Today there are two prominent, and powerfully opposing thoughts expressed about Church in the 21st Century:

1. It is in serious apostasy
2. It is in full Revival
   

Obviously both these positions cannot both be true, and the strong opinions expressed from those loyal to each side of this divide merely confuse and divide the less theologically 'able', or those Christians who are younger in the faith. This is making the church a confusing and somewhat difficult place to be in for some. So why is there so much turmoil, change, disagreement, and confusion? Something is definitely going on, but what is it all about!

There are actually three main doctrinal viewpoints active in the churches of today, and these can be defined as follows:

• Historic, bible based, Protestant Christianity that holds to the doctrines of the faith. This view would consider the general church to be in apostasy.
• The new reformation/emerging church that believes the church must change and become relevant by adopting strategies and practises that are ‘extra biblical’. This can include accepting into theology some practices that were previously considered error, or doing away with theology in favour of relationship. These would promote the full global revival position.
• The Catholic Church, who calls all to return home.

These conflicting positions are very active, and there are in fact dual ‘moves’ of spiritual reviving power occurring in the visible church at the same time. The first is the move of the true Holy Spirit in genuine reviving power, and this is found where the Word of God is preached and repentance called for so that a genuine relationship is established with God.

This revival is no longer seen as ‘high profile’ because it has no appeal to the populations of today in the Western nations, and carries little impact into those societies. It continues in less materialistic cultures in the poorer countries, but even here it is being challenged powerfully as a new voice gathers strength with a new message.

A new gospel has arrived - one that no longer requires the death of the flesh. This is the deceptive and false gospel of the emerging church. It has been fashioned in the western societies that reject the true gospel, and this is the power behind the 'global revival' that appears to be happening ever more strongly. The confusion within the visible churches is caused by the fact that both spiritual streams flow side by side in the churches and often in the same local church body......

Ok - why do I say that the second position is false?

Read on to see what they have done to the gospel. But before we do that I would like to establish one true fact – and that is to say that I believe strongly that the church needs true revival! The church needs to know God in these days of turmoil, and the coming days of darkness - but it is the God of the bible we need to know, and not a modern reinterpretation of who He is. For some time the people of God have desired a closer walk and have sought this out with increasing desperation - but to little effect. God has been sifting and testing the hearts of His people. The delay of God is not denial but, in sheer frustration, many in the church have become careless and sought an easier route than through the old established (and costly) means of humility, prayer, patience, and repentance (2Chron7:14).

While the Lord has delayed His answer in order to sift the church, the enemy has not just stood idly by and done nothing. In true craftiness he has used the desperate need of the church congregations, and the apparent delay in answer from God, to introduce false teachers and inject error into the spiritual life of churches in very subtle ways that have seemingly answered the need of the hour, but have eventually created a monster. This was in fact part of the test of the hearts of Christians, and we were supposed to discern what was going on and reject the false. This would have brought us to God.

The teachers of these new ways actually use the well known passage in 2 Chronicles but they twist it somewhat. In line with the scripture they call for humility but emphasise that it does not mean 'to lie in the dust in shame'. Instead it means 'to realise who we are' as God's people - to truly know and realise our destiny. Prayer is turned into a warfare issue to achieve that destiny, instead of a seeking of God's power in us to cleanse from sin. And repentance is triviallised to mean a change of our offensive or unproductive lifestyle, instead of a change of heart toward God Himself. Sometimes 'turnong from wicked ways' is not even mentioned or required. Thus the gospel is subtly twisted.
 
Within the churches, even in biblical times, there were the constant attempts by false teachers to invade the leadership and introduce error. Many of the apostolic letters dealt with these scenarios. Paul the Apostle also wrote prophetically about later times when these teachers would actually succeed in this plan.

2Tim3:1-17. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

1Tim4:1-2. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Although the church has always fought off such things in its history and laid down clear and robust arguements for its faith, it is a fact that for about 100yrs this battle for 'truth' has been a very 'intense, real, and live’ issue - but in these days it has not been taken seriously by leaders. They have not stood fast on the foundations of the doctrines and on the Word. Consequently over this period the gospel established by the martyrs of the reformation has been diluted and changed beyond all recognition into 'another gospel'.

2Tim4:3-4. For the time will come when people will not put up with healthy doctrine but with itching ears will surround themselves with teachers who cater to their own needs. They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths.

