Jesus Is Coming Back Soon

Essentially, this article is primarily aimed at creating awareness regarding a testimony given by a brother who died at a fellowship campground in Nigeria, but he was later sent back to this world with a message from the Lord Jesus Christ; Dear Reader, Excerpts of the said testimony are presented as follows:

 ‘‘AN ACCOUNT OF MY TRIP TO HEAVEN WITH JESUS: THE URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE MASTER’’

''By the special grace of God, I came across the gospel of Jesus Christ some years back. While confessing my sins on my knees in prayers, pleading for forgiveness with faith in the BLOOD of Jesus Christ, Jesus showed me mercy and saved my soul (I became born again). I pressed forward in prayers; He sanctified my soul and later baptized me with the Holy Ghost and fire.  On Thursday, July 30, 2015, I heard an audible voice that said to me, “You will embark on a journey from which you might either return or not.” This happened right in the Tabernacle while I was praying on my knees, just immediately after the Faith Clinic by my District Superintendent (DS) during the Worker’s Conference that preceded the recently concluded annual camp meeting of The Apostolic Faith Church at Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria. Thereafter, I began to have some strange feelings of sickness in my body that made people to ask what happened to me. In faith, I replied, “All is well.” At 12:02am on Sunday, August 2, 2015 as I was sleeping in the dormitory where I was lodged, an unseen hand woke me up and I heard the same audible voice again, this time telling me to go to the tabernacle to pray. At this time, I was so sick and feeling as though my head was spilt into two. Owing to this, I started whispering some prayers as I lay down. After much reluctance on my part, I heard the same voice again saying, “Go to the Tabernacle and I will heal you.” In obedience, I managed to get up and went to the tabernacle. On getting there, I wrote a prayer request asking God for healing. I had no strength to kneel down again but could only manage to lie down at the altar to pray. I beckoned to a nearby usher to get me any minister of God around to pray for me. At that point, it seemed the end had come. I remembered the usher came back alone, knelt down beside me and started praying for me. (It was after the whole incident, the usher later narrated to me he did that at the bidding of the minister he saw and that on his way  back to me he heard the audible voice of Jesus that I sustained satanic arrows attack). As he was praying for me I realized my strength was reducing and my voice going down gradually as I was answering “Amen” till I could not utter anymore word. That was all I remembered while I was here. Then I discovered I (my spirit) was moved out of my body; and as my spirit stood up, I saw my body lying down flat on the floor with shot arrows before my body. As I turned away from my body, I saw the Lord Jesus standing beside me, full of glory and was wearing a glowing face, so glowing that I could not look at His face. He told me to look into the darkness at western part of the tabernacle (West Pavilion side). I saw some people inside the darkness shooting arrows to my body that was lying on the floor (then I realized the sickness was as a result of the attack). I then anxiously asked Him who those firing these arrows were, but He told me I did not have to know them. In a twinkling of an eye, we were out of the tabernacle and in a very different atmosphere; the place was filled with glory: beautiful houses, awesome scenery, more than words could express. I immediately knew we were in Heaven. Jesus then took me to a very beautiful house that I can not describe with words. That was the second time He would take me to that particular house. (The first incident was on an earlier account when He took me to Heaven). There I saw people that wore white garment like myself moving toward the other side of Heaven together with me. Then I came to a river in front of me, and as I tried to cross over, I could not while others that were wearing same white garment did freely. The more I tried to, the more difficult it became and Jesus was looking at me. That prompted me to request Jesus to let me cross over. But He said in His response that “those that crossed over can not come back to the earth”. I then started pleading with Him to let me cross the river so that I would not come back to earth in order to escape the pains and struggles I was going through on earth. Then, the Lord Jesus told me He would not allow my corpse to be taken back home from camp meeting so that my demise may not drive people away from Him. At this time, I did not remember I have a wife, children or any earthly possessions. When Jesus would not permit me in spite of my persistent pleading to let me cross over, I reminded Him of my sufferings on earth. That was when Jesus then told me He permitted everything to happen to me. (Things have been so rough for me generally from my childhood and that continued even after I met Christ; from one battle to the other). The Lord Jesus went further to quote Revelation 