past freedom day messages
2011 - 2023
The Freedom of Christ
Being the Address of the Chairman of The Executive Board, God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) – the Church of the Living God, Brother G. O. Ifeacho, during the Freedom Day celebration (Christ’s Birth Anniversary) in October, 2011.
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
Unto God Almighty the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, Who in exercise of His love for mankind, sent Jesus Christ into the world to redeem us from sin and death be glory, honour and adoration for ever and ever.
I give profound thanks to God for preserving us to see yet another Freedom Day celebration. As we very well know, this is an occasion for us to proclaim the truth to the world and to show forth the praises of God Almighty Who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Isaiah the prophet spoke of the power given to Jesus Christ by God Almighty to enlighten His people by imparting to them the truth for their edification and salvation by God’s grace, as it is written: “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” (Isaiah 42:1, 6, 7; see also Micah 5:2) It is in view of the importance of the mission of Jesus Christ, which is to free mankind from satan’s chains that I have chosen for this year’s Freedom Day the topic: “The Freedom of Christ”.
Man, A Free Moral Agent
The word freedom means “the state of being free” or the “condition of being without something harmful or unpleasant”. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia “freedom” is “a relationship free of oppression or coercion; the absence of disabling conditions for a particular group or individual and the fulfillment of enabling conditions; or the absence of economic compulsion.”
God Almighty created man a free moral agent, meaning that He gave man the intelligence and liberty to exercise freedom of thought and action, or freedom of will. (See Genesis 2:16, 17; Deuteronomy 30:15; Joshua 24:15; etc.) Evidently, freedom is an integral part of human nature. Indeed, true freedom is a long-cherished Christian ideal.
In the heady days of “godless nationalism” many of the agitators for Nigeria’s independence were fond of saying “Seek ye first the political kingdom and every other thing will be added unto you”. Certainly, none of those who held such hopes in those days would be canvassing that position today. As everyone knows, despite attaining independence, Nigeria and indeed various countries of the world are still beset by various problems. This shows that the world is still in search of genuine freedom. A writer once stated: “The importance of freedom is that it allows us to develop our morality and consciences. If we lack freedom, we cannot truly become mature human beings. When we are forced to do things or not to do things, we do not have that many choices. We are not allowed to make our own decisions.” It cannot be denied that, more than ever before, people are yearning to be freed from the scourge of accidents, natural disasters, crime, terrorism, unemployment, diseases, poverty, discrimination, rejection, death and so many other conditions over which they have little or no control. Some have become slaves to money, immorality, drugs, drunkeness and other lusts of the flesh. – Galatians 5:19-21.
It follows therefore that knowingly or unknowingly, mankind has been longing for the freedom that can only come from God through Jesus Christ. The freedom of Christ is the release of the people of God from satan’s captivity or oppressive control as a result of the coming of Jesus Christ which has created the enabling conditions for the true worshippers of God to serve Him “acceptably with reverence and godly fear”. – Romans 5:6-21; Hebrews 12:28.
The Bondage of Sin
The fact is that man cannot attain true freedom merely by his own efforts. This is because the source of man’s troubles is Satan the devil who is leading wicked men and women to oppose God and all that answers to righteousness. It was due to the devil’s influence that man sinned by disobeying the divine command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:16,17; 3:1-6) The consequence was that God placed a curse on man and sentenced him to death. This has been the bane of man’s existence since then. The sentence on the man applies to all created things on earth, over which he has dominion. – Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:12-19.
Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, man has been in bondage to sin and has been subject to the cruel and harsh rule of the devil, the one “that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners…” (Isaiah 14:16, 17) Without knowing it, many people are actually in the snare of the devil, who had taken them captive at his will. – 2 Timothy 2:26.
Jesus Christ, Man’s Redeemer
It was for the purpose of freeing man from death that Jesus Christ was manifested “to destroy the power of the devil”, (1 John 3:8) and “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” (Galatians 1:4) St. Paul declared: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14, 15) The fact is that Jesus Christ paid back the life which Adam lost in the Garden of Eden. He thereby freed man from the pangs of death and gave him the hope of salvation or eternal life. This cleansing from sin and the boundless opportunities it offered, the blood of animals could never have accomplished. – Hebrews 9:11-14. See also 10:1-14; Romans 7:24, 25.
With the liberty brought by Christ people are no longer under bondage to sin and its consequences as long as they abide by the truth by the grace of God. (Romans 6:12-18) Our Lord Jesus Christ, referred to the prophecy of Isaiah – which fulfilled on him – and read as follows: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” The Bible adds that after the reading he closed the book and told the congregation: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” – Luke 4:18, 19, 21; John 3:16-18.
The liberty brought by Jesus Christ was affirmed by St. Paul, to wit: “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” – Ephesians 4:8; Colossians 2:15; Psalm 68:18.
Apostle Paul, defending himself before King Agrippa spoke of the commission to the gentiles, given him by Christ, thus “…To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” – Acts 26:17, 18.
The Law of Liberty
To enjoy the freedom of Christ, people must embrace the truth, exercise faith in it by doing righteousness at all times and remaining in the way of God until the end. “If ye continue in my word”, said our Lord Jesus Christ, “ then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:12, 31, 32) He added: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36. See also Titus 2:11-14.
Apostle James also exhorted us: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25) And David the prophet stated: “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” – Psalm 119:45.
Following his triumph over the devil, Jesus Christ brought grace to mankind which teaches us that those ceremonial laws that the natural Jews were required to keep have been done away with. St. Paul stated: “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” – Colossians 2:15-18; John 1:17.
Indeed all those who have come to Christ will enjoy the new atmosphere of freedom from falsehood, fears, anxieties, addictions to lusts of the flesh, and so on. St. Paul declared: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17.
“Refuge of Lies”
It is highly unfortunate that despite the door of liberty which God used Christ to open for mankind, many people today are still in satan’s prison houses, including some false religous organisations where they are fed with lies, which include false promises of miracles and of instant wealth. It is common knowledge that some of the so-called churches use satanic powers to deceive people and keep them under their spell. See Isaiah 25:7.
The Saturday Sun of May 30, 2009 had at page 30 a report of a certain witch doctor who said that he gives “men of God the anointing to make waves and pull crowds”. He disclosed that he prepares charms for pastors to boost their business, to attact customers. “Some are buried in the church; they use (some) to bathe, they put some in their mouth when speaking. Even some of the pastors use special handkerchief we prepare for them. With these preparations they do extraordinary things and everyone is happy”.
A few years ago, a pastor of a new generation Church was arrested at the airport with an electric shock machine which they use on their adherents, making them to believe that the electric current is the power of the holy spirit. – Saturday Sun, June 7, 2008, page 19.
Also, an increasing number of people today are joining secret socieites because of political, economic, social and security concerns. Membership of these cults is for life and there are no opt-out clauses. For the fact that what they practice is satanism, many of those who have joined discover to their utter dismay that they have tied themselves to greater bondage than the problem they were running away from. Apostle Peter aptly captured this unfortunate situation, lamenting that: “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” – 2 Peter 2:19.
It is common knowledge that emmissaries of factions and sects of various secret societies intensely lobby for membership among staff in the public and or private sectors, and even in the Churches. It is those who accede to join that are assured of moving up the ladder. Many of these cults involve making covenants with demons while some actually turn people into witches and wizards. But their leaders sometimes put a false colouring to it by making a false distinction between black and white witches. The distinction is false because in reality such does not exist, all acts of witchcraft are of the devil and Christians must keep away from them. (Isaiah 8:19; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) We must remind oursleves of the fact that Jesus Christ warned that no one can serve two masters. (Mathew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 10:20-22) Those already deceived must pray fervently to God Almighty to help them to leave these organisations which “are the synagogue of Satan”. (Revelation 2:9) The Psalmist stated “He (God) will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer… To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to loose those that are appointed to death”. (Psalm 102 18, 20) All these false organisations will be destroyed in God’s due time. “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” – Isaiah 28:17.
Warning
Those who have come into liberty through the knowledge of the truth must be steadfast in the way of righteousness and not slide back into error. St. Peter warned: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:20-22.
Anyone who, in spite of warning, chooses darkness to light will remain in bondage and will be plagued with strong delusion. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”, said St. Paul. (Romans 6:16) In the end such ones shall perish “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved”. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. See also 2 Corinthians 4:3,4) To avoid these dire situations, all those who yearn for truth and righteousness of God must fear God by putting away evil. The Bible says: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” He added: “ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:1, 13.
God’s Kingdom
The benefits of the freedom of Christ would be fully realised in God’s Kingdom fully established, after the devil had been killed by Jesus Christ. Thereafter ignorance, diseases, disabilities, poverty and so on will be no more. “And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” -Isaiah 25:7, 8; 33:24.
In the revelation given to Apostle John by Jesus Christ, it is stated: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful”. – Revelation 21:1-5.
It is my fervent prayer that God Almighty Who sent Jesus Christ into this evil world to free man from the shackles of sin and death will help us to live up to the demands of Christ so as to enjoy His precious promises in the world to come by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
G.O. IFEACHO,
Chairman, Executive Board, GKS
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
Hail Jehovah and Jesus Christ!
Unto all people of goodwill who love to serve God in sincerity and in truth, be grace and peace from God Almighty through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am indeed immensely grateful to God for His goodness in keeping His Church united and for continuing to sustain us with His holy spirit as to forge ahead with our spiritual duties by His grace. I also thank Him for keeping us all alive to celebrate once again the birth anniversary of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth inaugurated a new era in God’s plan of salvation for suffering humanity.
Some ask why we should mark the birth of Jesus Christ. There are several compelling reasons but suffice it to say that it is by virtue of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that the grace of God in healing mankind of their spiritual and physical infirmities was manifested. This grace is offered, without respect of persons, to men and women, young and old, rich and poor. Above all, he died for us that we might live forever and fully enjoy the immeasurable love God Almighty has for His children. (Luke 4:18-21; Romans 5:15-18; 2 Corinthians 5:9; etc.) It is for the purpose of renewing the clarion call about our duties to God that my address for this year’s Freedom Day is entitled, “Living a godly life in Christ”.
Jesus Christ, the standard
Jesus Christ is our Advocate and Guide. Long before Christ was born, Moses, the patriarch had prophesied of his coming, saying he would be the one the people of God should hearken to. (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; John 5:46) The Patriarch Jacob, referring to Jesus Christ as Shiloh, (the peaceful one), said that “unto him shall the gathering of the people be”. (Genesis 49:10) He could carry out this work because he had been empowered by God Almighty to reveal the truth to the people through his servants the apostles, thus enabling them to know, both by precept and example, how to serve God aright. See Matthew 11:25, 26; John 6:29.
This task is even more urgent now in view of the distressful conditions people have found themselves today. Many are weighed down by the burden of having to keep so many rites and traditions of men. So many people have so often been disappointed by false prophets that they do not know who to turn to or believe anymore. Some are held captive to various sinful lusts. Many are weary of the deceit, oppressions and injustices in the world today at the instance of the devil. Such ones will by the power of God be able to break free from satan’s stranglehold by paying heed to the words of Christ and following his example. He declared: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-30.
Still stressing the point of following the example of Christ, St. Paul, in his letter to the Christians at Philippi, exhorted us to be humble, obedient and selfless, in the service of God, like our Lord Jesus Christ, for which he was exalted above all creatures. He stated: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:5-11.
Anyone who does not cultivate the godly virtues of faith, diligence, love, tolerance, humility, etc. as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ, is indulging in vain worship. On this score it is pertinent to remind ourselves of Christ’s encounter with the Pharisees in those days, in which he cited the prophecy of Isaiah to warn them of the futility of empty profession of the faith. Quoting Isaiah 29:13, he stated: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” – Matthew 15:7-9.
One can therefore clearly see the importance which Jesus Christ placed on practical Christianity. The topic: “Living a godly life in Christ” serves to remind us to be diligent in keeping to the tenets or requirements of the Christian faith so as to enjoy the benefits of the coming of Jesus Christ to the world. He himself declared: “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10.
New Creatures
Though we have been called into the way of eternal life, we cannot have life on our own terms. Salvation can only be obtained on the conditions God has prescribed. That being so, we cannot be doing our own will or be serving God as we please. Jesus Christ stated: “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 6:38; 5:30) If Jesus Christ, in spite of his high position did not do his own will while on earth, who are we to serve God according to our own pleasure? Because Christ knew that a significant number of those who claim to be his disciples would be mere lip-worshippers, he declared, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” – Mathew 7:21.
As the Bible has foretold, many of those who claim to be Christians today do not know the will of the Father (God Almighty), and where they do, are not convinced of the urgent need to be practical Christians. Despite holding all night-long crusades, fasting and praying for long hours, “casting and binding satan,” their enemies and all forces of evil, making hefty donations, their interests or priorities are not spiritual but are material and common place. There is so much hatred, selfishness, arrogance, greed, immorality, false teachings, and all sorts of evil in the world. These vices should not be prevalent among people who claim to believe in Christ. We must stress the fact that whether people believe it or not, they cannot be saved unless they practice the righteousness of God in truth.
During his days on earth, one of the leaders of Jews came to Jesus Christ secretly by night. His name was Nicodemus. Jesus Christ addressing him stated: “…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The understanding of the Scriptures show that Christ was expounding the fact that it is imperative that those who claim to be converts must shed the perversions and errors that they were used to before they came to Christ. They must after conversion learn to express in conduct the new life in Christ. The change may be so radical that it is likened to a rebirth or regeneration. According to the Black’s Bible Dictionary the discussion Christ had with Nicodemus highlights the fact that, “There are two orders of life open to men: One natural, the other, spiritual. Membership in the natural order comes with the gift of life itself. Membership of the spiritual is a result of a decision. The experience may be sudden or may be gradual, the result of a long period of discipline, meditation, instruction, and moral uncertainty.” Truly, it is by sincere dedication to doing the will of God that the converts will learn to live a godly life in Christ. St. Paul stated: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.
It is with this understanding therefore that St. Paul exhorted the Christians at Ephesus in those days that they should no more walk “as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart”. He pointed out that the ungodly “being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”. He then admonished: “But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:17-26.
Apostle Paul further charged us to place the highest consideration to our call to salvation by putting aside our personal desires so as to properly fulfil our duties to God. He stated: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” – Titus 2:11-15.
The Truth
Our Lord Jesus Christ made it abundantly clear several times in the gospels that those who are his disciples indeed must immerse themselves in his word, which is the truth, so as to know his will and to practice godliness. To this end he declared: “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31, 32) The freedom he is talking about is freedom from sin and its consequences, including death. The truth comes from God through Jesus Christ, the captain of our salvation. Hence he declared: “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) The knowledge of the truth is therefore crucial in resolving the issue as to whether one is living a godly life in Christ or not. David the Psalmist stated: “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18.
It is the truth that teaches one how to serve God in an acceptable manner and be in close fellowship with Him. It frees one from superstitions and false notions regarding God’s purpose of creation and His Kingdom. Overtime, sincere adherence to the truth frees one from the grip of the lusts of the flesh so that righteousness becomes a relatively easy thing for the believer. See Romans 12:21; Galatians 5:1; Romans 13:11-13; etc.
I want to emphasize the word sincerity, for it lies at the very heart of this address. We should be plain or honest in our services to our Maker, knowing that He sees everything, even what we are thinking. See Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 11:4. Those who serve God in sincerity are the “true worshippers” whom Christ said the Father seeketh to worship Him. (John 4:23) I wish to highlight at this juncture the honesty displayed by an airport taxi driver, Imeh Usua, who returned the sum of N18 million forgotten in his taxi to the owner. It is remarkable that he had not even completed payment on the car he was driving. Up till this year he is still being honoured by various bodies in Nigeria, for an event that took place in 2007, five years ago. (See The Guardian, August 17, 2012, page 14) Indeed, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Unless we are prepared to do what we preach, say and believe, our songs of praise, donations, prayers, attending of services and so on cannot go beyond the ceiling of our places of worship and homes.
To live a godly life in Christ therefore one must be a practical Christian, one who reflects his faith in his daily life. That was why when the mother of Jesus Christ and his brethren “stood without, desiring to speak with him”, he told the messengers and the people listening to him: “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50) On another occasion he told the unbelieving Jews: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” – Luke 6:46.
Those who obey the word of God are putting into effect “The Great Commandment” which is to love God Almighty with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 22:34-40) Truly, love is central to living the godly life in Christ. Apostle John stated: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” – 1 John 4:20, 21.
It is unfortunate that in spite of clear admonitions in the Bible on the importance of godliness in the life of the believer, some still go about doing their own will not bothering about the consequences of knowing the truth and failing to keep it. I will now give some examples of such sinful behaviours as the next point in this sermon.
Sexual Sins: An area where many professed Christians are coming short of the demands of God is in the area of sexual morality. Though some claim to be Christians yet they indulge in fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, prostitution, cohabitation or trial marriage or even what some call “open marriage” loose relationships in which the parties agree to have other sexual partners contrary to the Bible. See Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:26; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; etc.
People who were indulging in sexual immorality before they became Christians are welcome to the faith but they must stop such practices if they want their services to be acceptable to God. St. Paul in his letter to Christians at Corinth in those days was shocked to hear that some of them where indulging in immoral conduct without shame and without regard as to the consequences. He declared: “…What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:16-18.
To emphasize how serious the matter is he warned the Corinthian Christians “…not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11) He added: “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” – Verses 12,13.
Speaking further of Christian puity, St. Paul declared: “Honour your marriage and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery.” – Hebrews 13:4, Living Bible.
Dvorce: It is unfortunate that an increasing number of marriages are ending in divorce contrary to the divine order. Most divorces are caused by financial difficulties, infidelity, disrespect or disregard for each other, among other reasons. We hereby exhort all couples to live up to their marriage vows and use the word of God to work on their problems with prayers to God with Whom all things are possible. We should not resort to divorce at the least opportunity or for flimsy reasons. Jesus Christ stated: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” – Matthew 19:9. See also Malachi 2:14-16.
Dressing: Because dressing tells a man or a woman, that is, it gives immediate impression of the persons character and world view, those who want to live godly lives, as peculiar people, must appear in ways that portray them as Christians. It is unfortunate that some men want their wives to wear outfits that expose their bodies. The women should not obey such instructions for we must obey God rather than men. (Acts 4:19, 20; 5:28,29) One cannot dress indecently, portraying oneself as loose in morals or wild in character or as a deviant just to be seen as fashionable and yet want to be taken seriously as a Christian. The issue of dressing applies to men and women but more particularly to women who are enjoined by St. Paul to: “…adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” – 1 Timothy 2:9,10.
Opposition and Reward
Those who live a godly life in Christ, who do not want to be conformed to this world but “want to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”, (Romans 12:1,2) will not be liked by all. This should not come as a surprise because the world loves darkness rather than light in that their deeds are evil. (John 3:19) Jesus Christ himself stated: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) He therefore exhorted his true disciples to march on with their work of salvation and that they should not allow themselves to be deterred by the persecutions of the ungodly: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18, 19) St. Paul echoed the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when he affirmed: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12.
Brothers, sisters and friends, from all that I have said in this sermon it is clear that Christianity should not be regarded as a mere profession but one that should be expressed in true Christian living. It is such ones that will have eternal life which is the ultimate reward of the people of God. Jesus Christ stated: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29) What is more St. Paul, stating that God will render to every man according to his deeds, added that, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” – Romans 2:6-9.
We pray God Almighty Who is now gathering His sheep to Himself to help His children to live godly lives to serve Him with reverence and godly fear so that their services will be acceptable to Him for their own blessing and salvation in the end through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho,
Chairman, Executive Board, GKS
October, 2012
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
To God Almighty Who has created all things for His glory and pleasure and by Whose grace we now have hope of eternal life in God’s Kingdom fully established here on earth, be glory, honour and praises, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
I thank our heavenly Father for the grace we have to participate in this year’s Freedom Day celebrations, thus affording us another opportunity to reflect on the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus Christ to the world was a demonstration of the power of God and proof that He indeed is Almighty. It would be recalled that when Mary wondered how she could conceive and bear a child, the angel told her thus, “The Holy Ghost (holy spirit) shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35) The angel went on to disclose that her cousin Elisabeth had also conceived a son in her old age and that the pregnancy was then six months old. He then added “… For with God nothing shall be impossible”. (Luke 1:37) In other words, though people had written off Elizabeth as barren, she would still bear a child by the power of God.
It is from this statement of the angel that I have chosen the topic of my address to you in this year’s Freedom Day, entitled “With God All Things Are Possible”. In this age of perplexity and distress when men’s hearts are failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth, they, more than ever before, need these words of exhortation and comfort by the grace of God. – Luke 21:25, 26,34-36.
God is Almighty
There is no circumstance from which God Almighty cannot save us. Indeed, He is the God of salvation. (Psalm 68:20) Jeremiah the prophet declared: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:.” (Jeremiah 32:17) In verse 27 God Himself declared: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) Because He is supreme in heaven and earth, He revealed Himself to Abraham as the Almighty God. Moses the prophet, addressing the Jews, stated, “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” – Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 10:17.
In view of the fact that He is Almighty, He is able to bring His promises to fulfillment. He is therefore worthy of being trusted. He declared through Isaiah the prophet, “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” – Isaiah 46:9-11. See also Isaiah 14:24-27; Daniel 4:35.
Right from the time of old, God Almighty had been demonstrating that with Him all things are possible. Thus, the Bible abounds with declarative statements and examples to teach us vital lessons on faith, patience, obedience and other qualities that God requires from His worshippers. St. Paul stated: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4. See also 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11.
Abraham and Sarah
Abraham and Sarah did not have a child until they were old. But God Almighty assured Abraham a number of times that he would have a child. In one of such occasions, God told him that although he was childless, the time would come when it would be impossible to count all his children. The Bible states, “And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” Abraham believed firmly in the promise of God to him and it was counted to him for righteousness. – Genesis 15:5, 6.
On another occasion when God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, the leader of the angels sent on that mission, (who later came to this earth as Jesus Christ) told Abraham, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son”. The promise sounded so unrealistic that Sarah, not knowing who was speaking, laughed from behind the tent from where she was hearing the conversation. Why did she disbelieve the promise? This was because she was “old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women”. The angel then said to Abraham “Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:9-14) As the angel promised, so it was. Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son when he was 100 years old “at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” – Genesis 21:1-3.
St. Paul recounting the importance of what happened in those days commended Abraham for firmly believing in “God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken”. He added, “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” St. Paul then stated that the faith, patience, steadfastness shown by Abraham and Sarah are examples we should copy. His words, “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” – Romans 4:17-25.
There was also the case of Zacharias whose wife, Elizabeth, conceived in her old age and had to hide herself for five months. (Luke 1:5-57) I hereby exhort couples who are yet to have children to draw inspiration from the examples of Abraham, Sarah, Zacharias and Elizabeth, among others in the Bible, who stayed with their husbands and remained steadfast in the service of God without running from pillar to post looking for miracle workers, witch doctors and visionaries, until it pleased God to bless them with children by His grace. We thank God that we have examples in the Church of members who have had children after waiting for upwards of ten to fifteen or even thirty years. The Bible says: “He (God Almighty) maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” –Psalm 113:9.
The natural Jews
While the children of Israel were travelling from Egypt to Canaan, they cried bitterly for meat to eat. Moses was grieved because of their impatience and faithlessness and complained about them to God saying, “Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.” (Numbers 11:13, 14) But God, with Whom all things are possible declared that though they were in the wilderness, they would have more than enough of meat to eat. “Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?” – Numbers 11:19, 20.
Even Moses the prophet could not but wonder how the quantity of meat that would be enough for such a large number of people could be gotten in the dry and desolate land they were in. He said: “The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?” In asking questions about how the multitude could be provided with meat in the wilderness, Moses was speaking as a human being. But God told him, “Is the LORD’S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” (Numbers 11:21-23) This shows that we should believe the promises of God Almighty and not worry about how He would bring them to pass. We should commit our causes to Him Who “doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number”. (Job 5:8, 9) What happened was that God Almighty caused a wind to blow from the sea, bringing quails close to the camp, about two cubits (two feet) above the ground. The people gathered as much as they wanted, as there was more than enough for everybody. But God punished them later for their blasphemous words and faithlessness to teach us vital lessons on knowledge, understanding, faith, patience, use of the tongue, etc. – Numbers 11:33, 34.
Lazarus, the brother of Mary
It was our Lord Jesus Christ who stated that “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27; Matthew 19:26) He demonstrated this when he brought back to life, Lazarus who had been buried four days earlier. According to the account of St. John, when Martha saw Jesus Christ, she said that her brother would not have died if he were around. She then expressed faith in the power of God through Christ saying “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” When Jesus told her that her brother would rise again she thought he was referring to the resurrection in the last day. But Christ told her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:21- 26) So unrealistic did the idea of bringing back to life of Lazarus seem that when Jesus Christ asked them to remove the stone covering the cave, Martha reminded him that Lazarus had been in the grave for four days and that the body would have started decomposing. It was then Jesus told her, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Jesus then proceeded to make a short prayer to God Almighty, after which he shouted “Lazarus, come forth”. “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin: Jesus then told the people, “Loose him, and let him go”. (John 11:44) This miracle done by Jesus Christ by the power of God Almighty convinced many people that he was indeed the Messiah. As Jesus Christ told his disciples , “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 10:27.
Faith
We should always have strong, unwavering faith that God Almighty is able to deliver us from the devil’s onslaughts, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem. When the three faithful Jews refused to bow to the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up, the king threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace and asked them impudently, “and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15) But when they were bound hands and feet and thrown into the fiery furnace, the fire did not hurt them in any way. Rather, he saw them walking about with a fourth man among them, who, in appearance looked like the son of God. Indeed, he was the Angel of His Presence, (Isaiah 63:9), who was Jesus Christ in his pre-human days. On seeing the wonder that had happened, Nebuchadnezzar asked them to come out of the fire and went on to make a decree that no one should utter any word against the God of the Jews “because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort”. (Daniel 3) There is no doubt that God Almighty demonstrates His power at critical moments in the life of the Christian, as He did for the three faithful Jews. This is a clear warning to people in authority not to allow themselves to be carried away by power as to challenge God Almighty and oppose righteousness or persecute the people of God. Such ones will certainly lick the dust in the end. And they will be put to shame.- See Psalm 72:9; Micah 7:17. Please consider earnestly 2 Kings 7:17-20; Matthew 14:25-33 and John 20:26-29.
Many people today want to see signs and wonders first before they believe in the power of God. But St. Paul says “we walk by faith, not by sight”. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Therefore whatever may be our problems we should believe that God will solve them for us in His time according to His will. We should not doubt. Faithlessness is a big hindrance to prayer. Apostle James stated: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (James 1:5-7) And Christ said: “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall … also … say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21, 22) Furthermore, the Bible says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6.
As Job the prophet said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1) Truly, the problems facing people in the world today are huge. They range from spiritual and political problems to social and economic difficulties. The problems could be those of getting the basic necessities of life, good health, education, life skills or employment. Others issues include those of getting suitable partners for marriage, or solving marriage problems, including that of childlessness. For some other people, their major problem would include how to be freed from the hands of their oppressors, demons, witches and wizards. These problems may look impossible to solve but with steadiness, determination, patience, trust in God, He will solve them for us in His own time according to His will by His grace.
However, no one should take desperate, even suicidal steps, just because he believes that the situation is hopeless. Rather than embarking on dangerous schemes to climb up the ladder, people should acquire the knowledge of God, have faith in His promises, watch and pray and work earnestly towards their desired goals by the grace of God. We should also know that all problems of man cannot be solved in this world but in God’s perfect Kingdom. It is therefore an illusion to be looking for a place in this world where everything will be smooth and easy. Human beings can only improve their lot through faith in God, hard work, sincerity and unity of purpose as God is able “to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. – Ephesians 3:20.
I exhort all those who are in one form of trouble or the other to draw inspiration from the word of God, knowing that although the devil has plagued mankind with so many problems, God is able to protect us and save us from the devil’s assaults. St. Peter stated: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:6-9.
Moreover the Bible exhorts: “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:3-5.
We pray God Almighty, the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to continue to endow us with more of His holy spirit so that we might have the knowledge and understanding to exercise strong faith in Him at all times believing firmly that with Him nothing shall be impossible by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho,
Chairman Executive Board, GKS
October, 2013
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
To God Almighty Whose holy name is JEHOVAH, the Creator and Possessor of the entire universe be glory, honour and praises through His Son Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of mankind for His infinite mercies on us His sheep everywhere by His grace.
I am profoundly grateful to our heavenly Father for His mercies on us in enabling us to gather once again to mark the birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ who came into this evil world to redeem mankind from sin and death.
I have chosen as my address to all celebrants, the topic “How Can the World Attain True Peace and Safety?”
The word peace means “freedom from civil disturbance”, “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions”, “a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety”. Safety is defined as “freedom from danger; the state of being safe and protected from danger”. The adjective true is used to qualify peace and safety in order to highlight the huge difference between the peace of the world and the perfect conditions that would exist in God’s Kingdom.
NO PEACE IN THE WORLD
The world today cannot be said to be in peace nor can people say they are safe. Right from the time man fell at the instance of the devil, the nations have continued to yearn for a time when, the causes of war would come to an end; when injustice, deprivation, tyranny, wars would be no more. To underline the importance of peace to the world, the United Nations on September 21, 2014 observed the International Day of Peace. In his message, the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki Moon, stating that the world is in dire need of peace, noted that “armed conflict causes untold grief to families, communities and entire countries”; and that “too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of warmongers and terrorists”. He acknowledged that “much remains to be done to douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict”. Several world leaders also spoke in a similar vein. However, how can there be peace when those who are preaching peace are themselves steeped in the very acts that give rise to conflicts? It is a forlorn hope to believe that there would be peace in this world when there is so much competition and fighting over scarce resources, territory, food; where there is so much selfishness, crime, drug abuse, poverty, kidnapping, cultism, rigging of elections, corruption, and stockpiling of arms among nations. No wonder St. Peter stated, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” – 2 Peter 2:19.
The fact is that the age in which we are living in, the last days, is one in which insincerity, faithlessness, wickedness would be rife. That was why St. Paul spoke of the last days as a perilous or dangerous time in which people will be cruel to and hateful of one another. He stated, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) We all can see the fulfilment of this Bible prophecy in our time and this buttresses an earlier prophecy that in the time of the end, “the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10) In line with this prophecy of Daniel, St. Paul said many would today be “giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron”. – 1 Timothy 4:1, 2.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us even more definite signs of the last days, stressing that it would be a turbulent and crisis-ridden period in human history. At a time during his earthly ministry, his disciples asked him “…Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” (Luke 21:7) Among the signs of the end of the world which he told them was that “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:10, 11. Compare Matthew 24:7, 8). This prophecy of Jesus Christ fulfilled in the First World War of 1914 – 1918. The war itself was sequel to the devil’s expulsion from heaven and “having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” plunged the world into global conflict with the mind to destroy all flesh. – Revelation 12:7-12.
