smaj publishing house

THE QUESTION IS OFTEN ASKED, what should be the relationship of the followers of Christ with the world system? So many have tried to withdraw entirely from the systems due to the fear of being corrupted. Moving around town some months ago, on the streets of Ilorin, Kwara State, I was especially drawn to the various business enterprises around town, but most especially the big eateries. I do not really know the owners of these enterprises but one thing I’m sure of - they are patronized by Christians as well. CHRISTIANITY IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH INFERIORITY The mentality of a consumer is so rampant in the Christian faith – some of which sprang from the idea that since Jesus is coming soon, we need not invest in something that would be of lasting value. It is disheartening to hear these same teachings from most of the pulpits. This has made many believers limit themselves in what they can achieve. WE ARE NOT HERE TO SURVIVE So many just live to get by. Investing in lucrat...

A couple of years ago, I engaged my social media friends with a conversation centred around the quest and deep heart longing for 'making' heaven. Their responses came pouring in in different shades. While some affirmed that heaven is the final place of rest for the new creation man, others posited that it is only a temporary place for the new creation man. The discussion extended into asking if they would still keep their moral integrity if a liable source (divinity) discloses that there is no longer the promise of 'heaven'. A good number submitted that; what then would be the essence/reward of living in response to God's gift of righteousness. This submission brought me into the conclusion that many professing new creation men are simply doing so for the purpose of being rewarded with a heavenly abode (wherever the Father dwells is heaven....the person makes it heaven not the environment) - so much that a prayer would not be seen as complete if it is not coated o...

"Whenever you remove any fence, always pause long enough to ask why it was put there in the first place" - G. K Chesterton Oftentimes, when we speak about morality in the Christian faith, we would be opposed all together by brothers and sisters advocating a new revolution - called the GRACE REVOLUTION. I have always a singular response to this movement. If we paint 'grace' as a revolution or movement in a way that we make people believe it is a new thing or a new doctrine, we should as well be prepared for a total overhauling in the nearest future. The very initiation of a revolution connotes that it is for a time - and I do not agree that the Christian faith should be placed on such quicksand. In talking about being placed upon quicksand, I do not mean that the grace message is heretic in nature. I am saved eternally (as long as I abide in Him), I believe strongly in the death and resurrection of Christ (I rest in His finished works and labour from the position...

It's the Yuletide again. The period of celebration of a pre-Christian festival associated with the (northern) winter solstice, later absorbed into the festival of Christmas. The whole world has alluded the festival to the commemoration of the birth of her saviour, Jesus Christ. As glamorous as the event always turn out to be yearly, it is also true that it is a season of deceit, chiefly from teachers to pupils. We all (in this part of the world) grew into the mentality of having Santa come from Rome to our various schools. The media says the same - even churches claim this to be so. I would never forget the day I realized that our long awaited Father Christmas from Rome was a form teacher in my school. I was indeed disappointed. It was more as if the whole world has lied to me. I hated being deceived. The scenario is still standing up till date. Kids are still made to believe that Santa comes from Rome with so many gifts and lots of fun. Although, sooner or later, they come to ...

The assertion 'I can't wait' is often heard from the lips of many. For instance, college graduates in Nigeria would say - 'I can't wait to go for National Youth Service - even right from while they write their final exams as undergraduates. Few months into the service year, they can't wait still to complete it and get a job, followed closely by marriage. This I noticed has been the trend - the default setting. Very few of us have chosen to defile this anyways. I like to propose my ideal pattern for living which is ENJOY EACH MOMENT TO THE FULL. One of life's greatest tragedies is to arrive at the end of your journey and realize you could have done more, loved more , laughed harder, played more intensely and lived more vivaciously - T.D Jakes KEYS TO LIVING MAXIMALLY 1. Minimize your load Travelling is a lot less stressful with reduced luggage. Most people live with malice, hatred, hurtful feelings and they expect to soar fast and high. I often like to p...

Every product created and released into the market by a manufacturer has a purpose to fulfil. As a matter of fact, the purpose is first conceived before the product creation begins. Man is/was created by God for a sole purpose - which is to rule over the heaven and earth created for him. Hence, he is the crown of all creation. Having said the above, it is important for each individual to discover his/her place in the scope of fulfilling this great mandate. What on earth are you here for? Take time out to diligently follow through this six steps. It has worked for me - you won't be an exception. 1. Look Above You Man would not be far from insanity to believe that he is a mere product of chance. The consideration of your body systems and how they all work together for the sole purpose of your earthly existence is enough proof that there is a designer behind the design. When there are questions as regards a product in the market, who do we channel them to? The manufacturer of ...

Ephesians 6 :1 - 4 1 - recall wives submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. Apostle Paul knew that they were submitted to the Lord for Lordship require total submission. Hence, he admonishes the believing wife to submit to HER own husband in the same similitude. Here, children are admonished to obey their parents in the Lord. These guidelines are for the family *in the Lord* and are not necessarily expected to work outside the believing home. 2 & 3 - Parents deserve to be honoured for they occupy a ministerial as well as stewardship position in the lives of their children. Since they must give account, it is required of the children to honour them 4 - the Father likewise is laden primarily with the responsibility of bringing the children up in the way of the Lord. He prepares the path for the children to walk in.