WHAT IS THIS? WHY PEOPLE FALL INTO ERROR? WHY DO PEOPLE PRACTICE ERROR? (“IS THIS CHRISTIANITY? PART 3)

By Evangelist Bee
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In the first part of these series we asked the basic question of whether some of what people do and call Christianity is correct. In the second part we discussed the red flags that can alert us to check whether we are about to become a victim of a strange and concocted version of Christianity.

In this last part of the series, we will look at why people start or perpetrate things that are not scriptural in the name of Christianity. Why are we vulnerable? What can we do to discourage this trend by looking at the root causes? My desire is that we will read with an open heart that the Holy Spirit can work on.

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


1.        PAIN AND NEED

In the scripture, we saw that a lot of people came to know the Lord because they were in need and they wanted the needs met. There is a measure of desperation in human nature and psyche when they need something – immediately and most times urgently. Blind Bartimeaus cried with all his might because he realized that his chance of getting his sight was sliding away as Jesus was almost getting out of reach. There was a strong sense of urgency about the need for change in his lot and destiny.

WHAT IS THIS?SPOTTING THE RED FLAG-THE JIM JONES STORY -“IS THIS CHRISTIANITY? "- PART 2

By Evangelist Bee 

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(WARNING-SOME OF THE PICTURES ARE VERY DISTURBING)

The Man of Doom - Revd. Jim Jones        

Over 900 people died after being Poisoned

While preparing to write this sequel to the question “ s this Christianity? Is this not foolishness or plain purposelessness?”, I watched  CNN  Soledad O’Brien special feature on Jim Jones and the mass murder he carried out in Jonestown, Guyana. He did it in the name of religion and it increased my sense of urgency. I believe there are red flags that can be spotted to know if one or  a loved one is gradually getting into any strange and concocted version of Christianity. I believe there are symptoms that are indicative of underlying tendencies that we need to be sensitive to.They are sometimes subtle  but  there are clues that are visible and should be respected. If  these red flags  are observed and the hints they proffer are  respected, these strange versions of  Christianity will not be able to thrive! More lives will be saved from the kind of pain the 27 year old I mentioned it the first part of this write up went through. You can get the first part at http://www.evangelistbee.com/2010/11/what-is-this-is-this-christianity-is.html

Will knowing these red flags eliminate the trend completely? No. It will save you at least. You cannot prevent a bird from flying over your head but you can prevent it from building a nest on your head. I will be using recorded facts from the  Jim Jones story  and the young woman's story mentioned in the previous write up once in a while as a reference point to show what these red flags are. 

PRAYER POINTS FOR NOVEMBER 2010 (COLLATED WEEKLY PRAYER POINTS)

By

EvangelistBee
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OPEN THE REMEMBRANCE BOOK FOR ME! (PART 3)
Posted on 26th November,2010 (Fresh Prayer Points to be posted on the 3rd December, 2010)



Est 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

Est 6:9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Est 6:10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.



FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS…



“Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear”

WHAT IS THIS? IS THIS CHRISTIANITY? IS THIS NOT FOOLISHNESS OR PLAIN PURPOSELESS?

By Evangelist Bee

(This is a good time to register to be notified by the blog/website of next posts as there will be more sequel to this heart-cry.Check CONTACT - on how to follow or subscribe - Its free!)

I don’t know where  or how this will end. I am starting anyway. The burden I have has been a product of many things and recent events. I have seen a lot of things been exhibited in the name of faith and Christianity. I have asked. I have checked. Are they true? Are they correct? If not, at what point did these acts become “christianised “? For how long will these last? For how long will they thrive? Why are we victims of these doctrines, revelations, “words”, insights and “direct words” that become entrenched in what we now call Christianity.

Some of these acts are simple yet they  profoundly affect lives. Some of these “theories”are more complex but its equally directing people’s destiny and dominating their tendencies and beliefs. When queried, no one seems to  have an answer why they are doing it? Why are we  so gullible? Why  are  we so naïve? Why do we get trapped until it is too late to correct?  

WHAT IS THIS? PEOPLE YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE – THE LEGACY OF EBUN KOFOWOROLA AKINYEMI

One of the first things I learnt in my walk as a Christian was from Mike Muddork. He said there are two types of people in your life. People who add to you or subtract from you. People who multiply you  or divide you. This sounded like basic elementary arithmetic  but as I began to grow I saw  the depth of this profound truth.  He also emphasized that for you to become what God wants you to be, you need to focus only on and develop the relationships that add and multiply  you and reduce your investment on those who subtract from or divide you.

