Anyone who dares question or criticize the Living Church of God is an agent of Satan? Who knew!
Dealing with Adversaries: Periodically, critics and adversaries rise up to attack God’s Work, God’s people and the ministry by hurling criticism, spreading rumors, lies and half-truths and doing whatever they can to foster doubt and division. However, God’s people need to understand—it comes with the territory! Long ago, Solomon wrote, “an ungodly man [or woman] digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire” (Proverbs 16:27). Solomon also observed, “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles” (Proverbs 18:8)—however, this is a poor diet that eventually produces a sick and angry mind. Persecution has dogged God’s people down through the ages. Joseph was imprisoned on false charges (Genesis 39). Angry religious leaders plotted against Jeremiah and determined to “attack him with the tongue.” Yet, God told Jeremiah, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you” (Jeremiah 18:18; 1:19). Jesus had to endure mocking and vehement accusations by civil and religious leaders who wanted to destroy His ministry (Luke 23:10-11). Stephen was accused by false witnesses (Acts 6:11-13). The Apostle Paul had to deal with people who “spoke evil of the Way” (Acts 19:9), and Peter warned that false teachers who have gone astray would “speak evil of things they do not understand” (2 Peter 2:12). Critics and adversaries seldom realize that when they spread criticism, accusations and lies, they become agents in Satan’s hands to destroy the Work of God (see John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-10). As God’s people, we need to reflect on these biblical examples and remember that wise people don’t believe everything they hear or read on the Internet. If someone is troubled by something, wise people seek accurate information from trustworthy sources.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
