Fruitful Living

Who I am in Christ (Part 1)

INTRODUCTION:

We are privileged to belong to God’s family, a community with Christ as the founder and foundation. Everyone in this community is related – we are all brothers and sisters, loved equally by God. Our safety and security are in God. If we experience all these joy in relationship with Christ now, how greater will your joy be when He returns and we see Him face to face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment and live the life of Christ here on earth.

IN CHRIST I AM ACCEPTED

I AM GOD’S CHILD – Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12.

I AM CHRIST’S FRIEND – I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you – John 15:15

I HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 5:1

I AM UNITED WITH THE LORD, AND I AM ONE SPIRIT WITH HIM – But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:17

I HAVE BEEN BOUGHT WITH A PRICE, I BELONG TO GOD . You were bought with a price. Therefore, honour God with your body – 1 Corinthians 6:20

I AM A MEMBER OF CHRIST’S BODY – Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it – 1 Corinthians 12:27

I AM A SAINT – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 1:1

I AM CHOSEN BY GOD – For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love – Ephesians 1:4

I HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AS GOD’S CHILD – …He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.. – Ephesians 1:5

I HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT- For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit – Ephesians 2:18

I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED AND FORGIVEN OF ALL MY SINS – For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins – Colossians 1:13-14

I AM COMPLETE IN CHRIST – …and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority – Colossians 2:10

IN CHRIST I AM SECURE

I AM FREE FROM CONDEMNATION – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death – Romans 8:1-2

I AM ASSURED THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose – Romans 8:28

I AM FREE FROM ANY CONDEMNING CHARGES AGAINST ME – What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God interceding for us – Romans 8:31-34

I HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED, ANOINTED AND SEALED BY GOD – Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 .

I AM CONFIDENT THAT GOD WILL COMPLETE THE GOOD WORK HE STARTED IN ME – …being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus – Philippians 1:6

To Ponder!

Enjoy Ambrosius, (340-394); translated by Charles Wesley’s (1709-87) hymn in Methodist Hymn Book 33.

INFINITE God, to Thee we raise

Our hearts in solemn songs of praise;

By all Thy works on earth adored.

We worship Thee, the common Lord;

The everlasting Father own,

And bow our souls before Thy throne.

Thee all the choir of angels sings

The Lord of hosts, the King of Kings;

Cherubs proclaim Thy praise aloud,

And seraphs shout the Triune God;

And: Holy, holy holy! cry,

Thy glory fills both earth and sky!

God of the Patriarchal race,

The ancient seers record Thy praise,

The goodly apostolic band

In highest joy and glory stand;

And all the saints and prophets join

To extol Thy majesty divine.

Head of the martyrs’ noble host,

Of Thee they justly make their boast;

The Church, to earth’s remotest bounds,

Her heavenly Founders’ praise resounds;

And strives, with those around the throne,

To hymn the mystic Three in One.

Father of endless majesty,

All might and love they render Thee;

Thy true and only Son adore,

The same in dignity and power;

And God the Holy Ghost declare,

The saints’ eternal Comforter.

To be continued!

Stay Blessed!

For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615

Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com

Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org

By Dr Joyce Aryee

Fruitful Living

Islamic Position on Illicit Drugs (Part 1)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise belongs to Allah, the Creator of mankind and Sustainer of the universe. We send blessings and salutations upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was sent as a mercy to all creation, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.

Introduction

Illicit drugs have become a dangerous epidemic threatening our families, institutions, and future generations. Their impact is not only physical or psychological but also spiritual, tearing the fabric of morality, faith, and social cohesion.

Islam, a comprehensive way of life, provides guidance not only for acts of worship but also for health, personal conduct, and societal wellbeing. Addressing the menace of illicit drugs from an Islamic perspective gives us a moral framework and a roadmap for prevention, treatment, and societal healing.

The debate about illicit drugs use has gained significant attention in the public domain, especially following recent events at Keta Senior High School in Ghana. Reports indicate that students engaged in the destruction of school property, an action widely attributed to the influence of illicit drugs. This incident underscores the urgent need to address drug abuse among the youth.

Definition of Illicit Drugs from Literature

Illicit drugs are defined as substances that are either strictly prohibited by law or misused outside of their intended medical purpose. Ray, O. (1978) define illicit drugs as “substances that affect the central nervous system and alter brain functions, causing temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior” (p. 5).

Examples include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, tramadol (when abused), and marijuana (in jurisdictions where it remains illegal).

Definition of Illicit Drugs in Islamic Perspective

Is anything that clouds the mind (muskir), causes addiction, or leads to destructive behaviour is forbidden (haram). The Qur’an strictly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing to stones, and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid them so that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 5:90)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further said:“Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2003)And also,“Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.” (Sunan AbuDawood, Hadith 3681).

Scholars like Ibn Qayyim and Imam Nawawi emphasised that the objective of Shari’ah is to preserve the intellect (hifz al-‘aql), and that any substance which threatens this must be prohibited.

Modern narcotics fall under the category of khamr not in form, but in effect.

By Imam Saeed Abdulai

Fruitful Living

Rev. Stephen Arthur launches ‘The Journey From Under the Table

Rev. Stephen Arthur showcasing his book ‘The Journey From Under the Table’

Founder and Head Pastor of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has launched a new book titled: ‘The Journey From Under the Table.’

The launch was held last Sunday at the Potter’s Place Temple of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra.

The 143-page book, according to Rev. Arthur, was about one’s journey from his first breath and the rest of a journey towards a particular destination.

He noted that, “the destination often curated by the paths we choose and the decisions we make along the way. ‘The Journey From Under the Table’ is an incredible material that provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of God’s will for believers in the journey we have to take. Using Lazarus and the rich man as its case study (Luke 16:19-31).”

The book brings to life robust biblical lessons and practical principles that would serve as a repository of hope for the believer through every step of their journey.

Using the story of Lazarus as a backdrop, the author provides a clear transition from under the table to the top of it.

He delivers relevant scriptures, life lessons and juxtapositions that promise to hold the reader’s attention from chapter to chapter, while equipping the reader with essential knowledge and skills necessary to journey from obscurity to greatness.

For decades, Rev. Arthur has dedicated himself to the service of God. He is also a pastor, an accountant by training, a prolific author, a relationship and marriage counsellor, and a seasoned preacher who ministers under the apostolic and prophetic grace.

His ministry and publications over the years have been a tremendous blessing to people.

Some of these include The Fountain of Wisdom, Hope on Trial, The Fundamentals of Deep Worship and Prayer, Strategies and Dynamics for Warfare Prayers, The Unlimited and Unquenchable Anointing.

He has about 27 years of experience and insight in the aviation sector.

Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is an aviation economist and policy expert, and currently, the acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme’