Posts in category: Articles

INTRODUCTION

Your digital presence is often the first (and sometimes only) impression others have of you as a Christian. Remember that your online presence is not separate from your Christian identity. The world is watching not just what you do in public but what you post in digital spaces.

In the old days, if someone made a mistake, it could be forgotten over time. No cameras were recording every moment, no internet to store embarrassing moments forever—just fading memories. But today, things are different; social media never forgets. Every post, comment, photo, or video you share stays online, sometimes forever. Even if you delete something, someone might have already saved it. We live in a world where a single reckless post can define our future or can come back years later to ruin job opportunities or friendships.

Social media includes all the apps and websites where people share things online. Some popular ones are Facebook for keeping up with family, Instagram and TikTok for sharing pictures and short videos, Twitter (now called X) for quick thoughts and news, WhatsApp and Snapchat for private chats, and YouTube for watching and making videos. The big difference between social media and old-school media like newspapers or TV is that anyone can post anything—good or bad—without needing permission. This freedom is great, but it also means people can easily share things they later regret.

As Christians, we are called to live lives worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). This calling extends to every aspect of our lives—including our digital presence. We are unleashed to God’s purpose in our lives, but this freedom comes with responsibility, especially in spaces that never forget our words or actions. When you’re unleashed to shine online, your digital presence becomes more than just self-expression; it becomes a ministry. In a world where so many use social media to tear down, promote self, or spread negativity, your light can shine distinctly bright. As Matthew 5:16 encourages, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is our ultimate purpose online: not to bring attention to ourselves, but to reflect glory back to God.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST

Back in the day, life was simpler. If someone did something embarrassing, it wasn’t recorded and shared with the world. Except for God, private moments stayed private unless someone told others face-to-face. But now, everything changes the second it goes online. A silly mistake, a bad joke, or a heated argument can be screenshotted, shared, and spread to thousands of people in minutes. Even if you delete a post, it might already be saved somewhere else.

Imagine losing your dream job because of a tweet you wrote years ago as a teenager. That’s why it’s so important to think before you post. For young Christians especially, this reality presents both challenges and opportunities. Your digital footprint can either amplify your testimony or undermine it. Being unleashed to live a life worthy of your calling means recognizing that your online presence is an extension of your witness for Christ.

People get “canceled” after posting something offensive. Old tweets, Facebook rants, or embarrassing photos can resurface and damage reputations. Some have even faced legal trouble because of threatening messages or leaked private chats used as evidence in court. Scripture reminds us that “whatever is hidden will be revealed” (Luke 12:2-3). This spiritual principle finds a technological parallel in our digital age. As those unleashed to shine in a world that never forgets, we should approach each post with the awareness that our words have a lasting impact.

BEING WATCHED: YOUR DIGITAL WITNESS MATTERS

As Christians, we are always being observed—not just in person, but online as well. People who may never step foot in a church building are watching your posts, stories, and comments to see if your faith is genuine. They notice when:

• You post about loving God on Sunday but tear others down on Monday
• You share Bible verses but also inappropriate content
• You claim to follow Jesus but your online behavior suggests otherwise

THE GOOD AND BAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

THE GOOD SIDE: Social media isn’t all bad—it has many great uses for those seeking to shine for Christ:

• Staying Connected – The church community can maintain fellowship across distances. You can video call family overseas for free, something that was expensive or impossible in the past.
• Learning New Things – Biblical teachings and devotionals are more accessible than ever. YouTube has tutorials for everything. Many people have even built careers from online courses.
• Growing Businesses – Christian entrepreneurs can align their businesses with their values and reach wider audiences. Small shops and creators use Instagram and TikTok to reach millions of customers without needing a big budget.
• Sharing Your Faith – Social media provides unprecedented opportunities to share testimonies, Bible verses, and encouragement with friends and followers, extending your ministry beyond physical gatherings.

THE BAD SIDE: But there are also serious downsides that can dim our light online:

• Cyberbullying – Because people can hide behind screens, bullying online is worse than ever. Hateful comments, fake profiles, and public shaming can lead to real-life harm. Christians are called to speak life, not death (Proverbs 18:21).
• Addiction – Many people waste hours mindlessly scrolling, losing sleep, and neglecting real-life responsibilities because social media is designed to keep you hooked. This can distract from our calling and purpose.
• Echo Chambers – We often only follow people who think like us, creating bubbles that reinforce our views without challenging us to grow. This limits our ability to love and understand others unlike ourselves.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA USE

The Bible was written long before the internet, but its wisdom still applies today for those unleashed to shine online:

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). This means we should speak (or post) with kindness, not cruelty. Don’t spread rumors or private things online. Respect confidentiality and privacy. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths (Ephesians 4:29), meaning avoid hate speech, insults, and toxic behavior on social media. Instead, post what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. These principles remind us that our words matter, whether spoken or typed. Being unleashed to shine means bringing these biblical values into our digital interactions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD (AND SHOULDN’T) POST ONLINE

SAFE THINGS TO POST

• Positive messages: Inspirational quotes, encouraging words, and testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
• Educational content: Helpful tips, news, or interesting facts that edify others.
• Professional updates: Job achievements, school successes, or business promotions that honor God’s provision.

• Ministry moments: Church events, volunteer work, or mission trips that inspire others to serve.
• Family celebrations: Milestones and memories that show gratitude for God’s blessings.

DANGEROUS THINGS TO POST

• Personal arguments: Public fights can make you look bad and never truly disappear. Matthew 18:15 teaches us to resolve conflicts privately first.
• Financial details: Never share bank info, salary, or credit card numbers. Practice wise stewardship in all areas.
• Location check-ins: Telling strangers where you are can be a safety risk, especially for youth.
• Judgmental content: Harsh criticisms of others that don’t demonstrate Christ’s love or grace.

DIGITAL EVANGELISM: HOW CHRISTIAN YOUTH CAN SHARE THEIR FAITH ONLINE

As young believers unleashed to shine, you have unprecedented opportunities to spread God’s Word digitally:

1. Share Your Testimony – Post about how God has worked in your life. Personal stories often reach people who would never click on a Bible verse.
2. Create Faith-Based Content – Make videos, graphics, or write posts explaining biblical concepts in relatable ways. Use your creativity to make faith accessible.
3. Engage Thoughtfully – When someone posts about struggles or questions, respond with compassionate, Christ-centered perspectives rather than judgment.

NB: Remember, digital evangelism isn’t about forcing your beliefs on others; it’s about shining Christ’s light naturally in spaces where people already gather.

HOW PARENTS CAN PROTECT THEIR KIDS ONLINE

Kids and teens don’t always understand the long-term effects of social media. Parents must step in to guide them in living worthy of their calling. By staying involved, parents can help their children avoid mistakes that could follow them for life and guide them in using social media in ways that allow them to shine for Christ.

1. Monitor Their Accounts

• Follow your child on every platform they use.
• Make sure their profiles are private and they only accept friends they know in real life.
• Use parental controls when appropriate, explaining they’re for protection, not punishment.

2. Teach Them About Consequences

• Explain that nothing online is truly private; even disappearing messages can be screenshotted.
• Share real stories of people who lost jobs or scholarships because of old posts.
• Connect digital choices to their Christian witness and future calling.

3. Encourage Open Talks

• Let them know they can come to you if they see something scary or if someone bullies them online.
• Warn them about strangers who might pretend to be kids to trick them.
• Discuss difficult topics they might encounter online before they see them.

CONCLUSION

Social media is a powerful tool; it can help us connect, learn, and grow in our faith, but it can also dim our light if used carelessly. Being unleashed to shine in a world that never forgets means bringing your faith into every post, comment, and share. Before you post anything, ask yourself: Could this hurt someone? Is this necessary? Does this reflect Christ to others? Does this help or hinder my witness? Would I share this if Jesus was following my account?

Written by Derrick Decency Antwi (kingdecency55@gmail.com / WhatsApp: +233551955161)(Jato Zongo District, Atebubu Area, and Pentecost University Alumni)

Sin can be described as a violation of God’s law in thought, word, or deed. The Bible explicitly mentions different kinds of sin. However, the first sin recorded in Scripture is the sin of disobedience by the first man, Adam. In Christian theology, this sin is known as the original sin because it was the first transgression, and all other sins can be considered offshoots of this initial act of rebellion.

