The Church of Christ in a wicked world.

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, 26^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.

THEME: The Church of Christ in a wicked world.

             “Ijo Kristi ninu aye buburu.”

TEXT: Acts 2:40

“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, be saved from the perverse generation.”

“Ati oro pupo miiran ni o fi njerii ti o si n fi gba won niyanju wi pe, E gba ara yin la lowo iran arekereke yii”

Christians cannot change the wicked or perverse generation by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by approaching it with lives and words already transformed and burning by the power and fire of the Holy Spirit. The early Church had none of the things we rely on for success today, yet it greatly and positively affected and influenced its world. The early Christians through the power and fire of the Holy Spirit won multitudes to Jesus Christ and planted many Churches throughout the then Roman (Gentile) world. Of course, it is the evangelical activities of the early Apostles, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that is written in the book now called “THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES” which many scholars saw as the “ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,” because all the works done in the book were done by people who were ignited by the Spirit of the Living God. The good news here is that the same power of the Holy Spirit is available to us (the Church) today. It is available to make us more effective witnessing Church for Christ. The better we relate with the Holy Spirit and experience his power, the better we will understand his ministry of transformation (Jn. 16:13-14). Then the more active we shall be in social action and welfare of our people.

The Church of Christ in a wicked world is that Church which is fully involved in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. A Church which is fully alive and sensitive to what is going on around it. A church which does not conform itself to the worldly pattern, but always ready to transform its world. This is the type of Church shown in Acts Chapter Two. This chapter in Acts helps us to comprehend the work and place of the Holy Spirit in the Church. It contains the record of the Church’s encounter with the Holy Spirit and the life of the Church after its encounter with the Holy Spirit. There are four obvious stages in the life of the early Church in Acts chapter 2. They are:

1.   The Church waiting in obedience for the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1)

2.   The Church in true worship of the Most High God with boldness, satisfaction and lasting joy (Acts 2:2-13)

3.   The Church witnessing to the cruel/wicked people and the lost (Acts 2:14-41) This third experience and ministry of the early Church is the focus of today’s message.

4.   The last but not the least is the Church walking and working in the Spirit (Acts 2:42-47)

The witnessing Church in a perverse or wicked world: Immediately after the Pentecost experience, Peter who was filled with the Holy Spirit started to address his audience, not in different tongues, but in the normal Aramaic language which they understood. In short, it was a message given by a Jewish Preacher to fellow Jews (Acts 2:14, 22, 29, 36) during Jewish holy day. His message centered on the resurrection of the Jewish Messiah Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom the Jews crucified. The contents of Peter’s message on that great holy day can be divided into 3 main parts:

1.   His explanation of what happened when the Holy Spirit had come (Acts 2:14-21): He made it clear that the joyful worship of the believers (Apostles) and speaking in diverse languages was not the result of too much wine, but evidence of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus Christ. It is true because no Jews could be drunk early in the morning especially on a Sabbath or holy day since no orthodox Jew could eat or drink before 9am on such a day when the Holy Spirit came down. The Holy Spirit broke the barrier and age long believe that it is meant for some class of people. It was poured out on about 120 followers of Jesus Christ, men and women who were ordinary Jews. It was indeed the dawning of a new age in which God would bring to completion his plan of Salvation for human beings. The good news now is that Jesus had finished the great work of redemption and “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21). Even you and I.

 

2.   His explanation on how the great work of redemption happened: Jesus Christ resurrected and is alive (Acts 2:22-35): Here Peter told the truth about the suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and then called on his audience to believe on Christ and be saved. He gave them 4 proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as follows:

a)   He pointed to the person of Jesus Christ as his first proof. Jesus was a real human being from Nazareth who performed many signs and miracles. He even raised the dead and no fault was found in him (Acts 2:22, 3:6; 4:10) He was a man who had God’s hand upon his life. With him all things are possible. He has the ability to resurrect.

b)   The second proof was the prophecy of David (Acts 2:25-31) Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11 which certainly could not apply to David who was already dead, buried but did not resurrect. Truly David wrote about Jesus Christ that the Messiah would not remain in the realm of the dead or his body in the grave where it would decay.

c)   The witness of Christ’s followers was the third proof. (Acts 2:33) After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of his disciples and at different occasions. A case study is his appearance to the 2 disciples on their way to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35. He commissioned them to give witness to others that he was alive (Acts 1:3,22)

d)   The Presence of the Holy Spirit was the fourth proof of Christ resurrection (Acts 2:33-35). Remember that Jesus Christ had promised that after his departure, he would sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples (Luke 24:49; John 14:26; 15:26, Acts 1:4) Certainly, if Jesus is dead, he cannot send the Spirit to his disciples on the Pentecost day, therefore he must be alive.

