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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.

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The Gospel Without Religion

E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook

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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)