Church Folk Can Be Dangerous People Revised Edition

By Sidney Crudup II and Shondy Hamilton

After suffering abuse from the world, many people come to the church seeking love, healing and support, only to meet demons dressed up as believers. Church Folk Can Be Dangerous People, the Revised Edition is a powerful manual and discipleship tool that prepares every reader for face-to-face combat with church spectators who profess to be converted saints. It exposes the hidden motives of those who pretend to be compassionate and kindhearted. The importance of building a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and discerning false outward appearances are the themes that underscore the message of this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9780985900717

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Teachers

INTRODUCTION

People are fixed on getting ahead in life, and the players who survive in this game don’t always play fair. Both the job and difficult co-workers offend, arouse and even overwhelm us. In trying to advance, we experience un-welcomed pain and unparalleled stress as we interact with challenging people. Unfortunately, at times the stress prolongs and intensifies, even at home.

They misunderstand who we are and what we stand for. They also do not perceive nor do they appreciate the ambitions, the wishes and the goals we have. Therefore, they stand as obstacles. Meanwhile, we frustrate ourselves trying to prove our worth to others—be it enemies or loved ones.

Why are we frustrated? Simple answer. We want others to understand us and to love us. And many do respond. However, in their drive to show understanding and affection, some go too far. Yes, we want love and understanding, but we also want privacy. In other words, my business is my business. Warfare increases when others become busybodies, meddling into our affairs. So, one must be insightful enough to sense the sincerity of others. Are they being helpful or nosy?

Now, we expect this behavior from unbelievers, but we would never expect it from parishioners. The constant hammering of Satan and the world provokes many to come to the church for comfort, healing and love. But demons dressed up as believers crush the encounter.

My friends, before we journey through this book, allow me to forewarn you about churchgoers. If you remember nothing else, remember this. Some church people can be dangerous people. Not everyone who professes Christ possesses His character. You will learn that churchgoers are as coldblooded as unbelievers.

We will search the Scriptures to provide you with helpful hints on how to preserve your walk with the Lord as you come face-to-face with church spectators claiming to be converted saints. Believe me, the last thing you need in your life is meddling church people who take pleasure in minding your business instead of taking care of their own business.

God grant us the wisdom we need to handle aggressive church members.

CHAPTER 1

THE CUNNING APPROACH

Association in the church is important. We develop camaraderie and fellowship through these social alliances. For it says in Psalm 133:1, Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Sunday after Sunday, worshippers pack churches to capacity and it seems the institution is growing. However, unity is a far cry from a dark and painful reality—most of us are not unified. In fact, calculating and crafty predators canvas the flock searching for easy prey. The cunning approach of those who swear to urge and uplift should warn everyone to keep their radar on high alert.

Church should be a place of exhortation. The word exhorting means to produce healing, comfort, support and encouragement. Often, this is so far from reality, it is nerve-racking. Initially, some church folk seem encouraging, but eventually, they contradict themselves. Many aim to see where you fit in. They are not concerned about how you live but where you live and what type of car you drive to get there. Schisms continue to segregate people, so it is difficult to find a support system. Beware. If a sister seems friendly, she may be recruiting.

The charade of compassion is to learn information. Who has the 411? Dangerous church members pursue this. It is then difficult for the victim to concentrate on God. Why? Demonic distractions. People who are not serious about God influence others not to receive from God either. Let me stress this. Not everyone in the body is guilty of covert drama, but the numbers are indeed staggering. People have a bizarre fascination with the lives of others, yet their spiritual lives are starving.

I remember once attending a church where I was a hot topic. I was a backslider who had just returned home and all I was seeking was God’s favor. In my mind, relationships were secondary. I wanted to express my appreciation to God for His forgiveness. I was the prodigal son looking for another chance with God. Because I was single, I was the focus of probing questions. Do you have a girlfriend? Where are you from? How old are you? My dedication to the Lord was noticeable and I assumed appreciated.

But when the Lord blessed me with a fiancée, I became the church adversary. Instead of all the flowery words and innocent questions, the custodial interrogation began. Now the questions were, Are you sure he is the right one? Does he have any kids? How well do you know him? My personal affairs were now under blistering assault. In fact, one person had nerve enough to visit my ship (U.S.S. Hue City) to investigate me.

So, the interest of friendly women was phony. They were digging for information to benefit themselves. Talk about feeling violated. They seemed humble and sincere, but they were arrogant and fake. Instead of receiving praise for doing the right thing in the eyes of God—getting married—I received contempt because it did not suit their expectations.

Brothers in the church are similar. Many parade themselves around with claims of deep wisdom about God and especially when an attractive, unfamiliar woman enters the sanctuary. No spirituality, only suspense of a boyfriend or husband. They expound on Scriptures to impress her, claiming they have direct revelation from God. They hope she will open up and share. After all, she’s captivated, right?

My friend, the house of God is where praise and worship of the Father is the priority and any information we seek should come from Him. The Lord is the dominant focus of worship. Unfortunately, however, we live in a world where personal information on others is power and we feel the more information we have the more dominance we have.

It is sad to think having information about others is an advantage. For some, it makes them feel better about themselves. As the Word of God goes forth, inquiring minds create an approach that disguises their motives, and this craftiness requires a lot of preparation. What is the danger in this? The person takes on the character of the Devil. The adversary sets booby traps for those who want to serve God. This cat and mouse game traps the churchgoers and they miss God’s revelation.

Verses four and nineteen of Matthew 13 describe them. The seeds from the sower—the Word of God from the preacher—fall by the wayside and the birds devour them. Not paying attention to God gives place to the Devil. He (Devil) then snatches the revelation.

A cluttered mind has no room for Scripture to operate. Pretending to have genuine concern for someone, while fostering selfish intent, speaks volumes about one’s relationship with God. I have learned that people usually open up and share their lives with genuine disciples.

Ever wonder why a person would open up and share sensitive information with you? You ask yourself, Why is this person telling me all of this? People feel at ease when God’s attributes (i.e. love, mercy, compassion, etc.) are present. They feel they can share because they sense you will never broadcast their business. On the other hand, church folk who dig for information always plot and scheme to get it. Their mind is a playground for satanic influence.

What is the irony? Those who look for the grime in others never recognize their own filth. The sick idea that someone else is worse off gives them reason not to change the drama in their own experience. The insanity of the churchgoer’s mind says, At least I am not as bad as that. People do think this way and they aim to uncover weaknesses in others. Why? It gives them reason to parade. However, their spiritual lives are dead.

PRETENDERS

God does not endorse dishonesty. The difference between those inside and outside of the church truly baffles me. I have found more sincerity in heathens than in so-called saints.

If pretenders uncover information, what is the next step? What do