Fruitful Living
Letters from God – Why forsake your first love? (FinalPart)
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” – Rev. 2:1-7 (NIV)
LET us now examine the different parts of the letter using our diagnostic, descriptive, and prescriptive values described earlier.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE EPHESUS CHURCH
Remember that this was a church that loved God, but was sick and needed help. The letter was sent to them so they could get help, and its contents was sent by the Master Physician who sees all – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
It is so easy for us to overlook or forget the good when things are not going well. Not God. He did not just focus on the bad and ugly, of which they already had an idea.
He gave them the total picture, starting with the good. His description of their condition summarised them in totality in the following verses:
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my Name, and have not grown weary. ……… You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
DIAGNOSIS OF THE SPIRITUAL
CONDITION OF THE EPHESUS CHURCH
Yet, in spite of the good description of this church in Revelation 2:2, 3 & 6, they were still sick and had a problem. And here is what God’s microscope revealed about the cause of their sickness and the damage that had resulted from it:
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen!
Because of their sickness, they had fallen far from the great spiritual height they had previously enjoyed and now at a low depth of despair. This same experience had earlier made David cry out:
“Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. And sustain me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:11-12
PRESCRIPTION FOR THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE EPHESUS CHURCH
Many go through the same stage of experience as was diagnosed for David and the Ephesus church in the walk of faith. And so, the letter continues with a prescription of what should be done to receive healing, as well as what will happen if the prescription is ignored.
… If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
The apostle Peter preached the gospel at a gathering where many were desirous of something more meaningful than the life of ease and merrymaking that they had.
He gave them the same prescription as was sent to the Ephesus. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
A WARNING TO 21ST
CENTURY BELIEVERS
Perhaps you or someone around you is currently going through the experience of the early Ephesus church. Perhaps you love God once and pledged to love Him forever and have now surrendered to the allure of worldly interests?
The profound messages of this letter to the Ephesus church are equally applicable to each of us as believers today. God wants us to live a full life as responsible men and women, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33. It is the only way to maintain the spiritual height where we can be truly free, and be the best that He has created us to be.
THINK ABOUT IT: Andrea Crouch, the legendary songwriter in one of his classical hymns repeats this poignant plea in the refrain: Take me back dear Lord to the place where I first received you. Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I first believed.” Why not sing the same song to get back to God, your first true love?
To be continued!
Stay Blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.comWebsite: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr Joyce Aryee,the author
Fruitful Living
Institution of Marriage in Islam (Pt.3)
Regarding sexual intimacy, it is also prohibited for a wife to demand money or gifts before allowing her husband to engage in sexual relations. Islam views this as a form of exploitation and sin. A marital relationship must be based on mutual love, respect, and affection rather than material gain.
Prohibition of sexual intercourse during menstruation
Islam has clear guidelines regarding sexual relations during certain times, particularly when a woman is menstruating. The Qur’an prohibits sexual intercourse during menstruation, stating:
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say: ‘It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves’” (Qur’an 2:222).
This verse emphasises the importance of refraining from sexual activity during menstruation due to physical and spiritual reasons. However, all other forms of affection and companionship are allowed, and husbands should continue to care for their wives during this time with love and respect.
Islamic law encourages cleanliness and personal hygiene, especially in matters related to physical intimacy. After the menstruation period ends, it is recommended that the wife perform ghusl (ritual purification) before resuming sexual relations with her husband.
Rights of Children on Parents
Islam emphasises the rights of children on their parents, as marriage is the foundation of family life. Parents are obligated to provide their children with proper care, education, and moral guidance. The Qur’an states: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6).
This highlights the parents’ responsibility to raise their children with a strong sense of morality and faith. Children have the right to a good name, religious upbringing, and education, and they must be treated with fairness and love.
In Ghana’s law, there is Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989) which states among other things,
• Section 4, Right to Name, Nationality and secure a Birth Certificate for the child
• Section 6(3) (a&b), protection from neglect, provide good guidance, care etc
• Section 8(1&2), Right to education and wellbeing (medical care, diet, clothing, shelter).
How Do Married Couples Resolve Their Differences in Islam?
Islam provides clear guidelines for resolving marital conflicts in a just and compassionate manner.
The Qur’an instructs that in the event of marital discord, both parties should seek reconciliation:
“If you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them” (Qur’an 4:35).
The goal is always to preserve the marriage and restore harmony. If reconciliation is not possible, Islam permits divorce as a last resort, but it is considered the most disliked permissible act in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
Rewards of Marriage in Islam
Marriage in Islam is not only a social institution but also an act of worship that brings great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half” (Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman).
Married couples are rewarded for fulfilling their marital responsibilities, showing kindness to each other, and raising righteous children who contribute positively to society.
Scholarly Thoughts About Marriage in Islam
Islamic scholars, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, have discussed marriage as a means of controlling desires and fulfilling one’s spiritual obligations. Modern scholars like Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi also stress the importance of mutual respect and understanding in marriage, ensuring that both partners can grow spiritually and emotionally within the marriage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marriage in Islam is a divinely ordained relationship based on mutual love, respect, and responsibility. By following the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and observing the legal frameworks in place, such as Ghana’s Mohammedan Ordinance, we can establish strong and harmonious marriages that contribute to the moral and spiritual development of society. May Allah (SWT) guide us to fulfill our marital responsibilities with sincerity and love.
The Writer is Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Democracy and Governance Law Student, UCC, Member of Ghana National Association of Certified Counsellors Certified by Ghana Psychology Council
References:
1.Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
2.Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa (4:34, 4:4, 4:19, 4:35)
3.Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187, 2:221, 2:222, 2:223)
4.Qur’an, Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
5.Ibn Majah, Hadith 1845, 1905
6.Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162, 1084
7.Bukhari, Hadith 5090
8.Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989)
9.Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman
10.Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din
11.Qaradawi, The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam
Fruitful Living
Adansi North DCE marks birthday on Farmers’ Day
It was a momentous day for the Adansi North District Chief Executive, Eric Kwaku Kusi, last Friday November 8, as the 40th National Farmers Day district level celebration held here at Adansi Adokwai coincidentally fell on his birthday.
On a low-key, Mr Kusi momentarily took to the floor, to exhibit his dancing skills responding to cheers of “Happy Birthday to you” from the audience, to which he also responded with a gesture of thanks and praises to God, as he stepped out to address the gathering.
He was joined on the dancing floor by the assembly members singing praises to God for the life of their indefatigable DCE.
In his address, Mr Kusi commended farmers in the Adansi North and the country as a whole “who tirelessly cultivate the land to feed all of us in our communities.”
He said the government realising the important role agriculture played in the economy and the challenges facing farmers due to the effects of climate change was rolling out initiatives and policies to support climate-resilient agriculture, including agriculture insurance programme for farmers.
In all 16 farmers were awarded various prizes for their contribution to food sufficiency in the country.
Francis Appiah, 41, who hails from Adokwai was adjudged the District Best Farmer for 2024, and took home a tricycle and other assorted items. The first runner-up prize went to Sakyi Kwabena also from Adokwai and the second runner-up went to Kwame Gyamera from Dompoase.
From Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahaman, Adansi Adokwai
