Davids camp magazine

FREE

Issued in the U.K August/September Edition

Endure it all ForChrist

Pastor ‘Layo Afuape page 2

Single Corner

Relationship & Sex page 7

Femi Sofela Star influence of our time page 6

The Ministry of the

Holy Sprit Dr. Femi Olowo

page 4

BECOMING A BETTER PERSON through

FATHERHOOD Adebayo Coker

page 8

O

Editorial

ne of the best principles of God is ‘Giving’. Starting from Abraham in Genesis 22 through the whole Bible, any child of God who gives sacrificially to God never remains the same again. Listen to what God said to Abraham in Genesis 22:16-18...”By Myself have I sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son--blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Imagine the giving in obedience of one old man bringing everlasting blessings to generation upon generation after him. Abraham’s giving outlived him. Now we can all sing the song, “Abraham blessings are mine.”

The interesting part is that God doesn’t need your money or any form of giving before He do what He wants to do. He is just watching to see if you would be willing to be a channel of blessing to people around you. The One that owns the cattle on a thousand hills and every beast of the forest being His, what can you really offer Him? We should count it all joy any time the opportunity arises to give to the Lord either in offering, tithes, sowing a seed into someone’s life or sponsoring a project in His kingdom. What a privilege! God Himself sowed a seed in form of His only Son, Jesus Christ, and in return He is reaping fruits of billions of children of God all over the world. Be like your Father in heaven, go ahead and give, sow a seed today...”pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give to your bosom”. This is the promise of God to you.

In this edition, Dr. Femi concludes his teaching on the ‘Holy Spirit’. It’s been very insightful and he has been a blessing. Pastor ‘Layo Afuape emphasised on never giving up. Very deep message on the need for us to keep our eyes on the finishing line. The Star influence of the edition is someone I have known all my life. He is a genius in what he does and we celebrate Femi Sofela as he influences this generation doing what he does best.

Special thanks to my good friend, ‘Bayo Coker, a prolific writer who has been very helpful with his artistic qualities. Another part in this edition is an interesting article for the youths/singles. I pray as you get a copy, read and digest it, may your life be transformed positively in Jesus name.

Every blessing.

Oluwole David

Editor-in-Chief: Oluwole David Editors: ‘Bayo Coker & Ibraheem Adebeshin.

Designed & Printed by Shalomwales Int’l 07806781603 Published by David’s camp Limited

2

David’s Camp Christian

Journal

There are many believers in Christ Jesus that their attitude and behaviour clearly define the signs of the end time

Endure it all There is a song that I was taught several years ago when taught about the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He’s coming back again 2x He went away and promised that He’s coming back again He’s coming back again, He’s coming back again Oh glory alleluia, He’s coming back again The disciples of Jesus in Matthew 24 went to him privately to ask about the signs of the second coming. Jesus mentioned about 10 signs that will be notable before His return.

We are, however, looking at verse 13, “but he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

There are many believers in Christ Jesus that their attitude clearly defines the signs of the end time such as: - many coming in the name of the Lord to deceive others - you will hear of wars and rumours of wars - many will be offended - many will betray and hate one another - the love of many shall grow cold Beloved, whether we like it or not, ready or not, Jesus will come back again. I pray that none of us will be left behind in Jesus name.

Jesus died for you to be saved not only from destruction but also from the signs of the end time. It was the blood of Jesus that paid the price for our salvation. What then can separate you from the love of Christ? - Romans 8:35-39.

Jesus stressed the need to be able to endure till the end. He prepared and equipped us for the Christian race that we may daily be strong in the might and in the power of our Lord-Ephesians 6:10-18.

CAN YOU ENDURE FOR HIS NAME SAKE?: The Bible encourages us to endure hardness as a soldier in 2 Timothy 2:3-4. Apostle Paul was arrested and kept under house arrest; he was not discouraged. He endured the in-

www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

forChrist

Pastor ‘Layo Afuape

sult, reproach, and shame. “For which I suffer as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endured all things for the sake of the elect, that they may obtained salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”-2nd Timothy 2:9

Being a soldier is not enough to win a war. We must “fight a good fight” - 1 Timothy 6:12. Actively resist lukewarmness, backsliding, temptation to withdraw from serving Christ because of offence, misrepresentation, evil works against you, rebellion and other works of the flesh.

