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Post  Admin Sun 14 Sep 2014, 7:13 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WHEN SUCCESS COMES
"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into
the Desert of Shur. For three days they travelled in the desert without finding
water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was
bitter" (Exodus 15:22-23 NIV).
The people of Israel had just recorded a great success - God
delivered them completely from the oppressing Egyptians by making them pass
through the Red Sea on dry ground and completely drowning their foes in the sea
(Exodus 14). They acknowledged this victory by singing songs of praise to the
Lord (Exodus 15:1-21). However, immediately after leaving the Red Sea, they
were confronted with a challenge - wandering in the desert for three days
without finding water. Even when they eventually found one, they could not
drink it because it was bitter. The reaction of the people of Israel showed
that they could not manage their success neither could they rely on the source
of the success. Nevertheless, the point of emphasis here is not about their
reaction, but about the aftermath of the success.
The Bible is full of aftermaths of successes: Noah could not
control himself at the first fruit of his labour after the flood (Genesis 9);
Abraham was asked to sacrifice the son he had in his old age (Genesis 22); the
people of Israel went through River Jordan on a dry ground into the waiting
hands of the hostile Canaanites (Joshua 3-10); Gideon fell into the sin of
idolatry after God gave him and the people of Israel victory over the
oppressing Midianites (Judges 8:22-27); Samson failed to manage his many
successes over the rampaging Philistines and eventually fell into their hands
(Judges 14-16); Samuel was a successful minister of God, but he could not train
his children the ways of the Lord (1 Samuel 7:13-8:3); Saul was overcome by
covetousness after his success over the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15); David fell
into the sins of adultery and murder after God had established his kingdom (2
Samuel 11); in spite of his wisdom, Solomon loved and married many foreign
women to his peril (1 Kings 11); of note was Uzziah whose success made him to
go against the law of God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). The list cannot be
exhausted. 
Do you know that success is not the end of the story in your
life? Do you always prepare to manage the aftermath of your success? When
success comes, be ready to face more challenges. Such challenges may be
positive or negative. Pray that God will enable you to handle them
successfully.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 07 Sep 2014, 10:24 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WANTED: A DILIGENT WORKER!
"One night Eli was lying down in his usual place. The lamp
of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down. Then the LORD called
Samuel" (1 Samuel 3:2-4 NIV).
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before
kings; he will not serve before obscure men" (Proverbs 22:29 NIV).
The boy Samuel was ministering in the tabernacle at Shiloh when
he suddenly heard somebody calling his name. He thought it was Eli the priest
that was calling him. So, he ran to Eli to answer the call. However, it was not
Eli. Eli told him to go and lie down. This happened thrice. It was on the third
occasion that Eli perceived that it might be God calling Samuel, so he told the
boy what he would say when he hears such call again. Samuel heard the call the
fourth time and did as Eli told him.
The story is a well-known one especially to the children, but
there is a lesson in it, that many people do not always take note of: the
willingness of Samuel to do anything for his master, Eli, even in the night
when others had slept. It was this willingness to serve and his diligence that
made God to call him and used him mightily in place of the wayward sons of Eli.
Are you also willing to be diligent in your work to the point of
having extra-time work without thinking of remuneration for such work? Are you
diligent in your work to the extent that your boss and even God can single you
out for greater responsibility and compensation? God is not looking for
ordinary workers, but workers that are willing to work for Him diligently.
Wanted: A diligent worker! Are you ready to be one especially in the service of
God?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Requests:
1. God, give me the spirit of diligence to be more diligent in
all my work. 
2. Let my diligence lead me to higher ground in my working place
and in your service in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Post  Admin Mon 01 Sep 2014, 9:46 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you
that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose
life, so that you and your children may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV).
"`So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your
people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern
this great people of yours?' The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for
this" (1 Kings 3:9-10 NIV).
The traditional wedding ceremony in most part of Nigeria has
been replaced with either Christian church wedding ceremony or the Islamic
wedding ceremony. This modern ceremony is now being preceded by or mixed with
what is commonly called the engagement ceremony. The engagement ceremony is
mostly traditional in nature. One of the aspects of the engagement ceremony is
picking of the most valuable thing out of the dowry items that the family of
the groom brings to the family of the bride. The bride will perform this rite.
She is expected (when she is a Christian) to pick a copy of the Holy Bible that
has been included in the dowry for that purpose. It is a way of telling the
whole world that the bride values the Holy Bible more than any of the dowry
items and that she is deciding to make the word of God her guide as she is
entering into a new life.
This practice is good and laudable. Nonetheless, how many of
such brides value the word of God more than any other thing in the world? How
many of them really make it their guide in their matrimonial homes? These are
applicable to men also, although, they are not required to make such decision
during the engagement ceremony. 
The practice has made me ponder on many practices we are doing
religiously without thinking seriously about their purposes and implications.
If the bride (or even the groom) is given free hand to choose what she likes
most, would she choose the Bible? If you were given such rare opportunity to
choose from the things of this world and the word of God, would you really choose
the word of God?
Solomon chose to be wise when God asked him to ask for anything
(1 Kings 3:4-14), however, at his later years, he abandoned his choice and
allowed his foreign wives to mislead him (1 Kings 11:1-9).
What would you choose? Even when you choose wisely, would you
remain with your choice?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 24 Aug 2014, 6:54 pm

Dearly Beloved,
NOT WITH GOD
"Jesus looked at them and said, `With man this is
impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God'" (Mark
10:27 NIV).
Our God is the God of all possibilities. Nothing is impossible
with Him, with the exception of things that are contrary to His divine
attributes (see Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2;
Hebrews 6:18). God is the infinite God. He can do all things. He knows all
things. He is above all things. He is the Creator of all things. In fact, He is
the eternal God that has been before the creation of all things; He is when
there are all things; and He will continue to be when all things are no more
(cf. Hebrews 13:8). What a God!
On the contrary, man is finite. He cannot do all things. He does
not know all things. He is not above all things. He is just a created being. In
fact, he "is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1 NIV).
Jesus Christ brought out this great difference between God and
man when His disciples were amazed at His teachings about the kingdom of God.
He said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are
possible with God" (Mark 10:27 NIV. You can also read Genesis 18:14;
Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Philippians 3:21).
What is the implication of this glaring difference? Total
dependence on God, and not man. One should not rely on anybody, even oneself.
One should not lose hope that one's situation is beyond remedy. Man may fail
because of his limitation. Things may reach a deadlock with man, BUT NOT WITH
GOD. All things are possible with Him! "What is impossible with men is
possible with God" (Luke 18:27 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Request:
1. God, make all those good things that are impossible possible
for me in Jesus' name.
2. Let me totally depend on you in all things especially those
things that are beyond my control in Jesus' name. Amen.
 
