CAMP RULES
1)
It is compulsory for all participants to register
2)
All conference time schedules (of programmes) should be strictly adhered to.
3)
All cases of missing items and suspicious movements should be reported to the camp
security officials with a sense of immediacy.
4)
There should be no loitering during programmes.
5)
A high level of discipline and personal comportment is expected of all brethren.
6)
All sales and purchases within the camp must be done at the designated time and place(s).
7)
Let no filthiness, foolish talking nor jesting be once named among you, as becometh saints
(Eph. 5:3, 4) Walk worthy unto all pleasing. “…Be thou an example of the believers in
word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (I Tim. 4:12)
8)
Always put on your name-tag for easy identification
9)
Food shall not be served before or after specified time schedule.
10)
All participants are to keep their environment clean.
11)
All cases of ill health should be reported to the camp faith clinic.
12)
Let not thy nakedness be discovered. Thou shall make them…to cover their nakedness.
The woman ought to cover her head because of the angels.
Let the woman adorn
themselves in MODEST APPAREL with shamefacedness and sobriety, NOT with broided
hair or gold or pearls or costly array. He that saith he abideth in Christ ought to walk,
EVEN as Christ walked (Ex. 20:26; 28:42; I Cor. 11:4-10; I Tim. 2:9; I Jn. 2:6).
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
JESUS ONLY IS OUR MESSAGE
1
Jesus only is our message
Jesus all our theme shall be
We will lift up Jesus ever
Jesus only, we will see.
Jesus only, Jesus ever Jesus
Jesus all in all we sing
Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer
Glorious Lord and coming King.
4
Jesus only is our Healer
All our sickness He bare
And His risen life and fullness
All His members still may share.
2
Jesus only is our Saviour,
All our guilt He bore away
All our righteousness He gives us
All our strength from day to day.
5
Jesus only is our power
His the gift of Pentecost
Jesus, breathe thy power upon us
Fill us with the Holy Ghost.
3
Jesus is our Sanctifier
Cleansing us from self and sin
And with all His spirit’s fullness
Filling all our hearts within.
6
And for Jesus we are waiting
Listening for the advent call
But ‘t will still be Jesus only
Jesus ever, all in all.
C.A.C. HYMN 366
1
When the pow’r of God descended
On the day of Pentecost
All the days of waiting ended
They received the Holy Ghost
O Lord, send the pow’r just now
O Lord, send the pow’r just now
O Lord, send the pow’r just now
And baptize, everyone
1.
‘Gbat’ agbara Olorun de
Li ojo pentikosti
Sa if’oju s’ona pari
‘Tori won ri Emi gba
Ran agbara, Oluwa
Ran agbara, Oluwa
Ran agbara, Oluwa
Ki O si baptis’ wa
2
Tongues of flame came down upon them
And they preached the word in pow’r
List’ning multitude awaken’d
Turned to God that very hour
2.
Ela ‘han ina ba le won
Won si wasu oro na
Opolopo eeyan gbagbo
Won yi pada s’Olorun
3
We are waiting Holy Spirit
We are all of one accord
Lord fulfill just now the promise
That is given in they word
3.
A nw’ona fun Emi Mimo
Gbogbo wa f’ohun sokan
Mu ‘leri na se, Oluwa
Ti a se nin’ oro Re
4
Fill and thrill us with thy presence
Grant the blessings that we need
Flood our souls with wondrous glory
While the pray’r of faith we plead. Amen
4.
Jo, fi agbara Re kun wa
Fun wa ni ‘bukun ta nfe
Fi ogo Re kun okan wa
Ba ti nfi ‘gbagbo bebe. Amin
2
CAC HYMN 365
1
My hear is open to thee, dear Lord,
Come in, come in
My faith is clinging to thy dear word
Come in, come in
Come not to tarry; but stay, dear Lord
All shall be thine love can afford
Here in my heart over make thine abode
Come in, come in
1.
Okan mi sipaya, Oluwa
Wole, wole
Igbagbo mi ro mo oro Re
Wole, wole
Ma ba mi gbe titi Oluwa
Ohun ti O fe ni un o fe
Fi okan mi se ‘bugbe Re laelae
Wole, wole
2
Yes, there is room in my heart, dear Lord
Come in, come in
Thy presence makes heaven real to me
Come in, come in
2.
Beni aye mbe fun Oluwa
Wole, wole
‘Dide Re mu mi sun mo O si
Wole, wole
3
I kept thee standing outside so long
Come in, come in
I pray thee pardon this shameful wrong
Come in, come in
3.
Mo da O duro s’ode pe ju
Wole, wole
Dari eyi ji mi Oluwa
Wole, wole
4
I hear thee knocking at my heart’s door
Come in, come in
I’ll keep thee waiting outside no more
Come in, come in. Amen
4.
Mo gbo, O nkan ‘lekun, Oluwa
Wole, wole
Nko ni da O duro s’ode mo
Wole, wole. Amin
1
O Magnify the Lord with me
Ye people of His choice!
Let all to whom He lendeth breath
Now in His name rejoice;
For love’s blest revelation
For rest from condemnation
For uttermost salvation
To Him give thanks
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Forever and evermore
Forever and more O Lord!
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Let all…the people praise Thee,
Forever and forever more.
1.
Gbe Oluwa ga pelu mi
Enyin eniyan Re
Ki gbogbo eda alaye
Ma yo l’oruko Re
Fun ife ti o nfihan
Fun isinmi l’okan wa
Fun igbala kikun Re
Tire l’ope
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Ki gbogbo wa yin oruko Oluwa wa
Titi laelae, ani titi laelae
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Ki gbogbo wa f’ope fun
Titi laelae.
2
O praise Him for His holiness
His wisdom and His grace
Sing praises for the precious blood
Which ransom’d all our race
In tenderness He sough us
From depths of sin He brought us
The way of life then taught us
To him give thanks.
2.
E yin fun iwa mimo Re
Fun ore-ofe Re
Korin iyin fun eje Re
To fi ra wa pada
Ife lo fi wa wa ri
Ninu ira ese wa
O f’ona iye han wa
E fope fun.
3
Had I a thousand tongues to sing
The half could ne’er told
Of love so rich, so full and free
Of blessings manifold
Of grace that faileth never
Peace flowing as a river
From God the glorious Giver
To Him give thanks. Amen
3.
Emi ‘ba l’egberun ahon
Nko le royin na tan
Ife Re si mi po jojo
Ago ‘bukun mi nkun
Ore-ofe ti ki ye
Alafia bi odo
Lat’odo Olubukun
E f’ope fun. Amin
CAC HYMN 92
3
OPENING CHARGE
(Luke 4:5-7; Deut. 32:29)
To the only wise God be Glory both now and always Amen. That we are both here again to
worship and magnify our God is among the wonders of our generation. It is exactly a year ago when
such a great gathering of this magnitude was last celebrated. It is my earnest believes that none will
return home without a divine touch.
Beloved of all the corrupt generation that ever lived on this planet earth ours is the worst. This
is the most enlightened generation. The most educated and most informed of all. Yet it is a godless,
perverted generation; it is the generation of civilized beast that paraded themselves as human beings.
Ours is the generation of educated illiterate, who after acquiring their knowledge from the God of
heaven rose to declare that there is no God. According to them; since there is no God, they neither
know him nor fear him. To them there is no Good, no hell no heaven. All is illusion; once you are
dead all is forever gone. Beloved this is nothing but madness according to the scripture (Ps. 14:1). If
after enjoying the life and breath of God and all its benefit you now conclude so, you are no better than
educated beast. How then do you want this great God to further protect and prosper you? How will
you face him on the last day when all the dead and the living shall stand before him? Though its often
said that the madness of a dog should not prevent it from knowing its owner. Yet men without God
are worse than the mad dogs (Is. 1:1-13). Others for the blindfolded treasures they derived from
occultic covenanted world believed that their future is secured. I want you to know that both Satan
and his demons has no free gift. Whatever you may think to gain from any occultic society; you will
pay now and you will pay with your eternity. Therefore, hear me, that all satanic gifts are baits. All
satanic apples has worm.
Every attempt to escape honest toil is rebellion against God. There is no short-cuts to success
no matter how cleverly done or covered (Deut. 32:4-5). You will pay darely.





1)
2)
3)
4)
Every apple from Satan has worm
Satan has no apple without worm
Satan has no free gifts no matter how big or small
When Satan offers you anything; there is a hook inside
Everything that seems to come from Satan is a bait.
When Satan offers you one thing; it is to minus thousands from you
Oh that they were wise (Deut. 32:29)
When men are initiated into cults or occultism, either into wizard or witch-crafts; they are
never shown their latter end.
The devil will show you the present benefit and the enjoyment but will never show you, the
shame, the punishment and hell that is attached to that your actions.
When he offers you fornication or adultery; he will never show you the HIV, neither will
he show you the shameful pregnancy nor the cameral of shame hidden in the corner.
When he introduce you to fornication; then he suggest abortion; he would not show you the
death connection or the hell as your final state.
A
The Past (Deut. 32:7)
History has preserved for us, the shame; the premature death and the agony of men who would
not have patient but rushed ahead of God’s purpose and plan for their lives. There has never been any
short-cut to success never (Ps. 16:4). Where are the great men of the past who forsook God and ran
4
into secret society or use human beings for money rituals; those who thought to go through short-cuts,
how do they ended?
1)
Days should speak to you of the past (Job 32:7)
2)
Have you seen those who ran after riches (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:20)
3)
They finally forsook God and turned away (I Kings 11:4; II Chron. 25:14)
Many of us have deep our fingers into evil; we have ate with the devil and we are again smiling
with Jesus without telling the truth to God where we are coming from. Where will you end in this
your ways of hypocrisy?
B
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
The Present
God expect us to live righteous now (Tit. 2:12)
Be careful now (Luk. 21:34)
Set not your heart on riches (Ps. 62:10)
The danger in hurrying to be rich (Prov. 28:20)
What shall it profit a man (Mk. 8:35-38)
Why don’t you wait for God’s time (Matt. 6:28-29)
C
1)
2)
3)
4)
The Future
His word says consider your ways (Hag. 1:5-6)
We brought nothing into this world (I Tim. 6:6-8)
Whom do you know shall inherit all these things (Eccl. 2:18-19)
That rich man was in hell while others were enjoying his work here on earth; what sent him to
hell others were here enjoying; while he was their burning (Luk. 16:23-31)
Therefore love not the world (I Jn. 2:15-19)
Jesus Himself endured terrible things (Heb. 12:1-3)
Are you wise then learn (Hos. 14:9; Mat. 7:24-27).
5)
6)
7)
The end of every foolish man is hell; the choice you make today shall determine your destiny.
God Has warned us never to follow the multitude to do evil. The choice is yours. You can be rich
without stealing or cheating or going into occultism. IT IS POSSIBLE. Don’t forget the picture of
your FUTURE is in the scripture.
5
Bible study series
WHO SHALL ABIDE
(Psalm 15)
King David has just witnessed judgmental and untimely death of Mr. Uzziah; who was zealous
and eager to see the smooth running of God’s work. Fear gripped David that he now diverts the Ark
of Covenant to the house of Obed-Edom (II Sam. 6:3-11). Finally he went into God’s temple in
perplexity to ask the Almighty a life-long question; “Lord, who shall abide”. Without delay God
answered him.
The big question – “Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle and who shall dwell in thy Holy hill (Ps.
15:1)
The question was like God; can you give the needed qualification in coming to your presence;
what does it take to stand in your presence, since you dwell in the Holy hill.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
The big and shocking answers (Ps. 15:2-5)
He that walketh uprightly
And worketh righteousness
He that speaketh the truth in his heart
He that backbitteth not with his tongue
That doeth no evil to his neighbour
Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned
But honoureth them that fear the Lord
He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not
He that putteth not out his money to usury
Nor taketh reward against the innocent
He that doeth these things shall never be moved
That same big question was repeated in Ps. 24:3-5)
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord; or who shall stand in His Holy place? (Ps. 24:3)
Similar answers were given
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart
Who hath not lift up his soul unto vanity
Nor sworn deceitfully
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his
salvation.
God is so plain in outlining out what you need to make heaven. Men and women have
deliberately turned themselves against God’s standard and began to create for themselves human
ideology contrary to God’s design (Eccl. 7:29).
1)
2)
3)
4)
Paying the price
To dwell in God’s Holy Hill or stand in his presence you have an expensive price to pay.
1)
The price of obedience to the Lord even in small matters
2)
The price of separation from the crowd (Matt. 7:13).
3)
The price of following the narrow road (Matt. 7:13).
6
Bible study series
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
(Exodus 20:13)
Of all the wickedness practiced by men, murder is the worst. To terminate a human life is one
of the worst crimes that God and his kingdom may never overlook. To terminate human life is never
five minutes plan. Today’s society has placed little value on human life. All over the word; news is
no news until violence, murder, lawlessness appears in almost all pages of he paper. The front pages
of news papers and news reports of television and radio are usually filled with terrible crimes; and in
entertainment industry television, movies, video games, music, books, magazines, focuses on
lawlessness, violence and killing as well as immorality. The glory and nobility of man as the most
excellent creature and image of God is being dragged through the mud and degraded by the corruption
mind of sinful and evil people.
1
To whom is this commandment given?
You shall not kill (Ex. 20:13) “YOU”: This is a forceful and direct command to you and every
human being upon the surface of the earth. It specifically addressed you as a human beings; thou shalt
not kill. Even an animal is commanded never to kill a man (Ex. 21:28-30).
Thou shalt not kill
Abortion is almost legalized all over the world as a medical treatment or surgery and not a
murder case. Abortion is nothing but the termination of a human life. It is even worse in the sense
that child was never allowed to see the planet earth; where the God of heaven has destined and
assigned that child come.
Abortion, the killing of the unborn babies; is one of the major crime filed against you in the
court of the Almighty God. Who shall be your advocate to plead or face the Almighty in this heavenly
court? The sanctity of human life has been and is still under strong attack. Tragically, the tide of
public opinion usually runs contrary to the clear commandment of God that says, “Thou shalt not
kill”. Because abortion is legal in so many country does not change the world and the mind of God.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
The Bible and the unborn babies (what the Bible say)
God created and fashion you from the womb (Job 31:15)
It is recorded in God’s book the day you were formed (Gen. 5:1)
God formed man from the womb to learn his word (Ps. 119:73)
Look at the description of man’s formation (Ps. 139:13-16)
Do you know how bones grow in the womb? (Eccl. 11:5)
God knows a man before he formed him in the womb (Jer. 1:4-5)
The most qualified pregnancy to be terminated then was that of the Virgin Mary suspected
to be bastard (Matt. 1:18-20). But the Virgin Mary gave birth to that Son Jesus Christ.
The above scriptures are what God said about the unborn babies or fetus; but what has medical
profession says about it.
1)
2)
Seven different schools of thought by Medical Professions
That fetus become human fully at the point of conception call it the point of conception or
process of conception; yet whenever it takes place the child become invested with the
divine image.
Other group claims that 50% of all impregnated ova disappear in the natural course of
event. If that is the case, then 50% of the unborn, unformed, unimportant ova have the
divine image and simply drift off into eternity without having existed in any sense that is
7
3)
4)
5)
6)
meaningful to us. The group state that the person start to be form at implantation. Before
that it has no meaningful existence at all.
The third group says the fetus becomes human when it takes human shape. They say it will
measure at least three centimeters, which will happen between forty-five and forty-nine
days after conception.
The fourth group claimed that fetus become human at animation Aristotle said that took
place twenty-five to forty days after conception for the male, but fifty to eighty days after
conception for the female.
The fifth group said that fetus become human at birth not before birth. You will then have
problem with the Bible, if this should be true.
The group believe fetus to be fully human one year after birth. They that at this stage the
human child is comparable to all other animals at the moment of birth; because human
children are much more helpless than any other animals.
Let’s balance them up with the scripture
When is the unborn child become a human being?
When is the fetus made in the image of God? (Job 31:15; 139:13-16)
Abortion among the singles
How come that unmarried girl is pregnant; this calls for questions, these happens as a result of
fornication. Every form of sex outside marriage is a terrible sin (Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:27-30). When you
stubbornly goes into immorality and it result into pregnancy and you now wants to hide one sin from
another then the killing of the innocent and unborn baby follows. The sin of fornication or adultery is
evil enough; but when abortion follows it become the worst of crime.
“Suicide”? Why? (I Cor. 10:13; James 1:5)
There are others that take their own life thinking it is their own. No; when you commit suicide
the thing you were running for; here on earth; greater and heavier load of punishment await you
beyond the grave. No matter your frustration or victimization; once it is not God that ends your
journey here on earth; once you are the one who terminate your life or the life of another person; even
if God would have pardon you the accuser of the brethren will drag your case before the Almighty
God with Bible quotation that shall sentence you to eternal hell (Gen. 1:27; Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:9).
What shall be the consequence of breaking this law?
Life is sacred; those who disobeyed this law will face the righteous judge no matter how
cleverly done and neatly covered. God will hold you accountable for every life you kill either with a
gun, pills or knife. No murder can escape this terrible judgment (Rom. 1:18, 29; I Jn. 3:15; Rom.
13:3-4; Gen.9:6; Lev. 24:17; Matt. 5:21-22).
The way out
Repentance is the only way out. Your repentance should be clear as the noonday. Turning
completely by God without looking back. Its not too late to repent. If it is wholeheartedly done God
is faithful and just to forgive you (I Jn. 1:7-10).
8
ABORTION FACTS
The following is a list of useful abortion statistics as well as some facts on abortifacients. All
abortion numbers are derived from pro-abortion sources courtesy of the Alan Guttmacher Institute and
Planned Parenthood’s Family Planning Perspectives.
Worldwide
Number of abortions per year: approximately 42million
Number of abortions per day: approximately 115,000
Where abortions occur:
83% of all abortions are obtained in developing countries and 17% occur in developed countries
United States
Number of abortions per year: 1.37million (1996)
Number of abortions per day: approximately 3,700
Who’s having abortions (marital status)?
64.4% of all abortions are performed on never-married women; married women account for
18.4% of all abortions and divorced women obtain 9.4%
Who’s having abortions (religion)?
Women identifying themselves as Protestants obtain 37.4% of all abortions in the U.S;
Catholic women account for 31.3%, Jewish women account for 1.3% and women with no religious
affiliation obtain 23.7% of all abortions. 18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify
themselves as “Born-again/Evangelical”
Why women have abortions
1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential
health problems regarding either the mother or child; and 93% of all abortions occur of social reason
(i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
At what gestational ages are abortions performed:
52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy, 25% happen between the 9th &
th
10 week, 12% happen between the 11th and 12th week, 6% happen between the 13th & 15th week, 4%
happen between the 16th & 20th week and 1% of all abortions (16,450/yr) happen after the 29th week of
pregnancy.
Likelihood of abortion
An estimated 43% of all women will have at least 1 abortion by the time they are 45years old.
47% of all abortions are performed on women who have had at least one previous abortion.
Abortifacient Facts
The pill – progesterone only, how dose combination pills
The physician’s desk reference lists the above hormonal contraceptives as having three
mechanisms of action.
1)
Prevent ovulation
2)
Thicken the cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and fallopian tube
3)
Alter the lining of the uterus so implantation cannot take place. The third action, if and
when it occurs, is abortifacient (meaning a human life has begun but cannot continue to
develop without the nourishment provided through the mother’s uterine wall).
9
Although pro-life physicians continue to debate if and how often hormonal contraceptives
interfere with the implantation of an embryo, it is important to educate ourselves and our clients about
this potential action of the Pill. Those who seek to protect the sanctity of human life from the point of
fertilization should be cautious about taking any drug which could end the developing child’s life.
RU – 486
When a woman is given RU – 486 (also called Mifepristone), it kills her baby by interfering
with progesterone, the hormone which keeps the baby implanted in the wall of the mother’s uterus.
Two days later, the woman returns to the clinic to receive a prostaglandin drug which induces labour
and expels the dead embryo (RU – 486 is used until 7weeks after the first day of her last menstrual
period). If the baby hasn’t been expelled by the time the woman makes her third visit to the doctor,
she will require a surgical abortion procedure (5 – 8% likelihood). Raymond, Klein & Dumble, the
pro-abortion authors of RU 486 misconceptions, Myths and Moral, (IWT Pub, 1991) stress that RU –
486 is not safe for women and list the following contraindications, (reasons a person should not take
RU 486); under age 18 or over 35; menstrual irregularities; history of fibroids, abnormal menstrual
bleeding or endometriosis cervical incompetence, previous abortion, or abnormal pregnancies; pelvic
inflammatory disease, recent use of IUD or the pill 3 months.
Methotrexe and Misoprotol
Two drugs that were developed for cancer (methotrexate) and ulcer (misoprostol) treatment are
now being used in combination to kill babies. Methotrexate is used to poison the baby and then
Misoprostol empties the uterus of the baby. Keep in mind that Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug
with the potential for serious toxicity, which can result in the death of the mother as well as the baby.
10
Bible Study
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
(Ex. 20:14)
Great is the ruin and havoc done to humanity by adultery. It robs Rueben his birthright; sent
the men of Schechem to their untimely grave; turned Rahab to a prostitute. Twenty three thousand
Israelite met their untimely death as a result of adultery. Only eternity may be accurate to reveal the
number of death and destruction that has come upon the human race. What then should we say of
families in chaos and divorce because of adultery. Apart from death, think of the deadly diseases such
as HIV and the like; adultery is evil devilish and deadly.
These deadly demons have moved from the brothels to offices, and of recent, banks and such
businesses have almost legalized adultery by employing young graduate’ ladies as Professional
prostitutes in bringing customers to their industry. In whatever method once it involves fornication or
adultery God has said “thou shalt not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14). Adultery and fornication has
no regards for age. If men above ninety could still be guilty of rape and the like; then you need to fear
this deadly demon of immorality called adultery and fornication.
