🔊 Odongo calls for return to scripture to combat false teachings

________________

The Bishop of Soroti Anglican Diocese, Kosea Odongo, has urged Christians to be vigilant about the resurgence of false prophets.

He made the remarks during the launch of the Walking With Jesus series in Ateso, organised by Life Ministry Uganda, at Serere Township Primary School Playground in Serere district on Saturday, June 14.

Walking With Jesus is a follow-up to a movie produced in Africa, by Africans, for Africa. It seeks to address the unique challenges Africans face after accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Bishop Odongo highlighted the five instructions Jesus gave to the Church: to follow Him, preach the Gospel, heal the sick, drive out demons, and make disciples.

Emphasising the importance of discipleship, he referenced Matthew 28:16-20 and expressed concern over false prophets who refer to themselves as bishops, senior pastors, and major prophets.

He noted that their shallow understanding of the Word of God poses a serious threat to the Church.

According to Bishop Odongo, some of these false prophets have turned to witchcraft to perform miracles, highlighting the urgent need for discipleship among believers.

He also observed that the Church has overemphasised preaching at the expense of teaching—a situation he considers deeply problematic.

Bishop Odongo urged Christians to emulate the Berean Church by consistently returning to Scripture to confirm whether what has been preached aligns with the Word of God.

He said the rise of false prophets could be attributed to a lack of effective discipleship and commended Life Ministry Uganda for developing a valuable discipleship tool.

The Walking With Jesus movie has been translated into Ateso and Ngakarimojong to ensure the message of Christ reaches the Iteso and Karimojong communities in their native languages.

He underlined the importance of discipleship for all Church members, asserting that it is essential for the Church to withstand the test of time.

The Ngakarimojong version of the film is scheduled for launch at the Boma Grounds in Moroto District on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Pastor Robert Ewangu of Deliverance Church in Soroti District acknowledged that while many people experience spiritual rebirth, they often fail to become true disciples. Worse still, some aspire to church leadership despite having a limited understanding of the Bible, thereby leading others astray.

David Wataba, the National Director of Life Ministry Uganda, announced that the organisation is donating a series of five short films to the body of Christ in Teso and Karamoja.

These films serve as evangelistic tools, addressing key topics such as the assurance of salvation, fellowship among believers, the Holy Spirit, walking in the Spirit, and spiritual growth in Christ.

Wataba encouraged Christians to download the Jesus Film app, which features over 500 clean videos in various languages, all freely accessible.

He urged Christians not to let the films gather dust on shelves but to share them widely, expressing confidence that cultural institutions within the Iteso and Kumam communities would play a key role in promoting them.

The series has already impacted countless lives across the continent, and with its release in Ateso, it is expected to strengthen the faith of communities in Eastern Uganda.

The total cost of producing the films in both languages was approximately sh200 million.

Jonathan Maraka, a staunch Anglican from Kumi Diocese and a cultural leader, encouraged the community to take full advantage of the film, noting that while production was costly, it is being offered to them free of charge.

Founded in 1971, Life Ministry Uganda continues to lead in Christian outreach, evangelism, and discipleship. As an interdenominational and non-denominational organisation, it remains committed to fulfilling the Great Commission—bringing people to Christ, strengthening their faith, and empowering them to spread the Gospel further.