Essentially, the effect of the original sin necessitated the need for a Saviour, as it introduced the sin nature, suffering, and eternal damnation to the human race. Graciously, Jesus was manifested in the fullness of time to address both the root and the effects of original sin.

Scripture provides ample evidence that no other sacrifice could fully satisfy God’s justice except Jesus. Comparing the Law and Old Testament sacrifices with Jesus’ perfect, substitutionary atonement, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes that the blood of animals, offered year after year, could not deal with the problem of sin. The annual sacrifices fell short of appeasing God’s wrath and fulfilling His ultimate plan to deal with sin once and for all (Romans 3:25-26).

Nevertheless, God allowed these sacrifices to continue until the appointed time for a good reason. Primarily, through the Law and the system of sacrifices, God highlighted the effect of sin, the need for redemption, and foreshadowed Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God who would take away the sins of humanity. In God’s perfect plan, the Law and sacrifices prepared humankind for the new covenant, which would later be established through Christ.

In the fullness of time, God “prepared a body” for His Son and “gave Him” to the world as the perfect atonement for sin. This is known as the incarnation of Christ—the Son of God taking on human form and becoming a man.

“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.’” (Hebrews 10:5-6)

When John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, saw Jesus, he declared:

“Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Surely, Jesus was the Lamb whose sacrifice brought an end to the repeated offerings of ‘lambs’, which could never truly deal with the problem of sin. What the Law and sacrifices foreshadowed had now been fulfilled in Christ for the redemption of mankind. Hallelujah!

By becoming the propitiation for sin, Jesus set aside the old order, paid the ransom for sin once and for all, and purchased eternal redemption for all of humanity.

“He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12)

According to Hebrews 9:12, “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” The implication of this sacrifice is that “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Therefore, we stand guiltless before God—justified and righteous, without condemnation or shame.

In a nutshell, through His death, Jesus achieved the following for humankind:

• Set aside the old order

“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” – Hebrews 8:13

“Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.” – Hebrews 10:9

• Paid the ransom for the sins of mankind once and for all

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” – 1 Timothy 2:5-6

• Purchased eternal redemption for all of mankind

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:12

CONCLUSION

Having received a new identity, the believer has the responsibility to live a holy life worthy of that identity. This is crucial because the reality of a life-changing encounter with the living Christ is made manifest to the world when we renounce sin, depart from our old ways, and live holy lives.

Highlighting this responsibility in Romans 8:12, the Apostle Paul emphasized that “we are debtors—not to the flesh.” This means the believer’s obligation and debt of gratitude is to willingly offer themselves as slaves to righteousness, thereby justifying the sacrifice made for them by Christ. By doing this, we translate our positional state (righteousness) into an operational reality (holiness).

Written by Pastor Joseph Owusu-Boateng (PENSA Travelling Secretary – Sunyani Sector)

Elder Dr. Richmond Djorgbenoo’s story is one of faith, resilience, and groundbreaking achievement. From his early days in Ghana to making a global impact in science and ministry, his journey exemplifies the power of determination and divine favor.

In 2018, Dr. Djorgbenoo took a bold step by relocating to the United States to pursue his Master’s and Ph.D. in Chemistry at North Carolina A&T State University. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, he set out to make a difference in his field. Through years of dedication and hard work, coupled with God’s grace, he has risen to prominence, earning an impressive nine (9) prestigious awards for outstanding research, poster and oral presentations at major conferences, and excellence in Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions both at his institution and the state level. His crowning academic achievement came with the highly coveted 2025 CHBGS National Dissertation Award, conferred by the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools (CHBGS) in recognition of the best doctoral dissertation of the year.

One of the defining moments of his career was the opportunity to present his groundbreaking research at the North Carolina State Capitol—a prestigious platform that allows distinguished scholars to showcase their scientific contributions to state senators and legislators. His commitment to advancing knowledge in chemistry has also led to the publication of four first-authored research papers, each focused on functional foods and human health, reinforcing his passion for innovation and scientific excellence.

Today, Dr. Djorgbenoo continues to break new ground as the Principal Investigator in Polymer Chromatography at Solenis, a leading company in specialty chemical solutions. In this role, he leads research initiatives within the organisation’s R&D division, further cementing his reputation as a distinguished scientist.

However, his success is not limited to the laboratory. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Djorgbenoo is deeply rooted in his faith and committed to the work of the ministry. While in graduate school, he served as the Presiding Elder of Greensboro Central/District under the Carolina Area of The Church of Pentecost. He later took on the role of Youth & PENSA Leader at Charlotte PIWC. His dedication to nurturing young believers continues today as he serves as the District Secretary and Youth & PENSA Leader in the Delaware District under the Pennsylvania Region.

Dr. Djorgbenoo’s journey is an inspiration to young professionals, proving that faith and excellence can open doors to remarkable opportunities. His story aligns with The Church of Pentecost’s Possessing the Nations agenda, serving as a powerful example of how one can balance professional success with impactful ministry. Through his life’s work, he encourages the next generation to pursue excellence, seek mentorship, and trust in God’s divine purpose for their lives. Indeed, from Ghana to the global stage, Elder Dr. Richmond Djorgbenoo is a beacon of hope, proving that with faith, diligence, and a heart for service, there are no limits to what one can achieve.

Truth be told, it is a great lie for us to believe and accept that all religions and belief systems have the same God but different ways of worship.

We have all fallen for this cliche for far too long, denying us the opportunity to approach matters of salvation from the proper perspective.

Setting the record straight is of great importance and benefit to humanity. We must not be deceived by the prince of this world, the devil, lest we lose focus on our evangelical and unleashed agenda of winning the world back to God.

If one denies the only true way to God, Jesus Christ, then you are worshiping another alien and foreign god and not the Almighty God who created the world who you proclaim all religion and men worship.

In 1 John 2: 23 the bible says, “No one who denies the son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also”. The central theme here is the ‘way’ before the ‘Father’ and not the ‘Father’ before the ‘way’.  Meaning your confession of who you believe to be the way to God is the evidence of who your god is or the kind of father you claim to have as a god, and not your god before the way.

 Your denial of the son Christ Jesus as the only way to God disqualifies you from claiming to know God and renders you and your belief system ‘liars’ – 1 John 2 v 22

We don’t need to know your god to believe you are safe, your confession of your way of worship and by extension, your medium of worship is enough to tell who your God is and your status of salvation. If you do not acknowledge Christ Jesus as the only way to God then I will humbly disappoint you by letting you know we do not have the same God, therefore you are not saved.

The rationale behind the old cliche statement that we all have the same God is to embrace unity in diversity and to encourage harmonious living among all, yes but that should not be an avenue to twist the truth concerning the way to salvation. The fact is we are all one as a people, clothed with flesh, blood, and oxygen functioning as humans but separated on the grounds of belief systems that need to be amended by bringing all to the only path of salvation. Any other way apart from Christ Jesus is a sinking sand. It has no future or hope.

I conclude by encouraging all believers in Christ Jesus to fulfill the great commission agenda of revealing Christ as the only medium unto salvation and a prove that you have God Almighty as your Father and no other foreign god.

In doing this let us be modest, decent, caring and ready to demonstrate love in all engagement knowing very well that it pleases God, that we leave in peace with all men -Roman 12 v 18. May the Holy Spirit work on us even us we preach the truth of Christ to this dying world.

God bless you all

Written by Elder Sampah Owusu

#ChristianArticle

#TalkAboutJesus

#Livingworthyofyourcalling

Introduction 

Moral law serves as a fundamental guide for human conduct, compelling individuals to reject evil and pursue good. Throughout history, philosophers have debated its origins, leading to three primary perspectives: human nature, societal influence, and divine authority. This article explores these perspectives, evaluates their implications, and distinguishes between absolute and universal moral principles in ethical decision-making. 

Sources of Moral Law 

1. Human Nature as the Source of Moral Law 

Immanuel Kant, a leading moral philosopher, argued that moral law is inherent in human rationality. According to Kant, every rational being possesses an internal moral compass – an obligation imposed by their own will rather than external influence. Morality, therefore, is a natural extension of reason and autonomy. 

2. Society as the Source of Moral Law 

Philosophers such as Henri Bergson and Thomas Hobbes contend that moral law emerges from social influence. They argue that norms, traditions, and legal systems shape individuals’ moral perceptions, making morality a product of collective human experience and cultural evolution. 

3. Divine Origin as the Source of Moral Law 

A widely accepted perspective asserts that moral law originates from God. This view holds that morality is not merely a human construct but is grounded in divine authority. If God created humankind, moral law becomes an extension of His will, making Him the ultimate source of moral guidance. 

Evaluating the Sources of Moral Law 

While society plays a significant role in shaping moral behaviour, it cannot be the original source, as society itself is a product of human history. Similarly, if morality were solely based on rationality, individuals could justify conflicting moral choices through personal reasoning. The divine origin theory offers a more comprehensive explanation: if God created human beings with rationality and free will, then He is both the ultimate source and highest authority of moral law. 

As Christians, we affirm that true morality is not just a human construct – it stems from God. Scripture teaches: 

‘For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.’ (Proverbs 2:6) 

While reasoning and social influence shape decisions, divine authority remains the foundation. In a world of shifting moral values, Christians must remain anchored in God’s truth. Can society exist without God? 

Furthermore, the relationship between law and morality is complex. While legal systems serve as enforcement mechanisms, true morality transcends mere legislation. Morality unites individuals, fostering harmony in society and a deeper connection with God. 

Moral Principles: Absolute vs. Universal 

Moral principles guide human behaviour, but they can be categorised into two distinct types: absolute and universal. 

Absolute Moral Principles 

Absolute moral principles are unchanging, allowing no exceptions regardless of circumstance. A prime example is truthfulness – across all cultures, lying is condemned as immoral. Kant upheld this principle, arguing that lying is always wrong, even if done with good intentions. This position aligns with the biblical injunction: 

‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.’ (Exodus 20:16) 

Christians are called to uphold truthfulness, even at great personal cost. 

Universal Moral Principles 

Universal moral principles are widely accepted but allow exceptions based on specific contexts. Consider the Hebrew midwives who deceived Pharaoh to preserve innocent lives:  “The midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.’ So God dealt well with the midwives… because they feared God, He gave them families.” (Exodus 1:19-21) 

Would absolute truth-telling have been the correct moral stance? Let’s examine a few ethical scenarios. 

Truth-Telling Exception 

Returning rightful property is a universal moral principle. However, if a murderer entrusts someone with a weapon intended for harm and later demands its return, withholding or deceiving may be justified to protect life. 

Medical Confidentiality Exception 

Doctors have ethical obligations to maintain patient confidentiality. However, revealing an HIV-positive diagnosis to a spouse could prevent harm – here, the duty to protect life supersedes strict confidentiality. 

Concealing Truth for Justifiable Reasons 

If a criminal demands personal details about a potential victim, withholding that information is a morally sound decision. The Hebrew midwives, driven by reverence for God, withheld the truth to save lives. 

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.’ (Proverbs 9:10) 

A Persecuted Preacher 

A preacher, St. John, was pursued by persecutors. When questioned about his whereabouts, he falsely claimed to have boarded a departing vehicle, allowing him to escape safely. Did he lie? His decision reflects the biblical principle of self-preservation – a foundational moral law secondary only to loving God. 

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-40) 

These examples illustrate that while absolute moral principles remain rigid, universal moral principles allow for exceptions when ethical complexities arise. 

Conclusion 

The origin of moral law has been debated for centuries, with arguments supporting human nature, societal influence, and divine authority. While reasoning and cultural norms influence morality, the most compelling source remains God. 

Distinguishing between absolute and universal moral principles is essential for navigating ethical dilemmas. Absolute principles remain unyielding, while universal principles offer flexibility in morally complex situations. A thoughtful approach to moral reasoning ensures that ethical decisions serve the greater good. 

In leadership, marriage, and business, ethical challenges arise daily. Should we follow man-made standards, or uphold God’s moral law? While society may redefine right and wrong, Christians are called to remain steadfast in biblical truth. True integrity goes beyond legal compliance – it is about honouring Christ in every decision. 

How do you apply biblical morality in your workplace, marriage, and personal life? 

About the Author  Rev. Joel Beddim is a researcher and writer specialising in ethics, philosophy, history, and moral theology. You can reach him at joelbeddim@gmail.com or 0246906239 

Introduction 

While the Bible does not explicitly condemn gambling or betting, it emphasises the dangers of greed, the importance of hard work, and the need to avoid “get-rich-quick” schemes, which are often associated with gambling. The Bible promotes the value of hard work and earning a living through honest labour, rather than relying on luck or chance. It cautions against the love of money and the pursuit of wealth through questionable means.

The Youth and Betting 

Recently, gambling among Ghanaian youth has seen a marked increase. Studies have reported a prevalence of at least 30% of gambling among children and adolescents, including sports betting, lottery, and casino gambling. This surge in youth participation in gambling is gradually leading to many social vices such as stealing and robbery. 

General analysis shows that factors triggering gambling include personal loss, the proximity of betting sites, unemployment, leisure, and curiosity. Patrons variously perceive betting on sports as a game that involves chance, money, and electronic gadgets. The perceived benefits of gambling include money, socialisation, positive emotions, expression of knowledge, and love of football.

Some Types of Betting

• Moneyline
• Point Spread
• Totals or Over/Under
• Parlays
• Teasers
• Prop Bet
• Futures
• Live Betting

Dangers of Betting

1. Trust in Betting Rather Than God: The rich young ruler who came to Jesus for eternal life mentioned in Mark 10:17-22 is a classic example. He was deeply in love with his money and would not let go of it. The end result was that he walked away from the Giver of eternal life with a death sentence written all over him.
2. Bringing Sorrows in This Present World: The Bible clearly says, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9). The temptation to gain more money leads people to work long hours, neglect God, family, and even gain money through sinful means.
3. Leading to Selfishness: We forget that when we got baptised, our bank account also got baptised! We forget that God owns all our money. We are simply stewards of what He has entrusted to our care. We fail to understand that if God prospers us, it may be that He wants us to raise our standard of giving, not necessarily our standard of living.
4. Binding Us to the Temporary and Blinding Us from Eternity: The love of money can obscure our vision. The rich young ruler is a good example. His encounter with Jesus shows how money, which is a very temporary thing, has the power to blind a person from seeing the true eternal riches found only in Jesus. This truth is precisely what Jesus warned through a parable in Luke 12:13-21. The parable is about a man who was bound to the temporary riches of this world and was blind to eternity as he pursued money instead of God. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” And then, Jesus went on to make the application, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Consequences of Betting on the Youth

• Youngsters often struggle to properly deal with losses and tend to overcompensate by throwing even bigger money on games of chance. This way, gambling encourages reckless and irresponsible behaviour and inhibits the ability to properly assess risks and consequences. Since gambling is mostly illegal, under-aged gamblers are not keen on seeking professional help either.
• Gambling addiction in teens is a red flag that could signal that there are some other, potentially bigger underlying problems in the life of a young person.
• Betting is proven to disrupt family relationships. Parents are unable to fully understand the problem and come up with an effective solution. Kids, on the other hand, look down on adult interference and are too far gone into the addiction territory. This creates a big communication gap that cannot be easily bridged.

Biblical Viewpoint About Betting 

The Bible warns against greed and the desire for quick riches, which are often associated with gambling. It emphasises the importance of being good stewards of the resources God has given us, rather than squandering them on potentially risky activities like gambling. Gambling can lead to addiction and other problems, which are inconsistent with a life of faith and obedience to God’s principles.

Bible Principles Applicable to Gambling

1. Betting Can Lead to Evil: Betting and gambling can be the foundation and primary cause of several wickedness in our world today. Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, a youth Christian, to guard and watch his love and appetite for money. He signaled him to watch how to obtain money and how to gain money in the light of scriptures. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
2. Dishonest Gain: Dishonest gain refers to acquiring wealth or benefits through unethical, deceptive, or illegal means, which is often seen as wrong or harmful. Dishonest gain encompasses any form of profit or advantage obtained through dishonesty, fraud, or other morally questionable practices. “Dishonest money melts away, but the one who gathers by labour increases it” (Proverbs 13:11).
3. Earning from Your Labour, Not Others: Dishonest gain is generally considered unethical and harmful because it violates trust, fairness, and respect for others. The phrase “enjoying the labour of others” can be interpreted as benefiting from the work or efforts of someone else without contributing oneself, and it can be seen as a form of exploitation or taking advantage of others. The Bible, particularly in John 4:38, discusses reaping what others have sown, implying that someone can benefit from the labour of others. “Do not stretch out your hand to what you cannot take, for your labour will be for your own loss” (Proverbs 23:5).
4. Money Is Not the Ultimate of Life: Money cannot buy everything. While money can certainly provide comfort and financial security, it cannot buy intangible things like love, happiness, health, or inner peace. Money also cannot buy certain life experiences, such as meaningful relationships, personal growth, or a sense of purpose. “Whoever loves money will not be satisfied with money; whoever loves wealth will not be satisfied with income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
5. Work with Your Own Hands and Avoid Shortcuts to Riches: In Paul’s era, almost all employment involved some kind of trade where people worked with their hands. Thus, the phrase “work with your hands” was an idiom for earning one’s own living, i.e., not being dependent upon others or using dubious means of getting money. “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this rule: If any person is not willing to work, neither should that person eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Conclusion

