First
Bible Lesson: James 4:10
"Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
Second
Bible Lesson: Luke 14:10
"But
when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade
thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have
worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee."
Golden
Text: Philippians 2:8—9
"And
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name."
Brethren,
that is our lesson tonight. That is what is mostly lacking amongst you. But the
Father knows the different shortcomings in you and day after day, He is removing
and demolishing them. If you were to humble yourself before the Lord, would you
have quarreled before me? Would you have fought before me? Would you have
murmoured against any person before me? Would you have argued before me? All
these unwholesome behaviours reveal you. If you should commit these offences
before me, what happens behind me? You struggle to sing songs and to offer
prayers before me. You scramble for positions before me.
Man's Frailties:
The
Father has seen your shortcomings, that is why He has chosen this night to lay
bare, these shortcomings before you. There is none of you in Brotherhood who is
cool-headed and humble to the other person. Even if you speak to a very small
brother he will warn you not to speak to him in that manner. A wife in the house
does not accept to humble herself before the husband. Similarly, the husband
does not submit to the wife. Even a stranger in the house will claim, the house
belongs to his Father Olumba Olumba Obu and as such he will break open your
bedroom and search your boxes and wardrobes to remove whatever he likes. He will
claim it is Obu's box if you dare ask him.
Humility
the Foundation of Greatness:
The
way and manner you speak one to the other, leaves much to be desired. It does
not seem you have received any teachings from God. Wherever you go to, you want
to sit in the forefront. Wherever you find yourself, you want to be known. Have
you heard what the first lesson says? It says: Humble yourself in the sight of
the Lord and He will lift you up. One of the most important virtues in this
Kingdom is humility. Because it is said, before honour is humility. If you were
to be humble, you would not struggle for common bread. If you were to humble
yourself, you would not live a reprobate life.
Any
Position a Man occupies calls for Humility:
Today,
the Father has taught us to be humbled even while walking along the streets, or
in our homes, or at functions and wherever else we may be. In the matrimonial
home, the husband is yours, quite alright, but do not seize the privilege to do
anything you like. Everybody knows that the man is your carnal father and that
woman is your carnal mother, but do not boast and exalt yourself because of
this. Humble yourself. Everybody knows, the car you drive is given you by the
Father. Humble yourself to the ground. Whether God had made you a chief, your
position calls for humility. If God has appointed you a governor, humble
yourself to the point of prostrating. If God has ordained you a pastor, humble
yourself to the ground. If the Father has made you a Leader's Representative or
at whatever position you are kept, humble yourself in the sight of God always.
Do
not Praise Yourself:
If
we can humble ourselves and not puff up, God will lift us up. You know one
spiritual chorus we have which says, if you want to walk with me, humble
yourself as a little child. Whether you are a Choir-master or Choir-mistress,
whatever you are, you have to humble yourself. Even if you erected the Bethel
building, the money you spent in building, belongs to the Father. The Bethel is
built by the Father, therefore, humble yourself. Allow others to praise you. Do
not praise yourself.
He
was Exalted because of Humility:
Brethren,
the most important thing, in this Kingdom of God is humility. It is a promise
that all those who will humble themselves, God will exalt. Have you not heard
what happened to Our Lord Jesus Christ? It was because of humility that God gave
Him a name which is above every name. It was not because of raising the dead
that God lifted His name. It was not because of preaching the word of God in
every city that God lifted His Name. But it was because He humbled himself and
became obedient unto death, even the death on the cross. His humility implies
that when people slapped Him, He did not retaliate; when they made false
allegations against Him, He did not bandy words with them. They jumped on Him He
did not budge; to the extent that Pilate slapped at Him, Upon all these
allegations He said nothing to defend Himself. But He kept quiet. Even when
Peter cut off the right ear of the servant of the High Priest, He rather rebuked
Peter, and said: "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that
take the sword shall perish with the sword." (Mathew 25:52). He picked up
the piece of ear and put it in its place. It was then that He told Peter, "Thinkest
thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more
than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled,
that thus it must be?" (Mathew 25:53-54). Can you see humility at work?
Always
allow the Will of God to Prevail:
He
was so humble to the point of prostrating on the ground to plead to the Father,
saying, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless
not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke Chapter 22 verse 42). Can you
observe the humility? He has never resisted the will of God. But in your own
case, you keep certain conditions before God that if he does not heal you of
your infirmities, you will not take Him for the true God, or that He should not
allow your enemies to laugh at you, and ask where is that your God. Do you not
realize, these things amount to vainglory? You speak unseemingly against God.
You speak forcefully and without the fear of God.
Call upon the Father with Fear and Trembling:
Remember
how that Pharisee prayed with arrogance, expressing how he paid tithe of one
tenth of his earnings, fasted twice a week and not like unto the evil man, the
Publican. Can you see the pride and pomposity in him? But the Publican could not
even lift up his eyes to the sky. He placed his hands on his chest and prayed,
God to be merciful to him a sinner. Can you realize absolute humility at work?
But in your own case, you will forcefully shout on Olumba Olumba Obu to do one
thing or the other for you. What does this show? You cannot shout on your carnal
father in that manner. You can neither shout on your carnal friend nor brother
in that manner. But Olumba Olumba Obu is the name you shout on, at random, and
even use it as threats to people along the streets.
What
are these things? They signify vainglory and strife. At certain times you come
out here and pray for one hour. What does it mean? Is it not pomposity?
Brethren, we should strive because the things we have less regards to, are
highly esteemed before God. When you are beset with a little problem or
sickness, you will seek to apply medication as means of help. Is that humility?
Are you not after self-help ventures? Why do you not surrender yourself
completely and let the sickness carry out its intention in you. Somebody comes
to abuse and curse you, and you return fire for fire. Have you humbled yourself?
Have you surrendered yourself unto God. When Our Lord Jesus Christ was cursed
and abused, did you hear his voice?
Brethren,
let us humble ourselves. You are also witnesses to the fact, upon all the
allegations and blackmail, have you heard his statement of defense? Many of you
struggle for the inclusion of Brotherhood's name in organised functions and
ceremonies. Have you ever heard me ask for such recognition? I do not want it in
any way. Brethren, I do not intend to take you far this night, the first lesson
will now be read.
First
Bible Lesson: James 4:10
"Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
Brethren,
have you heard what is read unto you? You who promise not to agree with whatever
somebody says, have you heard what is read unto you? Those of you who are
arrogant, have you heard that? Those of you who try to help themselves, have you
heard that? Those of you who are self-conceited, have you heard it?
Let
Humility over-ride your other Considerations:
It
is not he who saves himself that is saved, but he who surrenders his life. If
per chance somebody collects your belongings in an extortionate way, you hand it
over to God. If you are cursed, abused or your character defamed, if you do not
retort, the Father will repay you. I have taught you that even in your families,
you should not bother anybody about anything. Take the least position, as a very
sinful person. Wherever you are invited, take the least seat. Do not seek for a
place on the high table but choose the lowest.
Brethren,
if we practise this Gospel which tells us, "humble yourself in the sight of
the Lord and He will lift you up," we will see it work like magic. Put it
to the test and you will realize how you will be exalted. The reason behind
buying glamorous dresses, living in imposing houses and seeking for position is
that you may be recognized. Have you been recognized? All this time you have
been quarrelling for positions. Do you have these positions? If you should know,
you are ever before God: in your house and everywhere, would you not have
humbled yourself before Him?
Allow
the Will of God to Reign Supreme:
This
promise is an eternal covenant. You have observed it even here in Brotherhood.
Have you ever heard or witnessed us saying there should be rain or that there
should be no rain? It is an insult. Have you ever heard us pray, somebody should
not be sick or that God should not allow our enemies to ask where is that your
God? Have you heard us say, a particular thing should happen and not the other?
It amounts to vainglory, pomposity and arrogance. Have you ever heard us murmur
against God or questioning, why He should do one thing and not the other?
What
is required of us by God is absolute humility. He will not fail to lift you up
if, from this night, you humble yourself and become like a fool. Even in your
pattern of life, the way you speak; with reverence to God, give Him the glory.
When you are walking, march the ground as if it belongs to your father, you
ought to walk carefully. Whatever you are engaged in, do not behave as if there
is nobody, because there is somebody. When you are thinking, do not be so
high-minded as if you are the only cock to crow. Always think little of a thing,
with the mind that God is in existence, and give Him glory. When you are
speaking, say nothing unseemingly. Speak with gentleness and lowliness of heart,
knowing that God is in existence. When you exalt yourself, he will debase you.
Only
God Lifts You Up:
There
were events in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ that would have caused Him to
speak and raise His voice, but can you notice how He behaved? In the midst of
tribulation and death, He left everything with humility to the Father. Whether
you are the first daughter or first son and the family tends to reject you, do
not bother. Do not look for the position. If your right as the son, or second
son or first daughter, or as a child has been denied you, do not question.
Forget about it, do not seek for recognition; God will raise you up. If you are
not remembered by man, God will surely remember you. It is not the person who is
something before men but he that is something before God who is recommended by
God. It is not the person who exalts himself who is lifted up by God, but he who
humbles himself is lifted up by God. Even if you are before a little child and
he commands you to stand still, do that with respect and God will lift you up.
Even if a brother abuses you and calls you names, and questions your stand in
Brotherhood, say peace to him and go your way quietly, God will lift you up.
Only
the Christ has a Name which is above any other Name:
A
critical examination of what happened to Our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross,
reveals His humble nature. They jeered at Him and asked, if you are the son of
God, come down and save yourself. He said nothing but kept quiet. I do not think
that there is any person in the world who can argue that what happened to Our
Lord Jesus Christ has ever happened to him. It is because of His humility, even
unto death that God had highly exalted him, and given Him a name which is above
every name.
People
had come and gone, but which of them has God exalted and given him a name which
is above every name? People preach the word of God, raise the dead, make the
blind to see, the lame to walk and are generous to people, but God has not given
any of them a name which is above every name. Elijah Himself prayed to God that
there should be no rain and for three years and six months there was no rain.
Was that not vainglory or strife? After sometime he prayed that God should open
the sky and God did, and there was rain. Have you been told, God gave him a name
which is above every name? Even our father Abraham, when he heard that Lot, his
nephew, and all his household were arrested by the army, he was not humbled. He
rather gathered four hundred soldiers and marched to that city and liberated
that city. Upon the shouts on our father Abraham, do you find God giving him a
name above every name?
It
is on this basis that Our Lord Jesus Christ did say, "in my Father's house
there are many mansions." God can give you good health, but does not lift
your name. He can give you children but He will not lift your name up. God can
bestow eternal life on you, but He will not give you a name above every name. He
has diversities of gifts but the greatest gift is for Him to lift your name. To
whom does this gift belong? It does not belong to millionaires. It does not
belong to preachers. It does not belong to healers. It is meant for those who
humble themselves to the point of prostrating. That is why it is said,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God."
When a person smites you, buffets you, spites you, extorts your belonging, and
you neither budge nor retort, you have the qualities of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are denied your right, or rightful position. Or whatever may be done to you,
and do not say anything, neither do you bother. These are they whose name will
be lifted by Him. But who amongst you will afford to sit down in His house and
somebody marches in and holds people captives and beats them up without his
rising up in defense. If you rise up to fight, it means you have failed
colossally.
Patience
in Tribulation:
I
know, many of you are sad about this Gospel because when you hear people say,
Brotherhood is beelzebub, witchery, vampire, apparition, you are infuriated with
such a person hoping, you are doing the work of God. The moment you do this, you
have failed completely. Do you think, all these things are not done by the
Father? He knows about them. They are meant to test us. It is said,
"Blessed is he who endures temptation." I personally know, these are
all tests. That is why I am what you find me. Because from time to time He makes
known to us, there is going to be examination. That being the case, I have no
problems at all. In your own case because you have neither seen nor known Him,
that is why you react violently to what you hear. You are red when it is said
that Brotherhood is beelzebub and vampire. You will no longer go to the person's
house because you will feel he has offended you. Do you seek after glory?
Because it is said Brotherhood is not one of the Christian Churches, you rise in
anger and defend. Is that not strife? I am not interested in whatever you call
me. Whether you call it apparition or anything, I have no business in it.