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Post  Admin Sun 17 Aug 2014, 11:20 pm

Dearly Beloved,
EBOLA SHOULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE CHURCH!
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all
may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well†(3 John 2 NIV).
Since the outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in some parts of
Africa and its dramatic entrance into Nigeria about a month ago, many facts,
rumours, and even jokes have emerged about the epidemic. One of my friends on
Facebook recently posted this message on his wall: “IF YOU GO TO CHURCH TODAY
AND THE MESSAGE CENTERS ON EBOLA... KNOW IT FOR SURE THAT THATS ONE DEAD CHURCH
EXISTING AS A NEWS/CURRENT AFFAIR CENTER!†I totally disagreed with it
instantly and commented on the post to express my disagreement. Interestingly,
most of the people that commented on the post also disagreed with it. 
A fundamental question is raise here: should current affairs in
general and the issue of Ebola in particular be discussed in the church? This
may be controversial, but I am of the opinion that the church should not be
indifferent to prevailing issues in the society. In fact, the church should be
actively involved in what is going on in the society because the church is in
the society, though it may not be of the society. The church should be a
platform to inform its members about prevailing issues in the society. This
information should include enlightenment, warnings, advice, suggestions, observations,
comments, and the likes on the prevailing issues. If the church is not ready to
do this, then, we should be ready for misinformation that will eventually
mislead church members. The Bible says, “...my people are destroyed from lack
of knowledge...†(Hosea 4:6 NIV).
On the issue of Ebola virus disease (EVD), the church should
rise up to enlighten its members about the possible causes of the disease, how
to prevent them, the symptoms of the disease, and how to handle people that
have been infected by the disease. Undoubtedly, there are many promises in the
Bible against pestilence. Nonetheless, people should be enlightened not to take
these promises for granted by not being precautious of possible causes of Ebola
and all other diseases, and try as much as possible to prevent their infection.
There is power in the blood of Jesus to heal one from any illness or disease,
but, the church must not become healing centres while hospitals and other
medical centres are neglected. Pastors and other spiritual leaders should not
turn themselves overnight to healers of Ebola or any disease.
It is the will of God that every church member should enjoy good
health (see 3 John 2; Psalm 20:1-5; 91:10; Philippians 2:4, 27; Deuteronomy
7:15; Exodus 23:25; Isaiah 33:24). Therefore, Ebola should be adequately
discussed in the church.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
 
Prayer Points:
1. Pray that as you take precautions, God will protect you from
being infected with Ebola virus disease and other diseases.
2. Pray for divine healing for people that have been infected
with the virus.
3. Pray that God will provide a sure cure for this disease.
4. Pray that our governments and other health institutions will
expedite actions to control the spread of this deadly disease.
 
NB
To put this message into practice, let me briefly give some
facts about Ebola virus disease (EVD):
The disease is also known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever or simply
Ebola virus. It kills up to 90% of people who are infected. It is a rare but
deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus
spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately,
it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe,
uncontrollable bleeding.
How to get Ebola: Ebola is not as contagious as more common
viruses like colds, influenza, or measles. It spreads to people by contact with
the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit
bat. It then moves from person to person the same way. Those who care for a
sick person or bury someone who has died from the disease often get it. Other
ways to get Ebola include touching contaminated needles or surfaces. You cannot
get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms
cannot spread the disease, either.
Symptoms of Ebola: Ebola can feel early like the flu or other
illnesses. Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after infection and usually include:
high fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, weakness, stomach
pain, lack of appetite. As the disease gets worse, it causes bleeding inside
the body, as well as from the eyes, ears, and nose.  Some people will vomit or cough up blood,
have bloody diarrhoea, and get a rash.
How it is diagnosed: Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person
has Ebola from the symptoms alone. Doctors may test to rule out other diseases
like cholera or malaria. Tests of blood and tissues also can diagnose Ebola.
If you have Ebola, you will be isolated from the public immediately
to prevent the spread.
Please create awareness, not panic, about Ebola!
(You can know more about this disease through the Internet.)
 
_________________________ 
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)
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Post  Admin Sun 10 Aug 2014, 9:15 pm

Dearly Beloved,
DO YOU TAKE PLEASURE IN THEM?
"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who
do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things
but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32 NIV).
There is a Yoruba proverb that goes thus: "He who does not
eat rat should not use his teeth to divide it for the children." The
proverb amused me. However as I pondered on it further, I realized that many
Christians are like that proverbial man. They would not want to do something,
especially bad thing, but they take pleasure in such things when other people
are doing them. 
King Solomon took pleasure in foreign women when God forbade the
people of Israel not to do so (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The Bible says, "King
Solomon loved many foreign women. They were from nations about which the LORD
had told the Israelites, `You must not intermarry with them, because they will
surely turn your hearts after their gods.' Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to
them in love" (1 Kings 11:1-2 NIV). These foreign women gradually led him
away from God. Some good kings of Judah had a flaw - "the high places,
however, were not removed" (1 Kings 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35
NIV). This flaw was recorded against Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amasiah, Azariah, and
Jotham. Their problem for not removing these high places was probably that they
took pleasure in them.
It is ludicrous that some people in the Christian faith are
taking pleasure in things that are contrary to the word of God. A good example
of this is the controversial ordination of homosexuals in some Christian
denominations. I wonder what messages such denominations want to pass across to
the unbelievers.
What are those bad and wrong things that you also take pleasure
in? In what way do you approve of those that are doing such bad and wrong
things? Beware that you do not take pleasure in bad and wrong things.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Tue 05 Aug 2014, 9:26 pm

