Responding to absurd position paper from two NAR leaders swearing there is no such thing as the NAR

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"You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3 (ESV)

https://narandchristiannationalism.com/

The New Apostolic Reformation presents possibly the last idol of the church age - dominionism. This false set of beliefs hides behind the bogus arguments made within Charismania regarding the church's responsibility to "affect culture." The reality is that it wishes to conquer culture, as outlined in the Seven Mountains heresy as well as the "Invading Babylon" book from Bill Johnson and Lance Wallnau. It started with the late C. Peter Wagner and even earlier when two 1970's heretics claimed God sent them a vision about conquering these seven mountains of culture. The reality is this is nothing more than the idolization of the world at the expense of the kingdom of God. Those that ascribe to NAR theology find a willing partner in the Republican Party who pretends to care about the cause of Christ when all they really care about is personal power. Those leaders within the NAR try their best to marginalize the mere concept of its very existence. Dr. Michael Brown has tried for years to pretend it doesn't exist, despite being the primary gatekeeper for the NAR. This doesn't mean that Dr. Brown attends NAR meetings because there aren't any. He doesn't attend any church that brags about being NAR because they never would. Those are red herring and strawman arguments used by Brown and the NAR to dismiss it out of hand. Think about the NAR as being more or less a collective of really bad ideas. Exceptionally bad theology that overly focuses on the excesses in Charismania and dominionism. Realize there are entire churches now devoted to the idea of patriotism, a most idolatrous platform indeed because it is only patriotism as they define it. Only the candidates they support are patriots. The rest are a collection of evil people, even if in their own congregations. Don't believe me? Ask Greg Locke or Mario Murillo how they consider their folks who dare to vote democratic.

With this as the backdrop, we approach the above link produced by Dr. Brown and "Bishop" Joseph Mattera, another NAR rabid dominionist. This statement apparently came out a year ago with little fanfare to avoid scrutiny. It provides the authors as well as the 400+ signatories an out when questioned legitimately about the NAR. Realize however that Three of the other notable initial signers included Jeremiah Johnson, Heidi Baker, and Jennifer LeClaire. This is the unbridled hubris of folks in the apostate church system. Jeremiah Johnson falsely prophesied that Trump would be elected and when he got it wrong, he pretended to somehow "quit" being a false prophet and start a new flock fleecing enterprise. Heidi Baker is known for travelling the world shouting "shabba" for no apparent reason. Search for her on YouTube and be blown away at the sheer stupidity of her heresies. Jennifer LeClaire? She once claimed she was being stalked by a sneaky squid spirit. She also claimed to be able to release the angels of abundant harvest, assuming you bought her book of the same name. These are the people they brag about being original signers to this document, designed to throw shade all over the NAR to cover up what they actively support. So let us reason once more beloved:

"In light of the controversy surrounding the terms "New Apostolic Reformation" (NAR)

and "Christian Nationalism," we are issuing this statement of clarification. WE AFFIRM the importance of Ephesians 4:11 ministries for the Church today and believe that such ministry functions have existed throughout Church history, even if not described in these exact terms.

WE AFFIRM that contemporary apostolic and prophetic ministries are important for the well-being and mission of the Church, just as evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching ministries are important. By "apostolic," we are referring to visionary leaders who are missional, fathering, and pioneering, such as church planters, networkers, or movement leaders, often marked by their focus on gospel expansion beyond one local region. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term apostolic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic. By "prophetic," we are referring to Church leaders who understand and declare the mind of God for specific times and seasons, helping the Lord's people respond biblically. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term prophetic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic. WE REJECT the belief that contemporary apostles carry the same authority as did the original Twelve Apostles." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

