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Pastor Chris Okotie’s Divorce, An Instruction From God?
Sept 18, 2012 – Pastor Chris Okotie’s Divorce, An Instruction From God ?
While many considered the whole divorce drama between Pastor Chris Okotie of Household of God and his wife (now ex), Stephanie Henshaw to be over, another twist has developed to the story in an interview a Pastor of Chris’ church had with City People magazine. naijagists.com
Rev. Grace Paul in the interview speak on a lot of issue and tries to provide full explanation of what transpired between the former lovers:
Interview Excerpts below:
Rev Grace Paul:
A blind person knows that my pastor loved his wife, Stephanie, passionately. This year before the separation, he had taken her out of the country at least three times to different places like Dubai, US and so on.
He loved her, so did the congregation but the bible says that two cannot walk together except they agree. In the establishment of the kingdom of God, the rules change because the rules are made by God and not by man. So, it didn’t have to do with what pastor wanted to do, because left to him, his love will keep him struggling and going at it but if God gives him instruction he has to follow it through.
CP:
If I get you correctly, it was Jesus instructions for Pastor Chris to part ways with Stephanie?
Rev Grace:
Let me give you a precedent. In the bible, there’s a queen called Queen Vershti of Persia. The king invited his wife and said – come woman, I want to show you off to my people and the woman had an attitude. She had pride issues. It was at that point she said to the king “Excuse me, I am making up, how can you be humiliating me by telling me to come and sit down so that people can be looking at me.”
So she refused and the people of the kingdom rose up against her, and they said the king must let her go, and that was how Esther came in. That is the principle of The Kingdom. In the two cases of my pastor’s former wives, it was an abdication of roles. One was a physical abdication, and the other was a spiritual abdication. In the matters of the Kingdom of God, when you abdicate your position, your position will be taken over, because the calling my pastor has, he is not called to work alone.
CP:
In Stephanie’s case, was it a case of spiritual or physical abdication?
Rev Grace:
Her case was spiritual abdication, but either ways it amounts to the same thing, because the scripture states clearly that if unbelieving departs, let him depart, you are not bound.
CP:
Any efforts to patch things up?
Rev Grace:
Spiritual things can not be patched up. When there are two people who are not the same kind, it is not a matter of patching up.
CP:
So is the congregation happy that the pastor is single again and is there any plans to replace Stephanie?
Rev Grace:
The congregation is not in the position to replace Stephanie. My pastor is a full grown man, and he knows what he’s doing. In the case of our pastor’s first wife, she insisted that where she wanted to do her church work was in the US. As for Stephanie, I cannot be intruding. As much as I am authorized to do what I am doing, I can’t disrespect my pastor and Stephanie. If I begin to give you some details, they would amount to disrespect. My pastor has insisted that they want to keep it private.
CP:
Pastor Chris once said that the instruction to marry Stephanie was from God
Rev Grace:
If you know my pastor, he is a passionate person. They had a long time relationship before they got married. My pastor is particularly careful about beautiful women because he knows that the devil desires them.
So when a beautiful woman has issues in church, he ministers to them, and because he does that, people jump to the conclusion that he sleeps with them, which is not true. Just like Queen Ure, pastor has never had an affair with her, will never have an affair with her because they are not of the same kind. Ure was pastoring her own church, until she became bored.
Akinyemi Ayodeji Olalekan
September 18, 2012 at 7:31 PM
Here is what I deduced from the conversation: Before, Pastor Chris once said that the instruction to marry Stephanie was from God but now the same God has instructed him to leave her. Is he saying that God is contradicting Himself or making mistake? Who also instructed him to divorce the first wife, God too? Judgement day is real Ooº°˚˚°º
NJ
September 10, 2014 at 8:37 AM
odikwa egwu oh !!! God will be pretty busy on the judgement day.
Kelly Perry
September 18, 2012 at 8:11 PM
God knows best ooo….let just save him in spirit and mint….
Frank Gabriel
September 18, 2012 at 9:46 PM
I must say Okotie's case is becomin borin, I really do wonder why all these is happenin, God help our religious leaders.
Dr David
September 18, 2012 at 10:33 PM
“I can guarantee that whoever divorces his wife his wife for any reason other than her unfaithfulness is committing adultery if he marries another woman.” {Matt. 19:9, Mark 10:11, Luke 16:18}
Woman u beta don’t impute another man’s sin upon ur own head. God does not hv double standards.
“Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” {Gal. 6:7}
Rita
September 20, 2012 at 5:23 PM
My brother you have said it all
Oniti Akintayo J Bright
September 18, 2012 at 10:59 PM
God is not an author of confusion. He wil neva bend His rule for anyone.
cherish
September 18, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Oga stop laying against God! Wats D̶̲̥̅̊is? It plain that he I̶̲̥̅̊S̤̥̈̊ confuz coz the God I serve don’t promote suck act that can lead to furnication… U̶̲̥̅̊ are furnicating jare!
cherish
September 18, 2012 at 11:52 PM
Rev. Grace remember that,that same bible said for better for WORST!
Nob
September 19, 2012 at 3:25 AM
If situation like diz arises 1st of most week seeks Gods hand 4 advice. Left 4 me i think problems at time can influence d Godly peopl.neva d less Pastor should wait d rightful persn
Richest
September 19, 2012 at 4:35 AM
Pastor Chris is confused. Real men of God dont divorce the way he does. Then what advice does he have for the congregation about marriage? So once you cannot tolerate ur wife divorce is only solution one can attempt? Pls pastor pray very way for God to give d ability to tolerate ur wife. Go reconcile with ur wife. Live a life that people can emulate. Pls!
fonny
September 19, 2012 at 4:39 AM
I dn’t like wat rev grace is saying so she’s in full support dat her pastor will see a beautiful lady and desires her and because he has money he will legalised it,and after sleeping wit her 2 his satisfaction,that’s when he understand dat she wasn’t God’s will,let us not b decieved God cannot be mocked. Wat about wat d bible talks about divorce,or that she’s d bone of ur bone and flesh of ur flesh,as a pastor he should know better.marymagdalene was possess but wen she became a friend of jesus,jesus delivered her.in a church wai d pastor is divorce two times dat means divorce is d other of the day in dat church.pastors should lead by example pls
Ade Oyewole
September 19, 2012 at 6:22 AM
Is this so called pastor is he in his right senses? Scripture says once a person is married or joined in holy matrimony, the only thing that can separates them is dead.
Let us come to think of it, what counseling will he be given to people having problem with their marriage. Does it mean he will just ask them to divorce and go and remarry when scriptures go against it.
The end time is near, that is why all these terrible things are happening. I pray for God’s intervention in the life of the pastor.
Phlakes
September 19, 2012 at 6:47 AM
This mr. Chris okotie will soon see the wrath of God.
Paragon
September 19, 2012 at 8:15 AM
Hw cn God ask u 2 divorce her,rember dsame God said man cn only divorce his wife if he caught her in bed with anoda man dat d only reason. 2. Rember in d bible hosea story despite all her wife was doing God til told him 2 cal ha back. Is ur own God different Dat ma question?
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 9:15 AM
In as much as I am not a Pastor, I am a Christian and to a large extent, I very much understand that GOD is not an author of confusion. He is a covenant keeping God, He changeth not. He is not man to lie, neither does He repent on whatever He has said. If indeed it was God that chose Pastor Chris Okotie's wives (1 & 2) for him, I find it difficult to believe that the same God now instructed Pastor Chris to send them packing. If anything, God's stance on divorce is very clear in the bible (Mathew 19 v. 5-6).
@ Rev. Grace Paul, you said Pastor Chris and his second wife dated for a while before they eventually tied the knot. Surely they must have been in agreement during their courtship period up to when they eventually got married, yet, you're backing up Pastor Kris's decision to divorce his wife with a biblical saying (Amos 3 v. 3). What a contradiction! Again, you used the example of King Ahaverus (a proud man) and Queen Vashti (a vain queen) in the book of Esther, to justify Pastor Okotie's actions. As a Reverend, you should know that the ways of God are very different from the ways of man. God is Love. He is full of mercy and forgiveness.
If anything, I pray that the elders of his church rather than shying away from the truth, should cry unto God and intercede on Pastor Okotie's marital challenges. It's so glaring there is a problem somewhere, which only God can solve.
