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This write-up is not for atheists, unbelievers or narrow-minded believers. It is for open-minded believers who are willing to learn and share knowledge. If you are an atheist or unbeliever, the first thing you need to do is to acknowledge God, repent of your sins, and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Saviour and Lord.

Time is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us all.

This write-up is not a monopoly of knowledge on the subject matter


THE ORIGIN OF JESUS CHRIST

Someone once said this concerning Jesus Christ: ‘He never wrote a single book, but the libraries of the world put together cannot contain all the books that have been written about Him.’

Without the shadow of a doubt, the origin of Jesus Christ is another great mystery. His origin is actually the main reason for the dividing lines that cut across different religions and denominations.
I have discovered that even in Christianity, the subject of Christ’s origin has been downplayed. Most people are quick to say that He is the Word of God. Most people are quick to quote JOHN 1:1. But no one – at least not to my knowledge – has explicitly proven or shown where Christ comes from.

Yes, it is true that He is the spoken Word of God, and Scripture, from GENESIS to REVELATION confirms this. That’s fine. But then, the sad thing is that for a lot of people that settles it. They are satisfied that Christ is the spoken Word of God. For them, it is enough; for me it is not.

Did you know that there have been – and there still are – various schools of thought on the origin and person of Christ? However, there is one that I find most disturbing. I am particularly troubled by those who hold the doctrine that Jesus was initially one of the angels in Heaven who obtained great favor with God and was eventually anointed, exalted and given great power and authority above his fellows.

This sect, without mincing words, affirmatively states that Michael – the Arch Angel – is Jesus. They even back their claims with quotes from Scripture. According to them, in DANIEL 12:1 Arch Angel Michael was referred to as a Great Prince. We know that one of Christ’s divine titles, according to ISAIAH 9:6, is The Prince of Peace. These people, having established a relationship between these parts of Scripture, strongly conclude that both beings are one and the same. This, however, is a grave error.

Michael is an angelic warrior, highly regarded by God and well respected by his fellow angels – arch and otherwise. If Michael was not highly revered, then he wouldn’t have been given the privilege of leading the battle in REVELATION 12:7. Michael might be a lot of things. But, one, sure thing he is not…is the Savior – our Lord Jesus Christ.

Another sect – and this is absolutely ridiculous – has gone as far as suggesting, with impunity, that God certainly must have had a wife (perhaps one of the Female Angels). Driven by logic, they reason that it is impossible to have a child – a son – without the involvement of a woman. Christ, according to them, came into the world (the first time), through a woman; yes, a woman who ‘knew’ no man, but still a woman. These people quote REVELATION 12:1-17 to back their claims. Indeed, how ludicrous.

Unknown to them, the woman in REVELATION 12 is neither God’s wife nor Christ’s original mother. What we have in this part of Scripture is simply a symbolic representation of the great role women play in God’s agenda for mankind.

As a matter of fact, it has been well said that women are the bedrock of any society. For many centuries we have had – and continue to have – men, leaders, who have accomplished outstanding feats, in their various chosen fields, all over the world. This is in addition to men who, in their various capacities as ministers of the gospel, have powerfully moved mountains for God.
Without the woman the entire concept of procreation would merely be a huge joke. Without the woman, society as it is today won’t even exist.

Other schools of thought, regarding Christ’s origin, are at least honest with their theories. Some of them have said they have absolutely no idea whatsoever. While others have simply concluded that it is a mystery that would never be unraveled.

Having considered some of these different schools of thought, I would like to state here that contrary to the belief of a particular sect, which I’d forebear to mention, Christ was not created by God. I repeat: Christ was not created by God.

This sect believes that Christ, since He was created by God, is not, has never been, and will never be, equal to God. They readily accept and hold on to the biblical fact that Christ is the Son of God.

While it is true that He is the Son of God, it is however not true that He was created by God. Not being created by God makes Him equal to God. I’d explain this better as I write. But, first, let me answer the burning question: how – and from where – did Christ originate? I firmly believe that Scripture is undoubtedly clear on this. Turn with me to what I consider to be a rather strange passage; strange in the sense that millions of people, religious or otherwise, even renowned Bible scholars do not understand or grasp the fundamental and eternal message and truth it conveys. The Scriptures, in JOHN 16:27, says, “For the Father Himself loveth you because ye have loved me, and believed that I CAME OUT FROM GOD.” That is it. He CAME OUT FROM GOD. This is a very deep spiritual mystery.

Please, don’t get the impression that the above verse of Scripture talks about Christ being SENT by God into the world. No, that is not what it means. Verse 28 of that same chapter clarifies that.

This is neither an interpretation nor a translation error. The words ‘came out from’ and ‘came forth from’ are two entirely different things. They are both one of the easiest Greek words to be translated into the English tongue. So the question of interpretation and translation error is completely ruled out. Also read JOHN 17: 8.

Jesus Christ CAME directly OUT of God. This revelation points to the fact that He, unlike the angels and other Host of Heaven, was not created by God.

Listen to this: God spoke the Angels and other Heavenly Host into existence; but Christ, on the inexplicable basis of an immutable accordance, and in due time, emerged OUT of God – PROVERBS 8:22. It says, “The Lord (God) possessed me in the beginning…” In other words, He is God’s facsimile; His clone. This, like I said, is a very deep spiritual mystery. Scripture calls Him the EXPRESS IMAGE OF…THE INVISIBLE GOD – HEBREWS 1: 3, COLOSSIANS 1: 15.