This monster is not only a threat to the families but a great threat to our society. If a man is not
faithful to his own family, to his wife or husband, how can such a man be faithful to his nation and his
own office? I have heard someone who said, that since God has created everything for man’s
pleasure; we are therefore free to enjoy what God has created for our good; yes that is true. God has
made sex for man’s pleasure but it must be enjoyed within the boundary of the husband and his wife.
God created man as a sexual being primarily to build a close bond between husband and wife and
through that fellowship and union to populate the world. It is true that man’s sexual urge is strong yes
very strong; yet we must be disciplined with it. Who is to obey this commandment? You and me. It is
only applicable and only to be among the living. See God’s plain warning
a)
Thou shalt not commit adultery (Ex. 20:14)
b)
Flee fornication (I Cor. 6:18)
c)
Abstain from fornication (I Thess. 4:3-5)
Adultery forbidden
Adultery or adulterate means to debase, to corrupt oneself sexually and to make oneself
impure. God’s word is irrevocable “you shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14); it means it must not
happen outside your matrimonial home.
a)
Adultery is having sex with someone else rather than your spouse
b)
Sex before you marry is called fornication
c)
The thought of lust toward someone else (Matt. 5:27-28)
The thought of immorality (Matt. 5:27-28)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Thought that makes one impure even in marriage
It stains or spoils one’s marriage
Thoughts causes one to loose his or her virginity
Thought that may ruin one’s testimony in marriage
 Illicit sex is a violation against the marriage to be
 Illicit sex, corrupts, spoils and make you impure either before or after marriage
Adultery is committed in the heart long before it physically takes place; therefore you are not to:
a)
Prostitute in your heart
b)
Accommodate impure and lustful thought
11
c)
Indulge in illicit fantasies (Matt. 5:27-30)
What are the consequences of disobeying this commandment?
A man’s sin will affect many. There is no private sin. Adultery is a gross act of betrayal; it is
a great crime against God. It is a sin against God, against the husband or husband to be or against the
wife or wife to be. It is a sin against the church, a sin against the Holy Scripture, a sin against Jesus
Christ, a sin against the father, against the son and against the Holy Spirit. It is a sin against the
church, against the Pastor and against those praying for the church; if you sin against all these; then
you have sinned against the heaven and the earth. If your sin is as great as that you cannot escape the
terrible anger and judgment of God.
1)
This sin will rob you of heaven (I Cor. 6:9-11)
2)
This sin will invoke God’s judgment upon you (Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8; Lev. 20:10).
3)
Adultery will destroy your own soul (Prov. 6:32)
4)
It will help to bring defeat to your life (I Pet. 2:11)
5)
You will suffer God’s judicial judgment (Rom. 1:24-28)
6)
In Old Testament death was the penalty (Lev. 20:10)
7)
You will destroy the unity of many homes (II Sam. 11:2-5, 14-27)
8)
It means you have fleshly lust (I Jn. 2:15-16)
9)
You lack understanding (Matt. 5:28; Prov. 6:25)
10)
Become enslaved to sinful immorality (Rom. 6:16; 8:5; II Pet. 2:14)
11)
You sin against your own soul (I Cor. 6:18)
12)
You live a secretive life (Job 24:15)
13)
With this sin you have worked against Christ (Is. 62:5; Eph. 5:25; II Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7; 21:2;
22:17)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
The way out is repentance
Repent therefore (Acts 8:22)
If we confess our sins (I Jn. 1:9)
Let the wicked return unto the Lord (Is. 55:7)
But if the wicked turn (Ezek. 18:21)
Go and sin no more (Jn. 8:3-11)
See the life of Joseph and how he overcame (Gen. 39:1-7)
No matter the brightness of the day; dark shadows cannot be avoided. The devil’s target is to
no other person but the committed saint who decides to do the will and obey and the word of God.
There are men and women who have gone before us on this journey who have proved to us that it is
possible to travel on this road without fallen into this deadly demon of immorality. Joseph has
demonstrated to us that despite the pressure you can still be:
1) Faithful to God
2) Faithful to his master
3) Faithful to his work
4) Faith to his devotion to God
Even in the face of trial and temptation he stood in his faith. W hat many may have been
praying for was offered to Joseph free but for heaven’s sake Joseph flee for his life. There are many
men who have met their doom through this Portiphar’s wife (Prov. 7:5-27). Nothing ruins life like
adultery, nothing attracts shame like fornication and adultery; nothing invokes disgrace and sealed
mouth like adultery. More lives have been sent to the grave prematurely; we have more orphans and
widows because of not heeding this seventh commandment (Ex. 20:14). Jesus said you have heard;
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that it was said by them of old time; “thou shalt not commit adultery” (Matt. 5:27). There is no
religion or traditions that encourages or promotes fornication or adultery; there is no community that
grants freedom to others to sleep with their neighbor’s wives or husbands.
God called adultery fire (Prov. 6:26-33)
Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Only eternity shall reveal the
ruined lives through immorality. Prostitution is a great sin. If you cannot keep your job except
through adultery then you are on your fast lane to destruction.
The temptation brought before Joseph (Gen. 39:1-7)
With every promotion there is always a temptation; when you fail that temptation, you will go
no further; the world may still push you up; but God Has finished with you. The favour of God was
upon Joseph; even when he was sold into slavery; God was still with Joseph when men’s hatred
succeeded to push him out of his community. If your reaction to persecution is to backslide, heaven
will not forgive you. Though God knows what you are passing through, yet you will not be justified
for going against his word. No one goes into immorality and have it easy with God. Even King such
as David (II Sam. 12:1-12).
Today and the sin of immorality (I Cor. 6:9-10; 3:16-17)
This is a sin that is greatly disregarded today by the men in power; how then will you escape if
you deliberately disobey this seventh commandment? If such were punished in the past, how will you
then escape? Remember all things are naked before God (Heb. 4:13).
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HEAVEN IS REAL
(Rev. 21:9-27)
A
I
The place call heaven
It is a prepared place (Jn. 14:2): The fact it is marred by sin. Imagine what heaven will
be like (speak of the man who went before the king to make sure the way was clear. A
bridegroom making everything ready for his bride. Jesus Has cleared the way and made
ready the place).
B
It is a perfect place (Rev. 21:4, 9-21): None of the things that hinder here will enter
there (tears, pain, sorrow, crying, sin, Satan, temple, sun, night and curse). Heaven will
be glorious! Not just for all that is there, but for what isn’t!) The sorrows of this life.
C
It is a pleasant place (Rev. 21:22-27): The size, the appearance and all that will be
missing in glory. (1500miles on each side! Walls 216 feet high. Gates of pearl. Walls of
jasper. Foundations of twelve precious stones. Streets of pure gold). (John is attempting
to describe the indescribable).
D
It is a permanent place (I Pet. 1:4): Everything in this world is fading away. That
world is free from decay, destruction and degeneration. The Bible uses four phrases here
to describe heaven. It is “incorruptible”. It will never be invaded by enemies (Matt.
6:19-20). It is “undefiled”. It cannot be “soiled or stained”. It is free from the taint of
sin and corruption of sin. It is a place that “fadeth not away”. Unlike any place or thing
in this world, heaven cannot decay or wear away. It is “reserved”. It is guarded and kept
under lock and key for us! Heaven is there to stay (Ps. 145:13).
While I do not claim to know much about heaven, I do know this: The one who died for
me on the cross will be there and I will see Him when I get there and that is enough for me!
II
The people that shall be there
What do we know about the population?
A
They are a redeemed people (Rev. 21:24; 5:19; Ps. 107:2; Eph. 1:6-7; I Pet. 1:18-19):
Heaven will be populated only by those who have been to Jesus for the cleansing power.
B
They are a resurrected people (I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:42-56): Heaven will be
populated by those who have been delivered from the grip of death and the grave. The
souls of the departed ones are there today. But, no one in heaven is in their final form.
One day, the souls in glory will receive their glorified bodies!
C
They are a rescued people (Jn. 14:3; I Thess. 4:16-17; I Cor. 15:51-52): Heaven will
be filled with people who never had to go through the doorway of death.
D
They are a resting people (Rev. 14:13): Free from the burdens, care and labours of this
life.
E
They are a rejoicing people (Rev. 4:1-11; 5:11-14; 7:9-17): Every glimpse into heaven
reveals the same thing rejoicing!
III
The path to heaven
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What do we know about the path to that city?
A
B
C
It is a plain path (Jn. 14:6; Acts 16:31; I Jn. 5:12; Jn. 8:24): The Bible is clear about
the road to glory. There are only two ways in life (Matt. 7:13-14); and you are on one
path or the other!
It is a peculiar path (Jn. 10:9; Acts 4:12; Jn. 14:6b): There are not many roads to that
city. There is only one, and His name is Jesus. That may sound narrow, but it is still the
truth!
It is a personal path (Rom. 10:9, 13; Lk. 13:3; Prov. 9:12): No one can walk that path
for you. You must take the step of faith for yourself. I would do it for you if I could, but
I can’t. I took that step one day and so you should!
How about you? When death comes for you, will you be ready to go to heaven? Have
you made your preparations to enter that city? Have you left the wide road and entered the
narrow way through Jesus Christ? If you haven’t, you can and you can do it today. If you have,
then hang on saints of God, the best is yet to come!
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KEEPING MARITAL VOWS
(Numbers 30:2-4; Ps. 116:14)
Introduction: God’s first institution handed over to man to achieve His aim and to sustain it is
called marriage. Marriage is equally a union of two imperfect opposite sex (a man and a woman)
from different backgrounds, training etc agreed to live together till death do them part.
Right from its inception both parties that constitute it are guided by designer’s rules as
well as operators’ rules to ensure strict compliance to the simple agreement made. These made
rules may be in form of vows.
What is a vow? This is a solemn oath declared or sworn to that one will do something. It is a
promise or agreement between two or more parties for a particular purpose. It may be
written/unwritten.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Reasons for making vows
To guide one’s steps or behaviour
To strengthen the cord of love
To ensure faithfulness to each other
To ensure strict obedience to agreed guidelines
To maintain purity etc.
a)
b)
c)
How are vows made?
At the commencement of love affairs or dating period
During customary introduction/engagement activities
At solemnization before God and man in the registry/church
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Husband’s vows during wedding
To have the woman as a wedded wife
To live together according to God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony
To love, honour and comfort the wife
To keep her in sickness and in health
To forsake all others
To keep himself only into her so long as both shall live
To take, to have and to hold for life for better for worse and for richer for poorer etc.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Wives vows during wedding
To have the man as her wedded husband
To live together according to God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony
To obey, serve, love and honour him
To keep him in sickness and in health
To forsake all others
To keep herself only unto him so long as both shall live etc
To take, to have and to hold for life for better for worse and for richer for poorer
a)
b)
c)
How to keep vows
Prayers
Determination
Understanding and applying biblical principles of marriages etc.
