Recently, a politician stood before the media cameras and boldly proclaimed that “the enemy is inside.” What that person was implying was that anyone who questioned the progressive reality of the changing political landscape was the true enemy of the Country. To the credulity of the news “junkies”, this was received as factual truth. In fact, it was a call to “arms” to deal with this tide of adversity. Let me use this as an analogy for what an assault on the Church from within is and has been.
In the Church today there is a two-party system. There are the “right-wing” constituents that are made up of people who uphold the Bible as their Constitution. The sixty-six “articles” (books) establish the biblical foundation of the Kingdom of God. Members of the “left” party are those who challenge the wording of the Bible. They believe that God’s actions are defined by the times. The Bible must be interpreted in the most relevant and up-to-date way. God said so, but what did he really mean? As the two-party Church strives to activate the Word, there is also a movement within the Church that is determined to render its efforts ineffective. More and more “carnal immigrants” are infiltrating the Church with the intention of destroying it from within. Jesus warned about those who would come “in sheep’s clothing, but inside they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) There are people today who are prophesying, casting out demons and doing many wonders in the name of Jesus, but they are not “true” believers. Jesus rejected and will reject those who have used his name falsely. (Matthew 7:22, 23) The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons in the name of Jesus, but the evil spirit within the demoniac called them and said: “I know Jesus, and Paul I know; but who? Is that you? ”He then proceeded to beat the seven brothers so much that they left the house“ naked and wounded ”. (Acts 19: 14-16)
The question immediately arises how someone who is not a “true” Believer can actually perform signs and wonders and even prophesy in the name of Jesus. What it shows us is the power in the name of Jesus. Jesus will allow the use of His name, but will hold the person using that name accountable to further their own agenda. As you search the Scriptures, you will find throughout the Bible many times when God used his enemies to accomplish his purpose.
Failure to recognize the enemy among us will hinder the fulfillment of the Church’s call. It is amazing how many “enemies” of the Cross there are in leadership capacities within the Church. We are so concerned about people entering our buildings that we have adopted an open door policy. Satan, recognizing the vulnerability of the “open door” church, has sent his people to bring division within its doors. Look at how many churches have been divided, divided, and closed over the years. How can that happen to the Church of the Living God?
Right wing, left wing, enemy within. It is time to stop playing “church” and start being the Church that God has called us to be. It’s time to make hard and fast changes. If we don’t, we might see the answer to Jesus’ question, “… when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18: 8)
