Email:

December 25, 2003

Dear Nicolas,

Greetings on our Lord's Birthday. Thank you for your response. In going to your website, I noticed your modified version of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, which to me shows how untenable your position is, because apparently you accept at least some of what the Church taught at the Councils of Nicea (A.D. 325) and Constantinople (A.D. 381), both held after Constantine had supposedly "institutionalized" the Church. What history teaches rather than your historical-revisionist version of church history, is that the Church during and after Constantine's reign formulated Christianity's most magnificent doctrines and beliefs via the Church Councils (held by Bishops of the Catholic Church, the true authentic SUCCESSORS of the Apostles): the Doctrine of the Trinity and the Divinity of Christ (Nicea A.D. 325), the Divinity of the Holy Spirt (Constantinople A.D. 381), the unified two-fold nature of Christ (hypostatic union), fully God and fully man (Ephesus, 430 A.D and Chalcedon, 451 A.D.), and the canon of Bible (Council of Rome, A.D. 382, Councils of Hippo and Carthage, A.D. 393 and 397, yes the very fact that you have a Bible today, you owe to the Bishops of the Catholic Church). Far from seeing an apostate Church during this time I see a magnificently wise Church, who has handed down some of our faiths greatest tenets. You can't have it both ways, if you claim the Church was apostate during this time then to be consistent, you have to reject everything she taught was apostate, which means you would have to reject the doctrine of the Trinity and the hypostatic union, as well as the canon of the New Testament.

Why do I say the Catholic Church is the true Church? Because the early Church Fathers were clearly Catholic. This is obvious to anyone who has read the early Fathers, even going back to the Ante-Nicene fathers before Constantine, such as Clement of Rome (the 4th successor of Peter), Ignatius of Antioch, the first to call the church Catholic ("where Jesus Christ is there also is the Catholic Church") around 100 A.D. (the Apostles Creed also came from this same time period, it states "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church), Justin Martyr, and Ireneaus of Lyons. I suggest you read Rob Bennett's book "Four Witnesses." Rob is a former Baptist now Catholic. For you to be right the church would have had to apostacize much earlier than Constantine, it would have had to apostacize within the first generation after the apostles. Hence, my conclusion is that you are wrong, and Christ is right who said "thou are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Christ is the builder of the Church, which is "the Pillar and the Foundation of the Truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). Christ appointed Apostles, the chief of whom was Peter, and they appointed successors (Bishops) after them, the chief of whom is the Bishop of Rome, Peter's successor. This is a historical fact. Another book I suggest you read is "Upon This Rock", by Steve Ray (another former Baptist), which shows that the early Church clearly acknowledged the primacy of the Bishop of Rome.

By the way I am also an author. The reason I wrote the Kingdom of the Bride was to debunk the unscriptural Pre-trib rapture theory and premillennialism (which I believe borders on religious science fiction). I will even mail you a free copy if you wish if you will send me your mailing address.

Sincerely in Christ,
MB

Subject: Re: The Meaning of Cephas

 

Dear MB,

Thank you for caring enough to write your letter of concern regarding what you perceive to be our persecution and misunderstanding of the Catholic Church? I will share with you the proper historical context of the Catholic Church and then warn you not to take Scripture out of context as much of man's religious agency has done for centuries. We are well familiar with the meaning of our name at this Ministry and I tell you true, it was given unto us in 1992 by the voice of the Lord Himself. We are not part of the mainstream ecumenical churches and stand quite alone in an ever darkening apostate drama unfolding. There are only a few of us scattered around the planet doing a similar work.

You questioned us if we are part of the Faith upon which Christ's Church would be built? Though you have been far more gentle with your inquiry than some hot headed Catholics, I still felt like you are somehow offended by our application of faith and witness of Christ Jesus. I am reminded of when the Pharisees declared the same about Jesus and later plotted against Him. Please allow me to make clear some historical context regarding the Catholic Church. Persecution; the act of annoying with persistent approaches, to act in a manner designed to injure, grieve or afflict. (Websters New Collegiate Dictionary)

To say such is to say that we are persecuting the Church of Christ. This would be true if in fact the Catholic Church were the Church of Christ or if the first Pope was Peter as the Roman Catholics proclaim. Your personal judgment or question may be based on your own belief that their historical claims were true and that the centuries old papacy was a valid representation of Christ Jesus or at the very least the Apostle Peter.