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THE EVIL OF CULTISM
INTRODUCTION
The word occult comes from the Latin word (clandestine, hidden, secret) referring to
knowledge of the hidden. Occultism is the study of occult or hidden wisdom to the occultist; it is
the study of “truth”, a deeper truth that exists beneath the surface. “The truth is always hidden in
plain sight”. It can involve such subjects as magic (alternatively spelled and defined as magic)
alchemy, extra sensory, perception, astrology, spiritualism, lithomancy and numerology. There
is often a strong religious element to these studies and beliefs and many occulsits profess
adherence to religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Luciferiansim, Thelema and
Neopaganism.
A
1
All forms of the occult – divination, necromancy, astrology, hypnotism, fortune-telling,
magic etc are forbidden by God (Lev. 19:26-28, 31; 20:6, 27; Deut. 18:9-14; II Kings
23:24; Jer. 10:2)
2
Interest in the occult is not a recent development
Witchcraft was openly and widely practiced in Old Testament times (Is. 8”19; 19:3; 29:4;
Ezek. 21:21; Hos. 4:12; Mic. 3:6-7; 5:12)
B
It was still rampant in the early church
1)
Simon the magician (Acts 8:9, 11)
2)
Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:8)
3)
The girl at Philippi (Acts 16:16)
4)
The city of Ephesus (Acts 19:19)
C
The word of God testifies that there will be an increase curiosity in the occult in the latter
days (I Tim. 4:1 etc).
3
A
B
What force or power is at work in the supernatural manifestation of the occult?
The teachings of spiritism and doctrines of demons (I Tim. 4:1)
Not all miracles are of God, Satan can also perform lying signs and wonders (Ex. 7:9-12;
8:7, 17-19; Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 24:24; Mk. 13:22; II Thess. 2:9; Rev. 3:13-14; 16:14;
19:20).
Occult involvement may lead to demon possession (Acts 13:8, 10 (Paul called the
magician a “child of the devil!”) Acts 16:16-18).
C
D
Scripture says that they “Sold their soul” to the devil by their occult practices (II Kings
17:17)
4
The Bible clearly states that it is in the realm of deception that these workers of
iniquity operates (Jer. 14:14, 27:9-10; 29:8-9; Zech. 10:2; II Cor. 11:13-15; II Thess.
2:7-12; Rev. 18:23b)
It is true that fortune tellers can reveal much (see Ex. 7:9-12; 8:7; Dan. 1:20); but their
power is limited (Ex. 8:17-19; Dan. 2:2; 4:7; 5:7-8, 15)
God challenged the people to see if the power of their astrologers was greater than that of
God (Is. 47:12-14).
A
B
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5
A
B
C
D
E
6
A
B
C
D
E
7
A
B
What are the consequences for involvement in the occult?
Under the law (Old Testament), the punishment was death by stoning (Ex. 22:18; Lev.
20:27; Deut. 13:5)
Saul died because he participated in a séance (I Sam. 28) and the kingdom was taken
from him (I Chron. 10:13-14).
Those guilty of practicing witchcraft shall have no peace (II Kings 9:22; Is. 57:20-21)
and they shall not escape judgment (Mal. 3:5)
Their souls shall be rejected by God (Lev. 20:6; II Kings 17:17; Is. 2:6)
They shall be refused entrance into the kingdom (Gal. 5:19-21) and their end shall be the
lake of fire (Rev. 21:8; 22:14-15).
Is it really that serious an offense?
In scripture, witchcraft is parallel to rebellion (disobedience) against God (I Sam. 15:23).
God says it is an abomination in His sight (Deut. 18:9-14)
God says they “sold their souls” to the devil by divination (II Kings 17:17)
It is not only spiritual defiling (Lev. 19:31); but it has a bad influence on others as well
(Nahum 3:4-7, 19)
It greatly displeases and angers God (II Kings 21:5-6; II Chron. 33:6)
Christians must separate themselves from black magic and they must destroy all
evidence of their former involvement in the occult (Acts 19:19)
In faithfulness to God, land was ridded of all mediums and spiritists (I Sam. 28:3, 9; II
Kings 23:24).
Those who “repented not” of their sorceries will be subjected to further torment in
judgment (Rev. 9:20; 16:9).
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ASCENDING THE LORD’S HILL
(Ps. 15:1; 24:3-4)
A
What is Ascending: Ascending dictionary says that it is to climb up to a higher place.
B
Who shall dwell on your Holy hill? This question is very important that we need to
think about it before giving an answer to it, because it is not every body that has the right
to go the hill of the Lord.
C
People that can dwell on the hill
Let us examine the qualities of the people that will have the opportunity to dwell in that hill.
a)
Such a person must have a clean hand
b)
Such a person must have a pure heart
c)
Such a person must not have lifted up his heart into vanity
d)
Such a person must not sworn deceitfully
e)
Such a person must be ready to have fellowship with God (I Jn. 1:6)
f)
Such a person must not walk in darkness (I Jn. 1:6)
g)
Such a person must not be a liar
h)
Such a person must be truthful (I Jn. 1:6)
i)
Such a person must walk in the light (I Jn. 1:7)
From the above, it is crystal clear that it is only holy people that will dwell on the hill of
the Lord. The people whose life style is different from the above will not be able to dwell on the
hill.
The implication therefore is that we can cause Him to withdraw His presence from us;
through our acts of unrighteousness, deceit, slander or selfishness. If we want to dwell in this
hill of God we will examine our actions daily, confess our sins and turn away from them,
constantly seeking through Christ Jesus to present ourselves to God as those approved to live on
God’s hill (II Tim. 2:15; Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:5; Jas. 1:18). We should know that when we lose
communion with God we have lost everything in life. If we walk in darkness and we feel we are
walking with Him; we lie and we do not live in the truth of his word.
Brethren, if we want to dwell on the hill of God we must walk in the light (I Jn. 1:6);
because He is light we need to walk in Him (I Jn. 1:7)
D
Obey His commandments
A person that will live on the hill of the Lord must obey His commandments; he must
know Him through his word, because many of us do not take time to obey the words of God. We
should know this clearly that whatever we are in the church without knowing Him and following
His words we are nothing (Jn. 2:3-6).
As I have earlier mentioned when you have a pure heart and your heart did not condemn
you; you will have the confident assurance to dwell on the hill of the Lord. Stay in the teaching
of Christ and that of the Apostles (Eph. 2:20). Don’t run after new teachings or teachers that
preach new things that are foreign to the Christian faith. The hill of the Lord is a holy place
which cannot accommodate the sinner who is not ready to repent from his sinful life.
So, if anybody, will be able to ascend unto the hill of the Lord such a person must be
ready to walk in the way of the Lord and keep his life holy before the Lord (I Jn. 3:21-24).
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DWELLING IN GOD’S TABERNACLE
(Ps. 15:1-5; 24:3-4; 27:4; 51:10)
Introduction: One of the greatest desires of man is shelter. Dwelling places to put his head for
protection from the scorching sun, the odds and storms of life.
More importantly every sincere seeker of God desires to know what it will take to be able
to dwell in the tabernacle of God. Truth and integrity have not only proven elusive in our society
today but many “so called believers” (including our future leaders) are schooling themselves in
deception. In our contemporary world, there are many who flock places of worship but they are
nothing but tares among the wheat or goats among the sheep, because they are Christians
outwardly but not inwardly they are Christians without Christian minds themselves and others
with false piety but know for sure nobody can deceive God.
Who shall abide? (Ps. 15:1) “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy
holy hill”? The enquiry of King David thus becomes a food for thought. It is pertinent and
important to know the qualification of those who are qualified to live with God in heaven. The
answer is as revealed by God Himself in (Ps. 15:2-5; 24:3-4).
Eleven qualifications
He whose walk in blameless (I Thessd. 4:3-8; Mattt. 5:8)
He who does what is right
He who speaks the truth from his heart (Prov. 12:22; Matt. 5:8)
He who has no slander on his tongue (Deut. 22:13-19; Prov. 11:13; I Tim. 3:11)
He who does his neighbour no wrong (Prov. 20:10; 11:1; 20:17)
He who casts no slur (taketh a reproach) on his fellow man
He who despises a vile man
He who honours those who fear the LORD
He who keeps his oath even when it hurts (Prov. 20:6)
He who lends his money without usury
He who does not accept a bribe against the innocent
All the above points to one fact that anybody who is a candidate of heaven will be a man
of INTEGRITY. Integrity is one of the greatest needs of our society today. Integrity
characteristics the entire person, not just part of him. He is righteous and honest through and
through. He is not only that inside but also in outer action (Job 27:5).
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
The benefits of integrity
Integrity can cost you a relationship, reputation, promotion, job, even your life but
integrity also has its benefits.
a)
Character: There can be no doubt that integrity produces character
b)
Conscience: This is a prime benefit because if you have a clear conscience you will
be able to stand firmly in the storms that swirl around you.
c)
Intimacy: Integrity of soul assures a deep intimacy with God. A transparent, honest
soul is a haven for the spirit of God
d)
Elevation: Integrity elevates the lives of believers
e)
Evangelism: Integrity is a powerful and magnetic tool for evangelism. Integrity and
evangelism are a potent combination.
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Those who will not dwell there: Do not be deceived the wicked, the sexually, immoral,
idolaters, adulterers, prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, slanderers, swindlers, drunkards and
everybody that loves and practices falsehood will not have a place in the kingdom of God (I Cor.
6:9-10; Rev. 22:15).
Conclusion:
Fear God and obey His Commandments (Eccl. 12:13). Do away with anything that will
disqualify you from the dwelling in the tabernacle of God (Mk. 9:47). Blessed are those who
wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into
the city (Rev. 22:14).
Therefore self discipline is the watchword. No discipline no discipleship. No sweat no
sainthood! The Christian journey is a sweaty affair. Humble yourself and acknowledge your
sinfulness and repent, the Lord will pardon and deliver you from the kingdom of darkness and
translate you into the kingdom of light of his dear son Jesus Christ (Col. 1:13). He will also give
you abundant grace to sustain you in the Christian journey until you will appear before Him.
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BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
(Matt. 5:8)
Introduction: The theme of this conference “Who shall abide” poses a challenge to all to
examine their relationship with God upon which they can be seen acceptable and worthy in the
presence of God in their worship and service communion with God.
In the pursuit of this great challenge there are so many issues considered vital to its
attainment among which is our topic: “Blessed are the pure in heart” when we talk about being
pure in heart, we speak of:(i) Those who have been delivered from the power of sin by the grace
of God and thus striving consistently without deceit to please and glorify God in purity, and be
like Him. (ii) Those who are seeking to have the same attitude of heart that has a love for
righteousness and hatred for evil (Heb. 1:9). (iii) It also include the heart, (mind, will and
emotions) being in tune with the heart of God (I Sam. 13:14; Matt. 22:37; I Tim. 1:5).
Moreover, it is only the pure in heart that can dwell in the presence of God, both now and in the
future kingdom (Ex. 33:11-17; Rev. 21:7; 22:4). No wonder then, the blessedness, (happy,
enviably, fortunate, spiritually, prosperous, who poses the happiness produced by the experience
of God’s favour, through the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions (Ps.
24:3-4).
