Beware of False Messiahs: A Call to Discernment

Devotional

Day 1: Beware of False Messiahs

Description: Steven Adum Chidia's claim to be the Messiah is a dangerous deception. Jesus warned about false messiahs who would perform miracles to deceive even the elect. Miracles and charitable acts should not be taken as proof of divine mission but as strategies to legitimize false claims. Chidia's followers pray in his name, calling him "Adum Nyami," which translates to "Adum is God." This veneration is a clear indication that he accepts and promotes this idolatry. The Bible clearly outlines how the Messiah will return: visibly, gloriously, and unexpectedly. Jesus will not return in secret or through a single individual claiming to be his face for the next 500 years. The return of Jesus will be a global event, witnessed by all. [16:48]

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (ESV): "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."

Reflection: Have you ever been tempted to believe in someone because of their miracles or good deeds? How can you ensure that your faith is rooted in the true teachings of Jesus Christ?

Day 2: Veneration and Idolatry

Description: The veneration of Steven Adum Chidia as "Adum Nyami" is a form of idolatry. Accepting such titles and prayers in his name indicates a departure from true Christian worship. This mirrors the veneration of Olumba Olumba Obu in Nigeria, showing a pattern of self-deification. Both leaders promote strict moral conduct and engage in community service and charity work, which can be misleading. These actions, while seemingly good, serve to deceive followers into believing in the leader's divine mission. True discernment is needed to see beyond these acts and recognize the idolatry involved. [06:44]

Isaiah 42:8 (ESV): "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."

Reflection: Are there any individuals or things in your life that you might be placing above God? How can you refocus your worship solely on Him?

Day 3: The True Return of Jesus

Description: The Bible clearly states that Jesus will return visibly, gloriously, and unexpectedly. Any claim that Jesus has returned in secret or through a single individual is false. The return of Jesus will be a global event, witnessed by all, not confined to a specific location or person. This is a crucial point to remember when evaluating claims of new messiahs. The true return of Jesus will be unmistakable and undeniable, leaving no room for doubt or deception. [21:07]

Matthew 24:27 (ESV): "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself for the true return of Jesus? What steps can you take to ensure you are not deceived by false claims?

Day 4: Moral Conduct and Deception

Description: Promoting strict moral conduct and engaging in community service are strategies used by false leaders to legitimize their claims. While these actions appear good, they serve to deceive followers into believing in the leader's divine mission. True discernment is needed to see beyond these acts. Jesus Christ warned about false messiahs who would perform miracles to deceive even the elect. The miracles and charitable acts performed by Steven Adum Chidia should not be taken as proof of his divine mission. Instead, they serve as a strategy to legitimize his claims and deceive his followers. [15:17]

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV): "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Reflection: Can you think of a time when you were impressed by someone's good deeds but later found out their true intentions? How can you develop better discernment in such situations?

Day 5: Spiritual Responsibility

Description: Followers of Steven Adum Chidia are urged to pray and seek God's guidance. The path they are on leads away from Jesus Christ and true salvation. It is crucial to return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, rejecting false claims and deceptions. Jesus Christ warned about false messiahs who would perform miracles to deceive even the elect. The miracles and charitable acts performed by Steven Adum Chidia should not be taken as proof of his divine mission. Instead, they serve as a strategy to legitimize his claims and deceive his followers. [22:35]

1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Reflection: Are you actively seeking God's guidance in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take today to ensure you are following the true teachings of Jesus Christ?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Hello family, this is Pastor Gideon, and today we delve into a critical issue within the Christian community. Steven Adum Chidia of the Philadelphia Movement has declared himself the Messiah that Christians have been waiting for, a claim that bears a striking resemblance to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Nigeria, led by Olumba Olumba Obu. This sermon aims to dissect these claims and their implications for the faith.

Steven Adum Chidia has shed his "sheep's clothing" and openly claims to be the Messiah. He has stated that God sent him to be the face of Jesus Christ for the next 500 years. His followers even pray in his name, calling him "Adum Nyami," which translates to "Adum is God." This is a clear indication that he accepts and promotes this veneration. He has also positioned himself among other religious leaders, likening his followers' loyalty to that of Muslims to Muhammad.

The similarities between Steven Adum Chidia and Olumba Olumba Obu are striking. Both are venerated as divine figures, promote strict moral conduct, and engage in community service and charity work. They also share beliefs in reincarnation and spiritual healing. These similarities suggest that Steven Adum Chidia is consciously or unconsciously following a path that leads to his veneration as a deity.

Jesus Christ warned about false messiahs who would perform miracles to deceive even the elect. The miracles and charitable acts performed by Steven Adum Chidia should not be taken as proof of his divine mission. Instead, they serve as a strategy to legitimize his claims and deceive his followers.

The Bible clearly outlines how the Messiah will return: visibly, gloriously, and unexpectedly. Jesus will not return in secret or through a single individual claiming to be his face for the next 500 years. The return of Jesus will be a global event, witnessed by all.

In conclusion, if you are a follower of Steven Adum Chidia, I urge you to pray and seek God's guidance. The path you are on leads away from Jesus Christ and true salvation. Do not be deceived by miracles and charitable acts. Return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. deification. [06:44]
3. Biblical Return of Jesus: The Bible clearly states that Jesus will return visibly, gloriously, and unexpectedly. Any claim that Jesus has returned in secret or through a single individual is false. The return of Jesus will be a global event, witnessed by all, not confined to a specific location or person.

