Some Religious leaders of Mega Churches have recently been exposed as practicing Satanism: [here] Those falling victim are, among others, Joyce Meyer, T. B. Joshua and T. D Jakes. Whether true or false, it is beyond the scope of my jurisdiction. The accused may as well be practicing Satanism, as alleged. Or they could just be victims of conspiracy, by the jealous ones. However, my intention is to focus on the veracity of those supposing they are doing the work of God in revealing the evils of the accused people.
I am not sure of how the victims have responded to this exposure? This submission is simply, my own independent opinion, on the basis of my understanding of scriptures, whether right or wrong. I believe that Jesus is the only authority that sustains our faith. My sincere question is: Where in the Bible did Jesus instruct His followers to be obsessed with exposing the heretics and Satanists?
If Jesus is King that means His word is supreme. His disciples were instructed to go out into the whole world to preach good news of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20). Did this imply presenting themselves as judges against evil-doers?
If that is the case, doesn’t what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-4 imply that those accusers are equally to blame? In my view those supposedly exposing the heretics have successfully exposed themselves to be the anti-Christ’s, in the same way that the accused may also be the anti-Christ’s.
I suppose the decency of a Christian is to respect all human beings, everywhere, regardless of whether they preach heresy; are Moslems or anything. Christ Himself insisted that His sheep will always hear His voice and they follow him, wherever He goes (John 10:27).
There is nothing peculiar with false religion, which includes declaration of being right, as to condemn everyone else as being heretic. In light of what Jesus said to the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14), I find it difficult to appreciate the champions of heresy exposure.
However, it goes without saying that Jesus defeated Satanism on the cross. I do not thing that He needs anyone, in the business of eradicating the remnants of Satanism. My biggest question is: are the accusers fulfilling the role of Christ, or undermining the progress of Christianity? Is there any other accuser, other than the one exposed in Revelations 12:10?
However, I also find the analysis of Revelation 13 and 17 quite interesting. It does appear as though the Roman Catholic Church fits in well in the description of the harlot. But so what? The business of a Christian is to bring light where there is darkness (Matthew 5:14). That responsibility includes praying for the lost and being light to their darkened ways.
Obviously, this does not imply that by telling the Roman Catholics that they represent the beast, one would be shading light on them. One would actually be doing the opposite. The natural tendency is for the accused to retaliate, leading to the opposite of what is intended.
Christ said: “Bless are the peace-makers, for they shall be called sons of God “ (Matthew 5:9). This is echoed by Paul in that we were given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Certainly one cannot be an agent of reconciliation when using his/her Christian position to condemn other people.
How about the example of Paul:
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant of all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win the Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might win some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I might share with them in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) (ESV).
I see the application of humility, in Paul’s behavior. But this should not be interpreted as condemning those not behaving like Paul, but highlighting the fact that by condemning others, one condemns him/herself. I hope that some Christians might see the wrongness in condemning other fellow human beings, instead of being friendly to them, in order to share the truths of God.
I suppose, while God inspired John to write what is revealed in the book of Revelation He did not imply the obsession to condemning those concerned, ahead of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Bible is an interesting book, that it can surprise anyone who remains open to God’s revelations.
There are many good things that can be attributed to the condemned preachers. I suppose there are also many good things that can be attributed to those who condemn others. How about concentrating on those positive things, than negative ones? Apparently, this resonates with Paul’s suggestion:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8) (ESV).
In Paul’s words, there is no hint to think about the opposite of what is being suggested in this scripture. The most important thing, to me, is that it is best to seek friendship with all people, whether Catholics, Moslems, or Hindus. God loves them, just as He loves everyone, including those who may be persecutors. What Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44 should never be taken lightly, by those under Jesus’ protection. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99
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