COUNTERFEITS

Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect in the flesh? – Galatians 3:3

Most Originals come with Counterfeits or Substitutes. The more we understand true supernatural power, the easier it is to spot the substitutes that many people hold on to. Yet it is so easy to slip into these if one is not spiritually sensitive. Many churches are full of people who wallow in avoidable oppression having permitted the replacement of true supernatural power with counterfeits. The early church evangelized and established the kingdom using supernatural power as its primary driver. The manifestations of this power abound in every chapter of the book of Acts. However, with the passage of time, carnal and cultic techniques and tricks have permeated Christendom. These are disguised devices of the devil, which we must not be ignorant of (2Cor.2:11).  “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2Cor.11:14).

God’s Word warns consistently against Ignorance: “Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst” (Isa.5:13). The devil hates revelation knowledge because it leads to deliverance. When people discover the truth about God’s power, they are set free, but when they lack spiritual knowledge, they are held captive in their ignorance. What are some of these satanic substitutes?

Secular Humanism is the collection of philosophical ideas that elevates man and the human mind and celebrates human reason and intellect. Such an approach can be commended if it is to appreciate and develop the minds God has given us, so we can understand more about Him, about one another as made in His image, and about the world He created. However, humanism in many circles has become anti-God and idolatrous. It rejects God and His supernatural power while positioning man as a god.

Spirits of falsehood and rebellion create another set of substitutes to true spirituality, in the likeness of the Old Testament Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, whose domineering and controlling nature led Israel into the worship of false gods. She also ordered the extermination of God’s prophets (1Kgs.16:31; 18:4,13). In like manner, there are many satanic emissaries today, who engage in false teaching, idolatory, controlling actions, manipulations, rebellion and sin (1Kgs.21:4-16,25-26).

Witchcraft has increased in intensity and pervades even Pentecostal platforms to beguile and if possible “deceive the very elect” (Mt.24:24b). A spirit of deception or “bewitchery” was active in the church at Galatia, blinding their understanding and keeping them from recognizing Christ’s redeeming work (Gal.3:1-3). They had started out in the Spirit; saved, filled with the Spirit, and witnessing miracles, signs, and wonders. But a controlling spirit influenced them to follow unbilblical rules, norms, and carnal ways, causing them to lose sight of God’s power and the true message of the gospel, ending up with a legalistic mind-set, contrary to freedom that is in Christ. We must beware of the danger of falling into a spirit of witchcraft through rebellion, which tries to manipulate, control, intimidate, and dominate, leaving people in bondage to sin and despair.

In some Christian circles, long-standing lifeless traditions and soulish efforts have replaced the revelation of the Word and operations of the Holy Spirit. Reason and logic have replaced living by faith, whereas to try to handle divine situations with carnal minds is to limit God and lose hold of the supernatural. Rigid regulations and carnal administration have replaced God’s Grace. Intellectual education has replaced character development. Psychology has replaced spiritual discernment. Man-made programs have replaced the leading of the Spirit. Eloquence and entertainment have replaced the demonstration of power. Motivational preaching has replaced the message of the Cross. Critical theology has replaced inspired revelation.

It takes the combination of the Word and the Spirit to transforms lives (Jh.6:63). We must return to God and His supernatural power. We must be on guard to not fall into these spiritual pitfalls, and if already fallen, to repent and return to God and His truth! We must renew our minds so we can walk victoriously and demonstrate His supernatural power to this generation.