These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6)
Our founders left us with this charge “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”1 This trust we take seriously. “Unity, according to this scripture, is a good thing and pleasant; especially among brethren-members of the same family, of the same Christian community, and of the same nation. On the other hand, disunion is bad and hateful. The former is from heaven; the latter, from hell.”i
It has come to the attention of our International Presbytery that the leader of a large Pentecostal organization, with a long history of causing strife and division, has made spurious remarks concerning our brothers and sisters in Christ. He and his cohorts have attacked their families, their friends, their ministries, and churches, while hiding behind their self-righteous, self-heralded, hierarchy. This person and his collaborators have made their assertions public through books, social media, etc. They have made it selfevident that they have no shame.
Our God fearing, Bible believing friends have a record that speaks for itself. They have successfully contended for unity, while bringing help and hope for people from all over the World. The accomplishment of these Apostolic men and women of God is praiseworthy. Yet, they do not seek our praise. They only ask that we insist on the unity of the Body of Christ. For their efforts, the organizational pulpiteer charges that they do not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather, they claim, our friends believe in Reincarnation. They offer this as an excuse (one of many) for their continued partisan efforts to oppose unity and instead offer their group as the only legitimate solution. This is not the first time we have endured such libel and slander. These have previously accused the same people of teaching a doctrine they have named “Divine Flesh.” A purposeful distortion of a bible study. With no evidence the proffer that these deny the divinity of Christ Jesus! Outrageous phony accusations deliberately constructed to get reaction – not truth!
Their baseless allegations always come from twisting the truth to fit their narrative. This time they are misrepresenting the text of an obscure bible study from the 1940’s. It is a calculated attack targeting the very core of those who love unity. The purpose of the allegation is to justify their self-exalting elitism. They have no interest in unity! These hide behind their long-standing feud with a man who was one of their key leaders but refused to kowtow to their self-anointed imprimatur. It is common practice for them to spew their venom on those who depart their faction or show any hutzpah. 1 Psalm 133:1
Like Joseph’s brothers, they hate their brother. Especially despised are those who champion the cause of righteousness and chose to focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than organizational politics and strife. For the record: although this man who is the centerpiece of their latest assault, left their group (in good standing) more than 70 years ago, they continue to trade in backroom inuendo, covert religious politics, extortion, and other works of the flesh. They continue to demand a pound of flesh from the living as some sort of penitence for the dead. Jealousy is as cruel as the grave (SoS 8:6).
This clandestine assault on the people of God is egregious. When you consider it is coming from an organization that claims to be united but has scandalous connectivity to white supremacy, bigotry, and racism. Their leaders for nearly 100 years have caused repeated division among the people of God. This gives us reason to pause and consider their agenda. Exactly what have they united?
These charge that any group or persons who believe in reincarnation is “a nut case.” They are not referencing those who believe in another God, but rather those who already believe core doctrine generally believed among us (repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues). Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen (Deut. 27:24).
While this pablum performs well to their naïve followers. In fact, they are the ones who hold unscriptural positions. Previously, this group has offered a Bible study they disagree with as their ‘proof positive.’ Now, they have simple dumbed their assault down to just one word. In fairness, Christians do not usually use the word reincarnation, expecting that is has something to do with someone dying and being reborn as a butterfly. Yet, Christians commonly use synonyms of reincarnation such as new birth, resurrection, regeneration, born again, rebirth, etc. without feeling any need for apology (as they should). Unless a man is born of the water and of the Spirit… (John 3:5).
Avoid Divisive Persons. In conclusion, we leave you with the words of the great Apostle Paul: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Humbly submitted on behalf of the Presbytery of International Circle of Faith. www.icof.net
Bishop Bernie L. Wade, Sr.