Cost of Discipleship by Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

APOSTLE ELIKEM JOSHUA AVOTRI AT VISION 2 MULTIMEDIA

What a shock!!! 232,000,000 Dead

Can you genuinely answer this question?  "WHERE DO I STAND NOW, A HEAVEN CANDIDATE OR A HELL CANDIDATE?" Jesus is calling now.Just respond to his call now. God bless you

WHAT A SHOCK- “232,000 PEOPLE DEAD!”

There are an estimated 6 billion people in the world, thus 6,000,000,000 people. The average life expectancy of a person is estimated to be around 70 years of age. With all the natural disasters, people smoking, the global aids epidemic, terrorism, drug abuse, accidents, murders, war, etc. I’m sure the average life expectancy is much lower.

Visit a cemetery sometime and you’ll be surprised how many people have died at a much younger age. Nevertheless, let’s suppose that the average person lives to be 70 years old. 6,000,000,000 divided by 70 equals 85,714,285. This means that 85,000,000 people, on average, die every year. If we divide 85,000,000 by 365 days in a year, this means that an average of 232,876 people are dying every day in this world. Are you shocked?

My cry is "WHERE ARE THESE SOULS HEADING TO? HEAVEN OR HELL?
If you should find yourself among the 232,000 people fulfilling their appointment with death. What accounts are you going to render to our GOD?

Brethren, if you have not given your life to Christ, do so now before it is too late. Time is running out.

Arise ye soldiers of the cross and save these souls of about 232,000 which may be heading to hell right now.

In any case, where Will be going if this appointment of death meets you? Remember,  It is appointed unto man to die but once after that judgement.

The Lord be our strength. ".....always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God". Col 4:12b. Amen.Shalom...Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

Trump supports Bible Studies class in schools. What about Ghana

The President of America has supported the move to introduce Bible study class in schools. Ghana seems to be influenced by the education systems in the developed countries to shape hers. In a recent restructuring proposal of the syllabus of Ghana schools by the Ghana Education Service, Ghana, who is seen as a Christian nation seems to rather propose that even Religious and Moral Education should no longer be a subject. It was fought vehemently years ago when the government in an earlier attempt wanted to take out Religious and moral education(R.M.E) and even Christian Religious Studies(C.R.S) in the senior high school. 

All attempts however to get rid of these subjects R. M. E and C.R.S seems not to end. Another proposal has come up again against these subjects. 

Morality in Ghanaian schools seems to be dwindling day by day and added to this an attempt to takeout the religious and moral education. Teachers under the supervision of their respective headteachers are no more permitted to punish using canes. Children are left to do what they decide to do and the only defence from the education authorities  is that the cane or other punitive measures discourages the Ghanaian child from exhibiting his/her abilities or skills. 

My questions to these authorities are that, Did the cane prevent them who went through this form of punishment from exhibiting their inbuilt capabilities? 

What then is the need for headteachers. Head teachers are expected to monitor the use of the cane. The Holy Book does not frown on the use of the cane how much more us. 

Now children take phones to the classroom and we see nothing wrong. In America and other European nations, children carry guns to school and hurt others. Any attempt to reprimand these children can result in prison terms in the name of Human right or child abuse. Is that what we want in Ghana. 

The alternative mode of discipline however has failed since students who are asked to write several lines of words as a form of punishment can decide not to take the punishment. 

In truth, the education system of Ghana is gradually collapsing because it has been politicised. 

While America is trying to correct this canker, Ghana is seriously encouraging and introducing these policies. 

Read the full story of President Trump who appears to be endorsing Bible study class in public schools. 

President Trump appeared to endorse efforts by legislators in several states to allow public schools to offer Bible classes. 

"Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!" Mr. Trump tweeted Monday morning after "Fox and Friends" ran a segment on the topic.

Christian lawmakers in six Republican-controlled state legislatures across the country are pushing for legislation that would allow public schools to offer elective classes on the New and Old Testaments.

The push by conservative legislators in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia has stirred some controversy. Critics of the proposals, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that public school classes on the Bible would jeopardize the separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Alabama, Iowa and West Virginia have also considered Bible literacy bills, but all of the measures were voted down, according to the Fox News report.

