Chris Okotie and the marriage institution

Rev Chris Okotie is in the news again. After a burst of the usual excitement and fun at the Sunday service at the Household of God on June 24, Okotie calmly announced that he and his latest wife had separated, irreversibly. According to the report, many were shocked at the announcement, indicating there were no visible signs of strains in the relationship. At CA! we are very reluctant to comment on this development lest someone gets the impression that we are kicking a man already on the ground – noting we had written briefly but poignantly and critically on the relationship when it was announced four years ago (http://churcharise.blogspot.com/2008/02/chris-okotie-unveils-new-wife-to-church.html). However reading Stephanie Henshaw’s facebook journal on the situation makes it clear that the issue is not just that of a private couple passing through trying times, but rather the continued and increasing abuse of God’s holy gift of matrimony in our society; and the consequent, inevitable fruits of gall being delivered to people who actually wished for a different outcome. Whereas the Scripture is quite clear on the fact that God is not mocked; and everyone must reap exactly what they sowed!. Stephanie Henshaw, quoting Scriptures all the way, cuts the picture of a loving wife, kicked out by her lover. “Fifteen years we have been the closest friends, I prepared all his meals for ten years including the four years we were married, the day I was asked to leave I prepared his meal, served it and I left,”, she bemoaned on the facebook account she opened just after the incident. Stephanie was blunt: she is being accused of being a witch and operating with mermaid spirit. She described this as a lie being orchestrated by other ladies “within the church” who are keen on replacing her in the matrimonial home. She however reminded the obviously plural group, “My going can bring one Mrs. Okotie, but what happens to the rest of you? ” She quipped. Which brings us to the core of the matter: the idea that marriage can be contracted and dissolved repeatedly ad infinitum, and with whoever - all as convenient, is fuel for the raging inferno that is tearing down the very basic fabrics of society, just as the Bible says will characterize the endtimes. The Scriptures is clear that God hates divorce, that even if divorce may be permitted (for the “hard-hearted” people, especially on the ground of adultery), those who marry a divorcee are considered adulterers, etc; (Mal. 2:16, Mat 19:9, 1 Cor 7:11). However these clear scriptural positions are fast becoming relegated to mere opinions that can not stand the rigours of “post modern times”. Whereas the Apostle Paul was clear in saying he wasn’t expressing personal opinion. : “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord…..” he wrote in 1 Cor 7:10. No wonder the pressure of the same “post modern times” has no difficulty sweeping away homes build on such compromised foundations. Rev Chris Okotie happens to represent one of the most extreme schools of views on marriage. In his work of fiction, The Last Outcast, (which he insists is a direct revelation to him) he actually made a very strong case for polygamy (see CA! Vol * no *). In announcing Stephanie Henshaw as his new wife four years ago, Rev Okotie was quite blunt as to the basis of his choice: she is a woman of breath-taking beauty! Nothing else seemed to matter. The unfolding situation then should be food for thought to people who think the biblical counsels concerning marriage have become old-fashioned. Although it is difficult to believe the reports that Rev Okotie has actually announced he would be wedding again come December, since “it is not good that the man should live alone”; such a move would certainly be consistent with his adopted theology and attitude on marriage. It’s all part of man exercising ‘dominion’ over the woman! We hope the Church will note this. The direct and indirect assault of Satan’s goons on marriage is formidable enough. Expecting a successful blissful marriage while despising and trifling with the instructions of the Designer of Marriage is just not going to work. Thank God for the millions of God-honoring marriages in the world. These, and not rhetoric, are the unassailable evidence that God’s ideas work, and are in our best interest. Those who discountenance the Scriptures will forever keep wondering like Stephanie, what they did wrong. According to her “I submitted to the end. I did all I was asked to do, Lord.…. I wait, because I know in time God will make known what has gone wrong.” Might we suggest that attitude towards the marriage institution has far more important implications than many people seem to realize? Post Script To further complicate matters for Revd Okotie, [a young church member] is claiming to have had 3 abortions for the Pastor – raising another issue entirely, adultery. The lady said she decided to spare the fourth baby who many swear is a carbon copy of the pop-star turned preacher. The baby-girl, now about 13 years would therefore be Okotie’s only known child, since none of his two marriages to date produced any biological issue. As we have written before, it seems clear that a lax attitude to sex and marriage always leads down the slippery slope incorporating so many of the issues represented by Bill Gates’ new sexuality drive – infidelity, promiscuity, abortion, masturbation, homosexuality, pedophilia, incest, bestiality, etc, etc. These issues have now assumed epidemic proportions, and no amount of prudence and sobriety can ever be too much in these end days