13:7, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindred, and tongues, and nations.” To my joy, He also added Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” After realizing the seriousness of His stand not to let me over, I asked for the Late Rev. Soyinka, the second Africa Overseer of The Apostolic Faith Church. He replied, “That is my true servant and in here (Heaven) with me”. I further asked of our third Africa Overseer, the Late Rev. Paul Akazue. He told me he is equally with Him in Heaven, but having sustained injury, He had to take him early in order for His work not to suffer. In another twinkling of an eye, we were back in the Tabernacle on the campground and the Lord took me to different lodging centers for campers. Our first place of visit was the lodging place of my DS where we met him praying on his knees in the night (this gladdened my heart). We left there for the lodging dormitory upstairs, above the “Information Centre” where I was lodged with other ministers. We met people sleeping physically, but many, according to Jesus, were more deeply asleep spiritually. Jesus pointed to my pastor who was physically sleeping but not asleep spiritually and said; “he is mine”. We thereafter found ourselves (Jesus and I) back in the Tabernacle. Meanwhile, we never walked to any of those places we went to, the movement was at the speed of thought. There were people praying very fervently in the Tabernacle but the Lord Jesus said something very sad. He said people were not ready for His coming. I was surprised at that and now asked about those people that were praying. In His response, He said MANY OF THEM ARE INSIDE THE HOUSE AND CRYING TO HIM FOR RESCUE WHILE THEY ARE DENYING HIM ACCESS TO DO THE RESCUE BY LOCKING THE DOOR OF THE ROOM WHILE HE (JESUS) IS WAITING OUTSIDE TO DELIVER THEM BUT COULD NOT ENTER SINCE THE DOOR IS LOCKED. Jesus also added that people today are particular about "all these things" that He promised would be added effortlessly if they would seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”).He went further to say many had their names initially written in the Book of Life but because of the cares and pursuits of the things of this world, they forget to prepare for His coming, and their names are removed from the Book of Life. They do not remember HOME again but are rather praying for earthly things, "all these things", while forgetting to continually “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”. Interestingly, He said He still have few who are renewing and retaining their names in the Book of Life daily by washing in His blood. He now added that all things are set in Heaven for His coming but only few are ready; just like a drop of water in a bowl. Jesus then specifically said He is sending me back to the world for a particular purpose: to tell people that HIS COMING IS VERY, VERY IMMINENT AND AS A MATTER OF FACT LESS THAN ‘1 HOUR’. He also gave me a particular message for my wife (that was the moment I remembered I was married and had children). I then replied Jesus that how would that be, since I am not a pastor, neither an overseer nor a man of many words? The Lord Jesus replied and said He would back me up whenever and wherever I am to give the testimony. Jesus added that there would be three categories of people that would listen to my testimony. The first would hear the word and spread it, the second group will hear and amend their ways and He will save them, the third group will disregard the warning and perish. Jesus Christ was greeting and congratulating me but I did not answer since I was not happy just because He wanted me to come back. Having noticed that in me, HE said, “I will be with you.”At last Jesus asked me to return to my body that was lying on the floor on the altar in the Tabernacle.  As I was reluctant, He instructed me the second time and I entered. That was when I woke up and started crying. I was still seeing Jesus Christ standing as I stood up physically and I noticed the headache and the whole sickness had disappeared. Jesus Christ later vanished from my sight while I was sharing the testimony with the same usher that prayed with me. I traveled back home to Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria that very Sunday. I was surprised to later hear that my DS said in his sermon that very day that Jesus told him the name of many have been removed from the Book of Life but promised to deliver them if they would repent and pray. It was also mentioned in his subsequent words of admonition during the camp meeting that many are half-dead spiritually and pursuing material things in their prayers. This confirms the spirit of God to be one. IT COULD HAPPEN IN A MOMENT FROM NOW. If you haven’t given your life to Christ, or already derailed in your focus, there is no better time than NOW to make amend and right the wrongs! Please pray and make a decision today. Which of the three groups you want to belong? I plead with you to please be part of those that will amend their ways and also partake in sharing the message. Please do not keep this message to yourself, help share with as many people as you come across in all platforms.''