The largely misunderstood historical context of the Catholic Church is that it did not truly come into existence until Constantine I was emperor of early Rome 288-337 AD. During his rule Christianity was still under attack and true Christians were largely being persecuted on a large scale. The fate of Christianity hinged on a particular battle over the Tiber River near Rome in 312 AD. It was recorded that prior to this particular battle, Constantine who had a curious interest in Christianity saw a flaming cross in the sky prior to the engagement (a sign in the heaven?) In 313 AD, Constantine and his fellow Emperor, Licinius, met at Milan and there issued and edict which established the "Toleration of Christianity" throughout the empire but did not as some believe, make Christianity a state religion. This was many years after Peter was crucified upside-down on a cross near where what is now on Vatican property. Constantine eventually became Emperor over the entire Roman Empire after 324 AD and his interest in Christianity continued but he was not baptized a "Christian" until he lay on his death bed in 337 AD.

Though Constantine showed interest in Christianity, he largely promoted paganism and encouraged the strictly anti-Christian imperial cult. While engaged with his adulterous affair in Christianity, he set out to make Christianity a "single unified Christian establishment." This my friend was the very beginning of "ecumenical faith." Constantine convened a synod at Aries in 314 AD to regulate the Church in the west and in 325 AD, he convened a council at Nicaea to contend with the troubles over Arianism. For a time, he seemed to have favored compromise with Arianism and therefore exiled St. Athanasius but then like a wind tossed wave, supported the Ecumenical Council. Constantine decided to move the Capitol to Byzantium, which he re-built as Constantinople. In 330 AD It was dedicated to the Virgin and no other religion was allowed into it. Constantine believed himself to be the founder of the Christian empire. He believed thoroughly in "absolutism," and brought an end to despotic rule (ruling with absolute power and authority). The formation of this ecumenical council was in fact the Catholic Churches beginnings hence the chosen name "Catholic" which means "Universal Church."

Peter was not the first Pope. That is a lie that has endured through the history of the Catholic Church. It has been the Catholic Church who has persecuted God fearing bond-servants to Christ throughout history as in the "dark ages" and later became a huge influence on all denominational influences including Protestantism which began with Martin Luther and forward. The age old heresies and practice of building temples with wood and stone while ignoring the temple which God chose to dwell in (humans), surrounding themselves with graven images, baptism of the dead, worship of the virgin mother Mary, declaring their own as Saints rather than those who stood for the true Gospel of Christ, engaging in alliances with pagan Gentile Nations and Governments for the sake of making peace rather than submitting under the Government and authority of Christ, etc. etc. etc. All these things are a huge contrast to what the teachings and words of Christ Jesus were. Jesus demonstrated the way which all mankind was to walk in accordance with the Father's will and was absolutely against the alliances with anything that was against this purest application of Christ centered faith! You are in error my friend and that is why we take hold of the biblical instruction and demonstration of what Jesus and His Apostles continued to teach.

We are commanded to teach and preach these things with all authority and without reservation or compromise. The only peace that can be truly achieved is unity with Christ Jesus and accepting and adopting an attitude of submission and loving obedience to Him over and above all such other alliances. The Catholic Church in latter times has made friends with the world and that too directly contrasts with the Gospels in the New Testament; "Those who make themselves friends with the world have made themselves enemies with God." Today's American Religions both Catholic and Protestant are contemporary examples of ancient Roman Catholicism that was first born out of Constantine's involvement and mandates with the second and third century Christians. That is precisely why we are in the mess we are today and why wars still exist on earth. Almost nobody understands the truest message given us through Christ's example and teachings. Man's religion has polluted and perverted the divine gospel and at the behest of Satan's influence who first seated himself upon a throne to exalt himself as being God! Anything that is contrary to the teachings of Christ is factious and should be avoided at all costs we are warned. So, who is paying attention anymore? I speak the truth and lie to you not. I beg you please, do not be so deceived. I feel fortunate today for if I did not have this opportunity to warn you of this your blood may be on my hands but now that you have afforded me the opportunity to speak to you regarding these things now the blood which may be shed is on your own head. Do you understand oh son of man? I pray you have an ear to hear and understand these things for they are very scriptural and proven in the life and teachings of Christ and His disciples.

