I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.Galatians 1:6-15

In these few verses, we warn every child of God of the deluge of false teachings and erroneous doctrines ruling the airwaves in Nigerian churches. We are warned in Galatians 1 (please note the following verses):

• vs 6,7—Don’t be fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ
• vs 10—Are you trying to win the approval of people?
• vs 11—Are you listening to or being captured by mere human reasoning?
• vs 15—Despite my past, at His own time He called me by His marvellous grace! notwithstanding my busyness with not productive ends. This statement by Paul is worthy of note, particularly by those who are easily trapped by negative self-assessment regarding their fitness for service in the hands of the Lord.

Serving God, hearing and responding to the call is God’s act and not your qualification! God’s premium is on your obedience to Him, and His premium is on your availability not your ability.

Be faithful and nurture the dream He put in you and at the appointed time He sets everything in place (Psalm 37:4). Finally, be mindful of the warning in Revelation 3:11.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Revelation 3:11

Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele