshua, Iesous, Iesus, or Jesus The Sacred Name or True Name or Taking the Name, The Mark & the Number
One would not have to be a graduate of a Baptist Seminary, but one would have to actually pastor a Baptist congregation in order to be a "former Baptist Minister." Being "raised Baptist" doesn’t even come close to attending a Baptist seminary or being ordained a Baptist pastor in a congregation, neither of which are even an option in the religious background and stated source of Biblical scholarship provided by Linda Miller.
Dr. John Juedes, is a Lutheran minister who is also a former Way member. His research into the Way has spanned over 25 years, with resulting articles found on his website, Messiah 7's Way International site. According to Dr. Juedes, Way members have often misrepresented themselves. Referring to Michael Rood, he states,
"Just because he was introduced as a Baptist minister doesn't mean he was. I've seen other ex-wayers misrepresent themselves. They may say something like, "I was a Baptist" (which may be decades ago when as a child they went to Sunday School in a Baptist church) once" and "I am a preacher/clergyman" (which means they were TWI leaders and/or TWI clergy. They lead people to think that their "clergy" experience was in a legitimate church rather than in TWI. Plus, look at Rood's age (21) when he joined TWI. That doesn't leave any room for legitimate seminary." 20
The Bible tells us we are to do things honest, without lying, duplicity and insincerity. That means all, but leadership has a far higher accountability.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Titus 2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
In one cassette tape, recorded in 1997-98, where he could so easily have explained his involvement of the Way, and declared that he repented and rejected it, instead Michael stated,
Tape: Doctrine of the Nicolaitains
"....format of a cult...some cults have good cult leaders some have bad cult leaders...I belonged to a cult, I grew up in a cult, the Baptist church...we were taught and believed in the baptism of water but any time any scriptures were about the baptism of the spirit, speaking in tongues, interpretation of prophecy, any of these things, we said we believed the whole Bible but guess what, we never read that part... now that is ...a cult format. We say we believe the whole Bible but there's something' s that we step past real fast. 1 Cor 12:13, 14 I never learned until I got out of that particular group. Now is the Baptist church a bad cult? Well, It depends I guess ...they aren't giving people poison, and telling them to go meet a space ship that's following a comet, heh, ...it's not that far out but...this kind of structure exists in a lot of ways in a lot of areas..."
Michael "got out" of said "Baptist cult" when he was 20 or 21 and moved right into The Way International cult. In his teaching tape, "Mikveh: The Doctrine of Baptisms," Michael makes one more mention of the "Baptist cult" he was raised in, implies he spent most of his life in the Baptist church, and then mentions being part of another cult, which of course is The Way International. But the implication is that it was a brief encounter and that their doctrine of the Holy Spirit was accurate and other theology was just incomplete.
"... Now you would think that after 40 some years that someone who has raised as a Baptist would understand baptism and yes I was raised as a Baptist ...I was raised in the Baptist cult. and when I say cult, we believed the whole Bible was the word of God but anything concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit we either completely ignored or read by very quickly, entire sections of Scripture we did not read because even though we believed the whole Bible things that we didn't actually want to believe we just completely ignored. And so I was raised understanding the baptism of water as far as obedience and following the initial steps in following the Lord but , this about the baptism of the Holy Spirit I knew nothing about. and was taught nothing about it.
"Later on I got involved in a cult which believed in nothing about obedience but only in the power of the Holy Spirit. And so I was seeing both ends of this and I knew that there's more to it, I don't understand this. .."
We are reminded by God's infallible Word, that nothing good can come from a false or evil root:
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
It should be understood that the founder of The Way International, Victor Wierwille, whose own doctorate came from a degree mill 21 dispensed ordination 22 on his Way clergy, based on their having taken his various studies. Studies which proclaimed Wierwille to be the God ordained "one" to provide the Biblical truth which was 'lost since the time of the apostles.'
John Juedes noted that The Way International taught, as do many of it's splinter groups, for example, John Lynn's Christian Education Services, that, "Both CES and TWI believe that the church went into widespread apostasy and heresy by the time the Apostle John died at the end of the first century. By that time, most all Christians had rejected true doctrine (which CES and TWI now teaches) and substituted false, pagan teachings like those believed by Christians today." 23 CES is the group that had the conference that Jamie Louis was noted to have attended in 1998.
This is what "Reverend" Michael Rood was "ordained" for, and continues, as he now proclaims himself to be the bearer of truth that was lost since the time of the apostles. Something which he states in many ways in his tapes and lectures. For example, from his tape series, The 70th Week Ministry of the Messiah, Tape 1 of 4, he states,
"The Messiah is calling his people out now, he's letting them know that the Feasts of the Lord are very important, he's calling us back to our Hebrew Roots to get again attached to the root, and fed from the root and to shed all of this Gentile Paganism that has been absorbed into the church from the time of Constantine the sun god worshipper, ... and mixing all of the paganism in to the Roman religious system to make a one world religious system. At that point is when the faith that was once delivered to the saints was for the most part lost and gone."
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and faith delivered to the saints, lost and gone until Victor Wierwille or Michael John Rood were called to proclaim their version of "truth"? That goes entirely against such Scriptures as:
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
Is it important to know what The Way International and Michael Rood embraced and taught and believed as truth? Yes it is.
Is it important to know whether what Michael Rood teaches now is in any way a reflection of his 'former' Way beliefs? Yes it is.
We fully believe that it does matter. And Biblically so. We're to know them that labour amongst us. And we're to try the spirits.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
http://www.seekgod.ca/print/jtmrpr/printrevrood.htm
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