Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
BEWARE OF YOUR FRIENDS
"Beware of your friends; do not trust your brothers. For
every brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives
friend, and no-one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie;
they weary themselves with sinning" (Jeremiah 9:4-5 NIV).
The life of an average Jew in the time of Jeremiah was so
deteriorated and corrupted that it was difficult to trust a fellow Jew. Each
one was doing what seemed right in his eyes. The political leaders had
abandoned the living God for worthless gods. Even the religious leaders were
not trustworthy as they were misleading the people with false prophecies.
Isaiah depicted this dishonest situation thus, "So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil
becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no
justice" (Isaiah 59:14-15 NIV). This situation made Jeremiah to warn the
people to beware of their friends and not to trust any brother (Jeremiah
9:4-5).
Prophet Micah, who lived sometime before prophet Jeremiah, also
had a similar warning. Hear him, "Do not trust a neighbour; put no
confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of
your words. For a son dishonours his father, a daughter rises up against her
mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies are the
members of his own household" (Micah 7:5-6 NIV).
Are these warnings relevant today to us as they were to the
people of Judah? Have honesty, truth and righteousness not been relegated to
oblivion? Can we trust our friends, neighbors, co-workers, siblings and even
our spouses today? Can my friends, siblings, neighbors, co-workers, as well as
my spouse trust me?
These are thought-provoking questions in our present-day society
that have deteriorated morally with all sorts of atrocities in the name of
civilization, rationalization and liberalization.
However, "there is a friend who sticks closer than a
brother" (Proverbs 18:24 NIV). This Friend can be trusted at all time even
when all others have disappointed you. The friend is Jesus Christ (see John
15:13-15). While you may find it difficult or cautious to trust a friend, put
your total trust in Jesus Christ. You will never regret you did.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on August 14, 2005.

Dearly Beloved,

AN INTERRUPTING BLESSING

"While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus,
the synagogue ruler. `Your daughter is dead,' they said. `Why bother the
teacher any more?' Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler,
`Don't be afraid; just believe'" (Mark 5:35-36 NIV).

The story of the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead as recorded by
two of the Gospel writers (Mark 5 and Luke 8) is a fascinating one. Jesus
had just crossed over the lake from where he was rejected because He healed
a demon-possessed man when a large crowd of people gathered around Him.
Among these people was a synagogue ruler who came to beg Jesus to come and
heal his dying daughter. The man had faith that Jesus could rescue his
daughter from the looming death. Jesus did not hesitate in following him to
go and save the daughter. The other aimless crowd also followed them.

As they were going, there was an interruption: a woman with a flow of blood
intercepted Jesus and received her healing from the twelve-year- long
problem. The dialogue that followed made Jesus to wait more before He could
go to where He intended to go and rescue the dying child.

Alas, as they were there discussing about the faith of the healed woman,
somebody came from Jairus' house to disclose the sad news: the child had
died. There was no need to bother Jesus. The news bearer reasoned. What
would have been the reaction of Jairus? Probably, if there was no
interruption, Jesus would have reached the house and rescued the child
before she died. However, Jesus encouraged him to have faith.

In spite of the unbelief and ridicule of the people, Jesus still went to
the house and raised the child from the dead. The seemingly interruption
turned out to be a blessing both to the interrupting woman and Jairus.

Have you also called on God to do something for you? Does it seem that He
is delaying in answering you? Do not lose hope! He is on His way. Who
knows, He might have been "interrupted" by another person. However, the
"interruption" will turn out to be a blessing for you. Probably you want
God to rescue you from a small problem. He may allow it to become bigger,
even without hope, before He acts, so that His name will be glorified.
Remember Lazarus' story. Jesus deliberately waited for two more days to
bring glory to God. Your "interruption" will also be a blessing to you, and
glory to God. Just wait and believe.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This message was first posted on June 12, 2005.

Dearly Beloved,

LIVE ABOVE BOARD

"Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his
anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I
cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to
make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these, I will make it right" (1
Samuel 12:3 NIV).

It really saddens me to hear the news about the conviction of David Yonggi
Cho, the founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, South Korea (that is
considered as the world's largest megachurch). Cho was convicted of
embezzling $12 million in church funds. He was sentenced to three years in
prison and was also fined $5 million. This message is not intended to
ridicule the more the revered man of God, neither is it an avenue for
antagonists of Christianity to oppose it. Rather, it is intended to serve
as a warning to every Christian (and even non-Christian) to do everything
in his/her capacity to live above board wherever he/she finds him/herself.

Samuel (in the Bible) could boldly challenge the people of Israel to
mention if in any way he had done anything wrongly against anyone. The
people testified that he had lived above board when he was discharging his
duties as a priest, prophet and the judge of Israel (see 1 Samuel 12:1-5).
Samuel had the privilege of misusing his position to his own advantage, but
he did not do so. Daniel as a captive was privileged to find himself in a
place of authority in a foreign land. The Bible records about him that he
"...distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his
exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole
kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds
for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they
were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was
trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, 'We
will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has
something to do with the law of his God'" (Daniel 6:3-5 NIV).

Samuel was a religious leader while Daniel was a political appointee. Both
of them lived above board. How many of our religious/spiritual leaders
today (not to talk of political leaders/appointees) are living above board?
If an investigative panel is constituted today to investigate you, will you
not be found wanting? Before you raise an accusing finger at David Yonggi
Cho or anybody for any wrong doing, firstly examine yourself. Nobody on
earth is perfect. Nevertheless, do everything in your capacity to live
above board.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to live above board in all your
endeavours.

Dearly Beloved,
LIVE ABOVE BOARD
“Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord
and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I
cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make
me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these, I will make it right†(1 Samuel
12:3 NIV).
It really saddens me to hear the news about the conviction of
David Yonggi Cho, the founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, South Korea
(that is considered as the world's largest megachurch). Cho was convicted of
embezzling $12 million in church funds. He was sentenced to three years in
prison and was also fined $5 million. This message is not intended to ridicule
the more the revered man of God, neither is it an avenue for antagonists of
Christianity to oppose it. Rather, it is intended to serve as a warning to
every Christian (and even non-Christian) to do everything in his/her capacity
to live above board wherever he/she finds him/herself.
Samuel (in the Bible) could boldly challenge the people of
Israel to mention if in any way he had done anything wrongly against anyone.
The people testified that he had lived above board when he was discharging his
duties as a priest, prophet and the judge of Israel (see 1 Samuel 12:1-5). Samuel
had the privilege of misusing his position to his own advantage, but he did not
do so. Daniel as a captive was privileged to find himself in a place of
authority in a foreign land. The Bible records about him that he
“...distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his
exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges
against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do
so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and
neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, ‘We will never find any
basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with
the law of his God’†(Daniel 6:3-5 NIV).
Samuel was a religious leader while Daniel was a political
appointee. Both of them lived above board. How many of our religious/spiritual
leaders today (not to talk of political leaders/appointees) are living above
board? If an investigative panel is constituted today to investigate you, will
you not be found wanting? Before you raise an accusing finger at David Yonggi
Cho or anybody for any wrong doing, firstly examine yourself. Nobody on earth
is perfect. Nevertheless, do everything in your capacity to live above board.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to live above board in
all your endeavours.

Dearly Beloved,
SEEK THE LORD NOT RELIGIOUS PLACES
“This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: ‘Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.’ Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it” (Amos 5: 4-6 NIV).
The Israelites loved religious activities. They had many places consecrated for religious services (places like Bethel, Gilgal, Beersheba, not to talk of Jerusalem), and they were ready to travel many kilometers to these places to perform religious activities in these consecrated places. However, they were not ready to be in right standing with God. They were not really seeking Him. Therefore, God warned them not to rely on their religious activities or religious places, but that they should rather seek Him if they want to live. He promised to destroy all the religious places and even send them to exile if they do not repent.
It is interesting that there are many religious places today – prayer mountains, camp grounds, churches, mosques, and the likes. These places of worship are full to the brim on Sundays and other worship times with many so-called men of God leading them, but the religious activities of most of these people do not correspond to their right standing with God they claim they are serving. Many of these people are just paying lip service to God. They are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. They are only going to these religious places for their ulterior selfish motives. In fact, our society is getting worse every day. While the Samaritan woman was trying to argue about the right religious place with Jesus Christ, He declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem... . Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are
the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:21-24 NIV).
Why are you going to religious places? Are you really seeking God there or you are just performing religious activities probably because of what you can get from God? Genuinely seek God if you want Him to really bless you. 
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to genuinely seek you, and not religious places.

Dearly Beloved,

LOVE IS THE THEME

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should
be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1 NKJV).

Apart from serving for a decade as a general evangelist for the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, USA in the 1910s and being a military chaplain in
World War I, little was known about Albert C. Fisher (1886-1946), the hymn
writer of the hymn titled "LOVE IS THE THEME." However, his hymn is one of
the inspiring hymns that talk about the love of God to humanity. In this
hymn, Albert C. Fisher pointed out that out of the themes that men have
known, the wonderful love of God supremely stands out and it has been
proven through the ages. Therefore, love is supreme, and it is the eternal
theme! It indeed grows sweeter and bestows glory as it ever glows as bright
as the sun! The bells of Heaven should ring, the saints should bring their
tribute, and the world should sing true praises for this wonderful love.
Pardon, peace and joy are found in this wonderful love. Albert C. Fisher
concluded his hymn by enjoining people, especially sinners to come to the
blessed Master, call upon His Name and trust this wonderful love. The
wonderful love of God indeed is the greatest theme.

Having highlighted the characteristics of what he tagged "a more excellent
way" (1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV), Apostle Paul identified love as the
greatest (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). Apostle John reiterated this great
theme in his first general epistle. In fact, the major theme of the epistle
is love. He had earlier written in his gospel about the love of God to the
world that made Him "gave His only begotten Son [Jesus Christ to die for
the ungodly world], that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life" (John 3:16 NKJV). This love is so wonderful that such
persons who believe in Jesus Christ are called children of God (see John
1:12; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 3:1). The wonderful love of God indeed is the
greatest theme.

If you claim to be a child of God, this wonderful love should reflect in
you. It is not selfish love or lust that many people have used to replace
love nowadays, but genuine and sacrificial love. Love is the theme. Do you
really have it?

In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to reflect genuine and sacrificial
love to other people.

Dearly Beloved,
WHERE IS YOUR GOD?
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit
and truth†(John 4:24 NKJV).
Ordinarily, a simple answer to the question “Where is God?†is
God is in heaven. The psalmist confirmed this: “our God is in heaven†(Ps 115:3
NKJV. See also Psalm 2:4; 14:2; 18:13; 20:6; 33:13; 123:1). However, God is
omnipresent and everywhere. This was what Jacob discovered on his way to Panda
Aran when he was running away from Esau, his brother (see Genesis 28:16). The
psalmist also confirmed this elaborately in Psalm 139. Other Bible references
that attest to the omnipresence of God are Deuteronomy 4:39; 10:14; Proverbs
15:3; Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Amos 9:2. 
The doctrine of omnipresence of God is both comforting and
frightening. It is comforting because it assures the believer that God is at
hand to save His people anywhere from any danger or foe (see Isaiah 43:2). No
wonder, the psalmist could say, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil; FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; Your rod and Your
staff, they comfort me†(Psalm 23:4 NKJV emphasis mine). However, it is
frightening because no one has any hiding place from the presence of God and
nothing is secret to Him. The psalmist emphasized this in Psalm 139. 
Another fact that many people have not understood is that the
omnipresence of God connotes that the actual nearness of God and a real
communion with Him may be enjoyed everywhere, even apart from the places hallowed
for such purpose. So, one does not need to get to a particular place before one
commune with or worship God. The Samaritan woman in John 4 did not understand
this, and she was arguing with Jesus Christ about where one should worship God.
Jesus’ response corrects the erroneous belief of the woman and many other
people nowadays that think that they cannot commune with or worship God until
they get to a particular location.
Where is your God? Do you realize that He is with you and that
you can commune with or worship Him anywhere? God is everywhere and He desires
that people relate with Him anywhere they are.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
DO NOT BE A FOOL!
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good” (Psalm 14:1 NKJV).
There are some people who do not believe in the existence of God. They say there is no God. They are called atheists. The psalmist simply called such people fools. However, the psalmist’s explanation reveals that not only self-proclaimed atheists are making such claim that there is no God, even people that believe in the existence of God, but who are evildoers are as fools as atheists. These second set of people are “practical atheists” who live their lives as if there is no God. They are morally corrupt and they do not glorify God with their lives. The Lord observes from heaven that almost all the human race is in this category (see verses 2-3).
It is unfortunate that many professed Christians today are worse than these atheists and unbelievers. The words and actions of these professed Christians do not portray them as children of God. They do not reflect the light of God to the dark and corrupt world. This has made many people to doubt their Christianity and the existence of God they claim they are representing. One may wonder who are more foolish: the people that openly admit that there is no God or professed Christians that are not glorifying God through their words and actions. They can only fool themselves and other people. They cannot fool God. Apostle Paul said, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV).
Are you such a Christian? Can God depend on you? Does your life portray the existence of God? Fools may say that there is no God, but is your life demonstrating that there is God? The hymn writer, B.B. McKinney, admonished, “Let others see Jesus in you, Let others see Jesus in you; Keep telling the story, be faithful and true, Let others see Jesus in you.” Do not be a fool!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
I had it in mind to base my message for this week on a
particular theme, but the recent outcry against Nigerian government over the
signing into law of anti-gay bill made me decide to resend the message below
firstly sent out on November 12, 2011. 
SODOMY: THERE IS NO OTHER WORD FOR IT
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even
their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the
men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for
one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in
themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did
not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a
depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:26-28 NIV).
The Yorubas have a saying, “Ohun ti ko dara ko ni oruko meji.
Ohun ti ko dara ko dara ni.” Literally, this means, “What is not good has no
other name. What is not good is not good.” For a right thinking person
throughout the world, the trend of same-sex marriage is detestable and an
aberration of nature. However, the trend is gaining more ground every day. The
supporters of this trend are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong in the
fact that two grown-up people of the same sex agree to live together as “husband
and wife”! Many countries of the world have legalized or recognized this. The
United Nations has even passed a resolution in its support. The debate is still
going on in many countries for and against the trend. 
Interestingly, the trend is not new. It has been in existence
for centuries. The word “sodomy” came from the homosexual act of the people of
the city of Sodom in Genesis 19:5. The act was one of the reasons why God
destroyed the city. Unfortunately, this did not serve as a warning to other
people. In spite of God’s expressed laws against such act (see Leviticus 20:13;
18:22), even some of the people of Israel engaged in the act (Judges 19:22)! It
is even unheard of that there are gay bishops now in some Christian
denominations! Because people that perpetrate and support such act have closed
their minds to right thinking, Apostle Paul, while addressing this issue, said
thrice that “God gave them over to” their depraved minds. 
It is of no use to dissuade the perpetrators and supporters of
same-sex marriage from the act. A normal person would not think of such a
thing, not to talk of doing or supporting it! Prophet Micah said, “He has shown
you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you...” (6:8 NKJV).
However, a note of warning should be sounded here: one who engages in sexual
act with another person of the same sex and/or people who support such act will
probably one day engage in and/or support other worse sexual perversions like
incest and bestiality. There is no other word for it.  “What is not good has no other name. What is
not good is not good!”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
In addition to the above note of warning, let me say here that
fundamental human right must never be used to cover sin or any perversion whatsoever.
As good as fundamental human right may be, in Apostle Paul’s words, “My
brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don't use your freedom as
an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with
love” (Galatians 5:13 ERV). A word is enough for the wise.
 ____________ _________ ____
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

Dearly Beloved,
DO NOT SADDEN
GOD!
“Behold, I am
pressed under you and I will press you down in your place as a cart presses
that is full of sheaves” (Amos 2:13 AMP).
Historically,
God was so gracious to the people of Israel. A handful of people that went down
to sojourn in Egypt became a great threatening nation to their hosts. God
raised leaders in Moses, Aaron, Miriam and other prophets for the Israelites
and brought them out of Egypt with many signs and wonders against the
Egyptians. He led them in the wilderness for forty years providing for them and
protecting them from all dangers. He drove powerful nations out of Canaan so
that the Israelites could inherit the Promised Land. He settled them down in
that land flowing with milk and honey. In spite of these, the Israelites were
not grateful. They did all kinds of wrong things against God. They insulted the
prophets sent to them by God. In fact, they abandoned their God for other gods.
God was so depressed by their actions that He promised to depress them by their
enemies (see Amos 2:6-16). The sin of the world during the time of Noah had
also made God to be sad that He destroyed the then world (see Genesis 6:6-7).
Today, many
people are like the ungrateful Israelites. In spite of God’s goodness to them,
they continue to wallow in sins that make God sad. Most of such people are only
religious, they are not spiritual. In spite of the teachings of the Bible to
live rightly with God and other people, they prefer to live sinfully. They,
indeed, sadden God by their behaviours. If these people refuse to repent, God
will not hesitate to bring His judgment on them, but “He is patient with
[them], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2
Peter 3:9 NIV). 
Are you like
those ungrateful Israelites? Do you do things that sadden God? Repent now
before it too late. God will indeed bring His fierce judgment against all those
that are doing contrary to His will. Do not sadden God this year by your
actions. 
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi
(Pastor).
Prayer Point:
Pray that you will not do things that will sadden God this year.

Dearly Beloved,
THE BLESSED ONE OF THE LORD

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand
in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in
the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like
a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and
whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).

This year, as new year prayer, I was led to use Psalm 1:3 to pray for
people in my Internet ministry. The four-fold prayer has to do with
prosperity of the blessed one of the Lord: he/she will be firmly
established by the Lord and be made like a tree planted by the streams of
water; he/she will be made fruitful in his/her endeavours; he/she shall not
fade or wither in his/her undertakings; and everything he/she lay his/her
hands on shall prosper. As good and desirous this prayer is, it is only for
the blessed one of the Lord.

Verses one and two describe such blessed one of the Lord. He/she is a
man/woman that does not in any way allow the wicked, sinners and scorners
of this world to influence him/her. He/she does not casually go according
to the way of bad people, stay with them or even abide by what they are
doing. In other words, he/she does not follow wrong counsel, stand with the
wrong companions or sit with people who are wilfully and persistently doing
evil. Instead, he/she is influenced by the words of God and his/her delight
is in doing the will of God. No wonder, the Lord will prosper him/her in
all his/her endeavours. He/she will be made lively, beautiful, fruitful,
useful, and enduring in all his/her undertakings.

Do you want to be the blessed one of the Lord that He will prosper this
year? Do not be associated with evil and evil people. Delight yourself in
obeying the will of God. The Bible says, “Tell the righteous it will be
well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds” (Isaiah 3:10
NIV).

In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray that you will delight yourself in the words of God and
obey Him this year so as to enjoy His prosperity.

Dearly Beloved,
OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2014
Praisethe Lord for witnessing another year 2014!
Asusual, Opeyemi (my wife) and our children (Boluwatife, IfeOluwa, Michael and
Abraham) are joining me to welcome you into the New Year with these prophetic
prayers adapted from Psalm
1:3 (AMP):
-
The Lordwillfirmly establish you this new yearand make you be like a tree planted by the streams of water;
- Hewill make your endeavours fruitful;
-
You shall not fade or wither in your undertakings; 
-
And everything you lay your hands on this year shall prosper in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Happy and prosperous New Year!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor),
Baptist Building, Oke Bola,
PMB
5113, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria.
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV).
One of the most celebrated seasons in the year is the Christmas season. The season is here again. Many people, especially the children, have been caught the “fever” of the season. There has been this controversy about the origin of season. Many are of the opinion that it originated from a pagan festival. This has made some Christian denominations and sects to distance themselves from the season. Other people would argue that there is no such celebration in the Bible. Many people believe that the Christmas day is the birthday of Jesus Christ, although, this has been disproved from many evidences. However, what does the Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is just a festive season to some people. Therefore, such people are ready to celebrate it just as they celebrate any other festive period. They see the season as a time to entertain themselves. Among such people are the ones that believe in taking their children to visit Father Christmas who will entertain the children and gives them gifts for a token. Christmas season is a period that some people feel they can make quick profit in their business or enterprise. Therefore, they inflate the cost of their wares and services. Most people, especially Christians, attach the season to the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world. However, some people are indifferent. To them, Christmas season or even the Christmas Day is like any other season or day.
However, one has to consider the popular opinion about Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Why did He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) by coming to this wretched world? The main reason is to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Acts 13:38-39; 1 John 3:5; Revelation 1:5-6) so “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This singular act entails many other things that give Christmas different meanings to different people.
Regardless of any other meaning attached to the Christmas or any controversy about it, the paramount thing is that Jesus Christ came to this world in a time in history for the salvation of humankind. Have you been saved by Him? What does the Christmas season mean to you?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on December 12, 2009.

Dearly Beloved,
LIVE A SELFLESS LIFE
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who,
being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but
made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in
the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself
and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross”
(Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).
The life and death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013)
have a bundle of lessons to humankind. Here was a man who selflessly fought for
rights of his countrymen and spent 27 years in prison on this account. At the
end of Apartheid, he became the elected President of South Africa, and he
voluntarily stepped down after a single term of five years. During his reign,
he did not lift a finger against his political enemies and resisted pressure to
go for revenge against the minority White racists who introduced and practised
Apartheid against the majority Black people. He did not use his position as
president to amass wealth or have undue influence on his political party and
the country. After he stepped down as president, he remained an accessible and
easy-going man advocating world peace. No wonder, he became a reference point
for peace and reconciliation, and the whole world mourn and celebrate his
death.
Mandela was one of those people that lived a selfless and
sacrificial life in this generation. Other people that come to mind were Mother
Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr. However, Jesus Christ surpassed them all.
He was (and still is) God and “by Him all things were created that are in
heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or principalities or powers” (Colossians 1:16 NKJV). In spite of
this, He made Himself of no reputation by “taking the form of a bondservant,
and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of
the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV). No wonder, “God also has highly exalted
Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those
under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians2: 9-11 NKJV). God is still
exalting such people that put the interest of others above theirs.
Do you have a selfless life? Are you living for yourself and
your self-interest or are you living a selfless life that is ready to sacrifice
self-interest for the interest of other people? It really pays to live a
selfless life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray for the mind of Christ that will enable you
to live a selfless life.
NB
This message is dedicated to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 –
2013) who epitomized a selfless live in this modern day.
___________ _________ ____

Dearly Beloved,
WHO WILL YOU GIVE HAMPER THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John
3:16 NKJV).

Ordinarily, a hamper is a large basket, usually with a cover, used for the
packing and carrying of articles. There has been a long tradition of
community and social philanthropy and charity related to hampers, whereby
persons or community groups donate to needy people a hamper of food,
clothing, toiletries, cleaning products, or other household necessities, to
assist with their family needs. Until recently, in the Western tradition,
such hampers containing tinned or packaged goods are given out to
employees, business clients, family and friends during Christmas season,
though some people do so anytime of the year. This practice is somehow
associated with the Boxing Day.

Interestingly, the purpose of giving of hampers during this season has been
defeated as most people are giving it for selfish motives. This is
applicable to corporate bodies that give hampers out to their clients. Many
of these organizations are using hampers as a way of endearing their
clients more to the organizations. Even many of those that are receiving
the gifts are selfish too, as only the superior officers share the gifts,
neglecting the junior staff.

Jesus Christ is the greatest Hamper of all time given by God not because of
Himself but because of the salvation of the world. The most popular verse
of the Bible, John 3:16, confirms this. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a
Child is born, unto us a Son is given...” (NKJV). Many people celebrate the
Child that was born, but neglect the Son that is given and do not follow
the spirit of love that made God to give the Son.

Giving of hampers should not be restricted to corporate bodies alone.
Individuals can also give “hampers” to other people, especially the less
privileged so that they also can celebrate this season. As you are planning
to celebrate this Christmas, who will you give hamper this Christmas season?

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A
Rejoinder)
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to
him it is sin†(James 4:17 NKJV).
I am so grateful to everyone that reacted to my weekly message
last week. Expectedly, some people reacted negatively, but majority reacted
positively. Those that reacted negatively have their reasons, though not
convincing to me. Out of the responses, some issues were raised that are worthy
of note in this rejoinder.
One, who is really a Christian? Is one a Christian by birth,
name, church attendance, religious services, morality, or genuine personal
relationship with Jesus Christ? This has to be clarified.
Two, does the fact that Jesus Christ did not actively
participate in the politics of His days while on earth make Christians not to
do so today? Then, it means Christians should not get married because Jesus
Christ did not get married while on earth. Was Jesus Christ not the Leader of
His disciples?
Three, should we abandon politics to unbelievers because they
have spoilt it without making efforts to correct the anomalies in present-day
politics? Can we make any meaningful change in politics without active
participation? It is a fact that Christians are not of the world, but we are in
the world. While we are still in the world, we are to be light and salt of the
world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Can we light the darkness of the world by being
indifferent to the world?
Four, one main tenet of politics is “Majority carries the vote
while minority have their say.†Are we Christians content with the ungodly
decisions of the majority unbelievers in politics? No wonder, we continue to
have our say that does not change anything.
Five, what is the purpose of being active in politics? Is it for
selfish gain or the common good of the populace and to the glory of God?
Apostle Paul admonished that “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1
Corinthians 10:31 NKJV), “and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord
and not to men†(Colossians 3:23 NKJV).
Six, before being actively involved in politics (or even any
venture), are you really convinced that God is leading you into it? Christians
get corrupted in politics only when they are not following the leadership of
the Holy Spirit. 
From most of the reactions to my message last week, it is
affirmative that Christians should be actively involved in politics. However,
for people that still have negative or indifferent response, accurate answers
to the above questions will make them to have as a rethink to their stance. The
fact that one does not have flair for active politics does not mean one must
discourage those that feel that God is leading them into it. Besides, each of
us has the civic responsibilities of voting for our desired leaders and praying
for those in leadership positions.
If the world does not know how to do clean politics, Christians
that are led by God should boldly come out to show the way. Failure to do so is
a sin!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Points:
1. Pray for the courage for every Christian that is led to go
into politics.
2. Pray for people in government that they will yield to the
leadership of God.

Send your comments/reactions to me directly at
spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!
___________ _________ ____
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

Dear Beloved,
SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS?
“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an
excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the
whole realm” (Daniel 6:3 NKJV).
Undoubtedly,
my devotional message this week is controversial and I want your candid opinion
about this issue: Should Christians be actively involved in politics? My answer
is YES. However, two incidents made me decide to raise the issue here. The
first incident: I posted a message on my Facebook wall pages and also broadcast
the message through the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) that instead of criticizing
people in government, we should be praying for them. Some people disagreed with
me on this issue. Someone, after he engaged me in a long debate, decided to
delete me from his BBM contact list. The argument of people that disagreed with
me in praying for those in government is that most of the people in government
have disappointed the people they govern. The second incident: there was a
discussion in my local church about pressure groups and having dialogue with
the government. Part of my contribution to the discussion was that Christian
should be actively involved in politics if we Christians want any tangible
change in government. Interestingly, the congregation was divided along the
line of those who supported my submission and those that did not support it. The
argument of those that did not support active participation of Christians in
politics is that the Christians will be corrupt by other people in politics. 
Based
on the injunctions of the Holy Bible, apart from submission, we are to be
praying for our leaders especially political leaders, even when they are bad
leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17). If
Christians refuse to pray for these leaders, probably because they are bad, how
will they govern rightly? If “the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
[and] like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1
NKJV), then Christians ought to commit the hearts and the whole lives of
government officers to God’s hand for divine leadership.
Many
people in the Bible were actively involved in the politics of their days and
they were not corrupt by it. A classical example is Daniel who distinguished
himself above other politicians of his time. Nehemiah, Zerubabel, Ezra,
Gamaliel, Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph (son of Jacob in Egypt) and countless
kings like David also used their political positions to positively influence
the government of their days. If these people were not actively involved in
politics then, only God knows what would have happened negatively to people of
their time.
I
will still say affirmatively that Christians should be actively involved in
politics if we do not want unbelievers to continue governing us. Politics may
be a dirty game, but Christians should go into it and make it clean. However,
any Christian that will go into active politics must be sure that God is
leading him/her to do so, and he/she must be ready to be there “...to the glory
of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV). Such a person must also be ready to be a
light and a salt in the world of politics (see Matthew 5:13-16). For other
Christians, “...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks
[should] be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we
may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior...” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV).
In
His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer
Points:
1.
Pray for the courage for every Christians that are led to go into politics.
2.
Pray for people in government that they will yield to the leadership of God.
NB Send
your comments/reactions to me directly at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. 
God bless you!

