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Sermon: Parables of the Kingdom (3): Who Planted It? Preacher: Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer, International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Date: Sunday, 18th October 2026 Venue: ICGC Christ Temple East, Teshie–Accra Main Scripture: Matthew 13:24–30, 36–39

Introduction: Who Really Belongs to God?

Pastor Mensa Otabil has challenged Christians to look beyond religious appearances, spiritual gifts and material achievements when determining whether a person genuinely represents God.

Preaching on the theme “Who Planted It?”, the third instalment of his Parables of the Kingdom series, the ICGC General Overseer explained Jesus’ parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13, warning believers that not everyone associated with Christianity necessarily belongs to Christ.

“Not everybody in the church is planted by God. Some are planted by God. Some belong to God, and some don’t, although they look like they belong to God,” he declared.

Not Everyone in Church Is a True Christian

Explaining the two kinds of seeds, Pastor Otabil noted that Jesus identified the good seed as the children of the kingdom and the tares as the children of the wicked one.

Although wheat and tares initially appear similar, their differences become evident through what they produce.

He explained that church attendance, religious titles and outward appearances cannot automatically establish a person’s spiritual identity.

Character, Not Anointing, Reveals True Identity

Pastor Otabil emphasised that the most reliable evidence of genuine Christianity is consistent godly character rather than extraordinary spiritual manifestations.

“How do you tell who is a man of God, who is not? By what they produce, by their fruits,” he stated.

He distinguished occasional moral failures from habitual wrongdoing, explaining that love, truthfulness and forgiveness should characterise believers.

He consequently urged Christians to examine the conduct and teachings of spiritual leaders rather than excuse misconduct because someone appears gifted or anointed.

READ ALSO: Pastor Mensa Otabil Reveals the Barnabas Model: Why a Church Should Have No Beggars

Christians Must Develop Spiritual Discernment

Addressing the danger of deception, Pastor Otabil urged believers to evaluate religious teachings against Scripture and the character of Jesus Christ.

“Check your Bible. Check the character of the person. Check the doctrine coming out of them,” he instructed.

He warned particularly against religious personalities who shift people’s confidence away from Christ towards themselves, stressing that a genuine relationship with God strengthens spiritual discernment.

God’s Patience Does Not Mean His Approval

Explaining why the farmer allowed wheat and tares to grow together, Pastor Otabil cautioned Christians against interpreting the continued success or survival of false teachers as divine endorsement.

“Survival is not a sign of God’s approval. Endurance is not a sign of God’s approval,” he declared.

He explained that ultimate judgement belongs to God, while believers must exercise discernment throughout their earthly lives.

Wealth and Buildings Cannot Prove God’s Presence

Pastor Otabil further challenged the assumption that impressive church buildings, wealth or visible accomplishments automatically demonstrate divine approval.

“Don’t use material things to show who God has approved or whom God has disapproved,” he cautioned.

He maintained that genuine spiritual authenticity must be assessed through biblical truth and character, not material prosperity.

Conclusion: Discern the Fruit and Follow Christ

Concluding his message, Pastor Otabil called Christians to remain spiritually alert without assuming responsibility for God’s final judgement.

His central message was clear: believers must recognise what genuinely comes from God, reject deception and follow Christ faithfully.

The ultimate test of authentic Christianity is not religious appearance but a life that consistently reflects the character and teachings of Jesus Christ.

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