This unity thing

In John 17, Jesus poured out His heart in prayer and what we see is an ocean of concerns and passion that will flow into eternity. He prayed for the unity of His followers here with a passion we should take seriously. (John 17:11, 20-23)
 
I’m awed by His faith as it seems today that the unity He pleaded for is nowhere near what is hoped. Or is our definition and understanding of this unity thing flawed?
The Lord hinted in no uncertain terms that our disunity grossly undermines the gospel of reconciliation commitment to us. 
This “I’m for Paul, I’m for Apollos” spirit still thrives today, weakening our grip on the essentials and blinding our view of the Master’s global aim.

I love Albert
Barnes and his commentary on this subject.

The union of Christians,
for which the Saviour prayed, would be complete or perfect if there were no
controversies, no envyings, no contentions, and no heart-burnings and
jealousies.

It is worthy of remark
here how entirely the union of His people occupied the mind of Jesus as He drew
near to death. He saw the danger of strifes and contentions in the church. He
knew the imperfections of even the best of men. 

He saw how prone they
would be to passion and ambition; how ready to mistake love of sect or party
for zeal for pure religion; how selfish and worldly men in the church might
divide His followers, and produce unholy feeling and contention; and He saw,
also, how much this would do to dishonor religion [the Christian faith].

Hence, He took
occasion, when He was about to die, to impress the importance of union on His
disciples. By solemn admonition, and by most tender and affecting appeals to
God in supplication, He showed His sense of the value of this union. 

He used the most
sublime and impressive illustration; He adverted to the eternal union between
the Father and himself; He reminded them of His love, and of the effect that
their union would have on the world, to fix it more deeply in their hearts. The
effect has shown the infinite wisdom of the Saviour.

The world still lies
in wickedness; and the friends of Jesus, bound by the cords of eternal love,
should advance together against the common enemy, and spread the triumphs of
the gospel around the globe.

If we truly understand and believe Jesus’ prayers in John 17, why then is it so difficult for us to affirm and support others
with divergent perspectives?
 
Why is it so much easier on the other hand to be antagonistic and critical of ourselves than encouraging and forgiving as forgiven sinners should be?

I’m studying Roman 14 this season and asking many questions. Here’s one- “What should constitute the core elements of the “unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace” graciously gifted to us?”

Unmasking a masquerade

Masquerades are an enigma in most African cultures. They exercise the highest level of liberty in communities where they are celebrated and unmasking one is an abomination, a taboo; because it’s believed that inside the mask or costume is an it, a deity of sorts, a spirit.

But when God unmasks a Masquerade (a man), by exposing his secret sin publicly, it is radical chastening in its purest form. It is God’s way of salvaging a man that slowly strayed into the scary world of the “untouchables”.

Masquerades are good examples of hypocrites; people who present a false image of themselves. I refer you to this very interesting piece authored by Charles Finn – the Mask, blogged by Seth Barnes.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m praying for you…” yet they’ve never said a word of prayer on account of your welfare? The projected image of spirituality may be used as a disguise just to win trust, commendations, respect…

It is hypocrisy when we show partiality in our dealings with people based on assumed or apparent needs or affluence we see or sense in them. James 2:2-4

It’s hypocrisy to say “Yes” when we mean “No” or vice versa. We are hypocritical when we are selective of which God’s laws to obey, to preach and teach; while deliberately leaving out those that tend to challenge false perspectives we hold. Luke 6:46

In essence, hypocrisy promotes substandard forms of Christianity and Jesus says, “They worship me in vain…” Mark 7:7-8

Being fake and unreal is easily a lifestyle. But it’s very difficult and expensive to manage. The man in the Masquerade suffers greatly, sweating endlessly and/or carrying a heavy load all in disguise. And those following them make sure their human parts are not exposed in the cause of rigorous gyrations. No matter how good each day’s performance is; the night comes, when the masked creature must unmask and once again, be human.

When Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus commanded people around him (I suppose his close friends and family) to lose him from his grave clothes. The men that did the job would have seen Lazarus’ nakedness, but it wouldn’t have mattered that day.

How do you tell a masquerade, “Your costume is so badly torn, you are exposed”, without falling victim of its wrath? Or should we ignore the tear and watch the miserable creature ridicule itself and the tradition of our fathers? Prov 27:5

It can be difficult dealing with a hypocrite because he’ll always be the first to shout an “Amen!” to a warning meant for his correction; the first to say, “That was a great message…” and never repent.

There must be a willingness to repent followed immediately by obedience in turning away, unmasking and being you. There’s no crime in being a mess. But don’t remain a mess when you know there’s a better offer.

May you be graced with people who will aptly and willingly help you unmask before the inevitable night season, when cruel circumstances of life rip your disguise in public.

May people who’ll help with untying your grave clothes when you are raised again, be disciples who understand and value the privilege of handling your “nakedness”.

“For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Job 27:8

Casting out demons: What’s needed

Hanging around in the lobby of a certain church in the USA
recently, I overheard two men discussing during a tea break, what I felt was a topic from their
on-going discipleship class.

“Men I can’t imagine this demons thing… you mean
them demons possess humans for real?” “I thought this was all Hollywood
stuff men, I can’t wait to see for myself …” “The thought of it
really freaks me out…”

He was African American and his ignorance on this topic got
me thinking.

I felt like interjecting with, “Bro, add to your list
of “Things I Must Do Before I turn 50 – Cast Out a Demon.”

How can Christians have such authority and never exercise
it?

You don’t need to be an expert in demonology or even
have great faith to cast out demons. I use the words in italics
with caution because some demonic cases are far more complex than rocket
science.

So, what does one need here?

First, guts. You don’t see someone wriggling or
vibrating uncontrollably in pain on the floor or vomiting inanimate or living
creatures like cowries, razor blades, toads, snakes, lizards etc or hear other
voices speaking bizarre things through them and you walk into the scene
casually; unless you know it’s a staged show.

Your guts should be fueled by the knowledge of the Scriptures, a clear understanding of your
spiritual authority and how to exercise them.

You need faith in and a solid relationship with
Jesus, whose authority and name you are using. 

Every believer can cast out demons through spoken commands
in faith, directed at unclean spirits in the name of Jesus.

“And these signs shall follow those that believe; in my
name shall they cast out devils…” Mark 16:17 KJV

We can’t match the strength and wisdom of demons as humans.
Most people I know love the victories of underdogs. Every successful
deliverance session is Christ’s show-off of His top dogs as the underdogs
in a vicious arena. Sheep among wolves, what’s the score?

Being wise as serpents implies discerning. The gift of
discernment of spirits is an invaluable spiritual gift (1Cor 12:10) but it’s
not a prerequisite for casting out demons. But a life free from unforgiveness
and pride is.

Demons were cast out from a few at our last Students’
Conference in Yei this year. It was quite gratifying to see the deliverance
session started by fellow students before the facilitators arrived.

I was a bit worried when someone wanted to get physical with
one of possessed, in order to gain control. 

Many times, I’ve witnessed victims of demonic attacks being
beaten up by those intending to deliver them; at which point one wonders who’s
the possessed. Not quite as harmless as a dove there you’d say.

Are you wielding this authority with grace and love?

Are you oblivious of this privilege or just terrified at the
idea?

Your ignorance, fear or even ability to cast out demons with
tremendous success without passion for God and compassion for the
possessed can be tragic.

What do you think?

My battles with spiritual dryness

I’ve had hard times, when the dust hazes of life obscure my view of the Lord and I stumble along the way, wondering where He is and why He seems so distant. “Is He angry with me again?”

“Am I feeling this dry and empty because I’m nursing my wounds alone or because I’m ashamed and burdened with guilt?”

“God must be weary of my pendulum lifestyle. I would if I were Him, because I suck. Maybe He’s punishing me with this silence, and it won’t end until I’m finally alive to my hopelessness?”

“But could this dryness be caused by my ignorance? Is it a result of living on feelings?

During my seasons of spiritual dryness, the enemy gives me a makeover with doubt and self-pity. “You are the only one having these issues… Do you hear other Christians talking about this–?”

“Maybe I should just withdraw myself from people and go to that prayer mountain, or attend a conference or seminar, or go on a long fast, engage some deep spiritual exercises and come up again.”

Spiritual dryness is a symptom, pointing to a bigger problem that needs immediate attention.

Over the years, my battles in this valley of the shadow of doubt have been closely knit with:

1)      My sins. Many times, the root of my spiritual dryness is un-confessed and un-repented sin. Sometimes though, after repenting and confessing the sin(s), the freshness and release I sought never came. Something else was in control.

2)      My feelings. Spiritual dryness and my feelings or emotions seem inseparable. The ecstasy I feel after a spiritual encounter doesn’t last forever but I always wish it did. I feel it’s at those times that God is happy with me. But life has in store, seasons of pain and confusion which when they last longer than expected, fear arrives with hard questions for faith.

3)      My problems. Life challenges have a way of making selfishness seem legitimate. My quest for self preservation picks during chaotic seasons. I, me and my take centre stage and when personal efforts fail to change things (like they often do), I embrace melancholy with both hands.

4)      My priorities. I’ve caught myself attending to urgent matters, leaving little or no time for important things like maintaining an intentional and regular fellowship with the Lord. Preceding some of my dry spells were overloaded schedules; occasioned by wanting to please everyone that makes a demand on my time to chasing chores and deadlines I refuse to jettison, because satisfying or fulfilling them gives a certain measure of self-worth. I forget my worth is already defined in Christ and His finished work.

Are you going through a period of dryness and don’t know what to do? Remember, the streams of Christ’s love, grace and life flow endlessly. It’s your duty to maintain a tenacious disposition to His promises and move from having a devotional life to living out a devoted life.

Job made some profound confessions here- Job 23:3, 8-9, 15-16

What has been your experience with spiritual dryness? How do you deal with it?

What South Sudan needs now Part 2 of 2

Imagine the vast number of returnees from the North who once
had paying jobs but resigned to go home and start a new life in the South.
How will the Government of South Sudan absorb them? Imagine the strain this is having
on the fragile economy and the consequences thereof.

Many undergraduate Southerners who felt unsafe in the North
had to leave school and return to the South.  As I write, all the government owned Higher
Institutions (just two or three) in South Sudan are closed and may remain
closed until the modalities for their operation are sorted out. These were
formally being run from the North.

So, pending when they reopen, what will these students be
doing?

We need Jobs: Education
without a platform for expression of knowledge gained aimed at economic
strength will lead to frustration. School-leavers must have a place to work and
earn a living or learn how to create jobs for themselves. South Sudan is awash with
idle hands and blank minds now.

Education
and job creation are the cornerstones to a foundation for building a dynamic,
peaceful, and prosperous nation. As such, the church should be committed to
purposeful investments here.

South
Sudan is waiting and so is heaven, for us to connect at the right places and
with the right people, for Jesus to take His place in every sphere. How?

Are you
Kingdom-minded enough to risk your resources, grace and gifting in a place like South
Sudan? Are you an expert in micro financing and entrepreneurship? Do you have a nose for business in
new territories?

Can you see what many
don’t and take advantage of the limited or vast resources and opportunities
before you?
 
If yes, you should be in South Sudan now:

-Teaching us how to invest and also provide us with a platform to start.

-Teaching us how to sacrifice and modeling it amongst us.

-Teaching us how to save and share the benefits.

-Teaching us how to evaluate and spend resources.

-Teaching us how to dream and cast yours to us.

-Teaching us how dare and do it in our land… teaching us how to use the Kingdom message in the market place for Kingdom expansion.

If there are any group of people in the world that should be running
into South Sudan today, it should be Kingdom-minded Christians. I recall when the
Berlin Wall fell, one ministry in the USA that was sending me Bibles and Tracts
for distribution wrote to say they are moving into Eastern Europe immediately
and as such cannot continue to send me the items. They understood what needed
to be done.

This is another Macedonian Call. Who will hear us and come
over?

The needs are many and the challenge huge. But imagine the destiny of millions resting on our decisions and efforts today.

Imagine the many thanks-giving and worship that will accrue
to God on account of our adventures in a new nation like South Sudan.

I’m dreaming of a “School-to-Farm Project” for the youths in
South Sudan. Can you dream with me? South Sudan needs the Christ we are carrying.

What South Sudan needs now Part 1 of 2

As the sounds of jubilant drums fade and the ululations die down,
South Sudanese at home and abroad with their well-wishers must engage the needs
that abound in the land. On everyone’s heart is a longing for one thing-
transformation.

The gospel starts the re-creation by transforming people from inside out.
But the transformation doesn’t stop until a sample of God’s new Kingdom is on
display in a particular location.

This therefore is my major motivation with every trip into this awesomely
blessed land. I long to see God honored and His Son getting His due from the
peoples of Sudan in the north and south. The news from these divorced nations
MUST change for the better on account of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church must be actively involved in nation building and be recognized as
the primary agent of transformation.

Ministry possibilities are numerous. It’s pretty much a virgin land and the
needs, if well addressed will set this nation on the right path with a
godly foundation.

Here are the first two needs:

Leadership: Real leadership is much more than authority; it is more than
having the technical training and following the proper procedures. The leaders
we need in South Sudan (in Government and especially in the churches) are people of vision
that can be trusted and followed NOT feared.

We need Kingdom-minded people who will come to South Sudan and help us
discover potential arrowheads; while developing our present leaders to be more
effective.

We MUST find a way to change the “relief
mentality” or the “give-me help-me” ideology that has bedeviled us in most
parts of Africa by raising servant leaders who will lead by example.

Constructive words like excellence,
integrity, accountability, sacrifice, righteousness, timeliness, commitment, loyalty,
unity, reconciliation, teamwork and vision MUST form the framework of this nation’s core values, the guiding
lamps of actions and daily speech.

Do you have a passion to develop leaders and see them make a difference?
You have a big job in South Sudan now.

Education: Less than 20% of South Sudanese at home are literate. The
need for education cannot be over emphasized.

We have many teenagers in primary school. That’s to be expected, seeing that
the civil war ended in 2005. But the biggest challenge is that many graduating out of
primary school CANNOT read and write well.

We need to equip the teachers with
modern day teaching techniques, we need more schools located in good learning
environment, we need skills and trade acquisition centers, we need ideas on how
to use what we have to get what we want.

Do you know Math? Can you teach English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry…? Can
you develop specialized courses that will add value to students at all levels?
What learning principles has worked for you and yours that could be a ministry
tool here in South Sudan?

Imagine what you or your Ministry/Church can accomplish in this area if
you invested time and money to build a school or furnish an existing one or
train the teachers in modern communication and learning skills; while sharing
the gospel of the Kingdom among the people.

“A man’s gift makes way for him…” the scriptures say. Your gift is our need.
We may not grow until you give it.

A new nation under God is under construction. How can we help connect your ministry to God’s purpose in South Sudan?

Then came the Holy Spirit

Often, when we think we’ve figured out how and when
God will move, He smiles; then starts by first making our plans look ridiculous and sometimes stupid, thereby creating room for Himself
to be the GOD He is, on invitation.

For most of the facilitators and the students at our last Yei Students’
Holiday Conference 2011, our experience on the last day of the meeting will
never be forgotten. It was a holy commotion. All creation longs for such
moments because divine purpose is being executed; and God is center stage.

We’d switched and changed the program quite a bit to accommodate lapses. It
was all in Abba’s plan.

Friday 17th June, the last day of the conference, had been
declared “Holy Ghost Day” and we’d also asked the students to come
fasting. We anticipated a unique experience, but nothing like what we got.

The Bible Study topic for that day was “The Holy Spirit and You”, and
the small group discussions were tailored towards helping the students come to
grips with what could hinder their fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This was
another good move.

“…is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who
knows what he is doing?” 1Cor 2:16a (The Message) Planning is always good,
but more blessed are they that give Abba enough room within their plans to do
as He wills. “…in all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your
path” (Prov 3:6), is a profound scripture.

Going by our program for that afternoon, we were an hour behind; barely enough
time left to split into our 10 different classes and do a meaningful study on
the Holy Spirit as scheduled

“Rev Johnny, I think you should merge all the classes into one and just
talk a little on the Holy Spirit. while I go get Rev Yemi.”
 He was scheduled to take the evening session.

“That’s a good idea” said Rev Johnny; and I drove off to go the
hotel.

When Rev Yemi Ayodele and I arrived at the conference hall, we were
awestruck with what we saw, standing at the doorway. It was amazing to see many
of these school kids blasting away in unknown tongues at the top of their
voices, some were rolling on the floor as they prayed, drenched in their sweat;
and some were weeping, unsure of what was happening to them as they muttered
words never heard before. 