There is no controversy about the terms NAR and Christian nationalism. The only people pretending there is controversy, are involved with one, the other, or both. Perhaps no verse outside of Malachi is abused more than Ephesians 4:11, which is used by so many false apostles, prophets and teachers. The definition supplied for apostle here is simply made up by people who fancy themselves apostles. It is not lost on me that C. Peter Wagner coined the term NAR because he posited that God was reinstating the apostles and lo and behold - he was one of them! How convenient! Most true biblical apostolic work is done today by missionaries. They are not visionary, fathering, pioneering leaders. You see the original apostles were chosen by Christ. Who is choosing this mishmash of modern-day apostle wannabes? Bill Johnson? I am reminded of when Johnson and the NAR ran down to Lakeland Florida to anoint Todd Bentley a prophet. This despite his insistence on punching and kicking people to "impart healing." Bentley would fall from grace right after this anointing, being discovered to be cheating on his wife with the church secretary, who he would marry when he divorced his wife. Oops. Shouldn't that be embarrassing for people claiming to be apostles and prophets of God? In order for prophets to properly declare the mind of God they need to be stating His word, not the nonsensical clairvoyance we see from Charismania today. False prophet Charlie Shamp recently prophesied that this would be Joe Biden's last term in office. This after getting the 2020 election wrong and the 2018 mid term elections as well. So glad they reject that these numbskulls have the same authority as Peter and John, but they should be rejecting that they have any authority.

"WE REJECT the belief that contemporary prophets have the exact same function or carry the exact same authority as did Old Testament prophets. WE REJECT the belief that every church must be submitted to apostles and prophets to be in right order before the Lord. WE FURTHER OPPOSE the possible abuse of ecclesial titles that manifests itself in self-proclaimed apostles and prophets claiming territorial authority over pastors in a community, city, or nation." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

So, "Bishop" Mattera rejects the abuse of ecclesial titles? Just wanted to make sure I got that right. Ok, so we come to the great swerve. Mattera and Brown are actually rejecting the bible then. There is nothing in scripture that indicates God changed the rules for New Testament prophets versus Old Testament prophets. None. They have to reject this idea because the silly prophets they support are disqualified and shown to be false by the standards of the bible. By God's standards. Most of the people they pretend are prophets will tell you that being 65% accurate makes you a solid prophet. Think about the abject foolishness of that statement. So, people who claim to hear directly from God, can be wrong about what they hear 35% of the time. Peoples lives and faith shipwrecked, 35% of the time. Does God stutter? Is He speaking only in hushed tones? Is He willfully deceptive? The bible does recall stories of when God placed a lying spirit in the mouths of false prophets, so maybe? Realize this is at minimum a multi-million-dollar industrial complex. As for rejecting self-proclaimed apostles and prophets realize this is only a matter of power and control. If the people are willing to bow the knee to their hierarchy, they can gain the benefits therein but if they dare to be on their own, watch out. Mark Driscoll had to learn that lesson by apologizing to Osteen and Brian Houston before being allowed to come back into flock fleecing activities following his midnight run from Mars Hill. Same for Greg Locke recently who had to break bread with Benny Hinn for writing a disparaging book about him years before. So, before you think about giving them kudos for their pseudo-piety remember their objection is not to the falseness of the persons but rather that they choose to operate without their blessing.

"WE REJECT the belief that "new revelation" is essential for the life and growth of the Church or that contemporary apostles or prophets are the only ones privy to such "new revelation." WE AFFIRM the full sufficiency of Scripture for the health and mission of the Church. WE AFFIRM that the spirit of true apostles and prophets should exemplify the attitude and lifestyle of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-12), coming alongside other church and workplace leaders to serve them, not replace them." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

Once again, it is a matter of control. They reject this because it happens all the time. Wannabe apostles and prophets claim that only they are hearing directly from God. So does Joseph Prince however and Benny Hinn yet Brown routinely defends both. Mike Bickle was considered one of the "Kansas City Prophets" yet do the new revelations about decades of clergy sexual abuse show a lifestyle of Jesus? Yet Brown and people like his boss at Charisma News defend Bickle. Steven Strang recently declared that Bickle had been "exonerated" when no such thing happened. Now that they have addressed the false theological underpinnings of Charismania, we start to get into the NAR, which this document was supposed to be about.

