II Corinthians 12:2-4
Never was Paul’s “caught up in the third heaven” vision so real in his life than that day.
It was noon. The sky was blue and the sun shone at its brightest. Boulders of white clouds hung weightlessly in space. Whitish-blue horizon adorned his far right. The sky was wonderfully beautiful.
Then, he remembered the rapture. In this sky, the dead and living saints would meet Christ. What a wonderful day it would be, he thought. His heart was filled with joy as he sang silently:
My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Then, he looked down. Below, all appeared darkish-green with tiny strips and dots indicating man’s settlement. Pitifully, he looked down, watching the world of struggle, the world of trials and temptation, the world of sorrow. He wished he would remain in the sky, develop wings and fly higher and higher, never to return to earth. Consumed in his thought, he was unaware of how fast time flies.
“…The plane is about to land in a few minutes. Once again, be sure you fastened your seat belt.”
The announcement brought him back to reality. His work for God on earth was not yet over.
As height dropped, the tiny strips turn to roads, the dots turn to houses; the young Christian braced himself up, promising to continue in the Lord till that much awaited day.
-okenna obi-igbokwe
In our last edition, I mentioned that there are basically three theories today about how man came into existence. We have already examined the evolution theory.
Another idea that has become more and more popular in recent years is that man owes his existence to UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects from other planets). The UFOLOGISTS believe that intelligent creatures from another planet had something to do with how human life started on this earth. Some of them say that about 40,000 years ago, super-intelligent creatures from outer space visited our planet. These space men found the apes that were then living on earth, and by genetic engineering they caused mutations in the ape population which led to the production of man.
But some questions the UFOLOGISTS have not been able to answer include: Where did the super-intelligent creatures from outer space come from? Who made them? Did other space creatures help them to evolve?
Although the UFO idea seems silly, they appear to come to terms with the idea that man must be the product of a super intelligence, unlike the evolutionists. However, the only true answer as to where man came from is found in the Bible.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness …” Genesis 1:26
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth …” Colossians 1:16
Beloved, one of the greatest excitements of being born-again is that beyond reading in the Bible that man was created by God, you can actually have a personal experience with your creator. You can talk to him while he also talks to you; you daily interact with him to the point that hearing a statement like “God doesn’t exist” may sound similar to someone saying the computer doesn’t exist; because you are probably staring at one right now and you make use of it from time to time.
I’m sure that was the experience of the early disciples of Jesus Christ, that was why Apostle John started his epistle by saying: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” 1John 1:1.
Have you had a similar experience with God? Perhaps you don’t believe in God at all or you have not really had a one-on-one experience with him, we can share more insights to assist you. Please write us on info@christlifeline.org . It will not be wise to discover at the end of your journey in life that you had raced on the wrong road during your entire lifetime.
– tope aladenusi
If you ask some people how they came into existence, they would probably say their parents gave birth to them. But how did our parents, grandparents and great grandparents came to be? Christians who shy away from such critical questions about life are susceptible to wavering in their faith. We have to be really convinced of what we believe and why we believe them.
Today, there are basically three ideas about how man began and only one of these ideas is correct. We will consider one of them today:
- Evolutionary theory – One very popular idea we were taught during our early days in school is that man evolved from lower animals (such as ape-like creatures) in a slowly changing process that has taken millions of years. But the evolutionists have not reasonably eliminate the ensuing heaps of questions such as letting us know where the first set of ape-like creatures came from. Would it be logical to propound a theory that a bicycle became a motorcycle after millions of years? If the idea seems irrational despite the similarities of the two equipments, why should we misplace the similarity between apes and humans? Is it possible to have such wonderful creatures without an intelligent creator? How can life come from non-life by mere chance? How come we have not seen people flying by now even though we have been evolving for some years now?
Take some time to think about the computer in front of you. Imagine the built-in intelligence it has. The way the computer operates also reflects the intelligence of its creator – man. How come the computers did not come by chance? How come many of the objects invented in the world did not just evolve after many years? Why is it that we can trace man’s invention and innovation to him and not to evolution? If we can do all these to mere objects, is it okay to imagine that an amazing creature like man came to being without an intelligent creator?
What’s the only true answer about the origin of man? What do you believe? Why do you believe it?
To be continued …
– tope aladenusi
In the early 20th century, the New York Telephone Company made a detailed study of telephone conversations to find out which word is the most frequently used. The pronoun ‘I’ was used 3,990 times in 500 telephone conversation. I believe we do not need a detailed study to obtain a similar result in our age. Everywhere you go, people use the word “I”. Statements like: I am this or that; I want to bla bla bla, etc. are common to everyone. But the amazing thing is that not many people know what “I” represents. In order words, many just assume who they are; they neither know nor are convinced about their real identity or capability.
This reminds me of Ap0stle Peter’s conversation with Jesus Christ shortly before his crucifixion. “Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet willI not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Mat 26:34-35 (KJVA)
Three things interest me about this verse: First, it’s obvious Peter did not know much about himself like he thought and bragged. This is one of the major problems several people in the world are facing today. Secondly, all the 12 disciples also had similar issues even though they must have had direct contact with Jesus for some years. Therefore, your length of service in the Church doesn’t guarantee your understanding of “I”. Thirdly, Jesus understood his disciples more than they did and was willing to reveal the “I” to them. I trust God that he will give you a similar revelation in these series of messages which we will be sharing in the next couple of months.