As we maneuvered through those slain in the spirit, Rev Yemi said,
“Uche, God has finished the work for today. We cannot add to this.”
Indeed, there was holy pandemonium and God was at the centre stage.

Rev Yemi had to close the meeting, teaching the students what was taking
place and why. In fact as he spoke, some were still praying in tongues,
unable to control themselves. Their hunger for righteousness was being rewarded
beyond our prayers. Tears of joy flowed from my eyes as I laid hands on a few
to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I’m still reflecting on what happened that afternoon, and asking myself
a few questions.

“What form would this conference have taken, if the event of that last
day occurred on the first day?”

“Did we make the same mistake again, seeing that a similar outpouring
occurred last year on the last evening, leaving us little time to teach in more
detail what they were experiencing?”

“Are we honestly and consciously giving the Holy Spirit His rightful
place in our lives, ministrations and ministries?”

“Who and where will these kids be in five to ten years from now?” Abba knows, He has his eyes on them. He smiles.

312 saved and well over 200 filled in the Holy Spirit

It was taken me longer than usual to
report on the events of the Yei Students’ Holiday Conference 2011 which ended last
week Friday. I needed time to reflect and reset. But, I owe you this brief
narrative.

Our plan was to invite
willing students, identify and connect with those whose hunger for something more than mere religion pressed them
towards a deeper and refreshing relationship with The Truth.

We could have done better
with more facilitators, but Abba’s grace was enough for those that gave their
time, strength and resources throughout the Conference. May God bless them!

It was a great joy to
have as international guest ministers; Rev Johnny Anikpe (my father-in-the-Lord);
Rev Dr. Mrs. Shade Toyin Kehinde and Pastor Mrs. Tolu Dawodu both from my church in
Lagos; Brother Mark Lucas of CDM and one of my mentors, Rev Yemi Ayodele both
from the USA; and of course my darling wife Sola. Their presence and
contributions towards the success of this conference cannot be measured.

From 8:00am each day, students from various schools and other
youths out of school filled the hall of meeting and started each day’s events with hot praises,
dance and worship to Abba even before the pastors and organizer arrived. Their
hunger for truth, authentic leadership, fellowship and worship underscores our
hope.

With all modesty and due
respect to all that ministered, I confess, we didn’t have it in us to satisfy
these kids. God came to our rescue daily. They longed for more, sat through the sessions from morning till
evening with great joy. Oh, may Abba be honored as He gives the increase.

The group discussions and
Bible studies which focused on discipleship were interactive and interesting;
as they generated some questions that highlighted the huge task before us, as well as the
great door of ministry open here.

Constrained for time, we
grappled with each session and it was all worth the sacrifice, dealing with
over 700 kids whose passion for the Lord and His word I wish could be exported. Everyone of them wet home with a gift, thanks to MTN Nigeria and Bibles from The Gideons International was available to all that needed a copy.

From our records, 312
students gave their life to Jesus at this conference.Though a few did so more than once; we understand why
and are working at it.

On the last day 17th
June, which we’d declared as Holy Spirit Day, there was massive outpouring of
the Holy Spirit. Well over 200 students received the baptism of the Holy Spirit
with the evidence of speaking in new tongues. Among them were six of the nine girls that had been earlier delivered of demons.

The drama of how the Holy
Spirit overran this meeting on the last day and the subsequent events that now follow;
will be told in my next blog.

Please pray with me as I
gather again, a few of these kids tomorrow at “The Furnace”; our informal
discipleship refinery.

Thanks to all that
supported with prayers, funds, calls and goodwill messages. Your sacrifice is a
delight to the Lord for and to Whom are all things.

The journey is still far,
but Abba’s glory and fame propels us.

Kingdom quests

Questions could say
several things to those for whom they are meant. They could also reveal much
about the inquirer’s ignorance, intelligence, values, dreams, passion, disgust,
maliciousness…

The ability to ask and answer questions is an integral
part of education and the discipleship process in particular.  

A simple and sincere question from a disciple could be
a clear witness to deep spiritual hunger and an apt response may unlock the
fountains of knowledge, granting revelation that could lead to terrible things
in righteousness.

There are questions that should be answered categorically
with a simple yes or no.

There are questions that could be answered analytically
or logically, by defining or redefining terms and perspectives.

There are questions that should be answered with a
counter-question.

There are questions that should just be put aside and ignored.

The Lord Jesus asked and answered questions in ways
that brought both clarity and confusion to the audience, depending on the state
of their heart. Those that sort to justify themselves went home upset while the
hungry for truth left filled.

Our Students’ Conference 2011 is in day four and we have
heard and handled some interesting questions as we attempt to chart a
discipleship path for over 600 young minds here in Yei.

The interactive nature of this meeting encouraged
these students to engage the facilitators with some probing questions that have
greatly helped the purpose of this Conference.

These questions may appear silly or funny but nothing
can be taken away from the sincere heart that asked them. This is where we are
today, but we are moving this elementary level to deeper truths of the Kingdom.

They asked:

“Does God have a father and
mother?”

 “Who is God?”

“How can I stop smoking?”

 ‘How long should I walk with Jesus?”

“What is faith?”

“If you say that God created
everything and lives in heaven; where was He staying before He made heaven and
earth?”

“How can I forgive?”

“What does Jesus look like?”

“How do I know I am saved?”

“If the Bible says we should
confess our sins to one another, why should we confess to God also?”

“Is it everyone that can
hear God’s voice?”

“How does God discipline His
children as a father?”

 “What does Jesus mean by saying he has come to
bring division with families in Matthew 10:34-37?”

“If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what are
the others suppose to be doing?”

“Why do men have nipples when they can’t breastfeed?”

The ultimate aim of every question should be to shed
light on what is unknown or misunderstood. Questions should prompt knowledge,
truth and action.

We all as students of life use questions to nurture
our relationships, process our judgments, search for truth, expose error,
establish our faith and so on.

Jesus asked one that was not answered, “My God, My
God, why have you forsaken me?”

When last were you asked a question you had no response
to? What’s that question you are seeking answer to?

Faith is for the deeper ends


As we plan to host some 600 or more students for six days beginning next
week Monday here in Yei, I’m waking up to the essence of my faith. 

Though the intensity of our prayers and preparation for this meeting continues to grow by the day, there’s still an uneasiness I feel, an anxiety I thought I should have overcome; having organized several conferences in the past and a largely successful camp last year.

Several times, I’ve wondered and people have asked, “What’s your aim with this?”

“Why invite all these students?”

“Don’t you see that many of them can’t even read properly and that will pose a big problem with understanding?”

“Will you have enough facilitators to handle the anticipated huge crowd?”

“Where will you get the money for this and that?”

“Can’t you plan something small and simple, with a few leaders, spend less money and time, and have little or no troubles to contend with?

If faith should always make sense, I’d probably answer these questions differently each time.

The deep ends of any river could be an exciting place to swim or fish, but they are often dangerous and sometimes lonely.
Heading that direction intentionally, especially when it’s not placid could seem foolish. However, that’s where faith for the impossible thrives.

Striving towards the deeper ends in faith is always expensive. It’s also a complicated place because of the assortment of confusions occasioned by the unimaginable challenges and the manner with which the problems suddenly fizzle out; forcing us to wonder again and again, “What just happened there?” (Psalm 107:23-30)

Abba smiles when our countenance glows in anticipation of His intervention at the deep ends of life. He’s thrilled by the shifts on the scale of our faith indicator. The rise and fall thereof are lovely to Him. But not the absence of it altogether.

The process of our spiritual formation which God jealously oversees involves
moments of fear, tears, doubt and uncertainty. You are either heading towards this direction, away from it or you are in the zone already. If God will be honored on account of your years on earth, you must tread this path of faith on His terms.

No two storms are the same. But they always have the same effect of either wrecking us or rousing us to the realities of our present spiritual condition.

Once again at this conference, there’s much uncertainty. But we’ll surely create a platform for God to be glorified; a
place to teach, inspire, instruct, correct and encourage and pray for those the
Lord will bring our way and open their hearts to receive His word. Hopefully, a
few would catch this flame and run with it to places we may never go.

The gift of faith is offered to all. I’m learning to use and grow my allocation. I hope you are too.