It was sometimes in the early Nineties, I was a young man who just left College and was trying to figure my path in ministry and service. I started by living with a Senior Uncle (very wonderful and warm man) and his wife (very sacrificial woman) who took us in into an already  full house. I got involved with a revival that God brought into their local church. It was an Anglican church which as at that time had some few pockets of strong resistance to our brand of Pentecostal evangelism. After the crusades and the great renewals of heart that followed, the leadership of the church banished “strangers”  like me who were changing their children from sin to righteousness  in  the church. We prophesied that God will bring a fresh  lease of life into this church as I moved out of the zone to live in another part of town.  It was against this background after about 18 months that this wonderful woman walked into my life! I will never forget the day! How can I? She is Mrs. EBUN KOFOWOROLA AKINYEMI. I will call her EKA (which stands for her initials) from  now.

PRAYER POINTS FOR OCTOBER 2010 (COLLATED WEEKLY PRAYER POINTS)

By
EvangelistBee
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PRAYER POINTS –THE PATH OF PROGRESS
Posted on 29th October,2010 (Fresh Prayer Points to be posted on the 5th November, 2010)

Gen 31:1-3 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Gen 31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Gen 31:24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Gen 31:29 It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

37. Father I appreciate for your faithfulness in all my years and endeavors.

WHAT IS THIS? THE POWER OF IGNORANCE – THE STORY OF HELEN THE MAID

By

Evangelist Bee

I has  spent over  twenty  four hours already  on different airplanes. I had criss-crossed  three different continents. I was travelling on the the lap between Dubai-Frankfurt and I decided to study and thereafter prepare for my subsequent meetings. The Lord began to speak to me not about the power of what we know  but the power of what we don’t know  - ignorance. Ignorance has power. Ignorance  can kill. Ignorance is a vehicle of pain  and sometimes even the perquisite to death if it thrives for too long.

As I was meditating on this, I remember the story of a beautiful girl  that walked into the live of my family some 13 years ago. I still remember it like it

AWESOME STORY - AUTHORED BY KEN GAUB

At the time I was driving on 1-75 near Dayton , Ohio , with my wife and children. We turned off the highway for a rest and refreshment stop. My wife, Barbara, and children went into the restaurant. I suddenly felt the need to stretch my legs, so waved them off ahead saying I’d join them later.

I bought a soft drink, and as I walked toward a Dairy Queen, feelings of self pity enshrouded my mind. I loved the Lord and my ministry, but I felt drained, burdened. My cup was empty.

Suddenly, the impatient ringing of a telephone nearby jarred me out of my doldrums. It was coming from a phone booth at a service station on the corner. Wasn’t anyone going to answer the phone? Noise from the traffic flowing through the busy intersection must have drowned out the sound because the service station attendant continued looking after his customers, oblivious to the incessant ringing.

“Why doesn’t somebody answer that phone?” I muttered. I began reasoning. It may be important. What if it’s an emergency? Curiosity overcame my indifference. I stepped inside the booth and picked up the phone.

WHAT IS THIS? LEARNING FROM DEATH AND ITS POWER!

by
EVANGELIST BEE

The casket was being wheeled to the final resting place as I heard the song again in my native tongue –

‘A o pade leti odo, odo didan odo didan na, pelu awon mimo leba odo ...” 

This is a song that is very common in funeral services in my native community. I later got the English version from a covenant friend as " Shall We Gather at the River ". It talks about the hope of meeting at the other side of death. When people sing it, very few eyes remain dry! Sing it in any other context and everyone will become sober instantly. A lot of people  want to go to Heaven but no one wants to die. I attended  the  burial of a friend’s Dad and I learnt some very salient lessons which I would like to share. They nudge me. The exhort me. They encourage me. Burials make you see through yourself. They make you ask questions no one else can ask you and get same answers. The things I was reminded at the burial are stated  below:

1.  PUT THE END IN MIND

I learnt a long time ago from Steven Covey Original classic,“ 7 principles of highly Effective People” that the best way to set your goals is to put your end in mind. What would you want people to say at your funeral. I have taught it in many of my goal setting  classes to singles and adults. If you want to set goals that will drive you  for a long time, go to a funeral service with a  pen and paper and ask – “ if I was the one  in the Casket, who will people say that I am? what will people say that I did? For who will they say I did all I did? “ Whatever answers that comes from the  depth of your heart should form the fundamentals of your aspirations and goals !Understanding the end makes the present worth the  while.

