So much has been happening in the Church in recent years that one can’t help but ask:
“What happened to the faith of our fathers?”
These realities make it even more heartbreaking. They are not only damaging the witness of the Church, they are causing many to lose their faith. They are also preventing countless others from ever seeing the true light of the Cross.
Almost daily, we hear disturbing reports—
So-called pastors are involved in sexual immorality with church members. They are embezzling God’s money and practicing rituals. Additionally, they are blending paganism with the Gospel.
These things ought not to be named among us.
Yet, they persist.
But this is not new.
When Jesus Faced Merchants in God’s House
Even in Jesus’ day, He confronted corruption and exploitation in the temple—the very place meant to honor God.
John 2:13–17 (TPT)
When the time was close for the Jewish Passover to begin, Jesus walked to Jerusalem. As he went into the temple courtyard, he noticed it was filled with merchants selling oxen, lambs, and doves for exorbitant prices, while others were overcharging as they exchanged currency behind their counters.
So Jesus found some cords and made them into a whip. Then he drove out every one of them and their animals from the courtyard of the temple, and he kicked over their tables filled with money, scattering it everywhere!
And he told the merchants, “Get these things out of here! Don’t you dare commercialize my Father’s house!”
His disciples remembered the Scripture: “I am consumed with a fiery passion to keep your house pure!”
This is painful.
It is shameful.
But it is also a wake-up call—one that points clearly to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What Should Believers Do in Times Like These?
We must not be shocked or distracted.
Instead, we should pray earnestly. We must ask God to uphold us to the end. This way, we are not swept away by the sinful trends and moral decay all around us.
How Do We Recognize False Ministers Among Us?
1. Deception
They rely on charisma, signs, wonders, and smooth speech to mislead—even the elect.
2. False Teachings
They subtly shift the Gospel from Christ and eternity to money, power, and material gain.
3. Self-Serving Motives
They serve their own appetites, not God.
Matthew 24:24 (TPT)
“For there will be imposters falsely claiming to be God’s ‘Anointed One,’ and false prophets will arise to perform miracle signs to lead astray, if possible, those God has chosen.”
Jeremiah 14:14 (NIV)
“The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them… They are prophesying false visions and the delusions of their own minds.”
A Warning Against Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
One of the most grievous patterns is how these wolves creep in quietly. They deceive, lure, and exploit women under the cloak of spiritual authority.
2 Timothy 3:6 (MSG)
“They smooth-talk their way into the homes of unstable and needy women… They get exploited every time and never really learn.”
Jesus warned us clearly:
Matthew 7:15–20 (MSG)
“Be wary of false preachers… Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook.”
God Is Sanitizing His House
This season is not accidental.
God is sanitizing His house.
And the cleansing has already begun.
Before pointing fingers outward, we must examine our own lives.
What sin are you holding onto?
Let it go—before it catches up with you.
Kill it before it kills you,
for the wages of sin is death.
Now is the time for the Body of Christ to wake up to righteousness. It is the moment to shine as light in this dark world.
Beloved, this cleansing starts with you.
Go forth and show His glory.
You are the Jesus the world sees.
You are the Jesus the world longs to emulate.
Note: You can read more on this topic from my book “Unassailed.” I dedicated a chapter to the vulnerable women in the church. It tackles difficult topics like sexual abuse, God’s boundless grace, and the transformative power of forgiveness. It chronicles the powerful journey of a woman’s rise from brokenness to beauty. This book offers hope and restoration to those who have suffered in silence. : Get your copy now: https://a.co/d/8ALFWgD
Let’s Talk
💬 What are your thoughts on the state of the Church today?
🙏 How can believers stay pure and discerning in this season?
Share your reflections in the comments and pass this message on—someone needs to read it.
With the love of Christ,
Jummy Akinjide
