Known by Love and not by the Multitude of Persecutors

 

The entire State of Israel is called “the Holy Land” probably because of many prophets that God raised from that Land, because of God’s Promise to Abraham through to David, to Jesus of Nazareth, or the tombs of many prophets adorning the State. We think the State of Israel should be called the Holy Land because of people walking in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth. Nevertheless, in June 2019, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) met in Nazareth for an International Crusade that was led by its Bishop, Prophet TB Joshua. It is only men like Prophet TB Joshua that could have countered the different classes of opposition that erupted aiming to prevent the International Crusade from holding. It was a highly organized opposition that faced the crusade because of the person of TB Joshua, not just because he was coming from Nigeria or Africa. Openly they called Prophet TB Joshua, and the entire SCOAN team, many unprintable names. By now we had expected Christians or none Christians to have known Prophet TB Joshua or some of the numerous people working with SCOAN. The Nazareth event nevertheless unearthed the experience of our Lord and Saviour Jesus of Nazareth. We know that Jesus would have been provoked beyond measure before He spoke to those who were wrong, but thought that they were right, when He said to them, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous . . . Serpents, a brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous bloodshed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. .  . (Matthew 23:29-37). On the contrary, Prophet TB Joshua was able to promote Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he promoted peace and love to the different peoples of the State of Israel and peoples of over 100 nationalities that went. It was glorious.

 Jesus told His disciples in (John 1518-21) that "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you . . . If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake because they do not know Him who sent Me. Apostle Peter also said, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified”, (1 Peter: 12-14).

Therefore, who are prophets of God of our days and how do we recognize them? It is too cheap and lazy labelling everyone as false. In Philippians Chapter 4 the Bible teaches us to “Beware of false teachers, false prophets, false bishops, etc.” This warning is cardinal to every people looking for the second coming of Jesus in an era where greedy and self-promotion rule. God’s Spirit specifically tells us that in later days there will be men who abandon the true faith and allow themselves to be spiritually seduced by teachings of the devil, teachings given by men who are hypocrites, whose consciences are as dead as seared flesh. Of course, anyone will be doing its right duty as Christ’s minister if they remind their church members of these things (false teaching), and also prove themselves as ministers who owe their strength to the truth of the faith in Christ Jesus, living by His Spirit and His Word only. Every Christian should take time and trouble to keep self spiritually fit, and especially avoiding ideas, philosophies, and teachings contrary to Jesus and His teaching. Jesus said in (Matthew 16) that, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?” By their love, we shall know them. Prophet TB Joshua said repeatedly that whatever we do in secret will reflect in the open and determining how much we can achieve in the name of Jesus. Jesus said His Words are “Spirit and Life”. This Word of Jesus is close to His Prophets, even in their mouths, in their hearts, that is the Word of faith which they preach every day, (Romans 10:8). This Word spoken to us by Jesus makes us and His prophets clean (John 15:3). Motivational speakers may draw large crowds because they speak sweet words. Even if they are incantations such words would not produce godly outcomes at the end.

This generation is most likely passing through the said last days, the very perilous times Apostle Paul was telling Timothy (2 Timothy 3:1-7). Whilst every Christian should be on the watch for “Jesus’ Coming” because our Lord is coming, it should be pointed out that Jesus loves His Church and therefore will not deny us of His true Godly Teachers, Prophets, Bishops, Church Workers, and the Holy Spirit for the propagation of complete sound doctrine for our salvation. However, amongst these may also be the false ones. The parable of the “Wheat and the Tares” can be found in (Matthew 13:2-30). Jesus said, “But when men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way”, (Matthew 13:25). Therefore every congregation is likely to be infected by these false teachings, false prophecies, false claims and people falsely accusing others but never able to correct themselves. Their zeal, driven by jealousy, greed and ignorance, is of the flesh and not from the Spirit of God. Emmanuel

Prof. R.A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

VIDEO: Israel Made TB Joshua ‘Ambassador of Tourism’

 

Tourism Goodwill Ambassador For Israel’,” wrote Yariv Levin, the Minister of Tourism

Nigerian Pastor TB Joshua has released a documentary on YouTube detailing the ‘persecution’ he endured during his visit to Nazareth, Israel last year followed by a national award presented to him by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism in the aftermath of the event.

In June 2019, Joshua held a two-day event in the historic hometown of Jesus Christ, which attracted thousands of religious tourists from across the globe.

However, the event held at the Amphitheatre of Mount Precipice was fiercely criticised by local religious figures and nearly faced cancellation due to the intensity of attacks.

“This man is only promoting lies, and anyone who follows this liar is unjust. That is why we ban our people from attending,” a representative for the Christian Church and Pastoral Council in Nazareth stated in the lead-up to the event.

“This visit that is going to be held by this antichrist and wizard – we, the Islamic movement – completely reject it,” noted Osama Haha, the head of Islamic Movement in Nazareth.

“Jesus warned us there would be false prophets coming. We do not know where this man is coming from or the purpose behind everything he does,” stated Father Seaan Bajali, a Roman Orthodox Priest.

“Boycotting the sorcerer Zionist is a national and religious duty,” the Executive Committee of the Orthodox Forum said in a statement.

A protest was even organized with hundreds trouncing through the city in Northern Israel with placards decrying the coming event and people shouting: “Let this witch get away from us!”

Despite the ‘noise’ surrounding the event, it was held successfully with Joshua preaching a message on love and ministering “healing and deliverance in Jesus’ name” to the large crowds that gathered.

“Love for fellow man breaks down all barriers. It melts all hindrances. It dissolves prejudice, misunderstanding and suspicion,” he preached in a sermon whilst a local mosque blared out via a loud speaker, “Do not participate with this wizard.”

A group of religious figures even visited the venue of Mount Precipice after the event and performed a ‘cleansing ritual’ with water, leaves and salt.

However, interviews with local figures after the event revealed a markedly different impression, with residents celebrating the economic and social impact of Joshua’s visit to the region and calling for him to return for future events.

“This is the first time in 2,000 years we have heard the name of Jesus proclaimed publicly in Nazareth,” stated a tearful Nazarene Christian.

Award to TB Joshua

 

The event, which was broadcast on local television throughout Israel and featured in The New York Times and Reuters, subsequently attracted the attention of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, which gave an award to the Nigerian cleric and made him a ‘Tourism Ambassador’.

“TB Joshua, on the occasion of your visit to Israel, I am honoured to recognise you as a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your support and solidarity, which are deeply appreciated. It is my pleasure to name you as a ‘Tourism Goodwill Ambassador For Israel’,” wrote Yariv Levin, the Minister of Tourism.

“You only need to hear ‘Go!’ from above. Who are you to say no? When God says yes, no one can say no! The noise of north and south, the noise of east and west does not matter. It only promotes,” Joshua explained in an interview accompanying the documentary.

Joshua is the first ‘Evangelical Pastor’ to have held a public Christian event in Nazareth; the only other religious figure to have had such an event was Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

Reacting to the documentary, followers of Joshua were quick to salute his courage, opining that such degree of attacks would easily discourage those of lesser faith.

“It depends on who sent you,” the prominent cleric concluded. “Above all powers; above all kings. What can man do? Can man stop God? No. Capital NO!”

 

 

Ihechukwu Njoku is a freelance Nigerian writer…

Go to TB Joshua of SCOAN, and do what He Tells You

 

We read in Genesis 41 about Joseph, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, sold by ten of his brothers at a slave price to Egypt. But in time Joseph survived the ordeals in the pit, in Potiphar's house and in the prison to become a ruler in Egypt. In Genesis 41:41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." Joseph was now the Prime Minister in Egypt with enormous authority and powers. The famine period Joseph predicted had come and "When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph and do what he tells you," (Genesis 41:55). Similarly, when Jacob (Joseph’s father in Canaan) found out that grain was for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you keep looking at each other? I’ve heard there’s grain for sale in Egypt. Go there (to Joseph) and buy some for us so that we won’t starve to death", (Genesis 42:1-3). Hence you come to Joseph. After all, you know that he will solve your hunger, go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you to do because you have faith in him.

In John chapter 2: 1-11 we read that Mary the mother of Jesus, Jesus Himself and His disciples, we're called to a wedding ceremony. They ran out of wine and the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, "They have no wine". Jesus' mother did not ask Him to make, buy, or create more wine. She simply told Him what her concern was, and told others to follow His lead. His mother saith unto the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it". It is significant to note that Mary didn't ask for anything in particular. She did, however, told the servants to listen and to obey His instructions. Mary seemed content to trust in God's plans, even when she didn't know all the details. All she knew was that we should "Go to Jesus" for every one of our numerous concerns. Mary had absolute faith in Jesus, even though she was His mother. She recognized Jesus as the Messiah that would solve our burden by going to Him.

At several other occasions, individuals went to Jesus with their troubles and concerns for healing, for more understanding, even to truly known if He was the Promised Messiah. For example, in (Matthew 14: 21-31) where Jesus walked on the sea but His disciples thought It was a ghost. Jesus reassured them saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

So Jesus said, “Come.” As long as Peter kept his focus on Christ, he could do the impossible, and walking on the sea to meet Jesus.  But once he began walking by sight, fear gripped him. Under the control of doubt or fear, Peter was no longer able to do the impossible. Hence everyone should come to Jesus without fear, doubt or any anxiety because He is the Messiah of the universe. Go to Jesus.

Today across the globe many people are coming to see Prophet TB Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, in Lagos Nigeria or meet him in any of his International Crusades. Jesus had faced our helplessness before with compassion. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36)". There is a lot of love and compassion when you come to SCOAN, known by many as Arena of Liberty. Despite the long queue and the big crowd of people to be encountered by those who will eventually make it to the Arena of Liberty about 99% of others who wish to come are hindered. Many listen to advice from other pastors, friends, or reading the internet largely owned by the devil and his agents. Many come only because of their problems and for other unholy motives. We recommend that you come to Jesus as you believe that He loves and doesn't want you to perish in the consequences of your sin.

When Pharaoh told them to "Go to Joseph" he knew that Joseph had the answer. Similarly when Mary the mother of Jesus told the servants to "Go to Jesus and do whatever He tells you to do" she had no iota of doubt. She knew how far she'd come with Jesus and that Jesus is not just her son but "the Son of God, the Messiah". Hence come to Jesus and whatever He tells you please do it. The people in SCOAN are generously telling each person to join a Living Church, a church where Christ presence and supremacy is acknowledged, recognized, preached and worshipped. Many still look at Baby Jesus in the manger, as the Crucified One. Yes, but Jesus is the Mighty God, the Saviour of the world, Messiah the King, the One that was, that is and Who is coming soon. Come to Jesus. Finding who Jesus is in SCOAN may assist you to have a closer walk with Him, that is if you will only come. Emmanuel

Prof.  R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.