No one should think that only in Jesus' day on earth were there religious people who fought Him. There are undoubtedly similar groups in our midst who, because they don't have the Holy Spirit, act like the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, zealots and others. I'm not going to name those who live by faith, but do nothing useful to free the demon-possessed and the suffering. Why are there people like this? Are they missing something?

           Behind these “defenses” of the Scriptures, individuals with terrible purposes, practitioners of adultery and other sins, hide. These people are reprobates, because they neither save themselves nor let others be saved. But they deserve our prayers and our love. The false spiritual considers himself better, but the servant of the Lord lives out of the joy of God's heart, which enables him to cast out demons, heal the sick and prosper the people!

            Modern-day Pharisees act like those of the past, speaking ill of everything. The mere fact that a person used by the Lord doesn't come to them for any reason is already a reason to turn against them. Often, they do this because the servant of God is doing a phenomenal job. Then, because he doesn't belong to their group, he is branded a false prophet. These irresponsible people close the door to the Kingdom of Heaven to the lost!

           Some have higher education and therefore think they are better than simple, good people who obey God. The purposes of today's religionists range from envy to hatred. They distort what we say and judge us by their failures. It's sad to see these madmen add to the Word what it doesn't say, or cut from it what the Lord has spoken. Such people stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Why make mistakes?

           The Pharisees of Jesus' day didn't go to Him, but sought out the Master's disciples to try to divert some from the Lord's call. At the end of the day, these people will be surprised to see the doers of God's work being rewarded, while they are not. Unfortunately, they prefer to show even God that they are right. The mistake of those who do not fear the Lord is precisely this: not fearing the One who can do everything!

           The Pharisees joined forces with the scribes, mere copyists of the Scriptures, to interfere in Christ's work. Today, many do exactly that. For them, the great prize is to get someone who is learning, or already doing the work as Jesus did, out of God's presence to join them. We should stay far away from the reward they seek. They will certainly take care of one or many of the little ones who believe in Jesus (Matthew 18:6). There will be no complacency at the Judgment!

           If you are a critic of God's work, stop and repent while there is still time. If your argument causes a follower of the Master to go astray, you will receive harsh condemnation. On the other hand, God is merciful and wants to save everyone from the lake of fire and brimstone, the second death. Repent now!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares