Any masons on the PB?

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Aren't masonry beliefs in conflict with Christianity? Like you go through various levels of knowledge to find divine truth. And this truth has nothing to do with the God of the Bible? I could be mistaken, but this is what I had heard.

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"I was found by those who did not seek me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me." Romans 10:20b

Angela Asano
Edwardsville, IL
Member, Center Grove Presbyterian Church - PCA

Here is what the OPC has to say on the issue.

Christ or the Lodge? A Report on Freemasonry

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Josh Taylor
Verde Valley Reformed Chapel, OPC
Cottonwood, AZ

nm

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Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div
Candidate Under Care Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Member: Fairmount ARP Church Pittsburgh, PA
Attending: Currently Regular Supply at PC(USA) congregations in WV (July 5 & 12 - Belington Presbyterian Church)

"We are deprived of a leader than whom the whole world would scarcely obtain a greater, whether in knowledge of true religion or in integrity and innocence of life, or in thirst for study of the most holy things, or in exhausting labour in advancing piety, or in authority and fulness of teaching, or in anything that is praiseworthy and renowned."- John Cheke on the death of Martin Bucer...

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes" - Erasmus

I have a trowel and bricks if anyone needs a hand...

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Tim Phillips
Pastor, Midlane Park Presbyterian Church (ARP)
Louisville, KY
Husband of Scottish Lass
My Blog: Gairney Bridge
My Facebook/My Avatar

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

"Wherever the gospel is preached, it is as if God Himself came into the midst of us." ~ John Calvin

JM,

I used to be a free-mason. Do you have any questions or inquiries?

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Mark
Atlanta, GA
http://www.hereiblog.com

I've been asked to join a few times over the years and the invite has come up again so I thought I start a thread.

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That's interesting...you're not supposed to be "invited" to become a freemason. They can give you material, but they are supposed to wait for you to ask them to join.

I was told that when in a freemason meeting you are not allowed to mention Jesus...that's enough for me. If they don't want my Savior they don't want me.

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Larry Bray
Elder - Reformed Presbyterian Church of Boothwyn, PCA
Boothwyn, PA - http://www.rpcb.org/
Free Online Reformed Seminary - http://www.tnars.net
-----------------------------------------------------
"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God" --Martin Luther

Any masons on the board?

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Andrew

SBC has freemasonry activity in it, Billy Graham is a freemason

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Matthew Miller
Reformed Baptist, SBC
Spring Hill, FL

The hour has come for us to wake from our sleep.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11

I was asked to join as well. My grandfather was a freemason. I've heard some wild stories about it and don't really care to join.

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Chris Thomas | SBC-Founders | Fairbanks, AK

"Whatever the cause, the Calvinists were the only fighting Protestants. It was they whose faith gave them courage to stand up for the Reformation. In England, Scotland, France, Holland, they,... did the work, and but for them the Reformation would have been crushed... If it had not been for Calvinists,... and whatever you like to call them, the Pope and Philip would have won, and we should either be Papists or Socialists." ~ Sir John Skelton

This is a very touchy subject in my home as my Father-in-law is a 33 degree Mason and is in "leadership" as well as being a Shrine-member and a clown.

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Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div
Candidate Under Care Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Member: Fairmount ARP Church Pittsburgh, PA
Attending: Currently Regular Supply at PC(USA) congregations in WV (July 5 & 12 - Belington Presbyterian Church)

"We are deprived of a leader than whom the whole world would scarcely obtain a greater, whether in knowledge of true religion or in integrity and innocence of life, or in thirst for study of the most holy things, or in exhausting labour in advancing piety, or in authority and fulness of teaching, or in anything that is praiseworthy and renowned."- John Cheke on the death of Martin Bucer...

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes" - Erasmus

I agree, but it's funny because the SBC itself strongly opposes lodge membership.

From the SBC's site: About Us - Basic Beliefs

I have an uncle who is both a Freemason and SBC, and try as I might to show him, he refuses to see the incompatibilities. I think many of them are convinced that they are "going to the next level" in getting closer to God.

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Steve Butts - Former SBC-er
Three Forms of Unity - Bradenton CRCNA - Bradenton, Florida
(A conservative member in a conservative congregation)

"Turning away to false Theology is equal to turning away to false gods" — Francis Schaeffer (Death in the City)

Key phrase from your quotation "but these resolutions are not binding upon local churches."...

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Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div
Candidate Under Care Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Member: Fairmount ARP Church Pittsburgh, PA
Attending: Currently Regular Supply at PC(USA) congregations in WV (July 5 & 12 - Belington Presbyterian Church)

"We are deprived of a leader than whom the whole world would scarcely obtain a greater, whether in knowledge of true religion or in integrity and innocence of life, or in thirst for study of the most holy things, or in exhausting labour in advancing piety, or in authority and fulness of teaching, or in anything that is praiseworthy and renowned."- John Cheke on the death of Martin Bucer...

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes" - Erasmus

Yeah, unfortunately with the SBC almost EVERYTHING is "Non-binding on the local Churches" They are the denomination that isn't a denomination.

If you go the to the link, you'll see that they also have a few articles from the N.A.M.B. that also opposes F.M.

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Steve Butts - Former SBC-er
Three Forms of Unity - Bradenton CRCNA - Bradenton, Florida
(A conservative member in a conservative congregation)

"Turning away to false Theology is equal to turning away to false gods" — Francis Schaeffer (Death in the City)

Definitely not a Free Mason!

No desire to bow at the altar of their generic god, "the master architect of the universe." (sounds more like a saturday morning cartoon character than a diety to me)

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Sterling Harmon
Presbyterian Church of Coventry (PCA)
Coventry, CT
Deacon
________________

"Whatever is laudable in our works proceeds from the grace of God."
-- John Calvin, Institutes III:xv.3.

"Our Lord God must be a good man, to be fond of worthless fellows. I cannot like them, and yet I, myself, am one."
-- Martin Luther, Table Talk
Interim Pulpit Supply of New England

My Facebook

Owner/Administrator @ Reformed Theology Institute

Margaret

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Margaret
Free Church of Scotland [Continuing]
Michigan

My heart goes out to you. This is a very touchy subject in many homes and churches.

I believe that Freemasonry and Arminianism complement each other in the sense that both are works of ones own will towards being a better person.

I have read "Morals and Dogma" by Albert Pike and have come to the conclusion that freemasonry is a religion on its own.

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Josh Taylor
Verde Valley Reformed Chapel, OPC
Cottonwood, AZ

Never mind

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"I was found by those who did not seek me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me." Romans 10:20b

Angela Asano
Edwardsville, IL
Member, Center Grove Presbyterian Church - PCA

You may find helpful the PCA study committee report on this topic:

http://www.pcahistory.org/pca/2-300.pdf

OK... As I was saying! Tee Hee... Prayer Requests

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Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

__________________
Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

My favorite secret society... Thuh Coons...

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Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Free Masonry is no joke. My family has deep roots of Scottish Rite Masonry. Thankfully, my grandfather broke that chain at the end of his life. He was a 33rd degree and was 'way up' the chain in his state. The Lord opened his eyes and he spilled the beans to us men. I could go on for hours on this. But, it would no be appropriate.

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We shall not adjust our Bible to the age; but before we have done with it, by God's grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Lawrence Underwood, Jr.
Pastor - Providence Family Fellowship / Mobile, Alabama
1644/46 LBC
My Blog - Imprimis

Please excuse me if I seem too be too lighthearted about it. But as bad as it is and as much as I'm against it, when I was a "Charismaniac", I (and many in the church I went to at the time) prayed against the "Masonic spirit" all the time. I worried about it, fretted over it and could tell you about any time a group of Shriners broke a champagne bottle against a federal building to christen it. I have pounded the truth of the ML into my boy's minds for years and I don't repent of one word that I've spoken on the matter. But I must say that it was very liberating a few years ago to shed the fear of this junk and go on with my life. It's not healthy to worry about it or to make it a great point of focus.

"Did you know that the world is being run by a secret society that everybody knows about?" - Dr. Bob Morey

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Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Can you show proof that Graham is a Freemason?

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Tom Mitchell
Opp, AL
Member of First Presbyterian Church PCA Florala, AL

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin
Romans 7:24,25
www.myspace.com/tom_mitchell1960
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=607055102

How do you get proof from a secret society?

On a more serious note,

Billy Graham denied being a freemason and the masons deny that he was ever a mason. This is mostly conjecture from anti-masonic groups.

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Josh Taylor
Verde Valley Reformed Chapel, OPC
Cottonwood, AZ

I used to check out the list that had Billy Graham's name as a Mason on the Net from time to time. But now I can't seem to find it. I know from reading his bio years ago (I'm such a Graham fan that I threw the book away. The book was given to me in the first place or I wouldn't have owned it) that he used a lodge to hold some of his first meetings. While I am by no means a Billy Graham fan nor do I promote or even approve of the Mason Lodge, I do believe that it seems to be misinformation about Graham being a Mason.

This (below) came from a web site that I also don't promote but they seem to be a group that is interested in clearing up misinformation.

Reverend Billy Graham - Sometimes referred to as 'America's Minister', Rev. Graham is frequently identified as a Mason by religious intolerants whose ideology is different from his. They feel, apparently, that connecting him with Freemasonry will smear his outstanding abilities and his life-long commitment to his faith. In the earliest days of the world wide web (we seem to recall it was about 1994), a listing of famous Freemasons appeared on the web site of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, USA. Dr. Graham's name appeared on the list in error based on an assumption by the person who prepared it. (No, it isn't a conspiracy to hide anything! In fact, it's likely that the information may have come from the book by former Mason Jim Shaw who lied that he had received the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite with Rev. Graham in attendance. Since Shaw never received that honor, clearly there is nothing to his claim. Read about it here!) Since then, though, unsubstantiated claims have flown about on the internet and one of the most frequent questions we receive dealing with specific individuals concerns Dr. Graham. The simple fact - as substantiated by his organization - is that he is FAR too involved with his ministry to devote time to any other organization. Like other recognizable leaders who are not Masons, Dr. Graham has from time to time been present at Masonic or Masonic-family events. There is a picture sometimes found on the web of him attending a DeMolay public installation of officers. Over his lifetime, Dr. Graham has attended thousands of meetings of groups. To state that Rev. Graham held Masonic membership simply based on his attendance was an assumption by that webmaster of the most absurd proportions. Regretfully, most of those who insist that Rev. Graham is a Mason are those who want to smear both him and the fraternity.

Mason Jeff Armstrong in Illinois has also noted that when Dr. Graham was a student at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, he rented the Masonic Hall for his weekly sermons. This could have easily caused many to assume that he was somehow connected with Freemasonry not realizing that many Masonic Halls in the US are available for rental purposes (although some jurisdictions prohibit it).

And there are still a couple of dozen rants left over on the web from religious intolerants who want to name every prominent religious leader as a Mason as if this were somehow a terrible thing. For the record, neither Oral Roberts, Jerry Falwell, or Kenneth Copeland are Masons either. You'll note that NONE of the material making these claims can cite where these men were supposedly members but instead rely on absurd claims that they're "secret" members. No such thing, folks. In fact, you'll note that the claims regarding Copeland all have similar wording. Why? They all came from the fantasy of a single anti-Masonic website created by conspiracy-obsessed Mark Flynn. It definitely proves the old saw that a lie can travel around the world while the truth is still putting on its socks!
See link Famous Non-Masons

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Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

I am a 1st degree freemason.

I was converted a few weeks later and have never had contact with it again.

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Andrew DeShazo
Husband of Kathryn
Deacon
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN
Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.

Not a mason here and I don't know any.

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Ivan R. Schoen, Pastor
Maranatha Baptist Church (SBC)
Poplar Grove, IL, USA
http://maranatha-sbc.org

My proof is the sum of the circumstancial evidence in light of Scripture. I am not judging the man, but rather reproving his deeds (Eph. 5:11).

Consider the facts, remembering the reality of the ecumenical yoke of the corporate church with the catholic church and hence, all world religions. Please, consider:


1. When Billy Graham was on the Phil Donahue show on 10-11-79, he said that pope John Paul II was someone that he could quote with "some real authority." He also said that the world was looking for a spiritual leader and that the pope didn't pull any punches.

2. The Star, June 26, 1979. Caption reads, "In this exclusive interview, evangelist Billy Graham hails Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage to Portland as a triumph for Christianity. Dr. Graham and other religious leaders also heap praise on the pontiff for helping to push forward the religious revival worldwide."

3. Billy Graham received an honorary doctorate from Catholic priests at Belmont Abbey College in 1967. He called it, "a time when Protestants and Catholics could meet together and greet each other as brothers, whereas 10 years ago they could not". He joked around, "I'm not sure but what this could start me being called "Father Graham".
("Belmont Abbey Confers Honorary Degree," Paul Smith, Gazette staff reporter, The Gastonia Gazette, Gastonia, North Carolina, Nov. 22, 1967).

4. According to The Florida Catholic (Sept. 1983) 600 people were turned over to the Catholic religion as a result of the Orlando crusade.

5. Billy Graham even had a Catholic priest SUPERVISE the 6,600 counselors for the Denver crusade. Information on the hundreds of Catholics who came forward were sent to a Catholic organization in Denver. (Wilson Ewin, Evangelism: The Trojan Horse of the 1990s).

6. An ecumenical advisor to the Catholic religion noted in 1989 that "Those who come forward for counseling during a mission evening in June, if they are Roman Catholic, will be directed to a Roman Catholic 'nurture-group' under Roman Catholic counselors in their home area" (John Ashbrook, New Neutralism II, Mentor, Ohio: Here I Stand Books, 1992, p. 35).

7. Billy Graham told the Lutheran Standard in October 1967,
"I do believe that something happens at the baptism of an infant... we cannot fully understand the mysteries of God, but I believe that a miracle can happen in these children so that they are regenerated, that is, MADE CHRISTIAN, THROUGH INFANT BAPTISM."

8. "...I think people have a hard time believing God is going to allow people to burn in literal fire forever. I think the fire that is mentioned in the Bible is a burning thirst for God that can never be quenched."
The Orlando (Florida) Sentinel for April 10, 1983

9. In 1962, a Roman Catholic bishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil, blessed the people that came forward at the invitation. (Daily Journal, International Falls, Minnesota, Oct. 29, 1963, cited by the New York Times, Nov. 9, 1963).

10. In 1959, Graham invited the liberal Bishop James A. Pike to lead in prayer at one of his crusades. Yet Pike said in an Episcopal letter: "Religious myth is one of the avenues of faith and has an important place in the communication of the Gospel." He called the Garden of Eden a myth and said, "The virgin birth... IS A MYTH which churchmen should be free to accept or reject..."

Other ecumenical quotes:

- March 8, 1979- National Enquirer- Regarding the Pope, Graham said, "He'll be warmly greeted because he's such a down-to-earth, fun-loving man who creates friends wherever he goes. I firmly feel Pope John Paul II will be the most respected pope of the century and he'll become the moral leader of the world."

- National Enquirer, Aug. 9, 1983- Graham gives six steps to being a soul-winner: "1. Set your personal goals high. 2. Appreciate yourself. 3. Make honesty and integrity key words in your life. 4. Be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. 5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. 6. Have the courage to change things in your life." Not one word about salvation or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


There are plenty of quotes not unlike these. The bottom line is that Billy Graham will compromise defending the faith to receive praise from men! He gratefully receives Presidential Awards (George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service) and an honorary Catholic Degree, but will openly speculate literal hell-fire for the unbeliever and the infallibility of scripture.

I am building my case.

Additionally, there was an interview with Robert Schuller on his "Hour of Power" on May 31, 1997. During this interview, Graham states:

"I think everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the Body of Christ. And that's what God is doing today, he's calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, Buddhist world, the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ, because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their heart that they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light that they do have and I think they are saved, and that they are going to be in heaven with us."


And I cannot find the video for the rest of the interview, but here is the transcript:

Schuller: What I hear you saying is that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and soul and life even if they've been born into darkness and never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you are saying?

Graham: Yes it is, because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world...that have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, and never heard of Jesus, but they've believed in their hearts that there was a God.


Just a brief glance at the text of Albert G. Mackey's "History of Freemasonry" will reveal that Freemasonry is a religion that is based on mythology and ancient mystery-religions. The modern version of these mythological schools and mystery-religions all promote the "wider-mercy" acceptance of all religions, i.e. all paths lead to god. What fellowship has Christ with Belial, yet Christian and Muslim can come together in banquet and brotherhood? In the name of peace and love in the mode of Freemasonry?

This hardly needs any exposition.

Furthermore, Billy offers his endorsement and participation in dominion-oriented religio-political organizations such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. There is more to this than "let's love Jesus and get people saved;" yea, "let's bring the religions together, starting with those who 'believe' in Jesus." Globalist policy is not the way the gospel is spread, and the gospel's intention is not to convert governments to "Christian" ideals, i.e. dominionism. This is so rampant in our society and in the corporate church. Once again, this hardly needs any exposition.

I have thus far stated the seeming coincidences between Billy's beliefs and those of freemasonry, namely 1) unequal yokes with unbelievers, in fact, obvious and intentional support of a whorish-religion [2 Pe. 2:14 "adultery"] 2) denial of the pillars of the gospel [view on wider-mercy, sola scriptura, judgement, Immanuel, etc] 3) the love of the world [success, health, wealth, prosperity, praise of men].

Freemasons are secretive about their enrollment, so I cannot just post a link to a website that has Billy Graham on the roll-call for a certain lodge. However, there does exist a paper trail:

Billy Graham's books consistently refer to Masons. Billy Graham endorsed the Masonic DeMolay program for youth as God's work. This endorsement by Billy Graham is in a Masonic book that is used to educate people about "the craft" (that means Freemasonry). That book is The Clergy and the Craft and it says that the people who are quoted in it are Masons. (See Haggard, Forrest D. Transactions Missouri Lodge of Research, Vol. No. 27, The Clergy and the Craft, p. 127. where Graham endorses the Masonic youth program.)

In terms of witnesses who have put what they have witnessed in writing we have the following: Jim Shaw, ex-33° Mason -- the highest ranking Freemason to defect to Christianity, writes about Billy Graham being at his 33° initiation ceremony. Huntington House refused to print his book co-authored with Tom McKenney unless they took out Billy Graham's name on pg. 104, and substituted a general description. (See The Deadly Deception, p. 104-105.) Only Freemasons are allowed to attend these initiations. (See The New Age, the official organ of The Supreme Council 33°. Wash., D.C., October 1961, p. 30.)

I will submit to the board my final evidence:

William M. Watson - DIRECTOR OF THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION. He is a Freemason, and he is also President of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. Chairman of Occidental was Armand Hammer. He also was a member of the advisory council to the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth which had at least three Freemasons on its board of trustees.

David M. McConnell - DIRECTOR OF THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION. He is a Freemason. He was also an U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (1968-69), business associate with Illuminatus Charles Gambrell, in Belk Stores of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Arthur Lee Malory--CO-CHAIRMAN of the BILLY GRAHAM CRUSADE Advisory Committee for the 1973 St. Louis Crusade -- 32° Freemason, deacon in a Southern Baptist Church.


Though I cannot prove with a hyperlink or a published source that Billy Graham is a freemason, I see no reason to consider otherwise. He is the spiritual advisor of presidents, presidents who say that Christians and Muslims worship the same god (G.W. Bush.) He is world-reknown for his number of converts and his friends in high places. He is idolized by Southern Baptists, pastors and church-folk, for his work. Even questioning his freemasonry activity will bring shame on your head in a Southern Baptist church; in fact, pastors will blatantly say, "I cannot judge him." Where is discernment?


I believe what Jesus said, "You will know them by your fruits." The context of this teaching was that we would know false teachers by their fruit, and their fruit are their converts. We know Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons by their converts; bad trees bear bad fruit. And more often than not will a Billy-supporter say that you can be saved by asking Jesus to come into your heart. In his younger days his charisma and enthusiasm for the gospel was respectable, but the departure he has made from the faith should not be overlooked, it in fact should be examined due to the amount of influence he has in the church, which fulfills another teaching of Jesus, "of whom is given much, much will be required."

__________________
Matthew Miller
Reformed Baptist, SBC
Spring Hill, FL

The hour has come for us to wake from our sleep.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11

I wasn't aware of all this info you gave. Please accept my humble "backstep" and thanks for the info. I knew that Graham was ecumenical and great chums with John Paul. I wasn't aware of all the Masonic connections though I can't say that I am surprised in the least. One thing that annoys me to no end is that people have grown so emotionally attached to him as if he's America's "Uncle Bill." It has become taboo to criticize anything he does or says. You will get either a "Look at all the good he's done" or a "Well, he's old and senile" or a "Well, I like him, ya know?" Good old logic will put Bill in his place any way you look at him. The good he's done? Promoting Catholicism and other such things? (Not to mention enough compromise to write an entire book on) He's old and senile? He began his ecumenical crusade long before he got old. Well, you just LIKE him? Uh... no comment.

__________________
Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

I lovingly accept your backstep brother!, though I meant no form of retaliation in my post.

And you're right; it is indeed annoying when a person's emotional attachment dictates their reaction to what you have to say about the Lord's wonderful works - I know you can empathize with me.

We cannot unknow what we know, we can just honor all men, love the brotherhood, and hate evil.

__________________
Matthew Miller
Reformed Baptist, SBC
Spring Hill, FL

The hour has come for us to wake from our sleep.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11

I lovingly accept your backstep brother!, though I meant no form of retaliation in my post.

Yea, I didn't think you did

__________________
Kevin - PCA - Mississippi

"What, for some, is sin, others do to the glory of God. And the good Dr. Pentecost's remarks notwithstanding, I intend to go home tonight and smoke a cigar to the glory of God. It is a kind of incense drifting to Heaven." - Charles Spurgeon

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

I am still technically a Master Mason. I had someone offer to pay for me to get my 33rd degree Scottish rite.

I resigned when I was saved and wrote a letter of resignation to the local, state and national chapter, but none of them accepted it and a distant family friend still pays my dues to keep me on the rolls


May my body be buried in the rough sands of the sea where the tide ebbs and flows twicein twenty four hours should I knowingly or willingly violate this, my solemn obligation, as a Master Mason.....blah blah yadda yadda...

__________________
Pergamum


"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
-- David Livingstone

I have heard that the SBC has an unusually large number of ministers who are/have been Freemasons. One list cites the following (all with significant documentation):

B.H. Carroll
David E. Moore
George W. Truett
J.B. Lawrence
James C. Bryant
James Huckins
James P. Wesberry
John T. Christian
Joseph Samuel Murrow
L.R. Scarborough
Louie D. Newton
Richard A. McLemore
Robert E. Baylor
W.T. Conner
W.W. Barnes
William R. White
William Tryon
William W. Hamilton

Another source alleges: "A 1991 survey by the Southern Baptist Convention Sunday School Board found that 14% of SBC pastors and 18% of SBC deacon board chairs were Masons; it is also estimated that SBC members comprise 37% of total U.S. lodge membership. (A 2000 updated SBC report found that over 1,000 SBC pastors are Masons.)."

Evidently there is a cultural component as well. I do not know a single pastor in SoCal who is a Mason.

__________________
Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

37% is a heavy number. Perhaps Pergamum or another member with first-hand experience with FM can attest to this, but I know mystery-religion intentionally hides symbolic meaning from initiates, until you increase in degree and are revealed more and more truth.

It is catastrophic that so many SBC pastors are FM, and not to apologia, but what is catastrophic is that freemasonry may in fact be cultural and lower-degree freemason SBC pastors may be ignorant to what (and what god) is really behind the G.

On the idea of culture, my pastor's wife's father was a mason and she was given the title of "eastern star" or some words similar to that when she was younger although it appears to have no substance for her now.

Its almost as if being raised FM puts your hope and identity in masonic symbolism rather than the cross...

__________________
Matthew Miller
Reformed Baptist, SBC
Spring Hill, FL

The hour has come for us to wake from our sleep.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11

I am not defending Mr. Grahams position or what he believes. I, like many others have not seen this information about Graham before so my question about having proof of his involvement in the Lodge has been met to some degree. That said, I would like to make it clear that just because I asked to see proof of his involvement in Masonry does not constitute my overall endorsement of the man or what he teaches/preaches.

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Tom Mitchell
Opp, AL
Member of First Presbyterian Church PCA Florala, AL

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin
Romans 7:24,25
www.myspace.com/tom_mitchell1960
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=607055102

I want you to know I was not replying to anyone in particular, but was addressing the board in response to your question. If someone defends or exposes Billy Graham, let the reasoning be sound and be meant to inform not to bash him or criticise an opposing view.

I do publicly apologize to the board if my post sounded as if I was surprised everyone in the world didn't know those things about Billy Graham, I was rather posting in confidence. I hate pride and wish to instead encourage and edify and equip each other for the work of the gospel, even the work of exposing the unfruitful works of darkness.

I hate not the Catholic or SBCer or the unbeliever, but am zealous in defending the faith in the limited ways I can.

I love you!

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Matthew Miller
Reformed Baptist, SBC
Spring Hill, FL

The hour has come for us to wake from our sleep.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11

I do think there is a cultural component. Southern small town SBC pastors often go to the lodge. It is a haven for do-goodism and gives an opportunity to help in community events. And there is a tip of the hat to religion and most FM say that Freemasonry and Christianity are compatible. So it look sinnocous at first.

Of course, blood oathes and weird initiation rites should alert one. And a bunch of fez-wearing folks who have kissed the Koran and put on circuses ARE, in fact, weird.


May my body be burned to ashes and those ashes scattered to the fourwinds of heaven should I knowingly or willingly violate this my solemn obligation....blah blah blah yadda yadda yadda...

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Pergamum


"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
-- David Livingstone