It's not my intention to 'touch God's anointed' in anyway, by publicly expressing my own views on his marital going-ons, but may I give a piece of advise to everyone involved in this show of 'public wash of dirty linens', that most times…. SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Enough of all the talk from husband (Pastor Okotie), wife (Stephanie) and supporters like Rev. Grace Paul. They should all learn from what the bible states in Proverbs 10 v. 19. Enough said! Only God knows who and what is right in this particular issue, so let Him be the true JUDGE.
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Funmi Idowu-Adegoke Davidi Oba Gbenga Akinborewa Rita Okafor … Thanks. I hope I don't sound harsh though. Just that sometimes, our so called men and women of God, those we should look up to and strive to emulate, act in some ways/tread on some paths that I find rather puzzling. MAY GOD HELP US ALL!
Kesiena Akoreh
September 19, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Maureen, a man who changes women (wife) like clothes should check him self, and a woman who jumps at such man should ask questions and not just marry the man's cash.
Kenny Nicole Oladini
September 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Maureen u couldn't have said it any better, u did a good job girl. I was so angry when I read about it ystd buh I was waiting for my cooling off time to reply to It or so to say to voice my own opinion about wat dey wrote concerning pastor Chris's divorce. What nonsense, welldone girl well said nd put 2gether.
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 6:08 PM
Thanks my sis … abi, ki won ye pe aja lobo fun wa now! That we have no 'spiritual title' attached to our names and choose to keep quiet sometimes, does not mean we are ignorant of the word of God. IT IS WELL AS ALWAYS OOOO!! lolz …
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 6:21 PM
Kesiena Akoreh Egbon Jerry … thanks!
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 6:33 PM
Nimisore Barango-Akano Funmi Idowu-Adegoke Peggy Umezuruike .. Thanks, I appreciate your 'ticks' .. lolz!
fenny
September 19, 2012 at 7:27 PM
WE OUGHT NOT INTRUDE INTO PEOPLES AFFAIRS CARELESSLY.WHO KNOWS WHY??? EVEN WITH THE TWO LADIES INVOLVED. AFTER ALL (Mathew 19 v. 9)UPHOLDS.
Chidi Asiegbunam
September 19, 2012 at 7:32 PM
LETS NOT JUDGE HIM, AFTER ALL HE COULD HAVE SOME REASONS. PROBABLY Mathew 19 v. 9.
Chidi Asiegbunam
September 19, 2012 at 7:33 PM
THOUGH AM NOT IN TOTAL SUPPORT OF SUCH ACT
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 19, 2012 at 9:37 PM
@Chidi Asiegbunam … I am not qualified to judge anyone, only God has the power to, and I stated that in my response to the article/interview. I don't in anyway mean to be malicious or sarcastic by the way I responded, just that I am old and wise enough to know right from wrong and frank enough, to call a spade, a spade!! NO OFFENCE ..
Ezekiel Oluwadare
September 20, 2012 at 11:33 AM
My dear beautiful sister,God bless you for your blunt,sincere and courageous comment.You spoke my mind.How is my cousin(Yinka) and your little angels? Remain blessed.
Maureen Ugbodaga-layokun
September 20, 2012 at 11:54 AM
We are all fine sir …. God bless you and your family too.
Josephine Okesanjo
September 27, 2012 at 4:37 PM
THERE'S AN UNSEEN EYE WATCHING ….
Mfon Okon
September 19, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Women shld stop being greedy and stupid.afta this mariage, another woman will still be stupid by acceptng him as a husband.
ozoms
September 19, 2012 at 10:28 AM
This man has a big problem.I wonder why he easily claims that God directed him in most of his actions. l still recall his claims on God promising him he’d win the election and b president. This is quite disturbing.
precious
September 19, 2012 at 11:10 AM
THAT pastor need a prayer and deliverance
Irechukwu Henry
September 19, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Beloved, the truth is that men (especially men of God) out to live responsibly. when a man of God cannot put his own house (which is earthly) in order, how then can he put the precious household of God (which is divine) in order.
Kiki Nasser
September 19, 2012 at 6:17 PM
THIS SHAMELES PASTOR GOD HE WILL PUNISH HIM.
eze ezinne
September 20, 2012 at 11:01 AM
i do not tink dt man is a true man of GOD.bcos it wuz specifically written dt a man should cling to only one man.and christain are warn against divorce
idongesit
September 20, 2012 at 2:19 PM
Rev okotie if u like fornicate with all the ladies in ur church both matied and single it is none of my business. U can even tell ur members to do same. But one thing is sure, we shall all give account of our selfs on d last day. Keep up.
lucky
September 20, 2012 at 7:27 PM
let he that is named by the name of the Lord depart from Evil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edikan Moses
September 21, 2012 at 9:19 PM
According to the interview,
The first divorce was cos of PHYSICAL ABDICATION,
the second SPIRITUAL ABDICATION.
Hmmm…… I’m convinced that the next culprit will be cos of MAGICAL ABDICATION.
God Help Us….
Azeez adeboye gain
September 27, 2012 at 11:03 AM
What kind of dis rubished,is nt gud 4 man of gud 2 divorce her wife according 2 what i hear 4rom bible nd quran it say’s 4gve ur wives no matter what happen btw u nd her,just 4gveness.dis is my advice 4 us
danABAF
September 27, 2012 at 3:18 PM
from wat i induxed i think rev. grace speaks 4 her self, do u tink chris is a real mann of God or im just dey use pastorship dey lure pple emter hell, repent for d kingdom ofGod is neigh ooo.
Victor Whizz-kid Thompson
October 7, 2012 at 7:34 AM
this is rubbish…the pastor doesn't read his bible enough to know that the only grounds fo divorce according to Jesus is adultry…total madness and deciet…he is just tired of the woman just as he was with the other…
Victor Whizz-kid Thompson
October 7, 2012 at 7:36 AM
pastor who is changing women like clothes is not worth any trust…its unscrupulous!
Evang Stan-Otar
October 15, 2012 at 4:08 PM
‘And it repented the LORD that HE made man on the earth, and it grieved HIM at HIS Heart’ And the LORD said, I will distroy man (whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, beast, creatping things and fowls of the air’ for it repented me that I have made them. (Genesis 6:6-7)
Grudge not one against another, brethren,lets ye be condemned:behold the JUDGE sTANDETH BEFORE THE DOOR.(James 5:9)
There is always a reflection of anything done by God’s Creators. at teh appounted time, GOD will judge the world wheather You like it or not. Hear Eccl in (12:13-14) The whole duty of man is to fear GOD and keep His Comandment. For GOD shall bring every work into judgement WITH EVERY SECRET THING, Wheater good or bad. I don’t have any right to judge but I speak as a FLESH.
only man
February 10, 2013 at 6:13 AM
Our so called pastors and their doctrine,remember,Gods judgement will start in his house. Pastor,remember dat lieing against God or holy spirit is d worst sin one can commit. I have spoken.
obinna
February 10, 2013 at 2:40 PM
he is lyin where did he see God?they shouldnt be any divorce expect on fonication,and its started that the offended party could even forgive,who knws he’s probably avin an affair with the person that is xayin all this bullshit.O.m.g he’s even wanting 2 contest 4 presidency,when christ said we re no part of the World,he even withdrew wen they wanted 2 make him King….not 2 worry fellows they all gonna get their reward in Full.
Weiz son nwa
April 19, 2013 at 6:32 PM
Dey are in relationship 4 long befor d marriage,a pastor dating a member,GOD instructed u 2 marry her now d same GOD instruct u 2 divorce her,2time’s divorces, wat is wrtin in revalation is comin 2 pass,many are called bt few are choosen
mimi
July 5, 2013 at 10:29 AM
hummmmmmmmmm….with what is going on in our churches today,what then are we to preach to the unbelievers,How do we defend our christian faith ?.Men of God who oughtto be our mentors are the ones bringing shame to the household of God.May the lord have mercy on us.
Dele Adegoroye
February 1, 2019 at 8:50 AM
The guy is not serious. Did God telephone him or sent him a letter.Most of the B/S that hustlers use is to go to church to look for rich women or better still start a hallelujah business which they call church and pick women one by one. This so called pastor has bodyguards who carry guns within the church. So the god that talks to him cannot protect him. He has just turned his 2nd wife into a fairly used second hand mercandise. How sad.