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very unsuccessful attempt at toppling a power and asserting sovereignty extracts a negative price: the ultimate and maximum punishment. In a family, it is either disownment or displacement; in a corporation or an organization or work place, you are fired or sacked as the Brits call it. In a club, it is suspension or dis-membership; in a school or an academy, it is expulsion or rustication; in a society, it is banishment; in a nation or country, it is treason often punishable by life imprisonment or death. No profession understands the inevitable consequence of rebellion at power than the armed forces. The day you are enlisted and sworn to defend your nation and take instruction from your commander-in-chief, as a soldier, sailor, or marine, or air force, you are warned and told beforehand that if you rebelled, you are in trouble: you are either imprisoned or executed. That is why coup plotters in low politically -cultured societies ruled by military tyrants do not bother to beg for leniency if apprehended for abortive coup plotting. Similarly, during and after wars between nations and people, following cessation of hostilities, the victors determine the fate of the losers.
Shortly after the defeat of the Axis Powers in WWII, the Allied Powers set up the Nuremberg Tribunal which tried all the henchmen of Adolf Hitler, the top 21 mastermind of German atrocities appeared at the trials and faced various forms of judgments: long year imprisonments, life sentences and deaths by hanging/executions. As Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy- in -command and party leader confessed at their trials on December 16, 1945: "It is just incomprehensible how these atrocities came about...Every genius has the demon in him. You can't blame Hitler; it is just in him...It is all very tragic. But at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that I tried to do something to end the war." Hess got life sentence, and was sent to Spandau Prison where he committed suicide in 1987. When Saddam Hussein was tried and executed for war crimes and genocide on December 30, 2006, it was final comeuppance for his 26-year gangland activities, torture, murders and atrocious regime in Iraq. He was not only toppled but was brought to justice by a Bigger Power than his ragtag army who could not withstand the aerial might and military superiority of Coalition Forces. Where did all these traditions start from? The Great Source: God Almighty.
The defeat of Satan and his rebellious hordes did not end with just the losses of their angelic abodes but they must also be punished by a fair, just and honest God (Isaiah 14: 15; Ezekiel 28: 16). God Almighty then created hell as the eternal abode for Satan and his rebels (Mathew 25: 41). In fact, hell was first created ever before Man was created (Genesis 1: 4 & 5; Mathew 25: 41). As God Almighty came down from heavens to continue creation aftermath of the rebellion in heaven, God Almighty handed Over to His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 1: 3: Then God said: "Let there be light…" Light is not an abstraction; that Light at the beginning of the earth was Our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8: 12; Mathew 4: 6). If you read further in the same Genesis 1: 14, you will see that another word "lights" were created" which we now refer to as "light." The original meaning of the first word; "Light" used in Genesis 1:3 in the Hebrew Language "wY(mr (lhye yhy (r wyhy" connotes a "Being." This Hebraic understanding was explained centuries later by Apostle John in John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made" (NKJ). That "Word" here rendered in Greek Language as "Lol/gov" according to Strong's Concordance (3004) means "a word, uttered by a living voice." Logos simply means the same as "Light" used in the Hebrew rendition in Genesis 1:3. God the Father simply said to His Son; "Ok, Son, take over, this is now your show. Execute judgment on Satan and his rebels and continue with the rest of creation." That was why when the Son came down in bodily form centuries later as Our Lord Jesus Christ (which we shall discuss extensively in our subsequent articles in this column); He opened up to us on what actually took place on the first day when hell and the earth were created. "For the Father judges no one, but has committed (entrusted) all judgment to the Son," (John 5:22 NKJ/ NIV).
The first thing Our Lord Jesus Christ did was to create hell and set a time when the execution of the judgment would be carried out. "Then God said; "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day." (Gen 1: 3-5). These two verses are loaded and if you can allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and get the nuggets contained here, you will understand exactly the plan of God and all mysteries will be revealed to you. You see, the English Language is a hybrid language, which has borrowed prolifically from other languages of the world as any English Language or Linguistic graduate knows (including this author). When a language is not authentic and has loan words or Nativization as we call it, with all kinds of words and phrases from other existing languages, there is bound to be corruption. Remember the Old Testament was originally written in Classical Hebrew Language. The first "light" in Genesis 1:3 and the second "light "in Genesis 1:4 with "it was good" mean the same "rw" in Hebrew. But when the word "light" in Genesis 1:3 is combined with the verb "be light" it means a "Being" or "Life" instead of ordinary light "Qal" which has the verb "it," according to Strong's Concordance Number 01933. Now two words: "Day and day" are used. The first "Day" with capitalized "D" means "Judgment" and the second "day" with lower case "d" simply refer to ordinary hours of daily counting of time and space. In the spiritual world, time and space are not measured by hours and days because God Almighty is Eternal, there are no days and nights in heavens. "As surely as God lives," not "As along as God lives" (Numbers 14:21 (NIV); Ezekiel 20:3). This "Day" was later used variously by Our Lord Jesus Christ as the Day He would execute judgment (Mathew 7: 22; 11: 24) and the New Testament writers also used it to mean the Day of Judgment for Satan (later human beings were added as we shall see): Apostle Paul used it as the day of the Lord (II Corinthians 1: 14; II); day of Christ (2 Thessalonian 2:2); the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6); or simply the Day approaching (Hebrews 10: 25). Apostle Peter calls it the Day of Judgment (2 Peter 2: 9; 3: 7). Jude calls it the Great Day (Jude: 6). Even Satan and his demons knew that a Day had been set for their eventual banishment to hell by Our Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 8: 29).