 

3.   His explanation of why Jesus Christ died, resurrected and sent the Holy Spirit: to save sinners (Acts 2:36-40): Peter, the mouth piece of the first Church made it clear that after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom the Jews killed, God has made him Lord and Saviour of the whole world and in his name all human beings must worship God (Phil. 2:9-11; Acts 2:36). Peter then told them how to be saved; they had to repent of their sins and believe on Jesus Christ. They also needed to show the sincerity of their repentance and faith in Christ by being baptized (Acts 2:38). It did not end there, the Apostles continued their exhortation as seen in Acts 2:40 urging the people to trust Jesus Christ for their Salvation and never to continue in the way of a “Crooked generation” which was under condemnation (Matt. 16:4; 17:17; Phil. 2:15) After this hard and powerful undiluted message, about 3,000 people repented, believed in the resurrected Jesus and were saved. The number of people of impact and spiritual influence increased and a great revival began (Acts 2:41). The new church started to walk and work in the Spirit (Acts 2:42-47) as follow:

a)   Fellowship of the brethren began

b)   Teaching (Discipleship) followed

c)   Communion (breaking of bread together)

d)   Prayer (Public and Private)

e)   Communal living

f)    Love in action.

They adopted life style which made people of their generation to see them as Christ followers, people who were like Christ and thus called them “Christians” (Acts 11:26). The early Church set a new pattern of life for their generation; a life of love, sharing, generosity, brotherhood and sisterhood, and set a standard for communal living.

The “We-feeling” of Africa came into full manifestation among the early Christians even though they were not Africans. Their social action and welfarism were second to none. They did all these and dismissed poverty from their new community, no one was too rich and no member of this new community was poor; everyone had things according to his or her need. (Acts 2:44-45).

Brethren, remember that Christians are members of a new community which was inaugurated by the resurrected Christ on the Pentecost day. They are people, who though live in the world, are not of the world (John 17:14-16) Christian are people called out of the darkness and wickedness of the world (1Pet. 2:9-10) into the light of his presence. They are transformed men and women called to participate in the transformative ministry of our God (Rom. 12:1-2) Members of the new Church of Christ are changed and saved citizens of heaven called to be instruments of change in the wicked and perverse world. If I may ask, what are we doing at this global trying period to make Christ real to people of the world? What is the impact of the Church in the face of this pandemic attack on the world? Please note that the Church is the final hope of the world. Let us use the present situation and condition of this wicked world to revive it and bring people to repentance. Let us through our proclamation, deeds and signs to bring the world out of its wickedness unto Christ for total Salvation. We have to do this today; tomorrow may be late. You are an instrument of change, I am an instrument of change, we are all instruments of change in this world, but let the change begin with us now.

Let Us Pray

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

The Power of Resurrection.

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, 19^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.

THEME: The Power of Resurrection.

             “Agbara Ajinde”

TEXT: John 20:19

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

The whole world is in fear today. Fear of COVID-19, fear of virus, fear of sickness, fear of death, fear of hunger, fear of lockdown, fear of poverty and fear of many other things. The big questions before us now are, who will deliver us from our fear? Who will restore peace to the World? How can we sail through this our current situation? Who will bring us out of this lockdown?

Men and brethren, I have gotten an answer to all your questions. Today, I have a good news to share with you at this period of lockdown, isolation and quarantine mixed with fear of uncertainty. I am glad to introduce to you the Man of Galilee, I mean Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who suffered, died, buried and resurrected only to put an end to our own suffering and fear. He came to the world to set us free from the power of sin, death and Satan. He laid down his own life so that we may have our own (John 15:13).

The disciples, who had firsthand information about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, were still in doubt. They did not only heard the news that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, but many of them saw the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ himself. However, the fear of Jews which gripped them had continued to keep them in a hiding place. They quarantined themselves for the fear of the Jewish leaders. They had not encountered the power of his resurrection; hence the news that Jesus was alive was accepted with doubt. No wonder, Thomas, one of the disciples, demanded proof of Christ resurrection when he finally came around. Nevertheless, it became obvious that lives of all the people who came in contact with the reality of his resurrection were transformed. Indeed, that same transforming power of his resurrection, which Paul sought to know, is available for us today.

Let us see the changes which took place in the lives of Jesus’ disciples after they had encountered his resurrection power as we study John 20:19-31 together.

1)   Transformation from fear to courage (John 20:19-25): Our Lord fought great spiritual battle in the tomb on the Sabbath (Saturday) and rose from the dead on the first day of their week (Sunday). One may ask, how did Jesus transform the fear of his disciples to courage? Is it true that they hid themselves for fear of the Jews? (John 20:19) Yes, it is clear that the frightened ten disciples were meeting behind locked doors when Jesus appeared to them in his resurrection body which could not be limited by the law of nature without opening of any door. His first word to the disciples was the traditional greetings, Shalom! (Peace) This shows that Jesus had not dealt with the disciples according to their sins nor rewarded them after their iniquities (Ps. 1033:10) He continued with the work of the cross which is Peace (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14-17), bearing in mind the content of the message he wanted them to carry which is the Gospel of Peace (Rom. 10:15) He forgave and forgot the evil action of human beings who declared war on him as their Lord and Saviour. He appeared to his followers in grace and reassured them of his continuous presence with them through his Word (Matt. 28:20). In our fear of CONVID-19 and all the rest, we must ensure that Christ is not locked out of our lives and affairs. (Rev. 3:20) When his disciples saw him, their fear turned into boldness and joy. This is clearly seen in Peter’s boldness at his first open air revival which won more than 300 people into Christ (Acts 2:40-41). The disciples’ fear had vanished because they now believed that their Lord was alive and that he was caring for them. They had both peace with God and the peace of God (Phil. 4:6-7). They had a high and holy commission and were sure of the power to accomplish it. His power of resurrection can also turn all our fears to courage and joy if we allow him to help us.