The Father is a Model of Humility:
It
is said when you see the dead man, tears will begin to roll down your cheeks.
Now you have seen the dead man, where are the tears on your cheek? I instruct
you to forsake sin, neither to tell lies, nor to fornicate, but you still commit
and yet I always turn round to beg you not to be exasperated, and not to do
those things anymore. I have the full right to expel you or excommunicate you,
without any redress nor anything flapping its wings. Are you not surprised that
when a person steals he will demand to be taken to the Father that the Father
may offer him tea? And of a truth, when he is taken to the Father, the Father
will give him tea. The action of the Father is a mark of humility. Somebody may
stand here and fight, and yet you do not find me saying a word. This shows
humility. I have surrendered every action to the Father. But a foolish person
will taunt that he stands before the father to do whatever He likes, and no
person can do anything to him.
To the World, the Leader's Appearance is Incognito:
Our
Lord Jesus Christ had said, "I can of mine own self do nothing; as I hear,
I judge and my judgement is just. for I know that His commandment is eternal
life." All that I do here are commensurate with the commandments found in
this kingdom of God. Have you ever found a person as great as this, and yet He
is neither known in the government nor in the church denominations nor in
various homes. No person recognizes his existence nor gives any regard to Him. A
state governor will pay visit to this state, and will call at a necromancer, a
mermaid priest and others. Have you ever heard any person suggesting that a
courtesy call should be paid to the Leader? Who is he? Who knows him? Do you see
us bother? There is no problem at all. When there is any occasion that requires
the Governor to attend any church services, he will attend the so-called
established and orthodox churches. But for Brotherhood, they will say it is no
church. Do you see us argue? I am not interested at all because such things are
not important.
Brotherhood
is the City of God:
Candidly,
throughout the whole world, this is the only place where God is found, and where
the word of God dwells. It is a very significant place and yet the world
acknowledges it not. I am not worried about it. But in all monetary affairs,
donations and contributions, Brotherhood will be remembered. In any other sphere
of life, it will be argued that Brotherhood is no church, it may not even be
mentioned. Do you notice us argue? If it were you, you would have argued. It was
the instruction I receive from the hands of the Father. I do not count these
things as of any significance, but I am simply using them as examples unto you.
You should also learn of all that Brotherhood has done, because they are the
instructions of the Father. Even the type of work which is done generally, and
for the individuals in this kingdom, who honours and reverences God? Have we
ever worried about this? We have not because these are so meant to be.
Brotherhood
cannot be Recognized Carnally:
This
instruction is for me, it is for you and for the entire world. A great many
people feel, the Leader neither sees nor hears nor has conscience nor can do
anything whatever. This is erroneous. What happens is that we are following the
instructions of the Father.
There
are certain places where the Father had been invited to, but the people do not
even take cognizance of the representatives of the Father. These representatives
are not given any attention nor offered seats. Yet they will be drumming,
dancing, drinking and doing other things. During donations, the Father will be
called. After the presentation of the donation, they will begin to shiver and
ask whether the representatives will drink or eat. That will mark their
departure. In many other places, when such representatives attend even in the
church denomination of reverend gentlemen, they will not even take cognizance of
them. But it does not matter. They were only concerned with what was said,
"Give to him that asketh thee." They give and go their way. The second
lesson will now be read. Listen attentively to what is going to be read unto
you.
Second
Bible Lesson: Luke 14:10
"But
when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade
thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have
worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee."
Who
is the speaker? God Himself speaks. That is the pattern which the children of
God should lead. A great many people should be present this night to listen to
this Gospel. When they go outside, they shout on Olumba Olumba Obu; that
Brotherhood is God; that Brotherhood is above all; or seek for Brotherhood's
share. Such persons, who go about fomenting trouble, should be here to hear this
Gospel. Pastors, Apostles, Evangelists and indeed all of you who are pompous and
arrogant should come in here and listen to this Gospel.
Abhor
Arrogance:
Immediately,
you are ordained a Prophet, you will not allow any other person a chance. You
will assume superintendency over everything. The moment you are ordained a
Pastor, you will no longer want to hear what any other person says. Nobody, in
your estimation, is capable of advising you. You do not reckon on what others
say. You are called a Christ Student without even knowing the meaning of a
Christ Student, but you do not allow people to pass along the streets. You will
claim superiority over everybody. Every person struggles for everything around,
but have you heard what the portion says?