''REMEMBER, WE DON’T HAVE TIME ANYMORE’’

Why A Former Muslim Surrendered His Life To The Lord Jesus Christ And Why Every Muslim Should Do The Same.

                        

There are too many reasons why every Muslim should surrender his/her life to the Lord Jesus Christ, however, this blog-article will attempt to offer a few of such reasons by focusing on the literary work of a former Muslim who chose to be anonymous when he gave his own reasons for surrendering his life to the Lord Jesus Christ; the reasons were posted on one of the social media platforms recently; Excerpts of the said article (albeit slightly edited) are presented as follows: 

‘‘Why I Converted From Islam to Christianity’’

‘‘I converted from Islam to Christianity simply because Islam gives no guarantee of salvation. Because Islam recognises that Jesus is 'the word of God'... (Surah 3 v 45).

‘‘Because Allah recognises in the Qur'an that those who follow Jesus Christ (Christians) will be above those who do not follow Jesus Christ (Muslims and others) until resurrection (Surah 3 v 55).

‘‘Because Qur'an itself recognises that Jesus Christ is without sin (pure) (Surah 19 v 19), while the Qur'an asks Mohammed to pray for the forgiveness of his sins (Surah 40 v 55). Unlike Mohammed, Jesus lived for more than 33 years without ever sinning.

‘‘I converted because where Mohammed recommended the killing of enemies (Surah 9 v 5) Jesus Christ recommended loving them (Matthew 5 v 44).

‘‘Mohammed affirmed his messages without any proof, but Jesus Christ confirmed his words with all kinds of miracles and resurrection of the dead.

‘‘I converted because Mohammed asked the Muslims to turn to Christians to get the truth (Surah 10 v 94).

‘‘I converted because despite Mohammed's claim to be the seal of the prophets, he is dead and will never return, but Jesus Christ whom I hated before died and resurrected and will come back to fight the Antichrist (even according to Islam).

‘‘I converted because despite Jesus Christ being surrounded by several women ; he did not seek to have sex with them unlike Mohammed who even had sex with Zaynab the wife of his son Zaid (Surah 33 v 37).

‘‘And also because up till this day, the name of Jesus delivers all kinds of captivity unlike the name of Mohammed. Because Mohammed recognised that he did not know where he and the Muslims would be after death (Surah 46 v 9).

‘‘I converted because Mohammed said all Muslims will go through hell (Surah 19 v 71) while Jesus Christ gives eternal life to all those who come to him (heaven) John 3 v 17.

‘‘I converted because Jesus never attacked someone to take something from him, while Mohammed claimed war booty (Surah 8 v 1).

‘‘I converted because the birth of Jesus Christ changed the whole world and not a community and many more reasons.

‘‘So my brothers and sisters, only Jesus Christ saves. He is the way, truth and life. When I was a Muslim, I believed in everything we were taught about the Christians and the Bible and today that I became a Christian and read the Bible, I realised that what we were told is all wrong.

‘‘Jesus was never a Muslim, He is the Saviour of the world and He loves you and wants to save you. Give your heart to him.

