| GWR
05 click below for AUTHOR'S VIDEOS ON YOUTUBEDenominational Empires, World Kingdoms DENOMINATIONAL EMPIRES When Religion becomes a Worldly Empire Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of G-d was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of G-d is not coming with things that can be observed; (21) nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of G-d is among you.” Luke 17:20 - Luke 17:21 20 Worldly power and dominion were absolutely NOT what Jesus wished for of his kingdom. Jesus clearly stated to Pilate the Roman governor, just hours before he was to die on the cross, that "my kingdom is not of this world, if it were my followers would fight." A future time is coming when the perfect will come. In that day the perfect will include the personal physical rule of Christ over an earthly kingdom. Jesus concluded to Pilate, "Now, my kingdom is Not Of This World!" Yet, earthly kingdoms have usurped the purposes and desires of the Lord. The growth of institutional Christianity as a political, economic and social power began early on in the history of the faith. The life of G-d, along with truth and simplicity of the Gospel began to wane. Individual centers of fellowship were once Spirit led and non formalistic. The immediacy of first hand Holy Spirit revelation and Spiritual fellowship gave way to religious a organism. The form and power of the Book of Acts church faded from existence. When religion becomes empowered as a political force, it does its ugliest and most evil work. That house became divided and rages against itself. "The Spirit of Truth is exchanged for a lie." The right Spirit is exchanged for the spirit of vengeance and retribution and the spirit of murder. Satan a spiritual opportunist, seeks oportunity to usurp ruler ship of the church. Demonically inspired doctrines are introduced. The house is divided. Vanity reigns in gaudy splendor. Individuals rule over the common believer. Religious empires are defended in a self-serving orgy of blood-letting. Men come against others, maybe their own brothers, to destroy one another in the name of G-d. Where was the wisdom and counsel of G-d's Word when men and nations began to create worldly kingdoms which they called G-d's kingdom? They were exchanged for something tarnished. - - "my kingdom is not of this world, if it were of this world my people would fight. But now it is not of this world." Denominationalism continues to build its own worldly kingdoms. They foster their own "princes and nobles" and heads of states. They have multitudes of lesser nobles and greater multitudes of serfs who continue to serve the fiefdoms, while receiving nothing more than spiritual gruel that can neither nourish the "inner man" nor set him free. Within many of the religious traditions that we all are so familiar with there are numerous departures from practice and understanding of truth. These produce detriments to human spiritual life, liberty, power, and fruitfulness. 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 |