You
have merely been invited here. You do not know the content of this Kingdom of
God. You should sit on the ground with absolute humility Even if you are
consecrated an Elder or whatever position is assigned to you, sit on the ground.
When the person who invited you appears to find you on the ground, he will call
you up to a higher seat.
The
Highest Position Is the One Occupied by the Humblest Person:
Do
you think that Pastor is the highest position in this Kingdom? Would you think
that Apostle is the highest in this Kingdom? Would you think that Elder is the
highest in this Kingdom? Or would you think that it is the Christ Student who is
the highest? Or do you think that it is the virgin who is the highest? Which of
these do you think is the highest position in this kingdom of God? It is the
position of the person, who humbles himself to the point of prostrating on the
ground. In whatever position God has placed you, do not count yourself as
anything. You are made a Leader's Representative to look over all these things,
do not give yourself authority over anything in that domain. Wait tilt the owner
comes and He will lift you up. In anything at all, wherever you wish to go, or
are sent on delegation, take the lowest seat where the people meet.
Brotherhood
Comes to Serve:
It
is the advice I had given that Brotherhood is not out to seek for positions
either in government circles, or church denominations, in cities, or from any
person for that matter. Brotherhood has come to serve God. This instruction is
for all the children of God throughout all the four corners of the world. If you
are the daughter, or first son, or the father, or whatever position you may
occupy, if you take the lowest, seat, counting yourself as nothing, you will
hear people calling on you to get up. Every person will want to lift you high.
Even when somebody robs you of your right and they struggle over it. They will
start to quarrel amongst themselves and complain, the owner has not even said a
thing about it; why do they scramble and fight. They will recognize you as the
owner.
Do not Seek Your Own Glory:
Brethren
do you possess this wisdom? Do not struggle for anything with any person here on
earth. Do not allow anything to worry you, about any carnal thing, because it is
God who exalts you and God also abases you.
You
are a child of God, that is accepted. God is your Father, this is also true, but
you have to humble yourself wherever you go to, do not put up yourself as the
good and beloved child of God. Humble yourself to the lowest point. Do you
remember when Our Lord Jesus Christ asked Peter, saying, "...Of whom do the
kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of
strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are
the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them..." (Mathew
17:25-27). Note the emphasis on, "Lest we should offend them." He
further told Peter, "go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the
fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find
a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." (Mathew
7:27). Do not forget that He is God, He is the Son of God, He is the Son of man.
But because they did not know Him, even if they knew Him, observe how humble He
was. He neither encouraged nor fomented any trouble. He did not seek for His own
glory as you are doing. It is said, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh
his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is
true."
Do
you remember what happened when Our Lord Jesus Christ walked around the
sepulchre, and met with the man who used to come out of the sepulchre, who was
possessed by the evil spirit. When he told Our Lord Jesus Christ, "I know
that you are the Son of the Living God, torment me not for my time is not yet
up." So the devils besought him, saying, "If thou cast us out, suffer
us to go away into the herd of swine." Our Lord Jesus Christ obeyed and did
likewise. Can you notice the humility? He was not opposed to it, nor did he
torment or kill them. The devils that possessed the man opted to be driven into
the swine. The herd of swine ran violently into the sea, and perished in the
waters. When they that kept the swine saw these things, they fled into the city
and reported everything. The whole city came out and met Our Lord Jesus Christ,
and besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. He quietly went His
way. He did not stop for a moment to ask what He did, or to show that he was the
Son of God, and able to cause fire to consume them. Gently He left them without
making any statement.
I am not the Doer:
Can
you not recognize the fact, He is the only truthful Teacher? God has noted all
the things He has done and has found Him worthy to be a Leader. It was not only
on the day He was crucified, but right from the time He came into the world, His
life-pattern had been the same. Every work done in the world today is done by
Our Lord Jesus Christ, but have you ever found him standing up to declare, he is
doing the work and that the work is not done by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu but
himself. Right now a great many people are jealous that the glory, which should
have been given to the Christ, is rather given to an ordinary human being and
they ask, who Olumba Olumba Obu is. They are very exasperated. The irony of it
all is, the Lord Jesus Christ who is doing everything does not even worry about
it. All the church denominations congregate and in their prayer report to the
Lord Jesus Christ, that satan is going to snatch all his followers, and that He
should kill Olumba Olumba Obu. But Our Lord Jesus Christ does not say anything.
He is doing his work, orderly. There is nothing the church denominations have
not done to me. You are aware of what they say whenever they come in here, and
they are neither Jesus nor his brother, nor know where he comes from. A man who
suffers from hernia does not complain of pains, but the neighbour complains of
sleeplessness because of his pain. I have told you, I am not the person doing
the work but when you go out, you tell people, Olumba Olumba Obu is one thing or
the other; but I continue to tell you, I am not the doer.
You
have heard what is read to you that when you are invited to a dinner, you should
sit down in the lowest room, that when the chief host comes, he will tell you to
go higher, then will you have glory in the presence of all the guests who sit at
meet with you.
Do not seek after Man's Glory:
Do
you not remember when Our Lord Jesus Christ made bread for the people and they
ate to their satisfaction. They at once said, this is of a truth the prophet
that should rule over them in the world, and so conspired to make him king by
force. When Our Lord Jesus Christ perceived, they would come and take him by
force to make him king, he departed from them and hid himself.
Why
did he run away? Have you found why He was delivering his messages in parables?
He did not seek after any glory from man, but after the glory of God, because
the glories of this world are transitory and perishable. No man can ever glorify
you. I am telling you this that you may know yourself so that whenever somebody
will come to lift you up, and you accept it and start to puff up, you have
failed.
The Christ was very Reserved:
Do
you remember when Our Lord Jesus Christ asked his disciples. Whom say the people
that I am? They said, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others
say one of the old prophets." He turned and asked them but whom do you say
that I am. Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living
God. Then Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Blessed are you Simon Bar Jona for
flesh and blood had not revealed it unto you, but my Father who is in
heaven." But at the end He charged them that they should tell no man that
He was Jesus the Christ until the consummation. Why did he behave that way? If
he had started telling people that he was the Christ, God would have abased him.
The
Christ was Equal with God:
When
the people wanted to make him a king, if he had accepted and allowed himself to
be enthroned, I tell you of a truth, God would have reduced him unto oblivion.
Since he was God, he could not assume such a position because he knew that such
carnal things are transitory and perishable. He was God, He was the Son of God
and equal with God, but did not think it robbery to be equal with God. But made
himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant and was
made in the likeness of man. That was why man battered him on the face and asked
who battered him, but he did not budge at all. Even at your places of work the
Head of Department says, you will not be promoted, you should go to Olumba to
give you promotion. If you are a tenant, the house owner will give you quit
notice to pack from his house and go to Olumba Olumba Obu to give you a house
because you accept that man is God. What can he do to me? I know him, He cannot
do any harm to me. Go and tell him to give you a house. And in the midst of his
age grade he will boast that he had disgraced a Brotherhood man and spoken
unseemingly against the Brotherhood Leader, because he cannot do any harm. All
such things are foolishness and nonsensical.
It
is said, blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be
exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven. Do not allow anything to
induce you to exalt yourself. Even if you are made the chairman of the occasion
humble yourself, because you are not the chairman. Even while you are sitting on
the ground, the owner comes to lift you so high, continue to humble yourself to
the point of prostrating. Do not make any noise.
No
Condition is Permanent:
Remember,
what he said to Pharaoh. He said for this reason did I lift you up, in order to
show my power so that my name would be sung throughout the world. He exalts you
high and he abases you to oblivion. If man were wise and intelligent whenever he
is lifted up by God or man, he should maintain absolute humility. This is so
because no condition is permanent.
You have seen things for yourselves but you have no wisdom. But now, I have
shown you the truth which is in this kingdom. Our down fall arises from the fact
that when God lifts you high, you begin to puff up. But watch lest happily you
fall into temptation. Upon all the shouts of Our Lord Jesus Christ, when did he
express such joy through orchestra? He sees all the evils we commit and all the
good things we do. He is the doer of the work, but have you heard his voice?
