The #OmotosoTrial hashtag trended for days on South African social networks such as twitter Facebook as the state witness detailed their experiences relating to the trial to the court on Live television. It is regrettable to read and hear about some of the cruel circumstances that congregants in South Africa find themselves under in the name of religion. It is not the will of God to for such to happen under his name, for those who lead congregations, the instruction is clear that don’t take advantage of the people you lead in 1 PeterĀ verse 3 it even says it politely “Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them
Be shepherds of Godās flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is Godās will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;Ā notĀ lording it overĀ those entrusted to you,Ā butĀ beingĀ examplesĀ to theĀ flock.Ā And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
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1 Peter 5:3
Now as difficult as it is bazalwane let us not diddle-dandle around the fact that there are wolves in sheep skin among us in the kingdom of God and that is why the Lord Jesus took time to warm his disciple about such.
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheepās clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
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Mathew 7:15
Jesus Dominion International Church leaderĀ Pastor Omotoso and two co-accused are currently allegedly facing 63 charges and 34 alternative charges in the Eastern Cape High Court in Port Elizabeth, which include rape, sexual assault ,human trafficking and racketeering. Omotoso with the help of 2 key ladies from his church allegedly trafficked more than 30 girls and women from various branches of his church and held them at hisĀ Umhlanga house in Durban where he exchanged sexual favors with them. Speaking to SABC News during an episode of Special Assignment filmed earlier this year, the girls spoke about how he used to request intimate massages from them and detailed how he āgot on top of her and did his businessā before praying for forgiveness after he was finished. The trial is still continuing in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates court and the pastor Omotoso remains in custody for duration of the trial as he was denied bail.
The church has not been vocal enough about abuse of power and authority in religious and faith based organisations. Not just in this instance but even in other one, as church we need to speak up and refuse to be the play ground of the devils work among the people in our country. Trials are nothing new to us believers, even the Lord Jesus was trialed, the apostle were also trialed but were found blameless as they did nothing wrong to the people. God is clear and says all things should be tested first for his glory, it is biblical to stand trial on the laws set by the authorities in each country as written in Romans 13:2-3
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.
- Romans 13:2-4
The church service at Jesus Dominion International Church were also suspended after members of the surrounding community lead by political parties EFF and ANC members, protested outside the premises. Protesters descended on the church venue in Govan Mbeki AvenueĀ in October after the #OmotosoTrial national Television broadcastĀ calling for the church of Timothy Omotoso to be shut down.
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each manās work.
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1 CorinthiansĀ 3;12
God our Savior; wants Ā all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth therefore many will be exposed of shameful acts not only just to disgrace them but to also save the souls of those they have captured under false pretense.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man CHRIST JESUS; WHO GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL.
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-1 Tim. 2:3-6