So, yesterday, I tried to poke fun with two people about "Jubril". One bus driver and another market woman.

They didn't even understand what I was saying.

Stay online and keep making noise.

When you loose next year, then shout rigging!

I don't believe anyone who has any form of formal education should even consider this story for a second thought.

.

HOW EKITI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION WAS RIGGED FOR FAYEMI OF APC

Details;

It is interesting to see some folks doing a thread on Ekiti Election. Folks that don't even know the name of the PDP candidate or the spelling of the APC candidate's name.

What are the issues?

What are the factors that characterized the election?

Lemme first of all state here that my name is Asiwaju Oladimeji, from Usi-Ekiti. I am from Ajana family.

I schooled at University of Ado-Ekiti.

Worked in Ado Ekiti

Married in Ado Ekiti.

I witnessed Fayose-Oni-Fayemi-Fayose administrations.

So, i am rooted here.

Again, i studied political science and i have been involved with 4 Elections in Ekiti: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018 as either INEC's ad hoc staff or observer.

So, i am at a vantage position of analysing voting behaviour/pattern of Ekiti people. Again, cos i worked with National Population commission in Ekiti state and with my vast experience as a field officer, i have traveled round most of the villages and towns across the 3 senatorial districts.

So, omo una kan o le wa ma pa iro mo wa l'ori.. Hell No.
It is important to draw our attention back to 2014 especially on PDP primary which produced Fayose then.

Yes, it was on record that Prince Dayo Adeyeye stepped down for Fayose. But an insider told me that Fayose never committed himself of supporting Adeyeye in 2018. However, i was informed that Dayo Adeyeye was of the opinion that he will get Fayose's support in 2018. Moreover, Fayose himself declared that once his tenure is over, he is going away with his Deputy.

Why did Fayose then changed his mind three years after that statement? The choice of Eleka by Fayose was the beginning of PDP defeat on Saturday.

After PDP primary, Eleka emerged via Fayose's structures. Dayo Adeyeye left for APC. He did not just leave. He left with some bigwigs.

Owoseni (Ise)
Gbosa (Ikere)
Etc.
Again, because of Fayose's arrogance and 'one-man mopol' style of governance, most of his financiers and supporters who felt aggrieved immediately he became the governor distanced themselves and later left for APC.
Cyril Fasuyi from Ido was another big factor. All of a sudden, emperor Fayose become a god to himself. He shut down every opposition within PDP. He is the alpha and omega. He singlehandedly selected all the HoA members without conceding some to other members. Fayose appoints all the Commissioners, SAs. In fact, there were rumour that he even reduced the number of Eleka's (Deputy Governor) convoy. Slashed his security vote. Fayose was another Pharaoh
Fayose turned Ekiti House of Assembly to another laughing stock. How i wish some of u have an idea of those we called Honourables in Ekiti.

One is called Paso Osoko. The guy does not even know what is a "bill"

One is Olasca from Ido. That one nah Fuji musician.

Iya je wa oo.
There were rumours that those HoA members paid Fayose certain percentage.

Attempt to do something similar with Senator Raji Rasaki (Central) and Senator Olujimi (South) was met with stiffed opposition. Because of Fayose's greediness, he lost Olujimi. Senator Olujimi became an outsider even as a PDP member. Most of her followers waited patiently for July 14.

Again, Senator Raji Rasaki could not work with Emperor Fayose. In fact, Senator Raji Rasaki was more of APC than PDP. Though she later decamped officially.

Thus, in just 3.5years, Emperor Fayose had lost

Prince Dayo Adeyeye
Senator Olujimi
Senator Raji Rasaki
Barrister Owoseeni (His former attorney).
Lemme also remind u that Emperor Fayose because of his dictatorial character, singlehandedly selected Deji Ogunsakin as Eleka's running mate.

Sir/Ma, that decision did not go down well with most PDP members. E.g. Tosin Aluko became aggrieved in Ado. I met some of Tosin Aluko's supporters after that decision. They were so angry. They felt rejected. If u go to their base around "Orita Blessing", u can feel their anger.

They will tell u "who is Deji"? For those of u who do not know who is Tosin Aluko? Go to Ado and u will know how popular she is.

Yes, she did not decamp but her body language speaks volume. Her supporters got her message loud and clear.
Invariably, Emperor Fayose and PDP went into this election with a depleted and torn umbrella. But because he knows how to mobilize for rally, some of u thought he was that same Fayose of 2014.

Ba ba nla scam.
Lemme quickly state here that the choice of Baba Bisi Egbeyemi as APC Deputy Governor was strategic. Baba is from Ado. Immediately Baba accepted that offer, some important PDP members left for APC straight away. I know of Hon Adeleye Adebayo. Immediately, Emperor Fayose lost Senator Raji Rasaki (Ado), Tosin Aluko (Ado) and the emergence of Baba Egbeyemi as APC DG, some of us knew Ado votes will be keenly contested. The result from Ado vindicated us.
Immediately Emperor Fayose lost Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Barrister Owoseeni, some of us knew Ise/Orun LG will be difficult for PDP to win.

Ise Ekiti people simply came out and carried out a protest votes against Fayose for denying their son twice: 2014/2018. Emperor Fayose's calculation was to use Emure LG votes to negate that of Ise/Orun. Sadly, Adeyeye penetrated that axis and APC narrowly lost with just 100votes.

Adeyeye was a GAME CHANGER. Now, why did Eleka who hailed from Ikere performed badly even though PDP won in Ikere.

Lemme explain. After Ado, if i am not wrong, Ikere has the next voting population. Ordinarily, if any candidate win Ikere/Ado with huge margin, trust me u can win Ekiti election. Hon Gbosa from Ikere followed his godfather (Dayo Adeyeye) to APC. That was the first major problem of Eleka in Ikere.

Dont forget, Eleka is not a politician. In fact, he is not even popular in Ikere if not because he was made the DG. Gbosa is another strong grass root politician in Ikere with the likes of Hon Afuye.

They were ready to spoil the votes in Ikere for APC. But that was not the major factor of Eleka's poor performance in Ikere.

It was the issue of Olukere vs Fayose tussle.
Historically, Ikere Ekiti has two kings namely, Ogoga and Olukere. I was informed (not certain) that the Olukere side has more population than Ogoga.

Fayose had issues with Olukere and at a point Emperor Fayose locked the king inside prison for 54days. You locked a whole king up, what a taboo.

That was Eleka's problem in Ikere. Eleka too during this period was silent. Your king was dehumanized yet u keep quiet. Who does that pls?
When Olukere was eventually released, some of u need to see how he was welcomed back. U need to see the crowd. Well, the King promised to answer Emperor Fayose at the right time. So, the Olukere and his people waited till July 14 and play their own game.
So, APC lost Ado with small margin and even performed excellently in Ikere beyond expectations.

What do u expect, the game was over. Again, another strategic man for APC was BAFEM. In fact, immediately Fayemi won APC primary election, he had to quickly woo BAFEM. The man is just another FAYOSE.

BAFEM is from Omuo Ekiti. The rest was history.

Then Ido-Osi. My local govt. In fact, i can't remember the last time progressive won Ido Osi LG.

Emperor Fayose lost a key figure there. Cyril Fasuyi. My brother and sister, that was all. Couple with how Fayose betrayed Baba Adeniran (Orin), Ido-Osi was lost 4 d 1st time. The bottom line is that, Fayose had created more enemies for himself. Enemies who had at one point in time were his foot soldiers across the 16 LGs. Enemies who fought for his victory in 2014. He lost all of them cos of HIS GREEDINESS and thirst for POWER. He lost all those structures he worked with 4years ago. He pushed them outside the umbrella and the broom family welcomed them.

Is politics not LOCAL?

From Ayo Arise in Oye
Dayo Adeyeye Ise
BAFEM Omuo
Cyril Ido
And hosts of others, Fayose became an isolated child. He was fooling himself.. Thinking he has all the structures across the 16 LGs. He was a FOOL.

Lemme quickly add this. Emperor Fayose, during the two LG elections in the state, singlehandedly selected all thr chairmen and Councilors including all the supervisors.

You dare not challenge his authority. What baffled me most was how Fayose treated all these LG chairmen. In fact, some of them even regretted it. Yes. I am not exaggerating here. Some of them could not even boast of doing anything meaningful for themselves.
No single LG chairman can spend 500k on project. Won ti bi e da. U will have to take it to Oke Ayaba and consult Emperor Fayose. His verdict is final.

