Another Trojan Horse in Calvary Chapel
(and the Body of Christ at Large)

Commentary by Roger Oakland
Understand The Times International: Roger Oakland Ministries
www.understandthetimes.org
1.800.689.1888

 

 

There is an interesting legendary story from Greek mythology that describes a Trojan Horse. Simply defined, one dictionary states:

Trojan horse, huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. The horse was built by Epeius, a master carpenter and pugilist. . . . The term Trojan horse has come to refer to subversion introduced from the outside. [1]

 

Oxford Dictionary says:

 

A person or thing intended to undermine or secretly overthrow an enemy or opponent: the rebels may use this peace accord as a Trojan horse to try and take over.[2]

I find this Trojan Horse syndrome fascinating in light of the infiltration into the church by heretical and New Age ideas. My experience has been in the Calvary Chapel movement where this is happening; but this is also occurring throughout the Christian church at large. Where there was once sound biblical Christianity, it has been replaced by the current ecumenical movement and the march toward a one-world religion in the name of Christ for the cause of peace. This peace plan is led by man but actually is the plan of Satan to set up his own kingdom on planet earth. According to the Bible, this plan will unfold, but the plan will end when God puts an end to the plan with a sudden destruction (1Thessalonians 5:3).

No doubt, those reading this and other recent commentaries we have sent out will be able to tell that they are very controversial and will be seen by some as divisive. While separating truth from error is a dividing process we undertake when we use the Bible, it does indeed cause division—but division cannot be avoided. Jesus said this would happen—especially in the last days before He returns to earth. If you have read the Bible, you will know there are many signs indicating Jesus’ return is near, isn’t it?

This topic is very deep and very complex. Some who are reading this commentary may think I do not understand what I am writing about. Some say that unity of all faiths is necessary to bring peace to the world. Some say the differences between the faiths do not matter as long as everyone loves everyone. And a growing number of people (including many in the church) are saying that those who are clinging stedfastly to the Bible calling it God’s inspired Word are standing in the way of this peace and love.

Some say Jesus said there is no greater thing than love, which is true (Mark 12:30-31), but he also said: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Jesus knew there is no genuine love in compromising the truth. In context, He was saying that true love is telling those who are deceived they are deceived (i.e., speaking the truth in love).

The Great Falling Away

It does not take a Bible scholar to understand the Bible. Alfred Oakland, my dad, was a farmer. He knew more about the Bible than most preachers who attend college or a seminary. He read the Bible, and he read the newspaper. He did not have a lot of education, but he did have common sense. He used the Bible as a guide and a manual. He had more wisdom than any man I ever met, including all the University professors I ever knew at University in Saskatoon, in Russia, or for that matter all the countries I have ever traveled.

Understanding the truth comes from understanding God’s revealed truth. When humans come up with ideas, often their premises are untrue. Science may not always be science by definition but rather a lot of conjecture. Philosophy is most always empty speculation and void of truth. Truth can be backed up by facts and experience and will provide a sound basis to make predictions.

With regard to predictions, we know that the Bible never fails. When God inspired men to write down words inspired by Him, these words were true for time and eternity. This is what we often call Bible prophecy. God has given those who believe the Bible an advantage. They can know that they know what God will do because He has told them in advance. When Jesus was asked by His disciples what the signs would be of His returning, Jesus gave them many signs and then stated “Behold, I have told before [in advance]” (Matthew 24:25). This means that we can know things in advance before they happen so that when they happen, we can know why they are happening.

How the Great Falling Away Works

It seems to me that most people who have read the Bible have not really read the Bible because they don’t believe it. This goes for pastors who seem to miss the main points. Fellowships and churches that once focused on Bible prophecy have gotten side tracked into church-growth-Peter Druckerism that has been popularized by Rick Warrenism and Bill Hybelism (not to mention a multitude of other false teachings that have entered the church like a Trojan Horse).

If you are wondering if I have a “sick mind” and have lost touch with reality, please stay tuned. There will be more evidence that will shed light into the darkness. As Jesus said, and few men listen:

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12: 30-36)

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[1] Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., http://www.britannica.com/topic/Trojan-horse.

[2] Oxford Dictionaries Online: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/trojan-horse.