One of the buzz-words of ascension ministries--also known as the apostolic-prophetic 5-fold ministry  restoration movement (they also refer to themselves as "5-folders")--is "paradigm."

That is a word that is not in the vocabulary of the average Christian (or even the average person) on a routine basis. But it is a favorite, frequently used, word within prophetic circles.

They use it constantly. I just received an email from a prophetically activated 16 year old girl, who was claiming to be giving a prophetic message for the church. Of course she claimed a "paradigm shift" was in order.

What exactly is a paradigm shift, and what difference does it make to a Christian whether or not this shift is made?

A paradigm shift is a: move or transfer from one place or position to another/ a change from one individual, configuration, direction, form or position, to another.

In plain language, a paradigm shift is a defection--from one position to another. When a paradigm shift is made, both positions cannot be maintained. In order to embrace the one--the other must be utterly rejected.

So exactly what position are 5-folders defecting from?

According to ascension ministers, Dr. Tim and Theresa Early, the evangelical church is a dead institution. They loudly proclaim that God has done away with it.

Those who embrace the apostolic-prophetic 5-fold restoration movement are defecting from scriptural, evangelical beliefs!

Apostolic leaders  (who claim to be purveyors of peace, love and unity within the Body of Christ) call The Bible believing evangelical church, evangelical leaders and evangelical Christians (those with a focus on winning souls and making disciples) some pretty nasty names. Below are just a few:

·            Babylon

·            Babylonian mentality

·           Papal System

·            Withered Hand

·           Anti-Christ religious system

·           Wise men of Edom

·            Pharisees

They claim that evangelical Christianity is a stagnant pond while the apostolic movement is a flowing river.

All this is stated boldly and plainly. Now I will state boldly and plainly,

beware of paradigm shifts!

2 Thessalonian 2:3 declares that there will be a massive and terminal paradigm shift (defection) within the church just prior to the time the restraining force of the Holy Spirit

(whose restraining presence indwells all who belong to Christ) is taken out of the way.

After that, the man of sin will be revealed.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the phrase "falling away" means--a DEFECTION.

Those who believe the apostolic-prophetic lie, and who participate in the deadly paradigm shift, spoken of in 2 Thessalonians, will be turned over to the lie and will lose their souls (2:9-11).

They will stand before Jesus, at the Judgment of the Nations and proclaim all the miraculous works--signs and wonders--they did in his name. In turn, he will answer that they are workers of iniquity, and he never knew them.