Consequently, the logical question is; why did God Almighty set a Day in the future for the execution of Satan and his rebels and banish them into hell instantly once and for all, instead of allowing human beings to go through what we are currently going through? I asked the Holy Spirit the same question too. That brings us to the second reason that made God Almighty to create the earth. As Our Lord Jesus Christ continued with the rest of Creation (Genesis 1: 6: 25) after pronouncing eternal judgment on Satan and his demons (Genesis 1: 3-5), the loyal angels in the heavens, who were watching the process thought God would give the earth to them. Satan and his rebels too were also watching thinking ,who would be in charge, because they were still ready to battle their Maker, even though they had lost the war in heavens; at least they were thinking of staying on earth so as to escape the punishment in hell (Mark 5: 1-14, Luke 8: 27-33). God had a different idea in mind; He wanted a new set of creatures not angelic but partly spiritual and a little lower than the angels known as Man (Psalm 8: 1-9; Hebrews 2: 6-7). God Almighty did not give this earth to angels, because He did not want to re-litigate the war that had just taken place in the heavens, where Michael and his loyal angels triumphed over Satan and his rebellious spirit. Satan and his demons would have loved it but hear the Psalmist: "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your Name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! ….What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him! For You have made him a little lower than the angels and You have crowned him glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet. All sheep and oxen-even the beasts of the field; The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!"(Psalm 8: 1, 4-9). There you have it!
We were created to put Satan and his demons to shame. God wanted a group of sub-angelic beings-you and I-limited by time and space yet powerful than Satan and his rebels. It was the ultimate degradation for Satan and his demons. They wanted power at all costs and fought their Maker which was crazy and self-immolation, for as God Almighty Himself said "Woe to anyone who quarrels (strives) with his Maker," (Isaiah 45: 9). The way God created human beings was amazing and we shall break all the various parts down in minute details next week. But suffice to add that God Almighty has never and will never be beholden to any one or any of His creatures. He gave power to human beings who never ask for it and deny it to Satan and his demons who were crazy and obsessed by it. That is how God Almighty operates and we shall see this trait throughout His creation as revealed in the Holy Bible. His ways are different from our ways and only He can reveal His ways to us. He owes us nothing, because He owes everything (Job 41: 11). Hallelujah!
Finally, the reason why God Almighty created hell, the earth and Man is to rout out rebellion completely from His Presence and He has chosen the earth as the battle field (Ephesians 1:1-14). God Almighty knows that not all human beings will worship Him. He also knew ever before He created us that Adam and Eve would disobey Him but like I explained through the teaching of the Holy Spirit last week, two characteristics of God preclude Him from second-guessing any of His creation: 1 Corinthians 13: 5d, 6a, 7. He is also not the God of the majority but of righteousness. As the Creator, He has the power to create gazillions of human beings but He does not have the power to do certain things. Haven't you heard in many churches from the mouths of many pastors that God Almighty knows all things; He is in charge of all things and can do all things? But the Holy Bible doesn't say God can do all things but only says "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1: 37). Can God lie? He does not lie (Titus 1: 2). Can God forget? No, He cannot forget but He may choose not to remember (Jeremiah 3: 16). So there are some things God cannot do and one of those things He cannot do is; He cannot force any human being to worship Him (John 3: 16). As God of Love, He leaves it to all His created beings, including the angels and human beings to decide whether to serve Him or not but there are consequences attached to individual choice. This is why the Bible was never intended, is never and will never be a book of Destiny but of Decision. Throughput the Holy Bible, every blessing and curses of God are attached with "IF" and the choice is yours.
Next Week, we will look at how exactly God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit created Man and why we are in His Image and Likeness. What are our composition and our DNA according to the Bible? This is very interesting. You will love this, watch out.
This Week From My Mailbag:
Hi Moshood, I contacted you last time and thanks for your appreciation. I'm contacting you this time to request that my name and email be added to your column's list and do kindly endeavor that I receive your weekly write-ups directly. Take care as the Holy Spirit continues to illuminate your discourses. ---Regards .Mac-Cyprian David, the Madrid New in Town Meet-up, Madrid, Spain.
Thanks David for your support. I have added you to my email list at your request. Take care and be careful of the wintery weather in Spain.
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Dear Dr Fayemiwo. Your article titled: "Where, When and How It All Began: The Story of Us" refers. Thank you very much for the article. I am glad to know about the interpretation of God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Your article shed more light on the topic. Once again, thanks for more understanding"---Ms. Ranti Nana, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa (Primark Bureau De Change Nigeria Limited, 41A Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos)
Ms Nana, I am happy you have gained one or two things that the Holy Spirit is teaching us in this column. I pray your knowledge will become deepened in the Word of Life in Jesus Name, Amen.
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Dear Moshood, I am reacting to your brilliant piece titled: "Reclaiming the Soul and Spirit of Modern America" published on Sunday December, 16, 2012. It was a perfect piece for all of us to digest. You know I don't agree with you on religious matters but my good friend, I am with you on this"---Mr. Olu Fagboyegun, Love Plantation Inc., Arlington, TX, USA
Comment: Yes, I know we do not hold the same religious views so really, you agreed with me on this one? I am praying that very soon, you will come to my spiritual side in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
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Dear Dr Fayemiwo, I thank God Almighty for your life and I take time to read all your articles. They are illuminating and God Almighty will continue to give you the grace to continue with your mission. Please I want you to send me a comprehensive Holy Bible which I believe you will send to me without delay so I can deepen my knowledge of the Word of God. Remain Bless in the Lord and thanks…"---Mr. Joseph Babafemi Aketepe, Iyere, Owo, Ondo State, Western Nigeria, WEST AFRICA.
Comment: Thanks Mr. Aketepe. What wonders the Internet is performing! What Satan apparently thought would be used for his malevolent activities can now be used to spread the Good News. Yes, I will be delighted to send you a copy of the Holy Bible but I don't understand what you meant by a "comprehensive Bible." All Bible editions contain the undiluted Words of God so if you can tell me the edition and type, specifically what the design and your physical address, sure, a copy of the Holy Bible will be on its way to you. But meanwhile, since you have Internet access over there, you can visit this website to access the Holy Bible in whatever edition while you wait for your Bible in the mail (www.biblegateway.com). Thank you my brother and remain blessed in the Mighty Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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"Dear Dr Fayemiwo, I am reacting to your article of Sunday December 16, 2012 titled: "Reclaiming the Soul and Spirit of America," Another beautiful piece brother. This view has been building up (Did you read my Prof's similar view?). But the sad thing is that mainstream media that is setting national agenda is still not considering it worthwhile to beam searchlight on the Truth of what has gone wrong with America today. Shalom…"---Pastor Olusola Dixon, Myerstown, Lebanon, PA, USA.
That is why they are called the mainstream media. They set the agendas and determine what Americans should read and watch on television, but we too have to assert our rights and fight with the love of God to deconstruct some of the anti-God agendas of these materialists not only in America but around the world. Our Lord said it that His kingdom I not of this world, at least for now. Satan is in charge albeit temporary so those of us who belong to Him are not taken aback by the hostility of the mainstream press. It's all over the world. I used to be a part of them.
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Dear Dr Fayemiwo, Your article titled: "Reclaiming the soul and spirit of America" of Sunday December 16, 2012 refers. When you reason the way you did in that article, it becomes obvious that you see and experience the problems which you raised about America but you don't actually understand the problems. Like many people that I know from America, they understand some of the spiritual problems you mentioned in your article. Democratic governance has and will always be a sham and the people will never translate to God's will. Thanks ---Mr. Stephen Olayiwola Amidu, Starrlights Energy and Global Services Nigeria Limited Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos Western Nigeria.
Steve, I thank God for your life that you are spiritually wise enough to understand the spiritual afflictions of many American but candidly, only few Americans her understand the spiritual warfare going on over the souls of our people. That was the import of that article.
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Comment on the article titled:" What does it mean to be a born-again Christian." Dear Dr Fayemiwo. The article was a very informative and eye opening article. Good job!" Prince Goke Olateru-Olagbegi, President & CEO Mogoke Ventures Nigeria Limited, Akure, Ondo State Western Nigeria.
Thanks my brother.
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Dear Dr Fayemiwo. Good day Sir. I am enjoying all your articles. However, I need more than talk about the Holy Spirit. I really want to be led by the Holy Spirit. I need direction from Him. Thank you….Stephen Kehinde Aghedo, N.Y.S.C Maitama, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria, WEST AFRICA.
Comment: Thank you, Steve. Please, pray to God Almighty if you are seriously and genuinely a born again Christian to give you the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Then read your Bible and have faith that you have the Holy Spirit in your life. Then talk to the Holy Spirit as you will talk to any human being but with faith and respect. But if you have any un-confessed sin(s) in your life, you may not be able to hear from the Holy Spirit so make sure there is no un confessed sin you need to deal with. I am planning to write on the Holy Spirit in subsequent articles in this column so watch out but in the meantime, follow this Holy Spirit-led advice. You will make it! Trust in the Lord.
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Brother Moshood Good Morning and it is a great pleasure reading from you again and you did not know my heart this morning, it is full of joy. I'm going to take my time and read over your article and file it in my date and post it to our entire Yoruba group forum and some National Forum as well, especially her in France. Best Regards.
Sincerely---Mr. Tunde Pius Agunbiade, Paris, France.
Dear Mr. Agunbiade, That will be beautiful because every human being, no matter the color of one's skin needs to hear about the Good News of the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for gathering with a fellow brother in His vineyard.
