My husband and I, together with some brethren from the church, visited Egypt. It is a country that lives in ‘past glory’. Millions of people from all over the world come to see the pyramids and other things left behind for thousands of years. We hired a minivan and went to see the ruins of the ancient city called ‘Memphis’. We traveled about an hour outside Cairo, thru humble dusty villages irrigated from the River Nile. We finally arrived at Memphis. It is a big ‘open air museum’. Golden colored sand, dust and fallen stones littered the place. We saw the great pyramid of Saqqara, the oldest structure built by men on earth that still survives. We saw the temple they built to worship their idols. We took pictures on the ‘throne’ where Pharaoh stands during these sacrifices. We saw the statue of Ramses II lying down. We entered the temple where they buried their kings. To see all these historical ancient marvels, we paid just some few coins. Tourism is a big industry in Egypt.
This is some information about Memphis: The name ‘Memphis’ means ‘The good haven’. It was a city of ancient Egypt, situated on that western bank of the Nile, about nine miles south of Cairo and five from the great pyramids and the sphinx of Giza. In the Bible, it is mentioned by the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Ezekiel, under the name of Noph. For a long time, Memphis (Noph) was a great and proud city. It seems that nobody could break it’s boast. But the city’s overthrow was distinctly predicted by the Word of God. The latest of these predictions was uttered nearly 600 years before Christ, and a half a century before the invasion of Egypt by Cambyses (525 BC). The Cambyses, engaged at the opposition they encountered at Memphis, committed many outrages upon the city and destroyed her idols. The city never recovered from that blow. The rise of the city of Alexandria hastened its decline. The caliph conquerors founded Fostat (present day Cairo) upon the opposite bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis. They brought the stones and building materials from Memphis to build Cairo, their new capital (638 AD). At length so complete was the ruin of Memphis that for a long time its very site was lost, covered by the desert sand. Memphis, the so called ‘good heaven’ promised by its proud idols, vanished from the earth. Recent explorations have brought to light many of its antiquities. Looking at the fallen city of Memphis, we were reminded that on earth, nothing lasts forever. God always judges sin and especially, proud organized idolatry. The rise and fall of Memphis are another proof of that. According to the Bible, pride always ends in destruction. This is the Word of God concerning the city of Memphis, also called Noph. Give glory to the only Living God who alone knows the end from the beginning! Praise the Almighty God, the Judge of all the earth! Fear Jehovah, the Jealous God, who forbids the worship of idols! Jesus is Lord!
“Surely the princes of Zoan are fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish counsel.
How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise; The son of ancient kings?”
Where are they? Where are your wise men?
Let them tell you now and let them know what the Lord of hosts has purposed against Egypt.
The princes of Zoan have become fools; The princes of NOPH are deceived.
They have also deluded Egypt, those who are the mainstay of its tribes.
The Lord has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst.
And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.
Neither will there be any work for Egypt” (Is 19:11-15)
“Oh, you daughter dwelling in Egypt,
Prepare yourself to go into captivity!
For NOPH shall be waste and desolate, without inhabitant” (Jer 46:19)
“Thus says the Lord God:
“I will also destroy the idols,
And cause the images to cease from NOPH
There shall no longer be princes from the land of Egypt.
I will put fear in the land of Egypt” (Ez 30:13)

This is a wonderful sermon preached by my husband, Pastor Richmond Leigh!

During this Sunday service, Pastor Richmond Leigh preached from the Book of 2 Corinthians: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2Cor 10:3-6)

Recently, church leaders advised that the Christians should carry guns and defend themselves against their enemies. For some years, Nigeria has experienced a lot of troubles. The Muslim extremists have attacked the Christians especially in the North of the country. Tragically, many people have died during these attacks, not only Christians, but many Muslims and even unbelievers. People are divided on how to approach the issue of warfare. In case of an attack, as children of God, how do we defend ourselves? What is the Bible’s answer to this question? Pastor Richmond Leigh said that the answer is found in the Word of God. He said that this is a hard matter to consider and a difficult sermon to preach. But truth must be told for truth sets free! When attacked by armed terrorists, what shall we do? Common sense tells us to retaliate; get armed and fight back. But Christianity is not based on ‘common sense’ or tribal culture. Christianity is Christ and it is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Christianity is supernatural and as children of God we must use spiritual weapons to fight our battles. When confronted by evil, we take our inspiration from the Bible.

The story of Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is very instructive (Daniel 3). They refused to bow to the king’s idol knowing that they may be killed for that. They told the king that their God, Jehovah, is able to deliver them from death. But just in case He wants to glorify Himself thru their deaths, they are ready to die for their faith. King Nebuchadnezzar got furious, bound them with ropes and threw them in the fire. The Babylonian men who pushed them into the fire got burnt and died. But the three Hebrews did not die. Inside the furnace they were met and welcomed by ‘The Forth Man’ who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Their clothes and bodies did not burn. It was only their ropes, that got burnt. They were sent into the fire in bondage and they came out alive and free. The King and everybody bowed down to the God of the Hebrews who alone can save from death. “Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!” (Dan 3:28). What is the lesson? In times of trials, persecution and religious wars, it is good to renew our faith in our God who alone saves His people from death, those who trust in Him to the end!

Geographically, during the months of December to March, Nigeria experiences two different winds. There is a wind that comes from the North, blowing from the Sahara Desert. It brings a season called ‘The Harmattan’. It brings cold weather and much dust. The atmosphere is hazy, and planes cannot fly. This North wind stands for the power of flesh and worldliness. The unbelievers are the people who do not wait for God. They worship God in the flesh. They are like King Saul who offered unacceptable sacrifices to God (1Sam 13). From time to time, this wind of intimidation and persecution seems so strong. But remember, it is not forever! Later, another wind, called ‘the South wind’ coming from the Atlantic Ocean overpowers the North wind and pushes it back. The South wind clears the air, brings warmth, rain and refreshing to the plants. In the same, prophetically, there are ‘two winds’, better said, ‘two spirits’. The North ‘wind’, with its coldness, dust and death will not blow forever. The season of fear and religious fanaticism will be replaced by another, the season of peace and revival of the Holy Spirit. The South wind people are like King David, true worshippers of the Living God who know how to wait on Him. They worship God in Spirit and in truth! The South wind stands for the power of the Spirit and of much needed revival. This is what we pray for! Revival of the Holy Spirit is our desire for Nigeria! God will do it!