What can you endure for Jesus? The Roman emperor Domitian commanded John be fried to death in hot oil, but God did not put his life in the hands of his persecutors. He continued to preach from inside the pot. John survived it. After John was removed from the boiling oil, he was forced to drink poison but as promised in Mark 16:18, it did not hurt him. John, the head of the church in Ephesus at the time was banished and put under house arrest at Patmos in A.D. 97. John survived all these because God had not finished with him yet, “Revelation” still had to come. John received a vision in a cave on the island of Patmos which is called “the book of revelation.” Had he been in the flesh, he would not have been chosen by God to be a vessel of honour. God has not finished with you too. There is a testimony waiting to be shared by the world from your life.

Paul encourages us that we must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God - Acts 14:21-22. “If we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,” then we shall obtain the reward.

BE READY TO FACE OPPOSITION: Be reassured that the more you are ready to serve God and daily focus on heaven, the more the enemy will want to attack your steadfastness in faith (1 Peter 5:6-9). BE DETERMINED TO PRESS ON TOWARDS THE MARK OF YOUR HIGH CALLING - Philippians 3:14. Paul showed his own determination for us to learn from in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - “we are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.”

FIGHT A GOOD FIGHT:

In Acts 7:59-60, Stephen was being killed, yet he endured the pain of being stoned and not curse his killers. He did not deny Jesus (Matthew 5:43-44).

In Acts 4:18-34, the Apostles were threatened not to preach the gospel, they did not stop but rather turned to God for strength and courage. JESUS HIMSELF WAS PERSECUTED, YET HE ENDURED AND FINISHED HIS ASSIGNMENT. NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TO DISTRACT WILL COME: Apostle Paul was troubled by Diotre-

www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

phes, yet he did not withdraw from visiting the Church to undertake his spiritual assignment. “...but Diotrephes who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive brethren and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the Church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (3 John: 9-11) Run away from sin or anything detrimental to God’s way - 1 Corinthians 6:12;10:23. There are many believers who started well but did not finish well like Judas Iscariot, Moses, Samson, and many others. You must be consistent in this race.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, yet they were able to lift up their voices to God in praise. When you are in a hostile environment where your gifts are being manipulated, would you praise God or become sinful?

David’s Camp Christian

continued on page 5

Journal

3

The Ministry Of the

Holy Spirit -Dr. Femi Olowo

I

sincerely hope you have been blessed by my teaching on this important person called Holy Spirit. In the previous editions, I mentioned lessons 1 & 2. I will urge to get your hands on the copies and read them if you have not.

In this concluding part, I will be mentioning the 3rd and last lesson. I pray you will experience the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry more than before in Jesus name.

How does the promise that the Holy Spirit will instruct us and bring all things to our memory apply today?

The Spirit guides us in our pursuit of truth through the Word of God. He teaches us by convicting us of sin, affirming truth in our hearts, and opening our understanding to the depth of God’s revealed truth. As you’ve probably experienced many times, He often brings to mind appropriate verses and truths from Scripture at just the night moment.

First John 2:27 says, «The anointing which you have received from Him [Christ] abides in you...as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.» Why does a Christian continue in Christ and not follow after cults and false doctrine? Because of the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. God has so endowed the Christian with discernment that he ultimately will not be deceived by lies. He may become confused at times, but he will always abide in Christ.

Verse 27 speaks of the anointing that the believer «received»--past tense. You received the Spirit when you were saved, and He continues to abide in you. The Spirit never leaves any Christian; the true believer will never depart from the faith. If one ever did, the Holy Spirit would have failed in His teaching ministry.

4

David’s Camp Christian

The Power of the Spirit in You Prior to receiving the Holy Spirit, the apostles were powerless to carry out Christ›s unfinished work. So in Acts 1:8 Jesus promised, «You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.»

The Greek word translated «power» (dunamis) is the source of the English word dynamite. Every Christian is packed with power--the Holy Spirit.

Some Christians feel they are lacking in power. If you feel that way, it›s not God›s fault. The power is within you--all you need to do is turn on the ignition switch!

Ephesians 5:18 says to «be filled with the Spirit.» To live a Spirit-filled life means to yield yourself to the control of the Spirit. The way to do that is to «let the word of Christ richly dwell within you» (Colossians 3:16). Being filled with the Spirit and letting the Word dwell in you are synonymous because they produce the same results: a song in your heart, a thankful attitude, and loving relationships at home and at work (Ephesians 5:19--6:9; Colossians 3:16--4:1).

To let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly is to be preoccupied with the presence of Christ. The more you saturate your mind with what you learn about Him from the Bible, the more He controls your thoughts. By yielding yourself totally to the Word of God and letting it permeate your life, you›ll be controlled by the Spirit›s desires.