But in Kentucky, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin signed legislation in 2017 to allow public school students to take Bible and Hebrew scriptures classes. A year ago, in January 2018, the ACLU of Kentucky expressed concern to the Kentucky Board of Education after an Open Records Act investigation found that many courses violated constitutional requirements that say that religious texts used in classrooms must be secular, objective and not promote any specific religious view.

The ACLU said it found "public school teachers using the Bible to impart religious life lessons" and use of Sunday school lessons and worksheets for source material. These are not academic approaches to objective study of the Bible and its historical or literary value, the ACLU pointed out.

In June 2018, the Kentucky Board of Education approved standards for the classes, but the ACLU was still worried about what was being taught in Bible literacy courses.

"Without more specific guidance, we fear some classrooms will once again be filled with preaching, not teaching," the organization wrote in a statement last August. "The ACLU-KY reminds students and parents that 'Bible Literacy' courses may not promote religion or a particular religious viewpoint, test students on matters of religious faith, nor be designed to instill religious life lessons."

"Religious education is best left to parents and churches, not school or government," the ACLU added.

Evangelicals and other Christian groups were an integral part of the president's electoral coalition during the 2016 election and have largely remained supportive of his administration — particularly because of his stance on social issues like LGBT rights and abortion, and his appointment of conservative judges to the Supreme Court.

Source
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-backs-controversial-push-for-bible-classes-in-schools/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6a&linkId=62933598

The Preacher: YOU NEED SEVERAL HONEYMOONS IN YOUR MARRIAGE

The Preacher: YOU NEED SEVERAL HONEYMOONS IN YOUR MARRIAGE: To all husbands and wives, Return to your first love Many couples have lost the first love. They hardly do the things they did during...

YOU NEED SEVERAL HONEYMOONS IN YOUR MARRIAGE

To all husbands and wives,
Return to your first love

Many couples have lost the first love. They hardly do the things they did during their honeymoon and the early days of marriage in the name of "am busy" or "am occupied with the children". Return to your first love.

Our wives, remember that sex is not all about making children. You must be a different woman to your husband every time. Seduce your husband, don't always allow your husband to ask for Sex, there must be no timetable for sex. Be creative, don't be predictable. Give him what he wants. If you loose influence over your husband, you have lost womanhood. Return to your first love.
Be part of your husbands plans.

Don't have too many children which you cannot properly disciple for Christ. The Children are not yours but God's. You are only stewards over them. You shall give accounts of your stewardship.

Couples stop relegating your parental duties to your parents and in-laws. God did not give them your children, he gave them to you for a purpose. Bring them up the way God wants you to.

We have allowed too much of our parents especially our mothers in our marriages. That is not God's plan. Remember you shall render accounts on your children to God. Will you be found a good steward?

Our wives, Allow your husband to check in and out anytime sexually as you did during your honeymoon and early days in your marriage. When a man is sexually satisfied, he is emotionally stable. Stop saying, is it food ? Yes, sex is food. Return to your first love.

As a wife, try to invest in yourself spiritually so you can adequately support your husband. He is the head of the home but he needs your support spiritually. You used to pray for him in the early days of marriage but not anymore. You only pray for your children, that is very important but remember you are not married to your children but your husband to be a help meet in bringing up the children in the fear of the Lord. Build yourself as his prayer warrior so that you will not be forced to pray at the end of your life. Return to your first love.

Stop trying to obtain favour in the sight of your children branding your husband the wicked man before your children. A lot of wives, pollute their children against their fathers and his family members. They prevent even their in-laws from visiting or disallow the children access to the parents of the man. Is it for the reason of mothers day present or that the children will provide for you during your old age? It is devilish if you are a wife like this. You are like the venom of the serpent. Repent before the anger of the Lord descends on you.
Jointly discipline and love your children. Stop saying "I will tell your father" when they go wrong. It paints a bad image of the fathers. Discipline your child if he goes wrong not pamper.

Many marriages are suffering because they did not have good and God fearing upbringing. Who is to be blamed? Parents, Remember you are stewards.

