Latter Rain
& Dominion
Theology
Latin: mille ‘thousand’ + annum ‘year’.
‘The Millennium’ in Bible prophecy refers specifically to a 1000-year golden age when Jesus, as the Jewish Messiah, will reign on earth from Jerusalem in fulfilment of the OT prophecies. In the NT, the Millennium is described by John in Revelation 20.
THE MILLENNIUM
MILLENNIUM TIMING
Premillennialism
The Millennium is a future literal 1000 years reign by Christ.
Christ himself reigns on earth (from Jerusalem) with his Church.
Apostasy in the last days.
Christ returns after the church age (pre, mid or post-tribulation rapture) before the Millennium.
PRE/ POST-MILLENNIALISM
Postmillennialism
Millennium is a future (or current) literal (or figurative) 1000 years.
The Church will reign on earth.
Godliness will eventually pervade secular society.
Christ returns after the Millennium.
Modern Postmillennialism - The following variants of Dominion Theology are influenced by Postmillennialism - Reconstructionism, The Restoration Movement, Third Wave, New Wave, Latter Rain and Manifest Sons of God.
Often grouped together as “Dominion Theology”, not all parties are in agreement on all items, but for the sake of simplicity, we will group Dominion Theology into two main streams.
Kingdom Now theology - a theological belief within the Charismatic movement of Protestant Christianity, mainly in the US.
Christian Reconstructionism - the Dominionism counterpart in Reformed, Calvinist (i.e. non-Charismatic) theology.
DOMINION THEOLOGY
Today we will focus on the Charismatic branch of Dominion Theology rather than the Reformed branch (Reconstructionism)
Kingdom Now theology is a belief within the Charismatic movement, mainly in the US. But while various strains of Dominion theology are taught by some within the Charismatic movement, some of the theology’s most ardent critics are also from within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that, due to the generally negative connotations of the term “Dominion Theology”, some who teach aspects of Dominionism, will at the same time vehemently deny being Dominionists. Those labelled “Dominionists” by others rarely use the term for self-description.
KINGDOM NOW
William Branham 1 was an American minister and “prophet”, generally acknowledged as initiating the post World War II healing revival.
Over 60 years ago, in the late 1940’s some admirers of Branham in Western Canada (not Branham himself) started what would become known as the Latter Rain Movement.
1 Branham believed that he was the angel of the seventh church mentioned in Revelation. He rejected the doctrine of the Trinity in favour of Modalism, taught Annihilationism, as well as the Serpent Seed doctrine (claiming that Eve was seduced by the serpent in the garden of Eden and the offspring was Cain). He ultimately claimed to be one of the end-time 2 witnesses - the prophet Elijah.
LATTER RAIN MOVEMENT
William Branham
(1909-1965)
The Latter Rain Movement developed out of events at Sharon Orphanage and Schools at North Battleford, Saskatchewan (Canada) between 1947 and 1948.
The founders thought that this “new wave” of the Spirit was the “latter rain” referred to in Joel 2:23, “Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he has given you the former rain faithfully, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” (KJV)
They interpreted the “rain” as an end-times outpouring of the Holy Spirit which would be greater than the “former rain.” Not even the original apostles, they believed, had witnessed such a movement of the Holy Spirit. Other key verses used included Jeremiah 3:3, Hosea 6:3, Zechariah 10:1, and James 5:7.
LATTER RAIN MOVEMENT
The movement had no clear leader as they emphasized relational networks over organizational structure.
They taught that there would be a restoration of the five ministerial roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher). The roles of apostle and prophet were considered foundational, but were said to have been lost after the time of the very first apostles.
However, they believed that God was restoring the ministries of apostle and prophet in the present day. These ideas form part of what is called the “prophetic movement” and “New Apostolic Reformation”. 1
1 SOURCE : "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)
APOSTLES & PROPHETS
They felt that the church should be divided on geographical, not denominational, lines. Their expectation was that in the coming “last days,” the various Christian denominations would dissolve, and the true Church would coalesce into city-wide churches under the leadership of these newly restored apostles and prophets. 1
These restored ministries are deemed greater than those of the “Early Rain” of the Biblical period. 1
1 SOURCE : "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)
APOSTLES & PROPHETS
Belief in the restoration of the offices of apostle and prophet distinguished the Latter Rain Movement from the rest of Pentecostalism. Classical Pentecostals understood the fivefold ministry not as offices or authority designated to any particular person, but as functions available to the entire Spirit-filled congregation, been giving at the discretion of the Holy Spirit. 1
Eph 4:11-12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
1 Shane Jack Clifton, An Analysis of the Developing Ecclesiology of the Assemblies of God in Australia, [PhD thesis, Australian Catholic University, 2005], p. 150. Accessed May 20, 2010.