Some people argue, the Christ is dead and he makes no statement. Some maintain,
He is in the sky; Others argue He no longer exists; Others say He has no power.
But have you heard His voice? Though He has heard all and has known all, He does
not bandy words with any persons.
Argument Against the Deity of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
This explains why people do not believe, Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. They ask why God so condescends to the extent of entering into the womb of
a woman, and how a woman delivers God. They argue such cannot be God. So they
refuse to believe in the deity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They also argue that if
he were God, there was a guest-house where men of all stations of life including
lawyers, doctors, and professors lodged, but he so condescended himself to be
born in the manger. This is, as it was, indicative of the absolute humility of
Our Lord Jesus Christ. When it was known at that time that Our Lord Jesus Christ
would be born, Herod, the King and the princes arranged and prepared their
houses because they thought, the Christ would be born in their houses. But to
their utmost dismay he was born to a mere carpenter who had nothing to eat, and
to Mary a simple virgin. These are some of the things which make it conclusive,
the ways of God always delude the wisdom of man. If we accept the advice of this
day, and the way and manner in which it is revealed, indeed, you will be saved.
The Christ did Not come to Destroy but to Save:
When Our Lord Jesus Christ wanted to go to Jerusalem, he passed through a small
Samaritan village. There, the people did not receive him because his face was as
though he would go to Jerusalem. The disciples asked him whether he would desire
that they command fire to come down from heaven to consume them even as Elijah
did. But he rebuked them and said, you do not know what manner of spirit you are
of. For the Son of man did not come to destroy man's lives but to save and
preserve them.
Brethren, Brotherhood has not come to puff up, or to be arrogant or to blow its
trumpet, but to humble itself to the point of prostrating. And so brethren, I do
not wish to take you further than this, the golden text will now be read.
Golden Text: Philippians 2:8-9
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
Brethren, have you heard that which is read unto you? It is said before honour
is humility. It was not for any other thing that his name was lifted up, but for
the reason of his humility. As Our Lord Jesus Christ comes in, as we are sitting
down here, have you seen him? Ab initio, He has always been working on earth but
who has seen him? Some people build story buildings so that when he comes he
will live therein. Some others surrender a whole bank to him, for the reason of
following him, but have they seen him? Yet he is here on earth.
Impersonation of The Christ:
There are about three persons in the United States of America who deceive others
into believing, they are the 'Christ.' The Americans have spent their money
rejoicing, and making other preparations because they erroneously believe,
Christ in his next advent, would be born in America. Inspite of their heavy
investments in this purpose, the people who impersonate the Christ die as fowls.
Among the Chinese several persons have claimed to be the Christ. In other places
also others have staked similar claims. If somebody comes to lay a claim before
you that he is the Christ, he is not because Our Lord Jesus Christ can never
confess, He is the Christ. That would tantamount to vainglory.
You are What God Makes You:
When you humble yourself to the point of prostrating, God will lift you high up.
God resists the proud but gives to the humble. Have you not realised his grace
through humility? Have you ever found a man whose name has been lifted above all
other names by God? Never you again seek after glory and in honor for yourself.
If somebody asks you, who you are, tell him, you do not know who you are.
Whatever the Father desires that you should be, that is what you are, but you
cannot be whatever you claim to be. Never you suggest anything to yourself.
Never you claim anything as your own. Allow God always to fulfill his will in
you. Whatever people may arrogate to you, have no regard for; because God knows
that it is a test. Whatever the Father wants you to become, you will see it, you
will not decide for yourself, but the Father will do His will.
Who Are You to Dictate to God?
We should thank God always for the glory He has revealed in us, at this end of
time. It is said, he humbles himself and becomes obedient unto death, even the
death of the Cross. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him and given him a
name which is above every name. Somebody is indebted to you, and you decide to
teach him a lesson. Somebody curses you and you swear you will speak to him in
the language he understands. Somebody makes an allegation against you, and you
argue you will show him what you are. Have you heard what has been read to you?
