“nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬).

For the purpose of this teaching, I will write two instalments on the subject of charismatic witchcraft and discuss how this manifests in the body of Christ. I will draw examples and make reference to points when this was seen in the Old and New Testament and share some of the insight from Jesus, Peter and Paul, in terms of how this manifests in the church. The term charismatic witchcraft can be referred to as the misuse of spiritual gifts, authority and influence within Pentecostal and charismatic Christian circles. This is in an attempt to manipulate, control or dominate people for the purpose of personal gain or hidden agendas. The term witchcraft relates to the use of supernatural powers outside of Christianity. However, charismatic witchcraft relates to spiritual manipulation, using Christian language and teachings to cover up or mask the true intention. – https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/charismatic-witchcraft.

Peter spoke to the disciples in the New Testament, about the role of leaders who were assigned to care for the church. In 1 Peter 5, he spoke to the elders of the church about caring for God’s people. They were urged to care for the church with a willing heart and not out of obligation. They were to ensure that their desire for leadership in the church, was not in order to gain dishonestly from members. They were warned not to act as Lords over people or be domineering and controlling, but to live by setting an example. Peter said that when Jesus returns, the good leaders would receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. Jeremiah lived during a time when Jerusalem was led astray by false prophets and leaders. ““Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord”” (Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬). 

He called both the prophets and priests profane and there was wickedness in the house of God. There was fierce judgement prophesied over false prophets and leaders who spoke when God did not send them. “And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten’ ”” ‭‭(Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭40‬). Jesus had several woes and condemnations for the religious leaders during his time, who shut up the kingdom of heaven, so they can’t enter and they also blocked others from entering. They did all of their good deeds to be seen by men and wore elaborate clothing. They wanted to be seated in the best places in the synagogues and loved to have special greetings from people calling them Teacher and father. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬). It was within this context that Jesus said, that anyone who exalted themselves would be humbled and whoever humbled themselves would be exalted.

He also said that the religious leaders devoured widow’s houses and prayed long pretentious prayers. They traveled far to make a disciple and then made him twice a son of hell as themselves. They focused on the traditional things, such as paying tithes, yet they neglected the more important things such as mercy and justice. They pretended to be clean by outward showing, but internally they were unclean. All throughout the bible, there are examples of church leaders and congregations that veered away from the path of holiness and righteousness. Many churches are doing their best to lead people to Christ and prepare the church for Christ’s return. Similar to what was happening in the bible days, there are also congregations and leaders who have become deceitful and self seeking. We have to constantly test the spirits to see whether they are of God or they are of the devil. Don’t place any minister or ministry on a pedestal, as we are all human beings and are subject to failure.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬).

A.P.-Y. – Anneta Pinto-Young

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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