APOSTLES & PROPHETS
In the South African A/ G, by the 1960’s James (Jim) Mullan was the leader of what were called the Group assemblies.
He taught that besides the leadership role of elders and deacons in the local assembly, the apostolic founder of the church also had a part to play in the leadership (as Paul did with the churches he
planted). 1 Nicholas Bhengu held similar views.
1 " agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx"> agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx
APOSTLES
James Mullan (d. 1987)
Mullan believed that the ministry of apostle was valid today, but different from “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev 21:14). He referred to the former as “apostles of the ascended Christ”, and classified the apostle Paul in this group.
Both Nicholas Bhengu and James Mullan still maintained an “apostolic authority” over the churches they planted, much like the apostle Paul. The American A/ G contingent disagreed with this form of church government believing that, like the US, South Africa should be split into regions, each headed by a regional superintendent. Due to an inability to reach agreement on these and other matters, the Americans in SA broke away in 1964 forming what was called the International Assemblies of God. 1
1 " agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx"> agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx
APOSTLES
James Mullan further taught that an “apostle” and “missionary” were equivalent ministries, stating that:
… apostles of the ascended Christ were missionaries in the true sense of the word. We all believe in missionaries and mission work, yet Eph 4:11 is the only scripture for “missionaries”. The word “missionary” as derived from the Latin, is the equivalent of “apostle” as derived from Greek. Unfortunately, as was pointed out by Oswald Smith years ago, many are sent out as missionaries, who instead of founding assemblies as true missionaries, remain only as local pastors, a work that could better be done by the believers to whom they were sent at such great expense. 1
1 The gift ministries of the ascended Christ " agfbrakpan.co.za/ ministry-archives.aspx?mId=739"> agfbrakpan.co.za/ ministry-archives.aspx?mId=739
APOSTLES
He felt that the term “missionary” was probably more appropriate because of the misuse by some parties of “apostle” as a title (rather than a ministry).
Now, because of the possibility of being confused with certain false cults using the word “apostle”… it will be found more acceptable to use the word “missionary”. The important thing, after all, is the performance of the work of an apostle by the one so gifted. We can be sure that the Lord will not fault us whichever term we use, be it “missionary”, “founder of assemblies”, or “Apostle”. All indicate one and the same thing, so the word to be used can be decided by those using it, according to what is most convenient, and least likely to be misunderstood. 1
1 Ibid
APOSTLES
Fred Mullan, the founder of Fairview Assembly, was for years the general chairman of the A/ G SA, and also the spokesperson for what were called the Independent assemblies.
He was among those who opposed his brother’s teaching on apostles. He believed rather in the autonomy of each assembly and that the church government should reside solely with the local oversight of elders and deacons, rather than having any accountability to the apostolic founder of the church. 1
1 " agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx"> agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx
APOSTLES
Fred Mullan
(1903-81)
Fred believed that the ministry of apostles and prophets ceased to exist after the first generation of NT believers. In support he cited Eph 2:20 which spoke of “the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, taking this to mean that they were foundational ministries only. Much of the objection arose out of a reaction to certain Pentecostal groups overseas whose views on apostles and prophets had become extreme. 1
Due to the misuse of the term “apostle” in certain circles, the Independent assemblies were reticent to use the term. Later these assemblies, with their ideas of church government more influenced by Fred Mullan, remained autonomous but affiliated to the FIAM (later the AGF). 1
1 SOURCE: " agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx"> agfbrakpan.co.za/ aog-in-sa.aspx & “From Africa’s Soil” - Peter Watt
APOSTLES
We believe that the term “apostle” designates function rather than status.
The Greek word “apostolos” denoted an envoy, ambassador, or messenger commissioned to carry out the instructions of the commissioning agent.
Those claiming to be apostles need to be tested:
Rev 2:2b I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
1 Cor 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
What is the criteria to test an apostle?
APOSTLES
These are signs that mark a true apostle:
Signs, wonders and miracles - 2 Cor 12:12 The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.
Church-planting - Acts 14:21-23 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
Persecution - 2 Tim 1:11-12 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am.
APOSTLES
A physical eyewitness of the resurrected Christ
Acts 1:22 “For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
1 Cor 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?
1 Cor 15:4–8 … that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
NOTE: In support of his belief that the apostolic ministry was still valid today, James Mullan claimed that this qualification was only required for the “12 apostles of the Lamb” and not “apostles of the ascended Christ”.
APOSTLES
Despite the “Latter Rain” prophets supposedly being greater than their “Early Rain” prophets, their admitted success rate at prophesying accurately is a lot lower than the Biblical counterparts, which was 100%.
In a taped interview between Bob Jones (not to be confused with his namesake at the Bob Jones University) and Mike Bickle, we are told that:
Unlike OT prophets, NT prophets are often wrong. They may be 90% wrong (you might as well be guessing then).
60% accuracy is about the best they can expect. The Neo-Prophetic Movement prophecies have never been more than 60% accurate. Bob Jones himself expected to be only about two-thirds accurate. 1
1 " dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm"> dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm
NEO-PROPHETS
We can only know a prophet is
telling the truth when “three or
four of us bring the same word.”
Even when God “loads the gun” of
the rhema revelations, some of his
bullets are blanks.
When Bob Jones is filled with the
Spirit, he can see and taste
spiritual states and sins in others
with all his five senses. He feels a
tingling in his fingers to indicate
who is a prophet, an evangelist, or
pastor and his hands turn purple
when he gets his best revelations. 1
1 " dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm"> dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm
NEO-PROPHETS
Bob Jones
(1930-2014)
The Reorganized Mormon Church will join the Neo-Prophetic Movement.
1000 religious leaders would die in 1990 for misusing “the anointing.” 1
These 2 prophecies clearly fall in the 40% section of failed prophecies. Like apostles, the Bible tells us to test prophets. Here is the test:
Deut 18:21-22 (ESV) And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
1 Ibid
NEO-PROPHETS
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Peter cautions us not to open ourselves to heresy:
2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.
NEO-PROPHETS
Our Lord Jesus
himself warned us:
“Beware of
false prophets,
who come to
you in sheep’s
clothing but
inwardly are
ravenous
wolves.” (Matt 7:15 ESV)
And he further warned that in the last days:
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt 24:24)
NEO-PROPHETS
And to those who claim what they have received is a “new” revelation, superior to the Apostolic Age.
Rom 16:17-18 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Paul cautions us that the gospel they preached shouldn’t change.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
NEO-PROPHETS
Like it’s Reformed relative - Reconstructionism - this brand of Dominionism also proclaims that the church is responsible for taking over the world in the name and power of Christ.
Proponents believe that God lost control over the world to Satan when Adam and Eve sinned. Since then God has been trying to re-establish control over the world by seeking a special group of believers.
Some taught that as the end of the age approached, a select group of “overcomers” would arise within the Church called these “Manifest Sons of God” who would complete the Great Commission, spreading the gospel throughout the world. They would take dominion of the earth under the leadership guidance of the latter-day prophets and apostles.
MANIFEST SONS OF GOD
Through these people - known as ‘covenant people’, ‘overcomers’ or ‘Joel's army’, depending on the source - social institutions (including governments and laws) would be brought under God's authority.
Jack Deere states, “This army is unique…when this army comes , its large and mighty. It’s so mighty that there has never been anything like it before. Not even when, Moses not even David, not even Paul. What’s going to happen, now will transcend what Paul did, what David did what Moses did…”
JOEL’S ARMY
Jack Deere
Rick Joyner teaches “What is
about to come upon the earth is
not just a revival, or another
awakening; it is a veritable
revolution. The vision was given in
order to begin to awaken those
who are destined to radically
change the course, and even the
very definition of Christianity. The dismantling of organizations and disbanding of some works will be a positive and exhilarating experience for the Lord’s faithful servants...the Lord will raise up a great company of prophets, teachers, pastors and apostles that will be of the spirit of Phinehas ... this ‘ministry of Phinehas’ will save congregations, and at times, even whole nations. …Nations will tremble at the mention of their name...” (The Harvest)
JOEL’S ARMY
Rick Joyner (1949-)
As with most false doctrine this doctrine of Joel’s army is based on arbitrary use of passages out of context.
In its primary fulfilment the army in Joel 2:1–11 was an ungodly Babylonian army that destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.
Like much prophecy, the passage has a dual fulfilment in that it also points to the Antichrist’s army that will attack Israel at the end of the age.