Dearly Beloved,
CAN YOU DO LIKE JOB DID?
"Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense -
let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing.
Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. I would
give him an account of my every step; like a prince I would approach him"
(Job 31:35-37 NIV).
Job was a righteous man. I respect him a lot. His last defense
in Job 31 is thought provoking. Let us look at them one after the other: he
started the last part of his defense by declaring his covenant "not to
look lustfully at a girl" (verse 1). He reiterated this in verse 9 that
his heart had never been enticed by a woman. What a sexual purity! He testified
about his blamelessness in terms of falsehood and deceit in verses 5-8. Also he
talked about how he had not denied justice to his servants because he knew that
the same God created him and these servants (verses 13-15). Moreover, he could
boast about his generosity to the needy (verses 16-23). This generosity was
extended to the members of his household as well as strangers (verses 31-32).
He also exonerated himself from putting his trust in material possessions or
any form of idolatry (verses 24-28). He could say it that he had never
"rejoiced at [his] enemy's misfortune" nor invoke "a curse
against his life" (verses 29-30). He even claimed his fairness to
inanimate things like land (verses 37-40). In each of the cases, he prayed for
severe consequences if he had done otherwise. No wonder, he could appeal his case
to the Almighty (verses 35-37).
Who on earth nowadays can do like Job did - to be bold enough to
be able call people to challenge his/her integrity and fairness? Are we men not
looking lustfully at other women, and being enticed by them? Are women also not
doing what will make men to lust after them by their dressing and actions? How
blameless are we in terms of falsehood and deceit? Are we not treating those
that are subordinate to us with injustice? How generous are we to the needy and
others around us? Are we not looking up to material possessions and other
worldly things as our source of security? Have these things not become our thin
gods? What is our attitude to our perceived enemies? Do you not rejoice at
their misfortune and even invoke curses on them? How fair are we to animals and
inanimate things around us? Can we sincerely pray that God should repay us
according to our deeds?
People may blame Job for his self-righteousness, but his life is
one that even God could boast of (Job 1:8; 2:3). Can you be like Job, and can
you do like he did?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 27 Jul 2014, 4:36 pm

Dearly Beloved,
HARK, THE VOICE OF JESUS CALLING
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?
And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV).
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but
the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37-38 NIV).
Daniel March was a pastor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA in
the late nineteenth century when he had the inspiration to compose the hymn,
“HARK, THE VOICE OF JESUS CALLING.” He composed the hymn during a service to
replace a hymn that he perceived was not suitable for his message, and he sang
the hymn immediately. Undoubtedly, Isaiah 6:8 and Matthew 9:37-38 (quoted
above) would come to mind as some of the Bible passages that Daniel March might
likely used as Scripture texts for his sermon that day. 
More than in the days of Daniel March, the voice of Jesus is
still calling today, “Who will go and work today? Fields are ripe and harvests
waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?” Will you answer the call like Isaiah
and say, “Here am I. Send me!”? Daniel March gave some explanations in his
hymn. You do not need to go to a distant place to do this assignment. You can
find the lost around you; you can help them at your door. You do not need to
have millions of dollars before you can give for missions. You can give the
widow’s mite, because, what you truly give for Jesus will be precious in His
sight. You do not need to be a great speaker before you speak of the love of
Jesus and His death. You can even lead the little children to the Savior’s
waiting arms. While you may not be noticeable to many people as some great
evangelists and preachers of the Gospel, with your prayers and with your bounties,
you can secretly do what heaven demands. You can even be like faithful Aaron
and Hur who held up the hands of Moses while Joshua was in the war front
fighting God’s battle (see Exodus 17:10-13). 
Having warned that we should not let people hear us idly saying,
“There is nothing I can do. While the lost of earth are dying, and the Master
calls for you”, Daniel March, therefore, concluded in the hymn with this
admonition: “Take the task He gives you gladly; Let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calls you, Here am I, send me, send me.” Are you ready
to yield to this admonition?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Mon 21 Jul 2014, 2:38 pm

Dearly Beloved,
CAN THESE BONES LIVE?
“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the
Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.
He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor
of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, ‘Son of man, can these
bones live?’ I said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, you alone know’” (Ezekiel 37:1-3 NIV).
I am not happy with the level of corruption in my country,
Nigeria. Corruption has eating deep into the fibre of every place from the
highest level in the corridors of power in the country to the lowest level one
can think of. Even, our religious (and especially Christian) settings are not
left out of this moral decadence. I have been thinking if there would be any
remedy from this situation. Will Nigeria ever be corruption free again?
As I ruminated on this, the vision of Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 came
to my mind and specifically, the question of the Sovereign Lord: “Can these
bones live?” Ezekiel could not answer the question, but the Lord asked him to
command the dry bones to come back to life. After the dry bones had come back
to life at Ezekiel’s command, the Lord gave the meaning of the vision: the dry
bones were the whole house of Israel who thought that “[their] bones are dried
up and [their] hope is gone” (verse 11 NIV). The Lord then asked Ezekiel to prophesy
to the people that He (God) would open their graves and bring them up from
their scattered places; that He would bring them back to the land of Israel.
After these, the people of Israel would know that He is the Lord, when He opens
their graves and brings them up from the far places. He also promised to put
His Spirit in them and that they would live (see verses 12-14).
In spite of the level of corruption in Nigeria, I believe that
Nigeria will be free of corruption one day. Only, I cannot say how soon this
will be. However, what role am I playing to make this come to reality sooner?
What roles are you playing to make Nigeria corruption free? For non-Nigerians,
what roles are you playing to make your society corruption free? The bones of
uprightness can live again wherever you find yourself by contributing your own
positive quota towards it. Shun corruption in any form!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Point: Pray that the Sovereign Lord will break every yoke
of corruption in your life and society.
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Post  Admin Mon 30 Jun 2014, 11:57 am

Dearly Beloved,
THERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING
"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I
will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing"
(Ezekiel 34:26 NIV).
A shepherd in the Old Testament symbolized a royal caretaker of
the people of God. This is the reason why the Old Testament great men are
referred to as shepherd (Jeremiah 23: 1ff; Ezekiel 34:1ff). Even God was called
the shepherd of Israel in Psalm 80:1 (cf. Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:11-16).
Unfortunately, most of the leaders of the people of Israel were bad shepherds.
They misled the people. They only fed themselves to the detriment of the
people. This made God to pronounce woe on them (Ezekiel 34:2-6). He said that
He will hold them accountable for the misled and underfed sheep which were the
people they were leading (verses 7-10).
However, the good news is that God promises to search for His
sheep and look after them (verses 11-16a). Where there has been no justice,
especially amongst the people, God promises that He will shepherd the flock
with justice (verses 16b-24). He promises to make a covenant of peace with them
so that they will be at rest (verve 25). Above all, He will send to them
showers of blessing (verse 26). These showers of blessing include fruitfulness,
security, freedom from oppression, and lots more. The Lord will do these so
that His people will know that they are His, and that He is the Sovereign God,
the Lord above all lords, the God of the universe. 
Have the leaders of your country, church, or group disappointed
you? Have they let God down in their leadership roles? Have you lost confidence
in them? Take heart! The Lord will search for you and look after you. He will
lead you with justice. He will make a covenant of peace with you and you will
have rest. Above all, there will be showers of blessing for you from Him -
showers of fruitfulness and abundance, security and protection, freedom from
oppression, promotion, and lots more. You also will know that the Lord is good
and His love endures forever (see Psalm 100:5). People will glorify God for the
good things He will do in your life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Requests:
1. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this world that is full of
injustice and oppression and let the world that know you are the Sovereign Lord
in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, let your showers of bless be on me, my spouse,
children, work and everything that belongs to me in Jesus' name.
3. Let the people of the world know that you are my God by the
good things you will do in my life in Jesus' name. Amen.
 
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)
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Post  Admin Tue 24 Jun 2014, 8:18 pm

Dearly Beloved,
YOU WILL COMPLETE IT!
"Then the word of the LORD came to me: 'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you'" (Zechariah 4:8-9 NIV).
The people of Israel were returning from the exile. They were picking up the crumbs of their nationhood under the leadership of Zerubbabel. One of such crumbs was the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem. However, they faced strong oppositions from the neighboring nations that did not want them to re-establish their nation (see Ezra 4). It was during one of those oppositions that the word of God came to Prophet Zechariah to assure Zerubbabel that he would be the one that will definitely complete the building project.
Zechariah Chapter Four is full of prophecies in regards to the procedure of the completion of the rebuilding of the temple: firstly, it is neither by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of God (verse 6). It means that the success of the project would be by the Lord's doing, not by man's making. Secondly, all the mighty oppositions against the project will come to nothing (verse 7). This is exactly what happened when King Darius issued a decree to thwart all the oppositions (see Ezra 6:1-12). Thirdly, the very person that laid the foundation of the rebuilding of the temple will be the one that will complete it (verse 9). This promise actually came to pass (see Ezra 6:13-18). The last but not the least of the procedure is the fact that they should not despise the day of small things (verse 10a). That is, they should not look down on the little resources they had, and especially, the time they started the project with no hope. This may also mean that
they should not underrate their small or slow progress at the work. They should not allow the contempt of others to discourage them (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). The resultant effect is that people will rejoice at the completion of the project (verse 10b).
What project have you started? Is it academic pursuit, building project, business project, or even a ministry? Are you facing oppositions or having difficulties in completing it? Do people despise you for your seemingly failure or slowness to its completion? Your hands that started the project will execute it to a successful completion in Jesus’ name. Follow also that procedure given to Zerubbabel. Do not rely on your own understanding, strength or resources. Rely on God. His grace is sufficient for you. He will silence all the oppositions that may arise against, or are facing you. All difficulties in your way shall vanish, and all the objections be got over. Believe that you that started the project will complete it. And do not despise your days of your humble beginning. Do not look down on yourself. Disregard people's contempt. Remember, "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6
NIV). You will complete the project! People will rejoice with you!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Mon 23 Jun 2014, 10:13 pm

Dearly Beloved,
YOU WILL COMPLETE IT!
"Then the word of the LORD came to me: 'The hands of
Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also
complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to
you'" (Zechariah 4:8-9 NIV).
The people of Israel were returning from the exile. They were
picking up the crumbs of their nationhood under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
One of such crumbs was the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem.
However, they faced strong oppositions from the neighboring nations that did
not want them to re-establish their nation (see Ezra 4). It was during one of
those oppositions that the word of God came to Prophet Zechariah to assure
Zerubbabel that he would be the one that will definitely complete the building
project. 
Zechariah Chapter Four is full of prophecies in regards to the
procedure of the completion of the rebuilding of the temple: firstly, it is
neither by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of God (verse 6). It means
that the success of the project would be by the Lord's doing, not by man's
making. Secondly, all the mighty oppositions against the project will come to
nothing (verse 7). This is exactly what happened when King Darius issued a
decree to thwart all the oppositions (see Ezra 6:1-12). Thirdly, the very
person that laid the foundation of the rebuilding of the temple will be the one
that will complete it (verse 9). This promise actually came to pass (see Ezra
6:13-18). The last but not the least of the procedure is the fact that they
should not despise the day of small things (verse 10a). That is, they should
not look down on the little resources they had, and especially, the time they
started the project with no hope. This may also mean that they should not
underrate their small or slow progress at the work. They should not allow the
contempt of others to discourage them (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). The resultant
effect is that people will rejoice at the completion of the project (verse
10b).
What project have you started? Is it academic pursuit, building
project, business project, or even a ministry? Are you facing oppositions or
having difficulties in completing it? Do people despise you for your seemingly
failure or slowness to its completion? Your hands that started the project will
execute it to a successful completion in Jesus’ name. Follow also that
procedure given to Zerubbabel. Do not rely on your own understanding, strength
or resources. Rely on God. His grace is sufficient for you. He will silence all
the oppositions that may arise against, or are facing you. All difficulties in
your way shall vanish, and all the objections be got over. Believe that you
that started the project will complete it. And do not despise your days of your
humble beginning. Do not look down on yourself. Disregard people's contempt.
Remember, "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6 NIV). You will
complete the project! People will rejoice with you! 
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
"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).
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Post  Admin Mon 16 Jun 2014, 7:45 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT KIND OF COMFORTER ARE YOU?
"I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters
are you all!" (Job 16:2 NIV).
I always pity the man Job whenever I read the book of the Bible
that bears his name. Here is a man that lost everything he had in a single day.
He was afflicted with a disease, and his wife advised him to curse God and die.
To compound his problems, his so-called friends that came to console him turned
out to be "miserable comforters." They "tormented and
crushed" (Job 19:2) him with words as they blamed him for his travails.
They would have heeded to Job's advice, "If only you would be altogether
silent! For you, that would be wisdom" (Job 13:5 NIV. See also verse 13;
16:3; 18:2; 19:2; 21:2-3). The more Job cautioned his friends to consider his
plight, the more they rebuked him for his self-righteousness. They are indeed
"worthless physicians" (Job 13:4).
Experiences have proved that silence is the best way to comfort
someone that is bereaved. People may have contrary opinion, especially people
that are extroverts. The friends of Job did well when they first came to him
for staying "with him for seven days and seven nights" (Job 2:13 NIV)
without saying a word. That is empathy. 
Instead of being full of words, it is better for one to be full
of action - what one can do to alleviate or even solve the problem if it is
solvable. This is what Jesus Christ did in all the cases where He raised
someone from the dead (see Luke 7:11-17; 8:49-56; John 11:17-44). In each of
the cases, Jesus did not speak much. The apostles also followed this example
(Acts 9:36-43; 20:7-12).
You may not be able to do like Jesus Christ or the apostles in
solving totally a problem, but you can follow this admonition, "Rejoice
with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15 NIV). Do
not be a comforter like one of Job's friends. The Bible says, "Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and
mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and
encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble
(calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and
encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort
(consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled
and encouraged) by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP). What kind of comforter
are you?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 08 Jun 2014, 9:16 pm

