SOUL WINNING


 

 

 

 

 

 

When people talk about winning souls these days, I feel absolutely concerned for the so-called souls. It looks to me like a lion on a breakfast mission, in search for his hunt; he hides behind the grass for an unwise lamb that would wander away from the herd in search of fresh grass. This will be an easy catch and good feast for the lion’s plate. 

When I hear these people talk about winning souls, I feel sorry for the souls who have no idea of what they are getting into. It sometimes sounds to me like blood-thirty people desperate to count the number of innocent, ignorant people who will give their blood to be sucked. These souls are classified, as those who are needy, can undoubtedly gullible in their search for solutions and wanting to identify or belong to a community. 

These souls are caught when they are most vulnerable maybe they have lost a loved one, in a bad relationship with their parents or family, in need of healing or desperate for a change. At this point they will give anything and do anything without a second thought. 

 

When caught by the wrong hands, they will start running in a wheel. Initially, the souls will be treated with some measure of care, so they do not detach. This will be short lived to prepare them to be trained as unconscious servants. Once the attachment is built, they would start attending endless meetings till they begin to be unavailable for their loved ones and disassociate from their families over time. These souls will eventually give their energy away and with time they begin to feel tired, unhappy, sick, financially drained and depleted. Unknown to them, this new community and friends maybe superficial. The souls might observe that sweet and bitter method of sucking their blood has gradually robbed them of their self worth. They might realize they have given their energy to somebody else and they are now hanging in the spider's web. 

They are tied up with daily and weekly responsibilities but if you look closely, their main leader is seating in a place of convenience by handling brief monthly meetings (not weekly) or occasional gatherings.

When I hear about souls, I have sympathy for those who give their blood to be sucked. They are simply prey to be used as objects in some people's game. Incidentally, some of these souls have become wiser in seeking the opportunity to reap the reaper in his own game, like the buffalo who challenges the tiger. 

Mt 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

 

An aggressive soul winner is hungry like a hunter; he goes with all manner of tools and uses different technique to capture his prey. 

An aggressive soul winner is like a fisherman who uses a net. This method of fishing is solely for material or commercial purposes. On the other hand a fish can also be caught by using a fishing rod with baits or lures impaled on the hooks to entice any fish that venture near to bite off the attractive bait. Unfortunately, if caught by a commercial fisherman the fish is not going anywhere after all that effort, it must be eaten. However, if caught by a hobbyist, he will admire the fish and put it back where it belongs, in its natural habitat. Thank God for regulatory organizations helping to stop brutal killings of animals whether on land or sea. 

 

Soul winning alone will not take you to heaven; you win a soul by living the God life and your personal interest in bringing somebody to the knowledge of Christ. You have to be in a good frame of mind first, not under fear or compulsion that if you do not win souls you will go to hell. There should be no ulterior motives like getting the soul’s money eventually, you want a position or seeking to be rewarded with treats or awards. There are people who reach out to others daily not for any earthly reward or to direct the souls to their own churches, for benefits or for any selfish reason.  These people recommend and make available other authors, ministers and local assemblies for the interest of the soul alone.

Every man should learn to take care of himself first. He should learn to use his initiative and study for himself otherwise he might become somebody’s big catch or ‘meat’. At that point he would have no one to blame.

 

I have written this for those who have asked me questions on soul winning and their fears.

 "And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."  Mat 24:11-14

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
2 Tim3:1-5

 

 

Feel free to share your thoughts.

 

 

