Olarewaju Olalekan

In the pristine garden of Eden, a fateful choice altered the course of humanity. The serpent's beguiling words challenged God's clear command, and in that moment, trust became the fulcrum upon which eternity balanced. God had spoken with unmistakable clarity: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:17, KJV). His word was absolute, His warning unambiguous. Yet, when the serpent whispered its seductive contradiction, "Ye shall not surely die" (Genesis 3:4, KJV), Eve faced a critical decision: Whom would she trust? The tragic choice to heed the serpent's voice over God's command stemmed from a fundamental failure of faith. In that pivotal moment, Eve—and subsequently Adam—placed their trust in the created rather than the Creator. They elevated the word of the deceiver above the word of the Divine. This misplacement of trust had catastrophic...

" Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ"   - 1 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV) In this powerful verse, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and the profound relationship between believers, God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This simple yet profound greeting opens a window into the very heart of Christian theology and practice. The Fatherhood of God The concept of God as Father is central to Christian faith. It speaks of a personal, loving relationship between the Creator and His creation. As Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven " (Matthew 6:9), we are reminded of the intimate connection we can have with the Almighty. This Fatherhood is not universal, but is reserved for those who have accepted Christ. As John 1:12 states, "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." Through faith in Christ, we ar...

In the annals of human history, no figure has captivated hearts and minds quite like Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John presents us with a profound paradox that challenges our understanding of reality itself: "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven" (John 3:13, KJV). This extraordinary statement reveals the unfathomable nature of Christ's existence - simultaneously present in heaven and on earth. It speaks to His divine origin and His unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between the celestial and the terrestrial. Consider the implications of this truth. The very architect of the cosmos walked among us, breathed our air, and shared in our humanity. Yet, even as He dwelt on earth, He remained inseparably connected to the heavenly realm. This is no mere prophet or teacher, but God incarnate, effortlessly transcending the boundaries of space and time. The Psalmist, as if glimpsing this mystery, exclaime...

  In the cosmic struggle between good and evil, we witness a relentless assault on that which belongs to God. The enemy's strategy, as old as time itself, seeks to corrupt and misappropriate the vessels chosen by the Almighty for His divine purpose. This spiritual warfare is vividly illustrated in the scriptures, serving as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required of believers. The Enemy's Tactics Revealed "And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god." (Daniel 1:2, KJV) This verse unveils a profound truth: the adversary's primary aim is to plunder what rightfully belongs to God. By seizing the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and transferring them to a pagan shrine, the enemy sought to desecrate that which was holy and repurpose it for unholy ends. The Spirit...

  Dear Valued Heart Patients,  As the manager of Xabat Cardiology Clinic here in Abuja, I want to reach out to you as we enter our rainy season. While the rains bring relief from the heat, they also present unique challenges for heart health. Here are some tips to keep your heart strong and healthy during this time: 1. Keep Moving, Rain or Shine Don't let the rain stop you from staying active. Regular exercise is crucial for heart health. Try these indoor options: Follow our "Heartbeat at Home" video series, available on our clinic's website Use the stairs in your home or apartment building for a great cardio workout Practice indoor exercises Remember, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. 2. Monitor Your Blood Pressure The cool, damp weather can affect your blood pressure. Keep a close eye on it by: Using a home blood pressure monitor daily (we offer free training on proper use) Recording your readings and sharing them with us during...

  In a world filled with challenges and hardships, many find themselves searching for hope and redemption. The good news is that no matter how dire one's circumstances may seem, God has the power to transform lives and bring about extraordinary change. However, this divine intervention requires a crucial step on our part: genuine repentance. The Need for Repentance The Bible teaches us that disobedience to God's word is the root cause of many of life's calamities. As it is written in Deuteronomy 28:15 (KJV), "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee." Repentance, therefore, becomes the key to unlocking God's blessings and restoration in our lives. It is through this act of turning away from sin and towards God that we open ourselves to His transformative power. The Cha...

  In the hustle and bustle of modern city life, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of noise and distractions. From the incessant honking of rush hour traffic to the clamor of construction sites, from the chatter of street vendors to the hum of industrial machinery, our urban environments are filled with clatters that can drown out the still, small voice of God. As Luke 21:34 warns us, "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." This scripture reminds us of the importance of staying vigilant and connected to our faith, even as the world around us grows louder and more chaotic. And here are some practical strategies to help you stay connected to God in an urban environment: Prioritize Prayer: The apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing." While this may seem challenging in a ...

The human spirit, much like the body, possesses its own senses capable of connecting with God, discerning spiritual truths and receiving divine guidance. When it experiences what it was originally designed to enjoy—the flow of the Holy Spirit and fellowship with God—it rejoices, leading to a deep, resounding joy that can overflow into the soul's emotions and amplified. This joy is a manifestation of the human spirit in alignment with God's Word and in live contact with the Spirit of God. Consider this holy flow in Mary's life, as described in Luke 1:46-47 (KJV): "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." Note the tenses: Her spirit had contacted God, and the revelation of Him as her Savior came upon her. Then her soul magnified the Lord. Scripture teaches us the importance of maintaining and nourishing the spirit. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:16 (KJV), "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spi...

  In today’s fast-paced world, where work often blurs into personal time and screen hours stretch long into the night, finding balance between activity and rest has never been more crucial. Both exercise and rest play pivotal roles in maintaining optimal health, and understanding their interplay can enhance overall well-being. The Power of Exercise Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of good health. Engaging in exercise doesn’t just help in maintaining a healthy weight; it also boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, physical activity enhances sleep quality and cognitive function, making it easier to handle daily challenges. Incorporating a mix of aerobic exercises, like walking or running, and strength training, or like lifting weights, can create a well-rounded fitness routine. The key is consistency—ai...

Nigeria, like many nations, yearns for righteous leadership. Yet time and again, the hope for a just ruler seems to fade into disappointment. This cycle is not unique to our country, but reflects a deeper truth about human nature and governance. As Jesus Christ proclaimed in the Gospel of John: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19, KJV) This profound statement cuts to the heart of Nigeria's political challenges. Even when presented with righteous candidates or policies, many resist positive change because it threatens their ability to perpetrate corruption and injustice.  We've witnessed this pattern repeatedly in our nation's history. Leaders who campaigned on promises of reform often succumb to the very systems of graft they once decried. Why? Because true reform would dismantle the networks of patronage and illicit wealth that keep many in power. Th...

The human heart is a complex and mysterious thing. Even we ourselves do not fully know the depths of our own hearts and minds. As the Bible says, " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). The psalmist David recognized this reality and cried out to God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). David understood that only God, through the power of His Holy Spirit, has the ability to thoroughly search and know the human heart. The importance of allowing God to search our hearts cannot be overstated. Wickedness and sin can lie hidden within us, undetected, until it eventually manifests itself outwardly. The Bible warns, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bri...

Amid the expansive domain of Christian theology, few images are as powerful and evocative as that of the Church as the bride of Christ. This metaphor, drawn from Revelation 19:7-8, paints a vivid picture of the relationship between Christ and His followers: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:7-8, KJV) The Bride's Identity In this celestial wedding, the bride is none other than the present Church - the collective body of believers in Christ. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:2, KJV) A Call to Preparation Just as a bride meticulously prepares herself for her wedding day, Christians are called to ready ...

In a world often shrouded in darkness, a guiding light of hope shines brightly - Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He came not to condemn the world, but to offer salvation to all who believe in Him. As John 3:17 proclaims, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Before Christ's arrival, we were all condemned, lost in the shadows of our sins. The weight of our transgressions separated us from God, leaving us in spiritual darkness. But God, in His infinite mercy, had a plan to rescue us. Jesus' coming marked a turning point in human history. He illuminates the path to reconciliation with God, offering freedom from the bondage of sin and death. However, this offer requires our response. We must choose to believe in Him. Sadly, not everyone embraces this divine offer. John 3:19-20 reveals a sobering truth: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather ...