The Antichrist In Church

THE ANTICHRIST

IN

CHURCH

THE ANTICHRIST

IN

CHURCH

Kagiso Ramogale

Copyright © 2017 Kagiso Ramogale

Published by Kagiso Ramogale Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2017

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by the Author using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Lorna King for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.co.za

E-mail: [email protected]

To my mother, Hilda Nhlapo, who went to be with the Lord as I was finishing my manuscript, and was thus unable to see this, my first-born baby.

To my father, Frank Ramogale, who cried like a baby after learning of my mom’s passing.

To Jane Nkosi, umam’khulu, who has always been my mother, but assumed that role even more now that my mother is no more.

To Jerry Theledi, a good friend of mine, a mentor, a spiritual adviser, and one who always bemoaned me for taking too long to finish writing this book.

To my siblings – Cyprian Ramogale, Constance Ramogale and Thulane Ramogale – who believe in me and whom I love with all of my heart and know that with them by my side I am always stronger, better and well supported.

To Foley Maluleke, a late good friend of ours, who once told me I should consider writing a book because I always came up with creative hypothetical situations when we debated issues (he was in cahoots with our good friend Bongani Ncobela when he said this). To Foley’s surviving courageous young wife Phindile, his handsome son Amukelani, and his lovely daughter, Akani.

To Daniel Mpe, a good friend who is a qualified pharmacist by profession and relationally, he always keeps myself and Jerry in check in a kind of a no-nonsense attitude. Dan finished writing his third book before I even finished my first, although I’m the one with a Creative Writing degree.

To Dennis Nkosi, my older brother, and senior pastor at Crossroads Community of Christ church, and director at Danisile Nkosi N Associates (Pty) Ltd, who, after I conceded to him that I did not know how I could make a living considering that decent jobs are hard to come by, told me he had confidence in me to publish no less than two books a year.

To Golekane Ramogale, my sister’s son, who was born a couple of months before my mom passed, and whom my mom kept on asking about while she was in hospital.

To the Nkosi family – Dennis, Violet, Nonhlanhla, Nkululeko, Neo, and Mpume – who opened their home to me to the extent that Durban become my cherished second home.

To the members and leadership of Crossroads Community of Christ believers, who showed me love and kept me grounded in the Word through sound doctrine and words of encouragement.

To my nieces and nephew – Koketso Ramogale, Matshidiso Ramogale, Sihle Mahlangu, Golekane Ramogale, and one on his way carried by Mpho Masala – who gave me the first experience of being a father.

To my surviving uncle and aunts – Rosina Ramogale, Charles Ramogale, and Nancy Ramogale – who always fight my battles and are interested in my well-being.

To Georgina Nkosi, my older sister, whose love and rebuke always keeps us on the straight and narrow.

To members of Durban Workshop Chess Club (DWCC) – who are my friends, advisers and all in one.

And to the rest of my family – both paternal, the Ramogales and maternal, the Nkosis – and every person reading this book as well as my supporters – I love you and I appreciate you taking your time to read this book and also investing your hard earned money to buy this book. It means a lot and I lack words to express that feeling. I promise this is the start of our very interesting Christian literary journey together.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. The Church is Like …

2. Ideal Church Leaders Are These …

3. Undue Influential People in

the Church Are These …

4. I Will Go to This Church …

5. The Church Has Become

A Circus and A Spectacle

6. Anointed Church Leaders Are These …

7. Was Kedibone Really Kicked

Out of the Church?

8. Churches Mushrooming Everywhere

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what people’s perspective is of the church – the modern church that is? Do people see a church as a good or not so good institution? Is there a difference between the modern church and that of biblical times? And if so, what is the difference? What do you yourself think of the church? Have you ever taken the time to take stock of what the modern church has become? If not, why don’t you do so now?

This book explores several interesting themes that characterise the modern church. These themes include, the church metaphor that gives a vivid description of what the modern church is; ideal church leaders we need to spread the Gospel to the children of God; people influencing the church with potential adverse consequences; what makes a good church that every Christian would like to be part of; how has the church almost become a spectacle and a joke; and lastly, how churches mushroom everywhere in a ridiculous and suspicious manner.

These themes will be dissected and explored in interesting dialogues by inquisitive characters ranging from professors and pastors to ex-church members as well as current church members. Controversial church occurrences such as drinking petrol and eating grass, fake healings and false teachings, the church’s money-spinning nature, and the selling of holy water and anointed oil will all be raised and discussed.

