COUNTER CULTURAL 4

Let's turn our Bibles quickly, um, to the book of First Epistle of Paul to Timothy, chapter number 4. First Timothy, chapter number 4. And I'm going to start the reading from verse 1. I need us to listen, um, more importantly. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and what doctrines of who? Devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy and having their conscience seared with a hot iron. But go back to verse 1 again. I don't want to go to forbidding to marry so that you not think somebody who is not married You get? Ah, that's demonic. I didn't say that. Now look at this. What's the first line there? Now the Spirit speaketh how? Expressly, without holding back, that a time will come, and refer to that time as latter What times? What does that mean? In years to come. Now you see similar language employed by the prophet Joel in Joel chapter number 2, verse 28. Joel 2:28. The word used here is the word 'it will come to pass afterward.' Now there was a message I taught from Joel 2:28 titled Wonders in Heaven. I know you have heard Wonders in Heaven. Oh, I'd like to recommend it. So you want to write it down? You have the culture of listening to messages, right? Good. Write it down and, um, make sure you listen to it this week. Is that okay? Now, you know the way church is supposed to be? We're supposed to be coming with assignment. Amen. Yes. So this is also a reality of the last days. He said, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Selah. Then go back to that, um, 1 Timothy 3. So we are seeing that one of the realities of the latter times is mass exodus from the faith. And I'll tell you the reason, what is behind this. So we're going to keep seeing cases of people saying I used to be a Christian, but now I know better. I used to be a churchgoer, and now I don't do all those things anymore. But it doesn't start from there. Let me tell you where it starts from. It begins from now, when I go to church, I don't associate with anybody, just do my thing and get out. But that's contrary to what the Bible says. What the Bible says is that Psalm 68, he set the solitary in families. So it means that one of the realities of the last days is that there's going to be a culture of offense against the faith caused by doctrines, or the word doctrine is also the word teaching, of devils. Now that's, that's, that's, that might look like a distant reality till I give a background. You see, the last days is not just about the end of days. The last days is also about the season of maturity of both good and bad. Every seed that has come upon the face of the earth from Adam till now— the seed of ideologies, the seeds of ways of life, the seeds of teachings, the seed of evil, the seed of good. So we are in the season where all the seeds— you know, Jesus said that you should leave the— what's it called now— the tares and the wheat. He said allow them grow together. So we're in the season where the maturity of the tares is competing with the maturity of the wheat. That's the reality of the last days. So it means that if you are looking for What to be offended at in Christianity, you will find. I tell you, until Jesus comes, you keep finding. You see, you'll be disappointed. See, you'll be hot, you'll be offended. You see people that you thought they represent Christ only to find out that they never met him. But that doesn't mean that everyone is fake. Have you seen people who like to use words conclusively? Nobody is doing what is right. Ah, they are all scammers. It sounds passionate, but until you know, you are setting a trap for yourself. And that's where we get the origin of the word know God for yourself? Uh, you can't. How shall they know except they are taught? How can they be taught except there are teachers? How will there be teachers unless they are sent? The doctrine is of isolation. Why? Offense. We found a brand for it, and I have a book coming out on that next month titled Church Ought. I don't know why you are clapping, but it's okay. But we get ought everywhere. There's family ought. We've never had reasons to write books on family hurt, even though I've written books on dysfunctionality, because people, even though hurt, still have a sense of belonging in families. The reason why people cut out, not just from local assembly but from the faith, is because they never had a sense of belonging. The people are not allowing themselves to be loved, both by Jesus and people. I beg, I beg, I beg. As people got close, the next thing is, is hot. I beg, I beg, just leave me as I dey. When will you learn to face life? For how long will you hide? You are hiding with your potentials. You prefer safety. There's no, there's no safety anywhere. One time, a man had an accident. He was traveling. I don't want to mention the state. Real life story. The car had an accident. Nobody died. So he said that. They said, Baba, we've already entered the city, another car is here to pick you. He said, I will trek. He said, if they have said today is the day I will die, I will trek and see how I will die. He got to the junction of his house on his leg, a car killed him there. Fear will bring what you are afraid of. Because the idea of what the enemy is doing— look at that word there— some shall depart from the faith because they give heed, attention, to luring spirits, spirits of seduction. What does that mean? The spirit that is seducing them out of Christ. In those days when we used to have poultry in our house, um, and you're rearing local chicken, you know they are the most difficult to catch. You must be determined to eat chicken to eat them. So, oh yes, they are very difficult to catch. So what we do is that you get corn, and then drop, and then drop, and then drop. You are luring them to where they will die, but you have to lure them with what they love. The idea of seduction is not love. What is seducing you after, outside of Christ, doesn't love you more than Christ. It is seducing you to kill, to steal, and to destroy. Some people make certain decisions in life. God has blessed them with good spouses and they decide I want to enjoy my life. I want to flex. I want a different taste. You will get a different taste. No, you will enjoy your life. You will flex. But one thing you will end up throwing away is somebody who is always there for you. And nobody knows how bitter life can become till, despite your enjoyment, you don't have that person who is always there for you, that person that is a sure pillar of reliance that you can turn to. And say, let us pray, and we say, let's go ahead. We take for granted the things that God gives to us because we are being lured by something not up to that. Everything is beautiful till you get close. You know why? Proximity reveals flaws. And when you are close, don't forget that what is looking shining outside might not be as beautiful as what you have. So there are spirits of seduction that lies, opportunistic spirits that takes advantage of news. Whether you like it or not, today, tomorrow, next tomorrow, you will hear news about another man of God that has failed. You hear news about another pastor that is sleeping with members. You will hear news You will hear news till Jesus comes. And there are opportunistic spirits that anchor themselves around those seasons to lure out the gullible ones and say, 'See, I told you church is a scam.' So we are in the season where that is the order of the day. You see young boys say things like, 'I've gone back to the tradition of my fathers.' And it will even amaze you that some of them are pastors. And people say, 'If a pastor can say he has gone back, who am I?' No, don't ask that kind of question. First question: what kind of pastor? Someone doing ministry for survival and the one who truly encountered God. Because I too can show you pastors who won naira bet and closed down the church. What kind? People can pack out down all their certificate, school of ministry, school of this, school of that, and burn it publicly and say, I renounce this nonsense. What will you do if you hear that someone has committed suicide? Do you say, why am I alive? Talk to me now. You heard someone went to pick— I don't want to mention anything, but now people are looking for ideas— and now the fellow is dead. You now say, ah, now that this fellow is dead, let me die too. But why is that? When people backslide, you ask, why am I standing? Is a sign that the love of God has not been formed in our heart. It's the reality of the last days. There will be disappointment. You know, I have gotten to a point that I've fought mental wars that how I never run mad, only God knows. Because if you know 1% of what I know, you will shrink about this our faith. And I tell you as one who knows what he's saying, I found myself sit down on the floor and put my Bible in front of me and say, okay, Lord, I didn't know I was looking— I wasn't looking up to you alone. Um, at this point, I, I don't think I can finish well except you help me. So I am telling you that I have my own fair share of being disappointed at the faith. I have seen people who are con cultists submit under their new prophet. And I ask, how? We are all seeing together that you might watch what looks like a miracle service and know that, haha, let's be honest now, something is not right, my friend. How can you rise from the dead? And you are jumping like that. You know why? Because con men have also mixed with— you know, the Bible did not say that you should beware of wolves. In shepherd's clothing. Sheep. You are thinking of wolves in shepherd's clothing? No, it is wolves in sheep clothing. That's more dangerous. You know why it is dangerous? Because you pack them with the sheep and trust them with the sheep. You only wake up the next day to see that they are all dead. So the wolf prefer to be