NOT ASHAMED!

We live in a world where "woke" culture has become the norm, and the moral fabric is rapidly unraveling. Anyone who dares to be different is ostracized and labeled with derogatory terms, often originally intended to mock and malign. Christians today face a subtle yet insidious form of persecution, eerily similar to that experienced by early believers, but with a modern twist.

In this era, social media dictates the way of life, and certain obnoxious acts, once universally condemned, now enjoy widespread acceptance due to endorsement by influential individuals or celebrities. This decadence has infiltrated even the highest levels of governance, with laws and bills providing a legal framework for such barbarity.

Perpetrators hide behind the guise of universal human rights, aggressively promoting their unpopular agenda. They've coined euphemistic terms to make sinful acts seem less reprehensible: abortion becomes "reproductive rights," suicide is "death by choice," prostitution is "adult entertainment," infidelity is an "open relationship," and gender reassignment is "gender affirmation."

Apostle Irene, during the 100 days of discipleship, noted that "the devil is in the gray," meaning that Satan's influence is often subtle and disguised. The enemy has adapted his tactics, today we have many undercover devils in cassocks, suits and ties, both ministering behind our pulpits and sitting comfortably in our pews. It is very much more than meets the eye.

In the same vein, the gates of hell are not resting on its oars in waging a continuous bitter war against the church of Christ. The gospel of Christ has witnessed many onslaught of the enemy for eons and as such, it is not surprising to discover that this same enemy has moved up another notch in sponsoring cruel attacks against the global household of God via various anti-Gospel comments, regulations, movements, hashtags, trends and talking points.

Recently, a politician sparked controversy on Twitter by suggesting that church night vigils should be converted into night shifts at work. This sparked a flurry of attacks against the Gospel movement in Nigeria, with critics taking advantage of this opportune moment to discredit the ministries of the men of God, whilst calling them different names. 

They are very quick to condemn the payment of tithes and offerings, claiming that it should be used for humanitarian activities instead but they are also quick to forget the fact that tithing even predates the law and as a matter of fact, it is the barest minimum you can give to God. In all of this, they turn a blind eye to some impressive charitable projects embarked upon by faith communities across the country and the world at large.

Ministers of God living a comfortable life are also not exempted from this public debacle, as they are being put to the sword in and out of season, without reckoning the very humble beginnings of these genuine oracles of God, who were employed by the living God and not their own bellies. Two questions arise: Is God no longer the lifter of heads? Is a life of penury reserved for men of God? The answer is no! Jesus promised to build His Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail.

As believers, our disposition should be unwavering. Jesus was unassuming when he declared that his disciples and by extension, every genuine believer will be hated by the (godless) world because it also hated Jesus himself, he went further to explain that anyone who lives on the world's terms will be accepted and popular, whereas, anyone who chooses to live on God's terms shall be deemed anti-social, archaic and out of touch. Jesus then used the master-servant relationship to better drive home his point: as it is for the master, so it will be for the servants, so far we are treading his footprints, facing the same persecutions he faced is inevitable. Our beloved Apostle Paul talked about a portion of suffering required from all believers to fulfill– a concept defined by the cross. And so, it is expected of every faithful believer to bear their cross daily.

The Gospel is not popular by the world's standards, and the Church faces immense pressure to conform. However, Jesus' prayer in John 17:15-17 reveals His desire for a Church that maintains its sanctity amidst the world's pollution.

The true Church of Jesus Christ is built and sustained by the Word of God, any other method is a sure way to perdition. We must resist the enemy's attempts to undermine our faith, drawing strength from God even in persecution.

For we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. At the orders of our indefatigable Captain, the Church of God will march on triumphantly, and the gates of hell will be pulverized completely.

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.