REFORMATION – THE CHURCH SPLIT
Kenneth E. Hagin taught me to preach for something and not against something. That is what I talked to the Lord about when He told me preach on this subject. I felt like I was being against something. The Lord Jesus Said to me, “You are to speak on this to identify what is going on in the church and clarify it so others may see, so they can make a choice on which way they want to go.” The grace and peace of God came upon me, and the Lord Jesus assured me that He would be by my side, so I committed to do His will.
In September 2007, I was spending time fasting, praying and seeking the Lord. One morning, I was sitting at my desk meditating on the Bible. The Spirit of God spoke to me and said, “There is a split, separation or division taking place in the church. Out of this church split two types of churches will emerge. One will be an Informational Church and the other will be a Revelational Church.” The Lord Jesus told me that He was telling me this so I could watch out for it and prepare for it. I was impressed not to say anything publicly about it at that time. I still have the piece of paper where I wrote down what was told me that day.
On August 4, 2009 the Lord Jesus spoke to me about this church split again. I was ministering in a church service when the Spirit of God gave me more revelation on the Informational Churches and Revelational Churches. The Lord continued to deal with me about this into the early morning hours of August 5, 2009.
Jesus said, “This split or division has been going on for about three years (since 2006) but it will increase greatly in the next year and a half because of the popularity of informational type churches. Informational churches are not built on the Word of God or My leading, but on the plans of men and they will eventually implode because of sin and false doctrine. I will establish those who have built their church on My revelation and My Word and they will flourish and grow.”
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG?
Why do we find America and the world in the state it is in today? Our present society is in a state of spiritually demonic, and morally rotten decay. It is not because Americans and the world love wicked behavior.
It is directly related to the fact, that the influence of humanism has been greater on our culture than the influence of the church.
In fact, I looked for the church and found it in the world. I looked for the world and to my surprise, I found it in the church. How can the church influence the world towards Jesus Christ when the church no longer has an identity of holiness and separation from the world.
HUMANISM IS NOT NEW – THE RENAISSANCE
The Renaissance period covers the years 1300 to 1600. The date is not exact. Renaissance is a term referring to humanistic studies and artistic accomplishments. The term Renaissance describes an attitude toward life which values earth more than heaven, immortality of fame over immortality of the soul, striving for success more than striving for what is right, and humanism over Christianity. Extreme Renaissance humanism led to denial of personal sin and the necessity of forgiveness. Today, it is RELIGION that desires social interaction without the Word or Spirit of God. SAME DEVIL – DIFFERENT DAY!
THE REFORMATION – MARTIN LUTHER
The Lord Jesus Christ always has a remnant that will not bow down to the religious system that is humanistic, satanic and of this world. Just like Martin Luther was raised up 492 years ago to bring about reformation in the church, the Lord is doing the same thing today.
Martin Luther’s spiritual predecessors included men such as John Wycliffe and Johannes Hus, who had attempted to reform the church along similar lines. The Reformation began on October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Saxony (in present-day Germany) when German monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church or All Saints Church, which served as a notice board for university-related announcements. Martin Luther made a translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into German that allowed the common people to understand the Word of God. He was raised up by the Lord Jesus Christ to bring about reformation in the church. The Lord has started another reformation today!
THE SAME LORD JESUS – DIFFERENT DAY!
INFORMATIONAL
CHURCHES
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 19)
Informational Churches (Emergent Churches) have a keynote truth that they are established upon. They have moved away from the Bible and the Holy Ghost and have established their own form of unbiblical, unspiritual and humanistic worship. This “new church model” (Informational Church or Emergent Church) is not the one we should join ourselves with. The motto of this church is, “It is all about me” not the Lord Jesus.
I am not saying that the “old church model” didn’t need a change, but this makeover that is sweeping through the church is of man, not God, and it is headed in the wrong direction. They use the same “church words” that we have always used, but they define them differently than we do. Born again means “a new way of thinking, or a change of attitude.” They say we have to change our sermons to be “relevant, practical, and positive” (I always have). What they really mean is you can’t preach the whole counsel of God’s Word including preaching on repentance and hell, if you are to grow your church or ministry. Fasting and prayer has become a lost art and considered unnecessary in the Informational or Emergent church.
