Keep your focus

You seem to take this matter of eschatology with disdain. Why do you think so? I believe end time events are very topical and real issues. Why then do you dismiss predictions on the rise of the European Union, the invasion of Israel... things that are clearly predicted? I don’t. But I think the emphasis we have on the eschatology is a bit skewed. How much focus do we have on the persecutions Christians will face and on the gospel unction we expect? For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And you shall be betrayed also by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends. And they will cause some of you to be put to death Lk 21:15, 16(MKJV). I don’t think you should pay little attention to world affairs. All right I will ask you a question. What were you and your wife doing in the market yesterday? Were you getting drugs for her contractions or what? I am not dodging the matter at hand, just answer. I can hardly see the connection. Anyway she is close to delivery we have been purchasing the last things in readiness for baby’s arrival. It doesn’t make sense to get drugs for contractions she is at term and has to deliver. Have you considered that Jesus described these world upheavals as birth pangs? For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These things are only the beginning of the birth pains Mk 13:8(ISV). I don’t quite get the connection. Your wife has birth pains, but your focus is not on the birth pangs but the baby. Why? When the baby is born all the upsets will stop automatically. All the nausea, all the discomfort not so? You are getting ready for the birth of the baby, since you know all these symptoms are because the baby is to be born. Spiritually we must keep our focus on Him when these things are happening. And when these things begin to happen, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near Lk 21:28(MKJV). Jesus said look up, not look around. So look up to him That’s interesting. So let’s follow your analogy a bit longer. When will this birth take place? Delivery ends birth pangs; getting the gospel everywhere will signal an end to these sorrows. When the good news about the kingdom has been preached all over the world and told to all nations, the end will come Mt 24:14(CEV). Until we preach the gospel in every part of the globe the end will not come. In studying end time events let’s keep our focus on Jesus and the gospel.

The Day of the Lord week 52, 2012

I didn’t hear about that predicted date of Jesus’ return. Why did they think Jesus would come back on that day? There seem to be so many wrong predictions. I’m glad you didn’t even know about the prediction. It was bound to be wrong. So you, too, must be ready, because at an hour you are not expecting him the Son of Man will come Mat 24:44(ISV). Bound to be wrong? Was the prediction not made by a keen Christian bible scholar? After all: The glory of God is to hide a thing; but the honor of kings is to search out a matter Prov 25:2(MKJV). Some have been made by bible scholars, and some by cults, but have all been wrong. Even the future ones are wrong I can tell you. The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but what has been revealed belongs to us and to our children forever, so that we might observe the words of this Law Dt 29:29(ISV). Why do you say so? Does not the Spirit search the deep things of God and reveal mysteries to us? There were things the disciples couldn’t bear then which the Holy Spirit’s coming would clear up Jn16:12-14. That is so my dear. But consider this: Jesus did not intend for us to know the exact day of His return. No one knows when that day or hour will come—not the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father. Be careful! Watch out! Because you don't know when the time will come Mk 13:32-33(ISV). He rather wanted us to watch and pray. Perhaps then, but now won’t He reveal by His spirit? Then and now Jesus never changes. He never wanted us to know the exact date then; He doesn’t want us to know the exact date now. So keep on watching, because you don't know on what day your Lord is coming Mat 24:42(ISV). So why did he give us clues, why the signs? God wants you to know the season, not the date. He wants us to know the times but not the time of day. The signs are to help us have hope because of the tribulations associated with those days. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is approaching." Lk 21:28(ISV). They are to achieve a state of perpetual readiness in us, a life of holiness and industry knowing He could come today each day. Stop paying attention to predictions on the date, but pay attention to always being ready: think of the kind of holy and godly people you ought to be as you look forward to and hasten the coming of the day of God 2Pt 3:11-12 (ISV).

Who do you say Jesus is Week 51, 2012

Who do you say Jesus is He was a great teacher, a unifying figure among many religions yet a point of significant division in the perception of different religious adherents. Let us not focus on other people’s perceptions now. I actually want to know who he is to you. Then Jesus asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Mat 16:15(CEV). What do you believe about him personally? I think he was the most morally upright man in all history. What a shame he died because of our sins. How do you mean he died because of our sins? Oh the leaders of the Jews were jealous of him and trumped up charges against him. He was too meek a man to allow violence to be used to rescue him from their hands and sadly Pilate was too weak in morals and scruples to uphold his cause; so he was unjustly put to death. Scripture tells me he died for our sins it’s not the same as dying because of our sins. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures 1Cor 15:3(ISV). If you believe he died because of our sins and not for our sins you are not a Christian. What’s the difference? The things you said before are all correct but you haven’t tied up the reason all of this happened. You said he was the most morally upright man; even his enemies could not find any sin in him Jn 8:46. He was more than the most morally upright man. He is God incarnate. And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God Lk 1:34-35(ESV) Someone suggested he was a man the spirit of the messiah came upon at baptism. No, he always knew who he is. From everlasting God is a spirit. Human beings have flesh as well as a spirit. The eternal God put on flesh and was born and named Jesus. So he is fully human also. In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. The Word became a human being and lived here with us.Jn1:1, 14(CEV) Since he was God how could he have died? Ah, his death was that of a substitute. He did not deserve to die, but died in our place. He died for our sins to be cleansed, removed, lose its grip on our souls and will. He died to pay the consequence of our sins that we may be set free Rev1:5. Do you believe this? By the way; Jesus is still alive today.

Why did Jesus come week 50, 2012

I like Christmas season a lot Why is that so? Oh lots of eating and drinking, buying of presents, visits to relatives... Is that all? Ah, the holidays. Clear two days and New Year right close by. Christmas is an expensive time you know Yea, you need lots of money for it I was not referring to money really: For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw1Pt1:18, 19(GNB) ... tell me, what is Christmas all about? A time of joy. Of remembering when the saviour came to earth. Very good. So why did the saviour come? Ah, ah! Is this a catechism class? Why so many questions? Well I feel your focus on Christmas is off the course... Of course I know why Jesus came. He came to show us the way, loving one another, and his humble birth is a lesson against materialism. Good but not quite. Read 1Tim 1:15(GNB) This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them. Do you see he came to save sinners? Have you been saved? Well I think if anyone emulates the life of Christ he is saved Wow. Ok, what present did you get last year’s Christmas? How much did you pay for it? I didn’t pay for it, silly. It was a present, I got lots of presents and am looking forward to more this year. Are you going to give me one? I’m doing just that. Can’t you see that just as you never paid for any Christmas presents from people you also cannot by emulating Jesus pay for His salvation? But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior Tit 3:4-6(GNB). Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to us. God is offering this gift to you now. Why not talk to Him and let Him know you are ready to receive it?

Mercy said No

The anaesthetic nurse noted an unusual noise in the chest of the child we were about to work on, but I encouraged him to go ahead. I was eager to have the surgery done, and was sure we would come out just fine. So he put the baby to sleep, and I scrubbed up and prepped the child. Our monitor indicated the oxygen saturation was dropping a bit. “It must be alright” I thought, “I haven’t started doing anything yet”. With the first incision the monitor went really low. This was no fluke; something was going terribly wrong with our baby. He was less than a month old, and such children are particularly sensitive to airway problems and oxygen deprivation. “Oxygen!” I called out. The anaesthetist turned on the machine and brought the mask to the baby, but absolutely nothing came out. He looked at me in sadness; he had checked before surgery started and had felt sure oxygen was available. Baby was fast dying on the table before us. I believe the opportunity to do free surgery is also the mandate to share the gospel with the parents, and this one’s mother had been particularly receptive to the word. I had prayed with her to receive Jesus moments before the surgery; we had prayed for safe surgery also. What was I going to say to her now? For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? Isa 48:11(KJV). The baby’s limbs started stretching before me, and the monitor went flat. There was nothing else to do. I began mouth to mouth resuscitation, then chest compressions. Someone went to get another oxygen cylinder urgently. The monitor came on, the heartbeats were low, and the saturation far lower than tolerable. With a bit more resuscitation the indices improved and I thought we were fine. Suddenly the oxygen saturation plummeted again and the limbs stretched. I saw baby’s face: he was expiring. The monitor went flat a second time. “God have mercy!” I prayed. By now the mother must have noticed the flurry of movements in and out of theatre, the people running about. What was I going to say, how would I explain this? Again mouth to mouth resuscitation was done and chest compressions. We had been resuscitating now for over twenty minutes. The baby came back again, and another worker rolled in an oxygen cylinder. Hurriedly we connected oxygen to the baby. His colour improved, the oxygen saturation climbed. Soon the monitor read 100%. That was close. Inwardly I was shaken a bit and wondered if I dared continue with the surgery or if we simply should escape with life intact. The surgery continued quickly and uneventfully. At the end I carried the baby back to his mother. She was calm; “You know he’s quite small; he gave us some problems” was all I said. I sent for the administrator to report the incident and we all prayed for the baby again. I had doubtless been careless, but God showed me mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment Jas 2:13(ISV). At check up over 6 weeks later he had not dropped in milestone at all.

co habitation not marriage week 48, 2012

How long have you been married? Oh, for three years now. Thank you for coming sir. Three years now? My, you are mature in marriage. Where exactly did you wed? We do not seem to have the record in our register. Each of you should know that finding a husband or wife for yourself is to be done in a holy and honorable way, not in the passionate, lustful way of people who don't know God 1Th 4:4, 5 (GW). I did it on my own sir; we didn’t go to church, she just moved in with me three years ago and we have been living faithfully together since. We’re as good as married; in short we are married. I didn’t want to bother you preachers. I see. Well the B part of the ABC seems in place, and I guess it can be commended, but why if I may ask do you assume you are married? Well sir it’s not like I kidnapped her, she came of her own will. Actually I wasn’t all that keen on settling down yet but it’s good to have a woman in the house. Yes indeed, a woman in the house... what of you people’s parents, do they know of your relationship? You mean our marriage. Hers are in Lagos, and my folks live in Abuja. Well sir they know we are adults and initially we had a few quarrels but everyone understands each other now and we communicate with each other. So they consent in a way. But what about God? The woman that had been married 5 times before and then living with another man was clearly told by Jesus she was not married to him. You have been married to five men, and the man you live with now is not really your husband. You have told me the truth Jn 4:18(GNB). What is my offense? I never maltreat her, she is happy; in fact God has blessed us with the fruit of the womb. Her parents also understand and have accepted it. Like I told you I have never slept with any other woman since she came into my home. I never beat her. What else does God want? What else makes a marriage? Young man who joins a man and a woman in marriage? 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Mk 10:7-9(ESV). Is it the parents that join them? But the parents got them from God. May I say that it is the minister of the gospel that represents God in matters of this sort, so you must come before the minister of God and let God join you properly. Faithful cohabitation is no marriage.

Here in my own town Week 47, 2012

I met Jesus today and I really must tell you He didn’t look at all like the pictures It wasn’t even Sunday and it wasn’t in the church but it was Him just as sure He was a hungry child A sick friend of mine A stranger who needed a home He was a lonely old man who needed a friend, A prisoner who needed a coat And suddenly I knew that I had seen Him before So many times before And that I’d let Him down not knowing it was Jesus Here in my own town Here in my own town I met Jesus today and I really must tell you There was no dazzling lights or angel choir And though I’d read His book it surprised me to find Him in the streets among the weak and the poor He was a hungry child A sick friend of mine A stranger who needed a home He was a lonely old man who needed a friend, A prisoner who needed a coat And suddenly I knew that I had seen Him before So many times before And that I’d let Him down not knowing it was Jesus Here in my own town Here in my own town (These words are the lyrics of a song by Mary Mckee and the Genesis) Mat 25:34-40(CEV) Then the king will say to those on his right, "My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me." Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?" The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."

Can Jesus fall ill Week 46, 2012

Not exactly; He never was sick, but He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to those sins and live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed 1Pt 2:24(ESV). He bore all our sins. It is us Christians that fall ill. “That’s the point I have been making to you. And no inhabitant will say, "I am sick"; the people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity Isa 33:24(ESV). A true Christian cannot be sick.” So what do you make of Epaphroditus, he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick Phil 2:26(ISV), Trophimus (2Tm4:20) and Timothy (1Tm5:23)? “Epaphroditus was in need of deliverance. Don’t you know his name means “Devoted to Venus”? Maybe the others were under attack, or lacked faith. Stop making Christians accept ill health Jesus suffered for them to be free from. We are saved from sin, sickness and Satan. It’s part of the salvation package!” I believe very much in divine health and divine healing. Indeed I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth 3Jn 1:2(KJV). I am sure Jesus provided for our healing and God wants all of us well. However true believers sometimes fall ill, just as true believers sometimes fall into sin if you wish to use that comparison. For whatever reasons known or unknown to us, genuine Christians have fallen ill and I’m sure Jesus knew this would happen. That is why He said: When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me Mat 25:36(CEV). Now if you refuse to care for the sick you are not caring for Jesus. “I visit them and pray for their healing...” Remember “taking care of” is different from visiting. It implies doing what the Samaritan did for the wounded man. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him Lk 10:34(ISV). In addition to praying for the sick- which we are commanded- do the practical care. “But I am not a trained health worker; I would hate to mismanage anyone.” That’s exactly the point. The Samaritan did what he knew to do on the spot then handed over to a better trained person. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll repay you when I come back.' Lk 10:35 (ISV). He appreciates even cold water given to disciples; what do you do for the sick?

The 2 week miracle week 45, 2012

He was encouraging us to give in the chapel in Enugu and said: “In two weeks God would have doubled it!” “Now, where in the scriptures is that said?” I wondered. He went on to share the testimony of a young boy who had done the giving and received almost exactly two fold in less than two weeks. He made the balance of double for the boy, bringing that word to pass. He is my very good friend. Indeed this minister is someone I have looked up to since I met him years ago, but I didn’t quite take his statement with assurance. Forgive me but the thought crossed my mind that my beloved brother and father in the Lord had missed it. Now I don’t look at God as a money doubler, and I prefer to avoid giving time limits for God’s reward, but since it is good to give into God’s cause (yes you are right) I gave a good amount. I told absolutely no one what I gave. Being a civil servant without private practice it would be interesting to see how the two week issue would happen. But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."Mat 19:26(ESV). Frankly I was not looking forward to it: that was not the reason I gave the money. Well the following week I got a memo to represent my institution in Lagos for an important meeting. The Ministry of Health asked for representatives of the federal health institutions to attend a one day meeting on a Thursday for the Standard Treatment Guidelines being proposed for national use. Heads of clinical services and medical directors were expected in attendance. For some reason my Head of Clinical Services minuted on the document that I represent our hospital and I was paid the per diem ahead of time. I decided to go by flight and return by flight since I had a preaching engagement in Enugu that Thursday evening. When all expenses were done, it didn’t add up to double what I gave, but what did it matter? It was remarkable to get a refund within 2 weeks. I am God, and there is none like me… 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' Isa 46:9, 10(ESV). When we got there for the meeting an unusual thing (at least for me) happened. The ministry officials announced they were going to refund the travel expenses of all participants, and pay for their accommodation. This was despite our sponsorship from our institutions. So I gave them my flight ticket, but since I made it clear I was leaving that Thursday back to Enugu I got slightly less money. I didn’t need to calculate: I had received double what I had sowed into the chapel in less than two weeks! So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it Isa 55: 11(ESV). I have been to several official meetings thereafter, and more than five years have elapsed, but at none have I been given such double funding. Maybe there is something after all in the pronouncements of an ordained minister.

