timelygospelpro 
🔥 From a Dark Background to God’s Light
Host: Your journey to faith is nothing short of miraculous. Can you share a bit of how it all began?
Bro. Gbile: I gave my life to Christ about 56 years ago. I came from a deeply occultic family. My father was a traditional priest — a herbalist. The oracles determined everything, from whether you went to school to who you would marry, especially for girls. They were literally given in marriage at four years old, destined to marry priests.
I was the first in my family to truly encounter Christ. Before that, I even embraced Islam for a while because I had Muslim relatives. But when God stepped in, the oracle said they didn’t know what I was meant to become. So, I was left alone — and that’s how God carved a path for me.
📖 Discovering Purpose Through Persecution
Host: Wow. That’s powerful. So how did your ministry journey start, and how did that shape your life choices, including marriage?
Bro. Gbile: After enduring severe persecution for following Christ, I started preaching very early. God began to shape my heart toward teaching the Word. At a point, He asked me a life-defining question: Do you want to be a man of affluence or a man of influence?
I chose influence. I understood that a teacher of the Word impacts lives beyond material wealth. So I pursued education, trained others, and began teaching — from primary to tertiary institutions — but always with the heart of a disciple-maker.
Regarding marriage, I knew I couldn’t marry a “fire extinguisher.” I needed a woman aligned with my calling — someone going in the same direction, a woman of influence. Beauty wasn’t the criteria. Destiny was.
⚔️ Youth, Persecution, and the Power of Sound Teaching
Host: Let’s talk about today’s youth. Many seem quick to give up under pressure or persecution. How was it different in your generation?
Bro. Gbile: Honestly, there’s no real difference between our youth and this generation. The difference lies in what we were taught. We were taught that “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” That was foundational.
We expected persecution. We didn’t run from it. In fact, I remember seeking it out to confirm that my faith was genuine! (Laughs) When I was stoned while preaching, I rejoiced. That was our training — and training makes all the difference.
👣 Loyalty to Leaders vs. Loyalty to Christ
Host: Sir, how do you navigate loyalty to spiritual leaders — especially when they make mistakes? When should one stay, and when is it okay to walk away?
Bro. Gbile: Very important question. Loyalty to men is only valid as long as they are loyal to Christ. Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” If your leader branches off from Christ, you don’t follow him into error.
But we also owe them honor. We must entreat them, not condemn them. I’ve gone to leaders to beg them to reconsider certain actions. Some listened, some didn’t. But I never put loyalty to a man above loyalty to Christ.
🧱 The Heart of Discipleship
Host: You’ve emphasized discipleship a lot. Can you explain your model of discipleship?
Bro. Gbile: Discipleship is not a group class — it’s life on life. Every person is unique and must be treated personally. I see individuals, not crowds. I’ve brought disciples into my home to live with my family so they can see the Christ I preach.
But there’s a warning: Don’t sacrifice your children on the altar of discipleship. You must protect them. If you’re bringing someone into your home, know their background. Set boundaries. Your children must feel safe and prioritized.
🌱 Challenges, Lessons, and the Future
Host: In over 50 years of ministry, what challenges have stood out the most? And what’s your heart for the body of Christ today?
Bro. Gbile: God is not looking for more preachers. He’s looking for burning lives. Lives that shine, that carry aroma, that demonstrate His power without noise. My biggest challenge is making sure my life smells like Jesus — not just my sermons.
To the body of Christ, I say: Ministry is not activity. It’s life. Live it before you preach it. For young people, this is your time. Don’t wait till you’re old and broken to serve God. Use your youth for something that will echo in eternity.
🙌🏾 Final Words of Encouragement
Host: Sir, this has been rich and deeply stirring. What’s your final encouragement to our listeners, especially the younger generation?
Bro. Gbile: Start now. Lay a godly foundation while you’re young. Make intentional choices. Be discipled. Be rooted in the Word. And let your life be an aroma of Christ that draws others to Him — not by noise, but by fire.
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