It is normal to be called a Christian when one hails from that background. Sometimes, merely having a regular attendance in a religious sects you get to acquire the title such group bequeaths even if you are clueless about its foundation and prospect.
I grew up in a Christian Family where I was first introduced to the basic of morality, moderation and decency. We were religious and had devotions daily as Family and night prayers. In fact there is a song in Yoruba dialect that became our anthem;
Baba awa dupe o
A gb'osuba fun o
Sara Re mare ayika otun
Baba awa dupe o
A gb'osuba fun o
Sara Re mare ayika osi
Ogun t'aye n gbe tini
Ogun t'Esu n gbe tini
Seb'eyin ni koje
kobori eni l'aye
Ogun t'aye n gbe tini
Ogun t'Esu n gbe tini
Seb'eyin ni koje
kobori eni o
We went for different church programs, joined several groups in church and lots more. I am from a Baptist heritage where you get one of the best teachings about the Gospel of Jesus with detailed resourceful materials for very age bracket ranging from Sunbeam Band, Royal Ambassadors, Girls Auxiliary, Lydia, Men's Missionary Union, Women Missionary Union just to mention a few.
But there is a particular one that consists of youths. They gathered weekly to fellowship and commune with the Holy Spirit, studying the Word of God. This group was called Baptist Students Fellowship (BSF). It was a typical replica of the book of Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit was experienced in dimensions that were too raw to be doubted, too real to be questioned. One of my elder sisters, Sis C, as we fondly call her, was deeply engrossed in this move of God. I watched her closely contemplating her character and spiritual dispositions. The level of transformation I saw was amazing! Pretense couldn't survive or even produce such display of the realities of the Holy Scriptures becoming visible amongst us.
I had not read about the Asuza Fire experience or any revival literature like God's General so I had no idea of what the "times of refreshing" meant. One way or the other I got to join this church-persecuted body of vibrant youths and got along gradually.
The meeting were held on Thursdays and it became more intensified as we were being exposed to some mysteries hidden in the Scripture. One of such meetings, a young man was invited as a guest minister. His name was Brother Alaba Iroko. The words of God in his mouth sounded like he was there when they all happened. He started off with the mysteries of the Passion of Christ. The picture he painted in the canvas of my heart left holes that the best Cardiologist will not be able to fix.
I was a Christian, remember, but I had no knowledge about this Jesus that was being re-presented to me. I never knew He could love some human like me to bthe extent that He would give up His life shamefully on Calvary's tree to ransom me.
My soul and spirit were pierced by the double edged sword of God's Word. It went deeper than a surgeons scapel and that it lifted me from my feet and led me to the altar to confess, and accept Jesus. I embraced His love and the new lease of life He offers.
The evening of February 25th,1999 was a day I can never forget in my life. It was an encounter that remarkably changed me and ushered me to all that pertains to life and godliness As I grew in the knowledge of the word of God.
That day, I was born again! It is my second birthday, the most important birth-date I'd forever celebrate.
I don't know what I did to be deserving of this saving grace, God. Why did you have to go for the jugular to redeem me?Why me? Of what importance am I to you?
What is Gabriel that you are mindful of him, or the son of Obasa that Thou visitest me? Why me?
Now I'm standing here only because of your grace, the unmerited benevolence that found me just as I am, empty handed but alive in your hands.
I'll live for him who died for me. Thank you, Jesus for having me cleanse.
Thank you Jesus. I proudly identify with you!
Stay tuned for more experiences from My World.
Cheers!!!
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