By Afolabi Olajuwon
A Comprehensive Analysis of Faith at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja
Theme: At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest
Topic: “We Can Live a Crucified Life”!
Text: Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:13-14
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
On a transformative Sunday at the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu imparted a message of profound theological significance. His sermon, “We Can Live a Crucified Life”!, was embedded in the overarching theme “At
The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest,” delivering insights that reverberated deeply with the congregation. Rooted in the scriptures of Galatians 2:20 and 3:13-14, the sermon explored the dynamics of living a life crucified with Christ, enabling believers to transform condemnation into victorious living.
Theological Foundation: The Cross as the Turning Point
Rev. Idowu anchored his sermon on the foundational belief that the cross represents more than a mere historic event; it is the pivotal point for believers transitioning from condemnation to conquest. According to Galatians 3:13-14, Christ’s crucifixion redeems believers from the curse of the law, offering spiritual liberation and the promise of the Spirit through faith. This divine exchange, whereby Christ bore the curse, stands central to the message of hope and transformation Rev. Idowu emphasized.
Key Themes and Scriptural Insights
1. Living a Crucified Life: Dead Yet Alive
Rev. Idowu provocatively questioned the paradox of being “Dead Yet Alive.” Through Galatians 2:20, he articulated that a crucified life involves the surrender of self, enabling Christ to live within. This duality creates a life empowered through Christ’s resurrection, reflecting victory over sin and adversity. Using the acronym MR NIGER, Rev. Idowu illustrated the attributes of a life imbued with Christ: Meek, Righteous, Noble, Influential, Godly, Empowered, and Resilient.
2. Living by Faith: The Pathway to Conquest
Faith, as underscored in the sermon, is the conduit for accessing the cross’s advantages. Rev. Idowu reminded his audience that faith bridges the believer to the power of the crucifixion, essential for executing great exploits as highlighted in Hebrews 11:6. By referencing biblical figures like Joseph (Genesis 39:9, 21-23) and the three Hebrew men (Daniel 3:16-18), he exemplified unwavering faith resulting in divine favor and overcoming trials.
3. Benefits of Living by Faith
The sermon highlighted that a crucified life accessed via faith leads to:
Favour and God’s Presence: Living faithfully attracts God’s enduring presence and grace.
Victory Over Circumstances: Believers, like Esther, can pivot daunting challenges into triumphs through strategic faith (Esther 4:14-16).
Resilience in Trials: Ensured by the fortitude that faith imparts during life’s tests (1 Corinthians 15:40-48).
4. The Power of the Cross in Everyday Life
Concluding his sermon, Rev. Idowu emphasized that the crucifixion is not static but a daily reality demanding believers’ continual surrender. This daily alignment with Christ’s sacrifice maximizes divine benefits and fulfills God’s purpose.
Practical Applications
Rev. Idowu’s message extended beyond theology into actionable faith:
Surrender Fully: Live a crucified life by yielding every aspect to Christ.
Walk in Faith: Trust God amidst seemingly insurmountable odds.
Take Risks for God: Act in faith, knowing divine rewards accompany diligent seekers (Hebrews 11:6).
Live as Conquerors: Shun condemnation, embracing victory through Christ’s redemptive act.
The Triumph of the Cross
The culmination of Rev. Idowu’s sermon was a rallying invocation: “We can leave a crucified life!” Believers were encouraged to embody the cross’s victory into their daily walk of faith, transforming condemnation into spiritual conquest. This resonant message reassured listeners that the cross is not isolated in history but a vibrant, life-altering force.
Rev. Idowu’s sermon asserted that the enduring message of the cross signifies unyielding hope, grounded in faith and assured victory. By embracing the principles and powers inherent in a crucified life, believers are equipped to navigate contemporary challenges, securing triumph over trials in alignment with God’s purposeful design.
The service concluded with special prayers, reinforcing the message and inviting the congregation to apply the truths of the cross in their daily lives. Rev. Idowu’s message was a timely reminder that the cross is not just a historical event but a living reality that transforms lives, brings hope, and secures eternal victory.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Fellow of the Chronicle Business School, Abuja, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
