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INTRODUCTION

The advent of Christianity into Ghana brought many significant landmarks into the land. From the colonial to the post independence era up till now, it is clear that one of the blessings God gave to our land was the coming of Christianity. Through Christianity, many lives have been transformed, aspects of our culture shaped, civilization enhanced, great infrastructural development including schools, hospitals and centres of vocation.

The latest figures from the population and housing census indicates that more than 70% of Ghanaians are Christians – this being a very refreshing outcome.

The above, notwithstanding, some concerning observations have been made with our Christianity in contemporary times.

In this article, I attempt to shed light on some of these  concerns, which I find worrying and risk putting our walk of faith in jeopardy.

One day whiles admonishing and teaching the crowd, Jesus prophetically warned his listeners and disciples to make sure that the light they think they have is not actually darkness – Lk 11:35 (NLT).

In other words, there is always the potential of us drifting and thinking we are in the light when in actual fact, we are engrossed in darkness.

In the light of the foregoing, some of the reeling concerns are herein listed

1. The Thirst for “Divine Revelation” Syndrome

One of the concerning observations of Ghanaian Christianity today is a certain supposed thirst and hunger for some kind of “divine revelation.” Without disregarding the need to dig deep in order to draw from the wells of insight as Christians, there seem to be an insatiable desire of congregants to hear words and some kind of rhema which are considered “out of the world”, which tickles their emotions and blow their minds. In order to meet this desire, some preachers are compelled to package their sermons in a way to sound “deep”, unveil revelations and wow their audience. As a result, some pulpits are now becoming avenues for churning out  punchlines and not heartlines. Messages of conviction are making way for messages of admiration. Listeners are no longer desirous of what will command repentance but  sermons, which will sweep them off their feet and not those that will circumcise their hearts. But the power of the gospel does not dwell in oratory or exceptional articulation, but it is in its simplicity. Indeed, what is the point in offering “deep revelations” and yet raising shallow believers who cannot stand by their convictions to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly.

2. The Prayer Movement Wave

The second concerning observation I have made with our contemporary Christianity is what I term as the Wave of the Prayer Movements. The Prayer Movement Wave relates to sudden upsurge of prayer groups which have been escalated through social media. Although these movements have come with great positives including a new sense of prayer awakening, an enhanced revival, a renewed hunger for God and a deepened form of spirituality among others, there is also the other side of the coin where these movements seem to be replacing the personal spiritual development of the individual adherents like personal quiet times and Bible study but rather culturing adherents along a certain kind of imbalance spirituality. It is important to underscore that Jesus remains our perfect example and time and time again, His template was to look for a solitary place to commune with God. Knowing God for ourselves has always been the Father’s heartbeat.

3. Prophetism and Prophesitisation

The subject of prophetism and its operation and management has been an aged long issue. Without belabouring the truth of prophecy as a tool for edification, exhortation and comfort, it is becoming a growing concern how the gift of prophecy is being carried and exercised in contemporary times. Is it not worrying how modern day prophets come on social media to drop names and telephone numbers of those to whom a prophecy is directed at? This is what I call prophesitisation which refers to the act of creating a deliberate platform for the exercise of the prophetic gifts and functions without recognition of God’s sovereignty in the operationalisation of the gift. In fact some prophets even come live on social media for followers to come live in order to be prophesied to? This immediately creates a prophetic marketplace for seekers and prophesiers to converge for prophetic transactions. The danger here is that the quest to seek to know Christ and become like him become subservient to the here and now reality of gaining what life here offers. The writing does not seek to make light the substance of the prophetic but it is obvious that some things do not really add up in the prevailing excesses, hence this raging concern.

4. The Theology of Some Contemporary Gospel music

Another rising concern is the doctrinal basis of some of the contemporary gospel music being churned out for the Christian community. Beyond the melodic structure and solfa progressions, the lyrical content of some contemporary gospel songs lack spiritual depth, do not deepen faith and weaken convictions whiles fueling our carnalities and materialistic tendencies. This is against the ancient hymns and songs of the early 70s to 90s which were Christocentric in outlook, drove holy living, promoted righteousness and frowned on iniquity and yet were scripturally balanced, deepened faith and Christian endurance whiles drawing our hearts to Christ. No wonder they have stood the test of time while many of contemporary tunes have only phased out with time.

5. Cross Religious Marriages

Even though, religious tolerance and faith diversity has chalked great successes in Ghana, it is of grave concern witnessing in contemporary times, the upsurge in cross religious marriages. With the understanding that the scripture is our rule, it becomes difficult to reconcile such inter faith marriages bearing in mind Apostle Paul’s admonition in 2 Cor. 6:14-17. The concern with this practice is an emerging generation with a lost spiritual identity, syncretic outlook and behavior leading to the creation of a liberalized society of permissiveness. With the intention of establishing the kingdom of God, there is the need to state the lines clearly so there is no controversy over opinions – either the Lord is God or none other.

