The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Archbishop Vining Memorial installs new Dean

    Archbishop Vining Memorial installs new Dean

    Our Reporter

     

    A new Dean of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja Lagos, will be installed on Sunday, 24th January, 2021.

    The installation will be performed by Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev’d Dr. James Odedeji, assisted by other Bishops and clergymen of the Diocese and from other Dioceses of the Communion.

    The new Dean is Venerable Ebenezer Adewole, who was Vicar of the Anglican Church of His Ascension.

    Read Also: Church holds annual prayer

    A statement by the chairman of Planning Committee, Professor Babajide Alo, said Adewole is the sixth Dean of the Cathedral since the Diocese of Lagos West was created in 1999.

    “As Dean of the Cathedral which is statutorily the principal church of the Diocese of Lagos West, he is expected to support the Diocesan Bishop in activities of the Diocese, and see to the spiritual growth of members of the Cathedral,” the statement explained.

     

  • Boldness: A requirement for Securing answers on the prayer altar!

    Boldness: A requirement for Securing answers on the prayer altar!

    Bishop David Oyedepo

     

    WELCOME to another exciting week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Boldness: A Requirement for Securing Answers on the Prayer Altar!

    We discovered from Scriptures that to receive answers to our prayers, we must pray according to the set rules. The Bible says, Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). To receive, we must ask and for what is received to be delivered, we must ask aright. So, it is not enough to ask, it is very important to ask aright (John 10:35; Acts 10:34). Asking entitles us to receiving and asking aright delivers the goods. Every prayer that must be answered must be accompanied with thanksgiving. As it is written, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6). For instance, we have eleven digits on our telephone lines, if we dial only ten digits for the next one year, it would never go through. Thus, there is the prayer and supplication, which must be accompanied with thanksgiving for our calls to go through to God. Furthermore, we must approach the throne of grace boldly and confidently, not beggarly or uncertainly. It is written, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). This is one of the fundamentals of any prayer that must be answered.

    How do we Cultivate the Boldness Required on the Prayer Altar?

    • Confidence in God: The Bible says, The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1). Some have been forgiven long time but they do not know. So, they are being tormented by their past; thereby, losing their future. It is written, Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous (1 John 3:7). So, we do not say we are forgiven and then start doing whatever we want; we must become righteousness conscious to be bold on the altar of prayer. David said, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer (Psalm 66:18-19). Every time God forgives, He forgets. Every genuine repentance guarantees genuine forgiveness from God. When that happens, our righteousness is restored, but we need to build that righteousness consciousness to regain our confidence in our walk with God (Romans 8:1-2; Hebrews 10:35).
    • Continuous Flow of Revelation: It is written, And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32). This is how the Word helps build our boldness in God, Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:16; see also Nehemiah 8:10). David the bold said, I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (Psalm 119:162). He was an addict of the Word (Psalm 119:97-100). God’s Word was David’s lifestyle; so, the joy oozed forth and the strength kept building up.
    • Through Testimonies: The testimonies of the past embolden us for victory in the next battle. The Bible says, David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee (1 Samuel 17:37). It was testimony that spur the boldness of David in confronting Goliath. Therefore, we should not be tired of documenting our encounters with God because it prepares us for the next battle.

    In summary, Hezekiah boldly confronted the verdict of death and prevailed (Isaiah 38:10). He used the power of confidence and righteousness consciousness (Isaiah 38:3). Also, Elijah prayed confidently and the heavens gave rain (1 Kings 18:44). Therefore, we must travail in order to prevail in prayers. Jacob was left alone; he would not let go until he returned with a change of name (Genesis 32:24-28). However, you must be born again. If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: Winning Prayer, Satan Get Lost and Born to Win.  I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:55 a.m., 9:50 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Living Faith Church Worldwide, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com.

  • It’s new dawn for the Church in Lagos – CAN

    It’s new dawn for the Church in Lagos – CAN

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

     

    The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter,  Bishop Stephen  Adegbite has said that amid  the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic recession in the country, 2021 is a new dawn and a new begining of great things for the church and by extension Nigeria.

    Adegbite gave this assurance of hope in his New Year’s message to Christians while meeting with the leadership of the Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) at the CAN secretariat in Lagos.

    He said for what has happen to humanity, Christian leaders must identify. We are going to extend love to everybody and bring them under the umbrella, so that we can move forward,” said Adegbite stating that there is presently a breath of fresh air in the Christian community in Lagos.

