THE CHRISTIAN WALK

Moshood FayemiwoMonday, April 8, 2013
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Chicago, Illinois, USA

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WHAT, WHERE IS HELL AND WHO WILL GO THERE?

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ew years ago while I was in grad school in New York, the pastor of my local church asked the congregation: "If you know you'll go to heaven when you die, please raise up my hand?" I was the only one who raised my hand and the rest worshippers burst into a derisive laughter. I was incensed, because if really you're a born-again Christian, it is indeed stupid for you to be debating whether you will make it to heaven or not. It's like a father or mother asking his/her son/daughter; who is your father or mother and the son/daughter doesn't know what to say. In that instance, it's either the son/daughter is a bastard or his/her paternity is in doubt. A born-again Christian sanctified with the Holy Spirit that says he/she is not sure if he/she will make it to heaven is either a fake, ignorant of what to be genuinely born-again, is suffering from spiritual identity crisis, or dealing with serious issues which need to be resolved in his/her Christian Walk. Why waste your time in church or playing church when you aren't sure of making it to heaven? The Word of God Almighty is unambiguous and laconic on this issue: "Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he (or she) is born again," (John 3: 3). And how does one become a born-again Christian? Romans 10: 9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Then what is the proof of a person's salvation after these two steps? Again, the Bible is to the point on this: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (emphases mine) (Romans 8: 1-9). Read the last verse 9 that I emphasize again.

No legitimate and true child of his/her parents doubts his/her paternity once the Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA results rendered 99.9 percent hereditary. The DNA of any born-again Christian is the Holy Spirit, or as Apostle Paul disclosed in yet another proof of our surefooted heavenwards: "In him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1: 11-14). If you don't understand those Ephesians verses, then go ask your landlord him why the leasing department collected a deposit from you before you parked into your apartment. Or if you are still paying mortgage on your home, go to your bank or mortgage company and ask them to explain why you were made to pay a down payment when you purchased that home of yours. If you own your home, congratulations but can't understand the Ephesians verses above, take a look at your purchased receipt and make sure the seller affixed his/her company's seal on the document to authenticate the genuineness of the property transactions. But unlike human beings, God Almighty can never lie, period (Numbers 23: 19; Titus 1: 2; Hebrews 6: 18). You belief first, then you see and experience the proof. It's the other way round among people of the world; you see and belief but in the things of God, you belief first and then you'll see the proof.

My heaven is sure-banker, no controversy. I don't need a pastor's proof, the opinion of another human being, or my feelings or how I think. Satan cannot stop it, no demon or demons can nullify it and the witch, wizard, warlock or psychic that will kibosh it has never been born. I am Moshood Fayemiwo, yesterday, today, now and forever as long as I am still here physically. It is not arrogance to say my entry to paradise is sealed, because Apostle Peter warned every Christian to make sure of your calling and heavenly inheritance (2 Peter 1: 10). If you are a Christian, you better make sure you'll make it to heaven before you leave this earth. No one will enter into paradise in a somnambulistic fashion, according to the Bible. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Hezekiah, Elijah, Elisha, Mathew, Luke, John, Peter, Jude, James, Paul and other men and women of old knew when it was time for their departure and gave their last words. No born-again, Holy Spirit-filed, and heaven-bound Christian dies in an accident. Our citizenship is in the commonwealth of heaven (Philippians 3: 20). So also my citizenship in heaven purchased for me by the Blood of My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Hallelujah!

