Starting marriage Week 46, 2013

When is a couple deemed to have married? Is it when the bride price has been paid? Or if a man and woman are living faithfully together i.e. co-habiting are they married? The woman that had married 5 times before and then was 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). Faithful cohabitation is not marriage. Both adults must consent (1Cor 7:39), yet more is required.

Parental consent is important before marriage. It is so important that Abraham made it a precondition for Isaac to marry Rebecca: Only then will you be released from fulfilling my oath. However, when you come to my family, if they don't give her to you, you'll be released from fulfilling my oath Gen 24:41(ISV). However Joseph and Mary, ever before any angelic visitation, were very clear on the fact that though they had parental consent, societal recognition, and were even referred to as husband and wife the engagement period was not to have any sexual activity (Lk1:27, 34; Mt1:18-19). Get parental consent; get the blessing of the Lord also. The first marriage did not start with the creation of Eve, but their joyful consent after her presentation by God to Adam.

It is quite common-place for people to refer to themselves (or to betrothed) as husband or wife after the native law and custom rites are done. Many couples have moved in with the excuse the dowry has been paid.  Perhaps our system of credit which permits goods to be enjoyed when part payment has commenced is affecting us. Our transformed bodies are waiting for the time we shall be united to Jesus in the skies and ever be with the Lord (1Cor15:52; 1Thess4:16-17). I want you to note that even Old Testament saints as David regarded bride price as engagement. Then David sent a delegation to Saul's son Ish-bosheth to say, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was engaged with a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins." 2Sam 3:14(ISV).  Marriage does not begin at engagement.

Do judges and magistrates not represent God? I think they would tell you when intending couples stand before them that they represent the state. Court weddings are legally binding, but I expect the disciple to wait for something more: a minister of the gospel’s blessing. I speak to the family of God.  I want state recognition for my marriage, and God is the one who joins us. Jesus says: Therefore what God has joined together… the priest who represents God (Dt17:12) has to make the pronouncement first, thus joining you. Face it, who do we assign the role of representing God when a parent, a judge, and a minister of the gospel all come in a meeting? Beloved that has paid dowry; that has started or completed the native law and custom: you are promised in marriage, there yet remaineth a joining by God. Keep off every sexual activity! Why risk offending God, brethren, and unbelievers for what you will have for a lifetime? Be without offense both to Jews and Greeks, and to the assembly of God 1Cor 10:32(LITV).

Defining marriage Week 45, 2013

Marriage as an institution has been under a lot of strain in the world today, not only in western liberal societies, but also in traditional conservative societies. The very concept has become so warped it is important to restate the author of marriage’s intents. The issues established in the Christian faith are not updated or edited or revised with the times, societies, or civilizations we may meet. No: the Christian faith was once for all entrusted to the saints Jude 3 (NIV). Whilst modernity touches on several aspects of life the Lord points us back to the ancient writings as the unchanging status of marriage before God.

What did Jesus teach? "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'   and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."Matt 19:4-6(NIV). Take note of that phrase “so they are no longer two..” please.  Jesus did not say “so they were no longer two..” They are one now as they were one then. The standards for marriage remain as in the beginning. In saying “have you not read that in the beginning…” He means whatever was then (in the beginning) in God’s mind for marriage remains so today irrespective of learning. I hear of theologians coming to a consensus on marital issues. Any consensus differing from Jesus’ established teaching is null, void, of no effect and must be discountenanced.

Marriage is the lifelong union of a man and a woman.  Jesus says the Creator 'made them male and female,'   regarding marriage. Same sex relationships are no marriage and can never be marriage. A man of God said “God made them Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve!” I may add not Agnes and Eve either! Whatever the societal or legal standing of homosexuality, it remains an abomination before God needing repentance, cleansing and transformation by the renewal of the mind. What of polygamy? Jesus did not loosely say “They shall become one”. No. He here explicitly states that “two will become one” not three or more! He also said be united to his wife not wives. Clearly a situation where two men simultaneously take (or share) a woman is equally wrong.

Since Jesus points us back to the origin of institutions, shall we ask how polygamy started? It was five generations from Cain:  Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah Gen 4:19 (NIV). This Lamech was ungodly, and a man-slayer as was his ancestor Cain; his example is not to be followed. Marriage begins on a specific date. The date God presented Eve and Adam joyfully received her was the wedding date. He joined them. Has God joined you?

Gone without a trace week 44, 2013

The light in her eyes and joy of face was evident as she spread her hands to give glory to Him who saves to the uttermost. How different from the woman who with sorrow said “Help me!” over five weeks ago. Bitterly she cries in the night, as tears stream down her cheeks. No one consoles her of all her friends Lam 1:2(ISV). She is a widow; her late husband’s relations had not been supportive when he was ill unto death. In fact one of them had already started taking possession of the property before the man died. His illness had sapped their resources: she who used to assist her siblings now turned to need assistance herself. Tears came to her eyes as she considered her state. “It all began when he left” she said. 

An accident following her widowhood left her moving with crutches and an open leg wound. Brethren from Scripture Union rallied to raise money for that treatment. Now many months after she complained there was a painful dark patch at the sole of the same leg. Knowing it could be cancerous she was quickly prepared for surgery and the patch of skin was taken off to the laboratory for analysis. The result was what I feared: Malignant Melanoma. This skin cancer has to be tamed early. If it breaks loose into the body the prognosis becomes very poor. A terminal illness then follows. The report seemed favourable, and the resulting defect on the foot had been skin grafted, we hoped that would be the end. Alas, part of the graft got eaten up by the cancer and another surgery followed. When another growth appeared five weeks back she became sorrowful and asked for help.

Unknown to her the Scripture Union brethren organized a fasting and prayer session for her. She also fasted and prayed with her offspring, and saw what appeared to be a mirror monitoring her, and pot brewing evil for her. No weapon that is forged against you will be effective. This is the heritage of the LORD's servants, and their righteousness from me," says the LORD Is 54:17(ISV).  Being led of God she approached a sister for agreement prayers before this last admission and there realized she had identical revelations with the Scripture Union brethren. Money was again raised and despite the strike she was admitted for surgery. If this failed an amputation might be called for. It was a straightforward surgery and should have had a simple post operative period. When the donor site started having problems it occurred to me Satan was actively fighting this Christian woman and also lifted her in prayers. There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens with its lofty clouds to help you Dt 33:26(ISV).  Then came the turnaround: when the change of dressing came up a few days ago the graft and donor site were doing excellently well. As I went through my mail this Friday I came across the latest results of her last surgery. I was excited and went down to the ward to tell her. She danced on the bed as she raised her arms in praise to God. No single trace of the cancer could be detected again.

Conditions for free service week 43, 2013

Are you surprised? “Can there really be preconditions before free things are collected?” Of course! Firstly they must hear about it to come. People are not free from any condition treatable under free care simply because full payment had been made. Likewise salvation: How, then, can people call on someone they have not believed? And how can they believe in someone they have not heard about? And how can they hear without someone preaching? Rom 10:14 (ISV). Do you realize the payment for people’s sins will be ineffective for them, i.e. wasted unless you and I preach the gospel? It is only when they hear of it, and come asking for the free care that it is given. Therefore young and old, infant and adult get the treatment at the time they present themselves. You that hear; have you come?

Do you realize even though because of God's grace, Jesus died for everyone (Heb 2:9) until you ask him into your heart, ask Him to give you His free salvation you remain bound to sin? Even when surgery is free, consent must be obtained before it is done. Jesus needs your consent to operate on you and deal with sin inside. I heard someone say “Since Jesus paid the price all of us are saved”. Do not think because Christ has died you are automatically free; you have to ask before it is your experience! It is for you, but you must first ask. Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Have you presented yourself to Him? He never forces Himself on anyone. He waits at the door for your invitation and permission to do His wonderful operation. Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I will come in… Rev 3:20(ISV).  Will you invite Him in right now? Do not be like those who come around the venue just to look around; they get no treatment until specifically they sign up for it. So ask Jesus specifically to rid you of sin you were born with: name him Jesus, because he is the one who will save his people from their sins Mat 1:21 (ISV). Bringing yourself, bringing children for free treatment is excellent; but have you come to Jesus for free deliverance from sin which alone can save you? Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. We must be saved through him! Act 4:12(ERV) 

A man brought two of his daughters to me for the free treatment programme. He also needed it but put it off, claiming it would inconvenience him at that time. Every appeal to have him receive the treatment then failed. He put it off despite being warned the programme has a time limit.  After a while he came back wanting the treatment.  But the programme was over; every appeal by him was fruitless. So you should look for the LORD before it is too late. You should call to him now, while he is near Isa 55:6(ERV). Now is the accepted time, today is God’s day to save you. Come to Jesus now in believing prayer: receive the life changing operation which He alone does and that for free. Why hold back any longer?

Free medical service

I participated in a free treatment programme recently. It was sponsored by a charity group which seeks to eliminate an illness some children are born with. Have you ever benefitted from one? Do you know someone who has? So many people sign up for it, each wanting to be whole; and it struck me again this programme is like the salvation Jesus Christ provided by charity to us. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in union with the Messiah Jesus our Lord Rom 6:23(ISV) 

Firstly: These children are born with a deformity through no fault of theirs. Some of it is obvious to the naked eye, some require looking deeper to see, and some may not realize it is there until the child grows up and starts talking. But it has been there from birth. Do you realize from birth you and I were born in sin? Indeed, I was born guilty. I was a sinner when my mother conceived me Ps 51:5(GW). You may quickly notice some people’s sinfulness, for some others who appear to be free, after a while the sinful nature shows up! It affects everyone in this world since all have sinned and continue to fall short of God's glory. Rom 3:23(ISV). Do you realize you are a sinner before God, needing help like those coming for free treatment? It was no fault of ours but it is real nonetheless, and it leads to eternal hellfire without a savior. Sin came into the world through one person, and death came through sin. So death spread to everyone, because everyone sinned Rom 5:12(GW).

Secondly: Many at the treatment programme rejoice it has been paid for already, and nothing is demanded of them such as money: simply to present themselves and consent. The payment was not made because of any good the children or parents have done, it is simply out of a desire to eliminate the illness and make people whole again. Similarly it was not by any good works on our part our sins were atoned for. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life Tit 3:5-7(CEV).

Thirdly: The charity pays with money, but Jesus Christ paid for our sins with His lifeblood. You cannot be made right with God by any payment on your part, or as a result of good things you do. For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God and not the result of actions, to put a stop to all boasting Eph 2:8-9(ISV).

 Have you got your own free treatment from Jesus to get eternal life?

Have you met the doctor Week 41, 2013

Hello. It is a sad thing to know ill health has brought you into this institution. You have left off other matters of real importance to be attended to. No one is created to enjoy ill health and we thank God for trained staff capable of helping sick people get better. It is indeed a wise decision you took to come seeking for help. Jesus says "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” Lk 5:31(ESV).  Be assured sound health is God’s express wish for you. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul 3Jn 1:2(ESV).May your experience in this facility result in wellness and wholeness, in Jesus’ name Amen!

But there is a matter before us which is more important than disease, and whose consequence if ignored more severe than the worst sickness: it is the matter of eternal salvation. I beg you therefore to listen to God closely and keep on reading this pamphlet. How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true Heb 2:3(GNB). You and I were born with a humanly incurable affliction called sin; can you honestly claim never at any time to have done or thought up what is evil? The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Gen 6:5(ESV)  the result of which is everlasting punishment away from God’s presence. But this everlasting punishment is precisely what God does not want for you.

Meet Jesus the Great Physician. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call righteous people, but sinners, to repentance.” Lk 5:31-32(ESV).  Just as there are trained workers to help sick ones get better, Jesus is the perfect saviour from sin and its consequence - how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb 9:14(ESV).You may wait in line to see this team but Jesus is right here with you waiting in line for your attention and consent. People pay to get a place and medication for treatment, Jesus Himself fully paid for our sins and offers salvation free. Have you met Him?

I am sure you are aware simply sitting in this place and talking with support staff (though it is good) will not cure anyone; the healing protocol must be entered into. Similarly sitting in church or fellowship and hearing about Jesus’ free salvation is but a step to the real cure: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls Mat 11:28, 29(ISV) says Jesus. You must come to Him, you must meet Him.

How do you come to him? Very simple: In heartfelt sincere prayer because you believe His message turn your life over to Him; make Him the master of your life. Do this having decided to have nothing more to do with sin. Depend on no one else, nothing else to make God free you from sin and accept you other than His shed blood. It is guaranteed to set you free with a guarantee infinitely stronger than the best health care provider. Jesus says “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life…”Jn 6:37-40(ESV) .

 You have come here away from other important things seeking help for physical ill health, oh that in this moment you also call on Jesus the Great Physician to grant you His eternal salvation freely.

Three weeks to live week 40, 2013

We had all rejoiced in December 2002 after my 72 year old mother returned from the United Kingdom and performed her traditional retirement rites. Then we got the phone call late in January 2003. She had taken ill and was being treated for typhoid fever in Aba. However she was getting worse so I went over to bring her down to Enugu where my husband works as a very senior plastic surgeon. She had waist complaints and was bleeding. When he reviewed her, he was disturbed and she was taken to see Prof Iloabachie (a gynaecologist) who examined her under anaesthesia. His diagnosis was cancer of the cervix. Worse still he said it had gone beyond what surgery could cure, and encouraged us to think of radiotherapy, and then surgery if need be. The bleeding was so bad- it was most worrisome. She was in so much pain that every 6 hours she had to have strong analgesia just to be able to communicate with those around. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I Ps 61:1, 2(KJV). 

My siblings in UK requested her to come over for treatment so we applied for a visa, and got it in Abuja after much prayer. She left on March 8 with my sister. We were all praying, my prayer partners and other brethren joined in to intercede for her. She spent 10 days in the UK hospital. There the diagnosis of inoperable cervical cancer was made. Then came the news: Based on everything they had seen the hospital gave her three weeks to live and asked her to put her house in order. I held on to several scriptures. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation Ps 91:15, 16 (ESV). She comforted herself in the words of an Igbo song which translated means “Fear not. God is with you”. We continued in prayer, holding night vigils for her. Three weeks turned to three months, and then she spent ten months receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She returned home in 2004 and cared for me after my last baby. She was only on pain relief by this time, and on yearly check-ups. On one of her check-ups they were clearly amazed she was still alive. They suggested to her to keep a boyfriend so as to have the cervical area exercised: a suggestion we found spiritually and culturally repulsive! Needless to say she never did such.

One year went on to several years. In amazement when no trace of the cancer could be found the UK folks asked her secret. What kind of diet, what kind of exercise had she been on? By 2010/2011 she was declared cancer free. So 10 years after she was given three weeks to die, on her 83^rd birthday, here we are in church giving thanks to he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 1Tm 6:15, 16(ESV)                                         

 Joy is a barrister in Enugu