30 ACCIENTS ATTRACTIONS

30 Top Attractions In Nigeria

The most populated country in Africa, Nigeria has become an untapped tourist paradise with long stretches of exotic beaches, lush mountains, well preserved tradition and culture and enchanting tourist attractions.

From the spiritual shines to the ancient cities of the north, from the river deltas to the Yoruba kingdoms, the Ibo’s stunning environments and among many simply pure sceneries; Nigeria leaves every visitor breathing hard with suspense and excitement. We present to you 30 top attractions in Nigeria:

1. The Ibeno Beach

Photo Source: Skyscrapercity.com

A blissful destination for tourists stretched over 245km on a sand bank in Ibeno lies the Ibeno Beach, a little haven for leisure seekers. The roaring waves, spots for sunbathing, unpolluted foliage of the mangrove forest, cool breeze from the water and a lush surrounding give this destination an unimaginable allure for tourists.

Location: Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State

2. Obudu Mountain Resort

Above the sea level on the Oshie Ridge of the famous Sankwala Mountains sits majestically the Obudu Mountain Resort. The temperate climate, breathtaking views, idyllic tranquility and beautiful scenery has made this resort one of the famous tourists’ sites in Nigeria.

Location: Obudu, Cross River State

3. Ngwo Pine Forest

The unique forest dynasty that is found in Ngwo Pine is a huge draw for visitors, romantically set by Mother Nature with sharp twists for adventure seekers, beautifully set pine trees and gently flowing stream for lovers, and the loud splashing of the waters inside the dark cleft inside a cave would blow off one’s imagination.

Location: Ngwo, Enugu State

4. Awhum Waterfall

Awhum boasts of numerous immaculate lakes, waterfall and a monastery. The waterfall forms beautiful scenery where water cascades over its top forming a stream, which has become a religious tourist site. It is close to the Awhum Monastery.

Location: Awhum, Enugu State

4. Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route

The sacred altar, a six foot gully that takes people to the temple and the waterfall in Arochukwu Long Juju Slave route, beg tourists to explore the shrine of Ibn Ukpabi and the cult momument of Kamula.

Location: Arochukwu, Abia State

6. The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke

Photo Source: Ireporterstv.co

In a sacred grove where prehistory meets the modern, between a village called Ukhuse-oke and Ukhuseosi lies this distinct footprints of a prehistoric giant that are embedded permanently on flat granite rocks.

Location: Owan, Edo State

7. Port Harcourt Tourist Beach

If you are looking for a destination where you can run away from the bustling life of a city; one that is built on an artificial sand beach, Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is where you should be. It is a leisure hub along Kolabi Creek.

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State

8. Gashaki-Gumpti National Park

Photo Source: Panoramio

A national park that offers a fascinating insight into life in medieval times in Nigeria is the Gashaki-Gumpti National Park. It is located within the Chappal Wadi, Mountain, Chappal Hendu and the Mountain of Wind. It is Nigeria’s largest and most diverse National Park.

Location: Gashaki-Gumpti, Taraba State

9. Alok Ikom Monoliths

300 carved stones standing upright in circles, facing each others in groups with images and texts inscribed on the monoliths are how you would see Alok Ikom Monoliths (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that are in form of a phallus.

Location: Ikom, Cross River state

10. Isaac Boro Garden Park

Photo Source: Punch.ng

Isaac Boro Garden Park is situated opposite the Mile One Bridge along the Old GRA in Port Harcourt. Today, it has become a tourist location where baseball and softball are played and a center for trade fairs and live entertainment. The tomb of Major Isaac Boro, a soldier killed in the Nigeria Civil War lies here.

11. The Tinapa Free Zone & Resort

The charm of Calabar mingled with the taste of its rich culture gives Tinapa Free Zone & Resort that magnificent scenario that mesmerizes tourists. It has 860,000 sq ft lettable retail space, an entertainment strip that houses a digital cinema, restaurants, a mini amphitheater, casino, and children’s arcade, a Studio Tinapa for Nollywood, a night club and pubs. Visit: Tinapa Free Zone and Resort

Location: Calabar, Cross River State

12. Osun-Osogbo Grove

This is the only tourist destination in Nigeria that has sacred shrines, sanctuaries, sculptures and art works that are created in the honour of the goddess of fertility, Osun. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Oshun River.