Our wives don't allow your husband to provide all your needs. Never say in his presence "since you married me you have done nothing for me, not even bought a cloth for me". What about the utility bills, the transport fares he pays when you both pick a car. What about the school fees. What about the rent. Appreciate and pray for him. You are a help meet not an ATM machine always withdrawing from him. Iron sharpens iron, try to reciprocate and appreciate him.

Some wives even have more income than their husbands do but they hide their money to provide for their families and proofing to the children the husbands are useless, not caring and refusing to meet their needs. These wives leave their husbands to be struggling, thinking. They husbands end up dying before their time. Gods eye is still watching. The day of reckoning shall be dangerous and surprising.

You are meant to support each other spiritually, financially, physically and morally through thick and thin. You are a builder. Wise woman buildeth her home. Women need wisdom to build their homes. Return to your first love.

Wives, Do not be too outspoken, know when to talk, when to listen and when to be quiet. Is it the way you started marriage? Return to your first love.

Love your husband with all your heart. A lot of women are fond of saying "if not because of my children". Don't forget that when the children were not there u were still married. Return to your first love.

The number one purpose of marriage is not to make children but accomplish God's given purpose as a help meet to your husband.

Pamper your husband, put his head on your chest and pray for him just as you will always expect him to do for you.

Give him unannounced kiss from the back. Many couples apart from the first days of marriage where they kissed unannounced have relegated kissing to the moment of sex only. They kiss each other only during sex. Don't be too busy and too holy to kiss in the public. He is your husband for God sake. Return to your first love

Be romantic it is good for the heart. Some people are not happy that you're happy in that marriage, proof them wrong that you love him and he is your crown, always feel good when you hold him. Don't look 50 while you're still under 40, it drives men crazy. Always keep fit regardless of your age or body.
To men:
Do not take a woman who does all these for granted!
Pamper her, pray for her, cherish her, love her, support her financially, make her feel like your woman! God bless us and our marriages..... Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

God's word concerning corporal punishment

God's view on corporal punishment

This is what the Bible says about discipline and I hope the Qur'an says the same.

1. Proverbs 29:15
The rod (cane) and reproof give wisdom, but a child left
to himself brings shame to his mother.
2. Proverbs 13:24.
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he
who loves him is diligent to discipline him
3. Proverbs 23:13-14.
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you
strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike
him with the rod, you will save his soul from
Sheol.
4. Hebrews 12:11
For the moment all discipline seems painful
rather than pleasant, but later it yields the
peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who
have been trained by it.
5. Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the
rod of discipline drives it far from him.
6. Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even
when he is old he will not depart from it.
7. Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set
your heart on putting him to death.
8. Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he
will give delight to your heart.

The Preacher: Cheating in Marriage is deadly

The Preacher: Cheating in Marriage is deadly: Having sexual affairs outside your marital home has deadly and mostly irreparable effects. After having a one-on-one chat with some cou...

Cheating in Marriage is deadly

Having sexual affairs outside your marital home has deadly and mostly irreparable effects.

After having a one-on-one chat with some couples, I can only but advice all couples to stay together and fight anything that will threaten the peace in the home.

Repent and at least engage in a 21day fast to plead for mercy to break all the spiritually demonic covenant you have found yourself supported by a Pastor.

I can tell you without this,   you are a living dead being.

Worse of all is when u are not married but just cohabiting or have given birth out of this cohabitations. I will advice you to immediately take the necessary steps to bring your marriage to the presence of God before the worse happens. Kill the pride and take a step.   What you are about suffering is more deadly. Don't say you were not told. At this stage, you don't need an expensive marriage ceremony. Just a Sunday church blessing after performing the necessary traditional marriage rites is enough.

A word to the wise is enough and had I know is always at last. Treat this advice I have given you as an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ as an emergency case and urgent warning. The Lord strengthen you. Shalom...Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

The Preacher: Bible studies to become an Elective in Public scho...

The Preacher: Bible studies to become an Elective in Public scho...: While a Florida lawmaker files a bill to make Bible studies an elective in all public Schools, Ghana Education Service proposes a removal ...

Bible studies to become an Elective in Public schools OUTSIDE GHANA while Ghana REMOVES RME

While a Florida lawmaker files a bill to make Bible studies an elective in all public Schools, Ghana Education Service proposes a removal of Religious and Moral Education as a subject in our Schools.

What will it mean for the Ghana Education Service now that the road is cleared for the construction of our National Cathedral by the Supreme Court of Ghana.  I am at sea why all efforts are been made to take away our religious studies from our Schools. Is there a hidden agenda? 

 In a news today, The Supreme Court has in a unanimous decision dismissed a case challenging the construction of a National Cathedral in Ghana.
According to the apex court, the construction of the monumental edifice is in tune with the social and political objectives of the Constitution of Ghana.

Read full story :http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2019/january-23rd/suit-against-national-cathedral-construction-dismissed.php

Read full story of the Bill by the Florida Lawmaker
http://www.wtxl.com/news/florida-lawmaker-files-bill-to-make-bible-study-an-elective/article_ea6318d6-15c7-11e9-a321-9f1918182511.html?fbclid=IwAR3PPCNDry_ElmBnAj5U8moB7bCRXqQt8DX1ug4Utfm7TVzSgGpONZm9BDA

The Preacher: A BEFITTING BURIAL OR A BEFITTING ETERNITY

The Preacher: A BEFITTING BURIAL OR A BEFITTING ETERNITY: Maturity in Christ is not equivalent to maturity in physical age. Having big academic qualifications does not necessarily mean one is ma...

A BEFITTING BURIAL OR A BEFITTING ETERNITY

Maturity in Christ is not equivalent to maturity in physical age. Having big academic qualifications does not necessarily mean one is matured in spiritual things of Christ. Even some teachers in theological schools do not know Christ and therefore do not understand spiritual things. Attending a Bible School or Seminary does not necessarily mean you know Jesus Christ and understand the mysteries of Christ. Academic qualifications could take you worldly far and later end you in the grave but not Heavenly far which will give you an everlasting life. While Bible School and seminary or pursuing higher academic education in even circular academic centres like universities etc are very necessary, they are not the ultimate. In John 3:1 says "There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. In the Jewish culture I believe that the title "religious leader" is not obtained on a silver platter looking at their attitudes of highly religious and "pious". Nicodemus was not a mere person. He was highly respected and honoured. He taught the scriptures but never understood the Kingdom mysteries.

He got rather attracted to Christ by His miracles. John 3:2. Nicodemus with his earthly wisdom started flattering Jesus instead of tapping into the most important thing. He secretly went to Jesus in the night probably to test him as they are known for and said in John 3:2 "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Jesus quickly knowing his thoughts rebuked him by saying that it is not following me because of my miracles or flattering me that matters but "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."(John 3:3). He still never understood Jesus' sayings because he was still in the flesh. A lot of us do go to church, follow Pastors, Prophets, Apostles, etc because of what we see them do, miracles. But by the Kingdom law, the most important according John 3:3 is to be born again first. Jesus explained in vrs 6 of John 3 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Brethren lets not get carried away by our worldly qualifications which only ends at the grave but seek the most important gift " TO BE BORN AGAIN". If you are close to a Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist, Apostle etc., seek for the best gift that cometh only from above "TO BE BORN AGAIN" and all other things shall be added.(Matt. 6:33). Your attachment to the man of God does not make you born again. If your father is a man of God does not make you born again. If you were born into a christian Church does not make you born again. If you are a leader in the church does not automatically mean you are born again. Except you surrender to Christ, believe and confess Him as your Lord and personal Saviour, you cant be born again.

If you happen to be reading this piece, Jesus is saying to you, yes you; The decision "TO BE BORN AGAIN" must be made now for tomorrow might be too late. The peace of God be with us even now and forever more in name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Shalom..... Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

The Preacher: Noah was saved by Grace not works

The Preacher: Noah was saved by Grace not works: Salvation by grace and not works was even understood by people of the old testament. In Gen. 6:6, the Bible says "So the Lord was sorry...

Noah was saved by Grace not works

Salvation by grace and not works was even understood by people of the old testament. In Gen. 6:6, the Bible says "So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on earth. It broke his heart. And the Lord said, "I will wipe this human race I created from the face of the earth. Yes, and i will destroy every living thing, all the people, the large animals that scurry along the ground and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them". (NLT).

This was during the time of Noah. This means that Noah was a sinner and couldn't have been saved by works.
In vrs 9b of Genesis 6, the Bible now says " Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time..." How is this possible in an evil world? How did he Noah achieve his righteousness and was blameless hence obtained salvation with his entire family? In vrs 8 of Gen 6, the Bible says " But Noah found favour with the Lord". Our righteous is obtained not by works but grace.

After obtaining righteousness what did he do?
 Gen 6:9c says "... he walked in close fellowship with God" (NLT).  Brethren you see, the truth is that Jesus is God and existed from the beginning (John 1:1) and anyone who believes in Him is saved (John 3:16). Salvation is all about believing and then having fellowship or relationship with Christ. Having a relationship or fellowship with HIM (Christ) is all about knowing him.

Brethren seek to have a relationship with Christ now. Believe in Him and stop basing your righteousness on your works. It is just by His grace (Zech 4:6). Works is rewarding after been born again. The Scriptures says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Eph 2:8-10.

Today as you hear Him speak, come unto me, all who are heavy laiden and I will give you rest, i will save you from the eternal destruction; Believe in Him (Jesus Christ) now and be saved.

Do not listen to the false teachers of our days who teach that Jesus is not God, that Jesus never resurrected, that Jesus is just a prophet and cannot save, that Jesus never existed in the old testament, that your prayer to God must be channelled through another person apart from Christ, that unless you are baptised you will not be saved. Baptism is necessary after salvation (BORN AGAIN) but not the ultimate and does not save.
May you be delivered from the spirit of antichrist now in the name of Jesus Christ. I pray that your eye of understanding be opened to know the truth.  Amen. REMEMBER JESUS IS LORD. Shalom….Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

The Preacher: The vision shall be fulfilled in 2019

The Preacher: The vision shall be fulfilled in 2019: Hab 2:3 says "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wai...

The vision shall be fulfilled in 2019

Hab 2:3 says "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry".

Before time began, the Lord had a vision concerning your life which surely has to be fulfilled as far as you stay earnestly in harmony with him. People die unfulfilled without achieving and experiencing the manifestation of the purpose of God concerning their lives. The Bible says in Jer 29:11 that "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I have seen the ungodly prospering and sometimes we do ask very funny questions which David also said in Ps 73:2-3 that But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

But you know as Christians we should never think for ones that the evil men prosper more than we do. I have come to realise that it is a lie. He blesses us at His own appointed time to glorify His name and give you a testimony for the ungodly to see how great our God is to be worshipped. The blessings of God lasts than that of the evil man.

Remember that your prosperity, your healing, your breakthrough, your lucrative job, your spiritual upliftment, your anointing is God's glory. How can you compare your endless prosperity to the prosperity of the ungodly that has no future?
Oh my God!!!!!!!. Is it that you don't know the God you are walking with?

This man is able to spot a you among 100's when your time is come. In John  5:5-8  the Bible says "Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"
The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.
Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk."

Take note of the vrs 7. Jesus asked this sick man, do you want to be made well? This sick man failed the comprehension by continuing his lamentations "Sir, i have no one to put me into the pool". Ahhhh!!. I  believe that his healing delayed because he always lamented when it was time to move into the water. He was scared by the number of desperate sick people who wanted their healing.

Look i dare you to take up your bed and walk. Stop the lamentations. Go to that office, for your job awaits you, go and do that test because you are healed, open your mouth wide and let God fill it. You are rich, you are blessed. This is your set time of redemption.

May the peace and favour of God, rest upon you and your family. If you believe say a big Amen.
Welcome to your set time of divine flying. Amen. Your heavens are already opened in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen . Shalom.... Apostle Elikem Joshua Avotri

The Preacher: These Pastors will not finish the race of reaching...

The Preacher: These Pastors will not finish the race of reaching...: These Pastors Who will not finish the race of reaching Their Ministry Potentials You probably can name a few talented athletes that s...

These Pastors will not finish the race of reaching their ministry potentials

These Pastors Who will not finish the race of reaching Their Ministry Potentials

You probably can name a few talented athletes that showed potential early in their career but flamed out prematurely. “So-and-so had everything going for them, how could they not succeed?” A lack of discipline, focus or humility might have caused them to miss a great opportunity.

Likewise, pastors are susceptible to not live up to their potential. Natural giftedness or previous ministry blessings are not enough to get you to the finish line in ministry.

You must be wise in both pursuing Christ and avoiding the snares of the devil that seek to trip pastors up (1 Timothy 3:6-7).

10 Types of Pastors Who Fail to Reach Their Potential in Ministry

1. The Future-Focused Pastor
Are you always thinking about your next ministry position or dreaming about other roles? Don’t let your future desires rob from the opportunity God has you in presently. The Lord has you where he has you for a reason. The grass is always greenest where it is watered.

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” Luke 16:10

2. The Anger-Prone Pastor
Pastors often deal with stressful situations and difficult people and are prone to burnout in ministry. The right combination of people and stressors may prove dangerous for the pastor who is easily angered. Unruly youth and unreasonable congregants never give a pastor an excuse to lose their temper—even for a moment. Letting anger control you could lead to physically harming others and being found unfit for ministry.

“Therefore an overseer must be … sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable.” 1 Timothy 3:2

3. The Do-Everything-Yourself Pastor
You may be tempted to see the ministry of the church as something you own and are responsible for. Pastors shouldn’t seek to control every aspect of ministry but rather should train others for biblical ministry (2 Timothy 2:2). Leadership Resources equips pastors to read and preach God’s Word with God’s heart and to train others to do so as well. Our Fellowship of the Word program will sharpen your abilities at proclaiming God’s Word and will give you the confidence to equip others for a ministry of the Word.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12

4. The Insubordinate Pastor
The insubordinate pastor might prefer his vision for ministry over his boss’ vision and refuse to submit to his authority. This attitude might cause division in the church or for others to discount the vision of the governing pastors. Pastor: God calls you to model Christ-like submission to your authority in front of your flock.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

5. The Money-Loving Pastor
Money is one of the three big sins Satan most often uses to cause pastors to fall (along with sex and power). Financial temptations abound and range from dipping into church funds for personal use to gambling. Guard your heart against the love of money and pray that God would help you model godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

“…not a lover of money…” 1 Timothy 3:3

6. The Unhappy Pastor
This type of pastor sees life and ministry as a glass half-empty. A pastor should be able to manage his spiritual life and spiritual affections well. Lacking Christian joy robs a pastor of one of his greatest weapons (see Nehemiah 8:10) and makes it tough to stir a passion for God in those under your care. Unhappiness may be due to lacking a robust view of the power of God.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

7. The Hobby-Horse Pastor
Special interest in certain Christian topics or doctrines can become a problem when that special interest dominates everything a pastor says and does. Pastor: Resist the urge to saddle up your hobby horse to the neglect of your flock. Faithfully minister the Word to your people.

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2

8. The Loose-With-Physical-Boundaries Pastor
Pastors walk a fine line with physical touch more than ever before. Without properly defined boundaries and safeguards, a pastor may find himself offending a congregant, losing his job or doing time in prison. Don’t let yourself fall into even a hint of sexual misconduct or allow gestures and physical touch to be misunderstood.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” Ephesians 5:3

9. The Mismanaged Pastor
With a variety of roles and responsibilities, pastors need to be able to manage themselves, their schedule and their family. Pastors who can’t manage themselves don’t finish what they start or meet deadlines and cannot reach their potential in ministry. When Paul explained to Timothy qualifications for leaders in the church, he mentioned management three times (specifically in regards to his household). Why is that?

“For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5)

10. The Lazy Pastor
Many pastors (especially those in small churches) enjoy flexible schedules with limited oversight. This combination can turn into laziness if not kept in check and lead to a variety of sins. Being careless about shepherding the flock, loose in stewarding money, or lazy in studying Scripture will hurt you and your people over the long run. Don’t be careless with your God-ordained shepherding role—lead with zeal (Romans 12:8).

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” 1 Peter 5:2

–

Pastor, do whatever you can to avoid falling into any of these temptations. Stay committed to God in prayer and by feeding on His Word. Surround yourself with people who encourage you in the faith that you can be open and honest with and pursue the Lord together. Thank God for your salvation, your family and your ministry.