6. The Struggle of Staying Relevant Vs The Will of God

The last concern as I reflect on contemporary Ghanaian Christianity is what I describe as the struggle of staying revelant vis-a-vis the will of God. It is important to underscore that as Christians, we have no aim, no will and no purpose except that of Christ. The narrative, however, is not the case considering the nature of the times where staying relevant is our fixation. Herein lies the concern since the call for kingdom come is to see God’s will done. What that means is that what may be the accepted will of God for us may not fit the earthly standard of recognition, relevance and influence. It is this struggle that has led some of the saints into compromise and spiritual shipwreck forgetting that staying in God’s will is the perfect way to go.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this article is the outcome of a pastoral burden drawn from my heart based on some observations from our Ghanaian contemporary Christianity. Without being judgemental, I have sought to highlight some of these observations to trigger a discourse aimed at enabling the Church to separate the wheat from the tares.

Maranatha, Lord please come

Written by Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (General Manager, PENT TV)

MAIN TEXT: ISAIAH 37:14-20 & COLOSSIANS 1:14-15

INTRODUCTION

In anticipation, there was a divine and supernatural shift in ordinance when the formal handwriting of sin and its reproach was negated by the latter, which was written by the blood of Jesus Christ, not with ink, disqualifying the antique written code, unpaid debt, ancient decrees, the law of ordinance, and the commandment of death and sin against all human race being unequivocally blotted out, wiped away, and erased through the vicarious death of Christ who conquered death and sin on the cross.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

WHAT IS AN ORDINANCE?

An ordinance is a Christian rite associated with tangible elements (water, bread, and wine) that is celebrated by the church of Jesus Christ. The term is closely associated with the word sacrament, which is an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace.

WHAT IS THE HANDWRITING OF THE ORDINANCE?

The handwriting of ordinances mentioned in Colossians 2:14 does not refer to the Law of Moses. They claim that since the word ordinances in Colossians 2:14 comes from the Greek word dogma (dog’-mah) it cannot refer to the Law of Moses.

The handwriting of the ordinance, therefore, is simply the written code of sin that was inked against all humanity from the time man fell in the Garden of Eden through disobedience, which was the punishment of death and a lake of fire.

THE CRUX MAIN TEXT – ISAIAH 37: 14-20

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF KING HEZEKIAH’S ACTION

a) Hezekiah departed to the temple of God and in the house of the LORD, and spread the letter before God.

Hezekiah did exactly what any child of God should do with such a letter. In fact, anyone struggling with an ordinance of sin in his life is just to turn to the maker of life who is able to transform and save as well. He took it to the house of the LORD (to the outer courts, not the holy place), and he spread it before the LORD. In this, Hezekiah boldly and effectively fulfilled the later command of 1 Peter 5:7.

b) The LORD of host:

The almighty God is the chief army commander of his people, and so when crises of such sought arose, he was consulted. This title for our God essentially means “LORD of armies.” Hezekiah was in a crisis that was primarily military in nature, so it made sense for him to address the LORD first according to the aspect of God’s nature that was most needful for him.

c) “LORD of armies, send some troops to help us!” God of Israel:

This title was actually used by the King to re-echo to God that the people of Israel were his people.

This title for God also reminded Hezekiah, in our human way of understanding, that the LORD God was the covenant God of Israel and that He should not forsake His people.

c) The One who dwells between the cherubim:

At this point, Hezekiah views God’s greatness in the context of Him dwelling between cherubim who is strong and majestic would not allow Rabshakeh to overcome his people.

d) “You are God, you alone”:

God is a simple title for our LORD, but perhaps the most powerful. If He is God, then what can He do? If He is God, then what is beyond His control? Hezekiah realizes the most fundamental fact of all theology: God is God, and we are not! God is God, and Rabshakeh or the Assyrians are not!

e) “You have made heaven and earth”:

In recognizing the LORD God as Creator, Hezekiah saw that the LORD had all power and all rights over every created thing. We can almost feel Hezekiah’s faith rising as he prayed this.

f) “Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see”:

In this verse, let me explain with how in Exodus 3:3-4 the crying of the people of God, the Israelites when they were in captivity went up to the Lord and God said I have heard about the cry of my people and I have come down to deliver them.

Hezekiah knew very well that the LORD did in fact hear and see the blasphemies of Rabshakeh. This is a poetic way of asking God to act upon what He has seen and heard, assuming that if God has seen such things, He will certainly act.

HUMANITY AND THE WRITTEN CONTEXT FROM THE BACKDROP OF HEZEKIAH’S KINGSHIP

Humankind had also received a letter of death and destruction from the camp of Satan when from the day Adam sinned against God and have obey the devil. Man was destined to hell and the lake of fire forever and ever but when he took the people of Israel as his nation and they cried unto him which was in alignment of God’s plan for humanity he sent forth his son to remove the handwriting of inscription that was against us and to change the verdict from death to life and hope in everlasting life and power.

LET’S ALSO DEAL WITH THE SECOND TEXT COLOSSIANS 2:13-15

a) “And took it out of the way”:

In Galatians 3:13 we read, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one that hanged on a tree.”

When Christ was impaled or crucified on the cross or “tree,” He was made a curse by taking our sins. The Law was not a curse. But sin due to breaking of God’s Law put a note of debt on our heads. This note of sinful guilt due to following Ways contrary to God’s Law was against us until Christ lifted the curse from us.