If you have the church of Christ’s best interests at heart, then this book is for you, and will help you look at the church from different perspectives. It will also help you reassess your attitude to the church.

May the grace of God, the wisdom of His Spirit and the understanding of Jesus Christ be with you as you turn the pages of this book.

Enjoy

Chapter 1

The Church Is Like …

Morning students, Professor Moloi greeted the packed lecture hall.

The professor, a former church deacon, walked into the lecture room laden with academic books. He was all smiles. The students looked at the time and noticed he was 10 minutes earlier than usual, but as they were just sitting around waiting for his lecture to start, they didn’t mind.

The pile of books reminded the students the school holidays were over and it was now time to get down to some hard work. The students wondered if the professor’s smile was because he had missed their classes and was glad to be back. Or perhaps he had enjoyed his holidays with his family at home.

The students were curious as to what the first lecture for the third quarter was going to be about. Professor Moloi’s lectures were thought-provoking, informative, eye-opening and inspiring – and perhaps this is why the class was already seated before the professor had arrived.

What the students also liked about Professor Moloi was that he was always aware of current affairs, and had an opinion on issues like the state capture scandal, Trump’s presidency, terrorism, HIV vaccine and many other topical matters. He also had a particular way of communicating with the students, a way of engaging his class and making even the shyest of students wanting to partake in discussions.

It is not without the heaviness of heart and the brokenness of spirit that I announce to you what many of you already know, Professor Moloi continued.

The students looked confused, and even those who were fiddling with their pens put them down and gave their professor their undivided attention. They wondered what the professor was talking about, and some students were sure he was going to announce someone’s death.

I, your professor, no longer attend church.

This came as a shock to the students. In the past he had encouraged his students to take the church seriously, and was even known to be a pillar in his church.

This is unfortunate because church has always been my life. My hope. My spiritual direction to the will of God for my precious life. Those of you who know me can testify that what I am saying is accurate. I also no longer believe it is worth anyone’s time to go to church these days.

The smile Professor Moloi had had on his face when he entered the lecture hall was now replaced with sadness.

"I think class, this is the first mistake I have committed. I have replaced the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit with the church set-up. When I was at church I felt more complete than when reading the Bible on my own or having devotions in my quiet time. There has always been something about the church environment that stirred my spirit, so much so that if I missed even one church service I felt disconnected and would struggle to get through the following week.

My church preached messages of encouragement, prosperity and hope. If you attended one service, you would be made to feel that you are rich – stronger than the bodily sickness that has befallen you. The sermons I got at church, I could not get from anywhere else.

Professor Moloi wiped his face with a blue and white handkerchief taken from the inside pocket of his blazer.

"Anyway, what I am trying to say students is that church principles and teachings have shaped me to be a good and pleasant man that I am today. I relate well with people – including you my students – at least I hope so. I respect young and old alike, and offer hope where it is lost. I practise generosity. I do not honestly see where and how I have learnt these qualities without crediting my church.

"With that being said, I quit church almost a year ago, and today I am now more than ever convinced it was one of the best decisions I could have made in my life. This is because the modern church can be many things – and none of them appeal to me. I am sure there is nothing appealing about the church to many people out there as well.

The question that obviously comes to mind is, what are those non appealing things about the church that I am referring to? Well, that will be the focus of our lecture and discussion today.

The students were visibly moved. If an introduction to a topic could be this spellbinding, then just imagine what the remainder of the lecture would be like! Everyone was speechless. The students clearly were not expecting to hear what they had just heard, but one thing was clear – when the professor spoke, he was speaking from his heart rather than from a wad of lecture notes. Unmistakeably, this subject was very personal to him, and unlike other topics where he would just express his informed opinion, today’s topic brought a tear or two to his eyes.

"So class, today we are going to discuss the topic, ‘What is the modern church like’?

"I know the topic might seem a bit vague to some of you. However, you will understand what I mean as we get into it.

"The Scriptures teach about the importance of music, that we should sing hymns, praises and psalms joyfully to the Lord from our hearts and at all times. For instance in Psalms, King David says, Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."

What book and chapter is that, prof? one student asks.

Oh excuse me. That is Psalm 95:1.

The students scrolled through their phones to find the book.

"And truthfully, we really don’t need a reason to sing joyfully to the Lord for He is complete and He is marvellous. However, King David gives us reason, saying because God has given us salvation, let us then praise Him.

