Stop Imposing Him on Me!!

I have found it quite disheartening in the past (and more so in recent times) coming across comments placed on various websites complaining about how Christianity as a religion was “imposed on us black folks by our “colonial masters and missionaries””. And because the bible is not our culture we have no business peddling it. On another tangent, we have started a bible study group here at my centre and I am so excited about it. We read a book in the Old Testament on a weekly basis and then come together and discuss it. You don’t have to be “saved” to join in. So one of the members lives with a fabulous agnostic lady who when she saw her reading her bible asked her this question: “Will people living in the remotest part of the world, who have grown up in a completely different religion be doomed (by default of location), since they have no chance of hearing about the Christian message”? She a little confused came to me with the question, and thus I had to relay this.

And so I started: :)

Bit of History – From Noah to Abraham:

If we were to follow the creation concept instead of evolution then we will remember a man named Noah (Genesis 6:9). After the fall of Adam the earth had become corrupted, and the only inclination of man’s heart was evil and this grieved God (Gen. 6:6). But we find that because this man Noah was a righteous man and blameless among the people of his time, he found favour in the eyes of God (Genesis 6:8). Following his obedience to do what God commanded him (Gen. 6:22), the Lord sent the Flood, and only he and his family were left to re-populate the earth (Gen. 9:1). And from his son Ham came the people of Canaan, Ethiopians, Somalis, Nubians, Egyptians, philistines, Libyans; from Japheth came the now Europeans, Indians & Iranians, Medes and Persia, Afghans and Kurds; and from Shem the Semitic people, the Assyrians, Aram, Syria, Arphaxad and all the others. And because Ham had revealed the nakedness of their father to Japheth and Shem, Ham (the last son of Noah) the father of the Canaanites and Co. (see Gen. 9:22), was cursed to be a slave to Shem (see Gen. 9:26). And following the tower of Babel fiasco, the people were scattered to different parts of the earth and their tongues confused – Gen. 11:8-9. Now Abraham, who was a native of the Ur of Chaldeans, a descendant of Arphaxad, the father of the people of Israel and others was yet another outstanding man among the people of his time. But because God had promised Noah not to use water to cut off the earth again (Gen.9:11), instead of erasing mankind yet again (since they have still not learnt from the Flood experience, and still could no longer be trusted for the reason of its corruption), God made a new promise to Abraham, which involved where the salvation of the world had to come from above; and because of Abraham’s distinction, his line was chosen through which the promise was to be fulfilled (Gen. 12:2-3).

And thus the Jewish Religion was born!

Now true to His promise, through Abraham’s line, the Lord Jesus came to us (though he wasn’t of human decent, but had to come as human as a substitute for our humanity and as a perfect sacrifice).

Why as a man?

Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it – Revelation 5:2-4. Our accuser the fallen angel Lucifer famously known as Satan, Devil, who we gave over the keys to the ruler ship of this earth has been keeping a record of all our wrong doing and has been using it against us on a constant basis (Revelations 12:10). One of the many tasks of his job has been to represent us in heaven – Job 1:6-7. In order for Jesus to represent us in heaven, he had to pay a price. In the book of the Jewish Law, whenever someone did something wrong, they had to sacrifice a lamb. You see the life of a creature is in the blood and only it’s blood can makes atonement for one's life – (Leviticus 17:11). So Jesus had to come as a man to show that it is possible to live without sin, as the priest who makes the sacrifice and as the lamb to be sacrificed. So that in the end, there will be no human contamination (Leviticus 16:16); and since it was man who gave his authority over the earth, He as a man came and collected it back. And after presenting himself in heaven, received the verdict from his watchers; Satan (Lucifer), His Father and everyone in heaven and under heaven that He was worthy to act as our Judge and high-priest. And through the death and resurrection of Christ, the message of victory, salvation and another chance to be born again was born and we were told to go tell ALL about this wonderful news – Mathew 28:18-19.