We have tolerated these false teachers and allowed them to tickle our itching ears with fables and stories that thrill and exite us. Without fail we have failed to rebuke their blatant error and allowed them to flourish in our fellowships during the recent past under the disguise of the rise of the waves of Pentecostal power. The Welsh Revival is well known for its far reaching and global effects and its power, but the leader of that revival documents in a book called 'War on the Saints' a very different story. Whilst acknowledging the true power of God operating in the revival, he also noted a parallel and subtle invasion of the counterfeit spiritual power – demonic power posing as the Holy Spirit. He also clearly said that there was an overemphasis on praying to and seeking to 'know' the person of the Holy Spirit as primary in the relationship, and this led to false experiences. Scripture clearly teaches that the Spirit focuses on and reveals Jesus, and that prayer is to be made to the Father in Jesus' name. Instead of heeding the scripture and this modern leader's warnings, the church ignored all this wisdom, and carried on regardless, thus opening the door to deception through a counterfeit Holy Spirit. The practise is now so common that the original true teaching is thought restrictive and odd.
 
These false teachers found a ready welcome in the early Pentecostal churches that had seen little scholarship in theological training in both its ministers and its laity. The teachers produced (apperently) the ‘same’ power and results as those who had been former gifted leaders, and although their doctrines were classed as a little ‘odd’ they were allowed to flourish because of the power and crowd drawing ability they posessed. They established very powerful base lines within the churches in the Word of Faith, Latter Rain, and Manifest Sons of God doctrines. Although the Assemblies of God later tried to forbid such doctrines (even making a ruling), they were unable to prevent the continued expansion of the error. Many of the teachers 'disappeared' under the surface but were not 'removed' - pretending to follow the ruling but continuing to spread their own teaching - and thus they continued to grow out of sight. Eventually some (like Benny Hinn) rose to the surface again and became crowd drawing and popular leaders of the AOG; and from here they commanded huge influence. They forged links with Word Faith but kept the doctrines 'mellow' until they were truly entrenched. The problem within Pentecostalism was that there was not enough solid understanding of theology in congregations to counter the arguments, and these teachers actually exhibited a clear expression of material blessing in their lifestyles. They were successful, rich, and powerful and seemed to be all that they promised their gospel would create. In other words it all appeared to work, and people thought it was therefore 'right' - without actually carefully discerning the truth about the teachings.
 
What was not seen was that their teachings were originating from Gnostic roots blended with eastern mysticism. They disguised their teachings so well that many missed what was going on. The method was a stealthy plan to introduce the errors one step at a time. The churches would have spotted clear error, but little by little the truth was eroded and changed. A new gospel was created; one that appealed to the insecurities of the flesh and was hard to refuse:

• Quick fixes for human dilemmas – faith expressed by speaking the word to 'command' answers from heaven (by following biblical principles of course). God must honour His Word!
• The meaning of repentance either diluted or the need of it ignored altogether. Change became repentance, and Lordship of Christ was forgotten.
• Easy salvation through the sinners prayer. Just ask Jesus into your heart is the gate to security.
• Once saved always saved – a false security that did not require commitment to a holy lifestyle, or in fact to anything.
• Material wealth and prosperity promised along with health and power. God wants this at all costs for every Christian. 

Because this poisonous stream was not shut down, an alternative gospel that appeals to the flesh was generated and this has gained enormous influence worldwide. It is popular because it actually does not demand a death to self interest, but rather promotes self awareness and self importance and it aims to increase our self esteem. It teaches that God loves us as and accepts us as we are now, and does not necessarily seek radical change - unless we want to give that as a gift. It teaches that we will always be displaying sinful behaviour in this life and this is of little consequense - we have imputed righteousness anyway. It teaches that we can and must change the world, and emphasises 'glory now' type teaching. The teachers of this gospel, due to its popularity, are now the most prominent and active teachers in the church. They are wealthy and control TV ministries with huge global audiences, and the influence of this gospel is now worldwide. They are building a kingdom, but I have to ask who this kingdom belongs to..... Most ministers place their OWN names on ministries or have prominence in any advertising, and they promote their own products for sale. I thought we were supposed to die to all that glorifies us....?

There is now a double stream of spirituality perceptible within the visible church. The true flow of God’s Holy Spirit led gospel; and the spurious flow of demonic imitation, which has developed, to enormous proportions. It has overflowed the Pentecostal and Evangelical movements into the more traditional denominations. The theology has developed with strong ‘Gnostic’ and ‘mystic’ themes – it easily uses extra biblical revelation and practise, alongside experiential worship to achieve the goals it desires. It is this spurious spiritual flow that claims revival is exploding, and in a way they are not lying – for a revival of ancient mystical Christianity IS underway. It is however not the Christianity of the bible, nor is it the Christianity of the historical gospel.