He told the Jews – especially the Pharisees – that, “As the father knoweth me, even so know I the father.” – JOHN 10:15. They didn’t quite understand what He meant by that. He also told them that “I and my father are one” – JOHN 10:30. This confused and in turn irked them further, because, they, acting under the influence of their father, the devil, were already searching for ways to dishonor and kill Him – MATTHEW 12:14; 21:46; 22:15, MARK 11:18, LUKE 20:19-20, JOHN 5:18; 8:37, 40, 49; 10:30, 31.

Christ is indeed the Word – the Spoken Word – of God. He came alive and became a Living Soul. He was (and is) God – JOHN 1:1. Remember, I said that Lucifer, and the other angels, existed before Christ. Well, the truth is: He has been there all the while – inside God. In fact, Heaven, the angels, earth, the other planets, and every other thing you can think of were made by him – COLOSSIANS 1:16. He existed with God, in God, from the beginning, from everlasting – PROVERBS 8:22-29.

He is equal to God; He is God. They are one and the same – JOHN 10: 30. Christ is God and God is Christ. We don’t have to understand it; we just have to receive and accept it. Hallelujah!

To take it further, while running the risk of being labeled a heretic, I’d like us to carefully read PHILIPPIANS 2: 9-10, which says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus, EVERY knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that EVERY tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”

When it says: at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven…and that every tongue should confe


Regardless of the actual origin of Jesus Christ, the real question is: Have you made Him your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t…right now is another opportunity for you to do so.

This write-up is not for atheists, unbelievers or narrow-minded believers. It is for open-minded believers who are willing to learn and share knowledge.

If you are an atheist or unbeliever, the first thing you need to do is to acknowledge God, repent of your sins, and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Saviour and Lord.

Time is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us all.

This write-up is not a monopoly of knowledge on the subject matter.

This is not a conspiracy theory…it is simply the written expressions of someone who has spent the last 20 years observing and studying world events relating to this particular issue. And I’m still studying and observing.

WHEN EXACTLY WILL THE WORLD END?

This is a most fascinating debate that runs through every sect – religious and otherwise – in the world. Believers, as well as unbelievers, are very much interested in knowing when the world, our world, will finally cease to exist.

Far gone are the days when it was believed that the world, as we know it, would continadically altered to fully reflect God’s infinite glory.

So, the pertinent question now is: When will it all be over?

Over the years we have had predictions in this regard; various times have been specifically mentioned. You can find all the predicted dates, so far, on the internet, on Wikipedia and other related websites. The list is simply exhaustive.

However, I believe one prediction that really took the world by storm, judging by its seeming accuracy, was: December 21, 2012.

A lot of people, all over the world, earnestly looked forward, with different dispositions, to this remarkable time.

Interestingly, to the regret, and of course relief, of many, the world did not end on December 21, 2012. But, the year 2012 did something quite remarkable. Now, in biblical terms, a generation equals to 40 years. The year 2012, I believe, marked the end of a generation. On the other hand, the year 2013 ushered in a new generation – the final generation for mankind. Yes, I believe the world will end sometime within this generation.

Like I said earlier, the revelation of the antichrist will initiate the second coming of Christ, and this will ultimately pave way for the end of the world as we know it.

The number 12, like 7, is divine. It signifies wholeness, completion, a fini

It must be noted, however, that only God reserves the divine prerogative to alter the course of events leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ – in terms of extending earth’s present existence.

But, going by current negative happenings around the world (including the presence of the antichrist) I don’t think the possibility of such an extension exists.

Over the years several people have been perceived to be the antichrist. On the internet you’ll find some of those who have been pointed out as the Man of Sin – II THESSALONIANS 2:4.

But the answer to the question: I

While I’ll mention no names…below are what I believe to be the characteristics of the antichrist.

On a final note, antichrist or no antichrist, the important thing is that we should be prepared for the rapture and look forward to spending eternity with our Heavenly Father.

Available on Ceeworks Books: Follow the link below. It is secured by Paystack.

https://ceeworksbooks.com.ng/books.html?store-page=Lucifer-Unscripted-p217039912

There are three schools of thought when it comes to the rapture and great tribulation.

* Pre-Great Tribulation (rapture before the great tribulation)

* Mid-Great Tribulation (rapture during the great tribulation)

* Post-Great Tribulation (rapture after the great tribulation)


I belong to the first school of thought because, like I said in the write-up, God has not appointed His children to wrath (neither His...nor that of the antichrist).
Either way...the three schools of thought believe in the rapture. So, whether it's before, during or after...the key thing is for us to be ready...and not miss it for anything.

This write-up is not for atheists, unbelievers or narrow-minded believers. It is for open-minded believers who are willing to learn and share knowledge.

If you are an atheist or unbeliever, the first thing you need to do is to acknowledge God, repent of your sins, and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Saviour and Lord.

Time is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us all.

This write-up is not a monopoly of knowledge on the subject matter



To answer the question raised in topic we’ll consider the following topics, first, as it is related to the main topic...which comes last in this write-up.


THE SPIRITS CHRIST PREACHED TO IN PRISON (HELL)

I PETER 3:19 is a rather interesting part of Scripture. It reads, “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” This Scripture, no doubt, refers to Christ. Specifically it refers to an event that took place after Christ’s death on the cross. Please understand that the word ‘prison’ here is actually translated as ‘hell.’ Also read EPHESIANS 4:8-9.

So, Christ went to hell, after His death, and preached to some spirits. For many years I wondered at the relevance of this Scripture. I had no idea what it means; and I’ve never had anyone really explain it to me – until recently when the Holy Spirit did.

You see, the word ‘hell’ remains a source of doctrinal controversy. Interestingly, in the Scriptures, hell is translated to mean different things. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word Sheol means hell. Now the King James Version translates Sheol as Grave (31 times), Hell (31 times), and Pit (3 times).
The hell mentioned in GENESIS 37:35, JOB 14:13; 3:11-19, ECCLESIATES 9:10 and PSALM 31:17, refers to the grave, where a man’s physical body is buried.