Location: Oshogbo, Osun State

13. The Emotan Statue

Located opposite the Oba market in Benin City- Emotan Statue stands majestically, clad in her traditional wrapper and a headgear that is associated with royalty in the Benin Kingdom.

Location: Benin, Edo State

14. The Royal Palace Of Oba Of Benin

The royal palace of the Oba of Benin is a UNESCO listed heritage site, centrally located near the King’s Square. It holds a huge collection of sculptural pieces of a lot of Benin Obas in bronze, ancestral shrines and ivory.

Location: Benin, Edo State

15. Sukur Cultural Landscape

Madageli- is the home of the Sukur cultural landscape is populated with traditional cemeteries and ritual terraced areas. Blessed with lush avifauna and situated on top of the Mandara Mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location: Madageli, Adamawa State

16. Queen Amina’s Wall

In the city of Zazzau (Zaria) was built well-fortified walls to protect the ancient city by Queen Amina of Zaria, who is renowned for her wise military exploits and strategies so many years. This wall still stands majestically in the modern city of Zaria.

Location: Zaria, Kaduna State

17. Surame Cultural Landscape

When it comes to the wonders of human creativity, ingenuity and civilization, Surame cultural landscape makes that possible. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has walls made of huge stones and a palace for the village chief; Hidi.

Location: Surame, Sokoto State

18. Oban Hills, Cross River State

Korup National Park of Cameroon shares a border with the Oban Hills. Home to a lot of wildlife and plants; and this is one of the few places on earth you can find the Xavier’s Green Bull the Cassin’s Hawk eagle, Crested Guinea fowl, Bat Hawk and over 400 Chimpanzees lives here.

Location: Oban,Cross River State

19. Oke-Idanre Hill

A visit to the Oke-Idanre Hill gives a tourist access to a lot of spectacular valleys that are interspersed with inselbelgs and high plain about the sea level. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has Omi Aopara; the thunder water, Agbooogun foot print, burial grounds, shrines and the Owa’s palace.

Location: Oke-Idanre, Ondo State

20. Ogbunike Caves, Enugu State

Ogbunike Caves make an idea tourists destination. These caves are closely associated with historical and spiritual significance. There are 317 steps that need to be used to descend down to the caves. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Location: Ogbunike, Anambra State

21. Ancient Kano City Walls

There are much more to the beautiful medieval city of Kano when you see the impressive ancient Kano walls (listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ tentative list) . This 14km radius earth monument has a spiritual, cultural and historical significance. It is associated with the Emir’s Palace.

Location: Kano, Kano State

22. Coconut Beach

Photo Source: Digest.bellafricana.com

No place tells the story of tourism fused with history like Badagry. It has breathtaking and beautiful ocean views, a perfect place for relaxation. 20 miles before you get to the Republic of Benin lies Coconut beach, and it is surrounded by a lot of coconut trees.

Location: Badagry, Lagos State

23. Bar Beach

If you are looking for a beach without plants or even coconut trees, Lagos Bar Beach should be your destination. Located close to the center of the magnificent Victoria Island and it is open to the public. The cool breeze from the ocean and the ocean side walk can be thrilling. Not forgetting the occasional parties and events that take place here.

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos

24. Millennium Park

The Millennium Park is the largest public park in the capital city of Abuja. It is situated in the Maitama district. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was the one who inaugurated the park that has become kids’ paradise and a relaxation haven.

Location: Maitama, Abuja

25. Nana Living History Museum

The magnificent national monument of the Nana Living History Museum is situated in Koko in Warri, a museum that was built by a powerful 19th century business man, Chief Nana Olomu Ebrohimi.

Location: Warri, Delta State

26. The Ancient Nok Settlement

All over the world, the antiquities from the Ancient Nok Settlement are seen in galleries and museums. This little archaeologists’ haven is located in Jaba Local government. It was here that the Terracotta figurine was discovered in the world.

Location: Jaba , Kaduna State

27. New Afrika Shrine

When you feel like getting lost in music from the legendary Fela’s family,the New Afrika Shrine is where you should visit. This is the replacement of the original Shrine that was burnt down. A cover charge of N500 is collected. It is located in Adeleye Street, Ikeja.

