Prophet
TB Joshua had an excellent reputation for leadership, modesty, humility,
organization, love for humanity and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Those
attributes attracted us to him, his deep knowledge of things and his ability to
help and solve spiritual and physical problems. As a man of God, he eschewed
the trappings of that high calling and office. He made his abode in a simple
part of the SCOAN premises living with his family, disciples and occasional
guests. He developed from the Bible, from praying in lonesome forests, from the
now beautified SCOAN praying mountain where he ministered his last service. He
would dress casually always. He is the first prophet and a Nigerian to have had
the largest worldwide followers of worshipers and admirers of all time. Though
highly criticized whilst he lived his approval rating soared with his
disappearance. The world is not expecting anything less either from the new set
of SCOAN leaders, his disciples or from those of us that claim to have been
closely related to him.
Prophet
TB Joshua had been committed to the teaching and proper living out the Bible.
Many pundits disagreed with him on his views. This is probably because they
couldn't believe the results the prophet was getting simply and seemingly
effortlessly. When TB Joshua was on a stage, heaven's doors seemed open for
deliverance, healing, and all possibilities. It must be another period of the
early Church and many lived in that confusion about his ministry. The power of
Jesus remains the same whether in the old, prevailing or future culture. Hence
SCOAN cannot afford to fight within self over personal or family differences
whilst the work of God suffers or delays even a minute more. The Holy Spirit is
here to reconcile all of us, to console our spirits and command us to
fellowship together in one accord; as we follow Jesus Christ the Commander and
the Lord of hosts.
We
have continued to find very amusing a few commentators still criticizing the
prophet or SCOAN, and trying to fuel within perceived differences of opinions.
Social medial is now a powerful Third Force in society. The Church is the First
Force and government the Second Force, many others are coming on. If the media
does not understand the role of the Church in society then it is a contrary force.
The media has no right or qualifications in setting orders for the Church, not
even for the society that grows it. The Church of God, which TB Joshua's SCOAN
is part of, is not called by God to reflect the views of society and those of
its celebrities. On the other hand, the
Church is called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to demonstrate the power
of God as necessary, and to instruct society of the need to repent. We find the
role of TB Joshua in agreement and alliance with the teaching and practice of
the Lord Jesus, and the voice of God’s Truth to the World. He made it very
clear that the Church is not about detecting and hence following the prevailing
popular opinion. His call was to shape the views of society and to challenge
our culture when our culture is not following the path consistent with the will
of God, His faithfulness and holiness. The World of God remains the Standard
for our Living.
Jesus
Christ is the Righteousness and the Integrity of God. He is also the Author and Finisher of our
faith and has not established the Church so that the Church may compromise with
evil, injustice, and oppression. Therefore as we pass through these perilous
times, the voice of the Church must point out the shortcomings of this decaying
society. And the Church needs more hands for this labour. May God help the
Church to never sacrifice the Truth of the Gospel on the altar of public
opinion, political correctness and social approval but only to depend on what
God has to say on every matter. Amen!
Prof.
R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
