“But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money” (Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭20‬)!

In Acts 8, Peter and John were sent to Samaria to pray for the saints, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. There was a Sorcerer in Samaria named Simon, who when he saw what happened, offered to give them money to receive power to lay hands on people, so that they also could receive the spirit. He had seen the Holy Ghost manifested through Peter and John, laying hands on saints and wanted to have this power. Peter’s rebuke was quick and sharp, ‘your money perish with you, because you thought the gift of God could be purchased with money.’ He was cautioned to repent and he begged Peter to pray so that none of the calamities he spoke of would come upon him. The Holy Ghost was given to the church to manifest the power of God. This manifestation includes signs, wonders and miracles. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭18‬).

Jesus promised that we would do even greater works than he did during his time here. There are many ministers and believers who manifest the gifts of healing, deliverance, prophecy and other miracles. There are people, including some ‘ministers’ who have infiltrated the church arena and are using diabolical powers to mimic spiritual gifts. There are false preachers, apostles, prophets and teachers who are visiting Fetish Priests and witchcraft practitioners, to pretend to operate in the gifts of the spirit. Paul also cautioned the churches who were led astray by contrary teachings and false apostles. He reminded them that many deceitful workers had transformed themselves into apostles of Christ. “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬). Some ministers and ministries have also become contaminated through demonic manipulation. Instead of leading people to Christ, people are being led astray and polluted by idolatry and demonic manipulation and control.

A minister who is anointed and living for God today, can become contaminated and veer away from the things of God, if they are not firmly planted.  It is important to know God for yourself, read and study the bible so that you can test every spirit, know sound doctrine and use the gift of discernment. We have to pray for our churches and church leaders, as the devil will send his agents on assignment, to infiltrate church circles and contaminate them. Agents of darkness try hard to get into close proximity to leadership, either by getting close to a minister or often getting close to their spouses. Some ministers become discouraged about small congregation sizes and meagre salaries and out of desperation, turn to demonic practices. This is often to try to control members through fear of losing them and some ministers will even try to steal members from other churches. 

Sometimes the guise may be to get members from other churches, to become partners in their church, to serve their ministry, give their tithes and offering into their church or to give a portion of it, while being members in another church. These practices are under handed and deceptive and should not be the case in church circles. Witchcraft involves the use of manipulation and control of people, for the purpose of getting them to do things outside of their will. While the charismatic movement focuses on the gifts of the spirit and walking in spiritual authority, charismatic witchcraft places leaders on a pedestal and emphasises their gifts over and above others. This places leaders in a position of superiority, encouraging members to become overly dependent on them and focuses on the anointing and power of the leader, rather than focusing on God. Churches should equip members to understand their identify in Christ, grow and mature in the things of God, develop and flow in their spiritual gifts and enable them to walk in dominion and authority. 

“lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬).

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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