Location: Ikeja, Lagos State

28. Abuja Arts And Crafts Village

Abuja Arts and Crafts Village is located at the Central Business District in Abuja , behind the Silverbird Cinema. There are lots of artefacts and handicrafts here for visitors to see and even buy.

Location: Abuja

29. Kainji National Park

Kainji National Park was established in1978 which has 3 distinct sectors, the Borgu Game Reserve, the Zugurma Game Reserve and the Kainji Lake where fishing is prohibited. It is situated in Kwara and Niger State.

Location: Niger State

30. Yankari National Park

In Bauchi State is the 2,244 km2 Yankari National Park; a home to wildlife in the state’s South-Central part. It houses a lot of natural warm water springs and it is the one of West Africa’s eco-destinations.

Location: Bauchi State

Christ Being the Mysterious

THE MYSTERY OF GOD—CHRIST

Of all the mysteries in God’s New Testament economy, the first of them is the mystery of God. The second half of Colossians 2:2 says, "The mystery of God, Christ." We can see that Jesus Christ is a mystery; He is not simple at all. I do not believe that we have exhausted all that the Bible speaks concerning Him. I believe that we have only covered a part. There are still many things which we do not understand. In spite of that, when we come together to fellowship and to talk about them, we will gradually be brought into understanding them.

Concerning God’s mystery, Christ, I have listed six points. First, Christ is the mysterious Word of God. Second, the Word became flesh. Third, He passed through human living. Fourth, He was crucified. Fifth, He resurrected. Sixth, He ascended. All these items that Christ has passed through are the mystery of God. Christ is the Word of God, and the Word is God Himself. As the Word becoming flesh, God became flesh and stayed with us. His living was God’s living. When men saw Him, they saw God. Then He died in the flesh and resurrected. He lived in His death. He was the grain of wheat that fell into the ground and died to produce many grains (John 12:24). He died and He lived. He lives through His dying, for He is life and He is God. Finally, He ascended. Concerning Christ, we have these six points: the Word of God, His becoming flesh, His passing through human living, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Christ in these mysterious aspects is the mystery of God.

Christ Being the Mysterious Word of God

Now let us follow the outline to consider the various aspects of the mysterious Christ of God point by point. First, He is the mysterious Word of God in eternity past. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In eternity past, before time began, Christ was the Word of God. It was divine thought that became constituted as an expression, which in turn became the Word that can be comprehended by man. The Word here is logos in Greek. It means an expression constituted by a thought, which is understood by man. Although our God cannot be seen in the universe, He is the Word that can be understood by man. By this Word His mysterious being is explained and expressed.

The Invisible Word of God
Becoming Visible Flesh

Second, the invisible Word of God became the visible flesh, which is Jesus Christ. His whole person is the embodiment of the Word of God. This is why the first Epistle of John begins with the Word of life which was there from the beginning and which was with the Father. It is that which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we beheld, and which we have touched with our own hands. By becoming the flesh, this Word has become tangible and touchable. He is the mysterious God who was conceived of His Spirit and begotten in the womb of a human virgin (Matt. 1:20b). Then from this virgin’s womb, He was born with humanity to be the mysterious God-man, in whom both divinity and humanity are mingled. Originally, He was the mysterious God in eternity. Through His Spirit, He was first begotten in the virgin’s womb. Then after conception, He was born with humanity as a God-man in whom divinity and humanity are mingled. What was conceived was God. What came out was the God-man. The baby Jesus that was in the manger was the mysterious God-man in whom both divinity and humanity are mingled as one. This Jesus is Jehovah the Savior. Men shall call His name Emmanuel, which means God with us (Matt. 1:23). He is Jehovah God as our Savior and is also God with us.

When Christ became flesh, He put on human flesh (Heb. 2:14a) and partook of all that man is. Through this He brought His mysterious divinity into humanity, that is, He brought God into man. In this way, the mysterious fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in this mysterious God-man (Col. 2:9). What is in Christ, the mysterious God-man, is not only divinity but also all the fullness of the Godhead, which is the expression of the riches of all that God is.

understanding mystery of God

Understanding the Mystery of God 

To Fulfill the Purpose of God

Many today desire to realize the purpose of their lives. Pastor Rick Warren capitalized on this by writing a book that has sold more than 50 million copies entitled “The Purpose-Driven Life”. Many believers in Christ are obsessed with understanding their purpose. This has resulted in millions of Christian books being sold related to this subject.

