Commentary on Synagogue of Satanby Preston Laughinghouse, Sr.
(printer friendly version)This is a commentary on "Synagogue of Satan", printed in Sword of Lord, February 20, 2009, volume LXXV, No. 4
These were more notable than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so.
Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
In body of Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile. Galatians 3:28. Some believe the Jews or Israel are no longer God’s chosen people. They believe God has broken his covenant with Israel and made a new covenant with Church, replacing Israel. Suggesting the Jews have been replaced by the Church would seem to fit the philosophy of the writer. He seems to say if you are part of body of Christ you become a Jew. If you say you are part of body of Christ, but not Jewish, you are part of "Synagogue of Satan."
John Calvin maintained that "the object of faith is Christ" and that faith rests upon knowledge, not upon pious ignorance. He said, "We do not obtain salvation either because we are prepared to embrace as true whatever the church has prescribed or because we turn over to it the task of inquiring and knowing". Source, John Calvin, institutes of the Christian religion, pages 542, 544-545.
The altar of "Synagogue of Satan" is envy and strife. Envy’s genesis was heaven. Envy causes self exhortation. Isaiah 14:12-14. Envy brings strife and war. Revelations 12:9. Preaching envy and strife will not make you a member of "Synagogue of Satan." Philippians 1:15. Preaching envy and strife brings contention and adds affection. Philippians 1:16.
The Church, for the most part, is correct on doctrine of salvation by grace thru faith. The independent Baptists at times seem to connect salvation to what you do or don’t do. They seem to judge salvation by how and what you sing, how you live, how you worship, and pure doctrine. The list of do’s and don’ts seems to be infinite. The evidence of this statement will be shown in this paper.
What is the objective of salvation? Is it Heaven only? At the beginning of the "Church Age" we were taught we were being trained to rule and reign with Christ, the kingdom perspective. Does our behavior matter once we are saved? Your behavior on Earth will determine your rule and reign with Christ. Will all Christians rule and reign with Christ? The consequences of our character will transcend natural death to judgment seat of Christ. Rewards in Heaven have more to do with levels of responsibilities. What level of responsibilities will a heart of envy and strife have? When we become like Jesus we will be qualified to share with him in the inheritance. The objective of salvation is working alongside Christ in the coming Kingdom. The ultimate goal is the prize of the "High Calling" of God. Philippians 3:14.
What is the "Synagogue of Satan", and what are the qualifications for membership?. A church, one that is part of Body of Christ, must proclaim the Bible as their only authority. By default this would put Mormons, Muslims, Jehovah's Witness, and to a large degree Roman Catholics in camp of "Synagogue of Satan.” How does one know if one is using the correct Bible? Fundamentally one must read a translation in their native language. Understanding is important. Acts 2:6-13. I have read a 1611 King James translation. I found it very difficult to read and understand. I thank God for the translation we have today. As a fundamentalist I go to the Bible itself to determine if one is reading or preaching from a Holy Spirit inspired Bible. Isaiah 55:11 tells us his word will not return void. When his word is proclaimed souls will be saved, Christians revived, people come to repentance, and church has an impact on the community. God's Word proclaimed will bring results. Hebrews 4:12. The word brings conviction. It is quick and powerful. It cuts deep, even to the bone. It is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart. The spirit of the Bible should bear witness with your spirit. When my pastor holds his KJV Bible and says, "this is God's inspired inerrant, preserved Word of God,” we are in 100% accord. I have witnessed the life-changing power of the word in our church.
The Bible is not the fourth God head. In my youth our church, KJO, taught the ink was holy, the paper was holy, and the cowhide cover was holy. The physical destruction of the Bible was in essence destruction of God's holy Word. In our home the family Bible was on the coffee table, given great reverence, but seldom read. It is a Thomas trait, weak faith, to believe the tangible Bible is the primary source of power. The source of power is in the spoken word through the Holy Spirit. You cannot physically destroy the Bible. Matthew 24:35. God's word abidith forever. When I hear a pastor preach the word of God through power of Holy Spirit, souls saved, Christians repent and lives changed and an Independent Baptist criticizes his use of a so-called polluted version, I tremble in my body and spirit. Mark 3:28-29. Is it wise to comment negatively on work of Holy Spirit? If I had my way all pastors would use the King James Version, but I am reminded by Holy Spirit our ways are not always God's ways. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. No fear produces polluted knowledge. We should not produce thorn and briars. Hebrews 6:8. Have your faith to yourself and condemn not yourself in allowing Southern Baptist and Charismatic’s to work out their own salvation. Romans 14:22, Philippians 2:12, Galatians 6:4.
Dr. Hamblin said God preserved his Word in the King James Bible. This statement is true. The inspired Scriptures comprised God's very own words to us and they do not contain any error. John 17:17, Psalms 19:7, 119, 140; I Timothy 3:15. "The Scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. His word will never pass away. Matthew 24:35. No letter of law will fail. Luke 16:17. The Bible is imperishable. I Peter 1:23. The word of God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8. Preaching from the King James Version attains results, his word will not return void. Preaching from a polluted text will return void because God is holy. The Holy Spirit works through God's holy inspired words.