‘‘I pray that the Lord God will bless those who share this article.’’ ***

***The end of the article written by an anonymous author.

From the foregoing, a number of salient points would be considered; the purpose of which is to lend credence to the reasons why every Muslim should surrender his/her life to the Lord Jesus Christ viz:

1. Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). The Lord Jesus Christ asserts in the scriptures that He is ‘‘the way, the truth and the life,’’ according to Him, ‘‘no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’’-John 14:6. No human being can go to God or His place of abode called heaven without Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ never told a lie and will always tell the truth. He (Jesus Christ) is the embodiment of truth and life. It must be reiterated here that Jesus Christ is the truth and the life. Anyone willing to go to heaven must reject falsehood whole-heartedly and embrace the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is the truth and the life. The words of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ will abide forever. In the scriptures, Jesus Christ states that ‘‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.’’- Matthew 24:35. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Again, the scriptures reveal that: ''This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.''-1 Timothy 1:15. Since the Lord Jesus Christ came to this world to die for sinners, salvation for humanity cannot be obtained through anyone else except Jesus Christ. Indeed, the scriptures state that ''Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.''-Acts 4:12.

2. According to the Quran, the leader and founder of Islamic religion, Muhammad had no assurance whatsoever regarding whether Allah would save him. To this end, the following verses of the Quran corroborate this postulation viz: 

‘‘Or do they say, ‘‘He has forged it'’?

Say: ‘‘If I have forged it, you have no 

power to help me against Allah. He 

knows very well what you are 

pressing upon; He suffices as a 

witness between me and you; He is 

the All-forgiving, the 

All-compassionate’’ Say: ‘‘I am not 

an innovation among the 

Messengers, and I know not 

what shall be done with me or with 

you. I only follow what is revealed to 

me; I am only a clear warner.’’ S. 46:8-9 

The foregoing reference from the Quran should trouble any Muslim. If Muhammad himself, the founder and leader of the religion of Islam, had no assurance about where he would spend eternity, then, It follows that Muslims too would be uncertain about where they will go when they die. A religion that cannot guarantee its adherents or followers a place in God’s Kingdom must be abandoned. Life is too precious to be gambled with. It is risky to follow a leader of a religion who did not know what would be done with him after his departure from this world. 

On the contrary, the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ told His followers that He was going to Heaven to prepare a place for them after which He would come back to this world and take His followers to Heaven (John 14:1-6). Precisely, the scripture gives a vivid account of this event as follows: 

‘‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  ‘‘In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

‘‘And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

‘‘And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

‘‘Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? ‘‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’’-John 14:1-6 

The author of this article would like to implore every Muslim to dump Islamic religion and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour because He (Jesus Christ) is the only way to God Almighty.

3. A revelation from the Quran indicates that Allah is the best of all deceivers (Quran 3:54; 7:99; 8:30). Allah is known as the God of Muslims. Indeed, Quran 3:54; 7:99; 8:30 should be of great concern to Muslims and trouble their minds as well. The Quran refers to Allah as a makr, indeed, the best makr there is:

‘‘But they (the Jews) were deceptive, and Allah was deceptive, for Allah is the best of deceivers (Wamakaroo wamakara Allahu waAllahu khayru al-makireena)!’’ S. 3:54; cf. 8:30

Other verses that describe Allah as a makr include:

‘‘Are they then secure from Allah's deception (makra Allahi)? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's deception (makra Allahi) save folk that perish.’’ S. 7:99

‘‘So they schemed a scheme: and We schemed a scheme (Wamakaroo makran wamakarna makran), while they perceived not.’’ S. 27:50

The Arabic word for deception/deceiver/scheme is makr. More succinctly, the lexical sources offer the following definition of the term:

Miim-Kaf-Ra, that is to say, to practice deceit or guile or circumvention, practice evasion or elusion, to plot, to exercise art or craft or cunning, act with policy, practice stratagem. 

There are some videos on YouTube website offering more detailed information on this issue. Attached herewith is one of such videos:

Again, the writer of this article would like to ask every Muslim-reader to answer this simple question: Why would you serve an Allah whom the Quran has described as the best of all deceivers? It can be deduced that Allah is different from the true God who is the living God. Contrary to the foregoing description of Allah in the Quran; The living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the Father of Jesus Christ is not a deceiver and can never tell a lie. Indeed, it is impossible for God to tell a lie (Hebrews 6:18); God is holy, the scripture says: ‘‘God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’’-Numbers 23:19 Again, the scripture contends that: ‘‘But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; ‘‘Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.’’-1 Peter 1:15-16. Every Muslim is therefore invited to come and serve the true and living God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. You need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for the sins of the world (John 3:16).  You must also believe that Jesus Christ was buried and he rose again the third day after he died (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). In order to receive forgiveness for sins committed here on earth, every sinner must be saved from sin and become born again. The Lord Jesus Christ asserts that: ‘‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’’-John 3:3. Essentially, the following steps can be taken by anyone willing to be saved:

Four Basic Steps to Salvation.

1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner; ''For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’’-Roman 3:23

2. Repent today, confess and forsake your sins. ''He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’’-Proverbs 28:13

3.   Believe in your heart that God loves you and Christ died for you. ''But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’’- Romans 5:8

4.   Ask the Lord Jesus to come into your life through a prayer of faith, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”-Revelation 3:20 Jesus loves you!

***ADDENDUM:

 A number of names of Allah as contained in the Quran, precisely five of such names, offer more cogent reasons for Muslims to abandon Islam and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The crucial question is whether the said names of Allah reflect the virtues and attributes of the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The answer, obviously is no. The names are listed as follows:

Al-Mutakabbir (The arrogant One);

Ad Daar (The Distresser);

Al-Muzil (The Humiliator);

Al-Makir (The Deceiver);

Al-Fattan (The Mischief-Maker)

Details about these aforementioned names of Allah can be found in the video below:

CHARACTER ASSASSINATION

                     

False allegations and character assassination are twin evils which the arch enemy of humanity, that is to say, the devil has found to be potent tools for destroying the reputations of innocent persons globally. As a victim of false allegations and character assassination and yet more than a conqueror through the Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to invite you to read this article entitled ‘‘Character Assassination’’ written by an anonymous author and posted on one of the social media platforms recently; Excerpts of the said article (though slightly edited) are presented as follows:

‘‘CHARACTER ASSASSINATION’’

‘‘One mistake you should never make in life, is to allow yourself to be recruited by someone, to hate another person who hasn't wronged you. Hear this: “We must avoid taking hasty conclusion because of what others are saying about someone else..."What people say about others, says a lot about them. I am repeating this more directly: The things you say about others, says a lot about you! I can tell a lot about a person by what they choose to see in others. Character assassination is a pervasive and destructive phenomenon that is found everywhere. You find it in families, places of worship, organizations, work places, etc. Character assassination is the deliberate, malicious, unjustified and sustained effort to damage the reputation or credibility of an individual. Character assassination is the slandering of a person usually with the intention of destroying public confidence in that person. “Character Assassination” is the act of lowering one’s character in a bid to ruin the character of others. There are people that take maximum delight in ruining other's reputation. These set of people have what I will like to call ‘Destructive Tendencies’. They oil their own ego by pulling other people down. PhD (pull him down). False allegations are the most chronic form of mental abuse. When people can’t kill your dreams and purpose, they will try to assassinate your character. There are some people that your spirit will always irritate their demons! Once they realize hating isn’t working they start telling and spreading lies about you. People are assassinated once but ‘Character Assassination’ kills daily! Character assassination is a form of emotional violence against others. Someone once said, “A friend of my enemy is my enemy.” One of the things that hinder us from living a fulfilling and inclusive life is bringing past bias and sentiments into present relationships. A friend of your enemy is not necessarily your enemy; it all depends on intentions and contributions. God can use your enemy’s friend to bless you!`

7 Critical ‘DON’Ts’ that you really need to guard yourself against.

``Refusing to getting trapped in them will help you live a more productive, fulfilling and unbiased life. They are:

1. Don’t conclude about people because of what others say about them: Never draw up conclusions based on what others tell you about someone. It is a lack of social intelligence that makes people draw conclusions on others based on what other people say about them. I know you’ve heard about emotional and financial intelligence, but there is something called social intelligence. This is the kind of intelligence that keeps you sane even when others are trying to pollute your mind against someone else until you have thoroughly confirmed the veracity of the claims before you. Judges are trained to have this kind of intelligence in order to avoid biased judgments.

