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DEDICATION
This teaching is dedicated to all our brethren particularly in Nigeria who were
among the “others” spoken of Paul who by faith “were tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” Hebrews 11:35
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION: SHOULD CHRISTIANS FIGHT BACK? ...................................... 3
2. IN REACTION TO PERSECUTION ....................................................................... 4
3. WHAT DID JESUS TEACH? ................................................................................ 6
4. WHAT THEN DO WE DO, WATCH AND DIE? ..................................................... 7
a. First Option: .................................................................................................. 7
b. Another option: ............................................................................................ 8
5. THE JESUS WAY OF STAYING ALIVE! ............................................................... 10
a. FAITH IN THE COVENANT OF TIME AND LIFE .............................................. 10
b. WISDOM ..................................................................................................... 13
c. THE SUPERNATURAL MEANS ...................................................................... 15
6. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS ............................................................................. 17
7. SPEAKING OF SELF-DEFENCE .......................................................................... 22
8. POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCIES: WHEN CHRISTIANS CARRY ARMS! .................... 29
9. RETHINKING PERSECUTION: THE BRIGHT SIDE ............................................... 32
10. THE PLACE OF PRAYERS ................................................................................. 37
11. WE ARE NOT THE OBJECTS OF PITY! .............................................................. 43
12. FINALLY .......................................................................................................... 46
A LETTER FROM THE PAST ................................................................................ 48
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1. INTRODUCTION:
SHOULD CHRISTIANS FIGHT BACK?
Should Christians fight back? There has been a wide argument as regards this topic.
Should Christians fight back or should they watch themselves get killed? What is
the practical and applicable way of staying alive in the midst of hot persecution?
What about self-defence? These and many others are questions arising in times like
this, with various schools of thought in answers to them. But according to the grace
that God has given me I will speak freely as regards this issue. I write as one who
may not have experienced the heat of persecution first hand, but as a student of
the Word of God who believes the Word is Truth irrespective of experience. Please
note that: You cannot read just a portion of the Bible and make a doctrine out of it.
You must read it all in context to get the full picture. So also, you will need to read
the complete teaching before you can get the full message. Never take an aspect
of this teaching in isolation of others. Read carefully and wholly to be blessed. To
Christians far and wide, Grace and Peace!
1Co 10:15: I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
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2. IN REACTION TO PERSECUTION
We must note first of all that the persecution of Christians is not new in our age;
we may not be used to it, but it has been around from the very beginning. AS A
MATTER OF FACT WE ARE LIVING IN AN AGE WITH ONE OF THE LOWEST HEAT OF
PERSECUTION EVER. It had been worse times and times before now. Jesus knew
this and has prepared us adequately for what to do about it. If you doubt this, go
and read the history of Christianity, particularly the Foxe’s Book of Martyr. Read
this story as excerpted from the Book. It showed what happened to the famous
Theban Legion – a legion of trained soldiers who were all Christians:
“In the year of Christ 286, a most remarkable affair occurred; a legion
of soldiers, consisting of six thousand six hundred and sixty-six men,
contained none but Christians. This legion was called the Theban
Legion... Maximian, about this time, ordered a general sacrifice, at
which the whole army was to assist; and likewise he commanded that
they should take the oath of allegiance and swear, at the same time,
to assist in the extirpation of Christianity in Gaul. Alarmed at these
orders, each individual of the Theban Legion absolutely REFUSED
EITHER TO SACRIFICE OR TAKE THE OATHS prescribed. This so greatly
enraged Maximian, that he ordered the legion to be decimated, that
is, every tenth man to be selected from the rest, and put to the sword.
This bloody order having been put in execution, those who remained
alive were still inflexible, when a second decimation took place, and
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every tenth man of those living was put to death. This second severity
made no more impression than the first had done; the soldiers
preserved their fortitude and their principles… enraged at their
perseverance and unanimity, he commanded that the whole legion
should be put to death, which was accordingly executed by the other
troops, who cut them to pieces with their swords, September 22, 286.”
Please note that: these soldiers though with the capacity and weapons to fight for
their lives, stood their grounds and rather died than fight back.
The “holy” book of a known religion commands its followers thus: “…So if they
remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer peace, then God has
not made for you a cause for fighting against them… (But) IF THEY DO NOT
WITHDRAW FROM YOU TO OFFER YOU PEACE OR RESTRAIN THEIR HANDS, then
seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them…” This religion instructs its
followers to remain still if not attacked, but to be on the offensive if attacked. If
Christians also become compelled to attack in return because of the increasing
pressure, we must be asked where we learnt this from.
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3. WHAT DID JESUS TEACH?
Believers MUST be led by the Word of God and not by circumstances. Irrespective
of what we go through or what happens, it is the Word of God that must determine
what we do, even if doing it will cost us our lives. We must not be ruled by
sentiments nor by “Self”. We must resolve in our hearts which we want to follow:
our own way or God’s Word? What did Jesus teach? Please read carefully:
Mat 5:43-46: Ye have heard that… Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, LOVE
YOUR ENEMIES, bless them that curse you, DO GOOD TO THEM
THAT HATE YOU, and pray for them which despitefully use you,
AND PERSECUTE YOU; That ye may be the children of your
Father which is in heaven… For if ye love them which love you,
what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:38,39: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for
an eye… (AMP:) But I say to you, DO NOT RESIST THE EVIL MAN
[WHO INJURES YOU]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw
or cheek, turn to him the other one too.
“No! No! No! Are we fools? Jesus perhaps does not mean what He said, or He does
not understand what we will be going through in our age to have given such a
commandment!” Fellow believer, we stand with the Word even in the face of
death, His Word is everlasting. For long, we have not experienced the reality of
what it means to have an enemy but now we know. For long, the commandment
to love those who persecute us was never so practicable, but now it is. Now is the
time to prove that the Word is true.
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4. WHAT THEN DO WE DO, WATCH AND DIE?
Refusing to fight back does not mean that we should hence wait, watch, and die.
The Bible gave us two possible options.
a. First Option:
Rom 13:3,4: For rulers are not a terror to good works , but to
the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that
which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he
is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for HE BEARETH NOT THE SWORD IN
VAIN: FOR HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD, A REVENGER TO
EXECUTE WRATH UPON HIM THAT DOETH EVIL.
The military is ordained of God to execute judgment on evil doers. It is scriptural
for soldiers to defend and if necessary take lives in the process. We have Christian
soldiers in the Bible, and they didn’t leave their jobs because they were soldiers.
Soldiers asked John the Baptist what to do; He didn’t say “quit your jobs” rather he
said they should be contented with their salaries (Luke 3:14). Thus, we can engage
those legalized to carry and use arms to protect us. Of course this is really failing in
our country because we are not adequately protected. But I believe that this is the
easiest means of safety where it can be afforded; the military should be adequately
engaged and equipped to protect Christians from terrorists.
Thank God for godly Soldiers in the Bible, they may not be Christians, but they did
their jobs effectively. Even though there were no cars and no phones, these soldiers
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under effective leadership were prompt and spontaneous in action, otherwise Paul
would have been killed earlier than necessary.
They were going to beat Paul to death, but the Chief Captain in Acts 21:31,32 took
hundreds of soldiers quickly to save just one man. It happened again when they
were going to plan Paul’s death, this Chief Captain – competent at His job, sent two
hundred foot soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to
accompany Paul to safety. We need more of such spontaneous, disciplined, and
efficient military men in our days. But I fear that our military itself might have been
corrupted. And those that are not perverse are ineffectual, unequipped, or not
spontaneous. In Paul’s days, there were no phones and he was rescued before he
was killed. But in our days when there are phones and more sophisticated facilities
and weapons; military men many times only come to crime scenes to count the
number of persons fear dead. God help us!
