First Bible Lesson: ST Matthew 20:26-27
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."
Second Bible Lesson: ST Matthew 20:26-27
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. "
Golden Text: John 12:47
"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."
HUMILITY FOR LEADERSHIP:
Brethren, at any point in time that God comes down to the Earth plane, His divine purpose is not to destroy but to save mankind this is the real teaching of Christ, salvation in the same token oh, here in this kingdom of God (Brotherhood) the major task is the Salvation of your soul that is why there is nothing like punishment, excommunication, threat or any form of punitive Act, state it is love, Mercy, peace and joy that reign supreme.
This is the gospel which neither the white or black race could practice. Therefore it is incumbent on the entire creation to practice this gospel in this close of age. The teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ is the Salvation, love, the way, the truth and eternal life to mankind. The church denominations and individuals merely shout on the name of Jesus on their lips and handle the Bible for the fond of it. The main mission of Christ was not to raise the dead, heal the sick, or perform any miracle but to save mankind. The work of raising. the dead or performing any of such feats were and still are mere signs from God. These miracles cannot give anyone salvation. The duty of the people of the world is to be violent. They beat, cheat, main and kill. They practise and uphold oppression hence they fight and kill one another from time to time. They do this in defiance of the words of God that, whoever wants to be the greatest must first be the servant. The early missionaries to Africa did the exact opposite of what is stated in the scripture. They held the Bible on the left hand and handled a gun on the right. Their real motive was in merchandise. The religious sects themselves engaged in one form of war or another such as the holy war, the crusade and the Jihad. This is what they practise even up till now. Within families, communities and nations, Oppression is their main instrument through which they bring the less-fortunate ones in their midst to submission. Is that what Christ taught us to do? That is why it is stated that, it shall not be so with you. Did Christ teach us to swear by the Bible or take any oath whether for the purpose of appointment into Government offices or otherwise? Did Christ teach us to enslave, maltreat or kill anybody? As a result of David's desire to take the wife of Uriah, he had to send him to the war front so as to be killed.
Our salvation lies in practising the gospel. You have been reminded of what He said in the first Bible lesson that:
But it shall not be so with
you...
The duty of the people of the world is to be violent. They beat, cheat, main and kill. They practise and uphold oppression hence they fight and kill one another from time to time. They do this in defiance of the words of God that, whoever wants to be the greatest must first be the servant. The early missionaries to Africa did the exact opposite of what is stated in the scripture. They held the Bible on the left hand and handled a gun on the right. Their real motive was in merchandise. The religious sects themselves engaged in one form of war or another such as the holy war, the crusade and the Jihad. This is what they practise even up till now. Within families, communities and nations, Oppression is their main instrument through which they bring the less-fortunate ones in their midst to submission. Is that what Christ taught us to do? That is why it is stated that, it shall not be so with you. Did Christ teach us to swear by the Bible or take any oath whether for the purpose of appointment into Government offices or otherwise? Did Christ teach us to enslave, maltreat or kill anybody? As a result of David's desire to take the wife of Uriah, he had to send him to the war front so as to be killed.
THE EVIL THAT MEN DO:
The works of men are devilish. This is the reason why the Lord said, it shall not be so with you. It is for this reason also that Christ said that, all those who came before Him were thieves and robbers. Even Abraham of all people, when he heard that enemy soldiers had captured Lot and his household, he took too four hundred men with him to the city and destroyed them completely. He did this just to secure the release of his cousin. Is that what Christ has taught us to do? That is the same thing Iraq attempted to do with Kuwait because, Kuwait is a small and weak nation. If you excel in your personal endeavour the people of the world will envy you. Some would even place many obstacles on your way or try to eliminate you.
Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered in the hands of the Jews because He was outstanding and in a special class of His. When the people noticed His exceptional qualities they held council against Him. It was during one of such councils or meetings that Caiaphas the high priest said to others that it was better for one man to die than for a whole nation to perish. That was so because they wanted the works of light and truth to terminate. Is there anywhere on earth where the teaching of Christ is practiced Governments all over the world, are killing citizens here and there, throwing some into detention, subjecting others to various forms of punishment. If you visit prisons and detention camps in Nigeria and other parts of the world, you will not fail to weep because of the way human beings are treated. Is that what Christ taught us to do?
