Posted by By UCHE USIM on
For Pastor Olufemi Paul, founder of Grace Assembly Church, Lagos, banning of miracles on television is not the panacea to the socio-economic and geo-political problems strangulating the country.
For Pastor Olufemi Paul, founder of Grace Assembly Church, Lagos, banning of miracles on television is not the panacea to the socio-economic and geo-political problems strangulating the country. As far as he is concerned, the ban will not help check the high rate of bad media consumption in Nigeria.
He argued that the decision was born out of fear, misconception and misunderstanding of the gospel on the part of the government.
"It is a very sad development. There is nothing wrong with spreading the gospel and power of Jesus Christ. The true miracles show the supremacy of our Lord. I don't think the problem of Nigeria is the airing of miracles. What of the sexual scenes in movies, both foreign and local? A lot of the programmes on air are not enriching, if one should comment on them. So I don't know why it was the miracles from churches that was their major concern. Indeed, as far as I'm concerned, it terribly encroaches on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. They are defrauding the people of the freedom of expression and speech."
Interestingly, this lively man of God fighting hard to hoist the blood-stained banner of Jesus wherever he goes never planned becoming a full time preacher. That was never part of his agenda. So when he ‘heard' God ‘calling' him severally, he took it as one of those unimportant revelations. Soon his thoughts failed him as he knew no peace until he heeded the call.
Starting off
Before becoming a full time Pastor about two and half years ago, I must say that I'd gone through many stages of metamorphosis. I joined the House on the Rock Church from its inception.
I started off as a lawyer. I have my own law practice. I was also a shipping person and I was equally into oil and gas. I abandoned all these for the gospel since it is the most important of all things in life.
Calling
God called me12 years ago but I never heeded it because I felt going into full time ministry should be when I'm above 50. But God continued to remind me of the call. I think God called me to douse erroneous belief that people only pastor churches out of frustration or when you have nowhere else to find solace.
Proliferation of churches
It is a double sided issue. It is both a responsibility from the pulpit and the congregation. As a pastor, I'm supposed to cater for the needs of the congregation. Be it body, soul and mind. Having many churches is not the problem, but having their compasses well positioned is it. We have to address heavenly issues since we must not be conformed to this world, but transformed.
Being born again
It is often misconceived. When you are born again, it beyond going to church regularly or occupying key positions. It means walking directly with God. Old things just have to pass away. The joy of it all is that you experience peace. You're sure of your destiny.