It seems that Satan always takes advantage of our desperation in the church. Yes, I desperately want to see a change and fresh fire, like you. Satan takes advantage of this and gets us to accept something he packaged, instead of what the Lord Jesus Christ designed.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMATIONAL CHURCHES
These churches started off with the Lord but got off by yielding to and listening to seducing spirits. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
The devil’s job is to lead people off into error and that is going on today. These churches actually declare doctrines of devils and don’t even realize it. The Bible is twisted and distorted to fit their point of view.
These churches are based on plans of man and not on the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. (Matthew 16:23; Romans 16:17; Ephesian 4:14)
Jesus rebuked Peter because he wanted his human plans to come to pass instead of the plan of God. The Lord is displeased today with every church that will not follow the Bible, the leading of the Holy Ghost and Him.
The spirit of the world and the things of the world are in the church. (1 John 4:15-17)
These churches have become entertainment centers. There is very little difference from attending this type church and a worldly theatrical production or show. Sometimes, you don’t know if you’re in a nightclub or church. The sensuality and physical displays in the church bring out the flesh and soul instead of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Kenneth Hagin it was substituting brass for gold in the church. (See his book, Plans, Purposes & Pursuits) These churches yield to the spirit of the world and that leads to demonic influence.
The Pastor and Church Leaders spend most of their time playing instead of praying and studying the Bible. (Acts 6:1-5a)
Jesus believed in resting because he told his disciples to go apart into a desert place and rest. He was speaking of resting temporarily, not forever. Vacations are fun and fine for a while but you can’t live on an eternal vacation and fulfill the plan of God. I personally take the Lord, the Holy Ghost, my Bible and study books with me on vacation. You can’t be effective or anointed without prayer and Bible study.
Messages are based on secular views and opinions of natural men and women, not the Word of God and Holy Spirit. (1 Timothy 1:4)
You can’t spend your time reading secular books, novels and magazines or cruising the internet and social sites and have a Holy Ghost, Biblical, anointed message from God. Rev. Smith Wigglesworth, wouldn’t allow anyone to bring a newspaper into his house. We have a lot to learn. Extreme! Yes, but how many people did he raise from the dead. He would only read the Bible. He must have known something about how to obtain the Power of God. Yes, I read other spiritual books besides the Bible.
The Pastor, Church Leaders and members are more concerned with looking and acting like a Hollywood Star than a Preacher or Christian. (1 John 2:15)
There is an desire to reach more people and the thought is we have to change the entire church model to do this. This “new church model” has rebelled against, seemingly, everything in the old church model. The motto of this new church model is to be relevant and adapt different methods. Yes, we need to be relevant and change did need to occur. It must not be reckless abandon of good sound principles and practices though. The church has always had a tendency to get in the ditch on this side or that side of Biblical subjects.
Satan has taken advantage of this rebellion and pushed the church into the “Hollywood Star” mentality. The hollywood look, with “you look hot” (a sexual term), tight clothes, crevices and cracks are all on display in the new church model today.
It’s John Travolta! No, it’s Brad Pitt! No, it’s Tom Cruise! No, “My Lord and My God,” it’s a preacher, maybe a Christian! Are you sure?!
It’s Britney Spears! No, it’s Paris Hilton! No, it’s Angelina Jolie! No, “My Lord and My God,” it’s a woman preacher, maybe a Christian! Are you sure?! I’m not positive, but I think I remember their face? Hopefully, we will find out soon.
Everyone that I have known that got really involved in this Hollywood mentality left their spouse, children, church or ministry and got involved with another man or woman. It is a temptation that looks innocent, relevant and necessary at first, but ends in disaster. The rat is not caught in the trap until it takes the cheese.
I will say that it is certainly hard, if not impossible, to discover who a pastor or Christian is from the way they dress, the way they talk and act. They dress, talk and act so much like the world you think you need to tell them about Jesus and get them saved. From the outward appearance, there is little or no difference from the appearance of the world. I certainly agree that what you wear does not make you a Christian or preacher, only the Lord Jesus can do that. What you wear does define who you are to others, though.
It seems that about the only career or profession, with exception of a few, that you can’t define who they are when on duty, by outward dress, is the new church model leaders. I can tell who the military, police officers, detectives, doctors, nurses, Walmart employees, mechanics, airline pilots and fight attendants, fire fighters, bank presidents, wall street stock market traders, athletes, civil servants, postal workers, business executives, news commentators, sports broadcasters, nascar drivers, phone and cable company technicians, UPS, Fed-ex and McDonald’s employees, etc are; but how do I find a preacher?
Some final thoughts are: I don’t wear a suit and tie all the time, and I am not demanding that anyone has to dress a particular way. Every minister should dress to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in a Godly and respectful manner, and it should be neat and pressed. We should not look disheveled, unkept, or disoriented. We should wear the best we have, when we represent Jesus Christ.
The entire church and service is designed to please people and not the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
The study is on to find out what the people want, and then give it to them. That does not agree with the Bible or Jesus Christ. Find out what the Bible and Jesus want the people to have, and give it to them. We must not forget that we are working for Jesus Christ.
The people come as they are and leave as they came, because the Holy Spirit is not present to change them. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
People should come as they are, but never leave as they came. These churches make people feel good, but no lasting change ever occurs. The Holy Ghost is not welcome, and He is the only one that can change them.
The message is never designed to demand a response or action from the people for fear of offending them. (Hebrews 13:6)
This church model operates on competition, and fear of failure seems to drive these churches. The decision is made to never offend anyone with the Bible, because they must grow their church at all costs. The people develop their own idea of who Jesus is and whether the Bible is true or not.
These churches have the works of the flesh operating through the Pastor, Church Leaders and People. (Jude 18-19; Galatians 5:19-21)
When these churches first came to light Jesus spoke to me and said, “All the works of the flesh will be in operation through these churches because they will not have the Spirit of God.” All sexual sin, including homosexuality and lesbianism, will thrive in this environment. Witchcraft and evil spirits will work through the flesh, and many unbiblical actions will occur.
Jesus Christ stands at the door of this church and knocks. Jesus spews them out of His mouth. (Revelation 3:16, 20)
The message to the seven churches of Revelation refers to real churches during that time period. I also believe it can refer to certain spiritual conditions of any era. I believe that the same spirit of the Laodicean church is at work today. They thought they had it all together, but Jesus said they were wretched, poor, blind and naked. They didn’t need Jesus, but Jesus said they did. This “new church model” exemplifies this same attitude today.
Satan has deceived this church into believing a lie. Theses churches will eventually fail because of sin and false doctrine being revealed. (Revelation 12:9, 2:5)
This church model has been deceived by Satan, and anything he is involved in always fails. Sin will be exposed, and the false will be revealed and it will fail. We must not copy this church model.
REVELATIONAL
CHURCHES
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18-19)
The central truth of this church model is that they are committed to strict adherence to the Bible, Holy Ghost and the Lord Jesus Christ. This commitment causes them to walk in total victory over Satan.
CHARACTERISTICS OF REVELATIONAL CHURCHES
These churches are committed to the Word of God, the Lord Jesus and yield to the Holy Spirit. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)
This church model knows that there is a supernatural outpouring of the Spirit of God that we are in the edges of. They seek God in prayer, and will not accept anything that does not come directly from heaven. They realize that if you ever embrace the false, you will never have the real.
These churches are based on the teachings of the Bible, with a strict adherence to Biblical doctrines. (Romans 16:17)
The Bible is the constitution of this church, and they will not alter it to fit the ideology of any people group. They do not yield to the pressure of being politically correct or popular.
Worldly ways are not allowed in the church, through any source or person. (1 John 2:15)
This church knows that you can’t be popular with the world, and be powerful through Jesus Christ. They are not moved by what draws a crowd; they are moved by what the Lord Jesus wants. The way to heaven is straight and narrow, and it is not crowded. If you find out which way 80% of the church world is going, and go the opposite way, by default, you will be going in the right direction.
The Word of God, Holy Spirit, and miracles are treasured and sought after in these churches. (Acts 4:29-31)
This church model is willing to pay the price of praying and seeking God for the miraculous. They know it is the only way to set the captive free, and win the world to Jesus Christ, before it is too late.
The Pastor and Church Leaders spend most of their time praying and studying the Bible instead of playing. (Acts 6:3-4)
They are filled with joy as they fellowship with the Lord Jesus and study His Word. They have crucified fleshly desires, and discovered a place in the Spirit that few pay the price to find. During this time, they receive the wisdom of God and are filled with His power, and walk in and teach others divine victory. They take time off and vacation with the Lord.
Messages are based on a Revelation received from the Lord in prayer and Bible study. (Galatians 1:12)
The ministers in this church model know that what the latest Corporate CEO, Movie Star or American Idol craze, etc, has said, have nothing to do with the message the church needs to hear. They are committed to speaking what the Lord Jesus has revealed to them in His Word. The methods they use to reach people, and the message they speak are relevant because Jesus Christ approves them.
The Pastor and Ministers preach with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts operate through them. (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
This church model operates with the anointing of the Holy Ghost because they believe in the Holy Ghost, speak in tongues themselves, and boldly preach that all should have this experience. The gifts of the Spirit are in constant operation because they are believed in, and taught to the people.
The Pastor, Leaders and people separate and consecrate themselves to the Lord in thought, lifestyle and deed. (Ephesians 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:12)
This church model knows that without holiness, no man shall see the Lord Jesus. They separate themselves from the world’s ways, not because they dislike people of the world, but they love the Lord Jesus more. They know the closer they adhere to the Bible, the greater God’s power and Glory will be in manifestation.
These churches pray and seek God for everyone to know the Lord and be baptized in the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:42, 8:15)
This church model is not concerned with being politically correct, or popular with the world. They join the Apostle Paul in saying they are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Word of God, the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ are boldly proclaimed.
The church service is prayed out in advance, and carried out in accordance with what the Lord wants to do, not man. (Mark 16:20; John 5:19)
This church model knows that the Lord only occupies what He designs. Moses built the tabernacle, and King David had the temple built according to the heavenly pattern or plan. They know the Lord Jesus has a plan for every church and service, and seek Him for it and put it into action.
The people are ministered to, refreshed and equipped by the Holy Spirit to be victorious in life. (Romans 15:13; 1 John 5:4)
There is no lack of the Power of God, Holy Ghost and Gifts of the Spirit in this church model! The people always receive the anointing to walk in victory.
The message always requires a response from the people. They are challenged to grow in the Lord. (Acts 20:32)
This church knows that people must make the decision to change and not remain the same. They are not afraid of offending them, and ask them to make a choice to go on in the Lord. These people mature quickly.
These churches have the Fruit of the Spirit, Ministry Gifts and Gifts of the Spirit in operation. (Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
This occurs because the people are taught the highest and best of the Word of God, and challenged to obtain to it. They recognize all the ministry gifts, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher and have them into their churches to minister to the people. They understand that in most meetings, pastors minister in the majority, and the body can never fully develop that way. The Gifts of the Spirit flow freely through these anointed ministry offices.
The Word of God, Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ are welcome at all times. (Acts 4:29-31)
It matters not who is in attendance; Jesus, the Holy Ghost and the Word of God will be given first place. Jesus is pleased with this attitude and action.
These churches are blessed by the Lord, and will eventually flourish and grow because they follow the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:18-19)
These churches walk by faith in the fact that if they stay with the Lord Jesus, they will prosper. They refuse to yield to the temptation of what is popular. They humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, for He will exalt them in due time!
THIS WAS KENNETH E. HAGINS KEYNOTE VERSE AND I HAVE ACCEPTED IT AS MY OWN.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1
REFORMATIONAL DECLARATION
Every Reformation has a declaration. The declaration of the one we are presently in is listed below. I ask you to join with me in adopting this as your declaration today and forever!
I WILL NOT COMPROMISE THE WORD OF GOD OR THE HOLY GHOST, AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST I EXERCISE DOMINION OVER THE DEVIL AND INFLUENCE THE WORLD TOWARDS HEAVEN!
NOTE: The book, “Plans, Purposes & Pursuits” by Kenneth E. Hagin is an “Instruction Manual” given to the church by Jesus Christ. This book gives clear, exact and specific instructions on what Jesus wants and expects in the church today, if you want to follow his plans and purposes and pursue them. Jesus appeared to Dad Hagin for two hours and fifty-three minutes, on July 16, 1987 and gave him this revelation.
WORK ASSIGNMENT
Read, study and meditate on the book Plans, Purposes & Pursuits and put it into practice in your personal life, church or ministry.
Pray the Ephesians prayers found in Ephesians 1:16-23 & 3:14-21, twice daily for a minimum of 30 days for your own personal, spiritual development.
By
Rev. Randall A. Grier
