A video went viral on social networks in which Pastor Elizeu Rodrigues, from the Assembly of God Church, confronts Pastor Leonardo Sales, leader of the Tempo de Milagres Pentecostal Church. On the occasion, both discussed in a live about the public rebuke of false teachers.
The debate was centered on the following question: should leaders who make mistakes, precisely false prophets, be publicly reprimanded, having their names mentioned by others? For Pastor Elizeu, yes, as long as the rebuke is in accordance with the Word of God.
The assemblyman cited the letters of the Apostle Paul to exemplify that they had as one of their objectives to rebuke the false teachers of the time. Bringing it to the present day, it is as if the Pauline epistles were the texts that we currently share through social networks.
“The Gospel is represented by whoever opens the Bible… don’t tell me to shut up! If you don’t open the Bible, you should shut up”, said Pastor Elizeu to Leonardo. The video excerpt was also shared by Pastor Anderson Silva, who supported his colleague from the Assembly of God.
“We have to confront the wolves, false prophets of the PIX, embezzlers of the faith!”, commented Anderson Silva, who on another occasion has already accused Pastor Leonardo and his wife, Renallida Carvalho, of practicing “spiritual embezzlement”.
Zibordi comments
Pastor and writer Ciro Sanches Zibordi, from the Assembly of God, indirectly commented on the discussion between Elizeu and Leonardo, supporting the position of his fellow assembly member.
Zibordi cited as an example the passage from 2 Timothy 4 to illustrate an occasion in which the Apostle Paul cited the name of Demas to rebuke him, but noting that, in general, the direct exposure of erring was avoided, even though it was done in cases of need.
“I think that, generally speaking, we should avoid exposing people who make mistakes. But, when necessary, we can mention the names of those who militate against the Gospel”, commented Zibordi. Watch: