[b]CHAPTER SIXTEEN CONTINUUM
JUDGE FOR YOURSELF- WHO ACTUALLY LIED; WHO SAID THE TRUTH

Several times, we have usually judge people not because we are right to judge but we have been cornered by several factors chief among them is the belief that, some persons, beings can never err. For instance, a catholic believes that, the pope can never err (I stand to be corrected in the light of the latest pope who seems to be breaking traditions). But then, I want you reader to remove your religious, spiritual eye glasses, and put on a logical, unbiased and analytical eye glasses as you join me to evaluate this set of passages in the infallible holy word of God.
Genesis 2: 16 -17: “But the lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”


This is one of the first set of instructions God gave to Adam in the Garden and it was emphatically clear as KJV would put it : “ for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
It means only one thing, any day you eat the fruit, your life ends. Simple. No spiritual innuendo to it.

Now in Chapter 3: 1-7: “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden? “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil. The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their unclothedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”



Here, we see a counter-instruction, yet more revealing. The Serpent efficiently debunked every instructions given to Adam replaced it with a daring, curious instruction. It was clear
1. You will not die
2. Your eyes will be open
3. You will be like GOD
4. You will know good and evil

I guess Eve was as curious as I am, hence she dared God’s instructions. Permit me to chip in here (This question is for God- Why was he silently watching the Serpent turning his creature against him and he did absolutely nothing about it). Some persons are thinking, it is not my place to ask God such question, why would the created ask his creator, “why did you create me like this”. Then if that is the case, it is not in God’s place to punish me for whatever decision I make.
Now verse 7, concluded the matter, it confirmed
1. They had not died yet and did not die till centuries later
2. Indeed, their eyes were opened
3. Verse 22-23 of that same chapter implicated God

“THEN THE LORD GOD SAID, “LOOK, THE HUMAN BEINGS HAVE BECOME LIKE US, KNOWING BOTH GOOD AND EVIL. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” So the lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden….”

Giving credence to point 3 and 4 above.
I am not expecting any christian to agree with me, infact am expecting the venom from them. But let me address a strong point they will likely put up, the issue of death. It is theologically claimed that the death inferred was a spiritual death. But I dare any christian to show me one passage in the bible where spiritual death was refered or mentioned. Take a look at verse 22 again “What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever”- It implies that,
1. God was scared of the possibility of MAN LIVING FOREVER like him
2. it was never God’s intention to make man live forever. So that natural death was inevitable even if adam had not eaten of the fruit of Knowledge. Adam would ONLY live forever if and only if he ate of the fruit of the tree of life. So, irrespective of the death threat, Adam would still have died, maybe 2 millenium years later, perhaps the fruit of knowledge hasten it. It can’t and can never be spiritual death. If one is to go by spiritual things, spirits don’t die, do they?
So dear reader, who actually lied? Who actually said the truth? The truth is what you believe is the truth because, the truth is relative anyway. My truth may not be your truth.

[/b]

Thanks for the reply visky, like you have pointed out, its to strengthen those who would be weaken by the above facts laid bare. But frankly, you did not do justice the post, you infact validated it with your unverifiable claims of priviledges except as proclaimed in the bible with no physical prove of such evidence.
i would have replied you extensively but it would yield nothing. You will never see things logically untill you remove that religious glasses. BUT THEN, GET READY TO WRITE MORE REBRUTTALS

[b]
So I gave up on Christianity. It was not easy dear. Its like separating a child from his mother. I recall, in my room, there were two papas of student fellowships, I tackled them to a standstill that one of them avoids me like a plague till today. The other is too matured to be childish, He told me, he would pray for me to come back to God, I told him, “better still, tell God to come to me”. It got to a point that, one day, a roommate of mine, pleaded with me to stop the argument because, it is affecting him seriously, he said “dankol!, anytime I tried to pray, I begin to wonder, is God really up there listening to me ….just because of you. Please help me. I don’t want any of these discussions again”. I was moved, I never intended to shake anyone’s faith but to make you curious and inquisitive about what you believe. I promised not to talk about it anymore. But within me, I feel so much freedom and ability to think clearly and logically without any religious influence.
My story may not be intriguing as expected but I myself only knew what I went through all in the name of serving God. I do not intend to convert anyone as no one converted me. I came to that self-realization after so much struggle. Below is a few food for thought on some issues on religion.

********END OF THE STORY************

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR RELIGIONISTS
What makes a Christian FEEL better than non-Christian

One day, I was in deep thought, I began to think, “what benefit do I get from being a Christian that a non-Christian do not get, moreso, there are Christians like me, who do not even have what I have, there are Christians who do have far more than I do have. Yet there are unbelievers on both sides too. So I think much deeper, there must be something that makes me different from an unbeliever”
I exclaimed, I have peace of mind! then I recall, I do get worried once in a while and even often.
I recall also, I have good health, then I remember, I have good healthy habit, live in a peaceful environment pretty much devoid of air pollution and what have coupled coupled with other physical factors.

Another came to my mind, You have sound mind.. so do many other unbelievers
Another came, Jesus has saved you, redeemed you to himself.. to become what? Ok sons and daughters of God, So if I am a son of God, then, I should not be experiencing certain difficulty. If he became poor, so I might be rich, I do not have to ration my daily meal from three to two and sometimes one.

My problem is not the challenges I was facing as a Christian perhaps, it is accounted for in the scripture, Jesus did not promise a problem free life, infact he emphasized on himself, giving Christians a load to carry. Matthew 11:29-30 “… For my yoke is light and my burden is easy”. So by conventional interpretation, it has to do with challenges of life. Fine. But looking at life generally, there is virtually no physical difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. What do I mean?

1. Christians fall sick same as non-Christians
2. They die by all means possible, stray bullet, sickness, earthquake, war, fire, amongst others; same as unbelievers
3. They experience failure at one or two point in time in life ; same as unbelievers
4. Poverty, wealth , famine, name it, both Christians and non-Christians do enjoy their fair share of it.

SO, WHY DO I THINK AM BETTER THAN OTHERS WHO DO NOT SHARE IN MY FAITH? I almost gave up in my thought to differentiate why I am a better person by virtue of my religion to another until I remember this; Christianity is about a heavenly race. Paul said, “I have finished the race….” -2Timothy 4:7. Waoooo, I was happy to have seen one. Atleast if I am suffering on earth, I have hope of heaven. Paul further said in 1 Cor 15:19 “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, WE ARE OF ALL MEN MOST MISERABLE”. That statement is an emphatical statement of certainty, that, Paul is so sure of a kingdom beyond this world which is of an immerse hope. Here lies my question

How sure was Paul to have made such emphatic statement without any evidence to back it up? Is it because he is an apostle, sorry, even apostles can tell lies that is why even Paul himself said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”. So I decided to do that, I began to gather information about heaven outside the scripture. i.e I need some info to validate what I have read in the bible. Now, the various versions of heaven-visitors (near death experiences) made issues worse for me. Wait, Jesus cannot take sis. Janet to see a wailing Mary- crying to Janet to tell Catholics to stop praying to her and yet bro john did not see such. Infact both of them saw a different entrance into heaven and met different kinds of Jesus. So, I hastily concluded that, ok, fine, heaven exist and it is meant for Christians.

One day, I saw a Christian magazine at a newspaper stand, front page had an info on an interview to another heaven visitor whom Jesus told that, in the whole of Nigeria, about 32 Christians will make heaven as at that point in time. I was shocked to the bone marrow. I left that place thinking, wait, Pastors in Nigeria alone go reach like half a million in Nigeria, that’s even too much, what of bishops, they are sure over 100 in Nigeria. So who would the 32 Christians be? Now, if about 50% of Nigeria’s population are professing Christians, and going by that revelation, 32 will make heaven, it is an absolute waste of years, time, resources to even try being a Christian. Then, something else poped up in my mind, there is a difference between being a Christian and being a Christ-follower. Anyone can be a Christian, bear Christian names but only one that does what Jesus wants done is indeed a Christian. Fine, lets define what Jesus wants done:
1. Help the sick
2. Feed the needy
3. Preach the gospel
4. Pray through him to God
5. Study the scripture to grow in faith
6. Obey authorities over you
7. Be honest, diligent and truthful
8. Forsake not the gathering of the brethren
9. Chief of it all, is believe in him as the messiah, he died for your sins and he is your salvation blab la bla .. in short, “HAVE FAITH”

Now, permit me to summarize all the above and as many you know that was not mentioned into two
1. FAITH
2. 2. WORK

I wont be tempted to point out the contradictions in the scripture on the two subject matter yet I admit both have a point of convergence latter on according to the scripture, and that is, a Christian needs both to be a Christian indeed.

Now, it is one thing to have faith, which in my opinion it is easier- this point is what makes bulk of Christians. They profess Christ as Lord. But, it is another thing to do the works accompanying faith. The works are simply physical, interactive with man and the superman. Here lies the flaws of everything. Your works cannot be perfect. Because, humans are not wired to be 100% efficient and I think that’s what makes us unique. No Christian can do all that is expected of him/her with perfection, yet, “BE YE PERFECT, even as your Father which is in heaven is PERFECT”.-Matthew 5:48.

Even Solomon affirmed that, there are times, you have to be good and times you have to be bad. Hence, the Idea of perfection is not an option. And from a theological perspective, this is where faith covers for your imperfect works. Fine Now here lies the problem, If even God knows, acknowledge and accept our flaws by using Jesus as a sacrificial lamb to make us perfect, that is why 2Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is …. not willing that any should perish,….”. Meaning, irrespective of how imperfect our work is, either at 99.99999999% or at 49.99999% or at 0.0000000000009%. Faith covers and serves as an insurance. If that is true- though I know this is another controversial issue in Christendom today (Once saved; saved forever VS otherwise school of thought), then, all things being equal, ALL PROFESSING CHRISTIANS SHOULD MAKE HEAVEN. But conventional report has it otherwise, where some heaven visitors are seeing the likes of Bishop Idahosa in hell, then itaffbeee. The funny thing is, this hell stuff is in tandem with theological dogma/doctrines of several churches. That is why, they will threaten with hell fire. (LOL) . Anyway If these reports are true, then FAITH IS USELESS BECAUSE, NO MAN CAN ATTAIN PERFECTION. And since you can’t attain perfection just as your heavenly father, then, there are two things involved
1. EVERYONE HEADS TO HELL MAJESTICALLY OR
2. GOD’S MERCY SPEAKS JUST AS IT SPOKE FOR MOSES AND JOSHUA- but we did not know of this except in the bible oooo. How sure that mercy will speak for you if it did not speak for Bishop Idahosa (with reference to that story based on the assumption that its true).

No matter how good you are, no matter how much you are loved by people; there is something bad about you people still do not like. And if you are bad, there is some good you still do. So, since it is inherent, let faith do its work. Yet, faith failed because, even Jesus affirmed that, in Matthew 25:35-46 the kind of works he wanted and those who did not do those particular works were thrown into damnation. Faith should have saved them.

So, I told myself, there is seriously no GUARANTEE for any Christian to make heaven which is the ONLY POINT I could find to give me strength and hope as a Christian. I was weak and so I had more reasons to quit.

Mind you, If you have a concrete, verifiable advantage you have as a Christian over non-Christians, feel free to bring it up. Moreso, the heaven issue, If you are so convinced, please answer this question with all honesty: If Jesus come right now or If your Jesus come for you now (death), can you give me a 100% assurance that, you will make heaven? If you can, and you refuse to die, then you are a fat liar. Because, if I were present with you, I would request that you permit me to send you to heaven, why are you staying in this wicked world of sin, do you want to sin and go to hell? Seriously, it does not make any sense to belong to such a nicer class of superbeings and remain here. It is either a fairytale you deep down within you, do not believe or you are not 100% certain. Afterall, a songwriter wrote/sang “Everybody won go heaven, nobody won die, nobody won die”.

Also, why should I be bothered with after-life when, I knew nothing about pre-life. HEAVEN IS A FAIRY TALE, HELL IS NOT ONLY A FAIRY TALE BUT A FAIRY TOOL TO SCARE YOU TOWARDS HEAVEN. I WOULD LIVE THIS LIFE AM CONSCIOUS ABOUT, WELL TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY- my take

[/b]

blessedvisky:


Wow. You are the one with hate not me, so because I don't recognise olumba members as christians means I hate them?? Is that so?.

I know about the Bible being used to validate Islam, but using Talmud to justify the Bible, like I said before, I don't do extra-biblical stuff.

Well, since you have chosen to see the Christian faith as a 'brand' or business organisation, then there is nothing I can do for you again.

Seriously, i did not advertise for help... you do not have to spell it out before hatred can be exhibited.. Your refusal to recognize them is a form of discrimination.. and a form of hatred. You dont have to agree with me.. even your mother body CAN refuse to admit them.. Enjoy

CHARLOE:
Plz @dankol continue sowing d seeds of doubt n reason. For so long we were made to believe doubt n reasoning are bad, but without these 2 attributes, u will always fall maga to any 419 scam.
Image123 has bin trying his best to discourage u from completing ur story but like I told him, he can't stop dis train. We're wit u, Ur story is touching thousands of people in different parts of d world, d scales are falling off their eyes n d truth is setting dem free from d bondage of religion. Kudos to u n hardmirror

My brother, you know why i am not bothered by his replies.. because i was once like him, believing i was defending the truth. He only reminds of mof those days when i would defend tithing to a fault amongst other things here on nairaland. I totally understand him and i sincerely wish him the best in his endeavours. But mine.. he cant stop... i guarantee you.

emis8:


Dear Brother Danko,
I wang to let you know I read throuh all the chapters, not because I had the time to, but because I wanted to know.

From my conclusion,
1. you have a good heart and you're faithful.
Now, God said, "My people (Christians) are destroyed for lack of knowledge". This knowledge is not scientific knowledge, but revelation knowledge. As a Christian, you need to know who God is, and His purpose and plan for mankind.
why did I say so, FAITHFULNESS is not the same as FAITH.
God said, for without FAITH, it will be impossible to please Him.
You demonstrated faithfulness towards God, but not faith.

2. Your christianity was devoid of the power.
I dont want to ask at what age you accepted or even confessed the Lordship of Jesus Christ seeing that your parent brought you up as a christian.
Yes, kudos to your parents for the wonderful work they did, but I believe they were not spiritual, but serving God carnally
After accepting the Lordship of Jesus, you need the Holy Spirit because He's the one that will make Christianity(the devine life) real to you.
God seeks for those of His children who will serve Him in "SPIRIT" and in "TRUTH".
Without the Holy Spirit, you cant live the authentic Christian life. For its the Holy Spirit that helps us with all our weaknesses, teaches us, intercedes for us, advocates for us and brings the miraculous.

3. you were brought up to serve God in the flesh
Reading through your story, you never encountered the miraculous in the various churches you attended.
Its still the same way with some churches today. While you see miracles, healings and deliverance on a daily basis in some other churches.

Reading the Bible from front to back will not do the work for you, you need the Holy Spirit to guide you, teach you and help you work in the miraculous.
Yes I heard you say you spoke in tongue, but that speaking in tongue has to be questioned because you cant make use of the Holy
SPIRIT and send angels on errand and not receive answers or experience the miraculous.

I dont want to go into talking about the power of OFFERINGS, TITHES, SEED SOWING AND OTHER GIVINGS because you have not come into Christianity.

I just have one advise for you, to fulfill your calling as a Minister of God (not ncessarily a pastor because there are different forms of ministry eg Music Minister), you need to join a church that believes the Bible, teaches the word of God, and works in the Miraculous to experience real christianity.

Dont be discouraged to start afresh, its not in the number of years, if youre called of God, you need to work hard to fulfil that calling because the devil will do everything possible to stop that.
Dont let the devil have his way.

I really do appreciate your concern sir. Thanks for the message, its moltivating

blessedvisky:



Lol. What I'm saying is that the Christian denominations are not NEARLY as much as claimed. I'm still challenging you to type 50 different denominations that you know from your memory.

*) when a certain person of group of people come together with little Bible knowledge start coming together to sing and dance, I guess that's your definition of 'denomination' since you believe that olumba olumba is a denomination of Christianity.

You seem not to know what Christianity is. It's all about Christ. When you see any group of people start referring to extra-biblical characters and sources + the bible, can you also say they are denominations of Christianity?. ? If that is true, then I guess Islam too will be a branch of Christianity since they believe Muhammad is the Holy Spirit and the quran calls JESUS 'messiah'

Christianity has no brand. If you asked me where I worshipped(church) that will have made more sense. But you should be able to guess since I already asked you to debunk Speaking with tongues. That should give you an idea.

You are just proving the point am gona make soon about the so called body of christ. Lol so Olumba is not a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church.Wao.. am not surprised, the hatred within is so deep with the body of christ. the question is, why should a group of people set themselves aside from others to sing and dance, if they do not have a new ideology? well,i guess you should help me define Denomination then..
perhaps you dnt know, the bible is a tool used to validate islam, the talmud is a tool used to validate the bible, one preceeds the other. So if you see islam as a break away faction.. i respect that view.Afterall, jesus was even mentioned more than mohammed in the Quran.

Sorry, i prefer to use the word brand because in the business world, that what is done to remain relevant or break into the market. you need to have a unique brand. So i use the word on purpose. Sorry, am not a prophet, i only make educated guesses. But then why should i guess when you are right here to answer.

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART TWO CONTNUATIONN
I could not fight it anymore. The bible says, “SEEK AND YE WILL FIND” I went into prayers, sought the face of God, I needed answers, I was desperate to know the truth. I yearn for knowledge, I wanted to hear from him, I want him to assure me. Throughout the time I sought God in prayers, I always sing this hymn, it was my favourite then, “OH JESUS I HAVE PROMISED”. I used to be intruiged by the lyrics of that hymn. Its so powerful only if Jesus would have acted according to it;

O Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end:
be thou ever near me,
my Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but Jesus, draw thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear thee speaking
in accents clear and still,
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
thou guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, thou hast promised
to all who follow thee,
that where thou art in glory
there shall thy servant be;
and, Jesus I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my friend.

O let me see thy footmarks,
and in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
is in thy strength alone.
O guide me, call me, draw me,
uphold me to the end;
and then in heaven receive me,
my Savior and my Friend.

Several times I tried raising some issues up, at a point, I was not selected to ask questions at bible study, because I challenged my pastor to a stand-still the previous bible study. My radical friend of blessed memory tried his very best but he usually gets hooked up at this point: I call it, the focal point of all pertinent questions ever involving God.

I start by asking, is God omnipotent (all powerful), omniscience (all knowing), omnipresence (ever present and everywhere). If this is true, then, It is God’s plan for the serpent to come to the garden, deceive Eve and make Adam eat of the fruit. This also implies that, God wanted man to eat of the fruit of knowledge and be like him. But later, the scripture told us, he never wanted it so, yet he could not stop it. He would say no and go defensive and will say, God gave Adam freewill..

That’s not freewill, choice between two options is not freewill, freewill actually implies, whatever decision you make is devoid of another person’s influence, reward or punishment. The truth of the matter is, an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present God would have averted a lot of mishap that occurred in first few chapters of Genesis. If he couldn’t, I need a convincing answer to believe he is indeed all the aforementioned. To make matters worse, he regretted making man at a certain point and the only way out is to eliminate man from the face of the earth by flood... does that sound like an intelligent being to you, how much more ascribing the aforementioned three to such a being.

Our discussion usually ends with, “God knows best, he alone can answer your question”. Infact, I realize no man can actually answer my questions satisfactorily like God would, hence, I stopped engaging people in religious discussion except you on the other end started it and I would warn you severally about the implication of what you are about to make me do. Cos If I open my mouth to talk, the seed will be sown and there will be no going back.[/b]

blessedvisky:

Please I want you to debunk speaking in tongues as done by your radical friend. I really want to see it. I'll be waiting. Tainz

if i do that, i would do that as christian.. but am not one.. i dnt care .. but i think you should research on that and make your findings known.. Moreover, it would derail my thread and it would cause rancour amonsgt tongue speakers and non-tongue speakers. i dnt want this thread to be such.. I guess you can open a thread for that, i might have an input.. but frankly that your worry as a christian.. i have opted out of the race.

blessedvisky:


Lol. Atheists Muslims and agnostics always claim this.
1) tell us d exact denominations that claim that their denomination is d only way to JESUS.
2) please type just 50 of the 10,000 denominations here for us to see. Pls don't Google it coz cheating might not be wrong to you as you don't believe in "Christianity" anymore. But try and don't cheat. Just name 50 of the 10,000 denominations

WAIT ... ARE YOU SAYING, THERE ARE NO DENOMINATIONS OR THERE ARE NOT AS MUCH AS CLAIMED? THAT WILL HELP ME ANSWER YOUR QUESTION EFFECTIVELY.
for q1: DO YOU BELIEVE IN OLUMBA OLUMBA AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF GOD TO MANKIND? What do you think of Mormons? Do you believe they know, worship or even believe in what you believe as Christians all of you are as a whole.. infact do you acknowledge that they are christians? if you dont mind, i would like to know the brand of christianity you belong to? it will help me hit the nail on the head better. thanks

blessedvisky:


Q1) I guess the proof of the same happening to Christianity are the hilarious atheists on Nairaland. Practical proof of Christianity losing relevance Pls
2) . I don't do the 'extra-biblical materials' thing. If you lost faith coz you believe JESUS was made up, then... But I can argue this no 2 sha, but not tonight. :-{

3) what I meant was followers who did signs and wonders like their master. JESUS healed the sick, his early followers did the same also. Those who remain true to his word are still doing it today.

Fine.. I am gona respect that decision.. i hope somebody is gona learn to do that someday.. thanks for not being insultive. Mind you .. you are yet to point out percieved Insults you complained about.. LETS CONTINUE THE STORY

blessedvisky:

Wow. I must be among the 1% then. Any award? I guess not.
Now among all those that dankol posted, how many of them are still relevant today?.
How many of them have been able influence the whole world up till this age like JESUS?.
How many of them were able to raise followers who were able to duplicate the things their master did?

Pls answer.

Q1: Thats the point, just as they lost their relevance like child's play same is happening to christianity
Q2: Bro, sorry to say this, Jesus was actually a made-up historical figure, a compilation of all the aforementioned. There is no record of his existence outside the bible by people of his own time.. if you got one, pls pop it up.. i would gladly want to read such ancient no-biblical reference
Q3: that is the difference between an organized religion riding on political wings and a casual traditional belief just like that.

CHARLOE:

I bet 99% of xtians (including d troll image123) don't no this). This was a rude shock to me during my own research a few yrs ago.

That one is not as annoying for me as the bible-the purified word of God, infact purified seven times according to psalms. Today, i no longer bother my head, why there is so much denominations.. its a function of how you can interprete the bible to suit you.. Imagine christianity alone having over 10,000 denominations with each claiming to be the only way to Jesus. Let me stop there.. you will get the rest in chapter sixteen.. watchout for THE MULTIVARIATE BODY OF CHRIST

chabod2015:
Hi Dankol.

So sorry about your experience in that church. It's unfortunate that undershephards and stewards consume thw charges they are suppossed to care for.
However, you don't have to allow that sidetrack your walk with the Lord. Within you, there is an intuition of the truth despite the seemingly contradiction.

Believing on Jesus is not about working for Him but rather leaning and learning of Him.

Jesus loves you and died for you.

Cheers

Thanks bro.. but i think you guys are getting me wrong.. If i wanted to leave the church/religion because of the unfortunate events happening, i would have left long ago.. but i came to admit the humanity in our spirituality, hence i ignored all the rubbish, thats why i can tell you all that story. there are other intricate scenerios i would have brought up, but i choose not to. the cause of my leaving religion is based on the scripture inadequacy and the concept of God. that is why i put forward the exerts in blue... See what we are brainwashed to believe as unique about christiandom is actually not true... Dnt worry, my thoughts will help you understand me better, that is if you choose to. mind you, that does not mean you agree with me. Thanks for the invitation, If Jesus loves me, he would have answered my questions..

Did you say leaning on Jesus... i tried it, it got me nothing sir... I am leaning on NO ONE.

Image123:


That is very good to know, don't let those bad eggs(like kalokaloe or what's the name of that fellow) influence you again oh. You failed to answer the cracking questions though.

I guess you are quite good in finding faults with other people's story but never to see the contradiction in your words. Anyway, i just humoured you there. I guess you never saw that but thought it was a compliment. Hmmm..

Don't be ridiculous. What is divine health, and where is it preached in the Bible?
Obeying God gives you good health anyway, and it qualifies you for healing.

THE BOLDENED GOT ME CRACKING ... I am really enjoying this criticism. You make this write up complete sir. More ink to your pen

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART THREE CONTINUED
Another Exert from the book “The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors”
http://infidels.org/library/historical/kersey_graves/16/chap1.html
More than twenty claims of this kind -- claims of beings invested with divine honor (deified) -- have come forward and presented themselves at the bar of the world with their credentials, to contest the verdict of Christendom, in having proclaimed Jesus Christ, "the only son, and sent of God:" twenty Messiahs, Saviors, and Sons of God, according to history or tradition, have, in past times, descended from heaven, and taken upon themselves the form of men, clothing themselves with human flesh, and furnishing incontestable evidence of a divine origin, by various miracles, marvelous works, and superlative virtues; and finally these twenty Jesus Christs (accepting their character for the name) laid the foundation for the salvation of the world, and ascended back to heaven.
1. Chrishna of Hindostan.
2. Budha Sakia of India.
3. Salivahana of Bermuda.
4. Zulis, or Zhule, also Osiris and Orus, of Egypt.
5. Odin of the Scaudinavians.
6. Crite of Chaldea.
7. Zoroaster and Mithra of Persia.
8. Baal and Taut, "the only Begotten of God," of Phenicia.
9. Indra of Thibet.
10. Bali of Afghanistan.
11. Jao of Nepaul.
12. Wittoba of the Bilingonese.
13. Thammuz of Syria.
14. Atys of Phrygia.
15. Xaniolxis of Thrace.
16. Zoar of the Bonzes.
17. Adad of Assyria.
18. Deva Tat, and Sammonocadam of Siam.
19. Alcides of Thebes.
20. Mikado of the Sintoos.
21. Beddru of Japan.
22. Hesus or Eros, and Bremrillah, of the Druids.
23. Thor, son of Odin, of the Gauls.
24. Cadmus of Greece.
25. Hil and Feta of the Mandaites.
26. Gentaut and Quexalcote of Mexico.
27. Universal Monarch of the Sibyls.
28. Ischy of the Island of Formosa.
29. Divine Teacher of Plato.
30.Holy One of Xaca.
31. Fohi and Tien of China.
32. Adonis, son of the virgin Io of Greece.
33. IxiOn and Quirinus of Rome.
34. Prometheus of Caucasus.
35. Mohamud, or Mahomet, of Arabia.
These have all received divine honors, have nearly all been worshiped as Gods, or sons of God; were mostly incarnated as Christs, Saviors, Messiahs, or Mediators; not a few of them were reputedly born of virgins; some of them filling a character almost identical with that ascribed by the Christian's bible to Jesus Christ; many of them, like him, are reported to have been crucified; and all of them, taken together, furnish a prototype and parallel for nearly every important incident and wonder-inciting miracle, doctrine and precept recorded in the New Testament, of the Christian's Savior. Surely, with so many Saviors the world cannot, or should not, be lost.[/b]

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART THREE (CONCLUSION)
In the meantime, my doubt about the church/religion was on the high alert not even when I met more radical Christians in the hostel. My room was like the centre of religious arguments. It was interesting and eye-opening. Until, one day, a radical friend of mine debunked speaking in tongues. I do speak in tongues even for long but not publicly. I read through that stuff, I was like wait, “is there anything in Christianity that has not been debunked or challenged to a reasonable conclusion”. There and there, I told myself, I am gona dig right to the foundation of Christianity. I want to get my facts straight, when I stand up to tell someone, am a believer in Christ and I can defend it with my breath. My dear, I found the opposite, one basic thing Christians use to boast about is about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. I found out, same similar story holds true for some other deities long before him. Coupled with serious historical imbalances in the scripture. I was so so disappointed.

Please read this exert from the book “The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors”
http://infidels.org/library/historical/kersey_graves/16/address.html
The following propositions (fatal to your claims for Christianity) are established beyond confutation by the historical facts cited in this work, viz: --
1. There were many cases of the miraculous birth of Gods reported in history before the case of Jesus Christ.
2. Also many other cases of Gods being born of virgin mothers.
3. Many of these Gods, like Christ, were (reputedly) born on the 25th of December.
4. Their advent into the world, like that of Jesus Christ, is in many cases claimed to have been foretold by "inspired prophets."
5. Stars figured at the birth of several of them, as in the case of Christ.
6. Also angels, shepherds, and magi, or "wise men."
7. Many of them, like Christ, were claimed to be of royal or princely descent.
8. Their lives, like his, were also threatened in infancy by the ruler of the country.
9. Several of them, like him, gave early proof of divinity.
10. And, like him, retired from the world and fasted.
11. Also, like him, declared, "My kingdom is not of this world."
12. Some of them preached a spiritual religion, too, like his.
13. And were "anointed with oil," like him.
14. Many of them, like him, were "crucified for the sins of the world."
15. And after three days' interment "rose from the dead."
16. And, finally, like him, are reported as ascending back to heaven.
17. The same violent convulsions of nature at the crucifixion of several are reported.
18. They were nearly all called "Saviors," "Son of God." "Messiah," "Redeemer," "Lord," &c.
19. Each one was the second member of the trinity of "Father, Son and Holy Ghost."
20. The doctrines of "Original Sin," "Fall of Man," "The Atonement," "The Trinity," "The Word," "Forgiveness," "An Angry God." "Future Endless Punishment," etc., etc. (see the author's "Biography of Satan," were a part of the religion of each of these sin-atoning Gods, as found set forth in several oriental bibles and holy books," similar in character and spirit to the Christian's bible, and written, like it, by "inspired and holy men" before the time of either Christ or Moses (before Moses, in some cases, at least). All these doctrines and declarations, and many others not here enumerated, the historical citations of this work abundantly prove, were taught in various oriental heathen nations centuries before the birth of Christ, or before Christianity, as a religion, was known in the world.
Will you, then, after learning these facts, longer dare assert that Christianity is of divine emanation, or claim a special divine paternity for its author. Only the priest, who loves his salary more than the cause of truth (and I fear this class are numerous,) or who is deplorably ignorant of history will have the effrontery or audacity to do so. For the historical facts herein set forth as clearly prove such assumptions to be false, as figures can demonstrate the truth of any mathematical problem. And no logic can overthrow, and no sophistry can set aside these facts.[/b]

CHARLOE:
@dankol, nice write up so far n very compelling. Plz go ahead n turn it into a book/eBook, more pple nid to hear ur story, cos there are millions of confused pple in ur former shoes. D shackles of religion is bin broken, even d African is beginning to c, praise d lord somebody!
@image123, no nid wasting ur time, u can't stop a moving train, a revival has started.

Thank you boss. I do appreciate

blessedvisky:


Hmmm. The insults have started creeping in Little by little into the story.

Well, I don't know about divine health, coz I know how and what makes people sick (I'm a medical student)
But I can confidently tell you there is divine healing.

I've been healed of GASTRIC ULCER without taking drugs at all before. Of course my Pastor prayed for me and it went. Don't say it's my immune system response coz immune system doesn't have anything to do with it.
If you say divine healing doesn't exist, then you are in for a long thing.

Ps I won't be surprised if Nobody had gotten healed in your (former?) church. God's power doesn't work through unworthy vessels( I mean the leaders of that church you were doing choir master).

I challenge you to read through the book of Acts,taking note of those who did miracles. They were all faithful men given to prayer, fasting, evangelism and were very involved in serving God.

Read about Peter Paul Philip Steven Barnabbas John Silas. All in the book of Acts. They were faithful men to the Lord and his work, not some old folks who didn't want others with potential to become ministers and outshine them.

Apostle James wrote :
James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Now if she( the sick woman) had called for the elders in that your church, do you think anything would have happened?.

But that your Pastor sef gan. I'm sure he was just an administrative Pastor i.e appointed Pastor . As believers, when we make vows, we are supposed to keep them!!
Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Ecclesiastes 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

That Pastor seriously lacks some basic Christian knowledge. Till today, if someone asks me for money and I don't have it, I will not promise it to you. That's lying on your Pastor's part.
Apostle James says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Your Pastor needs to read that
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Peace
✌

Seriously, can you please point out where i insulted anyone? i would like take note and appologize if deem fit.
Fine being a medical student makes this easier and its baffling hear from a medical student who believes in divine healing not profession-wise but religious-wise. Fine.. can we start from the definition of both terms
"divine" - of, from, or like God or a god. and
"healing".- the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.
Combine both: the process of making or becoming sound or healthy from God. pardon if my combination seems rough
Now, the implication of the above statement is.. IF GOD CREATED ALL HUMAN, HE DID NOT CREATE US PERFECT (this negates the scripture)
ALSO A PERFECT CREATOR PURPOSELY CREATED AN IMPERFECT BEING TO SUBJECT THEM TO DIVINE HEALING (maybe as a means to keep them subject to him)- if that is the case, then, all those subject to this creator ought not to suffer sickness atleast not for long because they are loyal, obedient subject and hence they get rewarded for it.
Now you mentioned how you were healed of some stomach issue.. may i remind you, something similar killed a bossom friend of mine, a devot christian to the best of my knowledge. Must your pastor pray for you to get healed? how many of such cases of healing can you confirm to be true. Sorry to say, yours is just one percieved healing out of several unhealed fellas. I challenge you to prove the divine healing theory, pick a patient you know is at critical stage and take him to your pastor for healing.. If such happens, pls come here with evidence (video).
Let me give you my testimony, For the past six years, I have never used drugs when i fall sick. I just get healed naturally after two days rest with good food. No pastor's prayer, no personal prayer nor religious activities attached.. What do you call that?

Bro, i did not write this story to convert anyone, pls hold on to whatever religious theory you have. Moreso, i gave the theory, the benefit of the doubt in question two. Dont you have response for that?

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART TWO COUNTUNEEED
Back to my story, about 2 months later, this lady showed up in church. I was shocked to see her because, for me, I would not go back to that church. But I was impressed, she was not angry with anyone but infact grateful to God for restoring her life. I was thinking, why did that God not restore you here before you left for god-knows-where, and you came back to praise the God who could not save you here where you worship him. Well, thank God, she is hale and hearty, that’s the most important thing.

But within me, I was feeling bad and I decided to compensate her for the negligence of the church. During that time, we had a concert which marked my actual leaving of the church workforce. Part of the proceedings from the concert was used to buy provisions for her. Moreso, I ensured that, the choir went to know her place and we merry with the family, prayed for her and the family. It was a great feeling to love and be loved. Till today, that lady always greet me with both knees on the ground and has developed a very keen interest in my welfare.
The concert I mentioned above, was the last major activity I was involved with in the church. What happened? The choir began to put the concert together with the consent of the church management. So we brought our estimation to the pastor at first, he promised to support us with 50% of it. I was glad. So preparation was in earnest. So a week to the D-day, we began to seek fund. I went to the pastor, he began to give me excuses.. ehmm the church is looking for money to complete the land money bla bla bla . I told him, this concert had been in the pipeline for long and that the amount we need is not even what anyone would think twice before giving us. He said, he can’t guarantee they will give us a kobo. I said, fine. I walked straight to the choir and informed them, “We are no longer having the concert. It is cancelled till further notice”.

Every member of the choir rose against that decision and that, they will fund it, if the church would not. I felt so bad and angry at the church and thinking, “is there anything, just one thing the church can do for her people”-mind you this may not be generalized to some churches which are a bit more responsive to her members. This concert is not in my name, it’s in the church’s name, glory will be to the church. So even to fund a program on behalf of the church, a program they want, but not ready to fund. I told myself, its high time left. I can’t cope anymore with this shit called working in the church or working for God.

Now it was because, the church had no hand in the funding that made them agree that, the proceedings will not be taken from the choir. It was used to settle some debts, appreciate that lady and the change left in the choir purse. After that concert, I told the pastor, I needed to rest and I will no longer be active as usual. Now, let me say, as soon as I assumed being the MD, I took up responsibility to put more time in church activities. So I am not withdrawing partially like before, I am withdrawing totally but not immediately. Moreover, it affected my CGPAseriously.

Afterall, I will be due for Internship soon. So I urge the pastor to begin the search for a replacement. Well, I already have one in mind. At first, he would not agree, I leave. But later when he barely sees me in church, he called me one Sunday, I went to church and asked me to give him a replacement, which I did. And immediately, I was relieved.[/b]

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART TWO CONTINUM
I faced the choir squarely and began some reformations. There were a lot of factions in the choir. I ensured I killed the factions and promote love through weekly visitation to member houses and things improved. But something was missing. The church has developed an i-don’t-care attitude towards her needy members and infact she is milking them of the little they have. 90% of the choir consist of students seriously having one or two challenges ranging from finance to in-house issues but what do we hear every Sunday, if it is not tithe, it is seed sowing, or covenant seed, or giving to God. No practicality of what is being preached.

There was this quiet lady who was consistent in church, barely comes late to church. Though I noticed her but I was in my own world too anyway but I do know that’s going on around me. Suddenly, we no longer see her for over a month. I began to make enquiry. Lo and behold! No one in the church knew where she lives. I was furious. I mean, not one soul has an idea. Something then struck me, that even I, myself, since I came to the church, no one knows where I live, yea though in the hostel but no one knows the room nor have even attempt visiting me.

I began to make enquiry about her, I got no concrete information but it was confirmed, she was severely sick and out of town for treatment. Also it came to my notice that, she had been meeting with the pastor for prayers over her sickness but nothing happened until it became severe and her parents took her somewhere unknown to get cure for her. So God cannot even have pity on his faithfuls. Because since 2010, I have not had any reason to use major drugs- let me clarify what I mean by major drugs, I mean, tablets and what have you. I take fruits instead. I do fall sick but I do not use drugs before I get well. In two-three days, I would be just fine.

Then, I used to think, it is divine health- My dear, it is not divine health, it is a function of healthy habits, strong immune system amongst other things. That reminds me of the day I engaged a brother in church about the dogma of divine health. It was not funny when he resorted to blind belief in it. I told him, I am not trying to convince him, I am only refuting him. My take on divine health is this: if you say you have divine health, the questions you need to answer are as follows;

1. Have you ever fallen sick before no matter how minute since you are in Christ? -afterall, only faithful Christians enjoy divine health. I know the answer is NO. Then, it is flawed because, one having divine health actually implies, you can’t be ill since you are divine health-wise. Thus when, you fall sick, or feel depressed, or feel sad, or feel emotional, all are symptoms of several different kind of unhealthiness. And I am 100% sure, at one time or the other, we have and we still do feel these things. So, sorry, you do not have divine health. Even the major promoter of that dogma almost lost his wife some years ago- (funny isn’t it)-Divine health indeed! Mind you, there is nothing like divine healing too cos in the first place, anything divine ought not to be subjected to anything un-divine such as sickness. So, the word “divine” negates and implicates the healing. Healing has to do with restoration to good health (which ought to be divine) meaning there is a deviation from the divine nature. And all things being equal, it is not possible. Like I said, earlier, there is nothing divine about health.

2. Let’s assume there is divine health, all things being equal, all faithful Christians should exhibit it as a natural inheritance. Please, don’t tell me you have to invoke/command/pray it from the word of God and whatever your faith-healing pastor has brain-washed you with because, you did not invoke/command/pray puberty, growth and many other natural things that happens to us. Why should divine health be exceptional amongst other vital things we need.[/b]

blessedvisky:


As I said before, it's your church that had problems
They were carnal, jealous, you can see that easily yourself.

As my Pastor would say, there are more administrative pastors than spiritual ones.
Thank God you are yoruba. I'm sure you must seen or heard of cases where elders, deacons, pastors, coordinators etc have been ordained, not for their labour for Christ, but for the money and material wealth they possess.

We both know that this is wrong and anti-christian. It has nothing to do with God or his word.

Also, care must be taken about the Pastor of a church. The most important person in a church is d shepherd/Pastor. A case where pastors are frequently transferred to and from your local assembly is detrimental to growth. A Pastor is d one responsible for the growth of a particular assembly.

When the pastors are transferred frequently, what happens us that cabals begin to form in that church, and they become so strong that any new and inexperienced Pastor transferred there will find it difficult to control them. He will have to bow to them

I am still gonna reply you with what i said earlier, but this time not as a question but as an observation. The function of the holy spirit, newness of life and what have you that makes you have a spiritual edge over an unbeliever is almost null because at one point in time the human nature sets in. hence, pastors default, members default.. How is then perfect.. who is then actually saved because, if you ask Apostle John, he said, HE THAT IS BORN OF GOD, SINNETH NOT, ask Jesus, he said, YOU CANT PUT A NEW WINE IN AN OLD WINE SKIN, hence, jesus has cleansed you and made you a new wine skin thats why you are a new creature, OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY, you are brand new. So tell me, how does a brand new soul, person, still exhibit old tendencies? What value is this newness if indeed i cant be holy for 24hours and till forever? So if these pastors are exhibiting an unchristian characteristics.. it means only one thing.. something is definitely wrong with the message, not the carrier. cos the carrier is a function of the message.The message ought to preserve the carrier- if you need a clue (Watch bulletproof monk movie)

i cant wait to know thw outcome of this 21st century Elijah-like contest. am following bumper to bumper

Image123:


That has always been your problem. You are looking at man for salvation, you are looking for the man to follow or not follow. If you had looked at Jesus more, you would have been saved and been a true christian today, instead of a confused soul.

Are you stalking my post now...Seriously, I am humbled to know some persons cant just ignore my posts thats none of their business. I think, my ignoring you at my threadis really biting you hard. Bro, let me advice you, look up to Jesus, and let me look up to any fellaiwish to look up to.. I do not think that is too much to ask.. Thank you very seriously

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART TWO
Not quite long, a new pastor was transferred to the church. A very spiritual yet radical man. I did not know what he saw in me. But he was a major factor why I was still in the faith till then. He did something that caused a lot of rancor and issues for me. Now, what happened was this, the first Sunday morning, the new pastor worshiped with us, I was the one who lead praise/worship during the worker’s meeting. So when it was service time, someone else was scheduled to lead in praise/worship. But about 5mins into the ministration, the pastor signaled the MD to change the person leading in song. And my MD asked me to take over. I did reluctantly. Since that day, he had consistently interfered in the schedule of the choir insisting that, it was either I or the choir master- bro E. I was not comfortable with that arrangement but this pastor had his way- he is the boss.

More antagonism rose against me within the choir. I do not know if it was so for Bro E but one thing about me is, provided am not guilty, I don’t care. The new pastor was on my neck wanting me to be at every program. I told him it’s not possible, firstly, am a student and secondly, I fend for myself. He first threatened me but I told him, I do not have problem leaving the workforce. I would gladly do that if they can’t bear me with my inconsistency. I can’t leave a job hanging just to come see your beautiful faces at my own detriment. Those days are long gone.

There was one vigil program that was held in church and this invited guest had a prophecy for me. The summary of the prophecy was that, “I would be a great man of God”. I was like, me, a pastor, last thing I want to be. Go and hear well. It is not for me. I did not even bother myself but I notice the way people were looking at me from thence forth was different, see respect, I was embarrassed. The following Sunday, pastor announced that I and two other fellows have been promoted to become Ministers. It was a shock to me, how, when, and why were running through my mind. Since the pastor had so much influence on me, he convinced me to accept the offer. I did, as it came with a position too at the choir, I became choir master 1, bro E-choir master 2. I was made his boss automatically by virtue of me being a minister. This ministerial stuff brought more respect to me, gossips about me went down fast because of “touch not my anointed”. See even if you do not want to be proud as a pastor, the way people treat you like ‘tin god’ is enough to make you proud and mess with their minds. Especially when you are scandal-free.

My being minster was a blow on some ordained minister’s face because even as a new minister, my name was frequent on the roaster than some of them. I never knew most of them were not happy about it until the pastor was transferred and the heat was turned on me. As soon as the pastor left, by then, I had assume the position of MD, I was side-lined from happenings in the church, not called for meetings-though I was not moved by that. But the event that made me resigned the minister-ship was, one Sunday morning, at the worker’s meeting, when the new pastor requested that I lead in prayer. Now, I am someone who do not write prayer points before I pray. It flows naturally into my medulla oblongata. All I need is a bible verse or passage to start with and that’s how I do mine. So as soon as the pastor informed me that it was time to pray, I picked my bible as usual and was about to go to the alter to lead in prayer. One of the ministers cornered me, forcefully collected my bible and told me to go up there to pray and not to preach. It was so fast that, no one noticed it and I do not want to create a scene, I left without the bible to the altar. I was already destabilized, I did my best but after that, that was the last time I went up to that alter to do anything outside to sing.
Now, see the analysis, this Yoruba boy don do do do, overtake everyone for choir, now he is the MD in 2 ½ years. He has infiltrated the Pastorage, if we let him, we all shall be doing “sir” to him. So they began to frustrate my effort. And to avoid more embarrassment, I quit joining them for anything. I was never interested in the first place and I think what triggered that ministerial move from the pastor was that prophecy. Which I later confirmed, it was.[/b]

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PART ONE CONTINUE
By the beginning of my third year, I had removed most of my inhibition from being curious. I channeled my time and resources to differentiating between Christ’s doctrine and the church dogma. I vehemently stood against dogmas of my church and frequently engage my music director then. My music director was interested in me since the first day I rehearsed with them. I had no issues with him but when I began to think about how to survive, I was less frequent in rehersals, he began to follow me up. And I told him the situation. I can’t be spending all my non-lecture hours in church and the church do not care what I pass through. I have to fend for myself. So he was very understanding that, he requested that, no matter how tight my schedule is, I should come around to church even if I have to come late for rehersals which I agreed to. Here was the beginning of issues for me at the church.

Now, the choir has a constitution binding on all, one of the rules was on late-coming which one is being punished for. But with my understanding with the director, I was exempted. Na so mouth start to wag oooo. “Why will the director exempt him? Is it because he can sing? Favoritism in church heh?”. I told the Music director, I will refer to him as MD, from henceforth, that, I would partake of the punishment, I don’t like what people are saying, it is the truth but they do not know what predicated upon that decision. So, I began to partake in the punishment whenever I go late.

Now, with all humility, I would like to make this observation, I realize that my intrusion into that choir sparked a lot of things among which was self-realization and a kind of competition. When, I came into the choir, I brought in some ideas-like change song patterns and re-mixing of songs etc. Also, I noticed that after I began to lead in praise/worship, about two other persons learnt how I do things and began to do all I do. It paid off because, in no distant time, they became good as I was but, unfortunately for them, my MD preffered me to all others. But I encouraged them to work on themselves better. Soon, pride set into one of them because he was getting famous than I am sef. Before you could say, jack, he was made choir master. That was because, I successfully dodged it anyway due to my inconsistency. I tutor many of them to become better and work on themselves. A few actually improved and it was a healthy competition but not devoid of rumors and gossips.[/b]

blessedvisky:


Sorry to say, but your church was a terribly backslidden one going by your story. Let's see what the Bible says shall we??
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Besides Jesus said it will be easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into God's Kingdom.

So you see that it was d church that had fault, they had d love of money in their eyes.

Let me break protocol because of your manner of approach, These guys are not blind to the verses you quoted, but use it to suit their insatiable greed. I agree with you that the church had the fault but seriously i do not blame anyone for anything that happend to me. It made me stronger, independent and bold to do those things i would not hae done in the first place. Frankly from my perspective, there is not one church that is fautless, that makes me curious about which or what body of christ jesus will come to take to heaven. because, the bible affirms he is coming to take a spotless, faultless, stainless church. and like you will see later in my story, i asked, what is the impact of the holy spirit, prayers, fasting and what have you, that ought to keep christians in total alignemnt to Christ if the aforementions depends on man's willingness and yieldiness. Man naturally cannot do good except he is constrained by one phenomenon or the other to do good. So if as a christian, after all the filling of the holy spirit, praying, digesting the word and all of that, i still lie, cheat, give and recieve bribe, amongst others. Where is the impact?

blessedvisky:
Post the proposal oo. I'll be needing it. I don't know how to talk to girls

I would love to but pardon me, i wont.

blessedvisky:


Why did you put that part.? What's wrong with you? I shouted loud and dropped my phone while reading that part. Now I'm in trouble.

You got me cracking bro.. any way am sorry if it scared you.

[b]CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF RELIGION IN ME
PART ONE
Things were pretty rough for me at the start of being an undergraduate but I was as churchy as ever. Infact, the week I stepped into school, I joined a local branch of the church I attended and the following week, I joined the choir. As time went, my dad could not keep up with the monthly feeding allowance he ought to give. I survived based on goodwill from colleagues and friends. I recall, one of my very close female friend brought food for me one night, and my roommates were shouting that I should not eat the food that it contains “love portion”.

That statement made me more eager to eat the food sef. Many offers came my way to write exams for others, jamb, pume amongst others. I would vehemently refuse it. Though even now, I will still not accept such offer as a principle but not due to a religious belief anymore. I needed money to survive, I had this mentality that, since I was working for God, he would meet my needs. Yea, he ought to but he would not come down to give me money or food or clothing or whatever my need could be. He would use human like me to bless me. But then, with or without comfort or help from anyone, I continued steadfast in the faith. At the beginning of year 2, I could not pay fees, and it is expected that one ought to pay within two weeks or pay extra two thousand naira in another two weeks addition.

I went to do laundry with someone, where I got ¼ of my school fees. I ran to the church to LEND me some money and that I would repay back because that was the agreement, I had with my dad. But the pastor told me same old story “no money, blab bla bla”. I was broken inside of me. I felt used. I am not asking to be given, but to lend. I am not a new person in church, infact not only actively consistent but well known member of the choir. That Sunday morning, I spoke with the pastor and he answered negative. I could not stay in church, my heart was heavy. I went back to the hostel to cry my heart out in the toilet. I looked back and came to realize that, I am just a tool in the church and the day I become useless, I am disposed.

The church is not really after your service but your money. That is why they honour the rich more than anyone who is doing the so called 'working for God'. They will tell you, these fellas are serving God with their money. Fine, does that make them better than you, but i put it to you, your pastor spend seeral hours praying for them than you, that is if the pastor remember you. I recall, a vigil i was invited to minister with the choir back in the days, 90% of all the prayers made were for the FINANCIERS OF THE CHURCH. At a point i stopped praying and looked at people beside me, to my far left was a guy praying fervently, hitting the wall, behind me was another elderly woman, she so looks wealthy. thefunny thing is, she sat down and was just saying something in the form of prayer i guess. i just shook my head and said within myself, "See one of those we are praying for sit down and me dey here dey nak head for wall, sweating like christmas goat". I confirmed later , she infact is the one we were praying for. A very powerful woman working in the state government. Mind you, am not against one giving to God, if you so believe but like i would always aske tithers, 'WOULD GOD COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH BULLION VAN TO CART AWAY YOUR GIFT, TITHE, OFFERING, SEED AND WHAT HAVE YOU?'

But my challenge was, if I decide to pick a job, I would not have time to serve God as much as I ought to but in the light of recent event. I told myself, “I do not care anymore, I have to survive and to do that, I need something to bring me income whether it clashes with church activities or not. God should understand my situation”.[/b]