Counterfeit Christianity

Power In the Blood Assembly
Jul 27
4 min read

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: [2] For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: [2] Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; [4] and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. [5] But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The times that we are living in must not catch us by surprise, as the Lord took the time in His word to inform us of the various types of issues we will be faced with, so that we can be prepared.

Paul’s address of perilous times in our introductory text would have been thought of just the season of human existence will be impacted by a particular age or time. But he qualifies it and makes it specific that the perilous nature of the times is because of the wickedness of men.

The challenges he listed are not weather patterns, political issues or economic challenges but they are completely a human issue.

The disturbing aspect of this global phenomenon is the fact that there will be a perceived spirituality accompanying such wickedness.

Paul describes the godliness that prevails as a form.

The Greek word speaks to the shape or semblance of but lacking the capacity to function as.

... denying the power.

It speaks to having an objection to the energy, influence or life that will empower the thing.

There is a power that is inherent to a godly life there is an absence of it, rendering the form dead.

It speaks to

a desire to associate but not assimilate. A desire to identify with but not be inducted into.

These characteristics are untenable for any Bible believing, blood washed, spirit filled child of God to condone or tolerate.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJVS Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Paul was warning against what is called Syncretism.

Definition of Syncretism

The blending of religious belief systems into a new system, or the incorporation of other beliefs into an existing religious tradition.

Example is the blending of:

Christians with African religious practices and beliefs creating a hybrid.
Christians involved in palm reading
Christians involved in horoscopes
Christians involved in secret societies and fraternities
Christians using mediums like garlic in purses
Christians having faith in oils

In effect we practice counterfeit Christianity. Looks like it but lacks the power needed to make it effective.

The only source of life and power in the church is Christ through His representative Holy Spirit in the earth.

1. Counterfeit Christianity: Abuse Gifts. 1 Corinthians 12

The focus on gifts and not character
The attraction of persons to manifestations rather than relationship
The adoption of a dependence on personalities

Counterfeit Christianity: Abuse Grace

The removal or destruction of long held standards and parameters.

Proverbs 22:28 NKJV “Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.”

The rejection of the fathers of the faith
The reliance on forgiveness and mercy rather than the desire to refrain from sin. Romans 6:1&2

Counterfeit Christianity: Abuse Giving

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 NKJV “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; [14] but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack-that there may be equality. [15] As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."