2.  Don’t inherit other people’s enemy: It is total lack of education and enlightenment when you automatically make your friend’s enemies your own. Don’t make people your enemies just because they are not in good terms with your friends.

3. Don’t use your children as weapons of war:

God can use your enemies to bless your children Stop using them to fight those you don’t like. Your children will need to discern their enemies for themselves; never use your parental influence to make your children hate others. You may often need to guard them with their choice of friends but never plant the seed of discord in the heart of your children against someone else.

 4. Don’t gang up with others to hate someone: Don’t join the majority to hate someone – you may realize that the person has no offence. Someone said, “If you don’t see it with your own eyes, or hear it with your own ears. Don’t invent it with your small mind and share it with your big mouth”. Never join the multitude to hate someone else.

5. Don’t be used as weapon in other people’s battle: It is not every battle that you must involve yourself in. Refuse to be used as weapons in other people’s battle. When people fight dirty, refuse to take sides. Observe deeply before concluding finally.

6. Don’t hate people just because they don’t behave like you: That someone is not your tribe doesn’t make them your enemy. It is a waste of education if the only people you like are those that are like you. The greatest proof of our education is in how we respond to people whose opinions are different from ours. People who think their opinions are superior to others are most prone to overestimating their relevant knowledge and ignoring chances to learn more. The people who don’t think like you are your greatest source of enlightenment. It is normally people that are not like us that help us grow the most. Companies that had maximized growth are really those that value diversity and inclusion.

7. Don’t judge people until you know the whole story: Someone once said, “Beware of the half-truth. You may have gotten hold of the wrong half”. Don’t judge other people’s choices without understanding their reasons.

If people say something bad about you or judge you as if they know you, don’t easily get affected. Remember this, dogs bark if they don’t know the person. People who are intimidated by you talk about you with hopes that others won’t find you so appealing. Stay away from people who talk bad about others daily; these kind of people carry a negative spirit, and a negative spirit is contagious. The real problem is not that they are unhappy about others, but they are unhappy with themselves. Stop the destructive habit of talking about people behind their back. Talking badly about someone else while they aren’t there to defend themselves says more about you than the person you’re talking about. When you have issues with people, try and discuss it with them. Stop discussing it with others. Someone once said, “Don’t talk about me until you have talked to me”. Stop spreading false information and rumours about others. Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots! Stop creating walls of contention, rather help build bridges of understanding among people.’’***

***The end of the article written by an anonymous author.

I must say that the foregoing article will remain relevant as long as humans continue to live on earth. However, a few salient points would now be considered in addition to the ones highlighted in the said article:

1. It should be noted that one of the reasons why false allegations and character assassination have now become so pervasive globally; is because it is easier to deceive people than to convince them that they have been deceived. In this regard, a victim of false allegation and character assassination may live the rest of his/her life trying to prove to people that he/she is indeed innocent. ‘‘A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it; the truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it.’’-Anonymous quote. According to the scriptures, “...there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”-Luke12:2. 

2. At times, the devil can influence people to make false accusations against other persons. The scriptures state that ‘‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, 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.’’-Matthew 5:11-12. I am a born-again Christian, and I can attest to the victories the Lord Jesus Christ gave me as a victim of false accusations and character assassination. To God be the glory. Again, the scriptures assert that “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”-2 Timothy 3:12 

3. Security: People now use false accusations and character assassination as security tools to fight their enemies. This is the most tragic aspect of it. I am stating this based on my experience as a victim of false accusations and character assassination. An innocent person might be falsely accused of stealing something, the next thing that will happen is that people will begin to treat the person falsely accused as a thief where ever he/she goes. People do it because the devil has succeeded in making them believe that they are being proactive by taking such actions against innocent people. 