How the thrust of the Gospel went to the gentiles!!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! – Mathew 23:37-38. The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvellous in our eyes’? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it…… Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them – Mathew 21:33-45. Now the originals the princes (the Jewish majority) (Matthew 22:3-10; Luke 14:16-24) were not too keen on the message of Christ and what He stood for, and their rejection gave us the opportunity to come in. And following the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 (a point that marks when the thrust of the gospel was given over to us non-Jews (called Gentiles)); the message of Christ went further than the gates of Jerusalem. So now - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise – Galatians 3:28-29. Wow Thank God for second chances!!

My rounding up: And since we are now co-heirs, to the promises made to Abraham, then this promise is no longer to one people but to ALL. It is no longer about the Jewish religion or the white man’s religion, but it is also our religion :). Yours and mine!!

So even though during the Middle Ages, the reformation came with death penalties (i.e. if you don’t follow our religion we will burn you alive), that does not mean that it was the way God wanted it. He is not a forceful God. He alone chooses what to do to us and for us, not we deciding how it should be. So if I have been told to tell you the message of Christ, and I have done so, it is up to you to accept or reject it – I am not imposing it on you, just doing what I was told to do. And so in answering V’s question, the people in the remotest of villages will never loose out, because they have been inscribed in the palm of God’s hands, and thus can never be forgotten. The message of Christ will undoubtedly reach them, just as it did you and I. It is then up to them to accept it. It’s even funny how we all laughed together as we told V to start packing her luggage to go over to those places she had mentioned to give them the message we had just shared :). She laughed too.

Paul reminded us before his return to Jerusalem ………I have done what God told me to do, so I am free of your blood (Acts 20:25-27). A time will come when we will all give account of the people we have met in our journeys through life. And I for one don’t want to be among those that get blamed for not telling P and Q. I apologies if my message makes you uncomfortable, it’s just that I’m only doing what I was told to do :).

So back to the original comments, it’s not about culture or tradition but the message that was brought to us. The message they were told to go into the world and tell. The message I and my fellow believers have been told to tell, the message of the love of Christ. I just thought you ought to know. And if I have offended you by my message I am sorry. I just love God way too much not to do the simple things He has asked me to do. If I can be every ones biggest fans why can’t I at least champion God’s biggest CAUSE? HIS LOVE FOR YOU!!

Time Travel

I had tried all week to put together a post, especially relevant for this time of the year. However, when the time came to pen my thoughts, the only thing that wanted to be written was the subject of “Time Travel”. I know right, what does time travel have to do with anything? :). I have no formal training in physics except for taking it during my “A” levels and my favourite teacher of all time Mr. Bancroft was my physics teacher :). The more I tried to ignore such an irrational thought on the concept of time travel; I still couldn’t succeed in removing it completely from my mind. And thus I was resigned to the fact that it was best to at least try to read up on it, and maybe do a little bit of research.

It turned out that after asking all the Physicists in my group and checking all the excellent website (those who may be interested check out Wikipedia, Kurt Gödel the logician, John Archibald Wheeler, Albert Einstein among other of course), I gathered that it was impossible to travel through time in our universe since the universe needs to be of a certain curvature for that to happen. However, I did remember from my “A” level physics class (X-file days) and from Wikipedia that:

“In classical mechanics, time is treated as universal and constant, being independent of the state of motion of an observer. However In relativistic contexts, time cannot be separated from the three dimensions of space, because the rate at which time passes depends on an object's velocity relative to the speed of light and also on the strength of intense gravitational fields, which can slow the passage of time”.

I know right what does time travel have to do with my Happy Friday Post? Errmm, Im I the only one having like a light bulb moment here :).

Check this, if we were to apply this to the context of our walk with God – suppose if we start to move at the speed God wants us to move at, relative to Him, whilst at the same time becoming grounded in Him (not being properly grounded can affect our speed you know :)), then it means that whenever challenges in our lives arises, because we are already in another area of space/time we will clearly be oblivious to it. That is to say, problems that may have risen will never be noticeable, since, because of our rate of movement with God, we will undoubtedly always be ahead of any challenging situations that may be springing up. So, even though it is impossible to travel in time, as objects of God’s creation our ability to continually remain ahead of exigent events in our lives will be dependent on if and only if we are in a relationship (i.e. related) with Him.

You see my thinking :), my goodness, and you will never believe that this concept isn’t new. The Lord has always encouraged us to draw near to Him, because only then can we attain a level where situations whether negative or positive doesn’t really matter in the concept of the grand scheme of things. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you – 2 Chronicles 15:2b.

Can you imagine getting to a point where no one need ever encourage you since discouragement comes from the challenging circumstances you sight! And because you are always ahead of the challenging circumstances, the downtime that affects your walk with God will be insignificant; which in the end will ultimately add up to making you an unstoppable “somborri”.

Wow Weeeeeeeeee!! Easy Lifeofastranger!

I know for a fact that I want to be unstoppable. I know for a fact that I no longer want to be discouraged. I know for a fact that it is the will of God for me to draw near to Him (James 4:8; 2 Chronicles 15:2; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7; Hebrew 7:19; Psalm 51:17; Job 17:9; James 3:17; Leviticus 26:11-12; Hosea 2:19-20; Deuteronomy 23:14). I know for a fact that it is His desire for me to move away from the thinking of this present world (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15; 1 Peter 1:14; Ephesians 4:23; Ephesians 5:10) and I know for a fact that He has asked me to pursue Him earnestly with all of my might (Luke 10:27; Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 22:37-4; Mark 12:30-34; Hebrews 8:10). “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” – Philippians 3:13.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins – 1John 4:10.

So, since moving in the relativistic context will make me unbeatable, I don’t think I need to be a physicist to apply this in my journey with God. Thank You Lord for such an invaluable opportunity to live a victorious life in You.

A Letter to my Friends

Dearest Friends,

I wanted to remind you that it is not by accident that I have found myself in this part of the world, and among the most beautiful people in the entire world, yes you guys. However I need to remind you to remain encouraged, not discouraged, that you need not be upset or offended where you are at in life, be it career or anything.

Where you are at may not be where you thought you should be by now, but I would like to tell you to REJOICE in the Lord (Philippians 3:1), because He alone makes everything beautiful. Matthew 11:6 reminds us that every offence against God is a trap of the enemy for us to be offended by God. God is indeed not behind your problems, He is waiting to help you.

You have suffered enough, you will not suffer again. The Lord Jesus died on the cross so that you no longer have to suffer defeat or frustration. He died to shatter every spirit of stagnation and depression and to restore back to you the Joy of your salvation. So whatever you have lost to depression the Lord Jesus is restoring back to you. You no longer need to be disheartened; the Lord said you should take heart he has overcome all your problems.

He truly is wonderful, and Loves YOU SO MUCH. TOO MUCH Infact.

It is time for you to start to be joyful. Because Joy guarantees your harvest, a supernatural harvest, which is impossible without joy. It doesn’t matter if you feel you have not been seeing any results; every wasted labour of your life comes to a final end now in the mighty name of Jesus Amen.

Even though one can be happy, only the believer in God has Joy indefinable – 1 Peter 1:8. He wants to make everything perfect for you.
…………………..

“In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” – John 3:3

Please say this prayer after me:

Lord Jesus I accept you tonight as my Lord and my saviour forgive me my sins, wash me with the blood of Jesus. I believe You died for me, and on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe I am forgiven, I’m justified, I’m saved, I’m born again, I’m a child of God, I’m free from the power of sin and Satan to serve the Living God. Thank You Lord for saving me. Amen.

………………………..

My Lord Jesus Your grace have brought ……. and …… Lord, let your grace preserve them. I cover them and their families with the precious blood of Jesus. And they will remain covered until the day of the Lord Jesus appearing. Open their hearts and mind, and meet them at the point of their need. Whatever that is struggling with their destiny, King of Glory silence in the mighty name of Jesus. And let them experience You in a NEW way, in a fresh way, in a way that will totally transform their lives for you. Thank you Lord for answered prayers, In Jesus Name. Amen.

……………………………..

For our next meeting, write your prayer requests and bring it, and we will pray over it. It is time for you to start living the life God created you to live. And he will perfect all things that concerns you - Psalm 138:8. Be encouraged, the time for God to favour you has come. Therefore arise and take it – Psalm 102:13.

Expect divine perfection, expect supernatural promotion, and expect supernatural restoration; and the Lord will definitely meet you at the point of your need. Because you serve a LIVING GOD. The God of Daniel is still alive today and forever. Stay Encouraged. All is indeed well with you. He is not limited by time and season. Whatever you think is over in your life, there will be a total reversal in Jesus name Amen. The Jesus of Lazarus (John 11:44) is alive, all you need do is believe, and He will show Himself strong on your behalf.

Have a wonderful day J

He was my friend!

Impulse or whatever you may call it, today I telephoned Nnamdi. He was a childhood friend but we were not that close. He was a boy and I was a girl, but I remembered him nonetheless. He went home in ambulances, not the normal ones but the ones used in funeral processions.

I remember him, because my dad often spoke quite fondly of his dad. I think they may have been friends. Maybe very good friends, that I didn’t know.

I once spoke to his mum about attending Cardiff to study a particular course and wanted to know what life in Cardiff was like. I think some years back, moma told me that she had passed away. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Today I decided to find out what happened to the boy who went home in ambulances. I FB searched him and found him. There was also a contact number which I immediately called. He was pleasantly surprised to hear from me after 22years had passed. I wanted to know what he'd been upto all these years, and if he'd followed "the" family tradition of medicine. I also wanted to ask how his dad was. Following the many new revelations he also told me his dad had just recently passed away a few weeks back. I am yet again so sorry for your loss.

After our conversation I immediately sent a text to my dad to tell him a man named Dr. E had passed away, maybe he may still remember him. My dad disillusioned and shattered by the news called back exclaiming he was my friend. Dr. E was my very good friend!!

Until then I hadn’t realised they had grown up together and were contemporaries. Friends and advisers. Motivators and encouragers. I had no idea the bonds that tied their friendship. How can a young man of 67years pass away without as much as a goodbye?

I’m so sorry dad; I didn’t know he was you friend.

.................................
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jehovah, for the life of my precious dad. Whom through the years He has kept alive for me. Thank you Blessed saviour for allowing my dad to still be around, and I know that it is not becasue of who or what I am, but because of your mercy and grace that my dad is still here and strong. I love you dad.

The Appointed Time - iPray 28 Days

Prayer Changes things!! I know that for a fact.

Let's join Zoe (http://amarasviewonstuff.blogspot.com/) in this month set aside for when all bloggers come together to call upon the name of the Lord for 28 days, and seak His face concerning His words and all His promises to us this 2010.

You will surely be blessed. I know I already am.

I love the LORD

I love you.

Today I woke up and realized,
I am running out of time and have nothing to show for it that will please You Lord.

I love you so much.
I was excited this morning when I spoke to Ivan concerning You.
A once professed atheist who now visits “shamas”!
has now bought the Bible and will start with the book of John.
Lord I’m excited that my many talks with the help of the Holy Spirit will one day yield fruit.

I love you so much.
My heart aches sometimes when I think of all the things I have still yet to do in Honour of You. My life is changing every moment, and all I see in everything is You.
My life is slowly fading out into a Life that only wants to dwell permanently in Your presence.
Lord, what can I ever render unto You for all Your wonderful mercies towards me?

I love you so much.
You are all I desire and will ever want.
This fleeting earth has NOTHING I desire Lord.
You are my sanity,
My Joy, whose smile towards me gladdens my heart.
My Love, who keeps me steady and catches me when I stumble.

I love you so much.
My heart aches whenever I feel that I have in someway disappointed You.
My life’s desire is to live a life that will please You.
Help me Lord, empower me Lord, and enable me Lord,
So that I am able to please You the way you want me to.

I love you Lord.
All my Life I will still Love You.
And till death I will remain in Love with You.

Faithfully Yours

Me