This brief series by Brett Jacobsen is not intended to be an in-depth study of the subjects throughout. It is a light introduction into the heart of what God is reforming in His church in this prophetic season. The articles, audios, videos, books, dialogues and blogs on this site www.livingthekingdom.com and www.christisall.org examine in greater depth the many pressing reformational issues in the current church.
This Reformation
Why we must move with Him
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence [biazo- forcefully presses], and the violent [biastes- forcer] take it by force [harpazo- seize it]. (Matt 11:12)
Many modern Christians are happy to tell the world and its religions that they are in error (rightfully so) but then when they are challenged doctrinally by a fellow believer, a teacher or prophet they say “don’t judge me”.
We just cannot afford to take that biblically ignorant posture any longer if we actually care about Christ and His Kingdom transforming a lost world. It is essential that we realise how God works with His people in the area of reformation.
Although the word reformation is only written in the Bible once [1], reformation is found throughout the whole Book and beyond. From the Old Testament kings, judges and prophets to John the Baptist and Jesus; from the first century apostles to Huss, Luther and company; to now and beyond, the list continues. God uses reformers and He is always instigating reformation in His covenant community.
The greatest reformation of all time was that in the first century when God re-formed the covenant community from Old Testament to New. He used John B, Jesus and the apostles and early church to re-form the church from Old Testament tangible religion to New Testament, celestial Kingdom life.
Sadly, we then began a negative re-formation which had the church backslide into tangible human religion again [2]. This negative reformation produced the extra-biblical aspects of the church which we still have en-mass today some nineteen hundred years later. Things like “church” buildings, denominational division, hierarchical and official leadership, pew sitting, spectator religion, dualistic separation from the real world, a vast array of dodgy doctrines, and the list goes on… and on.
This is why we need reformation now, or rather re-reformation. The 15th and 16th century reformation brought back some good doctrines and many other moves of God since have also brought beneficial, biblical change. However, the wineskin [3] or structure of the church has gone largely unchanged. Truth is that even Protestant churches are very Catholic in their structure and practice. Even the most contemporary churches are rooted in Dark Age religion… albeit often with new age, cushy consumerism and humanistic compromise mixed in.
This is not a popular message because many have vested interests in churchianity. Even many who just pew-sit can and will vehemently oppose you for taking a stand for true Kingdom of Christ life. The reason is because it challenges them just as it challenges you and me.
The fact is that until the majority of the church worldwide is reformed to a spiritual community rather than a human religion we will still need reformation and reformers. As the verse at the top suggests- spiritually forceful people [4] are needed to seize the Kingdom of Christ which is forcefully pressing forward in the Spirit.
This website and ministry is all about being re-formed in Christ and in His Kingdom rather than continuing in the humanistic and religious extras that plague Christianity. Let us walk together along the narrow road that leads to life and obey the Father as He continues to re-release Kingdom information which is crucial to the accomplishment of the heavenly calling for us His church.
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* For more articles and videos about reformation, Christ’s Kingdom, church structure and leadership and other topics go to the ‘Teaching/Resources’ button at the top of the ‘home’ page.
* To obtain a copy of Heaven’s Underground Blueprint Click here
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Endnotes
[1] Heb 9:10
[2] For a look at how the church went off track into Dark Age religion see chapter two of my book Heaven’s Underground Blueprint.
[3] Matt 9:16-17
[4] By spiritually forceful people I mean those who are strong in faith and endurance in His Word: ones who are listening to and obeying the prophetic direction to the church in this hour: people who value the Kingdom of Heaven more than their earthly existence.
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