Dearly Beloved,
WHY THANKING GOD?

“Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be
thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in
Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]” (1 Thessalonians
5:18 AMP).

The Yorubas and many other tribes in Africa are fond of saying “Thank God”
whenever they are been appreciated for anything they do. I am greatly
influenced by this practice and it reflects in my chat with people
regardless of who they are. Some people who are not Africans have
questioned me more than once why I or they need to thank God for a mere
conversation. However, the Holy Bible enjoins us to give thanks to God in
everything (see Psalm 34:1; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians
3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15). In fact, most part of the book
of Psalms (which is the largest book in the Bible) is full of thanksgiving
and praises of God.

Have you ever thought why you should thank God? One of the most popular
psalms, Psalm 100, gives some reasons why one should thank God. One, He is
the LORD God (verse 3a). Two, He is the One that created everything and
everybody, and everything and everybody belong to Him (verse 3b). Three, He
is good to His creation and His love for them endures from generation to
generation (verse 5). Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 said that
thanking God is the will of God for us.

Interestingly, as Job demonstrated, thanking God should not be only when
things are pleasant. Even, in one’s adversity, one should learn how to
thank God. Thanking God in such situation means that one knows that God is
above the situation and that our relationship with Him should not be
conditional. A careful study of the psalms in the Bible will reveal that in
spite of the fact that they are full of thanksgiving and praises of God,
most of them were composed in distress.

Is thanking God your habit? In this Thanksgiving season, do you have
reasons to thank God? Thanking God should never be conditional or out of
season. As for me, I have countless reasons to thank God and I will always
thank Him. God, I thank You!

In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Pray for a thankful heart that will be thanking God in all
situations.

Dearly Beloved,
THINGS OFFERED TO IDOLS
"Therefore
concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is
nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one" (1
Corinthians 8:4 NKJV).
The
ancient city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan city. This made the young church in
the city to have many socio-cultural problems. Paul had to write many letters
to them to address some of the problems that confronted the church. One of such
problems addressed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 8 had to do with things offered to
idols. These were by and large meat offered in sacrifice, and then either
brought for sale in the market, or served up at the feasts held in honour of
idols, at their temples, or at the houses of their adherents. Some of the
Corinthian Christians were of the opinion that it does not matter to eat such
meat especially one bought in market; others opined that it does matter and
that it can become a stumbling-block to young Christians. Of most concern was
the meat offered to idols and later used to entertain people. Should a
Christian partake in such entertainment?
Well,
to Paul, even the idols are nothing compared to God, the Creator of the
universe. The idols are just mere gods. So, eating things offered to idols does
not matter. However, because of conscience, especially of the young and weak
Christians, one may abstain from eating such things offered to idols.
What
are the things seemingly offered to idols around you? These may not necessarily
be meat or food used in shrines, but day-to-day activities that are
controversial and that may cause young and weak Christians to stumble. What is
your opinion about such things?
Paul
later gave this instruction: “‘Everything is permissible’ -- but not everything
is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ -- but not everything is
constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.... So
whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do
not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God?"
(1 Corinthians 10:23-32 NIV. Read Romans 14 for Paul's further instruction on
this matter).
In
His service,
Bayo
Afolaranmi (Pastor)
Prayer Requests:
1.
Lord, do not let me cause others to stumble by my actions and words.
2.
Let my actions and words always glorify you, Lord, and build up others around
me.
 
NB
This message was first sent out on December 4, 2005.

Dearly Beloved,
REMOVE THE ASHES!

“Then the priest, wearing his linen robe and linen shorts, shall remove the
greasy ashes left on the altar and put them at the side of the altar. Then
he shall change his clothes and take the ashes outside the camp to a
ritually clean place. The fire on the altar must be kept burning and never
allowed to go out. Every morning the priest shall put firewood on it,
arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat of the fellowship
offering. The fire must always be kept burning on the altar and never
allowed to go out” (Leviticus 6:10-13 TEV).

When I was growing up in the village, there was a usual practice of
removing ashes from the hearth and setting them aside or even throwing them
away. I did not know why this act was done until later when I understood
that ashes do not allow fresh fire to glow. In fact, ashes quench flaming
fire if they are too much in the hearth, and they are used at times to
deliberately quench flaming fire. As long as there are minimal ashes, the
fire in the hearth will continue to glow.

When God was given the Law to the people of Israel through Moses, one of
the duties of the high priest was to remove ashes from the altar that was
used for burnt offering and take them to another place. Every morning after
doing this, the priest should place new firewood on the altar (see
Leviticus 6:10-13, also Numbers 4:13). The reason for this act was to allow
fresh fire to be burning continuously on the altar. As long as ashes were
removed from the altar, the new firewood would be free to produce
continuous fire on the altar.

The main purpose of firewood is to be burnt and produce fire. Most of the
time, this is used productively either in cooking, warming a place,
offering sacrifice, and the likes. The end product of burnt firewood is
ashes. Anyone who now focuses on the ashes will not make another flaming
fire.

The implication of these is that anyone who refuses to “remove the ashes”
of his/her past successes will not make new successes. As good as those
past successes are, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to make more
successes if one is still preoccupying oneself with those past successes.
Jesus Christ had a successful ministry in Capernaum as He “healed many who
were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons” (Mark 1:34
TEV). The following day while the people were looking for Him to continue
the good work, He led His disciples to other places where He continued His
ministry. He did not let the success of yesterday to hinder Him of moving
on in His ministry. Apostle Paul knew this secret and he declared: “Of
course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the
one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to
reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the
prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above”
(Philippians 3:13-14 TEV).

Just as ashes can also be as a result of destruction by fire,
unfortunately, the “ashes” in some people’s lives can be failures,
disappointments and other bad things of life. One has to remove these ashes
and move on with one’s life. After all, if there is life, there is hope.

What are the “ashes” you need to remove in your life? Remove them now if
you want to forge ahead in your endeavours and keep the fire of progress
burning.

In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to remove all the ashes in your
life and keep the fire in your life burning.

NB
Now that users of Android and iPhones can use BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) on
their devices, visit http://global. blackberry. com/bbm/en. html to download
the application and get your BBPIN. Then invite me with this BB
PIN:29275BB9 to enjoy my daily messages through BBM.

God bless you!
__________ _________ ____
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21 NKJV).

After having a personal Bible study on the first epistle of Peter some
weeks ago, I was led to base one of my weekly devotional messages on the
main theme of the epistle: Christian suffering. Such a theme is not a
popular theme. I did struggle with the theme before yielding myself to the
leadership of the Holy Spirit. Peter also initially did not want to be
associated with it, and he rebuked Jesus Christ for predicting His own
suffering, though Jesus in turn rebuked him and let him and other disciples
realize that suffering is inevitable in the Christian life (see Matthew
16:21-25).

Having gone to the “school” of suffering many times in his Christian life,
Peter understood the concept of Christian suffering and he could boldly
write his first epistle to Christians to encourage them to face suffering
so that the true grace of Jesus Christ would be evidenced in them. He made
them realize that suffering for being a Christian is following the steps of
Christ who also suffered in His body for our sins (see 1 Peter 2:21, 24;
3:18; 4:1). In fact, Peter wanted his recipients to rejoice that they were
partaking in Christian suffering (1 Peter 4:13). Interestingly, the
original recipients of Peter were passing through many suffering when he
wrote this epistle. Apostle Paul also had a similar understanding when he
prayed in Philippians 3:10: “that I may know Him and the power of His
resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His
death” (NKJV). He had earlier pointed it out that suffering is included in
our faith in Christ (see Philippians 1:29 and 2 Timothy 3:12).

Another fact about Christian suffering is that it is a way of sharpening
Christian faith and bringing the best out of Christians. Peter likened it
to the relationship of fire and gold. As fire purifies and refines gold to
make it valuable, so also Christian suffering makes Christian faith of
greater worth than gold (see 1 Peter 1:6-7).

As Peter emphasized it, Christian suffering is not one that is as a result
of wrongdoing (see 1 Peter 4:15). It is sharing in the “suffering of
Christ” which brings salvation to mankind and brings glory in the future.
No wonder, Peter said that we should rejoice in it.

What kind of suffering are you passing through presently? Is it for
wrongdoing? Repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. However, if it is
Christian suffering, that is, because you are a Christian and you are doing
the will of God, rejoice, for you will also share in Christ’s glory at His
coming. For a Christian to follow in Christ’s step, Christian suffering is
indeed inevitable.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to endure any suffering I am having now because
of Your name.

Dearly Beloved,
LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV).
One of the hymns I cherish is “LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING.” I can sing its Yoruba version extemporaneously. It is one of the hymns we normally use as closing hymns. John Fawcett (1740-1817) wrote the benediction that became the first two stanzas, while the third stanza was attributed to Godfrey Thring. John Fawcett was ordained a Baptist minister at Wainsgate, Yorkshire. The stanzas attributed to him might have been written in 1772 when he was invited to London to succeed J. Gill as pastor of the Carter’s Lane Baptist Church. On the day of his departure, he had preached his farewell sermon, the wagons were loaded, and he was ready to go. But he was so overcome by the thought of leaving the congregation he had come to love that he canceled his plans and stayed in Wainsgate. In 1793, he was also invited to become president of the Baptist Academy in Bristol, but he similarly declined.
In stanza 1, like a seasoned pastor or priest proclaiming the benediction after a worship service, John Fawcett prayed that the Lord should dismiss his congregation with divine blessing; that He should fill their hearts with joy and peace; and let them each possess divine love, as they triumph in redeeming grace. He added that God should refresh the congregation as they travel through the wilderness of the world. In stanza 2, Fawcett gave thanks and adoration for the Gospel’s joyful sound. He prayed that the fruits of divine salvation should abound in the hearts and lives of his congregation, and that they should be found ever faithful to the truth. In the additional stanza attributed to Godfrey Thring, Thring added a word of prayer to conclude the hymn: when the divine love calls us away from this world, the Savior should let no fear of death appall us, and that as we gladly obey the divine summons, we should ever reign with God in endless day.
As you meditate on this hymn of prayer, may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Dearly Beloved,
THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have
rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at
the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7
NIV).
"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right
judgment" (John 7:24 NIV).
Samuel was a great man of God. Some Bible scholars have said
that only Moses was greater than him in the leadership history of the people of
Israel. The people respected him, and God also specially chose him to be His
mouthpiece right from his childhood. In his life-long priestly and prophetic
career, he made a silly mistake - judging by the outward appearance. However,
God quickly called him to order before he effected his judgment and anointed
the wrong person as the king of Israel.
People have used their outward appearance to deceive other
people - even men of God. They have appeared good outwardly, but evil inwardly.
Openly, they say and do good things, but secretly, they are devils. Eliab is a
good example. Samuel saw him as a good candidate for the kingship, but his true
colour manifested when David decided to go and fight the giant Goliath. The
Bible says he burned with anger and discouraged him from doing so (1 Samuel 17:
28-30).
Do you deceive people with your outward appearance? What is your
opinion about the saying, "First impression lasts long"? Do you also
normally base your judgment of people on outward appearance? Pray for the
discerning spirit to know the mind of men.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on September 18, 2005.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).

