GWR 05
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Author's Brief Testimony
Denominational
Empires become Worldly Kingdoms
When
Religion Becomes a Worldly Empire
Jesus when asked by the Pharisees when the
kingdom of God was coming, answered;The kingdom of God is not coming
in a way that can be observed; (21) nor will they say, Look, here it
is! or there it is! For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you. (Luke
17:20 - Luke 17:21 20 )
Religion
as church denominations are the best known expressions of Christian
religious life. Why were holy wars or religious wars fought in past
generations? Why did reformations and counter reformations occur causing
nations to be pitted against nation, and men and women pronounced heretic,
imprisoned in chains, and executed by fire or by ax?
Worldly power and dominion were absolutely NOT what Jesus directed to
actualize his kingdom. His apostles and disciples have always been sent
out as sheep among wolves. Jesus clearly stated to Pilate the Roman
governor, just before he was crucified, "my kingdom is not of
this world, if it were my followers would fight." However it
is clear that a future time is coming when the perfect will have
come. In that day the perfect will include the personal physical rule
of Christ over an earthly kingdom. Jesus reiterated 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 quickly
after the earliest years of the faith. The life of God, along with truth
and simplicity of the Gospel began to dissolve. 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 structure and formalism. The form and power of the Book
of Acts church faded from existence. When religion becomes bereft of
spiritual understanding and becomes a political force, it does its ugliest,
most evil work. The spiritual house became divided spiritual and secular
and raged against itself. "The Spirit of Truth is eventually exchanged
for a lie. The 'Right Spirit' which is self denial or selflessness is
exchanged for the spirit of pride and supremacy. The final fruit of
worldly power is domination, control, vengeance, retribution and the
spirit of murder.
Satan always a spiritual opportunist, seeks an opportunity to subvert
and to usurp control of the church. Demonically inspired doctrines creep
in gradually until the house is divided. Vanity in the name of religion
reigns in gaudy splendor. and individuals rule over ordinary believers.
Religious empires once established must defend their stronghold of power
even with wars and bloodshed. When mere men demand to rule worldly kingdoms
they are known to raise up swords even against their own brothers, and
to destroy one another in the name of God.
The wisdom and counsel of God's Word which cautions us that we are not
to war and contend against the natural man but against 'spiritual powers
in heavenly places,' is abandoned when men and nations create worldly
kingdoms and called them God's kingdom? The Kingdom of God and Truth
taught in the gospel is exchanged for something without eternal substance.
As Jesus explained to pilot, "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 rulers of states. Great religious denominations though they have
largely departed from the faith at once presented by the apostles continue
to set up heirachies of authority assigning their own rulers, lesser
nobles to set themselves over multitudes of serfs who continue to serve
the masters of religious fiefdoms. Those called the laiety always segregated
from the priest class are served the usual rations of spiritual gruel
that does little to nourish the "inner man" nor set him free.
Among the manifold religious traditions of which we are familiar, there
are many serious departures from understanding of truth brought forth
in the earliest days of the gospel to the gentiles. We have suffered
a gradual trasformation into forms of godliness and away from the promise
of living as a new creation with liberty in a regenerated spiritual
life, alive in righteousnes, power, and fruitfulness.
NEXT
CHAPTER
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
Index to
all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
Resources:
Understanding Home Fellowships
Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer
(Discussion of Open Church)
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