Excuses Week 44, 2012

Are you going for ward evangelism? “No.” Why not? “I have an urgent task to perform after service...” Is it so urgent that you cannot spare ten to fifteen minutes to share with those in the ward? You know that is why we are primarily set up: to minister to those in this environment. “And we are ministering to them now. Are they not free to come to church, don’t we pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord? Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord Jas 5:14(ESV). Do we not get testimonies of their healing? And I think we may even help some of them occasionally materially. We reach out to them.” It is true we are involved in these things, but that is not the primary focus. “What do you mean?” God expects us to cater for their spiritual needs, specifically for their need to be born again. They need to hear the gospel by their bedside. “Listen: you cannot force the gospel down anyone’s’ throat, after all the bible says: The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price Rev 22:17(ESV), so let as many of them come and they will be ministered to. All are free to come; I have never driven anyone away from church.” Look brother: the same Bible which says to them come asks us specifically to go to them: Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: Mat 28:19 (GNB). When the bible says they should come it is not actually the church building it is referring to but to Jesus... “And is Jesus not here?” He is, but we are commanded by Christ to go to them with the message again and again. "Go and stand in the temple and keep on telling the people the whole message about this life." Act 5:20(ISV). “Well I don’t need to be there for the message; you people just go ahead without me. There are more than enough people to go round the wards and minister. If I went with you I may not even get to speak to one person at all.” Haba now, don’t you realise your coming along alone makes you a partner. David said: For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike 1Sa 30:24(ESV). “In that case I really need not come.” What do you mean? “These David’s men did not go along but got equally rewarded, so I will just stay back, look after your stuff and be praying for you.” Stop giving excuses man!

Who are you working for Week 43, 2012

It is this federal medical centre in town. Is that so? How come? My former employers were private people. Very unappreciative human beings like this! They wanted to milk everything out from me and give me peanuts. How do you mean? My conditions of service were just bad. What was torn by wild beasts I did not bring to you. I bore the loss of it myself. From my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. There I was: by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes… and you have changed my wages ten times Gen 31:39- 41(ESV). I dumped them fast. It is like you don’t want any sacrifices for this work. Why should I? Is it my father’s work? Whoa, what of your new employer? The pay is better, but the demands on me are too much I beg. No free time. This olu-oyibo sef! You know what I mean; you work for government too. No, I have never worked for the government. What are you saying? Have you changed jobs or what? Are you not working at the teaching hospital? I work at the teaching hospital all right, but I am working for my father. Ah-ah, is your father the minister of health? No. The chairman of the board? No. So what are you saying then? Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. You know that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you are serving! Col 3:23-24(ISV) It is a mistake when you term your work olu-oyibo (white man’s service); there is no white man there. We should not work for men... Are you saying we should all set up private practice? Even those in private practice must be careful. The location of your job does not dictate your employer. What do you mean? Some people in government employment are working for their bellies just like some in private practice. For I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on worldly things Phil 3:18, 19(ISV). What you say is giving room for people to exploit labor, be careful. You are a Christian. I want you to realize that it is impossible to cheat the uncompromisingly righteous who walk by faith. Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people…everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done, whether he is a slave or free Eph 6:7-8(ISV). Take your mind beyond the director and see this service for what it really is: an opportunity to serve Jesus Christ. Who will you work for henceforth?

How do you know week 42, 2012

How do I know what? That he’s a highly rated man of God; you seem very excited about his ministrations. Ah the signs are there. What signs? His prophecies are very accurate. Are you sure he hasn’t inside information? With technology now, and a little bit of psychology, I could tell you a lot about yourself which would surprise you. Uncle this one is for real. Is that? He had prophesied increase for me this year, and guess what? My long delayed promotion has come through. You don’t say! Ah wait now. He had prophetic unction about babies to be born to people in our congregation and a childless couple is getting ready to dedicate their new baby. This is for real uncle! Well the details are impressive but accuracy of prophecies is no proof he is a man highly rated by God. You have started again! Is it not written in Act 2:22(ESV) "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst ? What is the sign you need? Do you remember Balaam? Were not his prophesies accurate about Israel, and did he not clearly prophecy about Jesus? Indeed it is written the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak." in Num 23:5(ESV). Yet he was given to divination and sorcery (Num 24:1). Balaam was a prophet of God gone astray. None who never knew God could speak from Him. Perhaps you do not know of Caiaphas. The High Priest who arranged to kill Jesus? Did he prophesy? Haven’t you read Jn 11:51(CEV)? Caiaphas did not say this on his own. As high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation. These two accurately prophesied about Jesus yet were disqualified. So how do we tell if not by these? Jesus clearly told us how we know a man is from God: "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheeps' clothing but inwardly are savage wolves. By their fruit you will know them Mat 7:15, 16(ISV). Check out the fruit of his life first. What is happening in his relationships with fellow workers? By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Jn13:35(ESV). This is the way God rates people: not by the measure of unction they display, or the miracles that flow from them, but the measure of Christ- the measure of love- manifesting. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing 1Cor 13:2(ESV). How do you rate in heaven's guage?

48 hours to the exit week 41, 2012

It was towards the last week of August that I went to see a friend’s sick mother at Ntasiobi ndi no nafufu hospital in Trans Ekulu Enugu; precisely on Monday the 20th evening. After seeing her I was led to minister to other patients around. The LORD guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him Ps 37:23(GNB). In doing so I saw this lady lying on her bed. She was young looking but quite ill. I feel she was from a good back ground for she was well painted, and looked psychedelic. A young man was with her whom I thought to be the husband or brother, but on inquiry he smiled and let me know she was his mother. He was the first son and was really taking care of her for in my presence she was coughing out and foaming whilst he cleaned her up. I decided to minister to her. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good Eccl 11:6(ESV). I took time with her and read scriptures of healing to her. I told her life isn’t permanent, that even if one were not to continue in this life there is a higher one above. I shared with her the gospel benefits; that if she gave her life to Jesus her eternity would be assured and that Jesus would also heal her. I took time with her and asked her to pray along with me to receive Jesus; she did because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9(ESV). Her son claimed to be born again so I asked him to continue praying for her, covering her in the blood of Jesus. I assured them that within two days she would be whole and took their telephone number. I prayed with her over the phone the first night, but by the second night being Wednesday 22 I could not reach her. To my shock first son told me she died that second day. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints Ps 116:15(ESV). I had told her in two days she would be healed, little knowing in two days she was meant to die. What would have happened if I failed to reach her, to preach the word to her and lead her to Jesus? She was buried by the penultimate weekend in September. In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly appeal to you to proclaim the message. Be ready to do this whether or not the time is convenient. Refute, warn, and encourage with the utmost patience when you teach 2Ti 4:1-2(ISV). Monique is an evangelist with the AG

Love is patient Week 40, 2012

How can you say I don’t love him? I give him money... I know you give but love is not equal to giving you know. What! Let me hear. Have you not read: For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son Jn 3:16(MKJV)? But you speak to him as if he were a child, nay as if he were a parasite. How do you mean? Let’s look at this giving of yours. Was it in this ministry you started giving this year. You know the answer to that already. I was giving in EPN ministry before but we had a disappointment so I switched over. What kind of disappointment? I felt the funds were being misappropriated. In what way; was the minister converting the money to his pocket? It was not that kind of misappropriation. You see I was led to believe there was a certain project on hand which needed funds and after 3 months of sacrificial giving, having seen nothing, I gave up on them and started sowing elsewhere. “Started sowing elsewhere”... what do you mean? Well, when I give I have 2 expectations: one is that the project for which I am buying into begins to manifest immediately (You know the saying “ego ji oru” i.e. it is money that holds up the project), and two that I begin to see the effect of the giving on my finances pretty soon. And so when after 3 months you saw nothing of the two you decided the money was being misappropriated? Of course if it was not being diverted to some other assignment how come within 3 months that “urgent project” had not taken off? And why couldn’t you wait to find out if after a while the project would start? Perhaps enough funds hadn’t come in; perhaps it was still in the gestational phase. You could have waited longer. "For three years I have come looking for figs on this tree, and I haven't found any yet. Chop it down! Why should it take up space?" The gardener answered, "Master, leave it for another year. I'll dig around it and put some manure on it to make it grow. Maybe it will have figs on it next year Lk 13:7-9(CEV). And perhaps that was not a fertile field to sow my money into! Is it not you who shared the testimony of giving in church and God doubling the amount back to you within two weeks? I distinctly remember you saying the minister said all those who give will receive double in two weeks and that it was happening. And in this minister I am seeing the same delay despite my sowing precious seed. My brother the Lord of the harvest has long patience when He sows Jas 5:7. You give all right, but are yet to manifest true love: Even if I give away all that I have…but have no love, I get nothing out of it. Love is always patient, Love is always kind 1Cor 13:4(ISV). Walk in love.

Lessons from the virus week 39, 2012

The virus is an inter-phase between living and non living. On its own it cannot reproduce; it only does so inside living tissue. How does it enter the host? Much the same way sin enters into a man. It has a coat which has receptors that interact with the host cell membrane. Instead, each person is tempted by his own desire, being lured and trapped by it Jas 1:14(ISV). If there are no receptors on the host cell the virus cannot enter. The virus presents the coat with the receptors which is attractive to the host. It doesn’t present the enslaving poison inside it. How deceptive! For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me Rom 7:11(ESV). Many people say, “I could never do that! How could someone commit such heinous crimes?” When a cell has been infected by a virus, it takes over the manufacturing arm of the cell. This makes the cell behave like the virus wishes, producing more and more virus cells. But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness Rom 7:8 (ESV). In some cases, as in the cervix, it results in the cell becoming disobedient to controlling signals, multiplying uncontrollably and becoming cancerous. Is a virus the personification of evil? Not at all! Like the virus does not force its way into any cell, so God will not force Himself on anyone. Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together Rev 3:20(CEV). If you have never let Him in He remains outside. When He does come in there is an interaction between His word and our wills which leads to a transformation of our lives: just as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I am absent, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him Phil 2:12, 13(ISV). It is by the Spirit He puts inside us we begin to reproduce His kind of life. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God's seed abides in him. Indeed, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born from God 1Jn 3:9(ISV). The greater the viral load the faster the transformation; the more of His Word in you the faster your renewal to be like Jesus Col3:16. Unlike in biology, something controls people always. It could be the Spirit, or the lower nature of sin. So which virus is infecting your life- the seed of God or sin? The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. Gal 5:25 (GNB) Note: This analogy does not mean God and sin behave alike or are equal in any way

True love waits week 38,2012

We love each other and my parents know we intend to marry. In fact my mum supports the engagement. I’m not sure we can wait much longer. Did you not hear yourself just now? It is engagement not marriage. But what can be wrong with it at this level? No one is using or cheating the other and very soon we shall be married. The desire we have for each other is an expression of the true love we feel inside. If you truly loved each other you would wait and not sin. Why?
Was it not Ruth’s mother-in-law that encouraged her to get married to Boaz? Naomi said to Ruth, "I must find a husband for you, so that you will have a home of your own. Remember that this man Boaz, whose women you have been working with, is our relative Ruth 3:1, 2 (GNB). Yet Boaz wouldn’t take advantage of Ruth though they were alone: she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."Ruth 3:14(ESV) and... Aunty that was an arranged marriage; there may have been no passion between them. It was just a sense of duty he felt towards her. See how he repeatedly calls her “my daughter”! Is that what you think? Live as though Jesus will return before your wedding lest you be ashamed at His coming. Besides what will you do if (God forbid) one of you is called home to the Lord before this wedding? Where will the dead spend eternity? What kind of embarrassment will it be for the other? Don’t wish us bad o!
What of Jacob and Rachel? They were in love. Jacob was in love with Rachel, so he said, "I will work seven years for you, if you will let me marry Rachel." Laban answered, "I would rather give her to you than to anyone else; stay here with me."Gen 29:18(GNB). Rachel’s family knew and approved of Jacob, they lived and worked near each other yet true love kept them from seeking intercourse for seven whole years. In fact those years looked very short to Jacob. So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her Gen 29:20 (ESV). These few days and months that is looking very long to you such that you want to break bounds; can it be the same love between Jacob and Rachel? Jacob explicitly desired her in bed, for Jacob said to Laban, "The time is up; give me my wife! I want to sleep with her." Gen 29:21(GW) it is natural for such desires to arise when love is there in intending couples... Now you understand me! I don’t. Even though Jacob desired her, had parental approval, saw her regularly for seven years, and was paying his dowry dutifully, he never demanded sex from her. Love exercises self control. It is lust that can’t wait.

Noise makers Week 37, 2012

You’re just jealous you can’t pray in tongues as much as they do. Spirituality is not about the length of your prayers, And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words Mat 6:7(ESV). God hears you even when you are brief. I don’t like empty words. Empty words, how can you call speaking in tongues for hours empty words? Have you never read For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit 1Cor 14:2(ESV)? Praying with tongues builds up, and they are simply building themselves up. It is love that builds up. These ones aren’t walking in love: insisting on your rights to people’s detriment isn’t wise. You know, would it be appropriate for instance to pray loudly in a room where everyone is trying to get much needed sleep? What’s wrong with that? Why do you think Jesus went out to solitary places to pray? And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed Mk 1:35(ESV). Well I just feel it is praying fervently as the scripture asked. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jas 5:16(KJV). And is earnestness or fervency measured in decibels?
I don’t quite understand. Have you considered Hannah’s prayer? Was it not fervent? But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD 1Sam 1:15(ESV). Well it was... Yet it is clear her voice was not heard: Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. 1Sam 1:13(ESV). Wait, does not even scripture tell us shout to the Lord? Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Ps 47:1(ESV). Of course it does. I fully believe in speaking with other tongues for hours on end and I speak with tongues myself. I am not teaching people should never lift up their voices in praise or prayer and cannot do that. But when we deliberately do things without due consideration for other people’s needs we are not acting in love, and therefore are noise makers no matter how fierce our tongues. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.1Cor 13:1(ESV). Unrepentant self centeredness converts tongues to noise.