Some years ago, I was invited to preach a similar message in a seminar organized by a campus fellowship. About two years later, I received a testimony from one of the attendees that the message brought about a turning point in his life. I’m trusting God for a similar testimony in your life.
We will be considering four (4) questions that anyone who desires to be great and successful in life must find the right answers to on time. They are:
- Who am I?
- Where did I come from?
- Why am I here?
- Where am I going to?
Don’t be tempted to jump the gun. These questions will give birth to several other questions that will help propel you to fulfillment in life if answered correctly. You can show love to others by inviting them to be a part of this series by subscribing to our mailing list athttp://christlifeline.org/mailinglist.php
– tope aladenusi
If you enter a public building or bus and see an inscription that reads: NO PREACHING HERE, what would you do?
To an average believer of this age, there are two possible responses we may expect. First, the inscription makes no difference to him because he has not preached to anyone even in places where preaching was not prohibited. For those who have made it a habit of preaching to unbelievers wherever they are, the inscription may be powerful enough to shut their bowels of mercy. But if any of the early disciples had encountered such an inscription, what would they have done?
The answer is not farfetched. They experienced a similar thing and the verses of scripture below sheds more light on their attitude.
“The chief priest questioned them. He said, “We gave you strict orders not to mention Jesus’ name when you teach. Yet, you’ve filled Jerusalem with your teachings … Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than people.” Acts 5:27-29 (GW)
Is this not a sharp contrast with what we are doing today? Beloved, what has happened to us? In a bid to appear as “responsible” citizens or “professional” employees, we are disobeying God’s commandment. And quite regrettable, if after several years we hear that one of our former colleagues or friends who used to be an unbeliever is now dead, we say things like: Well, only God knows what happened in his last minute, he may have given his life to Christ.
Why are we leaving the choice of where unbelievers will spend eternity to fate at their last minute when we could have influenced it with faith during our last meeting with them?
“No preaching here” is not the same as “no chatting here”. Perhaps if we were willing to obey God at all cost, we could have seen other means and opportunities to communicate the gospel. That’s what happened to Peter and other apostles. An Angel had to set them free from prison to enable them continue the good work. It is commonly said that when the mind is willing, there are a thousand ways; but when the mind is unwilling, there are a thousand excuses. Are you willing to obey God’s commandment in Matt. 28:19 (MSG) – Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life? Are you merely wishing for a last minute miracle of salvation for those around you when you could have been an instrument of a life changing miracle at your last meeting with them?
– tope aladenusi
As a consultant, I have worked in over 7 countries with a variety of Companies specialized in banking & finance, insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, manufacturing, entertainment and energy. I have noticed one thing that seems common with the employees of almost all these Companies; they complain about their jobs.
Why is this so?
Sometime ago, I discussed this with a couple of colleagues and I appreciated their responses. One of them explained that it was because “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”; the other quickly pleaded guilty. She recalled that she had fasted before she got her job and had testified in church when she got it. But recently she noticed, if she was not complaining about her salary, she was grumbling over another colleague’s attitude, overwork, boredom or something else.
I have been brooding over this matter since we had the conversation and have identified several reasons that could lead to our constant complaining. Today, I want to share with you the one that sits on top of my list.
Every believer has a unique purpose in this world and our exposure, experiences or education should actually help us fulfill this purpose. There is one major reason for which we are alive and every other thing in our lives should tilt towards that one thing. Your work could serve as a preparation ground for fulfilling your purpose or could even present you with the platform to do so. If you cannot see how what you currently do is placing you in the path of purpose, you will always complain. If you do not have your eyes fixed on purpose while you work, every little thing will annoy you. The Message translation of Hebrews 12:2 says “Study how Jesus did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed, … he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever.”
Beloved, where are you headed? Are your eyes fixed on your purpose?
tope aladenusi
Have you noticed something common among people who would probably be referred to as poor, losers, bankrupt or failures? There is always someone or something they think is responsible for their predicament. If it is not because their boss is wicked, then it must be because their spouse is uncaring, their followers are uncooperative or the government is unproductive. They always find it legitimate to put the blame on others and this has always hindered them from advancing with the right pace.
John Maxwell once wrote, “it is easier to move from failure to success than from excuses to success”. Remember Adam in the Garden of Eden. When he ate the forbidden fruit and God questioned him, he gave a nice excuse – “the woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it”. As far as he was concerned, God was the initiator and his woman was the perpetrator of his problems. But that did not vindicate him in God’s sight. His excuses only worsened the existing problem.
Things may not be 100% right in your environment. Therefore, if you are looking for someone or something to put the blame on, the good news is that you will definitely find one. But the bad news is that you will shut your mind from solutions and possibilities, and it will be more difficult to move towards success. But you can decide to get rid of excuses, look inward and overcome the obstacles on your way.
