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(We are frequently critical of the "doctrinal police," but we do admire their zeal for the defense of the Faith. Our objections generally center around
The doctrinal police in question for today's post, Pirate Christian, actually does a measure of good work in pointing out some of the egregious things being done in the Christian Church. We do appreciate their zealousness in defending correct doctrine.
Or correct doctrine as they see it.
The problem is that too often Pirate Christian will generalize about people or churches. So if you believe X, then you're part of this or that movement. If your church does this or says that, it's apostate.
Further, Pirate Christian sets up the equation so that you cannot disagree with them. At the end of many of their articles is this pre-emptive strike toward anyone who might dare to take issue with them:
- a propensity for micro analyzing the statements of their doctrinal opponents
- taking isolated statements without considering context or what else might have been said about the issue
- mocking
- focusing only on Charismatic errors
- a tendency to label and dismiss
- a tendency to avoid quoting Scripture
The doctrinal police in question for today's post, Pirate Christian, actually does a measure of good work in pointing out some of the egregious things being done in the Christian Church. We do appreciate their zealousness in defending correct doctrine.
Or correct doctrine as they see it.
The problem is that too often Pirate Christian will generalize about people or churches. So if you believe X, then you're part of this or that movement. If your church does this or says that, it's apostate.
Further, Pirate Christian sets up the equation so that you cannot disagree with them. At the end of many of their articles is this pre-emptive strike toward anyone who might dare to take issue with them:
For those who think it's mean, judgmental and un-loving to criticize (...) (or any other popular teacher/church) here's something just for you: Shocking Stuff You're Not Supposed to Know.
If you're having a knee-jerk reaction to try and defend this kind of "worship" service, check out: Confirmation Bias: Why You Are Protecting Your False Beliefs.
Here's a very extensive documentary exposing the problems with the "Seeker-Friendly" church model: Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive
Finally, here's an article that will help you be more discerning and a lot less gullible: Defusing Demonic Dirty Bombs.
In other words, simply expressing disagreement is Confirmation Bias, or, you are gullible. Apparently there is no other possibility.
Now for the article we wish to examine:
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Is your church shifting into becoming NAR apostate? It could be, and your leaders might not even be aware. (The author uses NAR in the broadest possible sense, in that if your church even hints at some of the items below, it is suspect. These kinds of generalizations are for lazy minds.)
The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a counterfeit, unbiblical movement that has been gaining worldwide momentum. Its anointed celebrity leaders, meanwhile, are scurrying to distance themselves from the “NAR” label (invented by NAR founder C. Peter Wagner), especially now that discernment reporters have been shining the light of Scripture and the sheep have begun to take notice. (In other words, groups like Pirate Christian have been doing their best to discredit and impugn other Christian groups by characterizing them with the NAR label as pejoratively as possible, and their efforts have had some degree of success. Thus, certain believers are buying into the campaign and are themselves looking for every possible violation, real or imagined.)
How does a Christian recognize the red flags if their leaders deny being associated or affiliated with the more recognizable founders and celebrity leaders? (That is, if your pastor says he's not "associated or affiliated" with NAR, his denial is an indicator of guilt.)
There are 6 distinct traits that characterize NAR’s core teachings, even if leaders or churches deny they have anything to do with the NAR brand.
First, you need to understand that NAR isn’t an official organization, (But apparently one can associate or affiliate with it...)
nor can it be characterized by a common creed. (But is has dangerous "core teachings.")
It is instead a loosely knit and often unaffiliated network of leaders (Wait, we thought they were "affiliated?")
who share a common vision and goal for the visible Church.
Supernatural Signs & Wonders; Dominionism; The Latter Rain Movement; Joel's Army; The 7 Mountain Mandate; Third Wave Revivalism; IHOP; Bill Johnson's Bethel Church, The Hillsong Media Empire, these are all a part of this shape-shifting movement in one way or another. It is gobbling up churches and deceiving millions who don’t even know they’ve become a part of an apostate, end-times falling away. (That is, Bible-believing Christians who love Jesus and are taking the Gospel to the nations are apparently part of "end-times falling away." Again, it's these broad generalizations that cause careful readers to pause.)
The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church
Here are those traits, beliefs, and some of the common lingo used by adherents:
1. “APOSTLES”
We’re in a “Second Apostolic Age.” There are new Apostles are on the earth today, anointed by the laying of hands to represent and speak for God here on Earth. These "Super Apostles" are equal to the original Apostles – the ones who witnessed Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and were appointed by Christ Himself to the office. Since these new apostles are commissioned by God, their authority may not be questioned.
(This is a big topic, deserving so much more than the author's summary dismissal. The author denies that there are Apostles today, and then drastically narrows the category to those who "speak for God here on earth." The author claims without basis that they are equal to the N.T. Apostles. The author then claims without basis that present-day Apostles cannot be questioned. None of this is substantiated.
Now for the article we wish to examine:
-------------------------
Is your church shifting into becoming NAR apostate? It could be, and your leaders might not even be aware. (The author uses NAR in the broadest possible sense, in that if your church even hints at some of the items below, it is suspect. These kinds of generalizations are for lazy minds.)
The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a counterfeit, unbiblical movement that has been gaining worldwide momentum. Its anointed celebrity leaders, meanwhile, are scurrying to distance themselves from the “NAR” label (invented by NAR founder C. Peter Wagner), especially now that discernment reporters have been shining the light of Scripture and the sheep have begun to take notice. (In other words, groups like Pirate Christian have been doing their best to discredit and impugn other Christian groups by characterizing them with the NAR label as pejoratively as possible, and their efforts have had some degree of success. Thus, certain believers are buying into the campaign and are themselves looking for every possible violation, real or imagined.)
How does a Christian recognize the red flags if their leaders deny being associated or affiliated with the more recognizable founders and celebrity leaders? (That is, if your pastor says he's not "associated or affiliated" with NAR, his denial is an indicator of guilt.)
There are 6 distinct traits that characterize NAR’s core teachings, even if leaders or churches deny they have anything to do with the NAR brand.
First, you need to understand that NAR isn’t an official organization, (But apparently one can associate or affiliate with it...)
nor can it be characterized by a common creed. (But is has dangerous "core teachings.")
It is instead a loosely knit and often unaffiliated network of leaders (Wait, we thought they were "affiliated?")
who share a common vision and goal for the visible Church.
Supernatural Signs & Wonders; Dominionism; The Latter Rain Movement; Joel's Army; The 7 Mountain Mandate; Third Wave Revivalism; IHOP; Bill Johnson's Bethel Church, The Hillsong Media Empire, these are all a part of this shape-shifting movement in one way or another. It is gobbling up churches and deceiving millions who don’t even know they’ve become a part of an apostate, end-times falling away. (That is, Bible-believing Christians who love Jesus and are taking the Gospel to the nations are apparently part of "end-times falling away." Again, it's these broad generalizations that cause careful readers to pause.)
The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church
Here are those traits, beliefs, and some of the common lingo used by adherents:
1. “APOSTLES”
We’re in a “Second Apostolic Age.” There are new Apostles are on the earth today, anointed by the laying of hands to represent and speak for God here on Earth. These "Super Apostles" are equal to the original Apostles – the ones who witnessed Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and were appointed by Christ Himself to the office. Since these new apostles are commissioned by God, their authority may not be questioned.
(This is a big topic, deserving so much more than the author's summary dismissal. The author denies that there are Apostles today, and then drastically narrows the category to those who "speak for God here on earth." The author claims without basis that they are equal to the N.T. Apostles. The author then claims without basis that present-day Apostles cannot be questioned. None of this is substantiated.
We discuss Apostles here.
There are different categories of those who are called apostles. Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
There are different categories of those who are called apostles. Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
STRONGS NT 652: ἀπόστολοςἀπόστολος, ἀποστόλου, ὁ;
1. a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders (Herodotus 1, 21; 5, 38; for שָׁלוּחַ in 1 Kings 14:6 (Alex.); rabbinical שְׁלִיחַ): John 13:16 (where ὁ ἀπόστολος and ὁ πέμψαςαὐτόν are contrasted); followed by a genitive, as τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 2 Corinthians 8:23;Philippians 2:25; ἀπόστολον ... τῆςὁμολογίας ἡμῶν the apostle whom we confess, of Christ, God's chief messenger, who has brought the κλῆσις ἀπουρανιος, as compared with Moses, whom the Jews confess, Hebrews 3:1.