Delivered from smoking week 36, 2012

Praise the Lord. It was sometime last year, I do not remember exactly when, but this patient came to our medical centre for treatment. I came across him and as I interacted with him it appeared his problems were not exactly organic but tended to be psychological. In the course of my discussions with him he admitted he was in a bondage to tobacco. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate Rom 7:15(ESV). He had started smoking and now could not stop, consuming so many sticks in a day. This fact made him sad and he wondered if there was any power which could make him stop. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out Rom 7:18(ESV). All previous attempts had been met with failure. It was so bad he could not go to toilet without smoking. But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Rom 7:23, 24(ESV). I ministered the gospel to him and assured him Jesus could set him free. We prayed and he invited Jesus into his heart. After a while he was discharged and he left the medical centre. I did not see him again for a while but prayed for him.
Two weeks later he came back to the medical centre looking for me. No, he was not ill again, he was well: healthier than he had been in a very long time. He had continued in the faith. In fact he had started fellowshipping with other believers. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers Act 2:42(ESV). He was attending the Evangelical Fellowship of the Anglican Communion which meets at the Chapel of Redemption Enugu campus.
What about the addiction to smoking cigarettes? He reported the addiction to tobacco had been broken. He testified that after the prayer he does not know exactly what happened to him; the very smell of tobacco would make him feel like vomiting. Hallelujah!
Jesus said to them, "I am telling you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave does not belong to a family permanently, but a son belongs there forever. If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free Jn 8:34-36(GNB).
Helen is a nurse at UNEC medical centre.

Ear piercing ceremony week 35, 2012

It was a horrible and very painful experience. I had thought God was going to shield me from it. I could just see it coming. Previously when I had not fully surrendered myself to Jesus I know what I used to do to avoid such situations, but now… Now having decided on discipleship you expected God to keep you from the shame and embarrassment? Yes! That was the most painful part. I thought if God really accepted me as His own He would not sit back and allow it to happen to me. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he cares for him. After all, he said, 'I am the Son of God,'"Mat 27:43 (ISV). Is that so? Does it not happen to other believers? It’s not that, I mean isn’t it early in the faith for such things to happen to me? I thought this stuff is for mature guys.
No this has happened because God has accepted you as his servant. Whenever God accepts a bond servant what follows next is public ear piercing (Ex 21:6). It’s not a party on earth even though all heaven rejoices. I think you are overstretching the passage. It’s talking about some slave master in the Old Testament, not God. Is that right? Consider Heb 10:32-33(ESV) But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction “After you have been enlightened” indicates it follows soon after you believe. Are you sure it was so soon after their conversion? It was. It is a pattern like in 1Th 2:13, 14(ISV). Notice after they believed the next response was persecution from their own people, just like you. I see. Look it’s an occasion of joy that heaven has marked you out as God’s servant. How blessed are you whenever people hate you, avoid you, insult you, and slander you because of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for your reward in heaven is great! For that's the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets Lk 6:22, 23(ISV). You have been promoted to be counted among the prophets of old. Rejoice beloved. You mean a great reward is awaiting me in heaven? Yes. Jesus intends to sit you down and serve you personally: How blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching for him when he comes! Truly I tell you, he will put an apron on, make them sit down at the table, and go around and serve them Lk 12:37(ISV). So don’t spoil it. Stand firm. Afflictions work out good while our eyes are on Jesus, heaven and the reward. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen… 2Cor 4:17, 18(ESV).

Priorities of the disciple Week 34, 2012

It’s not only accommodation the disciple is willing to give up... Ah! Many are not going to be pleased to hear that. We can’t please men you know. That’s a number one decision. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ Gal 1:10(ESV). Is that good? Did Jesus offend with His words? Remember Jesus was a dinner guest at a Pharisee’s place and rebuked him. One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also." And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also!” Lk 11:45, 46(ESV). If we bandy words to cause no ripples, and maintain the sensitivities of those asleep in iniquity we can’t be true to Christ.
Try that today and your financial support will evaporate. The priority of the disciple is neither comfort nor riches; prison and troubles wait for me. But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do Acts 20:23, 24(GNB). You can’t get very far in ministry without funding you know. Ruth might have stayed back in Moab to raise money for Naomi but chose to be with her when accommodation and feeding were not guaranteed. But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God Ruth 1:16(ESV). Sadly for some, living and living well is the goal and priority. Why should they not live well? Even workers in ministry have rights. True, but rather loose God given rights than be a hindrance to the gospel. But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ 1Cor 9:12(GNB).
Is your idea of true discipleship a life of deprivation and lack? No, my dear it is neither a life of deprivation or unbroken excess. So it’s somewhere in between? Don’t you get it yet? I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little Phil 4:12(GW). It is independent of external circumstances and consistent in all circumstances of life. As a true disciple the one and only priority is to please Jesus, come life or death. Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him 2Cor 5:9(GW).

The harvest waits week 33, 2012

Can it be that now the labourers are many but the harvest is little? I used to know it was said the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Not so my dear, I assure you the harvest is yet plenteous. Why else would the Lord say "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me."Act 18:9, 10(CEV). Well I don’t know about you but I have so many workers hanging around with nowhere to go. Do you mean there are no more mission fields; all places have been fully covered? Not exactly, but how can I send them where there are no support facilities, no accommodation... Well why not? Did not the Lord warn those who were to follow He has nowhere to lay His head? As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Lk 9:57, 58(ESV). Ah, not these workers, not today. If I try that when they see war all of them will turn back. God didn't lead them on the road through Philistine territory, although that was the shortest route. God said, "If they see that they have to fight a war, they may change their minds and go back to Egypt." Ex 13:17(GW).
So the problem is not that the harvest is small but we lack the right kind of workers. Are you suggesting I send out people without caring for them? Are they slaves or what? Shelter is a basic need. May I tell you that those whom God sent, who brought in large harvest where not deterred by shelter or the lack of it? To this very hour we are hungry, thirsty, dressed in rags, brutally treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure1Cor 4:11, 12(ISV). I still don’t feel comfortable sending them out. My dear it’s not only you that is uncomfortable, I believe God waits for the right kind of worker before sending people. Have you read Paul’s statement by the spirit in Phil 2:19, 20(ISV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare? He also had people around him, workers he dared not send: For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus Christ Phil 2:21(ISV). The harvest is still plenteous. If you are not experiencing that the matter is still we lack the right type of labourers. Ever wondered why some townships swarm with churches while the villages lack? You talk a lot; let’s see you give up your house.

Exceedingly, abundantly, above... Week 32, 2012

It was like my eyes cleared. I had just parted with over a million naira just like that. And the money was not mine. It was my church’s money. It had been raised with a lot of effort; effort in prayers, encouraging people and sacrificial giving. We had been raising money to build a befitting house unto God in the Redeemed Christian Church of God branch I served both as chairman building committee and later as assistant pastor. It was a huge responsibility for me as a junior resident and a young father, but I applied myself wholeheartedly to the task. Now it was handed over to a man with nothing to take back to the church. What had I just done? Had I missed it? Was I misguided? Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding Prov 3:5(ESV).
After we had exhausted ourselves believing God and raising as much funds as possible for our building plan valued at millions of naira, we were at 1.5 million naira and could not seem to move forward. So we kept the money faithfully praying and believing God for a breakthrough. A man of God came to our church said, “You have a project at hand which you have not enough money for...” My attention was caught. A solution was surely coming. “What you need to do is to sow this money you now have into the life of a prominent man of God.” He emphasized that man of God was not to be himself. After that we agreed to do what the minister said, and agreed the man of God would be our daddy at Redemption Camp. We purposed to do this seed sowing quickly.
Following inquiries we learned if you wanted to see him without an appointment you had to be at his residence before 6am. We traveled down to the camp and we got there early, before 6am, and discovered others were already there before us. The man of God was having his family devotions. After this he came out to see us. He received what each person had to bring, thanked each one and briefly laid hands on our heads in prayer and moved off. And that was that. I walked away wondering if that was all, and contending with the thought that the money was all gone with nothing to show for it. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…Eph 3:20(ESV)
Nothing happened thereafter for many months. The building of course was stalled. Suddenly the news came down to us. Daddy G.O. was reminded by the Spirit that a certain church in Enugu gave him some money. The Holy Ghost asked him to send it back ten-fold! He checked his records, took note of the church and the money, and sent for us. I was ecstatic! Tenfold increase in less than 1 year. In obedience we had sowed not knowing exactly what to expect. This was fifteen million naira. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap Lk 6:38(ESV).
Emeka is a surgeon living in Enugu, the church building is in progress by the tunnel crossing.

