Gospel Life

Copyright © 2021 Bamidele Oluwafemi All rights reserved.

ISBN: ISBN-13: 9798529048887

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to God almighty Who in His infinite mercies looked on me with unimaginable compassion and saved me from both physical and spiritual deaths. I will forever be grateful to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for this inexplicable and rare opportunity.

Also, I dedicate this book to my parents, late Mr. Adeola Ogunmola and Mrs. Bolafunmi Ogunmola, who raised their children in the way of the Lord. They did not spare the rod while planting the seed of righteousness in us. We were thoroughly taught the importance of holiness and righteousness and were taught to shun all sinful ways, such as stealing, lying, cheating, and avarice.

To my family, my wife, Abimbola, and my children, John and Deborah, you are simply amazing, and may you continue to edify His Church, in Jesus' name.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my family and individuals who encouraged me in God’s service, those who stood by me during my wilderness experience, especially my wife, Abimbola and children, John and Deborah; my siblings, Ayodele Ogunmola, Lilian Odeleye, Abiodun Ogunmola, and Foluke Amalu.

 

I am also indebted to the ministers of God who nurtured me from spiritual infancy to this level in life and Christ: Rev (Mrs.) Omome Udaze, Rev Lawrence & Rev (Mrs.) Grace Amajor, Rev Ishola & Pastor (Mrs.) Joan Omigade, Rev Paul Okereke. Pastor Emmanuel Omoghene was more than a friend during my ordeal; he was a genuine brother.

 

At other times, I received fatherly blessings from Rev James Nda Jacob (Foursquare Gospel Church, Northern Regional Coordinator & Kubwa District Overseer), and I will never forget the blessings of our big daddy, Rev Sam Aboyeji (the current General Overseer, Foursquare in Nigeria).

 

I also appreciate my brethren at Foursquare TBC, Surulere, and my loved ones at Foursquare Gospel Church, Phase 2, Site 2, Kubwa.

 

Rev (Mrs.) 'Kemi Ololude and 'Funke Olorunogbagbemi, I appreciate your help in proofreading my manuscript.

 

I am grateful to everyone who supported me during this tough time, and it is my prayer that God Almighty will send help to you whenever you need it, in Jesus' name.

 

PREFACE

 

"Life is the best school. God is the best teacher. Challenges are the best assignments. Failure is the best revision." - Wilson Kanadi.

 

This book stems from some firsthand experiences I had during a period known as a wilderness experience. During this time, my inner eyes (or spiritual eyes) were opened more than ever before, as I witnessed what deprived or disadvantaged Brethren endure in their unique situations.

 

My wilderness experience is rooted in the Bible, and I pray this publication will edify any Christian reader in their walk of faith.

 

The wilderness experience facilitated my understanding of the following points:

 

1. The meaning of holiness and righteousness

2. The meaning of brotherly love among Brethren, as it should be

3. The value of believing or trusting in God for His intervention, even when you have nothing to your name

 

Wilderness experience is not an easy Christian training route, but it is both needful and necessary if we hope to end well. We all need it.

 

I Requested for a Wilderness Experience

I graduated from university with a weak result, and it is important to note that God, in visions of the night, twice showed me the class of degree I would graduate with. Unfortunately, I did not understand the spiritual language, as I was a staunch unbeliever at the time. In these revelations, God confirmed the number of students who would graduate with this result. By His grace, I now understand better, and I encourage my flock to build a lasting father-son relationship with God, for He does nothing without revealing it to His servants and/or prophets.

 

"Certainly, the Lord will do nothing without making clear His secret to His servants, the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

 

God cares for His children and does not want them to be stranded or hurt. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

 

In June 2006, after leaving my corporate job, I left Abuja for Lagos to expand my business. However, in April 2007, God directed me to return to Abuja, saying, "I did not ask you to be separated from your family. Go back to your family." I returned on April 13th, but life was difficult upon my return. Early in this wilderness experience, I cried out to God, asking why I had to endure this hostile situation. He impressed the following response on my heart:

 

Like many Christians, I unknowingly requested a wilderness experience on December 31, 1993, during a three-day solemn assembly program organized by Foursquare Gospel Church, Karimu, Surulere, Lagos. This was the assembly where I gave my life to Jesus Christ on July 5, 1992. During the solemn assembly, I remember weeping and telling God I was ready to be used to win souls to His kingdom. I had no idea I was entering into a spiritual contract with God.

 

God honors spiritual contracts, whether we are aware of them or not. This is why I caution Christians against making lighthearted spiritual statements. God does not joke and warns His children to avoid such actions.

 

"It is better not to take an oath than to take an oath and not keep it. Let not your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the angel, 'It was a mistake,' lest God be angry at your words and destroy the work of your hands." (Ecclesiastes 5:5-6)

 

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:36)

 

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:4)

 

At another time, in response, God led me to Psalms 66:8-13 and 71:17. Through these Scriptures, I gained insight into the importance of His children going through a wilderness experience before achieving breakthrough, especially in their area of calling or ministry.

 

In Psalm 66:10-13, King David outlines a sequence one might undergo in a wilderness experience:

 

1. God tests (tries) the person, refining him as silver is refined.

2. The Christian is placed in a net, with afflictions laid upon them.

3. Men will "ride over their heads."

 

The person undergoing a wilderness experience will pass through fire and water. God told me that only after these trials would this individual enter their field of “rich fulfillment” or "place of wealth."

 

It signifies that this individual has attained the "4th Level of Practical Christianity," graduating with distinction, humility, holiness, and righteousness. This student of wilderness experience understands God's will, fulfilling His mandate without fear or favor. He carries out his assignment as God directs, undeterred by death, persecution, or a lack of acknowledgment from others. His loyalty to God is unwavering.

 

Without question, King David was a man after God’s own heart. He was a distinguished warrior, a rugged shepherd, a musical innovator (1 Chronicles 23:5), a compassionate father, a dedicated king, a firm leader, and a poet. King David was an insightful and determined man who remained focused on his destiny, even when he faced immense challenges.

 

I respect King David as a man of integrity, one who recognized and respected the anointing over King Saul and refrained from harming him. Many other qualities mark King David, showing he was indeed taught by God.

 

"O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I declare Your wondrous works." (Psalm 71:17)

 

Though David’s youth was spent in deprivation, he lived a fulfilled life, as his journey shows.

 

"Now, therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel." (2 Samuel 7:8)

 

David’s older brothers lived in opulence, close to the corridors of power. Yet, when David committed sin with Uriah’s wife, God reminded him that he was raised from a humble beginning, living with the sheep he tended. This life of deprivation contributed to his closeness to God. Without human distractions, David had ample time to worship, meditate, and commune with God, which ultimately led to his fulfilling his divine destiny.

 

As you read this book, you will notice that I deliberately reference practical examples from brethren in the Church and my own life. This is intended to help my audience understand the points being made. These examples illustrate common errors Christians make, serving as lessons we can use to improve and ensure we finish well.

 

Please note that these references are not intended to ridicule or condemn anyone.

To be continued.