2 Corinthians 5:14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us.[a] Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.[b]NLT
Years back, i was returning to Lagos from Ibadan. While in the bus, i heard a voice telling me that if i don't preach in that bus, i won't get to Lagos. Now, that sounds ridiculous. I took my time to discern the voice i was hearing and i knew It wasn't the Holy Spirit. That was a religious spirit speaking. If i had obeyed that instruction of preaching (which seemed right), i would have done the right thing under fear (which was wrong). Also, it may open me up to being led by a religious demon rather than the gentle voice of the Spirit. Some are hearing religious demons speaking to them yet they think they are hearing God.
Some may hear that kind of voice and start preaching but is the instruction totally consistent with the word and nature of God? The answer is obviously 'No'. While it is right to preach, it is very wrong to preach under threat and fear. God doesn't lead that way. I didn't preach that day and here i am bouncing in the Lord. Our act of service must be controlled by love not by fear. Some preachers know how to put fear in the minds of people to get them do their bidding not the Lord's. The worst i've seen is in the area of finances. Some may threaten that if you don't part with certain amount of money, God won't hear you.
I don't want people to sow into my ministry out of fear but out of love. When love controls what a man is doing for God, he'll do it from a heart of thanksgiving and worship. God is seeking for true worshippers not fearful worshippers. If at all there's any type of fear we should have for God, it should be a reverential fear for God(2Cor7:1) not a crippling or damaging fear. I see people doing things for God out of a crippling fear thinking God is leading them, that's not God. Be controlled by love. N:B Pray&partner with us as we shall be reaching out to the Krio people in Sept13th-15th. We are tru