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the First World War of 1914-1918 was “virtually unprecedented in the slaughter, carnage, and destruction it caused” hence, it is regarded as “one of the great watersheds of 20th century geopolitical history”. The pestilence that followed World War 1, the Spanish influenza of 1918- 1919, led to the death of an estimated 25 million persons throughout the world, whereas those soldiers and civilians who died during the war were estimated to be about 21.5 million. The Second World War of 1939 – 1945 was a continuation of the First World War. Historians say that in terms of lives lost and material destruction, it was the most devastating war in human history, and saw the introduction of two radically new weapons: the long-range rocket and the atomic bomb
The world is still ravaged by wars, resulting in large number of refugees, hunger, diseases and so on. The British Prime Minister, David Cameron declared in a BBC interview on Saturday August 2, 2014, ahead of commemorations for the centenary of the First World War, that the problems that led to the First and Second World Wars “are problems that still confront us today.” It is worthy of note that Christ said the First War would be the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8) In other words, the world would be marching into harder and harder times until it is finally destroyed. Speaking further of the condition of people in the earth our Saviour said, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:25, 26) The “sea” represent the people and the “waves” the rulers; they would be in constant disagreement, as we see today in the numerous strikes, demonstrations and protests in virtually all nations.
Apart from wars and their aftermaths, people all over the world have issues that give them disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. They are anxious about the social, political and economic problems they face today and the dangers that lie ahead. Presently, millions of people the world over are in grave distress because of wars, poverty, drug abuse, corruption, unemployment, terrorism, kidnapping, insurgencies, armed robbery, natural disasters, etc. Many are depressed and some even commit suicide due to inability to achieve educational goals, stress at work, job insecurity, lack of faith in God, etc. Besides, there are several diseases that put people in distress and pain and result in deaths daily. These include tuberculosis, malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV\AIDS, Meningitis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and various types of cancers. There was recently an outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in some West African countries, including Nigeria. The battle to contain it, find a vaccine and an effective mode of treatment is still on. While the countries with confirmed cases are battling to contain the spread, others without any known incident are working hard to protect their countries from being infected.
HUMAN MAKESHIFTS
In their desperate efforts to secure peace in the world, the leading statesmen of the world have taken several measures to end wars, wipe out hunger, sickness, unemployment, “make poverty history”, and so on. Following the catastrophic loss of life in World War I, the Paris Peace Conference established the League of Nations to maintain harmony between the nations. But it failed to preserve world peace, especially German expansions under Adolf Hitler which culminated in World War II. Subsequently, the United Nations Organisation (UNO) was formed on 24 October 1945 to save “succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. However, the insincerity of politicians and statesmen of the world have turned the United Nations (UN) into what some have called a “hypocritical and ineffectual debating society.” The meetings of the UN are not opened with prayer to the Almighty God, but by a moment of silence as prayer might offend some of the atheistic members. When people put God and His word aside to do their own will they will never succeed in realizing their desires. -Isaiah 8:9, 10.
Again, it is presumptuous of the UN, to assume that they can bring about peace by their own efforts, as expressed in their stated desire to translate into reality the promise of God in the Bible that the nations would beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. In as much as this underlines the importance the nations attach to peaceful co-existence, the fact remains that peace cannot be achieved merely by human efforts. David declared under the inspiration of God, “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:16-19) Moreover, the Bible says, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” – Proverbs 21:31.
St. Paul stated that even when the nations think they have gotten it right and things are beginning to work well, then unexpected crisis would erupt. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) It should be remembered that when the Jews sought to achieve peace without acknowledging God Almighty, He rebuked them sternly, warning that their efforts will come to “nought”. – Isaiah 8:9, 10; 30:1; 31:1, 3; Jeremiah 8:9.
The nations of the world can never have peace when so many people give themselves to sin, putting the laws of God aside and doing their own will. “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:20, 21) God told the people through Hosea the prophet, “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.” (Hosea 4:1-3) Moreover, God declared through Jeremiah the prophet: “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?” “…for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.” – Jeremiah 7:16-17; 11:14.
For the world to have peace therefore, they must have the true knowledge of God (1 Timothy 2:3, 4). Solomon, a King of Israel and prophet of God, speaking of the benefits of knowledge, stated among other things that, “…Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:13-17). Then the person must have faith in the word as to act on it sincerely and steadfastly. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” said St. Paul. (Romans 5:1) Because the word of God is spiritual, one who immerses himself in it will be spiritually minded and will have the peace of God by His grace. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6.
Spiritual mindedness will purge one of evil thoughts which are nurtured in the heart and which defiles the man and disturbs the peace of the individual and the society. Jesus Christ said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15:19; See also Chapter 5:21-28). Such ones will “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another”. (Romans 14:19; Philippians 4:9) Jesus Christ thus enjoined us to love, even those who count themselves our enemies, and to be tolerant, longsuffering, forbearing, allowing ourselves to suffer wrong for the sake of peace. – Matthew 5:38-48.
One who loves his neighbor as himself will not do anything to hurt him. “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:9, 10.
PEACE IN GOD’S ORGANISATION
It is only God Almighty Who is the God of peace that can bring perfect peace to the earth through Christ. The Bible says, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9.
It is for the purpose of ensuring that people of goodwill find the way to peace that He (God Almighty) has established His kingdom on earth, known as “Mountain” where people should flee to. (Isaiah 2:2; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:15, 16) There they will be taught the righteousness of God and there He will bless them. – Ezekiel 20:40; Isaiah 25:6-8.
It would be recalled that when, in the days of Noah, the earth became filled with corruption and violence, God Almighty directed Noah to build an ark where he and his family of seven as well the creatures in the ark, were protected from the flood that destroyed the earth. (Genesis 6:5-14; 7:1-24) Also, when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were to be destroyed, the angel told Lot, “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (Genesis 19:17) Though he was reluctant to go to the mountain, it was there that he and his two daughters, eventually fled to in view of the intensity of the devastation on the entire country. (Genesis 19:23-30). As Noah and his family, as well as Lot and his two daughters found peace and safety in the ark and in the mountain respectively, so the people of God should seek refuge in God’s Organisation now in order to find true peace and safety. – Isaiah 26:20, 21.
Thus, before God’s Kingdom takes over the affairs of the whole earth, peoples of the world can enjoy relative peace when they pay heed to the words of God in the Holy Bible and have faith in Him. Jesus Christ declared, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) He further stated, “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.” (John 16:33) We should therefore cast our burdens on the Lord and believe that He will solve them in His due time. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” said St. Paul who added, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6, 7.
PERFECT PEACE AND SAFETY
It is only in God’s Kingdom fully established that the world will enjoy “a state of tranquility or quiet” “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions”, “freedom from danger” – in other words true peace and safety. Before that can be realized the devil, the fomenter of troubles and author of confusion, whose stock in trade is “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10) will himself be destroyed by God Almighty through Jesus Christ. (Romans 16:20; 1 John 3:8) Concerning that day, the Bible says in prophecy, “They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?” (Isaiah 14:16, 17) Because the devil will be no more, those who have proved their faithfulness to God in this world will enjoy perfect peace and be doing His righteousness all the time. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quite resting places.” (Isaiah 32:17, 18) The Bible shows that it is God Almighty Who “maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.” – Psalm 46:9. See also Job 34:29.
Speaking of the new earth Apostle John who was given the privilege to see in a vision the completely new order of things that would prevail on the earth wrote, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:1-5.
Brothers, Sisters and Friends, on this occasion of the Freedom Day 2014, I commend to you the words of the angels who sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” and pray that the peace of God which passeth all understanding be with us, and God’s children all over the earth through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
BROTHER GODWIN O. IFEACHO,
Chairman, Executive Board, GKS
PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION
Being the Address of the Chairman of the Executive Board of God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho, on the occasion of the Freedom Day celebrations 2015, in commemoration of the Birth Anniversary of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in October
Dear Fellow celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
Unto God Almighty, the God of gods and Lord of lords to Whom all creatures in heaven and earth must bow in worship and to His only Begotten Son Christ Jesus, the only Mediator between God and men be all honour, glory and adoration forever and ever.
That we are alive to see another Freedom Day is a token of the loving-kindness of God on us for the sake of our Ransomer Jesus Christ, which mercy we can only justify by sincere and diligent service to Him. St. Paul stated, “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:15.
The title of my address to celebrants of this year’s Freedom Day is “Pray That Ye Enter Not Into Temptation” drawn from Luke 22:40. This was a charge made by our Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, an olive-yard at the foot of the Mount of Olives, where he resorted with his disciples from time to time and where he was arrested by the leaders of the Jews and their supporters. This important charge by Christ to be prayerful in the face of temptations would be better understood from the context. The gospel record according to Dr. Luke shows that Jesus Christ gave the admonition as the weight of the agonies he was to go through in fulfilment of Bible prophecies, came upon him.
Thus, after exhorting the disciples to be fervent in prayers, he walked a short distance from them and knelt down in prayer to God, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) An angel had to appear to strengthen him. (Luke 22:43) But because he knew the humiliation, torture and death that was soon to come upon him, the Bible says that “being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) When he rose from the prayer and came to his disciples, “he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Luke 22:45-46) St. Matthew’s gospel states that Christ prayed three times on that fateful night and that after he had said the first prayer and came back and found them sleeping, he then exhorted them saying, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41.
It was after the prayer that the multitude of people, consisting of the leaders of the Jews and their followers, led by the traitor, Judas Iscariot, came to arrest him. That our Saviour went through a mock trial, in an illegal court session and was adjudged by the Jewish Court to be deserving of death; that he was taken to Pontius Pilate to confirm the death sentence, after which he was hanged on the tree and that he rose three days after, are incontrovertible facts of Bible and history. Even before our Saviour was hanged on the tree, he had warned St. Peter of the spiritual dangers that lay ahead of him, as it is written, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” – Luke 22:31, 32.
When St. Peter asserted his readiness to die for the sake of Christ, the Lord said to him, “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me”. (Luke 22:33, 34) It did not take long before this prophecy was fulfilled. It happened that after Christ had been arrested and taken to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, a maid who saw Peter recognised him as one of the disciples. But he denied vehemently, saying “I know him not”. Even a kinsman of one of the servants of the high priest whose right ear Peter cut off as the crowd came to arrest Christ, recognised him. But he denied again. (Luke 22:54-60; John 18:24-27) Even when he was told, “surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galiliean, and thy speech agreeth thereto”, the Bible says, “he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.” By the time he denied Christ three times, the cock crowed. He then realized his folly in failing the test of faith because of the fear of death and he wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72). By the grace of God, he did not falter in faith anymore until the end. One could see that Christ suffered various temptations; that the apostles, like the highlighted case of St. Peter faced fiery trials and that to overcome temptation one needs, strong faith, understanding, and above all, the grace of God. See Hebrews 5:7; Mark 14:33,34; John 12:27; Luke 22:28-30; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 3:5;Philippians 4:13.
Prayer
Prayer is a means prescribed by God Almighty for His worshippers to talk to Him and ask something from Him by way of worship. The devil is a mighty spirit creature who is busy going round the earth, along with his agents, spirit and human, doing everything possible to turn people against God Almighty. It is only by being constant in prayer that we can overcome the various snares the devil has laid for us.
The Bible shows that God Almighty is willing to hear our prayers and grant our petitions once we are willing to do His will. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him… Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” – 1 John 5:14,15; Psalm 103:11-14; 65:1,2.
Our Lord Jesus Christ showed example of praying regularly. He often departed from the disciples to some private or secluded place, such as mountains and the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. (Mark 1:35; 14:32; Matthew 14:23; 26:36; Luke; 6:12,13; 9:28,29; Luke 22:39, 44) Before he chose the 12 apostles, he spent the previous night in prayer. (Luke 6:12,13) Also, he prayed to God first before he multiplied food for more than five thousand people who stayed with him in the desert place until evening without eating. (Mark 6:31-44; Matthew 14:14-21; John 6:5-16) The most spectacular miracle Christ did on earth, the raising to life of Lazarus, who had been in the grave, for four days was also preceded by prayer. – John 11:41, 42.
Building on his own example, our Lord Jesus Christ exhorted us to make our requests known to God in prayer. He stated, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7, 8) He added, “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” – Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:13.
For prayers to be answered by God they should be said with faith, understanding, solemnity, humility, – without repetition or vainglorious display. (Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 18:9-14; 1 John 5:14) God responds to prayers in His own due time and the supplicant must continue doing the will of God while waiting for the prayer to be answered. (Luke 21:19; Luke 18:1-9) David declared, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” – Psalm 27:13, 14.
Temptation
The word temptation, means “a desire or craving for something, especially something considered wrong”. It is “the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to do evil.” It also means sore afflictions, difficulties and perils, at the instance of satan the devil to induce people of God to deviate from their convictions. Temptations are tests of our faith in God Almighty. HE, being holy and desirous of man’s holiness, does not tempt anyone; it is the devil who is the “tempter”. (Matthew 4:3,1; 1 Thessalonians 3:5) Apostle James stated, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13) The devil tempted Jesus Christ three times but failed to lure him to compromise his faith or act contrary to the purpose of God (Matthew 4:1-11). In the words of Apostle Paul, Christ “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. He also wrote, “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” – Hebrews 4:15; 2:18
However, God tests people’s faith or proves them to see if they actually believe in Him or not. When the Bible says that “God did tempt Abraham”, by asking him to offer his only son to Him as sacrifice, as stated in Genesis 22:1, the proper rendition is that God tried or tested Abraham, as St. Paul stated in Hebrews 11:17. Compare 2 Chronicles 32:31.
The Last Days
The devil has been at war with the children of God all through the ages, but the situation is much worse in this age, the Last Days, when God Almighty, through His Chief Executive, Christ Jesus, will take action against him. That was why St. Paul describes these times as “perilous”. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) The destructive attitude of the devil increased after his expulsion from heaven. He being filled with anger is determined to destroy as many people as possible, as could be seen from the proclamation in heaven to wit, “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12) It should also be noted that in the closing chapter of the book of Daniel, it is written that in this time of the end, “the wicked shall do wickedly”. – Daniel 12:10.
To face the challenges of these evil days, one needs knowledge, faith, understanding, meekness, obedience, patience etc., by the grace of God. Abraham did not have a child until he was 100 years, yet he remained faithful, trusting in God. Joseph rejected the allurements by Portiphar’s wife and was blessed in the land of Egypt. – Genesis 39:7-21; 41:37-57.
On the other hand, Eve listened to the lies of the devil and ate the fruit, and the husband, though he was not deceived, followed suit. (Genesis 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:14) While Moses was in the mountain to receive the laws of God, the Israelites compelled Aaron to make a golden calf for them. He could not withstand them and thereby overcome that temptation and so did what they wanted. (Exodus 32) For acceding to their demand, God was angry with Aaron such that he would have died but Moses prayed for him. (Deuteronomy 9:20) Also, following the incident in the wilderness of Zin, at the water of Meribah, when Moses struck the rock twice before water came out, God Almighty was angry with Moses and Aaron and precluded them from entering the promised land. For falling into the temptation brought upon them by the stubbornness of the Hebrews, Aaron died on Mount Hor, in Edom, at the age of about 123 years, while Moses, after being given the privilege of seeing the Promised land from afar, died in the land of Moab, at the age of 120. – Numbers 20:8-12, 24. Deuteronomy 32:38-52; 34:1-6.
Issues In Our Time
In fulfillment of Bible prophecies, the world today is bedeviled by natural disasters, economic difficulties, wars, massive exodus of people from one country to the other, death on a larger and larger scale, poverty, prostitution, stealing, corruption, ritual killing, cultism, social violence among youths, armed robbery, marital disorders, deceit, rape, etc. – Matthew 24:7,8; Luke 21:25,26; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Like in the days of Isaiah the prophet, many people today, “call evil good, and good evil … put darkness for light, and light for darkness; …put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) There is abroad a perverted value system, where corrupt people are honoured, where workers could be thrown out of work at any time and denied salaries and pensions, for no fault of theirs, where merit is battered for sentimental and selfish reasons, where there are unequal opportunities and where people sigh and cry because of injustice. The Holy Bible says: “None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgement in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” – Isaiah 59:4-8.
The difficulties of the times are temptations for which so many people have taken hard and even horrifying decisions, for which they have heartrending stories to tell. According to the New Telegraph of Tuesday, September 1, 2015, page 15, many young people, having been deceived “with stories of money falling on the gold paved floor to pick, are lured to the dazzle and sparkle of the destination point only to end up used, frustrated and dumped”. The newspaper added that “Many unsuspecting young women including unemployed university graduates are deceived with stories of abundant job opportunities and many of them end up as Ladies of the Night…When they land, they face tougher sanctions. The reception from the Airport starts with the collection of their travelling documents. They are driven straight into the waiting arms of an unknown face who turns out to be their new Mistress. The journey has just begun.”
Also in recent times, the faith of Christians is being put to the test, because of legislations that clash with the laws of God in the Holy Bible. One topical area is that of same-sex marriages. We must state that it is sad and appalling that countries that are supposedly founded on Christian ideals are now fighting against Christianity.
In various parts of the world, including Nigeria, people are facing life-threatening situations or strong temptations in various ways from which only God Almighty can save them. Currently, thousands of immigrants have been flooding Europe, from regions plagued by war and economic difficulties. This has been called a “staggering humanitarian crisis”, the largest refugee influx since World War 11 with more than 300,000 Africans and Asians crossing Europe’s border this year alone. Several hundreds of them have drowned in the sea. How many people can the Europeans accommodate to avoid what is being called “the great replacement”? How many more people will still drown in the sea or die through starvation, cold, disease and even hostile actions by security men? For how many more years will people be subjected to untold misery while their leaders struggle for power and officials of international agencies shuttle in style from one part of the world to the other, distributing aid and statistics?
I hereby enjoin people of God to be hardworking, to learn skills and keep growing in them so as to be insured by God’s grace from want and the temptation of stealing, prostitution and other vices. They should cultivate the Christian ethic of prayer, piety, moderation in all things, abstinence from wasteful consumption, thrift or prudence in the use of resources, foresight in planning for their future, patience and so on. Jesus Christ said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” – Matthew 10:16.
Exhortation
God Almighty is always ready to deliver us from temptations brought on us by the devil. We should therefore look up to Him at all times. We should not succumb to the appeal of worldly philosophers, necromancers, secret societies, false prophets but to Christ who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30.
When Jesus Christ told the apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane, “…Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation”, (Luke 22:46) he was admonishing us to be diligent, that is lively, energetic, enthusiastic in the Lord’s service; we should not be “slothful in business” but “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”.(Romans 12:11) St. Paul states, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” – Romans 13:11-14.
The fact is that the privilege of being called to the light comes with the responsibility of living up to the demands of the faith. This is particularly important now that our salvation is nigh at hand. It was Apostle James who exhorted: “ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing… Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life (eternal life), which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” And St. Paul further exhorted: “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.” – James 1:2-4,12; 1 Corinthians 10:13.
God Almighty has appointed Jesus Christ as the Shepherd of His sheep. He is the one to deliver us from the crippling circumstances that beset mankind today. (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Moreover, St. Peter states, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” (2 Peter 2:9) Let me end this sermon with the exhortation of St. Peter to the people of God to wit, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:6-9.
I pray God Almighty to continue to help His children to grow more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, to approve things that are excellent that they may overcome in the hour of temptation as to be without offence till salvation is attained by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY !
Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho
Chairman, Executive Board, GKS
October, 2015
COME UNTO ME ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN
BEING THE ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – BROTHER GODWIN O. IFEACHO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST IN OCTOBER 2016
Fellow Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
To God Almighty, the God of mercies Who has called us into His Kingdom to enjoy the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and the blessings attendant thereto, be glory, adoration and praises forever.
Beloved members and friends, we thank God fervently for His faithfulness in providing for us and keeping us alive to see this year’s Freedom Day celebrations – for which reason we must continue to proclaim His truth and extol His name by His grace. It was David the Psalmist who stated, “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” (Psalm 104:33, 34) No doubt, this is another opportunity to proclaim the grand fundamental truth that it is only through Jesus Christ that we would be saved from the afflictions which we suffer as a result of the sin we inherited from Adam. The address for this year is therefore captioned, “Come Unto Me All Ye That Labour And Are Heavy Laden”.
It was our Lord Jesus Christ who made this declaration after he had sent his disciples to preach in various towns and villages of the Jews and, he himself proceeded to other cities to continue the work of evangelism. In the course of his lectures he issued this all-important invitation to wit, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30.
It should be pointed out that before our Saviour made the open invitation to those who “labour and are heavy laden”, he had, earlier in his discourse, (verses 20 – 27), upbraided the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for the fact that the mighty works he did in these cities evoked so little positive response from them. He said if the wonderful works they saw had been done in time past, in the prosperous but godless sea ports of Tyre and Sidon or even in Sodom, that byword for homosexuality, “they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes”. Our Redeemer then thanked God for revealing the way of salvation, not to “the wise and prudent” of the world but to “babes”, that is, those regarded by society as weak, poor and ignorant. Certainly, the kingdom privileges would be enjoyed only by those who humble themselves to come to Christ so as to serve God acceptably. Surely, those who realise that they are weighed down by the load of sin and the devil’s oppressions, and are desperately in need of someone to ease them out of the valley of despair and destitution, Jesus Christ is calling them to come to him, for he is the personification of JEHOVAH’S love for His children. – Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10.
The point must be made however, that people must flee from sin if they are to be in the favour of God and live happily on earth. (John 5:14; Jeremiah 2:19) St. Paul, after reflecting on man’s inclination to sin, stated, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” – Romans 7:24, 25.
Labours And Hard Conditions
The situation in the time of our Saviour, when people were so steeped in ungodliness that they could not discern spiritual things is even worse in the world of today, which is bedeviled by such vices as selfishness, greed, hatred, hypocrisy and carnality, among other vices. The prevalence of these ills, which are planted and nurtured on earth by the devil, accounts for the troubles that now buffet mankind.
In many parts of the world, people contend with months of unpaid salaries; some have lost their jobs, as companies and businesses collapse and many are thus unable to repay their loans and foot their bills; many are living in fear of impending job cuts, while there are those who are into jobs that they hate. Consequently, suicide rates have risen as some people prefer to take their own lives than suffer the bitter shame of their outraged feelings. According to the World Health Organisation, every 40 seconds, one person commits suicide somewhere in the world, which tallies to 800,000 suicides annually, worldwide. Cases of suicides which, in the past, were hardly heard of in Africa are now being reported more frequently, because the social support system of everyone being his neighbour’s keeper, which was an integral part of the social economy of Africans, has faded away; individualism of the modern day has taken over.
Brothers, Sisters and friends, let me use this opportunity to strongly advise everyone against giving in to any suicidal tendencies the devil would provoke in him. Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take his own life. Only God Almighty Who gives life has the right to take it. (Job 1:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19) The actions of Zimri, king of Israel, who “burned the king’s house down upon himself with fire”, and Judas who killed himself, among other instances, are condemned in the Holy Bible. – 1 Kings 16:18; Matthew 27:5; Acts 1:15-20; 16:27.
Available reports show that majority of Africa’s estimated 800 million people are disillusioned and desperate, as the continent, has become a metaphor for disease, poverty, unemployment, corruption, mismanagement, and bad governance. Compared to other regions, more African countries are either involved in raging conflicts or are experiencing post-conflict tensions, forcing thousands of her youths into daily dangerous journeys abroad in desperate attempts to escape hardships in their home countries. – See The Guardian (Nigeria) Thursday, September 8, 2016, page 17.
Across the world, there are those who are addicted to various drugs because they want to be relieved of depression and pain, and want to be happy. However, as stated in the Encyclopedia Britannica (2012), instead of realizing the happiness they crave for, drug addicts suffer from severe insomnia, (sleeplessness) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, mild high blood pressure, loss of appetite, dehydration, and a considerable loss of body weight. It adds, “Apart from their addiction liability, respiratory depression leading to respiratory failure and death is the chief hazard of these drugs.” To free themselves from the burdens of this world, many also resort to the devil and his agents, including demons, witches and wizards, charmers, necromancers, astrologers, false prophets, miracle workers, municipal deities, etc, all to no avail.
Those who sigh and cry because of the travails they face on earth should not despair of life but should turn to Christ for direction and sustenance. St. Paul exhorted, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15,16) Moreover the Bible says, “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” – Isaiah 35:3, 4.
I hereby exhort those who take to drugs because of the depressed and sinking feelings they have to turn to God Almighty through His son Jesus Christ Who is calling all people of goodwill to Himself to give them salvation. The Psalmist, King David said: “For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” – Psalm 72:12; 34:6.
Those who seek help from secret societies, wizards and miracle workers are exposing themselves to deceptions of a most impudent and virulent kind, in that they end up being drained of their resources in addition to being dragged further into the pit. If they appear to be getting any help at all, they are temporary and superficial as they are overshadowed by the depth of the bondage they soon find themselves in before death comes calling. The Bible charges us to rely on God Almighty at all times and not to resort to the devil who only compounds people’s troubles, being a liar and a murderer from the beginning. (John 8:44) The Bible says, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” (Isaiah 8:19).When Saul found himself in a crisis and “was sore afraid …and there was no strength in him”, he sought help from the witch of Endor, but was not only deceived, but found that the demons she conjured did not help him in any way. (1 Samuel 28:6; 1Chronicles 10:13) Also, when Ahaziah fell down from the upper chamber of his house, and, fearing that he would die, sent messengers to seek help from Baalzebub the god of Ekron, God Almighty sent word through Elijah the Prophet to tell him that since he despised Him, the Almighty God, to seek help from the devil, he would certainly die from the ailment. And it was so. – 2 Kings 1:1-18.
Deliverance
It was for the purpose of freeing mankind from the burdens of sin and death that Jesus Christ was commissioned by God Almighty to come and give his life as a ransom for many. In Luke 4:18,19, the prophecy in Isaiah 61:1,2 was read by Christ himself and he told his hearers that it fulfilled on him. The text states, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Indeed, Jesus Christ came for the benefit of all those who are miserable and afflicted but who are humble in heart and want the righteousness and salvation of God. He came to give freedom to those who are held captive or are pressed down by sin and various oppressions of the devil. The reference to “the acceptable year of the Lord”, is an allusion to the year of jubilee, the fiftieth year, when liberty was proclaimed for all Hebrew slaves, at which time debts were cancelled and possessions were restored to their original families. (Leviticus 25:8-13) The “acceptable year” therefore means the time when God Almighty through Jesus Christ would grant freedom to His children who are in one form of bondage or the other so that they would be free to serve Him in the way acceptable to Him. To show that Jesus Christ came to free us from sin, John the Baptist identified him as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”, while St. Paul states that Christ “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” – John 1:29; Galatians 1:4. See also Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Examples
An example of how liberal God Almighty is in receiving sinners who come back to him is given in the case of Manasseh king of Judah. He became king at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years. The king was at a time so given to idolatry that he worshipped all the host of heaven, and even built altars for them in the house of the Lord, as it is written: “And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” – 2 Chronicles 33:6.
However, after God allowed him to be carried as a prisoner to Babylon in the 22nd year of his reign, he so humbled himself that God moved the Assyrians to restore him to his throne, after which he abolished the idols he had worshipped and the diviners he had consulted and gave himself wholly to true worship. Consequently, Manasseh reigned longer than any other king of Judah, and died in peace and was buried in Jerusalem. – 2 Chronicles 33:1-20; 2 Kings 21:1-18.
Death is the worst affliction the devil could inflict on human beings. In the case of Naomi, she lost her husband, Elimelech and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, in the land of Moab, to which they had emigrated because there was no food in their country, Bethlehem-Judah. To make matters worse, her two sons, though married, died childless. Naomi was left with two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. The string of deaths in addition to the famine that made them to migrate to Moab could have made some to lose their faith, but Naomi remained steadfast. When she returned to Bethlehem, God made it possible for Ruth, her daughter-in-law that returned to Israel with her, to come in contact with Boaz, her late husband’s kinsman, whom she eventually married. Their son, Obed, was “the father of Jesse, who was the father of David”. (Ruth 1-4) It could be seen that although things were very gloomy for Naomi at the beginning, the future turned out to be far brighter than she ever expected. The faithful know that in the favour of God is life. The Bible says: “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. (Psalm 30:5) David the prophet also stated, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:5, 6.
Another instance of how the devil could afflict people with burdens that are so heavy to bear, is that of Job. His suffering shows that God could allow the devil to bring misfortunes on a sincere worshipper, as a trial of his faith. It also gives the example of how believers should comport themselves when confronted by difficulties. In Job’s case, he lost all his property – sheep, camels, oxen, asses and his ten children, seven sons and three daughters. In addition, the devil inflicted on him a terrible disease. It was at the onset of his illness that his wife lost her faith and abandoned him, telling him that death was preferable to the abject condition he had found himself in. (Job chapters 1 and 2) But Job’s faith in the justice of God, saw him through by His grace. In the heat of his temptation Job declared, “I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number” (Job 5:8, 9) Job the prophet was later vindicated in that God healed him of his ailment and restored two fold all the livestock he lost besides giving him ten children, boys and girls. – Job 42:12-17; James 5:10, 11.
One of the dismal evils which sin had made us liable to is sickness. During the first advent of Jesus Christ, those afflicted with various ailments flocked to him, seeking to be cured. By healing them all, our Redeemer showed clearly that it is the devil who has been oppressing people with various diseased conditions but that when people showed faith in God, there was no condition He could not cure permanently. The gospel account says, “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” – Matthew 8:16, 17. See Isaiah 53:4, 5.
Rest for the people of God
From all that had been stated so far, it is clear why our Saviour Jesus Christ appealed to all people who are “weary and heavy laden” to come to him. It is on him, God Almighty has placed the responsibility of administering life and other attendant blessings to His children. In the words of St. Peter, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) God Almighty invites all who are worn down by the severities of life to come to Him, as it is written, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-3) It needs be pointed out that the decision to answer the invitation from God Almighty is a personal one and the time is now. The Bible says, “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.”- Isaiah 55: 6
Fellow celebrants, it is necessary at this stage to refer to what followed our Saviour’s call as stated in Matthew 11:28. He rounded off the invitation with the admonition, “And Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) The yoke is a symbol of subjection and servitude. (Compare 1Kings 12:4) But the yoke of Christ, that is, what we are required to do by way of service to him, is not burdensome. – 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 14:6; 3:17; Micah 6:6-8.
The “rest” Jesus Christ spoke of is the relative peace God would give His children in this world which would be perfected in the world to come by His grace. The Bible says, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) And Christ promised his disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27. See also John 16:33.
To be inheritors of the “rest” Jesus Christ spoke of, which was foreshadowed by the Sabbath in time of old, we must cultivate Christ-like qualities of meekness and lowliness, which connote, humility, submissiveness, obedience, modesty, knowledge, faith, diligence, soberness, sincerity, steadfastness and so on (John 13:12-17; Matthew 10:25; Romans 2:7; Luke 13:23,24; 2 Peter 1:5-11) Isaiah the Prophet was inspired to state, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:17, 18.