There are many versions of the King James Bible. Are they all preserved Word of God as translated by man? Is the original 1611 King James Version preserved by God? If so, why are we not using this version today? Which version are we using today? And why? Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus, through Holy Spirit, is author of Bible, so why do we keep changing versions? Does man and language change?
How should Christians react to various churches using various translations? Remember them which have rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith followed, considering the end of their conversation. Hebrews 13:7. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your self: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17.
These verses tell pastors and church leaders that they will give account to God. God tells his people to obey those in spiritual authority over them so their task may be joyful rather than difficult. The Scripture also warns us to avoid those who cause dissension and take note of them. Keep away from people who preach division within body of Christ. These people are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 16:17-18. Preaching division usually comes from a heart filled with envy and strife and adds affliction to body of Christ. I rejoice when Christ is preached regardless of the translation. Philippians 1:15-18.
The body of Christ faces serious challenges in these end times. The field is white unto harvest and the workers are few. Those who seek to divide do not have a biblical understanding of the times. I Chronicles 12:32.
A church that preaches the word should have growth in numbers and spiritual growth among the members. I was a charter member of a KJO, independent Baptist church in 1958. I visited the church in 2005 and they still average about 125 after 47 years.
What is scriptural worship? Dr. Hamblin said it is the old ways and not the new. It is a fact that new ways with the passage of time become old ways. He said, "It’s not just the message; it is the method as well." Let's go to the Bible on this and not men. What did Jesus say about worship? Read John 4:20-24. He did not speak of style, place, way, day, and any other carnal thoughts to bring division. For some of us Christ's answer would not meet our need for self glorification. Our main concern in worship is who will be the greatest when Jesus comes into his kingdom. It is about self glorification and not glorifying God. We beat our breast and say thank God I am not like those sinners. Isaiah 29:13 describes most of the worship in churches today. We worship with our mouth and lips and not our hearts. There is no fear of God because of hard hearts and lack of knowledge.
The old ways do not necessarily portray correct scriptural worship. Segregation is part of the old ways. The altar call is part of new ways. If I understand Church history, approximately 200 years ago altar call was not common. The old ways banned John Newton's "Amazing Grace" because of the music it was set to. Old or new God is not confined to time.
Dr. Hamblin, on page 9, point number four, gave a list of requirements for a church to be a member of "Synagogue of Satan." The first point was if you offer a Saturday night service for convenience of members. Personally I find worshiping on Saturday versus Sunday disturbing. To justify these people as a member of "Synagogue of Satan" or devil worshipers requires Scripture. I found no Scripture. Read Romans 14:5-6. The second point was correct translation of the Bible and correct hymnbook. It is correct version if the word doesn't return void. The faith has been delivered to Saints only once. Jude 3. Point 3 was calling the pastor by his first name. The pastor should be addressed in a godly respectful manner again I go back to the Bible; this is what a fundamentalist does. Are there any names given in the Bible with first name, middle name, and family name? The next point was appropriate dress. What does the Bible say about dress? Read Matthew 6:25, 28. Take no thought for your body, what ye shall put on. Why take ye thought for raiment? When Bible says take no thought, a commandment, why do we take thought? Could it come from a part of envy and strife? A heart of envy and strife sows division and little fruit of the Spirit. Take note, verse 31 repeats take no thought wherewithal shall we be clothed. Also verse 25 refers to meat; we are not to argue over meat. Romans 14: 15. How should a Christian dress? Consider the lilies of the field as a good example.
The last point was the sound of a preacher. I have listened to and will continue to listen to Independent Baptist Preachers. Large percentages have a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal sound. I Corinthians 13:1. Their love of Christ is filtered through envy and strife and not goodwill. The preaching of goodwill manifests the fruit of spirit proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Want to know what is acceptable to the Lord? Produce fruit of spirit and God’s ways will be known unto you. There are five qualifications to be a member of “Synagogue of Satan” per Dr. Hamblin. This implies, to be a member of God’s church, bride of Christ, you must worship on the correct day. You must use the correct translation of the Bible and hymnal. You must address the pastor correctly. You must dress appropriately. The pastor must give the correct sound. Nothing was said about the heart, just physical appearance.
There are fundamental doctrines within Independent Baptist. The doctrine of salvation. Salvation is by grace, thru faith, not correct manners, reading from right translation, dressing correctly, worshiping correctly, and on the right day. None of these will make you part of part of Bride of Christ or become part of “Synagogue of Satan.” They are only man made rules given by fallen men, sometimes referred to as legalism. Salvation is determined by accepting or rejection Jesus Christ, not a set of rules. The second doctrine is eternal security. Once you are born into the Family of God you can never be part of “Synagogue of Satan.” You can do all five transgressions and not lose your salvation. As followers of Christ we are to love all people, including our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to love and edify them even when they do not meet our legal man-made standards.
I personally believe there are five fundamentals of faith. These are different than Dr. Hamblin. The denial of any one of these truths will make you a member of “Synagogue of Satan.”