God can do great things through you.

Ephesians 3:20 says He «is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.» The power is in you; it just needs to be released. That happens when you yield every aspect of your life to the Spirit›s control.

Conclusion Nothing can take the place of the Holy Spirit›s work in the life of the believer.

Through Him we are «heirs of God and

Journal

fellow heirs with Christ» (Romans 8:17).

We are infinitely richer than all the billionaires of the world put together because what we possess is an eternal inheritance.

Paul, quoting the prophet Isaiah, wrote, «Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him» (1 Corinthians 2:9). Christians are rich beyond imagination. And the greatest resource of all--the Holy Spirit--dwells in us and is with us forever.

Lesson 3

The Nine-Fold Ministry of the Holy Spirit 1.​Comforter The Paraclete (NT Greek).

Paraclete has an eightfold meaning… but His primary purpose is to Comfort us.

Hence KJV translates Paraclete as ‘Comforter’.

John 14:16,26; John 15:26; John 16:7.

Also 2 Cor 1:3,4 – The God of all comfort 2.​Counsellor Counselling is giving help through dialogue. The Holy Spirit will help you as you dialogue with Him. Counselling is activity which helps in times of crisis towards change, growth or understanding through a caring relationship. The Holy Spirit wants to help you through your difficult times.

3.​Helper One who make it easier or possible for another to do something by offering them assistance, services or resources.

The Holy Spirit will make it easier for you to do the things you need to do 4.​Advocate 1 John 2:1 - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

5.​Strengthener Strength: •​The quality or state of being physically strong.

•​The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure.

•​The capacity to resist attack; im-

www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

pregnable The Holy Spirit will give you the strength and capacity to withstand pressure and attacks!

6.​ Teacher: John 14:26 - But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things 7.​Intercessor Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaningswhich cannot be uttered.

8.​ Standby •​One that is ready or available for immediate action or use •​One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency •​One that is always in readiness for duty or immediate deployment •​One who is waiting and ready to do something or to help The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Standby!

9.​Enabler •​The one that gives someone else the authority, possibility or means of doing something •​The Holy Spirit is our Divine Enabler!

Conclusion & Summary: Nine-fold Ministry of the Holy Spirit

C.C.H.A.S.T.I.S.E

This is a nine point acronym for the ministry of the Holy Spirit as follows: •​Comforter •​Counsellor •​Helper •​ Advocate •​Strengthener •​Teacher •​Intercessor •​ Standby •​Enabler

-Dr. Femi Olowo Dr. Femi Olowo is the principal of Global Christian Institute and conducts seminars for churches as a key aspect of his itinerant ministry. In 1991, he founded and served as Principal of South London Christian College for over 20 years. He is also the founder and General Overseer of Jubilee International Church with branches in several nations. He has ministered around the world including Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA and Israel. Having studied at University of London, Sheffield University and Oxford University, he had qualifications and degrees in counselling, teaching and theology.

Christ

Endure it all for

Pastor ‘Layo Afuape

continued from page 3

Would you turn to God for direction?

Or would you rather withdraw and be looking? How far can the love you have for Christ pass the test of time?

Jesus Christ suffered for us to live. He expects His children, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to endure till the end for them to be able to reign with Him. John, the youngest of the apostles lived to be the oldest, dying in peace in Ephesus at the age of eighty after over half a century of resilient service to the church.

Reasons to endure till the end: 1. It helps you to keep your focus on Jesus- Hebrews 12:1-3 2. It helps you to encourage yourself that all the pains are only temporary, for the reward will come - 1 Corinthians 16:58 3. It helps you to be a blessing and an encourager to others who are struggling in the area God has helped you to pass through - 1 Corinthians 1:4 4. It helps you to remain patient until you receive the manifestation of what God has promised you - Hebrews 6:15.

Speaking of Abraham, “after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Isaiah 1:19, “... the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land.”

5. The grace of God is given in proportionate measure to the degree we are willing to endure.

6. Isolation, tribulation, persecution and all disciplines are brought to bear upon us to mould us and get us to yield to “divine will” James 5:10-11 7. It helps you to make it to heaven - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance), that ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” Hebrews 10:35-36 Endure, occupy till He comes and gain territories for Jesus. He is coming back again - be prepared.

Pastor ‘Layo Afuape Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God Great Beauty Tabernacle Catford, London.

Quote of the Edition: “If an egg is broken by an OUTSIDE FORCE, LIFE ENDS; if broken by an INSIDE FORCE, LIFE BEGINS…GREAT THINGS ALWAYS BEGIN FROM THE INSIDE.”

Dr. Femi is married to Pastor Anna and they have two grown up daughters, Tasha and Sarah.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, for it has great recommence of www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

David’s Camp Christian

Journal

5

T

he name Femi Sofela seems to be a household name in London.

Who actually is Femi Sofela?

Femi Sofela is a producer, a composer, a music arranger and a prolific bassist, who has been privileged to write, coordinate and play the bass for artistes of different genres of music across the globe. Femi Sofela was born into a music family. Thus after God, my greatest mentor is my dad who ceaselessly encourages all his children to play at least one musical instrument alongside schooling.

Which notable musical projects have you worked on that have been a blessing to our generation?

Oh! That’s a million dollars question to answer because I cannot recollect all but I was the Music Director for Southwark Council Black History month for 2yrs, promoting, working and inspiring young black kids. I am the in-house Music Director for Joyful Noise, the organiser of London African Music Festival since 2007 till date. I was the Musical Director for BBC 4 Extra Acrobat session, bridging the gaps musically between

6

David’s Camp Christian

African British born and African artistes.

I am working at the moment on producing a music piece for a new TV project called GIRLS TALK, just to mention few.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration certainly comes from God, my mood and environment. I love to exploit the circumstances & situations around me as basis for my music compositions & arrangement.

you are disciplined. Even Apostle Paul talked about putting our flesh under subjection.

For upcoming artistes & aspiring youths, how can they be the best in the musical world?

Determination, being diligent, focus, having a goal to reach is very essential.

Then have good time management {avoid associating with the term ‘’Africa Time”}. Be at a programme early to get organised. Our generation is full of artistes arriving late for sessions, be different. Arrive early and be disciplined.

Is it possible to be an artiste or a musician and not compromise your stand in Jesus Christ?

Very much possible, everything is borne out of one’s conviction. My conviction is, everything is achieved through the help of God and putting Christ first is the key. No limit to your aspirations if

Journal

www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

#Femi Sofela #The InRhythms www.femisofela.moonfruit.com

#Femi Sofela #Femi Sofela #The InRhythms

Singles Corner

Relationship & Sex

Genesis 4:1 says, “Adam knew his wife”. It does not say “Adam knew his girlfriend”.

O

ne of the greatest headaches of many young ladies in relationship is the issue of sex. While they find themselves entangled in love, they also would not want to offend God by fornicating.

Meanwhile, most young men of today are always demanding sex before marriage as a proof of love. If a lady denies her boyfriend (fiancé) sex, he tends to think she either does not love him or she is seeing another guy. And this throws the lady into so much confusion. She genuinely loves the guy but wouldn’t want to give in to sex. If she denies him, she may lose him and if she gives in too she disobeys God. Sincere apologies to our ladies.

Gentleman, please know that it is absolutely a lie from the pit of hell that if your fiancée does not give you sex it shows she doesn’t love you. How can you use sex as a LOVEOMETRE? Have you never slept with ladies you didn’t truly love? If you haven’t then let me tell you that many people are having sex with people they never love.

And the men are themselves the worst culprits.

If sex is a proof of love then we have to conclude that prostitutes love all the men they sleep with. If sex is a proof of love then we have to go about sleeping with our best friends and even family members to show how deeply we love them.

Even married couples, do not have sex to prove their love.

They rather have sex because sex is part of marriage and it is meant for both procreation and recreation - child birth and enjoyment. Don’t you know that there are married couples who are not genuinely in love but they still have sex as a matter of duty or just for cover-ups?

Surely, sex plays a major role in love affairs. But Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season...” It is never the right season to have sex in a relationship. This is because sex is a blood covenant between husband and wife not boyfriend and girlfriend.

Stop going that far with the lady. If you want to know about a woman’s love for you sex is never the answer.

Leave her alone to serve God right for your own sake if you truly want to marry her. Song of Solomon 2:7 says, “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelle... that you AWAKEN NOT LOVE UNTIL IT IS TIME”. The gazelle is a very swift animal. It runs at least 96 km per hour. Bible compares romance to the gazelle. If you start romance at the wrong time you may crash because you will not be able to stop it from running your life/ emotions at top speed. So until you are married, don’t AWAKEN LOVE. Sex has been the main reason for most broken hearts and disappointments.

