₦airaland Forum

My Near Death Experience Travelling on Boat.

On 12 July, 2020 26 youths of ECWA Church who were attending an annual youth and children retreat all drowned in the river benue.

While we mourn the 26 youths who drowned in the river Benue, I am also reflecting on my first experience using a boat to travel for a missionary trip.

It was 28th October 2019, while serving in Bayelsa, I decided to join EFAC brethren on a missionary voyage to a community in southern Ijaw called Ukubie.

Of course I was excited to join the brethren to travel on boat for a mission. My cousin sister discouraged me on embarking on the journey but I was determined that nothing can stop me from embarking on that journey. Whether it be life or death, I was made up to face whatsoever circumstance I will experience in the journey. To me death would even be sweet.

On that fateful day, I packed my belongings and I went to the river bank where I met other six brethren who were also embarking on the mission.

The river around that time has overflowed it banks. It was the peak season of flooding. So the river was at it's peak. The storms where roaring, and the whole water was a very fearful sight to behold.

And soon it was time for the boat to move. Many things were working against us on that day. The captain of the ship was inexperienced, stubborn and drunk. He refused wise counsel from the experienced captains around and took off.

Few minutes into the deep ocean, the boat was about to sink. Three heavy men were sitting on the back seat. Their heavy weight pressed the boat into the deep ocean and then water was entering the boat gradually. Initially the passengers sitting in front tried to press the boat down, all to no avail. Water was already entering the boat in large quantities. The passengers were trying their best to empty the boat of water, but all our efforts were fruitless.

When we have done everything and nothing seems to work, at the last minute God intervened. Suddenly when the boat was about to sink, we saw a broken ship which was submerged in the great deep, and so the captain moved towards the direction of the broken ship and then we alighted.

The people in charge of the park saw the whole scene as events unfolded. They were waiting to carry our corpse but God intervened. They quickly came to the scene and then seriously cautioned the captain and rearranged the passengers.

The voyage continued, and on three different occasions, the ship broke in the middle of the deep ocean due to technical issues. The journey ran into the night, and their was no light in the boat. This is the most dangerous journey I have ever embarked on.

I want to thank God that the devil planned to bury me in the great deep on that fateful day, but God said No. I am dedicating the rest of my life to serve Jesus who saved my life when all hope was gone. Glory be to Jesus.

lucky999:
Jesus is the only friend you should keep, human being will disappoint you but Jesus will never disappoint you, your good friend today may be your bad friend tommorow but Jesus will always be a good friend to you everyday everytime.

Jesus is a faithful friend that never fails, but that does not dispute the fact that there are still good friends with the qualities mentioned above

dinoplus:
No friend like Magu. Please OP which category does Magu fall?

Forget Magu, he is not the kind of friend you should associate with

Living With Eternity In View

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:11-13

Jesus after his resurection from death promised to return again as the scripture says "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Rev 1:7

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb 9:28
Christ will return again, but not to take away sin again. His coming will be doom for unbelievers and bliss for believers.
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Rom 2:7-10, 2 Thess 2:1-10
In view of Christ's return, How are we expected to live our lives?

First we must deny:

1. Deny Ungodliness:
Every Believer who truly desires to be reunited with Christ and a host of other saints must deny every form of Ungodliness. There is no room for all ungodly people in heaven.

2. Deny Worldly Lust:
The believer who continues to seek worldly things is in danger of missing his return. Paul died to all worldly ambitions Gal 6:14, 1John 2:15-17

Secondly we must:

1. Purify Ourselves:
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1John 3:2-3

2. Abide in Him:
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

3. Keep His Commandments:
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Tim 6:14

4. Set our Affections on things above:
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth...
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col 3:2,4

5. Be Patient:
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7-8

6. Endure Suffering:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 1:6-7

7. Feed His Flocks (Do the work of a Pastor):
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Pet 5:2-4

8. Preach the gospel (Evangelize):
 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Tim 4:1-2

9. Fight the Good Fight of Faith:
 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Tim:4:7-8

10. Fellowship with one another:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:25

Seven Kinds of Friends You Must Keep Company With.

"Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." 2 Tim 4:11

There are certain companies every Christian should endeavor to keep. This company are very crucial and profitable in his Spiritual journey. Look for them, and when you find them, never lose them for anything.

1. Loyal Friend: "Only Luke is with me." 2 Tim 4:11 When Demas and others abandoned Paul in Prison, only look remained with him in those trying times. This is a friend who stays with you when others have abandoned you. Others and even many may find reasons to desert and break their friendship with you, but this friend remains even when every other person has left. He is there in abundance and adversity, in pains and in pleasure. He will not abandon you for any reason.

2. Profitable Friend: "Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." 2 Tim 4:11 These are friends who will add value to your life. You learn alot from their wealth of knowledge and experience. These are friends who always makes great input and contributions to your life. They have a way of making you better and stronger than they met you. Timothy was such kind of friend.

3. Intimate Friend: "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you." Luke 4:14 These are bosom friends. They are the kind of friends that love you with all their heart. You are very much dear to them. They don't hide their feelings and concern towards you. John was such a disciple. He was the disciple Jesus loved.

4. Sacrificial Friend: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." Rom 16:3-4 These are the friends that are ready and willing at all times to sacrifice their time, their talents, their money, and even their life for your sake. This kind of friend can give up everything for your sake.

5. Hospitable Friend: "And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome and came unto them.
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers." Acts 18:2-3 There are friends who are ready to part with their beds just to grant you comfort in their homes. They are always ready and willing to accept you in their homes and treat you well at all times. They share their food and almost everything they have in their homes with you.

6. Comforting Friends: "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" 2 Tim 1:16. These are such friends who may not have money, or other good things of life to offer you especially in times of need, but their comforting words and encouragement can keep you going even in the most difficult times. Their comfort are healings to your wounds.

7. Faithful Friend: "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:" Col. 4:7, 9, 1:7, Eph 6:21. In the following scriptures Paul described Tychicus as faithful Friend. These are friends that cannot fail you when every other person has failed. You trust them with your life that they will always carry out to the fullest every assignment committed to them. They will do all in their ability to fulfil every assignment committed to them. 1 Cor 4:17

If you find these kinds of friends around you, please brethren never lose them for any reason. Their value can not be weighed with gold nor silver. I want to also urge us to strive to attain there great qualities in our relationship with others. Selah

Marks of a true Christian (1 John)

1. Enjoys Fellowship with God 1 John 1:3
2. Experiences Inward Joy 1:4
3. Walks in the light 1:6-7
4. Enjoys fellowship with other believers 1:7
5. Not Perfect but strives after perfection 1:8-10
6. Keeps Gods Commandments: 1John 2:3-5
7. Walks as Jesus Walked 2:6
8. Loves other believers 2:10, 3:15-18
9. Loves God above every other thing 2:15-17
10. Enjoys the abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit 2:20
11. Confidence in Christ's Return 2:28
12. Works righteousness 2:29, 3:6
13. Purifies himself 3:3
14. Does not practice sin: 3:6-9
15. Shares with others 3:15-18
16. Enjoys Clear conscience: 3:20-21
17. Practices things that are pleasing in God's sight 3:22
18. Inward witness of his salvation by the Holy Spirit. 3:24, 4:13
19. Victory over False teachers, teachings, the devil and Antichrist 4:4
20. Enjoys hearing God's word. 4:5
21. Boldness in Jugement 4:17
22. Believes in Jesus Christ: 5:1
23. Victory over the world 5: 4-5
24. Enjoys Spiritual life. 5:12
25. Prays in accordance to God's will 5:14
26. Receives Answers to his Prayers. 5:15
27. Preserved from the evil one: 5:18
28. His Salvation is preserved till eternity 5:18
29. Abides (continues, remains, perseveres) in God till eternity 2:28, 3:6
30. Guard's himself from idolatry (love for the things of this world)
31. A consistent revelation and insight in the person of Christ. 1 John 5:20

The Fight of Faith

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Tim 6:12

There is a good fight and there is also a bad fight. Life is all about warfare. To be a Christian is a warfare because many are they that are against you. Every believer is called to battle and that is why Paul referred to believers as soldiers.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim 2:3

We must constantly fight battles every day as long as we are alive. But a believer should have this hope, that these battles will not destroy him but rather they make him stronger. In our battle, we war against:

1. Devil and his agents:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph 6:12.

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Rev 2:9-10, 13
The believer is constantly faced with battles which are orchestrated by the devil.

2. Flesh:
For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures. Gal 5:17. The highest enemy of every Christian is the corrupt human nature. But we have a fight with the flesh from regeneration till eternity. The flesh will try to control or tempt us to yield to temptation but we constantly wage war and resist it.

3. World:
Everything in the world is designed to oppose the faith of the Christian. Fashion, Entertainment, Riches of the world, science, philosophy, and every world system, all these things are meant to oppose the faith of a believer.

"Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God;
[16]for all these worldly things, these evil desires—the craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance—these are not from God. They are from this evil world itself. " 1 John 2:15-16

4. Men:
"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. " Mk 10:22, 13:13, Matt 24:9, Luke 6:22, Micah 7:6. Men will oppose and persecute you by reason of your faith.

5. Sin:
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb 12:3, 1 Pet 4:1

These things are constantly warring against the believer. But every believer is expected to fight the Good fight and faith and always win.

The weapons of our Warfare

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Cor 10: 4-5


Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:13

1. Belt of Truth (Eph 4:13):
2. Breastplate of righteousness : Eph 6:14, Isa 59:17
3. Shoe of the gospel: Eph 6:15
4. Shield of Faith: Eph 6:16
5. Helmet of Salvation Eph 6:17, 1 Thess 5:8
6. Sword of the spirit (Word of God) Eph 6:17
7. Breastplate of Faith: 1 Thess 5:8
8. Breastplate of Love: 1 Thess 5:8
9. Helmet of the hope of salvation 1 Thess 5:8
10. Armour of righteousness: 2 Cor 6:7

Explaining each of these will make this study so elaborate. I will make out time to discuss "The Christian's Armour"

Meanwhile the commander in this battle is Christ. With him in battle I triumph victoriously:

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Cor 2:14

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:57

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Rom 8: 37

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:11

The believer is not so weak that he is always loosing battles. He is not living a life of constant defeat. We cannot be defeated, we are not always rising and falling. We are strong and always victorious over:
1. The World
2. Satan
3. Sin
4. Flesh
5. Man
6. Troubles
7. Death
8. And everything you can ever think of. Victory is assured in Jesus Name. Amen

There is a reward for all who fight this battle to the end. We must continue to contend and fight the Good fight to the end so that we shall inherit a good reward.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Tim 4:7-8

Have a victory filled day. Amen






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Stewards of God's Mysteries

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Cor 4:1-2

A steward is a manager, a custodian, keeper, administrator, officer in charge, caretaker of another man's property. A steward safegaurds, preserves, protects, profits and promotes whatever is entrusted into his care.

A mystery is a secret plan or purpose. A mystery is an obscure, puzzling and unexplainable fact. A mystery is also a religious truth not understandable by the application of human reason alone.

God in his divine wisdom has made us custodians, caretakers, managers, defenders, administrators, and stewards of God's Mysteries and secret plans. It has pleased God to commit his mysteries to humans and not angels or other creatures.

"God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people." Gal 3:19
"Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God’s people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us." Acts 7:38, Deut 5:26-27.

God has in his infinite wisdom chosen to make us stewards of his priceless resources and treasures of great worth. Nothing on Earth can be compared in value to the price of these great resources and treasures God has deposited into our hands.

Proverbs 8:10-11
My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold.”
For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it.
Psa 19:9-10, 119:71-72, 127.

All these scriptures show the value God has placed on the treasures he has entrusted into our hands.

Now let me discuss the resources God has made us stewards over.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 4:10-11



1. His Word: The Word of God is a mystery concealed in ages but in this dispensation God has chosen to reveal them to us and has entrusted this mystery to us as stewards. 1 Cor 1:26-28, Rom 16:25-27, 1 Cor 2:7-10, 13, Eph 3:3-10
God expects us to build his Church with this treasure.

2. Talents and other Abilities:
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." Matt 25:14-15. Our gifts, our talents, intellect, strength, wisdom, beauty, education and every natural endowment we possess is a treasure God has committed into our hands as stewards.

3. Finance: "And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. " Luke 19:13. Every single penny you have and will ever have is not your own, you are just a caretaker.

4. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries: 1 Cor 12:4-11, Rom 12:6-8, Eph 4:7, 11-12, 1 Cor 4:7
Every Spiritual gift, ministry and ability you possess is not your own nor for your personal gain. They are God's resources and you are just a caretaker.

5. Time or Life: Your life is not your own, your time is not your own, they all belong to God and he has given it to us as managers. God can decide to take it or give it to you.

As we can see, these are the very few resources God has made us managers and administrators over. How then should we handle this resources of great price?

1. Administer them:
“Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? Have I given you the task of managing my household, to feed my children day by day? " Matt 24:45. We must use all those resources mentioned above for the benefit of others and not ourselves. If you have money help the poor, if you can teach, please teach, if you can preach, preach, if you can prophesy please do. Whatever gift God has entrusted into your hands must be used for the edification of the church. This was the tradition in the early church.

2. Don't Hide or Bury them: In Matt 25 we saw how the wicked servant hid his gift and would not use them. We must not hide or Bury any gift God has committed into our hands. Paul said to Timothy "Be sure to use the abilities God has given you through his prophets when the elders of the church laid their hands upon your head. " 1 Tim 4:14

3. Use them faithfully: The gifts and resources God has given us is not for personal gain or selfish motive but for the expansion of the kingdom. We must faithfully handle this resources. 1 Cor 4:2, 2 Cor 2:17

Finally we should also know that every steward must give account of his stewardship. If you do good you will be rewarded but if you do not do good, your reward is also waiting for you.

"And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward." Luke 16:2

May God help us to be good stewards of Heavenly Resources in Jesus Name . Amen

Names of the Holy Spirit

1. Spirit of God Matt 12:28, Eph 4:30
2. Spirit of the Lord Luk 4:18, w Cor 3:17
3. Spirit of Truth John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 John 4:6
4. Spirit of Holiness Rom 1:4,
5. Spirit of life: Rom 8:2, 10
6. Spirit of Christ: Rom 8:9, 1 Pet 1:11
7. Spirit of Adoption: Rom 8:15
8. Spirit of meekness: 1 Cor 4:21, Gal 6:1
9. Inward Spirit 2 Cor 2:13
10. Spirit of Faith 2 Cor 4:13
11. Spirit of Promise Eph 1:13
12. Spirit of wisdom Eph 1:17
13. Spirit of Revelation or Insight Eph 1:17
14. Spirit of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:19
15. Eternal Spirit Heb 9:14
16. Spirit of Grace Heb 10:29
17. Spirit of Glory 1 Pet 4:14
18. Spirit of Prophecy Rev 19:10
19. Spirit of Intercession. Zec 12:10
20. The Spirit of counsel Isa 11:2
21. The Spirit of Might Isa 11:2
22. The Spirit of Godly fear and reverence Isa 11:2

May You overflow with these dimensions of the operation of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name.

Remember Jesus is the one who gives us the Holy Spirit. Matt 3:11, Luke 3:16, John 14:26. God bless you

Everybody wants to be treated with some respect. Atleast he deserves a lot to be given respect because he played like a warrior.