Dearly Beloved,
IN-LAWS: BLESSING OR CURSE?
“When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of
Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a
source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah†(Genesis 26:34-35 NIV).
I was in a wedding reception some time ago when I overheard a
woman sharing with another woman about her sweet experience with the sisters of
her husband. According to her, her husband’s sisters are so nice to her and her
son that whenever they see her, they always commend her and give her and her
son monetary and material gifts. I cannot remember what initiated the
discussion about these sisters-in-law, but that testimony reminded me of a
woman who colluded with her mother and sisters to defraud her husband of
thousands of US dollars. I wonder what kind of mother-in-law and sisters-in-law
they are to the man. 
An in-law is simply a relative by marriage. He/she can be
parent-in-law, child-in-law or sibling-in-law. In-laws can be a blessing to a
married couple in many ways. It may be in offering love, wisdom, encouragement
and gifts. The Bible makes note of several supportive in-law relationships,
namely Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Peter and his mother-in-law (Mark 1:31), and
Jethro who guided his son-in-law, Moses (Exodus 18). However, in-laws can also
be a heavy burden for a couple to bear. The Bible also has examples of this:
the wives of Esau were a source of grief to their parents-in-law (Genesis
26:34-35). David's father-in-law, King Saul, tracked him down in attempts to
kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). Laban, the father-in-law of Jacob cheated him
(Genesis 31:7). Ahab and Jezebel had bad influence on Jehoshaphat, king of
Judah, because Athaliah (wife of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son) was their
daughter.
Whether you have had in-laws for just few months, or it has been
for many years, they will either be blessings or a curse to you. Examples
abound on in-laws as blessings on one hand and as a curse on the other hand.
Similarly, you are either a blessing or a curse to your in-laws. Many factors
will determine whether they are blessings or curse to you and vice versa. The
big question is: are YOU a blessing or a curse to your in-laws? One main thing
that can make you a blessing to your in-laws is to relate with them not as
relatives of your spouse, but as your own relatives. Your in-laws will not be a
source of grief to you, and you also will not be a source of grief to your
in-laws in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 01 Jun 2014, 8:14 pm

Dearly Beloved,
IT IS NOT OVER...
“Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who
hears about this will laugh with me.’ And she added, ‘Who would have said to
Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old
age’” (Genesis 21:6-7 NIV).
The final of the year 2014 UEFA Champions League has come and
gone, but it has one major lesson: It is not over until it is over. I did not
have the opportunity of watching the epic football match live, but I was
monitoring its minute-by-minute comments on the UEFA official website and what
people were saying through their display messages on my BBM timeline. Almost
everybody (including the fans of Real Madrid FC) had thought that Club Atlético
de Madrid had won the match when the team was leading by a lone goal as at
ninety minutes of the match. In fact, the comment of one of my BBM contacts
around ninety minutes of the match was remarkable. He commented that he was
expecting to see how Cristiano Ronaldo would cry at the end of the match.
Interestingly, Ronaldo missed many opportunities to score during the course of
the regular time of the match. However, at ninety three minute of added time,
Sergio Ramos equalized for Real Madrid FC and thus forced the match to extra
time when three other goals were scored by Real Madrid including a last-minute
penalty kick by Ronaldo. Real Madrid FC was crowned the new European champions
and Ronaldo by that penalty kick created a new record in goal scoring in UEFA
Champions League. Indeed, it is not over until it is over.
Nobody, including Abraham and Sarah, ever thought that Sarah
would have a biological child after ninety years of age. They (Abraham and
Sarah) even doubted God when God told them that she would have a son “about
this time next year” (Genesis 18:10 NIV). However, “at the very time God had
promised him” (Genesis 21:2 NIV), Sarah gave birth to a son. She later
testified, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse
children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age" (Genesis 21:7 NIV).
Elizabeth made similar testimony: "The Lord has done this for me,"
she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace
among the people" (Luke 1:25 NIV). It is not over until it is over. 
Are you at the verge of losing hope on a particular situation?
Do not lose hope! It is not over until it is over. When there is life, there is
hope. At the unexpected time, the Lord will arise and surprise you. People that
have been looking down on you will soon be looking up to you. You will soon
testify to the goodness of God over your life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 25 May 2014, 1:21 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WEALTH?
"The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no
trouble to it" (Proverbs 10:22 NIV).
When one is talking about wealth, one's mind quickly goes to the
popular definition of the word "wealth" which a dictionary gives as
"(possession of a) large amount of money, property, etc." Another
meaning by an encyclopedia is "an accumulation of goods having economic
value." It is simply referred to as "riches." However, this write-up
is aimed at the broader meaning of the word - a large amount of something. This
thing may be education, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, skill, talent,
experience, intelligence, etc.
A Yoruba proverb literally goes thus: the source of wealth is
filthy. One is bound to agree with this proverb if one thinks of getting wealth
in the worldly way. To be wealthy either in monetary or material term or in the
general term is not an easy thing. The curse of God on man after the fall in
the Garden of Eden is part of this hardship in getting wealth (see Genesis
3:17-19). Those that are wealthy in term of any of these will explain better
what they passed through before they could become what they are today. In fact,
the source of the wealth of many rich people today cannot be exposed to other
people because of its filthiness morally.
Nevertheless, the proverb is in great contrast to the teachings
of the Bible. In spite of the curse that makes things difficult for man, the
Bible says, "Wealth and honor come from you [i.e. God]; you are the ruler
of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength
to all" (1 Chronicles 29:12 NIV). In another place, God told the people of
Israel, "...remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the
ability to produce wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV). It is this kind of
wealth that comes from the blessing of the LORD to which He adds no trouble.
The source of such wealth is not filthy. It is clean and godly. Anyone who has
it will enjoy it to the fullness. But the worldly wealth will always bring
insatiable desire for more that will make one who has it not to enjoy it.
What is the source of your wealth? Is it filthy or godly? As you
are aspiring to become wealthy financially, materially or in other areas, what
would you want to be the source of your wealth? Ask for the blessings of God
that bring wealth with no sorrow.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 18 May 2014, 7:47 pm