with the sheep than with the shepherd. Selam. So we are in the season that we all have to be honest. About the reality of our faith. I cry to God all the time. Unto him that is able to keep me from falling and present me spotless. I don't want to fall. I thank God for recovery, but keep me standing. So when I hear things, I, I— the next thing I want to do is to pray for my own soul, that if wet trees can catch fire, ah, preserve me from the root. The foundation of our faith is not men. But Christ. So the Bible adjourned us, looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. Because seducing spirit takes advantage of situations to lie, to lure, to deceive, to the end that people's lives will be wasted. This is the reality of the last days. So you will have temptations. Oh boy, you get to seasons that you are asking question, is God even real? Who is God? Can I trust him? Because we're going to start a structure where we should begin next month. After services, I'll be waiting behind for 30 minutes to answer questions of believers, and then just answer questions about the faith. Who is God? Where did he come from? What's the proof that the Bible is true? Who wrote it? Who was there when Jesus died? Who documented it? Who wrote the book of Genesis? Who said, 'In the beginning, when God made the heavens and the earth,' who was there? Who wrote about Adam? Who wrote about the fall? Questions. But all these questions in themselves— because the lie of the devil is that once you have a question that looks deep, it gives you that the question is a proof of smartness. I'm not arguing that, but I'm saying the question can be a sign you've not gotten a teacher or you are not listening. A student can ask a deep question, but I've thought about it, it's deep, I acknowledge that, but you also didn't listen. So believers, more than ever before, will need to be grounded in the knowledge of scriptures. Don't let your faith be built on miracles. And I tell you, thank God for miracles. I mean, we just had a fantastic testimony sharing about a job. Fantastic. But if I ask us to stand, the number of people who are still trusting God for a job, you'll be amazed too. I thank God for testimonies. God has blessed me with children and fruit of the womb. If you ask about women who are trusting God for the womb, you'll be amazed. And sometimes the pastor who is praying has his issues. Beyond miracles, no God. Because there will be times that you won't get the results you're looking for. Sometimes not at the time you want it. You want it now, but it's not coming. What do we do? Turn to something else, lick it, spit 3 times, and say, um, O bu du, o bu du. On what is the foundation of your faith anchored on? You can be in church 20 years and you don't even know Jesus, because all the doctrines you have is the God who can do all things, yes. Is the God who can answer prayer, yes. Is the God who can change your story, but there is more. Than that. He is the God that is to be loved. He is the God that is to be trusted. You can— you should trust him. And trust means that there are times what you are looking for is not there. Are you still with me? Yes, sir. It doesn't happen all the time. I've said this statement, it can be judged as a controversial statement, but I believe it is true. Miracles are powerful, but there's something more than miracles. Let me give you an instance. Because I like to be balanced. If— God help me. Okay, look at the man at the pool of Bethesda. How many years there? 38 years. Theologians believe that the angels test the pool how many times? Once a year. So mean that in 38 years, he saw 38 people being healed. Those are miracles. But if God gives you wisdom to get the active ingredient needed in certain medications that can give them to discharge all of them in one day, how is that not a miracle too? We don't see wisdom as a miracle. You know what we call miracle? What happens without the need for you to do anything. Jesus. That's why that your kind of miracle will not change Nigeria. 2017 is coming. Father, we pray everyone that want to take Nigeria backward die. When was the last time God came down to kill anybody? In fact, as you are praying die, that's witchcraft prayer. Is the more they will live long. If you want to change anything, be involved. Be a part of nation building by doing what is right. Oh yes, you think I'll say go and start an NGO? No. If you are not doing what is right, you start an NGO, you eat the money. If everyone is embezzling at their level, Pastor is embezzling at the level of the church. Husband and wife, I don't know who embezzles, but whichever one, they're embezzling at the level of the home. Children are embezzling at the level of school fees. It will take money for geo, then graffi. Now help me now. Heads of organizations are embezzling. At the levels of their organization. Um, everyone is embezzling at the level of their influence. Then you look at the nation and turn to one person and say, you are bad. We are all bad. The system is bad because we are bad. Oh, you don't like that? Nigerians don't like to be dragged. Nigeria is the most interesting country on the face of the earth. I need to take my time to write about Nigerians. Very interesting. We throw sand up and say, why is there dust? We have a role to play. There are bad pastors everywhere. Start by being a good Christian, because bad Christians make bad pastors. Bad politicians everywhere. Start by being a good citizen, because bad citizens make bad politicians. I'm saying the version of miracle that you want, that allows you to be what you want to be while things change by itself, it will get 38 people out in 38 years. So how long will it take for a nation of over 200 million to be saved, to be free? 200 million years. And if the church should build people on that kind of miracle, a church, let's say a church of 1,800 people, one miracle, just if you— there should be miracles. God can intrude and do things, but people should be taught to have common sense. I'm sorry, but it's the truth. Do what is right. I like that testimony. She applied for the job and kept applying and kept applying. See, Apostle declared during— where is that lady that said yapping? Where is she? You're my friend, you have put that yapping in my mouth. I don't know. So I need help right now. I've been yapping since. But you see people take steps. Why did the Bible call us the salt of the earth? Salt is that which will not sweeten anything from afar. You have to be introduced. It changes things when it makes contact with it. Oh, you know, I can't stress myself, I just want to be on low-key. You will change nothing. And then don't complain about the problem. Oh yes, there are certain things that we don't have the moral rights to complain about. You know, things are just the way they are now. If not for the way things are, even me now, I would have left this country. But you know, because I would have left, you know. Oh yes, there was a time even me, I traveled and I wanted to say to my wife, babe, you guys just go and join me. But we are here. Both the church and the nation, we build together. We pin, we know they go anywhere. Wait, you know I'm a servant of God. I'm not saying Femi Lazarus send me outside though. Before somebody will go and cut this video in another 20 years, I say, see, your pastor always say no, they go anywhere. Let me give you the balance. If God is leading you to any nation, go. Yes, sir. The issue is not the shout, is where it came from. Small thing, the choir is empty. But that's the balance. That's the what? You have an opportunity to get your master's and PhD in the country, then because of a boyfriend, say I love him. Okay, they have answered you. Your eye will peel. I like him. I've never felt like this before. It makes me feel secure. Continue, just continue. That's why I say, Pastor, if God opens the door for anybody to go anywhere, we agree with them in prayer. One day, so we'll be there. Then we have families there already. Many of the places we go to, some people that we— there were people that were once around. If you try to cage everyone and say be— you will not be apostolic. But look at this scripture, that same— okay, now 2nd Epistle of Paul to Timothy, chapter number 3. Let's start from verse 1. This know also Still about the last days, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Now stay in verse 1, stay in verse 1, then give us verse 1 in Amplified. But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times of great stress and trouble will come. Difficult days that will be hard to that will be hard to bear. I've had— that's why I share my stories with you. I don't have anything to hide. I've watched events that I've cried and said, Jesus, the only solution to this, the only comfort is that you are coming soon. Before this secret is out, before this secret is out, before this secret is out, before this secret is out, before this secret is out, please Please come help us. Difficult days, hard days. Why? Because of the cluster of darkness that is covering the earth and gross darkness the people. The spirit of darkness is coming massively trying to infiltrate the church. And I've stood here to tell you, there are things I have stood for, endorsed, and supported, but at closer range I said, God, oh God, that's the enemy riding on this horse. Help me, I detach myself from this. And I've been hammering The Nigerian church should be careful. What happened to the revival in America is the same thing happening to the revival in Nigeria. The fire can go out. Oh, we have so-so and so minister, we have so-so and so minister, we have so-so and so apostle, we have so-so and so apostle, we have so-so and so father. The environment that gave birth to those kind of men, is it the same environment that the next generation have? Or we are going to witness extinction of certain dimensions? Because the environment that produced those men is the environment that lays emphasis on study of the word, on prayer and fasting, majorly as the yardstick and the secret for church growth. It is predicated on revival. And as we come to church, one of the most important conversation I want to have is, how long do you pray? Let's pray together. That's the environment. That's the environment. One of the reasons why, whether anybody comes to this church as a celebrity or whatever, we will keep quiet about it is so that the culture there doesn't teach us what to do, because there will be gradual advancement, gradual infiltration, gradual breaking concentration. I've seen people mock and say in those days when they were producing Monza movies, they were making us scared. Aya Matanga, that's a lie. I watch Aya Matanga too, and I also watch Okukuleku, and I knew which one made me scared. Ah, they were making us scared, they spoiled our childhood. That's the spirit of rebellion. But you will not see any of the actors being brought out and say he's gay. We will ignore what he did to families, what he did to young people, what he did to homes, what he did to ministries, and pick one thing and say, when they were doing ayam and tanga, I was always scared. That's seducing spirit. In the days that you used to go and hide— should I reveal your secret? And watch different kind of things. You have never come out and say those things spoil my childhood. How many people have come out and say when they brought extra cool, that was when I face jam? Sorry. Sorry, sorry. The devil allows such conversations go on to discourage people. He wants to weaken such ministries and break their backbone. Do you know intimidation is real? That you may not be able to stand for what you stand for because hell comes charging at you. And the reason why you get intimidated, because you want to be accepted. Sometimes I sit down. When my children go to school, who are the pastors they will meet? I can't just be complaining. Let me play a role in raising them so that such pastors will not send your daughter back home with medical reports. And say, sorry, it was just once we did it. So before that time, play a role. You are running an organization, they gave you money and say, go and use this money to build, let's say, a liver specialist hospital. You had the money. When you now have liver problem— we must play our part in building the next generation so that we will not weep when others are weeping. You know, sometimes I sit down, I ask myself, there were messages I have heard that would knock my head back home when I hear people like Bro Billy Akonyi. If you were thinking about anything immoral, I bet you it will not survive 30 minutes when the hammer of the word comes. Who are those that the next generation will hear? Because there is greater evil now. Who are those that the next set of husbands and wives will hear, and all the flimsy excuse they have about hurting each other will die? Is it a church that is being more emotional than scriptural? So that's the reality of the last days. It's a difficult time. It is, it is not just tough in the nation. It's tough Even spiritually, sometimes you wonder, okay, um, whatever, you want to advertise something, okay, this girl on singlet, what does she have to do with this? Oh, okay, I get you, okay, what's your name, this organization, you want to advertise, no problem. 'But this girl here, that's on revealing, what's my— because I, I, I, I, I, I didn't beg to see your advert. I mean, I was just watching what I'm watching.' So what, what, what is what we are in? You will cry, tire. Those that like it, like it, and that's why they are doing it. Some people will even screenshot the advert and say, 'I want to have it as a sample.' for what I will make for my babe. Now lie. Now go back to 2 Timothy 3:2. Now, for men shall be what? Lovers of themselves. So the reason why they are covetous is because they love themselves and don't care about anyone else. The reason why they are boasters is because they love themselves and want to exalt that self. The reason why they are proud— you see, there is difference between being a boaster and being proud. You can be proud but not have the esteem to boast. You have boastfulness where arrogance meets loudness. Pride and boastfulness is not a product of what you have or don't have. Have you seen people who are quick to say, do you know who I am? When you say no, say Google me. Google me now, you police officer. I think you can stop me on the— I will, I will show you. You know, sometimes when my people go out and they say that police stop them for something, I said, okay. They said, they said, they said you go and pay so and so amount. I said, okay. And I said, you were arguing with police. I don't fight battles I can't win. Before I will argue, I will ask person