Freedom through bondage week 31, 2012

“I want to be free to do whatever I please! I find your rules restrictive, especially for a young person like me. How am I supposed to enjoy life for goodness sake?” What kind of restrictions are you talking about? “All these your laws on relationships: no kissing, no holding of hands, no staying out late either.” I am not in any way trying to enslave you; I want you to be free to enjoy life. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come 1Tm 4:7, 8(ESV). A lot will go wrong naturally if you don’t keep certain rules. “Is your church different? I know people who allow their own to do that and more. They promise freedom!” I see. Beware of any who gives the impression you can play with sin. By talking high-sounding nonsense and using sinful cravings of the flesh, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. Promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves to depravity, for a person is a slave to whatever conquers him 2Pt 2:18, 19(ISV).
“Look the birds and bees are free as air. I want to be free too.” These Bible principles of life are the laws of liberty. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey… Jas 1:25(CEV). Even birds must keep to certain rules to fly; they must adopt certain positions for effective flight. “Well I feel I am caged in.” Listen: only in bondage to righteousness are we truly free. The one who feels free to drink and smoke anything sooner than later becomes an addict. How many suffer because of bondage to alcohol, sex and drugs! “I have no plans to be enslaved, just free to do anything, these desires come pretty strong and isn’t it best to give in once a while? And I was not talking about alcohol.” Yielding to the urge for sin depresses righteousness. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should Gal 5:17(CEV). Anyone who sins becomes enslaved by it: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! Jn 8:34(CEV). The struggles you have now will be overcome when you offer yourself as a slave to God and righteousness. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves, the benefit you reap is sanctification, and the result is eternal life Rom 6:22(ISV). Do you want a clean free holy life? Become a slave to righteousness.

The Hired Servant week 30, 2012

Why do you call him that? He served you well. I don’t doubt that he did; but he still is a hired servant. All the features are there. Which features? You pointed out that he served well not so? He was very dedicated and committed and God has blessed him abundantly on every side. He has prospered financially; and has both male and female children. Yes he has received his pay and has retired from service. And when you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. As the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him Dt 15:13, 14(ESV).
He is still in church and has not retired. King Saul had retired from service many years even while sitting on the throne. Tell me how available he is for work. And when was the last time he participated in evangelism or led in prayers? He who before was the face of the ministry. These days we have to literally beg him before he comes around for anything. He speaks roughly, and now takes offense easily. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all… 2Ti 2:24(KJV). What activities and recreation are all around him lately? Is it not more and more commerce? Unedifying, suspect and occasionally out-rightly corrupting videos fill his parlour. Hasn’t he retired?
Don’t be too hard on him, he went through a hard time before his breakthrough. In those days he would go all night asking God to settle him, quoting scripture, claiming the headship. It is the hired hand that looks forward to his release date, that craves to be settled. The bondman craves for more service. In the day of his release volunteers himself for permanent service to the master. But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you …then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same Dt 15:16, 17(ESV).
So you want him to serve you always, eh? Why should I? Am I not a fellow servant? Was Paul’s pain over Demas selfish? For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2Ti 4:10(ESV). I wish he were running a successful ministry in that business; that he used it as a platform for evangelism, missions support, and mentoring young converts. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out… Mk 4:18, 19 (CEV).

The Church's highest title Week 29, 2012

What is the highest title in the church? “The highest title is Bishop. You have the house of laity and the house of the clergy. Distinct among that class are bishops. In today’s church there is no higher title.” No, that is not the highest title in the church. There is a higher title than that. “Oh, I forgot. You mean the Archbishop ,no? Primate? Well Pope then. That is the highest title in the church …” Ha-ha. How wide off mark. Neither Archbishop, Primate, nor Pope is the highest title in the Bible. “Alright, bible eh? All of us are equal in God’s sight. There is none higher than the other.” I agree we are all equal in Christ, but that does not mean we all have the same status. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first Mat 19:30(ISV). Some people will be first and others last.
“Yes, I’ve got it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues 1Cor 12:28(ESV). An apostle is the highest office in the church.” I still disagree. None of these is the highest. I will ask you in another way. Who in the New Testament or church had the highest title, or were most significant? “I guess maybe Paul, or Peter, and they were apostles.” Alright. You don’t seem to get it. Let me show you. Rom 1:1 (LITV): Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God . “Eh! It clearly shows I am correct: it is the apostle.” When you have more than one title don’t you put the higher one first e.g. Prof (Dr)? “I agree. But what title other than apostle is in that verse?” Servant. Not only Paul regarded being a slave of Jesus primary and before his apostleship, so also did Peter. Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ…2Pt 1:1(LITV). In every place apostles introduced themselves with both titles, that of being a slave comes first. Even our Lord Jesus Christ has that title: Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4:30(GNB).
“I would hardly call a servant a title.” Why? “It’s so demeaning, so degrading. A title should lift you up, give you honour, an air of importance.” I see, perhaps you have not heard Jesus’ words to apostles in Mk 9:35(GW) He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.” The servant is the highest title; the servant of all.
How do you introduce yourself to God’s people?

Has God confirmed you week 28, 2012

“Yes I have been confirmed. It was a glorious service. My parents were there; even my godparents made it for the occasion. I’d been itching for my first communion…” Lovely, lovely, but has God himself confirmed you? “It is like you are teaching a new doctrine. I know the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria for confirmation. I know some people teach that after salvation you must be sanctified. Which other confirmation are you speaking of?” There is nothing new in God confirming people: He shall also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1Cor 1:8(MKJV).
God has been in the business of confirmation for a long time. When you were being confirmed you affirmed the faith expressed by your parents and sponsors at your baptism as your own not so? “Yes.” You remember the promise first came to Abraham when he was still in his father’s house. When he demonstrated his faith God confirmed him. Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. Now you see how Abraham's faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was real by what he did. Jas 2:21-22(CEV). As you were examined before confirmation by the bishop so shall God examine you so as to confirm you from above.
“I agree he demonstrated his faith but I see no confirmation here.” Don’t you? For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Heb 6: 16, 17(KJV). By taking an oath God confirmed Abraham. At the time of this confirmation God said "Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son ..." Gen 22:12(GNB). “Now I know” implies God needed to find out. The courts of heaven required proof of faith.
“I am ready to give proof by my obedience, will God now confirm me?” Amen; but note God’s confirmation means a period of suffering and harassment comes first: after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you 1Pt 5:10(ESV). “I will surely overcome the incident.” O, it’s not a once for all occasion as the confirmation service. 1Cor 1:8 is in the present continuous tense. As tests come in cycles He will keep giving you strength, keep confirming you, to the very end.

Harvest at work week 27 2012

It was meant to be a routine call duty task, and I was somewhat tired. I was rostered to work with an internist. They help lighten the work and I looked forward to having one around. It was therefore not pleasing to me when I got a call from the one to work with me that day. “Please I will not be able to come and do the call today...” she said. That was disappointing enough, but her reason for not wanting to come made me cross. She said she was having waist pains! Imagine not coming to call because of dysmenorrhoea. I am a woman also and have done my work even with such episodes. The thought to insist on her coming to do the call came to mind but somehow I did not and let it pass. Even when I got into the hospital to take over from the morning staff and shared with them the words of my intern they did not appreciate her excuse.
Much to my surprise the intern who did the morning call volunteered to stay with me and help me through my call. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Mat 5:7(ASV).What a relief! I was not close to her as such and I wondered at her decision but she went about her work with me very cheerfully. She started singing a Christian song while doing her work. It struck me to ask her about her faith. I expected she was a Christian, but still I asked the question, “Are you born again?” fully expecting a “yes” from this good cheerful young lady. Instead she paused a while then said: “I try my best and attend church, but I don’t know what it means...” I had been asking God to use me, is this it? I asked “Do you think those good things will take you to heaven?” “Yes.” “Have you heard where it was said if you fail in one part of the law you have failed in all?” She looked confused. We were interrupted by a patient and I deferred the explanation. When she was free she returned to ask what I meant. I explained we are not justified by good works. “Jesus has been standing and knocking at the door of your heart and won’t force himself in. You have to ask him if not he is still outside Rev 3:20.” I asked her if she would pray with me. What would she do? Was I really about to lead her to Christ? She nodded and so we prayed together as I led her to Jesus. What gratitude I had towards God. I had come for work; God had a soul ready for harvesting! Suppose I had insisted the other intern must report for her duty despite her inconvenience; suppose I did not summon up courage to talk to her about Jesus? Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants Eph 5:16, 17(GW). The rest of the call went uneventfully. The following morning I shared the good news with a brother and we started praying for her. Sometime later I inquired after her and encouraged her to fellowship. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."Isa 6:8(ESV).
Ada is a laboratory scientist in Enugu

Faithful in death Week 26, 2012

How could you? A tongue talking Christian having another person sit for your son’s examination! Next thing now you would give him money to sort out lecturers and bargain for false grades. “I know you are disappointed in me but I have to take care for him now before I die.” Die, what are you talking about? Listen I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread Ps 37:25(ESV). God will not start changing with you. “Perhaps you don’t know what happened to Ben.” What happened? “He died suddenly and had mortgaged his property to raise a loan for business; now his defenseless widow has 2 children to train from primary school. Let’s see you throw scripture at her.”
What a tragedy; but what an opportunity! Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves."2Kg 4:1(ESV). “Perhaps you don’t know she is not employed, and just has standard-six certificate. What is going to happen now? The poor widow is just exposed. And Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?" And she said, "Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil" 2Ki 4:2(ESV). I can’t let that happen to my own people.” No one’s experience is an excuse to sin. God is faithful even in death. “I see, have you not read that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children Pro 13:22(ESV)? Those of you who are over righteous in Nigeria must remember this.”
I wish you had quoted this verse to the end. God’s promises may delay (in our eyes) only to give a bigger testimony. This man died leaving no financial heritage but a godly heritage. Now while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come 1Ti 4:8(ESV). On the strength of this promise the widow received a miracle 2Ki 4:3-6. I guarantee you Ben’s wife will also. She came and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest."2Ki 4:7(ESV). After death God was still fulfilling the promise of a double portion to Elisha’s (2Ki 13:20-21), after Lazarus died Jesus still fulfilled the promise of healing Jn11:14.
Don't love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, "I will never abandon you or leave you." Heb 13:5(GW). Even in death.

The deceit of compromise week 25, 2012

Lowering your standard to do something crooked amounts to abandoning God… “Don’t you dare accuse me of abandoning God! What glory is it to Him that I go hungry and my children are uncared for? How can I introduce them to God if they are deprived of basic necessities? Do you imagine they can listen to that type of gospel? God knows I am not leaving Him. He understands my predicament.For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust Ps 103:14(ESV). I must make hay while the sun shines: making the best use of the time, because the days are evil Eph 5:16(ESV). ” Please don’t abuse your privileges. “No. In a few weeks I shall no longer have this opportunity to help myself and others. Have you forgotten that if a man provide not for his own he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever?” But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever 1Tm 5:8(ESV).
How Satan will quote scripture for you just to justify evil! This thing is wrong. Should you die doing it be rest assured you will face judgement. Don't let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God's anger comes to those who refuse to obey him Eph 5:6(GW). Compromising Christian standards in hope of financial security is great loss. Do you want to risk your salvation for mere pittance? “Pittance, you call it pittance? This will secure my children’s welfare, not to talk about the different launchings you invite me for.” I hear you. Have you never read Dt 23:18(ESV): You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the LORD your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God. Make no mistake about it: money obtained in such a manner is not only disgraceful but completely unacceptable to God, no matter who receives it from your hand. Your children may die and you will have compromised for nothing. Indeed when you have collected the money your soul might suddenly be required of you. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'Lk 12:19(ESV). “I see you hate me...” Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth? Have you considered this is a trap for you? Satan is setting a trap for you; you must resist him. You are a father: lead by example.

The spirit of compromise week 24, 2012

I thought you were one of the champions of doing things right. How come you have changed? “I was one of the champions alright, but look what it has brought me: I will soon retire and then who will look after my children? I have always acted justly and fairly. I always expected to live a long life and to die at home in comfort Job 29:14, 18(GNB). Is it the paltry money that I am not even sure will be coming regularly that we shall be surviving on?” Where is your faith my brother? Do not be as the seed which fell on rocky ground: As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up Mat 13:21(CEV). This is nothing but compromise. Have nothing to do with it. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them Eph 5:11(ESV).
“Look we have to do things differently, this is Nigeria after all; if we don’t we lose out.” What do you mean, say this is me or this is you: there is no such thing as this is Nigeria. Do not follow the majority when they do wrong… Ex 23:2 (GNB). “Is that so? Have you not read that in Rome you do as the Romans do?” There is no place in scripture with that advice. What it says is identify with people in order to bring them to Jesus not conformity with the evils in any place. To those who do not have the law I became like a man who does not have the law, in order to win those who do not have the law (although I am not free from God's law, but am under the law of Christ)1Cor 9:21(ISV). “Perhaps I do not quote the Bible as well as I should. Surely there is somewhere that says give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar? That we should give everyone their due: honour to whom honour and custom to whom custom?”
Aren’t you quoting out of context? I belong to Jesus exclusively: no part of me belongs to Caesar or this world. What you are saying sounds very much like “If you can’t beat them join them!” How can you abandon God at this stage? Saint Paul declared that he would rather die than have any man strip him of his cause for boasting. But I have not used any of these rights, and I'm not writing this so that they may be applied in my case. I would rather die than let anyone deprive me of my reason for boasting 1Cor 9:15(ISV). Is it not better to be deprived and die? If we suffer for sticking to principles is it not praise worthy? Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset 1Pt 3:14(ISV).

The boiling ring week 23, 2012

I had come into the conference ground at camp of faith in Okigwe to seek God’s face. In the course of the programme I had a dream on one of the nights. It was not one of those dreams that were from too much business. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words Eccl 5:3(ESV). It is true I could not remember every detail in the dream, but clearly at the end of the dream I could see that my house in Enugu had burnt down. The fire had started as a result of the boiling ring. For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword Job 33:14-18(ESV). I prayed and cancelled the dream after I woke up, and after the programme ended I went home. Thereafter I became very careful in the house and gave strict instructions about housekeeping and the use of the boiling ring. You know absolutely nothing happened for a while.
On a given Sunday we were preparing for morning worship and the girl I live with was using the ring to boil water when suddenly there was a power outage. We all went to the service without the electricity returning and settled into the service.
During the service power returned. Whilst the worship went on I suddenly lost my peace and had a burden to pray. I was not certain of what the matter was but as I prayed found myself praying against any networking of darkness designed to rob me of peace. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God Rom 8:26-27(ESV). After a while I felt peace within me and continued in the service. My girl was restless; the boiling ring kept coming to her mind and she began wondering if she had put it off. Her discomfort increased to such a time that before the offerings she slipped out and went back to the house. Smoke had already started coming from within when she entered and went to the socket. There was the boiling ring; red hot and having damaged the container! If she had waited for the service to end the house would no doubt have burned down. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth Ps 124:7, 8(ESV).
Hope lives in Enugu with her family

Who is Jesus week 22, 2012

“A man came here and taught us Jesus was created by God. I’m confused; is Jesus God or an angel?” Don’t be confused my dear. Ever before coming into this world the one we call Jesus Christ has always been: He himself existed before all things, and by him all things hold together Col 1:17(ISV). “Was he the first of God’s creation? He quoted from Prov 8:22(GNB) "The LORD created me first of all, the first of his works, long ago…” How could He be the first of God’s creation? The one through whom all things were created certainly was not created. For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him Col 1:16 (ESV). If all things were made through him he could not have been made. Through him all things were made, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made Jn 1:3(ISV). “Is he God then?” Of course yes.
“Now you have me confused. Are there three Gods? I know that’s wrong...” There is one God. Do you want to know God? Look at Jesus. Your words express your personality. From eternity he is the word of God: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Jn 1:1(ESV). It is through God’s word the worlds were made. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God… Heb 11:3(ESV). That exact representation of the invisible God, the very expression of God -the word- took on flesh and manifested to us having been born. Then He began to be called Jesus. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us Jn 1:14(KJV).
You know something is glorious because of the brightness: Christ is the brightness of His glory. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person Heb 1:3(KJV). God who cannot be seen is made visible and clear by Jesus. Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God Col 1:15 (GNB). He is God in the flesh. That’s Jesus; God incarnate. “Is he a most obedient angel, perhaps Michael?” By no means: God never said to any of his angels, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father."Heb 1:5(GW).
“Wow I thought he was a nice man.” Hmm! These people who distort the Good News are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They don't want you to associate with me so that you will be devoted only to them Gal 4:17(GW). He attacks your faith, trying to exclude you to bring you into error.
Have nothing to do with people who continue to teach false doctrine after you have warned them once or twice Tit 3:10

End of an era(2) week 21, 2012

“So what you are saying is that people used to be saved in the past by law, but now there is another way?” Never! For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight Rom 3:20(ESV). You see the law was an interim measure, a shadow of the real thing. What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise Gal 3:19(CEV). Jesus Christ is the real thing Col 2:17. The very reason Jesus died was that there was no other way any human being could be saved. His death would have been completely unnecessary if anyone could have been saved by trying to keep the law. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose Gal 2:21(ESV). In fact those who tried to be saved through keeping the law were under God’s curse! Gal 3:10(GNB): Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, "Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God's curse!"
“If what you are saying is real then we need no longer obey the Ten Commandments or even read the Old Testament at all.” No: we must read the Old Testament, but with the light and insight Jesus only gives. Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets Lk 24:27(CEV). As for the commandments, we obey God not so as to earn salvation, but because we have received it. The one who believes in the Lord Jesus is freed from sin’s dominating power to walk in love. Whoever walks in love fulfills the whole command of God: For the whole law is summarized in a single statement: "You must love your neighbor as yourself."Gal 5:14 (ISV). We could never be able to obey God fully if Jesus never died for us. What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin. God did this so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us …Rom 8:3-4(GNB). God always intended that we obey Him from a willing heart; only in those who are saved really do that. Unto this purpose are we born again. For we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared long ago to be our way of life Eph 2:10(ISV).

End of an era week 20,2012

When Jesus declared “it is finished” that also signified the law as a route for righteousness is ended: For Christ has brought the Law to an end, so that everyone who believes is put right with God Rom 10:4(ESV). “Be careful what you say! Jesus Himself said "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them Mat 5:17(ESV).” Of course He came to fulfill the law. In the law was the promise of salvation. I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me Jer 33:8(ESV). When a promise is fulfilled what happens to it? “It ceases.” Exactly: a new way to come to God was inaugurated by Jesus dying on the cross. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh Heb 10:19-20(ESV).
“Why did it have to end?” The law prescribed repetitive sacrifices to take away sins but that could never wash any sin away: For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins Heb 10:4(ESV). These numerous sacrifices were simply pointing the way to Jesus. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Jn 1:29(ESV). There is no need to make blood sacrifices any more to be acceptable before God. In fact after Jesus such sacrifices are wrong. In this passage he says, "You never wanted or took delight in sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, and sin offerings," which are offered according to the law Heb 10:8(ESV). That era is over; it is finished.
“What about the priests?” Under the law there were high priests who were after the order of Aaron, imperfect priests who could not continue because they died and, by the way, were sinners too. But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, because he always lives to intercede for them, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him Heb 7:24-25(ISV). The Aaronic priesthood is over. It is finished. Now there is only one high priest: Jesus Christ who is perfect and who lives forever.
Have you been trying to come to God through the old way of sacrifices and offerings? Do you depend on the law of what to eat or not to be righteous? Your sin has been fully and permanently paid for: It is finished.

A dream come true Week 19,2012

We faced family tension 2 months after our arrival in the U.S.A that necessitated our separating from the family member we stayed with to live by ourselves. Five months into the country, my wife sat for her board exam (California Board of Registered Nursing) and passed at a sitting – something everyone told us was not possible. We began looking for a job for her. Soon, God answered our prayer and provided a job for my wife, and so we took off. He soon followed it up by giving me a job as an adjunct instructor (lecturer) in a university. All these were happening at a time people were losing their jobs following the severe economic recession in the country. Isn’t that amazing? He had said to me: “It is a small thing for me to bless you in Nigeria. I will take you to United States, the number one country in the world, and bless you there that you may know that I am God of all the earth. “Halleluiah!” "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”Jer 32:27(ESV) As the extended family tension intensified despite our apologies for no wrong doing (indeed, we apologized despite being wronged) in keeping with the injunction to live in peace with all men (Romans 12:18), we felt it was time to leave the city, also in the interest of peace. In the process of buying a house, we were shown many properties in a number of cities. Eventually, we were taken to the city of Patterson and to the very house we now live in. It was the best house we had seen in all – having everything we desired and more, but the city was the farthest of the cities we had visited. We agreed to make an offer the next day, anyway. That night, I cried out unto God about the whole thing to know whether it was God’s will for us to move to such a distant city and whether we should go ahead and make an offer on the house the next day as we agreed. We were willing and ready to obey God. That same night, the merciful God clearly revealed to me in a dream that it was that city and that house he wanted us to live in. We then went ahead and made the offer as planned. After we made the offer we learnt it was not accepted and that the house had gone to a higher bidder. Though we continued our hunt, I tenaciously held God to His word to me. Strangely, exactly three months after we lost the house, the same house came back to the market and my wife saw it online. As soon as she told me that the house was back in the market, I began to dance because I knew without a shadow of doubt that God had brought it back to deliver it to us. We later learnt how God used elimination method to eliminate all other bidders (thirty in number) and left us the only man standing. Thus, one year after God took us to America, he blessed us with a magnificent house of our own – the American dream realized in a record time, so to speak. God used the extended family crises we faced to work out his glorious will for us. Praise God for His faithfulness and sovereignty. To Him be all glory forever. Greg and his family live in Patterson California, serving the Lord