I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I want to address a critical issue: identifying the real enemies of the Cross, the Church, and Christians. This message stems from Philippians 3:18-21 and Titus 1:11, which expose those who live as enemies of the Cross, driven by greed, selfishness, and manipulation. Let us explore this topic in detail.
The Cross: A Symbol of Sacrifice and Deliverance
The Cross represents ultimate sacrifice, love, and empowerment. It signifies the finished work of Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our salvation. We do not need further sacrifices to be joint heirs with Christ or to access the treasures of heaven. Yet, many have turned away from this foundational truth, becoming enemies of the Cross through their actions and doctrines.
Characteristics of the Enemies of the Cross
- Greed and Selfishness:
- Philippians 3:19 describes these individuals: “Their god is their stomach, their glory is in their shame, and their mind is set on earthly things.”
- They prioritize material gain over spiritual growth, manipulating others for filthy lucre (Titus 1:11).
- Narcissism drives their actions, focusing solely on themselves while exploiting others.
- Earthly Mindsets and Status Obsession:
- Many leaders and members are obsessed with statistics, structures, and status symbols, such as honorary titles and elaborate ceremonies, rather than building lives and souls.
- The competitive construction of massive church buildings leads to financial pressure on members, shifting the focus to constant fundraising and monetary gain.
- Idolatry of Men and Objects:
- Focusing on men of God, anointing oils, handkerchiefs, and other objects rather than Christ is idolatry.
- Some believers mistakenly attribute their breakthroughs to these objects or individuals, neglecting the Holy Spirit’s role.
- Exploitative Doctrines and Practices:
- False teachings, manipulative miracles, and doctrines that prioritize material wealth over spiritual growth drive people away from the Church.
- Many church leaders live extravagantly, exploiting their members’ loyalty while failing to exemplify Christ-like humility and simplicity.
The Real Enemies of the Church
While some external forces oppose the Church, the most significant threats come from within:
- Leaders Who Misrepresent Christ:
- Those who manipulate doctrines for personal gain damage the Church’s credibility.
- Exploitative behaviors and corruption among Church leaders create disillusionment among believers.
- Carnal Defenses and Divisions:
- Church splits often result in lawsuits, police interventions, and public scandals, further tarnishing Christ’s image.
- Using worldly methods to defend reputations undermines the Gospel.
- False Focus and Corruption:
- Leaders indulging in illicit activities or aligning with corrupt systems become complicit in oppression, driving people away from the faith.
True Representation of Christ
The true followers of Christ prioritize humility, sacrifice, and service over material gain. As Paul wrote, our citizenship is in heaven, and we await a Saviour from there. We must reject idolatry in all forms—whether it’s the worship of money, men, or materialism—and focus on Christ alone.
A Call to Reflect and Reform
The Church must return to its roots of humility, simplicity, and spiritual focus. Leaders must exemplify Christ’s love and sacrifice, abandoning exploitative practices and embracing transparency. Members must seek a personal relationship with Christ, free from the distractions of idolatry and false doctrines.
Conclusion
The real enemies of the Cross are often within the Church, manifesting through greed, selfishness, idolatry, and corruption. As believers, we must align our lives with Christ’s example, rejecting earthly distractions and focusing on eternal values.
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