Truth Stumbles In The Streets COVER
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TRUTH

STUMBLES

IN THE

STREETS


By
Dayo S. Alamu


Forward By
Jack Ring




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FOREWORD

By
Jack Ring



Recently I heard a young woman talking enthusiastically about her church. “My pastor is so awesome; I’m learning so much. Do you know that there is nothing negative in the Bible? – everything is positive!” I wanted to ask the young woman, “which bible are you reading?” But there was no opportunity to continue the conversation.

As I considered her statement, my mind went to many passages of scripture, like Deuteronomy 28, where God promises both blessings and cursing; blessing for keeping His commandments, and cursing for refusing to keep them. While there are 13 verses that enumerate wonderful blessings, there are 53 verses that list the devastating consequences of disobedience. Would that be a negative?

I thought of some of the warnings of Jesus. “But whoever will offend one of these little ones… it would be better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6 NKJV). It would be difficult to put that in the “positive” category. Then there are Jesus’ own warnings about the end of the world to those expecting to be in heaven: “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not… done many wonderful works in your name?’ Then will I profess to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who work iniquity’” (Matt. 7:22, 23 NKJV). Or, “Then will he say also to them on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matt. 25:41 NKJV). That will certainly sound negative to those unsuspecting souls.

There are passages in Revelation where God’s judgement on those who worship the beast is written. “… he shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest, day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” Rev. 14:11 (NKJV) – Definitely negative for those people.

But what about us who are true followers of Jesus? Aren’t we promised that “all things work together for good…”? And isn’t God able “…to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think?” Absolutely! There are many wonderful, “positive” promises to the people of God in scripture. But the New Testament frequently talks about things that seem negative to us. Things we want to avoid, like: temptations, trials, testing, trouble, persecution, etc. Could it be that these are actually promised by God as part of the life we are called to as followers of Jesus? The book you hold in your hand, dear reader, answers that question – and many others. More importantly, the answers given in this book rely entirely on the written Word of God alone.

In this book, Stephen Alamu kindly, yet honestly addresses the enticing doctrines of our day with the clear and simple teachings of the Bible. Stephen, is a dear brother in Christ I have had the privilege of knowing and working with for more than a decade. I have found him to be a faithful student and teacher of God’s word. I believe this book contains a vital message for God’s people as we approach the soon coming of our Lord Jesus. The scriptural truths contained here may make you uncomfortable; they may challenge you to reexamine things you have previously believed. My prayer for you is simply the promise of our Lord Jesus, “If you continue in my word then are you my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Jack Ring
Dallas, Texas




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DEDICATION




This book is dedicated to all believers who are living by the truth of the word of God and working to ensure the truth is restored to the church, especially, those whom God used for publishing this book. “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Ps. 68:11).




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COPYRIGHT

Except where otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible

First Published March, 2020


Copyright © 2020 Dayo S. Alamu
Email: alamuds@gmail.com
Telephone: 08023007779

ISBN: 978-978-980-864-9

All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts, no portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Published by Behold Prints Ventures
Plot 7, Elegbede Layout, Wofun Olodo
Jenriyin, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nig.
08054505578, 08027196424




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CONTENTS

Title Page


Forward


Dedication


Copyright


Chapter 1
Truth Stumbles in the STREETS

Chapter 2
The Hard Truths

Chapter 3
The Lordship of Jesus

Chapter 4
The Misinterpreted Passages of Prosperity Gospel Preachers

Chapter 5
The New Testament Concept of Blessing, Abundance and Riches

Chapter 6
The Evils of Prosperity and Self Esteem Gospels

Chapter 7
The Purpose of Hardship in the Lives of Children of God

Chapter 8
Our Pardoxical Life

Chapter 9
My Grace is Sufficient for you


Other Books by the Author


About The Book




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CHAPTER 1

TRUTH STUMBLES IN THE STREETS


"…justice is turned away back, and righteousness stands at a distance; For TRUTH HAS STUMBLED IN THE STREET, and uprightness cannot enter. Yes, TRUTH IS LACKING; And he who turns aside from evils makes himself a prey. Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice" (Isa. 59:14-15 NASB emphasis added).

It is not an overstatement to say with Isaiah that truth, especially of the gospel in our time, has stumbled in our streets and gatherings. It is no news that truth has fallen in our societies. But it is a very sad news that truth is being trampled under foot in the place where it should be found, honoured and respected, if nowhere else, the church.

As we know, nature abhors a vacuum. Therefore, when truth stumbles in the street, deceit takes the day. In our own generation, we have redefined various biblical terms and concepts, including truth. We have redefined truth to mean only what we want it to mean, rather than how Jesus and the Apostles defined it.

Have we forgotten that it is truth alone that can change men which in turn would lead to a better society? When the early believers preached the unadulterated gospel, lives were transformed and lands were shaken. However, the then rulers were afraid and unsettled and they resolved to stop the furtherance of the gospel by whatever means. This was what brought severe persecution to the early saints.

One would wonder how and why those few early believers turned their world upside down. But the huge crowd of professing believers of our time make little or no impact on our own world. Instead, they are little more than a nuisance to their communities. This is an indication that some things are seriously wrong, and among those things that are wrong is the kind of gospel we preach to sinners to bring them to Christ.

When you hear things like: “Are you barren? Come to Jesus, He will give you children. Are you poor? Come to Jesus, He will make you rich. Do you want to be known all over the world? Come to Jesus and He will make you famous. Are you denied of your promotion at work? Come to Jesus and He will give you promotion,” etc, you should know that something is wrong.

These and more are the kinds of “gospels” being preached nowadays and one should not be surprised to see crowds gather. By the time they finish these types of calls, one would see that no one would have been left behind because everyone has one kind of problem or another that requires a solution. So, the majority come to Jesus just because they want their problems solved, all the while continuing in their sinful lifestyle.

Jesus said to the multitude in John 6:26: "...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." Then, He added in the next verse "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed."

People are invited to Jesus because of what they want and not for what God wants. Genuine repentance, faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His Lordship over the believers are jettisoned.

These peddlers of false “gospels” do so because of their personal gain. "These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. TO THEM, A SHOW OF GODLINESS IS JUST A WAY TO BECOME WEALTHY" (1Timothy 6:5 NLT, emphasis added).

Two of these major wrong “gospels” are THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL and THE GOSPEL OF SELF ESTEEM. Let me give you brief descriptions of the two.

THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL

This is also called prosperity theology, success gospel, health and wealth gospel, or seed faith. It encompasses Positive Thinking (PT) and Positive Confession (PC), and the “Ye are gods” gospel and it is sometimes referred to as the “Abundant Life Gospel.” It came to prominence in the 1950s during the healing revivals that started in America. It

“...is a controversial religious belief among some Protestant Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity.

“The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God's will for his people to be blessed. The atonement (reconciliation with God) is interpreted to include the alleviation of sickness and poverty, which are viewed as curses to be broken by faith. This is believed to be achieved through donations of money, visualization, and positive confession.

“Commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 19th century. The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was adopted by influential leaders in the Pentecostal Movement and Charismatic Movement in the United States and has spread throughout the world. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include: E. W. Kenyon, Oral Roberts, A. A Allen, Robert Tilton, T. L. Osborn, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, Reverend Ike, and Kenneth Hagin.” [1]

I would have loved to go into more details about the PROSPERITY GOSPEL, but our beloved Brother Abiodun Jemilohun has done comprehensive research on this which is readily available on his Facebook page series and in his book titled Anatomy Of The Prosperity Gospel. You can get a free softcopy download of the book on https://usr.helps7.com/RL/HCRL0021/index.html or buy it from Amazon. It is thorough and eye opening. You will not regret reading it.

THE SELF ESTEEM GOSPEL

The “self-esteem movement” originated in secular psychology. An online website discussing the relationship between psychology and psychotherapy states:

“The concept of self-esteem dominates psychology and psychotherapy. Even a cursory Google search on self-esteem will reveal the strong relationship between the two. Psychotherapy aims at helping boost a client’s self-esteem, showing them their supposed inherent value and importance. Ultimately, it teaches the client to love herself, frequently adding that self-love is absolutely foundational to good mental health and healthy relationships.”

Psychology has many parts (fields), some of which are not necessarily injurious to the soul of man. But the aspect of it that deals with the nature of man, how he should live and how he can change are completely contrary to the ways of God through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. The psychology dealing with values, attributes, behaviour and how man can change is very dangerous to Christians and Christianity. The Bible warns that we should “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8).

Is there anything like Christian psychology? Not unless it derives its principles and methods purely from scripture! Modern psychological theories and practices originated from men of corrupt minds most of whom did not believe in God to start with. And few that believe in God never formulate any psychological theories and therapies based on the Word of God. Generally, they are the same theories, therapies and practices formulated by unbelieving psychologists that many believing psychologists are using. How can one trust theories, therapies and practices formulated by men (such as Charles Darwin, Richard Dawkins, Sigmund Freud, Jung, Rogers, Janov, Ellis, Adler, Berne, Maslow and others) to make him right with God when these men openly refused to accept the truth of God’s word.

Contrary to self-esteem, Jesus demanded self-crucifixion. See what Jesus tells us in Lk.9:23 in the following translations: “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, YOU MUST GIVE UP YOUR OWN WAY, take up your cross daily, and follow Me” (NLT, emphasis added).

“Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be My followers, YOU MUST FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF. You must take up your cross every day and follow Me” (Contemporary English Version, emphasis added).

“He said to all of them, "Those who want to come with me must SAY NO TO THE THINGS THEY WANT, pick up their crosses every day, and follow me”’ (GOD'S WORD® TRANSLATION, emphasis added).

“And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [SET ASIDE SELFISH INTERESTS], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]”’ (Amplified Bible, emphasis added).

The Bible further says: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (II Cor. 3:5), “for without Me, ye can do nothing” (Jn.15:5), “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (I Cor.1:29), “For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Gal.6:3).

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet NOT I, BUT CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal.2:20 emphasis added). Where is self esteem in all these?





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CHAPTER 2

THE HARD TRUTHS


One thing Jesus never failed to do when He was on earth was to state clearly the terms and conditions for being His disciple. Apart from stating that one must deny himself and take up his cross daily, there are other hard terms and conditions He stated.

See the conditions He gave three people who came to Him, not minding whether His words would turn them back or not. Lk 9:57-62: “And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Jesus did not care about having crowds. All He wanted was the few disciples that would meet His conditions. What Jesus told these three people is still applicable to whoever wants to be His disciple today. In like manner, there are even harder truths that Jesus told those disciples who became the 12 Apostles. These are truths which they lived by and emphasized to those they taught, but are being hidden by our modern day preachers.

Jesus and the Apostles state clearly that being a true disciple will cost us EVERYTHING, even if need be, our lives. It will take us through the furnace of afflictions, trials, persecutions, tribulations, reproaches, sufferings, etc. They never promised a “bed of roses” Christianity. They never called us into a life that is free of challenges.

Sometime ago, I wrote a post on Facebook that IF CHRISTIANITY IS A PACKAGE, BUT WHEN YOU CHECK YOUR OWN PACKAGE, THERE IS NO SUFFERING INSIDE, YOU HAVE CARRIED A WRONG PACKAGE.

Beloved, did you know that the true gospel and sufferings in various dimensions are Siamese twins that cannot be separated without damage? This may be hard to swallow, but it is the truth. The most surprising thing is, there are many unambiguous, straightforward and clear promises of SUFFERINGS, AFFLICTIONS, TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS and PERSECUTIONS in the New Testament for us. We do not need to claim or reject them; they are in automatic activation once a person genuinely accepts Jesus as his LORD and saviour. This may be the hardest thing to swallow because of the false preaching prevalent in our day.

So, the challenges (sufferings, afflictions, trials, tribulations and persecutions) you are having in your business, health, home, work, etc MAY LARGELY be as a result of these automatic challenges wired into the gospel; things that your pastors refused to tell you to prepare for. We CANNOT escape the ones that are meant for genuine disciples of Jesus. Once we are genuinely born again and we are truly living the believer’s life, we cannot escape hardships and its counterparts listed above.

One of the EVILS of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is to make us deny a reality we cannot run away from, thereby making it harder for us to go through suffering when it finally comes.

Let me try to show you what the true gospel promised us.

1. TRIBULATIONS: Jesus Himself promised us that we would HAVE them. John 16:33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. IN THE WORLD YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (emphasis added). (“Ye” is the plural form of “you” and “thou” is the singular form of “you”). The "ye" above invariably refers to all of His disciples. Jesus emphatically says we all will have tribulations in the world we are living in as His disciples.

In Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas were: "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that [WE] MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD” (emphasis added). He says WE MUST through MUCH tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 5:3: "And not only so, BUT WE GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS ALSO: knowing that TRIBULATION WORKETH PATIENCE" (emphasis added). Paul used the pronoun "WE" again. This means no one is exempted.

Rom. 8:35-37 says it all: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall TRIBULATION, or DISTRESS, or PERSECUTION, or FAMINE, or NAKEDNESS, or PERIL, or SWORD? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” That clause “…in all THESE THINGS, we are more that conquerors…” implies that only as we are [IN] these things that we emerge as conquerors.

2Cor. 1:4 says: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” This is simply saying tribulation is sure and God will not remove it; but He will comfort us so that we can comfort others who experience their own sorrows.

Paul in 1Thes. 3:4 says: “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that WE SHOULD SUFFER TRIBULATION; even as it came to pass, and ye know” (emphasis added).

2. SUFFERINGS: The first amazing thing we discover about suffering is found in Philippians 1:29: "For UNTO YOU IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" (emphasis added). It is indisputable that suffering is given to us by God. It is the will of God to suffer!

Another bombshell is 1Peter 4:13: "But REJOICE, INASMUCH AS YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (emphasis added).

We are enjoined to REJOICE for experiencing SUFFERINGS. Isn't this startling? This is one of the paradoxes of TRUE CHRISTIANITY, because nature tells us to mourn in SUFFERING. The only caution set by Peter is suffering wrongly, or wrongfully. Peter said we should not suffer as an offender or law breaker. Aside from that, we should rejoice in sufferings, when the sufferings are for Christ's sake. This is another reality from which we cannot run.

In Romans 8:18, we read: "For I reckon that THE SUFFERINGS of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (emphasis added). This simply means, there are SUFFERINGS for this present time on earth. SUFFERINGS are certain here, but there is GLORY waiting for us thereafter.

Again, 2 Corinthians 1:5 says: "For as THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST ABOUND IN US, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (emphasis added). The more we suffer for Christ sake, the more consolation we receive from God. I wonder why God will only console us untill the SUFFERINGS have finished their purpose, instead of removing them. Are these not strange when compared to what we have been told by the popular preaching today?

Paul expressed his longing this way in Philippians 3:10: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, being made conformable unto his death" (emphasis added).

Let us see how Paul expresses this to the Corinthians in 2Cor. 1:5-7: “For as THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST ABOUND IN US, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as YE ARE PARTAKERS OF THE SUFFERINGS, so shall ye be also of the consolation” (emphasis added).

In Heb. 2:10 we read: “For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” If this is juxtaposed with 1Pet. 2:21 that says: “For even hereunto were ye called: because CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS” (emphasis added), one would see that there is not an escape route from suffering.

Jesus set the pace. He said it is good for a servant to be like his master. He also said whatever the world did to Him; it would do the same to us. It could therefore be inferred that if He was perfected through sufferings, we shall also be perfected through same.

It is a common saying that “proper preparation prevents poor performance”. Also, one has a very high degree of success in any battle, if one prepares well before fighting. Had our preachers told us all the challenges we shall face in following the Lord, many Christians would not have given up when facing the reality of these challenges.

3. AFFLICTIONS: The first shocker I want to bring to your notice is 1Thessalonians 3:3: "That no man should be moved by THESE AFFLICTIONS: for you yourselves know that WE ARE APPOINTED THEREUNTO" (emphasis added). I know this does not sound familiar at all: that we are APPOINTED UNTO AFFLICTIONS? I hope you are not wishing that this should not have been written in the Bible. It's there.

Another serious one is Paul’s admonition in 2Timothy 1:8: "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but BE THOU PARTAKER OF THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE GOSPEL according to the power of God" (emphasis added). Can you imagine that there are afflictions of the gospel which we must partake of? There are.

Let us see 2Cor. 4:17: “For our light AFFLICTION, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (emphasis added). Paul describes our affliction as light and he says it will not be forever. It actually works a better thing for us. And what does it work for us? “a far more EXCEEDING and ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY!” Is it not worth going through in the long run?

Paul encouraged Timothy in 2Tim. 4:5 thus: “But watch thou in all things, endure AFFLICTIONS, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” By extension, this is for every believer.

The Apostle, James said we should not see afflictions as strange because all the saints (both in the Old and New Testaments) who have gone before us suffered the same thing and they are our example. Hear him: “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering AFFLICTION, and of patience” (James 5:10 emphasis added).

4. TRIALS: 1Peter 4:12: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the FIERY TRIAL which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (emphasis added). He says FIERY TRIALS should not be strange to us as believers. How come?

Another serious one is 1Peter 1:7: “That THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (emphasis added). This is what the Holy Spirit says and is true. Here, the Bible is making us to understand that faith, unshaken by trial, will bring “praise, honour and glory” to God at the appearing of Jesus.

5. PERSECUTIONS: 2Thessalonians 1:4: "So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in ALL YOUR PERSECUTIONS and tribulations that ye endure" (emphasis added).

Galatians 6:12: "As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer PERSECUTION for the cross of Christ" (emphasis added). This shows why we do not have persecution in our time - COMPROMISE. Paul makes it clear that some preachers are dodging persecution by adding Judaism (physical circumcision) to the gospel of grace. Is this not what we are doing today? We do not want to offend anybody, so, we are preaching a non-offensive gospel.




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CHAPTER 3

THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS


One of the messages that has been played down among believers today is the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, there are quite a number of titles for Jesus of Nazareth.
Christ - The anointed one.
The Son of God – His divinity.
The Son of man – His human nature.
Yeshua (Jesus) - The saviour.
Messiah - The sent deliverer of the Jews.
Emmanuel - God with us.
The Judge.
Lord.

Out of all these titles, the one that often does not have its full impact on the majority of Christians is "Lord." Jesus said in Lk 6:46: "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" (NKJV). This implies that if anyone truly accepts or sees Jesus as Lord, the first and most important requirement is genuine, total and utter obedience to Him.

The Greek word for Lord is Kurios which is usually translated as "Lord," "Master" or "Owner." Jesus said in John 13:13: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”

Paul says: "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. Therefore 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" (Phil. 2:9-11 NKJV emphasis added).

Peter also said the same thing that: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that GOD HAS MADE THIS JESUS, WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED, BOTH LORD AND CHRIST" (Acts 2:36 NKJV emphasis added)

Paul buttresses this in Rom. 10: 9: "that if you confess with your mouth THE LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (NKJV emphasis added). Mind you, this is not just mere mouth confession. It must result in a definite, practical impact on the life.

Today, people want a Jesus - the saviour that will save them from the wrath to come. But they do not want a Jesus - the Lord who will be in total control of their entire life, including their possessions. They want Jesus - the Son of God or the anointed one who will perform miracles in their lives; who will always turn stones into bread and who will always multiply their two little fish and five loaves. But they do not want the One who directs all the affairs of their lives.

People want a father-son relationship with Jesus, but they do not like the Lord and Master–servant relationship. But as much as we can see His father-son relationship all over the pages of the Bible, we can also see His Master-servant relationship in the same Bible. And one must not be emphasized above the other.

Paul said in Philippians 1:1: "Paul and Timotheus, THE SERVANTS OF JESUS CHRIST, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (emphasis added). In 2Timothy 2:24 he also says: "And THE SERVANT OF THE LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,..." (emphasis added).

If Lord means "owner," then Jesus is that owner. He purchased us with His precious blood. If He is our owner, then, there should not be any restrictions for Him to use our lives as He pleases. Once a man truly takes Jesus as Lord, he does not have his own ambition, goals, pursuits, agenda, time, money, etc again. Everything belongs to the Lord and he cannot use them as he pleases, but as the Lord wants.

Whenever we go out to preach to sinners, do we always remember to add the Lordship of Jesus to our messages before the person is led to take a decision for Jesus? During our discipleship classes and training, do we emphasize this to new believers and let them count the cost if they would be able to follow Jesus or not?

If Jesus is truly Lord of, and over, our lives, there are many things that we will not struggle with again. This song will be real to us: "Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control, WHEREVER YOU MAY LEAD, I WILL FOLLOW. Be it through the QUIET PASTURE OR VALLEY DARK AND DEEP, the Shepherd of my soul is by my side. Though I face THE MIGHTY MOUNTAIN or valley dark and deep, the Shepherd of my soul will be my guide."

