Wrong comparisons - Moses' siblings spoke against him because they didn't like his wife, not because he sinned, and because they questioned his appointment by God as leader. If a man sins, he should be rebuked - and it has nothing to do with leaving it to who called them. Paul rebuked Peter who was 'higher' than him (Peter was Jesus' disciple while he was on earth, while Paul was only converted after Jesus left).

There is nothing 'different' in this view, beyond supporting the general lack of accountability that pervades many churches in Nigeria - not only in sexual issues, but financial as well, while covering it under the guise of they are accountable to God alone. Such behaviour is not acceptable. Where such impropriety exists, it should be exposed.

Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Oohrhii: Simple.. question oh.. the silly pastor say hin dey wait to release comprehensive reply..who needs comprehensive..

We don her the story from Ese.. your own na to say..You mess her or NOT!.

@OP Am sorry oh.. but if i get you right what you are trying to say is to keep worshiping under the fake anointing even when we know its Fake!!

You are pathetic.. Did you even read the bible part that talks about where you sow your seeds? You wan make i dey SOW on Rock.. or amidst thorns?

SMH

Here in lies your answer, it was in my post

"this doesn’t mean you cant switch church when
you find out that the doctrines are wrong or
that the pastor is not practicing what he
preaches."

So you're trying to tell us that pastors should have immunity??

What pastor biodun did is not a crime. He didn't break any laws of the land so I have no issue with him.

Morally wrong but legally right!!

nep2ra: ...and the ignorant dumbo only gave examples of God's dealings with Jews. Give us examples closer to home. Show us examples of how God dealt with Africans especially Nigerians regarding an issue like this.

Mental slavery at its peak!

Thanks for the insult, no Nigerian was ever mentioned in the bible, how then can I give you examples from there?

lady gogo: *smh* at this leaving everything to God mentality.Religious nazis! It's so damn nauseating! If Adeboye, yes Adeboye were found to have murdered or slept with your loved one will you leave everything to God and let him judge.? WHy do we have Law courts in the first place if we arent supposed to judge anyone?

We also need to learn how to start airing our opinions without quoting scripture passages. "you know the Bible says" What makes you think the person you are talking to is a christian let alone believes in a supreme being?

the last time I checked, it's a Christian church that was accused & it's operating guide is the bible!! what else an I going to use to buttress my point?

besides this is the religion section, if any one wants to buttress his/her point, to show you're a good student of your creed, you ought to use manual regardless of your religion

Let me get this- the Pastor can lay the ladies in his congregation and still have God's backing in Christianity in your view?

Pls I'll to state it here that I'm not a member of COZA, neither do I have affiliations with them.

The thrust of my write up was show what scripture had to say to the best of my understanding.

In my years of being a christian, I have come to know that there is God's business & Man's business. At every time something is said from the pulpit I ask myself, is it for the glory of man or glory of God. Having a personal walk with God & a growing understanding of scriptures will help u discern that

Let me share a short story, in school then, my pastor ask us to invest in a particular business he was running, he never told us the business, just said we shouldn't worry abt that & he made it clear it wasn't a seed, that it was an investment.

he was later transferred, I never got my money back nor profit

I remembered when I called him, he spoke to me in a manner I didn't like.

I felt bad but I thank God that I learnt that lesson with not so much funds(which by the way it was much for a student)

if tomorrow a pastors sells the same line for me, no matter what I won't bulge, regardless of whether it's a land deal or car sale whatever... Especially if he is not known for that trade or profession

I felt so bad then because I went against what I had in financial books

So the world has changed & its wise we heed the words of Jesus... Be wise as serpents

To the sisters out there, whether the allegation is true or false, learn from this & don't be so trusting

Eg a brother asks me to come to the hotel, no problem there is the lobby, restaurant or pool side to meet, all room meetings are ruled out

when staying amongst pastors & co, dress appropriately

Most times there are subtle signs before such things occurs, when you notice them pull out of that dept or do something drastic

If a leader touches you in church, scream out, don't compromise

in trying to reason & consider the Shame u'll cause, you get into deeper mess

just my thoughts,am not throwing blame pls

This is why Christianity is in big crises in Africa, despite the huge followership we have attending churches. There are many more who worship their man-made gods than those who worship the true God.

The question at hand now is not how to judge Ese for her sin, neither is it how to judge the man of God. The question craving attention right now is what is the right way forward for the two culprits to heal and be restored and how to secure the sheep from future straying from God. Let's focus on that and stop trying to either villify or justify one against the other.

therealMcCain: Please read the entire write up before you crucify me….
I will cite examples from scriptures to backup what I have to say

Numbers 12:1-10
1. When Moses married an Cushite woman, it was against the law and possible penalty was expulsion from the camp of Israelites(They weren’t suppose to marry outside the tribe of israel).

In Vs 1-2
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.
And they said, Hath Jehovah indeed spoken only with Moses? hath he not spoken also with us? And Jehovah heard it

In Vs 4-9
God came into the matter, the issue was no longer Moses breaking the law, but what gave Aaron & Miriam the right to talk in the matter(don’t forget Miriam was a prophetess and Aaron a high priest)

In Vs 10
Miriam was struck with leprosy and it took the same Moses(who had done a wrong thing to intercede on her behalf)


1 Samuel 1:13
And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto Jehovah of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests unto Jehovah, were there.


1 Samuel 2:12-17
Vs 12 Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah
Vs 17 And the sin of the young men was very great before Jehovah; for the men despised the offering of Jehovah

1 Samuel 2:22(notice the very thing that the pastor is being accused of is what the sons of eli did)
Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting.

1 samuel 2:27-34
God comes into the matter and declares their end

1 samuel 4:11
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

While I do not intend to take you up on your submissions, somehow, I wonder why in the mention of the case of Eli and his sons, you refused to tell us that Samuel, a mere 12 year old Temple attendant was the one God used to warn Eli of impending doom.

You also neglected the fact that Eli's house as well as the army of Israel perished because noone, particularly, Eli, as the High Priest, who held the paramount responsibility, rebuked the sins of the erring sons.

And yet another view.....why wouldn't the pastor in question make a public confession of his doings to the church publicly before Ese wrote this allegation? Sure, i agree he had settled with God, but there is a place of forgiveness, another of confession and restitution, given his ministerial assignment.

Just my own view, i am not judging anyone.

Inasmuch as some say don't judge but wisdom is profitable to direct. My people perish for lack of wisdom. God is not a man that he should lie or a human being that he change his mind. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus.

Both parties need professional help.

Your write-up gives carte blanche to all manners of evil perpetuated by these so called 'men of gad'. The righteous shall judge the earth and the things we condemn here on earth has even been condemned in heaven. If the silly pastor who is expected to be above board decides to descend into the arena of murkiness, then he shouldn't expect to come out smelling of roses.

Nice work!That looks reasonable,to me though,voicing an opinion and passing out judgment are two different things.

When it comes to cases of moral breakdown,every right-thinking person speaks against it.This is just one of those instances.

Simply put,although your view is correct,it is not completely applicable to the situation.

"In case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth."(1Tim 3:15)This was a humble advise Apostle Paul gave to his spiritual son Timothy. The problem with most nowadays churches is that it is privately owned and managed as a private business. The truth is that the church do not belong to the leaders of the Church rather the leaders are owned by the church and are accountable to the Church. But here we are seeing the opposite, the church accounts to their leaders and so their leaders can do anything and get away with it, therefore evil continue to hibernate in the Church. The truth is that COZA or whatever the name is, is the property of the pastor, if you are tired of worshiping there you can make a u turn and face another Church if you like. Before, I forget, let me say it loud and clear that no soul is special or highly valued than the other in the sight of God. Again the positions we occupy in the Church does not make us better then the other person in the sight of God.
However, the only thing that makes the difference is our faithfulness to God in service and discharging our duties, no matter how small or big the assignment maybe. Therefore, God is faithful to as many that are faithful to Him, not because of positions that we are occupying, if the so called in COZA did not carry out his duties well as a pastor in the Church, he is less valued in the sight of God than an usher in that particular Church.
Again if the Christians who are there in the Church do not speak the truth about the situation and judge rightly (as in rightly dividing the word of truth) and allowed everything pass under their nose, they will be held accountable for the pollution in the Church.
Lastly if we are looking for the truth in this world we should locate it in the church and any church where truth is not residing is no longer a Church rather a gathering place. This implies that Jesus Christ is not there.... because Jesus Christ is The Truth, it doesn't matter the population of people gathering there.

therealMcCain: From all scriptures you find that God has a way of dealing with his people and servants, it is not in our place to pass judgement on them. Leave the church leaders to the God that called them
This doesn’t mean that they cant be scolded or disciplined. There is grounds for that but it has to be done by someone who has that authority. For example, In a church if a deacon does something wrong, the pastor is there to correct that one. If it’s a senior pastor, the General overseer can do that.

But if it’s the G.O that’s does something wrong, fellow G.O’s from other ministry can do that or organizations like CAN & PFN can come in.

If he/she refuses such, you then leave them to God. It will be wrong for a member to do the scolding or disciplining. Miraims case will buttress my point

How many of you will come back from work to find out that your child has been mercilessly beaten by the maiguard or househelp, will you be happy?? Regardless of what your child has done, you feel its your right as a parent to do the disciplining!! (am not talking about a maid spanking your kid or asking him/her to kneel)

Same with God!!!!!!

the days of d bible have come and gone, those were days when God apppointed the prophets for the people but dese days, every tom dick and harry comes up with a self proclaimed calling of God...we are in days when you choose ur prophet and who wateva religious leader u wanna follow...so for as long as you pay ur tithe and offerings in dat church and ur pastor does not feel u r too small to do dat and he receives it, then you have the right to to call ur pastor or spiritual leader to question if he has done something wrong...do not b fooled by pastors of dese days abeg...if dey dont feel its wrong to receive ur money, then its not wrong to question dem wen they do somethin wrong

@OP I hope you're not a working in coza...

datmix: @OP I hope you're not a working in coza...

Pls I'll to state it here that I'm not a member of
COZA, neither do I have affiliations with them.

The thrust of my write up was show what scripture had to say to the best of my understanding.

In my years of being a christian, I have come to know that there is God's business & Man's business. At every time something is said from the pulpit I ask myself, is it for the glory of man
or glory of God. Having a personal walk with God & a growing understanding of scriptures will help u discern that

therealMcCain: Let me share a short story, in school then, my pastor ask us to invest in a particular business he was running, he never told us the business, just said we shouldn't worry abt that & he made it clear it wasn't a seed, that it was an investment.

he was later transferred, I never got my money back nor profit

I remembered when I called him, he spoke to me in a manner I didn't like.

I felt bad but I thank God that I learnt that lesson with not so much funds(which by the way it was much for a student)

if tomorrow a pastors sells the same line for me, no matter what, I won't bulge, regardless of whether it's a land deal or car sale whatever... Especially if he is not known for that trade or profession

I felt so bad then because I went against what I had read in financial books

I've learnt my lessons & I share this lesson with people within my sphere of contact but I don't bash the pastor for it!!!

I have read a lot of comments on this issue and I am always amazed by the response from most Nigerian Christians. Can't you all see that this goes beyond randy pastors. I think it is a valid question to ask if Christianity is the religion to attain salvation. And before you scream YES IT IS, please just take a moment to reflect. Where is the Ideal Christianity, When Celebrity Pastors just milk and take advantage of church members, all preaching is geared toward prosperity gospel (read MONEY). Where is the fear of God in all these pastors who profess to have higher insight and spiritual levels compared to their congregations? What is that spiritual level? Who and where are those that possess it? Is it not all a mirage and farce? I think it is high time we all pondered and think deeply about the credibility of Christianity and not follow dogmatically. Mind you, scandals involving the church and so called MEN OF GOD are not limited to Nigeria (CATHOLIC CHURCH WORLDWIDE READ ANYONE). I doubt it if most Nigerians have even bothered to read about the history of Christianity.
Where is the fear of God, spirituality, Hoping for God reward in heaven, worshiping God alone, Love of God, following his injunction and laws, making sacrifices for their God and not only hoping for material wealth in this world. Christians only choose to follow the Gods laws that suit there whims and self-desires. Where are the Pastors and Christians who abstain from and condemn fornication, embezzlements, bribery, and corruption e.t.c.
God’s true religion is perfect and He will only use righteous men and women to propagate his religion, not these criminals disguise as PASTORS. The truth is clear and falsehood is clear. Whoever chooses to follow the path of falsehood will only have him or herself to blame when he meets his CREATOR. I know most people will abuse me instead of thinking deeply about what I have written, but that doesn’t change or blot the facts and the MOST IMPORTANT OF QUESTIONS; IS CHRISTAINITY THE TRUE RELIGION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.

pastor or what ever u call yourself...who told u God ordained him...i wonder how many of your breed out tghere that even know God...business men running around making money, duping innocent, naive, righteous wanna be nigerians.....where do u guys really get your powers from? only God will judge all of u doing scams in the name of the lord....

pastor prosper :
Touch not my annoited and do my prophets no harm. Even if pastor of coza fornicated with ese, if God has forgiven him then any adverse comment made by anyone on the matter amounts to sin. In view of this most nairalanders would not make heaven. * smh*

suredammy: I have read a lot of comments on this issue and I am always amazed by the response from most Nigerian Christians. Can to all see that this goes beyond randy pastors. I think it is a valid question to ask if Christianity is the religion to attain salvation. And before you scream YES IT IS, please just take a moment to reflect. Where is the Ideal Christianity, When Celebrity Pastors just milk and take advantage of church members, all preaching is jeered toward prosperity gospel read MONEY. Where is the fear of God in all these pastors who profess to have higher insight and spiritual levels compared to their congregations? What is that spiritual level? Who and where are those possess it? Is it not all a mirage and farce? I think it is high time we all pondered and think deeply about the credibility of Christianity and not follow dogmatically. Mind you, scandals involving the church and so called MEN OF GOD are not limited to Nigeria (CATHOLIC CHURCH WORLDWIDE READ ANYONE). I doubt it if most Nigerians have even bothered to read about the history of Christianity.
Where is the fear of God, spirituality, Hoping for God reward in heaven, worshiping God alone, Love of God, following his injunction and laws, making sacrifices for their God and not only hoping for material wealth in this world. Christians only choose to follow the Gods laws that suit there whims and self-desires. Where are the Pastors and Christians who abstain from and condemn fornication, embezzlements, bribery, and corruption e.t.c.
God’s true religion is perfect and He will only use righteous men and women to propagate his religion, not these criminals disguise as PASTORS. The truth is clear and falsehood is clear. Whoever chooses to follow the path of falsehood will only have him or herself of blame when he meets his CREATOR. I know most people will abuse me instead of thinking deeply about what I have written, but that doesn’t change or blot the facts and the MOST IMPORTANT OF QUESTIONS; IS CHRISTAINITY THE TRUE RELIGION IN SIGHT OF GOD.

Well, you raised a critical question...but i think you need to evaluate christianity based on what the bible says and not necessarily on how it is practised...the bible says that in the last days many false prophets will abound and some will even deceive the elect...so basicallly, if u look into the bible, you will see that we have been warned of these things that are happening now...so we should not be surprised or deceived...
More importantly, jesus said,"The time comes and now is, when true worshippers of God will worship not ib Jerusalem or in Samaria, but in spirit and in truth"--a bit paraphrased.
Thanks

So,we should not criticize pastors in the society ? But,we are always fast to criticize Jonathan a leader choosen by God too. According 2 your analogy. People with double standard. Nawa o! Pastors should just be like Abacha(no one criticizez their action) well,u re entitled to ur opinion or voodoo reading of the Bible.

wonderfully said......it's a pity we (nigerians) just follow these so called 'men of God" so stupeedly and foolishly...just like zombies...these Randy pastor Biodun must have had sex with almost all the pretty young girls in that his church...these 2 just couldnt live with the quilt anymore...among the sisters, it's even a thing of pride 'the pastor likes me'
sleeping with the 'man of God' is to be bragged about.....any explanation he offers now will be swallowed hook, line and sinker by his customers>>>.sorry congregation...and they will forgive him immediately and carry on.....God save our people

suredammy: I have read a lot of comments on this issue and I am always amazed by the response from most Nigerian Christians. Can to all see that this goes beyond randy pastors. I think it is a valid question to ask if Christianity is the religion to attain salvation. And before you scream YES IT IS, please just take a moment to reflect. Where is the Ideal Christianity, When Celebrity Pastors just milk and take advantage of church members, all preaching is jeered toward prosperity gospel read MONEY. Where is the fear of God in all these pastors who profess to have higher insight and spiritual levels compared to their congregations? What is that spiritual level? Who and where are those possess it? Is it not all a mirage and farce? I think it is high time we all pondered and think deeply about the credibility of Christianity and not follow dogmatically. Mind you, scandals involving the church and so called MEN OF GOD are not limited to Nigeria (CATHOLIC CHURCH WORLDWIDE READ ANYONE). I doubt it if most Nigerians have even bothered to read about the history of Christianity.
Where is the fear of God, spirituality, Hoping for God reward in heaven, worshiping God alone, Love of God, following his injunction and laws, making sacrifices for their God and not only hoping for material wealth in this world. Christians only choose to follow the Gods laws that suit there whims and self-desires. Where are the Pastors and Christians who abstain from and condemn fornication, embezzlements, bribery, and corruption e.t.c.
God’s true religion is perfect and He will only use righteous men and women to propagate his religion, not these criminals disguise as PASTORS. The truth is clear and falsehood is clear. Whoever chooses to follow the path of falsehood will only have him or herself of blame when he meets his CREATOR. I know most people will abuse me instead of thinking deeply about what I have written, but that doesn’t change or blot the facts and the MOST IMPORTANT OF QUESTIONS; IS CHRISTAINITY THE TRUE RELIGION IN SIGHT OF GOD.

maclatunji: Let me get this- the Pastor can lay the ladies in his congregation and still have God's backing in Christianity in your view?

In essence, yes - since God is the one who appointed the pastor, leave it to God to deal with. In his view, others should not comment on a matter which, if proven true, is clearly condemned - just leave it to God to 'judge'.

In reality, such a view has no basis in Christianity, which is replete with examples of Christians openly rebuking other Christians where they've gone wrong. Paul didn't leave Peter to God when he erred, neither did

therealMcCain: From all scriptures you find that God has a way of dealing with his people and servants, it is not in our place to pass judgement on them. Leave the church leaders to the God that called them
This doesn’t mean that they cant be scolded or disciplined. There is grounds for that but it has to be done by someone who has that authority. For example, In a church if a deacon does something wrong, the pastor is there to correct that one. If it’s a senior pastor, the General overseer can do that.

But if it’s the G.O that’s does something wrong, fellow G.O’s from other ministry can do that or organizations like CAN & PFN can come in.

If he/she refuses such, you then leave them to God. It will be wrong for a member to do the scolding or disciplining. Miraims case will buttress my point

How many of you will come back from work to find out that your child has been mercilessly beaten by the maiguard or househelp, will you be happy?? Regardless of what your child has done, you feel its your right as a parent to do the disciplining!! (am not talking about a maid spanking your kid or asking him/her to kneel)

Same with God!!!!!!

Mr man, I want you to answer my simple questions.(1)Who is a man of God? (2) How do you recognize who God called ) (3)God's judgment will start from where? (4) Should people keep quite and never confess their sins so that God will forgive them? (5) Because one gathers people in a place and continue to act as a preacher make him or her a man of God or woman of God who have the calling of God? (6) The people that were called Men of God( prophets) or the Apostles,what was their Ethics / ID ( identity )?

@ op
This is a big fat lie. ..
For God is no respecter of persons. Ok

Why did God not kill the American government for arresting and putting Creflo dollar; Jack cole etc in prison.

Do you know how many so called men of God that are in jail in the civilised world?

because u re in this jungle called Nigeria; the so called 419 pastors are using ur brain that is why u quoted those scriptures to cover up their sins.

How are we even sure that these so called men of God are truly called by God?

I see the op is making a case, not to point out the wrong if the pastor truly did the act but to implore us to turn a blind eye to him(the pastor).

First of all, you cited Numbers 12. Aaron and Mirim criticized Moses' choice of wife. But that was not the issue that infuriated God. It's normal for individuals when criticizing another over a particular act, to try to dig up all the grievances they have against that one. So it was in this case. Aaron and Miriam went as far as criticizing God's judgment of choosing Moses as his closest 'pal' among the prophet. Num 12:2. And that was when God intervened. It is even proven from His reply. Num. 12:7. So that does not in anyway make servants of God exonerated from correction from wrong. Bible says "Every soul that sins shall die". Not "Every soul, except the pastors', shall die".

Again, your citing Acts was irrelevant to the issue at hand. First of, the priest in Acts was not accused of any sin, Paul was. And Paul was wise enough to know that you don't speak against a priest when he's doing the duty. The priest had the right as much as a judge had the right to order an accused to be held in custody. That was his duty and paul knew that. Paul wouldn't have taken it any lightly if a layman had ordered the slap. These two scenarios r therefore unrelated.

Finally, your citing has no relationship either. Jesus was admonishing the people to practise God's word and avoid(don't practise) what the hypocrite Pharisees did. He never told them to turn a blind eye to any of their eveil eyes. In essence He sai, "Be observant, differentiate the truth from the lie, practise the truth and shun the lie". You can't be observant and not see when a man of God is going against God's word. If you read down the Chapter, Matt. 23 you'd see all the judgment Jesus was making on the Pharisees that did not practise what they preached. That's a clear indication that no one should hide evil. Jesus was a champion of judgment.

In the end we're all the same in God's sight...as God is not a respecter of persons. If Pst Biodun is wrong, and I know he's wrong I'm under obligation as a child of God to correct him. I don't need to wear a fancy suit, or be able to have a church bigger than his to be able to do that.

Be advised!

wellmax: I disagree! No one is scolding Pst. Biodun. We are just telling him to stop the deceit and repent if truly he has done as hes been accused.
He also owes his followers an explanation or disclaimer. I cannot be a blind follower.

He does not owe the followers any explanation rather he owes the elders of the church or fellow pastors. Reason: for the sake of those who are not yet strong in the Lord as it can affect their faith.