Dearly Beloved,
DO YOUR OWN PART!
"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered....
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever
he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew
tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur
held his hands up... so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua
overcame the Amalekite army with the sword" (Exodus 17:10-13 NIV).
One of the favourite songs of the Baptist Women Missionary Union
of Nigeria goes thus: "If we work together, Together, together; If we work
together, the happier we'll be. Your work and my work, our work for the Lord; If
we work together, the happier we'll be." An incident that happened to the
people of Israel as they were going from Egypt, their land of slavery, to
Canaan, their promised land corroborates this. On their way, the Amalekites
decided to waylay them. There was no reason given for this attack. Moses,
however, rose to the task by sending Joshua and some men to go and fight the
Amalekites. He also decided to do his own part in the battle by going up to a
mountain to intercede for them. 
Joshua led the fighting men to battle against the Amalekites.
Moses also led two other people, Aaron and Hur, to a mountain where he
interceded for the fighting men. As long as he raised his hands up, the
Israelites were winning, but the Amalekites would be winning whenever he lowered
his hands. It came to a point that he was tied. Aaron and Hur then did their
own part in finding a seat for Moses and helping him to raise his hands up,
ensuring that the Israelites eventually had total victory.
Five different kinds of people did their own parts to give the
Israelites success: 1) Joshua that heeded to the order of Moses in choosing and
leading the fighting men; 2) the choosing men that did the fighting; 3) Moses
that went to intercede for them; 4) Aaron and Hur that held Moses' hands when
he was tired; and 5) God that gave the victory. The role of none of these
people cannot be underestimated.
Likewise, the motto of the union referred to above is relevant
here: "For we are God's fellow-workers; you are God's field, God's
building" (1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV).
God has extended the invitation to work with Him to us. Have you
responded to the invitation? It may be in your local church, in a ministry like
this one, or in any other place. Are you doing your own part? No matter how
small or insignificant your part may be, do your own part, and do it
faithfully.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 11 May 2014, 5:05 pm

Dearly Beloved,
I SALUTE MOTHERS
"Village
life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in
Israel" (Judges 5:7 NIV).
I always admire
women especially mothers for their extraordinary caring attitude. In fact, I
salute them. The prevailing issue of the abducted school girls in Chibok (a town
in the northeastern Nigeria) by the extreme Islamic militants popularly known as
Boko Haram again brings out the caring attitude of women. While many men are
either nonchalant about the issue or trivializing the issue, women are in the forefront
of the protest and struggle for the rescue of these abducted schools girls that
are over 200 in number.
Deborah in the
Bible was one of such exceptional mothers. Judges chapters four and five gave
her account on how she literally "...arose [as] a mother in Israel"
to rescue the people of Israel from their Canaanite oppressors. Another woman bravely
helped her to give the Israelites victory over their enemies.
Mothers,
especially caring and responsible ones, are extraordinary. I made the
distinction because it is obvious that few of them are not caring and
responsible. However, most of them are. I salute these caring and responsible
mothers. Are you one? The Lord will reward all your sacrifices to your
husbands, children and others. You will live to reap the efforts of your
motherhood in Jesus' name. Amen. Happy
Mother's Day!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi
(Pastor).
NB
I join millions
of mothers and other people throughout the world to call on the Islamic
militants popularly known as Boko Haram to release the abducted girls and stop
their sinister activities. The Almighty God can fight for Himself. No one can
fight for Him.
 
_________________________ 
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)
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Post  Admin Sun 04 May 2014, 7:57 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TESTIMONIAL?
"Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in
prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in
Christ before I was. ...Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ?"
(Romans 16:7, 10 NIV).
As Paul concluded his epistle to the Christians in the imperial
city of Rome, he listed, in Romans 16, a catalogue of people that had
influenced his life and ministry in one way or the other. As he was listing them,
he mentioned specifically what some of them had done for him and the Christian
faith. Among them were Priscilla and Aquila who risked their lives for him
(verses 3-4); Epenetus who was the first convert to Christ in the province of
Asia (verse 5); Mary who worked very hard for other Christians (verse 6);
Andronicus and Junias who have been in prison with him and were outstanding
among the apostles (verse 7); Urbanus who was a fellow-worker in Christ (verse
9); Apelles who was tested and approved in Christ (verse 10); Tryphena and
Tryphosa, women who work hard in the Lord (verse 12a); Persis, another woman
who has worked VERY hard in the Lord (verse 12b); and Rufus' mother who had
been a mother to Paul (verse 13). Paul also made mention of some other people
in passing. These included Asyncritus, Ampliatus, Phlegon, Herodion, Hermes,
Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and Olympas and other unnamed
saints. 
Interestingly, most of these names are not remembered today
because they do not form part of the common names given to our children,
however, they have unforgettable testimonials in the Bible.
What would be your testimonial in the roll call of the saints?
Would your name be mentioned in passing or would it even be one of those
unspecified names? Strive to have good testimonial in your home, church,
workplace and the society at large.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Mon 28 Apr 2014, 8:06 pm