NIGERIA APPOINTS NEW NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

It might as well be simply mere coincidence, but barely a few weeks after daring to point out people behind Boko Haram, (see last edition) General Patrick Azazi was on June 22 relieved of his job as the National Security Adviser. Also sacked on the same date was the Defence Minister, Haliru Bello. In as much it is our duty, both as christians and as patriots, to continue to lift up the President and the new NSA (Col Sambo Dasuki, rtd) up in prayers in their arduous task of directing the safety apparatus of the country, we are nevertheless concerned that one of the key strategies of Col Dasuki seemingly was that there should be less reporting of the dastard terror acts. Not just that such reports further heighten tension in the land, the new NSA actually said the reports are often exaggerated. Within two weeks of the new NSA however, terrorism reached a new level, when in a shocking brazen move, “terrorists numbering over 400 carried out a well-planned attack on the quiet people of Gashish district in Barakin Ladi local government area of Plateau State”. Everybody is shy to state any number for people killed, but apart for some 63 that were given mass burial the next day, “No fewer than 50 people were [further] discovered burnt in the house of a pastor of the Church of Christ in Nigeria in Matse village.” /www.zimbio.com/Nigeria+Crimes+News/articles/ZCauqMEfmMm/MASS+BURIAL+63+GUNMEN+OPEN+FIRE+MOURNERS+JOS More deaths were recorded when the same gunmen, displaying absolute impunity towards state security, again invaded the mass burial service causing further mayhems leading to the deaths of a serving senator (Senator Gyang Datong) and the Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly (Gyang Fulani) – among others. The question is: is it really possible to “exaggerate” such terrible seemingly endless incredible killings? As at press time, government is still trying to seek approval from local muslims before they could go after the hordes of the Fulani killers, reported to have been recruited from neighbouring countries, and whose operational base has been located. We can only pray that the Lord in His mercy will bless our President’s preferred attitude to dealing with these very costly terrorist acts in the land. Dropping a clear hint as to why his boss was removed, Mr Mike Awe,media spokesman to Patrick Azazi said: The President is under political pressure and not everything is classified and made public. When NSA asked that Buhari be invited for questioning, Jonathan kicked against it. When he suggested that some people be brought in and questioned, he kicked against it saying it is a ploy to scatter his government.” ( http://thenigerianoracle.com/2012/06/24/gej-is-afraid-of-buhari-azazi/#more-1099)

EXHORTATION: DISTINGUISHED BY HOLINESS

Our God is not like any god known to man. Those that compare God with idols or make a visage to represent Him make a terrible mistake. Isaiah 40:18, He asks: “To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto him?”

One attribute that sets God apart from any other thing imaginable to man is His holiness. This attribute is so unique that in the throne room of heaven it is constantly being declared (Revelations 4:8). It is amazing that because of the love with which He loves us He wants this unique attribute to be reflected in our lives as His children (Hebrews 12:10). Holiness sets us apart and makes us peculiar. If you profess to live a holy life and yet your holiness does not make you positively different, that holiness is questionable.

