Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church

by Holly Pivec, R. Douglas Geivett

Overview

Is there a new reformation happening in the church? It depends on who you ask.

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a popular and fast-growing new movement of Christians who emphasize signs and wonders, and teach that God is giving new revelation through new apostles and prophets. But is this biblical Christianity?

In Counterfeit Kingdom, apologists and NAR experts Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett show how the NAR’s key tenets distort the gospel, twist the Scriptures, are influenced by New Age practices, and lead faithful Christians to shipwreck their faith. They also offer practical suggestions for readers who are already influenced by the NAR, curious about it, or concerned about loved ones who have been swept up in the movement.

What used to be on the fringes of the church is now mainstream, and many are being influenced by it unaware. This book is a wake-up call.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781087757490
Publisher:	B&H Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/15/2022
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Holly Pivec is a blogger, author, and speaker, as well as a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom. She has a master’s degree in apologetics from Biola University, where she also served as university editor for nearly a decade. She has coauthored two books about the New Apostolic Reformation: A New Apostolic Reformation? and God’s Super-Apostles. She operates a popular blog which has followers from around the world, and has spoken and written for several audiences and outlets.

R. Douglas Geivett is a husband, father to two grown children, professor, author, and speaker. He has a PhD in philosophy from USC and teaches at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Douglas has written or edited several books and spoken on issues related to the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian apologetics, and the Christian life to audiences all over the world.

Table of Contents

Authors' Note xi

Chapter 1 Wake Up, Olive 1

Chapter 2 Who Are the New Apostles and Prophets? 17

Chapter 3 Hogwarts for Christians 31

Chapter 4 Jesus's Overlooked Warning 49

Chapter 5 The Apostolic Takeover and Spiritual Abuse 75

Chapter 6 Counterfeit Revival 101

Chapter 7 The Passionately Wrong "Bible" 123

Chapter 8 Toxic Worship Music 139

Chapter 9 Is It Always God's Will to Heal? 159

Chapter 10 Deception-Proofing Your Children 183

Conclusion: joining the Resistance 205

Special Appendix: On Miracles and NAR 215

Notes 219

Editorial Reviews

Many churches are unaware of the questionable theology of the cult-like movement that inspires much of the worship music they sing every Sunday. I have personally witnessed the destructive impact of the teachings and practices of the NAR and have long hoped that a book would be written to inform the church of its pervasive influence. Counterfeit Kingdom is the book I’ve been waiting for. Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett have combined careful scholarship, a deeply theological gospel-focus, and a charitable tone to give the church a resource that is not only thorough but easy to understand. My honest prayer is that every Pastor in America will read this book. It’s the warning the church desperately needs.” 
—Alisa Childers, author of Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity 

“Just as sound doctrine transforms, unsound teaching deforms. Written with victims in mind, this book is a powerful and compassionate antidote. I am grateful to the authors for enlightening me about this dangerous movement. Careful in argument, backed up by documented cases, Counterfeit Kingdom is a wake-up call to discernment.” 
—Michael Horton, Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary California 

"Counterfeit Kingdom is an incredibly clear and practical guide to not only understanding the errant theology behind the NAR movement, but also the specific manifestations of it that you may unknowingly encounter. No doubt, there’s a good chance that its influence has in some way reached YOUR church. I pray this book will open the eyes of many.”
—Natasha Crain, speaker, host of The Natasha Crain Podcast, and author of four books 

"The influence of the New Apostolic Reformation is impossible to ignore today. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec offer believers a valuable service in this clear, accessible, and persuasive critique. I especially encourage pastors and song leaders to consider the authors’ insightful analysis of the lyrics of music associated with this movement. May this book help you to walk in discernment and to reaffirm the truth and beauty of biblical Christianity."
—Matt Merker, Hymn Writer; Director of Resources and Training, Getty Music; Director of Congregational Singing, Edgefield Church, Nashville, TN 

"The Bible warns that wherever the truth advances, error will soon follow; it warns that where there are teachers committed to the historic Christian faith there will be teachers committed to new and novel nonsense. Those who love the Lord and are committed to his cause are right to be concerned by the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation. In Counterfeit Kingdom Doug Geivett and Holly Pivec helpfully expose its theological errors, spiritual abuses, toxic worship, and failed predictions. They expose it for what it is and call Christians to a faith that is far better, far purer, far more fulfilling, and far more consistent with God's Word."
—Tim Challies, author

From the Publisher