I appeal to all those who are privileged to hear or read this sermon to take the call of our Saviour Jesus Christ seriously by giving themselves to righteousness NOW, as tomorrow may be too late. St. Paul exhorted, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For if Jesus (in Greek which is Joshua in Hebrew) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” – Hebrews 4:1, 8-11. (Parenthesis Mine)
I pray God Almighty the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is now gathering His children in different parts of the world into His Kingdom organizations, to endow us with more of His holy spirit so that we may be rooted and grounded in His work and thereby find perfect peace and life everlasting in His kingdom when fully established, all by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY !
BROTHER GODWIN O. IFEACHO,
PRESIDENT, GKS
October, 2016
THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN THAT SHALL NOT BE REVEALED
BEING THE ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – BROTHER GODWIN O. IFEACHO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST IN OCTOBER 2017
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
Unto the Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs all power and might, be adoration and praises for His grace in opening the door of salvation for us, through the birth of His only begotten son, Christ Jesus our Lord.
The birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ was no doubt a world event, and that was why the gospels do not leave us in doubt about the universal scope of his mission. The angel who disclosed his birth to the shepherds looking after their flocks in the night declared: “…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10, 11) The blessings that would redound to the people of the world sequel to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, as highlighted during the call of St. Paul to apostleship, are “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” – Acts 26:18.
Unfortunately, a number of those who claim to be in the light secretly commit those same sinful acts or works of darkness which they oppose in public. They pretend to be pious, and very much devoted to God, but in their hearts, despite all their pretensions, they are full of evil schemes. They are thus hypocrites; who put on masks, or false appearances, feigning themselves to be what they are not.
One of such groups was the Pharisees. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not mince words in exposing them and warning his followers not to copy their ways. According to Luke’s account, there was a day a multitude gathered to hear him “…insomuch that they trode one upon another”, that “he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known”. (Luke 12:1, 2) It is from this admonition of our Lord that my address for this year’s Freedom Day is drawn. It is entitled “THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN THAT SHALL NOT BE REVEALED”.
We should bear in mind that Jesus Christ made this statement because the Pharisees, like all false prophets, outwardly present themselves in sheep’s clothing – as paragons of godliness – “…but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) The account of Matthew chapter 23, contains the most extensive denunciation of the Pharisees by our Lord Jesus Christ. He told the people, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matthew 23:2, 3) The Pharisees, claimed to be the custodians of the law but they preached false doctrines, replacing the truth with formalities, traditions and personal interpretations; they emphasised financial contributions while omitting the weightier matters of the law: they craved popularity, and loved honour and titles, preferring the praise of men to that of God. They therefore dishonoured God by their practices. – Matthew 23:16-23; Compare John 12:42,43.
It was for these reasons our Lord called the Pharisees “blind guides”, “fools”, “whited sepulchres”, “generation of vipers”, “murderers”. Though they appeared to be sincerely committed to the work of God and did profess love for the multitudes who followed them, yet their private lives were characterised by “extortion and excess”. (Matthew 23:15-17,25,27,28,33-35) The Lord further used very stern language in addressing them when he declared, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” – Matthew 23:33.
Examples
From our Lord’s condemnation of the Pharisees, among whom were doctors of the law, it is evident that competence in ministerial work should not be measured solely by desire, personality, ability to preach, administrative skills, education or academic accomplishments. Rather, the main criteria for measuring the Lord’s representatives is the fear of God and the doing of His will. Such a person should be of proven character or integrity, having the requisite qualities by God’s grace to sustain the credibility which the high office requires.
Hophni and Phinehas: The “sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas”, could not meet these absolute standards in that they were greedy, covetous, dictatorial, and sexually promiscuous. The Bible says that although they were priests, they were “sons of Belial”: they “knew not the LORD” for “they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation”. For them the saying that “the nearer the Church, the farther from God” holds true. Consequently, “the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD”. – 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25.
Unfortunately, their father, Eli the High Priest, due to carnal love for his children, failed to remove them from office. He thereby honoured or regarded his sons above the word and name of God Almighty. The result was that Eli and his sons died ignominiously, according to the word of the Lord. (1 Samuel 2:27-36; 4:1-22) Those who “grasp all, lose all”. Spiritual leaders should live upright lives or else be exposed and suffer dire consequences sooner or later. – Luke 12:47,48; 2 Peter 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Saul: I would also like to cite the case of Saul, the king of Israel. He used the cover of darkness to hide his visit to the witch of Endor whereas he himself had, in line with the law of God, banned such practices. (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 8:19) He was desperate for help as “…the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets”. (1 Samuel 28:6,7) Fearful of a crushing defeat by the Philistines, Saul disguised himself and went with two of his servants in the night to meet this “woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor” and requested that she should bring up Samuel the prophet. He had so fallen from the way of God that he could be deceived with the BIG LIE that through a witch he could communicate with the prophet of God who, even while he was alive, had for long severed all contacts with him. Having sold his integrity, Saul became easy prey for the devil and his agents and was utterly deceived by them. Consequently, he and his three sons paid with their lives. The Bible says: “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” – 1 Chronicles 10:2,13,14.
Achan: Another figure in the Bible who sinned against God secretly, thinking it would not be exposed, was Achan, (which name means troubler). God Almighty had directed Joshua the prophet to warn the people not to take the spoils from the war with Jericho for themselves. Rather, they were to send the silver and gold and vessels of brass and iron into the Lord’s treasury. (Joshua 6:18,19) But Achan could not resist the temptation to grab from the spoils “a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight”, which items he buried in his tent. Because of his trespass the children of Israel suffered defeat in their first war with the people of Ai, losing 36 men. To add to his sins, Achan and his family members failed to admit that they committed the offence even though they knew that a serious inquisition was on to know the culprit. But since nothing could be hidden from God, he was exposed when the lot fell on him. As a result, he and his whole family were stoned to death, and the congregation raised over them a great heap of stones. – Joshua 7:18-26.
Ananias and Sapphira: As disciples of Christ indeed, we should not involve ourselves in lie-telling or craftiness, thinking that “…The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it”. (Psalm 94:7) We should learn from what happened in the early Church when a man called Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, seeing that other members of the Church where getting favourable mention for their gifts to the Church, sold their land and connived to lie that what they brought was the entire value of the land, rather than just a part of it. But God revealed their dishonesty to St. Peter who told Ananias, “…thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God”. The Scripture record says, “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost (breath of life): and great fear came on all them that heard these things.” His wife met the same fate three hours later. (Acts 5:1-11) People of God should support His work according to His blessings on them and must do so truthfully because they do not seek the praises of men. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Proverbs 6:16-19) We should avoid the temptation of lying to deceive for the purpose of vain glory or cheap popularity or for any other reason. St. Paul says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” – Hebrews 4:13.
David: When David, a King in Israel, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and even arranged with his army commander to ensure that Uriah was killed in battle, he thought the whole thing would be hidden from men. But God Almighty revealed it through Nathan the prophet, who was inspired to tell King David, “Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? …because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” (2 Samuel 12:9-12) But for his thorough repentance, he would have been killed by God. However, he did not go altogether unpunished as the fruit of that adulterous union died. Also, King David had a dose of his own medicine in that his son, Absalom, in his quest for the throne, defiled his father’s wives publicly. See 2 Samuel 12:13-23; 16:20-22; Jeremiah 30:11.
Jeroboam: While Jeroboam was king of the divided nation of Israel, he made idol worship an official policy. However, when his son became sick, he remembered God and sought to know from Ahijah the prophet if his son would recover. Because of guilty conscience, he instructed his wife to disguise herself so that the prophet, who was already blind, would not recognise her. However, by so doing he made the mistake of many faithless and ungodly people: they think they can by their craftiness hide things from God. However, God revealed all the plans to the prophet, as it is written, “And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman. And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.” The “heavy tidings” that were given to the wife of Jeroboam were that his sons would die in horrible circumstances and that the son who had been sick would die as soon as her feet stepped into the house, Moreover, he himself would lose the throne while the nation of Israel would go into exile. All these fulfilled to the letter. – 1 Kings 14:1-15.
Nation of Israel: Several times in their history, “…the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city”. (2 Kings 17:9) In the days of Ezekiel the prophet, God made him to see in a vision how the elders of the Jews occupied themselves with idolatrous practices, which Bible scholars say were borrowed from Egypt, Persia, Greece, Syria, among other places. They had even relapsed into such practices as Sun worship, which God had strictly charged them to avoid. (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 23:5,11; Ezekiel 8:12-18; Job 31:26-28) Unfortunately, the leaders of the people, those judicially bound to suppress idolatry, had become its ringleaders! God told Ezekiel, “…Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.” (Ezekiel 8:12) The Bible says, “Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” – Isaiah 29:15.
God Almighty then expressed His determination to punish them for the idolatrous practices which they did in secret. “Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” (Ezekiel 8:18) Though the elders were committing these evils secretly, yet God Almighty was seeing them. Scripture says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” – Proverbs 15:3. See also Psalm 139:7-12.
That God does not punish immediately is not because He does not see, (Psalm 11:4) but to give the people opportunity to receive warning and repent before certain destruction befalls them. Apostle Peter declared, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”. – 2 Peter 3:9. See also Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.
Charge
Those who secretly give themselves to various sinful practices, including hypocrisy, fornication, adultery, stealing, witchcraft, lie-telling, murder, idolatry, and so forth, should take warning from the examples cited in this sermon and retrace their steps and repent for their own good. Certainly, in the day of judgement, nothing but meaninglessness and profound disappointment, await those who persist in wickedness, including those godless bigots who regard themselves as “secularistic materialists”, whose definition of reality has no room for spiritual things. God Almighty inspired David the prophet to write, “But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” – Psalm 50:16-23; Proverbs 1:24-33.
St. Paul declared that God Almighty would someday “judge the secrets of men”. (Romans 2:16) As children of God who want to be blessed and saved by Him, we should pray God to cleanse us from secret faults knowing that those who commit sins in secret, their sins will find them out or expose them, sooner or later. (Psalm 19:12; Numbers 32:23) The inescapable reason behind the preaching of the gospel round the world in this age (Matthew 24:14), is for all people to know that “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” – Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 17:31.
We should strive to serve God in sincerity and in truth and do so until the end for our blessings and salvation in the world to come by His grace. – Proverbs 15:19; Joshua 24:14,15; Ephesians 4:25; etc.
I will end this sermon with the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 which exhorts us thus: ”Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
I pray God Almighty to continue to help His children to grow more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, to approve things that are excellent as to be without offence till salvation is attained by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY !
GODWIN O. IFEACHO,
PRESIDENT, GKS
October, 2017
WHY IS THERE NO PEACE IN THE WORLD IN SPITE OF THE EFFORTS OF RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL LEADERS?
An Address by Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho, President, GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – On the occasion of the FREEDOM DAY celebration 2018 to commemorate the auspicious birth of our Lord and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST, into this world over 2000 years ago.
Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
On this important occasion of the Freedom Day celebration to mark the auspicious birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I accord profound glory, honour, praises and adoration to JEHOVAH, the Almighty Father, the God of peace, “…the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning;” and to Jesus Christ, “The Prince of Peace”, our Lord and Saviour for the preservation of our lives from one Freedom Day celebration to yet another one by God’s grace.
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was a watershed in the history of the world not only for its distinctiveness, but also for its redemptive role. The occasion is called “Freedom Day” because of the sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ to free mankind from the miseries, frustrations and sheer meaninglessness into which human beings have been plunged due to the scourge of sin and death.
It is the freedom brought by Jesus Christ that can bring true peace on earth. The angel who announced his birth on the night he was born declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14) But why is the world not enjoying the peace brought by Christ? This is the question I am addressing in this sermon entitled WHY IS THERE NO PEACE IN THE WORLD IN SPITE OF THE EFFORTS OF RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL LEADERS?
Peace
“Peace” is defined as “freedom from disturbance, tranquility, a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.” It not only means “a situation in which there is no war or fighting” but also “a feeling of being calm, happy, and not worried; a very quiet and pleasant situation in which you are not interrupted”. In the words of the editors of Blacks Bible Dictionary, peace is the “release or freedom from difficulty, danger, illness, starvation, loss or other crippling circumstances”. The term “Religious Leaders” implies those who administer or head various religions and/or religious organizations, while “Political Leaders” implies heads of government/nations and political organizations. Peace is indivisible as it affects all relations of life – individual, social, and ecclesiastical. It is a priceless state that everyone desires to live in.
When God created man and put him in the Garden of Eden, there was absolute peace until the devil influenced him to make the costliest error of rebelling against his Creator. The consequence of man’s reckless action was that he lost the favour of God and his right to life and peace. (Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 5:12-19; etc.) Since then, mankind has not known peace.
The multifaceted nature of the problems and challenges of life has overwhelmed mankind; such as protracted and incurable diseases, global terrorism, desert encroachment, systematic decay and destruction of infrastructure, victimization, natural disasters, moral degeneration, kidnapping, armed robbery, human and drug trafficking, religious, ethnic and regional crisis, wars, economic, political, social and civil unrest in all parts of the world. The truth is that as societies progress, many are coming to the realization that man cannot govern himself successfully without the Almighty God. For millions of people in the world today, their situation is akin to that of the natural Jews in time of old concerning which Jeremiah the prophet said, “We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!” – Jeremiah 8:15.
Satan, Author of Confusion
Undeniably, the history of the world has been that of discord and hate, violently expressed, as waves of successive invasions have been followed by centuries of rivalry and conflict. One of the leading factors for the absence of peace in the world notwithstanding strenuous attempts by many political and religious leaders to accomplish it is the glaring fact that the greatest enemy of God and man, Satan the devil, is still alive. He is wholly responsible for all the troubles that are prevalent on the earth in his wicked desire of making good his futile boast that nobody would be alive to praise JEHOVAH, the only true God.
The Apostle John was domiciled in the remote Island of Patmos, when he was given a revelation of the war that took place in heaven and how Jesus Christ dealt a crushing defeat to Satan and his forces and drove them out of heaven. Concerning the earth, Saint John noted that a voice expressed concern and deep apprehension for helpless mankind that would bear the brunt of Satan’s fury. The voice said: “…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” – Revelation 12:7-12. Please consider Psalm 2:6; 110:1,2; Daniel 7:13, 14, Revelation 11:17, 18
From this angelic declaration, I can safely say that no one is left in doubt with regard to the atrocities the devil would inflict on the human race. One of the signs of his “great wrath” was manifested in the outbreak of the First World War with the aim of destroying all flesh. But as an expression of His great love for mankind, JEHOVAH, the Almighty God using Jesus Christ brought a sudden end to that war for the sake of His elect – the remnant of the anointed Christians class in particular, and the other sheep in general. – Matthew 24:22
The dragon reeling unabashedly from that defeat orchestrated an outbreak of a deadly disease, known as the Spanish Influenza or La Grippe Espagnole which “stands out for its scope and virulence” recording more deaths than even the war. In an article, The 1918 Influenza Pandemic it clearly states: “The influenza pandemic of 1918 – 1919 killed more people than the Great War known today as World War 1 (WW1), at somewhere between 20 million – 50 million people. It has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history”. About 20 years later, the Second World War of 1939-1945 turned out to be the most destructive war in history. Estimates of those killed vary from 35 million to 60 million.
That the devil poured out his fury on the territories of men is yet another reason for the state of insecurity, hatred, blood-letting and lack of peace in many regions of the world. The devil also throws the world into a state of panic and confusion using natural disasters like storms, blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, etc; to subject human beings to horrendous and distressing conditions so that the spiritually-unlearned when faced with these challenges, would become fearful, double-minded, dejected and blaspheme the Almighty God, his Creator. Please consider Job 1:1-22; 2:8-10.