You are called to be different. You are called to shine forth as light in the midst of a crooked generation. This is why you are peculiar to God (1Peter 2:9). How different are you? If your life radiates His light, there is hardly anything you will desire that you will not get. It is through Jesus we have access to all that God provides for us. In light of this, Christians who rush out to work or school in the morning without praying, ought to be pitied as they are losing a key anchor for that day. Each time you begin your day with the Lord, your day’s success would have been settled ever before leaving home. Those that wait on Him realize that success is far simpler and cheaper through waiting on Him than when you go in your power. Leaving your house without fellowshipping with God shows that He is not relevant in your life. God does not like to be ignored, which is why it is those who recognize Him that end up being recognized. How God-dependent are you?

Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye (From Open Heavens Devotional reading for Monday 13th February, 2012)

Progress in achieving total control of earthlings

The Desire to remotely monitor people, and the development of appropriate technology to achieve it, is a global affair. From Japan comes the announcement of a new camera technology which can scan days of camera footage instantly, and find any face which has EVER walked past it. The Hitachii Hokusai Electric, makers of the camera claims it can scan 36 million faces per second. According to UK’s Daily mail, “The technology raises the spectre of governments - or other organisations - being able to 'find' anyone instantly simply using a passport photo or a Facebook profile.” http://www.dailymail.co.uk

And talking about Facebook, a CBS news report says that unlike the past when potential employers would pull up the social media profiles of job candidates, they are now actually demanding the passwords to their Facebook accounts, as part of the vetting process. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505144_162-57401868/want-a-job-give-up-facebook/.

Even before the series of official announcements now being made, it has always been an open secret that major security agencies all over the world do systematically monitor social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter for intelligence information. In fact, some people insist the Facebook was sponsored by the CIA just to encourage people to keep chatting in a format that can easily be monitored. As the recent developments in the UK (the Murdoch affairs) clearly show, even the snooping Press could go to considerable length to gain clandestine access to people’s digital communication.

It is of course well known that your Internet Service Provider has a record of all your activities on the Internet. Indeed, (now ex) President of France, Sarkozy threatened to prosecute people who visit too frequently site preaching hatred and violence (http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2012/03/23/we-punish-visiting-websites-justify-terrorism-103181/). And for those who still don’t understand that every transaction on their phone or internet-connected computer is being recorded, stored, and monitored, perhaps they will get it better as from Thursday July 2 on which datewhen, the largest Internet Service Providers ISPs in the US have agreed to begin the voluntary implementation of a new anti-piracy plan that will prevent people downloading potentially copyrighted software, videos or music.

The bottom line is that all Internet activities (postings, downloads, etc) of everybody on the planet, are being monitored and stored up – permanently; that there are an increasing number of people and organizations who are interested in these digital activities, and that new technology to facilitate the search are becoming common place. All these of course are laying firm groundwork for the coming world ruler, who according to the Scriptures will have absolute control over the lives of every person living on the planet. The Bible calls him the anti-christ. These developments abundantly warn that the coming of this man is very much at hand. How prepared are you for these imminent events?

New Security Technology to use remote physiological monitoring to gauge motives (http://americanfreepress.net)

In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is putting fine touches to a new technology which they claim will be able to quietly track and monitor people at airports and in other public places, in order to check for suspicious or shifty people. The Future Attribute Screening Technologies (FAST) program according to the DHS, is being established “to determine whether technology can enable the identification and interpretation of a screened subject’s physiological and behavioral cues or signatures, which, in turn, “will allow for security personnel to remotely (and therefore, more safely) identify diagnostic cues of malintent.”

In order words, by utilizing a variety of sensors placed in key positions to capture such things as video images and audio recordings, as well as cardiovascular signals, pheromones, perspiration, changes in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety and respiratory measurements – people who are nervous or shifty (as potential terrorists or drug couriers are presumed to be), could be identified, remotely. However, not only are critics questioning how reliable this new technology could be (especially relative to other options available), they are also wondering if the government has the right to monitor citizens bodily metabolic functions without first obtaining their consent. http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/2012/May09/0975.html

Hooking Kids on Sex: Amazing Video documents Planned Parenthood is more in the sex business than health business

American Life League (ALL), one of the America’s largest grassroots pro-life organizations, has produced a video, part of the American Life League Report, that documents Planned Parenthood’s promotion of sex toys, sex contests, sex balloons, sex cupcakes, sex fruit rollups and sex costumes in an astounding manner.