However, the hell mentioned in JOB 33:18, 28 and LUKE 16:23, refers to the pit, where the soul of an unbeliever goes to, on being separated from the body. This is the hell Christ went and preached in.

Hell is a place of temporary and light discomfort. But, the lake of fire burning with brimstone is a place of eternal and horrid torment. Yes, there is hell, and then there is the lake of fire burning with brimstone – REVELATION 19:20; 20:10, 15. The devil, his demons, the antichrist, his false prophet (the person who will head the new world order religion), death and hell (actually the demons in charge of both) and sadly, many unbelieving people, will be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Another significant thing I want to talk about is that there is a marked difference between Heaven (God’s Kingdom) and Paradise. Before His crucifixion Christ had constantly used the word, Heaven – MATTHEW 4:17; 5: 20; 6:20; 7:21; 10:7, MARK 13:32, LUKE 10:21, JOHN 6:51. But in LUKE 23:43, while He was on the cross, He expressly assured the repentant criminal that “…verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” There’s no mistake about it. The word Paradise, used here, is not an interpretation error. Paradise is simply a temporary state of perfect happiness. So, there is a distinctive difference between Heaven and Paradise.

Presently, there is no unbeliever in the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And there is no believer in Heaven. Every dead unbeliever is currently in hell. And every dead believer is presently in paradise. A good illustration of this is seen in the story of Lazarus and the rich man in LUKE 16:22. It mentions the fact that after Lazarus’ death, he was carried by some angels into Abraham’s bosom…and not into Heaven. Abraham is not in Heaven; he, like other believers, is in a temporary state of perfect happiness in paradise. On the other hand the rich man opened his eyes in hell.
So, Jesus preached to the spirits in hell. Who are these spirits? They are the spirits of all unbelievers who died from the time of Adam, till before Christ began His earthly ministry. These people died without really knowing who Christ is. Of course, all the believers, already in paradise before Jesus commenced His earthly ministry, now know who Jesus is because they have seen Him in the spirit realm.

Now, we know that Christ died for the whole world. But the only way to actually validate this was to reveal Himself to every unsaved soul in hell. But we are told that He preached to them. In other words, He presented them with another opportunity for repentance. But, they are already spirits…and Scripture tells us that it is appointed unto men to die, and once after death, comes judgment – HEBREWS 9:27. And, like I stated earlier, God is not the author of confusion – I CORINTHIANS 14:33. So, for this group of people to make use of this amazing opportunity, they will have to do so in the flesh; in other words, they will be resurrected and returned to earth. Is this possible? REVELATION 20:5 says it is.

Please, read REVELATION 20:1-15 with divine inspiration. The millennial reign will take place after the great tribulation. The devil and his demons will be bound for a thousand years. Christ and all believers (who have died from the beginning of the world till the end of the great tribulation) will reign on earth.

After the thousand-year reign, two things will happen. One: the group of unbelievers I mentioned earlier will be sent back to earth to prove their loyalty to Christ. Two: the devil and his demons will be released from their bottomless prison to prove these particular unbelievers. Sadly, many of them will fall for the devil’s deception, again – REVELATION 20: 8-10.



CHRIST’S SECOND COMING

This is an event that every true Christian believer, in every nation of the world, is earnestly and patiently waiting for. The Scriptures contain several references to support the actualization of this long-awaited manifestation. Christ is coming again. This is an unquestionable fact. Regardless of what anyone might think or say, He is coming again – even sooner than we think. Over the years, we have had – and still have – scoffers and mockers whose central aim is to deceive people – even Spirit-filled Christians – into believing that Christ’s Second Advent is nothing more than a lie, a grand deception. Apostle Peter warned against such people in II PETER 3:3-5.

One of the core points of arguments – by these people – can be found in MATTHEW 24:34, which says, “Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away till all these things be fulfilled.” Also read MARK 13:30.

Now, in MATTHEW 24 and MARK 13, Jesus told His disciples about His second coming. He took time to really explain the situations, circumstances, and signs that would precede His second coming. However, in verses 34 and 30 of MATTHEW 24 and MARK 13, it appeared that the prophecy of the second coming was to be fulfilled within the generation of the apostles back then. As a result of this, a lot of people (past and present) have wrongly assumed that since the prophecy wasn’t fulfilled back then, it never would. In essence, Christ lied.

Sadly, so many books have been written to discredit Christ; His person; His ministry and everything He stands for. It is most unfortunate that people have allowed themselves to be used as instruments and tools of disorder and devastation. It is a pity that these people are serving a master that has led, and continues to lead, many to a place of perpetual torment.

Let me make this very clear: Christ did not lie, has never lied, and will never lie! When He said, “This generation,” He was only making reference to the (future) generation in which His second coming would take place. The signs of His second coming are being fulfilled from generation to generation; but the second coming proper will take place during a ‘particular’ generation. And I can tell you this, with deep conviction: we are already in this particular generation – because every prophecy concerning the second coming of Christ has been fulfilled – with the exception of just one: the revelation of Satan’s son, his prince, otherwise known as the antichrist – II THESSALONIANS 2:1-4. And from what I was told I believe he is already in the world. And what’s more; his revelation will set into immediate motion the second coming of Christ – II THESSALONIANS 2:3.



WILL THE CHURCH EXPERIENCE THE GREAT TRIBULATION?

