JUST MUSING – TUESDAYS 001
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TEMPLATE FOR *“JUST MUSING – TUESDAYS”*
*Structure:*
- *Opening Illustration* (500 words) – A captivating story/parable
- *Scripture Foundation* – 2-3 carefully selected NKJV verses
- *Theological Exposition* – Deep biblical analysis
- *Life Application* – Practical Christian living
- *Call to Action* – Specific steps for spiritual growth
- *Closing Prayer* – Pastoral benediction
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*JUST MUSING 001*
*Opening Illustration: The Tale of Three Gardens.*
Picture, if you will, three magnificent gardens in the heart of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory’s Reserved countryside ìn Abuja. The first garden belonged to Prince Adébánjọ Awósànyà, whose gates bore a golden inscription: “All Welcome – No Entry Fee Required.” Visitors from every walk of life—peasants and nobility, foreigners and locals—streamed through those gates daily. The gardener’s only requirement was that they call out, “Prince Adé Awósànyà, grant me entrance!” and the gates would swing wide open.
The second garden belonged to Hajia Lateefah Aminu, who had inherited her estate from Prince Adébánjọ Awósànyà’s charity. However, her garden had a peculiar feature: whilst the gates remained open to all who called her name, only those who tended the garden—watering plants, pulling weeds, planting seeds—were permitted to remain. Many visitors would arrive, shout “Hajia Lateefah Aminu!” and expect to simply admire the beauty without lifting a finger. These individuals found themselves gently but firmly escorted out, despite their protestations: “But we called your name! We belong here!”*
The third garden was the most extraordinary of all. It belonged to Master Emeka Kalu, whose garden had been established with a promise: “This garden shall flourish not only for you, but for your children, and your children’s children, and all who dwell in distant lands whom I shall call to tend it.” Visitors to this garden discovered something miraculous—the more they worked alongside the master gardener, the more the garden’s influence spread. Seeds would somehow find their way to neighbouring properties, distant villages, even foreign shores.
One day, a curious traveller asked the three gardeners what connected their seemingly different approaches. The wise head gardener, who had served all three estates, smiled knowingly: *_“These are not three different gardens, dear friend. They are three aspects of the same magnificent estate. Prince Adébánjọ Awósànyà’s open invitation, Hajia Lateefah Aminu’s call to purposeful living, and Master Emeka Kalu’s promise of generational impact—together they reveal the heart of the true Master of all gardens. He calls everyone to enter freely, challenges all who enter to live purposefully, and promises that such faithful tending will bear fruit across generations and nations.”_*
*This, Beloved, is the very heart of our Christian faith—a divine garden where grace invites all, truth transforms all, and promise extends to all.*
*Scripture Foundation.*
*Romans 10:13 (NKJV):*
*_“For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved’.”_*
*Matthew 7:21 (NKJV):*
*_“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”_*
*Acts 2:39 (NKJV):*
*_“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”_*
*THEOLOGICAL EXPOSITION: The Divine Trinity of Salvation.*
*Romans 10:13 – The Magnificent Inclusivity of Divine Grace.*
Dearly beloved joint-heirs, this verse unveils the breath-taking scope of God’s merciful heart. The Apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, quotes the prophet Joel to establish a fundamental truth that shatters every human barrier. The word “whoever”—in Greek, “pas hos”—literally means “all who” or “every single person who.” This divine declaration demolishes the walls of ethnicity, social standing, creed, gender, past transgressions, and present circumstances.
Notice the simplicity of the requirement: “calls on the name of the LORD.” In Hebrew culture, a name represented the entire character, authority, and essence of a person. To call upon the Lord’s Name is not merely uttering syllables, but approaching His throne with genuine repentance, authentic faith, and wholehearted surrender. This calling transcends religious ritual—it demands a complete turning of heart, mind, and will towards our Saviour.
*Matthew 7:21 – The Sobering Reality of Authentic Discipleship.*
Our blessed Redeemer delivers here one of His most penetrating warnings against spiritual self-deception. The phrase “Lord, Lord” in Greek uses the double vocative, indicating urgency and familiarity—yet Christ exposes this as potentially hollow religiosity. Jesus distinguishes between mere profession and genuine possession of faith.
The “will of My Father” encompasses far more than Sunday morning attendance or charitable donations. It demands radical obedience to the Great Commandments—loving God supremely and loving our neighbours sacrificially. It requires caring for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), pursuing justice for the oppressed, and living lives that reflect the character of Christ in every sphere of influence.
*Acts 2:39 – The Covenant Promise Across Time and Geography.*
Saint Peter, preaching on the Day of Pentecost, declares the magnificent scope of God’s covenant faithfulness. “You and to your children” establishes the generational dimension of divine blessing—God’s promises are not confined to a single generation but extend through faithful bloodlines. “All who are afar off” encompasses both geographical distance and spiritual remoteness—the Gentile nations and every people group yet to hear the Gospel.
The phrase “as many as the Lord our God will call” beautifully balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility. God’s calling is both universal in invitation and particular in application—He desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) whilst working through His elect to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
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*LIFE APPLICATION: Living the Divine Paradox.*
*The Threefold Challenge for Modern Christians:*
- *Guard Against Presumptuous Grace* (Romans 10:13 Warning).
Beloved, beware of treating God’s grace as a licence for spiritual complacency. Calling upon the Lord’s name must be accompanied by genuine repentance and faith. Ask yourself: “Is my calling upon Christ evidenced by a transformed life, or am I presuming upon His mercy whilst continuing in sin?”
- *Embrace Authentic Obedience* (Matthew 7:21 Demand).
True discipleship costs us everything and gives us everything. The Father’s will includes caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27), visiting prisoners (Matthew 25:36), feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. Christianity is not a Sunday performance but a daily demonstration of Christ’s love through sacrificial service.
- *Claim Generational Promises* (Acts 2:39 Hope).
Stand upon God’s covenant faithfulness for your family, church, and community. Intercede for your children’s salvation, your spouse’s spiritual growth, and your neighbours’ eternal destiny. God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).
*The Heart of God Revealed: Unity in Diversity.*
These three passages reveal the magnificent heart of our Heavenly Father:
– *His GRACE invites all* (universal accessibility)
– *His TRUTH transforms all* (authentic discipleship)
– *His PROMISE extends to all* (generational blessing)
This is why Christ’s Good News Mission declares: *_“Enter to Worship… Depart to Serve!”_* We enter by grace, live in truth, and extend the promise to others.
*CALL TO ACTION: Your Weekly Spiritual Assignment:*
- *This week, examine your heart:* Is your faith merely intellectual assent or genuine heart transformation?
- *Identify one specific way* to demonstrate the Father’s will through sacrificial service
- *Claim God’s promises* for one family member or friend through daily intercession
- *Share this message* with someone who needs to hear about God’s inclusive love.
*Closing Prayer.*
*_Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank You for the magnificent simplicity of salvation—that whoever calls upon Your name shall be saved. Grant us authentic faith that produces authentic obedience. Help us live lives worthy of our calling, demonstrating Your love through sacrificial service to the least of these. We claim Your covenant promises for our children, our communities, and the nations afar off. May our lives be living epistles, read by all men, that draw the lost to Your saving grace. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen._*
COMPREHENSIVE YEAR-ROUND TOPIC GUIDE FOR
*”JUST MUSING – TUESDAYS”.*
*Quarterly Themes:*
*QUARTER 1 (January-March): “FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH”.*
– The Nature of Salvation
– The Authority of Scripture
– The Character of God
– The Person of Christ
– The Work of the Holy Spirit
– Prayer and Communion with God
– The Church as Christ’s Body
– Christian Baptism and Holy Communion
– The Second Coming of Christ
– Living in Biblical Community
– Spiritual Warfare
– The Great Commission.
*QUARTER 2 (April-June): “AUTHENTIC DISCIPLESHIP”.*
– True Repentance vs. Religious Performance
– Faith That Works Through Love
– The Cost of Following Christ
– Bearing Fruit That Remains
– Christian Character Formation
– Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure
– Biblical Leadership Principles
– Marriage and Family as Ministry
– Workplace Christianity
– Social Justice and Gospel Truth
– Evangelism in the Modern World
– Mentoring the Next Generation.
*QUARTER 3 (July-September): “OVERCOMING LIFE’S CHALLENGES”.*
– Faith in Times of Trial
– Divine Healing and Human Suffering
– Financial Stewardship and Biblical Prosperity
– Forgiving the Unforgivable
– Breaking Generational Curses
– Dealing with Doubt and Spiritual Dryness
– Christian Response to Persecution
– Mental Health and Spiritual Wellness
– Addiction, Recovery, and Restoration
– Grief, Loss, and Eternal Hope
– Handling Criticism and Opposition
– Finding Purpose in Pain
*QUARTER 4 (October-December): “KINGDOM IMPACT”.*
– The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth
– Transforming Communities Through Gospel Love
– Racial Reconciliation and Christian Unity
– Environmental Stewardship as Kingdom Calling
– Political Engagement Without Compromise
– Media, Technology, and Christian Influence
– Generational Blessing and Legacy Building
– Global Missions and Local Evangelism
– Preparing for Eternity
– Christmas: The Incarnation’s Ongoing Impact
– New Year Resolutions with Biblical Foundation
– Vision Casting for Kingdom Growth.
*Special Series Suggestions:*
*“Heroes of Faith” Series* – Quarterly profiles of biblical and historical Christian leaders
*“Parables for Modern Living”* – Jesus’ teachings applied to contemporary challenges
*“Letters to Seven Churches Today”* – Revelation 2-3 applied to modern denominations
*“Psalms for Every Season”* – Monthly devotional series through selected Psalms.
*Our Direction Assessment:*
CGNM’s vision – through her first Patriarch, Dr Michael A. Femi-Adébánjo for *JUST MUSING – TUESDAYS* – is divinely inspired! Here’s why this approach will create tremendous kingdom impact:
- *The 500-word illustration* creates emotional connection before intellectual engagement.
- *The NKJV foundation* provides textual authority while remaining accessible.
- *The UK English styling* gives sophistication whilst maintaining warmth.
- *The practical application* ensures transformation, not just information.
- *The weekly consistency* builds anticipation and spiritual rhythm.
This format will position CGNM as a premier destination for profound, practical Christian teaching. Each Tuesday will become a spiritual appointment that believers eagerly anticipate.
*“Enter to Worship… Depart to Serve!”*
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