Some people in Brotherhood arrogate to themselves the power to cause night, and
the ability to fast and a certain incident occurs. Have you heard what has been
read to you? When you demand that the Father should speak so that something
happens and to speak again so that nothing happens, have you heard that it
implies vainglory? Allow whatever the Father wills, to come to manifestation. It
is so because He owns us and wherever He keeps you should be alright with you.
If we want Him to exalt our names, then we should humble ourselves to the point
of prostrating.
Only God Does Everything:
I sympathize with those who claim that they are Christ, or God, or Jacob, or
prophet, or pastor, I am nothing at all, I do not even exist. Have I ever told
you, I have power or that I can do anything? Even here in Brotherhood some
persons claim, they have power and they can heal the sick, and that they can do
many other things. Have you ever seen a man like a doctor, engineer or professor
who does not arrogate certain powers to himself? In my own case I always tell
you, I have no power. These words are not spoken by me. I do not even exist, and
I want nothing.
It is bamboozling to hear, some people announce, all sick people should be taken
to them for healing, because there is power in a particular bethel. But I want
to put it before you that I have no power, since I do not do anything, it is the
Father who does everything. From where does that action, that pattern of life
derive? Can you not realize from where it emanates?
Whoever Shall be Great Must be a Servant:
Has the Gospel of today not revealed to you what each of us should do, and this
explains why we should all come into this kingdom of God. It is said, if you
want to walk with me you have to humble yourself as a small child. It is also
said, whosoever wants to be a leader, should enslave himself to others. Even as
the Son of man did not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give
His life as ransom for many. He says, whosoever will be great among you, should
be your minister. Which, therefore, do you think is the highest position in this
kingdom? It is said, whosoever wants to be great, should be a servant, also
whosoever is the greatest must be a servant, that is exactly what you find in
Brotherhood.
If you want to be the greatest and you start to minister unto others, but when
you are appointed to that position, you start to puff up, you will be down
graded and your corpse will not even be seen. This explains why some people
here, when they are not yet ordained prophets, they accept all types of jobs
menial and otherwise, but when they are ordained, they will feel so elated and
will return to their houses to rest, and will not even attend prayers. Such
persons do not know themselves. I cannot explain why spectacular things happen
on Sunday night, and I want this gospel produced very urgently.
When you are called Obu's son, you will not allow people to pass along the
street. Most especially if I invite you, you will become so elated, proud and
pompous, and you will tell people not to come near you and whether they do not
know that you are Obu's son? And others will begin to raise their eyebrows and
question why the Leader should give preferential treatment to you. You will be a
subject of jealousy by others, who nurse grievances against you. That is why
none of you here accepts to submit himself to others. If you want to pass
through a certain place and somebody touches you in an attempt to tell you not
to pass, you will push him back and ask him if he does not know, you are in the
house of your Father. Brethren, such a pattern of life is very pitiable. Even in
other church denominations or bethels in which you are a member, you have to
humble yourself as you are taught. Do not count yourself as anything throughout
your life. Humble yourself to the point of kowtowing. It is humility which is
the most important virtue in this kingdom. When somebody curses you, or
disgraces you, or spits on you, or you are not considered when anything is
shared, or you are not given a place to sleep or your name is not even
mentioned, do not budge at all. Even if you are called names you have to endure
and tolerate.
Do not Seek to Defend:
Do not report to any person, or react at all. Do not take any other action. Do
not defend yourself. Do not be exasperated because the Father knows, and it is
for the reason of this humility that you will be exalted. Why you are confused,
easily irritated, always exasperated, cannot obey simple orders, and that you
cannot forgive, is that you seek yourself glory. Whoever seeks the glory of God
has no problem at all. Even if you go to a certain place where people call you
thief, apparition and expel you, do not make a statement of defence that you are
not a thief, but you have to walk quietly away.
Some
people continue to inquire to know what is in Brotherhood. What is in
Brotherhood is humility. The word that the Leader is dead, that he is a
cannibal, a murderer, a dracular, behold I am standing here, have I made any
statement of defense? Have I refuted in the Newspaper or through the Radio or
Television or in any magazine? If I do that it implies that I have exalted
myself.
So
brethren, I do not wish to be tedious unto you. One stroke of the cane is
sufficient unto the wise. Those who have ears let them hear. May God bless His
Holy Words. Amen.
Thank You Father.