Remarks At The 75th Birthday Celebration Of Archbishop Margaret Idahosa In Benin

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THE CHURCH MUST PLAY ITS PART IN BUILDING A SOCIETY THAT DISCOURAGES CORRUPTION, VP OSINBAJO SAYS AT MAMA IDAHOSA 75TH BIRTHDAY

*Adds: Integrity and righteousness, foundation principles of the gospel, made nations great

*Describes late Archbishop Benson Idahosa as one who saw the future

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE 75TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ARCHBISHOP MARGARET IDAHOSA IN BENIN, EDO STATE, ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

PROTOCOLS

It is a special privilege for me to stand in this place and on these grounds, among so many who knew personally, lived and worked with, perhaps the greatest contemporary African Apostle of our Faith, Bishop Benson Idahosa. It is already 50 years since God instituted the Church of God Mission. It is 20 years since the consecration of Her Grace, Archbishop, Margaret Benson-Idahosa. 50 years of millions of saved souls, 50 years of miracles, of signs and wonders. 50 years of the establishment of thousands of churches worldwide, 50 years of incredible conquests for the Kingdom of God.

We now have the Benson Idahosa University, the Word of Faith Group of schools, the All Nations for Christ Institute, from whence has arisen several thousands of global leaders and ministries. It is also 75 years of the life of God’s chosen helpmate for the great man of God, the one whom God prepared to carry on the great work across the world, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa.

The spirit and the grace of God upon the man Benson Idahosa, which caused him to shout in miracle-causing faith that, “if I am truly a man of God, let fire fall”, those words resonate, even till today. His life and times were a game changer in the trajectory of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Africa, and indeed, in the world.

We see today, so many of his children in the faith, children of the gospel, many of whom have become fathers and mothers in the faith. Indeed, looking at his own biological children, it is obvious that the word of God remains true in Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Therefore, know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Clearly, He has kept His covenant with you, and He will keep His covenant with you for a thousand generations to come in Jesus’ name.

Your Excellencies, my Lord Bishops, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the church is marching on and surely, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever more. Blessed be God forever more.

I am to speak on the topic – The Church, Politics and Nation Building. Scriptures says in Psalms 24:1-2, “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” God, the author of life and the world, and He remains always interested and committed to the destiny of nations.

Through all of the history of the church, through all of the times, God has shown that it is the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He has given direction to direct the affairs of nations, to lead our nation and nations all over the world.

How so? God Himself gave us the commission, the great commission – Matthew 28 vs 18 – 20 – “All power is given to me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore and (teach) make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”

God Himself commissioned us to go out and disciple the nations, to preach and teach the nations of the world, including our nation, to observe the things that we have been taught, the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Genesis 1:28, we have been given the five-fold mandate, the scriptures say: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Clearly, God, Himself has given us the mandate to be fruitful and multiply, to have dominion over the earth and replenish the earth with our type and with the vision He has given us. God called the church and mandated the church to do the various things.

We have not subdued a nation until the principles, the values and virtues of the kingdom of God have been accepted as a normal way of life in society. This is what it means to “go teach them to observe and to do all things whatsoever He has commanded us.”

The Almighty God has equipped us spiritually, He has told us in Matthew 5 vs 13 – 14: “We are the salt of the earth, and we are the light of the world.”

He has given us the mandate, equipped us and told us who we are; that we represent the light in this world and the salt in the nation. We are the ones that must make the difference in this nation.

In Romans 8 vs 19, we are told that “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” All of creation, including the creation that is located here in our nation, eagerly await the revealing of those of us who are here. The revealing of the children of God is eagerly awaited by the rot and corruption of society. Our revealing is awaited by everything that has gone wrong, our impact is awaited by everything that has happened around us.

The word of God tells us that the church has the majesty of place in determining the future of nations. Scriptures tell us in 1st Timothy 3 vs 15, Paul speaking says, “If I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

This house of God, this place called the church, these people called the church, represent the pillar and grounds of truth. It is not just some feeble truth, this is the everlasting truth. This is the truth upon which the world was built and its foundation laid.

It is the business of the church to make rulings, to determine what should happen, what should be said and not said; it is the business of the church to determine the fashions of the time, determine what will hold and what will not hold. We cannot shy away from that very important responsibility. Every time, we must recognise that it is the pulpit that has defined the trajectory of the development of nations practically all over the world.

Alex Tocqueville, a French philosopher, who wasn’t even at the time a Christian, he wrote in 1830, when he saw the incredible movement, especially of the development of the United States of America, he went there himself. In his book Liberty, he wrote, “I looked everywhere for the reason for the development and great advancement of this country called America, I looked in their big canals, their big harbours, their railways, their perfect buildings, but l did not find the answer to the reason for the greatness of this nation. Until I went to their churches and I heard what was being preached, I heard what was being spoken on the pulpit. When I heard what was being spoken on the pulpit, I knew why this country was great.”

It is the pulpit that determines the greatness of a nation. It depends on what is being preached on the pulpit, whatever is being preached on the pulpit will prevail, whether we preach right or wrong. If we preach that people will become wealthy by sudden miracles, by sudden flight, without hard work, so will it. If we preach that it is line by line, precept by precept, by righteousness and integrity, so will it be and our nation will be. It is the pulpit that has always defined the trajectory of nations.

The Protestant Reformation was a dramatic change in Christianity when Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was recognised as the basis of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Protestant Reformation is often said to have given birth to the industrial revolution. When you read the works of historians and political economists like Ashton and Webber, you would find that they justified this with so many examples, that indeed the Industrial Revolution that you know, led to the great economies of the world and led to the creation of sound economic principles that have led to the growth and development of the world.

Many agree that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are responsible for the dramatic transformation of first, the economies of Europe and America and then Japan and the rest of Asia.

Let me tell you a quick story, the Puritans in Europe and America by strictly complying with the principles of the gospel, developed their economies and societies. They affected education, the Arts, business and commerce. They affected practically every aspect of life, they changed and defined every aspect of life in their societies.

There are some who have heard of the Iwakura mission; a mission sent by the Japanese emperor, led by a man called Iwakura. In 1887, the emperor discovered that Europe and America had moved so quickly ahead of Japan. Japan, one of the very ancient civilizations, itself even at that time, a technology giant, suddenly discovered that Europe and America had moved along very quickly. For 18 months, the emperor sent the Iwakura mission, to study and look at what had made the nations grow so far ahead.

They discovered that they were the sound principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one copies like the Japanese; they copied those principles, they taught them in their schools and transformed their own economies. It was only after that, that China copied Japan. China, five centuries ahead of Europe and America in terms of civilisation, suddenly found itself stunted in growth. It had to wait until the revealing of the sons of God in Europe and America before it began to kick off again.

It is no question at all, that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has transformed the nations of the world. There is no nation in the world, whether it is Christian, Muslim, or those who say they do not believe in God, every one of them, must observe the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The truth of the matter is that, whether a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, if you accept Him, you will inherit eternal life. That’s the promise of the gospel, the reason for our salvation, the hope we have, that soon enough, we will see God in glory.

Let me point out, there are countries of the world that do not accept Jesus Christ, but they accept and practise some of the principles, and the principles still works. The question of eternal life and going to heaven is a separate matter, the question of observance of principles is another matter entirely. That is why, no matter the country of the world, if you practise the principles, you will get the results. That has been the stories of countries that are diverse in Europe and countries of the Americas and the countries even in the Middle East, and of the other countries of the world.

What are these principles? The first one is the principle of righteousness. Scriptures says in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” The word of God also says in Matthew 5:37, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ “No.” Be a person of integrity, let it be the predominant principle in our existence and in our lives.

Integrity and righteousness exalt a nation, a person, a people as well. Any nation that works out righteousness and integrity, which values trustworthiness and compliance, with truth and honesty, will be great without a doubt.

Still talking about integrity is the respect for credit and obligation; many of the countries of the world develop their economic system especially their credit system, around the principle that it is only the wicked that borrows and does not repay (Psalms 37:21). This is a principle of integrity.

Many of the early Christian communities lent each other money and they will repay because they strongly believed that it is the wicked that borrows and doesn’t repay. And they prospered because of that principle of integrity, they were able to lend more and give back, so that they continued to prosper and they did not deplete the pool from where the resources came from. That is the principle of integrity. When we do not observe the principles of integrity, then the society breaks down. It is impossible for society to prosper without respect for the principles of integrity.

And so it is that there is no way that a society that enables, encourages corruption, celebrates and refuses to condemn corruption, can make the kind progress that societies before it made. That is why it is from the pulpit that we must preach integrity and stand against corruption, and refuse to accept a situation where unexplained wealth is honoured among us.

It is impossible for us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world if we do not practice these principles. It is these principles that made other nations great; the principles of integrity and righteousness.

I remember years ago as a student in England, we used to have difficulties paying fees through the Central Bank. I had not paid my fees; they were outstanding for about six weeks. So, I went to the counsellor and spoke to him about it and he said to me, “Why don’t you go to the bank?” And I told him I had no collateral, but he encouraged me to go and I went to the bank. Across the counter I spoke to a lady who asked me who I was and, of course, looked into my account and saw that I had had one or two remittances in my account, but I had less than 40 pounds. She asked me how much I needed and when I felt my fees would come. I told her I was not sure, but I expected that within the next six weeks or so. And right across the counter, she gave me 600 pounds, I signed the document and I left to pay my fees. Fortunately, some weeks later, my cheque came and was paid to the bank. That was in 1981. By 1984, it had become impossible for many people who carry the green passport to open accounts in banks in the UK. Why? Because many people had taken credits and refused to pay. Many who had used credit cards for different purposes and disappeared home. So, it became very difficult for many thereafter not to only borrow money as I did, but even to open a bank account.

The currency of commerce, the currency of business is trust. It is not how bright or smart you are, it is trust. If you can be trusted, the business can happen, credit can be given.

The principle of hard work and innovation, there are many who know what is called the puritanic work ethic. This was the work ethic of those who like you and I, were believers of old. They were called the Puritans. They had a work ethic – everybody knew that the Puritans would work for the number of hours they had to work for. They will not sit on the job, they will not steal from the job, they would plan and do what was required of them. Someone ought to name hard work after us as Christians. Somebody ought to be able to say that this is the way of the born-again believer. You will find that he will work regular hours, will be honest, can be trusted with business, he can be entrusted with resources.

Many do not know that the first mechanical clock was made by Christians in Barbaria. Why did they make a mechanical clock? Because they worked in factories and they wanted to be sure that for the hours they worked, they will be able to pay their tithes. So, for instances, if they worked eight hours, they would measure it like a mechanical clock and take their 10 per cent from it. They were that faithful.

Today, the question is whether it is possible to trust anyone simply because they say they are believers. The truth is that it is these principles of the gospel – the principles of integrity, innovation, hard work, trustworthiness and everything that our faith is known by that have made the difference.

Look at the principle of time-consciousness (Ecclesiastes 3:1). “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heavens”. These are the principles that have worked elsewhere, time consciousness.

Look at the principles of savings and investment, (Matthew 25 vs 14 – 30), the respect for savings and investment, that we must put aside money.

Respect for the rule of law (Romans 13:1). Submit to Government. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Also, the principles of payment of taxes and dues; these are all the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every nation, community that has faithfully followed these principles, have made the difference.

Look at the principle surrounding that welfare of the poor and the vulnerable. It is a fundamental directive of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we must either as a government, policy and social action, be concerned about the welfare of the poor and the vulnerable. It is a fundamental principle that Jesus Christ himself preached in Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” These were the principles where social welfare schemes in Europe and America were founded. These are the sound principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Look at education, the great influence of Christianity on education, the importance of knowledge. Many of the first schools were founded by monks. Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Princeton – there were universities founded by men and women of God. If you look at the founding acts of Harvard, one of the important things that stick out there is where it says, “…all knowledge and understanding belong to the Lord Jesus Christ”.

Of course, we have seen the perfect example today. Here we see the Benson Idahosa University. These are the great examples in which the gospel of Jesus Christ influences education and everything else. It is these principles that make the difference.

The reason why you and I have to be involved in every aspect of our lives is that we are told we are the salt of the earth and light of the world. What is that light? The light is the principles of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are supposed to take that light into every aspect of our lives – education, entertainment, arts, government, and politics and into everything else. We are powerless if we play the same games as those who do not know the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We must have the courage of our convictions to take our lights to every aspect of life. But many times, one of the things that we find is that the gospel is contrarian.

The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ can be very contrarian, and by that I mean, it is against our flesh. They are contrary from the way we think and that is why God himself said His ways are not our ways. “As high as the heavens are from the earth, so are His ways far from our ways.” That is why many times we fail to observe them.

Look at the principle that says we have to die to live (John 12:23-25). There is a dying to serve before you can live, but no one wants to die for anyone. Nobody wants to make the sacrifice that is required. Look at the principle that says, “Humble yourself so you will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is different from what we were taught in the law school – assert yourself, appear big, boast. That is what the world teaches, but the gospel is contrarian. It says, “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and everything shall be added.” But many times, you find that even in church, we are seeking the things first and we are leaving the righteousness and the kingdom, because this gospel is contrarian, it doesn’t agree with our flesh; it doesn’t agree with the way we want to think.

The scripture says we should love our enemies; that we should love those who hate us; that we should pray for them and actually bless them. Many times we skip that part of scripture because it is totally contrarian. How does anyone love someone who kills his wife and children? That is the very nature of the gospel that we preach. It is the gospel that challenges us to action. It is the gospel that does not allow us to hide away in our flesh because the gospel is not the work or thoughts of a man. It is the very act of God itself. God Himself is the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is God Himself at work, it cannot accord with our own sense of what is right and what is wrong.

The gospel says that we should not revenge because vengeance is mine says the Lord. Sometimes we hear from the pulpit, words spoken in anger, we hear words saying that we must revenge. There is nowhere in scripture or in the history of our faith, where we have revenged and succeeded, none. The only way the church has prevailed is by keeping to the gospel, the church has never prevailed by common sense, or the sense of the world; never. It only prevailed by keeping fidelity with the scripture.

The scripture says in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 that, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” The bible did not say that if we preach that people should turn away from their wicked ways, no. It says that we should turn first from our wicked ways before our land can be healed.

The responsibility of the building of nations is on the church, the responsibility for showing direction is on the church, the burden is on the church. The gospel says, not only must we pray, seek his face, repent, but we must turn from our evil ways. If we do not turn from our evil ways, our land cannot be healed. Because the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth, the church is the salt and light.

Let me say, as I close, that Archbishop Benson Idahosa saw the future. He saw a future where people would say “the church is under attack.”

Sometime ago, I listened to a message he gave in Benny Hinn’s Church in 1988. He said 1987 was the year when the church experienced its greatest attack nationally and internationally and people were beginning to say it seems God is no longer interested in the Church.

He said he then looked into the scriptures in search of an answer and found more than 200 situations where the people of God and the church were under attacks and in each situation, God effortlessly delivered His church. So, in every generation, we have seen persecution, but our God has unfailingly given us victory, so today the Church of God is not afraid, we are as strong as ever. And I am sure if Bishop was still alive today and here, he would have said, the children of the devil must bow before the children of God, and I am sure he would also say, no shaking!

Mama, as a son, I am so proud of you. First, you are a woman of history and destiny, having cracked the religious glass ceiling in ministry by becoming the first female overseer of a major African Christian ministry, but more importantly, you are a woman of the future because you have defined and shaped destinies by your messages, counsel and inspiration. I pray that as your days so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God.