ri-i-i-i-ght.
DATES WITH DESTINY
Destiny is a word with mixed spiritual meanings. Is has eschatological significance. It is about the future. It has long been a theme of the Latter Rain cult (whose chief publishing house is called Destiny Image) which helped to birth the New Apostolic Reformation. Destiny is also an occult concept. It is described in an entry in the New Age encyclopedia The Seeker's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Spiritual Pathfinding as
From Latin, de-, "from" + sidere, "star"' something given from the stars or by a higher power, supposed to operate as the preset plan or design of an individual's life. Basically, the expression that results from the full unfolding of one's innate potential.[25]
Destiny refers to "a predetermined course of events.... It is a concept based on the belief that there is a fixed natural order to the cosmos."
Some believe that one's destiny may be ascertained by divination or proclaimed as the prophecy of a prophet or sibyl. In the belief systems of many cultures, one's destiny can only be learned about through a shaman, babalawo, saint or seer.[26]
Tied in with the esoteric ideas about destiny are the concepts of Fate and Fortune. "Fate defines events as ordered or 'inevitable.'" And Fortune is often more connected with chance.[27] Interestingly, Destiny, the Fates and Fortune were worshiped as deities.[28] At least one Bible translation of Isaiah 65:11 (NASB) uses the words Fortune and Destiny, in the sense of false gods: "But you who forsake the LORD, Who forget My holy mountain, Who set a table for Fortune, And who fill cups with mixed wine for Destiny."[29]
In this esoteric sense the concept of destiny has a very unbiblical foundation. It is more rooted in the occult idea of divination, and the idea that one can create (or "envision") their own future. This type of false teaching using mystical imagination is already wildly popular in the evangelical world. It presupposes that man can ascertain his divine destiny and actually make it happen, including by such methods as "positive thinking." In the NAR, this is related to a heresy that people can issue "decrees."[30] Dr. Adam's blog post quote (cited at the beginning of this post) seems to come right out of this false teaching.[31]
Creating one's own future has been applied corporately to churches, who have been trained in the technique of writing "mission, vision and values" statements based on envisioning their church's restructuring and transformation. Churches and entire nations must come into "alignment" with the global plan for Dominionism, often cleverly disguised in Great Commission, "missional" or "cultural renewal" language. This is why, applied corporately to the 7 Mountains, the strategy of envisioning one's destiny, especially if it means "manifest destiny," becomes a frightening prospect. According to this view "the spiritual destiny of entire groups (such as cities or nations) must be changed. In terms of this approach, the mission of the church relates to groups rather than to individuals."[32]
THE PURPOSE OF DESTINY
Another link between Dr. LaVerne Adams and the New Apostolic Reformation is her association with Dr. Mark Chironna. She describes him in the Acknowledgements of her original book as
an invaluable mentor, life coach, and friend. His brilliant style of ministry has not only challenged me to reshape my inner world but has tremendously impacted the development of my divine destiny. Because of his caring and visionary approach, I now see with clarity, a phenomenal future filled with endless possibility and abounding potential.[33] [bold added]
Chironna is listed alongside Rick Warren as a key endorser of her book, saying, "She has taken time to explain the rich heavenly meaning of destiny and brought it down to earth in practical and powerful soul-searching questions that will unlock things inside you that have been held back for a long time."[34] In this context he refers to destiny as a "quest,"[35] which is defined by The Seeker's Handbook as "the act of seeking... one's purpose.... Through questions, one comes to a sense of purpose as well as a state of enlightenment...."[36]
Mark Chironna Ministries is presenting a "Mantles, Measures and Mandates II" conference in Atlanta this coming September, in which they are going to talk about how to "profit from change" and "tap into the future" to "identify the trends of the Kingdom," which essentially means Dominionsm.[37] This prosperity message is also found in the K.E.Y.S. Kingdom Economic Yearly Summer meetings keynoted by Chironna, which is said to be patterned after the World Economic Forum. The K.E.Y.S. purpose is described ominously as:
Summits are governmental gatherings where apostolic leaders declare, decree, legislate, negotiate, set policy, plan the future, discuss issues, enter into agreements and treaties, and form alliances and coalitions, so this is not a conference, seminar or workshop. Instead, it is an intentional, strategic assembly of warriors, leaders and generals who are supernaturally taking the Kingdom of God by force and advancing it in the marketplace on earth as it is in Heaven.[38] [link added, bold in original]
Chironna has authored his own self-help destiny-themed books, including titles like Seven Secrets to Unfolding Destiny, Stepping Into Greatness, and Live Your Dream.[39] He is called a bishop, a prophet, and an apostle,[40] and he is solidly linked with
the leaders of the New Apostolic Reformation such as Heidi Baker and John Arnott,[41] Rick Joyner, Bill Hamon, Kim Clement, and finally - most significantly - Lance Wallnau,[42] who is the chief promoter of the 7 Mountains Mandate.
[43] Chironna was featured at the "Let the Eagles Gather: The International Gathering of Prophets, Apostles and Intercessors" conference in Orlando in August 2009 along with top NAR "apostles" Chuck Pierce and Cindy Jacobs.[44] Chironna must be considered important in these circles, because he is also listed as an endorser of the Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet's recently released Jesus Manifesto book.[45]
Underscoring all of the concerns voiced so far is yet another prophetic message by Dr. Chironna posted on The Elijah List, seemingly talking about the Latter Rain's concept of a New Breed, titled "The Next Decade: A New Generation of Blessings, Entrepreneurs, and Creative Expression will Emerge." In this key article Chironna says there is a "generational shift" that will be "strategically prepared, strategically postured, and strategically positioned for what wants to emerge out of the invisible into the visible relative to Kingdom expansion and enlargement." Chironna says this requires "the opening of strategic portals, gateways and places of access and transition and change" for the "new era that is dawning."[46] Of course, all of this "prophesying" about the future has to do with the concept of destiny.
Destiny appears to be an up and coming word, perhaps 'destined' to replace 'purpose' as the new mantra for the kingdom-building crowd. Destiny has a touchy-feely aspect to it that makes it personally appealing to those with lustful ambitions for power and wealth. It also appears to be yet another code-word for Dominionism.
The Truth:
"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:13-14)
Herescope: Destiny-Driven Dominionism