Sex is called love-making because it involves the body, soul and spirit. Do you want your soul and spirit to be tied to somebody who is not married to you? Can you stand the consequences, Mr.Young Man? Hear the Bible: “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, DO NOT SPEND YOUR STRENGTH ON WOMEN, YOUR VIGOUR ON THOSE WHO DESTROY KINGS.” (Proverbs 31:2).

Sex before marriage can destroy you, even your Christian life. The funny thing is that it is the brothers in Christ who are mostly often bothering the sisters in Christ for sex. So God says, “My son...son of my vow”. You are a son of God so don’t waste your energy on women.

You should rather be teaching her chastity and help her serve God well.

Seeking love from sex is like looking for Jesus in an empty tomb. Take it easy. When you marry you will be fed up with sex. Your wife will be chasing you with it and you will be running away, saying, “Oh I’m tired, why?” Take your time okay, there is more sleep after death. How many rounds do you want? Wait patiently.

It will soon be laid at your doorstep and you will notice how stupid it is to chase sex when you are not married.

If you want a woman to prove her love to you, allow her some space to be herself. Do not force your will on her or control her. Her love, by nature, will push her to do things that will signal to you that you are her top priority.

www.facebook/David’s Camp Ministry

David’s Camp Christian

Journal

7

BECOMING A BETTER

PERSON

THROUGH FATHERHOOD

Countless times, Al-Desire and I would watch news channels - my favorite TV contents. Mind you, Al-Desire is barely fourteen months old.

Sometimes I will damn my conscience and flip through musical channels to keep abreast of entertainment especially the newest dance steps in town. Al-Desire is always all-over me whenever we are at home at the same time. I would usually escape into my study to read or write while I try as much as possible to shut him out.

Don’t blame me, that young man is more than a handful.

But this morning as I followed up on the events at the National Assembly, that still small voice spoke to me but not in its typical gentle tone; it came with a banger, “You know God will ask you to give account on this boy in some way”. A feeling of guilt enveloped me as I understand the concept of being precariously liable. Then my intuition followed: If you don’t want this boy to go through the rough paths you went through growing up, you better start now not a day longer (I had a memorable childhood that I am so proud of but if I had my way I would have wired my growing up differently). At that moment, I switched off the TV in the living room and journeyed into his room, Grun Platz – Green Room, I set up his bed again (as that had been dismantledsince the lad would rather sleep in the big bed sandwiched between MyPD and myself), switched on his TV (the only one that is not connected to the cable in the house), then delved into his CD rack as I got led to choose a compilation of Sunday School songs. All the while the boy clung to me in his typical manner; he does that anytime he felt I wanted to get rid of him. [I do that so I may

escape peacefully into my study], I slammed the CD into his DVD player and we both settled to watch. I didn’t have the faintest idea of the songs those kids were singing, in fact, the whole thing was boring to me but Al-D was somewhat enrapt as he was still holding on to me even while we were both in bed watching. Another sense of guilt came upon me at that moment as it was obvious that he too never enjoyed the contents that I love to watch on the TV, yet he would watch with me. With that sense of reciprocation, I pretended to enjoy the screening with him and gradually as I listened to them, I found the songs soothing especially as they were coming from the lips of those Cherubim (I am a sore loser! I should have been buying more Kiddies alongside my favorite movies). Moments later, I felt I should feed him and I gladly prepared his milk. This time he let me walk through the room without clinging to me but watched as I moved to get the needed stuffs.

He took the bottle from me, smiled and gulped the milk. The songs were still rolling on and truly “in the mouth of babes and suckling thou has perfected praise”. We both locked ourselves up inside Grun Platz and in turn I sieved some CDs that I planned we would watch together today. I would not know who fell asleep first but when I woke up I found my boy laid by my side sleeping on with no botheration by my side, and I can bet there is no botheration on his mind as well: I am the one that has bills to pick.

True, I am less-than-a-dollar-a-day writer and I should channel more energies writing my fiction,better still, seek re-entrance into corporate

world but a voice told me “what if your boy got everything money could buy but nurses dislike for his father because he feels the man is too busy attending to himself all the time?”

As I ran to my study to get my laptop to share this beautiful experience of mine with you I would not want to miss any part of that animated movie – FROZEN screening presently. I am back to Green Room.

He would not find me wanting when He comes.

Adebayo Coker holds a BA(English) and Masters in Public and International Affairs from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria respectively. He is a Wordsmith.

Societal Fragments, A Man Like Me: Noteography Of A Father To His Son and Wobbled Words are some of his published works. He blogs at www. pausibility.wordpress.com and tweets @adebay_c

He lives in Lagos, Nigeria with his wife and a son.