Dearly Beloved,
CAN FALSEHOOD BE USED TO PROMOTE THE TRUTH?
“And
you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NKJV).
The
above quoted verse should indeed be a fact that will make many Christians free
of any kind of bondage, but it is unfortunate that some Christians still
knowingly or unknowingly keep themselves in bondage of fear based on falsehood
of the devil and his cohorts. Interestingly, some of these Christians that
knowingly keep themselves in this bondage think that they can use that to move
closer to God! A conversation that ensued between one of my BBM contacts and me
buttress this. The contact sent a broadcast message that I should not pick
calls from a certain mobile line because some people are using the voice of
people that pick calls from that line for rituals. The message was not new to
me as I have received it times without number for over two years. My usual
response to people that spread such baseless rumours is to ask this question: “Do
you believe that someone can kill or use you for rituals by mere phone calls?”
This particular person believes that no one can use him for rituals, but that
he spread the falsehood because some people have no reason to be closer to God
unless they are scared. My question then for him is: can falsehood and baseless
rumour be used to promote the truth? Undoubtedly, NO!
Are
you also in such bondage? Or are you in the habit of spreading baseless rumours
probably to make people be closer to God or to warn and protect them from
impending danger? You do not need to be! Hear some of the truths of the Bible: 
“For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV). 
“You,
dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in
you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV).
“The
Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the
stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance
against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will
stumble and fall” (Psalm 27:1-2 NIV).
“I
delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me
with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a
bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with
her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10 NIV).
“What,
then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against
us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).
These
are the simple truth of words of God. They do not need any falsehood or fear to
be known or promoted. Let the truth set you free indeed.
In
His service,
Bayo
Afolaranmi (Pastor). 
NB
I still desire that as many as my people as possible that are on BBM network join
me there to have access to my daily BBM broadcasts. Invite my BB PIN:2B2AF3EE.
You will be highly blessed you did! Thanks.
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Post  Admin Sun 20 Apr 2014, 4:10 pm

Dearly Beloved,
THE STRIFE IS O'ER
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But
thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1
Corinthians 15: 56-57 NIV).
The hymn “THE STRIFE IS O'ER” is often sung as an Easter hymn,
and (in my part of the world) during burial services. This hymn reflects the
victory that Jesus Christ has over the power of death. It also captures the
triumphant joy of the His resurrection and the future resurrection of those
that believe in Him. No wonder, the hymn is sung during burial services of
believers in Christ. Jesus Christ redeemed humanity by being a ransom for us
through His death. He conquered the powers of hell and restored the link
between a fallen humanity and heaven. 
This hymn indeed celebrates the battle fought and won at the
cross of Calvary.  "The powers of
death have done their worst," but Christ has won the victory. The strife
is over and the battle is done. Victory of life has been won and the song of
triumph has begun: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The powers of death indeed
have done their worst, but Christ has dispersed their legions. He closed the
yawning gates of hell and made the bars from heaven’s high portals fall. We can
now burst into shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia! After three sad days in
the grave, He gloriously rose from the dead. Alleluia! The last stanza of the
hymn is a prayer –– a prayer that Christ, by his death, might set us free from
death "so that we may live, and sing to thee:  Alleluia!  
Jesus Christ has indeed fought and won the battle over the power
of death and sin. Believers in Him are more than conquerors (see Romans 8:37).
However, that does not mean they are free from the struggles of life. In fact,
Jesus Christ categorically told His disciples that they will have trouble in
this world. The good news is that He has overcome the world (see John 16:33
NIV). The implication of this for every believer is that in spite of the fact
that Jesus Christ has won the battle over the power of death and sin, we have
to continue with the various struggles of life until we die or Jesus Christ
returns with the full awareness that He has given us victory already. Alleluia!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
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Post  Admin Sun 13 Apr 2014, 6:37 pm

Dearly Beloved,
THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY: ANY SIGNIFICANCE?
(Text: Luke 19:28-40)
Palm Sunday, the annual celebration before Easter Sunday
commemorates the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The
event happened on the first day of the Passion Week. The name "Palm
Sunday" comes from John 12:13, "They took palm branches and went out
to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna?'" (NIV). The celebration started around
3rd-4th century AD. However, does the event have any significance for us today?
Can we learn any lesson from it?
This event demonstrates humility and peace by Jesus (verse 30).
Jesus opted to enter Jerusalem on a donkey (see Matthew 21:2), not a horse.
Donkey and colt symbolize humility and peace while horse is usually associated
with power and war. The outcomes of His option were honor and glorification
(verses 37, 38; John 12:19). The Christian message is not of force or
domineering, but a message of peace (see Ephesians 6:15), because
"...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14 NIV).
The event amplifies total surrender (verse 35). The owners
surrendered the colt to the strangers that came to untie it. Likewise, the colt
allowed itself to be used by Jesus to ride on it. We should also be ready to
surrender our possessions and even ourselves totally for the Master's use.
The aftermath of the submission is another significance -
unmerited honor (verses 35, 36). It is unusual to saddle a donkey or a colt,
but because of the submission of the colt, it was saddled and it became an
instrument for Jesus Christ. The colt received part of the honor done to Jesus
by people. Anyone that surrenders his/her life to Jesus will also experience
the grace - the unmerited favor - granted by God (see Ephesians 1:3-4; 2:4-8).
Furthermore, the unreliability and inconsistency of man were
demonstrated in this event (verses 37-38). Less than a week after the event,
the same Jerusalem crowd that was shouting "Hosanna!" to Jesus was
also shouting, "Crucify Him!" (23:18-23). Jesus was not surprised. He
had earlier declared about them: "You bunch of hypocrites! Isaiah the
prophet described you very well when he said, 'These people speak very prettily
about the Lord but they have no love for him at all. Their worship is a
farce?'" (Mark 7:6 TLB). Are you such a person?
Lastly, we see the need to be praising God always in this event
(verses 38-40). Some of the Pharisees wanted Jesus to stop the people that were
praising Him, but He told them a fundamental truth: "If they keep quiet,
the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40 NIV). This means that if we also
refuse to praise God, He will raise other people, even stones to praise Him!
May God not replace me with stones in His vineyard.
As we celebrate this year Palm Sunday, think of it: Do you know
its significances? Do they have any impact in your life?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on April 4, 2004.
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Post  Admin Sun 06 Apr 2014, 3:14 pm