4. Moral Conduct and Deception: Promoting strict moral conduct and engaging in community service are strategies used by false leaders to legitimize their claims. While these actions appear good, they serve to deceive followers into believing in the leader's divine mission. True discernment is needed to see beyond these acts.

5. Spiritual Responsibility: Followers of Steven Adum Chidia are urged to pray and seek God's guidance. The path they are on leads away from Jesus Christ and true salvation. It is crucial to return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, rejecting false claims and deceptions.

### [06:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Steven Adum Chidia's Claims
[06:13] - Veneration and Idolatry
[11:20] - Positioning Among Religious Leaders
[13:54] - Similarities with Olumba Olumba Obu
[15:17] - Moral Conduct and Deception
[16:48] - Warning About False Messiahs
[18:12] - Contradictions and Deceptions
[19:35] - The Meaning of Antichrist
[21:07] - Biblical Return of Jesus
[22:35] - Spiritual Responsibility and Call to Prayer
[23:50] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific claims has Steven Adum Chidia made about his identity and mission? ([01:29])
How do Steven Adum Chidia's followers refer to him, and what does this indicate about his acceptance of their veneration? ([06:13])
What similarities exist between Steven Adum Chidia and Olumba Olumba Obu in terms of their teachings and practices? ([13:54])
According to the sermon, how does the Bible describe the return of Jesus Christ? ([21:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of not being deceived by miracles and charitable acts? ([16:48])
How does the veneration of Steven Adum Chidia as "Adum Nyami" compare to traditional Christian worship, and why is this problematic? ([06:44])
What are the potential dangers of following a leader who claims to be the Messiah, according to the sermon? ([19:35])
How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to claims of false messiahs? ([22:35])

Application Questions

Have you ever encountered a religious leader who made extraordinary claims about their identity or mission? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:29])
In what ways can miracles and charitable acts be misleading, and how can you discern the true intentions behind them? ([16:48])
How can you ensure that your worship and prayers are directed solely towards Jesus Christ and not towards any human leader? ([06:44])
What steps can you take to educate yourself and others about the biblical description of Jesus' return to avoid being deceived by false claims? ([21:07])
Reflect on a time when you were tempted to follow a charismatic leader. What helped you stay grounded in your faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ? ([19:35])
How can you support friends or family members who might be following a false leader, and what resources can you provide to help them return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ? ([22:35])
What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your understanding of the Bible and strengthen your relationship with God, ensuring you are not easily deceived by false teachings? ([18:12])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It has got to do with the destination of souls and we cannot play with it we cannot play politics with it this is different from ndc mpp where you will say i am mpp so i don't care about what ndc says and i am ndc i don't care about what ndc says i don't care about what ndc says i don't care about what ndc says please pay attention and pray about it if you don't want to listen to me." [01:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus Christ said false messiahs will come and they will do miracles matthew 24 24. so if you see miracles happening on your television it is not new it is not new jesus spoke about it now if you follow the miracles and stay there and think that because he shares money and he does miracles you are in the right place you have also not listened to the lord jesus christ and so you are in disobedience and so you have gone astray." [16:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Christianity god speaks god leads he says man shall not live by bread alone but by everywhere which comes from the mouth of god if you are sincere god will talk to you but but can he be the returning of the messiah can he be the messiah who has returned the bible shows us how the measure is going to return." [21:07] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The coming of jesus christ will be sudden and unexpected yes that's how he's going to come he will just come once and everybody will know he has come and everything will change that will be the end of this life matthew 24 36 says however no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen not even the angels in heaven or the son himself only the father knows so the day will just come once." [22:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Steven adum chedia of the philadelphia movement claims he is the messiah christians have been waiting for and this has a striking resemblance with something that happened in nigeria with a brotherhood that was started olumba olumba obu now in this video i'm going to break it down and show the implications of all this recent statement that has been coming from this man." [01:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "He also says he is not a prophet or a pastor so that should let you know he does not see himself as one that would just start a church lead it and then die and go no he sees himself as one that is going to be a figurehead that will be venerated over years think about it and the third evidence to show that he's seen himself as a messiah as i talked about the messiah complex he has actually pitched himself always in his preaching among status of religions." [11:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you are a follower who has yes hear this this is the time you can ask jesus christ this is the time he's made things clear you can either return to jesus christ or follow on now if you thought you were in a church you are in a new movement to rival christianity if you continue daring i'm telling you you have left jesus christ and so that means there's no salvation in what you have." [16:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "This man contradicts moses moses says that cain and abel had an offering and because of that cain because he was rejected killed abel your man says that it was because of a woman king killed abel that means he has contradicted moses he doesn't come from the god of moses this man chants in church meaning he's not using the holy spirit he is using spirit that you are not aware of and by the way if you are not aware of that is evidence the chance is the evidence that he's using something." [18:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If olumba olumba obu has many followers maybe more than philadelphia muminasa now that should let you know that you are not safe if you follow and if you follow you have consciously deliberately intentionally decided to go in error because you love darkness and then and then you have to face the consequences of not paying attention to the word of god i pray that the followers will one day hear the voice of god see the word of god and the will of god and return to jesus christ." [22:35] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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