I propose in this teaching that a person cannot understand their individual purpose in life without first understanding and connecting to God’s overarching purpose as clearly shown in the New Testament.

Following will be a brief survey of Ephesians chapters 1-4.

I. Ephesians 1:9-12 states: “Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”

1. (1:9-10) God shows us that His mystery has been unveiled since the revelation of Christ to humanity.

A. In the fullness of time His overarching goal is to gather together in one all “things” in Christ–both which are in heaven and on earth.

B. Thus, the goal of God is not for believers to be saved and make it to heaven, but for the church to be the agent that brings the influence of the government of God, purely manifest in heaven, into the earth realm.

C. The fact that it says “things” in this passage means that God’s ultimate goal is that all of life would be under the rule and reign of Christ. That is to say politics, economics, family, education, the arts, music, theatre, literature, athletics, etc., are to be under the rule and reign of Christ.

D. The Bible is not a book about heaven; in fact it says very little about heaven. It is really a handbook about how to rule with Christ on the earth as His stewards in managing the planet.

2. (1:11) This is the inheritance of the saints.

A. While many in the church are praying to escape the earth and get raptured to heaven, the word of God teaches that our inheritance is connected to heaven coming onto the earth.
i. We pray for Christ to rescue us out of the world in spite of Jesus praying to keep us in the world (John 17:15).
ii. While many are trying to escape the earth and go to heaven, the Bible teaches us in Revelation 21:1-3 that heaven is gradually coming down to earth, as the influence of the Rider on the White Horse (Jesus) and His followers disciple the nations and bring His kingdom influence on the earth.

B. Our inheritance is not speaking in tongues and healing the sick; those are only signs that the Kingdom of God has come.

C. Our inheritance has to do with the kingdom influence of heaven coming to the earth.

D. He works all things according to the counsel of His will, which means that only those who preach the Kingdom of God and use the Bible as a blueprint to serve and bless communities will have God’s purpose working for them instead of against them.

3. (1:12) We will show the praise of His glory when we release the saints to serve as His ministers in every aspect of community life as a blessing to all humanity.

II. The Prayer of Paul for the Church (Ephesians 1:17-23): “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

1. Ephesians 1:17-21: The inheritance of the church is connected to His rule over all spiritual and earthly rulers and authorities–not only angels and demons but presidents, prime ministers, governors, mayors, etc.

2. (1:22) The church is connected directly to Christ as its head, which means:

A. The church is connected to the brain of the cosmos. We should be the ones getting direct wisdom from heaven regarding God’s purpose on the earth.

B. The church should have the greatest leaders, statesmen, and problem solvers the world has ever seen since we are connected to the head and ruler of all decision makers and problem solvers of the earth. The universe is under His feet but the church is under His head. (We act more like we are under His feet when we think that God has no plan for our lives or our churches other than to have good Sunday services.)

3. (1:23; 2:9-10) We are the fullness of God.

A. This means that, when God wants something done, He works through the church to get it done. Where there is unbelief, poverty, sickness, or political and cultural problems in society, God places His people in those situations of need to be His salt and light to the world. (Jesus called us the salt and light of the earth, not the salt and light of Sunday church services!)

III. Ephesians 3:8-10: “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1. The church influences the spiritual archetypes before the physical world is transformed.

A. “Principality” in the original Greek is “arche” which has to do with the spiritual archetype behind the physical realities of the world. (The Greek word “arche” means: beginning, origin; the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader; that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause.

B. “Wisdom” in this passage is the Greek word “sofia” which means the wisdom of God as evinced in forming and executing counsels, the formation and government of the world, and the interpretation and application of the scriptures.

C. Consequently, because the church is connected to Christ as its head, we become the intermediary of the brain center of the world. We reveal the will of God and the wisdom of God on the earth. (First Peter 1:12 teaches us that even angels long to look into what we have in the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit.)

D. This also refers to the reality that angels and demons respond and react to the things God calls the church to do on the earth. (Christians who think serving God only amounts to attending church on Sundays actually excite demons who want to control the earth realm and bore guardian angels who want some serious action but get nothing but prayers of grace over meals, prophecies, and people believing for nice houses and cars, then retiring to Florida.)