Comments

C
ChristinE
Wow! Wow!! This message is so deep, it needs to be re-read a million times! How true... Our motives for soul winning is key. Is it to glorify Christ alone or to exalt self? Many are living for self these days. We have failed to "deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him..." Help us Lord. Thank you ma for this reminder and first-hand eye opener. We really are in the last days... God bless and keep you in the hollow of His hands.
O
oare
Thank you very much Pastor.God bless you real good in Jesus name for this write up. The issue is, a lot of people are too lazy to study the Bible for themselves hence they become easy prey.
O
oare
Thank you very much Pastor.God bless you real good in Jesus name for this write up. The issue is, a lot of people are too lazy to study the Bible for themselves hence they become easy prey.
D
Deji
How true. You could not have put it better. While it is most important we preach Christ and win should for his kingdom like the Bible instructed us, it is also important that this is not done for selfish or personal reasons. God bless you
N
Norah Hombarume
Amen & God bless you Pastor Anita.
S
Success
Since I left I am a free person, enjoying my freedom. Am now a success all round. Being in it's like building a house focusing on only one wall and neglecting the other three sides , at the end that structure will never be complete. Glory be to God.
J
Joy
Thanks for sharing this message Pastor Anita, sometimes we need to be reminded that God will never forsake us, especially in those trying times. I needed to hear this now. God bless you always, I love you!
T
Tanatswa
Thank you pastor anita
V
Victoria
Thank you, everything in CEC is target, in the chapter where I was, individuals were signed for Yookos without their knowledge, some of the email address were all wrong, people were not sleeping every one was given a target, and it was as if we were in prison, we did not have a mind of our own, you cannot keep money, all what you think of sowing seeding. You neglect your home running after these people. Is worse than cult. They brain wash people. I did a ran out of the church, and since then I am free, to do what I want to do. One elderly woman in her seventies told all what they ask you is to sow seed, and they don't care whether you have paid your rent or not.
N
Norah Hombarume
The other thing is the issue of separating married people. Husband in America- wife in S.A, His own: wife in England- husband in Nigeria. This is not right and God never created it this way. My question is what's the motive of doing this? It's high time members should open their eyes & come out of this deception. The other big joke was the Loveworld kids party , just a way to raise money & reap people of their hard earned money.
C
Chizy
Are they really interested in peoples salvation? Or just for their organisation to be full so they answer the biggest church, the largest this, the greatest that, the first that, the most popular, the most anointed...and so on.just so the world would praise them and call them great. I hope God would applaud them too. They are just after names, fame, money and nothing else. It's sad!
A
Anne2321
No scripture reference. All these are from the mind. The Spirit of God is not behind this article. This is chafe, it will not survive the heat, it will be burned with fire.
G
Geraldine
Motive! This is key in anything we do! Why do you give...is it for man's applause? Soul winning is good anyday anytime however these souls ought to be nutured and not just seen as tools to meet some target. May the good Lord help us to function in divine wisdom in our Christian walk in the kingdom putting aside ulterior motives, pride, vain glory and the desire for adulation of any type. Thank you Pastor Anita. Shalom.
N
Natasha
You've just voiced what's on a lot of people's minds...thanks for being brave enough to put it out there
E
Ephesians In Christ
Dear Pastor Anita, I have read your Soul Winning message several times. God bless you. Pst Ehis, God bless you too. He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. Message to Laodicea 14 “To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Laodicea write: “These are the words of the Amen, the trusted and faithful and true Witness, the Beginning and Origin of God’s creation: 15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have prospered and grown wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked [without hope and in great need], 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold that has been heated red hot and refined by fire so that you may become truly rich; and white clothes [representing righteousness] to clothe yourself so that the shame of your nakedness will not be seen; and healing salve to put on your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behaviour—seek God’s will]. 20 Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (REVELATION 3 AMP)
J
John
When Jesus won souls it was more of compassion he had for them and not to boost his ego. We need to live like Christ.
E
Ephesians In Christ
"....you win a soul by living the God life and your personal interest in bringing somebody to the knowledge of Christ..." (Pastor Anita) Thank you Pastor Anita, you are complete in Him. Gliory to God
P
Pst Ehis
Shalom pastor Anita, thank you so much for this message...it's such a timely message for those who will want to take a deep breath in order to deduce what you are trying to communicate here, because I know that many have been or are in a deplorable state of haven been abused, confused, and hurting in the name of being a Christian. Of course asking so many questions. However, I will like to say here that it's only the truth of the gospel of Jesus and Him crucified, which is in order words the MESSAGE OF THE CROSS is what our generation is in need of desperately. You see, it's so repulsive that people who have not really understood what genuine salvation I mean practical Christianity is all about nor do they know how to daily live for God are claiming not only to be soul winners but fall into the pressure and fear of doing that, only to do what we called fishing in the fisher's pond and then introduce them to the most dangerous state or situation in life even to the point that many will begin to ask themselves if this is what Christianity is all about. I want to say to those asking such question that, that's not what true Christianity is all about, I mean we now see the body of Christ full of greed, the love of money and the lust of the flesh without any desire or effort to take it to the Lord for complete deliverance-a generation who have absolutely no idea of what SANCTIFICATION Is all about rather, they're being encouraged to continue in such Sinful lifestyle which they're rather not proud of in the real sense for which they know in their heart that they're in bondage, instead they are told to continue claiming to be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus which is half truth...one of the greatest deception from the pit of hell we have seen in our generation. First, one will have to be at the right frame of mind as pastor Anita has said by simply letting the word of God changed them because I believe that there's no message that's most powerful and more effective than one personal testimony of how Jesus changed one's life, if the word have not changed you how then do you expect it to change those you claimed you have won? This really got me thinking because I have encountered many CE members who are just a total ripped off as to what true being saved is all about according to the Bible...I can still remember of how my sister was telling me then about one of them I did call my friend then, I mean when you talk of quoting scriptures I gave it to him in that aspect because he does it real good and accurately but he was so out of control that he almost Sexually assaulted my sister one day when I was not around even in my own sitting room just in the name of preaching or evangelization...And this same guy I remember sharing one revelation I had with him of how the devil came asking me to follow him that he would bless me and gave me all I wanted in life and he really shown me what he was going to give me in that revelation only if I should follow him, and when I shared it with this guy I was so surprised what he told me, he said I should go back to the devil tell him to release the blessing, of course I asked him if he wanted me to follow the devil because that was the only condition he gave me and the guy said that after getting the blessing from the devil that I should have nothing to do with him no more but in my spirit I knew it wasn't true but I know better now as I was a baby christian then and when I told my then pastor from another church he repeatedly warned me never to have anything to do with the devil that whenever he comes to me again I should rebuke him in the name of Jesus that I don't need or want his so called blessing. What about the one I met in Lagos who was in fraudulent activities but believe that as sure as the money gets to his hand it become blessed. These are not just church goers but leaders in their respective cell groups. I eventually understood why they always act as such when I visited CE headquarter one day and I heard Pastor Chris telling the congregants while preaching that no matter what they're doing wrong that they must never stop to Proclaim who they're in Christ Jesus, which is that they are the righteousness of God but I really got disturbed in my spirit when I heard that. Where does repent for the kingdom of God is at hand comes in? This was the question in my heart then because there was something I was dealing with and I knew it wasn't the right thing to be doing, I was like does it mean I should continue doing it? But thank God that I am free now by the blood of the lamb. My people, this is a very serious matter as many negative things are happening out there in the name of the gospel. We have to start telling it as it is by exposing every works and actions contrary to the Bible that we are preaching because it's the only way people can begin to think and see the truth. We know that some people are struggling with some unpleasant issues in their lives which is different from what I am talking about now as such people do realize whenever they sin and ask God for forgiveness and for freedom from such bondage but in a situation where one decide to completely ignore the lifestyle of sin holding on to the fact that we are under grace but forgetting or misunderstood where Paul asked if we should continue in sin for grace to abound, such is not the teaching of the Bible and it's not of God as JESUS DIDN'T SAVE US IN SIN BUT FROM SIN. Beware of any Preacher that is not comfortable talking about sin or doing everything possible to be avoiding questions, in fact borrow legs to run because he or she is not helping you because sin nature has always be the problem of man both to the saved and the unsaved and for the saved to overcome sin nature he must exclusively anchored his faith in Jesus and Him crucified and whenever he sin he should always learn to say Lord I am sorry for this is what 1John 1:9.talks about. May God deliver our people from false doctrines,teachings and lifestyle that are completely opposite of what the word of teaches in the mighty name of Jesus. Pastor Anita, thank you once again for this opportunity. Bless you.
P
Pst Ehis
Shalom pastor Anita, thank you so much for this message...it's such a timely message for those who will want to take a deep breath in order to deduce what you are trying to communicate here, because I know that many have been or are in a deplorable state of haven been abused, confused, and hurting in the name of being a Christian. Of course asking so many questions. However, I will like to say here that it's only the truth of the gospel of Jesus and Him crucified, which is in order words the MESSAGE OF THE CROSS is what our generation is in need of desperately. You see, it's so repulsive that people who have not really understood what genuine salvation I mean practical Christianity is all about nor do they know how to daily live for God are claiming not only to be soul winners but fall into the pressure and fear of doing that, only to do what we called fishing in the fisher's pond and then introduce them to the most dangerous state or situation in life even to the point that many will begin to ask themselves if this is what Christianity is all about. I want to say to those asking such question that, that's not what true Christianity is all about, I mean we now see the body of Christ full of greed, the love of money and the lust of the flesh without any desire or effort to take it to the Lord for complete deliverance-a generation who have absolutely no idea of what SANCTIFICATION Is all about rather, they're being encouraged to continue in such Sinful lifestyle which they're rather not proud of in the real sense for which they know in their heart that they're in bondage, instead they are told to continue claiming to be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus which is half truth...one of the greatest deception from the pit of hell we have seen in our generation. First, one will have to be at the right frame of mind as pastor Anita has said by simply letting the word of God changed them because I believe that there's no message that's most powerful and more effective than one personal testimony of how Jesus changed one's life, if the word have not changed you how then do you expect it to change those you claimed you have won? This really got me thinking because I have encountered many CE members who are just a total ripped off as to what true being saved is all about according to the Bible...I can still remember of how my sister was telling me then about one of them I did call my friend then, I mean when you talk of quoting scriptures I gave it to him in that aspect because he does it real good and accurately but he was so out of control that he almost Sexually assaulted my sister one day when I was not around even in my own sitting room just in the name of preaching or evangelization...And this same guy I remember sharing one revelation I had with him of how the devil came asking me to follow him that he would bless me and gave me all I wanted in life and he really shown me what he was going to give me in that revelation only if I should follow him, and when I shared it with this guy I was so surprised what he told me, he said I should go back to the devil tell him to release the blessing, of course I asked him if he wanted me to follow the devil because that was the only condition he gave me and the guy said that after getting the blessing from the devil that I should have nothing to do with him no more but in my spirit I knew it wasn't true but I know better now as I was a baby christian then and when I told my then pastor from another church he repeatedly warned me never to have anything to do with the devil that whenever he comes to me again I should rebuke him in the name of Jesus that I don't need or want his so called blessing. What about the one I met in Lagos who was in fraudulent activities but believe that as sure as the money gets to his hand it become blessed. These are not just church goers but leaders in their respective cell groups. I eventually understood why they always act as such when I visited CE headquarter one day and I heard Pastor Chris telling the congregants while preaching that no matter what they're doing wrong that they must never stop to Proclaim who they're in Christ Jesus, which is that they are the righteousness of God but I really got disturbed in my spirit when I heard that. Where does repent for the kingdom of God is at hand comes in? This was the question in my heart then because there was something I was dealing with and I knew it wasn't the right thing to be doing, I was like does it mean I should continue doing it? But thank God that I am free now by the blood of the lamb. My people, this is a very serious matter as many negative things are happening out there in the name of the gospel. We have to start telling it as it is by exposing every works and actions contrary to the Bible that we are preaching because it's the only way people can begin to think and see the truth. We know that some people are struggling with some unpleasant issues in their lives which is different from what I am talking about now as such people do realize whenever they sin and ask God for forgiveness and for freedom from such bondage but in a situation where one decide to completely ignore the lifestyle of sin holding on to the fact that we are under grace but forgetting or misunderstood where Paul asked if we should continue in sin for grace to abound, such is not the teaching of the Bible and it's not of God as JESUS DIDN'T SAVE US IN SIN BUT FROM SIN. Beware of any Preacher that is not comfortable talking about sin or doing everything possible to be avoiding questions, in fact borrow legs to run because he or she is not helping you because sin nature has always be the problem of man both to the saved and the unsaved and for the saved to overcome sin nature he must exclusively anchored his faith in Jesus and Him crucified and whenever he sin he should always learn to say Lord I am sorry for this is what 1John 1:9.talks about. May God deliver our people from false doctrines,teachings and lifestyle that are completely opposite of what the word of teaches in the mighty name of Jesus. Pastor Anita, thank you once again for this opportunity. Bless you.
N
Nduka
What you have written here is not biblical. All you have to do is study the epistles to see how they strived to win souls giving up their time lives and money. You may not agree with it but to call it manipulation is unacceptable coming from someone like you who studies the word and did the same for many years. Search your heart to know if the hurt is not clouding your judgement. I still love and adore you as a person. God bless.
G
Ggghjjj
Thank you Pastor Anita!
S
Star
This article reminds me of a discussion I had with a non Christian. The person told me that he is not a Christian because The people who claim to be Christians don't even live what they preach. Beloveds, Let's win souls by living what we preach. We are the Bibles non believers are reading. It's High time non believers start seeing Christ in us and be influenced. We have so many man made doctrines today designed to take advantage of innocent souls. A lot of man made doctrines will fail very soon, doctrines folks made up to manipulate and produce "false hope" within the lives of gullible sheep! Only the truth will stand in the end-times. Let's put away the hype and open up the Bible more often and we will see that Christianity is more than the BLESSINGS , and TITLES .. Jesus said,Narrow is the gate that leads to eternal life and only Few will be that find it. There are some folks who are not intrigued by foolery, materialism, emotionalism and Christian consumerism. There are a group of SOLD OUT BELIEVERS, that desire the truth and nothing but the truth and are pursuing God more than life itself!!! Only ITCHY EARS has a TOLERANCE for LIES & DECEPTION. Let's put away the hype and Christian calisthenics and seek God like never before and SPREAD His truth with pure motives as we point people to Jesus Christ!!!!! Only the Truth will stand!!!
P
Pst Iyke
Hi Adewale , First of all I will also like to ask you a question . Are you married? 1 Corinthians 7:29 - please see the MSG and other translation to help you understand that scripture. It's up to you to decide whether you want to live your life like not having a wife : Brother ,Paul was not telling you to forget , abuse, starve your wife of love , affection and attention.Despise her because of the gospel . We have had great men of the gospel that worked with God and still love and cherished there wives eg Abraham , Isaac, Kenneth Hagin , E Kenyon , Kenneth Copland etc and they are growing stronger . They are not living there lives like they have no wife and they have not failed in ministry . You can chose to live your own life like you have no wife and stay in the meetings and see where it takes you .i don't think pastor Anita is saying that attending church meetings are not good . See the MSG translation of the same scripture . You have also a responsibility and the leadership of your own home to take care of,so don't fail in that responsibility because of another responsibility . Find a balance Study the scriptures for your self brother .
A
adewale
