Many Nigerian Gospel Ministers Are Transactional Preachers - Bishop Okonkwo | Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Source: Independent Newspapers Nigeria

LAGOS - Bishop Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the General Overseer of Redeemed Evangelical Ministry (TREM), has taken a swipe at Nigerian gospel ministers, describing many of them as transactional gospel preachers.

Bishop Okokwo, who was delivering a sermon at Power City, led by Dr Abel Damina, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, traced Nigerian ills today to the fact that preachers had not been preaching messages that could transform lives.

The charismatic preacher, who emphasised God's grace in a believer's life, warned, "Enough of transactional gospel. If God is so transactional we will manipulate him.

"Everything God did for us we have no hand in it. We are all beneficiaries of the grace of God.

Don't frustrate grace. Don't despise grace. It is of his mercy we are not consumed."

He said people are afraid of death and judgment because of the way they received the gospel, adding, "When you receive him as one who wants to kill you there is no way you will appreciate his love."

According to him, several preachers do not preach the love of God, adding, "What we should know is that we belong to his kingdom. Christ has made a course for us, that the blessing of God may come upon us."

He kicked against those who think that believers could carry curses, saying, "Where is the curse from? If any man is in Christ, he is a brand-new specie of being that has never existed.

"Enough of being afraid of God. God is not sitting on the throne of judgment. He is sitting on the throne of grace. Grace is available.

"I am eternally saved and eternally redeemed. All my sins are forgiven, past present and future. I know it. Why? Because I have eternal life. I am not waiting until I get to heaven to know if I am there or not. Right now, I am in heaven."