Samuel I. Prime's book The Power of Prayer gives an account of the New York revival of 1857-1858. I had not heard of that revival before I purchased the book. It was a revival of prayer, one that did not resemble many other historic revivals—a point that Prime continually reminds his readers throughout the book.... Continue Reading →
My Preaching Experience in February
February was an interesting month. I preached three times in February, the same number of times I preached in the entirety of 2019. Preaching is serious business, and I can say that preaching in February was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have greater respect for preachers who get on their... Continue Reading →
Is It Right Because It Works?
I recently wrote an article about my experience with the prosperity gospel. While writing that article, several thoughts came to my mind. Is it okay to condemn a movement simply because it didn't work for me? Would I embrace an idea because I have seen it work for others? Are results the only litmus... Continue Reading →
The Gospel I Knew
The prosperity gospel has reshaped Christianity in Nigeria. It rode off the back of Pentecostalism and was introduced largely through the ministry of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, who many (rightly) describe as the father of the prosperity gospel in Africa. Idahosa laid the framework for what Conrad Mbewe calls the "Nigerian religious junk" that... Continue Reading →
A Lesson (or Two) in Death
For as long as I can remember, the subject of death has always fascinated me. Growing up in a Christian home and attending a church that was heavy on holiness made me understand what happened after people died—the good guys would go to heaven, while the bad guys would go to hell. But why they... Continue Reading →
True Repentance and Shame for Sin
A few days ago, while I was discussing the subject of indwelling sin with my pastor and another brother, the name Thomas Watson came up. I knew he was a Puritan writer, but I was yet to read any of his works. During the discussion I was directed to read one of his books, The... Continue Reading →
New Year, New Fears
While most people talk about new year goals and resolutions, very few ever talk about new year fears. Maybe the air that accompanies the new year is so thick with optimism that it allows no space for fears or worries, or maybe there are no fears at all. But I have goals and I have... Continue Reading →
Why I Don’t Have a Word for the New Year
New year's day in Nigeria is the unofficial close of the Christmas holiday. And for the majority of churchgoers here January 1st is a day to be stepped into with much prayer and fasting. So, the churches observe what we call a Crossover Service, which usually starts from the late hours of new year's eve... Continue Reading →
Remembering God’s Providence at Christmas
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But he could have been born elsewhere. Mary was not a resident of Bethlehem, and neither was Joseph. The angel Gabriel did not give any instruction to Mary on where she was to be at the time of her baby's delivery. The Bible does not inform us that Joseph and... Continue Reading →
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