Also, in Ephesians, the apostle Paul teaches …

After giving the students the chapter and verse, they read along together. … Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:19-20.

These passages teach the children of God to make music from their hearts. This is to show gratitude for the faithfulness of the Lord for his generosity since eternity. The Scriptures also emphasise the need for the children of God to encourage each other with spiritual music.

The students nodded.

Apart from spiritual music, there is also a lot of secular music being made by those who live in this world. Here a reference is made to genres such as kwaito, hip-hop, house and jazz among others – music that is enjoyed at various celebratory events such as the Vodacom Durban July, Youth Day, National Braai Day, book festivals, food festivals, Mandela Day, political rallies and so on. I am sure you guys can relate to this, can’t you?

The students once again nodded, wondering where Professor Moloi was going with this.

I believe music plays a huge role in our lives as a people, regardless of our beliefs, culture, creed or race. We make music when we are happy. We also compose music when we are sad. We sing to our political heroes. We create music to denounce our oppressors.

The students nodded in agreement. Some thought what the professor was saying was profound, while others found it interesting, but one thing was for sure – the students were gripped by the lecture so far.

You see guys, it is this universal nature of music that got me thinking.

Professor Moloi moved closer to the students seated in the front row. I want you to take a moment to think about this event and imagine yourself being part of it: The people’s favourite band is playing beautiful music at a venue filled to capacity with fans from all over the world. Everyone is happy to be part of the show. The rendition is majestic, the dance moves are magical, and the melody angelic. The foreign accents and languages spoken by the crowd around you, reminds you that some music fans have travelled far to be part of this musical extravaganza – which can only mean one thing. Music lovers have spent thousands of rands to be here experiencing this event. It also strikes you that some of these people have perhaps been saving for this trip for several months.

The students were impressed with the way the professor told his story, and his movements and passion captivated them.

"Also imagine, immediately after the stunning and riveting performance, the band’s luxury bus takes them to their hotel. But, on the way, the bus unfortunately is involved in a terrible accident. As paramedics and the police attend to the accident scene, they hastily cordon the area and declare it a crime scene. None of the eight band members survived the fatal crash.

"It soon emerges that the cause of the accident and deaths is due to a drunken bus driver driving too fast, and in a hurry to get the band members to the hotel.

Now, here is a question for you guys. How would you react to this news?

One student responded that since the musical extravaganza celebration has now being overshadowed by scenes of sadness, mourning and pain, it will clearly be unforgettable for the wrong reasons.

Another responded angrily that the tour bus driver should be arrested and locked away for good. It is unacceptable to have an irresponsible driver transport VIPs, and he should be punished to discourage such behaviour by other VIP drivers.

Another student expressed a view that the passengers of the bus should not have allowed themselves to be driven by a drunken driver – especially as they knew he was drunk as he had been drinking with them – and irrespective of the fact that he was a reliable driver. That was irresponsible on their side, and they should take the blame for the accident. The student alleged that had the musicians been responsible and prohibited their driver from driving, the accident would not have happened.

Another student seated at the back of the lecture hall responded that it was not the job of the musicians to teach their driver how to drive. They hired him because he told them he was a professional driver. And since they were paying him to do his job, the onus was on him to respect his job.

A little after this exchange of views, the professor calmed the students.

You are all making good and interesting points. But what I’m noticing is that we are all in agreement that the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fear and loss would definitely dominate people’s experiences – especially the fans.

The students signalled agreement to this.

"I can imagine you giving each other hugs, comforting each other with teary eyes. I can imagine you struggling to find words of encouragement to say to one another.

Remembering that this scene of devastation can only be traced back to one irresponsible person, the intoxicated bus driver, consider this. If you were to get your hands on this man, what would you do to him?

Some students responded that they would beat him to death – an eye for an eye. Others said they would also beat him, but not to death because they wanted him to rot in jail, as jail was where he would be punished for his sin.

Other students maintained they would just let the law take its course and not take the law into their own hands. Yet other students argued he had made a mistake and needed to be forgiven. However, the students who said they would bay for his blood had a more resounding voice than those who thought otherwise.

Class, who is this malicious and reckless bus driver who has caused so much pain and heartache? Professor Moloi asked.

The students looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Professor Moloi smiled as he stared at their confused faces.

Well, class, the intoxicated tour bus driver is actually the pastor of the church.

The class went quiet.

"Yes guys, it is that pastor who has always told us at church that through grace and love, God has appointed him to be