Now having set the record straight regarding proper historical truth, let me pass on a little tidbit according to what the Holy Spirit dictates to me this very day. This my friend is for your edification and if your heart is convicted this day then my interaction with you was effective and I may have saved you from certain destructive pathways. I am not here to tickle your ears but I am here to wake you up from your long slumber and attempt to help restore your heart back to the Father. Do you understand?

"Who you are is not defined by what you do in life but rather, what you are is defined by your faith and how you respond according to your belief. If what you believe is intermixed with other stained and blemished practices then history has shown you will not live but will die because you rejected the love of the truth. The question is not Who you are but What are you?" Declares the spirit of God in me.

"We are in the last hours even moments of the second day and soon the third day will dawn. What happens on the morning of the third day oh son of man?" Asks the Spirit in me.

We don't persecute but rather reprove, rebuke and admonish with the authority that Christ has ordained me and us to accomplish in this ministry to the Gentiles and Christians who are living their lives in error. Sound familiar? This is for your sakes and the necessary adjustment that God is calling for just prior to the time when the rest of His Word will be fulfilled. I do pray that you have an ear to hear and a mind to reason like a good Berean. My confidence is unwavering and certain; that's when faith becomes REAL!

For further evidence of how we apply our faith and commission, please see the archived Scrolls and Exhortations on the web site http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com

Nicholas

 

MB wrote:
Cephas = The Greek Transliteration of the Aramaic Kepha

Cyprian of Carthage:

"The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter [Kepha], and upon this rock [kepha] I will build my Church. I have given you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [and] whatever you shall have bound or loosed on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven’ [Matt. 16:18–19]. On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?" (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

http://www.catholic.com/library/church_papacy.asp

 

Email

December 27, 2003
Dear M.,

How awesome it is that we can have a reasonable discourse without making each other feel hopeless or lost. A healthy discourse is good for the sharpening of one another. "As iron sharpens iron so does one brother sharpen another." "Brothers are born for adversity." Now on to my reply of your last letter point by point.

Though the world celebrates a Christmas holiday and calls it the day of our Lord's birth it is not actually the day of His birth. Hard to understand but I think the Jews have it right as the calendar of time was marked by the Jewish calendar and not the Roman calendar and therefore the December 25th holiday is only derived from the initial Holy Roman Empire which was the first organized development of ecumenical-ism. The Christian should make himself aware of the Jewish practices, traditions and calendar of events to better understand the mystery of the Gospels. It has been said that there are hidden codes which when understood reveal deeper truths into the mystery of Christ's message. If this is true then these codes are likely found in the original structure of the Hebrew faith and practices but do not necessarily have to be applied to in order to attain what Christ offered on the cross to the Gentile Nations.

The Christmas Tree and the giving of gifts indeed have some degree of parallel to "charity", "love" and "selflessness" and are to some degree benign and not necessarily evil. They simply are secular in origin and are rooted in Roman pagan tradition and not in the faith of Christ Jesus. Instead of celebrating the "New Passover" as we should the world celebrates Easter which was derived from Roman fertility rites and traditions rather than celebrating our Lord's death and resurrection. Apostle James exhorted to us regarding religion; keeping it pure and undefiled as he gave command in James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Unfortunately, we are confusing the message of Christ crucified with the message of fertility rites and the worship of a virgins womb instead of the celebration of Christ's death and overcoming resurrection thus abolishing the sting of death. I ask you M., what does the Easter Bunny and eggs have to do with honoring our Lords sacrifice upon the cross? What does the popular Santa Clause (St. Nick) have to do with the true gospel? What does a tree filled with lights have to do with a humble birthing station where our Lord was born? These things should not be in any way shape or form and the Word thus judges these matters as abomination! We all are in grave danger of having intermixed these practices with what was to be a pure form of worship to our Lord "In Spirit and Truth." Once we are made aware of our sins M. we are supposed to respond in the way anyone would respond to Jesus after having been healed and hearing the truth! Are you not the least bit concerned as I am on these matters? I tremble at the thought of having been so duped and deceived for so very many years.

Please do not misunderstand me because I am all for remembrance and celebration of our Lord but I am utterly disgusted by the commercialization and hypocrisy of this world wide holiday which is celebrated by both believers and unbelievers on a large scale. We are commanded not to do as the Gentiles do yet who is listening to that scriptural message? I love the pretty lights, the abundant charity and the gathering of families and the solemn expressions of love and honor and giving of oneself but I hate the lies that are interwoven into this holiday that it is the day of our Lord's birth. Please remember that Satan has thoroughly deceived the Nations and yes even some of the Elect over the centuries. We are still under the oppressive power of the father of all lies; I lie to you not!

Again I proclaim that man's religion has stained and brought reproach upon our Saviour's redeeming sacrifice. But who is listening to the long recorded history of defiling that which is pure, blameless, holy and sanctified? Doesn't anybody care that history records sharp rebuke and recompense for this kind of idolatry and transgression? Have we forgotten as a society of believers that there is judgment that awaits those of us who teach and practice such things even though a price was paid for our sins? M., the price is paid and we are commanded now to go and sin no more! Who will have an excuse when God's messengers have been sent time and again throughout history to warn and reprove the Church of error when they (the churches) refused to accept the God given Words of His own prophets? You don't think that the prophets come to tickle your ears do you?

You discerned correctly that our statement of faith was indeed modeled after the Nicene Creed but not in it's entirety. We chose only that which is biblically sound. The reason is simple; the Word judges, tests and measures all things we do, think or say and proclaim. Man's religion and religious virtue is so far off the mark that we dare not measure ourselves unto it for when we do we will surely not attain the fullest potential of what submission to the Word will provide. Now please understand that I am not saying that God's works are not evident in the Churches because it is clear to me that they are. I do not take away what they have already achieved but rather focus on reproving the error for that is what God has given some of His servants to do. It is necessary and utterly confirmed when you take hold of the letters to the seven Churches in Revelations. There is something that our Lord has against each one except one and there is one that will be utterly spit out if they do not repent and change their ways. I am in no way judging them for the Churches have already been judged. I am a scribe and messenger who has duty to our King to stir you and they up by way of reminder so as to cause you and others to turn from error and cling to that which is right and just; in plain words, to restore you unto the Father and His Son because the days of judgment are surely upon us and as promised, His judgment begins with the household of God.

It was interesting that you rightly discerned that in order for my argument of apostasy to be true it would mean that the Church has been apostatizing since after the first Apostles. Actually M., the apostasy was present even during the time of the Apostles hence the reason for their many letters (epistles) including those not in Canonized Scripture which instructed, guided, reproved, admonished, up-lifted, exhorted, proclaimed, warned and complimented, etc. If you paid close attention to anything the Spirit does through me in my many, many letters to Churches and individuals, you will see much the same approach as the Spirit is pretty consistent in His application though my style may be different than another Scribe or Messenger sent; the message is still the same. You can if you wish view some on the discussion board or archives & exhortations located at http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com

Now you declared that I was wrong regarding the Catholic Church and used Matthew 16:13-19 to demonstrate your point. Please allow me to demonstrate a more reasonable definition of what Jesus was saying. The passage is recorded...

Matthew 16:13-19 "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

The above underlined verses are key to understanding this passage. First, a number of disciples answered differently of what others were saying and then when Jesus asked, "But who do you say that I am?" It was Simon Peter who stood up and boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God... Then Jesus responded with presumably great satisfaction and stated, "Blessed are you Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you." { Meaning that what Peter knew in His heart was not by human, worldly wisdom but from the utterance and or revelation coming from the Heavenly Father.} Because Jesus then proclaimed, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Now you must understand that the native tongue in which Jesus spoke was ancient Aramaic though much of the New Testament is written in Greek by the Scribes of the times.