In a case where justice fails and the men with the sword refuse to stand and defend
the weak, Jesus gave us another option.
b. Another option:
Mat 10:22,23: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's
sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But WHEN
THEY PERSECUTE YOU IN THIS CITY, FLEE YE INTO ANOTHER:
for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities
of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
If the heat of persecution has become life threatening and our security is no more
guaranteed, Jesus said we should flee for our dear lives. We should rather be
refugees in a peaceful land than submit our necks to death in our own town. The
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government is saddled with the responsibility of protecting its citizens, but if they
fail in doing this appropriately, my brother and sister, LEAVE YOUR FARM, LEAVE
YOUR BUSINESS, LEAVE YOUR HOUSE, LEAVE YOUR CITY, AND RUN FIRST FOR YOUR
LIFE; I didn’t say it, Jesus did. He that has life has hope; he that has hope has
everything. This seems like a cowardly commandment, but that is what Jesus did
and taught His disciples to do. Until you are ready to die, do not remain in a place
where there is no guaranteed protection for you. Run for your life; go and start a
new life elsewhere. If it is God who asked you to stay for mission purpose, that
would be an exception; in that case, you would have to stay; He will of course
guarantee your protection. But if not, I will say it again, Jesus did not merely say
run but flee. The word “flee” means “to disappear quickly.”
The disciples used this method repeatedly. The Governor of Damascus wanted Paul
apprehended, but the great man of God was let down by a wall, through a window
in a basket (2Cor 11:32,33.) After Peter was delivered by the Angel from Herod and
the desire of the Jews, “…HE FLED THE CITY…” (Acts 12:17). Over and over again we
would see disciples running from their beloved Jerusalem to other cities just to save
their necks. They simply continued to be useful to themselves, their families, and
to the Gospel anywhere they find themselves (Acts 8:4,5). The itinerant Paul also
repeatedly ran from cities to cities when his security is threatened. Sensitivity to
the Holy Spirit can also be an added advantage in this area. (Matthew 2:13)
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5. THE JESUS WAY OF STAYING ALIVE!
We must learn from the Master Himself. He remains our perfect example. If there
was a man under constant threat of life, it was Jesus. But how did He stay alive?
We must understand that as believers, God would do for us whatever He did for
Jesus and greater than this He will in fact do for us, because He loves us just the
same way He loved Jesus. This is a vital point!
Joh 17:23: … that the world may know that thou hast sent me,
AND HAST LOVED THEM, AS THOU HAST LOVED ME.
He will do for us whatever He can do for Him. Whatever is made available to Him
can be made available to us. Whatever it is that Jesus did, we can also do. (John
14:12) Whatever the Father can give Him, He can also give us.
a. FAITH IN THE COVENANT OF TIME AND LIFE
Firstly, as believers we must understand that we have a covenant of God never to
die before our time. We are not immune against persecution or death by it (Mark
10:30), but we can escape death until our time comes. This was how Jesus lived.
Paul (2Tim 4:7) and Peter (2Pet 1:14) also lived this same way. They didn’t die
before their time, they lived until they themselves knew that whatever it was that
God commanded them to do was done. They knew the time for them to die and
made an announcement of it. They lived their full age and died a martyr. Paul,
despite all he faced, referred to Himself as “Paul the aged” (Philemon 1:9) He was
the most persecuted of all the apostles of his time, yet he lived till old age. Church
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History also has it that Peter lived till he became very old, likewise John the Beloved
and some others.
The Bible repeatedly taught that they could not kill Jesus before his time, because
His hour has not come. We all have a time appointed of God for us to die, and until
then, we are not permitted to die; anything lower than that is the devil’s victory
over us. We have a promise to live till old age. (Psalm 92:14) Claim it. It is yours!
God only redeemed us from the curses; all the blessings of the Law are still ours, if
we can claim them.
John 7:30: Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands
on him, because his hour was not yet come.
Jesus Himself believed this and it thus worked for Him. He told them later that the
only reason they were able to arrest Him eventually was because His hour was
come. “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against
me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him…” (Luke
22:53,54.) We must believe the same and confess it. “NO ONE CAN KILL ME BEFORE
MY TIME”. This is the foundation for staying alive. Faith in the covenants of life and
fullness of age. (Psalm 117:18; 2Cor 1:20) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT
OF THIS ENTIRE TEACHING. This is where it all starts from; because, it all begins
from our way of thinking. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he… (Pro 23:7) If as a
believer, you think in your heart that you can die sheepishly at any time because
some more godly persons shared the same fatal fate; then as you think in your
heart, so you will be.
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Personally I believe if you fire arms at me, it will not harm me. I believe if I am in a
vehicle it cannot be involved in an accident; I believe if I’m in an airplane, it cannot
crash. I believe no sickness can come near me. That is my faith. Someone says “You
don’t know anything, are you better than those that were killed” Well, I am not
better than them in anyway, but the Word of God says according to my faith be it
unto me (Matthew 9:29) and all things are possible to them that believe (Mark
9:23). So if you believe otherwise for yourself, no problem “according to your faith
also, be it also unto you”. I have determined to believe right and I will have
whatever I say in the Name of Jesus. We must believe right! Eye has not seen nor
ear heard what God has for them that love Him, but they are revealed to us by His
Spirit. (1Cor 2:9,10)
Psa 82:6,7: I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children
of the most High. BUT YE SHALL DIE LIKE MEN, and fall like one
of the princes
Scriptures says that we are gods being children of the Most High God. But if we fail
to take our place and stand upon the promises of the Word of God, we will die like
mere men and die before our time. I may not be able to explain why Pastor A or
Apostle B died. It is not my work to explain the death, sickness, or misery of spiritual
people. My work is to believe what God says about me and I will have whatever I
say. According to my faith, be it unto me. Amen. What was Jesus’ belief? It is this:
John 19:11: Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at
all against me, except it were given thee from above…
Somebody says “Of course, maybe it is their time to die also” (Speaking of the great
men that seemed to die prematurely). Perhaps, you are right, but Jesus knew when
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his work was finished on earth before He released himself to death. The same goes
for Paul (2Tim 4:7) and Peter (2Pet 1:14). There are other righteous men who knew
there time to die: Moses, Jacob, Elisha, Aaron, Joseph, among others. These are the
ones I like to pitch my tent with. I will have whatever I say. How about you? But
what are you saying? What are you believing?
b. WISDOM
The second way Jesus stayed alive who they sought daily to kill was by wisdom. The
threat to kill Jesus was very high in Jerusalem, he thus avoided it for long until His
time to die came (Luke 18:31.) This is wisdom. In some other occasion, Jesus would
refrain from appearing in open places until He is sure He’s in the safe hands of the
crowd. (John 7:3-14) They found it very hard to predict His movement or where He
would be per time; it means that He stayed out of sight and watched His trail. He
knew where to be per time. They needed an insider (Judas) to tell them His hideout
before they can get Him. Jesus had hideouts. What lesson is here for us? To claim
faith may not be enough, we must also be wise like serpents. Jesus gave us that
instruction. He said:
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be
ye therefore WISE AS SERPENTS, AND HARMLESS AS DOVES.
But beware of men…” (Mat 10:16,17)
That is the commandment of Jesus. Be wise, you are in the midst of killer-wolves
and you are a sheep. We are not “killer-sheeps” blessed saints, we are to be
harmless doves but wise snakes. We must be wise and keep ourselves from
unnecessary and avoidable deaths. We must be vigilant. We must be watchful.
Even though we must be harmless as doves, we must be very “sharp”, very wise,
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and very shrewd so as to escape death and unnecessary misery. Jesus lived it and
taught it. Christians of old used many wise means to stay alive. Sometimes, it
required they had fellowship in basements or in caves. This is wisdom.
Jesus knows when to say things that will infuriate his enemies and when not to,
(unlike Stephen, Acts 7:51-58). If you want to live long, you must know when and
where to say things and where not to. It doesn’t mean you are fearful, but it means
you are wise. You don’t have to say everything you see. Stephen had a very
wonderful sermon, but right in the middle of it he insulted his accusers (Acts
7:51,52); Jesus did the same thing, John the Baptist also did the same and were not
killed because they knew when and where to do so. As if that was not enough,
Stephen saw a vision and told them exactly what He saw; and that was the end of
his life and ministry. His death glorified God and “probably” also helped to cause
pricks in the heart of Saul (Acts 9:5) but that for me was not God’s best. But the
Almighty always knows how to make all things work together for good. (You are
entitled to your opinion).
If you must stay alive you must know what to say and where to say it. Paul practiced
this several times; he spoke words that will guarantee his safety and sometimes
like Jesus said words that will confuse the enemies, but remain alive (Acts 23:6-10).
Paul knew what to say that will grant him audience rather than fury (Acts 17:22,23);
he said I become everything to everyone so I can save some (1Cor 9:20.) That is
wisdom. If you are proving gentile among the Jews, you can die; if you are proving
Jew among the Gentile, you can die as well and be unable to save them and lose
your life also in the process.
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Many of us have become naive towards our own lives. We are not on the offensive
against the devil. No shield of faith. No positive confession. We believe if we live
righteous and have our pastor pray for us, that's all. Good for you! Let me ask,
“What happened to the first righteous man in the bible?” I’ll tell you, Abel was killed
by his own brother (Gen 4:8; Mat 10:36). We must be watchful. We dwell in the
midst of wolves both at home and abroad. We must be wise like serpents. If it's the
will of God for me to die. Why not? It will be a glorious death irrespective of how.
A believer must not guard his life in such case. He that keeps his life will lose it. BUT
UNTIL THEN, I am the first custodian of my breath and I must guide it from death.
This is the will of God. I am not afraid of death. Never! But then, I'll remain on this
side of eternity by all godly means till I am empty of all of God’s purpose for creating
me.
c. THE SUPERNATURAL MEANS
Among all the ways Jesus employed to stay alive, this to me is the most necessary
in times like this. The time has come for us to believe in the ministry of fighting and
guardian angels. Jesus could not have survived without them. Despite the fact that
Jesus was very wise, He still would have been unable to stay alive without the
supernatural means.
Luke 4:28-30: And all they in the synagogue, when they heard
these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust
him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill
whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down
headlong. BUT HE PASSING THROUGH THE MIDST OF THEM
WENT HIS WAY,
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What happened here? They rose up, took him out of the city, and in fact carried
him to the edge of the hill, and when they thought they would have thrown Him
down, He walked through their midst. What happened there? I believe it was the
same thing that happened in the days of Elisha. He was aware that angels were on
guard and thus asked the Lord to blind the eyes of those who had come to arrest
him. Angels are available for our protection and we must believe in their presence.
When twenty armed men look at us face to face, we must know that there are tens
of thousands of angels instantly present to destroy them if we believe and ask. All
we need to do is ask the Father (Note: not command the angels, there is no
scriptural grounds to command angels, we ask the Father and the angels carry it
out). We must believe that they that be with us are more than they that be with
them. Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with
blindness. (2Kings 6:15-20)
While they were carrying Jesus and leading Him to the mountain, I’m sure He was
just enjoying the ride fearlessly. This is because He has great confidence in the
presence of angels His Father has given to protect His life, and the faith that He
cannot die before His time. There was a time Jesus was threatened that Herod
wants to kill Him. He simply told them Herod cannot, because He is destined to die
in Jerusalem. You see? Confidence in the covenant of time and life plays out here.
Luke 13:31-33: The same day there came certain of the
Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence:
for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them… I must walk to
day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be
that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
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6. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Mat 26:51-54: And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus
stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a
servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said
Jesus unto him… Thinkest thou THAT I CANNOT NOW PRAY TO
MY FATHER, AND HE SHALL PRESENTLY GIVE ME MORE THAN
TWELVE LEGIONS OF ANGELS? But how then shall the
scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
I love this scripture above all others. It is to me a great revelation. Jesus said “if I
need protection from these men that have come to attack me, all I need to do is to
ask my Father for twelve legions of angels. THE ONLY REASON I WILL NOT ASK FOR
ANGELS IS: IF THEIR RESCUING ME WILL HINDER GOD’S PLAN FOR ME” isn’t that
beautiful? Jesus said if I needed to be rescued, I will ask my Father for angels; not
just one nor two, but 12 legions. A legion in the then Roman Empire was 6,826
soldiers (6,100 foot soldiers and 726 horsemen); thus twelve legion would be
81,912 angels just for a rescue mission. PLEASE NOTE THAT: JESUS DOES NOT
EXAGGERATE NOR SAY THINGS HE DOES NOT MEAN, for no lie can be found in Him.
He is the Truth. If He said God will give Him 12 legions of angels if He asked, then
He meant it to the letter. And because God loves us just the way He loved Jesus,
then He will give unto us whatever He can give Him (John 17:23). Hence, when we
face disaster face to face and we know that our death at such a time is not the will
of God, we can also make demand for legions of angel. Jesus didn’t die before His
time, neither should we!
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We must remember the worth of one angel. Just one angel in the Bible killed
185,000 valiant men in one night. (2King 19:35) Isn’t that great? Yet, we have the
promise of legions. How many persons can attack us at once? Are they up to
185,000? God is far mightier to protect us only if we believe. Enough of chanting
we serve a mighty God and yet refuse to believe. Christians have been taught to
live holy lives which is indeed far more important; it can be termed as “knowing the
hope of our calling.” But we must also come to enjoy the riches of the glory of our
inheritance in the saints and come to the experiential knowledge of the exceeding
greatness of His Power available to us (Eph 1:18,19). We cannot die before our
time.
We saw the ministry of angels and demonstration of God’s power over and over in
the early church. An angel smote Herod so that he was eaten by worms, an angel
rescued Peter from prison, Paul was stoned and did not die, that is only possible by
angelic protection; an angel rescued the Apostles from the prison (Acts 5:18-20)
As long as my time and your time has not come, brethren we must not refrain from
making demands for angels to guard, rescue, and protect us in times of need. This
is not a forgotten history or a myth. Jesus remains the same, yesterday, today, and
forever. If Jesus did not die before His time, why should you and I enjoy less? I must
state that this is not available to everyone, but to those who believe; because ALL
THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVETH. But how many of us can believe?
All of us can!
Psalm 91:11: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways.
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We have a covenant of angelic protection. The blessings of the law is ours, only if
we believe. We also have a covenant of angelic ministry. They are sent of God to
serve us. The ministry of angels is almost becoming a myth in the church today. This
is because we do not believe in their presence and ministry like Elisha did.
Heb 1:14: Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants)
sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who
are to inherit salvation? (AMP)
At a particular semester in my university days, God gave me assignments in two
campus fellowships. I was an executive member of both fellowships, holding very
key positions. Being convinced of God that this is His will for me, I trusted Him for
grace for maximum success without excuses on both ends and without
relinquishing either. This made me busy literally from Sunday to Saturday every
week both night and day and as an architecture student it was like impossible. But
the Lord gave me His grace (Please do not attempt this if you are not sure that such
is God’s will for you). What seemed like a catastrophe became a huge success on
all fronts, even academically; my result even received a remarkable boost that
semester. God is faithful! (But, I said this just to introduce the situation surrounding
the tremendous experience I had during that period and to show that my request
from God was not frivolous or to be termed as “tempting God.”)
During these extremely busy period with several hours each day spent on
fellowship activities here and there, God gave me the wisdom to begin to utilize
the spare hours between lecture hours and fellowship engagement on reading.