– tope aladenus
It appears to me that there are more birds than human beings. In spite of this, I have never seen two birds colliding in the sky. God has prepared enough space for all of them. Similarly, the earth was designed by God to permit everyone to flourish without necessarily pulling others down. You don’t need to pull others down in order to climb up. You don’t need to destroy others in order to build yourself. You don’t need to talk evil of others in order to appear good. You don’t need to make others poor because you want to be rich.
I have seen many people in organizations attempt to pull others down because they wanted to climb up, and I think they are making a fundamental flaw in life. Judas Iscariot wanted more money, and he thought he could do that by betraying Jesus. He ended up hanging himself on a tree while helping Jesus Christ to fulfill his purpose. That’s why you shouldn’t be disturbed when you see others trying to pull you down. In reality, they are only assisting to push you to the place of purpose. Conversely, you should never be the one trying to pull anyone down.
As you journey through life, I want you to go with the mindset that there is enough room for all. In whatever you do, remember that being a stumbling block to others does not grant you a stepping stone. Flourish … and let others do the same.
– tope aladenusi
I once enrolled for an online leadership course organized by the Harvard Business School. The course was unlike the e-learning courses I was familiar with. With conventional online courses, the norm is to get some materials to read, listen to or watch before taking assessment tests or examinations. However, this course began with a program that asked me several questions about how I had led people and managed events in the past. The answers I supplied to this program were used to analyse my leadership and management style and conclude whether I am more of a leader than a manager or vice versa. With the results, it went ahead to instruct me on areas I needed to improve on in order to have the right mix of leadership and management.
I was very delighted with the results I had gotten from the analysis of my responses. I was fascinated about what “Harvard” was saying about me. I felt confident and reassured that I had what it takes to tackle the leadership challenges currently facing me in the ministry and workplace. But then I paused and thought: If I could believe in the Harvard report so much that I was motivated by it, how should I handle the prophecy of the scripture that is not of any private interpretation? If I could rejoice in what humans tell me based on extensive research, what manner of joy should flood my soul when the One who created me tells me who I am based on his deepest understanding of my real genetic constitution?
What do you see whenever you read your bible? Do you see angels, Israel, Mary, Moses, Paul … or do you see “you”? Do you accept the way God has programmed and rated you or are you befuddled by what is happening around you?
Are you suffering from a sickness? God said “that same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you, and it can give energy to your body”. Are you confused about your future partner? He said “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster; plans to give you a future filled with hope”. Are you concerned that your major channel of finance appears to be getting closed? He said – I am the one who opens up a door that no man can shut. Are you still being hunted by your past sins? He said “your sins and wrongdoings will I remember no more”.
If we could just look in the Word again with an eagerness to see and accept what it says about us, then we would be better equipped to face all of life’s challenges.
tope aladenusi
| “If you know where you are heading in life, you will find a way in the world to get there. If you do not know where you are heading, the world will show you many ways to compound your confusion”.
A young man named Jack lives in Lagos and works in a world class company. Three weeks ago, he was with some friends and they talked about going to get MBAs from schools either in the UK or the US . Their rationale was simple – most of the Nigerian guys who are top shots in their companies today have a degree from a foreign university. This made sense to Jack and he immediately made up his mind that he was going to raise some bucks to go for his MBA program.
However, a week later he was in the midst of some entrepreneurs and big time company owners. They were of the opinion that the richest guys in the world are not those who had gotten the best of degrees. They cited Bill Gates as a key reference and this made a whole lot of sense to Jack. He then decided to use the money he had planned to save for his MBA degree to start his own IT Corporation.
And then a week after that, Jack went for a success seminar where the speaker said that the fulfilled men on earth are those who do what they have flair for. They enjoy doing things that are inclined to their natural ability. Things are not all rosy for them at the inception, but they get the ‘big bucks’ in future because they operate from their creative zone. This also made great sense to Jack and he said to himself – ‘since everyone says I am a good arguer I’ll just go back to the university and study Law; I do not think I am cut out for these IT or MBA stuff’.
This week my good friend Jack attended a ‘missions’ awareness program and he was enthralled by the massive number of people who are yet to hear the gospel for the first time. There was a call for people who would volunteer to be missionaries to the Arab worlds. Of course you can bet that this will also make great sense to Jack.
Beloved, that my good friend Jack may just be you.
Are you leaving the treasure within you to waste because of the pressures from without? Every road will make great sense to you if you do not have a sense of direction from above. Why do you want to achieve that goal? Does it really belong to you or you are just bowing to ‘peer pressure’?
Our God is not a duplicator, he is a creator. He doesn’t want you to become a better version of someone else but to be the best version of yourself. There is something unique that you were born to achieve in this world.
If you always take cues from the outside before you move, then the chances that you will birththat destiny is slim. Learn to stay with God. No one ever moved with God and missed his way. He is already working in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Cultivate the habit of genuinely fellowshipping with him regularly. Your unique destination will then become clear to you so that your life will no longer be undulated and undermined by every thing that makes great sense in the world.
– tope aladenusi |