DAILY HOMILIES #ephesians

On the Last Day, God will not ask which church we attended. He will ask if we loved others as He loved us. Speaking to the Samaritan woman, Jesus said: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24).

Some people have been disowned by their family members for choosing to become Christians. Some had to flee for their lives because their family members sentenced them to death. A lady once shared how she was driven from home because she refused to obey her mother’s instruction to go into prostitution. I know of persons who ended their relationships after deciding to take their Christian faith seriously. To enjoy Christ’s peace, you cannot be at peace with the world; you cannot be friends with everybody.

Why did Jesus tell this parable to the man who came to ask for Jesus’s intervention in an inheritance dispute? To assure him that even though he had been cheated, he could still live a very long and happy life. Meanwhile, his greedy brother is like the rich man whose lands yielded abundantly but refused to consider others in his enjoyment plan. If God calls this greedy brother tonight, what becomes of the inheritance he has gathered?

The Holy Spirit is the most reliable friend you will ever have. When in trouble, those you call your friends now will show their true colours, but the Holy Spirit will defend you. When trials come your way, Jesus says: “The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Learn to call on the Holy Spirit by thinking of Him as the air you breathe. You cannot see it, but you can feel it. You don’t think about it, but you know it is there. Just as no one can survive without air, you cannot do without the Holy Spirit.

Matthew authored the first Gospel in the New Testament, which aligns closely with the other three Gospels and reinforces its authenticity. Composed in Aramaic between 41 and 50 AD, his Gospel aimed to depict Jesus as the spiritual Messiah rather than a militant figure. After Jesus’ crucifixion, Matthew is believed to have travelled to regions such as Parthia, Persia, or Ethiopia to escape persecution. The details of his death remain unknown. St. Matthew is recognised as the patron saint of bankers.

Like falling in love, the beginning is usually very sweet; you think about the person all day, and you are ready to do anything for them, but as time passes, familiarity creeps in, the fire goes out. Upon conversion to the faith, the Ephesians must have begun many devout practices pleasing to God, but over time, these practices faded away.

And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48). Knowledge is responsibility. Our punishment will be tough if we continue sinning despite our knowledge of theology and access to many spiritual treasures.

Nigeria is ranked as one of the most religious countries in the world. However, Isaiah’s prophecy about Isreal is true of Nigeria – “these people draw near with their mouths and honour me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13). Nigeria is a nation badly in need of repentance. If Jonah were to visit Nigeria today, his message would be simple: “Forty days more, and Nigeria shall be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4). This is a message we must hear as we celebrate our independence today.

It is not enough that we avoid sin, we must relate with God every day as if it was today that we gave our lives to Christ. Avoid familiarity, avoid becoming cold, don’t let your fire go out, and be the best version of yourself always.