2. Specially applied to the twelve disciples whom Christ selected, out of the multitude of his adherents, to be his constant companions and the heralds to proclaim to men the kingdom of God:Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:26;Revelation 21:14, and often, but nowhere in the Gospel and Epistles of John; ("the wordἀπόστολος occurs 79 times in the N. T., and of these 68 instances are in St. Luke and St. Paul." Lightfoot). With these apostles Paul claimed equality, because through a heavenly intervention he had been appointed by the ascended Christ himself to preach the gospel among the Gentiles, and owed his knowledge of the way of salvation not to man's instruction but to direct revelation from Christ himself, and moreover had evinced his apostolic qualifications by many signal proofs: Galatians 1:1, 11;Galatians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 1 Corinthians 15:8-10; 2 Corinthians 3:2ff; 12:12; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11, cf. Acts 26:12-20. According to Paul, apostles surpassed as well the various other orders of Christian teachers (cf. διδάσκαλος, εὐαγγελιστής,προφήτης), as also the rest of those on whom the special gifts (cf. χάρισμα) of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed, by receiving a richer and more copious conferment of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11. Certain false teachers are rated sharply for arrogating to themselves the name and authority of apostles of Christ: 2 Corinthians 11:5, 13; Revelation 2:2.
3. In a broader sense the name is transferred to other eminent Christian teachers; as Barnabas,Acts 14:14, and perhaps also Timothy and Silvanus, 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (6), cf. too Romans 16:7 (?). But in Luke 11:49; Ephesians 3:5; Revelation 18:20, 'apostles' is to be taken in the narrower sense. (On the application of the term see especially Lightfoot on Galatians, pp. 92-101; Harnack, on 'Teaching etc. 11, 3 [ET]; cf.BB. DD. under the word)
The author clearly hasn't looked into the matter with any depth, preferring to mischaracterize the position of the opposition.)
2. “KINGDOM”
Rather than preach the Gospel of the cross, (This phrase is not found in the N.T.)
Apostolic leaders are working to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth. (Which is a phrase [and its variants] repeatedly used by Jesus and the Apostles:
They do this by taking dominion of earthly kingdoms or “mountains” of government, media, entertainment, education, business, family, and religion. Leaders often talk of city building and organize prayer walks to pray against demonic strongholds. They often speak of being mission-focused rather than being Christ-centered. (This is a falsehood. No one says, "Let's focus on missions rather than Christ.)
3. “DESTINY” “PRESENCE” “GLORY”
Though members are not always charismatic, they frequently emphasize a manifestation of “Glory” and “God’s presence,” and often have a special anointing to receive direct revelation from God, perform healings and other signs and wonders. (Well, apparently we don't want people to be healed...)
They teach that our purpose is to achieve our dream destiny so that we can change the world. (No, our purpose to be obedient to our call. It isn't our "dream destiny," it's God's intent for us.
Revival on a massive scale is key in this movement. There is a strong emphasis on an “end times harvest” through a great awakening that we can usher in. Often these revivals are held in stadiums and reach millions around the world via live stream technology; they are marketed and produced like rock concerts. All scripture verses about an end times falling away are ignored, (It's seems the author is celebrating apostasy as if it were the will of the Lord. We critique this errant idea here.
Revival isn't unbiblical. Indeed, it's quite possible for a move of God during the "end times," perhaps even in the midst of a falling away. These are not mutually exclusive.
We have been in the "end times" since Pentecost. Had the author's viewpoint been prevalent over the course of church history, we would have not had Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, D.L. Moody, John Wesley, or Charles Finney. Many of these revivals birthed denominations, corrections in doctrine, and missions.
Because thousands or even hundreds of thousands who were saved back then, we all got to hear the Gospel ourselves.
But apparently the author thinks that either those revivals were also false, or that revivals can't happen now. However, there is no scriptural reason for either position.)
and get replaced with hyped-up claims about the Next Big Thing that's always just around the corner.
(And what about the biblical testimony? Well, there most certainly be a move of God, otherwise there could be no harvest:
Unity (at the expense of biblical doctrine) is almost always used as both the how and the why in this movement. Unity for the sake of bringing Heaven to Earth is leading to the blurring of doctrinal and denominational lines, often bringing together well-known leaders of charismatic, reformed, Word of Faith, seeker-emergent, progressive and Roman Catholics churches, all under one umbrella. (We don't have much to say about this, because it is so unbiblical as to be obvious to even a casual reader of the Bible. Jesus time and again talked about the unity of the brethren.)
Finally, NAR churches almost always abandon a major tenant of Christian faith:
6. NAR DENIES THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE.
NAR adherents may believe in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, but God’s breathed-out Word is just not enough for them. Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins is not good enough; the promise of eternal life in Heaven is not good enough. (We have never heard any charismatic say any such thing.
2. “KINGDOM”
Rather than preach the Gospel of the cross, (This phrase is not found in the N.T.)
Apostolic leaders are working to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth. (Which is a phrase [and its variants] repeatedly used by Jesus and the Apostles:
Mt. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations,
1Co. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
He. 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...
Re. 1:6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father...It was what John the Baptist preached:
Mt. 3:2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”It was the first thing out of the mouth of Jesus when He returned from the wilderness:
Mt. 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Mt. 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.He taught us to pray:
Mt. 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.The kingdom is to be preeminent in our thoughts:
Mt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.He commanded His disciples to do the same:
Mt. 10:7 As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.’He wants us to take hold of it forcefully:
Mt. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.The kingdom belongs to us:
Mt. 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.This is how important the kingdom is:
Mt. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.Most of Jesus' parables were to teach about the kingdom, where Jesus frequently says, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." It was a primary focus of Jesus' teaching. Thus to suspect a church for its focus on the kingdom is puerile.)
They do this by taking dominion of earthly kingdoms or “mountains” of government, media, entertainment, education, business, family, and religion. Leaders often talk of city building and organize prayer walks to pray against demonic strongholds. They often speak of being mission-focused rather than being Christ-centered. (This is a falsehood. No one says, "Let's focus on missions rather than Christ.)
3. “DESTINY” “PRESENCE” “GLORY”
Though members are not always charismatic, they frequently emphasize a manifestation of “Glory” and “God’s presence,” and often have a special anointing to receive direct revelation from God, perform healings and other signs and wonders. (Well, apparently we don't want people to be healed...)
They teach that our purpose is to achieve our dream destiny so that we can change the world. (No, our purpose to be obedient to our call. It isn't our "dream destiny," it's God's intent for us.
Ro. 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Ro. 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
2Co. 5:5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Ep. 1:5 He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will —
2Th. 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
He. 6:17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.4. “REVIVAL”
Revival on a massive scale is key in this movement. There is a strong emphasis on an “end times harvest” through a great awakening that we can usher in. Often these revivals are held in stadiums and reach millions around the world via live stream technology; they are marketed and produced like rock concerts. All scripture verses about an end times falling away are ignored, (It's seems the author is celebrating apostasy as if it were the will of the Lord. We critique this errant idea here.
Revival isn't unbiblical. Indeed, it's quite possible for a move of God during the "end times," perhaps even in the midst of a falling away. These are not mutually exclusive.
We have been in the "end times" since Pentecost. Had the author's viewpoint been prevalent over the course of church history, we would have not had Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, D.L. Moody, John Wesley, or Charles Finney. Many of these revivals birthed denominations, corrections in doctrine, and missions.
Because thousands or even hundreds of thousands who were saved back then, we all got to hear the Gospel ourselves.
But apparently the author thinks that either those revivals were also false, or that revivals can't happen now. However, there is no scriptural reason for either position.)
and get replaced with hyped-up claims about the Next Big Thing that's always just around the corner.
(And what about the biblical testimony? Well, there most certainly be a move of God, otherwise there could be no harvest:
Mt. 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jn. 4:36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.
Ga. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.5. “UNITY”
Unity (at the expense of biblical doctrine) is almost always used as both the how and the why in this movement. Unity for the sake of bringing Heaven to Earth is leading to the blurring of doctrinal and denominational lines, often bringing together well-known leaders of charismatic, reformed, Word of Faith, seeker-emergent, progressive and Roman Catholics churches, all under one umbrella. (We don't have much to say about this, because it is so unbiblical as to be obvious to even a casual reader of the Bible. Jesus time and again talked about the unity of the brethren.)
Finally, NAR churches almost always abandon a major tenant of Christian faith:
6. NAR DENIES THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE.
NAR adherents may believe in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, but God’s breathed-out Word is just not enough for them. Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins is not good enough; the promise of eternal life in Heaven is not good enough. (We have never heard any charismatic say any such thing.
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