I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I want to address a deeply misunderstood aspect of Christian faith. Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will send you another comforter” (John 14:18). The Greek word for “another comforter” is allos parakletos, meaning the same Spirit that was in Christ. If you have the Holy Spirit, you carry that same Spirit.
Let us examine Luke 9:51-56. As Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, He sent messengers to prepare the way, but a Samaritan village refused to welcome Him. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the village. But Jesus rebuked them, saying, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” They simply moved on to another village.
False Doctrine and the Spirit of Vengeance
Unfortunately, many ministries in Nigeria have built doctrines on falsehood, particularly around “spiritual warfare” and calling down fire on enemies. This is not the Spirit of Christ but a vengeful, traditional African religious mindset. Elijah called down fire to punish soldiers, but Jesus Christ came to save lives, not destroy them.
Ananias and Sapphira were struck down not because the Holy Spirit was vengeful, but because they lied and cheated. If they had been honest about keeping part of the money, nothing would have happened to them. Many people calling down “Holy Ghost fire” today are themselves impure and wicked, no better than those they want consumed.
The True Fire We Need
What we need is the fire of purification—a fire that humbles and refines us. As Christians, we must rebuke falsehood with logic, results, and a better way of life, not threats of divine retribution. Jesus never killed those who mocked or opposed Him. The people who crucified Him, spat on Him, and divided His garments all went home safely. God allowed them time to repent.
Today, some circulate messages claiming that mockers of God will die. Let me be clear: that is not the Spirit of Christ. It is the spirit of a traditionalist or a babalawo—a spirit of vengeance and fear. Jesus never taught this. Mockers of God in the Bible were given time to turn from their ways. Judgment comes after death, not before.
Who Made You God?
The question we must ask is this: Who determines who is mocking God? Often, it’s not God being mocked but men who have elevated themselves as gods. When someone criticizes or analyzes the actions of a church or preacher, they are often accused of blasphemy. This is not the way of Christ.
Let us not add to the unbearable pressures Nigerians already face: government oppression, banditry, poverty, and hopelessness. Now, preachers are threatening people with death for questioning them. This is not the Gospel. Those who challenge falsehood, like Martin Luther, paved the way for reformation and progress.
Holy Ghost Fire is Not for Killing
The fire of the Holy Spirit is not for killing people but for illuminating minds, refining souls, and empowering lives. No one will die for questioning or criticizing a preacher. If you are expecting such vengeance, you will wait in vain. Even if someone dies, it’s not because they mocked God but likely due to the harsh realities of life in this broken system.
Let us return to the true spirit of Christ: love, compassion, forgiveness, and truth. The Gospel is about salvation, not destruction.
Remember, the Holy Ghost fire is to illuminate your brain, not to destroy lives. God bless you!