2)   Transformation from unbelief to confidence (John 20:26-28): Thomas who seemed to be a courageous man in John 11:16 and a spiritually minded disciple who wanted to know the truth and was never ashamed to ask questions (Jn. 14:5) had become the doubting Thomas because of unbelief for which he was rebuked by the Master (Jn. 20:27) Thomas had both intellectual (doubt) and moral (unbelief) problems, hence he refused to believe the reports of other Christians that Jesus Christ was alive (Jn. 20:25), rather he wanted a personal experience. Many of us are not in any way different from Thomas. How often have we refused to believe and insisted that God should prove himself to us, especially at this trying time? Thomas’ story is a good warming to all of us not to miss meeting with fellow Christians on Sundays and other chosen days by the Church for fellowship (Heb. 10:22-25). He missed what others gained for another one week. Your continuous absence from Church may cause you great deal of blessings and opportunities if care is not taken. The good news is that our Lord is still concern about you and our condition. It is an encouragement for us to know that the Lord had a personal interest and concern for Thomas. He wished to strengthen his faith and include him in the blessings that he had for his followers. Thomas teaches us that unbelief robs us of blessings and opportunities. Please, note that every one of us lives by faith and not by sight. Our faith as Christians is in God and His word.

3)   Transformation from death to life (Jn. 20:29-31): John concluded his writing by showing his readers in every age that Jesus is God and that faith in him brings eternal life. It is not necessary for us to see Jesus face to face before we are saved, rather salvation comes to us through our faith in him (Rom. 10:17; 1John 5:9-13). We are saved and transformed from death to life only by believing on Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ’s miracles is only meant to lead us into faith in his word, and to personal faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord (Jn. 5:36-40). He was given power by the Father to give life to anyone who believes in him. It is therefore clear that only those whom he gives life here on earth through their faith in him will have eternal life there in heaven. Have you encountered Jesus Christ, the source of life? If you have not, there is still a chance for you to do so now (Jn. 1:12; 3-5,16). Accept the living Christ and his power of resurrection will give you peace, Holy Spirit and power to be relevant in your own generation. Jesus is here on this Sunday to transform our lives. He wants his resurrection power to change our fear to courage and give us boldness to face all challenges of life without fear and to be his witnesses right from our home (Jerusalem) and to every part of the world. He is with us to change our doubt and unbelief to confidence. Jesus is concern about our present situation and condition; his power of resurrection will bring all of us out of the lock down without anyone missing. That is the confidence we have that in Christ we are more than conqueror (Jn. 16:33; Rom. 8:37). My brothers and sisters in Christ, stop doubting the efficacy of his power of resurrection. Believe that through the love of God, all is well. Even death has no power over believers, because Christ has swallowed death in victory and overcame the sting of death (MHB 216). Jesus is now the resurrection and life, anyone who believes in him will therefore be transformed from death to life and he/she shall live eternally with Christ in heaven. Do you believe?

Let us pray

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

The King’s Victory.

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

EASTER SUNDAY, 12^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE (Highlights of my Easter Message).

THEME: The King’s Victory.

             “Isegun Oba”

TEXT: Matthew 28:9

There is nothing else that prove the kingship of Jesus Christ like his resurrection from the dead. This is what Matthew related in chapter 28:1-10 as the victory of the King of kings over various wicked forces in the world. It is glorious that believers also share in this victory as citizens of the new kingdom established by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Good Friday and Holy Saturday, all his disciples thought and believed that Jesus Christ was dead. (Mk. 16:1). It seemed that they did not believe in his promise of resurrection (Matt. 16:21, 26:32), because majority of them went back to their homes instead of staying back at the tomb to witness their master’s resurrections.

How about all of us sharing in this message, do we believe in his resurrection ascension and the second coming of Jesus Christ?

Importance of Resurrection

·         The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God. (Jn. 10:17-18) and the King of kings

·         It authenticates the scriptures. (Ps. 16:10; 110:1)

·         It assures our own future resurrection as children of his new kingdom (1Thess. 4:13-18) If we do away with the resurrection of Jesus, then we have no hope of resurrection and eternal life. (1Pet. 1:3-5)

·         It is the basis for Christ’s heavenly priesthood – Because he lives, he is able to save us to the uttermost (Heb. 7:23-28). He lives to intercede for us.

·         It gives us power for Christian living. It is through the power of his resurrection that we are able to do his will and glorify him. (Rom. 6:4, Phil. 3:10)

·         It is a mark of victory for all believers, the remnants of Israel. Spoken of by Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 31:1-6; Col. 2:15).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought victory to the world in all ramifications of life. It is left for human beings to key into the victory and be free from sin, satan, powers and principalities for life. Receiving your victory in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Happy Easter to you and your family.

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

Beyond the tomb

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

PASSION WEEK – HOLY SATURDAY, 11^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.

THEME: Beyond the tomb.

             “Ju isa oku lo”

TEXT: Matthew 27:64; Eph. 4:10; Col. 2:15

“Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will be worse than the first.”

“He (Jesus) who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.”

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

The Bible states clearly that, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement…” (Heb. 9:27) It then means that death or grave is not the end or final destination of every human being. The same thing was true about Jesus Christ, his journey never ended at death on the cross, neither did it end in the grave or tomb. Having won the physical battle on the cross, Jesus Christ move into the Spiritual world to fight the last battle and gain complete victory for the whole world. The Jewish leaders who knew little or nothing about spiritual matters and the mission of Jesus Christ on earth, thought they have seen his end on the cross. They therefore tried all their possible best never to allow him resurrect.

They went back to Pontius Pilate on Saturday, contrary to their tradition which forbid walking a long distance on the Sabbath day, to ask him to put enough security at the tomb of Jesus Christ in order to prevent him from resurrecting on the third day as he had promised.

In contrast to the loving care demonstrated by Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and others who are Jesus friends, it is surprised to see the plottings and maneuvering of the Jewish leaders who were spiritually blind. The disciples perhaps had forgotten that Jesus promised to rise from the dead on the third day, because they all ran to hide at their own homes (Jn. 20:2,10) instead of hanging around to witness his resurrection. But Jesus’ enemies never forgot this crucial promise made by him. Thus they sought for Pilate’s permission to set a strong guards at the tomb. More than the guards was the Roman seal put on the stone with which the tomb was covered only to prevent unauthorized entrance into the tomb. The seal made it impossible for anyone, friend or foe, to gain access to Jesus’ body in the tomb talkless of stealing (Matt. 27:62-66).

No one knew what happened to the body of Jesus in the tomb on Saturday except God, but Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Ephesians (4:7-10) and the Colossians (2:15) seems to suggest the picture of a warrior involved in spiritual battle with powers and principalities. The picture here is that of a Military conqueror who descended into the spiritual world to set his people free from sin, and satan who has now been taken captive by Jesus. Paul made it clear that even death itself is a defeated foe. Surely, when Jesus Christ came to earth as the Saviour, he experienced great deal of humiliation (Phil. 2:5-11), but when he descended into the spiritual realm, he gained victory for all his followers, and when he later ascended into heaven, he experienced the very highest exaltation possible on earth and in heaven. Beyond his tomb, Christ fought the devil and all his agents, he released all their captives in freedom, disarmed all principalities and powers, and made public show of them (Ps. 68:18; Col. 2:15).

It is my pleasure therefore to inform you, my fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters in Christ, that it is not yet over until it is over. Jesus Christ is the only hope of the world for healing, peace, deliverance, freedom, salvation, rest, and victory from any pandemic like Coronavirus. This is because, he is the only leader who went into sheol, fought a spiritual battle and came out triumphantly. You only need to surrender your life to him forsake your sinful ways, accept him as your Lord and Saviour, and you will be saved forever. Are you a born again child of God, know that Jesus Christ has won an everlasting victory for you. Hold on unto him and he will not let you down.

This Holy Saturday, the battle continues, even in the tomb Jesus Christ is still fighting for us, he wanted total victory for as many as believe him to be the Saviour of the world. I urge you therefore to cast all your problems, pains, sorrow and life challenges on him and believe that Jesus will silence all your enemies and hold all your captors in captivity.

Expect something great beyond the tomb of Jesus Christ and fear not, for it is not over yet. Your morrow shall come with unspeakable joy. Amen.

 

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

What will you do with Jesus?

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

PASSION WEEK – GOOD FRIDAY, 10^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.

THEME: What will you do with Jesus?

             “Kini ofe fi Jesu se”

TEXT: Mark 15:12

“Pilate answered and said to them again, what then do you want me to do with Him (Jesus) whom you call the king of the Jews?”

Good Friday, the 6^th day of Passion Week also called Black Friday, is a special day commemorating the suffering, crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Jesus Christ, who accepted to do the will of his Father in Mark 15:36, whole heartedly went to the cross to pay the price for the sin of the world. It is unfortunate that human beings for whom he died the shameful death on the cross have different views and responses to his person and work. Those who shouted Hosanna to Jesus Christ on the first day of the Passion Week, called Palm Sunday, were the same people stirred up by the Chief Priests to say crucify him on the 6^th day of the same week. The Pilate himself did not know what to do with Jesus Christ, hence the theme of our message today; WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

