The stadium could easily house 35-40000 people. It was jam-packed. The stage was crawling with the team of the preacher viz., event manager, team manager, publicity manager, marketing manager, spiritual manager, etc. The organization organizing the prayer meeting was well-graced with technical and spiritual staff competent to handle such events. Professionals were hired to give witness and portray/exhibit instant healing on the stage. The hype was created and mass hysteria was building up. At the right moment, the preacher enters like a rock star with thundering applause. He is dressed in a custom-made suit, shoes, and hat. The meeting begins one after the other witnesses rant their tales. The sick, the lame, and the handicapped get instant healing. The miracle continues unabated. The crowd is hysterical and pours out offerings and cheques in the collection bags. The irony of the whole show is that nowhere is the Lord Jesus glorified at intervals his name is taken and used to market their product and fill the offering bags. At the end of the show, the preacher walks out with a rich booty.
These pastors’ religion is a lucrative business and they are stinking rich. The smaller pastors at the village and city level are no exception. Barring a handful many have become commercial, preaching a gospel of prosperity and convenience and polishing the boots of the members for their selfish monetary gain. When Jesus was in this world doing his ministry, whatever He did, He did to glorify the Father. The death and resurrection of Lazarus is a burning example of how our Lord Jesus glorified the Father (John 11:4). When we usurp the glory that rightfully belongs to the Lord, we align ourselves with satan whose pride made him glorify himself, as given in Isaiah 14:13 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:” It is also noteworthy that while Jesus carried out His ministry, he never took even a copper for the miracles He did.
The Bible tells us that we shall know the false prophets/ preachers by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-17 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
A false preacher or prophet can easily be identified by his teachings, behaviour, and acts of glorification. Whether the teachings are as per the Word of God? Does the preacher exhibit character and qualities that glorify God? Does he practice what he preaches or is he a hypocrite? Does he lead a double life? A false teacher is identified by his pride, greed, ego, rebellion, and popular teachings.
“While true prophets were commissioned by God and conveyed God’s messages to men… false prophets are self-appointed… False prophets are the representatives of the power of darkness masquerading as an angel of light. False prophets ultimately direct people away from God and away from obedience to His word.” {Sermon by Nate Wilson}. Wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! “Isaiah 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
Dr Ashwin Drummond
laddertoheaven.co.in