- 1. Deity of Christ. Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:11, Proverbs 30:4
- 2. Virgin birth. Isaiah 7:14, Jeremiah 31:22
- 3. Sacrificial substitution blood atonement. Revelations 13:8, Leviticus 17:11, Psalms 22:16
- 4. Bodily resurrection. Psalms 16:10, Job 19:25-26
- 5. His return to set up his Kingdom on Earth. Psalms 133:1, Psalms 2:6, Revelations 19:16, Zachariah 2:10
All Christians are united in one accord under this banner. This includes the Southern Baptist and my Charismatic brothers.
Dr. Hamblin mentions some of my brothers and sisters in Christ in less than edifying manner. Dr. Billy Graham, Paul and Jan Crouch of TBN. All three preach Christ and I rejoice. Philippians 1:18. Do you rejoice or does envy and strife consume every part of your soul? Envy can never be satisfied and strife feeds on envy. It is a never ending circle and can destroy your joy in Christ.
I can mention names also and with a heart void of envy and strife. Bishop Pike of Episcopal Church, he mocks the virgin birth and resurrection. Rod Bell of Mars Hill Church claims belief in virgin birth is not necessary. How can you fight a spiritual warfare if you don’t know who the enemy is? If you don’t know who the enemy is, you are dangerous in army of God. You should leave the battle and go back to boot camp and learn the basics of Christianity. Once we have mastered the basics we can go on unto perfection. Hebrews 6:1. To be in spiritual warfare you have to achieve perfection to withstand arrows of Satan, put on whole armor, beginning with helmet of Salvation, to get your head straight.
Dr. Hamblin seems to convey it is biblical to chastise and degrade other gospel preachers. I find no Bible verse or principle to support this belief. He said, “If a guy is not preaching the word of God, then your preacher is right to name names, because that is what the men of the Bible did.” The word of God is the Bible, so I assume he was referring to Muslims and Mormons. I assume this because he used the examples of Alexander the Coppersmith and prophets of Baal. Would Dr. Hamblin classify Southern Baptist and Charismatic Pastors as prophets of Baal?
Dr. Hamblin said, “Change without compromise means that the church is not a true church at all; it is a “Synagogue of Satan.” Only God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When a person accepts Christ, they change without compromise. Paul said all things become new; now that’s change. Fifty years ago most churches were segregated. Now, most are integrated. Is this change without compromise? We do not dress like the first century Christians. Our music, KJO music, is different. The emphasis on orphans and widows has changed. I could write an entire book on how one can change without compromise. Have we changed from the 1611 KJV to more readable English like 1769 translation? It is a Thomas Trait to observe and concentrate on the natural or outward appearance. God looks upon the heart. If you have ought against your brother or refuse to recognize your brother, you have a heart problem. My pastor preached Wednesday night, June 10th from Romans, chapter 14. It is the first time in my memory to hear a message from Romans 14. My brotherly love has to be extended to all born again believers in Christ. All Christians are from the same womb, my pastor said. When you are a member of Family of God, you have to treat other members as family. You have to love them and edify them. We know we have passed from death unto life if we have love for the brethren. Christ, my heavenly father, loved me, even when I didn’t deserve it, and with God’s spirit I have to love my brothers and sisters. A heart of bitterness, envy, and strife needs to repent or let Christ come into that heart. We must reflect Christ through Fruit of Spirit.
I will end by addressing envy, strife, and truth within the Church on a personal basis. Philippians 1:15-18 and John 14:6. At my previous Baptist church, a missionary told me the Charismatic’s do not know or believe the gospel. This belief was reinforced by the pastor. Truth was sacrificed on altar of envy and strife. A false missionary story was allowed to be repeated again and again. It was allowed, even after the falsehood was revealed. The motive for falsehood was to increase mission’s offerings. Truth cannot be sacrificed for a righteous objective. When the Pastor was made aware of the falsehood, he reacted in Godly manner. In my FWB church Martin Luther King was referred to in a less than edifying manner. Racism brought shame to the body of Christ. This Easter a member of the staff at the FWB Church I attend said of Rick Warren of Saddle Back Church, "Rick Warren does not believe or preach the gospel and he has the tapes to prove it." I listened to Rick Warren on Fox News the Saturday before Easter. He preached on the death, burial, and resurrection, and asked people to accept Christ as their savior. Truth has been sacrificed on the altar of envy and strife in my FWB church. I am not the most appropriate messenger for this message. I am as dumb as Balaam’s ass. The path of envy, strife, and bearing false witness is filled with dangers. An angel of the Lord, with a sword, gives warning along this dangerous path. Do you have spiritual eyes to see danger? Don’t beat an ass that sees the danger and gives the warning. Numbers 22:21-34.
I refrain from mentioning names because love covers a multitude of sins. The Holy Spirit creates a heart conducive for the Temple of the Lord. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Your speech will tell the world what kind of heart you possess. It is my desire to be a reflection of my savior, through my speech and actions. I write out of love and not hate. We are in the final moments before the return of Christ and it is my desire to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant".
Preston Laughinghouse
4601 Ashmont Court
Raleigh, NC 27616
www.laughinghouse.org
July 13, 2009
(click here for a printer friendly PDF version)"Commentary on Synagogue of Satan" was last modified July 13, 2009