“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works,” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and Phats and Small singer Ben Ofoedu to open up on their faith in Northern Ireland church tour
According to the ‘Belfast Telegraph’ of ‘24 Sep 2026’, these two examples of what passes for ‘Christianity’ are due soon in Northern Ireland.
The duo will speak to flocks (of goats- Editor) across the country — including in Ballymena, Belfast and Newcastle next month — at what has been billed as Testimony Night.
One of the duo is reported as saying :
“I would definitely say it’d be sharing what we call our testimonies, sharing what faith has done for us, what we believe and stuff like that.”
“I would say that the Bible Belt of the UK is Belfast, and Belfast also reminds me a lot of Nashville, and me and Shane would love to have some involvement in turning Belfast into a kind of Nashville where a lot of gospel singer-songwriters will come over, record, play in the local bars and build up a real community there.”
“I really see that as a plan for Belfast in the next coming 20 years, because there’s something so spiritual about it, such lovely people and the bars (Emphasis mine – Editor) are up for a bit of guitar and singing and that kind of thing.”
“I think the world really needs it, just that feelgood, upbeat music (which some in the Free Presbyterian Church would embrace!!-Editor). Just as there’s a massive resurgence in music that’s not so positive as well, it’s nice that there’s a positive side of music and I think that could really happen.”
“You know, there’s massive concerts and there are loads of kids and 18 and 17-year-olds going to these massive festivals and they’re starting to get the size of your Glastonburys and things like that — 30,000, 40,000, 100,000 — and it’s such a beautiful way for those young kids to spend the evening in a really positive environment (surrounded by drugs etc! – Editor).”
Before that Ben will be performing at The Golden Dance Awards on Saturday night at The Culloden Hotel alongside Bradley McIntosh from S Club 7. The event, which is now in its third year, celebrates the dance community across Northern Ireland.”
Such an event is on par with their ‘religious gatherings’.
Whether they know it or not, these men are the modern day equivalents of those Paul refers to in our text. They are the devil’s “ministers . . . transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Doubtless, many will flock to hear them and swallow all the ysay.
I did notice that the word ‘Bible’ appeared twice in the article but not ONE QUOTE from it!
Paul’s explanation of his witness is very different!
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
Remember what is the ‘proof’ of a true conversion as set down by the Lord.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
CHRISTIAN, BEWARE OF ‘SHAM’ CHRISTIANS!
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
24th September 2026