Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Rock of Ages

The Second poem is one written in the eighteenth century by a certain Augustus Topaldy, in his great hymn, Rock of Ages:

Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfil thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Saviour, or I die!

God has through his cross, paved the way for you to come to him: uncondemned and forgiven. As Paul succintly writes, "For by Grace through faith are ye saved, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" Eph 2:8.

3 lessons to know are these:

1. No one is ever too far gone to become a christian, or to be accepted by God.
2. All that God wants and accepts is simple faith; a trust in him and acceptance of his grace.
3. Never doubt your instant acceptance into God's family when you open your hearts to Him.

God is still in the business of saving you. The rock of ages knocks the door now, will you accept him?

Oh, the sweetness of the Gospel....

Two poems I love so much are these about the cross of christ and the benefits to me. The first one asks the question about my walk and what ought I do, the second praises the free gift of his salvation. Enjoy!

There's a sweet old story translated for men,
Written in the long, long ago
The Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Of Christ and his mission below.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,
By deeds that you do, by words that you say.
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true.
Say, what is the gospel according to you?

Men read and admire the gospel of Christ,
With its love so unfailing and true;
But what do they say, and what do they think
Of the gospel according to you?

'Tis a wonderful story, that gospel of love,
As it shines in the Christ-life divine,
And oh, that its truth might be told again
In the story of your life and mine!

Unselfish mirrors in every scene,
Love blossoms on every sod,
And back from its vision the heart comes to tell
The wonderful goodness of God

You are writing each day a letter to men;
Take care that the writing is true.
'Tis the only gospel some men will read,
That gospel according to you."

I guess the ode preaches itself to me. I ought to live my life as a testimony to others, of the gospel of Christ!

Charles Swindoll

One of the most respected redemption teachers of our day, Chuck Swindoll is a man I have admired, not just becuase of his simplistic and impactful teachings but also because his books have largely blessed my life. A native of Texas born in 1934, Chuck is the Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary and Senior Pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

His ministry teachings include "Insight for living" aired on American radio as well as "Insight for today", a daily devotional. One of the best books written by Pastor Swindoll is the one titled "The Grace Awakening" where he taught about the pricinples of Grace, our liberation from the law and challenged believers to "square up against legalism".

A gift to the church today, Chuck's books and ministry is one I recommend to any christian, aspiring to grow in the grace of our lord Jesus.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Relationships: Pros and Cons

Just in case you're hoping to find a list of merits and demerits of relationships, then think again. My post today isn't going to attempt to reel off a host of such. However I will discuss a pertinent matter that got me stired up this morning.

Getting off work last night, I had to dash off to meet up with a dear friend and sister, as she needed some help with her computing software (let's call her G). G is a wonderful person and one whom I think is fast developing a great attitude to ministry. As I spent time in conversation with her, I knew this woman will someday be used of God in great ways. I've got a picture of her on my wall (among others) and as I made to get ready for work, I had to pause and think again what impact the relationship she's in at the moment will have on her.

G's passion, commitment and drive for the work of God has challenged and encouraged me. Though she's just 2 years born-again, it is evident that given the necessary mentoring and teaching, her faith could explode for the glory of God. However I am a bit concerned. I don't know if I'm just in my state of paranoia again, thinking things that aren't there. Whatever the case is, I am hoping (and praying) that G's relationship with (let's call him, W) will be a stirring up even unto greater works.

Why am I thinking this way, you ask? It's because I know W, and have interacted with him for months now, even before he got G's heart. In my honest opinion, W isn't as mature in Christ as G is. There have been a few occasions when we've been having meetings/fellowships with G in attendance and W kinda gets agitated that the meeting is too long (he's not in the same group/cell with G that I coordinate) or wonders why we should even be having such at that time because he'd like to go away with G (he wasn't even seeing her yet!).

Don't get me wrong, I do not have any biased issues with G and W. If they're persuaded in their hearts to have a relationship based on God's principles, that's fine. However I have seen men and women who used to be on fire for God, get involved with a spouse or mate, or build frienships that over time "kills" off the passion for ministry because these associations were with persons who don't share the same drive and zeal.

I may just be presumptous, I hope I am really. But I suppose the holy writ teaches us that our associations should be unto "stirring one another, and so much more as we see the day (of our lord's coming) approaching" The previous verse in Heb 10:24,25 admonishes that we should "consider (observe fully) one another to provoke unto love and to good works (by implication, an act or deed; typically christian work as opposed to just any other kind).

Monday, December 18, 2006

This Hurts

I know this is a little digression from the subject matter that is the essence of my blog. However I can't help posting this. My passions for true governance seems to engulf me daily and I am righteously angry at the latest of the shambles that my beloved country came up with during the weekend. I read Funmi's blog and had to make comments, added below.