The debate whether true believers will experience the great tribulation or not rages on. Essentially, there are two schools of thought in this regard. On one end of the spectrum are those who believe that true believers will experience the great tribulation before the second coming of Christ. This group of people does not believe in the concept of the rapture. For them, Christ will return for His people at the end of the great tribulation.

Conversely there are those who believe the rapture will take place before the great tribulation commences. In fact, some of those in this group are of the opinion that true Christians will not witness the revelation of the antichrist – the son of Satan – who will initiate the great tribulation.

Remarkably both sides of the divide are holding on resolutely to their convictions with appropriate scriptural references to support their claims.
For years I have pondered this same thing: will the Church be subjected to the intense sufferings that will characterize the great tribulation? I mean…for centuries Christians have been persecuted in many dreadful ways. God’s people have been experiencing all kinds of tribulations – even to the extent of paying the ultimate sacrifice: death. Read ROMANS 8:3-38.

Many Christians have laid (and continue to lay) down their lives for Jesus. They have been crucified, burnt alive, hanged by the neck, torn to pieces by lions, beaten and stoned to death, thrown down from very high points, poisoned, tied to vehicles and dragged along sharp and rocky paths, buried alive, beheaded, etc. So, I asked myself, “Will experiencing the same horrible things – I believe some of us are already familiar with or even inured to – during the great tribulation be any different?”

But then, let’s bear in mind that there is a huge, remarkable difference between ‘tribulations’ and the ‘great tribulation.’ In MATTHEW 24:21 Jesus Himself described the great tribulation as, “…such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” In other words, whatever we might have gone through, or are presently going through, as Christians…it is nothing compared to the scale of horror that the antichrist will unleash upon the world during the period of the great tribulation.

So, my answer to the question, will true Christians experience the great tribulation is… no?! And I will tell you why.

It all begins and ends with the divine number 3.

I JOHN 5:7-8 says, “There three things that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these agree in one.”

There are three batches/categories of true believers or saints when it comes to God’s program for the end of our world.

THE FIRST BATCH: The first batch of believers will not experience the great tribulation. They will be caught up, in rapture, just before the antichrist commences the great tribulation. For many years this group of saints has been experiencing their own kinds of tribulations. MATTHEW 24:4-35 talks about the events that began from the time of the apostles and will continue to the great tribulation and the second coming of Christ – when all eyes shall see Him (vs. 30). However verses 36-51 focuses on the rapture – which is the first part of Jesus’ second coming. Also read MARK 13: 32 and LUKE 21:34.

Only true believers, who will make up the first batch, shall see Him at this time. I CORINTHIANS 15:52 and I THESSALONIANS 4:16-18 attest to the reality of the rapture before the great tribulation. Verse 18 says, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Furthermore LUKE 21:36 assures us that true believers shall escape the great tribulation…because God has not appointed us to wrath – His (on unbelievers…for receiving the mark of the beast) and the antichrist’s (on the tribulation saints…for choosing Jesus) – I THESSALONIANS 5:9.
So, the great tribulation is reserved strictly for the tribulation saints.

THE SECOND BATCH: This batch comprises the tribulation saints. It will be horrifying for this group of people because the Holy Spirit will no longer be on earth at the time of the great tribulation. He will be taken out of the way…meaning His presence will no more be felt – I THESSALONIANS 2:7.
Although the Jews will be the primary target of the antichrist, during the great tribulation, the tribulation saints will not be spared of his evil machinations. In fact, DANIEL 8:24 and REVELATION 13:7 tell us that the antichrist will wage war with the tribulation saints…and even overcome them. But God, in His infinite mercies, will shorten the days (31/2 years) of the great tribulation because of His elect (the tribulation saints and the 144,000 Jews who will be sealed on their foreheads – REVELATION 7:4-8.

I believe God will do this either by making time run pretty fast – that is, the earth will be revolving swiftly round the Sun…or by literally reducing the 31/2 years.

He did it with David, after the king sinned in numbering Israel in I CHRONICLES 21: 1-30. In verse 13 David chose to fall into the hands of the Lord for three days…“for very great are His mercies.” God stopped the angel of judgment He had sent…before the three days were even over. Honestly, I believe judgment took place only a few hours out of the entire three days. That’s how merciful and just our Heavenly Father truly is.
So, the days of the great tribulation will be shortened because of the loving mercies of God.

THE THIRD BATCH: The last batch of saints will be made up of the spirits Christ preached to in hell – like I explained earlier. These people will have the unique opportunity to prove their love for Christ. They will come on the scene after the millennial reign. Read EZEKIEL 37:1-14, MATTHEW 11:23-24; 12:42.

Our God is not willing that anyone should perish. He wants as many people as possible to obtain salvation. That is why He has put in place every means possible to bring as much people as are available into His Kingdom.

But, once again, it all hinges on freewill.



This write-up is an excerpt from the book LUCIFER UNSCRIPTED: The Unspoken Truth About His Expulsion From Heaven.

Available at Ceeworks Books: Follow the link below. It is secured by Paystack.

https://ceeworksbooks.com.ng/books.html?store-page=Lucifer-Unscripted-p217039912

God Is Good.

Let me start by saying that this article isn’t for atheists or unbelievers or those who have a strong aversion to the subject of tithing. It is for those believing Christians who are open-minded and willing to learn more about the concept of tithing. My humble advice to atheists or unbelievers is to first believe in God, repent today, and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour. Life is short. Time is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us all.

Let me stress that this article is by no means a monopoly on the subject of tithing.

For decades the tithe has remained a subject of intense debate, especially in Christendom. There are two main schools of thought regarding this rather sensitive matter. While the first school believes that tithing is an Old Testament requirement, the second school is of the opinion that it extends to the New Testament.

But an inspired study of the Scriptures reveals a surprising truth: God does NOT require that we should PAY tithe!

This book will open your eyes to the lies and deception that many so-called ministers have built around the tithe in order to keep enriching themselves at the expense of poor and ignorant souls…

Let me commence by defining the word, tithe. The old English word for it is 'teotha,' which means a tenth. Generally speaking, tithe is a tenth part of profits or fruits legally acquired, owed to God in recognition of His Sovereignty, and supreme dominion, and given to His ministers for the furtherance of His Kingdom on earth.

Now, no doubt, a lot has been said and written for and against paying tithe. There are those who don’t believe in paying their tithes, because for them it’s an old covenant precept; there are those who pay theirs to the poor in the society, because they would rather do that and impact humanity positively than give their money to a so-called man of God who they believe would end up squandering their hard earned money; and then there are those who pay their tithes routinely – out of a sense of duty, and not that they are really expecting anything in return from God; and of course there are those who are threatened or arm twisted into paying their tithes…and the list goes on.

Money is one sensitive and painful subject many people want to avoid. But the truth is that God’s view on finances is paramount to fundamental Christianity.

Delving straight into the matter; I’d like to categorically state here that there is no such thing as PAYING your tithe in the Bible. As New Covenant Christians we are to GIVE our tithe. LUKE 6: 38, ACTS 20: 35, I CORINTHIANS 9: 6-10, and others.

The tithe is not an Old Covenant precept; no, it actually began before that. Many people have the rather erroneous notion that the Old Testament begins from Genesis. They forget that the Old Testament, which is the Law, actually began when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai.

There are three dispensations as far as Scripture is concerned. We have the ‘Conscience Dispensation,’ which began from Man’s fall in Eden until Moses got the Ten Commandments. The ‘Law Dispensation’ began from that moment until Christ uttered these eternal words ‘It Is Finished’ on the cross. From that moment ‘Grace Dispensation,’ our present, dispensation, came into play.

The first man to give tithe in Scripture was Abraham; a man who lived during the Conscience Dispensation, GENESIS 14: 20; HEBREWS 7:6. And let’s not forget, the first man to give an offering to God, Abel, also lived during the Conscience era. GENESIS 4: 3.

The importance of giving one’s tithe can never be overemphasized. Why? Because as we see in MALACHI 3: 10 God staked His very reputation on it. He says “…prove me now herewith.” In other words, He’s means, “Try me and see if I will not give you the blessings attached to giving your tithes.”
Yes, it’s true there are manifold blessings attached to giving one’s tithes. However I am troubled by the rather brazen manner in which many so-called ministers, today, go about getting people to pay (instead of give) their tithes. They threaten, arm-twist, and manipulate their members into giving their tithes. They make them believe that they are robbing God; and as such they are under a curse. They make people feel condemned; in fact they ascribe the lack of answers to people’s prayers to their lack of giving their tithes. These people use the curse pronounced in MALACHI 3:8 as a sort of truncheon to beat people over the head. They tell people, “Look, if you don’t pay your tithes to God, you are under His curse; He’s angry with you; and He’s going to get you one way or another.” And since no one wants to be under a curse, or wants God to come after them they go ahead and give. In the end people give out of fear; and when you do that…you’re giving grudgingly. On the other hand, when someone manipulates you into giving, then you’re doing it out of necessity. And all this is just plain wrong.

Don’t let anyone compel you into parting with your money. Am I saying, as a Christian believer, you shouldn’t give? Of course not! But give voluntarily, as you’re led by the Holy Spirit.

But here’s the truth. And I want you to pay close attention. Under the dispensation of Grace, giving your tithe is NOT an obligation. You are free to give your tithe or not to do so. If you don’t give your tithe, believe me when I say that you are not under any curse. God is not angry with you; He is not going to come at you. God is not a mafia boss, who demands protection money from people.

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that if you don’t give your tithe, God will take it away from you in one way or the other; maybe by inflicting you with sickness, so you’ll have to pay hospital bills…or some other painful way. God blesses us not because of our performance but because Christ made us righteous.

In the first instance, every born again child of God has been redeemed from the curse of the Law, GALATIANS 3:13. And that includes the curse in MALACHI 3:18. And then JOHN 3:16, one of the most popular references in Scripture, tells us that “For God so loved the world…” Again in EPHESIANS 2:4-5 we are made to understand that while we were dead in sin God loved us with a great love. Also, ROMANS 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Now, if God loved us as sinners how about now that we’ve received His son as our Lord and Savior? Child of God, God loves you…whether you give your tithe or not.

In II CORINTHIANS 9:6-7 we see another often read but not properly or wholly interpreted Scripture. It talks about sowing sparingly and reaping sparingly; and also sowing bountifully and reaping bountifully. Straight to the point, you are not obligated to pay ten percent all the time. In other words you can give less than ten percent as your tithes, and still God is not going to get mad at you. That’s sowing sparingly. You can give less than ten percent…

See, it is better to give less than ten percent cheerfully than to give ten percent grudgingly, or out of necessity. And that’s exactly what many are doing today. They are arm twisted into giving their tithes. God loves a cheerful giver. God is not interested in the percentage you give as much as He is in your motive for giving. Remember, for God so loved the world. God gave His Son, cheerfully, out of His love. So, if you feel comfortable with giving God less than ten percent at that moment, with peace and joy, then do so. And like we are told you’ll still get your blessings…though sparingly.
On the other hand, you can give ten percent or more than that. That’s the bountiful part….and you shall reap bountifully.

Again, you are not under any curse if you do not give your tithe and offering. God loves you all the same. God’s love is constant; it doesn’t fluctuate based on your actions. God won’t love you more when you do right; neither will He love you less when you do wrong. ACTS 17:28 tells us that we live and move and have our being in God. He put His wrath on Jesus, so He’s not mad at you.

But the truth is that there are manifold blessings attached to giving your tithes and offerings, cheerfully and with love. One major reason people are not getting the blessings is because they are not giving cheerfully. The motive behind our giving is far more important than our giving.

Your tithe is a powerful seed. In agriculture, a farmer sows seeds to reap a harvest. In much the same way, God gives us seeds; but what we choose to do with them is up to us. Planting our seeds (giving our tithes) guarantees a future harvest for us. But don’t forget, God isn’t mad at you if you don’t plant your seed. He loves you even if you eat all your seeds; but don’t be astonished when you run out of money. It’s not God’s fault that you ate all your seeds. That is why you should exercise enough discipline to take a portion of what God has given you and sow it into your future.

Personally, I believe that if those guys under the Law could part with ten percent, then we who are under Grace should be able to do better. As a result, since I understood and really began practicing the concept of giving, I have endearvoured to give nothing less than ten percent. Of course this is personal; it's not for everyone; it comes with spiritual maturity and the extent of one's revelation of the subject-matter.

Many don’t give their tithes because as far they are concerned we are under Grace; and according to II Corinthians 8: 9 Christ has already settled all our debts; that we are no longer obligated to give our tithes. This is not exactly true. You forget that in JOHN 3:16 God GAVE…

And in GENESIS 14:20 Abraham GAVE…

If Abraham, our father after the flesh (ROMANS 4:1), gave his tithe, then I think we also should too.

And for those who give their tithes to the poor; it’s good…but you’ll only receive the blessings attached to giving to the poor. PROVERBS 19:17
I am not naïve; I know that a lot of weird stuff is going on in many churches. There are places where the giving of tithe has been downplayed, and now it’s all about seed sowing. A lot of abominable things are being done in the name of seed sowing. I know a pastor who literally threatens his members with the fact that God will inflict them one sickness or the other, tragedy and even death if they fail to sow seeds. And then he’ll start from a certain amount of money, let’s say N10, 000 and counted down to N200. And people, scared to their scalps, will rush out to sow the seed. There are places where people are given tithe and offering/ seed sowing cards to fill and submit to the pastor; the idea is enable the pastor monitor how faithful or frequent his members are in the sowing of their seeds. That’s ridiculous.

And then there is the first fruit deception. There are churches where every first month of the new year, the members give their first salary, all of it, as tithe and offering or some other kind of seed, based on what their pastors have made them believe. That’s absolute nonsense.

Please listen, under this dispensation of Grace, God will NOT tell someone to tell you to go and clear out your account and bring the money to him. If anyone tells you that…then he is either ignorant, or a criminal in God’s house. Please understand that you can decide, of your own free volition, to make a vow to God; that is something personal; between you and Him. You should decide…not your pastor. And let me quickly explain what first fruit means as stated in PROVERBS 3:9. First fruits simply mean the very first thing we do after getting money. We are to set aside some of that money as our tithe and offering, first – right before we take care of our other needs. It does not mean we should throw in our entire salary, for the month, in some basket or church account.

Please understand, the most powerful seed you can ever sow is your tithe and offering. Before I go further I’d like to say something here concerning offering. Your offering is a gift. People ask how much they should give as offering. My simple answer is: whatever amount the Holy Spirit puts in your heart to give. And it should be done freely. I CHRONICLES 29:6, 9. There are people who say that our offering should be equivalent to our tithe. That’s one big lie.

It’s crucial to note that the passage in MALACHI 3:8 says that the curse comes for robbing God in tithes and offerings. The ministers who teach tithing from a Law perspective seem to deliberately overlook the fact you also have to give offerings to keep the Law. And back then there were so many offerings that altogether totaled about 33%. So, anyone who is trying to live by the Law is cursed unless they are giving 33% offering as well.

Today, we don’t tithe in an attempt to keep the Law; instead we tithe out of appreciation for what God has done for us; our tithing is a response from our hearts as we seek to bless people.

The tithe is for our benefit, not God’s. LUKE 16:11 says, “And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitation.” The Greek word, ‘fail’ is translated to mean death or die. A major advantage of using money to touch people’s lives is that when you die, those people will assemble in Heaven to thank you for using your resources to help them.

Do you know that Christ spoke about money more than He did about any other thing: salvation, healing, deliverance, evangelism? Yes He did. That simply tells us that God is quite interested in our finances. God wants us to give; that’s why He didn’t ask us to pay a certain amount; instead the tithe is based on percentage, so that everyone can give. For me, not giving is simply an indication that you don’t trust God. See, the least (simplest) thing a man can trust God with is his finances, LUKE 16:11. I can go further and state that if you can’t trust God with your money then I wonder how you’ll trust Him to heal you. Please, don’t get me wrong; I’m not tying giving to your receiving your healing. No. I’m just saying it’s much easier to trust God with your finances (something physical) than it is to do so with Him healing you.

Not giving is a clear-cut indication that we don’t trust God; that we’re yet to recognize Him as the source of our abundance. JAMES 1:17 tells us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” There are people who are afraid to give; they have a rather strong grip on their money. They believe they’ve earned it; that they’ve worked for it. They can’t imagine giving a dime out of it to others. They don’t give their tithe and offering, they don’t give to others, they don’t give in support of the gospel; they just hold on tightly to all they have. And a lot of Christians are guilty of this. The rich ruler in MARK 10:17, 18, was guilty of this. These people forget that “There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” PROVERBS 11:24. You wonder how someone can prosper by scattering what he has. You can’t really grasp that with your carnal mind. But that’s what the Scripture says. In God’s economy you prosper when you start giving out of love and in faith. It is God’s blessing upon your life that gives you the ability to prosper.

Abraham gave because he recognized God as his source of his abundance. He prospered not just because he was hardworking, but because of God’s blessings upon his life. Despite his flaws God blessed him in all he did. HEBREWS 6:13.

If God wanted to miraculously provide money for every ministry He could have; but instead He set up the giving/tithing structure. He really wants us to give. He wants us to participate in giving. Again, when we give, it’s for our own sake…not for God’s. God doesn’t need our money. He owns the silver, gold, riches…everything. Everything in existence belongs to Him. He even owns existence itself.

It is true that one can prosper without God. But such prosperity comes with heartache. Prosperity is a functional part of our salvation. I CORINTHIANS 8:9. God does not give us wealth; He anoints the work of our hands and causes it to prosper. And bear in mind: once God’s favor is on our lives, it cannot be stopped – except by our unbelief/negative thinking.

Furthermore, it’s essential for you to give where you’re fed; where you’re inspired, and not where you’re begged or put under pressure; or where you’re coerced, intimidated or condemned. Do not give out of desperation; do not give desperately because someone manipulated you into thinking that God would surely supply all your needs. You cannot buy a miracle.

It’s not enough to give your tithes to your local church; you should endeavor to give to a good local church. If your local church isn’t feeding you properly, then it makes no sense giving your tithes there. Again, do no limit your giving to just your local church. Give to genuine missionaries who are laboring in faraway countries, taking the good news to those that are impoverished. Also give benevolently – to widows, orphans, the poor generally. In other words a bulk of your giving can go to your local church, while the rest can go the mentioned areas.

On a final note, the highest form of giving is to help share the Gospel of Grace. Remember to give voluntarily. Give your tithe and offering cheerfully, motivated by love, and see prosperity flow your way.


Once again, if you're yet to give your life to Jesus Christ...today is another great opportunity to do so. Do it right now. Waste no single second. Jesus is waiting with His arms wide open. God's angels can't wait to enter your name in the Book Of Life. Heaven can't wait to receive you as one of its inhabitants at the end of your time on earth.

A simple prayer is all it takes: "Lord Jesus, today I confess and repent of my sins. I acknowledge Your death for me on the cross. I receive Your forgiveness. Come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Saviour.

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SYNOPSIS

It is very alarming to see many marriages daily hitting the rocks of divorce! And the statistics are frightening…with as much as two out of every four marriages ending in divorce!
.
.
.
From the renowned celebrity to the unknown housewife it is the same tragic tale of heartbreak, abuse, and crushed dreams.
.
.
.
But do you know that the only certain cure for divorce is to attract that special man or woman divinely created just for you? This book teaches you exactly how to do so. In it you will learn:
.
.
.

*The meaning of your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* The importance of attracting your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* How to actually attract your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* Why you are yet to find your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* The real difference between love and infatuation
.
.
.
* How your wedding vows are hurting your marriage
.
.
.
* How to know if your current partner is truly in love with you
.
.
.
*What it really means to fall in love at first sight
.
.
.
* When divorce becomes really necessary in marriage
.
.
.
* The Untold Truth about polygamy
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Whether you're single or married, GETTING THE MARRIAGE YOU WANT has the potential to turn around your relationships and set you on the solid path to having a blissful marriage!
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You can order the PDF version directly via WhatsApp: 07055256144.

Price: N700

Thanks.

Sadly, a short while back, my wallet went missing. And with it went my National ID Card and some cash.

The National ID card was my sole government approved ID.

Meanwhile, I got a few text messages from MTN requesting I update my account info to ensure my phone line isn’t blocked by 19th of August.
A government approved ID was required.

Concerned, I called the customer care service and narrated my ordeal…stating that I had no government approved ID at the moment.

I asked if a duly signed court affidavit for self identification was acceptable for the required info update.

They firmly assured me it was.

So, this morning I dashed down to The Chief Magistrate Court Of Lagos State at Sabo, Yaba, where I paid and obtained a duly signed, stamped, and sealed affidavit…containing all my personal details.

However, on getting to the MTN store, at e-center, Sabo, Yaba, my affidavit was rejected outright on the grounds that it was ‘irrelevant’ for the account info update. In fact the person that was to attend to me didn’t as much as read through the document. The instant they learned it was an affidavit they silenced me with a huge NO!

Surprised at their rejection of what I felt was a strong legal document, I resorted to pleading with them…but it all fell on deaf ears.

With a strong air of indifference they told me to go and get another ID or risk my line being cut off on the said date.

Well, I’m off to start processing another National ID Card…hoping to beat the line-blocking deadline.

But I am compelled to wonder at MTN’s utter disregard for a duly sworn affidavit issued by a respectable chief magistrate court of law domiciled in Lagos, Nigeria.

On a final note: isn’t it time MTN and other telecoms companies develop a system where things like account update info can be done by customers from their mobile devices…a DIY platform?

Must we always visit a store or center for such kindergarten things?

May God deliver us from the curse of ‘choosing’ to remain a third world nation.

It is quite alarming to see many marriages daily hitting the rocks of divorce! And the statistics are frightening…with as much as two out of every four marriages ending in divorce!
.
.
.
From the renowned celebrity to the unknown housewife it is the same tragic tale of heartbreak, abuse, and crushed dreams.
.
.
.
But do you know that the only certain cure for divorce is to attract that special man or woman divinely created just for you? And this book teaches you exactly how to do so. In it you will learn:

*The meaning of your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.

* The difference between Mr. / Ms. Right & your OWN Mr. /Ms. Right
.
.
.
* The importance of attracting your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
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.
* The lasting benefits of finding your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* How to actually attract your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* Why you are yet to find your OWN Mr. / Ms. Right
.
.
.
* The real difference between love and infatuation
.
.
.
* How your wedding vows are adversely affecting your marriage
.
.
.
* How to know if your current partner is truly in love with you
.
.
.
*What it really means to fall in love at first sight
.
.
.
* How your Mr. /Ms. Wrong & Mr. /Ms. Right can become your OWN Mr. /Ms. Right
.
.
.
* When divorce becomes really necessary in marriage
.
.
.
* The Untold Truth about polygamy
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Whether you're single or married, GETTING THE MARRIAGE YOU WANT has the potential to turn around your relationships and set you on the solid path to having a blissful marriage!
.
.
.
For a limited time the book is available for N700
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You can order for the PDF version of the book by sending a message on WhatsApp: 08035294727

Seeking a good friendship with a nice Nnewi girl (Otolo, Umudim, Nnewichi).

My Details:

*Age: Just turned 40
*Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
*Body: Brown-skinned & Slender
*Job: Writing
*Religion: Christian (strong believer in Grace)
I'm levelheaded & a straight arrow. I despise lies & deception.


Girl's Details:

*God lover & Grace believer
*Strong sense of life's purpose & Independent
*Coolheaded, Compassionate & Honest
*Educated, Sound, Fun & Passionate about life
*27-30 years old, Nice body (lol), Brown-skinned or Fair-skinned (lol).

Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe wrote this beautiful piece, read and learn.

Lagos State belongs as much to the ethnic Igbo as to the Yoruba, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, Efik, Idoma, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Edo, and so on who live in it, pay tax, identify with it, and settle in it. That compact was made the moment Nigeria became a single nation, and a successor power to the old principalities who were subdued and who ceded their sovereignty for the new commonwealth of Nigeria.

It was pragmatic. The Igbo had the skill and the industry, and Lagos was the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria and its major port. The Igbo have lived in Lagos since the 15th century when the Aro and other Igbo first settled in good number in a place we now call “Oyingbo” in the era of Benin and the Portuguese trade.

The arrival of Dr. Namdi Azikiwe to Lagos in 1937 from Accra after his studies in the United States, stimulated the political and cultural environment of Lagos as no other has before or after him. Zik literally resurrected the wizard of Kirsten hall from political death. Zik represented Lagos in the western house. The NCNC was the power in Lagos, and not the Action Group. The Igbo were prominent in the governance of Lagos in the Lagos City Hall.

The institutional development of Lagos – the railways, the ports and ship yards; the education and research facilities; the Banking and Commodities Exchange, the development of towns like Yaba, Surulere, Ebutta-Metta, Festac Town, Victoria Island, and now increasing the Ajah-Lekki axis, and of course, the ghettoes along the Orile-Badagry axis, have profound Igbo imprimatur.

The circulation of the image of Lagos is to date best reflected in the cosmopolitan Igbo imagination of one of the greatest African writers of the 20th century, Cyprian Ekwensi, a thorough Lagosian if there was any. Igbo have built industries in Lagos and have been drivers of commerce and exchange.

Interestingly, I was born at plot number 8, Okoya Street, Idumagbo- Lagos, while the Ojukwu families were residing at number one to three on the same street. I grew up to know the father of Odumegwu Ojukwu. Chimbizie and Azuka grew up with us on the same street. Even the Chibeze small parking space at the end of Okoya Street is called Ojukwu.

I later attended St. Patrick Primary School, Idumagbo, where I had very amiable classmates of Igbo origin in the persons of Azubike Ezenwa and Damian, Ihekuna, both now professors and doctors of today. They were brilliant, resourceful and friendly.

When we were playing bamboo and Tene Felele at Orikoriko at Onola playing ground, the Igbo participated actively. In the area of sports, school football and athletes, Igbo were dominant at Kings College, St. Gregory school, St. Finbars, Akoka, Igbobi College and Ahmadiyya College, Agege. Such boys, Njokwu, George Amu, Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, Patrick Noquapor, Peter Anieke and Sammy Opone were dominant on the field of football, while Asiodu, Empire Kanu were prominent on the field of athletics.

Anytime we went to watch football match at Onikan stadium, my darling team, Stationery Stores and our adversary team I hated most was the E. C. N, where the centre forward, Paul Hamilton, the National Team, Fabian the captain who bit the dust. Our greatest captain was Duru, Oduah Onyenrekwa, Onyeador Onyeali and Opel, the greatest outside right Nigeria ever had, Cyril Azuluka. So, during my early life at primary school, the Igbo were always there and delightful to watch, both in athletes and on the football field.

When I listened to radio at that time, both the commentary and drama series, the Igbo were there for you. The likes of Chris Ndaguba, Ernest Okwonkwo, Ralph Okpara ‘Alawo Sekiseki the traveler’. The episode will end with – The script was written by Ralph Okpara and edited by Yemi Lijadu.

Anytime I visited where I was born today in Idumagbo at Lagos Island, the entire place is covered by Igbo traders in their thousands. They were never troublesome but decent and accommodating. They have virtually taken over all properties of the indigenes. They succeeded in developing all our properties, married to most of our children even from the royal families. There is no single house you will visit without an Igbo man selling wares there.

So, who is saying something else? Only the strangers in our midst will not notice participation of economic development in our state by the Igbos. Most houses and shops in Lagos Island have been purchased, developed and occupied by the Igbos. The value of their investments in Lagos Island alone is in trillions of naira.

Instead of deporting the Igbos, whose contributions to the development of Lagos state are immensurable, you must keep on praising and encouraging them to keep on developing Lagos State

Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe