Some of the worst people Christians are ever going to meet are other Christians. 

Jesus says Christians should be “Nathanaels;” people of God “in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47).  Nevertheless, God says: “Among my people are found wicked men; they lie in wait as one who sets snares; they set a trap; they catch men” (Jeremiah 5:26-28).  Jesus further warns his disciples: “A man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:36). 

Therefore, Christians need to beware of Christians.  

 

Wolves in sheep’s clothing

David was distressed because his betrayer was a member of his church.  In all probability, they were prayer-partners.  Or they might have been members of the same church-choir.  Listen again to his lamentation: “It is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it.  Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance.  We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng” (Psalm 55:12-14).

This shows some of the worst people Christians are ever going to meet are other Christians.  They are the ones who will steal from us and from the church.  They will stab us in the back and betray us.

Judas was not an unbeliever but a “Christian.”  He was one of the twelve disciples.  He preached the gospel.  He performed miracles in the name of Jesus.  Nevertheless, he was a son of perdition who ended up by betraying the Lord. 

Jesus warns all Christians: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes” (Matthew 10:16).

Christian 419

Beware of Christians who are regular church-goers.  It does not mean we are people of integrity. 

Beware of Christians always quoting scriptures authoritatively.  We may not even understand them or believe in what they say. 

Beware of Christians always asking you for money.  We are probably trying to use the gospel to empty your pocket.

Beware of Christians who are contemptuous of non-Christians.  We are ignorant that Jesus was only critical of Judaism; his own faith. 

Beware of self-opinionated Christians.  We want you to go to hell when you don’t share our views. 

Beware of Christians who insist you must not use your brains in order to walk by faith.  We are just trying to put one over on you. 

Beware of Christians preoccupied with how women should dress.  We are controlling and are suffering from lust. 

Beware of Christians who swear in God’s name.  It should tell you immediately we are telling lies. 

Beware of Christians who say: “The devil made me do it.”  The devil might make us do something to hurt you.

Beware of Christians who say after an argument: “I’ll be praying for you.”  It means we hate your guts.

Beware of Christians passionate about a “man-of-God.”  We are not disciples of Christ. 

Beware of Christians always with a testimony of yet another “blessing.”  We are only trying to make you insecure. 

Beware of Christians who call others “brother this” and “sister that.”  We may be using the brotherhood to pull wool over your eyes. 

Beware of Christians who always have a word from God for you.  We want to be the god of your life. 

Beware of Christians who often show up when you are having your meal.  It means we see you, and not Jesus, as our “bread of life.”

 

Witchcraft in the church

Jide Akintunde of FinancialNigeria.Com told me a story.  I don’t know if it is a true story or just a parable.  Anyway, it exemplifies the rampant witchcraft now prevalent among Christians. 

A gentleman was attracted to a lady in his church.  But rather than try to develop a relationship with her, he approached her with the message that God had revealed to him she is ordained to be his wife. 

He said he had been asking God to reveal his wife to him.  After many days of fasting and prayer, God finally answered in very dramatic fashion.  In a dream, God showed him the lady in question, resplendent in a white bridal gown. 

Then a loud voice came out of heaven which said: “BEHOLD!”

The lady in question asked to be given time to pray and confirm that her marriage to this complete stranger was indeed the will of God.  After some days, the gentleman approached her to find out her response.  The lady was very excited because the Lord had apparently spoken to her as well.  She also claimed the Lord had given her a dream.  In the dream, she too actually saw the gentleman in question, dressed to the nines in a wedding suit. 

Then a loud voice came out of heaven which said: “BEWARE!”