The Law was not nailed to the stake or cross Christ was (John 19:17, 18). The record of our sins was nailed to the stake in His body (I Peter 2:24).

Now we all can better understand Colossians 2:14. Notice this verse again as it stands in the King James Version. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to use, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”

b) “Sins Blotted Out”:

Let’s now see how the context of Colossians proves how this “handwriting of ordinances” refers to the record of our sins. Colossians 2 explains: “In whom [Christ] also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” (verse 11). Paul elsewhere reveals we are to be circumcised “in the heart.”

c) “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it”:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12.

What are these principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness?

But revelation points out that spiritual beings often carry out God’s purpose in the natural world, and not only as messengers. (Exodus 12:23, 2 Samuel 24:16, Ps 91:11, Ps 34:7, Ex 23:20).

Principalities and powers simply describe angelic powers, those invisible, whether they be good or bad. But, in this context, the verse turns dark with the mention of the rulers and the spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:10-21.

This passage in the whole of scriptures might be the one that speaks most clearly about the invisible powers which rule and influence nations. It speaks about “patron” angels that preside over the destinies of particular nations: a prince of Persia, a prince of Greece, and Michael, a chief prince of Israel.

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. Revelation 12:7.

So, Israel has a spiritual champion (Dan. 10:21) and there are powers opposed to Israel. These “princes” of the heathen powers will face God and be judged in the future for their deeds as any other created being.

d) “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus Christ went to hell on the day he was crucified and made public spectacle of them all and triumphed over them. He destroyed the works he took Satan off his throne and made a showdown of all demons in hell and took away the keys of life and death and resurrected hallelujah.

CONCLUSION

Colossians 2:14 explains that even more. It says that Jesus “canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” The debt of our sins has been paid by Jesus’ death on the cross.

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

Inspired by the touching narrative of “A Taste of Sin,” a new Christian movie trending, this article aims to underscore the significance of adhering to church principles, particularly concerning the suspension of church members from activities.

The film portrays the journey of a pastor suspended from the church due to an affair with a choir member, resulting in her tragic death from an abortion. However, through genuine repentance during his suspension, both God and the church restored him.

While the movie primarily serves as a cautionary tale for men of God and Christians to remain vigilant against temptation, it prompts a deeper examination of a vital church practice: SUSPENSIONS.

In the realm of religious communities, the decision to suspend church members from activities and gatherings is often met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a harsh measure, others see it as essential for maintaining the integrity of the church’s principles and doctrines. Often a contentious topic due to misunderstandings, suspensions play a crucial role in maintaining integrity and accountability within the church community.

This article delves into the significance of such actions, drawing insights from both biblical references and practical everyday life events.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the concept of discipline within the church has its roots in biblical teachings. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus lays out a clear process for handling disputes within the church community, which includes steps for addressing wrongdoing and, if necessary, eventual exclusion from the fellowship: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

This passage underscores the importance of accountability and discipline within the church body. By suspending members from activities and gatherings, church leadership demonstrates a commitment to upholding biblical standards and addressing behavior that deviates from those standards.

Moreover, the decision to suspend members serves as a form of protection for the broader church community. Just as leaven can leaven the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6), allowing unrepentant sin to go unchecked within the congregation can have detrimental effects on the spiritual health and unity of the body. Suspending members sends a clear message that certain behaviors are incompatible with the values and beliefs of the church, thereby safeguarding its integrity and witness to the world.

In practical everyday life, we encounter numerous situations where accountability and discipline are necessary for the well-being of a community. In a workplace setting, for example, employees who consistently violate company policies may face suspension or termination to maintain productivity and morale. Similarly, in sports teams, players who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or violate team rules may be benched or suspended from games to uphold the integrity of the sport and the team’s reputation.

Likewise, in the context of the church, suspending members from activities is not an act of condemnation but rather an opportunity for repentance and restoration. Galatians 6:1 reminds believers to restore those who have fallen away in a spirit of gentleness, emphasizing the ultimate goal of reconciliation and healing within the body.

What is rather troubling is the hypocrisy within some circles in the church community enforcing this practice of suspension in a biased way. Sometimes, church members face the full rigor of the suspension, while other church leaders who fall prey are handled in a rather favored manner. This sometimes causes disaffection among the church populace. If the law can be implemented in an impartial, fair, and firm manner no matter who falls victim, then the intent and purposes of suspensions in the Church can be achieved. This underscores the importance of consistency and integrity in the application of disciplinary measures, ensuring that all members are held accountable to the same standards regardless of their position or status within the church hierarchy.

In conclusion, the significance of suspending church members from activities and gatherings cannot be understated. It reflects a commitment to biblical principles, protects the integrity of the church community, and provides an opportunity for repentance and restoration. By upholding accountability and discipline, the church maintains its witness to the world and fosters a community marked by grace, love, and holiness.

Written by Daniel Kwabena Mantey (Pent TV Anchor, Social Media: @dkwabenamantey, himantey@gmail.com)