This passage from Joel is
reminiscent and associated
by some with the army of
locusts (aka fallen angels)
released from the Abyss
in Revelation 9.
JOEL’S ARMY
|
Joel 1-2
|
Revelation 9
|
|
1:4 What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten.
|
9:3 And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.
|
|
1:6 A nation has invaded my land, powerful and without number; it has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness.
|
9:8 Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth.
|
|
2:4 They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry.
|
9:7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces
|
|
2:5 With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle
|
9:9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.
|
JOEL 1,2 & REV 9
The following chorus encapsulates the faulty theology of Joel’s army.
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion. Sound the alarm on My holy mountain... They rush on the city; they run on the wall. Great is the army that carries out His Word… The Lord utters His voice before His army.
This passage from Joel is probably the army released from the Abyss – yet the song’s author would seemingly have us rejoice at being a part of this army? The army of locusts depicted in Joel 2 is an army God is sending to destroy his people and his holy mountain. Rather than being a triumphant blast, the trumpet in the passage sounds the warning of a watchman upon the approach of an enemy army.
JOEL’S ARMY
In 2000 the US Assemblies of God issued a statement with a rebuttal to these doctrines:
Manifest Sons of God and Joel’s Army. These are some of the names used to describe those who have caught the vision of the Kingdom Now and are actively at work seeking to overcome the opposition and declaring Christians who hold a biblical understanding of Christ’s imminent return at any time to be cowardly for not joining the “anointed,” as they sometimes call themselves. Without question, the Old Testament Book of Joel includes many end time references. But the great and powerful army in Joel 2 is one of terrible locusts, an instrument of judgment on Israel. After Israel’s repentance, the army of locusts is destroyed by the Lord. 1
1 “Assemblies of God Position Paper on End Time revival”
JOEL’S ARMY
In fact, they believe, prior to the Lord’s physical return, Jesus comes again spiritually and invisibly to a corporate body of believers. God’s glory re-inhabits His temple, referring to the endtime new breed of believers. 1
These Manifest Sons of God, or Man-child Company then according to Paul Cain is the really the
“Man-child” of Revelation 12 which will
rule the nations with a rod of iron.
They will receive divine gifts, including
the ability to change their physical
location, to speak in any language,
and be able to perform miracles
such as divine healing and the
raising of the dead. 1
1 " deceptioninthechurch.com/ "> deceptioninthechurch.com
THE MANCHILD
Paul Cain (1929-)
Who is the manchild? According to Premillennialists:
As the offspring of Israel (the woman), some believe the manchild is Jesus. We are also told that the manchild “will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre”
THE MANCHILD
(Rev 12:5) which seems to be a reference to Jesus’ Millennial rule.
Others say it
represents the
144,000 Israelites. In
Rev 2:26-27 ruling the
nations with an iron
sceptre is also applied
to overcomers.
These perfected believers qualify for immortality here upon the earth prior to Jesus’ return and they would be able to defeat death itself. Paul Cain said:
“If you’re really in the vine and you’re the branch, then the life sap from the Son of the living God keeps you from cancer, keeps you from dying, keeps you from death ... Not only will they not have diseases, they will also not die. They will have the kind of imperishable bodies that are talked about in the 15th chapter of Corinthians ... this army is invincible. If you have intimacy with God, they can’t kill you. they just can’t. There’s something about you; you’re connected to that vine; you’re just so close to him. oh, my friends, they can’t kill you.” 1
1 Documentation of the Aberrant Practices and Teachings of Kansas City Fellowship
IMMORTALITY
In a similar vein, Earl Paulk, founder
of a charismatic megachurch in
Atlanta, stated, “Jesus Christ, as
the first-fruit of the Kingdom,
began the work of conquering death
on an individual basis, but we, as
His church, will be the ones to
complete the task. Jesus said
(Matthew 28:18), ‘all power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth,’ and
the church today has that same
power. Death will not be conquered
by Jesus returning to earth. It will
be conquered when the church stands up boldly and says, “We have dominion over the earth’ ”. 1
1 Earl Paulk, The Proper Function of the Church (Atlanta: K Dimension Publishers)
Bishop Earl Paulk
(1927–2009)
IMMORTALITY
The most controversial of Paulk’s teachings is the ongoing incarnation of God in believers, who are “little gods” exercising sovereignty within their spheres of dominion.
We are on earth as extensions of God to finish the work He began. We are the essence of God, His on-going incarnation in the world. 1
The completion of the incarnation of God in the world must be in His Church... Jesus Christ is the firstfruit, but without the ongoing harvest, the incarnation will never be complete. 2
The Word became flesh in the God man, Jesus Christ (John 1:1). Likewise, the Word of God must be made flesh in the Church… 2
1 Thrust in the Sickle and Reap (1986) 2 Held in the Heavens Until (1985)
LITTLE GODS
John Robert Stevens was dismissed
by both the Foursquare Gospel
Churches and the A/ G, the latter
because of his involvement in the
Latter Rain teachings. In 1951 he
organized “The Walk”, one of the
most heretical tributaries of the
Latter Rain movement.
Claiming to be an Apostle and
Prophet, he taught that regular
denominations were of the Old Order, were Babylonish, and worldly, and largely apostate. God was using The Walk to establish a New Order, and eventually they would birth the Manifested Sons, of whom Stevens would be the first.. 1
1 SOURCE: " dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm"> dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm
OCCULT
J.R. Stevens
(1919–83)
Stevens’ worst heresy was that the spiritual practices and forces of the occult are ‘neutral’ and that the methods of the occult should also be used by Christians to help them achieve a similar or even better ‘spirituality.’ In fact, he said that Satan originally stole these methods from the righteous. Believers should therefore study the occult and appropriate their techniques, reclaiming their use for God. 1
The Scripture comes to mind:
1 Tim 4:1 (NASB) But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…
1 SOURCE: " dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm"> dtl.org/ shield/ latter-rain-1.htm
OCCULT
He claimed that communication with angels and deceased believers had already become possible and said that he had communication with the “great cloud of witnesses.” 1
Stevens taught that God will bless this syncretism, and the Latter Rain fire will fall at last, birthing the perfected Church. The Walk will be (literally) glorified into the Manifested Sons, thereby becoming themselves the Parousia (the Second Coming) of Christ, itself the Manchild Company. 1
1 Ibid
OCCULT
Despite having had close ties to the Reconstructionist movement (some Reconstructionist advocate the death penalty for homosexuals), in his later years Paulk became one of the few mainstream charismatic leaders to welcome openly gay and lesbian members. He was also involved in multiple sex scandals spanning several decades. 1
In 2004, Paul Cain admitted to being an alcoholic and being involved in homosexual activity. 2
1 SOURCE: "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Earl_Paulk">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Earl_Paulk 2 The following information was released regarding Paul Cain on Rick Joyner’s website : “In February 2004, we were made aware that Paul had become an alcoholic. In April 2004, we confronted Paul with evidence that he had recently been involved in homosexual activity. Paul admitted to these sinful practices and was placed under discipline, agreeing to a process of restoration, which the three of us would oversee. However, Paul has resisted this process and has continued in his sin... With our deepest regrets and sincerity, Rick Joyner, Jack Deere, Mike Bickle.”
BY THEIR FRUIT
Bentley was a key figure of the
Lakeland Revival. 1
Bentley sponsored an internship
program called “Joel’s Army,” in
addition to having the words
“Joel’s Army” tattooed across his
sternum, demonstrating a level of
commitment to the Latter Rain
doctrine of the Manifest Sons of God… 1
On 9 July 2008, ABC News’ Nightline broadcast an investigative report on Bentley, focusing on his faith healing claims, finances, and criminal past. Following the report, Bentley took time off from the revival, but returned on 18 July 2008. 1
1 SOURCE: "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Todd_Bentley">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Todd_Bentley
BY THEIR FRUIT
Five days later, it was announced that Bentley would be leaving the revival permanently. Bentley announced his separation from his wife, Shonnah, in August 2008, and resigned from the Board of Fresh Fire. A statement released by the remaining Board members said, “Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff,” and that he would “refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life.” A committee was formed to oversee the process of spiritually restoring Bentley’s family, but in Nov 2008, the Board of Fresh Fire announced that Bentley was not submitting to the process. On March 9, 2009, Rick Joyner announced that Bentley had remarried.
1 SOURCE: "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Todd_Bentley">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Todd_Bentley
BY THEIR FRUIT
A former member of the Walk writes:
I soon found out that being in the Walk was going to be a whole lot more fun than traditional church life. Walk people took the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone” into interesting new levels. It didn’t matter a whole lot how you lived as long as “your heart was right” and you believed the right things. I didn’t smoke, drink, or visit bars when I joined the Walk, but that all changed. Many Walk members would often frequent bars and strip clubs, drink excessively and generally whoop it up, and I was soon going along with them. This was considered to be a healthy development for me since I was coming from a “religious” background. 1
1 " deceptioninthechurch.com/ cultsandcharismatic.html"> deceptioninthechurch.com/ cultsandcharismatic.html
BY THEIR FRUIT
… one of the biggest hindrances to true spirituality was to have what we termed a “religious spirit”. Being religious was ‘old order’ and would hinder the ability to receive the new revelation coming from JRS. It was believed that one of the best ways to break a religious spirit was to let it all hang out and indulge your fleshly cravings. Indulging and expressing “the flesh” was considered more honest and “being real”, and therefore closer to God than phony, restrictive, “religious” behaviour. So in the topsy-turvy world of the Walk, carnality and sinful indulgence was an accepted route to spirituality. Many of those regarded to be the most spiritually mature were also often the wildest drinkers and party goers. But it was generally agreed that this was perfectly fine, because they were considered spiritually strong enough to handle it. 1
1 Ibid
BY THEIR FRUIT
The Latter Rain key emphases are still some of the most noticeable difference between Pentecostals and Charismatics.
So while these teachings later gained inroads into Charismatic circles, the Assemblies of God deemed the movement to contain heresy from the very outset. The 1949 General Council of the A/ G, in Seattle, Washington, adopted a resolution disapproving of the doctrines.
The teachings were also rejected by other classical Pentecostal denominations.
PENTECOSTALS
As the term Latter Rain become somewhat of a pejorative label; therefore, many ministers who were influenced by it are reluctant to acknowledge the connection. Over the years much of the movement simply dissolved into parts of the larger Charismatic movement. 1
But of late, the Dominionist worldview has subtly made it its way into much of mainstream Christian thinking through the mass media, in particular Christian television.
Dominion Theology has been popularized in modern times mostly through “Word of Faith” media preachers preaching a hard form of dominionism and popular Evangelical leaders preaching a softer form of dominionism…
1 SOURCE: "https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)">https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Latter_Rain_(post%E2%80%93World_War_II_movement)
RESURGENCE
Some Dominionists have seemingly contradictory eschatological views, believing on the one hand in a Premillennial Pretribulation Rapture, but on the other hand espousing a Dominionist world takeover by Christians (implying an opposing Postmillennial view).
One wonders why Christians would need to be raptured from a predominantly Christian culture, or why God would pour out his wrath on such a reformed world.
Perhaps the Charismatic 'Kingdom Now' theology has been rightly criticised by some - as being largely undeveloped, naive and inconsistent.
SELF-CONTRADICTORY
Other adherents of the teaching have followed it to it’s logical conclusion by denying a Rapture in the classical sense, this quote by Rick Joyner (one of the Kansas City Prophets) being representative of the teaching:
… the doctrine of the Rapture was a great and effective ruse of the enemy to implant in the Church a retreat mentality ... already this yoke has been cast off by the majority in the advancing church, and it will soon be cast off by all.
According to proponents of this Manifest Sons of God theology we are not to look for Jesus to come back physically but rather to come to his body corporately and invisibly through the glorification of these manifest sons of God who will be perfected here on earth. 1
1 " deceptioninthechurch.com/ "> deceptioninthechurch.com
RAPTURE DENIAL
According to proponents of this Manifest Sons of God theology we are not to look for Jesus to come back physically but rather to come to his body corporately and invisibly through the glorification of these manifest sons of God who will be perfected here on earth. 1
According to this view, based on statements made by a number of its exponents, “the church isn’t going sit and take it any more. The church isn’t going to wait to be helicoptered out of the world in some rapture rescue plan. The church will stay right here and by its spiritual authority even defeat the principalities and powers in the heavenlies, dragging them to earth and putting them under their heel”. 2
1 " deceptioninthechurch.com/ "> deceptioninthechurch.com 2 "http:// so4j.com/ new-apostolic-reformation-latter-rain#latter_rain_early_pentecostals">http:// so4j.com/ new-apostolic-reformation-latter-rain#latter_rain_early_pentecostals
RAPTURE DENIAL
Dominion Theology is invariably postmillennial and adherents believe that the Church itself will have to set up the Kingdom of God upon earth before Jesus Christ returns.
It is believed that Christ’s kingdom will need to be established by political, and even military means if and when that might prove necessary.
A literal millennium is usually envisaged but Christianity itself, it is believed, must bring this about by Christians becoming much more political in outlook than many of them have traditionally been.
POSTMILLENNIAL
For obvious reasons Postmillennialism almost died out after the two world wars of the 20th century put a damper on the optimism of this view. The world was not continually improving, as some once thought.
Although there have been armed conflicts throughout the history of nations, the ‘enlightened’ 20th century saw more wars than any previous period. Wikipedia lists 355 major wars, revolutions and conflicts in that century. 1
Worldwide, an estimated 1.6 million people lost their lives to violence in AD 2000. About half were suicides, one-third were homicides, and one-fifth were casualties of armed conflict. 2
1 "http:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Lists_of_wars">http:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Lists_of_wars
2 World Report on Violence and Health, WHO, 2002
TERRIBLE TIMES?
Homicide was the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 (2001). Suicide was the third leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 (2002). 1 In 2007, approximately 14,000 terrorist incidents occurred worldwide, and with 22,000 related deaths. 2
Does that sound like an idealistic Postmillennial world or a Premillennial world that is facing God’s judgement? Yet amazingly, despite the ongoing conflicts, lawlessness and terrorism all over the world, the last few decades have witnessed a renewed revival of Postmillennialism in the form of Dominion Theologies, which claim the world is getting progressively better and dominion is being passed to Christians.
1 Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System – 2002, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
2 Report on Terrorist Incidents, 2007, National Counterterrorism Centre
TERRIBLE TIMES?
Terrible times or godliness?
Adherents of Postmillennialism and Dominion theologies like “Kingdom Now” theology and Reconstructionism believe that in the End Times godliness will eventually pervade secular society. However, Paul writes to Timothy:
1 Tim 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power.
TERRIBLE TIMES?
So while Paul tells Timothy, “there will be terrible times in the last days” some are trying to ‘correct’ Paul by saying, “there will be great times in the last days.”
And who can forget the sobering words spoken by Jesus:
“However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
TERRIBLE TIMES?
Timothy, there will be terrible times in the last days.
CORRECTION: There will be terrible great times in the last days.
Jesus cautions his disciples against an end time apostasy:
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:10-13)
Paul seemingly speaks of this very same apostasy, telling the Thessalonians that the Lord has not come yet (as some were teaching) because this apostasy hadn’t yet occurred.
2 Thess 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…
TERRIBLE TIMES?
|
No
|
PARABLE
|
CHURCH
|
+/ - PERIOD
|
CHURCH AGE
|
|
1
|
The Sower
|
Ephesus
|
AD 30 – 100
|
Apostolic Church
|
|
2
|
The Wheat and Weeds
|
Smyrna
|
AD 100 – 300
|
Persecuted Church
|
|
3
|
The Mustard
Seed
|
Pergamum
|
AD 300 – 600
|
State Church (Constantine)
|
|
4
|
The Leaven
|
Thyatira
|
AD 600 – 1500
|
Papal Church
(Roman Catholic)
|
|
5
|
The Hidden Treasure
|
Sardis
|
AD 1500 – 1700
|
Reformation Church (Protestant)
|
|
6
|
The Pearl of Great Price
|
Philadelphia
|
AD 1700 – 1900
|
Missionary Church
|
|
7
|
The Dragnet
|
Laodicea
|
AD 1900 –
|
Apostate Church
|
Although these were 7 literal churches in Asia Minor, they are also typical of 7 periods of Church history.
THE LAODICEAN CHURCH
The last church mentioned was in Laodicea. It presented a state of lukewarmness, indifference, materialism and apostasy which characterizes much of the Western Church today.
Of the 7 churches listed, this is the only church which receives no praise from Jesus.
THE LAODICEAN CHURCH
But what about Joel’s prophecy which seems to indicate an end-time revival?
Joel 2:28-30 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days…”
Peter quoted this as being fulfilled on Pentecost:
Acts 2:15-18 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams…’”
TERRIBLE TIMES?
It’s true that the context of Joel seems to indicate a later fulfilment, but it points to an ultimate fulfilment in the Millennial reign of Christ.
Joel 2:28-33 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.
TERRIBLE TIMES?
In 2000 the US Assemblies of God stated:
Only after this destruction of the instrument of judgment does the promised revival come. “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28). It is a complete misinterpretation of Scripture to find in Joel’s army of locusts a militant, victorious force attacking society and a non-cooperating Church to prepare the earth for Christ’s millennial reign. 1
And after this judgement, God promises Israel:
Joel 2:25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm — my great army that I sent among you.”
1 "http:// ag.org/ top/ Beliefs/ Position_Papers/ pp_downloads/ pp_endtime_revival.pdf">http:// ag.org/ top/ Beliefs/ Position_Papers/ pp_downloads/ pp_endtime_revival.pdf
JOEL’S ARMY
But in any event, it’s possible for the Church to experience revival in areas, while the world is seemingly getting more wicked and dark. The two can happen together.
When Peter quoted that scripture on the day of Pentecost, there was a mighty revival in Jerusalem, but not all were saved. There were still those who opposed the gospel and later a persecution of Christians broke out in Jerusalem.
Thus if applied to our days, the scripture does not refer to a Postmillennial world, where godliness pervades society, but to a church that can experience revival despite being surrounded by increasing darkness and evil in the world.
Indeed that is exactly what we are seeing today. While the Western church is in decline, the Third World (Asia, Africa & South America) church is experiencing revival.
TERRIBLE TIMES?
|
Year
|
% Christians in Europe & N. America
|
% Christians in Latin America, Africa & Asia
|
|
1800
|
99%
|
1%
|
|
1900
|
90%
|
10%
|
|
1985
|
50%
|
50%
|
|
2010
|
31%
|
69%
|
Christianity, which a century ago was overwhelmingly the religion of Europe and the Americas, has made a historic advance into Africa and Asia. 1
54% of evangelical Christians are
non-whites. 2
1 TABLE SOURCE:
Joshua Project
2 World Evangelization Research Centre
The new faces of true Christianity
EMERGENCE GLOBAL SOUTH
EMERGENCE OF GLOBAL SOUTH
True Christianity has grown by more than 300 million believers in the past 10 years.
10 million (3%) from North America and Europe. 1
290 million (97%) from developing countries like Nigeria, Brazil, India and China. 1
Converts daily:
28,000-37,000 Chinese converts daily. 2
34,000 South American converts daily. 2
23,000-25,000 African converts daily. 2
1 SOURCE: Joshua Project 2 David Barrett
GLOBAL SOUTH
Charismatic Dominion theology is predicated upon some basic beliefs:
God gave man dominion over the earth. (TRUE)
It is derived from the Biblical text in Genesis 1:28-30 where God grants humanity ‘dominion’ over the Earth. While Christians have typically interpreted this passage as meaning that God gave mankind responsibility to take care of the earth, both animals and vegetation, Dominion Theology teaches that these verses offer a mandate for Christian stewardship in civil governmental affairs.
KINGDOM NOW
This meant that (according to Benny Hinn) whatever the animals could do, man could do e.g. Adam could fly because he had dominion over the birds. (FALSE – This is an argument from silence from some on the lunatic fringe, which is likely embarrassing for most other Charismatics.)
Satan usurped man’s dominion over the earth. (TRUE)
The Church is God’s instrument to take dominion back from Satan. (FALSE – Jesus does this through his work on the cross and ultimately through his Millennial rule after the Second Coming.)
KINGDOM NOW
Jesus cannot or will not return until the Church has taken dominion by gaining control of the earth’s governmental and social institutions. (FALSE – There will be “terrible times in the last days” 2 Tim 3:1).
If we are in the Kingdom of God now, then health and wealth is the right of every believer today. (FALSE – We are told to avoid the love of money, and to be content, whatever our financial circumstance – 1 Tim 6:6-10.)
KINGDOM NOW
Premillennialists have been
accused of retreatism and
isolationism by
Postmillennialists and in
some sense this is a fair
accusation.
Some Christians are so
shocked by the evil in the
world that they are just
waiting for Jesus’ return,
without doing anything in terms of completing the Great Commission. They simply want to gather in a ‘laager’ and “hold out” till Jesus comes back. 1
1 The word ‘laager’ is Afrikaans in origin and refers to an improvised mobile military formation used by the Voortrekkers, whereby they would arrange ox-wagons into a
circle as a form of defence for themselves and their animals.
LAAGER MENTALITY
When Jesus spoke of the nobleman (representing himself) who went to a faraway country to receive a kingdom, and then to return (Luke 19:12-13) – the servants were told to:
Occupy till I come.
Don’t sit and wait for Jesus’ return when he said the gospel must first be preached to “all nations” before the end comes. (Matt 24:14).
However the call is for evangelism; not political secular or financial dominion.
LAAGER MENTALITY
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