Contributions to topic 1:
Hi Bosun,
this incessant criticisms is common in the pentecostal churches. The Okotie-TB Joshua matter really exposed christianity to public ridicule. What are they fighting for? Dollars? Crowd? Land? Until we all get to heave before we know the motive behind the outburst.
Tinuke Olofin,
Igando Lagos.

Hello Bosun,
Having read the stories on the home page, I wonder if Christianity is not a personal relationship. Must we criticize? I have not heard Mr. Hinn or Mr. TD Jakes abusing each other. It is rather unfortunate that two pentecostals in your country are on each others neck. This is a great e-magazine.
Starrys Sona,
Texas, USA

Helo Bosun,
Just read the story on this site. I think Okotie did it in love. My friend referred me to this site. Thank God for this site I would have missed all the controversy.
Pastor Bill Olatayo,
Washington, USA.

I believe you asked a good question but supported it with a wrong example. From your question, I get the impression that you consider T.B. Joshua to be a man of God. I certainly don't believe so and each of us is entitled to our own opinion in this regard.
Concerning men of God criticizing one another, I believe there is a place for it when it is done properly as laid down in the scripture. Apostle Paul criticized Peter for double standard and we find several references of criticisms of others in the New Testament.
You also need to understand that the lives of people are at stake here and many of us will do worse than what Okotie did if we find our families are being poisoned to die. T.B. Joshua is a spiritual poison and as the book of Jude proclaimed, "their mouths must be shut." SELAH.
Tayo Dina.

Contributions to topic 2:
Hi Bosun,
On premarital sex, the Anglican church has not made any categorical statement on that because we all know we are in Africa where so many women get married and wait for years before they conceive. The problem is not with women alone. So many men have low sperm count. But Christian theology which forbids premarital sex has stopped us from knowing the abilities of individuals. I think we need to discuss this issue properly without falling into sin. Pastors, over to you.
Tinuke Olofin,
Igando Lagos.

Hello Bosun,
What the Bible says is getting married in the Lord. I think once a man decides in himself that he is getting married to a lady and he makes his intentions known to the lady's parents and get their approval, I don't think sex at that level is unclean. Except when the man has other intentions like keeping some other relationships, hopping from one bed to another, that the bed is defiled.
Hiebson Totty
(Overcomers Magazine, Lagos)

Hi Bosun,
you had really brought up a land where many 'angels' dread to walk! Now, the issue is - should sex be allowed before marriage? As an xtian, I dont believe we should bring sentiments and theory into the things of God. Why will you think that after getting married, the sister will not conceive? Remember old things have passed away, all things have become new!
Oluwasola Ayo,
Lagos.

Hell Bosun,
The challenge you are facing has come as result of the fact that most people have done away with the word of God. To advise sex before marriage will also mean doing away with the word of God. But God forbid. the word of God remains the standard for Christians so you haver to prayerfully look for a wife and you will find one through the help of God. I mjust let you know that today, amny marriages are having problem because the husband and wife were invovlved in premarital sex. One of the dangers of premarital sex is the tendency to compare your partner with an ex boy/girl friend. As a matter opf fact, God did not intent that we have sexual experience before marriage. Its a matter of learning on the job.
Pastor Paul Okwuobi
Lagos Nigeria.

Hello Bosun,
Premarital is good if you can face the wrath. America is destroyed today because we overlook some basic morality. So many homes here are under the weight of HIV and other diseases because of premarital sex. We need to be careful or we destroy the human race.
Ann Slaughter,
California, USA.

Having sex before you marry does not guarantee that you will have a child, so does that mean you'll hop from one woman to another till she conceives. Let God direct your steps to the right woman, and all things will work out for your good regardless of her or your past. The bible does not encourage pre marital sex so stand for truth and God will take care of you.
Tina.

Contributions to Topic 3:
Hi Anthony,
I agree with Anthony. This trend is common with the new generation churches where male pastors even do jerry curls, come to church in clothes that could feed so many church members for days and their garage is like auto mart. I returned to my Anglican church after three years in a pentecostal church. Pastors of pentecostal churches criticise themselves, bring down other pastors ministries. That does not happen in our Anglican church. However, I must confess that not all pentecostal pastors are like that. I have never heard Bishop Oyedepo or Baba Adeboye criticise others.
Thanks.
Tinuke Olofin,
Igando Lagos.



Anthony,
The greatest sadness in todays Pentecostal Churches is exactly what you describe.
How can these men say they represent Chirst, who said of himself I do not even have a place to lay down my head. The book of Jude talks of such men " feasting themselves" without fear. But soon, Jesus will hold them to account.
Here in Ireland, many Nigerian pastors are living off the sweat and pain of their people. It is such a shame!
Pastor Paul Carley,
Ireland

Dear Tinuke Olofin,
There are different type of prayers, and not all churches pray that way. There is what is called WARFARE PRAYER, the devil we are dealing with is not a gentle man, so you need to be violent in attacking the devil. There are people that just hate you for no reason on. To such people, what do you do to them?
My Sis, I believe you are a woman and must know that you need prayers for major breakthrough in life, e.g. to marry, to sustain your marriage, to have children etc. Jesus is our perfect example.
Yes I know but how much of his praying life do you know, there are times that He set himself apart to go to the mountain top to pray, what prayer takes you to the top of the mountain? What prayer makes you fast for 40 day and night. May your eyes of understanding open. Thank
Moyin

Contributions to topic 6:

Mary,
Thanks for your comments. Many of us here in Canada really read of what happens at home, and we are so sad.
Our country has lost focus because the men of God have lost touch with God.. Our problem is not with politicians, but with the so-called men of God. Just as you said, many of them have become prayer contractors to heads of states, governors, LG Chairmen etc.
Armed robbery have increased inspite of the various crusades all over. We hear that robbers dont only go to banks again, they now go to churches. This never happened in the 70s, 80s, when we had fewer churches and men like Kumuyi, pastors in the orthodox churches and the Scripture Union held sway.
Now, prosperity has taken over and pastors go in big cars, expensive suits, fine wives, etc. Power has left our churches.
Even the Oyedepo and Adeboye you mentioned, they have not been heard speaking against injustices under Obasanjo, may be for what they would eat. What Christianity do we have when men of God cant speak up? If we have three more Tunde Bakare in NIgeria, things will be better. We hope so or some of us may not return home from here.
Wale Aina Arogundade,
Quebec, Canada.

Hello Mary,
I have no doubt that God did not call many of these pastors who mounted the pulpits in recent times. Many of them are disgracing Christ! But honestly, they cannot for Christ will disgrace them later.
How do we explain men of God who do not want to rock the boat? Why must Tunde Bakare be left alone to crusade against corruption in Nigeria? No Nigerian pastor have been heard to speak against injustices, corruption as we hear of Tunde Bakare.
Suppose Rev. Adeboye, Rev. Oyedepo, Rev. D.K.Olukoya, Rev Oritsejafor join hands with that courageous Anglican priest, Akinola, Olubunmi Okogie, Okotie Chris and Father Osu also of the Catholic church, wouldnt Nigeria be better today? Wouldnt the leaders sit up today.
If these men cannot, we are looking forward to younger pastors with more anointing like the Daystar man, Ogunorunyinka, Poju Oyemade, Yomi Kasali, Yinka Ojo, Mbanisi, Olubi Johnson, the Adegboye's to champion the cause.
These pastors should note that God is waiting for them. Their mandate is beyong their churches.
Mike Ibidun,
Lagos.

Hello Mary,
It is wrong to be unruly while talking about pastors especially the likes you mentioned. I don't attend any of their churches. They have not done anything wrong symphatising with the president, apart from the fact that she died, they have varying relationship with her while alive. Haven't you attended the burial of an unbeliever before?
Ogunmodimu Gbenga.
Abuja.

Dear Mary,
I strongly believe in the men of God in question. It is not in your place to say any of such things about men of God. You are not God and you are not in the same class with Him. You are not his brother nor are you His partners. Why don't you just do what is right and leave God to defend Himself. Don't ask for the wrath of God on your head. Anyone that He falls on is a dead man. Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm. Be careful and this is to all the people who have responded to your question. Moyin, Lagos

Hello Mary,
It may not be right to be judgemental of our Pastors. If they did not criticise the government does not mean that they sanction their evil, nor should we view the outspoken ones as rebels. Rather, we should view the attitudes of Pastors and Christians generally as being led of God. Anyone who sends himself or herself message on behalf of God has the wrath of God upon himself or herself.
If these men of God do not speak openly does not mean they do not talk back to the government. Even if they do not speak, it is God that called them and to Him they are accountable.
Nigeria is a very peculiar country, only God can help us, not man- whether Pastor or not. We all should return to Him and seek His face to save us as a nation.
Michael (michanu)