I have been a preacher and minister for the past fifteen years in the Pasadena Ca. area. I can say with all certainty that Church leaders and particularly preachers are laser-targeted by satan in areas of personal struggle or weakness.
the opposite sex/morality, pride and money are key areas satan traffics in and where all church leaders and Christians (particulary pastors and ministers)should exercise extraordinary caution...this is where the fiery darts will come fast and furious.
satan's time is short...and he knows it. We are in the latter part of the last days.
Walking a true Christian walk, as it's been said, "Is not for the faint of heart." In these last days those who commit fully to preaching the full counsel of the Word must be prepared to face the full onslaught of satan's barrage of fiery darts, tricks, temptations and assaults on every level.
It's not an easy walk...but oh the benefits. After hearing Paul on local radio for a few months I had decided to go see him at Lake Ave. church just down the street for a preachers conference, but I had a check in my spirit. Then in talking to my fiancee, who is highly anointed, she suddenly just said, "No, don't go." All of us are just seconds away from sinning at any moment as we still must live in these fallen bodies.
Staying in the WORD OF GOD is the biggest single key in my opinion to staving off the attacks of the enemy and walking holy before the LORD.
"He sent His word and healed them." My heart breaks for Paul and I love him with the love of Christ. I pray for his full restoration to the ministry.
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God...it's true. But...thank God for his unspeakable mercy.
To whom much is given...much is required. If we fall, we have an advocate with the father...Jesus.
RSB-Altadena Ca.
I agree with you Pastor. We need to remember that Christ said whoever looks at a woman with lust in his eyes is guilty in his heart of adultery, something most of us men have done at least once in our lives and more than once for me. We need to pray for Sheppards restoration as this could one day be any one of us. I have less trouble with this if he is truly repentant,not condoning this neither, than a charlatan who preaches a false gospel or deceptive theology and doctrine, as so many do now. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sheppard family.
Laser-targeted by Satan???
You are a fruitcake!