    According to the CAN chairman, the leadership of the Church will continue to stand; to protect and defend the interest of every Christian, church leaders and churches in Lagos, while sustaining the existing relationship between CAN and the state government.

    Adegbite stated further that with effective state administrative structure, Lagos CAN will work for the benefit of all Christians and there will be no miscarriage of justice among Christians and churches in the state.

    Read Also: No harm should befall Bishop Kukah, CAN warns Islamic forum

    He added that to honour and appreciate the labour of CAN past leaders, elders and fathers of faith in Lagos State, the new executive will embark on courtesy visits to past leaders and other Christian leaders who had contributed to CAN and Christianity in Lagos, irrespective of their denomination.

    Adegbite assured that, sanity had already been restored into Lagos CAN and it will be sustained. “Never again will there be wrong influence or leadership crisis in CAN Lagos State again”. According to him, healthy rotation arrangement among the major blocs in Lagos had been properly made and mutually agreed.

    The CAN chair states further that CAN as the umbrella organisation of Christians must collaborate with CPAN to promote Christianity and the image of Christ; and to promote the body of Christ. “We will work together and the name of the lord will be glorified. If we don’t do that, we have failed in our duties as ministers; officers of the body of Christ,” he said.

    Speaking on the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic and the planned lockdown by government, Adegbite said, “People are yet to recover from the first one, what then could warrant the second when adequate health facilities are not put in place to guarantee people’s safety”.

    According to him, government has failed the people with no adequate security of lives and other basic amenities of life. “Nigerians are fed up and should not be pushed to the wall to avoid angry reaction,” he stated.

    On the New Year, Adegbite assured Nigerians that there is hope for the country. “There is hope for Nigeria; despite the pandemic, despite the #endSARS protest and its attendant issues that we have seen, Nigeria will survive.

    “Nigeria is God’s own country, its God’s project; Nigeria will never become an abandoned project. God is with us in this land; the name of the lord that we have celebrated is Emmanuel: God is with us. 2021 will be a glorious year, a year of peace and joy,” he concludes.

    Gracious Akintayo, the president of CPAN, in response to Adegbite gave  assurances that members of the association will collaborate with CAN to project the Church positively.

    According to Akintayo, CPAN is ready to partner and work with maximum cooperation with CAN to achieve the mandate of the Church in Lagos.

  • ‘Take heed’, Akinosun warns leaders as he bows out of CAC

    ‘Take heed’, Akinosun warns leaders as he bows out of CAC

    By Gboyega Alaka

     

     

    THE immediate past president of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, has called on leaders in Nigeria to take heed and work in the best interest of their flock.

    He made this call in his New year/farewell message made available to The Nation, as he exited the exalted post.

    Akinosun appreciated his right-hand man and successor, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, whom he described as ‘astute’, for his magnanimity in allowing him bid members farewell, even when his tenure has ended.

    He appreciated God for leading him and his flock through the turbulent year 2020 unscathed,’ and prayed that the year 2021 will be “a year of abundant blessing, peace, happiness, progress and prosperity for everyone.”

    Addressing ‘leaders at all levels,’ the revered Man of God said: “In this onerous duty, I will apply the valedictory message of Saint Paul as he was about to depart Ephesus, where he had worked and ministered to the people for several years.”

    “TAKE HEED. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to your flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood – Acts 20:28.

    ”I want to appeal to all leaders in various categories of leadership in all organisations to take heed to themselves. Why am I addressing leaders? I am doing this because like I said earlier, God has made me to gain some insight into what leadership truly is. From my experience, I have come to realise that the role of a leader is to take people from where they are, to where they ought to be. … It follows, therefore, that a leader must have a clear vision of where he is taking those he leads.”

    He therefore charged all leaders to “wake up to their God-ordained duty,” while advising them to take time to re-examine themselves.

    “A leader ought to examine himself if he truly has a vision of where the people ought to be. … What promises did you hold out to those you are leading? Are you capable of delivering those promises?”

    He said the Nigerian society has become rotten “because leaders often forget to self examine themselves”, adding that “Society or an organisation would stagnate and decay when leaders are docile and are unable to critically examine themselves.”

    He said “what most people who find themselves in power fail to realise is that God placed a heavy premium on promises freely made” and “will take you into account for every word that comes out of your mouth. He backed this up with the message in Deut.32.21.

    On the part of the apostle’s message that said, ‘Take heed to yourselves and to your flocks,’  Akinosun said the analogy of the flock speaks to the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd, which bothers on welfare: ”The sheep relies heavily on the shepherd for its sustenance and protection. He leads the flock to the field to feed… and protects them against savage predator beasts.”

    He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take radical steps to manage the economy well and turn things around for the better.

    Describing the statistics of unemployment in the country, which stood at 27.1% at the 2nd quarter of 2020 as ‘scary’ and largely responsible for the recent #EndSARS protest, Akinosun said, “If those people who gathered at Lekki toll gate that October week had been fully employed, the gathering of protesters would be so insignificant that their presence would have little impact.”

    He commended the government’s efforts in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, even as he noted that this is not to say that the country’s healthcare system has been anything near accurate.

  • Nigerian Christians need pray more if… Bishop Odedeji

    Nigerian Christians need pray more if… Bishop Odedeji

    By Adeola Ogunlade

     

    THE Lord Bishop Diocese of Lagos West of the Anglican Communion, RT. Reverend Dr. James Olushola Odedeji, has urged the Nigerian Christians to pray more for those in position of authority and a united Nigeria.

    The clergy made this call at the centenary celebration of the ST. John’s Anglican Church Iju Ishaga, an Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Lagos West.

    In his words: “ I believe so much that if Christian’s can pray Nigeria will not be what we have today.

    “Faith is not necessarily what you confess but what you put into action and the Bible tells us that faith without work is dead.

    “So Christians should be Christians not only by mouth but by our righteous living, by our fruit bearing attitudes,by our being accommodating believing that others should also survive and this is what the bible tells us as Christians.

    “So when those things are put in place Nigeria will be good. I believe in Nigeria, I know the worse cannot happen, I know the Lord will rescue this nation and I can tell you that very soon the kingdom of God will reign supreme in this nation.

    “Let us continue to pray for the government and those in position of authority they need our prayers. They are as human as anybody, we know we have so many problems but God is abundantly able to deliver those who trust in him.

    Bishop Odedeji also charged stakeholders and members of the Archdeaconry with eleven churches under it, to harness the huge potentials for better projection of the Anglican  communion within their vicinity.

    “Forward ever backward never,they have potentials they have to spread the good news,they must ensure that the news of the Gospel continues.

     

  • The dynamics of supernatural flight

    The dynamics of supernatural flight

    By Bishop Taiwo Akinola

    Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? – Isaiah 60:8.

    Introduction:

     

    Each new year comes with new windows of opportunity to start all over again. Opportunities to recover our commitment to God and to serve Him better; opportunities to revisit our visions, to learn, unlearn, and relearn; opportunities to build, to rebuild, to be blessed and become a blessing to others; opportunities to prosper, to shine brighter for Christ and to be better prepared for eternity, and so on.

    No matter how bad your past has been, you can still enjoy a new, beautiful beginning. However, a new beginning does not just happen; it has to be critically defined, and you are a major force in determining it!  Just like the Prodigal Son did to change his estate of misery and woe, you must spread your spiritual wings before you can expect to fly to higher heights in destiny (Luke 15:18-19).

    You don’t have to wait any longer for some accidental occurrences, you can rise up and put an end to stagnation in your life! Stop wishing for a wonderful job; if no one employs you, employ yourself! But, this beautiful choice must be personal to you, or else your spiritual planes may not be ready yet to fly.

     

    Identifying What Flying Means to You

     

    Flying supernaturally means different things to different people and in different places, depending on what you are looking for in life and your specific calling or core assignment on earth.

    Flying is defined dependent on who you are: an athlete, a journalist, a farmer, a student, a trained professional, a politician, an astute business tycoon, a civil servant, a mature and far-sighted Christian worker, a New Testament preacher, or just a common citizen with no dream in particular.

    To many, flying means becoming better, stronger and richer in the processes of advancing destiny, accomplishing luxuriantly and becoming famous in the society. However, there are some common trends that define supernatural flight in the genuine believer’s heart.

    For example, true believers would want to overcome anything that could keep them away from serving God, lovingly. We all wish to discover and live up to our full potentials in Christ; to be healthy and prosperous, spiritually and materially, and to stay atop as distinctive blessings to our world. Above all, we all wish to mature in Christlikeness, and to enjoy total victory over sin, Satan, sicknesses, fear and all forms of oppression.

    Whatever, we all must take seriously the challenges of the supernatural realm. Supernatural flight cannot happen without the performances of the Holy Spirit, the Most Important Entity in the realm of supernatural operations (Acts 13:2).

     

    Our Secure Platforms for Supernatural Flight

     

    God’s people are spiritually set to sit on high above all nations of the earth. In fact, we are empowered to overtake the old order and manifest the realities of God’s supernatural blessings everywhere we go (Deuteronomy 28:1-3).

    However, it is our decision to comply with the set conditions that guarantees our entitlements (Isaiah 1:19). And, in moments of such decisions, human destinies are shaped. We may not be able to change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust and readjust our sails to reach our destination.

    Meanwhile, God is our most secure Guarantor for supernatural flight (Matthew 6:33). And, it takes His empowerment to fly above the cloud (Deuteronomy 32:10-12; Acts 1:8).

    Heaven gives its glimpses only to those not in a position to look sacrilegiously on, or become over-familiar with, spiritual matters. Most certainly, it is people who maintain allegiance to God that will eventually develop useful abilities (2 Timothy 2:2).

    David followed that order! God found him in the wilderness, and He made a big show out of his life (1 Samuel 13:14). To fly like Moses, Paul, Joseph, Daniel, Ruth and Esther of the Bible, we will do well to fasten the banners of faithful commitment to God on the sleeves of our daily living (1 Corinthians 9:16; Ruth 1:17; Numbers 12:6-7).

    Moreover, suitable knowledge is quintessential to supernatural flight. Everything in life thrives on knowledge. What you don’t know, will cost you something: stagnation, frustration and devastation (Isaiah 5:13, Hosea 4:6).

    Learners are earners! Yet, learning is not child’s play, and most times, we cannot learn things of value without pain. Many are struggling today because they aren’t really ready to learn from those who have knowledge (Acts 3:6).

    Resolve in your mind today to start learning at the feet of God-accredited faith Masters. That’s how flight giants are raised! But it takes humility to embrace this fact and to spread out your spiritual wings to pursue it.

     

    Spreading Our Spiritual Wings to Fly

     

    God’s children can always find their wings and fly, even in the midst of difficult circumstances (Isaiah 40:31; Psalms 55:6). In fact, God sometimes uses unpleasant or stressful situations to push us to the edge of our current nests.

    Notwithstanding, in order to engage supernatural flight, you must painstakingly crystalize your desire to fly above all circumstances of life. Desire is a destiny enforcer that cannot be easily stopped, and your desire is what prepares you for supernatural flight  (Psalms 21:2: 145:19).

    Whereas, some Christians today are so glaringly chicken-hearted about supernatural flight, yet, anyone can still reconnect to paths of flight freedom by identifying and bastardizing phobia and excuses. Like Shadrack, Meshack & Abednego, we must debase the worst things that could happen on the trajectories of our supernatural flights.

    Against the threat of death, the three Hebrews said their God would deliver them, but that even if He didn’t, they would still not bow to a false god. At long last, they became instant heroes of faith.

    Spread your spiritual wings to fly. Stretch yourself. Be willing to move beyond your regular comfort zone. Worry less. Trust God more. When God sees that all you want is to glorify Him, He will empower you to succeed!

    Those who are chickens by nature will never fly very high, because they are nature-limited. But then, it is also nature-dictated for the eagles to fly far higher than any other bird. Certainly, it is the birthright of every child of God to live the supernatural lifestyle in all contexts.

    Our faithful Father-God is waiting for us to fly, to His glory (Deuteronomy 32:11). We must also wait on Him, listen for His voice and watch for His nudge. The freedom to fly is in the trusting!

    Abraham decided to fly with his wings of faith, and the ultimate result is what is often referred to as Abraham’s blessings, of which we all are partakers today (Genesis 12; Galatians 3:13-14). Alleluia!

    Friends and brethren, by virtue of your new birth in Jesus Christ, you’re a spiritual eagle. Flying is your heritage by redemption. You are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. You won’t miss this, in Jesus Name. Amen.

     

    Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State, NIGERIA

     

  • Despite COVID-19, Deeper Life unlocks heavens for successful December retreat 

    Despite COVID-19, Deeper Life unlocks heavens for successful December retreat 

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

    For many believers and non-believers conversant with the Deeper Life Bible Church in its over 40 year’s existence, two events are usually sacrosanct on an annual and national scale. That is, the National Easter Retreat and the National December Retreat of the church.

    In response to government directives however, the 2020 National Easter Retreat was canceled due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown imposed by the government on cities across the country in a bid to curtail the deadly virus.

    Similar fate was about to befall the 2020 National December Retreat, themed, ‘Turning Bitterness to Sweetness’; as government both at state and federal levels issue stringent directives in trying to curtail the dreaded second wave of the pandemic for fears of being caught unawares.

    Initially, the retreat was scheduled to take place at the group head quarters (comprising about 6/7 districts as the case maybe) but due to the Lagos state government instruction, which came at the 11th hour that church gatherings should not be more than 50 persons or more, the Church hurriedly came up with contingency plan, especially in Lagos to hold the retreat at district level which comprises of a fewer number of worshipers.

    “The just concluded December Retreat is a proof that God works even in odd situations to perform His will. Despite the disruptions occasioned by COVID-19 regulations and the drastic adjustments that the church made in compliance, the Lord truly visited us with remarkable spiritual refreshing,” said Steve Obidi from one of the locations in Lagos, stating that “this is the uniform testimony from different clusters and locations within and outside Lagos where the programme held”.

    Following government directives on the usage of non pharmaceutical protocols, many churches in Lagos had made provision for sanitizers and hand washing points, with a ‘no mask no entry’ signage at every entering point while seating arrangements were readjusted to meet government directives on social/physical distancing within church auditorium.

    One of the worshippers who pleaded anonymity disclosed to The Nation that more people had the opportunity to attend the retreat this year as they attended the retreat very close to their house unlike other times that they have to travel to the Deeper Life Conference Centre (DLCC) camp ground along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    According to him, having the retreat in smaller clusters emphasizes two things. First is the need for believers to draw closer to God no matter the challenge the devil throws at us, since we know that God is a sure refuge; even while maintaining physical and social distance as the COVID-19 protocols demanded.

    The second benefit of having the retreat within the immediate localities of the worshipers means a lesser number of them are exposed to accidents and other casualties involved in traveling along the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway and being resident on the camp ground.

    Hence, participants need not worry about traveling out of base neither are they requested to think about the cost of commuting to DLCC which has been the case over the years. “They trekked to their district church which was closer to their houses,” he stated.

    The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) President, Daniel Bamigbayan said the retreat was a great time in God’s presence. According to him, it was an opportunity to take a break from the hustles and bustles of work and get refreshed spiritually.

    He states further that though the retreat was decentralized on the back of the COVID-19 restriction nationwide, the spacing of the messages gave more room for deeper reflection.

    “The most visible impact of the sudden change in venue is the effect on the planned human and material resources for the event. However, this impact was not significant because the change in venue also came with reduction in participants’ size at the new locations,” said Bamigbayan stating that it made management of the retreat easier.

    According to Bamigbayan, the last minute change in the initial programme and venue of the retreat reinforces the priority of agility as a key skill in this era. He opined that the church is not exempted from this necessity of being adaptable to change in order to survive.

    “The change in messages rubbed a bit on expectations especially in view of the theme of the event. However, because the new messages were still the word of God, I benefited immensely and got new leanings from the retreat,” Bamigbayan stated.

    Another participant from Deeper Life Bible Church, Ketu Area, Yemi Shoyemi, who spoke to The Nation said that his experience a wonderful time in God’s presence at the Retreat.

    He noted that I gain a lot from the water from Christ, The Smitten Rock bring salvation, sanctification, Holy Spirit Baptism.

    Also, a Representative of the Young Professional Forum, an arm of the church in Old Festac  Nnamdi Alex Onyeukwu said that the retreat was successful despite the challenges. According to him, the only challenge was the change in messages which did not conform to the program sheet that was distributed earlier.

    Onyeukwu opined that the turnout of young people during the retreat was impressive. The message meets our aspiration,” he said.

    Speaking on the 11th hour change in venue by the church, owing to the government directives in regard to the  COVID-19 protocols, Onyeukwu said, “Well, the impact was not discouraging because since we did not go to DLCC many people took it as normal. I appreciate their swift response to the government directives”.

    Onyeukwu further states that the leadership of the church was on top of the situation, and were flexible to take decision in the light of the present realities in the country and the world at large.

    Taking a consensus of responses given by participants, the 2020 National December Retreat of the Deeper Life Bible Church was less expensive both to the church in management and participants in terms of financial commitments when compared to others that are residential.

    This time around the church leadership made it flexible for all participants, as they have to leave their houses before 8am to attend faith clinic and by 11am they are back to home. In the afternoon, they would eat at home and go to church around 4:45 pm for the afternoon session and Bible study that runs till about 7pm.

    Participants at the four day retreat disclosed that they were blessed with the usual Faith Clinic and sermons like The Bride Covenant with the Heavenly Bridegroom; Come Believing, Go Rejoicing; Profiting from the Word; Sounding the Alarm to the Uncovered; Triumph of Patience in all Circumstances; Royal Ambassadors for Christ and Sanctification with Christ Enthroned on our Heart.