The believers of today are in the midst of a severe test, but most do not even see what is happening. Both spiritual streams use identical language for their basic teaching and superficially they sound the same. It is only in the finer details of the message that they differ and most Christians would not bother to research out such 'trivialities'. But it only needs a journey to be one inch off in its direction at the start, for it to end miles from the original intended destination. Both gospels speak of: Christ, Jesus, anointing(s), redemption, grace, the cross, resurrection, rapture, and the return of Christ. Both gospels also speak of: revival, five fold ministries, spiritual gifts, unity, the Holy Spirit, repentance, and love. What is not seen by most Christians is that the things I have just listed have very different meanings in each gospel viewpoint, and these can even be opposite to each other. The new gospel teaches sometimes contradicting themes of:

• a great endtime victorious revival that establishes the kingdom before Jesus returns.
• a rapture that manifests Christ 'in us' before Jesus manifests 'to us'.
• anointings that can be transferred and that enable spiritual advancement. Without this you do not progress.
• the goodness of God and His empowering grace constantly taught without mention of the severity of God's holiness.
• a resurrected Jesus through being born again; or the enhancement of his being through gnosis at his death. A different Jesus.
• a downplaying of the value of the blood to pay for sin, and an overemphasis on knowledge and faith, with positive expression to overcome problems and make progress.
• the cross as a mistake (this is in more radical circles - but is gaining influence) and Jesus as a teacher with a special anointing of the Christ Spirit. Jesus did not come to die - He came to teach us and we mistakenly killed Him. God could never be a 'child abuser' and sacrifice His Son.
• Modern apostolic revelation being living and culturally relevant - a vibrant reinterpretation of scripture for today. Previous doctrinal stances are culturally irrelevant. The old apostolic standards are no longer viable.
• Modern prophets that are only giving 'conditional' words - nothing is certain, and accuracy is unimportant. All can be changed and yet still be true because we can alter the outcome of God's prophetic word by what we do in response.
• spiritual gifts that bring availability of power to all; all can benefit from God's power even if they are atheists and hate God, they can still be blessed.
• Universal salvation - all will come into the kingdom. None will be lost for God is good and love.
• repentance that means a change of lifestyle instead of a change of heart attitude.
• 'your best life now' and a 'purpose filled life' instead of 'losing your life' and 'dying to self'.
• love for all without limit instead of love for truth - doctrine is irrelevant and divisive, and to be held loosely, because unity is vital.
   no-one has the full truth and all must be willing to change for the sake of unity and peace - doctrinal finality is anathaema.
• a recognition of the value of Catholicism, and an introduction of mild ritual/mystical ideas from ancient Catholic history. All traditions are being drawn back to Rome.
• a compromise with culture to be relevant and 'win' the masses for Jesus. A total 'rethink' of the way of doing church. Allowing worldly activities to draw people in, and then presenting the gospel in relevant ways that do not upset the hearer.
• a seeking of visions, revelations, angelic visitation/signs, and an overemphasis on 'power of the Spirit' instead of 'fruit of the Spirit'.
• an emphasis on entertainment in worship to enhance the experience and create the desire for more. Having a good time at church is of great importance.
• the deception that God wants us to feel good, be successful, look good, and be healthy and wealthy, all the time NOW!

These views are the 'new thing' and are the foundation of the 'revival'. They are most certainly not the views of the Holy Spirit or of Jesus, as they plainly contradict what has been said by both Divine persons previously.

The root of the problem is that many do not connect current events with plain scripture. They have a confused view of the terms apostasy and revival, and misinterprete key passages that would identify our plight.

Lets look firstly at revival. God has always taught that if we come to Him and call to Him He will refresh us and renew our hearts. This is all through the scriptures, and a revival is simply when a group of people or an individual do these things. God has set out terms for our approach and it MUST include repentance. It must include conformity to His Word, and it must include a turning from ways that false teachers promote. Revival is not time specific and can happen at any time or place. There is no predicted 'special' global revival in scripture. The end times are NOT predicted to produce a massive revival (though there may be a harvest, which is a different thing) - they are in fact predicted by Jesus to be times of massive deception. Let me take you to a scipture that shows how Jesus viewed things:

Matthew 24

But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places.

Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.

And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.

And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.

But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.

When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),

then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains:

let him that is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house:

and let him that is in the field not return back to take his cloke.

And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on a sabbath:

for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.

And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Behold, I have told you beforehand.

If therefore they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the wilderness; go not forth: Behold, he is in the inner chambers; believe it not.

For as the lightning cometh forth from the east, and is seen even unto the west; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

This is Jesus' main passage about 'the end' and it nowhere shows the church in revival. In fact it shows that those who concentrate on power, miracles and signs are deceivers and deceived. It shows that many will rise and claim His backing and that they will lead 'the many' into apostasy. It shows that true believers will be rejected by other compromising believers and that the majority will choose to fall away. The image of a victorious all conquering church ruling over the nations is false. A pure bride will be found by Jesus but only because we have passed through fire and been purified and tested. God is not after a sloppy, blind, and compromising church like we have today. He wants true lovers and will test the commitment of every one of us.

Watch and see!