The Tyranny of Social Media giants and Modern Persecution of the Church

 

The recent suspension of Emmanuel TV YouTube Channel never came as a surprise. It was as expected as anything else. Since this was not the first time YouTube has suspended SCOAN’s Channel on its platform. We even wrote an article then saying that this present YouTube Channel that is now under suspension will also be blocked. The only thing that is a surprise is while the SCOAN have not until now develop their social media platforms where the gospel and the marvellous works of Christ through the ministry of Prophet TB Joshua can be disseminated without restrictions.

It is time the Church of Christ starts thinking outside the box, there are some things that Christ will not do for us when he has already given us the grace to do it for ourselves. The Church cannot continue to rely on the mediums and platforms of the world to preach the gospel that they hate.

Let us stop acting as if we are ignorant of the world and its antics. We know they are not comfortable with the gospel of Christ and there is no way they will continue to allow their platform to be used to propagate that gospel.

They claim their actions were based on ‘hate speech’ from a deliverance video. A video which to a true believer is an inspiring testimony of transformation.

That which is an atmosphere of deliverance and freedom to the Church is hate speech to the world. Can’t we see the conflict? Who is the determiner of hate speech? Who makes owners of social media platform the judge in determining our value system? Are they not supposed to be neutral?  This is simply the tyranny of the social media giant. Because it happens to TB Joshua today those not mean it won’t happen to you tomorrow. The Church and the lovers of truth need to wake up and understand that the world is no longer hiding their hate against the gospel of truth. They are coming out boldly in waging their war against the Church of Christ.

TB Joshua never forces anyone to come to his Church. The man who was delivered from homosexuality come to The SCOAN on his own. He felt he was under bondage and came to the SCOAN where he believed he could get his freedom. And that freedom he received. How do that affect YouTube and any aggrieved group?

Is this suspension that is without any legal and legitimate bearing by those purporting hate speech, not themselves promoting oppression and persecution?

What about the United Nations fundamental human right that said “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion”. Why do you want to impose your belief and thought on others? Are you angry with TB Joshua’s ministry because God is using him to reduce your population – the homosexuals?

The man that was delivered from homosexuality was matured enough to know what is best for him. You don’t force your belief on others. If you believe that what you stand for is good and true, why not allow everyone the choice to decide for themselves if they are comfortable with it or not. Instead of forceful imposition and coercion.

This is clear tyranny in public display and we need to recognise that the world has gone past this stage.

The management of YouTube should not allow themselves to be used irrespective of the pressure they may be getting from these groups and even if they have a stake in these issues. They have to understand that these are sensitive issues. Taken side and suspending Emmanuel TV’s YouTube Channel is not the best way to go. They should instead learn to stay neutral. They should learn to differentiate between business ethics and their prejudice. This is important not only for the integrity of their social media platforms but for the future. Always remember that the future is a mystery.

The Empty Tomb as the Grave Couldn't Hold Jesus Christ's Body

Apostle Paul wrote that there were first-hand witnesses to confirm the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep ", (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). The Empty Tomb is significant evidence of the bodily resurrection. The women who went to the sepulchre very early Sunday morning, concerned about who would help them roll away the mighty stone, found the tomb already opened and empty and were told by an angel that Jesus had risen. The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body", (Mark 16:6). Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, took responsibility for the burial of Jesus after His crucifixion in a new tomb he made for himself (Matthew 27:57).

By this resurrection (Philippians 2:9-11) God also has highly exalted Jesus, 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;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus is no longer a subject for any Pontius Pilate to preside over. He ascended into heaven in the glaring view of many witnesses (Acts 1:9). He keeps appearing to many to date and appointing prophets and priests over His Church. He is the Everlasting Reigning King, the Ruler of the universe, the Judge of all mankind, to Him be glory, honour and dominion forever and ever. He has indeed risen.

Jesus spent forty days after He rose from the dead giving the disciples further information on the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Even when He was about to ascend into heaven so the Holy Spirit could come (John 16:7) the disciples were still confused, as many still are today. They seemed only to remember the many stories and parables Jesus told about the kingdom of God.  So they asked Jesus saying, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). It can mean that we are all still after political powers, territorial possessions, powers to physically fight our foes, even though we desire the power and authority of the Messiah over it somewhat. Jesus had specifically told us that only God knows that time (Mark 13:32). The kingdom of God includes the restoration of the hearts of Jesus' followers (Ezekiel 36:26), from every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9). The disciples are worried about when Jesus' kingdom will come but Jesus wants us to concern ourselves with who and how to be in that kingdom. The kingdom can't fully come until we have been Jesus' witnesses around the world (Acts 1:8). This is one reason we should rally around Prophet TB Joshua, Emmanuel TV, SCOAN, and promoting many national and international crusades periodically to find the sheep of the other folds (John 10:16). Jesus is risen, He is risen indeed. Emmanuel

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

Walking with Jesus to Golgotha

 

The events leading to the journey to Golgotha happened very fast. The enemy will lose no time attempting to pursue a perceived foe. Jesus was arrested in the early hour in Gethsemane Garden (Mark 14:37, 14:41) and about six hours later put on the cross, (Mark 16:25). In this short period, He had been marched from this Garden back to the other side of Jerusalem and examined severally. He was examined first by the High Priest Annas, then by the Sanhedrin presided over by the High Priest Caiaphas (Matt. 26:57, Mark 14:55) and then taken to Pilate (Luke 23:1), to Herod Antipas (Luke 23:7), then back to Pilate (Luke 23:11) again. Pilate finally sentenced Him and handed Him over to the soldiers. They dressed Him up as a mock-king, then made to drag His cross to Golgotha to be crucified.

Several years later Apostle Peter wrote to the pilgrims, including those coming to SCOAN from all parts of the world today that, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time", (1 Peter 1:3-5).

We note that throughout this trial Jesus never complained, even with all the torture and great humiliation. Jesus does what he asks of His followers then and today. He takes on the difficult challenges of life knowing that in going through the difficult challenges we grow in faith and hope in the Lord. Jesus literally, picks up His cross and goes forward on the journey to Golgotha knowing what lies ahead. Showing the world that God’s love for all was too important to stop the journey. Prophet TB Joshua teaches his views that challenges are the soils on which faith grows. Jesus goes through this to secure our salvation.

At the cross Jesus finally said "It is finished", (John 19:30). We have no doubt that Jesus knew what His last words ought to be here in this life. He knew the power those final words would have for generations still to come. He had great purpose in them, which still breathe such life and meaning for our lives today. Jesus has reached His destination and all the scriptures fully fulfilled, in Him and only in Him. Happy Easter Season. Emmanuel.

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

Remember the Cross that Jesus Bore on Our Behalf

 

In the time of Jesus Christ, when He appeared in flesh and blood living amongst us, the cross symbolized painful execution and punishment for wrong. The Roman government of that day used it for capital punishment. Jesus accepted to bear this painful cross on our behalf. "He bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds, you have been healed,” (1 Peter 2:14).

In the world today the cross is a symbol of Christianity. People wear a miniature cross around the neck or display it in a place of worship as can be found in the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos Nigeria. The cross that used to be a symbol of torture, execution, repulsiveness Jesus Christ has turned it into a symbol of victory, triumph and salvation for everyone who would believe in Him. This is why believers throughout the ages have chosen this as a sign of their faith. In fact, without the cross in our teaching the theology will be incomplete, empty, and Christianity a powerless religion. According to Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22). Christ had to bear the punishment for our sin for God to grant us forgiveness.

If you don’t know Jesus as a personal Lord and Saviour please look to the cross. You may hear Him knocking at the door of your heart. Also by watching Prophet TB Joshua on Emmanuel TV or listening to SCOAN messages, people's testimonies should encourage you to experience Jesus first hand. The purpose is to help you know Jesus better and believe His words in your heart for your salvation. Then the transformation begins. Then the cross that seems heavy and unbearable will become a symbol of victory and celebration for our life. Emmanuel.

 

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

Jesus Has to Rise Within You

 

In one of his short, but very deep teachings, Prophet TB Joshua of SCOAN, Lagos Nigeria said, "What you give may attract people but the manner you give it may attract God". In other words, if our giving only attracts people, making the world our friends then we are enemies of God (James 4:4) but if it attracts God we are children of God. So our daily ordinary giving is a test of being dead or alive in Christ, a test of whether Jesus is still dead in us or has risen. Jesus is about all the possibilities within us, all the peace and godly living, and all the eternal life. We also read in Daniel chapter 1 how the King of Babylon tried to change everything about Daniel and his friends, including their names, their food, their devotion to their God. But Daniel knew how to follow his guide Jesus whose Spirit was living in him. Jesus has to rise in each of us before we can stop going astray and live right.