It's a shame Funmi...a travesty that Nigeria has become a puppet playground for men who toy around with bloated egos and despicable characters. I must admit that I didn't see this coming. Reading and following after trends from the UK, I had hoped that all the news about Yar'adua were mere assumptions. And to think he's been paired with a certain Jonathan Goodluck????

Like a friend of mine said in his IM to me this morning; mumu + mumu = Obj 3rd term. Something is wrong with our minds, nay our values and priorities. What is this love for power, position and money? Even at almost 80, why is this old man still meddling around with 9ja like the nation is some sort of extended family of his, running as he dares fit?

To even zone the presidency to the north is the biggest of all shames. I mean, what the heck does zoning a leadership/office/government position to a particular geographic spectre mean? What happened to democratic processes of allowing the people to vote for the man they choose, rather than the next best idiot "zoned" to them? This in my opinion, is one of the tragedies that is called Nigeria.

Until we stop paying undue attention to ethnic diversities and focus on values, ideals, integrity, competence etc, I wonder where we're headed next. So suppose we need a minister of education or a minsiter of energy and such office has been "zoned" to the south, do we then find the next best idiot among the lot of under-qualified men and women to fill these positions rather than consider the man who though from the East, will adequately fill the role?


This is pathetic.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Nigeria: A Nation on the Brink of Liberation?

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" Prov 14:34

The past few months has been full of intrigues in the Nigerian political climate. From the poor voters' registration exercise to the many spate of killings and bomb treats. Impeachment of public officers unconstitutionally, the usurping of the judiciary by Government ministers. Party dogging and withdrawals, electioneering and screenings, the Nigerian polity has indeed made for keen observation.

Silently I have prayed God for a righteous leader, maybe not someone entirely born-again in character and spirit (for that's what righteousness is; and how I wish so for such), but at least a man who values the people he serves, the rule of law and the principles of sound governance.

Oh how my beloved country will benefit from such a man who fears God. One who isn't a religious fascade, praying to the east or kneeling with head bowed; only to rise up and demonstrate an utter disregard for humanity. It is obvious that righteousness indeed exalts a nation. The greatest countries today are built upon the precepts of the holy writ. Her leaders are men and women who recognise a higher authority and serve "not as unto men, but unto God".

I weep! Indeed I wept today when I woke up to the news that party elections are being rigged, uncredible aspirants who lost the people's vote to contest and thus disqualified have suddenly been "re-qualified" in the interests of the party. I wept when again, I read that certain public office holders are installing their prefered successors in positions where they can influence victory for such so that, as far as Nigerian parlance goes, the incumbent can still lay hold on the office, albeit indirectly.

It's a shame! I can almost swear that these same men and women are those who in the days of the military junta cursed and called the names of deity, accusing the khaki men of looting our land and disregarding the rule of law. These same men professed in those gloomy days that given the chance, they will banish the ills that threatened the survival of our nation. I think they even swore. We don't need a long lecture to know the outcome of their almost 8 years rule, do we?

Nigeria! Are we on the brink of Liberation? Or will 2007 be a continuation of all that's bad for Nigeria?

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Ministry & Government II

I have only pastored the people of God for a few years, and even then it was a growing small church and we didn't have all the money and influencial men and women. We were students, celebrating our love for God weekly and bearing each other's burdens. Therefore I cannot claim to have the experience of dealing with a large congregation, nor men and women of high calibre. I do however have enough knowledge and daily walk and wisdom of the Lord to recognise proper standards.

In my view, ministry and leadership go hand in hand. Of course one does not have to be interested in governance as a christian, indeed you may be better off following after your passions for God and spiritual things alone. However you'll agree with me that in your little cubicles, the onus lie on you to be socially responsible. Christianity should not be practiced inside our homes or within the walls of the church alone. The best example of true christian walk abound in your daily interactions and how relevant the faith is to your society.

Daily I have watched christians who show an utter apathy at the ills of their society. Their argument is that why bother; afterall we're strangers and pilgrims on the earth? I find this disturbing indeed. I found the headline news about two different high flying churches who have purposed to spend millions of dollars to build large churches with state of the art and expensive technologies worrisome. Why invest so much in monuments that will fade away and eventually get destroyed when half the money can be used to improve the lot of the membership they're supposed to feed?

Gospel injunction to sheperds is to "feed the flock of the lord". Does this only connote teaching them God's word? While much of God's direction definitely means so, I guess we can extend it a little to also mean "care for their welfare, ensure they're clothed, housed, and are socially secure". God expects us as ministers, whether in direct governance or leading our flock, to be socially relevant in their lives. Using our positions to influence what happens to them when they walk outside the church.

Of what good will a big church auditorium, glass walls, plasma screens, state of the art sound systems, wireless hotspots, leather cushions for seats etc do to individual lives? Do these things indeed enhance spiritual knowledge? Do they add up to how much we can be effective in ensuring that the flock are well taught God's word and are growing in his grace? I haven't asked ministers to consider going into governance. This will of course be very wrong and unbiblical - "Let each man be persuaded in his heart".

However I am asking ministers and christians to pause and think again, aren't we supposed to be socially responsible to our society? Should we just be content with getting by life, as long as we're assured of heaven's splendour?

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Ministry & Government

I was reading Funmi Iyanda's blog when the thought stirred my mind with some poignant effect. I have often admired her intelligence and ability to distinguish herself from the easily corrupt sychophants in agbada and kaftan that we have in my beloved country Nigeria. A hidden passion of mine began to stir itself and I began to consider how much I'll love to go back home and take my place among the elite men and women who will inadvertently bring justice, fairness and the rule of law to the world's most populous black nation.

As I considered this again, the struggle raged in my inner being. How would I nurture two passions and realise the fruits when each one demands diligence, focused attention and unbridled participation? In case you don't know what I am talking about, the title helps. I am passionate about God and his work, and while I do not presently sense a calling of God to what is called full-time ministry, I do know (and will follow after) that my fulfillment will someday come when I take my place in some ministry endeavour. Not that I ain't doing that at the moment, but time is going to come when teaching and pastoring on a regular basis will be happily embraced. Or perhaps functioning in the ministry of helps, atttending to the sheep of the Lord. I am convinced about my passion for ministry, and this in much the same way as I am of governance.

Growing up in Nigeria and witnessing the many ills of our society has long etched in my heart a desire to see changes. I am sick of the appalling state of our society, the utter disregard for sound values and the decay in our socio-economy. Being well educated and exposed to right values and ideals of life, I cannot sit with folded arms and watch. Indeed I do not belong to the class of men who watch things happen, or wonder what has happened. I will much rather make things happen. The Likes of Funmi, Prof Pat and the many silent (for now) minds in Nigeria and the diaspora thus attract me. These are the kind of men I'd much rather associate with. People who have sound values and are students of justice and equity.

However I have often wondered how fitting these two varying passions will combine themselves. I have read varying biased thoughts and vendetta poured by the church on a certain Rev Chris Okotie, who though a minister of the gospel seems to be interested in the highest office of the land. Many ascribe that he has lost his vision and direction to follow after ministry. Whatever the case is, I'm not sure Rev Okotie is entirely wrong in declaring an interest in Governance. I agree that the platform and way he's been going about it aren't exactly "ministry-like" and the ideals he seems to hold for Governance somehow contradicts that of true gospel.

Does this however mean that being interested in leadership as a socially responsible christian is wrong? Does such ambition invalidate one's calling by God? I suppose ministry and the gospel should be socially relevant to the people of any community. While we feed the spirits and souls of men with God's message of hope and peace, we also ought to consider how crucial our participation in Governance might help to alieviate many of society's ills. Rather than take tax-payers money and erect monuments of splendour that gulp large sums of money in various cities of the world, perhaps we can consider diverting such funds into community development, feeding the poor, helping the homeless, creating opportunities for people to obtain jobs, empowering men to create their own wealth.

........... to be continued ......

Friday, December 01, 2006

Failing Foward

Ironically this Title is the same as that of a book by one of my treasured authors "John Maxwell" (another one of my collection of literature). While the message and ideas are embraced, I do not intend to write a book review here nor adapt his message. The past few months has indeed been daunting for me, and a test of my faith as well as strong resolve in the Lord. I have held on firmly to the principles for which my life is based and growing stronger in God's Grace. It is in light of this that I share my thoughts on today's blog:

It is easy to think of yourself as the person you have been. Yet it is far more powerful to see yourself as the person you can become. The mistakes and disappointments of the past may seem to be a major presence in your life or threaten to shape your future. At this very moment however, you can choose to leave them completely behind. From this point on, your life is up to you. In each and every moment that is to come, you are free to choose your thoughts, your feelings, your actions and your attitude.

Consider your possibilities. Think about what could happen if the limitations you thought existed were not really there at all. Reach deep within yourself and connect your thoughts to the things that truly matter. Then imagine expressing those treasured values with the way you live each moment. The things you can accomplish are yet unexplored, even still no eyes yet seen nor ears heard or even hearts conceived. You bask as a true praise of a most talked of personality - EMMANUEL!

Beginning now, you can live with the richness and profound purpose that you know is right for you. From this point on, your life is yours to choose.................Really it is!