Dearly Beloved,
WHO OWNS YOUR CHURCH?
“...I will build My church...” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV).
“...I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct
yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar
and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV).
The word church has been used to mean many things. The term
“church” can be referred to at least four meanings: one, a building used for
public Christian worship; two, a local group of Christians (worshipping in such
building); three, a particular Christian organization, typically one with its
own clergy, buildings, and distinctive doctrines (another word for this is a
denomination) ; and four, all believers in Jesus Christ or adherents of
Christian faith. Simply, the church is the assembly of a local group of
Christians living in a certain place or the universal church comprises of all
believers in Jesus Christ both living and dead.
There has been a trend where an individual or group of people
refers to a particular church (local assembly) or a number of churches
(probably a denomination) as “my” or “our” church. Some other people will refer
to the church as “their” or “your” church. These references may be to the
leader (or leaders) of the church or founder of the denomination. Undoubtedly,
this trend has affected the way such people view or administer things of the
church. However, the big question is: who owns the church?
Jesus Christ, in His response to Peter’s confession, simply
said, “...I will build MY church...” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV emphasis mine). By
implication, the church belongs to Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul explained this
further by referring to the church as “the church of the living God” (1 Timothy
3:15 NKJV). Each word here is very important. The preposition “of” is referring
to who really owns the church. The church does not belong to any other person
than the living God. The article “the” is emphasizing the fact that there is no
other god, but the one and only true God. The adjective “living” is
highlighting the eternity, strength and vitality of God. Lastly, the noun which
is the most important word is referring to GOD, not man or any other thing. No
wonder, Jesus Christ added that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
it” (Matthew 16:18 NKJV).  
Who owns your church? Is it your pastor, general overseer or
founder of your denomination? Are you even thinking that you are the owner of
your church? Ascribing the ownership of any church to any man or group of
people is like sharing God’s glory with such man or group of people. The only
exception here is if the church is not a church of God. 
Who owns your church?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to recognize You as the owner of the
church.
 
____________ _________ ____
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT WENT WRONG?
"Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD
his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2 NIV).
"Asa was angry with the [prophet] because of [the admonition];
he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally
oppressed some of the people" (2 Chronicles 16:10 NIV).
Asa was one of good kings of Judah. The writers of the
Scriptures chronicled his good deeds thus: he did what was good and right in
the eyes of the LORD his God (2 Chronicles 14:2); he removed the foreign gods
and the high places (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5); he expelled the male
shrine-prostitutes from the land of Judah (1 Kings 15:12); he commanded the
people of Judah to seek God and obey Him (2 Chronicles 14:4); he trusted God in
time of war (verses 11); he repaired the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles
15:8b); he led the people of Judah and even some from Israel to reestablish
their covenant with God (2 Chronicles 15:10-14); he even deposed his
grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because of her idolatry (2
Chronicles 15:16); and his heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life
(2 Chronicles 15:17). Because of these, God gave him and his people rest on every
side (2 Chronicles 14:6, 7). Even when somebody with a vast army waged war
against him, God gave him a resounding victory with many plunders (2 Chronicles
14:9-15).
Nevertheless, his last years were a tragedy! He abandoned the
almighty God for a mere man when another country waged war against him (2
Chronicles 16:1-6). When a prophet of God confronted him for his lack of trust
in God, he was angry and put the prophet in prison (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). He
also brutally oppressed some of his people (2 Chronicles 16:10b). When he was
afflicted with a disease, he refused to seek God (2 Chronicles 16:12). He died
in that disease!
One may wonder what actually went wrong in the life of Asa. Why
did he start well and ended tragically? The writers of the Scriptures did not
give a hint to his decadence. Apparently, his successes went to his head and he
forgot his God. 
This is a food for thought for all of us. Think about yourself.
Are you serving God the way you used to serve Him some years ago? Are you not
deteriorating in your devotion to God? What went wrong? You have to think about
it in your relationship with God and "Give careful thought to your
ways" (Haggai 1:5, 7 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on September 11, 2005.

Dearly Beloved,
ACCEPTING TROUBLES FROM GOD?
“Job replied, ‘Don't talk like a fool! If we accept blessings
from God, we must accept trouble as well.’ In all that happened, Job never once
said anything against God” (Job 2:10 CEV).
Recently in the “Spiritual Digest for the Day” – an aspect of my
Internet ministry where I send out an inspiring quote and an almost
corresponding Bible verse, I used the above verse. One of my contacts asked me
these questions: “Does God bring troubles?” and “Should we accept troubles from
God?” These questions will be the bases for my devotional thought this week. To
Job in the Bible, God brought his troubles and he was ready to accept them
because of his understanding of God. However, since we have the privilege of
knowing what happened in the background, we know that God did not bring the
troubles of Job. Satan did! Nevertheless, God allowed Satan to do so for a
purpose: to prove the righteousness of Job.
In theology – the study about God and His relation with man,
there is what is called “theodicy” – the goodness and justice of God in spite
of evil in the world. The story of Job really illustrates this. God is good and
just, but He allows evil by Satan and his cohorts for His divine purposes. Only
those that have a shallow idea of God will blame God for the evil in the world.
Expectedly, some have even because of the evil in the world declared that God
does not exist. On the other hand, only a narrow-minded man like Job’s wife
will think that evil will not or cannot happen to righteous people. There are
two truths that one should bear in mind. One, since the Fall of Man in Genesis
3, this world is full of evil, but God assures us that the evil will not
overcome us. Jesus Christ confirmed this when He told His disciples in John
16:33, “I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts
because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer
up! I have defeated the world” (CEV). See also Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Psalm 23:4;
46:4-7; 91:15; Isaiah 43:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Two, God is working
through the evil of the world to bring out the best out of His children. In
Paul’s words, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
The analogy of a raw gold or silver that has to be refined in fire before it
becomes valuable is a good example (see Psalm 66:8-12; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi
3:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
Therefore, to answer the two questions posed by that contact,
God does not bring troubles, but He allows them and works through them to
fulfill His purposes in our lives. Also, we must be ready to pass through any
trouble that comes our way with the belief that God will bring us out of it and
make us better in Him through the trouble.
In His service, 
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to accept any trouble
and allow God to make stronger in Him through it. 
 
____________ _________ ____
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)