See, all these factors got some people angry and the were waiting for July 14 to pay back. Should we talk about how Emperor Fayose lost the Ekiti state civil servants? Those that normally would die for him anytime any day?

In fact, they were patient with him. But at a point, they were tired of his gimmicks and lies on EKTV. Few days to the election, some of them who are ardent followers of Osoko, started asking questions. Fundamental questions. Questions that Emperor Fayose could not answer. He had run out of lies. The last one was the delay in FAAC. Sadly, workers' votes had been divided. He could not secure their bloc votes. He wanted to play on the teachers but it was late also.

LG 9months salaries
Teachers 7months
EKSU 3months
State workers 6months

They could not STOMACH the INFRASTRUCTURE again.

APC was ready to exploit that on the day of election. I will explain that later

After losing his foot soldiers, Emperor Fayose could not again secure the workers' bloc votes.

Pensioners could not give him their bloc votes.

Old citizens who were enjoying 5k from JKF 4yrs ago which Fayose stopped could not give him their bloc votes.

Game over. Emperor Fayose levelled what he called child tax. For every child in private school, a parent will pay between 500-1000 naira.

Meat sellers tax was increased. At a point, they went on strike in Ekiti. For one cow, u pay 1k. Imagine how many cows they kill everyday.
Those tippers association also went on strike. He increases tax on them. Same thing goes to those selling woods. All these anti-human policies became subject of discussion during the campaign. But Miz Cazorla in Abia wont know this. Running out of idea, Emperor Fayose wanted to employ, 2000 people barely 2weeeks to the election.

The application form does not even has a column showing which position u are applying for. Rather the form has column for PVC, Ward, Polling unit etc.

What kind of madness is that.

He sent the applicants 1,500 each to come to his rally so as to deceive the likes of Atiku that he has the state lock down.

And my Ndigbo brothers fell for it. Sad. A day to election, Emperor Fayose insulted Ekiti workers by crediting their accounts with 3k each calling it EKSG Stipends. That was an insult. A great one. Folks that u are owing 5-9 month salaries?
So, what do u expect on the day of election. You have an emperor who has lost his structures, lost the civil servants, lost the pensioners, lost the old citizens that were getting 5k before but can barely eat now.

Pls, what do u guys expect? Eve to the election, emperor Fayose apart from the 3k that were sent to all the civil servants, his foot soldiers started sharing 4k each to any voter. Moving from one house to another. Collating names and their data.

4k each. Yet he could not pay salary. APC responded on Saturday by sharing their own 5k. In some hot spots like Ikere, i learnt it was 5-10k.
So, both parties shared money.

Was that the defining factor?

Hell No.

People were hungry. People collected part of their stolen money from both parties. Then, they decided to vote for whoever they want.

Am i justifying financial inducement during election? No.

But don't let us treat this issue of inducement in isolation. Something led to it.
By the time i am back, i will discuss the role Igbira's bloc votes in Ekiti and how Yahya Bello's influence was also strategic.

I dey come.

I am back now. Let wrap this up.

At least, since 2003, i know that the Igbiras mostly from Kogi always support Fayose during election. And if there is any place u need to manipulate election in Ekiti, u have to go to those farm settlements populated by Igbiras. So, APC job was well cut out. Make sure that Fayose does not have his way this time around in those settlements. Thus the need to bring Yahya Bello from Kogi was not only timely but strategic. Bello ensures that the Igbiras bloc votes go to APC. And yes, from what i experienced on the field on Saturday, Yahya Bello delivered.

Again, emperor Fayose lost out.

Lemme quickly express how emperor Fayose lost in Ikogosi and his axis. This is very key for me because it has to do with folks losing their jobs because of Fayose's inability to understand what governance is all about. Now, Ikogosi is a town in Ekiti state. It is a tourist attraction site where cold/warm water met. The place had not witnessed any meaningful development until JKF came to power in 2010. The town is like a ghost town before the emergence of JKF in 2010.

However, the town witnessed a new life when JKF invested on Ikogosi project. New hotel was built. Actors/Actresses started visiting the place. I even learnt (not sure) that some movies were shot there. Then we had gossy water. UAC was part of those stakeholders that invested in that Gossy water.

Boom. U can imagine the economic activities that greeted those towns around Ikogosi. Jobs were created. Even most of their Youth who are okada riders started making money. U can imagine number of visitors that visit Ikogosi during Xmas, Easter or any festive period.

My brothers and sisters, after emperor Fayose took over, that place is now DEAD. I mean DEAD. Gossy water no longer function. The resort center is nothing to write home about. Instead of visitors trooping in.. What u see is goats sleeping on the main roads that leads to Ikogosi.

Those villagers waited till July 14 and do the needful .

How will emperor Fayose secured Farmers' votes in Ekiti. Lemme inform u guys that the Ministry of Agriculture has just one tractor that is functioning. In his 3.5 yrs, Fayose did not empower one single farmer.

Yes, u heard me LOUD and CLEAR. All the tractors that were working at the LGs are almost dead. Emperor Fayose has no interest in Agriculture. He prefers the bridge. The conduit pipe for his stolen money. As God liveth, he will cough out our money.
As farmers, we begged him to approach FG for CBN-Anchor. But hell No. Farmers cant get fertilizers at subsidized rate like some other states. Farmers do go to Osun, Kwara, Ondo, Kogi to hire tractors

Pls how do u convince them to vote for u.
How many of u are aware that Emperor Fayose in his 3.5yrs is yet to renovate up to 5schools or hospitals in Ekiti. Some of u need to even visit all the General hospitals across the 16 LGs.

He just doesn't care. How many of u are aware that some Ekiti people lost their jobs because of how his anti-investors policies pushed Coca-Cola out of Ekiti. Same with GTB. We initially even lost Eco Bank.

Here is my conclusion, PDP did not lose this election on July 14. They did not lose cos of 5k because they also shared 4k.

They lost the moment one ARROGANT, SELFISH, GREEDY and TYRANT man made the election about himself.

He is called AYODELE FAYOSE PETER THE ROCK

END

Gani Mohammed

What some ABA voters wanted us to sweep under the carpet and join them in their hatred for Buhari...

9 months pensioner salary
8 months local government salaries
7 Months state workers salary.
Dismissal of GTB/Ecobank from Ekiti State
Impunity, thuggery and reverse psychology.


It is your hatred... It is our Future...

We have our values to protect...

mightyhazell:
oshomole owed workers up-to 16months, yet apc won edo state. stop saying what u know nothing about..

What is this one saying... Oshomole 16months... Common stop that lie jo.

5 Lessons

Elections are not won on whatsapp, nairaland, instagram, facebook or online poll

Don't stay in Onitsha and speak on an election you know nothing about.

Don't over estimate yourself

Lies don't get to Nigerians as such again

Pay salaries else it will be used against you (vote buying for such ridiculous amount is a result of poverty)

IN SUMMARY

Get a PVC not DATA

Me I was looking for take it back on the ballot paper yesterday ooo...

Noise markers... Ariwoko ni politics ooo...

Elections are not won on online poll, nairaland, twitter or facebook...

One boy in Anambra will be punching keypad saying nonesense upon nonesense about an election he knows nothing about....


Get PVC not DATA

Fayose is leading in the polling units in

Aba
Onitsha
Enugu
Rivers
And Delta

Concerning the withdrawal of the Unilorin student from school based on conviction. - Restitution

Kindly read carefully and meticulously.



No subject matter of the scripture should be controversial. The scripture teaches us to be ready to supply answer to every man that ask questions about our faith.

1Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

We should not shy away from any subject matter that the scripture clearly teaches.

Hence, the need to be diligent and dutiful in study and preaching-

2tim2:15
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul in 1Tim3:2 Also instructed that the bishop(shepherd) must be apt(ready) to teach


My submission is therefore presented


Christianity is defined by his word: by the written word.

That means, whatever we define in Christianity, it should be based on what is written.

Jesus, sets a pattern for us in Mat4:4,7,11.
Luke24:25-27, 44-46.

Even after the resurrection of Jesus, he kept talking about what is written.

The WRITTEN WORD
Something fundamental about the written word is that it helps to preserve the truth.
It means what is says and it cannot mean what it doesn't mean.

Hence, from the written word we should be able to say, this is what God wants, this is what the scripture teaches.


James1:17... With whom there is no vairableness, neither shadow of turning.


God is consistent in all his ways, what he meant 2000yrs ago is what He mean today, 'no variableness', and he has communicated his mind to us; not in our experiences but in His word. Primarily, the written word.

Hence, the question here is restitution.

Before then, we see that apostle Paul and all other apostles in all their letters wrote extensively on salvation, and he didn't mention experience(s) at all

1cor15:1-4:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.


Paul, in defining salvation said; “according to the scriptures”.
That means salvation is according to the scriptures not our feeling or experiences.

What then does the scripture teach about salvation?

Eph2:7-8
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Titus3:5-7

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Something consistent about salvation as we have seen in plethora scriptures is that salvation is a gift. And this gift is given of God, by his kindness, mercy and Grace.

Rom5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God doesn't need our input in His works.

We were helpless, wretched, dead-Eph2:1

Salvation, is God's work.

Salvation is a gift. What do I do to a gift, I receive it.

If I deserve it, then it is not salvation. Rather. It is not from God


Rom3:19
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

God’s Righteousness through Faith.

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Boasting Excluded

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

From the above scripture, we should understand that, salvation is void of the law.

Gal 2:16:

16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

So, haven known that, a man is not saved by the law, (tithing, passover, burnt offering, cropping, clothing) let us study RESTITUTION


One of the greatest errors in bible study is cross-testamental application.

Not being able to separate the OT from the NT.

Heb1:1

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Rom15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope

1cor12:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The OT isn't our example, but they were written for us to learn from.


Heb8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord . 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 13 In that He says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

So, when was the NT established.

Upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Heb9:17 (AMP) For a will and testament is valid and takes effect only at death, since it has no force or legal power as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 So even the [old] first covenant (God’s will) was not inaugurated and ratified and put in force without the shedding of blood.

Therefore, until the death of Jesus, there was no New Testament.

Jesus, ministered under the Old testament. The new testament began after the his resurrection.

His blood was called the blood of the New Testament. His blood wasn't shed on the street of Galilee.


That said,

Firstly, nobody, mentioned restitution, under the new covenant!

In the 4 gospels (from the above explanation; the 4 gospels up till when Jesus rose from the dead was under the Old covenant)

We have Zacchaeus;

Luke19:8- Zacchaeus was a jew and under the law. Why didn't Jesus rebuke him? Did Jesus rebuke anyman for keeping the law of Moses legitamately?

Did Zacchaeus do as he said? (No further information).
The woman caught in adultery- Jesus simply said your sins are forgiven. What restitution did he command her to do?

I think I started with the conclusion

So, let's go back to see what restitution is. It was a law of Moses to the jews which simply means (to restore or restore back). This was only taught under the law of Moses

Exodus22:1 (AMP) IF A man steals an ox or sheep and kills or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, or four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no blood shed for him. 3 But if the sun has risen [so he can be seen], blood must be shed for slaying him. The thief [if he lives] must make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the beast which he stole is found in his possession alive, whether it is ox or ass or sheep, he shall restore double.
9 For every unlawful deed, whether it concerns ox, donkey, sheep, clothing, or any lost thing at all, which another identifies as his, the cause of both parties shall come before God [the judges]. Whomever [they] shall condemn shall pay his neighbor double.


If a man must keep the law, he must keep ALL; let's see what the following text in

Verse16:
16 If a man seduces a virgin not betrothed and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to become his wife. 17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equivalent to the dowry of virgins.

These laws were grievous.

See what Peter said about the law

Act15:10 (AMP) Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yoke on the necks of the disciples, such as neither our forefathers nor we [ourselves] were able to endure?

Peter, calls the law 'yoke'. Noone could bear it. Including Peter.


Moses gave the law.
John1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.



Why?

Mark10:5
5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept

Christ is the end of the law.

Rom10:1-4
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Could/was anyone justified by the law. No, not One.

Rom3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

If you must keep the law, you must keep everything.

James2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

If you must restitute for your sins to be fully forgiven or for your salvation to be genuine.

You must also ensure that you kill a passover lamb annually.

Hence, you must have an high priest(definitely not Jesus), a temple, holiest of all, ark of the covenant, Aaron's rod, tablets of stone, a ram...

If not,

The sacrifice of Jesus paid it all-Once and for all. Hence we stand justified forever. No merit, no works, no personal input.

I think it is pride to think that the sacrifice is Jesus isn't all sufficient without your efforts.

Gal5:2 Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him].

3 I once more protest and testify to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation and bound to practice the whole of the Law and its ordinances.

4 If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God’s gracious favor and unmerited blessing).


What if I have a personal encounter with God and He's asking me to restitute?

I will do a further exegesis on this next week


for further study on this subject matter,

visit www.livingwordmedia.org to download teaching for free.

Recommended teachings on the website
1. So Grear salvation Series1-5
2. Forgiveness of sins repentance from sin
3. When (if believers sin)
4. This Gospel. pdf

Jalinco:
You have been scheduled to appear before the Student Disciplinary Committee on Monday 8th August, 2016 by 10:00am.
You may come with not more than one witness and/or document(s) than can assist you prove your innocence
Indecent dressing will not be tolerated.
Please be punctual.
Thank you

Signed
Secretary SDC
04082016

That boy is from EkSU, I am the one he is calling a wicked lecturer abi? I will revisit his case by monday

Timileyin1234:
Airtel don catch u

Lol...

Please help! I did airtel BB subscription but it's not working on my modem. I've been using this bb package for my modem since 2012. I don't know why this isn't working on my modem

Thanks in anticipation of your kind suggestion!

Is Buhari islamizing Nigeria ?


"This rehash of the prominent positions held by
Muslims in Nigeria is mischievous and quite
unfortunate. It is the typical Nigerian game of chasing
needless shadows rather than focusing on the
arduous task of nation building.


Until recently, so-called Christians held commanding
heights of the economic governance of our Republic.

The Presidency, Headship of National Assembly,
Secretary of Govt of the Federation, Head of Service,
Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, the Central
Bank, the NNPC, the Stock Exchange etc were headed
by so-called Christians.

Tragically, they reprobately superintended the
profligate looting of our common patrimony.
The lone voice of courageous warning belonged to a
certified Muslim, Sanusi Lamido, who succeeded
Soludo and was hounded for his courage to expose
the cult of looters comprising so-called Christians.
"Yes, the metastasis of economic ruins in Nigeria was
gestated by these Christians"
Tunde Fashola is a Muslim. He now heads what used
to be three big ministries.
Was he chosen because of his religion? He was
chosen because of his track record!"
The dust will settle in Nigeria. Change will come
despite predictable resistance from reactionary
principalities and forces.

It really is a shame when well educated Nigerians,
whether Muslim or Christian, wobble themselves in
religious intolerance.
Unfortunately, the intolerance is nursed by some
imams and pastors mouthing poorly considered
facts.

Even if seemingly compelling, facts degenerate
into half-truths when they are placed, as is often the
case, outside of proper context.

Of the six ministers representing the Southwestern
states, two (Fashola from Lagos and Shittu from Oyo)
are Muslims while four are Christians (Adeosun from
Ogun, Adewole from Osun, Fayemi from Ekiti and
Daramola from Ondo).

All the five ministers from the Southeastern states
are Christians as are all six ministers from the states
of the south-south. In other words, of the 17
ministers from southern Nigeria, 15 are Christians
while 2 are Muslims.

In the North-Central, Audu Ogbe from Benue,
Solomon Dalung from Plateau, James Ocholi (now
deceased) from Kogi are Christians. The remaining
three ministers from that zone are Muslims.
Even if all the ministers from Northeastern and
Northwestern states are Muslims, we are left with a
Federal cabinet comprising 18 Christians and 18
Muslims! We have a devout Muslim as President and
a no less devout Christian as Vice President.
The current composition of the Federal Executive
Council is one in which only liars will complain that
Christians have been marginalized.

When in the history of Nigeria has a traveling
President transmitted power to the VICE PRESIDENT?
That is what Buhari does each time he travels.
Now let us move to the legislature.
Of the 10 Principal Officers of the Nigerian Senate,
only three (Saraki, Ndume and Na'alla) are Muslims!
The remainder (Ekeremadu, Adeyeye, Alimikhena,
Akpabio, Aduda, Bwacha and Olujimi) are Christians!

Adeyeye and Bwacha are lay preachers.
The House of Representatives is headed by a
Christian. With such a composition, the Nigerian
Legislature is not a place where Christians can be
said to be marginalized.

In fact, few people realize that there are more
Christians than Muslims in the Nigerian Senate.

Now let us go to the Judiciary. How many judges of
the Supreme Court has Buhari appointed?
The answer is Zero! Is it fair to blame him for
appointments that predated his own election into
office?

The fear of God, the love of country and basic human
decency dictate that we reject an amalgamation of
intellectual sophistry with the dereliction of truth.

Unfortunately, it is quite easy for detractors to pick
and choose their facts in a manner that allows
malignant campaigns of calumny.
Professor Adeoye Adeniyi, a former Vice Chancellor
of the University of Ilorin, was a deacon at Oritamefa
Baptist Church Ibadan.
He was the Chairman at my wedding. He was also our
pediatrician.

When he was leaving the University of Ibadan to head
the College of Medicine at Ilorin in 1978/79, he
handed Oluwatobi (our daughter) to a Moslem
doctor in his Department. I asked him why he did not
hand us to a Christian. Professor Adeniyi smiled and
said, "you do not need a Baptist or for that matter a
Christian doctor; you need a pediatrician who will
respond even if you call after midnight!"

I enjoy air travels. Sometimes, the plane gets to very
rough and bumpy weather. At such times, my
concern is not whether the pilot can speak in tongue
or prophesy!

Rather, one hopes that the pilot knows
what to do in a storm even if he were a Buddhist or
Moslem.

May God guide our Muslim President aright as we wade through the fierce storms of
contemporary Nigeria."

Excerpts from the post " Stigmatizing Buhari " by
Professor Sola Adeyeye

Seunnzy:
is jamb nt extorting money too.if they meant well they cud av scrapped UTME instead coz institutions are to admit students on their own terms.in the past 4yrs UTME has fared worse than post UTME so why nt scrap it instead.These bunch of re-tards just wanna degrade our Education system with their confused policy

Thank you o... There re very few nigerians who reason right.

First, I think institution should determine its terms and condition for admitting students. Go to UK, US and other advanced country... What is UTME, make or O'level or A'level and apply to any university of ur choice. Such universities determine the terms n condition

Secondly, the likes of unilorin, UI, OAU, Uniben will have well over 30,000 people, who qualify for admission but each of this schools can't admit more than 8,000 each. What becomes of the one who's got no 'leg' in the university. One who made good result but no body in the university to help him.


Thirdly, Mr Mallam Adamu Adamu, if ur interest is to curb extortion... I'm sorry, you just opened a wide door for extortion. Cos, men will now bribe their way with a huge sum to university lecturers to gain admission. Mr mallam, why not regulate the cost of postUTME form. Why not return to the decision of the 6th Senate. N1000 naira for post utme form. Pls don't be misguided Sir.

Thank you

Yours Sincerely.

ERONX:
Imagine Nigerians....... Oxford DICTIONARY: New word inclusion. BUHARI /boo-ha-ree:/ Noun: buhari 1. hard, hardship, difficult, harsh, tough; e.g "The economy is now buhari for the masses" Synonyms: onerous, strenuous, arduous grueling, painful, hellish; Antonyms: easy, smooth, simple. Verb: buharify, buharicate, buharification; 2. to make complex, worse, unbearable; e.g "Please don't come and buharicate issues here" "The only way to reduce applicants is to buharify the process" Synonyms: complicate, exacerbate, degenerate; Antonyms: simplify, ameliorate. Adjective: buharific 3. terrible, hectic, difficult; Synonyms: tough, back-breaking, intricate, knotty,thorny; Antonyms: fantastic, splendid, pleasant. e.g "How was your final exams? It was buharific!!!" Good night friends.

E.G May this administration(till 2019) be buhari for you
NUMBERS14:28 New International Version So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: New Living Translation Now tell them this: 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. English Standard Version Say to them, ‘As I live, declares the LORD, what you have said in my hearing I will do to you: New American Standard Bible "Say to them, 'As I live,' says the LORD, 'just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you; King James Bible Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Holman Christian Standard Bible Tell them: As surely as I live," this is the LORD's declaration, "I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. International Standard Version So tell them that as long as I live—consider this to be an oracle from the LORD—as certainly as you've spoken right into my ears, that's how I'm going to treat you. NET Bible Say to them, 'As I live, says the LORD, I will surely do to you just what you have spoken in my hearing. GOD'S WORD® Translation So tell them, 'As I live, declares the LORD, I solemnly swear I will do everything to you that you said I would do. JPS Tanakh 1917 Say unto them: As I live, saith the LORD, surely as ye have spoken in Mine ears, so will I do to you: New American Standard 1977 “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the LORD, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you; Jubilee Bible 2000 Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, according as ye have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you. King James 2000 Bible Say unto them, As truly as I live, says the LORD, as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you: American King James Version Say to them, As truly as I live, said the LORD, as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you: American Standard Version Say unto them, As I live, saith Jehovah, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Douay-Rheims Bible Say therefore to them: As I live, saith the Lord: According as you have spoken in my hearing, so will I do to you. Darby Bible Translation Say unto them, As surely as I live, saith Jehovah, if I do not do unto you as ye have spoken in mine ears! English Revised Version Say unto them, As I live, saith the LORD, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Webster's Bible Translation Say to them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you: World English Bible Tell them, 'As I live, says Yahweh, surely as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you: Young's Literal Translation say unto them, I live -- an affirmation of Jehovah -- if, as ye have spoken in Mine ears -- so I do not to you;

LMAyedun:
The Gov't should give us proves that Okah is in custody

'GIVE US'... Who be you? Or US?

Whether they give you prove or not how does it increase our GDP?

CHIJIOKE1314:
[s][/s]

Please, you are not Igbo..

Or you may be 'Igbo' but never 'Igbo'....
Alas sound like one for-god's sake..

Hahahahaha.... You think say everybody go mumu like you... Better no die of high b.p, heart attack,... 'Cos 2019 is still very far.

hedonistic:
Ambode is a far better governor than that elitist and obnoxious pretender called Fashola. The latter used his eloquence and excessive hype to confuse millions of gullible idiots. Discerning people like me saw through the noise, and I detested everything about him. I still do.

You will say this about Ambode in the coming days.

We know una type.

investnow2013:
There are some issues still delaying,If God is God,We are hoping that it will be resolved this year!

Ok, it won't be resolved this year!

That means God is not God abi?

O'ni ranu

folteminvestment:



What age do you want to buy?

Great Man, thanks for taking my call. Thank you for that conversation. You never know how much that helped.

Thanks once again

Do u mind I add you and whatsapp?
And how about visiting your farm?

Pls, where is your location. I want to use you costing to propose my budget

jansie:
hello nairalanders, kindly recommend a church for this babe. u see i've been 2 so many churches but just a few seem to douse my curiousity n even d few have so many fault that i tend to stay home attimes on sundays. ok, lemme specify some things i personaly believe in and would no doubt change. so the recommended church must believe in the following:
1.speaking in tongues
2.trinity
3.wearing trouser, earrings n not covering hair
4.tithers
5.preaching d `gospel' n not sin every single day
6. has love n care for its members n not what they can get 4rm members
7.are doers n not mere talkers
8. regularly take communion
9. celebrate all kinds of functions:bdays, wedding,etc
Amongst several things also. i want to be goin 2 church n not b a couch potato.of all d churches i've been to, i enjoy christ embassy bt they av good leaders n bad followers, too money-couscious n i realise most dont even practice what their MOG teaches, though their pastor is my mentor. kindly tell me which good church to go. o_O
tnks

Have you found a local church now? I can recommend a place for you where I know you will grow spiritually. Someone recommended it earlier. And I want to do so again. Saints Community church

www.saintscommunitychurch.net

Your Marriage ,Your Life,Your Ministry (3)( where marriages may end )

We have been examining the marital institution in scriptures

We must display the character of christ in our marriages .

Pauls examples to the Ephesians are plainly spiritual

Ephesians 5:23-25 KJV
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Christ and His church not Halle Berry or Jayz or Obama .

However ,many still wonder is marriage a life sentence such that as earlier seen I must walk in love and ensure and insist the marriage remains .

First and foremost marriage is not till death do you part .

That phrase is coined by men to exemplify the sanctity and fidelity which should exist in marriages .

It's noble .Appealing and desirable for all .

However ,like most human innovations ,it must be carefully weighed else it turns into prison chains .God has called us to liberty .

Some have said " what God has joined together let no man put asunder "

They many times misquoted Jesus .

Matthew 19:6 KJV
[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

He referred to the institution of one man and one wife not that individuals can't leave .
That's for another day .

As earlier noted there are instances marriages end

Firstly a Spouse dies

1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV
[39] The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Widows abound in scriptures and they were not buried with their spouse .

Luke 2:36-37 KJV
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; [37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Even Abraham married again at such an old age after Sarah's demise .

Genesis 25:1-2 KJV
[1] Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. [2] And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

With plenty kids !Sarah,Hagar and Now this ...

As an aside Moses by reason of his fugitive lifestyle had to marry more than once

Exodus 2:21-22 KJV
[21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. [22] And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Then again much later had to marry again

Numbers 12:1 KJV
[1] And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Mariam and Aaron were jointly judged for criticizing his remarriage .

Also Jesus acknowledged a woman who had married several times

John 4:18 KJV
[18] For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Five !,it doesn't make it a good and godly example but Jesus didn't call them her live in lovers but husbands !

In fact ,he made a distinction between living with a man and been married to him .she was married five times.Jesus said so and acknowledged it.

This might get some legalistic minds awry but relax and take a chilled drink ( non alcoholic ) and read again

We are all reading from scriptures and quoting notable figures including our Lord and Saviour Jesus

Take note Jesus went and stayed in the woman's area same day despite her horrible marital experiences

She became a witness for christ despite having been married five times and with an illegitimate relationship ,she believed Jesus and received forgiveness and I believe straightened out

Never allow marital failures or challenges paralyze your ministry and potentials

John 4:28-29,41 KJV
[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, [29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
41] And many more believed because of his own word;

No other woman in the four gospels did this much in the work of ministry !

We shall treat this later..

So,marriage at times can go different ways .

We have examined a dead spouse

Also ,a spouse that has chosen to depart makes the marriage done and dusted and the other partner not bound to be waiting for the rest of his or her life

1 Corinthians 7:10 KJV
[10] And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

1 Corinthians 7:11 KJV
[11] But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

As a ground rule never seek separation or divorce ,seek reconciliation ,both husband and wife
Notice paul doesn't give specific reasons which occasion this .

I digress

But ..
He gives exceptions

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 KJV
[12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
[13] And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

In this case a marriage between a believer and non believer .

Note the key words " if he/ she be pleased to dwell '

You can't force a union .You can desire ,pray but can't upturn another's will.

Where a partner leaves ,the other spouse is no longer bound to him or her anymore

Leave could mean ,remarry ,separate etc

1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV
[15] But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases : but God hath called us to peace.

Not under bondage .

However paul doesn't encourage remarriage !

1 Corinthians 7:26-27 KJV
[26] I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say , that it is good for a man so to be.
[27] Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Neither is he asking you never to,

1 Corinthians 7:28 KJV
[28] But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

You haven't sinned !

Now the narrative seems like it speaks of unbelievers.
By strict rule of context it will presupposes this is only allowed when it's between a believer and a non believer .

However ,bible interpretation rules gives the latitude to examine other contents of scriptures which deal with the same subject or personalities .

For example the term carnal is used for none believers only ,technically

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned.

The natural man is the unbeliever

Romans 8:6-8 KJV
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

He is carnal .

However ,some believers are such referred to in their conduct

1 Corinthians 3:1,3 KJV
[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Though an oxymoron yet the behavior is judged Like that of an unbeliever

The Corinthian brother was so treated

1 Corinthians 5:1,13 KJV
[1] It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
[13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The issue wasn't adultery even though that's a sin but open rebellion and an un remorseful attitude .

He's called wicked .And association withdrawn .

Same as those who live without accountability

2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV
[14] And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

We are told to condemn such conduct as if they weren't saved folks .

The spouse of such fellow will be put in such a situation here !

Hence the need to marry a person who Doesn't hold The Word and His church in utter contempt .

Lovers of money and corrupt folks too

1 Timothy 6:5 KJV
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

So,we have instances believers are treated like the unsaved .

To further buttress this within the marital institution ,irresponsible men are to be seen like this

1 Timothy 5:8 KJV
[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Worse than an unbeliever ,denied the faith.

Very strong words.

Where the erring partner disregards the word and lives in open rebellion ,and has shunned wise counsel and keeps living in sin ,we can't treat him as a believer even though he is one
We still see him as brother not an enemy

2 Thessalonians 3:15 KJV
[15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

So he or she MUST be rebuked ,disciplined and dealt with accordingly .

2 Corinthians 13:10 KJV
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

A man not for lack of resources yet refuses to take care of his home is an unbeliever in conduct .

A woman who abandons her marital duties too.

A licentious man or woman not amenable to correction too.

Now to another issue

A violent spouse ,who abuses his wife or husband is a persecutor.

Don't stay in the house praying .

Run for your dear life .

Matthew 24:16-18 KJV
[16] Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
[17] Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
[18] Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Jesus himself hid from his persecutors

Paul ran

In some instances he was hid away

Acts 9:24-25 KJV
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. [25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Leave such a home or at worst separate .

If men who knew dying for the gospel had rewards ,yet fled..
What reward will you be getting for getting killed by a spouse

You can pray elsewhere but not in a house you receive scourges like a lamb taking the sin of the world away .

Let me stop here .

In such instances where harm is evident ,it's stupid to stay in such a home .

It's not do or die .

You weren't sent to this world to marry ,

As per remarriage or otherwise we shall touch that later .

This includes where the children's lives are endangered ,incest,etc
I have witnessed were the dad took his son for rituals !

Now that's no need praying ,leave !

And seek Gods wisdom
James 1:5 KJV
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But don't pray where he or she is

Do it elsewhere or else your answers to the prayers will be received when you are dead !

Are there instances marriages might be difficult to continue ,,,

Res Ipsa Loquitur.

We must never judge people's marital challenges presumptuously or hypocritically .

Great men and woman suffer terrible marriages

Great women of God and men make wrong marital choices but this must never be a death sentence nor used to stifle them in ministry

There are several unserious believers with no marriage failures ,they don't serve God or the local church,so of what use is the romantic haven ?Even in hell today are men and women who had marriages that never broke up.
so what?they receive the crown of life ?

I will touch this later..

( to be continued )

I call you blessed .

BY PASTOR Chris Segun Onayinka

Pastor, Saints Community Church, Lagos

Your Marriage ,Your Life,Your Ministry (3)( where marriages may end )

We have been examining the marital institution in scriptures

We must display the character of christ in our marriages .

Pauls examples to the Ephesians are plainly spiritual

Ephesians 5:23-25 KJV
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Christ and His church not Halle Berry or Jayz or Obama .

However ,many still wonder is marriage a life sentence such that as earlier seen I must walk in love and ensure and insist the marriage remains .

First and foremost marriage is not till death do you part .

That phrase is coined by men to exemplify the sanctity and fidelity which should exist in marriages .

It's noble .Appealing and desirable for all .

However ,like most human innovations ,it must be carefully weighed else it turns into prison chains .God has called us to liberty .

Some have said " what God has joined together let no man put asunder "

They many times misquoted Jesus .

Matthew 19:6 KJV
[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

He referred to the institution of one man and one wife not that individuals can't leave .
That's for another day .

As earlier noted there are instances marriages end

Firstly a Spouse dies

1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV
[39] The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Widows abound in scriptures and they were not buried with their spouse .

Luke 2:36-37 KJV
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; [37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Even Abraham married again at such an old age after Sarah's demise .

Genesis 25:1-2 KJV
[1] Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. [2] And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

With plenty kids !Sarah,Hagar and Now this ...

As an aside Moses by reason of his fugitive lifestyle had to marry more than once

Exodus 2:21-22 KJV
[21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. [22] And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Then again much later had to marry again

Numbers 12:1 KJV
[1] And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Mariam and Aaron were jointly judged for criticizing his remarriage .

Also Jesus acknowledged a woman who had married several times

John 4:18 KJV
[18] For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Five !,it doesn't make it a good and godly example but Jesus didn't call them her live in lovers but husbands !

In fact ,he made a distinction between living with a man and been married to him .she was married five times.Jesus said so and acknowledged it.

This might get some legalistic minds awry but relax and take a chilled drink ( non alcoholic ) and read again

We are all reading from scriptures and quoting notable figures including our Lord and Saviour Jesus

Take note Jesus went and stayed in the woman's area same day despite her horrible marital experiences

She became a witness for christ despite having been married five times and with an illegitimate relationship ,she believed Jesus and received forgiveness and I believe straightened out

Never allow marital failures or challenges paralyze your ministry and potentials

John 4:28-29,41 KJV
[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, [29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
41] And many more believed because of his own word;

No other woman in the four gospels did this much in the work of ministry !

We shall treat this later..

So,marriage at times can go different ways .

We have examined a dead spouse

Also ,a spouse that has chosen to depart makes the marriage done and dusted and the other partner not bound to be waiting for the rest of his or her life

1 Corinthians 7:10 KJV
[10] And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

1 Corinthians 7:11 KJV
[11] But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

As a ground rule never seek separation or divorce ,seek reconciliation ,both husband and wife
Notice paul doesn't give specific reasons which occasion this .

I digress

But ..
He gives exceptions

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 KJV
[12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
[13] And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

In this case a marriage between a believer and non believer .

Note the key words " if he/ she be pleased to dwell '

You can't force a union .You can desire ,pray but can't upturn another's will.

Where a partner leaves ,the other spouse is no longer bound to him or her anymore

Leave could mean ,remarry ,separate etc

1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV
[15] But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases : but God hath called us to peace.

Not under bondage .

However paul doesn't encourage remarriage !

1 Corinthians 7:26-27 KJV
[26] I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say , that it is good for a man so to be.
[27] Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Neither is he asking you never to,

1 Corinthians 7:28 KJV
[28] But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

You haven't sinned !

Now the narrative seems like it speaks of unbelievers.
By strict rule of context it will presupposes this is only allowed when it's between a believer and a non believer .

However ,bible interpretation rules gives the latitude to examine other contents of scriptures which deal with the same subject or personalities .

For example the term carnal is used for none believers only ,technically

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned.

The natural man is the unbeliever

Romans 8:6-8 KJV
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

He is carnal .

However ,some believers are such referred to in their conduct

1 Corinthians 3:1,3 KJV
[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Though an oxymoron yet the behavior is judged Like that of an unbeliever

The Corinthian brother was so treated

1 Corinthians 5:1,13 KJV
[1] It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
[13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The issue wasn't adultery even though that's a sin but open rebellion and an un remorseful attitude .

He's called wicked .And association withdrawn .

Same as those who live without accountability

2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV
[14] And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

We are told to condemn such conduct as if they weren't saved folks .

The spouse of such fellow will be put in such a situation here !

Hence the need to marry a person who Doesn't hold The Word and His church in utter contempt .

Lovers of money and corrupt folks too

1 Timothy 6:5 KJV
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

So,we have instances believers are treated like the unsaved .

To further buttress this within the marital institution ,irresponsible men are to be seen like this

1 Timothy 5:8 KJV
[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Worse than an unbeliever ,denied the faith.

Very strong words.

Where the erring partner disregards the word and lives in open rebellion ,and has shunned wise counsel and keeps living in sin ,we can't treat him as a believer even though he is one
We still see him as brother not an enemy

2 Thessalonians 3:15 KJV
[15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

So he or she MUST be rebuked ,disciplined and dealt with accordingly .

2 Corinthians 13:10 KJV
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

A man not for lack of resources yet refuses to take care of his home is an unbeliever in conduct .

A woman who abandons her marital duties too.

A licentious man or woman not amenable to correction too.

Now to another issue

A violent spouse ,who abuses his wife or husband is a persecutor.

Don't stay in the house praying .

Run for your dear life .

Matthew 24:16-18 KJV
[16] Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
[17] Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
[18] Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Jesus himself hid from his persecutors

Paul ran

In some instances he was hid away

Acts 9:24-25 KJV
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. [25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Leave such a home or at worst separate .

If men who knew dying for the gospel had rewards ,yet fled..
What reward will you be getting for getting killed by a spouse

You can pray elsewhere but not in a house you receive scourges like a lamb taking the sin of the world away .

Let me stop here .

In such instances where harm is evident ,it's stupid to stay in such a home .

It's not do or die .

You weren't sent to this world to marry ,

As per remarriage or otherwise we shall touch that later .

This includes where the children's lives are endangered ,incest,etc
I have witnessed were the dad took his son for rituals !

Now that's no need praying ,leave !

And seek Gods wisdom
James 1:5 KJV
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But don't pray where he or she is

Do it elsewhere or else your answers to the prayers will be received when you are dead !

Are there instances marriages might be difficult to continue ,,,

Res Ipsa Loquitur.

We must never judge people's marital challenges presumptuously or hypocritically .

Great men and woman suffer terrible marriages

Great women of God and men make wrong marital choices but this must never be a death sentence nor used to stifle them in ministry

There are several unserious believers with no marriage failures ,they don't serve God or the local church,so of what use is the romantic haven ?Even in hell today are men and women who had marriages that never broke up.
so what?they receive the crown of life ?

I will touch this later..

( to be continued )

I call you blessed .

Dear Mr Femi Fani-Kayode,

Like any other Nigerian, I read the impetuous and ill-thought out diatribe, from you, against President Muhammadu Buhari. I am writing as a concerned Nigerian; the presidential spokesmen are at liberty to respond to you in a manner they consider fitting and prosper.


When I read yours, my first reaction was like – oh, our brother has gone mad again! Of course, it is a veiled reference to the vestigial deleterious effect of prolonged and unrestrained dealing in harmful drugs. The manner of your summersaults – occasioned by the incoherence and irascibility manifested in yours to the President – is clear attestation to the permanence of the scar of previous contacts with drugs, irrespective of various rehabilitative interventions.

Before I respond to yours seriatim, it is necessary for me to point out the perfidy in your belief that Nigerians have not read your book and fully understood your well-rehearsed approach to getting Presidential attention. In the early days of the Obasanjo administration, you attacked the former president with unfeigned savagery. Afterwards, you were invited to serve as the former President’s attack dog – an endeavor you undertook beyond expectation. Even the Federal Law makers, in the performance of their constitutional duties, were not spared from your vituperative discontent. In that dispensation, any citizen that showed courage in demurring with the politics or policy of your principal, risked coming under the hammer of your caustic tongue! For as long as former President Good-luck Jonathan did not bring you into his government, you dished out unceasing excoriation of his person. The moniker- clueless President- was attributed to you. Shortly after you were engrafted into his propaganda team, he became the idol that all Nigerians should worship. It is therefore for this reason that I see beyond your latest tantrums as merely succumbing to relapsing effect of drug. You are indeed plotting another scheme at ingratiating yourself into the Buhari administration. Unfortunately for you, this current President is too focused to be fazed by your excoriation or applause!

You said.

“your penchant for blaming your failings in this regard on the previous administration is simply nauseating and it does not serve you well.”

The fact of history which, neither you nor any of your co-travellers in the business of historical revisionism can controvert, is that Jonathan’s locust years have laid the foundation for the current famine pervading the Nigerian nation. You need to come clean on how much the Jonathan administration gave you for the five months of verbal assaults unleashed on the real and imaginary adversaries of former President Jonathan! Furthermore, I do not want to believe you have suddenly added selective amnesia into the mix of the afflictions already ravaging your being. Was it not Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, former President Jonathan’s appointee as Chief of Defense Staff, who said shortly after retirement that the last time there was any procurement of military hardware was during former President Obasanjo’s regime? Is that not corroborated by the supporting evidence of the office of National security Adviser turning into cashier for funneling money set aside for security purposes into the private pockets of PDP zealots like yourself?

You said:

“when the British Minister of Defense visited you in the Presidential Villa the other day the story changed. You did a U-turn and gleefully told him and the wider world that President Jonathan bought arms with raw cash.”

Given your admirable top British University education, you are expected to show modicum of intelligence in your response; the ease with which you recede into fatuousness for selfish-centered reasons really rankles! So, you are now unable to discern the use of sarcasm anymore? Which other country, in our contemporary world, ever did arms’ procurement with raw cash in ‘Ghana- must- go bags’ as Jonathan government? Is it not clear that the $9.3million and the private jet used for the transportation are both products of chicanery and dishonor?

You said:

“Despite the challenges and constraints President Jonathan faced, instead of losing any more ground, he rose to the occasion and retook no less than 22 local government areas and virtually pushed Boko Haram out of Nigeria.”

Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, would you, for the purpose of clarity, itemize the 22 local governments that Jonathan’s rag-tag military rescued retook? Of course, Nigerians know that, yours is merely mendacious spewing! You do not wish to be taken seriously, do you?

You said:

“Instead of fighting Boko Haram, you are fighting and killing your own people. Worse still you have refused to defend our country. I say this because a few days ago the Cameroonian military invaded our country, violated our territorial integrity and savagely murdered over 70 innocent Nigerians in their village before burning it down.”

The Lake Chad multinational force comprising – Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger – was set up to foster cooperation among these frontline countries bearing the brunt of Boko Haram insurgency. It was part of the rules of engagement for trans-border cooperation. In other words, the pursuit of insurgents by any country can continue into the territory of another country in the coalition. You have merely played into the gallery with this one. Of course, Nigerians can truly discern that, for a long time since independence, Nigeria has just been blessed with a truly patriotic leader in President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is easily discernible that you are going down in cash to sustain your obviously ostentatious lifestyle. Let me remind you that the days of reckoning are around the corner. It was William Shakespeare who said: “The evil that men do live after them.” I think your past misdeeds shall continue to haunt you. What did you do to your older sibling, Atkins Fani-Kayode? How did you treat your wife’s worker, Musa Leshi, who almost went to jail for the environmental transgression committed by your Ghanaian-born wife- Mrs Regina Fani-kayode (nee Amoo) – and her company- MENU INTERNATIONAL BAR/RESTAURANT situated at No 7 Randle Road Apapa, Lagos? See the bail bond document below and ask yourself how it was perfected!

Let it be known to you that the gimmickry of your letter is not lost on any one. The fact of the matter is that the Buhari administration cannot have a character like you as an aide, no matter how hard you try.

Perhaps, you may also have tried this attack mode as a way of stymieing any future probe of the improper slice of the national patrimony given to you by the Jonathan government. This, too, has failed! This President, Muhammadu Buhari, is a stickler for process, order and the rule of law. Should there be need for you to answer questions on your show of impunity in the past, please be sure that there shall be no hesitation in doing so.

I wish you a happy new year ahead.

Rotimi Fashakin.

Cc quindebbie

Your Marriage, Your Life,Your Ministry 2

We have since looked at marriage and what scriptures teach ,this must be upheld over human opinions and experiences

The church not the world and media remains the bastion of truth

1 Timothy 3:15 KJV
[15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

That said

Do instances occur when marriage becomes a difficult terrain and parties might have to resort to separation of some sort depending on each case ?

Again let's view this from scriptures

Infidelity

Sexual immorality is a sin .

We are to flee from it ,both the married and the unmarried

1 Corinthians 6:13 KJV
[13] ?..Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV
[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Our bodies must honor the Lord.

Sex is strictly for marriage .

1 Corinthians 7:2 KJV
[2] Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Not dating or courting .

However we have instances where a party in marriage falls into a sexual sin .

In the four gospels Jesus was asked a similar question

Matthew 19:3 KJV
[3] The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Under Moses law,if the woman ( note woman not man ) was found in sexual immorality,it was a ground for divorce

Jesus voiced it too

Matthew 19:8-9 KJV
[8] He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. [9] And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Now don't forget Jesus was responding to Moses law given because men were spiritually dead .

He yet treats such sins in a different scenario and a different light

Luke 7:37,48,50 KJV
[37] And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
[48] And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. [
50] And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

This woman was a prostitute .His actions towards her speaks volumes .

Forgiveness .

John 8:3-4,10-11 KJV
[3] And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
[4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. [
10] When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [
11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Note,this is adultery .again under Moses law,the woman seemed the scapegoat

Yet Jesus Exemplifies Gods character of forgiveness ,the gift of no condemnation .

It's noteworthy he doesn't say " it doesn't matter ,I love you no matter what "

He says " DONT DO IT AGAIN!

So,whilst under Moses law adultery elicited condemnation and death,in Christ we have the gift of no condemnation whilst retaining the instruction to flee from it .

So it's very fundamental to see sexual immorality as sins that are forgiven by the shed blood of christ .

Now,where does the other spouse feelings and actions come in?

It's clear marriage is one flesh,referring to sex

Matthew 19:5 KJV
[5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Your body belongs to your spouse sexually

1 Corinthians 7:4 KJV
[4] The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

So in a huge sense the other party will feel betrayed and offended .

It's usually called infidelity .

Because your body should belong to each other exclusively as per sex

However ,the sin is also against the Lord .as your body is His too, even more

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV
[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

He forgives when such a brother or sister commits such sins .

Ephesians 1:7 KJV
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

He asked that we restore anyone fallen into any sin

Galatians 6:1 KJV
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

This refers to open transgression .

But note the words meekness and spiritual .

If the spouse is a believer ,he or she is born of God and should forgive .

Ephesians 4:32 KJV
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

It's forgivable and you are forgivable too in your spirit

It's difficult in the flesh when we choose to be Worldly and carnal.

We take it personal and become un Christian about the whole issue

It is a sin ,full stop !

It's not blasphemy against the Spirit that has no forgiveness

Matthew 12:31 KJV
[31] Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

All manner of sin is forgiven and forgivable .

It's not a death sentence

Even under the Old Testament David kept his throne and even married barsheba .
He didn't die
And the new covenant doesn't count it against him .

Hebrews 8:12 KJV
[12] For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Some say david didn't build the temple etc
I ask ,so where's the temple today ?

David lived under the new covenants promise whilst the old subsisted and as he prophesied in psalm 23, he abides in His house forever .

He's the most quoted personality of the Old Testament alongside Abraham and Moses .

So,let it sink ,Christ Sat upon David's throne not Solomon ( prophetically if you get that )

Scream blue murder if you like ,it's Gods word !

Whilst the sin is despicable ,we must not destroy others in the process .

Now hear this,oftentimes it's the other partner who grieves the Holyghost !

Un forgiveness is grieving the Spirit of God

Ephesians 4:30-32 KJV
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

You must forgive !

Your wife or husband .

Peter says if you don't you are spiritually blind

2 Peter 1:9 KJV
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

God has forgiven ,so must you !

James 5:15 KJV
[15] ..and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

The man or woman's body is Gods temple defiled too,and He abides still and has forgiven .

Is adultery a ground for dissolving marriages ?

I will rather say ,many times its UNFORGIVENESS!

Moses tilted his instructions towards the woman ,but the new covenant puts the responsibility of love more on the man .

As Christ Loved His church

Ephesians 5:25 KJV
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Gave Himself means He died for our sins

You must learn forgiveness to head a home and stay there .

This is for both husband and wife .

We are called to peace Not seek to dissolve marriages

1 Corinthians 7:27 KJV
[27] Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed.

Agape ,the Greek word used to describe the sacrificial love of God in Christ doesn't go to divorce courts .

Seek reconciliation

Forgive .

I will address the erring partner later but never forget the Word not the media ,culture or legal proceedings guide our marriages .

Let's walk in love in our homes and not seek and engage strife destroying our lives altogether

James 3:16 KJV
[16] For where envying and strife is , there is confusion and every evil work.

If we remove forgiveness from the bible ,we all take our seats in hell and are damned forever .

It might look difficult but if we are less selfish ,and aren't reacting like " john you could do this to me " or " Mary ,I can't believe you are so useless etc " , rather let's see all in the eyes of christ who saved us and washed us in His blood

Revelation 1:5 KJV
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Inspite and despite ourselves ,he sees us unblameable

Colossians 1:22 KJV
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

And see it as a challenge to walk in our true nature of love .

As paul taught when addressing forgiving an erring brother ,don't let's allow Satan in ..

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV
[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it , for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

That's what UNFORGIVENESS and bitterness and anger does ..

So rather than walk away from your wife or husband for sexual indiscretions and sins

WALK IN LOVE
( to be continued )

I call you blessed

By. Pastor Segun Onayinka

Pastor, Saints Community Church, Lagos

BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR A SPOUSE ..
When you choose to pray over a matter scripture clearly instructs you on ,you are mischievously living in disobedience .
For example ,before you start praying whether a brother or sister is " Gods will " for you in marriage ,kindly know it's really up to you .
Paul gives just one admonition in this regard
1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV
[39] ..she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
This rules out none believers .
To marry ONLY in The Lord ,has no specific person called Gods will but rather specific issues you consider before settling for any .
You didn't receive any brother or sister as an inheritance in Christ to be married to ,so several can fit into or not fit in..

As earlier said ,the non believer is totally out .
However ,there are others
1 Corinthians 5:11,13 KJV
[11] But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
A licentious person who lives like a non believer and in open sin.
It's no need praying over it whether he or she is the right person .
They are not .
Also ..those with false doctrines or better still have varying spiritual convictions
Romans 16:17-18 KJV
[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
You are to avoid .
Furthermore ,unruly church folks who disobey spiritual authority aren't to be considered .
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 KJV
[14] And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
An un accountable brother or sister is a no no even if he or she posts scriptures regularly on Facebook .
Again those with the love for money ..
1 Timothy 6:5 KJV
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Who see money as godliness .They can't be right choices too.
This is so because scriptures teach strongly on good company
From Solomon..
Proverbs 13:20 KJV
[20] He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
To Paul
1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV
[33] Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Paul contextually was dealing with doctrine .
Marry someone with the same doctrinal persuasion .
This is without prejudice to other natural issues like cultural ,academic ,physical,pursuits compatibility etc which require common sense not prayers .
You can open your eyes and ears and take note of these .
However ,before you start praying or fasting or asking your prayer contractors for prophecies ,open your heart to Gods word clearly written .
Then you will see if its Gods will or not .
I call you blessed

Your marriage ,Your life,Your ministry (1)

In a day and age where every person has become a marriage counselor even those who don't pray neither can successfully handle a bible class ,there's a proper need to scripturally address a pertinent matter emerging in CHRISTIAN marriages

First and foremost ,Marriage is of God,honorable and should be desired by and for all .

Hebrews 13:4 KJV
[4] Marriage is honourable in all..

Secondly ,it's a choice you make ,even though prayerfully and you can choose not to make as well prayerfully too

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 KJV
[8] I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
9] But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

As a believer you marry whom you will but in christ

1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV
[39] The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

That said

Things do go wrong in all human relationships .

Pastor and flock

2 Corinthians 13:2,10 KJV
[2] I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Amongst Fellow ministers

Acts 15:39 KJV
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Amongst believers generally

1 Corinthians 11:18 KJV
[18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

A whole lot of apostolic teaching deals with love,forgiveness and forbearance amongst Believers,marriage is sure one of such .

This day and age many a believer aren't taught the love walk and so resort to television ,social media guidance for most relationships

Words like " am leaving him or her"," it's over " " I can't continue "etc are rampant and were mostly gleaned from the world .

Yet scriptures teach that we be cautious with this world and its ideas

Romans 12:2 KJV
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are to renew our minds and ensure we aren't entrapped with a world which finds nothing wrong with sex without marriage and even tags it " baby mama" and consciously teaches such illicit sex in sitcoms and movies and even its celebrities .

We are to be circumspect

Ephesians 5:15 KJV
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

It means carefully .

Marriages are built on forgiveness and believing the best of each other .

Human Loyalty can be shaky ,

Only Gods faithfulness is reliable and enduring ,yet we His children have the capacity to be trustworthy .

Hence scriptures teach two fundamentals for all marriages

Ephesians 5:22,25 KJV
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Love and submit

Both words entail a whole lot

Love ..

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Submit

Ephesians 5:21 KJV
[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

It means in honor and reverence for the Lord

Colossians 3:18 KJV
[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Same .

I dare say ,if many of our men paid more attention to bible studies and understand love isn't just about romance ,a treat on Cayman Islands ,buying gifts ,great sex etc rather virtues of character only found in christ ,if they do ,we might save more marriages .

We might ...

And I dare say too if many women paid more attention to the Word rather than Africa Magic ,telemundo,Linda Ikejis blog etc they will understand what honor ,respect mean

They will know respect and honor keeps marriages more than beauty and sex and worst still " saying your mind "

1 Peter 3:5-6 KJV
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

She called him lord ,master not honey pie,sugar belly etc
Nothing wrong in pet names but from the word,he is your head not just your lover .

Being married to a none believer ( before you received christ yourself I mean ) isn't an excuse to behave badly and treat him or her with disrespect

Whilst I fully understand the Pauline teaching on love and submit in Ephesians and Colossians were strictly for believers,scriptures also instruct on marriage to none believers

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 KJV
[12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
[13] And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

Don't seek to leave for such reasons

1 Corinthians 7:27 KJV
[27] Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed.

Take note of the words " if he/ she be pleased to dwell " as I will touch this later as a critical part .

Peter gave another angle to the same scenario

1 Peter 3:1-2 KJV
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; [2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Conduct must be godly and such that glorifies christ even though he's a non believer .

You mustn't shirk your marital duties for fasting and prayer or church meetings .

You must be his wife and her husband as the case applies .

So,when storms arise in marriages we must always seek for peace and reconciliation at all times

Hebrews 12:14 KJV
[14] Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

We are to avoid strife ,anger ,bitterness ,evil speaking and malice in our marriages

Romans 12:18 KJV
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Do all you can to stay in peace .

Ephesians 4:26,31 KJV
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

This is needed in ALL relationships including marriage

Strife is a no no

1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

It's for men who aren't born again .

Nagging ,fault finding etc are works of the flesh

We are dead to the flesh and alive in the spirit

Galatians 5:24-25 KJV
[24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Strife i.e contention ,consistent arguing and nagging are devilish

James 3:15-16 KJV
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [16] For where envying and strife is , there is confusion and every evil work.

Even though you might be making Worldly sense and getting social media applause ,Gods word is a rock which outlives human opinions .

As believers,whether as parties in marriages or third / interested parties called upon to mediate or give counsel we MUST pursue peace at all costs!

At all costs!

We must pray to change situations too

Prayer works

James 5:16 KJV
[16]... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

If your marriage isn't working well ,pray !

James 5:13 KJV
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray..

Many times we hardly explore these scriptural options before resorting to the worlds quick fixes
Break up !

We are believers and must act on the word

To find believers having multiple pre marital break ups is enough distress and bad testimony ,talk less of finding believers getting married several times in a life time .

We mustn't treat our marriages like Hollywood or Nollywood.

It should be seen to glorify christ .

For example The home and marriage of a Christian minister should be exemplary..

1 Timothy 3:4-5 KJV
[4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

We must be examples to all believers

1 Timothy 4:12 KJV
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

That said

Some exceptions do arise .

And we do have Gods word and wisdom for these instances

I have found out several ministers are either at sea on such matters or feigning ignorance or just living in denial

First and foremost marriage is not a life and death sentence .

For example,spouses do die and the living spouse can remarry

1 Timothy 5:14 KJV
[14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

He refers to young widows .

We shall touch this too later

Divorce is a word in the bible .

Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV
[1] When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

It was even put to Jesus

Matthew 19:7 KJV
[7] They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

But the term or word is not found after the Four gospels .

It's not our primary way of treating marriages .

But then ,questions have arisen ..on domestic violence ,rape ( yes rape in marriage ), incest ,infidelity ,fraud ,deceit etc

What should be done?

I must firstly submit that cases have their uniqueness and most times we must take each one in its merit.

I firmly believe marital counseling is beyond phone in programs or blogs rather a pastors duty .

Hence its safer for couples to seek counsel from where they receive spiritual oversight

Hebrews 13:17 KJV
[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

It's safer than reading off some bitter lady or fellow on Facebook Or Twitter .

I believe many marriages can be rescued ,by Gods power I have helped out several and even in cases where divorce had been concluded in the courts .

Gods word and power is the answer

However in some exceptional cases we still have His Word....

( to be continued )

I call you blessed

Jesus is Lord,We win !

By Onayinka Olusegun
Pastor, Saints Community Church, Lagos

coolitempa:
I am seriously getting old.....went to corona over fifteen years ago......... ....I need to retire from exchanging ideas with miscreants on Nairaland..

Really? What did you go there to do... To sell ice cream? or puff-puff? Lol...

Ok sorry, I just wanted to know if na 15yrs ago he gain admission or graduate

madridguy:
@ OP, make I help you call them with alariwo voice:

CC: Karanka, onosprince, CR77, Mufasa27, mazzi, 4Kemzy, suxkill, colossus2: ProfessorPeter, masterpower, masterpower, firefire, temitemi1, ajepako, ishiamu, MizMyColi, Joejonah, 1Dray, ihatebuhari, Brightology2, Charlydot2

Thank you jare

meforyou1:
all former heads of State of Nigeria. No newspaper headline for their birthdays. So why single out GEJ?

Bros how far na... We da talk of advert, not headline... Even jame ibori for prison da get advert on top newspaper on his birthday

U wanna talk abt OBJ, Gowon,... Bro go find ur statistics well