Being in God’s presence requires his heart nature
Going through God’s dealings with mankind in the fulfillment of His purpose, as
recorded in the Bible, it was established that those who were in His presence maintained a
cordial relationship and indwelling with Him and at all times these relationships were dependent
upon the heart conditions of the persons involved.
Enoch walked in habitual fellowship with God, and he was no more (Gen. 5:21-24)
Noah, even when his generation was full of wickedness, was found righteous and blameless,
because he walked with God in determined right heart (Gen. 6:5-9); Moses, enjoyed an
unprecedented relationship because he possessed the heart of God (pure heart) – David knew
what pure heart meant in his relationship with God when he said “Create in me a new heart”
(Ps. 51:10). The Apostles maintained the same heart condition upon which Jesus Christ
entrusted them to the continuity of the redemptive work with a promise of being with them till
the end of the earth.
Which heart condition
A heart devoid of offensive thoughts! Clear conscience, devoid of spiritual pollution and
defilement, a sincere and unfeigned heart, devoid of all filthiness of flesh and spirit, the heart that
is purified by faith and made entirely for God. It is this type of heart that is blessed of being in
God’s presence now and assuring seeing Him in heaven in future.
Why pure heart? (Prov. 23:7)
“For as he thinketh in his heart so is he…” To a great extent the type of heart a man
develops dictates his relationship, action and emotions with God and livelihood. As such the
heart condition you build has to be watched as:
a)
The heart is the centre of intellect: i.e. consideration of those primary issues
involving the mind (Ps. 140:2).
b)
The heart is the centre of emotions: All issues dealing with emotional character
(excited and burning, troubled heart, humble and grieving heart (Ex. 4:14; Jer. 15:16).
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The heart is the centre of human will: It could be hindered and refuse God’s
command, or inclined to God to obey (Ex. 4:21; Jos. 24:23); desires to do something
(Rom. 10:1) (activities that take place in the human will).
Brethren, if not watched, tamed and monitored by the word of God, one may loose the
pursuit of its purity that enhances his relationship with God.
c)
Need to keep your heart pure
Without any doubt, a heart without or outside God will manifest two major things that
largely destroys our relationship with Him.
a)
Deceitfulness (Jer. 17:9): Such condition become filled with evil as soon as Adam
and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7, 8-13; Mk. 7:21-22). What defiles a person before God is not
failure to follow some ceremonial law, but the willingness to listen to wicked
inclinations lodged in the heart (Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28)
b)
Sinfulness: Heart that are bent upon doing will run the great risk of becoming
hindered, because as he continues to reject God’s word, he will eventually be
hardened and be released to a reprobate mind (Ex. 7:3; 13:22-23; 8:15; 32; Rom.
1:24, 28; II Thess. 2:11-12; Heb. 3:8-12).
How to keep your heart pure
Having seen the essence of a pure heart towards God, that we may enjoy our communion
in His presence, here and there after, there is need to strive to keep our hearts pure that we may
be counted among His blessed ones, hence we need to pursue a regenerated heart through:
a)
Being born again (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 8:29; II Cor. 5;17)
b)
Desire to love God (Ps. 119:34; 69; 112)
c)
Desire to maintain absolute obedience (Is. 1:10-17; Amos 5:21-26; Mic. 6:6-8)
d)
Desire to live and please God (II Cor. 6:14-18)
e)
Desire to live by the word (Ps. 119:103; 105; 130)
f)
Desire to maintain a devotional life with Him (Heb. 2:3)
NOTE: Outward observance without inner desire to serve God is hypocrisy and is condemned
(Matt. 23:13-18).
Conclusion
Blessed are the pure in heart, can we really adjudge ourselves blessed if we consider the
present condition of our hearts? Can we say we are delivered from the power of sin? Can we
say we are striving to please God? Or can we say we possess the heart of God? If answer to
these questions are negative, we need to recognize our poverty of heart and cry like David, Lord
create in me a new heart that I may be blessed.
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MAXIMISING YOUR SINGLENESS
(I Sam. 2:6; Jn. 11:25-26; Heb. 1:3; Jn. 10:10; Eph. 5:15-16; Ps. 11:3; Prov. 18:22; Lam. 3:27; Gen. 24:1-67)
Study outline
1)
Introduction
2)
Wrong reasons for marriage
3)
Why should you marry?
4)
Who should you marry?
5)
When should you marry?
6)
What is courtship?
7)
What makes a happy marriage?
8)
Conclusion
I
Introduction
In every state of man’s existence there are opportunities as well as challenges/threats.
God, the giver of life, desires that every of His children maximizes opportunities and overcome
challenges/threats. Jesus, the express image of God, the resurrection and the life, says, “…I have
come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly”. He wants you to have
abundant life in every aspect of your life – spiritual, physical, material, mental, emotional,
professional and marital. This promise gives you a platform to maximize opportunities and
overcome challenges present in every aspect of life. Our focus in this study is on maximizing
your singleness: foundation for sustainable marital life.
“To everything (marriage inclusive) there is a season, a time for every purpose under
heaven…” There is a time to be single and a time to marry. A period to prepare for the purpose
of marriage is when you are single. This is when you lay the foundation for your marriage.
Singleness is not a disease, not a state of inferiority, but rather an opportunity to lay a solid
foundation for a sustainable marital life. Friends, you need to maximize your opportunity today
in order to have a glorious tomorrow.
II
Wrong reasons for marriage
“Beauty may turn to pity, fame may turn to shame. The President of the fellowship may
not be a resident of heaven. Greatness may turn to disgrace and lead to the grave. Never marry
for wrong reason” (Bisi Adewale). As a child of God it is necessary you choose your life partner
carefully because there is no room in marriage for a rethink. Learn from the mistakes of others
so that you do not repeat them. Some of the wrong reasons why people (including children of
God) marry include:
1)
Lust (I Jn. 2:15-17)
2)
Pressure (Jer. 29:11)
3)
Haste (Prov. 19:2)
4)
Disobedience (I Sam. 15:22-23)
5)
Low self esteem (Ps. 139:14)
III
Why should you marry?
There are several reasons you should marry if you feel led by God to do so. Some of the
reasons are:
1)
To obey God’s command (Gen. 1:28)
2)
For fellowship (Gen. 2:18)
3)
For partnership (Eccl. 4:9-11)
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4)
5)
To satisfy creation desire that are good, holy legitimate but can only be satisfied in
marriage (Heb. 13:4; II Tim. 2:22)
For the propagation of the human race (Gen. 9:1)
IV
Who should you marry?
Christian may only marry Christians (II Cor. 6:14-17). In the sight of God it is totally
unacceptable for a godly person and ungodly one to be united in holy matrimony to be one flesh.
How can they be one when one serves God in holiness and righteousness, while the other serves
sin and Satan? Water does not mix with oil. Six reasons why a child of God should not marry
an unbeliever are:
1)
God commanded, do not be unequally yoke together with the unbelievers
2)
Righteousness has no fellowship with unrighteousness
3)
Light has no communion with darkness
4)
Christ has no concord with Belial
5)
Believers have no part with unbelievers
6)
God’s temple has no agreement with idols
How can these two sets of people who are so different form a rue partnership and have
joyful fellowship?
V
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
When should you marry?
Wait until you are old enough to marry. Marriage is for adults, not for children. It
carries heavy responsibilities requiring maturity and experience.
Let God guide you into marriage after much prayer and seeking His will.
Do not rush into marriage even after you know whom God wants you to marry. It is
always advisable to know your partner sufficiently well. Never marry a man or woman
with hope of reforming him/her. Instead of reforming him/her, he/she may drag to hell
with him/her. Therefore, wait till any moral problems he/she may have are settled.
Wait for the approval of the parents.
Wait for a measure of financial stability
VI
What is courtship?
Courtship is a period you get better acquainted and ascertain whether or not you and your
partner are prepared for marriage. It is very important to note that you must not take liberties
one with another at this time, you are not yet married. Avoid petting and caressing lest passion
override reason and you ruin everything. Keep yourself pure or you may discover how easily
love can turn to hatred! (II Sam. 13:15).
VII
What makes a happy marriage?
A successful marriage is based on genuine heart agreement of the couple. You must be
willing to establish a Christian home, with the husband as head of the home, the wife a pleasant
help-meet and with the family altar. The marriage must be based on lifetime anticipation, “till
death do us part” Marriage is not an experiment, for a short time. It is permanent (Matt. 19:-69).
True and genuine love is essential to a happy and sustainable marriage.
VII
Conclusion
Every successful marriage is a castle set upon the fountain of good use of opportunities
available while you are still single. Maximize the opportunities. It is wisdom to trust an
unknown future into the hands of a known God. Choose whom to marry prayerfully and
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carefully without anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7). Remember you do not have a second chance to make a
first impression.
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MARRIAGE KILLERS
(Song of Sol. 2:15)
INTRODUCTION
Marriage is like a field, if it is not cultivated, it will grow weeds and that is why we must
always go all out to make our marriage better everyday because the mind of God concerning
every marriage is for us to live peacefully and joyfully (Eccl. 9:9; Prov. 5:18-19). But despite
the rate and level of love and trust shared among couples, there are so many things that can
destroy marriages easily if not properly handled and cared for; they are referred to as little foxes
in the vine.
Today, the rate of divorce and broken homes is becoming very alarming due to some
factors. These are marriage killers. Let us examine the following marriage killers critically and
how to overcome them:
1) Ignorance: What people do not know about marriage destroys it earlier than anything.
Ignorance is the mother of foolishness and foolishness is the number one enemy of
progress.
Solution: Learn everything, read everything and know everything you need to know about
marriage, remember ignorance is not an excuse (I Pet. 3:7).
2)
Unforgiving spirit: Offence must come. There is no way we can work together without
offending and displeasing each other one time or the other. When they come we must
learn to forgive but when either party failed to forgive for serious or little offence, then
the marriage is at the verge of crashing. Unforgiveness is a killer of marriage.
Solution: Under no circumstance should either of the couple fail to forgive each other for this is
the will of God; so learn to forgive everything and always give room for forgiveness.
3) Infidelity and adultery: This twin evil had destroyed many homes. They have brought
tears, sorrow, regret, worry, guilt, sickness, heartache and death to spouses. Solution:
To overcome them, try these:
 Be content with your spouse
 Communicate and settle your misunderstanding amicably and promptly
 Avoid any situation that may lead to adultery
 Accept your spouse the way he/she is
 What you are looking for outside is loaded in your spouse with peace and security
 Seek Godly and professional counseling.
4)
Self: Self is a great destroyer of good marriage. Self is the founder of selfishness,
emanating from pride and ignorance. Self develops ‘solo syndrome’. “ME” and others
are commonly used by a selfish person. Self always want to be thanked for everything
done well but do not see any reason why he should thank anybody for anything.
Solution: Deliver yourself from the demon of self through serious fasting and prayer – seek
professional guidance for deliverance.
5)
Intolerance: Inability to listen and consider the opinion of others can degenerate to
despising the other person and even lead to hatred. An intolerant person is often touchy
and irritable. He/she is full of self and is sensitive to criticism, but insensitive to another.