"Upon this rock I will build my church" refers to Ephesians 2:20. To state 2:20 in context we have to go back to Ephesians 2:14 - 22: "For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. "

Thou art Peter [Concordance #4074 Petros], and upon this rock [Concordance #4073 Petra] will I build my Church.." The Apostle Peter's new name given him by Jesus Himself was: "thou shalt be called Cephas [Concordance #2786]. #4074 = Petros = a piece of rock. It relates to # 2786 Kepha the rock. 2786 compares to 3710 provoke or enrage, be angry.

Upon this rock = 4073 = petra = a mass of rock will I build my Church. 4073 is related to 4074 which means that Peter [was a piece of that rock]. Jesus meant that He was building His Church on a mass of rock or a rock-bed. Therefore Peter was one of many lively stones who would hear the voice of God (as Peter demonstrated in answering Jesus' question) and that He and those who also followed after would be added to the chief cornerstone in making up the foundation of God's Holy place which we are told in Revelations, no temple is found in it because the Father and Son are the temple of it. But the foundation is made up of the twelve foundation stones which are the twelve original Apostles. Now there is no building unless there is something that is built upon the foundation of a structure and that is where the many souls of believers and God fearing persons come in. It is us who are the Church that Christ spoke of and not a continuation of the Pharisee class and megalithic Temples designed to draw the masses together and continue in ancient forms of temple worship. Because recorded history refutes the Catholic Church's claims I declare Marty that your view of the Catholic Church's claims are in error.
I am not saying that the Catholic Church is not mentioned nor am I saying that they have no relevance in biblical history in fact they are recorded and do come from one of the initial seven fundamental systems of faith outlined for us in Revelations as one of the seven churches. I pray you have an ear to hear and understand because at this point your blindness can be healed if you are willing and your faith is strictly centered on Christ Jesus alone! You see M., the Popes have all initially accepted what Jesus declined atop the mountain where Satan tempted Him with power and dominion on earth. To further validate my testimony, take note that the Popes all claim to be of the order of Melchizedek's priesthood! M., that is a heinous blasphemy because the Melchizedek priesthood is an eternal living priesthood where no death exists. The first Melchizedek was not born of the woman's womb and neither was his body ever found because he never died. It is written in the book of Hebrews that Jesus is our High Priest forever according to the order of Mechizedek.[Ednote: The Priesthood is God's Priesthood and grants eternal life. God gave it to Jesus Christ after the resurrection for that very reason. Jesus is the only one who can grant eternal life. The Pope cannot do that, he is a human being. Endofnote.] Should we be looking to any other man than the man who was God in flesh itself known to us as the Christ and only begotten Son of the living God?

That my friend is a blatant give away regarding the heresies of the Church who rules with an iron rod for it has been the Catholic Church and the damage which she has done over the centuries has been great. Take heart though because all is not lost and there is still time for repentance and a returning to the Father and Son but that would require a dismantling of centuries old Catholic heresy and making some attempt to publicly confess their centuries of transgression and demonstrate the fruits meet for repentance.

The question I have M. is this; Is it possible for those whom are comforted in listening to lies to be made aware of these atrocities and make a bold and humble repentance unto the world? Can the faithful to the Catholic Church turn away from (repent) the inherent weakness of man's religious heresy and apostasy and submit under the sole and sovereign authority of Jesus the Christ (Appointed One) and attend to His bidding and command without the intermixing of false worships of Saints, Mother Mary, deplorable graven images and useless traditional infant baptisms, repetitive prayers for the dead from purgatory etc? Can the papacy reconcile with God and surrender his throne to the only One worthy to be obeyed? These things M. are easily forgiven but to deny the Spirit and it's prophetic utterance is another thing. How much longer will the ecumenical religious right cling steadfastly to it's false claims and heretical teachings?

Darwinists have faith in evolution. Are they justified in their faith Marty? Why do the Catholic schools teach both concepts of evolution and creation? Why has Pope John Paul II been reconciling with Communist Nations, Buddhists and Muslims without a strong warning and loving reproof? Answer: He seeks Peace with all Nations regardless of their dangerous views and practices that are aberrantly opposed to the True Christian Faith in Jesus the Christ of God. Why did the Pope bow before the Budda idol and kiss the Koran but did not do the same for the Jewish Bible? Answer: He is supporting a world order of "Peace" and has publicly promoted the formation of a "New World Order" right along with the other diverse leaders of Nations. Who does the Bible say will come in the last hours promoting peace and safety Marty? These questions are all easily answered in Scripture and you would do well to take heed for I tell you these things for your own good and benefit in the hopes that you will join the harvest and lively stones of the field to proclaim "the last hours even moments of the second day are upon us! Soon the third day will dawn, what happens on the morning of the third day" Marty? I tell you true, these are the words and dictates of the Spirit in me and I lie to you not.

Judge for yourself and open the book that tells all but I warn you... God only reveals these things to those whose hearts are right before Him and willing to sacrifice all for the pearl of great price! Can you surrender entirely unto God's eternal and abiding Word as I do? Can you surrender yourself and die to your selfish wants as I do daily? Will you be that disciple that Jesus commanded, "Come follow me," and follow Him unto death and persecution in faithful, devoted service for the sake of His lost and wandering children who are being led into pits of despair and darkness without ever having had the chance to receive the love of the truth?

Let us approve of the good works and preserve them but know that what I disapprove of here on earth is also disapproved of in heaven! Matthew 16:19 "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Jesus said to persons like you and me... "If we receive these words as words from the wise then we shall receive a wise man's reward and if we receive these words as words of a prophet then we shall receive the prophets reward." What happens to those who refuse and reject the words of God spoken through man's lips and scribed by man's able hand Marty? Is there nothing more than a fools reward for them that reject the love of the truth? I pray you have been given ears to hear and understand and that He will open your eyes to see clearly these things which I have shed light on. By no means M. am I a bland or stale ingredient to bread. I am full of salt and have a robust appeal indeed. All that I have shared with you I have done so in love and with all humility and great fear and trembling for both your soul and mine. I fear God and my heart is motivated to always be seeking fulfillment of my duty towards you and His Kingdom causes.

As much as I would like to take your offer on your book I would also offer you the same in return of my book. If you could handle the strength of this letter then you'll appreciate my little book, "Apostasy Revealed." My mailing address is Cephas Ministry PO Box 1239 Zephyrhills, Florida 33539-1239. Send me your mailing address and I will get you a copy in the mail within 24 hours.

Oh yeah, one last note regarding the Holy Bible. It is not the Catholics I thank for the Bible I read but King James who ordered 54 of his most highly acclaimed scholars to translate the Latin. This work took about ten years to complete. Because newer discoveries of ancient manuscripts were made between 1610 and 1856, a new revision was ordered of both Old and New Testaments in 1870 and the two teams consisting of eight members each composed of the greatest scholars in England and America were responsible for the Bible revision of the Authorized KJV we use today. The New Testament revision was completed in 1881 and the second team completed the Old Testament revision in 1884. All the Catholic Church had done is keep the congregate members ignorant of Christ's Gospel for centuries. The Popes and Bishops who knew Latin had the Knowledge but had used it for corrupt and self serving purposes throughout the "Dark Ages." This was the very reason why humanity's progress was stifled and these centuries were dark indeed. Now the very light of God's Word is available for all to see and read. No one has to rely upon a Pharisee to deliver the Word of God anymore!

With all love and sincerity for His truth and my scattered brethren,

Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, scribe and messenger.

Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4

http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/exchange-glance/Y04Y5673451Y4692587/102-3771305-7549713

http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com

 

[Cephas Ministry EDnote (2nd Witness to confirm): John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Matthew 16:15-19 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter , and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

"Upon this rock I will build my church" refers to Ephesians 2:20. To state 2:20 in context we have to go back to Ephesians 2:14 - 22: "For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Thou art Peter [Concordance #4074 Petros], and upon this rock [Concordance #4073 Petra] will I build my Church.." The Apostle Peter's new name given him by Jesus Himself was: "thou shalt be called Cephas [Concordance #2786]. #4074 = Petros = a piece of rock. It relates to # 2786 Kepha the rock. 2786 compares to 3710 provoke or enrage, be angry.