"In short, WE DENY any affiliation with what is presently characterized as "NAR" in many circles of both Christian and secular press. We also believe that reports of an alleged conspiratorial, worldwide, dangerous "NAR" movement are highly exaggerated and misleading. As for "Christian nationalism," WE RECOGNIZE that for some, this simply refers to a healthy form of Christian patriotism, of loving God and loving one's country. In that sense, the term is benign. WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that some media outlets put the worst construction on our words, take us out of context, falsely associate us with dangerous, fringe groups, and unfairly malign us. For those who genuinely want to separate fact from fiction, we make these clarifying statements." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

Let's first deal with the NAR strawman arguments made. No one is saying the NAR is conspiratorial. Just the opposite. They are transparent in their actions to take over culture. They have written books about it. They have falsely prophesied about it. They are hardly operating stealthily. They are proud about it. They openly brag when the latest faux-Christian movie has success. They gushed when Mike Johnson was recently named Speaker of the House. There is nothing secret about the NAR beloved. It is far from an exaggeration to say this move is a cancer on the body of Christ and extremely dangerous. As for Christian nationalism let me be clear. There is no "benign" rendering of this term. Like it or not, it now refers to skinheads, nazis, antisemites, and MAGA folks. Read the key verse beloved because it is the very first commandment. Thou shall have no other god before me. Not money, fame, power, lust, or even patriotism. These are idols we place before God. The blaming of the media here is quite a tell as well. We saw this recently when snowflake Jonathan Con cried that Rolling Stone had taken him out of context when they did no such thing. They quoted him. Brown and Mattera can pretend to be clarifying this all they want but it does not change reality. When the fringiest of hate groups all rally around you, then you are affiliated with them whether you like it or not. The lunatic criminals who assaulted police offices while trying to stop democracy on January 6th stopped after defecating in the well of the senate and beating cops senseless to pray and give thanks to Jesus. These are facts Dr. Brown. You can pretend you had nothing to do with them, but they sure think they have something to do with you. We are citizens of heaven and God does not allow dual citizenship. Just read the key verse again if confused about that.

"WE RECOGNIZE that America has a rich Christian heritage, despite its many historic failings, and that to the extent we have honored that heritage, the nation has been blessed. And we applaud those who encourage other Americans to pattern their lives after Christian principles that have helped bring God's favor to our nation through the generations. In addition, WE BELIEVE that nationalism is a biblical concept in the sense of nations having defined borders and identities, as mentioned by Paul in Acts 17 and by Moses in Deuteronomy 32. God sets national borders and governments and authority spheres for a purpose. WE ALSO BELIEVE in the positive value of respecting national borders and national authority, in contrast with an international one-world government." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

Here we come to the flawed historical rewrite that the NAR engages in. Odd for two guys swearing to you they are not NAR. The notion proffered here is false. Were there Christians when this country was founded? Of course so. There were also atheists who signed the Declaration of Independence. Most were deists, who did not agree that Christ was the son of God. Just check out the Jefferson Bible, where Founding Father Thomas Jefferson removed all references to the deity of Jesus as well as His miracles. The NAR tale says that when we "honored" Christianity, America was blessed but when exactly did we do that? When we rebelled against England despite the prohibitions in Romans 13? Some NAR adherents will go further back to the Pilgrims because admittedly they were more Christian. Well until they slaughtered the indigenous people who had helped them survive and steal their land. The truth is this country has done a lot of good and a lot of bad, which Brown and Mattera pay lip service to here. The problem is the NAR story pretends that we were really good and Christian right up until modern days when the evil Democrats plotted to move our culture away from God. Absolute nonsense. Our culture was never with God to begin with. Individual people were certainly but the entire nation? This is just more flawed NAR theology, being espoused by two guys trying to convince you they are not NAR. Right. They give up the game here though in admitting that their goal is to encourage other people to pattern their lives after Christian principles! Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, Jews? Doesn't matter. What they all need is the gospel but what the NAR wants to give them is encouragement to behave better. What will change eternally? Absolutely nothing. It is interesting here that they choose to insert some Republican Party talking points about immigration. I can't imagine standing before Christ explaining why you hated some people because God once divided the people by borders. It is just a disingenuous argument devoid of the spirit of Christ. It is as if dominionists such as Brown and Mattera forget that there were people living on this continent when it was "discovered." Didn't God divide their land with borders just like everyone else? Why was it ok to displace, murder and then abuse them for centuries? That is bad enough but to then pretend hating Hispanic people is because of Deuteronomy is just beyond the pale.