This is a spiritual law: The people of the flesh hate the people of the Spirit. The worldly people hate the born-again believers because Christ is in them. They want to kill them thinking that they offer God a service. Before He died on the Cross, our Lord warned and in the same time encouraged His disciples concerning these things. He said: “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me” (Jn 16:1-3). No matter how many prayers they pray and how much they fast, the religious extremists do not know the only true God! Knowing the truth will prepare us to face all persecutions, and even death, standing for Jesus to the end. The news of wars and rumors of wars should not make us ‘stumble’ in our faith! We are called to live and die for Jesus. Some of us will be martyred. But even if not, we must be ready to stand faithful to the end declaring: “Jesus is Lord!”

What is the reason why many Christians stumble and backslide from the faith? The main reason is the fear of death! If they believe that heaven is their destination, then why are Christians afraid to die? These are some of the answers: Many who call themselves Christians, are not truly born-again. They are Christians only by birth. Others, who are born-again, are not baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit. Their spiritual eyes are closed. They have not seen the reality of the Kingdom of God. But the true believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit is free from all fears, including the fear of death. This is the Word of God: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim 1:7). Apostle Paul wan not afraid of death because he ‘died daily’. He says: “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily” (1 Cor 15:31). This is Paul’s testimony: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2Cor 4:8-11). The Christian ‘carries’ in his body the dying of the Lord Jesus. But the power of resurrection also works inside him, to ‘quicken his mortal body’.

In life or death, this is the testimony of all true believers: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Rom 8:11). This is our confidence that life in Christ is stronger than death. We do not fear those who can only kill the body and after that they can do nothing more. We fear only God, who alone can destroy body and soul in hell (Mt 10:28). At the Cross, Jesus removed the ‘sting’ of death and silenced the boasting of the grave! Praise His Holy Name! Our weapons are not ‘carnal’. We do not fight with guns and spears. We see the battle as spiritual and we use spiritual weapons against the devil, the enemy of our souls. Our weapons are faith in the Word of God, fasting and prayers! These ones can never fail! In all situations, let’s make this confession: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” (Phil 1:21).

This is a partial list of the Christian martyrs in the first century: Stephen (Ac 7:54-60), James, son of Zebedee (Ac 12:1, 2), James, brother of Jesus, Apostle Peter, Apostle Paul, Mark, Philip, Apostle Jude, Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna and so many others. Since then, even up till today, many others died for their faith, killed by those who did not know the true God.

We are living in what the Bible calls ‘the last days.’ Perilous times shall come. Persecution shall come! We shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. Many shall be deceived and distracted from the way of faith. But the Lord commands us to stand firm and not to fear. We are soldiers of Christ! No matter how dark it may be, we shall lift the banner of Jesus! Unbelievers may seem stronger. False religions may seem to succeed. But remember, no unbeliever shall be found in heaven! Come what may, heaven is our eternal home!

Our Lord warned us that during persecutions we should not be deceived, and we should not be troubled with fear (Mt 24:4-14). We should be prepared spiritually and mentally in event of attacks on our faith. These are difficult times. He said that “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake”. This is a prophetic statement! The world will hate us all and kill some of us. This is the truth! The love of many will ‘grow cold’. ‘But he who endures to the end, shall be saved’. During the fire of persecutions, the true Christians alone will be able to ‘stand to the end’ proving to be Christ’ disciples. They shall shine like the stars in the dark night! During these periods of trials, one thing will remain constant: against all odds, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel will be preached! Nothing and nobody can stop the advance of the Kingdom of God! Our Lord promised that “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it!” (Mt 16:18).

Finally, we remind ourselves that Christianity is always associated with the Cross. We die with Christ! We die to self, to sin, to the world and to the devil. Paul said that: “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil 1:20). This should be our desire too! Remember that you cannot stop people hating you and planning to kill you. If you can run, the run to safety. God will help you. If you cannot run, then stand firm and faithful to the end. God will help you too. May these words strengthen your faith and encourage you, soldiers of Christ! His banner over us is Love! Worship the Lord!

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord… Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies” (PV 18:22; 31:10)

My husband and I are happily married for almost 46 years. From the many lessons gleaned in the journey of life, as a wife and mother and as a pastor, I share this word with you:

There are many women in this world, but very few godly wives. A virtuous wife’s worth is above rubies. This is not my idea, it is God’s estimation. It means that her price is very expensive. Rubies are red colored precious stones, in the same category with the diamonds. Historically, rubies have also been mined in Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Namibia, Japan and Myanmar. The only countries in Europe that have rubies are Scotland and Macedonia. In the US, the only states where rubies have been found are Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wyoming. That is all! You can see, that this precious beautiful stone is very rare to find. Kings and queens use them as their jewelry. For example, the so called ‘Sunrise Ruby’ is the world’s most expensive gemstone. It was originally mined in Myanmar. It was recently sold for 30 millions US dollars.

Why this information? We are close to ‘Valentine’s day’. Singles pray to ‘fall in love’ with someone special. That is good. God created men and women for His glory. God invented marriage. Out of Adam’s rib God made his wife, Eve. She was created as ‘a helpmeet’ for him. Adam was created perfect and even then, God said that ‘it is not good for man to be alone’ (Gen 2:18). Adam needed a companion like him; having the same desire to know God and to serve Him. Eve was a holy ‘clone’ of Adam! Eve was created to help Adam becoming the man of God he was destined to be. Without a wife, it takes much longer for a husband to fulfil destiny. God made Eve as Adam’s Helper. Many look down on the word ‘helper’. It is a pity, for to be a helper is a great calling much rewarded by God. The Holy Spirit is our Heavenly Helper. In the same way, the godly wife is man’s earthly helper. The wife needs to love her husband, to understand him, believe in him, comfort him, support him, encourage him, rebuke him when necessary, guide him and cover him with prayers and the Word of God. They have children and together, they learn how to be parents before God. What a blessing! Thru helping her husband, by doing this magnificent work, she will find God, her identity and her fulfilment in life. God created the woman for the man. They can never be alone! Who can do all these holy works, except her who is born again, washed by the Blood, sanctified by the Spirit?

Dear brother, Adam did not need to look for Eve. God brought her ‘ready made’ to him. But now, a man must look for his wife, to find her. Remember the rubies? They are buried deep in the ground. They are hard to find. So, man must pray and spiritually sweat to find his treasure. A godly wife is not found on the surface of this earth. She is hidden. She does not advertise herself to marry well. She does not try to impress men thru her fashion style or by speaking many fancy words. You do not go to the fish market to find rubies. You do not go to the latest party in town to find your future wife. You go to the mountains and dig deep. You go to a good Bible church and find her who works behind the scenes so that others may shine! A woman of a quiet humble spirit is very precious in the sight of God. No man should choose his wife based on looks alone. They do not last! I am old enough to say that to you! Man must look for God Himself, for Christ, the hope of glory, located in a female body. That is his wife. Seek and you shall find. Get ready for a marathon of love. Have faith in God! He will shut all the wrong doors (of plastic cheap pearls) and keep open just one door for you. Behind that door, tired from a long journey of finding true love, against all odds, your bride is waiting for you! As for me, I rejoice in your dreams come true! Happy Wedding! Happy Anniversary! Happy Valentine! Love is the greatest!

(In the picture, ‘The Sunrise Ruby’)

“By the anointing Jesus breaks the yoke,
By the Holy Ghost and power just as the prophets spoke!
This is the day of the latter rain,
God is moving in His power again,
By the anointing Jesus breaks the yoke!”
“It’s not by might! It’s not by power!
But by My Spirit”- says the Lord!
“This mountain, has been removed!
This mountain, has been removed!
(In Jesus’ name!)
By My Spirit” – says the Lord!
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (Is 10:27)

Through scripture we know that God wants us to succeed in life. By growing and using our faith & trust in the Lord we can be strengthened to fulfill His will for our lives- this is true success.

The general definition of success:
Success is wanting what you already have. It’s enjoying what you do, every day, and being able to make a difference to the people in your community and beyond. I believe that true success comes after a journey of discovery with lessons to be learnt and struggles on the way of life. It cannot be given by men or bought with money. True Success is a gift you give yourself. It can only be awarded to yourself and measured by yourself against personal goals. Success is much more than attainment, it’s about a realization of what makes you happy. Not until you are completely at ease with your life, how it works, and the people in it, can you truly be successful. For me, it means being challenged every day with something new and exciting that I alone, or working with those around me, can overcome. It means leaving the office satisfied, feeling like I’ve made a difference, but able to relax and enjoy my free time with friends and family. To me, success means being the best version of yourself that you can be. Whether that’s helping others around you, striving to PURSUE a meaningful career or conquering your fears, there are lots of different ways in which you can be successful. Success means being proud of what you did, proud of where you are and most importantly proud of what you have become. But success is also about other people and our influence on them.

WHAT IS BIBLICAL SUCCESS?
Principles of Success as defined in the Bible: Only a child of God can be truly successful! You must be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit! Success means to discover and accomplish God’s purpose and will in your life; having spiritual (and natural) prosperity and fruitfulness; becoming a blessing to your generation! If you pursue happiness, you will never find it! Seek and pursue the God of the Bible! God loves that! By making God happy, you will become happy and therefore, successful!

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Ps 1:1-3).

The successful man (woman) is one who loves the Bible! He studies and applies the Word of God in his life! He lives spiritually separated from the unbelievers, the rebellious and the religious hypocrites. He is wise! He meditates on God’s Word day and night. The word ‘meditates’ is related to the word ‘medicine’. His mind, his imagination is a source of healing for his soul and body. He is fruitful. He multiplies himself spiritually in the lives of others. He influences them for good. His life draws many to Jesus! He has leaves (healing) and fruits (life) to give to others (Rev 22:1, 2). He is a sample of God’s glory! He is a man of hope and faith! He is strong spiritually! He encourages others to become strong! He is a blessing to many! May your life be a success story, to the glory of God!

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul… Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me! You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your hands” (Psalm 138)

For the children of God Psalm 138 is a song of confidence that no matter the trials and temptations, in Christ, we have the victory. We declare that God is with us always, even in the midst of trouble. By the grace of God pain should not lead us to depression, doubt and backsliding but closer to God. As the pain increases, so the faith will increase! Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more! We are determined to pray even more. If we do not know what to pray about, we shall pray in tongues. God will give us a wonderful testimony that we are His children! God shall hear and answer our prayer! This is His promise!
You shall rejoice not only at the answer, but that God has vindicated you. Your enemies who slander your name shall see that you are not a sinner, but a child of God! For a child of God the pain is not forever. The trial will end in praise! The trouble will end in revival. Like a woman in labor, pain will open the womb and the baby is born. So the pain inflicted by your enemies will open your spiritual womb and inexpressibly joy shall be born. Looking back you shall say: ‘Thank You Jesus! It was all worth it!’ That is why I say: ‘No matter the circumstances, don’t ever give up on God! His mercy is eternal! Don’t even give up on yourself! God has not finished His work in you!’