Upon this rock = 4073 = petra = a mass of rock will I build my Church. 4073 is related to 4074 which means that Peter [was a piece of that rock]. Jesus meant that He was building His Church on a mass of rock or a rockbed.

 

The Church: / The future Bride of Christ:

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [1 Peter 2:2-7]

 

The Church / The completed Bride of Christ

We are also referred to Revelation 21:9-14 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 

"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. [Revelation 21:22]

 

Revelation 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

 

In defense of our Statement of Faith we did not go contemporary like a number of discernment ministries have because we are not trying to pull down the churches. We are trying to make people aware of the errors within the church which need correction. Because correction is not made in most cases, separation needs to take place to get away from erroneous teachings because they cause confusion and delusion much to the devil's delight.

"We believe in one Father God (1Cor 8:6; 1Tim 2:5), Almighty (Rev 1:8 etc.), maker of Heaven and Earth (Acts 17:24), everything seen and unseen (Col 1:16 {but said of Jesus!}). And we believe in one Lord (Heb 1:8), Jesus Christ (Mk 8:29-30; 1Cor 8:6; 12:3; Phil 2:11; 1Tim 2:6; Rom 10:9), the Son of God (Heb 1:2; Mk 14:61-62), the only begotten one (John 1:14; Acts 8:37), Who was begotten by the Father (John 1:14) prior to all the ages (John 1:1). Light from Light (John 1:4-5 with 1 John 1:5), true God from true God (John 20:28; Heb 1:8; 1John 5:20), Who was begotten, not made (Heb 1:5 vs. Heb 1:7), Who is of the same being as the Father (John 5:18, Heb 1:3), through Whom all things came into being (John 1:3; Phil 2:6; Heb 1:2); Who, for us humans (1Tim 2:5-6) and for our salvation (Rom 6:6-14; Gal 1:4; 4:5), came down out of Heaven (1Cor 8:47-48), became incarnate (John 1:14; 1John 4:2) by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary (Matt 1:18,20; Gal 4:4; Phil 2:5-11), and thus became human (Matt 1:23; Heb 2:17; 4:15), Who was crucified on our behalf (Rom 5:8; 8:32) under Pontius Pilate (Lk 23:26-49), suffered (Heb 2:10; 1Pet 5:1) and was buried (1Cor 15:4), arose on the third day according to the Scriptures (Mk 8:31; 9:31; 10:33; Lk 24; 1Cor 15:4), and ascended into Heaven (Lk 24:51; Acts 1:6-11), Who now sits at the right hand of the Father (Mk 16:9; Heb 1:3), and again is coming with glory to judge the living and the dead (Mk 8:38; 13:26 {Dan 7:13}; Matt 25:31-46; Acts 10:42); of Whose kingdom there is no end (Lk 1:33).

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord (2Cor 3:17-18), and He who makes alive (John 6:63; Rom 8:2; 2Cor 3:6), Who proceeds from the Father (John 15:26), and Who spoke through the prophets. (2Pet 1:21).We believe not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5) (Matthew 19:28); We, at Cephas Ministry, believe we are lively stones, which are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5) (Hebrews 3:6)

And we believe in One, Holy Church (Eph 5:27), we confess one Baptism (Eph 4:5; Col 2:12) of repentance for the remission of sins (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Acts 2:38); we look forward (2Pet 3:12-13) to the Resurrection of the Dead (Matt 22:31; 25:31-46) and Rapture of the living called the Day of Christ, which will happen simultaneously with the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:8;5:5; Phil 1:6, 10; 2:16; 2Thess 2:2). Thus the Rapture of believers marks the beginning of judgment and the Tribulation (Rev 6-20). The Day of the Lord is the extended period beginning with the Tribulation to the end of the millennial age preceding the creation of a new heaven and new earth. Amen