Fruitful Living
Don’t lose faith in God …Pentecost Elder tells congregation
Elder Richard Ofori Amanfo
The Presiding Elder of the Church of Pentecost, Emmanuel Assembly has urged Christians not to lose their trust in God.
Speaking under the theme “There is Hope for the Future,” Elder Amanfo offered insights into navigating life’s uncertainties and finding solace in faith.
Addressing the assembly, Elder Amanfo acknowledged the many questions life poses, asserting that the answers may not always be apparent.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that as long as individuals hold fast to their faith, there will always be a guiding light at the end of life’s tunnel.
In his sermon, Elder Amanfo drew inspiration from biblical verses, specifically Jeremiah 31:15-17 and Lamentation 3:26.
He recounted the emotional story of Rachel, who, feeling a lack of hope for her children, wept uncontrollably, and drawing parallels to the uncertainties of human existence, Elder Amanfo emphasised that only God comprehends the ultimate fate of each individual.
Highlighting the pathway to God’s blessings for the future, Elder Amanfo urged the congregation to adopt a stance of quiet patience and wait for the salvation of the Lord.
He cautioned against the tendency to speak excessively, noting that self-disclosure could sometimes be the root cause of personal challenges.
Furthermore, Elder Amanfo encouraged Christians to resist the voice of weeping and tears, acknowledging the therapeutic nature of expressing emotions.
Citing the biblical account of Jesus weeping but subsequently raising Lazarus, he urged congregants to gather strength after tears, trust in the Lord, and revive their “Lazarus” – a symbolic reference to rejuvenating hope in seemingly desolate situations.
By George Obeng Osei
Fruitful Living
How should Christians view politics? ( Final Part)
There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1–8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.
One of Satan’s grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.
The church’s unique, God-given purpose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.
Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honour, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).
Political entities are not the saviour of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
CONCLUSION
Political systems may influence society, but they are not the solution to the world’s deepest needs. As Christians, our hope lies not in political agendas but in the life-changing power of the gospel. Our mission is to be the light of the world, shining Christ’s love and truth in every area of life, including our civic duties. By focusing on the gospel and changing hearts through God’s Word, we carry out our divine calling. True transformation and salvation come only through Jesus Christ, and it is through Him that lasting change will impact our world.
Stay Blessed!
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By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Jumma Khutbah: ‘Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage under Islamic and Ghanaian Law’
Sheikh Ibn Baz, reflecting on this sermon, explained that the Prophet’s words are not only a reminder but a command to respect, honour, and support one’s spouse as an act of worship. Such values ensure that marriages in Islam are grounded in mutual love, responsibility, and care.
The Right of the Bride to Consent in Marriage (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Consent in marriage is a fundamental right granted by Islam, making it clear that a marriage is only valid if the bride consents freely. Sahih Al- Bukhari documents that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated.
“A previously married woman has more right to herself than her guardian; and a virgin should also be asked for her consent, and her silence indicate her consent” (Bukhari, 5136).
If a marriage is conducted without the bride’s consent, Islam allows for annulment, as narrated by the Prophet (PBUH): “If a woman is married without her consent, her marriage is invalid” (Bukhari, 5138). This protection ensures that the decision to marry is made willingly, preventing any coercion.
According to Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen, this hadith underscores Islam’s commitment to personal choice and the respect of individual rights, which are vital for a harmonious marriage.
Actions That Can Lead to the Annulment of Marriage
In Islamic jurisprudence, specific actions result in an automatic annulment, prioritising the sanctity of marriage. Grounds for annulment include:
• Apostasy: If either spouse leaves Islam, the marital bond is annulled, as shared faith is central to the Islamic marriage contract.
• Abuse or Neglect of Marital Obligations: Islam permits annulment when one spouse persistently fails to meet their responsibilities, financially or emotionally, thereby violating the marital contract.
• Harmful Practices: Any form of harm or abuse inflicted within marriage is unacceptable in Islam, and such cases provide grounds for annulment to protect the injured spouse.
These grounds reflect Islam’s emphasis on mutual respect and fair treatment, ensuring that the marriage remains a source of comfort and security.
Domestic Violence in Islam and Legal Frameworks
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is defined as any form of abusive behaviour, including physical, emotional, psychological, and economic harm, exerted to control or harm an intimate partner or family member. It disrupts the peace and security that marriage and family are intended to provide, threatening the well-being of all involved, especially the vulnerable.
Islam’s Stance on Domestic Violence
Islam strongly condemns all forms of oppression, including violence within the family. Marriage in Islam is founded upon rahmah (mercy) and mawaddah (love), as highlighted in the Qur’an:
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy…” (Qur’an 30:21).
Violence contradicts these core principles of compassion and tranquility in marriage. The Qur’an specifically advises against causing harm, even when dealing with family matters. Allah (SWT) says:
“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good” (Qur’an 4:19).
This verse emphasises that Muslims should treat their spouses with respect and kindness, even in challenging times, and avoid harm.
The Prophet’s (PBUH) Teachings on Domestic Violence
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly discouraged any form of violence towards family members. He said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best among you to my family” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1977). (To be continued).
By Imam Abdulai, the Author