Most unthinkable is the fact that the perpetrators of these devilish acts read the Bible and are all church goers. All the arms of government, the church denominations, various organizations and individuals pursue such policies. Now the question is, are the perpetrators of these evil acts immortal beings? Weapons are manufactured for the destruction of human beings by America and other industrialized countries. Does that indicate their awareness of God's presence? They continue to formulate policies that are retrogressive to human existence. This explains why Christ said in the golden text that:
And if any man hear my words, and
believe not, I judge him not: for
I came not to judge the world, but
to save the world. (John 12:47).
Christ has come to help and to save. Therefore, it is up to you to either practice His teachings and be saved or refuse and perish.
This time around, the teachings of Christ have re-echoed and this is the last chance for all to get their salvation by practicing the gospel. Why should Pastors, Bishops and other church dignitaries indulge in. fornication, drinking, smoking, stealing, killing and other evil acts? Whereas anytime a member is caught in the same act he is either expelled or Suspended. The mandate is that whoever wants to be the greatest must first of all be a servant. If the people of old that rejected the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ suffer greatly for their actions, how much more the people of this generation?
THE SOURCE OF SALVATION:
Your money, education or status cannot afford you salvation. Power and beauty cannot also afford you your salvation. The only source of salvation is practising the gospel. Christ exhibited leadership by example. That is the doctrine Brotherhood or the Cross and Star members imbibes and practises. Whatever your name, colour, tongue or position, the motto is, leadership by example. Identify card, letters of introduction, badges and other identification marks cannot provide you anything in this kingdom of God.
That is the truth and a very sound doctrine. Whoever refuses to practise this teaching has himself to blame. In this kingdom, there is nothing like election, campaign, lobbying, or application, except practising the gospel. Read the first lesson once more.
SELFLESS SERVICE:
There is no position of authority here in Brotherhood rather, whatever position you hold is purely for service. Whether you are a Raster, Deaconess, an Elder or whatever, your position is of service. Many people who had thronged in with the mind of occupying hierarchical and remunerable positions left out of disappointment. The call into this kingdom is for service and-not for self-esteem. Be steadfast and diligent for, it is by your works that you shall be saved. It does not matter when you were baptized into this fold and the type of position you occupy. What matters is your work.
The person who comes today and complies with the injunctions here is better than the one who had been here for years but of without any worthy contribution to the glory of the kingdom. Do not rejoice in money, academic knowledge, or in anything whatever apart from being, able to practice the word of God. It avails you nothing to back-bite, steal and to struggle for positions. It is not even advisable to get annoyed for anything. Whatever position you aspire to occupy or whatever you want to get from God, make sure that you first of all do same to others. You want to be known in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star yet you fail to take part in any activity organized.
If you call yourself a big man, you are invariably saying that you are a servant. You cannot be a true preacher, Christ's servant, Christs student, Leader's representative a pastor or whatever except you exhibit leadership by example. There are lots of Pastors, Christs servants, preachers, Christ students and many others yet many more labourers are needed in the vineyard. This is so because those who are available now are only seeking for positions of glory for selfish interest.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERS VIOLENCE:
There are some members here in this kingdom who have contributed so much in one way or the other for the growth and developments of the kingdom. Such persons have got the awareness of the presence of God and the kingdom and have also got salvation. For others who only come here yawning for bread and butter to eat and for exalted positions to occupy, theirs is destruction; and these are the ones who leave Brotherhood out of frustration.
When it is said that the kingdom of God suffers violence, the nature of violence referred to is service and obedience. Many people say they are fall-time servants in this kingdom vet they do nothing other than to sleep, wake up and eat each day, What kind of fall-time servants are you? The field is over-ripe for harvest. All those who seek to be given introductory letters and letters of recommendation are thieves and deceivers. The true servants of God move into the vineyard and render selfless service and fishing people to God. Such persons do not need authority paper to be allowed into any Bethel. Their services endear them to the people such that their host would not want them to depart should they want to go. Only the false prophet would clamour for letters of identification and when given they will go into the Bethels and make unnecessary requests refusing to do their work.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED:
Do you realise that we are just deceiving ourselves. The totality of human beings are deceptive, for none is ready to worship God in spirit and in truth. None is ready to render services to him. Otherwise, since the arrival of this, true teaching on earth, one or two persons would have practiced it. Consequently, the entire universe would have received perfect peace.
Who would get a good child without rejoicing? Who would have good father without rejoicing and who is that person that has a good servant and would not rejoice? Who would not want to be helped by another person in providing water, food and other essential things Lacking in his life? Who is that woman that has a dutiful and loving husband that would not be happy? Who is that man that has a prudent wife that would not rejoice? Who is that master that would not be pleased with a good and loyal servant that always keeps his house in order? This is the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ. His teaching is the only guide for the entire universe.
This sermon should he made available to the universities, churches as well as other organisations throughout the world so that each person would see for himself whether or not he is serving God. Is there any person who is actually serving God in the. world? This teaching is not own by any person, it is not even mine. That is why Christ said that, His doctrine is not from himself hut that of his Father that sent Him. Therefore, what I teach comes from God. I am not the one teaching but God. What you witness is the fulfillment of what Christ had foretold:
When he, the spirit of truth is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for
he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall
he speaks: and shall shew you things
to come. (St John 16 : 13).
Am I not merely relaying all what the Father is speaking into my ears? Are all these words not those of Our Lord Jesus Christ? Are these the words of Olumba?
None is regarded as the first, last or the wealthiest, neither is any regarded as a poor person. There is neither rich nor poor, old nor young, master nor slave in this kingdom for it written: But whosoever will be great among you, let him he your minister;
But whosoever will be great among you,
let him he your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you,
let him he your servant:(St. Matthew 20 : 26 - 27).
NO SERVITUDE TN THE KINGDOM:
Here in this kingdom, all hands are on the deck. Live and lot others live too. If you fold your hands doing nothing then you are not a part of this kingdom. Do not lust for power Christ is the only Leader. A11 we have to do is to follow the good example of Christ which He has demonstrated. To become the greatest, you have to become the servant. You have to start ministering to whoever you come across.
If you should have the spiritual insight, you would not come to 34 Ambo to brag about. I always look at anybody who comes here to boast of his wealth with sympathy. Why should you Come here to announce the number of ears, lorrie, ships, aircrafts and other things that you claim to have? The question is, with your abundant wealth, what have you been able to do? What is important in the sight of God is your work. In which way have you used your talents to glorify God in this Kingdom?
The only way you can make God to recognize you and promote you is by serving others. If you want to be a worker in the vineyard of God, this is good but you have to serve others first. To lead others, you have to administer to them and help to provide their needs. You also have to purify yourself and abide by all the instructions of the Father. By this true teaching of Christ, you are to serve your wife and children. You should provide water for them to wash their palms before eating. You have to do other services in the house to make sure that the entire house moves on smoothly and comfortably.
You have to serve others in your place of work and in all times serve all with the spirit of meekness and humility. Why should you go on commanding others to sweep the floor and others works in the house? You have to do these things yourself to show them example. You do not have to beat your children or wife or to maltreat them in any way. Such things are not accepted here in this kingdom. Whatever you want others to do, first of all you have to demonstrate it. If you want your wife or child to serve you, you have to serve them first.
Anyone who expects others to always serve him is in great darkness. Stop giving thanks to God for what others have done to you. Rather give something to others and be thankful to God for what you have done. For it is written that:
I have shewed you all things, how that
so laboring ye ought to support the
weak, and to remember the words of
the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more
blessed to give than to receive.(Acts 20 : 35).
Do you not know that the more you receive without giving out, means that you are a perpetual debtor? You are a thief and wolf if you would always want others to serve you and you are among those who enter the house through the window which is not acceptable in this kingdom of God Almighty. Always testify of how God used you to serve others. Do you think that being humble and serving God ends on going barefooted, knocking your head on the ground or abstaining from fish and meat? This is not the end of it, for you have to serve others. You have to serve others even strangers who have not known you before. Do not request for any gratification for such services from the recipients. Any person who serves others in this way wants something greater from the Hands of God. See the second lesson below:
SECOND LESSON: ST. MATTHEW 23:11
But he that is greatest among you
shall be your servant.
A SERVANT IS THE GREATEST:
Have you now seen that anyone who wants to be the greatest amongst you have to become your servant? That he who wants to lead others must become the minister? Yes, that person who serves all is your ruler whether in Heaven or on earth. But whenever such a person starts to complain of the meanness of the services rendered, it means he has failed and has fallen short of the glory of the Almighty God.
You complain that your children do not respect you by not serving you. This is of A truth because, you do not serve or recognise them. The same is true of a woman who complains that her husband does not care for her or love her. That is to say, you too do not love or respect your husband. On the other hind, you the husband would not be respected if you fail to love your wife and to treat her with respect.
The same thing is applicable to any organization and individual, if you are not devoted to the cause of the organization, whether a church or whatever, you would not he recognized. You claim to be a king yet your community is filled with all sorts of problems unsolved. Go and solve their problem to enable you befit the title of a king. You expect others to bring rifts to you yet you call yourself a king. Are you not expected to provide for your children and subject? What type of kin; are you if you cannot cater for others? Stop calling yourself a chief if you cannot solve the problems of your community or serve them well. No community or nation would enjoy peace and good things unless the leader of such a nation is ready to render selfless service to his people. The same is true of all houses and families. This is the true teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE EARTHLY RULERS ARE CHEATS:
I do not want to talk about the old world. That is why I concentrate in the true teaching of Christ which is needed in the new heaven and new earth. If you come across someone shouting Jesus! Jesus! give this very gospel to him, do not engage hie, in any argument but just give him the gospel to read. Both the people who stand on the street to shout on top of their voices on the name of Jesus and those of you in the kingdom are all His children but the most important thing is to practice the true teaching of Christ. Many of those who claim to he rulers of the earth such as the presidents, Head of States, governors and ministers do not have a copy of the Holy Bible. They do not want it at all. Their interest is in mystical hooks which they regard highly. They spend a lot to keep such books. They also spend much money to procure books on occultism esoteric and oriental sciences. They place all their hopes on these books but despise the Holy Bible. How can anything good come out of them? How, then can they hive anything to do with God's teachings and how can they rule successfully?
All good things are in this Kingdom. Life is in this Kingdom. Peace is in this Kingdom. Glory is in this Kingdom. God had given the wealth of the world to all the inhabitants but out of greed the rulers and their princes and princesses covet it to themselves and allow the people to die in abject poverty. They claim that the government has exclusive right over such a thing.
THE PEOPLE ARE HOPELESS:
People pay taxes, and rates to the government yet nothing tangible is provided to better their lots. Millions of unemployed youths continue to roam the street in search of means of livelihood. What do you think of the fate of these jobless youths and the less - privilege in the society? In the industrialized world, unemployed youths are paid some allowance to enable them survive. The economic crunch experienced in many parts of the world is as a result of governments' insensitivity to the plight of the suffering masses. Why should government fail to use the God-given resources to help the people? Taxes, rates, minerals and agricultural produce are all controlled by the government yet the government is in lack of money. A simple study will reveal that only a few person or group of individuals are cheating others.
The same is true of the so called christian churches. The reverends and other church dignitaries sit in a place expecting gifts from the congregation. Do you not know that he who is the greatest must serve the others? As the head you have to go round and visit your subjects, cater for them and protect the sheep against the wolf. Is it not unfortunate that from the pope to the congregation, all consult shrines and mystical books? They consult both medical and witch doctors for self protection. The churches have also placed themselves at the receiving end.
Therefore, go and inform the whole world that the true teaching of Christ says that, the greatest amongst you must be the servant. If a person who aspires to be the greatest stoop to serve others, it means he his demonstrated a good example for others to copy. Automatically, no laziness would be seen anymore. It is said in a local adage that, if you visit the home of the toads and you see the father, mother and children of the toad squatting then you the visitor also have to squat.
If all of us join hands to serve each other, the world would be a beautiful place to live in. The glory of God would be magnified among men. This is what is expected in this kingdom. Let no one sit down and expect others to serve him. Instead, let everybody contribute no matter how little your effort may be. There is no room for idlers here. Remember that all people belong to God and that, none belongs to what you call satan. Serve all types of people, no matter their stature and status. It is said that:
Honor all men love the Brotherhood
fear God honor the king
(1st Peter 2:17).
Do not despise the thieves or necromancers. If you cater for and minister unto them, they would change for the better. You can see that we are all debtors to God to serve Him for He owns us and all things in both Heaven and on earth. We are His servants, children and tools. We are His ministers and messengers and have to do everything to serve Him at all times. If we practice His word, then in whatever endeavor we engage ourselves, He will shower His infinite blessing on us. For instance, if you stop from the eating of meat and fish, you are completely free and your way is open. In the animal kingdom, you would be accorded high regard and they would also commend you to God. Those who continue to eat fish and meat are their enemies. They keep on reporting you to God so that you cannot escape judgment because of that one act. See the golden text below.
GOLDEN TEXT: ST. JOHN 12 : 47
And if any man hear my words, and
believe not, I judge them not for
I came not to judge the world,
but to save the world.
CHRIST FOR THE WORLD:
Brethren, have you seen why nobody is forced to obey or practice the words of God here in this kingdom? Just as the case of abstaining from eating of meat and fish, none is forced. It is in your own interest that you adhere to this teaching. The same thing applies to abstention from adultery, idolatry, fornication, stealing, telling of lies and other vices.
Ninety-nine percent of those in Brotherhood came so that they should have money or receive aid for certain things. It means that their eyes are still darkened and they do not understand themselves. Even those who say there is money and power in Brotherhood, their eyes are not yet opened. Brotherhood does not concern itself on such issues. Ours is how to forsake sins so that we may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gate into the city, and how to make our garments clean. That is why it is meant for every person to abstain from all manners of sins.
Those who abide by His instructions receive salvation and blessing, but those who are stubborn are not forced for they have themselves to blame. Many people are now testifying of this fact that it is for one's own good to practise the recondite teaching in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star because what is preached here are directly from God.
SALVATION FOR ONLY THOSE WHO PRACTICE HIS WORD:
Whoever rejects this teaching rejects life and all good things. There is no salvation for such a person for he has condemned himself. How many times would something happen to someone before he takes precaution? Our Lord Jesus Christ came and preached the word of God but the Jews did not listen. You must have read about the suffering experienced by the Jews as a direct consequence of rejecting His word. Now that the Holy Spirit has come down to expatiate on the teaching of Christ why not utilize this last chance properly?
So, the work of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star is to serve and minister to all people irrespective of their acceptance of the fold. Do not go to judge or condemn anybody. Recall the statement of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Master when He said:
For I come not to judge the world,
but to save the world. (John 12:47)
As a Brotherhood, your work is to serve the world and not to judge.
Whatever the action of a person, do not condemn him, rather what you have to do is to serve and minister to him. Do not reject or maltreat anybody for the mere fact that he has refused to baptize. Let the person who rejects the words of God alone for Christ Himself had stated the condition under which such a person may face:
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth
not my words, pith one that
judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken,
the same shall judge him in the last
day.(St. John 12 : 48).
He said that anyone who does not reject his parents, children and brethren for the sake of the gospel cannot be His disciple. He did not say that such a person should be killed or excommunicated. All His words are mere advice that leads to life everlasting and anything short, leads one to suffering and perdition.
The practice in the churches is that, once a member leaves his former church to attend services in another, the members would blackmail him and call him all sorts of names. They would do all in their power to bring the person to ridicule, if possible they may even get the person eliminated. This should not be to again because it is not the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
They have even extended this discrimination to government offices or companies. If you are not a member of the church of whoever is the boss in that department you will be discriminated against. Where is this found in the universal love of God? The peaceful existence of man on earth is threatened by the doctrine of segregation and discrimination. Where do they get this type of evil doctrine?
So beloved, let all people abide by the teaching imparted by God Himself in this kingdom. Do not be deceived by the hypocritical attitude of the churches for they are all pretenders. That was why Christ said:
Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven but he that doeth
the will of My Father which is in
heaven.
Many will say to me that on that day, Lord,
Lord have we not prophesied in thy
name? And in thy name have cast out
devils? And in thy name done many
wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them
I never knew you depart from me, ye
that work iniquity. (St Matthew 7: 21 - 23)
It is not those who stand at the points in the streets to shout on Jesus! Jesus! That will enter the kingdom of God but those that practice his injunctions. as Christ himself has not condemned anyone you two should not condemn anyone instead preach above love and leave everyone to his own way not punish your child nor wife because he or she has refused to follow you to your church for Christ gave his life as a ransom for those who rejected him he also healed and fed the very people who used and rejected him that is the Practical teaching of Jesus the Christ in your own case you even deny your child for any little Act of disobedience you at times place your wife on a bad Condition just because he refuses to accept Brotherhood of the Cross and star where do you get this type of teaching?
Whatever is done through force or compulsion is sinful and of the world That is why in this Kingdom nothing is doing by the application of force. You can see the pathetic situation of the entire world today, it is because upon all the suffering of Christ none is ready to practice His words. Those who call themselves born-again are in the same game situation of disbelief. They are good in calling the name of Jesus several times a minute but cannot practice his words. They are filled with anger and all forms of carnality.
May the Lord bless His Holy Words. Amen.