"At the same time, WE REJECT as unbiblical the belief that America is a uniquely chosen nation, similar to Old Testament Israel being the chosen nation of God. (Although God has used the USA in various ways to bless the world with humanitarian aid and military support, and although the Church of America has sent out missionaries worldwide, in the New Testament, Jesus, as the King of kings and Lord of lords has a special assignment for every nation, tribe, kindred and tongue represented on the earth.) WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that there is a dangerous and unhealthy form of "Christian nationalism," one that speaks of a potential Christian uprising against the government or hints at the use of force to advance God's kingdom. WE CATEGORICALLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY DENY any affiliation with or connection to that form of Christian nationalism." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

They can reject the belief that America is exceptional, but their words and theology disagree with that declaration. In this very document they said that God specifically blessed America when the people behaved more Christian! They even go on to brag about what America has done! On top of some humanitarian aid, we have also overthrown governments and installed dictators. We have pillaged other countries for their natural resources. We have invaded sovereign countries, who you know, had their own borders and everything. As for missionaries, they are right, but this is not a source of pride. We have polluted the world with the apostate church's false theology. Some of the most obscenely wealthy preachers come from the poorest continent of Africa because of our exporting of the prosperity gospel. Other countries have begged us to stop sending charlatans and snake oil salesmen disguised as missionaries. As for the dangerous Christian nationalists, what do they say about the criminals from January 6th? They at a bare minimum support them by supporting Donald Trump. Putting things in capital letters only makes them seem more guilty of what they pretend they are not affiliated with.

"Because WE BELIEVE that God made one human race expressed through different ethnicities and races, all of which deserve dignity and respect as His image bearers, WE REJECT all ideologies and movements claiming ethnic or racial superiority. WE DENOUNCE calls to violent, armed resistance in the name of Christian nationalism or as an alleged means of advancing the cause of the gospel. WE REJECT the triumphalist, top-down, take-over of society as part of a so-called "dominion mandate," also noting that we do not know of any major Christian movement that espouses such a top-down, take-over mentality." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

Really. None. How about Bill Johnson? How about Lance Wallnau? Their book was not making nice with Babylon - it was INVADING. Wallnau has consistently taught that this takeover can be done overtly or covertly through infiltration. What about the guy who owns Charisma News, Steven Strang? Both Brown and Mattera write for Charisma. Strang is a political operative disguised as a Christian. This is the NAR. This is what they believe. They believe in conquering the seven mountains. Johnson is constantly yammering about "heaven invading earth" and how our job is to facilitate that. Brown is constantly arguing for Christian involvement in politics with the design to pass laws that mimic biblical values. If that is not a top-down takeover than what is? If you are wondering why that might be a bad idea it is because Jesus never instructed us to create a theocracy. He never instructed us to take over cultural mountains. He has a plan for the salvation of the lost and that is called the gospel. He has a vehicle to deliver that gospel and that is called the church. His kingdom is not of this earth. Let others fight about who gets to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. It matters not. I have seen the movie. The ship is going down, trust me. The good news is there is a lifeboat, and His name is Jesus. Let us be about the work of directing people to the lifeboat, nit trying to save the structural integrity of the sinking ship.

