Pseudo-prophets in the church

The Bible characterises our latter-day generation as one filled with intense spiritual activity (1Tim 4:1-2). But, not to leave us in doubt, the Holy Bible meticulously records the supernatural activity of God's Holy Spirit, including the activities of His angelic hosts.

That is why we need to test every spirit operating in the church with sound biblical doctrine before believing in it. (1 John 4:1)

Caldron of deceit and manipulation

Today's new spirituality does not include the Jesus of the Bible. We now see and hear of another Jesus who is appreciated by the mystics and gnostics alike. For some time now, we have been spectators of the curious tale of how "neo" Christianity is transforming Ghana if not the entire world. Our television screens, the Internet and radio are awash with strange biblical doctrines and practices which are alien to biblical hermeneutics. They come in so many forms and shapes: flamboyant and extravagant deliverance sessions, as well as pastors who are endowed with very special revelatory knowledge. But underneath the facade is a caldron of deceit and witchcraft manipulation with pastor's having the ability to transform into snakes, dogs, and lions,(Daily Guide, February 15, 2016). Come to think of pastors who ask women to suck their genitals for the consecrated divine seminal fluid of the holy spirit (news24zim.com), pastors who suck women's breast in church (Daily Post, by Daniel Ogbeche, November 5, 2015) and pastors who submit to the altars of secret societies. Hello! Let's forget Cinderella...these are the real fairy tales!

Hypnotists and exorcists

Examining what the pseudo-prophets are doing would be delusional at best and insanity at worst. There are hypnotists who charm people to do their bidding leading churches all over the country calling themselves Prophets and Seers who perform miracles using crystal magical stones in their pockets and on their rings which aid them to read people's mind.

We now see preacher's on our television openly practising necromancy—communication with the deceased to foretell future events, discover hidden knowledge or use the deceased as a weapon of vengeance.

There are exorcists on our television screens who shoot spiritual guns and arrows to the spirits of supposed witches. We should not lose sight of pastors who sell special apothecary anointing oils, consecrated creams and powders without paying taxes on their sales while poor petty traders dutifully pay their taxes.

Their Clients

Their clients include people who want to consolidate their power and positions such as politicians, athletes, celebrities, business executives, lawyers, judges, professors, medical doctors, and simpletons who want to explore what the future holds for them due to fear of the unknown.

A journey into the Spirit world

Even though it is preposterous to mention Apostle Paul in the same breath with the characters who pride themselves on visiting the realms of the spirit, I do so for the sake of those sincerely seeking the face of God. We come to think about the Apostle’s comments about his visit to the third heavens where he heard inexpressible words, — a spiritual communication that greatly transcends any human communication and how profound it sounds (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). So yes, there could be occasional visits by God's servants into the realms of the spirit. But, if we should consider what Scripture testifies about the deeds of Apostle Paul in Acts 19:11: "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul", there is no indication in all scripture that such unique personage was ever turned into any other creature, even for the humongous task given him.

Miracles are extraordinary events, but for Paul, some of the miracles God wrought through him were outstanding. Given that the claims of Apostle Paul were measured, filled with humility, respectful, dignifying and wrapped in the spirit of self-giving leaves much to be desired when contrasted to what "our men of God " are doing and saying these days. Preponderance of nature and scope establishes satanic personalities foremost, and the scope of satanic activities is broad and diverse.

Revelations 16:13-14 states clearly that false prophets can turn into amphibians and reptiles to work miracles.

Evil spirits preach their own doctrines - 1 Timothy 4:1; they impersonate people who are dead — 1Samuel 28:11-15

There are people among us today who possess some measure of mystical powers such as Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses and Aaron through magical powers. (1 Timothy 3:8-9)

But let me caution that Christ is the source of true supernatural power, so whatever we demonstrate in His name must bear His hallmarks.

Psychics or Prophets?

I consider most of the pastors who fall into the bracket spelt above as psychics.

Psychics are people who employ extra sensory perception to engage in foretelling the future and use their mental ability to move objects (psychokinesis). Psychics have the ability to receive messages through mediums such as spirits of the dead.

Psychics mostly engage in clairvoyance, clairaudience, telepathy, satanic prophecies, acquisition of facts about another person through extrasensory perception (ESP).

Why judge your brother?

Some may argue that due to the complex nature of biblical hermeneutics, no one should have an authority over scriptural interpretation.

That is not what I am doing in this article. To me, the most ethical way to address our scriptural differences is to humbly submit to sound biblical doctrine and divine authority. After all, divine authority resides in the Holy Scriptures and not in the interpretation of any person. (Titus 2:1). Central to our faith, however, is the instruction that the Bible is profitable for correction in 2 Timothy 3:16.

The concept of scripture as the supreme authority in Christian belief and practice should nuance our conception of scriptural authority by affirming that the final locus of interpretative authority rests in the Bible.

Need for sound doctrine

Enduring Christian faith is not built merely on good feelings, or on brief moments of sensing God’s presence in corporate worship. We need enduring faith that is built on knowing and understanding the truth about God.

Sound doctrine is important because what we believe affects what we do. Behaviour is an extension of theology, and there is a direct correlation between what we think and how we act.

Creating a culture of discipleship

Christian discipleship these days comes without any devotional activity imposed on believers. All one has to do is to go to church, give an offering to a pastor, join an imprecatory prayer session against your enemies, then go home and see what "Santa Claus"Jesus will do for you.

This is a "neo" liturgy.

Mission Statement

The purpose statement of the church, is to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).

This mission should not be limited to meeting felt needs of seekers through the application of worldly gimmicks, consumer marketing strategies and witchcraft manipulation. Jesus didn't have in mind maverick disciple-makers but leaders who will transfer the faith to the next generation by establishing believers in the faith through teaching avenues that will help achieve multiple discipleship.

God does new things but not outside the standardised doctrine of the Bible and dispensational truth.