If we abide in Christ, we will be guaranteed to bear fruit for Him (John 15:4-5). Not only will we bear fruit, but He can amplify our efforts to “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

If this post was a wakeup call for you, get on your knees and ask for God’s help and guidance to more fully surrender your life and ministry to the Lord. This could be a moment God will use to transform you and your ministry forever.


By
Kevin Halloran
http://www.kevinhalloran.net
Servant of the Word. Husband to Jazlynn. Blogger at KevinHalloran.net. I serve with Leadership Resources launching indigenous-led movements of biblical exposition in Latin America and around the world (visit www.leadershipresources.org to learn more). I write at Unlocking the Bible, The Gospel Coa

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The Preacher: Am still a virgin after 5years in marriage in my h...

The Preacher: Am still a virgin after 5years in marriage in my h...: “5 Years After Our Marriage, Am Still A Virgin In My Husband’s House”- Wife I was young, undergraduate, 17 years old when I met the love of...

Am still a virgin after 5years in marriage in my husbands house..

“5 Years After Our Marriage, Am Still A Virgin In My Husband’s House”- Wife
I was young, undergraduate, 17 years old when I met the love of my life.

After we dated for 6months, he ask to see my parents, I took him for introduction and my parents approved our relationship, we got married exactly a year after our first meeting and that is 4 weeks to my second semester exams, we love each other dearly, I was proud of myself and the training my parents gave me as I married my husband a virgin.

One my first day, I was scared of the first night, but to my surprise nothing intimate happened we ate the usual chicken suya,prayed, jokes about different things amd laugh it off to sleep.

This happened continously for two weeks I was naive and thought everything was fine, three weeks after, he told me he want me to concentrate on my studies so that I can continue to make him and my parents proud with the result after the exam and that was his reasons for us not having anything intimate together.

I smiled and said It’s okay, in my mind I was thinking and praising God that he has blessed me with a good man.

Fastforward, two years later,  am still virgin in my husband’s house, not for once I have ever cheated on my husband. In school, I have to face the temptation alone and my fellow male collegues will keep pressurizing me to go out with them as they don’t believe that am married many believe am lying, only turning guys down.

Even if I am naïve, I know the meaning of comitment and above all he is the only man I love, I can’t see myself cheating on my husband ever. I believe I was able to hold on these long because I dont know what it means to have sex, it got to a point where friends and course mate started gossiping that this man gave this girl everything ‘ga kudi, ga Mota, ga waya. komai latest ya fito sai ya siya mata idan bata fito da mota ba, shi ke zuwa ya dauke ta bata wahala but she can’t even bear him a child and they said a lot more.

The first day I heard them gossipping about me, I went back home and I cried my eyes out, my husband came back and saw me crying he asked I said “you’re the one that put me into this messed, I confronted him that day and told him my mind, I told him what I have been going through I dont need money anymore I want him.

He held me tight, the first day my husband hug me this tight, or let me say the first day any man held me this close, he then started crying, I felt bad because that was our first argument.
He kissed me passionately, cuddle and everything went well that day but still no sex.

After three years, relatives started asking “wai mu are we white people da bazamu haihu ba”? He looks at me and we stared at each other for a seconds and he smiled and draw me closer and replied “shi gaskiya yana san matan shi, baya san ta wahala yaro da school ai wahala ne sai na gama school zamu fara haihuwa”.

Now Inside Arewa and all the people reading this, we’re five years into our marriage, no sex, not even for once.

I’ll break it to you now, the big story is that the love of my life is gay, not just a gay a gay but their own gay life is in form of secret cult, and the rule is you marry a virgin and you won’t have sex with her for 8years after 8years din he will sleep with a pig for one week then he can start making love with his wife.

My beloved husband told me this crying 6 months ago! Wallahi I love this man so much I dont think I can leave him for any man wallahi, I don’t know what to do, please help a sister help pleaseeeeeeee I am losing my mind.

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Source

http://insidearewa.com.ng/2019/01/03/5-years-after-our-marriage-am-still-a-virgin-in-my-husbands-house-wife/