An introduction:

This series is theme as a set of short conversations between an older believer and his grandson that portrays the interconnectedness of the issues facing everyday christians in Nigeria today. Each instalment focuses on a contentious issue in the church. I hope lessons could be learnt from the series and the gospel presented in one way or the other. With that, here is instalment 1.

Picture courtesy: google images

Old believer: Oga, where you dey go? I can’t recall seeing you at the youth gathering where the village principal was to talk to you guys about your plans for the future in terms of education.

Young believer: You are right, I was not there you see, our miracle meeting is ongoing characterised by great signs and wonders. That challenge you have, come tonight and it will be addressed by the anointing in the atmosphere.

Old believer: Wow, thanks for the invitation to your meeting. What would we be studying in the programme? I mean, what would the teaching be focused on?

Young believer: This is not a studying meeting, there are times for that. This is going to be an impartation meeting (we call it a spirit meeting). We have a direct instruction from the lord to set the captives free for as many as would come.

Old believer: (Bows his head with his countenance dimmed).

Young believer: Sir, what is it? Don’t you want your arthritis to go? This is your chance to get your miracle…

Old believer: Please get a chair and listen very carefully…… Christians do not attend church (any meeting), to get a MIRACLE. There is no such precedence in all of the NEW TESTAMENT Take note of the words: Christian, miracles, new testament….ok

This longing for miracles, experiences, breakthroughs and the like is a recent construct, completely divorced from the descriptions of the early saints’ motivation or attraction to meetings in the bible.

So what do they attend meetings for?

They attend meetings to be taught THE WORD OF GOD – the BIBLE. Historically, special meetings are times where focus is given to certain aspects of the texts for that period.

So, they go week-in, week out or attend large gatherings to learn aspects of the Christian faith. Their minds are totally engaged in what is taught and they check everything like the bereans did to Paul. Thereafter, they pick reflections from what they have learnt and apply it to their lives in their walk of victory over sin, the flesh and the devil irrespective of their circumstances in life (health, wealth, position and so on). To put it candidly, when a Christian attends a meeting, he should get clarity or a better understanding of a particular aspect of the bible that amplifies his walk of sanctification on this side of eternity.

That my young man brings him great joy.

Young believer: But, we still need miracles to gather the crowd and propagate the gospel.

Old believer: Have you studied the TERM MIRACLES? I mean, have you picked up your bible and defined that term?

Young believer: Hmm, err, but…

Old believer: cuts-in……. that’s the problem with the vast majority of meetings today; using BIBLICAL words without BIBLICAL meanings…. as for you run along, go and….

Young believer: …cuts in…I know READ my bible (grumbles as he goes… your own too much sef….ha).

Old believer: By the way, have you done the laundry? miracle worker………you will need that your miracle if they are not done in a few minutes.

Reflections:

Are christian meetings in Nigeria focused on the propagation of the gospel?

Do we have a clear idea in our minds when we attend such gatherings what the biblical aims should be? Heb 10:25, Acts 2:46.

Has the focus not now about gathering people and by implication increased revenue with little or no gospel preached? Remember, if the gospel is not preached, there is no salvation period.

If you are in the Nigerian church, could you kindly consider why you go to the meetings you attend? Is christ your focus, consider your sanctification, maybe we could take the old believer’s advice here.

Blessings……