The Jewish council had nothing to do with the Saviour, who knew no sin, but to convince Pontius Pilate that Jesus Christ was guilty of a capital crime and therefore worthy of death (Jn. 18:31-32). In spite of their political corruption, some Roman officials still admired justice and dealt fairly with prisoners. Pilate was a near example of this. He knew that the Jewish leaders were not interested in seeing justice done, especially in the case of Jesus Christ brought before him, he knew that what they wanted was vengeance (Mk. 15:10) Even in other gospel accounts, Pilate repeatedly stated that he found no fault in Jesus (Jn. 18:3; 19:4; Lk. 23:14,22; Matt. 27:24). The only problem with Pilate was that he did not have the courage to stand for what he saw and believed to be true. In his attempt to avoid a riot (Matt. 27:24), he compromised his stand and turned himself to human pleaser (Mk. 15:15) He flogged Jesus, the innocent, and delivered him to the crowd to be crucified. He never did what was right with Jesus Christ, but what was safe and popular. He set Barabbas, the murderer, free and Jesus, the innocent Saviour, he gave out for crucifixion in his response to the crowd’s demand when he asked them; “What then do you want me to do with Him (Jesus) whom you call the King of the Jews?” (Mk. 15:11-12) Pilate became the partial judge who gave in to the unjust request of the majority. What followed was the disgraceful mockery of Jesus Christ by the Soldiers, as they beat him, spat on him and bowed to him in mock homage. They did all these to show that they have no other king, but Caesar (Jn. 19:12-15). Jesus Christ, King of kings quietly suffered in the hand of those who misunderstood him and he did not fight back. This is a big lesson for today’s Christians in the face of religious persecution. Jesus did not fight back, rather he carried his cross beam for our sake to Golgotha, the place of his execution according to the Roman law. There at Golgotha, our Lord and Saviour was crucified together with two other criminals. All these he endured for the Salvation of the whole world.

If I may ask, what will you like to do with Jesus Christ of Nazareth today being Good Friday? Let me guide you with the examples of what some people did with Jesus Christ towards the end of his earthly ministry:

1.    The Jewish Leaders: They arrested and raised false accusations against Jesus, and demanded for his crucifixion before Pontius Pilate (Mk. 14:43-46; 15:3-13)

2.    Pontius Pilate: He beat Jesus Christ who was innocent and released him to be crucified even after he had washed his hand (Matt. 27:24; Mk. 15:15)

3.    Roman Soldiers: They beat Jesus, spat on him, mocked him, wounded him and kept vigil at his tomb only to prevent his resurrection (Jn. 19:2-3;34)

4.    Simon of Cyrene: An African who gave a helping hand to carry the cross of Jesus Christ, even though he was forced to carry it (Mk. 15:21)

5.    Passers-by: They blasphemed Jesus Christ even in his agony on the cross (Mk. 15:29)

6.    The Centurion: He testified to Christ’s son-ship when he says, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.” (Mk. 15:39)

7.    Criminal 1: The first criminal (probably the one on the left) ridiculed Jesus and wanted a cheap way to escape through Christ’s power (Lk. 23:39)

8.    Criminal 2: The other criminal (perhaps the one on the right) acknowledged the sinlessness of Jesus Christ and his Lordship, hence he was saved. (Lk. 23:40-43).

9.    Joseph of Arimathea: His expression of love for Jesus was not only in his life time, but at his death on the cross (eni soju eni ko t’eni se’hin eni), thus he willingly surrendered his personal and costly tomb for the burial of Jesus (Mk. 15:42-46)

10. Nicodemus: This Chief also came around to join others to give Jesus Christ a befitting burial (Jn. 19:39-40)

11. Mary Magdalene and other women: They never ceased from coming to anoint Christ’s body at the tomb until the first day of the week when they saw that he had resurrected (Mk. 16:1).

Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters in the Lord, what have you been doing with Jesus Christ all this while? Do you know that he is the only Saviour of the world without whom you, I and all of us will be at risk of COVID-19 and several other pandemics? (Acts 4:12). Do you know that this Saviour is at the door of your heart seeking your permission to come into your life and help out? (Rev. 3:20). As we all reflect on the suffering, crucifixion and death of Christ on this Good Friday, how do we see our relationship with the Saviour who died for us? What then will be our response to his Salvific work for human kind?

Are we still finding fault with the Saviour like the Jewish leaders did or flogging him again with our evil and unjust deeds like the Pilate? You can bring yourself out like Simon of Cyrene to help others as your act of love and service to God through humanity. You can as well help your Church in its needs as a sacrificial offering unto God.

Above all, see and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, and make him your bosom friend for life. Listen to him, obey him and ensure you do his will so that his suffering, crucifixion and death will not be in vain on you. Leave yourself in his hand and trust him for healing, deliverance, breakthrough, security, peace, progress, provisions, success, victory from any pandemic and what have you. Make Jesus your Lord and Saviour today and you will not regret you did.

Shalom!

 Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

Nothings is too much for the Lord

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

PASSION WEEK – WEDNESDAY, 8^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO HIS PEOPLE.

THEME: Nothings is too much for the Lord.

             (“Ko si ohun to poju fun Oluwa”)

TEXT: Mark 14:3-5.

“And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He (Jesus) sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.”

It is obvious that Jesus’ heart was steadfastly set to do his Father’s will as he continued his journey to Jerusalem. This is the fourth day on his passion week journey and preparation for the ordeal of his trial and crucifixion, which was not yet clear to many, even his disciples, hence we see different responses of various people to the Lord Jesus Christ as they follow him during the days and hours of his last week on earth. One of the responses from Mary of Bethany to Christ’s last and passion journey is the focus of our message today.

Mary’s love for Jesus Christ, as seen in Mark 14:3-9, cannot be over-emphasized. Her love is demonstrated in her closeness to Jesus and her willingness to give anything and everything not minding the cost, to Jesus, her Lord and lover. St. Mark related this story to contrast the treachery of the Jewish leaders and Judas Iscariot with the love and loyalty of Mary who perhaps was the sister of Lazarus and Martha (Jn. 11:1& 2). The love of Mary for Jesus was related three times in the gospel, and such time, she is at the feet of Jesus (Lk. 10:38-42; Jn. 11:31-32, 12:1-8). Indeed, Mary is an example of a cheerful and generous giver, and a good role model for all believers to follow. Mary’s action hear should not in any way be confused with a similar event recorded in Luke 7:36-50 where a converted harlot also anointed the Lord as expression of her love and appreciation to Jesus Christ who had graciously forgiven her many sins.

In the house of Simon, the leper, who had been cleaned and healed, Mary expressed her own love to Christ who was going to cross to die, not only for her but for the whole world. She demonstrated her total love for Jesus Christ with a costly perfume while he was still alive. By anointing Jesus head (Mk. 14:3) and feet (Jn. 12:3), Mary was directly preparing his body for burial. It was an expensive offering that she gave to our Lord, because the cost of a flask of Spikenard oil has been said to be the equivalent of a common worker’s annual income. This woman was not stingy nor was she ashamed to show her love for Jesus Christ publicly. Infact, she give cheerfully, willingly, lovingly and lavishly. There are these three consequences to Mary’s sacrificial offering:

1.    There is always a spiritual fragrance in any home where Jesus Christ is loved and truly worshipped. This becomes clear from the story which stated that the beautiful fragrance of Mary’s ointment filled the house of Simon and everybody present was glad to perceive it. (Jn. 12:3, 11 Cor. 2:15-16).

2.    Jesus commended Mary and accepted her gracious gift and even defended her actions, because he knew heart and that what she did is not to please anyone (Rom. 8:33-39). But he shun Judas, and condemned and corrected his view Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t bother yourself about what other people say about your worship, Christian giving or service, the most important thing is to be sure that you please God with your offering, worship and service. Whatever we do for the Lord or in God’s name should not be done to receive praises of human beings, but for the approval of God alone.

3.    Judas misled others, who were present at Simon’s house, to criticize Mary for wasting her money when in reality he wanted the money for himself (Jn. 12:4-6). The disciple who criticized Mary for wasting money later wasted his own life for love of money. His concern was never about the poor, rather he was greedy and selfish. He wanted everything for himself. He loved resources than the giver of all the resources. You may waste your money in the service of your God, but don’t waste your life for love of money.

 

When Mary gave her best to our Lord Jesus Christ, she became a source of blessing. She was a blessing to Jesus as she showered her love on him, a blessing to Mr. Simon’s house as the fragrance spread, and a blessing to her village – Bethany which was not forgotten even at the final journey of our Lord. Her act of giving was a blessing to the whole world till today. Mary gave her best in love and faith while Judas give his worst in unbelieve and hatred.

 

Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters in the household of faith, what do you have for the Lord this Easter season? How is your worship life at this time of lockdown? What have you done for your Lord since the place of worship was closed for the fear of COVID-19? Are you doing your service to please mortal beings or to satisfy your Maker? Do we even know that there are less privilege and poor people around us? Do we assume that we have done enough for the Lord and others? What is it that you have done and thought it is too much for the Lord? Brethren, know this; the first thing you can ever give to God is yourself (11 Cor. 8:5). Give yourself to God and you will never find it difficult to give him anything else out of what he has given to you (YMHB 781). Do we even believe that all what we have are from God? If we know, what then do we think that is too big to give to him. For what he has done for us. Frances Ridley Havergal (1936-79), the writer of 391 (MHB) says in stanza 1:

 

 

 Thy life was given for me,

 Thy blood, O Lord was shed,

 That I might ransomed be,

 And quickened from the dead;

 Thy life was given for me;

 What have I given for thee?

 

My dear people of God, what have you given to the Lord for all he did for you? I urge everyone of us to give our life, love, wealth and our all to God. Nothing is too much for the Lord (11 cor. 9:7-11).

 

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

Trap (Pakute)

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

PASSION WEEK – TUESDAY, 7^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO HIS PEOPLE.

THEME: 

TEXT: Mark 12:12-13

“And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away. Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.”

The event which took place in the temple yesterday, “cleansing of the temple,” irritated the Jewish leaders who were making cheap gain from the unholy businesses going on in the temple. Thus in the days which followed, beginning from Tuesday, the representatives of the Jewish religious and political leaders pounced on Jesus as he ministered in the temple, trying their best to trap him up with their questions. They asked him questions which he answered, but he asked them just a question which silenced them for good.

The following four (4) questions thrown to Jesus Christ which were traps set to catch him, shall be the focus of our message today:

1.   The first trap: A question of authority (Mk. 11:27, 12:12). It is true that members of the Sanhedrin had both the right and the responsibility to investigate anyone who claimed to be sent by God without an exception. However, they did not come to Jesus with sincere motives or to know the truth. Rather they were looking for evidence to use to trap and destroy him (Mk. 11:18). Jesus knew what they had in their mind and the kind of leaders they were, so he countered their question with another big question in order to expose their hypocrisy. He took them all the way back to the time of John the Baptist whose teaching they had rejected (John 7:17). The Jewish leaders were caught in a dilemma of their own making, because they were not seeking to know the truth or what is right, but what is safe. This is always the approach of the hypocrite and crowd pleasers Before they could run away Jesus told them the parable of the wicked tenants which revealed their sins and where those sins will lead them his condemnation and crucifixion.

2.   The second trap: A question of responsibility (Mk. 12:13-17). “Rikisi pawon po won dore” is a Yoruba saying which is true of the Pharisees and the Herodians, two enemies whose evil plan brought together as one. Their temporary alliance was a subtle trap because no matter how Jesus replied to their question about payment of tax to Caesar, he was in trouble with either Rome or King Herod. But Jesus, in his divine wisdom, moved the discussion from politics to principle and caught the hypocrites in their own trap (Mk. 12:15b-17) Christians have responsibility to perform in the society and the church. We are to be obedient to the government of our land in all good things.

3.   Third trap: A question about eternity (Mk. 12:18-27) This is the only place in the gospel according to Mark where the Sadducees are mentioned. This group would not accept any teaching or doctrine which could not be defended from the law of Moses; the first five books of the Old Testament. They did not believe in resurrection of the dead among other things (Acts 23:8). They also brought hypocritical question to Jesus Christ based on the law of marriage (Deut. 25:7-10). They raised the case of a woman who had married seven husbands in her lifetime and trying to know who shall be her husband out of the seven brothers at resurrection of the dead. To their amazement, Jesus explained that in our resurrection bodies, we would be sexless like the angels; and therefore marriage would no longer exist in the eternal state. He used the scripture (Ex. 3) to tell them that God is not God of the dead but of the living (Ex. 3:15). Let us know that heaven and hell are real.

4.  The fourth trap: A question of priority. (Mk. 12:28-34) The next challenges was a scribe who was also a Pharisee (Mk. 22:34-35) To the scribes, the Jews were obligated to obey 613 in the laws 365 negative precepts and 248 positives. One of their favorite exercise, therefore, was to discuss which of these divine commandments was the greatest. In his reply, Jesus quoted Deut. 6:4-5 (The Shema), the great confession of faith any pious Jew always recite. He also quoted Lev. 19:18 which emphasizes love for one’s neighbor. Jesus Christ made love the most important thing in life, because love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom. 13:8-10). If we love God, we will experience his love within, and will in turn express that love to others. Christians do not live by rules, but by relationships, a loving relationship to God which helps us to have a loving relationship with our fellow human beings. This is the time to show our agape type of love to others around us. Let us share what we have with lease privilege people around us at this period of lockdown and fear of CONVID-19.

Here comes Jesus’ question of identity (Mk. 12:35-37) Now it was Jesus turn to ask question. His question which focused on his identity, is more important than all the Jewish leaders’ questions. He knew that if anyone is wrong about his identity, such person will equally be wrong about Salvation (John 3:16-21, 8:24, 1John 2:18-23). He quoted Psalm 110:1 and requested them to explain how David’s son could also be David’s Lord. This was a puzzle which weakened the Jewish leaders and put them to silence for a while. We must recognize and know that Jesus Christ is the only saviour of the world and only him can proffer solution to our present predicament, and save us at this global trying period.

Traps are set everywhere for people for different reasons. Coronavirus is a big trap which has caught many people today. The only man who could not be trapped by human effort and wisdom or by any pandemic is moving on his last journey to Calvary this week. Come to him and you will never be trapped. Human protection is artificial and insufficient. Come to Jesus Christ, the rejected stone and be saved (Acts. 4:12; Matt. 11:28-30) Come with me to the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty, then you and your family will be saved and delivered from all forms of traps in life, and we shall all live eternally with God in heaven. Amen Pakute aye koni mowa la’gbara Edumare.

 

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.

The Power of Cleansing

METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA

DIOCESE OF OSOGBO

PASSION WEEK – MONDAY, 6^TH APRIL, 2020.

GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.

THEME: The Power of Cleansing

             “Agbara iwenumo”

TEXT: Mark 11:15

“So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple and over-tuned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.”

