₦airaland Forum

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.

Errrrm, where is the moving train? A sinner ranting? What revival are you referring to? There have always been sinners since Adam.

dankol:
[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]

People get themselves frustrated for nothing. What happened to the option of explaining or announcing your case to your group? As usual, you want to be isolated and impose some self suffering form of righteousness/penance, then you bark at the church for not being omniscient enough to know what you are going through. All humans have their faults, sinners and saints. What God has called us to be is His children, despite our coming short.

dankol:
[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]

All this rant have nothing to do with faith or Christianity, but prevalent human behaviour obtainable anywhere and in any country and organisation. It is unfortunate that you attended a church so filled with the flesh and very little spirituality, you yourself being a chief culprit with no salvation in the first place. Also, you seem to be this kind of fellow with a psychological issue that everybody is fighting you or jealous of you, not much different from those folks that think everybody is a witch or the one doing them. i hope you are still not the same way, it is a very poor attitude/disposition to life.

dankol:
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)

Your church people were carnal and so are many so called believers today. This is nothing strange or unexpected as the Bible talks/prophecies about it many times. In fact, Jesus Christ Himself wondered if He will find faith if He comes back. The scriptural injunction is that man can disappoint and we are not to put our trust in man. We are to trust God and follow Jesus, looking unto Jesus. If we have any mentor at all, it is still to be with the lens of Jesus, who remains the same forever. Whose fault that you trusted in man, look quickly in the mirror dankol.

Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

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

dankol:
Thank you boss. I do appreciate

No update?

@dankol pls continue, ignore d distractions, esp image123. We're waiting

[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]

[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]

dankol:
[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.

You must have been St. Dankol, you were the only one that made things happen in your world and got things right. What did you do to remove this bad attitude since you were now church leader? Did you just complain and run away? Why did you not show practicality of what was been preached? It is easy to exonerate one's self and blame others. Like you confessed later, you were in your own world of selfishness and selfish interest like the others in your church.

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.

Good. There are many so called christian faithfuls that claim every week that God has been merciful/pitiful to them. Of course, you will not believe, but will believe what you want to believe.

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;

Don't be ridiculous. What is divine health, and where is it preached in the Bible?

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.

As usual, you are saying rubbish. The Bible does not teach or show that people in Christ do not fall sick. People were recorded to be sick even in the New Testament. Obeying God gives you good health anyway, and it qualifies you for healing. People receive healing EVERY other day. Stop wallowing in ignorance or hiding your ignorant head in the sand. Go to the nearest real crusade or healing service and get updated.

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]

They should not tell you, as in your mind is made up and you determine the terms and conditions, right? Here it is, you are free to pluck out those eyes literally if they offend you, seeing you have done that already for some other parts.
Eze 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

dankol:
[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.

Good work. Though it would have been better if you were born again and did it. It is like writing the WAEC without registering, you only get to score yourself as it were, and people like me can score and hail you.

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.

You were simply frustrated by bad administrative bureaucracy which can happen anywhere, though it is very unfortunate it happened in your church and you could not reform it despite given a position of leadership and so called prophecy pedestal, you rather ran away cowardly. It has nothing to do with God or faith.

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]

Church work or anything does not need to negatively affect other important things. There is something called time management and prioritising. Let your moderation be known to all men. Even people doing serious work for God who are born again, and into soul winning, church harvesting/planting, building believers and pastoring are able to devote some time for other activity. Some wannabe psalmist is failing in school and it is God's fault somehow? My seniors and friends in school were acing their exams, topping their departments and breaking academic records, and you have the same 24hours. Blame your incompetence on the Nigerian President or some other thing like YOURSELF, not on God or faith. Kumuyi and Adeboye had 1st class in school serving God. SELAH

dankol:
[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]

This is very laughable. you are not born again like i have asserted from the start, how can you then speak in tongues. i make bold to say it,a nd you can confirm from one of your cohorts(HardMirror), i told him he was born again but backslid, but you, nothing. How can you then speak in tongues. Anyway, the rant about many religions is not new. There are many fake producers of designer clothes out there, and there are many pirated films and audio CDs that come out and even sell better than the originals. Satan knew God before man was created, and He knew/figured God might be sending in the Calvary/chilvary literally. So he put up as many counterfeits as possible. Unfortunately for his efforts, only atheists remember and meditate on 99% of such efforts. It's basic misleading. If i want to mislead you, i create or do something similar to the real, don't you know how to steal/dupe, you are a sinner, satan should have taught you some stuff na.

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

dankol:
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

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.

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

dankol:
[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]

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.

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.

Rude shock! Research!! Lemme play with you a little, it's weekend play,lol. Who's divine teacher of Plato? Or it you can, explain how Chrishna of Hindostan is like Jesus Christ.

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..

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.

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

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.

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.

dankol:
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

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

dankol:
[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]

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

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.

dankol:
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.

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.

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:
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:
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.

[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]

dankol:
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

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.

dankol:
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.[

Here it is

dankol:
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.

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.