If Jesus is truly Lord, this song will be more than just words in our mouths: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea's billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul."

If Jesus is not the Lord of a person's life, I doubt if such a one is really going to be in heaven with Him. His Lordship is the core of our coming to Him for salvation. His Lordship is the assurance that we have surrendered our lives to Him. Jesus will not accept a life He cannot control, direct and lead. This will only be possible if His Lordship takes full effect in our lives.

John MacArthur says "To say 'Lord, Lord' and disobey, is the moral equivalent of Judas’ kiss."




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CHAPTER 4

THE MISINTERPRETED PASSAGES
OF
PROSPERITY GOSPEL PREACHERS




THE PROMISES OF GOD

There is a wide gap between what God does or can do and what He promises. The fact that He does or can do some things does not mean He promises them. One of our problems as believers in Christ is assuming that what God does or can do is the same as what He promises.

When God promises something either generally or for an individual, we should be rest assured that He will fulfil it. Hebrews 10:23 says: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED;)" (emphasis added). 1Thessalonians 5:24 also says: "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." But, how do we know what God promises and what He does not promise?

There has been much misinformation over the years about the promises of God, especially among the New Testament (New Covenant) believers. There are general promises both in the Old Testament and New Testament which apply to all human beings, whether born again or not. Examples of such include: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Gen. 8:22 NIV). Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved," etc. These general promises hold anywhere in the world and at any time.

On the other hand, there are specific promises for some specific generations. Some of these promises are conditional while some are not. There are specific promises for the Israelites under the Old Covenant which are completely different from the promises for the Ekklesia (assembly of God's people which is typically called church) under the New Covenant.

Take for example, I have heard Christians saying: “God, you have promised us that every place that the sole of your (our) foot will tread upon I have given to you..." (Joshua 1:3 ESV emphasis added). This promise was specifically for Israelites, and it was referring only to the Promised Land. It was a map, of which, if Joshua stepped outside of, God will not give them. They stepped on Edom's land but God did not give it to them. God said specifically that He would not give them that because He has given it to Esau, Jacob's brother.

Another one we are fond of claiming is long life. God truly promised Israelites long life, but He put it on the condition that they keep all His laws. “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. IF YOU OBEY ALL HIS DECREES AND COMMANDS, YOU WILL ENJOY A LONG LIFE" (Deut. 6:1-2 NLT emphasis added). We observe that many of them died young because they did not obey the laws of God.

In the New Testament, we are promised ETERNAL LIFE but NOT LONG LIFE, and eternal life is completely different from long life. No matter how long a life is, it will end one day. But eternal life has no end. It was when we lost the understanding of eternal life that we started preaching long life in its place. Whatever the duration of our sojourn on earth, our concern should be how to fulfil the purpose of God for our lives which is the essence of our living. Let us by faith commit our lives into God’s hands; He is the only one who can determine its duration as it fits His purpose.

Another misapplied promise is that of blessing. The Israelites were promised physical (material) blessings and prosperity but the church is promised spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3 says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in heavenly places in Christ" (emphasis added).

Mind you, I have said before that God does or can do some things, but that does not make them a promise. He does bless and can bless any of His children with material and monetary blessings and prosperity. But He never promised material blessings beyond our basic material needs (food and clothing) under the New Covenant, and we cannot lay claim on them or hold God accountable to provide them since He did not promised to do so. One thing we must always remember is that the Old Testament is a physical, symbolic representation of spiritual realities in the New Testament. The Old is just a shadow or physical symbol of the New. Once we lose sight of this, we easily muddle up things.

Finally, there are personal promises which God does make to the individual, but this must not be made general. Personal guidance must not be generalised. God may speak to you directly and personally from either the Old or New Testament concerning His plan or purpose for your life. He is ever faithful, hold unto it, He will surely do it.

If it is placed on a condition, make sure you fulfil your own part of the deal; otherwise the promise will not come. One thing you must not do; you must not make your personal experience with God a general principle which must hold for every other believer. This is what most of our preachers are doing, and it makes God to appear unfair, unfaithful and partial.

The major emphasis of the prosperity gospel preachers is, “when you come to Jesus, you shall be blessed. There is no more sorrow and pain. The life of enjoyment has started.” They will tell you that there is no more sickness. You must live up to the minimum age of 70 or 120 etc.

They will tell you these (and more) are your portion and inheritance in Christ Jesus. The blessing they mean is having nice cars, houses and being rich financially. One of the popular preachers of this false gospel said in one of his books that "Lack of any kind is a curse". Another one on a live TV programme said "...being poor is a sin when God promises prosperity."

Having promised all the above to a new believer or to an unbeliever in order to entice him to Christ, they need Scriptural backing for all these claims. So, when there are not any direct New Covenant Bible references to establish their claims, they resolve to twisting, and misinterpreting the Scriptures or quoting the Scriptures out of context.

One of their favourites, though misinterpreted Bible passage is 2Corinthians 8:9: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." If we juxtaposed this verse with Matthew 5:3 that says "Blessed are THE POOR IN SPIRIT: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," (emphasis added), we would see that the riches Paul referred to above is not monetary or material, but spiritual. Eph. 1:3 says it all: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in heavenly places in Christ” (emphasis added). He contrasted our spiritual poverty and the spiritual riches Jesus bought for us through His blood.

So, Jesus did not die to make us financially rich. In fact, Jesus did not need to die to make man rich materially and monetarily. Men have been rich before, during and after Jesus. And since Jesus' death and resurrection, there has not been any record that a Christian has become the richest man in the world.

If Jesus actually meant material and monetary riches, this would have been fulfilled in the lives of the Apostles and early believers because we see everything Jesus promised firsthand in their lives. These would not have been an exception. But Peter said "silver and gold" they did not have and I know he was not telling lies.

Paul recounted his experience in his second letter to the Corinthians in chapter 11:23-28 thus: “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”

The same Paul said in Phil. 4:11-13 that: “...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Jesus also has this to say about Smyrna church in Rev. 2:8-9: “...unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I KNOW THY works, and TRIBULATION, AND POVERTY, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” (emphasis added)

With all these scriptural passages and more that are not quoted in this book, one would wonder where today’s preachers got their own messages from.

Their second misapplied Scripture is John 10:10 "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The abundant life here is not material or monetary but the life of Jesus in the life of every believer.

Another misinterpreted Scripture is Mark 10:29-30 "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive AN HUNDREDFOLD now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (emphasis added).

These preachers talk about HUNDREDFOLD return of material things. A servant of God, Tunde Oloyede, puts it this way:

"The mentioning of hundredfold reward by Jesus has also been misconstrued for wealth bonanza for Christians. They say that you will receive hundredfold back in terms of money and material things which you give for the sake of Christ... It is evident from this passage that whatever or whoever one leaves for the sake of Christ and the gospel shall be made available to one through other fellow Christians. This is the way godly people have understood it from ages past. It is only the covetous that are interpreting it for bountiful financial gain. The covetous desire is evident when you observe that they only emphasize money and material aspect of the hundredfold reward. They do not talk of others because they know the absurdity of interpreting everything in that passage to mean getting the reward physically, personally, and exclusively by the giver…." [4a]

If this were to be true, it means one should have hundredfold of father and mother too in return for the ones one lost because of Jesus; and this is not possible in the material sense.

As we have been looking at it, prosperity gospel preachers do not have any concrete Bible references to support their claims except the ones they are just twisting.

Another misinterpreted Scripture is 3John verse 2: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Before we go into deeper explanation of this verse, we should first note the word ‘WISH’ at the beginning of the verse. John was only wishing the beloved Gaius, he was not praying or prophesying it as what God promised.

Furthermore, the word "PROSPER" is not a word associated with only riches. It is defined by Mariam-Webster online dictionary as:
1. to succeed in an enterprise or activity especially: to achieve economic success.
2: to become strong and flourishing.
3. to cause to succeed or thrive.

God used the word “prosperous” for Joshua in Joshua 1:8: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have good success” (emphasis added). Here, the word “prosper” is definitely not material gain, but rather spiritual wisdom and insight.

Paul also used the same word in Romans 1:10: "Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a PROSPEROUS JOURNEY by the will of God to come unto you." The same was the prayer that Abraham's eldest servant prayed "O Lord God of my master Abraham, if thou do PROSPER my way which I go" (Gen. 24:42 emphasis added).

A servant of God, Tunde Oloyede, said in one of his books:

"Literally, the chances of prosperity are opened for all God's creation (human beings). He gives all (human beings) all things to enjoy. God does not leave Himself without a witness, He does good and gives us "rain from heaven and fruitful season, filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 15:17). Believers and unbelievers could and do have prosperity, depending on the chances they have. These also have to do with their level of education, economic and technological developments. The opportunities also come through sheer luck and better life chances. In all of these, we have to recognize the unseen hand of God in providing for His creation indiscriminately. This is not an attempt to rule out the possibility of God withholding prosperity from certain people either believers or unbelievers. This may be because of sin or any other reason known only to God."'[4b]

One more misinterpreted Scripture is Galatians 3:14: "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." But we all know that when God told Abraham that all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him, He was specifically referring to the coming Jesus who would bring spiritual blessings to those in every nation who would accept Him. This one also is not about money or material blessings.


[4a] Footnote: [X]
Tunde Oloyede, Getting It Right, (Heirs of God Christian Ministry, Nig., 2014), pp. 87-89
[4b] Footnote: [X]
Tunde Oloyede, Wholesome Words Series, (Heirs of God Christian Ministry, Nig., 1996), pp. 14-17




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CHAPTER 5

THE NEW TESTAMENT CONCEPT OF
BLESSING, ABUNDANCE AND RICHES



Apart from all the misquoted, misinterpreted and twisted passages or verses of the Scripture explained in the previous chapter, there are many passages that talk about blessing, abundance and riches of a purely spiritual nature.

Examples of such scriptures include:

1. BLESSINGS

Romans 15:29: "And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the BLESSING OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST" (emphasis added).

Ephesians 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST" (emphasis added).

1Pet. 3:9: “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise BLESSING; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a BLESSING” (emphasis added).

2. ABUNDANCE

Romans 5:17: "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive ABUNDANCE OF GRACE and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ" (emphasis added).

2Cor. 8:2: “How that in a great trial of affliction the ABUNDANCE of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (emphasis added).

2Cor. 12:7: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the ABUNDANCE of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure” (emphasis added).

3. ABUNDANT/ABUNDANTLY

2 Corinthians 4:15: "For all things are for your sakes, that THE ABUNDANT GRACE might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God" (emphasis added).

Philippians 1:26: "That your rejoicing may be more ABUNDANT in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again" (emphasis added).

Titus 3:5-6: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us ABUNDANTLY through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (emphasis added).

4. RICH/RICHES

Romans 2:4: "...Or despisest thou the RICHES OF HIS GOODNESS and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (emphasis added).

Romans 9:23: "And that he might make known the RICHES OF HIS GLORY on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory" (emphasis added).

Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is RICH unto all that call upon him" (emphasis added).

Instead of promising riches, God sternly warns against the desire to be rich. 1Timothy 6:9 says: "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."

The Holy Spirit through Paul in his second letter to Timothy chapter 6:17-19 warns the rich not to think they have arrived but enjoins them to learn to release their wealth to flow into the lives of those in need. This is how New Living Translation puts it:

"Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."

James 1:9-10 (TPT): "The believer who is poor still has reasons to boast, for he has been placed on high. But those who are rich should boast in how God has brought them low and humbled them, for all their earthly glory will one day fade away like a wildflower in the meadow."

Jesus also warned against the danger of storing up money. This is well stated in Matt. 6:19: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” He rebuked the rich more than he encouraged them. He even said if the rich are not careful, they may not get to heaven. See this from Matt. 19:23-24: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

We should stop all these Bible misinterpretations, twisting and quoting out of context. It has never and will never help the people of God to a genuine life of faith.




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CHAPTER 6

THE EVILS OF PROSPERITY
AND SELF ESTEEM GOSPELS



Prosperity and self esteem gospels have done more harm than good, either in the U.S where it originated, or in any part of the world where it is embraced, especially in Africa. We shall look at what they have only succeeded in doing.

1. Self-esteem will pitch a man against the word of God: Self-esteem started in Gen. 3:1-5 (NKJV). The Serpent asked the woman: “...Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” The woman then answered: “…We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat of it, nor shall you touch it, LEST YOU DIE” (emphasis added). The serpent replied: “…YE WILL NOT SURELY DIE. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD…” (emphasis added). Is not esteeming oneself equal to God the greatest form of “self-esteem”?

The word of God says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). But the emphasis of self-esteem directly contradicts the basic Gospel message. Psychological theory where self-esteem originated, says man is born good; it is his surroundings (environment and society) that harm him. The theory says man must seek HIS OWN GOOD (self righteousness) in order to continue to be mentally healthy. Psychologists believe that man is not evil by choice; he is evil by circumstances. It logically follows that anyone clinging to self-esteem can never benefit from the Gospel because he cannot truly face the reality of his sinful condition and utter dependence on Christ as his only source of righteousness.

In the course of writing this book, I came across a write-up titled “How self-esteem undermines the gospel” and the write-up is paraphrased bellow.

“The Bible, in stark contrast to psychology’s concept on self-esteem, teaches that salvation comes only as we recognize our depravity and consequently come to the only one who can save. The Bible also teaches that we must be ready to die to ourselves. Jesus said, in no uncertain terms, that feeling good about ourselves would automatically prevent us from receiving God’s mercy.

The Bible says: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted”’ - Luke 18:9-14 (ESV).

Here we learn that self-esteem is simply a socially acceptable description of pride. Look at the Pharisee and the tax collector again. Wouldn’t you agree that the Pharisee had pretty high self-esteem and the tax collector suffered from “low” self-esteem? And yet Jesus said that the tax collector was justified by God, who looked on the man’s humility with favour.

The Gospel asserts that every human being, with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ, is a sinner by nature and by choice. As sinners who habitually violate God’s Law, we rightfully deserve eternal punishment in hell. Because of our helpless condition, Jesus came to earth as a Man (without ceasing to be God) to live a sinless life.

He suffered a criminal’s execution on a Roman cross, shedding His innocent blood in payment for the sin of all those who would believe in Him. On the third day He rose again, proving that God the Father accepted His sacrifice and will therefore raise believers to eternal life.

The first component of the Gospel focuses on our sinfulness, which in turn verifies our desperate need for a Saviour. Self-esteem, however, denies the gravity of our sinfulness, falsely assuring us that we have something to contribute to our salvation. As a result, we skew the Gospel, diminishing Christ’s work while subtly claiming some of the glory for ourselves.

Psychology, precisely because of its relentless promotion of self-esteem, rips away the very foundation of the Gospel. As Bible-believing Christians, we must categorically reject psychological theories and postulations on self-esteem and embrace the entire biblical teachings about man, his state without Christ, his end without Jesus, his need of the saviour Jesus Christ and the need for him to crucify self in its entirety before he could live to please God.”[6]

2. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL has produced more unbelievers than genuine believers in Christendom. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL is one of the greatest reasons we have multitudes of unconverted "converts" in Christendom today. It is a certainty that a false gospel will produce false converts.

A servant of God, who was once a missionary to Nigeria from the U.S, Jack Ring by name, shared an experience with us one day. He told how he went out on the field with the students in Christian leadership training to preach to the villagers in a rural area that was unreached by the gospel. The student preacher preached in the Yoruba dialect. Jack did not understand the language, but one of the other students interpreted the message. The student who preached told of heaven and hell, and how Jesus was the way to escape hell and reach heaven.

After the preaching, the preacher asked people who wanted to give their lives to Jesus to come to the front for prayers. Almost the whole village that were at the crusade came forward, young and old. Jack believed that if this preacher had preached the whole truth, the number would be much less. He said he signalled to the preacher to come.

He asked him if he had preached the resurrection and lordship of Christ, and that they will suffer for Christ's sake. He said no. Jack then told him to do something about that because the whole truth must be told. The preacher took to his preaching again and added resurrection, lordship and suffering for Christ’s sake. As he began to preach again, gradually people began to step back, until only two or three people remained. Jack said he knew then that he had told them the truth.

PROSPERITY GOSPEL preachers only tell people sweet things. They promise what Jesus never promised and large numbers embrace their “gospel”. These large crowds fall into the category of the people in Matt. 13:20-21: "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."

3. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL has only produced weakling Christians. If ever there are a few true converts by Providence through this gospel, they are usually weaklings. They remain babies who are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. These converts cannot withstand suffering, tribulation, trials, afflictions and persecutions. They are easily exploited by their G.O. because they will do whatever he tells them if it will help them to avoid suffering and hardship.

4. This PROSPERITY GOSPEL promises what is not realistic. Paul said in 1Corinthians 2:4-5: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." The PROSPERITY GOSPEL only establishes the faith of people on the wisdom of men, but not on the power of the true gospel.

This is what a well known and respected elder in the faith in Nigeria, Dr. Mike Oye, said on Aug 4, 2019 when interviewed by Punch Newspaper on his 80th birthday. I believe what he said was nothing but the truth.

"I think the greatest blow that befell genuine Christianity in Nigeria was the unfortunate introduction of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL imported from America. It brought a skewing of the work of God in this land. The basic, loving, sacrificial suffering of the children of God to make the gospel spread has been jettisoned and the cheap satanic gospel of coming to Christ and finding everything easy has been introduced. And today, many young Christians are disillusioned because they were told they would enjoy and enjoy, but the joy has eluded them. So, there is a lot of backsliding and a lot of hypocrisy. Many people who claim they are born again are not born again at all. In fact, we have taken church membership to mean born again in many cases. Today, repentance, holiness of life and standing for the truth are not being preached as they should. Personal study of the word of God and its application are alien to many people."





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CHAPTER 7

THE PURPOSE OF HARDSHIP
IN
THE LIVES OF CHILDREN OF GOD



We have been able to look at how the PROSPERITY GOSPEL hides a vital part of the true gospel from people and substitutes it with many things that have no scriptural backing.

We have said that the PROSPERITY GOSPEL preachers deny the obvious fact that there are sufferings, tribulations, afflictions, trials, hardships and persecutions in our walk with Jesus. And they refuse to preach or write of them in their books. However, we have shown that whether they tell us or not, these have been automatically packaged together with the gospel we find in the Bible. Jesus never hides them from us.

The questions one would like to ask are: Why would God add such hardships to our Christian life? Is that not wickedness? How would a loving father allow his children go through such hardships? But we know that God loves us and whatever He allows us to go through is still within the confines of His love. Why then does He allow such hardships?

1. WE ARE SOLDIERS: 2Timothy 2:3-4: "Thou therefore endure hardness, as A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be A SOLDIER” (emphasis added).

Beloved, you know that the training and lifestyle of soldiers is totally different from that of civilians. Their training and tasks are very hard. If we are true soldiers, we must be ready for the uncommon.

Soldiers are for war and that is what we are called to though “...we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). And “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2Cor. 10:4,5).

2. THEY ARE GOD'S WAY OF TRAINING US: In Hebrews 12:7-11 (NIV) we read: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." The word discipline in those verses actually means training and not punishment for sins.

3. TO MAKE US MATURE: When we become born again, we are babies who start off on milk. But if a baby will grow to maturity, there must come a time in his life for solid foods and hard experiences. In our life, solid food nourishes us so that we are able to face the hardships that bring us to Christian maturity. Without these hardships, we cannot grow up strong and mature in the faith.

4. JESUS OUR PATTERN, CAPTAIN AND LEADER WENT THROUGH THE SAME: 1 Peter 2:21: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that ye should follow his steps:" (emphasis added).

5. GOD WILL NOT USE ANYONE WHOM HE HAS NOT TAKEN THROUGH THE FURNACE: From the Old Testament time to the New Testament era, God has chosen hardships to equip anyone He wants to use. This is what James 5:10-11 say: “Take, my brethren, THE PROPHETS, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, FOR AN EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AFFLICTION, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (emphasis added).

So, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various TRIALS, knowing that THE TESTING of your faith produces patience…..” But let patience have its perfect work, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING" (James 1:2-4 NKJV emphasis added). Trials are designed by God to test and build our faith. Faith that is untested is not really faith.

Hardships are not meant to break or destroy us, but to build us, and to make us strong and useful in God's hands. If you want to share in Christ's glory, you must be ready to share in His sufferings.

Rom. 5:3-5 ESV: “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Here we see a progression of growth of people filled with the love of God, but that progression begins with suffering.

IPet. 1:6-7 ESV: “In this [salvation] you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In this passage we see that we are experiencing these grievous trials, it is only because our loving Father knows that they are necessary! Also, that they are only “for a little while”. But the result is that God will be able to point to our faith in him – that while we were in the trial we continued to trust Him. And when Jesus returns, that tried and true faith will be put on display for all the hosts of heaven to see. That brings praise and honour and glory to God.




To: Table of CONTENTS

CHAPTER 8

OUR PARADOXICAL LIFE


Paradox simply means a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.

The Bible has a lot of paradoxes. For instance, the Bible says: "for a man to save his life, he must lose it"; "the greatest among you is your servant"; "our supposed human enemies are punished through blessing and praying for them"; "...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty"; "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty" etc.

How can loosing something lead to saving it, or how would a servant be the greatest? How would someone be punished by being blessed and prayed for? How would the foolish things confound the wise and a weak thing put a mighty thing to shame? Isn't it senseless to think that when things are scattered is when they increase and when one saves (lay-up) that's when he becomes poor? These are a few of the paradoxes in the Bible.

But hear how someone puts the paradox of the cross of Christ:

"The Cross of Christ is the greatest of all paradoxes. It was the most tragic event in the history of the world, yet the most wonderful thing that ever happened. It was the saddest spectacle man ever beheld, yet it was the most stunning defeat Satan ever suffered and the most glorious victory Christ ever won. He won by losing. He conquered by surrendering.

“The Cross was the greatest exhibition of divine justice in condemning sin, yet the most wonderful demonstration of divine mercy in pardoning sin. It was God’s greatest manifestation of hatred for sin, yet His supreme proof of love for the sinner. The Cross was the means by which God’s justice condemned sin, and His mercy forgave it.

“The Cross was the darkest hour in history, yet it was the time of greatest light. Though the sun refused to shine and God hid His face from Christ, the Cross was the means by which Christ really became ‘the light of the world’ (John 8:12).

“In the Cross we see man’s hatred for Christ, yet we see Christ’s love for man. There we see human vengeance as they cry for His blood, yet we see divine forgiveness as Jesus prays, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

“The Cross portrays man’s sinfulness and God’s holiness; human weakness and divine strength. It demonstrates man’s inability to save himself, and God’s ability and power to do this for him. The Cross, from the human standpoint, is foolishness; yet it is a revelation of the highest wisdom of God. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God’” – 1Corinthians 1:18.

One surprising thing is that Jesus says "...If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Like 9:23). What did Jesus mean when He said that statement which He still means today?

The cross has lost most of its original meaning today. It is shrouded in religiosity and mystery. It has become many things, from a religious icon to a fashion element. When we see the cross today, it is a symbol of faith—particularly the Christian faith. But in the time when Jesus made that statement, He had not yet died on the cross. So, in its original context, the cross was a symbol of death. In fact, it was the symbol of a very cruel death. The Romans reserved it for the worst criminals. It was a form of torture and humiliation, ultimately leading to a long and painful death.

Why would He use the cross to illustrate what it meant to follow Him? Jesus intentionally used a gruesome symbol to get the people’s attention. He did this to say that following Him was not “child’s play.” It is not a game and it is not easy. In fact, it will cost you to follow Him as a disciple. But, on the other hand, it will cost you more not to follow Him.

What does it mean to “bear the cross” today? Often, we hear people say that they have a “cross” to bear. They will say, “My cross is my parents!” A parent in turn may say his cross is probably his child. A couple who is trusting God for a child will tell you their cross is their present barrenness. We identify whatever problem or obstacle we have as our “cross to bear.” But these are not what the cross means, although they may be part of the real cross.

The cross symbolizes one thing: "DEATH" - dying to self. And don't be surprised, it may even lead to physical death. It really is a paradox: by “dying to self,” or “losing yourself,” you “find yourself.” Through death, you find real life.

A.W Tozer, in his book, That Incredible Christian, writes:

“…At the heart of the Christian system lies the cross of Christ with its divine paradox. The power of Christianity appears in its antipathy toward, never in its agreement with the ways of fallen men…. The cross stands in bold opposition to the natural man. Its philosophy runs contrary to the processes of the unregenerate mind, so that Paul could say bluntly that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. To try to find a common ground between the message of the cross and man's fallen reason is to try the impossible, and if persisted in must result in an impaired reason, a meaningless cross and a powerless Christianity… The Christian soon learns that if he would be victorious as a son of heaven among men on earth, he must not follow the common pattern of mankind, but rather the contrary.”[8a]

A.W Tozer has this again to say about the differences between the old and modern cross:

“Unannounced and mostly undetected there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles. It is like the old cross, but different: the likenesses are superficial; the differences, fundamental.

From this new cross has sprung a new philosophy of the Christian life, and from that new philosophy has come a new evangelical technique -- a new type of meeting and a new kind of preaching. This new evangelism employs the same language as the old, but its content is not the same and its emphasis not as before.

The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam's proud flesh it meant the end of the journey. It carried into effect the sentence imposed by the law of Sinai. The new cross is not opposed to the human race; rather, it is a friendly pal and, if understood aright, it is the source of oceans of good clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure....

The new cross encourages a new and entirely different evangelistic approach. The evangelist... preaches not contrasts but similarities. He seeks to key into public interest by showing that Christianity makes no unpleasant demands; rather, it offers the same thing the world does, only on a higher level...

The new cross does not slay the sinner, it redirects him. It gears him into a cleaner and jollier way of living and saves his self-respect.... It is false because it is blind. It misses completely the whole meaning of the cross.

The old cross is a symbol of death.... The race of Adam is under death sentence. There is no commutation and no escape. God cannot approve any of the fruits of sin, however innocent they may appear or beautiful to the eyes of men. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again to newness of life.

That evangelism which draws friendly parallels between the ways of God and the ways of men is false to the Bible and cruel to the souls of its hearers. The faith of Christ does not parallel the world, it intersects it. In coming to Christ we do not bring our old life up onto a higher plane; we leave it at the cross. The grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die.

God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It stands always on the far side of the cross. Whoever would possess it must pass under the rod. He must repudiate himself and concur in God's just sentence against him. What does this mean to the individual, the condemned man who would find life in Christ Jesus? How can this theology be translated into life? Simply, he must repent and believe. He must forsake his sins and then go on to forsake himself. Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing. Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God's stern displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

...let him gaze with simple trust upon the risen Saviour, and from Him will come life and rebirth and cleansing and power. The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises him to a new life along with Christ....

Dare we, the heirs of such a legacy of power, tamper with the truth? Dare we...alter the pattern shown us in the Mount? May God forbid. Let us preach the old cross and we will know the old power.”[8b]

What does it mean to “die to self”? Lk 9:23 (Amplified): "And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].”

The greatest battle for a true Christian is a battle against himself. It is not the battle against the devil or demons or our supposed human enemies, but a battle against who we really are. The FLESH (self, I, me, myself) according to A.W Tozer is the toughest plant in the garden of life. It is anti-God. And until it is crucified totally, we cannot manifest the life of God in us.

Like a dead person that has no more ambitions, interests, likes or dislikes, goals, desires, aspirations etc, so is a truly crucified Christian. His song everyday is "Not my will, but yours O Lord". Christ's desires are his desires; His goals, aspirations, pursuits, etc are his. Nothing of himself any longer!

The gospel of "Self Esteem" that fills our modern denominations today is another gospel which is alien to the Bible. Paul said: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

Jesus says: "...unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" (Jn. 12:24).

To be Christ-like, we must follow the same way He followed - the way of the cross. If we want to be spiritually strong, we must be carnally dead. Paul said when I (the self in me) am weak, then I am strong. We can only be victorious through death.

Unless we allow the full work of the cross in our lives, we shall remain a baby, a fruitless and "un-useful" Christian.

HYMN: ON A HILL FAR AWAY

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary.
[Refrain]

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.
[Refrain]

4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share.
[Refrain]


[8a] Footnote: [X]
A.W Tozer, That Incredible Christian, (Joint Heirs Publications, Nig., 1964), pp 1-2




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CHAPTER 9

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU


In our Christian life, we will get to some points where the only answer from God for our situations will be "My grace is sufficient for you".

Many believers have been deceived to think that once you are in Christ, there are no more sorrows, no more tears, no more suffering, no more lack and no more hardship. But I tell you of a truth, that that is not biblical Christianity.

In genuine Christianity, sufferings, hardship and the likes are parts of the package and abound. They are in different categories and come at different points along our Christian race. The Bible says: "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER for His sake" (Phil. 1:29 emphasis added).

The Bible in other places calls these problems trials of faith. It says "knowing that the trying of your faith produces patience." (James 1:3). It uses the words “trying of your faith". These trials of faith come in different dimensions. Some may come and go almost immediately. Others come and stay for some time before God deals with them and they disappear. But there are some that remain permanently with us for as long as we are alive; God will not remove them from us. The only thing we would hear from Him is “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU.”

God has power over everything and there is nothing He cannot do, but the truth of the matter is, He will not do everything. Can we still trust Him even after He has chosen to leave a particular problem in our lives and refuses to remove it?

There was Elisha; a mighty prophet of God with a double portion of the anointing of Elijah. Yet, he died of sickness. But some time after his death there was war. And in the course of battle a corpse was thrown into his grave and immediately the corpse touched the decayed bones of Elisha, the corpse resurrected. But he (Elisha) died of sickness!

There was Timothy, a spiritual son and team worker of the "greatest" apostle of all time, Paul. The bible records that Timothy had to live his life with an often stomach infirmity. I wonder why God left him in such a condition. Would Paul not have prayed for his healing instead of recommending a life-long medical solution for him?

Another wonderful brother was mentioned by Paul again: “...but Trophimus have I left at Miletus sick.” (2Tim. 4:20). How come? Why would Paul leave this brother sick? Paul had healed many, why not Trophimus? How long did it take him to recover? Maybe he did not recover from his sickness, only God knows.

Here comes Paul himself with a “thorn in his flesh”, clearly a physical malady. And he besought God (begged God earnestly) for three times to remove it, but the only answer God gave him was "my grace is sufficient for you".

I believe, I would not sound too hard or crazy if I said to you, “not all the problems of life will have solutions in the lives of all children of God. Some may be barren for life, some may live with one form of disease (infirmity) or another till death. Some may not be rich for life, but will only have their needs met, as God determines what they truly need.”

This is not the matter of lack of faith or being lazy in prayer. It is not because one has not fasted enough, neither is it because of either secret sin or open sin. It's just because the way of the Lord is beyond our comprehension. The Lord may just choose to leave the problem for a reason known only to Him. Is the Sovereign of the universe obligated to tell us His reasons, or explain His purpose?

Many believers have joyfully experienced all the difficulties I have mentioned and more while they were alive till their death. Still, they held closely to God till their last breath.

God knows the best for everyone of us (His children) and He knows best why He allows such experiences in our lives. But it is beyond doubt that:

1. All will work together for our good at the end either here (on earth) or thereafter (in heaven).

2. He is a loving Father and will never let His child go through such experiences without a reason, though He may choose not to tell us the reason(s).

3. We shall be eternally grateful for each of our experiences when we see Him.

THINGS TO DO

Beloved, whenever we are having such difficult and terrible experience(s), let us:

1. First search our lives if there is any hidden sin and/or disobedience. If there is any, let us genuinely repent, ask for forgiveness and pray about what the sin and/or disobedience has caused for us.

2. Once there is nothing to repent of, then let us pray and possibly fast as led and directed by the Holy Spirit concerning the difficulty we are having.

3. We should also share our difficulty with a few trusted brethren, asking for their prayers and counsel. Gal 6:2 says: “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Jas 5:16 also says: “Confess your faults one to another, and PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (emphasis added). There are quite a number of “one another” in the Bible especially in the New Testament. It is why God has placed us in a body – the body of Christ.

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; BUT THAT THE MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE THE SAME CARE ONE FOR ANOTHER. AND WHETHER ONE MEMBER SUFFER, ALL THE MEMBERS SUFFER WITH IT; OR ONE MEMBER BE HONORED, ALL THE MEMBERS REJOICE WITH IT. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1Co 12:18-27 emphasis added)

If after we have done all and the problem is still there, let us trust it into God's hands and leave it there. Do not let us compromise our faith. Maybe He is saying the same thing He said to Paul to us, to let it be and that His grace is sufficient for us.

One day, we shall cross the bridge to the other side and we shall be happy throughout all eternity.

Our other consolation is in 1Cor. 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Another great consolation verse is: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a FAR MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Co 4:17-18 emphasis added).

Let me conclude with Jim Reeves' song: “Across the bridge, there's no more sorrow, across the bridge, there's no more pain, the light will shine, across the river and we would never be unhappy again”

Whatever our lot shall be in this journey of faith, His grace shall be sufficient for us.




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OTHER BOOKS

OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR


The books below are from the same author and are available for free download in different formats from an online RESTORATION LIBRARY at http://usr.helps7.com/RL/index.html. Each one can be accessed directly from the URL address under it.

1. ONE BODY MANY CHURCHES: The Evils of Denominationalism (2019)
https://usr.helps7.com/DayoStephen/DS001/index.html

2. THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST (2018)
https://usr.helps7.com/DayoStephen/DS002/index.html

3. ANOTHER JESUS, ANOTHER SPIRIT, ANOTHER GOSPEL – A Classic Critique of Today’s Popular Preachers in Nigeria (2017)
https://usr.helps7.com/DayoStephen/DS003/index.html

4. BEWARE OF OLD PROPHETS (2020)
https://usr.helps7.com/DayoStephen/DS005/index.html




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ABOUT

ABOUT THE BOOK


It is unfortunate that the truths that should set people free are hidden from them by many of our preachers. Jesus declared: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jh. 8:32). Jesus, who is “the truth” personified is WRONGLY presented to people. It is another Jesus our preachers are pointing people to. The truths Jesus spoke which the Apostles preached have also been compromised. What we hear preached today is another gospel.

This small piece takes you through some hard but important truths (that our preachers are hiding from us) which will set you free and build you up to become a very strong Christian. “But solid food is for adults – that is, for those who through constant practice have their spiritual faculties carefully trained to distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14 Weymouth New Testament).




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The End