Western Nigeria Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Church - WNUC

03/02/2021

ACS FREE WEBINAR

Financial Empowerment

Financial Empowerment: Exiting Poverty Through Asset Building
Many of those who access ACS services are struggling in a cycle of poverty. Learn the role of assets in household financial stability and why it’s so difficult for your clients to get onto solid ground. During the webinar we’ll explore the principles of financial empowerment as well as practical tools you can use in your ministry. This session is open to ACS volunteers and anyone interested in community outreach ministry.

DATE: Thursday, February 4, 2021

TIME: 2:00 - 3:00 PM, Eastern Time

MEETING ID: 926 3916 1146

PASSWORD: 398244

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.

05/01/2021

FROM BABCOCK UNIVERSITY PASTOR'S DESK

SEASON OF RESOLUTIONS
The first one or two weeks at the beginning of each year are when people begin to make their resolutions. Some do it earlier. For others it has become a ritual that is almost sacrilegious to omit or skip. Resolutions are a form of planning. Failure to make one is considered tantamount to planning to fail. Is there anything wrong in making resolutions at the beginning of the year? No! It's proper to do so; we must have a roadmap, otherwise we may loose our moorings and find ourselves floating ruderless on the ocean of life. Worse, our lives may be hijacked by fortitous events that will make us helpless and tossed hither thither by fate. Nobody wants to be a pawn in the hands of fate. We want to be in charge. Yes, we should make resolutions. By so doing, we are declaring that we want to get a handle on things that matter to us. We don't want to repeat the errors of the past. We convince ourselves that we can be arbiters of our destinies. Apostle Peter was sure, even cocksure, that he could Even when Jesus told him pointedly that he would deny Him, Peter perhaps thought the Master was talking to somebody else. Peter must have reasoned, "Does Jesus know who I am"? He would prove Him wrong! That is where the problem lies, when we are making resolutions to change one or two bad habits. Or to leverage on some of the things we want to do better. There is too much dependence on self and little or no dependence on Christ. We are quick to conclude that we have the capacities. We too easily forget what Jesus said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). By all means, make your resolutions for the year if you have not made one. Not too late. But we are to remember that all our resolutions, not matter how well-intentioned, without Christ, are like a pack of cards. We cannot now repeat the mistake of Apostle Peter. He learnt ruefully that human will-power without Christ is like a rope of sand. No wonder, so many people make good resolutions at the beginning of the year but their resolves are blown into the wind at the count of two or three weeks. They fail to realize that our recognition of our weakness is our strength (2 Cor. 12:10). On the contrary, when we think that we are strong we become weak. We can begin to make resolutions for the year by focusing on some very important areas. We can emulate Daniel by resolving that we will pray at least three times a day, everyday (See Dan.6:10). Why not also resolve that you read a portion of the Bible, daily? Not haphazardly but methodically, systematically. Do we need to be reminded that we cannot live by bread alone but by every word of God ( Matt.4:4)? We can also resolve that a day should not pass by without an act of kindness. By word, by attitude, by deeds. We can resolve to strenghen our personal, family devotions and corporate worship through attendance and involvement. We can resolve to strenghen relationships, vertically and horinzontally. While these resolutions are praiseworthy we are to remember the divine Enabler, who says without Me you can do nothing. Let's constantly - continually - recognize our finitude, our frailties and magnify Jesus who is all in all.

05/01/2021

PRAYER FOR TODAY
You will not labour for unknown man to harvest. By the mercy of God you will eat the fruit of your labour in sound health.
May the Almighty God turn all your Noble thought, feelings, wishes and heart desires into reality this week.
May He also endow you and your entire household with sound health, a long and fruitful life.
May He protect you and your family from enemies both known and unknown.
Peace be unto you and your household today and beyond in Jesus mighty name.
Good morning and have a wonderful day. Shalom!!!

11/05/2020

*A Change of Heart Needed*

*May 11*

Born From Above

*Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God*. _John 3:3._

Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation.... With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus.... The lessons that had fallen from the Saviour’s lips had greatly impressed him, and he desired to learn more of these wonderful truths....

Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things.

The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.... Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are “born again,” freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ.

The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making him a new creature in Christ Jesus.... The words and actions express the love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place. Self is renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done.

Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power?

*This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.*

07/05/2020

"Come Just as You Are*

*May 7*

Pardon and Acceptance

*Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.* _Jeremiah 13:23._

God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are. The drunkard is despised, and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go unrebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe. He who falls into some of the grosser sins may feel a sense of his shame and poverty and his need of the grace of Christ; but pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ, and the infinite blessings He came to give....

