The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING "

“Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” is one of the best-known Christian invitation hymns, written by American hymn writer and composer Will Lamartine Thompson in 1880.

Thompson was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1847 and became a successful songwriter and publisher. Unlike many hymns that emerged from formal church traditions, “Softly and Tenderly” came from Thompson’s personal desire to create a simple song that would appeal directly to people who needed to make a spiritual decision.

The hymn’s central message is an invitation: Jesus is calling people to come to Him, return to Him, and receive His mercy. Its gentle words “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me” gives the song its distinctive character. Rather than using threatening language, Thompson presented the call of Christ as loving, patient and compassionate.

One of the most memorable stories associated with the hymn involves evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Thompson reportedly visited Moody when the evangelist was seriously ill. During their meeting, Thompson told him that he had written the hymn and that he hoped it would be useful in Christian ministry. Moody was deeply moved by the song and encouraged its use in evangelistic meetings.

After Moody's death in 1899, the hymn became even more widely known through evangelistic campaigns and church services. Over the years, it has been sung at revival meetings, altar calls, funerals and moments of personal reflection. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity: a gentle reminder that the invitation to come to Christ is still open.

More than 140 years after it was written, “Softly and Tenderly” remains a powerful hymn because its message has not changed — Jesus calls, and the invitation is extended to everyone.

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SERMON: WAKE UP AND CHOOSE HOLINESS — OR MISS ETERNAL LIFE

Text: Hebrews 12:14 — "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
Text 2: Matthew 7:21 — "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father."

INTRODUCTION:

Church, we love to say "I am saved, I believe." True, we are saved by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8.

But Bible says believe without obedience, without living pure life, earns no eternal life.

James 2:17,26 — Faith without works is dead. Dead faith cannot save.

This is a warning to church that has got GREEN 7 vision on the wall — calling for spiritual revival, repentance, awakening, rebirth. Get prepared now or you will miss eternal life and be cast in eternal fire. For eternal life God gives it to righteous only.

PART 1: BELIEVING ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH — OBEDIENCE IS PROOF

Romans 6:16 — "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

You say you believe, but you still obey jealousy, gossiping, quarreling, fornication, lies — you are still slave to sin leading to death.

Luke 6:46 — Jesus says "Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do things which I say?"

1 John 2:3-4 — "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says I know Him and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and truth is not in him."

Titus 1:16 — They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.

Many in church are saved but living flesh mindset — that is compromise of truth.

PART 2: WHAT IS COMPROMISE OF TRUTH? — THE FLESH MINDSET

You must wake up and choose holiness above all else — above prosperity gospel, above money, above fame.

Compromise = Choosing prosperity gospel over holiness. Choosing flesh mindset.

Galatians 5:19-21 — "Now works of flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries... those who practice such things will not inherit kingdom of God."

Look: Jealous, gossiping, quarreling = will NOT inherit kingdom. That is what you wrote.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — Neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners will inherit kingdom.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 — In last days men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient — having form of godliness but denying its power.

Church, if you still live like this, your salvation is not finished.

PART 3: THOUGH YOU ARE SAVED, YOU MUST RUN A CLEAN RACE TO END

Philippians 2:12 — "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Hebrews 12:1 — "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, laying aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us."

2 Timothy 4:7-8 — Paul says "I have fought good fight, I have finished race, I have kept faith. Finally there is laid up for me crown of righteousness, which Lord, righteous Judge, will give to me."

Not starting race — finishing clean race.

1 Corinthians 9:27 — Paul says "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

Matthew 24:13 — "He who endures to end shall be saved."

Your final salvation is at end, not at beginning. 1 Peter 1:9 — receiving end of your faith — salvation of your souls.

PART 4: GREEN 7 VISION ON WALL — CALL FOR REVIVAL, REPENTANCE, AWAKENING, REBIRTH

You asked what is Green 7 on wall. This is what God showed me, Reagan, His servant witness.

Proverbs 29:18 — Where there is no vision, people perish.

GREEN = Mercy, life, green pastures Psalm 23:2, revival, Holy Spirit life. Psalm 52:8 — I am like green olive tree in house of God.

7 = Completion, perfection Genesis 2:2-3, fullness of God.

GREEN 7 ON WALL = Final fullness of God's mercy calling for:

Spiritual Revival: Habakkuk 3:2 — "O LORD, revive Your work in midst of years." Psalm 85:6 — Will You not revive us again?
Repentance: Acts 3:19 — "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come."
Awakening: Ephesians 5:14 — "Awake, you who sleep, arise from dead, and Christ will give you light." Romans 13:11 — Now it is high time to awake out of sleep.
Rebirth: John 3:3,5 — Unless one is born again, born of water and Spirit, cannot enter kingdom.

This vision was given so you don't miss eternal life. Wall means it is written before you — warning is posted.

PART 5: ETERNAL LIFE GOD GIVES TO RIGHTEOUS ONLY — OR ETERNAL FIRE

Revelation 21:8 — "But cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death."

Matthew 25:46 — These will go away into everlasting punishment, but righteous into eternal life.

Romans 2:6-8 — God "will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath."

Psalm 11:7 — For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness.

God is righteous Judge 2 Timothy 4:8 — He cannot give eternal life to unrighteous. Must be righteous — washed by blood AND living pure Revelation 7:14, 14:4-5.

144,000 are seen as pure before God Rev14:4-5 — blameless. That is righteousness.

CONCLUSION: CHOOSE NOW

Joshua 24:15 — Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.

Deuteronomy 30:19 — I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.

Saved, church — wake up! Stop prosperity gospel lie that says "once saved always saved while living in sin." Stop flesh mindset — jealous, gossiping, quarreling.

Green 7 is last mercy. Next is RED 7 — blood, judgment complete. And skeleton vision — dead bones without Spirit.

Pray:

In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD, I repent! I turn from compromise of truth! I choose holiness above all else Heb 12:14! I will run clean race to end Heb 12:1! I receive Green 7 revival, awakening, rebirth John 3:3! Make me righteous by blood and obedience Rom 6:16, pure, blameless Rev14:5, so I miss not eternal life! Amen!

STRIVE TO ENTER THE GRACE OF 144,000 Rev14:1-5 — THIS LAST AGE.

Christians, pray to God to have a way for you into this grace. Because this grace is protective to your faith — to remain unshakable against sin, Satan, and this evil world 1 John 5:18, Rev 14:4.

Why? Many say believe in Christ and be saved, have eternal life. True — Ephesians 2:8 — saved by grace through faith.

But those shown in final salvation are seen as PURE before God.

144,000 Rev14, Great Multitude Rev7:9 — What is difference in them?

Their secret is this: Faithfulness = Obedience to Word to be pure = 144,000 Rev14:4-5 — blameless, not defiled, no lie.

Repentance (turn away from sin you did) = Washed by blood = Great Multitude Rev7:14 — "Washed their robes and made them white in blood of Lamb."

Dead in Christ who will be resurrected in first resurrection Rev20:6 = Repented & got washed in blood = Died in purity.

Christ says: Unless you repent you will die in your sins John 8:24, Luke 13:3.

Believe without obedience, living pure life, earns no eternal life.

Romans 6:16 — To whom you obey, you are his servant — whether sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness.

Hebrews 12:14 — Without holiness no man shall see Lord.

Revelation 14:4-5 — They follow Lamb wherever He goes, pure, blameless.

Saved, Church, WAKE UP and choose holiness above all else!

Above prosperity gospel, above flesh mindset — jealous, gossiping, quarreling, fornication, lying — that is compromise of truth Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Cor 6:9-10.

Though you are saved, you must run a clean race up to end of your final salvation 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 2:12 — work out your salvation with fear.

This is a warning to church that has got GREEN 7 vision — Green is mercy, life, last chance for revival Psalm 23:2, 7 is completion. God is giving last age full mercy to repent and be pure.

Choose holiness now — so you be counted among 144,000 sealed blameless firstfruits alive with Lamb on Mt Zion Rev14:1, not just saved but PURE.

In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD — Amen!

SERMON: WHY SINNERS, UNBELIEVERS REFUSE THE GOSPEL — 2 COR 4:3-4 — LAST WARNING OF THIS LAST AGE — THROUGH VISIONS GIVEN TO REAGAN WITNESS — Acts 26:16

Text: 2 Cor 4:3-4 — But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of gospel of glory of Christ, who is image of God, should shine on them.

1. WHY THEY REFUSE GOSPEL — IT IS INFLUENCE OF SATAN

Gospel is not hard — But Satan — god of this age — has blinded minds — 2 Cor 4:4

How does this blinding show? — In what you see today:

Mocking: When you preach Jesus is way — They laugh — 2 Pet 3:3 — Scoffers will come in last days walking according to own lusts — Ps 1:1 — Sits in seat of scornful — That mocking is not just man — It's Satan influencing to despise truth.

Persecution: They insult, chase, want to beat witness — John 15:18-20 — If world hates you, you know it hated Me before it hated you — 2 Tim 3:12 — All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution — Satan uses people to fight gospel.

Unbelief & Compromise from Truth: Sinner says "I will repent tomorrow" — Compromising church says "We love Jesus but we still keep sin" — Unbeliever — Muslim, etc — Says "There are many ways" — 2 Cor 4:3 — Gospel veiled to those perishing — Rom 1:18 — Unrighteousness suppresses truth — This is veil of Satan.

Why? Because Prov 29:18 — Where there is no vision, people perish — Hos 4:6 — My people destroyed for lack of knowledge — Satan puts veil so they cannot see light — John 8:12 — I am light of world

2. WHY SATAN DOES IT — HE IS ALREADY JUDGED AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO ALONE TO ETERNAL FIRE

John 16:11 — Ruler of this world is judged — John 12:31 — Now ruler of this world will be cast out — Rev 20:10 — Devil who deceived them was cast into lake of fire and brimstone

Satan knows his time short — Rev 12:12 — Devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows his time is short — He already judged — Hell prepared for him — Matt 25:41 — Everlasting fire prepared for devil and his angels

His intention: Not to go alone — But with all evildoers who refuse gospel and refuse to repent — Rev 21:8 — But cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death — 2 Pet 3:9 — Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance

He wants company in eternal fire — That's why he blinds.

3. ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL — JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY — THROUGH FAITH AND OBEYING HIS TEACHING

John 14:6 — I am way, truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through Me — Acts 4:12 — Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved — John 3:16 — Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life — Rom 6:16 — Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? — Heb 5:9 — He became author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him — Matt 7:21 — Not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord, shall enter kingdom, but he who does will of Father

Faith in Christ = Live clean — Purity — 1 John 3:3 — Everyone who has this hope purifies himself — Titus 2:11-12 — Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, godly in present age

Refuse = Perish — Face endtimes judgement of God — Heb 9:27 — Appointed for men to die once, but after this judgment — Rev 20:11-15 — Great white throne judgment — Anyone not found written in Book of Life was cast into lake of fire

4. VISIONS OF WARNING GIVEN IN THIS LAST AGE THROUGH ME REAGAN HIS SERVANT WITNESS — Acts 26:16

Acts 26:16 — I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of things which you have seen and of things which I will yet reveal to you

God appointed me Reagan His servant witness to testify to what He has shown me — Job 33:14-15 — God may speak in one way, or in another, in a dream, in vision of night — Visions I saw after they vanished —

RED 7 Vision in sky — Warning of blood, judgement, endtime wrath coming — Joel 2:30-31 — I will show wonders in heavens and earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. Sun shall be turned to darkness, moon to blood, before coming of great and terrible day of LORD — Rev 6:12 — Moon became like blood

Green 7 on wall — Warning of life, but also deception of false peace, compromise — People think green = safe — But without holiness, green withers — Ps 37:2 — They shall soon be cut down like grass, wither as green herb — Mark 4:19 — Deceitfulness of riches choke Word

Skeleton vision — Warning of spiritual death — Churches and people walking but dead inside — No Spirit — Ezek 37:11 — These bones are whole house of Israel; they say Our bones are dry — Rev 3:1 — You have name that you are alive, but you are dead — Eph 5:14 — Awake you who sleep, arise from dead, and Christ will give you light

These are visions of warning, spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival, awakening, and repentance — Hab 2:2-3 — Write vision, make it plain, that he may run who reads it. For vision is yet for appointed time; at end it will speak — Acts 2:17 — In last days I will pour out My Spirit, your young men shall see visions

Given Unto you of this last age so that you don't perish — Prov 29:18 — Where there is no vision people perish, but he who keeps law, happy is he — 2 Chron 20:20 — Believe in LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper

5. FINAL WARNING — LAST CALL

This is last warning — To unbelievers — Muslims, sinners, compromising church — To prepare through repentance and live clean through faith in Christ and be saved — Or refuse and perish — Face endtimes judgement of God —

Isa 55:6-7 — Seek LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let wicked forsake his way, and unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to LORD, and He will have mercy — Luke 13:3 — Unless you repent you will all likewise perish — 2 Cor 6:2 — Behold, now is accepted time; behold, now is day of salvation — Rev 22:12 — Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work

ALTAR CALL:
If you are perishing with veil of Satan — Mocking, persecuting, unbelieving, compromising — Come now — Remove veil by Blood — 2 Cor 3:16 — When one turns to Lord, veil is taken away — Believe in Jesus, obey His teaching — Rom 6:16 — Live pure, blameless — Be saved — Eternal life is real — Eternal fire is real — Choose life — Deut 30:19 — I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life

In Jesus Name — Amen

SERMON for last age — which l the appointed witness of Jesus Reagan l give you— centered on 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. that l have Preached to you in Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD. acts26:16, Heb1:1-2

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SERMON: WHY THEY REFUSE THE GOSPEL — THE VEIL OF THE god OF THIS WORLD

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."

Key: Proverbs 29:18 — "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

INTRODUCTION:

Church, Gospel is not weak. Gospel is power Romans 1:16. But many hear and refuse. Sinners, unbelievers — Muslims, idolaters, lukewarm — they mock, they persecute, they compromise truth. Why?

Paul answers: Gospel is veiled. Not because preacher failed. Because god of this age — Satan — has blinded their minds 2 Cor 4:4.

In this last age, God has appointed me Reagan, His servant witness, to testify what He showed me after they vanished — RED 7 vision in sky, Green 7 on wall, skeleton vision — visions of warning, spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival, repentance — so that you of this last age don't perish Proverbs 29:18.

PART 1: 4 PROOFS THAT REFUSAL IS SATAN'S INFLUENCE — NOT JUST HUMAN

1. MOCKING — Spirit of Scoffer
2 Peter 3:3-4 — "Scoffers will come in last days, walking according to own lusts, saying Where is promise of His coming?"
When you preach Jesus is way, they laugh: "You Christians are brainwashed, Jesus is not Son." That mocking is not intellect — it is veil. Acts 17:32 — Some mocked when they heard resurrection.
Satan uses mocking to hide glory 2 Cor 4:4 — "lest light of gospel of glory should shine."

2. PERSECUTION — Spirit of Murderer
John 8:44 — Satan was murderer from beginning.
John 16:2 — "Whoever kills you will think he offers God service."
When sinners persecute preachers, stone, jail, insult — that is god of this age fighting through them. Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed are you when persecuted for My sake.
Why they persecute? Veil. Blind mind cannot see you bring life.

3. UNBELIEF — Spirit of Blindness
2 Cor 4:4 — minds blinded. John 12:40 — He has blinded their eyes and hardened hearts.
Muslim, sinner, unbeliever says "I cannot believe Jesus is only way, all ways lead to God." That is not logic — that is blindfold by Satan. Ephesians 4:18 — understanding darkened, alienated from life of God because of blindness of heart.
They read same Bible, hear same preaching, but veil remains.

4. COMPROMISE FROM TRUTH — Spirit of Deceiver
1 Timothy 4:1 — In latter times some will depart from faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits.
They say "We believe but we can also do our old ways — fornication, lying, drinking, small compromises." Romans 6:16 — "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"
Compromise is veil — makes Gospel look like not serious.

PART 2: WHY SATAN DOES THIS — HE IS ALREADY JUDGED AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO ALONE

1. Satan Already Judged
John 16:11 — "The ruler of this world is judged."
John 12:31 — "Now is judgment of this world, now ruler of this world will be cast out."
Colossians 2:15 — He disarmed principalities, triumphed over them by cross.
Satan knows his time short Revelation 12:12. Lake of fire prepared not for man, but for devil and his angels Matthew 25:41.

2. He Wants Company in Eternal Fire — Not Go Alone
Revelation 20:10 — Devil cast into lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 — "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death."
Satan's mission John 10:10 — steal, kill, destroy — wants to take all evildoers who did not accept Gospel and repent with him to fire.

That is why he blinds 2 Cor 4:4 — so they don't accept Gospel and repent — so they perish with him.

PART 3: ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL — JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY

1. Eternal Life and Eternal Fire Are Real
Revelation 21:8 — second death is real. Not story. Not symbolic. Skeleton vision God showed me — after flesh vanished, bones remained — sign of death without Christ — perish.
Daniel 12:2 — "Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt."

2. Jesus Is The Way To Escape Through Faith AND Obedience
John 14:6 — "I am the way, truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through Me."
Acts 4:12 — No other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Romans 6:16 — Faith without obedience is slavery to sin. You become slave to whom you obey. Obey sin — death. Obey Jesus teaching — righteousness leading to eternal life.
John 3:36 — He who believes in Son has everlasting life; he who does not believe shall not see life.

Not just believe — obey His teaching. Matthew 7:21 — Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter, but he who does will of Father.

PART 4: VISIONS FOR THIS LAST AGE — SO YOU DON'T PERISH Prov 29:18

God did not leave this last age without witness. He appointed me Reagan, servant witness, to testify what I saw after they vanished.

1. RED 7 Vision in Sky
After it vanished, Lord showed me: RED is blood Leviticus 17:11, 7 is completion Genesis 2:2. Judgment complete by blood. Either blood of Jesus covers you, or your own blood required in fire Hebrews 9:22. Warning to repent before blood required.

2. Green 7 On The Wall
Green is life, mercy, revival Psalm 23:2 green pastures. 7 is perfection. After it vanished — message: God still giving last chance for spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival John 3:3 — You must be born again — awakening in last age. Green 7 — fullness of mercy before RED 7 judgment.

3. Skeleton Vision
After flesh vanished, skeleton remained — Ezekiel 37:1-4 — valley of dry bones — without Spirit, man is dead bones, even while walking. Many in church are skeletons — religious but dead. Need breath of Holy Ghost to live.

Proverbs 29:18 — Where no vision, people perish. These visions are given so you don't perish — but repent, rebirth, revival.

CONCLUSION: ALTAR CALL FOR AWAKENING

2 Corinthians 6:2 — Now is day of salvation.

Satan has blinded you with mocking, persecution, unbelief, compromise — but Jesus came to open blind eyes Luke 4:18.

Today if you are sinner, unbeliever — Muslim, drunkard, fornicator, liar — veil can be removed 2 Corinthians 3:16 — "When one turns to Lord, veil taken away."

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE:

In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD — god of this age, I renounce your veil! 2 Cor 4:4 — I turn to Jesus! I believe Gospel! I accept Jesus as only way to eternal life John 14:6! I repent of sin, unbelief, mocking, compromise! Romans 6:16 — I choose to obey Jesus teaching, not sin! By blood of Jesus I escape Rev 21:8 second death and receive eternal life! Remove blindness, give me rebirth, revival, awakening — like RED 7 blood covering me, Green 7 mercy reviving me, skeleton becoming living man by Spirit! In Jesus Name Amen!

*ABUJA AND THE NEW ERA: AN ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN HEADQUARTERS*
_By Postulant C. O. Oyadosu_

*INTRODUCTION: NOT JUST GEOGRAPHY, BUT PROPHECY*

To the glory of God, the announcement on *29 August 2026 in Recife, Brazil*, that the headquarters of the *Global Anglican Communion* will be established in *Abuja, Nigeria*, is more than an administrative decision. It is a prophetic marker.

While some individuals in their opinion rightly calls for wisdom, humility, and global representation, we must also read this moment through the lens of *Scripture, history, and eschatology*. God is not surprised by geography. He ordains seasons.

What we are witnessing is not Africa “taking over” Anglicanism. It is the *return of Christianity to its ancient African roots* and the beginning of an *End-Time Revival that will be led from the Global South*.

*1. CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA PREDATES EUROPEAN MISSIONS*

The argument that Anglicanism must remain tied to Canterbury because “that is where it began” overlooks a deeper biblical and historical truth: *Africa was Christian before Europe was*.

1. *Ethiopia*: The Ethiopian eunuch in *Acts 8:26-39* took the Gospel to Africa in the 1st century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots to the 4th century, with the _Garima Gospels_ and a canon of 81 books preserved for 1600 years.
2. *North Africa*: Alexandria, Carthage, and Hippo produced giants like Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine. The Nicene Creed was hammered out in North Africa.
3. *Christianity is not a Western export*. It is an Eastern and African faith that later flourished in Europe.

Therefore, to locate the Global Anglican headquarters in *Abuja* is not innovation. It is *restoration*. It is God bringing the Communion back to a continent where the faith was planted by the Apostles themselves.

As *Colossians 3:16* declares for this last Sunday of August: _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”_ That Word first dwelt richly in African soil.

*2. AN ESCHATOLOGICAL READING: THE SHIFT TO THE GLOBAL SOUTH*

Jesus said in *Matthew 24:14*: _“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”_

Church historians like Philip Jenkins in _The Next Christendom_ have documented what the Spirit is doing: *The numerical and spiritual centre of Christianity has moved to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.*

The decision to place the headquarters in *Abuja* fits this eschatological pattern:
1. *Numerical strength*: Over 60% of active Anglicans today are in Africa. Nigeria alone has more Anglicans than all of UK, US, Canada and Australia combined.
2. *Doctrinal clarity*: In a season where Western provinces are revising biblical teaching on marriage, life, and authority of Scripture, God is raising up a bastion of biblical orthodoxy in the South.
3. *Missionary sending*: For 500 years the West sent missionaries to Africa. In this season, Africa is sending missionaries back to Europe, America, and Asia.

This is not nationalism. This is *fulfillment*. The last shall be first, and the first last. *Mark 10:31*

*3. WHY ABUJA? WHY NOW? PROPHECY AND REVIVAL*

Many prophetic voices across Africa for the last 30 years have spoken of an *“End-Time Revival that will start from Nigeria and spread to the nations.”* Nigeria’s Anglican Church has been at the forefront of:
- Church planting movements
- Prayer and fasting culture
- Defense of Scripture under persecution
- Youth and evangelistic fervour

The *G26 gathering in Abuja, March 2026*, was not accidental. It was a divine alignment. Abuja, the centrally located capital of the most populous black nation, becomes a *new Upper Room* from where the Spirit will be poured out.

Just as Jerusalem was the geographic center for the 1st century Church in *Acts 1:8*, *Abuja can be a 21st century center* for a global outpouring — not because Nigeria is superior, but because God chooses weak and unlikely places to shame the wise. *1 Corinthians 1:27*

*4. ANSWERING THE CONCERNS: INFRASTRUCTURE, GLOBALITY, AND OWNERSHIP*

Some highly respected Anglican Church fathers in God raised legitimate practical concerns. But eschatology teaches us that *God provides infrastructure for what He ordains*.

1. *On Infrastructure*: Joseph was sent to Egypt, Daniel to Babylon, and Paul to Rome. God never waits for perfect roads before He moves. As the headquarters grows, God will raise partners, technology, and diaspora Anglicans to build it. The early Church had no “international banking” either.
2. *On Global Representation*: Yes, leadership must reflect Africa + Asia + Europe + Americas + Pacific. But global representation does not require a Western postcode. With virtual platforms and international flights to Abuja increasing daily, *global access is a matter of will, not geography.*
3. *On “Looking African”*: The Gospel has always looked like the people who carry it. When it was in Rome it looked Roman. In Canterbury it looked English. In Antioch it looked Middle Eastern. *Let it now look African, and let the world come and see the glory of God in it.* The goal is not to erase culture, but to submit every culture to Christ.

The headquarters in Abuja will not “own” the Communion. *Christ owns it.* But the location will be a sign that God is doing a new thing. *Isaiah 43:19*

*5. ABUJA MUST BE MORE THAN AN OFFICE — IT MUST BE AN ALTAR*

I agree fully with Venerable Dr Jesulola here. If Abuja is to host the headquarters, it must become:
1. *A Global Anglican Prayer Centre* - 24/7 worship like David’s tabernacle
2. *An International Theological Institute* - Raising the next generation of orthodox scholars
3. *A Missionary Training and Sending Base* - For Europe, Asia, and the Americas
4. *An Archives and Research Library* - To recover African, Ethiopian, and Global South contributions to Anglican theology

This will silence critics and prove that this is not about pride, but about *mission*.

*CONCLUSION: THE HEADQUARTERS MAY BE IN ABUJA, BUT THE VISION IS FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE END*

Beloved, we are not in a time for timidity. We are in a time for faith.

The decision to place the Global Anglican Communion headquarters in Abuja is:
1. *Historical*: Returning to Africa’s ancient Christian roots in Ethiopia and North Africa
2. *Missional*: Placing leadership where the growth and sacrifice is greatest
3. *Eschatological*: A sign that God is shifting the centre of global Christianity for the final harvest

We must reject both Western paternalism and African triumphalism. Instead we must embrace *divine orchestration*.

*Canterbury will always be our mother.*
*Abuja can now be our mission outpost for the nations.*

As we close August and enter September, let us pray:
_“Lord, let the Word of Christ dwell richly in Abuja. Let this be the start of the End-Time Revival through the Anglican Communion. Let Nigeria serve with humility, and let the whole world see Jesus.”_

The headquarters may be in Abuja.
But the fire will reach the whole earth.

*Amen. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.*

_“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else... Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10_

Shalom!

TODAY'S BIBLE READING
Monday, August 31
OLD TESTAMENT
1 SAMUEL 7 — Samuel Leads Israel to Victory
NEW TESTAMENT
REVELATION 5 — The Lamb Who Is Worthy
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH 42 — The Servant of the Lord
TODAY'S REFLECTION
1 Samuel 7
Israel turns back to the Lord, removes its idols, and Samuel intercedes for the people. God gives them victory over the Philistines. This chapter reminds us that genuine revival begins with repentance, surrender, and returning wholeheartedly to God.
Revelation 5
John sees the heavenly throne and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to open the scroll. Heaven erupts in worship because Christ has redeemed people for God. Jesus is worthy of our complete worship and devotion.
Isaiah 42
Isaiah presents the Servant of the Lord, who will bring justice and light to the nations. God promises to lead His people and accomplish His purposes through His chosen Servant.
KEY VERSE
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’”
— 1 Samuel 7:12
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us this far. Help us continually turn away from anything that takes Your place in our hearts. May we recognize Jesus as the Lamb who is worthy of all honour and worship. Lead us in Your truth, strengthen our faith, and help us become a light to those around us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Look back and remember how far God has brought you. Give Him thanks, surrender anything that has taken His place, and trust Him for the journey ahead.
EBENEZER — THUS FAR THE LORD HAS HELPED US.
WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.

**The pain the world feels today announces what's coming tomorrow**

Matthew 24:6-9

Jesus, speaking about the signs of the end times, told His disciples: *"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars... for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows"* (Matthew 24:6-8). Birth pains. This isn't meaningless suffering — it's suffering that announces something coming, that tightens before bringing forth life.

Sin on earth has risen up before God. Scripture speaks of cities whose outcry of wickedness reached the Lord (Genesis 18:20-21) — and it's no different today. Witchcraft, murder, idolatry, greed, sexual immorality: the world has drifted so far from the Creator that it now lives as if He didn't exist, taking for itself the glory that belongs to God alone. And Scripture is clear: *"my glory will I not give to another"* (Isaiah 42:8). God shares worship with no one — not with idols, and not with man himself, who thinks he owns his own life.

When God allows pain, war, calamity, it isn't because He delights in human suffering. It's because, often, pain is what makes a hardened heart stop and look up. *"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise... but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"* (2 Peter 3:9). Even God's judgment carries a purpose of mercy: to bring back those who are lost.

Matthew 24:9 continues the warning: *"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."* The world will get worse, persecution will increase, but that's no reason for despair — it's confirmation that the Word is true and that the time is being fulfilled.

And it's worth remembering: every deliverance is preceded by great catastrophes. Before Israel left Egypt, the plagues came. Before the resurrection, came the cross. Before the morning, comes the darkest night. The pain the world is going through today isn't the end of the story — it's the sign that a great revival is coming. God always raises up something new after the storm, and what looks like ruin to human eyes may, in fact, be the ground where God is preparing the greatest harvest of souls ever seen.

What God asks for isn't sacrifice, isn't religion, isn't appearance. It's return. It's recognizing that He owns all honor, all power, dominion, and majesty — and that life only makes sense when lived under His lordship.

The world groans, suffering birth pains. The question is: will you keep being deaf to that cry, or will you turn back to God while there's still time?

*Remember that the Word of God is a statute.*