I thought even the apostles left everything, wife and family to follow the master, I thought it was in connection with did dat Jesus said he dat put his hand on the plough and look back is not fit for d kingdom, I thought to whom much is given, much is expected, is there another way to do it dan been dedicated to it not just in words but in wat u do about it, are the healings and miracles not tru? are the testimonies lies? yes the church is not for perfect people, but is the calling and ministry of the man of God not genuine? ma tell me it is not, and i will comprehend what u are saying. were u part of lies when u wrote beautiful aticles in d rhapsody dat changed my life, are the things you wrote in wisdom for women lies? did u get does aticles and books writting while sleeping and not doing somethng about it? I need you ma to tell me that every thing right from the begining of d ministry till now has been a fluke. pastor ma, pls tell me that the spirit of God has not been the boss of the ministry. at one of pastors birthday when u said you thought u married a human being, that u dint know he was somtin else. so you lied about it. so you knew rite frm time that pastor is a deceiver. tell me something woman of God
F
Felix
[email protected] Adewale: I want to take some time to respond to some of your questions in good faith. 1. Every church has meetings and there is absolutely nothing wrong with meetings, but does it mean because of church meetings a father should not have time to raise or train his children? Remember also that your immediate family is your responsibility before you try to reach out to the world, and this is why Paul said that if a man is not able to provide for his family he is worst than an infidel or a pagan. That means, church meetings or work can't be an excuse for not being there for one's wife or kids. 2. The interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:29 is surely not that you should neglect your wife and kids, also for same explanation I gave above. Others died to bring us the Gospel truly, but you misunderstand what the Gospel is made of: having a stable family is part of the Gospel. In other words, don't separate being a good father from the Gospel because a good Christian should be a good father. Paul in instructing Timothy about church leadership says people who do not have respect of their children and wife should not lead the church. One needs to have control in his own home before qualifying to lead the church. So being a good father as a Christian is certainly part of the Gospel. For instance, being an example to your wife and children on how to be Christlike on day-to-day matters is critical. If you don't spend time with them, how will you do that? 3. Christians being trainned as soldiers is not to be treated literally, because that's not what the writer meant: it means we act on God's instruction as soldiers do act on their commander's instructions, and so obeying God's word is what the author mean. You know, obeying God's word sometimes can be hard and we have to suffer and still obey, but it does not mean neglecting your family which is actually disobeying God too.God is not stupid to have put every human being in a family- so to use the Gospel as an excuse for marital failure is ludicrous, because the Gospel is actually an excellent strengthner of relationships and not a breaker. Adewale, the truth is: the Gospel is not the reason why Pst. Chris is training you guys; he is building his nation or kingdom of which he is king. That's why he neglects his marriage in pursuit of his goals and will even cast aspersions on his own wife in public. He is using the Gospel as a cover up and you ought to see that by now. Be blessed.
C
Chizy
Adewale I hope that you denial of family affects every area of your life. Not when you denial your wife/ family you give it to someone else. Claiming to carry your cross and denial yourself. God looks at the heart okay. You can only fool men and not God. If you have ears hear what the spirit is saying.
E
Ephesians In Christ
Believers Love NOT World (BLNW). Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15 KJV). [ Do Not Love the World ] Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15 AMP). Do not love the world or the things ·in [associated with] the world. If you love the world, the love ·of [or for] the Father is not in you. (1 John 2:15 EXB). SELAH For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3.16-17 KJV). SELAH
A
adewale
I learnt a lot from that but i have some questions 1. this endless meetings so called, are they not important and do they not gather to the glory of the father. if my job is a meeting, is it not endless too without any complain. why should this one border me? 2. how should i interpret 1cor7v 29 which says because d time is short, let him that have wives be as though they had none, doesn't dat suggest that the relationship wit ur love ones might suffer attention? or how come jesus says he that leaveth houses, ... and wife for my sake. could all of dis not be hardness paul admonish us to endure as good soldiers? if the gospel has gotten to us tru some peoples blood, why should our time, energy etc be too expensive to give. 3 you spoke about the soul being trained as a slave, isnt dat the soldiers attitude to life? do dey have a life of thier own. pls ma i have spoken this way in good fate and my understanding of the scripture, can I expect that you will give me a reply ma so I might be able to discern good from evil.
S
skampim
Thank you...Great message. God be with u. And His will be done in your life.
P
Pindy
My life has changed eversince I started reading the msgz in this blog. I now think positive. I also learnt to be bold and confident and not to settle for less. Your messages has taught me to cast out fear and how to believe and appreciate the unique person God has made me.
M
Man of God
The way in which people are condemned in this ministry is just shocking.they condemn people left right and centre.If you don't give you don't have a face.Most of the pastors have no manners at all.They don't respect families,they don't respect the elderly.they speak anyhow to people.l wonder how they are selected to be pastors.Some worldly people behave better.They abuse the body of Christ.The corruption is also shocking.No fear of God. the unending meetings.Its all about COME TO CHURCH but they don't care about the lives of the people coming to church,as long as they can mark your attendance and write the reports.These are the last days saints.Mans heart shall grow cold.Run away from abusers and seek the truth.
W
Wilson
For the LOVE of CHRIST controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that(if) One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live might no longer live for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. 11Cor.5:14,15. Amp. Ma, the reason(s) for this selfishness being exhibited by church leaders today is their distorted or the lack of knowledge of the love of Jesus Christ for the human being. Let them pursue their personal and selfish ambition in the name of the master; and their judgement is certain. Thank you ma for this timely message. l'v been reading your articles and following you on this blog, but this is my first time of posting a comment. Hope to hear from you ma. Wilson.
N
Norah Hombarume
Other pastors are succeeding in ministry with their families, look at Creflo & Taffi Dollar. That's how it should be. Any pastor who does not respect his/ her own family must stop exporting the polluted gospel into innocent souls homes. God bless.
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Geraldine
I totally agree with you Pastor Iyke...to bring it closer home other Pastors here in Nigeria that are succeeding in ministry and still close to their wives and families ...Pastor E.A Adegboye & Wife....RCCG, David Oyedepo and his wife Faith Oyedepo, Pastor Sam Adeyemi and his wife Nike...infact I was personally amazed on a particular occasion where I was having breakfast at Barcelos Ikeja, Pastor Sam Adeyemi drove in himself with his wife Nike to have breakfast and they both sat quietly in a corner..no fanfare, no entourage just simple simplicity and humility (forgive the totorlogy), another instance some years back was in LUTH Hospital, Pastor Adegboye walked in himself ( no entourage, no fanfare) to pray for some sick people....what is my point here these are men of God carrying out the work of God successfully with such simplicity and humility yet are still working closely with their spouses whilst doing so. Wisdom is profitable to direct! BALANCE is the key!
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Sis. Mimi
Wow! ..Very interesting sharing for sure! I think you have to experience being an active member of a ministry that will in time leave you burnt out and almost afraid to leave. When I reach out to 'win a soul'.. I would not get them in bondage, ... I walked into bondage, but thanks be to God, I am free and in a fellowship, where the Word of God is preached and taught, and where the love of God abounds. I'm no longer in a 'pressure cooker'.
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Chizy
@Adewale you do not know more than this woman. Respect her decision and move on. She is the one that wears the shoe. You have concluded because you see signs and wonders. She will not just stand up and walk out and if there something not right she will point it out. Don't argue what you don't know. You may be surprised.
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sharon
Dearest Adewale, According to my understanding, the body of Christ is a unit. It is a family of people that stands for a common purpose or reason, which is their believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have failed to fulfill your responsibility of preaching the Gospel in your own unit and living in harmony with those in your own family, do you think we will believe whatever you will preach to us who are outside? If your own family don't agree with you, do you expect others to agree with you? which Gospel do you want to continue preaching?. And yes, there are times your own family will not agree with you, just like Jesus' brothers did not agree with him in the beginning, but i think that was because of their own unbelieve in what was said by the prophets about what God would do in their time. If you are manipulative in your preaching of the Gospel, and entice people into a doctrine which does not believe and encourage and respect marriage and family, i tell you even your own stupid dog will not agree with you. So which Gospel do you still want to preach? the one you don't practice?
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adewale
I agree that my family is my assignment, but what about the words of Jesus that says a mans for shall be those of his house hold. so because my family don't agree means I should not still preach the gospel?
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Norah Hombarume