This is my declaration and my confidence: ‘I am a Child of God! The Lord works in me of His good pleasure! God’s purpose must be fulfilled in my life! God will perfect His work in me! My perfection is not from men on earth but from God in heaven! I am a work in progress to the glory of God! I am not perfect now, just justified by God’s grace! Jesus died for me on the Cross. My perfection is in the future! My future is better than my present! Jesus sent me as a sheep in the midst of wolves to witness for Him! The enemies shall not consume me, for God’s hand is my shield! My shield is not ‘a dead thing’. My shield is alive. If you try to wound me, you shall wound the hand of the Living God. That is why I am not afraid of trouble. For who can fight God and win? Nobody!

This is my prayer: ‘Father, do not forsake the works of Your hands… (The word ‘forsake’ means to drop down)… Father, if You drop me, I will fall and be scattered. Please perfect Your work in me. I appreciate Your work in me. Do not put me on hold. I trust in You! Let Your gracious work in me make some advance today! I vow to give You alone all the glory! I love You Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen!’

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself… Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (Daniel 1)

Read Daniel chapter 1. Here we see a great lesson and a spiritual principle: God expects us to be faithful in all things, even in ‘little things’. God sees what we do in the secret of our hearts. God rewards the faithful! Ignore what people say of do! You do what is right and God will reward you! Even if you live among the ungodly, obedience to God’s Word is the path to success and reward!

Daniel and his friends see a problem. They say that the royal food will “defile” them. They are concerned about eating unclean meat, improperly prepared meat and food and drink offered to pagan gods (Lev 11, 17:10-14; Ex 34:15). Should this have been a big issue? Doesn’t Jesus say (Mat 15:11) that what comes out of a person’s mouth defiles him, not what goes in? God predicted that part of His judgment against His people would be that as exiles they would eat defiled food. Daniel believed this was a test of his loyalty to God (Ezekiel 4:13).

What is the concern of the official who is in charge of providing Daniel and his friends with food? (He is not concerned about the religious issue that troubles Daniel, he is concerned about losing his head if Daniel and his friends seem to be in ill health.)

Consider how Daniel meets this concern. He does not argue the conscience issue: that eating the meat would violate their religious beliefs. Instead, he addresses the concern of the official by arranging a test. Daniel is not demanding or offensive. Instead, he proposes testing a potential solution that will not harm the goal of the official. Assume you face a challenge to your religious beliefs at work. What practical lesson do we learn from Daniel? In business, you should mention your religious beliefs, but you should also propose a practical solution. Do not insist on your Christian beliefs at work and become a nuisance. Be wise as you shine your light. You want to be a witness for Jesus in that dark corner, not a foolish, stubborn, lazy trouble maker. Daniel was practical and wise. He kindly cooperated with the official’s worries. Can you do that? Are you kind with the unbelievers in your office?

Because Daniel and his friends were obedient to God, He blessed them with success and promotion. They went to the king to be interviewed by him. Try to imagine that interview! In a foreign language they just had to learn! In the middle of a foreign culture! Among pagans! You who pray for a breakthrough in business… Let’s say, the Chinese have kidnapped you and carried you in chains to China… Can you pass the interview and come first among ten professionals Chinese in China? This is how God helped Daniel and his friends! They were ten times better than their competitors!!! Selah!!! Question: are your friends helping you to be a better Christian or they encourage you to backslide?

Dear Child of God, would you like to be blessed by God? Would you like to be ten times better than your competitors? Why not, through the power of the Holy Spirit, determine right now to be faithful to God in all things? For the sake of Christ, and for the sake of keeping your conscience free from guilt, avoid any sin and every appearance of sin! And may God prosper you in a way that all may see it and give Him glory! In Jesus’ name!

In Christ, I declare:
I am a child of God! By God’s grace, I am faithful to Him in all things, big or small! By His grace, I obey God’s Word! The ungodly people around me cannot stop me from fulfilling my destiny! The One in me is greater than the one outside me! God and me, we are the majority! My the grace of God, I am ten times better than my competitors. I shall pass the tests of life! Their fire will not burn me. It will only make me shine brighter! People will see my good deeds done in the name of Jesus and they shall glorify my Father in heaven! I now arise and shine, for my light has come! To the glory of God! In Jesus’ name! Amen!

“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jn 1:5; NKJ)
Jesus is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD! Child of God, you too are the light of the world. As you speak the truth and worship God, you shine your little light. The evil powers of darkness will hate you, and they will attack you. You should be prepared for these attacks. Is it because you sin, you lie, or you cheat? No! It is because you speak the truth and call the name of Jesus! But be strong and confident! Each time the darkness will attack you, it shall be defeated for your sake. Each attack against you, will give the Holy Spirit the access to free the ones you are praying for. Never fear darkness! Never fear foolish talk, ignorant comments or religious bullying. Light is always stronger than the darkness! Truth always prevails against lies! Jesus is the Captain of our salvation! He can never lose any battle! You need to see the defeat and the disgrace of the powers of darkness! Light must fight and win both in your mind and in your circumstances. Praise the Lord!

From time to time, remember how you got saved! A sanctified memory is a great weapon in spiritual warfare! For many years, the spiritual darkness looked so powerful and triumphant. Your doubts, fears, unbelief, stubbornness and foolishness seem like pillars nobody can remove from your mind. These were old strongholds of darkness that occupied your mind. Then one day, the battle was declared. You wanted to see the light. You wanted to know the truth. You wanted to be free from the bondage of sin and death. You became hungry for life! For eternal life! Then you prayed! You called the name of Jesus! The battle in your mind was almost unbearable. You thought you will go crazy. But one day, the light of Christ shone in your heart and mind. That moment in time changed you forever. This change of destiny is called salvation. It is the power of the Holy Spirit invading your soul. Immediately, your spiritual eyes became opened; you could see the truth and you became free. This sudden change is called revelation of God’s glory. It is also called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It cannot be bought with money, cannot be given by men, cannot be achieved thru a certificate in Bible school. It is the sovereign work of grace, of the Spirit of the only Living God. When describing man’s experiences on earth, nothing compares with it. The revelation of truth and salvation leads to worship and glory. May it be your portion! In Jesus’ name! Glory!

‘How good and pleasant it is when sisters live together in unity! It is precious oil pouring… Like the dew falling… Here God has commanded His special family blessing, even life forevermore!’ (Ps 133)
We went to Abraka River for water baptism and picnic. I am talking of the members of Father’s House Bible Church, Effurun/ Warri. In my country, where I was born, nobody brings cream cake for picnic. But here where I live, in Nigeria, everything is better, brighter and more joyful. A dear sister bought a big cake for us all. We ate it all! Along Jolof rice, fish barbecue, chop- chop, fried chicken… And so many dishes… As you can see in the picture, in the natural, we are different (height, weight, complexion, skin color, tribe and nations). But if you look with the eyes of the Spirit, you will be amazed to see the unity and true love in us and among us! Only God can produce that harmony! To God be all the glory!
This is my advice for all who read this… If you want to learn how to enjoy life in general and as a Christian in particular come to Nigeria at Christmas time! If there is a competition among countries Naija will take first, every time! I have learned the secret of contentment in Nigeria! You do not need millions or sky scrapers to be happy! Serving God in a good living church with your family is more than all these things! I am a testimony! I am a witness! God made me a pastor to His people in Nigeria! What a privilege!!! From Warri to you, wherever you are, happy new year in advance!

On Christmas day, a dear sister in Christ brought us a wonderful gift. She called it ‘a small Christmas hamper’. My husband and I were very surprised! We have never seen such a mighty ‘Christmas hamper’. It is a furniture type of a box. Very nice! It was filled with ‘oyinbo’ goodies. This sister (let’s call her ‘Onome’) is hard working, humble, faithful and beautiful inside out. She is in her late thirties. She started attending our church this year, I talked to her some months ago. I asked her what does she want God to do for her? She told me that she has two main desires she is praying about: That she should grow spiritually and that she should get married. (She said it is in that order). Please pray for her! That God will grant the desires of her heart! That she will be filled with the Holy Spirit and that in 2020 she will marry happily! For nothing is impossible with God! Praise the Lord!
(I use ‘Onome’ as a point of contact for all the sisters who pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and that they should marry in 2020. Do not trust in your beauty or in your power! Just trust God! He will do it! May the testimonies multiply! In Jesus’ name!)
(In the pictures, you see our ‘small Christmas hamper’)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!” (Mt 5:16)

One of the most unrecognized powers you possess is that of influence. How do we define ‘influence’? Simply said, influence is the effect of a person upon another. It is the power to have an important effect on someone or something. You can influence people, their thinking and behavior, without any direct or apparent effort. You can influence the course of events, by changing them in an indirect but important way. This power to influence is based on prestige, wealth, ability or social position.

Jesus says to the child of God: ‘you are the light of the world’ (Mt 5:14)! Spiritually speaking, as your light shines in this world, the darkness has no other option than to disappear! Ignorance, foolishness, doubt, fears, all these manifestations of spiritual darkness become less powerful in the lives of the people you encounter!

When we think about influential leaders, some may assume that only certain powerful people have the ability to influence others. My belief is that we all exert some sort of influence over each other. Is there some practice in your life that you can trace to something that someone else said or did? Do you remember your teacher in the primary school, who encouraged you to ‘make it’ in life? Or that your friend who saw your potential and directed you to the profession you practice now? Thank God for these people who on the journey of life, influenced you for better!

Influence can be good or bad. God can use anybody to influence you for good. But He uses His servants in a particular way. The devil uses people to influence people for bad. The ‘false prophets’ speak negative but attractive words, injecting anxiety, doubt, foolish and reckless behavior!

You have heard it said that ‘no man is an island’. We all influence others, for good or for bad. Parents influence their children, thru their words and actions. Pastors influence their congregations thru their preaching. Dear Friend, what kind of influence do you have on others? Be honest, is it good or bad? If it is bad, or if it seems to be a limited influence for good, why not determine to walk more closely with God and increase your influence? Why not ask the Holy Spirit, right now, to help you in that direction? Be filled with the Holy Spirit and God will use you mightily to change your generation! In Jesus’ name!

Our older daughter Alina Yemi, surprised us. She came to visit us, just because she was missing her parents and her childhood home. She could only ‘squeeze’ two days. But how happy these two days have been! We took some pictures at the parking lot. What does a mother tell her fortysomething years ‘young’ daughter? I was just telling her how much I appreciate her heart, kindness, generosity, strength and humility. As I was telling her these words of love, the photographer took the picture. This was a moment in time… Alina wanted to look tough and ‘fashionable’ (and patriotic… see the Nigerian flag on her chest) in the picture, but I know that her heart melted looking at her mother’s eyes and hearing words no stranger can ever say.
Let me say it again: “Dear Alina, I am your mother! You are a child of covenant! No matter how far you travel, how much money you make, how low you fall or how high you rise in this life, our love to you is unconditional! Be who God destined you to be! Your dad and I love you very much and bless you with the blessings of Christ! God bless your beautiful children too! From Warri, with love…”

“But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot… My heart grew hot within me. While I meditated (on God’s Word), the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue… The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words…” (Jer 20:9; Ps 39:3)

This picture was taken during the third day (12-12-19) of the evangelistic program we did at Jakande Market area, Lekki, Lagos. Pastor Richmond Leigh (my husband) was preaching to the needy and humble people in this area. (I cannot describe how bad the area is. I do not want to sound rude, but it may be the worse slump in Lagos).

I love this picture because it shows my husband’s heart! The picture capture the intensity of the anointing of the Holy Spirit on him. To preach God’s Word is a sacrifice that involves the whole being, spirit, soul and body. It is like a fire burning within. True ministry is never a form of entertainment. At the end of each day, my husband felt ‘virtue going out of him’. By the way, it is not easy for me, as his wife. I too need God’s grace to be able to help such a great man whose passion is to be like Jesus! Praising God is always a sacrifice. It is much more than singing or talking!

