IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 28 November, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameena!
PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY: FAITH IN ACTION EVERY DAY AND EVERYWHERE
Published: 28 November, 2008
One of the true and yet sad facts of human life is that few of us practice what we preach. There is often a dichotomy between what we say and what we do; between what we believe and what we live; between what we profess and what we practice; between theology and behavior; and between orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxis (right practice). This is truer and sadder in the area of a religious faith. In particular, Christianity has not worked very well in many parts of the world because of the failure of Christians and Churches to live the Christian life. For many Christians the Christian faith is like special clothes to wear on Sundays and on special occasions. But the fact of the matter remains that Christianity is a way of life and not a set of religious rules and regulations and ceremonies to be performed.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 21 November, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
Published: 21 November, 2008
In this fourth article of our series on the crucial role of the human 'heart' in determining human conduct and hence destinies, we will show how God Almighty can transform any person who surrenders self to God's will, purpose and power. The biblical text for this article is Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind”.
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT, Part Three
Published: 14 November, 2008
In this fourth article of our series on the crucial role of the human “heart” in determining human conduct and hence destinies, we will show how God Almighty can transform any person who surrenders self to God's will, purpose and power. The biblical text for this article is Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind”.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 14 November, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT Part Three
Published: 07 November, 2008
The focus of this third article of our series on the crucial role of the human “heart” in determining human conduct and hence destinies is on the potential goodness of the human heart. The biblical text for this topic is Luke 6:45 and it says, “The good man of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 07 November, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT Part One
Published: 31 October, 2008
In Christian thought every part of the human body is important because at the time of creation God made man in his image and likeness thus ranking him above the other creatures (Genesis 1:26). The human body was given by God as good but can be contaminated and abused. While all parts of the body are significant, the heart in Jewish understanding or the mind in modern thought is given special attention because it is the one that determines one's actions. Because the heart decides for the rest of the body it controls one's destiny and fate in life and for eternity. There is a lot in the Bible about how one should guard his heart against ungodly influences and steer it towards godly principles. Modern psychologists have also recognized the power and significance of the mind or in Hebrew thought the heart and they have written a lot on the power of positive thinking. This article introduces a short series on the heart and its great potential for both ill and good depending on what it is exposed to and how it is trained.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 31 October, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 24 October, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, His companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameena!
Habits: Ways to Success or Failure
Published: 24 October, 2008
Though there are many definitions of what a habit is, we want, in this article, to lay more emphasis on the power or the effect of habits. First of all, what is a habit? A habit is something that you do without thinking about it or intending to do it. Every individual has many good and bad habits and it is these habits that have made that individual what he/she is. Therefore as an individual, you have to be very careful with the concept of habit that you operate with in life, because you are bound to be affected by the type of habit you have acquired over the years.
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT Part Two
Published: 24 October, 2008
In this second article of our series on the crucial role of the human “heart” in determining conduct and hence destinies the focus is on the “wickedness” of the human heart. The biblical text for this topic is Jeremiah 17:9 which says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” In the first article we introduced the series by defining “heart” as it is used by the Bible and spelt out how the “heart” affects human conduct and hence destinies. We made the following observations.
Who Is A Leader? Part 13
Published: 10 October, 2008
The Writer
This piece once again addresses the spirit kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about position, power, flowchart, titles or names. A leader is someone who changes and influences people's mind.
THE HUMAN HEART AND CONDUCT IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
Published: 10 October, 2008
In Christian thought every part of the human body is important because at the time of creation God made man in his image and likeness thus ranking him above the other creatures (Genesis 1:26). The human body was given by God as good but can be contaminated and abused. While all parts of the body are significant, the heart in Jewish understanding or the mind in modern thought is given special attention because it is the one that determines one's actions. Because the heart decides for the rest of the body it controls one's destiny and fate in life and for eternity. There is a lot in the Bible about how one should guard his heart against ungodly influences and steer it towards godly principles. Modern psychologists have also recognized the power and significance of the mind or in Hebrew thought the heart and they have written a lot on the power of positive thinking. This article introduces a short series on the heart and its great potential for both ill and good depending on what it is exposed to and how it is trained.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 10 October, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 03 October, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SURVIVAL AND HEALTHY LIVING
Published: 26 September, 2008
This article concludes a six-part series on forgiveness and its significance for all human relationships. The thrust is on what to do after one has enjoyed being forgiven or has forgiven others. This last article aims to summarize what the series delved into by highlighting the key points and lessons learnt and to say a thing or two about what next after forgiveness.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 26 September, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Almena!
Who Is a Leader? Part 12
Published: 19 September, 2008
The Writer
This piece once again addresses the spirit kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about power, position, flowchart, titles or names. A leader is someone who doesn't give up his source of power. Every leader derives power from something. Therefore, a good leader would never give up his source of power easily.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 19 September, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameenal!
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 12 September, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SURVIVAL AND HEALTHY LIVING
Published: 12 September, 2008
The focus of this fourth article of our six-part series on forgiveness and its significance for all human relationships is on the basic reasons why we all must learn to forgive and accept forgiveness or else perish or live very impoverished lives.
Liberian off to Dubai for Quran Competition
Published: 09 September, 2008
Mustapha Saryon
Will Liberia be among some countries expected to win this year's award for a Quranic memorization contest expected to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates? A 21-year old Liberian Islamic scholar has been qualified to represent his country in a worldwide contest for Quranic memorization in the UAE.
This piece once again addresses the spirit kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about power, position, flowchart, titles or names. A leader is someone who constantly thinks about the day of accountability. As a leader, you must constantly be aware that one day you would be called to give account to the people that led you to power.
THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SURVIVAL AND HEALTHY LIVING
Published: 05 September, 2008
It appears to me to be a divine coincidence that while I am running this series on the necessity of forgiveness, the issues of guilt, contrition, confession, forgiveness and reconciliation are being played out and tested and widely reported on national and private radio stations and newspapers (as well as on television stations) as some of the biggest players of the recent civil conflicts testify before The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The question of forgiveness is crucial to all human beings, especially to us Liberians as we set out consciously to face our ugly past as a necessary step in renewing our national life. We all agree that we should never again tread the path of war and of marginalizing any one group on the basis of tribal, class, social and economic categorization. Hence, it is vital that we take seriously and seek to understand what forgiveness is and entails. This third article of our six-part series focuses on God's own attribute of Forgiveness and how His forgiveness relates to our own human forgiveness.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 05 September, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
This piece once again addresses the spirit kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about power, position, flowchart, titles or names. A leader is someone who sees ahead and prepares for the future. A leader must try to see ahead of the future.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 29 August, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
The Absolute Necessity of Forgiveness for Our Survival and Healthy Living Part 2: Guilt and Forgiveness
Published: 29 August, 2008
The thrust of this second article on our six-part series on the necessity and benefits of forgiveness is on the connection between guilt and forgiveness. The feeling of guilt comes from the conscience which is a powerful barometer God Almighty in his infinite wisdom gives each one of us to monitor our spiritual and psychological health. It accuses us when we violate divine and human law. It is an internal arbiter that judges our thoughts and deeds as evil and consequently leads to a feeling of guilt or as good/right and thus makes us feel good about them. But theologians and psychologists have observed that a conscience can be trained to judge rightly or can be marred or even destroyed. For example, if you steal or commit adultery/fornication for the first time your conscience may prick you. But if you keep doing it all the time your conscience becomes defrayed or dead. It all depends on what kind of environment that nurtures the conscience. It can rightly or falsely accuse us. This article will explore how.
House of Transformation Revival Gets Underway
Published: 22 August, 2008
Prophet Manu: ‘Ours is to deliver the needy’
A five-day prophetic and breakthrough Revival at the House of Transformation Church in Sinkor Old Road has begun with many persons receiving spiritual blessings from the Minister of the Gospel in charge of the Church, Prophet Frank Manu. The House of Transformation Church is otherwise referred to as Victory Chapel. The revival which got underway on Wednesday August 20, 2008 is expected to end on Sunday August 24, 2008.
The Church and HIV and AIDS
Published: 22 August, 2008
In many African countries, the church has played a critical role in ensuring social justice. Beyond its traditional role and responsibility of preaching and instilling religious and moral values, the church has always served as an institution of correction against societal decadents. It also serves as the watch dog for civil society holding states and state institutions accountable to its citizenry. This role thus gives the church a legitimacy to participate in and influence the political and social spheres. The church has also played a significant role in the socialization of many and influencing the social construct of our respective societies and communities. During the colonial and post colonial eras of many African countries, the church served the educational needs, providing opportunities for all classes but most importantly for the most marginalized groups and communities.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 22 August, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SURVIVAL AND HEALTHY LIVING (PART ONE): WHAT FORGIVENESS IS AND IS NOT
Published: 22 August, 2008
Our last series on the Joseph Story (Genesis 37-50) with its themes of the dangers of sibling rivalry (family and national), lessons that can be learned from hardships/difficulties, from rags to riches (change of fortunes for good), magnanimity (forgiving one's enemies when one has the right and power to revenge), dealing with the past creatively, God's wisdom and grace to bring good out of evil, and the benefits of forgiveness.
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES Part Seven
Published: 15 August, 2008
This is the last article of our seven-part series on the Joseph Story. It brings together most of the lessons we have learnt from the Joseph Story under the theme of forgiveness: the joy of being forgiven and learning and practicing the art of forgiving. What is forgiveness? Why is it necessary for any meaningful relationships (family, friendship, community, society and with God Almighty)?
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 15 August, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena
This piece once again addresses the spirit and kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about power, position, flowchart titles or names. A leader is someone who makes hard and difficult decisions. Whether you are a spiritual or secular leader, you must follow this great principle of leadership.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 08 August, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES Part Six ON RECONCILIATION
Published: 08 August, 2008
This sixth article of our seven-part series on the Joseph Story brings us to the question of reconciliation in the Joseph Story and the basis of Christian reconciliation in general. As we observed in the fourth article, Joseph completely forgives his brothers who deserve the opposite. In fact they are so frightened of his power that they are speechless initially. The question that is the focus of this article is “What does it take for reconciliation to take place and what lessons does the story teach us in general about the necessity and blessings of reconciliation”?
This piece once again addresses the spirit and kind of leadership. First of all, leadership is not about position, power, flowchart, titles or names. A leader is someone who helps those around him to accomplish great things with their lives. Whether you are a spiritual or secular leader, you must know this great principle of leadership. Any good leader would like to see the lives of his people or followers improved or their activities positively accomplished. This is because the good leader knows that this principle would boost the morale of his leadership, ministry or regime.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 01 August, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES (PART FIVE): GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD
Published: 01 August, 2008
The focus of this fifth article of our seven-part series on the Joseph Story is on God's providential way of bringing good out of evil, of turning the enemy's wicked intentions, plans and deeds in favor of his faithful servants, and of God's ability to turn bad situations around.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 25 July, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES, Part Four
Published: 25 July, 2008
In this fourth article of our seven-part series on the Joseph Story the thrust is on Joseph's role in dealing with the evil past. Liberia is a nation with a history of a recent ugly past and all Liberians have the challenge and responsibility to deal creatively with their national and individual past so as to bring healing, reconciliation and peace, the first major steps in nurturing our young democracy and in developing ourselves and country in all spheres. I suggest we have a lesson or two to learn from Joseph.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 18 July, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 11 July, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES Part II
Published: 11 July, 2008
The first article of our seven-part series on the Joseph Story looked at the family rivalry that tears apart the covenanted people. We observed that though Jacob and his family are the chosen people of God, yet they have internal problems that must be attended to before God can take them to the heights they are meant to reach. There are favoritism, sibling rivalry, jealousy, bigotry, and the seed for self-destruction is sown in the chosen family.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 04 July, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE JOSEPH STORY AND ITS PERENNIAL RELEVANCE FOR ALL TIMES (PART ONE): THE DANGERS OF FAMILY DISUNITY
Published: 04 July, 2008
One of the great appeals of the Bible is its ability to speak to all people at all times and in all places (at least so has been the experience in human history thus far). This is partly due to the fact that most of the Bible is written in narratives (stories) which are realistic in depicting their characters as ordinary human beings like us through whom God does extraordinary things. The Bible does not hide the faults and weaknesses of its characters. Take for example King David, one of the greatest figures of the Old Testament, (who the Bible says was after God's own heart) when he committed adultery it is recorded in black and white. Likewise Peter, the head of Jesus' apostles, when he denied his master at the crucifixion it is all reported in plain language. The Bible paints its characters in both their weaknesses and strengths as a way of showing their human side and the divine power at work in them.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 27 June, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
The Meaing and Significance of the Death/Resurrection of Jesus Christ for Mankind
Published: 27 June, 2008
This article brings to a close our series on the death of Jesus Christ and its significance for the human race and yea the world. Its main goal is to suggest how people can benefit from the finished work of the Christ. We shall proceed as follows: firstly, summarize the first three articles, and secondly, suggest ways everyone can take advantage of God's offer of salvation and the abundant life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 20 June, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameena!
ON CHRISTIAN BAPTISM: WHAT IT DOES AND SIGNIFIES
Published: 20 June, 2008
This article focuses on the Christian Sacrament of Holy Baptism. What does it mean? What does it do and signify? Is it necessary for living the Christian life? What it does not mean and cannot do? Our last article and this one follows the birth and early years of Jesus, the reason for Christmas and what follows. The last article looked at the Epiphany of Jesus when he showed by his deeds, words and miracles his divinity and humanity to the Gentiles or the rest of the world.
Reconstruction Work for Seys UMC Begins Soon
Published: 16 June, 2008
MONROVIA, Seys United Methodist Church will shortly begin reconstruction work for a modern designed building in Careysburg City, Montserrado County, after the church had been gutted and destroyed by fire in February 2007 leaving all of its facilities destroyed.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 13 June, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