Instead of just going home to rest or sleep, I found it better to retire to the Library.
Upon the set day for the overdue registration I had so longed for; I got to the Library
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only to discover I had left my two passports at home which was a compulsory
prerequisite for the procedure. I ransacked and emptied my bag in and out hoping
to find it but to no avail. It was a big disappointment. But I refused failure with faith
in my heart. Right there in front of the Library I said to the Lord “Father, I am going
to walk from here to the front of CCE (a building not far from the Library); and
before I get there, please send your angel to my room to pick my passports, put
them in my bag so I can find it and finish off this registration once and for all. I am
not going to wait another week” As simple as that prayer was, it was so unto me
according to my faith. I got to CCE, checked my bag, and hence the passports just
simply effortlessly lying there. Glory to Jesus! Thus when it seems to us like there
is no other way out, we face a desperate situation, and our backs seemed to be
against the wall; we can ask and trust the Lord for the ministry of angels and we
will not be put to shame. Someone says “How is that possible?” Well, that's why it
won't work for you!
God has given us angels to minister to us, protect us, and fight on our behalf. The
earlier we recognized their presence the better we will be able to make use of them
in faith. We must act in faith. Elisha asked the Lord to blind the soldiers that came
to catch him and believed the Lord has done it. Without any physical proof, Elisha
went to introduce himself to those that came to kill him (2King 6:16-19). This is a
risk, but it is faith. We must dare to believe. Whether we take risks or not, we may
die all the same; so, why not trust God? We all want to walk on the storm but also
want to remain in the sinking boat. This ought not to be!
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Nothing stops us from blinding for a season in the Name of Jesus those who come
to attack us. Either we blind their minds (as in the case of Elisha) or physically (as in
the case of Paul) Acts 13:8-11. Whatever it is we command in the Name of Jesus
shall be so unto us only if we believe. That is the promise! Jesus commanded a tree
to die and He promised we can do that to a mountain if we believe. These are not
myths to excite our minds but truths that can become a reality in our age. God is
not tired in our days, He is expecting us to stand up and believe.
We must be bold. Many of us are already petrified before the enemy comes. We
have forgotten that Greater is He that is in us. Jesus specifically warned us not to
be afraid of the enemy who can merely kill the body.
Mat 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not
able to kill the soul...
We shall shame He that is in us living in fear like that. We must be bold like the
three Hebrews before Nebuchadnezzar. The righteous man is bold as a lion
because he knows that they that be with him are more than they that be with them.
Warning: the power of God is not merely to satisfy or protect self, except in
occasions where our standing is right. We must watch! Jesus refused to turn stones
to bread because He didn’t want to use God’s power to satisfy his own flesh. He
also refused to jump down from the temple top to save time and energy, knowing
that angels will hold him up. He took the stairs. But He twice fed multitudes with
almost nothing. He also required God’s power to be safe anyway. In essence, the
safety net is that we must watch and make sure our standing is right and self is not
exalted. It is a matter of the heart!
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7. SPEAKING OF SELF-DEFENCE
Important Note:
We dare speak of self-defence today in Nigeria only because what is committed
against Christianity is not simply persecution; BUT ALSO A CRIMINAL OFFENSE
AGAINST HUMANITY; THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NATION FORBIDS IT. Otherwise,
the mere whisper of self-defence would be an abomination before God and a
thought that should not even cross our minds. This explains why saints of old
never mentioned nor considered it; because the persecution in their case was
chiefly championed by the authority which they submitted to willingly and at most
escape from or trusted God to deliver them from. Thus I will speak of self-defence
not only in context of persecution but also our response to all forms of inhuman
violence.
God honours the Law of the Land, It is therefore important that we are aware of
our rights and privileges in it. The law of the land when not at odds with the Word
of God is equally sanctioned by God. Paul’s awareness of his rights and privileges
as a Roman saved his neck a number of times and he took full advantage of it. Hence
the “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”:
NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION: CHAPTER IV: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
Section 33: Right to life
1. Every person has a right to life, AND NO ONE SHALL BE
DEPRIVED INTENTIONALLY OF HIS LIFE, save in execution of the
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sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he
has been found guilty in Nigeria.
2. A person SHALL NOT be regarded as having been deprived of his
life in contravention of this section if he dies as the result of the
use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted
by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary
a. FOR THE DEFENCE OF ANY PERSON FROM UNLAWFUL
VIOLENCE OR FOR THE DEFENCE OF PROPERTY;
b. in order to effect an arrest or to prevent the escape of a
person detained; or
c. FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPRESSING A RIOT,
INSURRECTION OR MUTINY.
SCRIPTURES SAYS OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT OUR DEFENCE IS SPIRITUAL. WE
MUST KNOW AND BELIEVE THIS WITH ALL OUR HEARTS. MIGHTY IS OUR GOD!
Nevertheless, this does not violate the principle of self-defence. Self-defence may
be a luxury we refuse to take advantage of for certain good reasons, but it doesn’t
mean it has no place nor does it mean it is wrong. Nothing stops us from employing
security men licensed to fire arms to guard us. Nothing stops us from employing
uniformed men to be on guard. Nothing stops us from having the most ravenous
of dogs in our houses. This is accurate and lawful. Any life taken as result of these
is godly. They violated a laid down principle and would suffer because of it. Paul
needed such at a point in time. Remember that men in authority do not carry the
sword just to scare away wrong doers, (Rom 13:1-4) THE SWORD IS ALSO TO
DEFEND AND TAKE LIVES IF NECESSARY, not just to inflict injury. Anyone thus
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permitted by the law to carry arms is permitted also under God to defend the
helpless and take life IF NEED BE.
There are times when defending ourselves actively may be a way out, but THIS TO
ME MUST BE IN VERY LIMITED AND BALANCED FORMS. Personally, I believe it
depends on why we are defending and what we are defending. It is a matter of the
heart. If a man tries to kill my wife and I can save her without taking his life, of
course, why not; but if he dies in the process, brethren, I will carry no guilt. It is
wrong for us to think we will feel guilty if such happens. I will either save her or die
trying; that to me will make me feel guiltless. But to watch her die when I know I
could have saved her and did nothing, that to me is guilt. We definitely do not want
anyone to die, but then IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FAR GREATER EVIL TO WATCH EVIL
TRIUMPH OVER THE WEAK WHILE WE STAND AND WATCH. (This concerns all kinds
of attack not persecution per se)
David wanted his kingdom restored and his rebellious son alive at the same time.
That is a loving venture. Eventually, restoring the kingdom came inevitably with the
price of losing his son which drove him to great wailing. Joab rebuked him for this.
To feel guilty over the death of someone who attempted to kill my family is to have
preferred they died in his place, God forbid! (2Sam 19:1-8) Joab told David, “It
means you love your enemies and hate your friends.” We are commanded to love
our enemies but not hate our friends in the process. The Bible says Jesus loved His
own to the very end (John 13:1). There is a love we should have for those that are
close to us, that will make us defend them from anything or anyone that threatens
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their peace. SOMETIMES TO KEEP QUIET IS TO SPEAK VOLUME, AND TO DO
NOTHING IS TO DO MUCH. We must be wise.
Jesus flogged people out of the Temple and scattered their businesses because He
was defending the “house of His Father”. I believe Jesus would feel no guilt, if any
of them got wounded in the process or perhaps while trying to escape loses his life.
While we are defending the course of good, we should feel no sentimental guilt
because of the havoc that is wrecked. (Be wise: this does not equal to killing a
mosquito with a sledge hammer or a shotgun.) Mercy is of God and we must show
it; Justice is equally of God and we also must show it. Though, more of mercy and
little of justice. As much as possible we must be harmless as doves, but then if we
can, we should defend the helpless. Paul also blinded a man for a season probably
for a year. That is justice with mercy. He could have blinded him forever. But the
point we want to bring out is that Paul did this because he was zealous for the
Gospel not for his own selfish purpose. The heart is very important. (Anyone that
makes attempt to defend is in danger of attack himself, thus such attempt is a noble
course.)