E. When the church intercedes for communities and cities we release angels and displace demons; when we place godly leaders in families, politics, the arts, education, and business we excite the angels who were made for battle and to protect the honor of God in the universe.

IV. Ephesians 4:10-12: “(He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

1. Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven that He might fill all things. When we say “things” Paul is connecting the “things” in the first chapter to this passage. “All things” means every spiritual and material thing that makes up the universe and society.

2. The whole reason for the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints to minister.

A. The context demands that the word “ministry” include the filling of “all things” in 4:10. Thus, the fivefold ministry is given as a gift to the church to create the greatest mind molders, leaders, problem solvers, and decision makers that the world has ever seen. This is so Christ can fill up all things with His kingdom influence!

B. Fivefold ministers basically do two things: they fill up the world with kingdom-thinking leaders and people geared toward reformation, and they edify the church for a continual revival and renewal so this first point is continually fulfilled for generations.

C. This is another reason why the local church is the hope of the world.

D. This also shows that apostles are not only called to plant churches but to start kingdom revolutions that will redeem whole cities, disciple nations, and bless humanity until the new heaven and new earth fully descend out of heaven from God upon the earth!

MYSTERY OF GOD BEHOLD COMPREHEND

The Mystery of a God Beyond All Comprehension

Is a god fully understandable and explainable according to the finite logic and world we inhabit, is that a god one can trust and truly believe?

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 1:4).

"So you believe in a Triune God? One plus one plus one is three isn't it?"

The question came from a Mormon missionary taking the lead for his bicycling duo. The other young man listened quietly to our brief exchange.

“Well it is three, but one times one times one, what is that? Do you want to compare math tricks or talk about God?" I replied.

I think about that exchange quite often, and usually, in the weeks leading up to Trinity Sunday when I'm supposed to explain the trinity for my congregation. Someone recently told me this is called "Curate Sunday" in the Anglican tradition because they like to have the junior clergyman preach and try to explain the Trinity so that the rest of the clergy can make fun of him for eventually falling into a heretical ditch of one sort or another. The Trinity is one of those mysteries that cannot be explained. It must be believed. The essence of God defies reason. Through the revealed Word of God, the mystery can be revealed, but never fully comprehended. And a person really has to ask themselves, is a god that can be grasped by sinful flesh, a god fully understandable and explainable according to the finite logic and world we inhabit, is that a god one can trust and truly believe? Or does such a god actually demand that we dismiss him or her? Isn’t a god nothing more than our equal, a god to be manipulated and abused in the same manner we manipulate and abuse others around us for our own advantage?

"Is a god fully understandable and explainable according to the finite logic and world we inhabit, is that a god one can trust and truly believe?

It's the trap we fall into when we try to make God comprehensible to us. A god who is comprehensible to us panders to our desires and soon becomes a god that has to entertain in order to command our attention or meet our most immediate needs in order to maintain our devotion. Worship of such a god ultimately leaves us empty because our felt needs are rarely anything more than distractions from the ultimate realities of sin, death and the devil that plague our existence.

So I think about this as I contemplate a chilling paragraph from Martin Lindstrom's book, Small Data. Lindstrom is a business consultant who analyses consumers on behalf of companies in order for them to better serve their customer base. He talks about the initial disaster of Euro Disney, and the large role religion and superstition played in turning the park around:

"After interviewing a selection of Euro Disney park-goers, I soon discovered that the 'missing magic' could, in fact, be distilled to an absence of transformation. I couldn't help but notice that this apparent flatness was coincident with a decrease in churchgoing across Europe. When I visited Catholic and Protestant churches in Germany, France and Italy, I came away convinced that what religion had historically given believers-faith, transformation—was no longer enough. In Europe, at least, parishioners made their way through church portals at around the same pace they strolled through a market or store. The fact of being in a sacred place no longer slowed people down, which meant that religion was no longer creating the necessary degree of embodied cognition, or space, for worship, or contemplation, or reverence. This insight—that a decline in churchgoing creates the need for other outlets to address the need for transformation—was what moved me to re-infuse superstition into the Euro Disney experience" (188-189).

As a theologian and a pastor, I would exchange his words of transformation and superstition with the word, mystery, and argue the Christian faith still has it by the bucket loads. Hermann Sasse, a theologian who has had more than a little influence on my ministry, expresses it this way:

"What is this mystery? It is for example, what the triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, has done and will do as the Creator, Reconciler and Sanctifier of the Word. 1 Timothy contains a perfect expression of this mystery as the focal point in one of the oldest hymns of the Church, where it is written, ‘Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.’ (3:16) Yes, that is the mystery of all mysteries, the mystery of world history: God became flesh. That the eternal Word the eternal Father's eternal Son became flesh is truly a mystery, a mystery in the strict sense incomprehensible to reason" (Witness, 76).

This is a mystery that has occupied the greatest minds of the Western World, men such as Luther, Augustine and Aquinas, and yet also brings joy in the midst of hardship and suffering to the simplest of simpletons. God suffered this world of pain to secure eternal life for us sinners. The Son of Man conquered death, rose again and walked among us. The resurrected Lord began the eternal feast of heaven with his disciples in the upper room when he ate salted fish with them and showed off his battle scars.

"Yet this mystery is always restored when pastors reclaim their place as stewards of the mysteries of God and no longer explain away Baptism, ignore the Lord’s Supper, or forget the forgiveness of sins.

This is the mystery the world mocks, but it is the mystery the world also needs. It is the mystery too often lost even in the church. Too often, the mystery of the church is either trampled on or simply replaced by the likes of Disney “magic” like the make-believe pixie dust of Tinkerbell. Yet this mystery is always restored when pastors reclaim their place as stewards of the mysteries of God and no longer explain away Baptism, ignore the Lord's Supper, or forget the forgiveness of sins. In these means of grace is mystery, not symbol nor admonition. Here is where we will find the mystery of God's love for the loveless; a love that answers anxiety and restores joy and meaning to life. In God’s good work and good Word, we find His mystery beyond all comprehension.

MYSTERY OF GOD

Mysteries of God

Mysteries of God are spiritual truths known only by revelation. God reveals His mysteries to those who are obedient to the gospel. Some of God’s mysteries are yet to be revealed.

• It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, Matt. 13:11.

• Though I understand all mysteries and have not charity, I am nothing, 1 Cor. 13:2.

• Nephi had a great knowledge of the mysteries of God, 1 Ne. 1:1.

• It is given to many to know the mysteries of God, Alma 12:9.

• To such is given to know the mysteries of God, Alma 26:22.

• These mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, Alma 37:11.

• There are many mysteries that no man knows except God himself, Alma 40:3.

• How great is the mystery of godliness, D&C 19:10.

• If ye ask, ye shall receive revelation and know the mysteries of the kingdom, D&C 42:61, 65 (1 Cor. 2:7, 11–14).

• He who keeps the commandments will be given the mysteries of the kingdom, D&C 63:23.

• To them will I reveal all mysteries, D&C 76:7.

• The greater priesthood holds the key of the mysteries, D&C 84:19.

• At his coming the Lord will reveal hidden things which no man knew, D&C 101:32–33.

• The Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom, 

Naaman

• See also Elisha

In the Old Testament, the captain of a Syrian king’s army. He was also a leper. Through the faith of an Israelite maid he went to Israel to see the prophet Elisha. He was cured of leprosy by humbling himself and bathing seven times in the river Jordan as the prophet Elisha instructed (2 Kgs. 5:1–19; Luke 4:27).

Nahum

An Old Testament prophet of Galilee who recorded his prophecies sometime between 642 and 606 B.C.

THE BOOK OF NAHUM

Chapter 1 speaks of the burning of the earth at the Second Coming and of the Lord’s mercy and power. Chapter 2 tells of Nineveh’s destruction, which is a foreshadowing of what will come in the latter days. Chapter 3continues to foretell Nineveh’s miserable destruction.

MUSTARD SEED

The seeds of a mustard plant. Though a seed is very small, the height of the plant that grows from it is very great. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed (Matt. 13:31).

• If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you can move mountains, Matt. 17:20.

Relationship talk

Relationship Seminars

Over the past years we have held Relationship seminars. Below are several of the outline notes from these seminars.

• Five questions that God asked man. 
  Adam and Eve hid behind the tree. They had heard the familiar sound of God. Unlike all other times they were not looking forward to meeting Him this evening. Explaining away their disobedience seemed too tedious a task.
  
  
• Relationship seminar - Walking in love 
  God deals with weakness and wickedness differently. So should we.
  
  
• Relationships - Communication 
  People love talking. But even talking comes second to being listened to. 90% of all problems people have can be taken care of if someone would just listen to them - John Sanford 
  
  
• God made sex a bestseller 
  God made sex and no one can deny that it is a best seller. Pity He forget to put copyright on it. He would have made trillions by now.
  
  
• Before taking the plunge 
  You think you have found the right person to marry. You have both known each other for a considerable length of time. You are fairly confident you know all you need to about your partner and you are sure you are in love.
  
  
• Family life - bringing up children 
  Our children do not come with "how to handle manuals" and many parents find themselves learning on the job without a clue on what to do.
  
  
• The place of man and woman in the home 
  Marriage was God's idea. Woman was taken from the ribs of man. Not from his feet, because God never intended for her to be walked all over, nor from his head because the woman was not made to look down or boss the man about.
  
  
• The place of man and woman in the creation 
  God's place for man and woman in creation is exacly the same; to subdue it, to excel in the spiritual and secular realm. God sees us as mankind not as men and women. Nevertheless, just like Pastors and members of a congregation are equal before God yet ha
  
  
• Dealing with conflicts 
  Remember: conflict never solves itself. Five levels of conflict and how to resolve them
  
  
• Strong Families 
  Nick Stinnett, Ph.D, carried out a study on 3,000 families that rated themselves very high in regards to marriage happiness and satisfaction in parent-child relationships.
  
  
• Communion 
  The communion was initiated by Christ before his death (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23) and reiterated by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-28.
  
  
• Getting the most out of your SPOUSE 
  There are others who are enduring marriage. God's purpose is for our homes and spouse to be a continuous source of love and encouragement. If you can remember how to spell SPOUSE you will find it easy to remember the six tips below.
  

15 Topics To Build Your Relationship.

Communication brings lovers together and makes it easy for them to build chemistry and love. The conversations you have with your significant other play a strong role in determining how happy, fun and strong your relationship will be.

No matter how difficult some topics may seem sometimes, discussing them will help ease a lot of tension and leave room for your relationship to grow. You’ll also find that you both understand each other better.It doesn’t matter whether you are in a new relationship or you’ve been married for years. These topics will not only help you get closer to your lover; it will also give you ideas on what to talk about when it feels like you are running out of topics. And you can always refine and repeat them as you and your partner will always have different answers each time they come up. This way, you’ll never run out of interesting conversations.

1. Plans for the weekend (or a vacation)

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a frustrating Monday evening or Thursday night. Talking about your plans for the weekend and you’ll both have something exciting to look forward to. It will also motivate you to work and get through the week with much enthusiasm. Planning way ahead of time for a vacation or that little getaway also gives you both things to discuss and deliberate on. So plan on!

2. Work

A simple “how did your day go” and an honest answer can lead to a conversation you will both cherish. And there is always something to talk about work. From a weird colleague to a bad boss to the tasks you have to complete, these conversations will help you both understand each other’s professional sides better.

3. Sex

Sexual intimacy is as important as romantic gestures. Talk about what turns you on, the positions or toys you’d like to try, your sexually sensitive spots, your secret fantasies and every other thing related to sex. This will both be exciting and revealing at the same time, and you’ll find yourselves discovering new things about each other. However, this also includes problems in bed. Speak up about them or they will eventually turn around and bite you in the back. If your partner is not performing as expected or your sex drive has reduced drastically, talk about it. Think of or suggest new ways of handling it together and you will be one step towards overcoming these issues.

4. Pay compliments

Tell your partner the things you like about them. Make a habit of appreciating their personality or little things they did the day before, even the ones they didn’t realise that they were doing. Appreciating people encourages them to do more.

5. Worries

What is bothering or worrying you? Simple question, right? But this is something that will make your partner feel loved and cared for. They may have no worries, but the thought that you care will make them cherish being in a relationship with you. Also talk about health issues, whether they are easy to mention.

6. Secrets

Talking about secrets is fun, telling but fun. You can turn it into a game where you each reveal a new dirty, little secret. It will help you get to know each other intimately.

7. Shows and Movies

Well, this always gives you something to talk about. New shows and movies come out every week. Watch one together and talk about it. Laugh at them for crying when Mufasa died while you watched Lion King again.

8. The future and the past

The past may not always be fun and exciting to talk about, but there will surely be hilarious moments to mention, like the times you did silly things as a child or your childhood dreams. You do not need to talk about painful memories like past relationships or go into sexual details. Talk about your plans for the future: the goals you have, your dreams, aspirations and life pursuits. Tell them what you intend to do. This will help the both of you understand each other’s views. Talk about where you see yourselves as a couple in five years. Make goals that will urge you both to work towards strengthening your relationship.

9. Places

Talk about your favourite restaurants, that bukka you just discovered in the next street, a dream location you stumbled across on the internet, places you’d like to visit over the weekend or on special days, or a cool spot you could both sit silently or make out in. It will give you both the chance to explore these places together.

10. Personal interests

What do you truly enjoy doing? Share these thoughts with your partner and see which interests conflict and which ones complement one another. When these interests complement each other, try doing them together as it will bring you closer.

11. Family and friends

Knowing (about) your partner’s friends takes you a step closer to learning more about them. Also, talking about each other’s families provides you with hours and hours of interesting gist. You may have to consciously stop yourselves. This also makes first introductions to family and friends easier and more fun.

12. Opinions and preferences

Never hold your thoughts back from someone you love. Speak up and state your personal opinions. Talk about each other’s likes and dislikes. Preferences and opinions change with time and new information. The more you know about each other’s preferences, the better you know about them.

13. Improvement

Talk about your flaws and the ways you’d like to improve. Releasing your vulnerabilities freely will help your partner relax more around you and they will break down their own walls and talk about theirs too. Offer and receive advice and suggestions on ways you can both improve yourselves.

14. Offer to help

Offer to help your partner with something, regardless of whether it is an easy chore or a hard one. Working together on a task brings you closer together. Plus they will be glad you helped. Talk about ways you can help them around the house with chores and housework.

15. Proud moments

Ask your partner to tell you about the moments in life when they’ve felt really proud of their own achievements. Memorable moments and childhood memories always provide for hours of fun, hilarious conversations.

RELATIONSHIP SEMINAR 2

Creating LIFETIME VALUE 
Relationship Seminar

Living DESIGN in a
DESIRE-DRIVEN World

Finally, a Christian relationship seminar that speaks to the every day struggles of living in a world seduced with an overemphasis on the bedroom and the body

Bring this Christian relationship seminar to your church and help your people celebrate the value found in being wanted for a lifetime of nights and not just a night of a lifetime.

Marriage and Family Life Values

Marriage and family life values have taken a hit over the last several decades. The voice of culture distorts, discredits, and distances itself from the idea and place of marriage and family life, especially in the role it plays in our sexuality.

The voice of culture:

• Promises passion but has no passion for promise
• Is producing DESIRE JUNKIES but DESIGN FLUNKIES
• Makes relationships more about HEAT than HEART
• Makes sex, love and relationships more about how much LEG-I-SEE than about LEG-A-CY
• Is filling our world with DESIRE but leaving it empty of DESIGN
• Has so many LIVING FOR THE MOMENT but MISSING THE LIFETIME

This Christian relationship seminar challenges that voice of culture in creative ways by clearly showing why it is better to be wanted for a lifetime of nights and not just a night of a lifetime.

Does your church schedule retreats, seminars or conferences for high school or college age students? Does your church regularly host events for singles or married couples that speak to both men and women?

If so, you are encouraged to give this Christian relationship seminar a try.

Love, genuinely and authentically expressed, is enormously powerful. It can connect us profoundly and intimately. Relating—and the quality of our relationships—is of deep, natural, and inherent concern for all of us and like any human endeavor, takes attention, care, and commitment.

In The Relationships Seminar, you’ll step beyond what you can strategize or figure out. You’ll discover a possibility of being related independent of your past, your expectations, your preferences, or your views—a dimension more powerful than personality or circumstance—a dimension where relationships can become an occasion for creativity, vitality, intimacy, and self-expression...