The last journey of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth and to Jerusalem, which began with Palm Sunday yesterday, took a whole week-Sunday to Saturday. This week called passion week is therefore important to all Christians all over the world, because it is seen as the week of the suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Without the event of this passion week, our faith would have been futile. Jesus triumphal entry yesterday was the fulfilment of the prophecy in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9. His humble, but significant entrance into Jerusalem established his Messianic role and further confirmed his Kingship among the Jews. It strengthened the belief of his followers who treated him publicly as King. Jesus Christ himself demonstrated his Kingship and ministered in three different official roles as contained in Mark chapters 11 and 12. He appeared as (1) King (Mark 11:1-11) (2) Judge (Mk. 11:12-26) (3) Prophet (Mk. 11:27, 12:44)

I will however limit this message to the events which took place today – HOLY MONDAY at Jerusalem during his last journey on earth. There are two major events which took place today at Jerusalem and both of them revealed Jesus Christ as the JUDGE. (Mk. 11:12-26).

1.   The first is the condemnation of the fig tree by Jesus Christ, which was a symbolic act that illustrated the sad spiritual condition of the nation called Israel. In spite of its many privileges and opportunities Israel was outwardly fruitless like the fig tree (Mk. 11:11-14, 20:24) Cursing the unproductive fig tree, apart from the drowning of the pigs in Mark chapter 5 verse 13, is the only instance of our Lord Jesus Christ using his power to destroy something in nature. He cursed the tree to teach his followers two (2) important lessons:

a.    Anyone who failed to be useful to God shall be removed from its place (Lk. 13:1-9). To be fruitless or useless is sin (John15:16) Christians must therefore cultivate their spiritual roots in order to be fruitful and not to settle for leaves. We must all draw nutrients from Jesus Christ the source of life to be fruitful in life (John 15:5)

b.    It is used to teach the disciples to have faith in God. If we trust God, and live in an attitude of dependence on him, nothing will be impossible for us to do. No virus will be difficult for us to kill and we will be able to move all mountains, even CONVID-19, from our State and nation – Nigeria. We must trust God and allow him to clean our lives, our homes, our State and our nation at large.

 

2.   This takes us to the second event, which took place on Monday, during Jesus Christ’s last week journey on earth; Cleansing of the temple (Mk. 11:15-19) which is the main focus of today’s message.

 

According to St. John, Jesus Christ had cleansed the temple during his first Passover visit to Jerusalem (John 2:13-22), but the result seems to be temporary. I don’t think it was long before the Jewish religious leaders allowed the traders and money changers to resume their unclean businesses in the temple. It is assumed that the Priests received their share of the profits and that the services were a convenience to the Jews who traveled to Jerusalem to worship.

 

It must be noted that this religious market was set up in the court of the Gentiles, part of the temple, where serious missionary work ought to have been taken place. Honestly, what was taking place at the Gentiles court would not allow any Gentile visiting the temple to believe what the Jews were teaching about the true God. Their dishonestly, ingenuity, deception, cheat, rubbery and oppression were obvious and counterproductive in when it comes to the Spiritual matters.

 

A place of prayer was turned to a place for preying and paying. A place where poor people were victimized by the merchants in the temple. All these evils grieved our lord Jesus Christ, who was sensitive to the poor, and thus drove all money changers and sellers of various articles out of the temple.

 

Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 to defend his action. At the same time, he exposed the sins of the religious leaders, who saw the temple primarily as a place of sacrifice contrary to the idea of Jesus Christ who saw it as a place of prayer. However, true prayer, in itself, is a sacrifice to God’ (Ps. 141:1-2). Jesus drove all deceivers out of the temple because of his spiritual view about it, rather than the Jewish traditional view which was full of rules and regulations. It is obvious that the Chief Priests and Scribes were using the temple and its religious services to cover up their sin and hypocrisy. They forgot the warning of Isaiah (Isa. 1:10-17) and Jerusalem (Jer. 7:1-16) and thought that physical temple or church building was a guarantee of blessing from God. No, not at all. It is what people do in the temple from their hearts that is really important. Heart of human being is therefore important to God.

 

Can we all examine our own lives and ministries today to see if perhaps we are also making merchandise of the gospel or if we have fallen into the hands of fake/false Pastors/Prophets or Prophetesses. What do people outside think about our church buildings as houses of prayer even now that we have to close them temporarily for fear of Coronavirus? Do we also run to Church on Sundays in an attempt to cover our sins and hypocrisy? How about our body? Do we see it as the temple of God? What are the things going on in our mind? If Jesus Christ were to show up in our heart, which he calls his temple (ICor. 3:16-17) what change would he love to make?

 

Fathers, and mothers, brothers and sisters in Christ, allow Jesus’ cleansing power to come into you today and circumcise your heart, clean you up and make you worthy of his presence in this world and the world to come, life eternal. The first temple to clean today is you and me. If I and you are cleansed, the church will remain pure. Allow Jesus to wash you today remain connected to him and you will be clean forever. Coronavirus or any pandemic will have no place in you or your home. Let us all come to Jesus on his way to Calvary to experience his cleansing power.

“Otito Jesu lo fun iwenumo…” (YMHB 819)

 

May God deliver us from all things which are out to destroy us spiritually and physically in Jesus name, Amen. God bless you.

 

Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.

Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.

Chairman OS-CAN.