Dearly Beloved,
"WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?"
"Then the LORD said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A
staff,' he replied. The LORD said, 'Throw it on the ground.' Moses threw it on
the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it" (Exodus 4:2-3 NIV).
Sometimes, we all feel inadequate, insufficient, incapable,
unqualified and helpless to do something while in actual fact, the resources to
do such thing are at our disposal. Moses found himself in a similar situation.
How? God called him to go and lead the Israelites out of the land of slavery.
He was trying to dodge the divine assignment by giving unconvincing excuses. He
looked down on himself. Then God asked him, "What is that in your
hand?" Moses must have thought: "Of what use would an ordinary staff
be in fulfilling such an enormous task?" However, the "ordinary"
staff became an extraordinary instrument when he surrendered it to God.
The disciples of Jesus Christ were also in a dilemma. They had
to feed over five thousand people in a solitary place. How would they do it?
"Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. 'There's a youngster here
with five barley loaves and a couple of fish! BUT WHAT GOOD IS THAT WITH THIS
ENTIRE MOB?'" (John 6:8-9 TLB). How could they feed such a large number of
people with a boy's lunch? They never saw God above their inadequacies.
Nevertheless, Jesus fed the people with that "little" food, and there
were twelve baskets full of the leftover!
In the same way, a prophet's widow was about to lose her two
sons to creditors. She ran to Prophet Elisha for assistance. "Elisha
replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?'
'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'EXCEPT A LITTLE OIL'"
(2 Kings 4:2 NIV). How would she settle her debt with that "little"
oil? Elisha told her to go and use that "little" oil. She did as she
was told and at the end, she paid her debts and even had more!
Likewise, the son of a Shunammite woman was dead. Prophet Elisha
gave his staff to his servant, Gehazi to go and raise the son from the dead.
"Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy's face, but there was
no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, 'The boy
has not awakened'" (2 Kings 4:31 NIV). He had no eye of faith. He could
not see the extraordinary power in the "ordinary" staff.
Take an honest look at your own life. "What is that in your
hand?" What do you have that looks "ordinary,"
"little" or "insignificant"? Look at it with an eye of
faith. You have something that others do not have. Let God use it to perform His
wonders in your life. "[For God has chosen] the lowly things of this world
and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that
are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:28-29 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on February 16, 2004.
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Post  Admin Sun 30 Mar 2014, 8:32 pm

Dearly Beloved,
WOULD YOU ALSO REJECT HIS WILL?
"`This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order,
because you are going to die; you will not recover.' Hezekiah turned his face
to the wall and prayed to the LORD, `Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before
you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in
your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly" (2 Kings 20:1-3 NIV).
King Hezekiah of Judah was unique out of the other kings of
Judah. While most of the other kings did not have good records in their
relationship with God, he did "what was good and right and faithful before
the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 31:20 NIV). God in turn gave him success
over many powerful kings of his time. When it was an appropriate time for him
to leave the stage, he was terribly ill to the point of death. At this God sent
prophet Isaiah to him to announce his impending death. That was the absolute
will of God for him. God wanted him to leave the stage when the ovation was
loudest. However, he rejected the absolute will of God. He prayed to God for
His permissive will, and God added another fifteen years to his life.
Unfortunately, the added years became his peril. The Bible says, "But
Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him;
therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem" (2
Chronicles 32:25 NIV). Part of his pride was the demonstration of his strength
to the visiting envoys of a Babylonian king – an act that God intensely
condemned (2 Kings 20:16-18; 2 Chronicles 32:31). Even the birth of his wicked
son and successor, Manasseh, took place during these added years. Hezekiah
would have had a clean record if he had accepted the absolute will of God for
his life.
Jesus Christ also nearly fell into this trap of permissive will
of God when He faced His suffering and death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He
prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my
will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42 NIV). He accepted the absolute will
of God. He even cried on the cross to demonstrate the agony of that will of God
(Mark 15: 34). However, the absolute will of God for Jesus, and His (i.e.
Jesus') acceptance of it gave Him a name above every other name (Philippians
2:10-11). This singular action of Jesus Christ has also given every Christian
the hope that is beyond any other hope that if we die today, we are going to
reign with Him.
What is your attitude when God reveals His absolute will for you
and that will is not "good"? Would you also reject the absolute will
of God and request for His permissive will? Are you ready to accept God's
"negative" response to your heart desire? Remember, "...God
causes ALL things [even death] to work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 NASB).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on April 24, 2006.
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Post  Admin Sun 23 Mar 2014, 8:15 pm

Dearly Beloved,
YOU WILL BE HELD
ACCOUNTABLE
“This is what
the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of
themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? ...I am against the
shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from
tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will
rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them”
(Ezekiel 34:2, 10 NIV).
Tragedy occurred
last week in many centres where the Nigerian Immigrations Service was
recruiting new officers as almost twenty (20) people died and many other people
were seriously injured in stampedes as millions of unemployed youth struggled
to participate in the recruiting exercise. This was after each of these
unemployed youth had been made to pay one thousand naira. Here is an exercise
that is meant to recruit less than five thousand (5000) people and it is
certain that in a corrupt country like Nigeria, the influential people in and
out of government have known their own people that would be eventually
recruited. Ironically, a member of the so-called national conference that was
handpicked and inaugurated recently will be paid four (4) million naira each
per month for three months in a country that finds it difficult to pay eighteen
thousand naira (N18,000) as minimum wage to its workers and most people are
living in abject poverty. Most, if not all, of the members of this confab are
already established well-to-do personalities. So, the rich in the country are
getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. Unfortunately, most of the
people in government are encouraging and even greatly involved in these corrupt
practices. Being in government has become a way of enriching oneself. It is a
pity that the people that God graciously entrusts the care of the Nigerian
people are the same one that are ravaging them. 
The people of
Israel in the Bible also had similar experiences. Their leaders, referred to in
many instances as shepherds, exploited them to the extent that God pronounced
woes on these leaders and held them accountable for their callous acts against
the people they were leading (see Isaiah 56:11; Jeremiah 10:21; 12:10; 23:1-4;
25:34-36; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:1-10; Zechariah 10:3).
One may be
blaming the people at the helm of affairs of corrupt nations like Nigeria for
the rottenness in the system of governance. They are indeed to be blamed, and
God will hold them accountable for the suffering of the masses in spite of the
surplus of most of these nations. However, anyone who is in any position of
leadership will be held accountable for the misery of the people he/she is
leading. Those people in government will be held accountable. You also in your
little corner of leadership will be held accountable.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi
(Pastor).
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