By Ezekiel Kimosop
In this season of lockdowns and massive restrictions, many preachers have crowded social media platforms with teachings. Some of these preachers are faithful to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible.
Unfortunately, there is a growing number of false teachers who are seeking followers during this season when churches are unable to congregate. These preachers are heretics. They do not proclaim the gospel in truth. They are only concerned with numbers and wallets. They are parasitic!
It is important to sound a shepherd's warning to the true followers of Jesus Christ on this reality so that we are watchful, lest we fall prey to them. Beware of preachers who demand money in exchange for prayers or miracles.
Let's continue to faithfully support our churches with whatever God has blessed us.
I appreciate that some may construe this statement as judgmental but such a claim is misplaced because I have never mentioned any preacher by name.
My view is this warning does not amount to being judgmental of preachers but rather demonstrates that one is a responsible minister of God during these evil days. 1 John 4:1 says "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
This is an open warning from the Bible! It vindicates this message.
When we exercise spiritual prudence in discerning false teachers, we are acting under the authority of the word of God.
If a preacher is sincere in proclaiming Christ crucified, they don't need to be envious or manipulative or controlling. They also shouldn't seek cheap glory at the expense of glorifying Christ and advancing the kingdom of God.
I have just noticed that some leading health and wealth preachers are lately controlling our airwaves. Some of our leading radio and TV stations in Kenya host false prophets on Sunday morning. If we are not discerning, we may end up feeding on heresies rather than the balanced truths of Scripture.
I wish to encourage members of this forum and believers everywhere to be on the lookout when watching live broadcasts on Facebook or YouTube. It is important to ascertain the doctrinal soundness of a preacher before following their preaching. If you are not sure about them, please consult your congregational pastors for guidance.
Jude 1:16-19 aptly describes these false teachers and apostates, saying, "These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit."
A preacher who does not have the Spirit of God is definitely a false teacher. He was not called by God. They do not therefore speak the mind of God. They may look flashy and flamboyant or sound pompous with flattering words or even make decrees or "prophetic" proclamations but they have no authority from God!
Walk away from such.
Stay safe. Walk in discernment. Keep it Christ.
Shalom.
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