Hie Adewale, to answer your question, everything is wrong about those unendless meetings of CEC, it's not practical. Are you married yourself, do you have kids, are your kids in school or engaged in any other school activities, do you have a profession, do you have relatives and friends. Do you do house chores ? Are you a responsible, happily married man, do you have time to raise your kids or to notice what your wife is wearing and compliment her/ realise that your family exists. If so; how do you balance all these things? It's not possible sir. They must be a balance in life. If you are a committed member of CEC you know what I am talking about. Kids go to bed late even when they are to be in school the following day, no time to do homework with them. Those with kids are not well fed and they look proper miserable because they are always rushed. This is child abuse. Kids are denied of their rights to be kids. Life should not be like this. Are you happy yourself or you are frustrated and burnt out of meeting targets. That ministry is full of pretence. Glad am free from the bondage of CEC after 8 years. Open your eyes sir. God bless you.
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Norah Hombarume
Hie Adewale, your family and kids are an assignment from God. In a nutshell, if the gospel is not working in your own home please don't export it somewhere else.
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kls
Thank you for being open and confirming it again. I as european young lady believe that you did right thing. No one should not suffer such things you had to suffer. It is right to step out from marriage filled with domestic abuse and extra marital relationships.
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kls
Thank you for posting this! I can relate with it. Specially in cec it seemed so as you described.
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Chizy
If you deny your wife the love/affection due her , I hope you do not channel it to someone else. Claiming you are busy for the Lord. Well God will not only judge you, He will expose you and that person here on earth. You can not fool God only men!
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Ehi
Nduka, you write that what Pastor Anita has written concerning endless meetings is not biblical. You need to read your bible again. And when you do so, pls ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read. Peter was the first person that God sent to the gentiles. Did you ever wonder why Peter was not the one the Lord sent to travel the gentile nations? He sent an unmarried man, Paul. Jesus knew all of Peter's family. The mother of the sons of Zebedee - James and John - had access enough to Jesus and confidence enough to ask that her sons sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom - Matthew 20:21. You talk of the Epistles, the one who wrote most of it, Paul, is the one who taught more on the importance of committment and responsibility to marriage and family. He is the one who showed us how marriage is likened to Christ and the church. Infact, he basically taught that anyone who does not play the role in marriage does not understand his union with Christ. In 1 Corinthians 7, every advise he gave for the unmarried believers to stay unmarried or for the married as though they were not, did not come from the lips or the heart of God, they were simply from his own concern and he said so. Why? According to verse 26, the times were very dangerous for believers and it would be better to stay unmarried than taking up the responsibility of marriage. If we took verse 29 literally and for our today, that 'those who have wives should live as if they did not', do we also take verse 30 literally and for our today, that 'those who are happy, as if they were not'? Are we supposed to be going around pretending to be unhappy when we really are? It means that these verses mean more than the way we have interpreted them. What Paul was trying to say is because of the crisis in that time, and the killing of believers then, be on your guard and ready to move if you have to, without any sentimental ties to the place or load to burden you. However, if you marry at all, you must be committed and responsible to your spouse and family. God is not mocked: When we marry and neglect our marriage responsibility in the name of doing the work of God, we are trying to mock God, and God will not be mocked.
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Ehi
Thank you very much for this! What we fail to realise is that ministry is a family affair. God's plan is not for us to be in ministry without our family, that is why the criteria to choosing leaders in church first of all includes marriage and a successful family: loving and faithful husband to one wife, and disciplined, well behaved and respectful children - 2 Timothy 3:2-12. If you're always away from the home for these endless meetings, when do you have time to love your wife, when do you have time to train up your child in the way they should. Bringing up godly children is obviously not the mother's or father's job alone, it is for both of them. The excuse we hear most leaders in the church give to justify these endless meetings and to seperate husband and wife from doing ministry together in one location is that it happens in the world and we don't complain. But the fact that it happens in the world does not make it right. The bible in Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the world, so why are we using the world as our standard if our motive is not to fulfil our personal ambition and agenda. It is time for the children of God to know who their God really is and follow Him. I have noticed a pattern in the "men of God" whose plan is to slyly impose their personal agenda and convert Jesus' followers to theirs: they usually neglect their families, especially their wives. Read about Jim Jones. Usually, these seem to have the same kind of style of ministry and their followers are ready to steal, kill and die for them. People get carried away by the miracles and packed out programs. But Jesus Christ Himself has told us in Matthew 7 that it is not about knowing how to gather people together, healing the sick, raising the dead or having great meetings packed out with people declaring they received their miracle at the meeting, He said it is about the preacher's 'character' So, in this case, is the preacher a loving and faithful husband? Has he raised children who are disciplined, well behaved and respectful? Or has he left the job of raising the children to the wife who he has not loved or been faithful to, and is now parading the children she raised alone as though he was there for them and was a relevant part of raising them up? If we follow Jesus, we will know what is true and what isn't. Thank you again Pastor Anita for creating this blog where we can freely express our thoughts, beliefs and knowledge.
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Sis. Mimi
Well said Star... .... But when you get on that wheel, and the phrase ' you are being brain washed' and said by your Pastor during some of the meetings, and to enjoy it!. I must have left my brain at home to allow myself be so distressed, knowing I had a family at home and having them worry as I drove home at dawn... This went on for years..of course there was also much that I loved, the teaching and the worship, I gave it my all while I was there for sure.
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Sis. Mimi
Thank you so much Pastor Anita for writing this article and I believe many will be healed in their spirit from all the hurt, dissapointment and be uplifted from here on in their spirit. It was hard for me to leave CE as I loved the brethren and my Pastors, and really it was due to a 'Soul Winning Outreach' that sommething dawned in my heart... I had been involved in the Ministry and was being promoted up the ladder....when I knew in my heart I could no longer invite anyone to this Ministry, because of the terrible pressure of targets... seeds and endless very long meetings.. I was sad about why it had to be like this and after a time I told my Pastor I was leaving...but he would not release me and would not talk to me... May I also thank the brethren here on this blog for their sharing, it's not a pulling down..it's a building up, for each one ... God Bless you all...
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Star
@Adewale, my answer to your first question : The gospel SHOULD NOT be used as an excuse to neglect your family or failing to run your home. If anything , your family comes 1st after your relationship with God. If you have endless meetings or you are always away how will you train up your children in the right way that the Bible says we should??? how will your wife / husband and kids feel you love them??? It's our responsibility as parents (both husband & wife) to raise up our children no matter how busy we are whether it's with ministry or not. YES we can have meetings , but they shouldn't be endless to the point of DEPRIVING us of spending time with family.Husbands and wives, should also live together under one roof and raise their family as they serve God and ministry together. Even Jesus during He's earthly ministry, often withdrew and spent time with He's father. That's a perfect example. God bless...
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Elizabeth
Pastor Anita, Thanks for the article but I have a qs. I get really stirred up in CE but I know they deceive people so most of the things they preach I don't practice . I love the worship and I experience the presence of God during worship . However, I have decided to leave considering the fact that some people may come to the church bcos of me without realizing am choosing with what I accept and get deceived . secondly I cant function in CE bcos of the erroneous things they teach as such am not fully actively involved. But I have not found a church that gets me stirred up as CE does. What doI do. Do I go to a church just bcos the pastor is true even though I dont really experience worship as much as I do in CE?
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Kehinde Adegoke
Great sermon Pastor. But is this a replica of what's happening in your husband' s ministry? I ask this because this sermon appears like a parable.
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olaolu
Well-said pastor Anita, some many people have fallen victim of the so-called soul winner. I hope people will start using their instincts and stop searching for miracle where it doesn't exist. Thanks pastor.