If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better. How many there are who think they are not good enough to come to Christ. Do you expect to become better through your own efforts? ... There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing for ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are.

Yield yourself to Christ without delay; He alone, by the power of His grace, can redeem you from ruin. He alone can bring your moral and mental powers into a state of health. Your heart may be warm with the love of God; your understanding, clear and mature; your conscience, illuminated, quick, and pure; your will, upright and sanctified, subject to the control of the Spirit of God. You can make yourself what you choose. If you will now face rightabout, cease to do evil and learn to do well, then you will be happy indeed; you will be successful in the battles of life, and rise to glory and honor in the better life than this.

*This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.*

06/05/2020

*Restitution Is Required*

*May 6*

Pardon and Acceptance

*If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.* _Ezekiel 33:15._

No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation....

The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. “Holiness unto the Lord” is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and who deal in an unrighteous manner, are bearing false witness against the character of a holy, just, and merciful God.... If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession.

If we have in any manner defrauded or injured our brother, we should make restitution. If we have unwittingly borne false witness, if we have misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and take back all our injurious misstatements.

It will not be long before probation will close. If you do not now serve the Lord with fidelity, how will you meet the record of your unfaithful dealing? ... If you have refused to deal honestly with God, I beseech you to think of your deficiency, and if possible to make restitution. If this cannot be done, in humble penitence pray that God for Christ’s sake will pardon your great debt. Begin now to act like Christians. Make no excuse for failing to give the Lord His own. Now, ... while it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted, while it is called today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

*This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.*

04/05/2020

The Sons and Daughters of God*

May 4

Pardon and Acceptance

_But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name._ *John 1:12.*

It is through faith in Jesus Christ that the truth is accepted in the heart, and the human agent is purified and cleansed.... He has an abiding principle in the soul, that enables him to overcome temptation. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:6. God has power to keep the soul that is in Christ who is under temptation....

A mere profession of godliness is worthless. It is he that abideth in Christ that is a Christian.... Unless the mind of God becomes the mind of men, every effort to purify himself will be useless; for it is impossible to elevate man except through a knowledge of God.

The question you need to put to yourselves is, “Am I a Christian?” To be a Christian is to be far more than many understand. It means more than simply having your name upon the church records. It means to be joined to Christ. It means to have simple faith, unwavering reliance upon God. It means to have childlike confidence in your heavenly Father through the name and merit of His dear Son. Do you love to keep the commandments of God, because the commandments of God are God’s precepts, the transcript of His character, and can no more be altered than can the character of God? Do you respect and love the law of Jehovah?

As sons and daughters of God, Christians should strive to reach the high ideal set before them in the gospel. They should be content with nothing less than perfection.

To those who receive Him He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout eternity. If during this life they are loyal to God, they will at last “see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4. And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father?

This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.

03/05/2020

The Meaning of Forgiveness

May 3

Pardon and Acceptance

_Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy._ *Micah 7:18.*

God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.

If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul.

Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.... So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Zechariah 3:4, 5. Even so God will clothe you with “the garments of salvation,” and cover you with “the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10....

“If thou wilt walk in my ways,” He declares, “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by” (Zechariah 3:7)—even among the holy angels that surround His throne.

This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.

02/05/2020

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X8wFvsGXNLM&t=3127s

Welcome to 2nd May, 2020 Sabbath Worship.

02/05/2020

Sincere Confession Essential

May 2

Repentance and Confession

_If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness_. *1 John 1:9.*

The apostle says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you have sinned against his Creator....

True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.

Many, many confessions should never be spoken in the hearing of mortals; for the result is that which the limited judgment of finite beings does not anticipate.... God will be better glorified if we confess the secret, in**ed corruption of the heart to Jesus alone than if we open its recesses to finite, erring man, who cannot judge righteously unless his heart is constantly imbued with the Spirit of God.... Do not pour into human ears the story which God alone should hear.

The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity.

Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart, and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.... Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness.

This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White.

02/05/2020

LESSONS LEARNT FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC - PART 1 - Chidinma Aham-Chiagbotu

So many lessons can be learnt from the COVID 19 pandemic and I will write about some of them as the LORD inspires me. Today, I will like to focus on what we can learn about God and His laws.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have received one instruction, in fact, one law, after another, some of which are very ridiculous. One of such instructions/laws is "do not to touch your face, if you must do so, make sure you have washed your hands thoroughly with soap and water”. As hard as it is to abide by such strict instructions, many of us, myself included, are religiously obeying them because we believe that our health and happiness, or even our lives depend on the careful obedience to those instructions. Yet, many people, especially professed Christians and pastors have argued that, and even deceived many into thinking that God's laws are burdensome and have been made void by grace. Don’t get me wrong, God’s Laws are so broad, and spiritual, for that matter, but I am talking about the Ten Commandments now, and that includes the fourth commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy". Six days shall you labour and do all your work but the Seventh-day is the Sabbath of the LORD... (Exodus 20: 8-11).

Today, the COVID 19 pandemic has revealed to us that no law is too hard to be obeyed. People obey or disobey laws according to the values they place on the laws and how grievous they believe the effect of disobedience will be. A few weeks ago, staying at home and not going out for work or business would have been so unimaginable for many of us but that is our reality today. Many of us are actually sitting at home, and are even spreading the message to make others stay at home. This is simply because we believe it is a matter of life and death.

A lot of people do not realize that keeping the commandments of God is an issue of life and death. We do not realize that obedience to God’s law is the key to abundant living – a life that is characterized by health, happiness, hope, joy and peace. Whereas, disobedience to God’s law is the root cause of stress, diseases, unhappiness and hopelessness in this world. God’s laws are designed to secure our health, and well-being, protect our relationships at all levels and open us up to an abundant life here on earth and a hope for life in the earth made new. Therefore, we cheat ourselves and rub ourselves of manifold blessings when we spurn God’s commandments.

I can hear someone say, “wait a minute, we are not under law, we are under grace”. Have we not now learnt from the COVID 19 pandemic that grace does not negate obedience? In fact, grace leads you to obedience. If God has spared your life to this day, when several people around the world have been infected, and some have died, will you go about living carelessly because God’s grace has covered you? Will you be touching everything and not washing your hands? Will you carelessly attend public gatherings? Will you not use mask if you know you are going to be in contact with someone who is coughing or sneezing? Will you say “I am protected by grace, therefore I will do as I wish”? With this COVID 19 outbreak, is it possible for you to say “I will not stay away from public gatherings but I will just wash my hands frequently”? I guess your answer to all the questions raised above will be ‘no’. So why do we make void the law of God because of His grace and mercy towards us, and why do we pick and choose which commandments we obey while neglecting others?

The truth however is that no one can keep God’s law without the aid of Holy Spirit. Yet, spurning God’s laws or counting them as burdensome is not the answer. God’s law cannot change. In fact, His grace is intertwined with His law. He knows we cannot keep his law on our own, for that reason, He made a new covenant with us. Jeremiah 33:31 says, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Denying the immutability of God’s law because of our weaknesses is tantamount to spurning His grace and calling Him a liar who cannot keep His promise. Brother Mathew Sinclair preached a beautiful sermon that revealed how God’s commandments are His promises, not a group of dos and don’ts.

Drawing on Brother Mathew’s sermon, I conclude that when God said “ you shall have no other God before me He is actually promising to implant His character and dignity in you, to the extent that you will not descend to worship worthless idols. When He said “ you shall not commit adultery, He is promising to transform you to the extent that adultery will be extremely distasteful to you, and when He said, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy” He is actually promising to make you delight so much in Him that you will desire communion with Him and His creation above every other thing; to the extent that you will lay aside every secular duty to be with him on His holy day.
Friends let us all return to the LORD for His laws are not burdensome. His promises are sure and His grace is super sufficient. Here are some of the things we can do to help us live the abundant life that God has for us.

1. Accept that God’s law is a reflection of His character of love and it is eternal
2. Believe that God is able to keep His promise to transform your life.
3. Look away from yourself and focus on Jesus’s perfect character. He was obedient to His father in all things and He is our example
4. When you fall, go back to the Father and ask for forgiveness. He knows you are a child and He knows you will grow if you trust in Him.
5. Spend time with God in bible study and prayer. The more you gaze into His law of grace, the more you will change into the image of His son.
God bless you.

01/05/2020

TRUE SORROW FOR SIN

May 1

(Repentance & Confession)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy.

Repentance includes sorrow for sin, and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.

One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of the purity of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes every spot of defilement painfully distinct, and lays bare the deformity and defects of the human character. It makes apparent the unhallowed desires, the infidelity of the heart, the impurity of the lips. The sinner’s acts of disloyalty in making void the law of God, are exposed to his sight, and his spirit is stricken and afflicted under the searching influence of the Spirit of God.

The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God”; “and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.

*This text is from the book The Faith I Live By by Ellen G. White*