Short ‘n’ Sharp

    ByAdewale Adefuye

    Mr Pastor u must have a unique church where women don’t cover their heads and couples marry without parental consent!

    And where the Scriptures are held as guiding authority and not traditions and customs.

    Is it good for me to marry a married man simply because it is my choice?

    The Scripture is clear: marriage is between a woman and a man in holy matrimony as long they both shall live. It does not encourage multiple marriages (polygamy, polyandry or group marriages). Of course, it is your prerogative whether to live according to your own dictates or those of Holy Scriptures.

    Am above 80yrs but constantly persecuted by evil-minded enemies out to kill me & my son due to envy. Pastor, pray to free me from the siege / deadly plots against me. Nnana O.

    If you are yet to, my first prayer is for you to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. You do this by believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth the lordship and salvation of Jesus Christ. Secondly, I pray, along with you, according to Isaiah 54:17 that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, and may you be able to condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is your heritage because you belong to the Lord; your righteousness is from the LORD.

    Sir, your piece on the impact of NAMES on one’s destiny made an interesting read. Please I’d like to know the biblical meaning of the following names: Jesse & Jason. Thanks.

    If you had googled these names, you would have discovered that Jesse –the father of King David in the Old Testament – means ‘stand out’ or ‘exist’ and Jason, an ancient Greek word, is normally interpreted to mean ‘to heal’.

    First published on 5 April 2009 in my Making Sense of Life column in The Nation on Sunday, a major Nigerian newspaper.

    I will soon be going for my NYSC. I truly want 2 know if & how I can make it financially while serving as I would love 2 make use of d opportunity><What business or investment can I make with N30,000? I don’t know what to do. Pls advise me><Ur msg about investment in Nation paper is interested am investment conscious. I have one already but have not been making my monthly [contribution]. Pls advise me more with my 30k salary with family of 5. 

    I recommend you read Even Here Even Now by adeNiyi Adekunle & Olakunle Kasumu, a book that shows how 12 Nigerians took advantage of peculiar opportunities that came their way. Reading far and wide usually generates wonderful ideas.

    I’m a born again Christian, my problem is that I have a particular exam 4 about 10 yrs and I have not made it even despite my prayer and fasting, reading very [hard] 4 d exam. Can you help pls?> I’m a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Everything was fine until I got married and hell was let loose in my finance. All means of my livelihood dried up. All that remains is to beg. Pls is there anything wrong in my wedding? Again is my service 2 God throughout my younger age faulty?>

    A few things could be responsible, but more details are required for a more accurate diagnosis. You may call our counselling line 0809-U-ANSWER (0809 826 7937) between 13.00 and 14.30hrs Monday – Friday (except public holidays).

    Am an architect of over 25 yrs in practice but no house of my own. Today I started a design of my dream house even when I don’t have d money/land now. But I know dat my Redeemer has risen, bring new life & hope. I then have faith in Him. Sir join me in prayers over my dreams. Happy Easter to ur family.

    Paraphrasing Eli’s forth-telling to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:17): “Proceed in peace, and the God of Israel grant your request and bring your dream to pass.”

    Is church not supposed to be practical in being truly a succour to liberty from all aspects of poverty for the members. The present-day church leaders buying jet is it not too ostentatious and materialistic and a negation of God’s purpose for church? 

    According to Scriptures, the church of God is the ground and pillar of truth, salt of the earth and light of the world. Her ministers are meant to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.  The church exists to teach, show and demonstrate God’s ways of doing things. 

    Sir, d concept of d IMAGE and LIKENESS of God in which man is made is unclear 2 me. What does it mean pls?

    I recommend you read Genesis chapter one in a modern translation like The Message or Contemporary English Version (CEV)

    Pls pray 4 me. I’m heavily indebted 2 some people one of whom dragged me 2 d police.

    I pray Psalm 90:14-15 over you that the LORD will satisfy you early with His mercy that you may rejoice and be glad all your days! May He make you glad according to the days in which you have been afflicted, the years in which you have seen evil.

    I believe I have a good relation with God but lately I find it hard to pray and even when I do if feel like it’s not answered. Why is this so?

    Tiredness and weariness are probable causes of such a condition. A good break might be helpful. It’s good to know, however, that God does not relate with us based on our feelings but on the truth of His word.

    Where can I get a copy of Adjai Crowther’s biography to buy?

    As part of ongoing activities marking Adjai Crowther’s Bicentenary, I know of a new edition of his biography to be issued later this year. In the meanwhile, you can get the following two excellent books: “S.A. Crowther: A Patriot to the Core,” by Prof J.F. Ade-Ajayi ; “Ajayi Crowther: Triumphs and Travails of a Legend,” award-winning play by Prof Femi Osofisan. These are obtainable from: The Bookateria, Telephone: 0706 049 6571

    Sir, I appreciate d work u’ve been doing in teaching & encouraging d people who care. U wrote about Adjai Crowther & Taubman Goldie. I’ve heard about Crowther, as d one who translated English Bible 2 Yoruba, but who is Taubman Goldie? 

    Adjai Crowther’s significance transcends his truly monumental pioneering linguistic work. I suggest you get materials available on him. George Taubman Goldie, a Manx–someone from the Isle of Man, United Kingdom—was an agent of the Empire who founded the first conglomerate in the Niger Area, by which he secured treaties from local chiefs through which Britain staked a claim to these territories at the Berlin Conference of the 1880s. He was antagonistic to Crowther (after failing to ‘befriend’ him) and his agenda for preparing the people of the Niger Area for self-rule through education and legitimate, responsible trade, among others. Watch out for the forthcoming exposé, “A Tale of Two Spirits: Taubman vs. Crowther in the making of Nigeria” for background information and insights relating to the battle for the soul of the embryonic nation.

    Thank you for the forensic insight into the word of God and leading me to better understanding of the Bible.><Sir thanx 4 helping me c my responsibility 2 Nigeria, despite d heartbreaks she inflicts. God bless Nigeria.>

    It’s my pleasure to have been of service and my prayer to continue to be.

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    First published on 31 May 2009 in my Making Sense of Life column in The Nation on Sunday, a major Nigerian newspaper.