By Aaron Ukodie
When the Gospel Becomes a Business
The predominant teachings in many gatherings today revolve around wealth, material possessions, financial breakthroughs, miracles, and earthly comfort. Yet this was not the central emphasis of the Apostles and the early Church.
Rather than teaching repentance, holiness, endurance, sound doctrine, and the kingdom of God, some have turned the pulpit into a business school, speculating on methods of financial success and material gain.
Paul warned long ago:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itchy ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their passions.” — 2 Timothy 4:3
That time is clearly upon us.
Many now elevate the words of their pastors and denominations above the plain teachings of Scripture. Claims of exclusive revelations and secret spiritual knowledge are often accepted without biblical examination.
Yet Scripture warns us:
“No prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation.” — 2 Peter 1:20
The believer must return to diligent study of the Word of God. Many practices accepted today as “Christian” may simply be traditions that crept into church systems over time.
Jesus said:
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32
Paul also warned against those who commercialise the gospel:
“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God…” — 2 Corinthians 2:17
False teachers often appear polished, intelligent, eloquent, and spiritually impressive. But Scripture says many are:
“false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13
One major sign Paul gave is this:
“whose God is their belly… who mind earthly things.” — Philippians 3:19
Many preach godliness as a means of material gain. Yet Paul clearly taught:
“godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6
The gospel of Christ is not a scheme for earthly prosperity. The focus of the Apostles was Christ, holiness, salvation, endurance, truth, and the coming Kingdom of God.
Believers must therefore test every teaching by Scripture and not by popularity, miracles, wealth, crowd size, or charisma.
Testing Spirits and Discerning False Ministers
Not Every Spirit Is of God
Scripture repeatedly warns believers to exercise discernment because false prophets and false teachers would arise among God’s people.
John writes:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” — 1 John 4:1
Not every preacher who speaks powerfully, performs miracles, or gathers large crowds is necessarily sent by God.
The Apostles warned that some would secretly introduce destructive teachings while presenting themselves as servants of righteousness.
“For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” — 2 Corinthians 11:14
One way to discern falsehood is to observe where the glory goes.
Do ministers draw attention to Jesus Christ, or do they continually draw attention to themselves?
Today many ministers place their images on billboards, posters, programme leaflets, and promotional materials announcing their miraculous deeds. Followers exalt personalities almost beyond measure.
Yet the Apostles constantly redirected honour away from themselves and toward God.
After the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, Peter said:
“Why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” — Acts 3:12
True servants of God glorify Christ, not themselves.
Believers must also beware of manipulative practices carried out in the name of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit cannot be controlled, scheduled, or manipulated by men.
Scripture says concerning spiritual gifts:
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one individually as He wills.” — 1 Corinthians 12:11
The Holy Spirit manifests as He determines — not according to human programming or publicity campaigns.
Jesus Himself warned:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name… and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’” — Matthew 7:22–23
Miracles alone are not proof of divine approval.
Believers must therefore return to Scripture, prayer, discernment, humility, and a sincere pursuit of truth.
The Holy Spirit Glorifies Jesus, Not Men
The True Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ — not to exalt human vessels.
Jesus said concerning the Holy Spirit:
“He will glorify Me.” — John 16:14
Today, however, much of what is presented as spiritual power often centres around personalities, titles, celebrity ministers, and sensational displays.
The Apostles did not organise miracle spectacles to glorify themselves. Miracles occurred naturally as they preached the gospel of the Kingdom.
Peter did not announce healing crusades where specific miracles were pre-advertised. Yet as he passed by, the sick were healed.
Paul did not establish handkerchief distribution programmes. Yet God worked unusual miracles through him according to His own will.
The Holy Spirit is sovereign.
“The wind blows where it wishes…” — John 3:8
His manifestations cannot be mechanically predicted or controlled by men.
True manifestations of the Spirit often occur in simplicity, humility, sincerity, and genuine ministry.
There are times when the Holy Spirit gives accurate insight, warnings, knowledge, or direction. Scripture itself shows this through Ananias, Paul, Agabus, and others.
The Holy Spirit still speaks today.
But genuine manifestations always glorify Christ and produce reverence, humility, repentance, truth, and spiritual edification — not personality worship.
Many years ago during rural evangelism in Nigeria, while praying in a brother’s home before travelling onward, the Holy Spirit revealed through an ordinary believer that the house owner was planning to divorce his wife. The revelation was accurate, though none of us knew anything about the situation.
That warning eventually saved the marriage.
The brother through whom the message came did not establish a ministry around the experience. He remained an ordinary follower of Christ.
That is one mark of genuine spiritual operation: humility.
The Holy Spirit works through yielded believers according to His will and for the advancement of the gospel.
Believers must therefore seek truth, discernment, humility, and a deeper knowledge of Christ rather than chasing personalities, spectacles, and emotional excitement.
For Jesus warned:
“What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” — Luke 16:15
The narrow way remains the way of truth, holiness, endurance, and faithfulness to Christ.
From the Flagship platform
