Becareful who you allow to pray for you

“A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised”

‭‭(Malachi‬ ‭1:6-7‬).

The Word of God serves as nourishment for the faithful believer, much like physical food is necessary for growth and sustenance. Just as the body requires food for nourishment, the body of Christ also requires spiritual sustenance in order to thrive. This nourishment can be obtained through meditation on the Bible or through the preaching of the Word by a genuine and dedicated minister of the gospel. The messages delivered from the pulpit are often referred to as “food upon the altar” (Malachi 1:7), symbolizing their importance and relevance to the spiritual growth of believers.

When a Minister of the gospel engages in various sinful behaviours and fails to repent, yet continues to preach or teach from the Bible to members of the faith community, they are desecrating the sacred place of worship and providing tainted spiritual nourishment to the congregation.

This conduct is deemed unacceptable in the eyes of God, as stated in Malachi 1:7, and places the Minister at risk of divine judgment. The consequences of such actions can be significant, leading to spiritual stagnation or even death among believers who partake in the tainted spiritual offerings presented at church services.

Many individuals of faith are traversing a path of spiritual stagnation due to the consumption of tainted provisions from church altars.

Numerous believers encounter challenges in their journey with the God as they navigate through a contaminated environment overseen by a corrupt leader of the ministry.

This corruption manifests in various forms including misappropriation of church resources, coercion of congregants to make monetary contributions, manipulation of young clergy and church officials for personal gain, engagement in immoral behaviour , and falsification of spiritual gifts.

“To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

The potential benefits of serving as a Minister of the gospel are considerable, as outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-4. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that equally great are the repercussions faced by a Minister who willfully succumbs to sin without seeking repentance.

The scripture cautions that God will firstly judge those within the church before turning to those outside of it. As stated in 1 Peter 4:7, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 

The end-times are upon us, the imminent return of the Lord draws near. He is purifying and enhancing His church to cleanse it of filth, contamination, and impurities. He is readying His bride for the upcoming “day of the Lord” as foretold in Isaiah 13:9-12.

Jesus said “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12).

Author: Andrew A. Osei