Now what will happen to those who have rejected the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ here on earth while alive? Again, the Holy Bible is direct, unambiguous and off-pat on this: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son,"(emphasis mine) (John 3: 15-16). Did you see those words I italicized? So it is not how good, moral, kind, religious, zealous, smart, knowledgeable, rational, intelligent, persuasive, well-intentioned, sweet man or woman, loving, generous, open-handed, popular, civilized, broad-minded, a highly meticulous, a great thinker, such a nice person, genuine, a great genius you are that is the requirement. That is a big, thick and unmistakable Line in the sand right there. Either Heaven or Hell awaits each and every one of us and where each and every one ends up after our brief sojourn here on earth is our individual decision. To make heaven is a decision and not to go to hell is a choice. No one will make your choice for you but you. God Almighty will not make that choice for you, neither Satan nor the demons but you. Similarly, the Decision to Belief, Trust and invest your eternity into the Hands of Jesus Christ is also yours and yours only. Nothing is complicated about believing in what God Almighty has already done in sacrificing His Son on Calvary for you and I and through that sacrifice, blot our sins out of His record. Consequently, it is not that people of the world cannot give their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord but do not want to give their lives to Jesus, period.

DOES HELL EXIST? I have been to mini-hell places here on earth both in Africa and hell here in the United States of America. I have been to some of Nigeria's most notorious prisons; the dreaded Adeniji Adele prison in central Lagos, the FIIB Alagbon Ikoyi seraglio on Lagos Island and the most brutal of them all; the Directorate of Military Intelligence at Apapa outskirts of Lagos. I wasn't imprisoned as a criminal but for saying the truth, for standing my ground and maintaining my integrity, just as Apostle Peter said: "� it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong" (1 Peter 3: 17). (See links: https://www.cpj.org/imprisoned/1997/confirmed/Nigeria_imprisoned.html ; https://spotonreporters.com/special-tribute-to-our-freedom-fighters-by-dele-momodu/

Through it all, I emerged victorious and saw the end of my traducers and evil doers, because evil parades such a slender body, it soon wears itself out. The same persecution when I got here in the United States. The woman I brought here as a wife from Nigeria concocted lies, called the cops on me and boasted she would have me deported and disgraced, but because I am standing on the Truth, all charges were dropped and dismissed even after I was sent to jail and emerged the winner to the glory of God. When you bear witness to the truth and stand on God's integrity, no matter the persecution, God Almighty would pull you through because, as the Psalmist says: "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all," (Psalm 34: 19) and "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him," (Psalm 32: 10).

But these mini-hells on earth are incomparable to the real hell fire that awaits those who have rejected the Good News of God Almighty and Favor through the Death, Crucifixion and Resurrection of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It is amazing how irrelevant and unhelpful many of the pursuits of life here on earth in our eternal destination. We pursue food, clothing and shelter with vigor and uncanny monomaniacal commitment when in reality; these temporary and fleetingly ephemeral pursuits and accomplishments will play no part in determining whether a life ends in heaven or hell. No one will be able to plead with the Great Judge, Jesus Christ of Nazareth that he/she should be allowed to enter paradise based on; your wealth, academic accomplishments, the number of women/men you made love to here on earth; your political power; the number of houses, cars, titles, academic degrees, children, your fame, earthly status and popularity, etc. here in this temporary abode. The fact that we take none of these out of here on death day confirms they are spiritually otiose and amount to nothing in eternity.

Here are seven basic truths each and every one of us will be confronted with the moment you close your eyes here on earth (death) and open your eyes on the other side (the spiritual world) namely: 1. Did you hear about Our Lord Jesus Christ (not religion or church you attended)? 2. What did you do about Him: did you accept Him as your Lord and Savior? 3. If you didn't trust and believe in Him, why would you want to enter His house: paradise? If on the other hand you heard about Him and believe in Him while here, did you tell others about Him? 4. Did you obey Him to do all that He asked you to do while you were here on earth? 5. Did you have fellowship with Him, do His will after you have believed in Him and tell others about Him or did you live your life for your selfish ends? 6. Can you point to anything that Satan and his demons have in your possession? Is there anyone you have chosen not to forgive after the Holy Spirit pointed this to you while alive? Did you bear hatred, malice, anger, bitterness and unforgiving attitude against any one while here? 7. Are you awaiting a crown of life from your Savior for living for Him while you were here on earth?

No matter your status here on earth right now, you will be confronted with these realities as soon as you move to the other side. Your physical body will be rotten but your soul which constitutes your will, emotions, intellect, memory, mind, and imagination will be alert and working. Whether you like it or not, this Jesus Christ who you hate and do not want to hear about Him here now will ask you these basic questions. You must decide what you want to do with Jesus Christ right here on earth now; otherwise it will be too late once you pass on to other side. Jesus Christ says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by and through Him. It's either this Jesus Christ is an impostor, a fraud, an asinine, a fool, a deceiver and a racketeer or He is the Real Deal. He can't be both; either He is the Lord or He is not. That is a Big Red Line in the Sand. Which side will you turn to: Right or Wrong? The choice is up to you. But be sure of this; you will give an account and hell fire awaits those who have spurned His Saving and Loving Grace.

If there is no hell where those who refused to repent of their disobedience to God Almighty would be punished and would not be made to account for their disobedience, then there won't be heaven either. If there is no hell, then dictators like Benito Mussolini, Josef Stalin, Idi Amin Dada, Adolf Hitler, Sani Abacha, Mobutu Sesezeko, Pol Pot, Samuel Doe, Jean Bedel-Bokassa, Muamar Gadhafi, Ferdinand Marcos, Papa Doc Duvalier, Nicolai Ceausescu, Kim Jong II, Mao Zedong and the rest dictators of the world would go unpunished, in spite of the woes, calamities, tears, sorrows, blood, carnage and other atrocities they committed. The Khmer Rouge of Cambodia will laugh it away, the more than one million Tutsi souls slaughtered by the Hutus during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994/1995 would have died in vain and God Almighty would have to apologize for bringing the Deluge on earth during Noah's days and for destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.

I haven't read anywhere in the Holy Bible-I have been reading and studying God's Words now for 20 years- that He will throw those who disobey Him into eternal punishment in Hell. He created Hell for Satan and his rebellious spirits. Hell was not created for human beings but those human beings and plenty of them have been walking into that horrible place of their own volition, because of disobedience too-the same thing that got Lucifer a.k.a Satan and his angels' a.k.a demons into trouble as well. God Almighty is a Loving and Compassionate Father to all His creation but there are plenty of human beings today who are not loving and compassionate to this Godly Father; they hate God and can't stand Him thus it may be impossible for these God-haters to co-habit with God in His Abode-heavens. Because God loves, far be it from Him to compel any of His creation to love Him in return so He has created a place for Satan and those who follow him to do their thing the way they want. No qualms but God said He will not be in that place. I think that is fair, or what do you think? But that is not fair, someone may say, but really? Then love God and obey Him! That is fair enough or why should God Almighty be forced to live with anyone who hates and disobeys Him? Will you?

You see, I had the privilege of interceding on behalf of a young lad who was having issues with his parents and was thrown out of the house few years ago. When we got to the parents, they explained they loved their son and have given him all material comforts expected of them as loving parents but the problem with the 17-year old is that he wanted to do things his way. "I can't tolerate him having his way in my house. If he wants to stay here, he has to obey our rules otherwise he should go and get his own house and live the ways he likes but as long as he wants to stay here, he must live according to our rules, that is all, "his father said. The young man got the message.

Now as to whether the right punishment is commensurate with the crime punishment, then one should also argue why certain crimes committed by human beings deserve or merit the punishment. On the positive side, attorneys/lawyer argue for what, in legal parlance is called, "quantum meruit," in making a case for deserving remuneration commensurate with services rendered. Why does our justice system send a rapist, for instance, to 30 years in prison and not argue that after all, the rapist only spent about few minutes while committing the act? Or why send someone who committed a white collar-crime that bilked 300 victims of millions of dollars it took them cumulative 100 years to amass to only 20 years imprisonment? On the other hand, why should society allow someone to live on a Bachelor's degree it took him or her only four years to receive and not make it mandatory every Bachelor's degree holder must defend the degree yearly? I think anyone denying the existence of hell fire in the hereafter should advocate for changes in these human arrangement first before denouncing God Almighty for creating hell fire for Satan and his demons and allowing disobedient human beings to go to that horrible place.

Every human being deserves to go to that horrible place, including me because I was also disobedient to God Almighty before and didn't want to be told what to do and how to live my life. But at a certain stage in my past, I realized if I continued the way I was living, I would end up with Satan and his disobedient demons in Hell so I had a change of heart. Instead of me blaming God Almighty for my disobedience and stubbornness of heart, I agreed with Him in all things and asked His Son to change me and since then I have never looked back. I am not perfect but I hang unto Jesus Christ who is perfect and I will enter heaven under His wings because I trust, believe and have faith in Him. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is mine; His faith is mine, His obedience is mine, and because He has the keys of Heaven and Hell and since I have chosen Him here now as my Lord, Savior and Father and I am obedient to Him and Love Him as well, I know He will not open the gates of hell for me rather the gates to heaven/paradise. I will not argue with Him whether it is appropriate or serve the cause of Eternal Justice for me or anyone to spend a day or 100milion years in hell for living for just 21, 80 or 99 years of earthly disobedience for, to be frank with, I don't want to stay even for a nanosecond in that horrible place called hell. How about you dear reader? Again and finally, the choice is yours.

Next Week: Now that we are done with the earthly and hellish kingdom of Satan and his minions; we shall begin with the Awesome Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ next week. Who is God Almighty? How can Jesus Christ be God and then His Son at the same time? How were angels created? How exactly does heaven look like? These and many more as revealed by the Holy Spirit will begin next week and beyond. You don't want to miss any of the series. If truly heaven is our home for eternity as redeemed souls, surely the Holy Bible should give us a peep into our permanent home. Yes, God Almighty as a Loving and Merciful Father has given us some snippets in His Word.

WORLD PROPHECY: This is huge! Something of global importance, an earth-shattering event and a cosmic occurrence is in the offing in the world. I don't know what it is but the Holy Bible has predicted it and we shall all see it with our very eyes soon. This event is part of end-time prophecy and it's about to take place very, very soon in the next 12 to 24 months. I don't know what it is; I repeat again, I wasn't shown what it is but again, it's HUGE. The whole world will be shocked; from the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun; from the East to the West; from the South to the North, the planet earth is about to witness a catastrophic event. The Divine Hand of God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the universe, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is about to intervene in the affairs of humanity. The world media, the commentariat, the scientists, the astrologers, the men and women of earthly wisdom and their ilk will be talking their heads out but will not be able to explain but those who know the True God will be unshaken and unperturbed. What is it? I wasn't shown but was only told (Luke 21:11 & 25).

ISSUES OF THE WEEK: I don't usually do this, because of professional netiquettes as a columnist, but when I know fully well these are monumental blessings from the Good Lord that I serve, I boast in the power of His Glory, because He says He will make a distinction between those who serve Him and those who hate Him (Exodus 8: 23; 20: 1-6). In the entire history of the Fayemiwo of Owo, Ondo State, western Nigeria, Africa; the Good Lord Almighty has made me the head and not the tail and the rejected stone is today the cornerstone. When I left Nigeria in the 1990s with my entire family for the United States, I opened opportunities for anyone bearing the name Fayemiwo as some of my cousins used the opportunity of the reputation, hard work and professional integrity I demonstrated with the name Moshood Fayemiwo and were able to come here. I thank God for being the pioneer of opening vistas of opportunities for our family. Now God Almighty is doing more.

Last week, the first Fayemiwo anywhere in the world entered into the American history as a member of the United States Marine Corps. I passed the touch to a new generation of the Fayemiwo family to take this name to higher level across the world as my second son graduated cum laude from the U.S Marine Corps at Parris Island, Beaufort, South Carolina last week. My wife, Margie and I were there for three days to witness this historic occasion with other American parents. This is an elite unit that is responsible for protecting the freedom of the citizens of the greatest nation on earth: the United States of America. It is an avenue to obtain the best education anywhere in the world, the best military training on earth and leave a legacy for generations to come.

What is the big deal in being a member of the United States Marines Corps? This is a big deal in the sense that, not ordinary US citizen can be enlisted. For starters; your mental and intellectual competences must be sound, you must be smart and intelligent; your health condition must be superb, you must not display any iota error of judgment, and irresponsibility is not an option. It is not always you see the leadership qualities of young boys and girls developed early in their lives and molding them into responsible adults and patriotic citizens of the most powerful nation on earth. When my family made the decision to send one of our sons to the U.S Marines, we were conscious of the opportunities the United States opened for us in this land of abundant opportunities, privileges and power. This is the minimum we can demonstrate our appreciation to a great country where dreams are still being actualized and if you play by the rules, work hard and channel all your natural endowments toward success, as President Obama once said, you will achieve all your goals. Only in America transplanted families chased out of their motherlands come and achieve success. I thank our son for not disappointing. The recruitment was rigorous, the examinations were strict and many were called but only few were chosen. Congratulations son for doing the Fayemiwo of America and anywhere in the world proud. You're blazing a trail and making history. We're happy for you! I've passed the touch to you from Africa and now, the Fayemiwo name is a global name outside the provincial cocoon of Africa.

Letters of the Week:

Your knowledge about African tradition is very low, you have to study more, you have been deceived by Christianity, the real Satan is Christianity and Islam�" Mr. Ibifemi Salem.

Dear Mr. Saleem, I do not know where you're based and what you do for a living. I know people who are knowledgeable do not masquerade their identity. As for knowledge, may I not desire any knowledge outside the wisdom from God Almighty revealed in His Book; the Holy Bible.

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Dear Brother Moshood,

I stumbled on your writings on Nigeriaworld.com. These articles are good. Please know that they are being read. May I encourage you to keep the flag flying in the name of our kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. All blessing�Mr. Isaac Ademoroti, United Kingdom.

Thank you, fellow brother. I am happy to hear about this but will be happier of readers do not just read these articles but do what the articles say according to the Word of Life, the Hoy Bible. Once again, thanks for the encouragement.

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Pastor, thanks for providing insights into Nigeria leaders' depravity that is hardly talked about, but let's not accuse people of being witches like "My late father's aunt is a witch of the highest order". I think it has caused too many problems in the Nigerian family. God bless your effort sir�.Dave via email. (Personal email is not displayed)

Thanks Mr. Dave. I did not make an allegation; I stated the fact as revealed to me by the Holy Spirit. I called out my father's aunt who is a witch, because she'll soon die and, if she doesn't repent, she'll end up in that horrible place known as hell fire. You haven't read anything about the names of people I have called out dabbling in witchcraft and demonological activities until you read my forthcoming book: "The Kingdom of Satan Exposed: Activities of Principalities And Demons In Our World Today," coming out in the summer. The witch that will use any craft on me is yet to be born so I fear no one, including this aunt of mine who I referenced last week. She has committed many atrocities in my father's family and now is the time to tell her pointblank the hell fire waiting for her as she reaches the period of her earthly existence. Perhaps, she can repent.

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Hello my brother in Christ. Your articles are very insightful. Please keep up the good work---Dr Richard A. Obisanya Ph.D.

Thanks Dr Obisanya for your kind words and encouragement. Continue to pray for us and remain blessed in the Mighty Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dr Fayemiwo is author, publisher & CEO, Alternative Lifestyle Communication, DBA and an adjunct lecturer in African History & Media Studies at the City Colleges of Chicago in Illinois, USA.

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