|
CONSIDERING
THE NATURE OF THE ANTI CHRIST RELIGION:
The religious climate of today is already an
indicator of how it will look and who will partake in it.
(PAUL WARNS OF LAST DAY DECEPTION)
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked (person) be
revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and
shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2Th 2:9 Even him, whose
coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs
and lying wonders, 2 Th 2:10 And with all deception of unrighteousness
in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved. 2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them
strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
-
The Antichrist
religion will be a supernatural religion with supernatural wonders;
but these are lying signs and wonders wrought by Satan.
-
The
Antichrist religion will be a universal religion. It will be inclusive
to all the religions of the world. It will be a truly ecumenical religion.
-
The
Antichrist religion will be an inclusive religion, open to all life
styles.
-
People
will be flattered into believing that they are among those who are
advanced spiritually and about to evolve into God-likeness.
-
Extra-Terrestrials
will at last openly manifest. They will announce the news of earth's
inclusion into the community of advanced universal civilizations.
It will be stated that these "star
people" have been
secretly visiting the planet for many years and at will finally make
their existence and mission known openly. The mystery of so-called
space beings will be revealed as the progenitors of humanity. One
of the greatest lies will be revealed by these "star
people." It will be said those who resisted the next
advance of evolution have been taken away. The backward
non spiritual people (born again Christians) have been
taken to a place where they can grow and evolve in the proper understanding.
"END
TIME" THEOLOGY OFFERS DIFFERING EXPECTATIONS OF THE FUTURE (Eschatological
doctrines)
AMILLENIAL THEOLOGY
holds that the "Kingdom Of God" on earth began with the ascension
of Christ and will go on, more or less, in its present form until Christ
returns. These do not expect a literal reign of Christ on earth and the
Jews have no future
prophetic role or
unique status.
Amillennial doctrine; many mainline
denominations include: Eastern
Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran, Reformed,
Anglican, Methodist, Amish, Old Order Mennonite, Conservative Mennonites,
Churches of Christ, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ, Christian churches
and churches of Christ, Association of Grace Baptist Churches in England.
DOMINIONISTS
(KINGDOM NOW THEOLOGY) This theology
holds to the idea that the 'church'
has been given the mandate of bringing the Gospel to the nations and entirely
restore the DOMINION that Adam forfeited. The 5 fold ministry and inspired
Apostolic leadership will restore the nations in righteousness. Societal
institutions will be brought back to the righteous rule of Christ. The
following are in the Kingdom and Dominion camp.
-
N
A R,
New Apostolic Reformation
and its associated ministries (Bill Johnson), Bethel Church, Redding
CA; also the following:
-
Hillsong mega church
(Brian Huston) of Sidney, NSW Australia;
-
IHOP Kansas
City, International House of Prayer and the Kansas City Prophets
(Kingdom “Forerunners)
-
7 Mountains
movement
(Lance Walnau Dr. Bill Hamon, Dr. Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham
and others)The notion is to restore and bring under submission to
Christ
7
domains of social
institutions:
1) Education; 2) Religion; 3) Family; 4) Business; 5) Government/Military,
6) Arts/Entertainment; 7) Media
-
Morning Star
Ministries,
Rick Joyner of Fort Mills, SC
-
Vineyard Ministries
International:
The Vineyard is growing around the world, with over 2,500 churches
in six continents.
-
Calvinist Reconstructionists
also have a view to bring in God’s Kingdom through the church.
Dominion Theology
is a top down authoritarian expression of Christianity. On the topmost
level of the order is the anointed Apostle, Then the prophets and descending
down to the local leadership. The base of the pyramid is the supporting
Laity who serve to support those who are in the higher order. This has
always been the structure of the Roman church which is a top down authoritarian
institution commanding great power over its subjects. This is the very
expression of the doctrine of the Nicolaitins spoken of in
Revelation
2:6.
and described by Jesus in
Matthew 23:10-12,
also see
3John1:9
THE
PRESENT STATUS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD DENOMINATIONS IS UNCERTAIN
It is my belief, however, that many of the Assembly of God congregations,
depending on the training and associations of the leadership, are moving
toward the camp of Kingdom
Now or Dominionist theology.
Evidence that might point to this would be a lack of teaching on the prophetic
future of the church (Preaching eschatology). Or preaching that does not
clearly reflect unfolding signs
of the times or
clearly prophetic happenings in the middle east, Israel being God's time
clock.
Another
possible evidence of the focus on Kingdom restoration in a congregation
might be the inclusion of worship forms and music which derive from either
The Vineyard, or Jesus
Culture music
of Redding CA, Bill Johnson’s mega church whose music reflects their
non-sensationalist theology.
This
will be the last of the studies I will offer whose purpose has been to
give some insights into the state of the
church at large
which approaches a time of trials and transition. I think there should
be a healthy curiosity about where we are as Christians that should go
beyond the familiar boundaries of church life. It is right to question
and challenge what you see and hear using the Bible as our guide that
we may rely upon with confidence. C. Pinkney
Updated
title:09-16-2024
E Book 1:
The Gospel Without
Religion
E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook
E Book 3:
Mysteries in the Bible
Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
Resources:
Understanding Home Fellowships
Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer
(Discussion
of Open Church)
|