This script examined the effects of sports betting on moral behaviour and the Christian response to contemporary youth. Sports betting, a form of gambling, has become a prevalent social activity in the 21st century, engaging a significant portion of the youth. While sports betting is harmless fun for most people, it can become a destructive addiction for those who lose control. The high stakes involved have led to numerous social vices. Students have become addicted to betting centres, using their school fees and pocket money for gambling, and some have even dropped out of school, jeopardising their futures.

In light of scriptures, several Christian responses have been outlined to help combat and reduce this issue.

Written by Overseer Emmanuel Owusu (Mpasaso District, Tepa Area)

“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” – (1 Cor. 4:4, NIV)

Conscience is subjective. Sometimes, a person’s conscience may be clear, but this does not mean that the person is innocent (Apostle Eric Nyamekye). People can commit unethical or harmful acts without malicious intent or awareness that their actions are wrong. They genuinely believe their actions are justified, even though they are objectively causing harm. This article explores this oxymoron of life using biblical illustrations.

What is Evil?

Evil is generally seen as immorality, wickedness, and actions that cause harm or undermine the moral foundations of the world. The concept is broadly categorized as either natural evil or moral evil (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2022). Evil is not just a personal or individual problem but a social and relational one. At its core, evil involves a lack of conscience, an inability or unwillingness to recognize moral truth and act accordingly. It disregards moral accountability.

The Hebrew word for “evil” is רַע (ra’), which encompasses a range of destructive, displeasing, and harmful attitudes, actions, and circumstances that contradict God’s envisioned goodness and peace.

Causes of Doing Evil Innocently

1. Limited understanding of the mind of God.
2. Ignorance of our weaknesses and limitations.
3. Cultural backgrounds and dogmatic indoctrinations.
4. Hallucinations and stereotyping of certain groups.
5. Conservative ideologies.

Often, people defend their actions proudly, only to realize later that they were wrong. This happens because one can be sincerely wrong due to a lack of complete knowledge. In the sight of God, sin is sin, whether it is an error of omission or commission.

Biblical Characters

These biblical figures acted with a clear conscience but were regarded as living in sin before the Lord.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and King Abimelek (Gen. 20:3-6): Abimelek took Sarah, believing she was Abraham’s sister. God intervened, acknowledging Abimelek’s clear conscience but preventing him from sinning.
2. King Saul (1 Sam. 13:7-13): Saul performed a burnt offering himself when Samuel delayed. Though his intentions were good, he disobeyed God’s command.
3. King David (2 Sam. 12:1-12): David judged a rich man in Nathan’s story, not realizing he was condemning himself for his own hidden sins.
4. Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:6-7): Uzzah tried to steady the Ark of the Covenant, but his irreverent act led to his death.

New Testament Examples

1. Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-5): Paul persecuted the early church, believing he was protecting God’s law. It took divine intervention to realign him.
2. Jewish Leaders (1 Cor. 2:8): They crucified Jesus, believing they were upholding their traditions, not realizing they were condemning themselves.

Lessons to Conclude

The concept of evil is complex. People can do “evil” things innocently if they operate under erroneous suppositions or irresistible constraints. Despite the presence of evildoers, God’s church stands firm, emphasizing divine sovereignty and human responsibility (2 Timothy 2:19):

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”

Everyone needs to align their conscience with the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s law without committing sin innocently.

Written by Pastor Daniel Antwi-Adjei, Dome New Town District, Haatso Area