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william excellent
Didnt you rembr when Jesus SAID to his Followers " that they are his TRUE family " and REMEMBER the brothers of Jesus did not BELIEVE in him not until they saw him ascend into heaven. the laws the Children OF ISREAL were given are so heavy compare to Church meetings When John was offended at Jesus for not giving him TIME Jesus said " go tell him what you see ( the miracles happening ) selah '' SO obviously People need better time management, but its not the time for the gospel that should suffer it
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Austin
Great response
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Roland
Good,I love this.
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Nneka
Wonderful
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bonaki Alex
May god bless you for this pastor Anita,this is exactly what is apening at the interio communities,everytime soul wining,outreach fellowship,soul winniner is a wise christain everyday in church,target is 100 for th month of this nd that,what a wonderfull blog you create thank you anita may god see you through,
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Osho Segun
You made sense.God will help us
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Emma
May God help us
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Samuel
To this end everyone will be jugded by how he/she live his/her life on earth. We all have access to GOD, but truly many are misled because they refuse the truth. The scripture says ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
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Godwin
My sister God bless u, u are saying de truth tanx
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Richard
Oh..My ears are full of tears..I just can't hold this tears..ohhh,too much to bear..I weep for you rev. anita..so,this is who you turn out to be..why,devil, whyyyy,she was annointed..ohhh..the glory has left her..I mourn like Samuel did for Saul.but God there is nothing You cannot do.
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jobshow
There are 2 ways to view this problem - 1. Pastors who started well and along the road the Devil crept in unaware and changed the whole vision with the God's given methodology The Devil then promised to give fame and money if he bows down i.e use the Devil's methodology. - 2. Pastors who are fake from the starting point who for the sake of filthy lucre went into ministry These one are very good tools for the Devil to use and tarnish the image of God's people
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Eke Kalu
On point
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Amaka
ur words are really true. May God help us and direct our parts in Jesus name
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Kingsley
Beloved Adewale, your message is clear though but remember as a man of God, you are expected to live by example as many are looking up to you. Many marriages are today are experiencing difficulties in so many ways and constantly refer to their Pastors for help on the best way to resolve their marriage crisis and not end it. As a man of God if you not able to resolve your own marriage crisis, what advice would you offer to your members who come to you with similar marriage crisis needing a help. Yes, you need to preach the gospel but what is the gain in winning 10 souls and loosing 20. The Kingdom of God is not tea and bread and you are ether right or wrong. please lets tell the people the truth for only the truth will make the people free from the grips of sin.
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Michael Ovienmhada
Nice article. I understand how you must feel. I wear the same shoes as you do. I am divorced after 23 years of marriage and it is easy to become disillusioned and develop a tendency to see things through a narrow personal prism. When you come into Christianity with a heart of service and without guile, it is hard for people who have other motivations to understand that someone can really do something without guile. A close friend of mine was involved in your ministry in the early 90s. The personality cult had begun to build from the beginning. My friend would not make any sentence without mentioning 'Pastor-----'. He spent millions of his money until he ran into very hard times. I asked him if he could not get help for all he had done in the past. He just shrugged. Men must worship God alone and no one else. May you find genuine love again and learn to trust only God.
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precious
I admonish you to read that article again before you speak cos that your prayer did not go beyond the ceiling.
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precious
She didn't say you should not strive to win souls but let the motive be right, it should not be a competition to glorify self. Talking abt giving in the epistles by the brethren, it was willingly and cheerfully not as a result of some manipulation. I feel ashamed when a brother or sister comes to my house to tell me oh we are giving for so and so and this is our target so must complet.when you don't have they make you feel so guilty to the extent that you will start looking for how to borrow whereas you don't have food to eat.
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John Iseza
Going through your article kindly assist me with these questions: is being an aggressive soul winner for Jesus is wrong? Please kindly send a mail at your earliest convenience with answers. Thanks and God bless you.
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Daniella
I call them Religious Gangsters. They create a cult like group and you feel alienated or down there if you do not belong, especially in the same church. They bring you close, use your talents, time resources and sometimes your body if you are that vulnerable. I identify with this so much that at a point I started to feel like going back to the Catholic Church where my Christian journey began or remain where I am and not join any group but participate discreetly. It sometimes makes being a Christian the most confusing experience, but my only comfort is that my main leader is Jesus Christ and He represents nothing but love and compassion and transparency. I recently finished a rigorous bible school type training, and joined a unit within the church. I was on fire. But little by little, the fire started to quench. I started hearing and seeing things I never expected. I was lured into a visitation type meeting which was legit and before I knew it, unspeakable things started to happen. At this point I realised that I alone was responsible for my own salvation. I stepped aside, refocused and started writing cos this is how I pour my heart out without necessarily telling anyone because it may not be received well by some people. I am on a personal recovery journey and my eyes and spirit are super watchful cos I see what is happening. There has been an infiltration of a people with a different agenda within the church. They talk like us, look like us, are ordained into ministry like us, give testimonies like us, perform miracles, tongue talking, etc but are on a different mission. When a few people started to die within the units and church as a whole, it reinforced my resolve to always remember this journey is a personal race and there are no permanent friends, sometimes even family can be used to hurt you. I relate with what you are saying Pastor Anita and pray daily for an every active spirit of discernment because this is required to relate with people in church and in life generally. Lets all keep the prayer fire/candles burning brightly....
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Kemio
No need to wipe for someone else. She said share your thoughts. Have an intelligent criticism of what has been written based on scriptures. People perish for lack of knowledge.
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Obajolu Rotimi
Any service render for God that is centered on self-interest, is a DEAD WORK. There is a great reward also for services truely rendered for God.Thank You Pastor And God Bless.
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Victor
Richard, something is wrong with your head.......... Who made you a judge over her...... Live your life and let her live her life.......
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Ephesians In Christ
...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (MATTHEW 6:9-13 KJV)
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aoa
Experience is the best coach. Wisdom is using other peoples experience to run your life. May God in his infinite mercy reveal to us false prophets. Thanx madam for educating me.
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Phenom
interesting... I recently stopped going to a certain church because we partnered, gave tithes and bought books but we were behind on rentals... approaching the leaders of the church was unfruitful as they always said we had to raise our on rentals... Come on! we are adhering to all we want but you can't simply send back a fraction of what we are giving you??? Often the pastors assigned to us were so dry Word-wise... so I decided to vamuse... Thank you Pastor for such an awesome message...
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Charity
Hello Nduka, i read what Mrs Anita wrote and i was quite taken aback not because of any error in her write up but I'd thought someone who was a spear head in a ministry guilty of this same offence, is completely blinded to this reality. But this has proven again that God searches the heart. My dear allow God to search your heart by His spirit through his word. Christianity has become a great enterprise where men make merchandise of human souls. More denominations,yet no christlikeness. If the hurt madam Anita went through brought her to this knowledge,then its a good affliction.tnks
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Obi
I love you Pastor. I agree with a lot of what you said. But most of all, I just want to say that you've been a blessing to us for so many years. I just pray that no past experience will taint the great calling of God on your life. God bless you,
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Ephesians In Christ
Book of Jeremiah - Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord . [2] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord . (Jeremiah 23:1-2 KJV). I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. (Jeremiah 23:14 KJV)
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henry
lovely article and well put Anita. this is really end times when people are living without love etc. ministers use all means for increase in revenue and congregation dont even read their bibles for understanding anymore. May God help us all. May His strength continue o hold you up. remain blessed
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Fomcy
The comments that refers to this article reflects the profound chaos in the body of Christ today. While I feel so sad for those still in the dark, I am happy that majority of the readers got the message. You judge the messenger and not the message that is why you missed it. This is a timely stuff to caution Christians, those in the church not those on the street. I encourage the writer to keep writing without allowing her past personal experience of hurt or pain to dilute or adulterate the content of her message. Great work!
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Simon
Adewale, great points. Its true there are those that preach for their interest but true discipling raises up people who sacrifice for he Father's Business. From scriptures, our commitment to the Gospel will be questionable so long as that commitment does not cost us. Jesus Himself was gone from His family so long that news got home saying He had gone insane. And even when family came for Him, the bible spells out that He rather pointed to the disciples saying, these are my brother and sisters and mother. By This, He placed the spiritual bond in Christ and our Duty to Him above family bond and the pleasure of family time. Mark 3:20-21
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Joe
Nice stuff, unfortunately worse days lies ahead for the church, we are in the last days ..Perilous time
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iiphy
Truth and nothing but the truth..
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Gbenga
My brother weep not cos you are not her God and who are you to judge? Carry your cross alone and allow her to carry her's. The judgement day will determine who is righteous in the sight of God.
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emeka
young man what has she said that is wrong?
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Umar
God is your strength my pastor Anita, you said it all. God bless you more.
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Sidchuks
Pastor Anita, you said the truth. Hold fast the truth. Be faithful to God and be courageous and not afraid. The LORD knows those that are really His.May God bless and keep you, in Jesus name. I wish to add a brief note to what you have already talked about as, Food for the Soul : FOR THE PRESENT GENERATION OF TEACHERS, LEADERS, PREACHERS, PASTORS, PRIESTS & PROPHETS. Romans 2:21-24 Expanded Bible (EXB) 21 You teach others, so why don’t you teach yourself? You •tell [preach to] others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say that others must not commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You •hate [abhor; detest]idols, but do you steal from temples [?perhaps (1) profiting by selling stolen idols to Gentiles; or (2) withholding what is due to God and so “robbing” his temple]? 23 You •brag [boast] about •having God’s law [?the law], but do you •bring shame to [dishonour] God by breaking his law? 24 It is just as the Scriptures say: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you [Isaiah 52: 5; Ezekiel 36: 20].” Think seriously about The Last Days Events as Recorded in The Scripture 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Expanded Bible (EXB) 3 •Remember [Know] this! In the last days there will be many troubles [?difficult/terrible times], 2 because people will love themselves, love money, •brag [boast], and be •proud [arrogant]. They will say evil things against others [speak abusively; or blaspheme] and will not obey their parents or be •thankful [grateful] or be •the kind of people God wants [holy; pious]. 3 They will not love others, will refuse to •forgive [reconcile], will •gossip [slander], and will not control themselves. They will be cruel [brutal], will hate [?not love] what is good, 4 will •turn against their friends [be treacherous/traitors], and will •do foolish things without thinking [be reckless]. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, 5 and will act as if they serve God [?having a form/appearance of godliness/piety] but will not have his [or deny his/its] power. Stay away from [Avoid] those people. Please read Jesus’ Message to the Churches: From John as written in Revelations chapters 1 to 3. Take note of the words of the text below. Revelation 2: 23, 29 23 “ Then all the churches will know I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done [your works/deeds]”. 29 Everyone who has ears should listen to [hear; obey] what the Spirit says to the churches NB: I used Expanded Bible for clarity and easy understanding.
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Erumu
There is no perfect mentor anywhere No not one. We in the body of Christ should love ourselves God did not divide us, we are the ones creating denominations. but why is this message coming now? God help us.
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Oyinkro Tiimbuodo
Madam, I must thank you for your deeming it necessary to come out with this wonderful and eye opening piece, as it has gone a long way to collaborate the position of some of us who have continuously advocated that Christians must endeavour to be conscious Christians and not mere followers. Today, it is very obvious that we are confronted with what I termed, Church Capitalists' who are using the name of our Almighty benevolent Father to exploit their followers, thereby, amassing wealth primitively for them self and immediate family to the detriment of their innocent followers that have consciously or unconsciously reverend them against the true teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. These self acclaimed men of God concentrates on building mighty cathedrals up to the size of a stadium and their immediate family welfare. Today, the sermons are being polished by these sugar coated men to suit what the gullible and lazy listeners' wants to hear, miraculous prosperity.
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Deji
1 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. [2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; [4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) I think verse 5 says it all........ God expects people he appoints to to love and be with thier family. You cannot rule iver your family when you are not there. In fact verse 5 shows to me that your family comes first, before but you rule over the affairs of other men. The gospel of Christ is so simple, why make it complex?. My his Spirit and his Spirit alone guide us on.
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Olayemi
I strongly believe that when truth is spoken, haters of Truth will always put up resistance. What Pst. Anita wrote is absolutely "The Truth" and she wasn't referring to any one. We need to be careful because majority had fallen a prey to such deceivers. This is what happens in most Churches now. Servant's of God had become a form of idol. Many are no more worshiping God but their Pastors. Heaven is real and we need to take a cue from this word that is being spoken. Do not judge Pst. Anita but listen to what the Spirit is saying through her to the Church. Churches had now become money venture of a thing. Remember what Christ did right in the temple. He pushed the money changer out. Its time to push those that are tarnishing the image of Church now..This is my own submission. God bless Pst Anita
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favor
All we need to do, is to pray for churches. The coming of our lord is near, so many negative things will be happening to fulfill the scriptures, but we as children of God, have to stand strong knowing who believe
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Precious
Things are not the same... It gets worse as the days go by. Our eyes have been opened for correction and growth. I am tearful as I think about how hurt I am and how I've been in denial for so many years. Never again!!
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Yakubu
n 2 Peter 2:1-3 we read thus "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." Pastor Anita you said well it is left for the one that is wise to take a bold step to escape the rage of hell after he/she leave this place. God bless you
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Maxine Fox
Good evening Pastor, I have read your blog and found it to be true. I do not see the live of God but a conveyer belt, like manifacturing robots, not being allowed to have emotions. It is just a proccess and then on to the next poor victim. I voted Brexut because this is my country and I have lived here all my life and since being in the EU Britain has not been able to have a say, and I wanted our independence back and thats how it feels in some churches today, in Christ you are ment to have joy but I do not see that within some churches. Anyway God bless you for speaking the truth.
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Austin
Simon: but Jesus' account is clearly disanaloguous. His family members did not believe in Him. Notice that this all changed after His crucifixion.
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Princewil
Wow! ....there are "many sides" to this article. However I chose to respond with Proverbs 1:5.
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Ephesians In Christ
ANTIPAS --- The man in a white suit appeared in her dream, he stood on a stage by himself, so it seemed. They bowed at his feet as they went up to him, she refused to bow, instead she walked past him. The man in a white suit was angry and raged, his eyes were red and beamed from the stage. She fled from the scene borne on eagles wings, God sent His angels to minister to her. There were many that fled before the door shut, there were many that stayed thinking they were trapped. There was one in their midst named Antipas, behind those closed doors his faith remained strong and robust. He met with the saints that wanted to escape, they prayed and worshipped God, His living Word they ate. It was after midnight while they praised God in the dark, that the doors opened wide by God's angels in white. The man in the white suit looked up with fear, as the people marched out, through the open door without fear. The saints followed Christ Jesus, they knew His voice. They followed Him in the light, they were free in His sight. There were many that fled before the door shut, there were many that stayed thinking they were trapped. There was one in their midst, named Antipas, behind those closed doors his faith remained strong and robust.
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Henry
This article is for the Wise. Thnx Pastor Anita
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Christian
This is happening in many local assemblies. But brethren, we should know that we are in the last days.We have to be very vigilant and allow the Holy Spirit carryout His ministry in our lives. Many are serving money instead of God. Every activity is connected to getting more money - When your asked to win a soul, most at times it's not for the good of the soul which is the key thing; but for the soul to add to the number as the more the number the more the money.Sometimes, you will be advised on the 'quality' of soul to be won. When leaders want to celebrate birthdays, members will be given targets of the amount to contribute; but when members that really need to be contributed money for (because I believe leaders have stronger faith to receive from the Lord than members) nobody will contribute, at most they will be called and prayed for. When the leader writes a book, you will be forced to buy whether you want it or not and also get for others. These are countless. Doing all these are good so long as you are willingly doing it. But, when deep inside, you know ordinarily you will not do any of these good works.... there is no reward for you.
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Olayinka Oluyinka 'Tunde
You are very correct, Pastor Anita..... Truth is, these same people wear what we wear, speak like us, and are even ordained as pastors, deacons, deaconesses etc but they have their own silent (evil) doctrines which are vehemently against what is in the Holy Bible, and what we daily read therein. Be that as it may, it is my prayer that God will purge His Church to prepare it (us) for Christ's Second Coming. To all you folks that had quipped in one useful comment or another, i say, God bless you all.
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Olayinka Oluyinka 'Tunde
You have said it all, Daniella......And God be praised for the wisdom He had given you cos not all men know the truth you expounded. Here is something from Jod to encourage you...... “I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols (or vanities) turn away from God’s love (and mercy) for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.” God bless you real good.
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Austin
Dear Richard I think the problem is that your "EARS are full of tears" just as you said, otherwise you would have been able to hear the message correctly
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Paparot
This church does nothing positive to marriages. AVOID !! They will take your wife / husbands and destroy your marriage to keep money !!!!!!
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Chizy
'you are even advised on the quality of souls to be won' so those who live in the slum are not part of the 'souls'? Cos they do not have millions to give to God. But they can at least worship God. When Jesus said if men would not worship him He would raise stones to worship him. Were the stones going to bring in money or worship Him? See what people are preaching now. Then I don't understand why this article is criticized when the woman spoke the bitter truth! Keep to it Madame.Donot fret.
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Robert
the gospel is different from Christian religion though most people see the two as the same. That is why you will see people attacking an exposition such as this because it does not support Christian religion.
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John Doe
There should be no ulterior motive like getting the souls money?
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Peggy
Thank you Pastor Anita, the Wisdom here is profound, the message on soul winning is great. Winning souls means showing people the original way God designed for them and no man has any right to lay claim and say you belong to me for i led you to Christ, we are the body of Christ and Love should be spread to everyone in humility, purity and truth. We should win souls to reconcile them to the truth. Thank you Pastor Anita... Waiting for more
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Chizy
'you are even advised on the quality of souls to be won' so those who live in the slum are not part of the 'souls'? Cos they do not have millions to give to God. But they can at least worship God. When Jesus said if men would not worship him He would raise stones to worship him. Were the stones going to bring in money or worship Him? See what people are preaching now. Then I don't understand why this article is criticized when the woman spoke the bitter truth! Keep to it Madame.Donot fret.
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John Doe
There should be no ulterior motive like getting the souls money?
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uchenna
so wht could be a way out from such bondage as u explain thank u pst.
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Stanley
Thank you Mam for posting this I was also a battered sheep by modern day Pharsee.where more humiliation, fear and intimidation were added by scriptures out of context to keep you inline to serve with your time and money, even your health out and we were told to forget about our actual family members,since church is a 'real' family.before you make any decision a leader must know since they are experts to run others lives and the bible doesn't allow such in many scriptures.
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Ephesians In Christ
Dear pastor Anita, we thank God for your life. Continue by His power in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Book of Jeremiah - Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord . [2] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord . (Jeremiah 23:1-2 KJV). I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. (Jeremiah 23:14 KJV)
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Labisi
This an eye opener, thank you pastor
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Peggy
Wow profound, so true
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Markagy
Thank you pastor for this post. I agree with most of the things you have outlined. But how can one get out a situation like that. Should be in she just leave the church even though his or her faith is growing.
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Oswald
"For though ye have ten. thousand instructors in Christ, yet. have. ye. not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you.through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. " 1 Corinthians. 4:15-16.
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Johnd224
It is really a nice and helpful piece of info. Im glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
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Bridget Ogbah
These are times when believers must know God and hear God for themselves in order to escape the falsehood unleased against the Church in this last day. Not all church is Church. Our duty is to test every spirit. God sthrenghen and keep the few genuine prophets in Jesus Name
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Inem
Catholics come home! Daniella, after gaining experience out there, respond without delay to the prompting of the holy spirit in you to return home. That's not to say that there are no wolves in sheep clothing back home in the Catholic Church from where you journeyed out, but as you can now attest it's by far a different kettle of fish out there in the wild. Home is home. It's true and authentic even when there are a few bad eggs within the Catholic Church. There was a Judas even among the Lord's disciples, remember. Find a reputable Catholic priest or Reverend sister and share your story. They will guide you back to the faith. Trust me, people like you often turn out to be the best Christians. Waste no time to return home in this year of Jubilee. The church, like a loving father and mother, is waiting with open arms to welcome her children home. God bless you.
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Inem
Hello everyone, here are seven reasons to be Catholic : https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=870439283088286&id=100003666660800
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Charles
God save your people from salvage and greedy wolves who transform themselves as soul winners
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Jesusbaby
O WOW!! I read this and it summarized a lot. It's funny how i speak with women and they are married and yet soooo lonely! "my husband is always in church for one activity or the other, the activities don't end..." "we have thousands of devotionals in the store and he keeps buying more BECAUSE he has a target" I hear these all the time!! This is a message that we should all take seriously.
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Abiola
Dear Pastor Anita, I agree with you.Thanks for sharing this.I pray men everywhere will develop a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and will not let anything come between that bond.
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Givens
Wow!!!! What a revelation... This is very true!
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Olayemi
I strongly believe that when truth is spoken, haters of Truth will always put up resistance. What Pst. Anita wrote is absolutely “The Truth” and she wasn’t referring to any one. We need to be careful because majority had fallen a prey to such deceivers. This is what happens in most Churches now. Servant’s of God had become a form of idol. Many are no more worshiping God but their Pastors. Heaven is real and we need to take a cue from this word that is being spoken. Do not judge Pst. Anita but listen to what the Spirit is saying through her to the Church. Churches had now become a money venture of a thing. Remember what Christ did right in the temple. He pushed the money changer out. Its time to push those that are tarnishing the image of Church now. This is my own submission. God bless Pst Anita