Crosstalk: January 22, 2016

Have you ever been in a conversation regarding religious or spiritual matters only to be accused of being narrow minded? What's interesting about this response is that those same people probably wouldn't argue with you that water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Is God being narrow minded for limiting water's composition in this way? A skilled conductor will not permit his first violin to play off key by even the slightest amount. Is this conductor being narrow minded? What about the auto mechanic who goes to great lengths to make certain engine parts are within thousandths of an inch so that the assembled engine runs reliably. Is that mechanic being narrow minded? In spite of these facts, Christians who hold to the idea of 'grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone' continue to be accused of being narrow minded as others strive for a broad mindedness in order to establish humanistic unity. Joining Jim to discuss this issue was Mike Gendron. For over 30 years, Mike was a devout Roman Catholic and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church. He followed the priests, the sacraments and was depending upon his own good works for salvation. However, in 1981 after attending an apologetics seminar called, 'Evidence for the Christian Faith' the Bible became his sole authority in all matters of faith. As he searched the Scriptures he was amazed to see how often the Bible contradicts the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. Mike placed his trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and the Bible became his sole authority in all matters of faith. He founded a ministry, Proclaiming the Gospel that points people to Jesus Christ as the all-sufficient Savior. A video was recently released in which Pope Francis communicated his prayer intentions that clearly expressed his belief that all of the world's major religions are different paths to the same God. Mike noted that no one seeks after the true God yet there are many gods sought after by people. The are formed by religious traditions or even in the imaginations of men. The true God is revealed in Scripture and the only way to approach the true God is through Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man. Mike described true Christianity not as a religion but as a relationship with Jesus Christ. On the other hand, he described Catholicism as being no different from the other religions of the world in that it contains a works righteousness salvation formula that attempts to appease an all holy and righteous God. This means Catholicism and all other religions have a common spiritual bond. The Bible reveals a biblical unity. It's a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, not of man and it demonstrates a common faith in the Gospel. On the other hand, the Pope is pushing for a false unity. It's a rebuilding of the religious Tower of Babel by bringing all people together under the power and influence of his papacy. One example comes from the Imam of the Mosque of Rome who is indicating that Pope Francis will be visiting the Grand Mosque of Rome the 27th of this month. Until now no Pope has visited this mosque which opened in 1995. If confirmed, this will be Pope Francis' 5th visit to this mosque. What does all of this signify? Is this part of the pathway to a global religion? You decide when you review this edition of Crosstalk.