1. COL. 2:10

2. 2 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

3. 3

4. 4

5. 5

6. 6 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

7. 7

8. 8

9. 9

10. 10

11. 11

12. 12

13. 13

14. 14

15. 15 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in & will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

16. 16

17. 17 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

18. II. What Is Masonry? A. Organization for Stone Masons  Trade guilds shared skills & common interests B. Early 1700’s Added Philosophy & Morality  System of symbols based on building a temple to make good men better: stone mason tools & religious objects from ancient religions  Form “lodges” to meet & conduct ceremonies 18

19. 19

20. II. What Is Masonry? C. Several Degrees & Orders to Advance  3 Degrees of The Blue Lodge: 1 st Degree: Entered Apprentice 2 nd Degree: Fellow Craft 3 rd Degree: Master Mason 20

21. C. Several Degrees & Orders to Advance  Appendant Orders: Scottish Rite: 4 th -32 nd degrees, then Shriner York Rite: Christian 4 th -11 th degrees, then Shriner Shriner Tall Cedars of Lebanon Grotto Daughters of the Nile: Shriner’s wife Order of Beauceant: women of York Rite Eastern Star: female relatives 18 yrs. + Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters: teenage girls DeMolay: teenage boys 21

22. II. What Is Masonry? D. “To the Candidate Elected to Receive the Degrees of Freemasonry” (TX Lodge System of Candidate Information, 1980)  “A system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols.” “A Philosophy of Life… in a series of degrees” (pp. 4-5)  “The Lodgeroom is a symbol of the world,… the candidate is a symbol of man… searching for education and truth” (p. 4) 22

23. II. What Is Masonry? D. “To the Candidate Elected to Receive the Degrees of Freemasonry” (TX Lodge System of Candidate Information, 1980)  Enter Lodge as “sacred place,” seek “solemn truths,” “prayerful spirit,” & “quest for light” (pp. 6-7)  “The purpose of Freemasonry is to help the individual man to improve himself… Take the good and make him better” (p. 6)  “These symbols…strengthen your character….cause your soul to grow & your spirit to develop” (p. 24) 23

24. 24

25. II. What Is Masonry? E. Connection to Ancient Mystery Religions (Albert G. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry in 3 Vols.) 25

26. E. Connection to Ancient Mystery Religions (Albert G. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry in 3 Vols.)  Masonry originated “as a secret association, containing…the symbolic expression of a religious idea.” “Its spirit is to be traced” to “all the Ancient Mysteries, which, with similar secrecy, gave the same symbolic expression to the same religious idea.” This idea was found “in sun worship, in tree worship, in animal worship.” “We find the same teachings of eternal life… And it is this legend…that connects Speculative Freemasonry with the Ancient Mysteries of Greece, of Syria, and of Egypt” (p. 88) 26

27. 27

28. 28 2:2-3 All hidden mysteries 2:9 All fullness of Godhead 2:10 Complete in Christ 2:12 Buried & raised to new life 2:17 Moses’ Law: shadow of Christ 2:19 All growth from God in Christ 3:1-4 Share final glory with Christ 2:4 Enticing words beguile 2:8 Philosophies & traditions of men 2:16 Misuse Law of Moses 2:18-23 Deceive with: Ordinances of men Commandments of men Doctrines of men False worship

29. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? B. Masonic Altar  “The Masonic altar….is an altar of sacrifice, for on it the candidate is directed to lay his passions & vices as an oblation to the Deity, while he offers the thoughts of a pure heart as a fitting incense to the Grand Architect of the Universe. The altar is, therefore, the most holy place in a Lodge.” This identifies Freemasonry “as a religious institution” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 56). 29

30. 30

31. 31

32. 32 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

33. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? C. Attitude Toward the Bible  “Freemasonry is religious in character, but it is not & has never laid claim to be a religion!... Masonic meetings are opened with prayer, & while a lodge is at labor, the Holy Bible, Koran, or Book of Books of any faith, be it Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Mohammedan, Hindu, or any other, rest upon our Holy Altar” (Leonard P. Harvey, Masonry and The Mason [Grand Lodge of TX, 1981]) 33

34. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? C. Attitude Toward the Bible  “The Bible is used among Freemasons as a symbol of the will of God, however it may be expressed….whatever to any people expresses that will may be used as a substitute for the Bible in a Masonic Lodge.” Jews: Old Testament. Turks: Koran. Christian: Gospels. Brahman: Vedas. (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 133). 34

35. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? C. Attitude Toward the Bible  “The Trestle-Board is…the board upon which the Master inscribes the designs by which the Craft are to be directed in their labors.” The Mason erects a spiritual temple “in obedience to the rules & designs, the precepts & commands, laid down by the Grand Architect of the Universe in those great books of nature & revelation which constitute the spiritual Trestle-Board.” The board can be the Bible, the Koran, or any other holy book (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 1051). 35

36. 36 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

37. 37

38. 38 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

39. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? D. The Blazing Star: Presence of God  It can refer to a Mason “shining with brilliancy in the midst of darkness,” but mostly it is “a symbol of the light of Divine Providence pointing out the way of truth” or “guiding & directing the pilgrim in his journey through life.” “The Great Architect of the Universe is…symbolized…as the Herald of our salvation” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 138-140). 39

40. 40

41. 41

42. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? E. Compasses: Standard for Happiness Here & Hereafter  Often with Square, symbol of morality  Symbol of “that true standard of rectitude which alone can bestow happiness here & felicity hereafter” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 236). 42

43. 43 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

44. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? F. Unite Men of All Religions Under God  Masonry is “the handmaiden to religion” by which members climb the “ladder from the Lodge on earth to the Lodge in heaven.” It is “a universal religious, moral, charitable and benevolent fraternal organization.” Men “of all religions….meet here upon a common ground as Brothers & God is Father of them all” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 236). 44

45. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? F. Unite Men of All Religions Under God  “Around the altar of the Lodge, the Gentile & Jew, & Hindu and Mohammedan can fraternize in the Brotherhood of Man, acknowledging their dependence on the Most High and enjoying the blessed communion of ‘brethren who dwell together in unity’” (A Brief Application of The York Rite to Daily Life, [York Rite Grand Bodies], p. 19). 45

46. 46 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

47. 47

48. 48

49. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? G. Find Light of Divine Truth as Sons of Light  “Freemasons are…called the Sons of Light, because they are…in possession of the true meaning of the symbol” while the “uninitiated who have not received this knowledge are…said to be in darkness.” Light is a symbol of “knowledge & goodness” & darkness is “ignorance & evil.” Light means “Divine truth.” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 593-594). 49

50. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? G. Find Light of Divine Truth as Sons of Light  Candidate for 1 st Degree is told: “You have long been in darkness, and now seek to be brought to light” (Malcolm C. Duncan, Masonic Ritual and Monitor [New York, David Mckay Co., nd], p. 29). 50

51. 51 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

52. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? H. Embrace Regeneration, a New Birth  “In the symbolism of the Third Degree,” he is “indoctrinated into the philosophy of the regeneration—of light out of darkness, or life out of death, of eternal life out of temporal death” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 844). 52

53. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? H. Embrace Regeneration, a New Birth  The initiate stands at a door: “There he stands, without our portals, on the threshold of his new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness, and ignorance…. he comes inquiringly to our door seeking the new birth and asking a withdrawal of the veil which conceals divine truth from his uninitiated eyes ” (Mackey, The Manual of the Lodge, p. 20). 53

54. 54

55. 55 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 5 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;

56. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? I. Lodge as Symbolic Temple of God  A Masonic Lodge is “a sacred place” to accept “solemn truths” & to “quest for light” (“To the Candidate Elected to Receive the Degrees of Freemasonry” [TX Lodge System of Candidate Information, 1980] 56

57. I. Lodge as Symbolic Temple of God  The Lodge is a symbol of Solomon’s Temple as “the foundation of a science of morality.” The idea of a separation into a holy & a most holy place….is maintained in the construction of Masonic Lodges.” “Each Lodge is…a symbol of the Jewish Temple; each Master in the chair representing the Jewish King; & every Freemason a personation of the Jewish Workman.” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 1020-1023). 57

58. 58

59. 59

60. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? J. “Religion of Freemasonry” Embraces All  “Freemasonry is…an eminently religious institution …it is indebted solely to the religious element it contains for its origin.” It does not try to replace any religion but embraces all: “Its religion is that general one of nature & primitive revelation…in which all men may agree” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 846-848). 60

61. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? J. “Religion of Freemasonry” Embraces All  “Freemasonry is religious in character, but it is not and has never laid claim to be a religion!... the Holy Bible, Koran, or Book of Books of any faith, be it Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Mohammedan, Hindu or any other, rests upon our altar” (Leonard P. Harvey, Masonry and The Mason, Grand Lodge of TX, 1981) 61

62. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? J. “Religion of Freemasonry” Embraces All  “It is based upon the indestructible foundation of the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man, & the immortality of the soul. No greater honor can be bestowed upon you than that of being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason” (Leonard P. Harvey, Masonry and The Mason, Grand Lodge of TX, 1981). 62

63. 63 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

64. 64 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

65. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  “The doctrine of a resurrection to a future & eternal life constitutes an indispensable portion of the religious faith of Freemasonry.” “The Masonic initiation” to this concept by symbol & ceremony “was derived from” the “Ancient Mysteries” (i.e., pagan religions) (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 851). 65

66. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  “Its members may advance their spiritual interest, and mount by the theological ladder from the Lodge on earth to the Lodge in heaven” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 269). 66

67. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  “Freemasonry has a religious service to commit the body of a deceased brother to the dust whence it came, and to speed the liberated spirit back to the Great Source of Life. Many Freemasons make this flight with no other guarantee of a safe landing than their belief in the religion of Freemasonry” (Henry Wilson Coil, Coils' Masonic Encyclopedia [New York, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply, 1961], p. 512). 67

68. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  Items dropped in grave at funeral service: “This Lamb Skin, or White Leathern Apron, is an emblem of Innocence, & the badge of a Free & accepted Mason.” “This glove is an emblem of Innocence.” “The Evergreen is an emblem of Masonic faith in the immortality of the soul” (Masonic Text Book For Use in…WV, p. 117-118). 68

69. K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  Worshipful Master says at burial service: “Then when our summons draws nigh, let us with joy obey and go forth from our labors on earth to eternal refreshment in the presence of an All Wise Governor…, we shall gain admission into the celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides” (Monitor of the Lodge, Monitorial Instructions in the Three Degrees of Symbolic Masonry [Grand Lodge of TX, 1982], p. 195). 69

70. 70

71. 71 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

72. III. How Does Masonry Claim to Make Us Better? K. Promise Resurrection & Eternal Life  Who is right: Christ OR Masonry? 72

73. WHO IS RIGHT: CHRIST OR MASONRY? 73 Not hear the gospel (Rom. 10:13-14) Not believe in Christ (Jn. 8:24) Not obey gospel of Christ (2 Thess. 1:7-9) Follow false religions (Matt. 15:13-14) Follow other holy books (Rev. 22:18-19) Turn from following Christ (2 Pet. 2:20-22) Christ Says All Men Lost In Hell If Not Submit To Him! Masonry Offers Hope Of Celestial Lodge With God!

74. 74 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

75. 75

76. 76 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

77. 77