The living God is at work in Uganda. Of that, we can be certain.
In the previous post, we mentioned the brutal spiritual war being waged in Uganda by our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) who were in the news recently, and, at one point, called attention to one apparent soldier for Christ who is waging that war on the battlefield there without the use of guns or knives or any other physical weapon for that matter.
His name is Pastor (or 'Bishop') Julius Peter Oyet, and while the account I gave of him tearing down demonic strongholds in Uganda is inspirational, we must make sure our discernment is strong and we do not get blinded by one series of good works in the name of Christ when there are possibly many other works being done in the name of Christ that force us to do a double take and question one's motives (if not their own level of Biblical awareness).
I say that not to disparage another dear brother in Christ who's currently serving our Lord in various parts in the world right now, but to simply point out that I'm not about to overlook any substantiated charges against him and his ministry just for the sake of writing a piece that exhorts us to pray for his flock in Uganda. We all must be held accountable by each other in the pursuit of truth and righteousness or else we won't bear any kind of lasting fruit for our Lord.
So, that being said, please note that there is sadly rampant sexual abuse, pedophilia, and homosexuality in Uganda’s evangelical church. The cynic will say, "So what? We have that in so-called 'Christian' churches everywhere..." I would counter, "Not so fast."
In the previous post, we mentioned the brutal spiritual war being waged in Uganda by our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) who were in the news recently, and, at one point, called attention to one apparent soldier for Christ who is waging that war on the battlefield there without the use of guns or knives or any other physical weapon for that matter.
His name is Pastor (or 'Bishop') Julius Peter Oyet, and while the account I gave of him tearing down demonic strongholds in Uganda is inspirational, we must make sure our discernment is strong and we do not get blinded by one series of good works in the name of Christ when there are possibly many other works being done in the name of Christ that force us to do a double take and question one's motives (if not their own level of Biblical awareness).
I say that not to disparage another dear brother in Christ who's currently serving our Lord in various parts in the world right now, but to simply point out that I'm not about to overlook any substantiated charges against him and his ministry just for the sake of writing a piece that exhorts us to pray for his flock in Uganda. We all must be held accountable by each other in the pursuit of truth and righteousness or else we won't bear any kind of lasting fruit for our Lord.
So, that being said, please note that there is sadly rampant sexual abuse, pedophilia, and homosexuality in Uganda’s evangelical church. The cynic will say, "So what? We have that in so-called 'Christian' churches everywhere..." I would counter, "Not so fast."
As far as I've been able to tell (and I could be completely mistaken here), despite the miraculous revival underway in places like Uganda (and the miraculous success by the government and the people against the LRA) there does not appear to be any effort to examine themselves after conversion, which would include combating money laundering, extortion, wife snatching, heresies, and false teachings in the church there either.
Instead, my research found more cases of charges being leveled against men like Pastor Oyet that are unbecoming of a Christian. Things that suggest he (and others like him) are engaged in a continual cover up of criminal activities inside the Ugandan evangelical church and are primarily concerned with how to save the public images of their respective ministries.
Instead, my research found more cases of charges being leveled against men like Pastor Oyet that are unbecoming of a Christian. Things that suggest he (and others like him) are engaged in a continual cover up of criminal activities inside the Ugandan evangelical church and are primarily concerned with how to save the public images of their respective ministries.
But even if those charges are overblown, that doesn't change the fact that there definitely appears to be a consistent commitment to teaching as 'Biblical truth' things that are more akin to gross 'heresy' instead and, in my opinion, that's just as bad (if not worse) than the types of atrocities committed by the LRA.
In fact, 'Apostle/Bishop' Julius Peter Oyet is part of the current Pentecostal Movement. He seems to be a mystical prosperity preacher who preaches the 'Curse-Deliverance Gospel' in Uganda and in other places around the world. Christians line up by the hundreds to receive deliverance from curses that are said to haunt their lives. The Christians receiving deliverance from the curses have to pay money as a 'point of contact' for the deliverance.
He also makes some incredible claims like having been to Heaven and back...
This 'New Apostolic Reformation' label is the red flag in all of this I think. That's a topic for another day though. Just do a quick Google search on it and you'll see what I mean.
But just in case you're not sure why I'm opening this piece by first making sure that we check out 'discernment meter' in order to ensure that it's working properly, please check out these news clips from last year about a new law that Oyet was promoting quite aggressively.
As a Christian, see if you can identify why for someone like him to be promoting this (and saying the types of things he's said) is just as dangerous (if not more so) than the LRA (as awful as they are).
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Julius Oyet Rallies Support For The Anti-Homosexuality Bill
This was the first of two times I found myself speechless while putting this study together this week.
Obviously, I'm against homosexuality and 'gay marriage' too, but to make it punishable by death? Friends, those unrepentant sinners are already experiencing a death far worse than physical death, and unless we preach to them the life-saving and life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ, then we're just as guilty. How can we send them to their an eternal death without at least trying to fulfill the commission we've been given to preach the Gospel?
For now, I hope that will suffice and demonstrate that when I called attention to this man in a previous post it was more in a general 'We-Need-To-Learn-How-To-Wage-Spiritual-Warfare-Like-The-Christians-In-Uganda' sense and not meant to prop up this Pastor Oyet, let alone make it seem like we all need to direct all our prayers to him and him only.
Ok, so let me help you recall the paragraph from the previous post that really grabbed me...
That paragraph piqued my interest. I wanted to see if I could track down some information related to that video, and then I came across this moving description of the film...
It's easy to tell that such a film is not for the faint of heart.
Then again, this is precisely what new 'baby Christians' (as well as the mature ones who seem to want to always ignore the condition of the Body of Christ around the globe) need to hear and see.
Let's not forget what it means to be one of God's "elect" (Colossians 3:12), or "a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10) as we go through this life...
That's the true Gospel message that is rarely preached these days.
Despite calling our attention to those passages, I still feel like this admonition to remember who we are, and to remember why we need to pray for our own, is somehow grossly inadequate.
How could I write a piece exhorting each and every single one of us to a deeper commitment to praying for the persecuted church in places like Egypt and Uganda without taking more time to understand their daily struggle for survival?
For starters, I should probably begin by reminding myself (and all of you) that we should know that this is a war unlike any other, which is why it's correctly labeled 'an unconventional war'...
I thought of that verse quite a bit while watching the 90-minute documentary called An Unconventional War. The unspeakable horrors faced by Christians in Uganda at the hands of the LRA proves the validity of God's Word here in Ephesians 6.
Please make some time to watch this moving documentary. It will help you put faces and names to those dear brothers and sisters of ours who are perishing for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. These are the people we need to be lifting up in prayer right now.
An Unconventional War - Part 1
An Unconventional War - Part 2
An Unconventional War - Part 3
An Unconventional War - Part 4
An Unconventional War - Part 5
An Unconventional War - Part 6
An Unconventional War - Part 7
An Unconventional War - Part 8
An Unconventional War - Part 9
An Unconventional War - Part 10
As previously mentioned, there was so much in that film that left me utterly speechless.
How can I sit here at my laptop, in my comfortable home, in a place where I don't have to be worried about my children being kidnapped in the middle of the night by Satanic gangs, or worried that my family and I will all be killed because we believe in Jesus Christ (or have a Bible in our home), and not be moved by any of that?
I would be a fraud and a hypocrite if my heart wasn't moved by that story out of Uganda. The surprising response is that the righteous anger I experienced at times while watching that documentary also made my heart break for the eternal punishment that awaits the LRA thugs responsible for all the murder and mayhem if they fail to genuinely repent.
I think it was somewhere around Part 4 or 5 where we begin to hear the miraculous accounts of God's supernatural deliverance and protection in response to repentance, a fervent prayer, and a right heart attitude about things. That's what I wanted to emphasize in this post.
I think I wrote in an earlier piece recently that it's far too easy for me to sit here in my living room and say it's 'right' for persecuted Christians to do this, and 'wrong' for persecuted Christians to do that, but how can I cast judgment without having been through a similar situation myself?
Yes, we know what God's Word instructs us to do in those moments. We have several examples preserved for us in the holy Scriptures of how God's elect responded in times past. I think it's pretty clear whether we like to admit it or not. Plus, we know that such trials really test the genuineness and strength of one's faith. It all boils down to faith and perseverance. See Romans 5:3-4; James 1:4; 2 Peter 1:5-8; 1 Timothy 6:11; Revelation 2:19.
Such trials and stories of survival in the midst of violent religious persecution reminded me of something else I once read.
Amen! Again, that's the spirit I've been trying to approach this topic with all week long. Jesus didn't come so that we could simply survive. No, He came so that we could not only overcome, but also have hope in a life beyond death; a life free from pain, suffering, and tears.
This is why it is absolutely imperative that we try to maintain an eternal perspective as opposed to an earthly one at all times especially as things worsen in the world (Matthew 5:12).
At the same time, it's also critical that we understand that we should desire Jesus Christ just because of who He is. That is to say that we shouldn't merely desire Him because He'll do this or do that for us (i.e. give us hope in the midst of a life of darkness and persecution; free us from our addiction; fix our marriage; give us a purpose in life; etc.). In other words, Jesus Christ is -- and should be -- more than enough for us.
In closing, the description attached to this video series posted by an individual on YouTube nails it I think...
Praise the Lord indeed!
This documentary is a powerful witness (a stunning reminder) to the power of God in the face of pure Satanic evil and tyranny. May we never forget who our God is and who we are in His Son Jesus Christ.
Pray for the persecuted church around the world.
Keep looking up!
Share|
In fact, 'Apostle/Bishop' Julius Peter Oyet is part of the current Pentecostal Movement. He seems to be a mystical prosperity preacher who preaches the 'Curse-Deliverance Gospel' in Uganda and in other places around the world. Christians line up by the hundreds to receive deliverance from curses that are said to haunt their lives. The Christians receiving deliverance from the curses have to pay money as a 'point of contact' for the deliverance.
He also makes some incredible claims like having been to Heaven and back...
"On July 4,1995 Julius had a Heavenly encounter during an operation in Mulago Hospital in Uganda! The Lord took his spirit to Heaven for three earthly hours! This encounter has changed Julius’ life and Ministry forever. He has written a life transforming book entitled 'I Visited Heaven.' After 'I Visited Heaven', Julius has authored several best selling publications including 'Hope For The Barren'; 'Recognizing The Voice Of God'; 'Sacrificing Your Life For The Pleasure Of The Present'; 'Breaking Family Curses'; 'War On Curses'; 'Get Connected'; 'Rise And Be Healed'; and many others..."
This 'New Apostolic Reformation' label is the red flag in all of this I think. That's a topic for another day though. Just do a quick Google search on it and you'll see what I mean.
But just in case you're not sure why I'm opening this piece by first making sure that we check out 'discernment meter' in order to ensure that it's working properly, please check out these news clips from last year about a new law that Oyet was promoting quite aggressively.
As a Christian, see if you can identify why for someone like him to be promoting this (and saying the types of things he's said) is just as dangerous (if not more so) than the LRA (as awful as they are).
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Julius Oyet Rallies Support For The Anti-Homosexuality Bill
This was the first of two times I found myself speechless while putting this study together this week.
Obviously, I'm against homosexuality and 'gay marriage' too, but to make it punishable by death? Friends, those unrepentant sinners are already experiencing a death far worse than physical death, and unless we preach to them the life-saving and life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ, then we're just as guilty. How can we send them to their an eternal death without at least trying to fulfill the commission we've been given to preach the Gospel?
For now, I hope that will suffice and demonstrate that when I called attention to this man in a previous post it was more in a general 'We-Need-To-Learn-How-To-Wage-Spiritual-Warfare-Like-The-Christians-In-Uganda' sense and not meant to prop up this Pastor Oyet, let alone make it seem like we all need to direct all our prayers to him and him only.
Ok, so let me help you recall the paragraph from the previous post that really grabbed me...
On Saturday, March 1, 2003, Julius led an "Operation Gideon" team of twenty-two persons to the first of several sites to conduct on-site prayer vigils with Pastors and leaders and the army to tear down sacred altars they believed had spiritual powers for the rebel army. These actions required the protection of the nation's army to go into these dangerous areas. His story is documented in a video entitled, The Unconventional War.
That paragraph piqued my interest. I wanted to see if I could track down some information related to that video, and then I came across this moving description of the film...
In northern Uganda’s Acholi homeland, thick grasslands conceal dangers of almost unimaginable proportion. Here, it is neither the sun nor the rains that rule the rhythm of life..it is terror.
For nearly two decades, a bizarre predatory cult known as the Lord's Resistance Army has abducted over 25,000 children and turned them into sex slaves and killing machines. The resulting carnage has displaced 80 percent of the region's population.
Now, four innocent schoolgirls have been abducted by killers and are dragged into hell. Their Christian parents are left to ponder the girl’s fate. It seems that only one unseen defense is left for the families to deploy.
In An Unconventional War, new weapons have been deployed -- fervent prayer and unique church-state collaboration are finally taming one of history's most brutal insurgencies.
This is a modern day saga of forgiveness, courage, and deliverance.
Parent Advisory: Graphic images. Not suitable for small children.
It's easy to tell that such a film is not for the faint of heart.
Then again, this is precisely what new 'baby Christians' (as well as the mature ones who seem to want to always ignore the condition of the Body of Christ around the globe) need to hear and see.
Let's not forget what it means to be one of God's "elect" (Colossians 3:12), or "a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10) as we go through this life...
John 15:20 (KJV) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Matthew 5:10 (KJV) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 10:22 (KJV) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Philippians 1:29 (KJV) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
That's the true Gospel message that is rarely preached these days.
Despite calling our attention to those passages, I still feel like this admonition to remember who we are, and to remember why we need to pray for our own, is somehow grossly inadequate.
How could I write a piece exhorting each and every single one of us to a deeper commitment to praying for the persecuted church in places like Egypt and Uganda without taking more time to understand their daily struggle for survival?
For starters, I should probably begin by reminding myself (and all of you) that we should know that this is a war unlike any other, which is why it's correctly labeled 'an unconventional war'...
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) 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.
I thought of that verse quite a bit while watching the 90-minute documentary called An Unconventional War. The unspeakable horrors faced by Christians in Uganda at the hands of the LRA proves the validity of God's Word here in Ephesians 6.
Please make some time to watch this moving documentary. It will help you put faces and names to those dear brothers and sisters of ours who are perishing for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. These are the people we need to be lifting up in prayer right now.
An Unconventional War - Part 1
An Unconventional War - Part 2
An Unconventional War - Part 3
An Unconventional War - Part 4
An Unconventional War - Part 5
An Unconventional War - Part 6
An Unconventional War - Part 7
An Unconventional War - Part 8
An Unconventional War - Part 9
An Unconventional War - Part 10
As previously mentioned, there was so much in that film that left me utterly speechless.
How can I sit here at my laptop, in my comfortable home, in a place where I don't have to be worried about my children being kidnapped in the middle of the night by Satanic gangs, or worried that my family and I will all be killed because we believe in Jesus Christ (or have a Bible in our home), and not be moved by any of that?
I would be a fraud and a hypocrite if my heart wasn't moved by that story out of Uganda. The surprising response is that the righteous anger I experienced at times while watching that documentary also made my heart break for the eternal punishment that awaits the LRA thugs responsible for all the murder and mayhem if they fail to genuinely repent.
I think it was somewhere around Part 4 or 5 where we begin to hear the miraculous accounts of God's supernatural deliverance and protection in response to repentance, a fervent prayer, and a right heart attitude about things. That's what I wanted to emphasize in this post.
I think I wrote in an earlier piece recently that it's far too easy for me to sit here in my living room and say it's 'right' for persecuted Christians to do this, and 'wrong' for persecuted Christians to do that, but how can I cast judgment without having been through a similar situation myself?
Yes, we know what God's Word instructs us to do in those moments. We have several examples preserved for us in the holy Scriptures of how God's elect responded in times past. I think it's pretty clear whether we like to admit it or not. Plus, we know that such trials really test the genuineness and strength of one's faith. It all boils down to faith and perseverance. See Romans 5:3-4; James 1:4; 2 Peter 1:5-8; 1 Timothy 6:11; Revelation 2:19.
Such trials and stories of survival in the midst of violent religious persecution reminded me of something else I once read.
"Jesus came to give us life, not survival."
Amen! Again, that's the spirit I've been trying to approach this topic with all week long. Jesus didn't come so that we could simply survive. No, He came so that we could not only overcome, but also have hope in a life beyond death; a life free from pain, suffering, and tears.
This is why it is absolutely imperative that we try to maintain an eternal perspective as opposed to an earthly one at all times especially as things worsen in the world (Matthew 5:12).
At the same time, it's also critical that we understand that we should desire Jesus Christ just because of who He is. That is to say that we shouldn't merely desire Him because He'll do this or do that for us (i.e. give us hope in the midst of a life of darkness and persecution; free us from our addiction; fix our marriage; give us a purpose in life; etc.). In other words, Jesus Christ is -- and should be -- more than enough for us.
In closing, the description attached to this video series posted by an individual on YouTube nails it I think...
If you don't believe in evil, Satan, demons...you need to watch this. If you are a believer it will hopefully awaken your prayer life. Our God reigns...the Devil is a defeated foe. Praise The Lord!
Praise the Lord indeed!
This documentary is a powerful witness (a stunning reminder) to the power of God in the face of pure Satanic evil and tyranny. May we never forget who our God is and who we are in His Son Jesus Christ.
Pray for the persecuted church around the world.
Keep looking up!
Share|
3 Comments:
Without taking away from the man's good works, it sounds like he's another Benny Hinn, "Give me money, give me green, heaven you will meet. Make a contribution and you'll get the better seat! Bow to leper messiah!"
That was a quote from a Metallica song called "Leper Messiah." Even though I don't like James Hetfield's religious beliefs, the song does speak volumes about the preachers in the churches. I believe that we are living in the days when if you go to a church, an organized one, then you don't get saved, but you get made "two-fold more the child of hell" than the people that are supposed to be leading us to Christ Jesus.
- i dont want to sidetrack your post, but this is so valuable -
someones vision -
"Instantly the next frame of the vision appeared, it was simply a door frame in the heavens, no door just a frame
and Jesus was stood at the far side of the frame and this side of the frame stood His bride.
Jesus held out his hand and the bride held out her hand and they held hands through this doorway.
I could see this clearly as the door frame was such a simple thing it did not obstruct the view.
The vision was so so beautiful, yes Jesus looked awesome, but His eyes were totally on His Bride, He obviously adored
her. The love and adoration I felt He was displaying was incredible over powering actually.
He was so gentle with His bride as He held her hand and waited for her to step through the doorway.
The bride was beautiful, she looked stunning, elegant, dignified, but what I felt was her humility, her innocence, her purity of heart.
Her love for her Groom was evident, but her inner beauty was what I felt was so appealing to Jesus.
I felt she was over awed about stepping over the threshhold, she was tentative, nervous but excited.
The Groom was encouraging her so sweetly.
Our BrideGroom is such a gentleman, oh I love Him so much, never mind these fiction films or books about the prince or
knight in shining armour sweeping the maiden off her feet, they have nothing on Jesus, He is every hero we
could ever imagine plus plus plus plus plus plus!"
.... this is the Promise of the treshold of the 144 being reached;
you ll read the first part of her vision was about the Ram, standing over 2 boys (believers/ virgins), and the theme there is also 'treshold'
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/oct2011/pennyw1024.htm
take care with that site: most is thoughts of the Ram, not His'
.. i confirm the truth of this womans vision; i m so, so relieved
please dont give up,
Lone
- i dont want to sidetrack your post, but this is so valuable -
someones vision -
"Instantly the next frame of the vision appeared, it was simply a door frame in the heavens, no door just a frame
and Jesus was stood at the far side of the frame and this side of the frame stood His bride.
Jesus held out his hand and the bride held out her hand and they held hands through this doorway.
I could see this clearly as the door frame was such a simple thing it did not obstruct the view.
The vision was so so beautiful, yes Jesus looked awesome, but His eyes were totally on His Bride, He obviously adored
her. The love and adoration I felt He was displaying was incredible over powering actually.
He was so gentle with His bride as He held her hand and waited for her to step through the doorway.
The bride was beautiful, she looked stunning, elegant, dignified, but what I felt was her humility, her innocence, her purity of heart.
Her love for her Groom was evident, but her inner beauty was what I felt was so appealing to Jesus.
I felt she was over awed about stepping over the threshhold, she was tentative, nervous but excited.
The Groom was encouraging her so sweetly.
Our BrideGroom is such a gentleman, oh I love Him so much, never mind these fiction films or books about the prince or
knight in shining armour sweeping the maiden off her feet, they have nothing on Jesus, He is every hero we
could ever imagine plus plus plus plus plus plus!"
.... this is the Promise of the treshold of the 144 being reached;
you ll read the first part of her vision was about the Ram, standing over 2 boys (believers/ virgins), and the theme there is also 'treshold'
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/oct2011/pennyw1024.htm
take care with that site: most is thoughts of the Ram, not His'
.. i confirm the truth of this womans vision; i m so, so relieved
please dont give up,
Lone
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