What do we do when we see a goat entering our house and eating our food? Do
we sit down there and just look? We will definitely react violently against it. It
would be wrong for us to see such and do nothing. Or what do we do when we see
our children doing wrong unrepentantly? We flog them, why? Because we hate the
evil in them. After exhausting all peaceful means and they still have not changed,
we conclude that the only way to get the evil out is by inflicting pain on them while
they are still young. This is love.
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I WILL EMPHASIZE AGAIN THAT ACTIVE SELF DEFENCE WOULD NOT COUNT WHEN
PERSECUTION IS LEGALIZED BY THE NATION. If the country legalizes persecution,
the best we can do is run for our dear lives and trust in God’s protection, we must
never actively defend ourselves in such a case, otherwise that would mean
rebelling against the Word of God and rebelling against authority. We will definitely
not obey them, thus exposing ourselves to penalties. We must submit to
persecution if it is legal and if we are the ones guilty of breaking the law of the land
by obeying God (Acts 5:29.) (That is why we must pray) We are commanded to
submit to authorities. You cannot go as a missionary to a place and while they try
to attack you, you defend yourself by fighting back. Never! In such a case, you either
escape for your life or commit your life into God’s hand who can defend you
supernaturally. Thus we must understand the balance.
1Co 4:12: …being persecuted, we suffer it:
In the early church and ages after it, the government of the day was their enemy.
Their government was the one making laws that inhibited the practice of
Christianity. It is the government that was persecuting the church. In that sense, it
would be wrong and entirely wrong to see a band of government soldiers
approaching you and then you try to defend yourself. That will be unlawful. In such
case, you either escape for your life, you boldly and quietly submit yourself as a
sheep before its shearer, or trust in the supernatural if you know your time has not
come. But in our days, thank God we still have the support of the government. This
is not merely persecution, it is a crime punishable under the law as far as the
country Nigeria is concerned. So it is scriptural for us to stand against it. Paul did
not refuse persecution, but when he is denied his right as a Roman citizen he called
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for justice and scared his accusers, so much so that they had to beg him. (Acts
16:36-39) Watching lawlessness have the day is in itself lawlessness. The
government is fighting against these crimes, nothing stops the church from joining
them (but in the proper sense). Apart from defending our lives, we must hate this
evil and be ready to fight against it (not hate the perpetrators). If my death will
cause the peace of my fellow countrymen, that would be beautiful and godly. Paul
said he wished he was accursed from Christ for the salvation of his countrymen
(Rom 9:1-3). It is patriotism to stand up, defend our country, and fight against crime
as a citizen. This is godliness. If there is peace in the country, it is to the benefit of
all.
I MUST EMPHASIZE THAT: THE GOAL OF SELF-DEFENCE IS TO PRESERVE LIVES AND
NOT TO DESTROY IT. WE DEFEND THE LIVES OF OUR LOVED ONES, THE LIVES OF
THE WEAK, AND DEFEND OUR PROPERTIES. Its goal is not to kill, destroy, revenge,
attack, or mutilate which should not be named among us. It simply means we stand
our guard ready to defend ourselves and not launch out to carry out attacks. We
must approach self-defence as peacefully as possible. We must exhaust totally and
completely every peaceful means before violence becomes an option. EVEN WHEN
AND IF VIOLENCE BECOMES AN OPTION, WE MUST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
PRESERVE THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT ATTACK US. ALL PEACEFUL OPTIONS MUST BE
DEPLETED AND TAKING OF LIFE BY ALL MEANS PREVENTED.
Luke 9:56: For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's
lives, but to save them…
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NOTWITHSTANDING, IF DEATH OCCURS IN THE PROCESS OF SUCH CAREFUL SELF-
DEFENCE, WE MUST FEEL NO GUILT. Do not let satan use your conscience to punish
you in such case; purge your conscience. We must give no place to such sentimental
religious guilty conscience which is of the flesh.
Though we employ physical means or physical wisdom. Our ultimate source of
defence and security must be divine. We may utilize physical aids but then WE
MUST NOT PUT OUR TRUST IN THEM. We may have dogs, security men with the
most automated gun ever. Nonetheless, we must NEVER make the grand mistake
of “resting in their hands” that can fail. Many kings made this mistake in the Bible
and were punished severely for it. Sometimes, God just want to prove to them that
the arm of the flesh is nothing and make useless their defences. Jesus’ ultimate
security was in God.
Isa 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay
on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and
in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not
unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
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8. POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCIES:
WHEN CHRISTIANS CARRY ARMS!
We have spoken in favour of self-defence which comes in different forms and
shades: some are direct and others indirect: some passive and others active.
Carrying arms to defend oneself may be in itself one of the forms of active self-
defence, but it has some likely consequences we must beware of as a church.
I will begin with the words of my dear brother:
“Believers arming themselves is just the beginning; once they start
doing that, they will also start planning attacks; if care is not taken, we
may soon have a Christian terrorists group”.
If all Christians begin to arm themselves, it can indeed go out of hands and much
more innocent lives could be taken and now it is by the church. Many complications
because of lack of adequate training may arise. Carnality may channel itself through
that means. More than that, the enemy which we think is violent, may become
much more violent and ruthless than we ever can be. Disaster is their area of
specialization; guns, bullets and bombs are their ways. If we cannot do it perfectly,
I advise we stick to what we know to do best – faith.
The teaching of “Christians getting armed” in the hands of carnal Christians may as
well lead them to teach that the best form of defence is attack. Christians
themselves would then begin to plan attacks on the enemies holds; innocent lives
can be killed in the process. They may begin retaliation missions. They can begin to
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also kill wives and children and burn up houses. BITTERNESS, ANGER, WRATH, EVIL
SPEAKING, AND MERCILESSNESS AMONG SEVERAL EVIL MAY BEGIN TO FIND
EXPRESSION (Eph 4:31). Thus we must beware! We know ourselves as believers
that many church goers are not even born again. Imagine guns and bullets in the
hands of such a self-acclaimed church member who probably just lost his daughter
to the last terrorist attack. THE SAFEST GROUNDS FOR US IS FAITH IN GOD WHO IS
MIGHTY – THE LORD OF HOST AND THE COUNTLESS FIGHTER-ANGELS HE HAS SET
FORTH TO PROTECT US.
I will defend my family with my life if anyone tries to attack them because I love
them. THE MOTIVATION FOR SELF-DEFENCE IS LOVE and it should in fact be as
spontaneous as resisting harm coming to touch the apple of my natural eyes. My
family is the apple of my eye. This is love. But, if care is not taken, Christians can
begin to take actions out of bitterness, hatred, and anger; which by then would be
grossly displeasing to God. This is one of the disadvantages we must beware of.
If we have more Christians in the military – men who have been trained and
legalized to carry arms; such can flood Christian circles and be on the defence,
guarding all churches. If the Christian Body can be also be permitted to have
trained, “LEGALIZED BY GOVERNMENT” and spirit-filled paramilitary who can look
after and assist in this affairs, I believe this will be very effective. These paramilitary
can then call for volunteers to join them in this task and be supported financially.
But if all dick and harry Christians begin to arm themselves, things can grossly get
out of hands. SECURITY MAY SINCERELY AND POSSIBLY BE ACHIEVED AT SOME
POINTS, BUT I FEAR THAT OUR END MAY BE WORSE THAN OUR BEGINNING; AND
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THE EXAMPLE WE WILL LEAVE FOR AGES TO COME AND THE INFLUENCE THIS WILL
HAVE ON THE GOSPEL MAY BE VERY CATASTROPHIC.
Luke 18:7,8: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry
day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell
you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the
Son of man cometh, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?
We must not because God seem slow to answer and fall into extremes. God is not
slow to answer. We are the ones that fail in our faith. This is what Jesus was saying.
Faith is the way. BUT WHEN WE SEE THAT THE SHIELD OF FAITH SEEM TO BE
FAILING, AND THE PROMISE OF SAFETY IN THE WORD SEEM LIKE OLD FABLES, WE
THEN THROW FAITH OUT THE WINDOW, AND BEGIN TO SEEK OTHER MEANS. We
must beware! When we persist in prayers and it seems God is not answering, shall
Jesus still find Faith on the earth when He returns? Self-defence must be taught
with grave caution and limited application especially as a church.
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9. RETHINKING PERSECUTION:
THE BRIGHT SIDE
We must understand that God is not threatened by persecution. This is a point we
must engrave on our hearts. Persecution has never destroyed the church nor the
work of God. It has as a matter of fact made us stronger. What has done the
greatest harm to the church is the mammon and comfort gospel; it is the one sided
teaching of materialism prosperity. It’s a pity many Christians do not see the real
enemy. The church sees the persecuted others as the unprivileged and the
disadvantaged, but it is not so, Amos 6:1 says “Woe to them that are at ease in
Zion…” it is we that are at excess ease that need to be watchful. Jesus said:
Matthew 5:10-12 “BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED
FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall… persecute you… for
my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you.”
The persecuted saints are blessed people not pitiful ones. Their journey might have
been shortened but it’s only a matter of time, we will see them again. A THOUSAND
YEARS INTO ETERNITY, NO ONE WILL CARE HOW YOU DIED ON EARTH ANYMORE.
There is one other queer scripture in Mark that showed us that persecution is in
fact a compulsory factor in the reward of a believer in this world.
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Mar 10:29,30: And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say un to
you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for
my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold
now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and
mothers, and children, and lands, WITH PERSECUTIONS; and in
the world to come eternal life.
Jesus promised us that even though we will be greatly blessed in this world for
seeking the Lord, persecution will never be far away from us.
2Ti 3:12: Yea, and ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY in Christ Jesus
SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION.
Persecution comes in different shades and colours and varies in degrees and
extents; but whosoever shall choose righteousness in this world of sin MUST suffer
persecution no matter how small. As a matter of fact IF YOU DON’T SUFFER THUS,
YOU ARE NOT LIVING GODLY OR NOT LIVING GODLY ENOUGH. You may be born
again but you are playing it too safe. Persecution actually originates from the devil
because we live in an evil world ruled by him and yet not belonging to him (1John
5:19 AMP). BUT GOD WHO IS ALMIGHTY AND SOVEREIGN MAKES SATAN’S
GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST US INTO OUR GREATEST PRIVILEGE.
Let us think of it this way. What is the greatest evil ever done on the face of the
universe? The answer is simple: The created beings (human) took their own
Creator, humiliated, punished, mutilated, and killed Him. That is the greatest evil
done in the Universe. Now let us ask another question. What is the greatest power
of God displayed in the Universe? What is the greatest expression of love revealed?
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What showed God’s greatest wisdom manifest? The answer is equally simple: The
passion, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of the Creator. What did
we notice? WHAT WAS TO SATAN HIS GREATEST VICTORY WAS IN FACT GOD’S
GREATEST MIRACLE.
1Co 2:8: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had
they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Every iota of persecution fired at a believer by the devil is God’s blessing in His
ultimate picture. This is why Jesus shouted on the mount of olive “WHEN MEN
SHALL… PERSECUTE YOU… FOR MY SAKE. REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDING GLAD”
In the book of Revelation, Jesus gave Apostle John seven messages to the seven
churches in the then Asia. Jesus would first mention their strength, and then their
weaknesses in each case, giving them a very sharp rebuke. It is worthy of note that
the only church that Jesus neither rebuked nor gave a commandment was Smyrna
– the persecuted church. The church in Smyrna was known for poverty, tribulation,
suffering, imprisonment, and trials. Jesus corrected nothing in this Church nor give
them any instruction. He only asked that they keep up what they have been doing.
That is a great benefit of persecution. Anywhere persecution is dominant, the level
of Christianity next to perfection is easily produced. This is because the persecuted
believers will naturally not have their eyes on the world. WHEN A GENERATION
FAILS TO GROW BY READING, STUDYING, MEDITATING, AND PRACTICING THE
WORD OF GOD, PERSECUTION BECOMES THE ONLY PRIVILEGED WAY TO FORCE
THEM TO GROW.
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On the other hand, the only church that Jesus – as loving as He was, had nothing
good to say about was “the church of the Laodiceans” – The Rich Church. This
church was neither obviously righteous nor were they obviously unrighteous, they
were very rich, increasing in wealth, and self-dependent. Doesn’t this sound like
the average church of our time? This is the only church that Jesus used the most
terrible words for: wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. (Rev 2 & 3)
Thus, persecution has its bright side. This wasteful and playful Christianity practiced
in many places today will be changed quickly to fervency if persecution hits.
Persecution separates quickly the wheat from the chaff. Comfort has done more
harm to Christianity than persecution will ever do. We must change our view of
persecution. There is in fact a prophesy in the Book of Daniel to this effect:
Dan 11:33-35: …yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame,
by captivity, and by spoil, many days… And some of them of
understanding shall fall, TO TRY THEM, AND TO PURGE, AND
TO MAKE THEM WHITE, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END:
because it is yet for a time appointed.
Jesus is coming for a Church without spots or wrinkle. How will that happen? If
Jesus appears in the sky today, with this shallow and carnal Christianity
everywhere, I tell you, many will be lost. Thus if we fail to purge ourselves with the
sword of the Word of God (2Cor 4:12) we shall unfailingly by God’s mercy be purged
by the sword of persecution. (Rev 3:10; Daniel 11:21-39) The harvest of the earth
must be ripened before Jesus comes. (Rev 14:15) If the Word does not ripen it,
persecution will. (For more incredible thoughts and truths about the end time, get
my teaching titled “Eschatology Unsealed”)
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Mar 9:43-49 …For EVERY ONE SHALL BE SALTED WITH FIRE, and
every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
Everyone must go through fire one way or the other. It is either you go through the
fire of the Word, as you submit to it, read, meditate, study, take up your cross, deny
yourself, and obey Him. Or you are by God’s mercy salted with the fire of
circumstances and persecution. NOW IF YOU ESCAPE THESE TWO FIRES, I TELL YOU
MOST ASSUREDLY, YOU WILL NOT MISS THE FIRE OF HELL. Not my Head in Jesus
Name!
Notwithstanding, It’s been stated earlier that crime must be hated, and criminals
must be loved. If you claim you love righteousness and do not hate crime, your love
is incomplete. But with great emphasis, I’ll like to say that we must not allow
bitterness, anger, strife and wrath to dwell in our hearts against criminals, only
love.
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10. THE PLACE OF PRAYERS
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O WHAT PEACE WE OFTEN FORFEIT, O WHAT NEEDLESS PAIN WE BEAR ALL BECAUSE WE DO NOT CARRY, EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER
The place of prayers cannot be overemphasized in times like this. The great man of
God – Paul wrote:
Rom 15:30: Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus
Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive
together with ME IN YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD FOR ME; THAT I
MAY BE DELIVERED from them that do not believe in Judaea…
2Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord
may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
AND THAT WE MAY BE DELIVERED FROM UNREASONABLE AND
WICKED MEN: for all men have not faith.
Paul repeatedly asked the church to pray for him so that he can be delivered from
evil men. He in fact pleaded that they should please pray. If there is ever a time
when persecuted saints needed our prayers, it is now. We all know that Apostle
Peter was also saved from Herod and the desire of the Jew because the church
prayed for him without ceasing. (Acts 12:5)
GOD NEEDS YOUR PRAYER: John Wesley in the words of Kenneth Hagin said:
“It appears as though God is limited by our prayers, He can do nothing
except we ask Him”
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God needs your prayer and my prayers to save the saints from the paws of the
enemy. You never can tell what your prayer can do. The effectual fervent prayer of
the righteous avails much. (James 5:16) Only when we get to heaven are we going
to know who and who our simple prayers have saved from death. Let us pray. There
was a time I made it a point of duty to pray for the safety of one random persecuted
saint per day. We can imbibe the same. I say again, only in heaven are we going to
be able to value the effect of some of these fervent prayers we offer, some of which
seem to be useless.
PRAY IN TONGUES: I believe that it was the prayer in tongues of the church that
caused the salvation of Paul on the way to Damascus; and it was the prayer of the
saints that caused the death of Herod who was eaten by worms. (That is my opinion
based on Ezekiel 22:30; because God would be unable to do something if men fail
to pray.) Let’s pray in tongues; the Holy Spirit will take these prayers and convert
them into the perfect will of God for His church. We must pray all kinds of prayers
and supplications as regards this matter in understanding (Eph 6:18), and when we
have said all there is to say, let us pray in the unknown tongue. (1Cor 14:15)
1Co 14:2: For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh
not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him;
howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
PRAY MORE FOR THE SAINTS: Moreover, we must focus more on praying for the
saints more than praying against the persecutors. Persecution has come to stay in
the world (Mark 10:30; 2Tim 3:12). It can be drastically reduced for a time, an area
may be free for a season, and a certain group may be defeated, but it’s only a
matter of time before satan raises another. Satan is the real enemy here; and as
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long as he is out there, persecution will not cease. We must be aware of this.
Throughout the New Testament, believers never prayed against persecutors, they
only prayed and asked for prayers that believers be saved from the hands of evil. I
believed they learned that from the prayer of Jesus:
John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
PRAY FOR MEN IN AUTHORITY: It is equally important to pray for the military and
for the government that God will guide, guard, and grant them wisdom, strength,
courage, and boldness. We must pray all kinds of prayers. We must pray that God
will raise leaders that will make the security of believers a priority.
1Ti 2:1,2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men; For kings, and FOR ALL THAT ARE IN AUTHORITY; THAT
WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE in all godliness
and honesty.
Note the words in upper case. Rather than sit and criticize them that they are
corrupt and doing nothing; let us pray for them all. Otherwise our quiet and
peaceable life is at stake.
YOU WILL HAVE WHAT YOU SAY: When Jesus asked us to pray for our enemies, he
didn’t mean that we should call fire upon them in prayers. He rebuked His disciples
for making such attempt. (Luke 9:54,55) In context, He meant that we should wish
them well. He said we should love them. Nevertheless, Jesus also knew that if we
ask God for fire upon the enemy and we believe, we will have whatsoever we say
as long as our standing is right. As believers, life and death is in the power of our
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tongue (Proverb 18:21). We can sincerely kill people in the Name of Jesus if our
standing is right (i.e. I mean if those people overstep their boundaries and we are
in such position of authority to make such decree). Jesus said He holds the keys of
hell and death, (Rev 1:18) and you know anything Jesus has, He has given to the
Church. Peter did this to Saphira (Acts 5:9). All the same, we can as well have mercy
on people also in the Name of Jesus. Whichever we want, if we believe, we will
receive it. But it is important we know that we will give account of how we use the
Name of Jesus that has been given to us while we are here on earth. So we must
beware and use our power wisely and justly.
Our God can destroy, oh yes, nobody can wreck more havoc than He can; if you do
not believe, ask Sodom and Gomorrah; or ask Israelites when they turned against
God. In split seconds, seventy thousand persons were dead in the Bible. There is no
man made bomb that can wreck more havoc that God can wreck. God’s water
bomb wrecked the whole world except just eight persons. NOTWITHSTANDING HE
IS HAPPIER MAKING AND SAVING LIVES THAN DESTROYING THEM. He is forced to
reluctantly destroy when He has no other choice. For the Son of man is not come
to destroy men's lives, but to save them. (Luke 9:56) Let this mind be in you!
PRAY AGAINST THEIR PLANS: It is also important we pray that God frustrates their
plans and exposes them. If the plans of the more than forty persons that bound
themselves never to EAT NOR DRINK (can you imagine) till they kill Paul was not
exposed, he would have been dead earlier. (Acts 23:12) After all effort proved
abortive to kill Paul and now ten, twenty, thirty days has passed; I can imagine one
of them saying to his fasting neighbour “Friend, me I want to go and drink
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something o, I cannot come and go and die” That is Yoruba colloquial English
(smiles.) So we can destroy, make futile, abort, and expose their plans in the Name
of Jesus.
PRAY AGAINST EVERY ISLAMISATION AGENDA: We can talk about self-defence
because we have the government on our side. May it not happen that Nigeria is
Islamised. Because, by then, there will be no such thing as self-defence. You either
escape for your life or you suffer and die. Defending yourself or your loved ones in
any means will immediately make you a rebel against the authority and against
God. In such case, all must like a sheep go to the slaughter. THUS, WE MUST PRAY
AGAINST ALL OF SUCH AGENDA. It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.
(Isaiah 7:7) I believe the message is well passed.
PRAY IN FAITH: While praying all prayers is important, it is far more important to
pray in faith. This will produce more result than the faithless prayers of thousands
put together can achieve. Our prayers must be clothed with boldness and faith in
the Word rather than fear, doubts, tears, and sorrow. Prayer and the Word are our
greatest weapon.
Jam 1:6,7: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he
that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any
thing of the Lord.
WE MUST ACT: Faith without work is dead. We cannot just continue to pray and
fail to do our part when it is required. This is the message of this teaching: it is for
us to know how to act and when it is right. We must use all righteous means to
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achieve our prayers. More also, we must not only pray for right leaders, we must
vote them into power. We must vote godly men into power and not merely vote in
our bellies. They may all be ungodly, nonetheless, we can choose the godliest of
the ten ungodly contestants. WE MUST ALSO SEND THE MOST FEARLESS AND
MOST FERVENT OF OUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS INTO POLITICS. One of
the greatest mistake the church makes is to send the weakest yet richest of men
into politics. We send the most carnal and infant of believers into politics, all they
make of it and their lives is a mess. They go and become twice the children of hell.
We must watch!
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11. WE ARE NOT THE OBJECTS OF PITY!
We must not be embittered against terrorists. We must love them and pray for
them. That is what Jesus taught us. WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THEIR SHOES IF NOT
FOR GRACE. These terrorists are bombing themselves, risking their lives, and going
to hell fire. This is satan destroying the lives of men. We must not join him in
destroying them. They are paying so dearly to go and perish. How sad!
Can you imagine that someone is deceived to risk his life to carry arms or become
a suicide bomber? He dies uselessly in the process and eventually still burns in the
lake of fire forever. Isn’t that person the object of pity? They are the disadvantaged
ones. We should pity them. Unlike a believer. All these Christians that die are going
into peace. Their journey might have been shortened, but they are up there
rejoicing all the same. No more hunger, no more worries, no more problem; they
are up there happy that they left this fallen decayed world, and some of us are
down here worried about them; while they are up there rejoicing. We must not
sorrow like those that have no hope. If anyone should feel sorry, and if we should
feel sorry for anyone, it is for those who are destroying their lives and making
themselves twice the sons of hell.
1Th 4:13: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,
concerning them which are asleep, THAT YE SORROW NOT,
EVEN AS OTHERS WHICH HAVE NO HOPE.
Our brothers and sisters that have been killed have only gone to sleep. It’s only a
matter of time. We shall see them again. Let’s not make the world feel we are
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disadvantaged. All of us sing about how sweet heaven is. When we hear people are
sent there we begin to cry. We should only weep because we will miss them not
because they are disadvantaged. No matter what this earth life might be able to
promise them, heaven has much more for them.
Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of
his saints.
While the world here is seeing the death of Stephen as a disadvantage, in heaven,
the supposed to be seated Son of God – Jesus, was giving this man a standing
ovation to receive him. It is somehow the way Christians today approach the death
of Comrades. We address it like we have no hope. Jesus did not fall apart or begin
to cry when he heard the news that John the Baptist (His cousin and partner in
ministry) was shamelessly beheaded. Let us be careful. Let us bounce out in pride.
We are the happy people. Indeed death is sorrowful, notwithstanding, we must
mourn with focus, vision, and hope. Let us not go around discussing how
disadvantaged the Christians are. Jesus ask us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad.
Let this mind be in you.
Luke 23:27,28: And there followed him a great company of
people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem,
WEEP NOT FOR ME, but weep for yourselves, and for your
children.
This is why we should pray for these enemies of God. Jesus saw the bright side and
found that we are not the disadvantaged ones. This is why Jesus prayed for those
that were killing Him because, He knew He wasn’t disadvantaged. It’s those that
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are killing Him that needed prayers, not Him. They are the ones in danger, not Him.
So He cried “Father, forgive them, it is not their fault, they simply do not know what
they are doing”. An Excerpt from the Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.
The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband, but she was not
suffered; yet, following him to the place of execution, she gave him
comfort, exhorting him to perseverance and patience for Christ's sake,
and, parting from him with a kiss, said, "Husband, rejoice, for we have
lived together many joyful days; but this day, in which we must die,
ought to be most joyful unto us both, because we must have joy
forever; therefore I will not bid you good night, for we shall suddenly
meet with joy in the Kingdom of Heaven." The woman, after that, was
taken to a place to be drowned, and albeit she had a child sucking on
her breast, yet this moved nothing in the unmerciful hearts of the
enemies…
Rejoice Brethren. For we are not the object of pity! Make it not look thus. Let this
mind be in you!
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12. FINALLY
Love is the ultimate key. We must love our enemies and do good to those that
persecute us. We must not give room to any iota of bitterness. We must not reduce
ourselves to their level. Love is our lifestyle because God who dwell in us is love and
He has commanded us to love our enemies, and these murderers qualify perfectly.
IF FOR ANY REASON WE ARE FORCED TO HURT ANOTHER PERSON, IT MUST BE
BECAUSE OF LOVE NOT BECAUSE OF BITTERNESS, HATRED, ANGER, OR HURT. It is
very important we note this. We flog our children because we love their future. We
defend Christians because we love them and hate to watch them die helplessly.
We must understand that this is a spiritual battle. The devil is the one behind all of
these. He is the one using them to war against Christ. If we have any opportunity
to show them love, we must not hesitate. That’s why we serve a living God and
they a dead god. We must not use derogative words against them. We must put off
all evil speaking. It perturbs me when Christians begin to use vulgar and offensive
words against terrorist. This is wrong irrespective of what they do. Do not sink
down to their level. We are out to prove the power of love. We remember that
even Michael the archangel did not speak evil of satan, but simply said “the Lord
rebuke you” (Jude 1:9) Thus we must love them and pray for them, God in His mercy
can take our prayers to save some of their “Pauls”. The Foxe’s Book of Martyrs told
stories of soldiers and executioners getting saved during the persecution. Thus, the
effectual power of prayers cannot be over emphasized. The prayers of saints
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eventually turned the entire Roman Empire over to Christianity in the days of
Constantine.
Self-defence may at times be necessary. BUT FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, THE JESUS
WAY REMAINS THE MOST RELIABLE, SOPHISTICATED, SAFEST, EFFECTIVE,
MIGHTIEST, LETHAL, TESTED, TRUSTED, AND MOST SCRIPTURALLY BASED MEANS
OF PROTECTION AND DEFENCE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, SEX,
STATUS OR CIRCUMSTANCES. The God that sent one angel to kill 185,000 in one
night; the God that mounted the hills with horses and chariots of fire all around
Elisha; the God that smote Herod with worms; the God of whom Jesus said can give
Him legions of angels for His protection, is still our God. He is the same yesterday,
today, and forever. Glory to God.
Let us teach and exhort all to believe and confess that we cannot die before our
time; that we all be wise and smart; and we all will ask and believe in the ministry
of angels. According to our faith, be it unto us; all things are possible to him that
believes. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness. (Col 3:14) Shalom!
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise
God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1Ti 1:17)
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A LETTER FROM THE PAST
This is the letter written in blood, for which Richard Roth was slain on the
17th of September, 1557 which He wrote to comfort persecuted believers.
Excerpted from the Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Pg 185-86
"O dear Brethren and Sisters,
"How much reason have you to rejoice in God, that He hath
given you such faith to overcome this bloodthirsty tyrant thus
far! And no doubt He that hath begun that good work in you,
will fulfill it unto the end. O dear hearts in Christ, what a
crown of glory shall ye receive with Christ in the kingdom of
God! O that it had been the good will of God that I had been
ready to have gone with you; for I lie in my lord's Little ease by
day, and in the night I lie in the Coalhouse, apart from Ralph
Allerton, or any other; and we look every day when we shall be
condemned; for he said that I should be burned within ten days
before Easter; but I lie still at the pool's brink, and every man
goeth in before me; but we abide patiently the Lord's leisure,
with many bonds, in fetters and stocks, by which we have
received great joy of God. And now fare you well, dear brethren
and sisters, in this world, but I trust to see you in the heavens
face to face.
"O brother Munt, with your wife and my sister Rose, how
blessed are you in the Lord, that God hath found you worthy to
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suffer for His sake! with all the rest of my dear brethren and
sisters known and unknown. O be joyful even unto death. Fear
it not, saith Christ, for I have overcome death. O dear heart,
seeing that Jesus Christ will be our help, O tarry you the Lord's
leisure. Be strong, let your hearts be of good comfort, and wait
you still for the Lord. He is at hand. Yea, the angel of the Lord
pitcheth his tent round about them that fear him, and
delivereth them which way he seeth best. For our lives are in
the Lord's hands; and they can do nothing unto us before God
suffer them. Therefore give all thanks to God.
"O dear hearts, you shall be clothed in long white garments
upon the mount of Sion, with the multitude of saints, and with
Jesus Christ our Savior, who will never forsake us. O blessed
virgins, ye have played the wise virgins' part, in that ye have
taken oil in your lamps that ye may go in with the Bridegroom,
when he cometh, into the everlasting joy with Him. But as for
the foolish, they shall be shut out, because they made not
themselves ready to suffer with Christ, neither go about to
take up His cross. O dear hearts, how precious shall your death
be in the sight of the Lord! for dear is the death of His saints.
O fare you well, and pray. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen, Amen. Pray, pray, pray!
"Written by me, with my own blood,
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OTHER E-BOOK TEACHINGS BY TOMISIN AJILEYE
The Hidden Wisdom of God
(The Wisdom of man against the 36 Wisdom of God)
Tithing and the New Testament Man
Knowing the Real God
(Vol 1: This is Eternal Life)
Knowing the Real God
(Vol 2: God is Omnipotent)
Knowing the Real God
(Vol 3: God is Omniscient)
Knowing the Real God
(Vol 4: God is Love)
Eschatology unsealed
Do Believers have Eternal Security?
A New Commandment
(Vol 1: Loving the Lord)
Eternal Pillars
(The Three indestructible pillars of Christianity)
For questions or comments; or to get any of these Teachings sent to you:
Send a mail to [email protected] or
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