John Wesley once said: “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” May the anointing I see on my husband descend on many younger Christians. Money cannot buy it. Men cannot steal it. May you seek God’s fire from on high until it comes down and burns the sacrifice you’ve offered!

God bless my husband, a true Man of God!

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1Cor 6:19, 20)

I heard of a story which illustrated the importance of being a man or woman of conviction, of having a true Christian character. A man was seated next to a beautiful woman on a plane. The man said to her: ‘I find you extremely attractive. I will give you a million dollars if you will spend the night with me.’ The woman thought for a while. She imagined the things she could buy with so much money. Eventually, she consented. After some time, the man said, ‘There’s something I have to tell you. I can’t really give you a million dollars. I don’t have that kind of money. Would you do it for $10?’ The woman was highly offended. ‘What sort of woman do you think I am?’ The man replied, ‘We’ve already established what sort of woman you are. We are just haggling over the price.’ George Washington was quoted as having said: ‘Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder.’

The devil says: ‘every man, every woman has a price’. He believes that all people can be persuaded to sell their souls, their ministry or destiny if ‘the price is right’. For the unbelievers, this may be true But once you are saved, your life, your soul, your body belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died to purchase you. He shed His precious Blood to redeem you from the slave market of the devil. You do not belong to yourself anymore. You are not for sale! Not even for a million dollars!

This is my testimony: Long ago, as a young believer, I made a covenant with God that it is better for me to die and go to heaven than to compromise with the devil and backslide. For me backsliding is not ‘a small thing’. I do not have the luxury to even think about it. This radical decision has helped me always, has strengthened me in my spirit, but especially in times when the devil attacks and offers me a big price to just bow to him. For me, that means disgraceful death. It is not just possible. Like Paul said: ‘For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!’ There is no ‘plan B’. The matter is settled in heaven and also in my spirit: In the unity of the Spirit, I say with my Lord: “Get behind me Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'” (Lk 4:8)

In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God! Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord, now and forever! I am glad that I belong to Jesus! My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am not for sale! I am not my own! My Righteous King has paid my ‘bride price’ with His Blood. The resurrected Christ is my Bridegroom! I honor God with my body! I honor God with my testimony! I live to worship God and to give Him all the glory! I bow my knees only to the Lord Jesus Christ! I serve Him only! This is my destiny! Nothing and nobody can change that! It is me and Jesus, now and forever! In Jesus’ name! Amen!

We are still in Lagos doing an outreach at Jakande Market area. The first day was good. The second day was better. The third day was the best. We praised God with songs and dances. We repeated the Nativity and Throne Room Dramas. Everything was wonderful. More people came today. Pastor Richmond Leigh preached the same message of salvation. He said that even if we stay here for one month, he will preach the same evangelistic message until all are converted. First of all he did ‘the ‘law work’, as the theologians say. He did not waste time or words. He told the people that ‘the wages of sin is death’. He told them that ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’. He told them that they are sinners and that they need a Savior. He said that Jesus is that Savior! He asked the people: ‘Is anyone here among you who did not steal? Who did not lie? Who did not commit fornication, or abortion?… ‘Did you steal? Did you lie?’ They answered loudly ‘yes-o’. The people did not even hide. This is the advantage of preaching God’s word among the lowest of all. These men and women are among the poorest in Lagos. I can call them ‘the undesirables’, the forgotten of the society. They cannot afford to be religious hypocrites. That is a luxury! There are so many brothels and area boys here. The prostitutes do not hide from people. They do not pretend to be better than they are. It is hard to love them, or even to like them. But if you can see them with the eyes of Christ, you will be surprised to discover these people as the humanity the Savior died for. I observed that there are so many children running all over the place, playing in the sand. They look a little wild. But before the program started, they came and quietly sat down on the chairs provided. They look dirty and not well fed. But I saw the grace of God upon them. This was their ‘Christmas’. We came to bring them the good news that God loves them, that Jesus wants to save them. They drank the living words like people drink water.

Because of the grace of God, I will not be surprised that from among these children, the next president of Nigeria, senators, medical doctors, engineers, teachers, nurses and scientists will arise. I have learned not to look down on any child because God has the made them for His pleasure. Once the grace of God locates a child, He will keep him or her safe, even in the jungle. Many of these children answered the altar call. Pastor Richmond Leigh prayed for them. He also prayed for the community of Jakande area, that God will rise a politician who will care for the poor and speak for them. He prayed that the sick will be healed, the barren women will have children, that the jobless will have jobs. He also prayed for the ‘area boys’ that they will be truly converted. Their zeal to fight for survival will be used to serve God. He prayed that in 2020, peace and prosperity will be the mark in this forgotten community. For nothing is impossible with God. Pastor Richmond’s Leigh message was powerful because he mixed the anointing of the Word of God, with a rare to find genuine tenderness and kindness toward these people. It is the Holy Spirit who placed in His heart. This combination is unbeatable. Tonight, we declare that in the name of Jesus, the dynamite of the anointing of the Word of God has destroyed the strongholds of poverty, crime, hopelessness and prostitution in Jakande area, also called ‘the Sodom and Gomorrah’. Freedom has found a place in the hearts of men and women here. This is our story! This is our song! See you back in Warri! To God be all the glory!

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?” (Jam 2:5)

(In the pictures, Pastor Richmond Leigh preaching. People, especially the children, listened attentively. Many answered the altar call)

THE PROGRAM WAS SUCCESSFUL (DAY 1)
In any way you look at it, the outreach was a great success. The stage was very beautiful. The sound was strong and clear. The Nativity drama went without any mistake. People from the neighborhood came and looked happy. The praise went up to heaven. The Holy Spirit was with us from the beginning to the end. What else do we want? Nothing! To God be all the glory! Tomorrow will be the second day! Please come!

THE SECOND DAY WAS EVEN BETTER (Day 2)
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Ac 1:8)
We are still in Lagos doing God’s work. Yesterday it was good day. Today it was even better. We praised God with songs (in English and other Nigerian languages) and dances. We prayed for the people living in this neighborhood called Jakande area, Lekki. The truth is that most people living here are much below any level of poverty. We knew that there are many needy people who live here. But we did not how needy they are… We raised the stage for the outreach in a area they call ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’. I do not want to sound too dramatic but I have never seen so many brothels with so many women selling their bodies as here. Earlier, they send an older man to Pastor Leigh warning him that this is a dangerous area. The man came with a message for us: “You people, go away from here. We do not want you here”. Pastor told the man that the Holy Spirit brought us here and not any man. He told the old man to go back and invite them to come and praise God with us. We did not know how today will be. We started with prayers for the people of the land and praise and worship. We then did The Nativity and the Throne Room Dramas.
After that, Pastor Richmond Leigh preached an evangelistic message. I could feel his pain as he was preaching. His voice was strong and confident but there were tears in his eyes. I know that he carries the burden for souls. I looked back and I saw a large number of people standing around. They did not have the courage to seat. But they all stood and they all listened, mesmerized by the voice of the preacher. He told the people of Jakande, Lekki: ‘We know that you think nobody loves you. I want to assure you that God loves you! I know that God loves you! God sent His only begotten Son to die for you! Give your life to Christ! Respond to the call of the Shepperd! This is the best decision you will ever make in your life! We did not come to ask you for money. We did not come to take anything from you. We are not trouble makers. We are children of God. We came to give and not to take. Fear not! Come and take this free offer of salvation in Christ Jesus! You will never be then same again!” Immediately Pastor Richmond Leigh made this altar call, many people came from the (literal and spiritual) darkness to the front of the stage, into the (literal and marvelous) light! Pastor Richmond Leigh led them into the ‘sinner’s prayer’. They all prayed. Then they all rejoiced. Heaven also rejoiced this evening! Our work was done for today. Please give God all the glory for this mighty unusual harvest found ‘at the end of the world’. Glory! Jesus is Lord!
(In the pictures, Pastor Richmond Leigh preaching and people from Jakande area responded to the altar call)

Day two in Lekki, Lagos: God is in control. As a church, we opened our first ‘branch’ here in Lekki, Lagos. The ‘men of valor’, our brethren, (the strong men who assemble the stage) have arrived. The stage, light and loudspeakers have arrived. I took these two pictures this morning. In the first one you see a mountain of trash next to the place where we shall do the outreach. There are many people living in that area, in ‘houses’ made of carton, rusted zinc sheets and plastic covers. Just across the Express way, there are beautiful houses of rich people and also, nice churches. But here, life is sad and hard. But ‘this is the place’ the Holy Spirit said. We must obey. The next picture shows that the work has began. The stage is rising! All the troublesome ‘area boys’ of yesterday have now ‘surrendered’. Their eyes ‘have cleared’ (from the smoke of igbo, Warri slang meaning marihuana) and by the power of the Holy Spirit. They all are here to help with the work. God is already touching souls, setting the captives free! This zeal across the board, this unexplained excitement is surely supernatural. This is the most common testimony I hear: ‘Malia, I am so excited that I cannot sleep. And even so, I am not tired!’ Halleluiah!
The (poor) people living here say that they cannot believe we have come from Warri, to ‘entertain them free of charge’. They are like illegal immigrants. They hide from the authorities! Nobody remembers them for good. Only for bad, to evacuate them, to punish them! For me, this is an experience… This is the ‘ghetto’ life I saw in the movies! To walk here at night, is not safe! But Jesus has located them and prepared for them a feast fit for kings. Suddenly, my compassion is aroused. I don’t know any soul here, yet I feel so much love for them. I am excited for them. This is not natural love. This is supernatural! These humble people are yet to know how much God loves them. The love of God shall be poured out from heaven to Lekki! The poor shall hear the Gospel preached to them. Their lives shall never be the same again! Faith 100%! Doubt 0%! Fear 0%! Jesus is Lord!
Dear Intercessors, Please continue to pray for all we do here. Some clouds have gathered but we declare that there shall be no rain and no thunder until we finish God’s work. In Jesus’ name! Amen!
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Is 61:1-3)

Day two in Lekki, Lagos: God is in control. As a church, we opened our first ‘branch’ here in Lekki, Lagos. The ‘men of valor’, our brethren, (the strong men who assemble the stage) have arrived. The stage, light and loudspeakers have arrived. I took these two pictures this morning. In the first one you see a mountain of trash next to the place where we shall do the outreach. There are many people living in that area, in ‘houses’ made of carton, rusted zinc sheets and plastic covers. Just across the Express way, there are beautiful houses of rich people and also, nice churches. But here, life is sad and hard. But ‘this is the place’ the Holy Spirit said. We must obey. The next picture shows that the work has began. The stage is rising! All the troublesome ‘area boys’ of yesterday have now ‘surrendered’. Their eyes ‘have cleared’ (from the smoke of igbo, Warri slang meaning marihuana) and by the power of the Holy Spirit. They all are here to help with the work. God is already touching souls, setting the captives free! This zeal across the board, this unexplained excitement is surely supernatural. This is the most common testimony I hear: ‘Malia, I am so excited that I cannot sleep. And even so, I am not tired!’ Halleluiah!
The (poor) people living here say that they cannot believe we have come from Warri, to ‘entertain them free of charge’. They are like illegal immigrants. They hide from the authorities! Nobody remembers them for good. Only for bad, to evacuate them, to punish them! For me, this is an experience… This is the ‘ghetto’ life I saw in the movies! To walk here at night, is not safe! But Jesus has located them and prepared for them a feast fit for kings. Suddenly, my compassion is aroused. I don’t know any soul here, yet I feel so much love for them. I am excited for them. This is not natural love. This is supernatural! These humble people are yet to know how much God loves them. The love of God shall be poured out from heaven to Lekki! The poor shall hear the Gospel preached to them. Their lives shall never be the same again! Faith 100%! Doubt 0%! Fear 0%! Jesus is Lord!
Dear Intercessors, Please continue to pray for all we do here. Some clouds have gathered but we declare that there shall be no rain and no thunder until we finish God’s work. In Jesus’ name! Amen!
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Is 61:1-3)

We have just received a report of a miracle that happened at our church in Warri. We are now doing an evangelistic program in Lekki, Lagos. We’ve planned that more than 600 adults and children will travel from Warri to Lagos. For some weeks, we have announced in the church, that if anybody cannot pay for his way to Lagos, busses have been provided for a free ride. The church has paid for 11 buses. The first group left on Saturday, at 5 am. The second group left this Sunday morning. We made lists with the people so that we know how many will come. Yesterday, the free ride was for the ‘men of valor’ (the young men who work hard to rise the stage and lift up the loudspeakers). This morning the ride was for the ushers in the church and some other groups. Three buses were prepared for them. This morning, we were informed that as early as 4 am, a double number of ushers came to the church in Warri, with their backpacks, ready to come to Lagos. These men and women insisted that many years ago they were ushers in Father’s House. They left the church long ago and started attending other churches. Thru the media, they heard of this program. They now want to come back to Father’s House, to their former ministry and to work for God. They came ready to go to Lagos for the outreach. They forced their way into the buses and some of our ‘legal’ ushers were left out. Thru the phone, pastor had to calm them down promising that tomorrow, the last day for free ride, we shall add two more buses, to carry all the people left behind.

This story may bring a smile on your faces. Some say that this is ‘Warri style’ for a free transport. But I choose to look at it as a testimony revealing the mercy of God! When the trumpet sounds, the prodigals sons and daughters will run to Jesus. They will not be able to ignore the mighty call of grace! When the Wind of the Holy Spirit blows, before God shuts the gate, the backsliders will repent, and run into Noah’s Ark, to safety and to life! The song says: “God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform”! Let’s give God glory even for the ‘strange’ things happening during revival! As we say in Naija: ‘Warri no de carry last!” In all things let’s give God all the glory!

“The kingdom of God has been preached and everyone is pressing on, forcing his way into it” (Lk 16:16)

Today was a special service. As a church, by the grace of God, we opened and dedicated our first ‘branch’ in Lekki, Lagos. Pastor Richmond Leigh prayed for the resident Pastors, Lekan and Tracy Jenyo and dedicated them to the work of the ministry. We invited the Holy Spirit to come, witness and bless this simple ceremony. The presence of the Holy Spirit came down on us all.
Pastor Richmond Leigh preached from the Book of 1Corintians. “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1Cor 2:1-5). He said that Apostle Paul ‘determined not to know anything among men except ‘Christ and Him crucified’. Pastor Richmond Leigh said that this is his determination too. He said that each pastor, to please God in the work of the ministry, should determine the same thing. The motive of doing ministry is foundational!
Pastor Richmond Leigh said that the spirit of religion has taken over many of the churches in Nigeria. People go to church just to fulfill some imaginary righteousness. Many of the pastors are worldly. The media portrays all pastors as corrupt. It is like the world has concluded that God does not exist. This lie is spreading among many people, bringing doubt and depression. The churches lack the Holy Spirit power to change men. Many hardened sinners pass thru the church on their way to hell. This is a sad story. But God has allowed it for His glory. Amid this corruption, in these perilous times, God has preserved a holy remnant that nothing and nobody can destroy. Stars shine brighter when the sky is darker. Men may say what they want to say, but one thing is clear: The Word of God is Life and Spirit; it is eternal, unchanging and unfailing. “Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Heb 13:8). The word of God warns the sinners! No matter what anybody says, this is the Word of God: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die… It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Ez 18:20; Heb 9:27; KJ). Sadly, many are deceived. Child of God be not a fool! Be wise!
Apostle Paul said that he did not come to preach with excellence of speech thought by human wisdom. He did not preach some ‘positive thinking’ messages. He did not come to emotionally stir the hearts of men, to entertain them. He came to preach the truth that sets men free. The Corinthians were poor people. But Paul did not come to teach them some ‘steps to material prosperity’. He did not come to tell them how to plant seeds in season so that their harvest will increase. No! Material prosperity follows them who seek God. Our Lord said: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mk 8:36). Pastor Richmond Leigh said that cursed is him or anyone who preaches another gospel or another ‘Jesus’ in Father’s House Bible Church. We must be jealous for the honor of Christ! We are constrained to preach only the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ, Crucified and Resurrected. This is our responsibility and mandate until Jesus comes back. We must lift only the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit! The preaching of another gospel will only lead to spiritual burnt-out and leanness of soul! God forbid!
Some people ask: but how can we become wealthy? For a Christian, the principle is this: God gives man the power to make wealth. He is sovereign in this matter. Seek God and His spiritual Kingdom, and material prosperity shall follow! (Deut 8:18; Mt 6:33). This is God’s way! This is God’s promise! Material prosperity is good but it is not absolutely necessary to salvation. Apostle Paul did not preach with ‘persuasive, enticing words of human wisdom’. He did not manipulate or exploit his congregation. He preached the Gospel of Christ crucified by the power of the Holy Spirit. For a Christian or for a church. it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that is the key to all true success, spiritual and material. The result of this godly way of preaching the Cross is that men’s faith will become stronger and mature. Their faith will not depend on the opinion of men. Their faith will be anchored in the everlasting Word of God. Never forget! Jesus Christ crucified and glorified must be the center of all true preaching and ministry! Worship the Lord!