Relegation of God
Another basis why mankind has remained in a state of unrest is that many political and religious leaders, and others connected with the affairs of the world do not reckon with the Almighty God, Who alone has the answers to the problems of mankind. And this was quite evident in the 1919 Paris Peace Agreement or Treaty of Versailles which gave birth to the League of Nations. The Covenant of the League precluded the prime role of the Almighty God in the resolution of conflicts and instead, it enthroned the League as the entity to bring about “disarmament, preventing war through collective security, settling disputes between countries through negotiation, diplomacy and improving global welfare.” Please see Psalm 46:9.
Some political and religious leaders praised and exalted the world body for ensuring international cooperation on health, setting up of refugee camps after the 1922 war between Turkey and Greece and brokering peace in the Sweden and Finland war over the Aland Islands, etc. But the League failed woefully in bringing about the desired peace and tranquility when Japan attacked Manchuria in 1931. Also in 1935 when Italy took up arms against Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) over the annexation of its territory, the Abyssinian leader, Emperor Haile Selassie cried to the League for protection, but she could not prevent Italy from overrunning Abyssinia.
The League was plagued with self-will, pride, hypocrisy, deceit, and disregard for God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ. It was consequently dashed into pieces in 1939 when the Second World War broke out. After the Second World War, the statesmen of the world set up the United Nations Organisation (UNO) in 1945. With its network of institutions, it aimed to ensure peace in the world through the holistic development of all parts of the world. The United Nations (UN) was also hailed and exalted by political and religious leaders alike. In 1961 the United States President John F. Kennedy called it “our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace”. And in 1965 Pope Paul VI said: “The peoples of the earth turn to the United Nations as the last hope of concord and peace”; while in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on October 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II declared: “I hope that the United Nations will ever remain the supreme forum of peace and justice, the authentic seat of freedom of peoples and individuals in their longing for a better future.”
The UN has however failed to achieve the grand targets she set for herself. World leaders are still shuttling from one part of the world to the other to secure peace, lift countries from underdevelopment and widespread poverty, illiteracy, human rights abuses, poverty, domination of one side or people by another, check constant South-North migration, curb the excesses of autocratic, and fundamentalist regimes, etc. The Security Council of the UN which is derided as having been set up “by a few for a few” is hardly united on anything. In the meantime, millions of innocent people are dying each year from hunger, disease and war.
These institutions, being the product of human efforts cannot bring peace in that they are pursuing their ideas without reference to JEHOVAH the Almighty God, Who alone can ensure peace on earth. The Bible says: “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11) Those who trust in the efforts of human beings to bring about peace will continue to meet gross disappointment and shame as it is written; “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?” (Jeremiah 8:9) “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1) Please look up also Jeremiah 17:5,6; Psalm 33:16-19; Isaiah 24:23; 26:1-4; Jeremiah 2:13; 3:23.
I would like to draw your minds to the fact that some of these world leaders of thought who articulate international peace between contending parties are even atheists and agnostics who question the very existence of God. They have no molecule of faith in the immeasurable powers of the Almighty God to end man’s woes. The Holy Bible states: “The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” ( Isaiah 59:8); and the Almighty God spoke of the futility of human efforts towards the attainment of global peace through the prophet Jeremiah. As it is written: “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” – Jeremiah 8:11
Religious leaders
Religious leaders have also been involved in the global quest for peace. However they have not been able to reduce conflicts and address the critical needs of mankind because many of them lack the truth, are selfish, vindictive and deceptive. They water down and even undermine Christian principles – supporting homosexuality, lesbianism, oppressive regimes, injustice, drug abuse, and the abuse of minors, emphasizing miracles, prosperity, preaching false doctrines merely to make money from the people. They compromise with the political and commercial leaders in the world for personal enrichment and thus work against God and the common people. (1 Timothy 1:7-10; Revelation 16:13,14; 2 Peter 2:1-3) They fail to expose evil and to rebuke and warn the leaders and the led against sin. The Bible says these so-called “watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” These false religious leaders preach peace and say lengthy prayers for peace in the world without stressing the practice of God’s righteousness which is the pre-condition for peace in the world, whereas God declared through Jeremiah His prophet in those days thus: “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee. Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?” (Jeremiah 7:16,17) These prayers for peace of the world will not be heard by God, since the world is not doing His will, but is inclined to wickedness. – 1 John 5:19; Mark 12:38-40
Sin
No matter the efforts of religious and political leaders , there can be no peace in the world as long as the devil is still alive. He is the author of violence, lies, ignorance, confusion, murders, etc. (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 4:3,4; Ephesians 2:2; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8,9) Sin is, therefore, one of the major factors retarding man’s realization of peace. New forms of evil are springing up every now and again owing to the influence of the devil. Daniel the prophet, referring to this age, said under Divine inspiration that “…the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” And Saint Paul added: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”- Daniel 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:13.
The spate of immorality and ungodliness in the world is a huge source of concern for those “…that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done…” in the land. (Ezekiel 9:4-6) To the Romans, Apostle Paul wrote concerning these heinous sins: “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” – Romans 1:29-32.
The purpose of the gospel is to call people away from their pride, worldliness, and vainglorious inclinations into which the devil had deceived them by pointing to them the way of peace, which is to submit to the rule of our Lord Jesus Christ whom God has appointed to destroy the devil, the arch enemy of God and man and bring about lasting peace on earth. I admonish you in the LORD to be prayerful, diligent, sober, upright and strong in resisting every attempt by satan to lure us to sin.
Injustice
Another reason why the efforts of government, international bodies, groups and individuals towards achieving peace, fails is the unbridled incidents of injustice in the world. In some climes, restiveness among youths is occasioned by the barefaced miscarriage of justice, alienation, and deprivation of the people’s right.
Justice is a cornerstone for peace. As long as there is no justice and equity, peace will elude the world. In the days of Isaiah the prophet, the Almighty God expressed His resentment against injustice thus: “For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity” (Isaiah 59:3, 4). Still, on the point, the Almighty Father stated: “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. – Isaiah 59:7-9, 14, 15.
Therefore, religious and political leaders, as well as others, who find themselves in positions of leadership or authority, should rule in the fear of God and do things that will benefit the populace in order to enjoy His peace. God said: “…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God”. (2 Samuel 23:3) King Solomon declared: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regarded not to know it.” (Proverbs 29:2,7) Such leaders should realize that “…power belongeth unto God” and that “, …the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” and “…he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” – Psalm 62:11; Daniel 4:32; Psalm 75:6,7
Wickedness
The wickedness of men has reached a deafening crescendo that scant regard is paid to the sanctity of human life. Violence, agitations, communal clashes, disputes, stealing, arson, wanton destruction of lives and property, cheating, etc, are common features that wreck the peace of the people. The devil is the author of these wicked acts. He empowers the ungodly with new forms of evils. Apostle Paul called them “inventors of evil things” – Romans 1:30.
In the days of the Prophet Hosea, he warned the Jews in this wise: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish…” – Hosea 4:1-3.
Until that time when the LORD God Almighty will “…rise up as in mount Perazim, (when) he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon…and bring to pass his act, his strange act”, which is the destruction of the devil, wickedness will continue unabated, hostilities will be rampant, violence will persist and there will be no peace. But “of that day and hour knoweth no man,” “…when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction…” – Isaiah 28:21; Matthew 24:36; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; etc.
The Way to Peace
Only God Almighty can give us peace, relatively in this world and perfect peace in the world to come through Jesus Christ “The Prince of Peace”. David the Psalmist declared: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) And our Lord Jesus Christ assures us thus, “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.” (John 16:33. See also John 14:27) Thus, those who are worn down by the burdens of this evil world will get peace and rest of mind when they come to Christ. He said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls…” – Matthew 11:28-30
The place of refuge and therefore of peace in this age are God’s Kingdom Organisations or holy mountain in various parts of the world. It is those who flee into these “Cities of Refuge” that will enjoy the peace of God even in this evil world. “The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.” “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” – Psalm 72:3,7
However, lasting peace will come to this earth after the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty when the devil and his hosts, both spirits and human beings are wiped off the surface of the earth. (Revelation 20:1-3,2,7-9; Hebrews 2:14,15; 1 John 3:8) At that time countless number of men and women shall be saved. (Revelation 7:9,10) Regarding this great multitude, the angel of God explained to John the apostle thus, “…These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.” (Revelation 7:14-16) Then would be fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet under the inspiration of God to wit, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:17,18
Apostle John was privileged to be given the vision of conditions that would prevail all over the earth when the kingdom of God is fully established and he wrote, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:1-5.
It is at that time when the Kingdom is fully established on earth that people will enjoy the peace mankind lost since the fall of Adam. Then will this prophecy of Isaiah be fulfilled to wit: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35:10
May JEHOVAH our heavenly Father, the God of peace, continue to protect and bless His sheep everywhere that love and do His will always, and save us in His Kingdom fully established by His grace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. Amen!
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
Godwin O. Ifeacho,
President, GKS
October 2018
THE GRACE OF GOD
BEING THE ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS) – The Church Of The Living God – BROTHER GODWIN O. IFEACHO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2019 FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATIONS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST IN OCTOBER
Dear Fellow Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
I thank God Almighty, the King of eternity, for the grace granted us to serve Him in spirit and in truth by which we are enriched in all utterance and knowledge as to be able to impart His word to others for our blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As true members know, the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, which we call Freedom Day, offers us the opportunity to thank God Almighty for His providence by way of bringing us from darkness to light, sustaining us in His way of life and giving us the hope of eternal life in the world to come. All people, irrespective of the position they occupy in the social ladder, are granted these privileges as a matter of grace, which is defined as “undeserved or unmerited favour”. This is why I have chosen the topic THE GRACE OF GOD as my message to all celebrants of the Freedom Day this year.
The grace of God conveys the sense of JEHOVAH’S mercies and loving-kindness on us His creatures. David the Psalmist says: ”The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:8-12.
Divine Favours
All through the ages, men and women of righteous inclination, whether rich or poor, young or old, learned or unlearned, from every part of the world, had and have continued to enjoy divine favours by God’s grace. Such people include Noah, (Genesis 6:8); Abraham, (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1); Moses, (Exodus 33:12, 17, 19); Lot, (Genesis 19:19), to mention but a few.
It was by virtue of the grace of God that Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, was transformed within 20 years, from being a poor, destitute, fugitive in Syria (under Laban his mother’s brother) to a sheep master, besides having wives, children and servants. (Genesis 31:36-42; 30:43) Concerning him, Moses the prophet declared under inspiration: “…A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.” (Deuteronomy 26:5) Regarding the grace bestowed on the people of Israel Moses stated: “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” – Deuteronomy 7:6-8.
In his writings St. Paul frequently expressed his appreciation to God for the grace given him to become an apostle. (Galatians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9, 10) What some scholars now refer to as Apostle Paul’s “road-to-Damascus illumination” has become emblematic of God’s love for the repentant sinner. “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,” wrote St Paul, “who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:12-14.
Mephibosheth
The loving kindness of God on His people is illustrated by the kindness which David showed to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul. He had asked Ziba, the servant of Saul. “Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him?” It should be noted that King David spoke of showing the “kindness of God”, that is, the highest degree of kindness on any offspring of Saul. Having been told of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, who was lame in his feet, the king sent for him and told him: “…Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually…” (2 Samuel 9:1-13) By restoring to him his father’s property and granting him the privilege of eating at his table, the king had given Mephibosheth the highest honour that any subject could enjoy. This was not because he deserved it – after all, his lameness had rendered him unfit for any public employment or public office. What King David did is illustrative of the grace of God on us His children. Though we are “unprofitable servants”, who are in no position to give anything to God in return, He decided to lift man from his fallen state as a matter of grace. – Luke 17:7-10.
Jesus Christ, Embodiment of the Grace of God
Certainly, the issue of mercy, compassion or grace would not have arisen but for the fact that Adam deliberately broke the law of God, for which reason, all his offspring were born in sin and were therefore doomed to die. (1 Timothy 2:14; Romans 5:12) In that dire condition, human beings were incapable of saving themselves. But by God’s standard of justice, no person should suffer punishment because of circumstances over which he has no control. To give all mankind a full and fair opportunity to know the truth and to prove their obedience to God therefore, a ransom perfectly equal to that which Adam lost had to be paid, not cancelled – for a perfect life must go for a perfect life. (Deuteronomy 19:21) Herein lies the importance of the redemptive work of Christ as he willingly allowed himself to be lowered to assume human form to do that duty even though he had no obligation to do so. The provision of the way of salvation for man was entirely undeserved. Our Lord Jesus Christ is thus the personification or full expression of the grace of God. (Titus 2:11; Matthew 20:28; Hebrew 2:7-14; Acts 20:28) John the Apostle declared; “And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” – John 1:16, 17.
The case of the woman caught “in the very act” of adultery clearly demonstrates the grace that Jesus Christ brought. He did not say they should kill her as stated in the law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 17:7) which they cited but told them: “…He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”. On hearing this, they “…being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” (John 8:7, 9) Jesus then said to the woman, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No …man, Lord”. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. – John 8:10,11
It needs be pointed out that contrary to the argument of some people, our Saviour did not by this action condone adultery; he acknowledged the fact that she had sinned, but said that she should not do so again. At any rate, the law did not say only the woman should be killed for committing adultery but that “…the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22) Instead of instant punishment by stoning and or other forms of capital punishment, the grace brought by Jesus Christ gives room for sinners to repent and turn to God in order to receive everlasting life in God’s Kingdom fully established by His grace. – Matthew 9:13; Ezekiel 18:21-23.
Let us recall also what our Lord Jesus Christ said when his disciples sought permission from him to pray for fire to come down from heaven to destroy the Samaritans who refused to allow him pass through their village. He “…rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:51-56) That the grace of God gives opportunity for repentant sinners to have life is proven by the fact that in course of time, a number of the Samaritans embraced the faith. (Acts 8:14) By the same token, we who are worshippers of God Almighty through Jesus Christ should be patient and tolerant with those who are opposed to the truth or who wrong us. We should not be vengeful, hence our Saviour Jesus Christ enjoins us to love our enemies and pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us, (that is, for them to turn to righteousness) as stated in Matthew 5:43-48. Furthermore, Apostle Paul exhorts us as follows: “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:17-19 Revised Standard Version.
Truly, the great sacrifice which Jesus Christ made for mankind has made it possible for them to enjoy the riches God has provided for His faithful worshippers. St. Paul states: “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.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) ” …But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:20, 21. See also Romans 7:24,25; Ephesians 1:3-10; Romans 3:24.
Another point is that because of the grace brought by Christ, we are not to make animal sacrifices anymore, in that we are no longer subject to the works of the law. (Hebrews 10:1-14; 9:11-14; Romans 9:30-33; Galatians 2:16) Apostle Paul explained that Jesus Christ blotted out “…the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” He therefore asserted that no man should judge Christians over matters of meat “or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come…” (Colossians 2:14-17) Thus, in the Christian era, we are not to observe anymore the ceremonial laws under the Mosaic dispensation. – Romans 11:6; 6:14; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Freedom
It is in exercise of His grace that our heavenly Father enlightens His people in order to free them from satan’s captivity or prison houses. (Isaiah 42:6, 7; Luke 4:16-21) Bible students know that there are periods in history referred to in the Bible as “gentile times” when “… darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:…” (Isaiah 60:2, 3) Primitive cultures held sway in those ages but God allowed it. But the age we now live in is called the last days, the time when knowledge shall increase and the truth will spread gradually to all parts of the world. (Daniel 12:4) In these last days, God Almighty is using His faithful servants or true pastors and their helpers to preach the truth to peoples of the world, to give them a clear understanding of their Creator and of His crowned King, Jesus Christ; to warn them of the impending destruction of the world and intimate them of the blessedness of the world to come. (Matthew 24:14) “…And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left”. (Isaiah 30:18-21. See also 25:6-8) Indeed, God Almighty has, by His grace, prepared a table for His people in the midst of this evil world. – Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 65:13.
The knowledge of God would continue to increase until God’s Kingdom is fully established at which time “…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9 Habakkuk 2:14. See also Proverbs 4:18) St. Peter wrote: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19) The “day” St. Peter is talking of is the Kingdom age. The “day star” is Jesus Christ, who described himself as the Morning Star in Revelation 22:16. (Compare 2 Corinthians 4:6) Because the words of the prophecy are sure, those who pay heed to it will be blessed and saved while those who mock and reject it would be destroyed. – Proverbs 1:22-33; John 3:16-18
It is highly regrettable however, that many people in the world today break the laws of God with brazenness or impunity. Men and women, young and old, commit sexual sins – fornication, adultery, homosexuality, rape, etc. without qualms or compunction of conscience. They kill their fellow human beings without regard for the value of life. For the fact that there is so much stealing of public money, workers are not paid living wages and pensions, while the common people are not able to gain access to good medical care, and to decent housing and educational facilities. They are forced to be living from hand to mouth or even in debts most of their lives. God declared through the prophet Hosea: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.” (Hosea 4:1-3) The Scriptures also warn: “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” – Jeremiah 17:11.
I must emphasise the fact that Jesus Christ, having been clothed with full power and authority is sitting in judgment over the nations and setting in order the affairs of His Kingdom. (Matthew 25:31- 46) Those who are in the Kingdom already and fail to take warning would be shaken out. (Haggai 2:6,7; Matthew 13:40-42; Hebrews 12:25-27) Likewise, those who did not honour the call at all but persist in iniquity will be destroyed. Certainly, God “…will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:” – Romans 2:6-10.
Those who are breaking the laws of God should therefore know that they are alive not because God is not seeing them or is incapable of punishing them but because of His grace. He is giving every sinner enough chance to receive warning and turn to righteousness. David the prophet declared: “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” (Psalm 130:3, 4) To this agree the words of Apostle Peter to wit: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.
It is those who repent of their sins and do their utmost in the service of God until the end that will get salvation, which is a gift from God Almighty. The fact that salvation is free needs be stressed because there is no amount of work any one can do that will give the person eternal life. “…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:4-9.
Exhortation
What I have said so far highlights the importance of St. Paul’s exhortation to wit: “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” (2 Corinthians 6:1) It is to ensure that we get the full benefit of the grace of God by doing righteousness that St. Paul declared: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14) What is more, St. Paul exhorted; “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” – Hebrews 12:28.
I pray God Almighty, the Sustainer and Strength of spiritual Israel to help us all to continue to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory now and for ever. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
GODWIN O. IFEACHO,
PRESIDENT, GKS
“I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD”
Being the Address of the President of God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), the Church of the Living God, Brother Godwin O. Ifeacho, during the observance of Freedom Day – Christ’s Birth Anniversary – in October, 2020.
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
I give glory, thanks and praises to the Almighty God, Whose holy name is Jehovah, for the grace we have to be alive to celebrate the Freedom Day for the year 2020. As we all know, this has been a most difficult year because of the COVID 19 pandemic, which has been described as “the most traumatic incident in the world’s peace time history”. Presently, mankind has been gripped by uncertainty and fears, not only of the present happenings but of the future. Compare Luke 21:25, 26.
In the words of a keen observer, people are “hungry and angry”. The impact has been so sweeping and all-encompassing that it calls to mind the words of God through the prophet Isaiah to wit: “And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.” (Isaiah 24:1, 2) New gravestones in cemeteries all over the world tell the chilling story of this widespread and indiscriminate slaughter of human beings, in the name of the Corona Virus Pandemic, all at the instance of the devil.
But in the midst of the distresses and perplexities that are facing the nations, people of God are comforted by the assurance of our Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples, just before his ascension, to wit, “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20) It is from this promise of our Lord that the sermon for this year is drawn. Our Saviour made the statement to reassure the disciples of his continuing care for them, by the power of God Almighty, even though he would not be with them physically anymore. True to the Lord’s promise, he continued to help, guide, protect, manifest his presence with them in their work, in that they “went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following”. – Mark 16:20.
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ marked a turning point in God’s relationship with mankind, in that, having paid the supreme sacrifice, he opened the way to peace and life everlasting for all people of goodwill. He himself stated: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” – John 14:18, 21.
The early Apostles
Right from the day of Pentecost, the 50th day after the second day of Passover, the Lord Jesus Christ started manifesting to a marvellous and unprecedented degree, the promise that he would continue to be with his people, to show them the way of peace, to encourage and to deliver them from the evil devices of the enemy. Even when the apostles were arrested by the leaders of the Jews, God sent his angel to open the prison doors and commanded them to go and preach to the people. (Acts 5:17-41. See also Acts 16:16-31; 5:34-40; Compare Acts 9:23-25; 12:1-16) And through the apostles, God did many miracles to show that He was with them spiritually, as it is written. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people … Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” – Acts 5:12, 15, 16. See also Acts 8:5-7; 14:8-18; 19:11, 12.
St. Paul
The gospel to the gentiles was given principally to St. Paul. In the course of his ministry God Almighty manifested the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ that he would continue to be with His people. For instance, in the heat of his travails, our Lord appeared to St. Paul as it is written: “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city…” (Acts 18:9-11) After testifying before the Jewish Council, Christ again appeared to St. Paul. The record states: “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” (Acts 23:11. Compare Acts 23:12-35) An instance of the fulfilment of this promise is given by St. Paul in his second letter to Timothy to wit: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me … Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
The Last Days
In these Last Days, God Almighty, has enthroned Jesus Christ as King of His Kingdom, in fulfilment of His promises. The Kingdom, which would be established in different parts of the world through the remnant of the saints, would be the means through which enlightenment, life and peace would be administered to the faithful. See Matthew 24:15,16; Isaiah 2:2-5. God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), The Church of the Living God is part and parcel of this universal Kingdom. As the truth continues to spread to different parts of the world, the weary, the wicked, the sick, the lost, the ignorant and even those who are indifferent to religion would know of the love of God for them and the urgent need to take steps for their self-preservation, by having strong faith in Him and doing His will, by His grace. It is to this end, the GKS has, by the grace of God, been championing the cause of truth and righteousness, right from her inception in 1934. We thank God that in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, He has opened another channel of reaching His people the world over through the live streaming of daily Prayer Meetings, Study Meetings and Divine Services, with resounding success by God’s grace – Matthew 11:28-30; 21:21,22; 24:31, 14; Isaiah 45:22; James 1:22-25.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, for those of us who have heeded the call to come to God through Christ, God manifests His presence with us His people by preserving our lives, (Psalm 36:6-9; 2 Corinthians 1:7-10); by providing our needs (Matthew 6:25-34; 10:29-31) healing our diseases (Psalm 103:1-5; Malachi 4:2; 3 John 2) and sustaining us in His way of life. (Colossians 1:9-14) It is fitting to also point out that God generally maintains oversight of the world despite the activities of satan the devil. – Daniel 4:32; Psalm 22:28; 47:7,8; John 5:17.
Gradually, the Kingdom promises are fulfilling on us – and these would be perfected in the world to come. The Scriptures assure us thus: “…and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” (Hosea 2:23) “My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Ezekiel 37:27) “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” – Revelation 21:3. See also Hebrews 1:1, 2.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US IS TO HAVE ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, TO HAVE STRONG FAITH IN HIM AND TO PUT His WORD INTO PRACTISE IN OUR DAILY LIVES. Then we can confidently declare along with David the Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” – Psalm 46:1-3,7.
We pray God Almighty Who sent His son Jesus Christ to save us from this evil world, to preserve, guide, and provide for His children all over the world in this most turbulent age in world history until His Kingdom fully takes over the affairs of the earth by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
Godwin O. Ifeacho,
President,
God’s Kingdom Society, GKS
(The Church Of The Living God)
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
I thank God Almighty, the Rock of our salvation, for the grace we have to be alive to once again, “draw water out of the wells of salvation” and to “buy wine and milk without money and without price” at this Feast of Tabernacles for the year 2021.
To show appreciation to God for sustaining us in His way, we must be “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, … abounding therein with thanksgiving”. (Colossians 2:7) St. Paul gave this exhortation because he knew that the devil uses the world’s ideas in politics, religion and commerce to drag people away from God. Thus, we have to be very careful to avoid those elements in science, education, music, fashion, entertainment, the mass media, sports, etc. that do not promote godliness but serve to undermine belief in God and Biblical moral standards and values.
The natural Israelites faced such challenges in time of old. Several times they relapsed into their old ways because they yielded to the low moral standards, debased practices and devilish philosophies of rival nations. One of such instances was when Moses had to stay on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights, receiving the commandments of God. “And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.” – Exodus 32:1.
The Israelites were so urgent in their demands that they promptly acceded to the request of Aaron that they should bring their items of gold for him to make a calf for them. While he mockingly proclaimed before them that this was the god that brought them from Egypt, they bowed down in worship to an idol made before their very eyes by Aaron and indulged in immoral practices and dances which involved nakedness and prostitution. This was a clear case of rebellion against their Creator.
When Moses came down and saw this, he, in a burst of righteous indignation, immediately took stern measures to restore order and discipline in the camp. “And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.” – Exodus 32:25-28.
It is from the challenge given by Moses to the faithful at that time that this sermon, “Who Is On The Lord’s Side?” is drawn. The 3000 men killed that day were clearly not on the Lord’s side – though they claim to be among the people of God – because they abandoned the true faith to indulge in sexual immorality, and to commit idolatry. Truly, “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel”. (Romans 9:6) Evidently, those not on the side of God have a self-conceited, immoral and presumptuous lifestyle. They have “eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin”, “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers…” (2 Peter 2:14; Romans 1:29-31) But those on the Lord’s side deny ungodliness and worldly lusts in every shape or form. They live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, thus showing themselves to be “a peculiar people, zealous of good works”. – Titus 2:12-14; John 7:7; Ephesians 5:1-20.
That Moses and the faithful Levites took action to deal with idolatry at that time is an important lesson for the children of God. St. Paul warns us thus: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?…” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
However, in spite of the exemplary punishments given them on that occasion, the Israelites still resorted to idolatry several times. During the reign of King Ahab and Jezebel his wife, many of the Jews indulged in mixed worship. They served the true God, and, in order to please Jezebel, also worshipped Baal. Outraged by what was going on, Elijah the prophet asked the people an important question. “…How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him…” – 1 Kings 18:21.
He then proposed a contest, to the end that the God that answers by fire, should be acclaimed as the true God. Baal was a god of fire and therefore should be in his elements as far as this contest was concerned. The Baal worshippers prayed from morning until evening and yet nothing happened. But the short prayer made by Elijah produced an instantaneous result. He said: “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.” Consequently, the 450 prophets of Baal, suffered the fate that will eventually meet all those who are on the devil’s side: they were all killed. – 1 Kings 18:37-40.
Again, Ahab and Jezebel committed a grievous sin by killing Naboth for refusing to part with his vineyard as it was the family inheritance. Sequel to their dastardly act, God Almighty decreed that Ahab and Jezebel would die ignominiously and violently: Jezebel would die in such a gruesome manner that her body would be eaten up by dogs and no one would see her carcase and say “this is Jezebel”. The person chosen by God to carry out this mission was Jehu. As he rode into Jezreel to execute the LORD’S assignment, he posed the question: “Who is on my side? who?” There looked out to him two or three eunuchs. “And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.”
When Jehu posed the question “Who is on my side?”, he was in effect asking who among the domestic staff of Jezebel was on the side of God Almighty and therefore in full support of the cleansing work God had asked him to carry out. Two or three eunuchs attending to her showed faith and courage by promptly identifying themselves with the cause of righteousness. They therefore obeyed Ahab and threw her down. – 1 Kings 21:21-24; 2 Kings 9:30-37.
Ahab and Jezebel died because they worshipped the devil and committed murder due to their spirit of covetousness which St. Paul says is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5. Please see also Hebrews 13:5,6; Ezekiel 33:30-33; Luke 12:15-21.
Continuing his mission of cleansing the land of Baal worship, Jehu went on to assemble all the Baal worshippers so as to clearly identify those on the side of God and those on the devil’s side. On the way, “he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is.” Jehu then told him that if that was the case, he should give him his hand. “And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.” – 2 Kings 10:15, 16.
By giving Jehu his hand, Jehonadab was firmly and positively declaring his support for the mission of Jehu. In other words, he was on the Lord’s side. With a shared determination to do the work of God, Jehu and Jehonadab went to the house of Baal together. Jehu used wisdom by making all the Baal worshippers to assemble in their temple, believing he would join them to serve their god. They wore their special garments, attires or vestments, thus clearly showing which side they belonged. Thereafter, Jehu commanded the soldiers to kill all the Baal worshippers. – 2 Kings 10: 21-25.
Jehu stands for the anointed Christians while Jehonadab represents the Other Sheep. The hand that Jehonadab gave Jehu shows the support the Other Sheep give to the Lord’s anointed in doing the work of God. The chariot stands for God’s organization. The Saints and the Other Sheep work together to carry on the work of God. – Luke 12:32; John 10:16; Ephesians 2:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:5-10; 12:28-31.
A lesson to be drawn from what Jehu did was that those who claim to be serving God must show themselves to be firmly and irrevocably committed to Him. They must not indulge in interfaith practices. God Almighty does not tolerate shiftless and indecisive persons – people who are unwilling or unable to choose which side to belong to; people who lack the courage of their convictions. Hence in Matthew 6:24, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, declared: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Please see also Luke 11:23; John 14:30,31) And St. Paul was categorical on this issue in his letter to the Christians at Corinth, when he said: “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” – 1 Corinthians 10:20-22. See also Isaiah 8:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Moreover, in his letter to the Church at Laodicea, our Lord Jesus Christ rebuked them sharply for being neither cold nor hot. He added: “I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:14-16
Sheep or Goat?
Brothers and Sisters, our Lord Jesus Christ is now sitting on his heavenly throne and all mankind are before him. As the truth is being preached round the world through various media, those who accept it and support the Kingdom work clearly show themselves as the sheep of God. Those who oppose the truth and refuse to support the saints and their helpers identify themselves as goats. The sheep are humble, teachable, kind and godly. But the goats are proud, stubborn, sly, crafty, hypocritical and wicked. They oppose God and His righteous ways. In this age of the second presence of Christ each person will be rewarded for what he has done, whether good or bad. (Matthew 25:31-46) “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” – Matthew 16:27
Each person should judge himself which side he is on. The side of God or the side of the devil? No one is being forced to make a decision: But everyone must bear responsibility for his actions. – Deuteronomy 30:15-20; 11:26-28; Jeremiah 21:8; Revelation 22:11,12.
Affirming that he and his house would remain exclusively devoted to the worship of JEHOVAH, Joshua the prophet, shortly before his death, asked the Israelites to choose whom they would serve, the gods their fathers served or God Almighty. The people said unto Joshua, “The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey…” (Joshua 24:14,15,24) This should be our vow by the grace of God.
It is those who patiently continue in well doing that God will accept as His own and save. (Romans 2:6-11) It is such ones He will continue to help and bless. In one of the psalms of King David he said: “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 124:1-8.
