SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL ABUSE (Part two)

Godfrey Gregg 20/06/2016

UNQUESTIONED AUTHORITY

Where there is a will there is a way and to my brethren in the Lord a peace and pleasant good morning to you. My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord fear God and keep His word. Let us look into another aspect of abusive authority.

In an unhealthy church, it is considered rebellion when someone questions decisions that are made or statements that are said from the pulpit. Granted, there are those who constantly question the leadership in any church — but often such constant questioning comes from an individual’s critical attitude.

Ministers must learn to deal with such questioning in a compassionate, positive manner. However, in an unhealthy church, any and all questions are considered threats to the minister’s “God-ordained” authority. Members who do dare to question their

ministers/leaders or who do not follow their directives often are confronted with severe consequences.

A man from one church told me, “We were told that it is more important to obey leaders/ministers than to question what they are doing.” He went on to say, “It was unthinkable to question the motives of the minister.”

I said to him that there is only one way for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. He looked at me like it was the first time he heard that statement.

There are churches where the members cannot think for themselves, All decisions must be made with the minister or face disciplinary actions. The Bible tells us to cast all our cares on Him and that’s what I am encouraging you to do this morning. No man can take the place of God in your lives. You must know the truth and it will set you free. You must know that the call is for you to come to Christ and not the minister. Do not be overcome with the fear of man but let that perfect love of God cast out all your fears. I urge you this morning to give up and let God take over your life for His honour and glory.

Ministers operating under a spirit of control are often convinced that they are the only ones who can accurately hear from God. Under the constant exposure to this spirit, members often become convinced that they indeed need their minister to think for them. In essence, their personal fellowship with the Lord has been abdicated for a relationship with a man. As a result, they lose their confidence in being able to discern the will of God for their lives.

Where did you read that in the Scripture? I tell you this morning that there is no man that can take the place of God in your life. Only one way for you to be saved and it is through the Lord Jesus Christ. May Almighty God bless and grant you peace now and forevermore.

Your servant and brother,
+ Sir Godfrey Gregg
Archbishop and Presiding Prelate
Administrator and Apostolic Head
Follow me on Twitter @ArchbishopGregg
@MysticPatriarch