Meet Simon, the Sorcerer

By Ninyo Omidiji

Believe me sir, if Simon the sorcerer was living in our days, he would have been a prominent member of the Pentecostal Fellowship....
He would have been the face of Christianity in many communities where his denomination has a presence.

He would have branches all over the continent of Africa. His influence would reach Europe and America. A reputable tele-evangelist he would be.

A sought-after conference speaker extra-ordinaire.
He would hold spell-bound, a sign-seeking and bread-loving generation by his lying wonders. He would pack stadia and auditoria with crowds of people in his meetings.

He would parade himself as a prophet sent from God. In fact, he would have gained the reputation of "the prophet to the nations".

As a prominent "palace" prophet, an unfettered access to men in power and government houses, he would have.

As the new definition of success in life and ministry, many preachers would justle for an audience with him and without fail, take selfies.
He would be the "spiritual daddy" to many in ministry, and "grand-daddy" to many more.

His teaming admirers and supporters would not take kindly to anyone audacious enough to ask questions. Call him out, and you would be seen as an unbeliever touching the "anointed of the Lord".
They would promptly play the "touch-not-my-anointed" card on you. They will throw the "Judge-not" mantra in your face. "Face your own calling, they would say".

Give them your ears and they'd tell you the Korah, Dothan and Abiram story. The story of how Mariam, Aaron's sister resisted Moses and faced repercussions is sweeter in their mouth than the finished work of Christ . They are a people stuck in the old covenant and Aaronic priesthood and they want you stuck too.

In his days in Samaria, Simon was not just highly esteemed as a prophet, he was called "the great power of God" by all and sundry (Acts 8:10).
He had succeeded in bewitching the whole city for many years, both great and small ate from his hands. His words were law!

Nobody knew he was a fraud until Philip showed up on the scene with the light of the gospel. No one knew he was manipulating a whole city by witchcraft until Philip came preaching Jesus.

Permit me to quickly submit to you sir, there are many 21st century "Simons the sorcerer" living in our days. If you are discerning, you could draw a parallel between him and many self-acclaimed prophets of today.

They litter the landscape of what is known as church today and occupy the pulpits in many denominations.

They only use the bible and the name of Christ to gain legitimacy, they are not holding briefs for Him. They have succeeded in bewitching many, including the "elects".

But I'm persuaded they will proceed no further. I see many "Philips" rising in the horizon. They are bold and fearless. They have no other thing on their lips but "Jesus and Him crucified". Christ's finished work on the cross.

They are unassuming and areligious, but they are kingdom light bearers. They have seen the light and they will not put it under a bushel. No, they won't bury the truth in the name of decorum.

At their rising, scales of agelong deception and false doctrines are falling from people's eyes. Bewitchment is giving way to the true freedom in Christ Jesus!

Jesus is taking back His church from the grip of hirelings, false prophets, and all those who make merchandize of her.
It is a new dawn!

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.