"WE REJECT the merging of Christian identity and national identity, as if the Kingdom of God and our particular nation were one and the same. In contrast, WE BELIEVE the biblical way to influence society is by living the cruciform life in which believers lay down their lives in the service of others, resulting in human flourishing for the glory of God. This can include Christ-like engagement in every sphere of society. And WE DO BELIEVE that Christians have as much right as any other group to have their voices heard in the public square and to influence society, functioning as the salt of the earth and light of the world, and we encourage such activities as good citizens of our various nations and as part of our sacred calling. WE BELIEVE that Christians should seek to make a positive impact on every aspect of society, including education and media, along with politics, and that by acting on gospel principles, whole nations can be changed. WE BELIEVE that Christians should be politically informed, should exercise their right to vote, should hold elected officials accountable, and when called by God, should run for political offices themselves." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

This is the double speak that is so infuriating. So, they reject the merging of Christian and America identities but in the very next sentence encourage people to do just that. Jesus does not care about your precious rights. He cares about His gospel and the lost. This entire paragraph is straight up NAR talking points from two guys who continue to want you to believe they do not know anything about the NAR. Whatever. This "influencing" society jargon is just NAR 2.0, implemented when too much negativity resulted from the "conquering" language. Every vote is always a lesser of two evils choice, but the NAR pretends their choice is righteous when it is not. They are the ones that for years encouraged Illinois Christians to vote for Dennis Hastert. Then it was discovered he liked to molest little boys. Their idol, Donald trump has been married three times, divorced twice, unfaithful three times and once with a porn star. Hallelujah. They create voting platforms designed to co-opt your vote for the Republican Party. So, they only focus on two edge issues and pretend God only cares about that. In doing so, you end up voting for equally corrupt people who are pro war and pro poverty, two subjects God does speak quite a bit about. This entire treatise has been a sham designed to feign ignorance of the NAR while absolutely affirming all of its teachings. Oh, but they used capital letters sometimes so they must have been serious. They have two closing sections left:

"BUT WE SEE IT AS SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS IF/WHEN"

We wrap the gospel in the American flag (or any national or state flag).

We equate our country with the Kingdom of God.

We confuse patriotism with spirituality.

We compromise our ethics to keep our party (or leader) in power.

Our church/denomination/ministry becomes an appendage of a political party.

We put more trust in earthly methods than in spiritual methods.

We marry the cause of Christ to the cause of a political party (or leader) as if they were one and the same.

We become as vulgar and rude as the candidates we follow.

We look to the White House or any branch of government in any nation more than to God.

We make a human being into a political savior.

We equate loyalty to God (which should be unconditional) with loyalty to a party or political leader (which should be conditional).

Our prayers and our prophecies become politically partisan." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

The first three are absurd considering what they have espoused in this very document. Remember I said that there is nothing conspiratorial about their NAR. They are quite open about it. They just refuse to admit it. They admitted they want to convince Americans to behave like Christians, to model our laws after Christianity and that there is nothing wrong with love of country just like love of Jesus. In fairness, they are not confused about patriotism and spirituality. They are one in the same for them.

The rest of these are actually quite comical. Let's take them one by one. So, it is dangerous to compromise your ethics to keep your party in power? Gee, I wonder who they will vote for in 2024? I do not have to wonder because they will both back Donald Trump, who has now been indicted four times on 96 felony counts. He has called for the assassination of General Mark Milley. He has bragged about grabbing women by their genitalia because he is famous. So, spare me the nonsense about being concerned about your ethics. The NAR has made the apostate church an appendage of the Republican Party and Brown knows it. Just remember back when Trump was in office and all of the false teachers that would go pray for him. His spiritual advisor was the thrice married huckster, Paula White! So, Brown and Mattera think it is dangerous to trust earthly methods over spiritual ones? In the very same article where they implore Christians to engage in the political process and even run for office? You are not even making this difficult to debunk. You don't think that church has turned Donald Trump into a political savior? Charisma said he was the second coming of King Cyrus with a Deborah mantle and an Elijah anointing! Do you honestly believe for a second that Dr. Brown or Mattera are teaching conditional loyalty to the Republican Party? The NAR teaches the opposite. Greg Locke, who is supported by both men, says that anyone who votes Democrat is a witch or a demon and is beyond the saving grace of God. Prophecies shouldn't be partisan? Do these guys ever read anything else on Charisma News? It is all partisan! Nearly all of the Charismaniacal false prophets actually prophesied that God told them that Donald Trump would win a second term and then he lost by seven million votes! The aforementioned Charlie Shamp just did it again for 2024! This just keeps getting worse and more hypocritical by the line.

"FINALLY, WE CONCLUDE BY CONTRASTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH EXTREME NATIONALISM:

The Kingdom of God prioritizes the advancement of the gospel. Extreme nationalism prioritizes the advancement of its ideology even at the expense of the gospel.

The Kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Extreme nationalism produces loyalty to one's nation above all else.

The Kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Extreme nationalism raises the national flag above all else.

The Kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Extreme nationalism promotes the interests of one's nation above the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God views the world through a biblical lens. Extreme nationalism views the world solely through a geopolitical lens.

The Kingdom of God is dependent upon neither an earthly kingdom nor an earthly ruler but upon Jesus as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Extreme nationalism is dependent upon both the ideology of an earthly nation and its ruler.

Followers of the Kingdom of God are passionate about a Christ-centered global awakening. Adherents of extreme nationalism are focused primarily on a political/ideological awakening.

Christ-followers are primarily identified with the Kingdom of God. Extreme nationalists derive their primary identity from their nation.

Christ-followers derive their primary value from being children of their heavenly Father (Romans 8:14-17). Extreme nationalists derive their primary value from being citizens of their country.

May the Church put God's Kingdom and His righteousness first so that He can trust true believers, who genuinely represent His heart, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world." - Dr. Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera

Dr. Brown, Mattera and the NAR actively work at muddying these distinctions. Peruse Charisma News on any given day and you will see the vast majority of articles espousing a political view, wrapped up in Jesus-speak. This entire paper has been one long defense of America, so please stop with talking points you clearly do not believe in. They do not believe in raising the national flag? What would they say about Patriot Church, whose entire roof is painted with an American flag? They pretend to not put one nation above yet decry immigration and asylum as being unbiblical? The biblical lens they see through is based upon a false gospel and a false christ. Value being citizens of their country? How about when John Hagee preached from the pulpit that people who did not want to say Merry Christmas could get on a plane and get out of his country. Yee-haw, hallelujah!

For those who have stayed until the end here, I thank you for your attention because there is no greater danger to the cause of Jesus Christ right now than the NAR dominionist church. It is the apostate church spoken of in Thessalonians. Mattera and Brown are foot soldiers in this assault on the gospel. I am sure they have convinced themselves of the righteousness of their position, but it is tainted with human logic, carnal politics and blinded eyes. We are supposed to be pilgrims and sojourners through this land, not trying to conquer cultural mountains. It is the purest form of idolatry. The tell for me is how adamant Dr. Brown and Joseph Mattera have been throughout this writing that they are not NAR, while espousing nearly every NAR doctrine. They rewrite history inaccurately and interpret the bible so as well. They are in bed with the likes of Jennifer LeClaire, Heidi Baker and Donald Trump. They can wax philosophically about ethics and morality but at the end of the day they will trade it all away for their 30 pieces of political silver from their true masters, the Republican Party. They are wrapped in the flag while telling you to not wrap yourself in the flag. No matter how many capital letters they use, they remain leaders within the NAR movement. They seem to know this as well, or they wouldn't have spent this much energy swearing to you that they were not. Mark and avoid as if your life depended on it because it does.

Reverend Anthony Wade - November 29, 2023

Authors Bio:
Credentialed Minister of the Gospel for the Assemblies of God. Owner and founder of 828 ministries. Vice President for Goodwill Industries. Always remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.