Like King David we are also sincerely and profoundly grateful to God Almighty for bringing us to His side of favour where we are assured of His protection, blessings and salvation by His grace. – Psalm 3:8.
Brothers and Sisters, while I thank you for your kind attention, I pray God to give us the faith to be guided by Hs word always unto His praise and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY FEAST OF TABERNACLES
Brother Felix Ekundayo Adedokun,
Acting President, GKS
WILL THE WORLD EVER KNOW PEACE AND SAFETY?
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
Unto JEHOVAH, the Creator and Possessor of the universe, be glory, honour, praises and thanks through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind for the enablement given to us to celebrate the birth anniversary of our King and Saviour, Christ Jesus despite the economic hardship, insecurity and other uncertainties in the world. Indeed, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22,23.
My address to the celebrants of this year’s Freedom Day celebration is entitled: Will The World Ever Know Peace And Safety?
“Peace” is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet: such as freedom from civil disturbances, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; a state of calm or mutual concord within/among people or persons. “Safety” means the condition of being safe or secure. Peace and safety are two words that go hand in hand due to the fact that in a society where there is no peace, safety is not guaranteed.
Insecurity in the World
God Almighty created man and the world with absolute peace and safety in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 1:31) But Satan the devil influenced man through the sin of disobedience to fall from the grace of God. Thus, man lost the right to life, peace and safety. – Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 5:12-19.
Undeniably, since the fall of man at the Garden of Eden, the world has been plagued by myriads of problems in increasing proportions, which have made it impossible to attain peace and safety. There is so much fear and anxiety in the land. Family units are being torn apart. Organizations, institutions and nations are in serious disarray as life has become a nightmare for all peoples. In fact, the challenges of the present age, have overwhelmed mankind. These challenges include – but are not limited to – wars, natural disasters, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, killings, incurable diseases, famine, inflation, high cost of living, discrimination, victimization, unemployment, systematic decay and destruction of infrastructure, etc. There are regional, ethnic, political, religious, economic and civil unrests in many parts of the world. The media are awash with news and stories of unpleasantness across the globe on a daily basis.
This degenerate state of the world is at the instance of Satan the devil, the archenemy of God and man as the angel of God declared: “…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time”. – Revelation 12:12. See also John 8:44; 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8,9.
Moreover, Bible prophecies show that in these last days, mankind will experience these challenges until God Almighty will destroy the devil and put an end to evil. Christ warned: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:25, 26) The sun, moon and stars were used by Christ to represent the political, religious and commercial elements of the world which will experience instability, while “the sea and waves roaring” mean that the people and their rulers would be in constant disagreement.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ further indicated the heightened level of distress that will be experienced at the dawn of this age of the end of the world when he said, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” – Matthew 24:3-8. See also Daniel 12:4, 8-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-5,13; Isaiah 57:20, 21.
Besides, sin, which is on the increase, has been the bane of the world, as King Solomon stated: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34. See also Hosea 4:1-3; Jeremiah 7:16-18.
The Futility of Man’s Efforts
In his desperate bid to restore peace and safety to the world, man has employed various means and measures within his power and ability. That these means and measures employed in the search for lasting peace have continued to fail, is a fact that cannot be disputed, as events unfolding on daily bases, since the fall of man, have shown the futility of man’s efforts in regard to the attainment of peace. This is largely due to the fact that many political and religious leaders do not reckon with the Almighty God, Who alone has the answers to the problems of mankind. – Jeremiah 8:9, 15; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20.
According to Wikipedia, “The UN was established after the World War II with the aim of preventing future wars, succeeding the rather ineffective League of Nations. On 25 April 1945, 50 governments met in San Francisco for a conference and started drafting the UN Charter, which was adopted on 25 June 1945 and took effect on 24 October 1945, when the UN began operations.” Has the UN achieved its aim and objective which is to maintain international peace and security?
Robert Muggah, a political scientist, who is also the Co-founder, SecDev Group and Igarape Institute stated: “…Global instability is the new normal. Political and economic uncertainties, combined with climate change and the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, are all contributing to create unparalleled volatility…The strain of these transnational challenges on the UN system is stretching the organization to its breaking point.” – From,The UN has a plan to restore international peace and security – will it work?, published online March 1, 2016.
According to an article entitled: “Timeline Of 20th And 21st Century Wars” published by the Imperial War Museums – a British National Museum Organization founded in 1917, “Conflict took place in every year of the 20th Century; the world was free from the violence caused by war for only very short periods of time. It has been estimated that 187 million people died as a result of war from 1900 to the present. The actual number is likely far higher”.
Other efforts by man to attain peace and safety in the world include; the introduction of the celebration of International Day of Peace on September 21, 1981; the “Millennium Development Goals”, (MDGs), which metamorphosed into the “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs); Peace and Security Summits, adoption of various economic, political and social theories; development, acquisition and stockpiling of nuclear and conventional weapons on the assumption that countries with nuclear weapons will not attempt to fight one another. These and others have not brought the needed peace and safety to the world.
The nations of the world are not sincere in their search for peace as they continue to build military formations and weapons of warfare while preaching peace to others. Scripture says: “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” – 2 Peter 2:19. See also Psalm 28:3.
The efforts of man to bring about lasting peace on earth will continue to fail and will always be met with gross disappointment and shame because they have rejected the word of the LORD and also because “… they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” – Isaiah 31:1; Psalm 60:11.
God’s Holy Mountain
Mankind can only enjoy relative peace and safety in this present world from the Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ in His Holy organization symbolically called “Mountain” which He (God Almighty) has promised to establish in this age of the end of the world. (Isaiah 2:2-4: Ezekiel 20:40-43; Micah 4:1,2) It is called “Mountain” because mountains are immovable and indestructible and are places of safety in times of trouble. The Psalmist declared: “The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.” – Psalm 72:3.
Just as Noah and his family of seven were delivered from the deluge when they entered the Ark and Lot and his two daughters were also saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as they fled to the mountain, so those who flee into Jehovah’s symbolic Mountain – God’s Kingdom Organization now established, like the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) – The Church of The Living God, will enjoy the peace and safety of the Lord. – Genesis 6:5-14; 7:1-24; 19:17-30; Matthew 24:15,16. Compare Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30.
Jeremiah the prophet declared: “Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.” (Jeremiah 3:23) King Solomon also stated: “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” – Proverbs 21:31. See also Psalm 3:8; 33:16-19.
Those who worship the Almighty God in spirit and in truth in His Holy Organization through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ will enjoy the peace of God. The Psalmist said: “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11. Compare Psalm 91:1; Joel 2:32; Proverbs 18:10.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, declared: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He added: “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” – John 14:27; 16:33. See also Philippians 4:6-8.
I hereby admonish the children of God everywhere to “flee into the mountains” (God’s Kingdom Organization now established in various parts of the world) for peace, safety and protection by His grace. – Matthew 24:15, 16.
Perfect Peace and Safety
Whatever peace and safety one may enjoy in this world is only relative. Absolute peace and safety cannot be achieved in this sinful world because Satan the devil is still alive. (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12) Perfect peace and safety will come to the world in the Kingdom of God when it is fully established. At that time, Satan the devil, the author of confusion must have been destroyed by God Almighty through Jesus Christ His “battle axe and weapons of war”. – Jeremiah 51:20-23: 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10.
Those to enjoy the perfect peace and safety that will be given by God in His Kingdom when fully established are the righteous. The Prophet Isaiah stated: “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:17,18.
The Prophet Micah, speaking on absolute peace which God will give to His faithful worshippers in His Kingdom states: “He will arbitrate among the nations and dictate to strong nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks; nations shall no longer fight each other, for all war will end. There will be universal peace, and all the military academies and training camps will be closed down. Everyone will live quietly in his own home in peace and prosperity, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord himself has promised this.” – Micah 4:3,4, The Living Bible. See also Psalm 46:9.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ further reveals to Apostle John in the Island of Patmos some of the beauties of the kingdom of God that will guarantee perfect peace and safety as it is written: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:1-5. See also Isaiah 11:6-9; 33:20, 24; 35:5-10.
The Bible shows that no unclean or unrighteous person shall inherit the Kingdom of God. (Isaiah 35:8-10; Revelation 21:27) Therefore, I charge you, fellow celebrants in the Lord to strive to worship God in truth, righteousness and sincerity in His Holy Organization steadfastly so as to be qualified to be ushered into the everlasting Kingdom of God by His grace. Apostle Peter says: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” – 2 Peter 3:13,14. See also Hebrews 12:28.
May the Most High God endow us with the requisite spiritual qualities to serve Him acceptably in His Holy Organization so as to be blessed and saved in His Kingdom with everlasting life in perfect peace and happiness by His grace and power through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Freedom Day!
Felix Ekundayo Adedokun
President, GKS
October 2022
Dearly Beloved Celebrants,
HAIL JEHOVAH AND JESUS CHRIST!
Glory, honour and thanks be unto our Maker, JEHOVAH, for the privilege we have to be part of another celebration of the auspicious birth of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Friend.
My address for this year’s Freedom Day celebration is entitled: Cleansing Ourselves Of All Filthiness Of The Flesh And Spirit. The word “cleansing” means to make something clean, to get rid of impurities, toxins or dirt, while filthiness is a condition of being extremely dirty, a state characterized by foul or disgusting dirt and refuse. It refers to moral offensiveness, moral corruption or pollution. Thus, the sermon: Cleansing Ourselves Of All Filthiness Of The Flesh And Spirit means ridding or purging ourselves of those vices that make us to be physically and spiritually unclean. There is need for Christians to purge themselves of all obscene bahaviours which are opposed to the truth and righteousness of God as we strive for perfection and holiness by the grace of God, hence St. Paul’s exhortation to the Christians at Corinth, thus: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) This exhortation from which this sermon is drawn, is of vital importance to peoples of the world in order for them to do the righteousness of God and be saved in the end. God Almighty declared: “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.” – Jeremiah 13:15, 16.
Outward Show
The importance of inner and outward cleanliness is better understood against the backdrop of the criticism by our Lord Jesus Christ of the Pharisees and Scribes for their emphasis on washing of hands, “cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables”, (Mark 7:14), thus making themselves to appear righteous whereas their hearts were full of hypocrisy, pride, lust and wickedness. He, (Jesus Christ) cursed them thus: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” – Matthew 23:25-28.
As some of the natural Jews did in those days, so many are doing today, elevating outward show of proprieties and decencies above the actual observance of the laws of God. It could therefore be understood why St. Paul said we should cleanse ourselves not only of the filthiness of the flesh but also of the spirit, that is, we should be clean both in body and mind. However, it is the spiritual cleanliness that springs from good heart condition, that is more important. Christ said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” – Matthew 15:18.
Filthiness Of The Flesh
The Almighty God abhors dirt, confusion and disorderliness, being a God of decency and order. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) The expression “filthiness of the flesh” as used by the erudite apostle of Jesus Christ, in 2 Corinthians 7:1 is in reference to physical uncleanliness, poor hygienic condition as it affects our body, home and surrounding. God Almighty is concerned about the physical health and well being of His people and made laws on hygiene and sanitation, highlighting the rule on washing, proper disposal of refuse and wastes, the isolation from the congregation of people with infectious diseases, etc.
In Deuteronomy 23:10-14, God Almighty, through His servant, Moses, charged the Israelites to maintain a high level of hygiene within the camp, “For the LORD thy God (that is, the angel of the Lord) walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.” It goes without saying that cleanliness promotes good health and prevents many diseases. Also, God’s ordinance directs His children on how to conduct themselves with respect to contact with dead bodies, physical preparation prior to religious assemblies and festivals, etc. – Exodus 19:10-15; Numbers 19:11-14; Haggai 2:13.
Filthiness Of The Spirit
Jesus Christ, our model for the practise of God’s righteousness in his response to Apostle Peter, reveals what brings about defilement in a man, as it is written: “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man…” (Matthew 15:18-20. See also Matthew 12:34,35; Luke 6:45) Having cultivated and nurtured the unwholesome thought to indulge in evil, one then sets out to accomplish it. James, an apostle of Christ states: “Do not err, my beloved brethren. But everyman is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” – James 1:16,14,15.
Let me highlight a few vices prevalent in this age, which the devil is using to lure many to destruction. One of them is sexual immorality perpetrated by the indulgence in adultery, fornication, homosexuality, transvestitism, , etc. Another problem facing the world today is that of drug abuse and cultism which people resort to for purpose of getting protection, seeking of vengeance, job security, influence, fame, power, etc.
According to a paper entitled “Adolescents’ Drug Abuse and Cultism in Nigeria: The Way Out” published in June 2021 by Melvina N. Amalu, Margaret E. Oyo-Ita and Matilda E. Eteng of the Department of Educational Foundations, University of Calabar, the future of a reasonable number of youths “who could have been good leaders of their families has been destroyed by drug abuse and cultism” which they said are two negative elements that complement each other. They observed that drug abuse and cultism are globally prevalent social vices which have led to the loss of lives and property, violence, social disharmony, breakdown of norms and values.
What many people fail to realize is that the devil does not give durable riches or genuine favours, in that, whatever he bestows on anyone, he makes the person to pay a far greater price for it. Only from JEHOVAH, the Giver of every good and perfect gifts, comes true promotion; wealth and sustainable means of livelihood. (Psalm 23:1; 24:1; Psalm 75:6, 7; 136:25) In the words of James the Apostle, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) King Solomon, the wisest and richest man in his days asserted: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22; 22:4.
Another rising menace that is ravaging the world is that of homosexuality. According to The Guardian of Wednesday August, 30, 2023, operatives of the Delta State Police Command disrupted a gay (same-sex) marriage ceremony at a hotel in Ekpan, Delta State, and arrested 67 suspected guests. The “couple” for the wedding as well as the guests were paraded before newsmen. The report said the patrol team intercepted a male cross-dresser, who claimed to be an actor. Following further interrogation, the suspect led the Police to a hotel in Ekpan, near Warri where a gay marriage ceremony was being held between the “groom”, (a male aged 22) and the “bride”, (another male aged 20). It was there 67 of them were arrested for conducting and attending a same-sex wedding ceremony.
As provocative as these behaviours are, it is most unfortunate to note that some organizations and governments are speaking out in defence of the homosexuals. For instance, following the arrest of the gay suspects in Warri, The Guardian report cited earlier said Amnesty International promptly called on the Delta State Police Command “to immediately release the over 100 men arrested and paraded to the media over allegedly organising gay marriage and put an immediate end to this witch-hunt”. The International agency said it was “mind-boggling that the mere act of dressing style, hair or sitting in a pair can assume criminal proportions.”
It is unfortunate that the tragedy that befell the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah is yet to drive fear in those engaged in the heinous sin of homosexuality. Both the perpetrators of these acts, together with their sympathizers or advocates are in danger of God’s judgment, except they repent. – 2 Peter 2:6; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; Isaiah 5:20; 10:1.
Apostle Paul warns: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” – Ephesians 5:3-5. Read also Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.
Admonition
Those God Almighty has called into His Holy Organization – The Way of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8) – are therefore required to put away their sinful ways of life and practice holiness. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” – Isaiah 1:16-20. Compare 2 Timothy 2:19; Colossians 3:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7.
However, anyone who continues to commit sin is placing himself in danger of God’s judgment. The Bible says: “Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.” – Job 36:9-12. See also Ephesians 4:17-19.
May the blessings of peace, goodwill pronounced on mankind on the night of our Saviour’s birth, be ours, as we strive to please our Maker, by cleansing ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, by His grace and power through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Felix Ekundayo Adedokun,
President,
GKS.
October 2023