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

MIRACLE BABIES ARE STILL BEEN GIVEN- RARE GIFTS

WHAT IS THIS? MIRACLE BABIES ARE STILL BEEN GIVEN- RARE GIFTS

by Evangelist Bee on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 5:22pm

I have  a tale of two babies that I carried today to tell. One is a boy and the other is a sweet girl. They have similarities even though of different sexes. Both of them were born in the ancient town of Ibadan in Nigeria. They are both first born. They were both born last week- days apart from one another. The similarities ends there.

They were born to different parents. Even though they are barely a week old, the stories behind their births were different. The boy was born to parents that got married 9 months ago- praise God – no waiting. Even though less dramatic but we thank God for this future superstar.

This pretty girl came after about  7 years of marriage. I could not weep when I saw her. I was filled with Joy that shut away the tears. Some hot scripture flooded my heart.
Psa 30:5  …….Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psa 34:19  The LORD's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through.

I remember how God has  been faithful in the past with similar themes. I remember a girl that is 5 year old  now who came  12 years after  a glorious wedding and got a  junior one two years after. Two came in three years  after  12 years wait! Another  case, no less dramatic – triplets  came after 7  years ! I can go on and  on what we have seen in this ministry of what the Father of lights  can do!

THE GOD OF SEASONS AND THE GOD OF TRUE WONDERS

WHAT IS THIS? THE GOD OF SEASONS AND THE GOD OF TRUE WONDERS

by Evangelist Bee on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 1:36pm

I was in church this morning. The hymn taken was the English Version of " Afope F'Olorun, lokan ati lohun wa"(Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices).

I was singing it emotionally in Yoruba ( my native tongue) as it was been sang. You know how I know that song. I knew it in a very  strange way- hunger!

It was the "national anthem" at the naming ceremonies that I went to when I was living with my Grand mother over 35years ago in Ibadan.

I remember it like  yesterday. After 5am morning prayer we head in a "convoy" to the  next child naming venue for the day .As the anthem starts-we will be praying for them to finish on time-so we can have the typical dose of bread + tea + sardine stew (if there is).

WHAT IS THIS? ARE THERE STILL FRIENDS?

By Evangelist Bee · Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Friendship is critical to maintaining godly Self confidence and achieving life's goal. Have met or heard from some really deep friends of YEARS in the last 5days.The truth - Am still "high" and " stoned" on the inspiration I get being around them/hearing from them.

Get a friend. Get a good one and KEEP THEM - irrespective of your past experiences. One Key - they stick closer than a brother and they seek your getting better and encourage you to be best - irrespective of their lower/higher financial status. One sent me a mail - " You don't know how much   I appreciate you!" That powered me for another 24 hours.

If you have A FRIEND that is missing - please can  you reach out now? Please! You need to apologize? Common do it now. Please ! You are not a vacuum.

Pro 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 

Do you have true Godly friends? That have impacted you  - Tell me about  them or better still copy me something  you will want to tell a missing or far friend .

EVANGELIST BEE

THE RETREAT SPOKE TO ME - WHAT I LEARNT LAST WEEKEND

WHAT IS THIS? THE RETREAT SPOKE TO ME - WHAT I LEARNT LAST WEEKEND.

by Evangelist Bee on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 8:52am

A lot of stuffs happened at the SALT RETREAT last weekend  but I feel I should share some of the things( including the mundane ones) that I learnt

1.    The Gospel is always relevant.
I  struggled with myself on the first night of the retreat. I felt I should “tone” down the discipleship message I had to give “ more acceptance”. I was encouraged when Heaven reminded me that our assignment is not to make men feel good but to preach the gospel. I obeyed and God defended the gospel. I remembered what Paul said in  Romans 1:16 -I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe…

2.    Don’t  JUDGE people  by their appearance.
As years grew in ministry, I have learnt over and over again that we should not write people off based on  their appearance. They might be the main reason for your ministry that day. I saw the “Unholy looking” people  leading in the quest for God’s presence and some “ Holy looking” people taking God for granted. James 4:6 said- But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

3.    A little  bit of “ more”  Quality  does  not Hurt
One of the principles of consistency taught was to apply further Mathematics. We learnt that  we should pursue progress and that our dy/dx (You remember?)  must not be negative neither should it be zero! It must always be positive i.e dy/dx>0. The retreat itself  had a positive increase this year in the quality of planning and execution- Those young men and women are waiting to take over – Leaders get ready!Haggai  2:9 said -  The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK .....WHERE DID HE GO?

WHAT IS THIS? I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK .....WHERE DID HE GO?

by Evangelist Bee on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 7:49am

WHAT IS THIS? I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK .....WHERE DID HE GO?


God takes care of stuffs – He still does it ! Even now! And He also takes care of the FINE  DETAILS of our lives and setback. This  testimony got me crying last month.

Dear BrotherBanji,
Good evening sir, I was excited when you gave your email address at the last Esther's night so we can share our testimonies with you and  also to encourage  you.

At the previous Esther's night held at RCCG miracle center last year 2009, you ministered and at the time, I was a sad woman and was really hurting because my husband of over 11yrs had left me. As at the time he walked out on our marriage,I was alone and lonely with our only son.

We came back from church on a thanksgiving Sunday and found he had packed from the house. He was out of the house for 20 months. I used to have a lot of  people in my life and suddenly am ALONE. He moved in with another woman who before long started living with him and had a baby for him.

WHAT IS THIS? I MUST NOT WASTE!!! WASTAGE IS NOT AN OPTION

by Evangelist Bee on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 1:28am

The month of July is gone – The month of my birth always brings me a high level of inquisition as to where I am and where I am going to! Always! Don’t let me bore you but I will share some incidents that happened to me in the month of July that has made me to vow and decide again – being a waste is not an option! Being a waste cannot be an option. Not now. Not again!

1. I saw my mentor’s son 3 weeks at the airport on a domestic flight in Lagos and was inspired at how he has grown, married last year and as I admonished him to serve God, I remembered how his Father who has been in faith for about 40years helped to nurture my Christianity from 25years ago. I must not waste!

2. Over the weekend I saw my mentor himself who invited me (Yes! Me sha – that high school boy he had bible study with in the back side of Ile Ife in Nigeria) to preach in the Annual Ministers and Workers Retreat of the church He founded decades back. I shivered at sharing same pulpit with him. A man who will go far must reproduce. He has grayed, He is slower but the fire is still there! The Humility and Sincerity ( His trade marks) is still there. His focus has not waned. Anything that not reproduce will die. I am talking about Pastor( Dr.) Odun Orioke. I must not waste!

3. While talking to my wife on the phone yesterday, she mentioned that it was Professor Kunle Kehinde that preached in the Dominion Chapel in Houston and he spoke bones and not milk. He gave it raw. This was the same man that preached at “ Agric Foyer” in Obafemi Awolowo University when I attended my first E.C.U fellowship meeting in college still dishing it out 26 years after. What keeps these ones going – new location, new environment, yet consistent and humble! With these many cloud of witnesses and examples in front of me, God helping me, I WILL NOT WASTE.

4. Lastly, a brother found me on face book and sent me a small message. He might even be reading this now. How I wish He knew how much that act encouraged my heart! How it triggered my quest to remain Recognized with GOD and Relevant to men. When we left school 20 years back looking for relevance and training in the Kingdom, I found myself in an Anglican church in the backside of the wilderness of Ipaja (a community in Lagos) and God made it a training ground in ministry that I was literally excommunicated from the church for “ preaching visible changes” to their children. Those children now has turned out to be University fellowship presidents, full time Pastors and leaders in Businesses .
See what he wrote unedited-
“Sir, You may not know me . I stumbled into one of your messages at Dominion Chapel's webpage recently and remembered your face and name clearly from St' Andrews Anglican Church Ipaja. I'd admired you greatly as a young boy, watched you closely as you TEARFULLY admonished us from God's word then- there is a night vigil I cant forget like that. God bless you sir and may his work continually blossom in your hands. You have definitely watered this garden. God bless sir.”

5. What is this? The key is Recognition with God and Relevance to men. You must not Waste . No its too late – I will not waste too.

Despite the battering of life, the scourge of weaker bones and legs , the stress of life ( life could deal blows), the failure of dreams and the setbacks we face, may we be like Moses whose eyes never grew dim in Jesus Name. May we be like Jesus who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the pain of the cross. May we go far. May we not seat and rest like the Man of God from Judah and get consumed by the lion of life. May we not be mislead by the new generation of “expired” old prophet. May we not celebrate mediocrity. In Jesus Name. Amen.


EVANGELIST BEE

No. 104 – 1ST AUGUST 2010