What if?

It stands to follow that, when a person becomes a Christian, they want fellowship and they want more information about their faith.They want to see how other Christians live, how they pray and how they worship. That is all very understandable and fellowship is highly recommended for new Christians as well as old. BUT.

Yes, there is a "but". We must be very, very careful and prayerful when fellowshipping and gathering together with other Christians. Why?

When we are gathered together with others of our faith, we tend to let down our guard, assume the best of each other and believe we are among the faithful followers of Christ. That's just when the enemy can come in like a flood!

Like on Star-trek, when the commander says, "Shields up, Scotty." He's talking about protecting his ship from the enemy. If you are among fellow believers, you are relaxed and not considering that the enemy may be on the attack even on so-called "holy ground". Surely the enemy of our souls wouldn't be able to penetrate all the praise and glory to the name of Jesus, would he?

Yes, he would. Of course, he would. And, he does. In fact, the favourite place for satan to infiltrate is the very place of worship to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He's jealous. He wants to rob the Lord of His praise. So, how would the devil do this?

He mascarades. He pretends to be an angel of light. He pretends to be the very Spirit of God!

No! God wouldn't allow that to happen, would He?

Let me ask you this:

"What IF that pastor who is laying hands on you to 'smite you in the spirit' is actually full of the devil and is smiting you with an unholy spirit?"

You don't think that's possible? I hope not! I sure hope that when people are being smitten in the Spirit that it is the Spirit of God! But, it sure doesn't hurt to be doubly sure!

Beloved, if anyone, anyone at ALL lays hands on you, for whatever reason, please do keep up your guard. Pray that the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, will not allow any other spirit to enter you or influence you. You are particularly vulnerable when being prayed over with the intent of being smitten in the spirit. This is a tactic that the enemy of our soul seems to love to use as an entrance. Put up your shields.

If you have any doubts at all about your pastor or the people at your church, pray about changing churches. Pray specifically about what church to attend and who to fellowship with.

I don't believe that once we join a church, we must be tied to only that church for the rest of our lives and never visit other churches or fellowships. (This is called "church-hopping" and is considered "unfaithful" or almost as bad as backsliding!) Are all the true Christians only attending one church these days? Or is the true church of God spread over the face of the earth?

If I had stayed all my life in one church, I would have missed out on meeting hundreds of dear Christians with whom I have enjoyed wonderful, inspiring fellowship over the years.

Beware of the "one and only one" rule of thumb of some churches. Beware of "total control". Beware of allowing pastors and elders into your private affairs, especially your financial affairs. Beware of any and all unscriptural practices. 

Especially, beware of pastors who smite you in the Spirit. Pray that, if it's not of Jesus, you won't go down! And, if you don't go down, don't go back a second time. Don't be pressured to try it again. Just take it from the Lord, that it's not God's will for you. (You may be saving yourself from demon possession! I kid you not.) Pray about leaving that church. The more proliferous and financially powerful that church is, the more careful and prayerful we ought to be! Just remember the example that Jesus set. He said,

"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head."

I suggest you choose a humble, young church that's totally dependent on the Lord. Those are few and far between. Choose a church that is not controlled by anyone but God and that is not afraid to read the book of Revelation! If a church avoids reading any part of the Bible and doesn't want to give out the "whole counsel of God", it may be because they are being dictated to by "higher powers".

KEEP YOUR SHIELDS UP!

Ephesians 6
10. Finally , my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to sand against the whiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

As soldiers of Christ, we should get to know our Sword (the Word) and learn how to wield it. Cut the devil to the HEART! Pierce through his lies and deceit and set the captives free! In the name of Jesus Christ! Amen?