driving, do you have your license here? Say yes. Do you have fire extinguisher? Say no, it's not their duty to check. But do you have? Yes. Is the tire still good? Say yes. Is this one still good? Okay, officer. Yes, what do you want? If you say you don't have something, oh my God, I'll be the— how are you doing, sir? Pleased to meet you. Oh God, God bless you. I mean, thank you for what you do for this nation. Because I know I'm wrong and I can't win. It is foolishness to be in the wrong and be loud. You see, let me tell you, you need to see me when I'm greeting officers. Ah, officer, how are you doing? You have changed though. See, I don't know him, I've never met him. I see you have changed. Ah, the last time you were there, see you now, you now you are looking big. Nigeria is working for you. See, my brother, now so we say, I say, ah, please take care of yourself. My regards to your wife. I've gone. It's because I found out that maybe the person driving forgot the license. If you say, come back, sir, I say, my brother, I just have to quickly get somewhere. So if you now say, where's your— say, you have caught us. It works. Politeness. When you know you are in the wrong. Sometimes just humble yourself. Ah, I missed it. I'm sorry. It won't take anything from you. Are you following what I'm saying here? Now see a soldier carrying gun, you say, do you know who I am? I'm an activist. I'll video you. See, wait, wait. See, wait. Stay alive and win your battles. See, wait, wait. I'm trying to teach you how to survive Nigeria. Stay alive. Stay alive. This country— stay alive. It is from the house of a lazy man, or a timid man, let me use that word. That they point to the grave of a bold man. Audacity is good, but wisdom— fear is also wisdom in the face of danger. When you should run, run. Let me tell you a story. One time on campus, they came to rob our hostel, but I wasn't around. So when they were telling me the gist, they say, Pastor, if you were around, what would you have done? I said, I will open the door and I will lay flat with my phone in front. I say, please take it. I see, I get you. I've heard testimonies of those that— I get you, honestly. No, I I, you know, I don't want you to test a bullet to find out that you are not in the dimension. So, so, no, see, I'm not arguing. So when they entered all the rooms, there was one boy that didn't open his door. So he held, um, this turning stick that they used to turn. So he held it and was telling the thief from the window If they born your Papa, we enter. He was saying, say if they born you, where they were trying to kick, he say if they born you, well, enter. So those ones now decide that we will now enter this room and know who you are. So they entered, they beat He fought. Oh no, he fought. He fought, but I don't like that kind of boldness. He fought. No, he really— he fought them so much so that they ran. And it was when they were running that vigilantes came and found out that the gun they were carrying was wood. Don't see Don't say ah. If somebody points a gun at you and you find out later that is wood, any decision you took to stay alive, be glad because of the day to be real. No, no, when to see— let me tell you, let me tell you, I want to clear you so you get— let me clear your mind. God who is in heaven became flesh. Sheget. Herod said he will kill him. God sent angel as a run. God The day you know that you are bigger than Jesus, be stubborn. You know, sometimes I just speak a certain truth about the nation. Some people say, we like Apostle Lazarus, he speak the truth. They play. I have said what I will say. Whatever nonsense you are saying will not make me talk more than what I should say. I know my limit. If Nigeria wants to get you, Nigeria will. Oh God, have sense. Stay alive. What did I say? So don't be a boaster when you know you are wrong. Um, you just got small money, start posting on Facebook young money. You have bought one Lexus, you post there. People who have this thing, they are hiding their head. They say small thing, I went to Agbor, he didn't come back, say he died on the way. Sorry for using Agbor. That's the place, right? That's a disclaimer. Say he went, but, um, because you have boasted more than your measure. You saw that when that woman shared that testimony, she didn't mention how much in dollars. You know why? As you are dropping the mic, you can get message from 10 people. I say, I watch people's service, oh, I watch people's service. And the money you don't have, they will demand it from you. Don't be a boaster. And then we have blasphemers, people who don't have bridle to their tongue. They can insult and talk down anybody. They There is no sense of decorum. It's the culture of the last days. Then we have those who are disobedient to parents. Say, you people, what do you know? We are Gen Zs. They say I should read my Bible. I'm busy with AI. What do you mean? Say, go to