The video, called “Hooking Kids on Sex,” exposes Planned Parenthood’s decades-long endeavor to push sex on youngsters, much like a drug dealer hooks potential customers on narcotics.

Paul Rondeau, executive director of American Life League, told WorldNewsDaily (WND) that the “Hooking Kids on Sex” report shows how Planned Parenthood uses tax money to push disturbing sexual behavior on kids, “because it drives future business for them.” The ALL says the abortion industry giant’s “business model” essentially “is aimed at making money from people who are engaged in sexual activity.

Revealing that 51 percent of Planned Parenthood income for 2010 came from abortions, the ALL explains: “Those [young girls] are the women who will have abortions,”

Among the campaigns attributed to Planned Parenthood is a book pushed on a website for young readers titled “It’s Perfectly Normal,” which contains cartoon depictions of naked boys and girls, images of masturbation and cartoons of people engaged in sex.

“If a dirty old man showed this book to kids in a park, he’d be arrested,” said the host. “Why does Planned Parenthood, a taxpayer-funded organization, get to distribute these books to our children and get more government money?”

A statement on Planned Parenthood’s teen website, for example, encourages kids to seek arousal through breasts: “They are basically ‘freebies,’ since you can’t get pregnant or catch sexually transmitted infection by going to ‘second base,’” the statement said.

Other body parts are described in great detail on the website, including many declarations about “pleasure” and “feeling good,” as well as detailed instructions on engaging in homosexual acts.

The ALL video has been posted in an adult section on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j7XR9yH2ETk) and, ALL recommends that the video being quite explicit, should not be accessed by children.

In addition to showing viewers the indoctrination Planned Parenthood is delivering to younger and younger audiences, the report also brings to light internal Planned Parenthood memos dating from 1969 that show strategies on how to reduce the American population through methods such as “forced abortion” and “fertility control agents” dispersed in the nations water supply, “Restructure Family,” (by encouraging people to “Postpone or avoid marriage” and by “Alter(ing) image of ideal family size.” ) Other more radical measures suggested in the memo include: “Discouraging private home ownership,” “Additional taxes on parents with 1 or 2 children in school,” “Compulsory abortions for out-of-wedlock pregnancies” and “Require women to work and provide few child care facilities.”

After desperate efforts by the Planned Parenthood to have the video removed from the YouTube (claiming copyright issues), ALL made some minor revisions and re-posted. The must-see video is also now available online at other sites, including all.org, to ensure no further disruptions to the message. http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/planned-parenthood-now-sex-inc/?cat_orig=education

Sweden pushes forward with Gender Neutrality

Sweden is proudly living up to its dubious title of “the most gender-equal country “ in the world. In a new gender neutrality initiative being proposed, lobbyists are proposing that a new gender-neutral pronoun be adopted for boys and girls. Instead of “he” (han in Swedish) and “she” (hon), a new neutral pronoun “hen” (Swedish) is being proposed to apply to either boys or girls. According to Slate.com, the idea is in tandem with the determination of the Swedish society not to “tolerate any distinction between sexes” and its commitment to “entirely [eradicate] traditional gender roles and stereotypes at even the most mundane levels”.

This proposal is already being implemented in a number of children's books, with other new gender-neutral words being evolved. The Christian Post further reports that the Swedish Bowling Association is planning on merging male and female bowling tournaments so that competitions are more gender-neutral; and a clothing company has removed the “boys” and “girls” sections from its store in order to promote the concept of genderless children.

Thankfully, there are still sane voices in Sweden, warning against these fruitless exercises. Famous author Jan Guillou considers the introduction of the pronoun "hen" as "silly because it doesn't change anything." She referred to gender-neutral lobbyists as "feminist activists who want to destroy our language." www.ChristianPost.com