Solution: Tolerance and endurance is the key because if you cannot tolerate your spouse, how
will you fulfill the word of God that says follow peace with all men (Heb. 12:14).
 Always have it at the back of your mind that he/she is YOU and no one else.
 Focus on your spouse’s strength and allow it to override his/her weaknesses.
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6)
Personality clash: A man and his wife are supposed to be complementary not
competitive. However, when both want to be themselves, fighting for individual goals
and are unwilling to carry the other party along, this will create a great problem.
Solution: Though the man is in the position of power, authority, decision making and
leadership, he must love his wife and avoid being a dictator; he should abhor criticism and mud
slinging. The woman, on the other hand, is in the position of dependence, influence, helper and
adviser. She should however be loving, caring and compliment her husband.
7)
Third party influence: Negative influence of friends, families, neighbours, colleagues,
and children, should be dealt with. No matter how strong it may be couples should learn
to be one. There should be oneness and unity, and they should not allow anybody to
destroy their union.
8) Over commitment: Being over-committed to one’s job, career, social services, religious
activities, ministry, sport and being a workaholic can destroy a marriage if done without
considering the feeling of one’s spouse.
Solution: Organize your time together, plan together, share your vision with each other, have
time for recreation with your spouse and let your family be paramount in your heart.
9)
Bad character: Bad and offensive character like pride, laziness, stubbornness, dirtiness,
anger, nagging, prayerlessness, criticism, infidelity, smoking, hatred, etc can destroy any
marriage no matter how wonderful it is.
Solution: You must deal with all manner of bad character before they deal with your marriage.
10) Wrong use of sex: God made sex to be a thing of pleasure and joy among couples, but
its wrong use has been a tool in the hands of the devil for destruction of marriages. There
are myths, taboos, wrong conception, and wrong mentality about sex that has been
allowed to ruin the marriages of many. Sex is bad, sex will make your tummy to become
big, it makes one get old quickly; it will give you headache and stomach ache, it is to be
endured, women should not enjoy it, it is sinful, it is for baby making only, it must not
take place on Sunday etc. all this are wrong notions about sex that must be dealt with.
Women must not use sex as a weapon or as punishment, they should know that, their
body did not belong to them, sex should be made to build good and godly relationship
within marriage only. Sex should be made to build marriage not to destroy it; couples
should seek to make their marriage workout through this powerful weapon without any
difficulty. Strain and tension should not be allowed into the marriage through careless
handling of sex.
What to do
 Seek to satisfy your partner sexually
 Men should love to be patience with their wife
 Foreplay should proceed any sexual act
 Infidelity and illegitimate children should not be allowed
 Neither should you refuse the other from sex for any reason, apart from fasting and
prayer
 Sex should not be allowed to be monotonous
 There should be adjustment to suit each other’s need
 Never blame your partner for any sexual inabilities
 Wife should not give condition that must be met by the husband before sex
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




Both parties should enjoy it
Ask your spouse, how he/she wants it
Never be selfish on bed
Be considerate about your partner’s state of health and mind. Do not force sex on
him/her when he/she is not strong enough for it.
Seek professional and/or medical advice on any form of sexual difficulty/deficiency in
your spouse.
11) Constant disagreement: Constant nagging, blaming, verbal attack can easily destroy any
marriage no matter how strong it may be. Couples should avoid criticizing each other as
much as possible, don’t say it is constructive criticisms; there is nothing constructive in
criticism. You can correct in love but never blame, nag or criticize.
Solution: The couple must always resolve issues with agreement and peace. Never go out or go
to bed with your disagreement on anything.
12) Unrealistic expectation: This is another thing that can easily destroy marriage. Some
men think they will have access to sex 24hours, seven days in a week after wedding, this
is unrealistic. Some women expect their husband to solve their problems, spiritually,
physically, financially, emotionally and otherwise, this is unrealistic as their husband is
not God. When expectation that was set before wedding are not met in marriage it
sometimes lead to hostility and crisis in marriage.
Solution: The couple must live their lives as if nothing is expected from the other partner but
always thinking of what they can do individually to make the marriage better as if they are the
only person that can make it work out.
13) Communication breakdown: When communication departs from marriage, then
frustration will set in. Communication breakdown is almost the most difficult problems
facing the home. No matter how tough a problem might be, if the couples can still talk
positively and pray about it, they will overcome.
Solution: Couples should learn how to communicate rightly; they must not allow anything to
destroy their communication system. Two cannot walk together except they agree and two
cannot agree except they communicate.
14) Lack of submissive: When the husband felt that he is the head of the house and cannot
submit to his wife, that is the beginning of disagreement and when the wife feels that she
is always at the receiving end and wish to reject it, confusion and confrontations will
come into the marriage, then separation is on its way.
Solution: Read and practice what is written in (Eph. 5:21-25)
15) Lack of contentment: Marriage is all about commitment and everybody involved in it
should be committed to the vow and purpose in order to weather the storm and wind of
matrimony and to make it a place to be. But where commitment is lacking; either from
husband or wife, it will always weaken the unity and strength of the matrimony and
thereby cause selfish interest and self goal targeting.
Solution: Take your marriage as number ONE and be 100% involved in all aspect of it.
16) Focusing on problem instead of God: Many couples have the habits of blaming each
other for any problem instead of joining forces together to dislodge the enemy’s attack.
Many marriages have been ruined by infertility (barrenness), loss of job, financial
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problem etc. because they neglect God and focus more on their problems. Abraham and
Sarah focused on God despite their trouble and God proved himself faithful.
Solution: Focus on GOD alone (Heb. 12:2)
Cast your burden on Him (I Pet. 5:7)
17) Demonic activities: Devil is the number one enemy of marriage; he attacks marriage
with many things like: sickness, barrenness, poverty, bad friends and advisers, infidelity,
untimely death etc.
Solution: Couples should join together to fight the enemy as the Lord is in their camp (Jam.
4:7).
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SKILL ACQUISITION AND ENTERPRENEURSHIP
Today’s world is not one that encourages anyone to sit with arms folded. Even with the
prevalence of white-collar jobs, it is expedient to acquire entrepreneurial skills, which can be
used as a means of generating extra income. Records of the world’s most successful men and
women today do not reveal people who sat in one place from dawn to the dusk, for some
monthly wages, but those who took up the challenge to start up worthwhile ventures not fearing
risks or the lack of finance. These are the real entrepreneurs. And you can be one of them!
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, developing and bringing a vision to life.
The vision may be an innovative idea, an opportunity or simple a better way to do something.
An entrepreneur is also viewed as an innovator. He introduces new ideas, new products, new
techniques, opens up new markets etc. The entrepreneur thus perceives business opportunities
and takes advantages of the scarce resources to use them. It is he alone who bears the noninsurable risk in the enterprise and directs the human and material resources towards his business
objective. Skill acquisition on the other hand is getting all the necessary training and experience
needed to carry out a trade or business successfully.
That you have no degree or financial support is not an excuse for you to stay idle. You
can harness your innate abilities and talents for your own betterment and for the advancement of
your family. You can acquire skills and become the owner of your own business instead of
living from hand to mouth or waiting endlessly for that dream job. Like the godly woman in
(Prov. 31); who actively and heartily sought for wool and flax, worked them and used the
proceeds to bless her family and others, you too can for the love of your family rise up, work,
save and lay up treasures for them! If nothing else let love for these loved ones (whether or not
they are there now) spur you into action today.
Character traits or prospective entrepreneurs
To become a successful entrepreneur, you must be:
1)
Agile: You must have an agile mind. An entrepreneur thinks fast and reasons
intelligently. This enables him to assess business opportunities after identifying a
need and then moves quickly to satisfy it.
2)
Business-conscious: Most successful entrepreneurs are business-conscious people.
Their eyes and ears are mostly focused on hearing about or seeing a business
opportunity and they easily notice one when it appears.
3)
Courageous: You also need to exhibit extreme courage to cope with all the risks of
operating your own business. Low patronage, harsh economic environment, risk of
losing one’s total investment and dwindling fortunes of the business hardly
discourage successful entrepreneurs.
4)
Dynamic: A successful entrepreneur must possess the energy and enthusiasm to turn
his business ideas into reality. He works tirelessly to lift his business out of a state of
declining profit or margin of distress to a margin of safety. He injects new ideas,
creates new business environment, adds new product lines and turns around the
fortunes of his business for the better.
5)
Enterprising: Like the virtuous woman who was so enterprising that she entered
many businesses, an entrepreneur has the ability to venture into new business areas.
He may start from the scratch or buy an existing business and bring creative
innovations that are bound to succeed. In the same vein, he may bring new ways of
doing things and make them successful.
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6)
Focused on profit: His eyes are fixed on profit he can make and his goal in any
venture into which he ventures is what he can gain from it. He is not a kind of person
who is doing business for its sake or because its in vogue. As a result he evaluates his
progress from time to time and takes appropriate steps.
7)
Hard working: As a prospective entrepreneur you must have appetite for hard work.
Your aim of owing your own business should not be so that you can open or close the
business anytime you so wish. Most successful entrepreneurs work long hours and
hardly give up. The ability to work hard usually contributes greatly to their success
story.
8)
Discerning: To be successful as an entrepreneur you must have a good sense of
judgment. Doing business involves decision making i.e. choosing between
alternatives. Successful entrepreneurs think carefully and make sensible decisions.
9)
Knowledgeable of markets: Successful entrepreneurs usually have a good idea of
who the customer or target market will be before implementing decisions related to
the marketing mix variables (product, price, distribution and promotion).
10)
Full of leadership skills: Even if you don’t consider yourself a born leader, since
you have to manage your business, you will need to develop certain leadership skills
(attend seminars, read good books etc). This is because you have to establish
direction, initiate actions, communicate, inspire and motivate your employees towards
achieving organizational goals.
11)
Ready to take risk: Entrepreneurs have preference for moderate risk. They hardly
seek wild risk. An entrepreneur tries as much as possible to reduce risk by removing
as many obstacles to the successful launch of his venture. He plans and takes
calculated risks based on knowledge of the market, available resources and a
predetermined measure of the potential for success.
12)
Passionate about success: You need to have in you the drive toward personal
success. You must have abundant confidence in your ability to succeed.
13)
Able to organize: Successful entrepreneurs have the skills to organize. They allocate
resources, assign tasks and establish procedures for accomplishing goals. By
combining people and jobs effectively, entrepreneurs are able to transform their
business ideas into reality.
If you measure yourself and see that you do not measure up, remember the divine
assurance, “Behold, I make all things new!” (Rev. 21:5). Therefore consider not the former
things. Seek to develop these traits as they don’t come overnight in a package; some are
acquired in the process of your day-to-day running of your business.
Catalogue of small/medium scale business
Businesses owned and operated by entrepreneurs take different forms. While some are
owned by an individual, others are owned by two or more persons. The form of business
ownership an entrepreneur selects may be dependent upon his/her circumstances, abilities,
resources, environment and the characteristics of the business. The prospective owner should
evaluate in detail the characteristics of each form of business and their advantages and
disadvantages and then select a form of business ownership that matches his/her interest.
Several small business ideas abound from agriculture to manufacturing, construction to
transportation and communication. The important thing here is to seek the Lord and not to jump
presumptuously into any venture. On the other hand, you must beware of remaining in the camp
of those who claim to be seeking the Lord for months and years on end without rising to do
anything. Remember whatever is not of faith is sin. Take a step of faith and God will bless the
work of your hand. (Amen).
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The following checklist (covering various sectors of the economy) is provided
Agriculture/Agro-allied business
ii)
Carbonated beverages
vii)
Turkey farm
iii)
Cassava starch production
viii) Rabbit farming
iv)
Cocoa products
ix)
Rice milling
v)
Fish farming
x)
Soluble coffee making
vi)
Tree crops production
xi)
Groundnut shelling
Baby items
ii)
Baby powder production
iii)
Baby cream production
iv)
Baby shoes shop
v)
Baby cloths production
Catering and hospitality business
i)
Biscuits production
ii)
Bottled water production
iii)
Butchering
iv)
Cold store
v)
Catering school
x)
Palm oil production
Chemical and allied business
i)
Adhesive production
ii)
Battery electrolyte production
iii)
Car liquid wax
iv)
Glass sprayer
v)
Metal polish production
Construction
i)
Bolt and nuts
ii)
Burglary proof construction
iii)
General welding
vi)
vii)
viii)
Baby items shop
Baby nappy production
Children’s toys production
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
Fast food center
Ice block
Ice cream production
Lunch pack making
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
Radiator rust remover
Stain removers production
Termite proofing
Wood polish production
Paint production
iv)
v)
Iron bending
Iron chair making
Educational services
i)
Nursery/primary school operating
ii)
Secondary school
iii)
Seminar organizing
iv)
Conference organizing
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Day care center
Computer school
Polytechnic
Resume writing
Fashion and styles
i)
Barbing salon
ii)
Beauty salon
iii)
Undies making
iv)
Face lotion production
v)
Fashion show business
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
Hand purses/wallet production
Sale of shale materials
Sunglasses production
Tailoring services
Travel bags making
Forest based and furniture business
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i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Dye production
Fire wood gathering
Home furniture making
Office furniture making
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
School furniture making
Tooth picks production
Upholstering
Wood carving
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
Suspenders production
Rain coat production
Under-wears production
Wooden/plastic hangers files
Neck ties production
General services
i)
Auto mechanic
ii)
Block making
iii)
Chair/general rental services
iv)
Digital photo laboratory
v)
Laundry/dry cleaning
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
Photo studio
Plumbing works
Wedding consulting
Welding works
Electrical works
Info-tech business
i)
Computer repairs
ii)
ICT consulting
iii)
Sale of computer accessories
iv)
v)
vi)
Sale of laptop
Sale of PCs
Software engineering
Internet-based business
i)
Automobile net marketing
ii)
Award site
iii)
Business software site
iv)
Cyber copywriting
v)
Discussion boards
vi)
Games site
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
Internet press releases
News site
Search engine positioning
Travel site
Web design
Web production
Leather making
i)
Hockey/cricket balls
ii)
Leather bags making
iii)
Leather boxes making
iv)
v)
vi)
Leather tanning
Volleyballs
Footballs
Garment industry
i)
Bath towels production
ii)
Bed sheets production
iii)
Belts production
iv)
Handkerchief
v)
Factory uniform production
vi)
Pajamas production
Printing and publishing
i)
Book binding
ii)
Christian books publishing/marketing
iii)
Foolscap/duplicating paper production
iv)
Magazine publishing
v)
Notepad and envelopes production
vi)
Stickers production
vii)
Office flat file production
viii) Story books writing and publishing
ix)
Textbooks publishing
x)
Vermicular books publishing
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Professional services
i)
Accounting practice
ii)
Architectural practice
iii)
Auction service
iv)
Educational consulting
v)
Engineering consulting
x)
Weight loss center
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
Graphic art and design
Legal services
Management consulting
Medical practices
Rubber/plastic
i)
Plastic making
ii)
Buckets
iii)
Chairs
iv)
Layers
v)
Toy etc
vi)
Rubber products
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
Balloons
Feeding bottle nipples
Pipes
Shoes
Surgical gloves
Tyres etc
Soaps and detergents business
i)
Aloe Vera soap production
ii)
Antiseptic soap production
iii)
Black soap production
iv)
Dish washing detergent
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Laundry bleach production
Medicated soap production
Soap holders production
Toilet bowl cleaner
Telecommunication business
i)
GSM unlocking
ii)
Handset production
iii)
Handset repairs
iv)
Prepaid calling operator
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Ringing tone production
SIM pack sales
Telephone booth operation
Vsat sale and installation
Transportation business
i)
Airline operation
ii)
Car hiring business
iii)
Industrial goods transportation
iv)
Marine transportation services
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Oil transportation
Taxi services
Tipper hiring services
Trailers hiring services
Capital for entrepreneurs
One of the great factors that turn people off when thinking of establishing a personal
business is the fear of where to get capital. However, provision of capital should not discourage us
from the great possibilities that can be ours through entrepreneurship. Rather we should first catch
the vision and then trust God all the way. Capital is any amount of wealth employed to start and
operate a business. Capital is required to pay start-up costs, handle short-term recurrent needs and
to fund growth. It is the money an entrepreneur needs to begin a business. It is also called seed
money. Where to find this seed money depends, in part, on the nature of the proposed business
and the amount required. There are several sources of financing which include:
1)
Personal savings: Personal saving includes cash and personal assets that can be
converted into cash. A prospective entrepreneur can start laying aside a specified
percentage of his/her earnings or she may decide to sell some assets to raise money.
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2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Family and friends: The next most common source of capital for a new business is
family and friends. If the entrepreneur lacks sufficient capital to start up a venture, then
he/she will ask family or friends for loan. However to minimize possible problems
with financing a business with funds from family members and friends, the
entrepreneur should endeavour to keep the business arrangements strictly business.
Also, any loans or investment from family and friends should be treated in the same
business like manner as if the financing were from an impersonal investor.
Commercial banks: One can approach commercial banks who offer different forms of
bank loans to customers. These loans are usually given on short term to small
businesses that are promising and well organized. Usually, the banks scrutinize the
records of such businesses to project require some guaranty or collateral in form of
assets such as land, equipment, car and building belonging to the business or the
entrepreneur.
Trade credits: This is a form of short-term financing in which an entrepreneur buys
goods or services now and pays for them at a later date. This source of financing is
very convenient. However, it requires that a business should have a good credit rating,
good credit history or a good history or a good history of repayment.
Angel investors: Another source of financing is through angel investors. There are
wealthy individuals who are entrepreneurs themselves. They invest in smaller
businesses in exchange for a percent of ownership. They offer money and expertise as
well as share in the risk of the business.
Thrift and credit cooperatives: Many of our workplace have one form of cooperative
or the other. We can join one to raise capital for our prospective business.
Cooperatives are avenues for organizing self-help in communities. They provide
opportunities that enable their members raise funds to finance small businesses.
Members contribute funds to cooperative schemes and in turn can borrow to finance
their business activities.
Partnership funding: Another way of raising fund is for an entrepreneur to enter into
partnership with another person. The new partner brings into the business additional
capital. This source of financing creates dilution in ownership of the business. There
are also certain formalities that must be observed like the putting in place of a
partnership deed. Also, the entry of a new partner means that the risk of the business
will be shared. However, as a child of God, you must be mindful of the scriptural
injunctions that two cannot walk together except they have the same motive and
motivation and that we must not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (Amos 3:3; II
Cor. 6:14). In other words, if you want to go into partnership ensure your partner is
equally born again and that he/she believes what you believe. Doing otherwise is
courting unnecessary trouble!
Retained earnings: This is an alternative source of financing growth and expansion.
The profit of a company after paying tax and dividend is called retained earnings. A
company can invest this profit in the business. Small businesses, which have fewer
financing alternatives can always keep and reinvest their profit. This source of
financing is the most favored source of meeting long-term capital needs of small
businesses because it saves interest payments that would be incurred in case the
business has to find alternative source of financing, especially borrowing.
Central Bank of Heaven (CBH): Having outlined all these sources, the believer must
remember that the Lord God Himself is our great provider. There are so many
scriptures that affirm God’s great provision for His people. The scripture says “Trust
in the LORD with all thine heart…in all thy ways acknowledges him and he shall
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direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). If you put God first in all your aspirations the Lord will
spring surprises for you. Don’t sing the devil’s song; ‘I have no man to help me, tra-lala-la-la! Rather, launch out in faith and don’t allow fear to paralyze you.
Circumventing business problems
Most business failures are caused by the entrepreneur through personal mistakes or
shortcomings. Research has shown that about 52% of all business failures are due to ‘management
issues’, and as much as 90% of small businesses fail because of incompetent managers. The
prospective entrepreneur should be aware of and do all that is necessary to avoid the following
deadly mistakes of entrepreneurship:
1)
Management mistakes: In some businesses, poor management is the primary causes of
business failure. Sometimes the manager of the business does not have the capacity to
operate it successfully. The owner simply makes bad decisions in critical situations. Given
the competitive nature of some businesses and the unpredictability of profits, business
results are quite sensitive to small errors.
2)
Inexperience: Entrepreneurs need to have experience in the field they want to enter. Too
often some entrepreneurs launch their enterprise without having sufficient experience to
succeed. Inexperience can be translated to mean a lack of technical ability or management
skills. Each of these shortcomings can lead to disaster. Ideally, a prospective business
owner should have adequate technical skills (a working knowledge of the physical
operations of the business and sufficient conceptual skills). So, if for instance, you have no
knowledge of how to operate computers etc you have no business going into that particular
business.
3)
Poor financial control: Every business venture requires proper financial control. This
involves, among other things, having sufficient capital on hand at start up and
implementing proper cash management techniques. Undercapitalization is a common
mistake that some business owners make at the beginning of their business. They tend to
be optimistic and as a result often misjudge the financial requirements of going into
business. They start off undercapitalized and can never seem to catch up financially as
their ventures devour increasing amount of cash to fuel their growth. Another aspect of
poor financial control is improper cash management. This is usually evidenced from
persistent cash-flow problems arising from credit screening, careless debt collection
practices and undisciplined spending habits.
4)
Poor location: A business should be sited in a particular place where there are certain
factors which favour its establishment such as nearness to target consumers. This requires
proper study, investigation and planning before a business location is selected. Too often,
beginning owners ignore this. Some choose a particular location just because they noticed
a vacant building. But the location question is much critical to the success of a venture to
leave to chance.
5)
Uncontrolled expansion: Growth is a natural, healthy and desirable part of any business
venture, but it must be planned and controlled. Ideally, expansion should be financed by
the profits a firm generates or by capital contributions from the owners. But most
businesses end up borrowing at least a portion of the capital investment. Sometimes
owners encourage rapid expansion, only to have the business exceed their ability to manage
it. As a business grows, problems increase in magnitude and the owner must learn to deal
with them.