school. Say, did Bill Gates go to school? They say even Mark Zuckerberg See, I'm not arguing. If you don't have the opportunity, it's understandable. But if you have parents who are sending you, it will be unfair to God and to men to waste their resources. Say school is calm. Says who? Think again. Think again. Let me, let me, let me wrap up by giving this advice. I take this like a family conversation. You see, even if you find yourself in situation where you were not opportuned to study as much as you want to do, as soon as God start blessing you bit by bit, find a program. You may not directly start with a BSc, start with a program, something that warms you up back to the academic structure. And by now, gradually, you find yourself back. Don't give up. Students who have parents who are saying go to school, be aware that there are those who wish there will be someone that will send them. And many of those parents are trying to give you the life they never got. So don't be disobedient. Your parent can see someone and say don't work with that person. You say, ah, that's my, that's my body. That's my guy. Then that guy, now you follow him for 2 months, you're smoking. Then there is unthankfulness. Nowadays people commonize gestures. You give somebody money, he looks at you and say, but you have more. Sense of entitlement. Say, just say, um, you know, I want to bless you with this. And so when you get home, check it. And what you honestly have is ₦10,000, and you put there. The fellow get home and put TNX. TNX, thanks. Oh, they'll forget. Your eyes have seen. Let me tell you something. Let me tell you something. When we had issues with our last venue and people reach out in the body of Christ, I call their names and I thank them. Some of them, I send them up to 10 text messages. Now we always prepare for rainy days. Even if people give you what you really don't need, but that they had you in mind to give you, be grateful. Now many people were not even able to, because when I started calling, people told me, ah, by now they've given Apostle Billions. Do I look like a billionaire? Like I look like it? I'll change my cream. No. So that if God is sending you to help me, you will not say Apostle is fresh. Forget about all those countries you see me go to. Is the host paying for the flight? Is that okay now? Under God, I need help. So even me, I'm looking for sponsors right now. Oh, by now I'm expecting people will start coming and spraying me as apos. But there's nothing I can say in this church. But wait, now there were people, fathers, that called and prayed. I got calls. If I call names, PFN sent representatives from the entire country. After we moved there, we had issues. Father stood. I sent many of them more than 10 text messages, follow-up. Day after day. Thank you, sir. Oh, we are so grateful. Some, we do video, video message, myself and my wife. We want to thank you, sir. We are so grateful. Thank you for all you are doing. Be thankful. If somebody hands, let's say, 250,000 and the fellow gives you 20,000, It means for almost a week, or let's say the fellow went to work, to work for you. Is it not? The culture of helping people is reducing. People have found out that many are ingrate. Honor opens doors. And keeps it open. Learn to be grateful and start by being grateful to your parents. Some of you have gotten to the point— and I want to put this to you and I will wrap up with this— that you can build house in the village for your parents. Build it so that by the time you have a function in your village, you will not have to be begging somebody else for the key of their houses. Praise God. This is the culture of the world now. This is the culture our life must be built against. Where people love themselves, we love the Lord. Where people are covetous, we are contented. Is that okay now? Blaspheme and all that, we understand humility. As God lifts you, lay low. Praise God. Maybe there's just one person today that you need to reach out to and say thank you. Let me tell you something, there are people that you send message to and say thank you, they may not reply, but they will note in their mind, this person is reasonable. And when another opportunity comes, they will do it again. There's a man that works with us, flight arrangement and all that. I enjoy giving him money. It just gives me fulfillment because he appreciates it. The day you can do 10,000, he's grateful. The day you can do more, he's— the day you can do 1,000, he's grateful. As you learn that culture, doors will open to you by itself. People will be disposed to you favorably. Sometimes it's not family people, it is character. That people can do you good and start regretting, why did I waste my money? Sometimes it's not battle. The energy we use in PPC to pray, we channel that same energy for godly what? Character. Praise God! Have you been blessed this morning? Let's give Jesus a big, big, big hand.