Finally, a number of references from the scriptures would be cited to buttress the fact that false allegations and character assassination are sinful acts that can separate human beings from God eternally viz:

‘‘A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.’’-Proverbs 19:9 ‘‘...repent ye, and believe the gospel.’’-Mark 1:15

‘‘But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

‘‘For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.’’-Matthew 12:36-37

Would you like to know how you can be converted and become a child of God through the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Please read the following excerpts of one of this author's blog-articles entitled ''God’s Judgment: Humanity and Two Available Options.'' viz:

''Four Basic Steps to Salvation.''
''1.   Acknowledge that you are a sinner; ''For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’’-Roman 3:23
''2.    Repent today, confess and forsake your sins. ''He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’’- Proverbs 28:13
''3.   Believe in your heart that God loves you and Christ died for you. ''But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’’-Romans 5:8
''4.   Ask the Lord Jesus to come into your life through a prayer of faith, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”-Revelation 3:20'' Thank you.

There is Power in The Name of Jesus

The decision regarding the caption of this blog-article was informed by an event that took place in my life in the year 2011 while I was still a graduate student in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. In other words, I would have died on the day that the said event happened in my life, precisely on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. However, I felt the awesome power in the name of Jesus on that fateful day (13-04-2011) when the Lord Jesus Christ preserved my life. Therefore, I owe the Almighty God a debt of gratitude for sparing my life as well as providing me with the opportunity to write this testimony. Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you very much. Please read the details of my testimony as follows:

On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, I was fast asleep as I laid on the bed in a room where I was living; the room was just a part of a three-bedroom flat located in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. When it was about 1:13am on that day (13-04-2011), I discovered that an organ situated around my throat known as epiglottis suddenly hit the top of my throat and blocked my throat while I was still sleeping on the bed. I became uncomfortable as I could not breathe in nor breathe out and I could not talk as well. I therefore opened my eyes and sat on the bed. I knew death was staring at me on the face and I needed to do something urgently or else I would be no more in a matter of minutes. No human being can stay alive without breathing for more than five minutes. While I was still being confronted with this problem, that is to say, not being able to breath nor talk as I sat on the bed; I whispered ‘‘JESUS’’ and immediately my throat that was blocked then opened and I began to breathe in and breathe out again. To God be the glory. The scripture says that ‘‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.’’-Proverbs 18:10. God Almighty honoured the name of Jesus and He decided to extend my life span here on earth on that day (13-04-2011). As at this day of writing this testimony (06-10-2020); It's more than 9 years now that this event happened and the Lord Jesus Christ is still preserving my life.  Thank you Lord Jesus! Again, the scripture states that ‘‘Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

‘‘That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;’’-Philippians 2:9-10

To further appreciate what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 as already earlier stated, I would like every reader of this article to know that my case or experience would have resulted in death on that day if the Lord Jesus had not miraculously intervened in my life as He did. Examples abound globally of several people who slept in the night of one day but didn’t wake up the following day. Such people died while sleeping. Therefore, I would like to express my profound gratitude to God Almighty through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for sparing my life on Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

More importantly, I would like to state that JESUS is the only name that can deliver you whenever you are at the point of giving up the ghost in this world. No other name can do it. Remember ‘‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.’’-Proverbs 18:10. JESUS is the name that is above all names (Philippians 2:9-10).

Furthermore, I would like to implore you to let Jesus come into your life now; If you have not done so. I was formerly a Muslim until when I opened the door of my heart to Jesus after hearing the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ came into my life and saved my soul on Wednesday, October 7, 1980. This happened when I repented and confessed my sins to God in prayer. I also told God in my prayer that I forgave those who offended me. God forgave me all my sins and saved my soul that day (07-10-1980). God also performed a spectacular miracle in my body and I had unspeakable joy on the day He saved my soul (07-10-1980). It may interest you to know that I prayed to God in the name of Jesus when God answered my prayer on Wednesday, October 7, 1980 and saved my soul (John 14:13-14). Would you open the door of your heart to Jesus today? JESUS loves you!

**The author of this blog-article is Aderemi Adeleye**

...Regarding Sins of False Accusations and Backbiting.

James 3:2-12 (KJV)

² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

³ Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Romans 3:13-18 (KJV)

¹³ Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

¹⁴ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

¹⁵ Their feet are swift to shed blood:

¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways:

¹⁷ And the way of peace have they not known:

¹⁸ There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Isaiah 55:7 (KJV)
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mark 1:15 (KJV)

15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

What an invitation from Almighty God: ‘‘Come now, and let us reason together...’’-Isaiah 1:18

‘‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’’-Isaiah 1:18

‘‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.’’-Isaiah 55:7

‘‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’’-Romans 6:23

‘‘Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

‘‘By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

‘‘For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

‘‘And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:’’-1 Corinthians 15:1-4

‘‘Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.’’-John 3:6-7

‘‘And they said,Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.’’-Acts 16:31

‘‘And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.’’-Mark 1:15

God created all things for His own pleasure: Is God really happy with me regarding the way I am living my life here on earth now?

God created all things for His own pleasure. The scripture says: ‘‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.’’-Revelation 4:11. The crucial issue is whether our lifestyles bring pleasure to God on a daily basis or not. In all honesty, would you say that God is happy with you regarding the way you are living your life here on earth now?

A vivid account was given in the scriptures about how the Almighty God was unhappy with human beings viz: ‘‘And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

''And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.’’-Genesis 6:6-7

In a sharp contrast to the foregoing account, a number of heart-cheering stories abound in the scriptures regarding the people that God Almighty was happy with. A classical example was Enoch, the scripture states that: ‘‘By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.’’-Hebrews 11:5. Another example was the Lord Jesus Christ, God declares that ''...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’’-Matthew 3:17. The Almighty God derived pleasure from the life that exemplified complete-obedience to Him (God); as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ says: ‘‘Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’’-John 15:14. In the same vein, the scripture says: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”-John 14:23. 

It is written in the scriptures that: ‘‘God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.’’-Psalm 7:11. Again, the scripture states that: ‘‘But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.’’-Isaiah 59:2. Precisely, the Almighty God asserts in the scriptures as follows: ''Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?’’-Ezekiel 33:11

God loves humanity, but He hates the sins committed by human beings. The scripture says: ‘‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’’-John 3:16

If anyone wishes to live a life that will make God happy, then that person must follow the perfect example of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ says: ‘‘...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’’-John 14:6. Today, every sinner can be reconciled to God through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. According to the scriptures: ‘‘And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ...’’-2 Corinthians 5:18; Again, the Lord Jesus Christ states that: ‘‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’’-John 3:3. Essentially, the following steps can be taken by anyone willing to be saved:

Four Basic Steps to Salvation.

*Acknowledge that you are a sinner; ''For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’’-Roman 3:23

*Repent today and forsake your sins. ''He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’’-Proverbs 28:13

*Believe in your heart that God loves you and Christ died for you. ''But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’’-Romans 5:8

*Ask the Lord Jesus to come into your life through a prayer of faith, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”-Revelation 3:20

The journey to God’s Kingdom begins with the salvation-experience when a sinner is born again, and can only be sustained through complete obedience to the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and the word of God.

Finally, the scriptures confirm that the only way a sinner can start living a life that will make God happy is to repent, believe the gospel and be saved. The Lord Jesus says: ''...that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance''-Luke 15:7 Jesus loves YOU!