6)
Lack of planning: Research shows that less than half of small business owners had formal
plans prior to going into business. Many engaged in formal planning soon after starting
their businesses, but one-third could not recall ever having a formal business plan (Holt
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7)
1992:78). Most small business owners usually disregard the process of strategic planning
because they feel it is something that only benefits large scale businesses. Plans are
guidelines for action and as businesses increase in size and complexity, they must be
continuously upgraded to reflect changes in the business environment. Generally, a
business that fails to plan may also fail to survive. Without a properly articulated strategy,
a business has no sustainable basis for creating and maintaining a competitive edge in the
market place.
Improper attitudes: An unfortunate aspect of many business failures is that, too often,
individual owners’ attitudes get in the way of sound business practices. Some
entrepreneurs blatantly disregard customers and some engage in unethical behaviours.
They exploit customers to make a fast buck. Commitment to quality is replaced by a
commitment to use sub-standard materials, to pass on marginally safe or defective products
and to serve customers reluctantly. These improper behaviours attract customer’s reaction
much quicker and the business owner will feel the brunt. If they feel cheated and
dissatisfied, they will spend their money elsewhere.
Creating big possibilities from small beginnings
Many people despise small beginnings. They prefer to start big, powerful and intimidating.
But the wise writer of Proverbs admonishes us not to despise the days of little beginning. Some
successful entrepreneurs believe that it is even better to start small and grow along with your
business. Many of the big businesses around us today started really, really small. So, don’t wait
for some “big” opportunity to show up. Go ahead and start something, for the Lord has promised
that “though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7).
Finally, here is the true life testimony of a brother who started his business in a small way
but has now become a successful entrepreneur. This brother had the wisdom to start groundnut
and popcorn business some seven to ten years ago; but his own brand of popcorn and groundnut
was totally different in taste (innovation). It was so delicious and mouth-watering! He named it.
‘Enjoy yourself’. At first, he hawked it around, packing it in a sack which he slung over his
shoulder. Eventually he bought a bicycle which eased movement. Then he started supplying
shops and kiosks in transparent plastic bucket specially labeled ‘Enjoy yourself!’. Now he buys
groundnut and com in bags. At a time he was the boss of up to 7 people working under him.
Presently, he has 2 vehicles and a personal house. And he is still growing. Truly, “the hand of the
diligent maketh rich” (Prov. 10:4).
Dear reader, when will your own testimony come? When will your own life’s story
become a source of challenge to others? You must determine now to break away from the
company of spectators who only enjoy watching and cheering other people up. Join the band of
successful men and women who are making things happen. Whatever your hands find to do,
please get up and it diligently NOW!
Reference material used with permission: Irtwanger Simon (2008), Basic Enterpreneual
Skills).
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THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED
The Bible is clear about the consequences of sin and the fate of the wicked. One of the
greatest offences committed by most Christian leaders behind the pulpit today is overemphasizing
the love and grace of God to the detriment of His holiness and righteousness, making title of sin
upon which the wrath of God comes (Eph. 5:6). Will God’s love and grace continue forever are
they not dispensational? Is the grace of God not teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly
desires to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age… (Tit. 2:12).
As against the view of universalism which teaches that everybody will be finally saved,
God being too loving to exclude anyone from heaven. God Has given the condition upon which
men may get to heaven. The Bible says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who
does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (Jn. 3:36); and it
also states that “it is appointed unto a man to die once after this judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Hence
we see the destiny of man (both the wicked and the righteous being fixed). The text of our topic
declares hell to be the destiny of the wicked. “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the
nations that forget God” (Ps. 9:17).
The wicked defined: Two major words need to be defined for better understanding of our topic
they are: destiny and the wicked. According to OALD (International Student’s Edition). Destiny
is defined as “what happens to somebody or what will happen to them in the future. The wicked is
simply defined as “morally bad or evil…” Moral (a) concerned with principle of right and wrong
(b) following the standard of behaviour considered acceptable and right by most people.
But beyond the general definitions, for our purpose we should consider being moral as:
following the standard of behaviour considered acceptable and right by God, as revealed through
His word which is the direct opposite of what the wicked manifests in his life.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
The necessity of the subject
Because it is seldom preached on the pulpits today.
Because unless we bring it back to the pulpit today more people will be lost than could be
imaged.
It will restore the fear of God to the church and consequently to the society at large.
It will rekindle the fire of soul winning, “knowing the fear of God will cause the church to
persuade men” (II Cor. 5:11).
This will cause the saints to examine their ways (II Cor. 13:5; Ps. 119:59).
It will help the saints to live in godly fear (Is. 52:3; I Pet. 1:17).
It will help us to apply our heart to wisdom (Ps. 90:12; 111:10)
Many people will dedicate or rededicate their lives to Christ
Other terms used for the wicked
Through the topic under discussion is the destiny of the wicked, yet we shall also state
some other terms used in the Bible to describe the wicked.
1) The ungodly (II Pet. 3:7; Jude 4)
2) The fool (Ps. 14:1; 53:1)
3) The proud (Ps. 138:6)
4) Children of the devil (Matt. 13:38; Jn. 8:44; Acts 13:10; I Jn. 3:10)
5) Children of the world (Lk. 16:8; 20:34; Eph. 2:3, 5, 6; Col. 3:6)
6) Sinner (Ps. 25;8; 51:13; Lk. 15:7; I Tim. 1:15)
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The wicked are known by their sinful and ungodly behaviours which make them the
enemies of God.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Bible definition of sin – the acts of the wicked or ungodly
Sin is the transgression of the law (I Jn. 3:4)
Sin is unbelief, it calls for God a liar (I Jn. 5:10)
Sin is active rebellion against God (Is. 1:2)
Sin is passive rebellion against God (Is. 1:2)
All unrighteousness is sin (I Jn. 5:17)
Jeaning Dake listed 22 sins of the wicked (Ps. 10:2-11); some of which I march with New
Testament list of sins found in the epistles.
1)
Is full of pride (vs. 2,4; 138:6)
2)
Persecute the poor (vs. 2 – unmerciful Rom. 1:31)
3)
Set snares for the just (vs. 2)
4)
Imagines evil against the righteous
5)
Boast of his great plans (vs. 3 cf. Jam. 4:13-16; Rom. 1:3)
6)
Blesses the covetous (vs. 3 covetous I Cor. 6:10)
7)
Reject God (vs. 4 – hater of God)
8)
Dismisses religion (vs. 5)
9)
Travails to bring forth sin (vs. 5 – inventors of evil Rom. 1:30)
10)
Is blind to God’s judgment (vs. 5 – Rom. 1:32)
11)
Puffs at his enemies (vs. 5)
12)
Boast of getting what he wants (vs. 6)
13)
Blasphemies (vs. 7 – idolaters I Cor. 6:9)
14)
Deceives others (vs. 7)
15)
Cheats others (vs. 7 – greed Rom. 1:29; defraud I Cor. 6:8; covetous swindlers I Cor.
6:10)
16)
Speaks mischief and vanity (vs. 8 – gossips, slanderers Rom. 1:29-30)
17)
Plots against neighbour (vs. 8)
18)
Murders the innocent (vs. 8 – Rom. 1:29)
19)
Take advantage of the weak (vs. 8 thieves, I Cor. 6:10)
20)
Plots against the poor (vs. 9 – wickedness Rom. 1;29)
21)
Manifest cruelty (vs. 10 – inventors of evil – Rom. 1;30)
22)
Lives secure in his sin (vs. 11)
More sins of the wicked are listed in the New Testament epistles: (Rom. 1:29-31; I Cor.
1:29-31; 6:8-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5-8; II Tim. 3:2-5; I Jn. 2:15-16)
Not only are the unchristian the wicked
If we remember that the New Testament epistles were written to the early Christian
churches. We must then understand that the word wicked is not restricted to none Christians but
include all those who are not following the standard of behaviour of practice considered acceptable
and right by God as revealed through His Holy word. Is anybody still manifesting some of the
sinful acts as found in the above references he/she should not look father for a wicked or ungodly
person.
Commissioned for their sake
The New Testament ministers of the gospel from the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ were
commanded and commissioned to preach the gospel of repentance for the sake of the sinner
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otherwise known as all the nations (Matt. 28:19; M. 16:15). Paul referred to this mission as the
ministry of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18-21). Therefore we should not relent our effort to preach to
the sinners because necessity is laid upon us (I Tim. 4:2; I Cor. 9:16). Let us hurry to work in the
day time because the night is coming when no man work (Jn. 9:4)
Forever separated from God banished to hell
Both the Old and New Testament are in agreement as to the final lot of those who will live
outside the will of God till death, they will also live forever live outside the mercy of God in hell.
Multitude of Bible references describe the terrible end of the wicked, Jesus description of it.
(1) Outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12; 22:13)
(2) A place of fire (Matt. 5:22; 13:42; Mk. 9:43-48; Mk. 16:23-24; Matt. 13:42)
(3) The Apostles describe the wicked destiny as – everlasting punishment (II Thess. 1:9);
severe punishment (Heb. 10:29); gloomy dungeon (II Pet. 2:4)
(4) Fire (II Pet. 3:7); blackest darkness (Jud. 13). “If anyone’s name is not found written in the
book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15)
Because the wicked are the children of the devil and continue in his deeds until death they
will have their place with him. “Then He will also say to those on His left, depart from me;
accursed one, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt.
25:41). “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God” (Ps. 9:17). “And
cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness in that place their shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth (Matt. 25:30). “But for cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murdered
and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lakes that
burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Rev. 21:8).
CONCLUSION: The punishment of the wicked will be an everlasting punishment, their state
cannot be altered. Thus life and death, good and evil, the blessing and the curse, are set before us,
that we may choose our way and as our way so shall our end be.
May the Lord Almighty help us to choose the path of life and inherit the kingdom of
heaven where we shall live forever in His presence (Amen).
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Back cover
It is a common knowledge that our society today is filled with Christians who do not have
Christian minds. There are so many professing Christians who do not think Christianity. They
may worship and pray as Christians but they do not think as Christians. They have succumb their
Christian mind to the secular drift with a degree of weakness and nervelessness probably
unmatched in Christian history.
Research has revealed that there is little statistical difference between the ethical practices
of the religious and the non-religious in our nation. The colossal slide of integrity has grim
spiritual, domestic and political implications that threaten the survival of life in our country.
What then is the way out? Spiritual discipline is the answer. Let us take a que from the
instruction of Paul to Timothy regarding spiritual discipline in (I Tim. 4:7) – “Train yourself to be
godly” as a matter of personal urgency.
We will never get anywhere in life without discipline, be it in the arts, business, athletics or
academics. It is doubly so in spiritual matters. Just as the athletes discipline themselves to discard
everything that could possibly burden them and hinder them from competition, so we must get rid
of every encumbrance, every association, habit and tendency which impedes godliness. If we are
to excel, we must strip ourselves to a lean spiritual nakedness, throw off everything that hinders
and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Therefore, as children of grace, our spiritual discipline is everything – everything! No
discipline no discipleship.
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