Apostle Paul in Romans Chapter 8 emphasizes being alive in Christ Jesus. He says, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit", (kindly read verses 5-6). The mind of the flesh is death but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. We are controlled by the Spirit if we have the Spirit of Christ living in us. Furthermore, the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead, that is living in us, will also give life to our mortal bodies. The whole essence is that Jesus, existing in every mortal soul, has to rise in each soul to give life, otherwise that body is dead. It's not about being a good man or a good woman. Have you risen with Christ?

The existing world situation is evil, corrupt, unjust, uneven, fearful, but Jesus in you should rise and join His army to fight this evil. It's not about being a good person. Jesus has not been considered a good man but He is the Righteousness and the Integrity of God. He comes to oppose the existing darkness, to eradicate the establishment of injustice and evil world. He comes to show the Way, the Truth, the Life. He is the Way, the Life and the Truth. One of Pilate's many insights questions posed to Jesus is, "What is Truth?", (John 18:38). Yet He was still crucified. We need to know the Truth to be set free from sin power over us. Therefore Jesus has to rise within you so that whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it", (Isaiah 30:21).  Emmanuel

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

What Will You Do With Jesus?

 

This Lent and Easter period most congregations will recount over again how Jesus was delivered to Pilate for a trial. It was the feast of the Passover and the custom of the Jews was to release a prisoner of whomsoever they desired. Here Pilate was faced with a decision that would change the course of all Biblical history. Would he release Barabbas or Jesus? In our daily actions or inactions are we releasing the Barabbas in the society but chaining and hanging the Messiah? The people demanded the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus. But note that Pilate was a man trained and commissioned by Rome to act as an impartial judge. If there were a dispute and a decision was to be made, he was the man. In cases like these, he was the judge, prosecutor, and defence attorney. And as such, he was trained to ask the appropriate questions that would find the truth. During this trial

Pilate asked an eternal question, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:21).

Concerning Jesus that was brought before him, Pilate knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him, (Matthew 27:18). Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man", (Luke 23:4). Pilate was well trained and his great questions were sufficient to support the claim that he was well trained. His best question that day was “What shall I do with Jesus?” It seemed that not even Pilate had an adequate answer. He knew that Jesus was innocent yet he abdicated his responsibility. Hence Pilate asked an excellent question but refused to answer it himself. He simply washed his hands of the matter possibly saying to himself, "I’ll make sure He’s crucified to please the mob crowd but it’s not my fault. I don’t want to do anything with this Jesus." Unfortunately, nobody can be neutral on the decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus. But your response has eternal consequences.

Therefore this Easter season offers a great opportunity to decide for Jesus and not with the crowd or the Jewish leaders urging the people to ask for the release of "a base criminal named Barabbas". The religious leaders were only after self-righteousness, desiring to keep their offices and remaining celebrities. Hence although the crowd heard Pilate’s question they only became an irrational mob scene crying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.”

 

We thank God for His calling and anointing on Prophet TB Joshua of SCOAN, Lagos Nigeria. Many of the cases we see daily on Emmanuel TV are similar to the beggar that held on to Peter and John at Solomon's Colonnade.  All the people were astonished and came running to Peter and John after the man was healed. When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus". These apostles took a positive decision on Jesus and hence they were able to do great exploits in the name of Jesus. Peter said, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see" (Acts 3:11-16).

We urge you to respond positively with complete obedience to the question of "What Shall I Do with Jesus, Who is also called the Messiah?" Whilst Pilate’s response was inadequate the Jewish leaders, people who had the Old Testament as reference and record concerning the prophesied Messiah were irresponsible to have rejected Jesus. Also, the mob’s response, urged by the same religious leaders, was cruel and irrational. The whole business of Prophet TB Joshua, the SCOAN, Emmanuel TV, all his other ministries, is to build our faith on this Jesus also called the Messiah, to save our souls from eternal damnation. Jesus died in the place of Barabbas, and Barabbas we all are. The biggest decision everyone will ever make in their life is whether or not they will accept Jesus as their Saviour. Emmanuel

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