    Choir ministration like ‘Faithful to the end and The only one desire of my heart’ got the participants reflecting on the theme of the retreat ‘Turning Bitterness to Sweetness’ while the worship sessions got them all to further embrace the power of praise in the believers’ life.

  • Engaging the demands for answered prayers!

    Engaging the demands for answered prayers!

    By Dr. David Oyedepo

     

    Happy New Year and welcome to your year of Turnaround Encounters! I believe we had definite encounters with God via praise in the month of December, 2019. It is my prayer that all God is set to do in our lives this year will be actualised, in the name of Jesus! As our custom is, the month of January is our annual prayer and fasting season, and in the light of this, this week, we shall focus on: Engaging the Demands for Answered Prayers!

    We understand from Scriptures that prayers are prescribed for answers. As it is written, Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:2-3). Prayer is not a religious activity; it is a communication line between the believer and God. When we pray according to the rules, we have committed God’s integrity to answer us.  Thus, one can pray and not get any answer because he is asking amiss. Also, it is important to know that prayer is not just a platform for making request and having our needs met. Much more, it is a platform for stewardship, which entitles us to rewards that are far more valuable than our request. Making request entitles us to answers but service entitles us to rewards.  Therefore, prayer is an open platform of stewardship for all believers and that centres on making prayer investment towards every of God’s interest on the earth. The Bible says, And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:5-6). They asked, what are we to pray? And He said, After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). That is Jesus’ protocol for us in prayers. We invest towards Kingdom advancement endeavours by praying the will of God down on the earth (1 Timothy 2:4; John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9). So, it does not matter how heavy our load of request is, Kingdom endeavours is what entitles us to divine favour and it covers all areas of our lives (Matthew 6:33).

    What are the Demands for our Prayers to be Answered?

    • The Prayers must come from the Heart: The Bible says, And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13; see also Isaiah 26:9). When our prayer is from the heart, God’s answers and rewards to our prayers will humble our enemies.
    • We must Learn the act of Praying in the Spirit: This is not a spiritual emblem. When we are baptised in the Spirit, it gives us a prayer advantage. People think that groaning is about cracking the throat; it is praying in the Holy Ghost. So, the word ‘groaning’ is praying intensely in the Holy Ghost. When we do that, we are praying according to the will of God. Paul speaking said, For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:14-15; see also 1 John 5:14-15). So, it is our spirit that engages the Holy Ghost in prayer, and praying according to the will of God commits God to respond. Also, it is a private confidential line between us and God (1 Corinthians 14:2). The devil and man have no idea; yet, it is generating impact.

    In conclusion, we must expect to deliver the desired result from the labour room of prayer. It is written, Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24). Therefore, we should possess a business mentality in our walk with God. There is no commandment of God to us that is not for our profiting (Hebrews 4:2). Thus, every truth of scripture we engage with returns with profit to us (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). The blessings of spiritual investment are undeniable. So, as we engage with a sense of business, we should expect to be rewarded for every bit of investment we make. However, you must be born again. If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: Winning Prayer, Satan Get Lost and Born to Win.  I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:55 a.m., 9:50 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Living Faith Church Worldwide, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com.

  • Experiencing the wonders of praise!

    Experiencing the wonders of praise!

    Bishop David Oyedepo

     

    WELCOME to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by the last teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Experiencing the Wonders of Praise!

    We understand from Scriptures that praising God is full of wonders. As it is written, Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders (Exodus 15:11)? Also, the Bible says, It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High (Psalm 92:1). Thus, as we do, He in turn does fearful things for us. Praise is a divine secret for all-round profiting in the Kingdom and a good understanding of its wonders will keep us on the praise track all the days of our lives.

    What are the Wonders in Praise?

    He Exalts our Horn: The Bible says: But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil (Psalm 92:10). As we celebrate God, we exalt Him and He in turn exalts us.

    He Anoints us with Fresh Oil: When we praise Him, He anoints us with fresh oil and that anointing renders our enemies helpless. Thus, the fresher the oil, the stronger our defence. As it is written, And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing (Isaiah 10:27; also see Psalm 92:11). Also note that when God lift us up, He anoints us to match the lifting.

    Access to Revelation: Genuine praise ushers us into realms of unlimited revelation. He keeps showing us the path of life as we gain access into His presence and live in His presence. It is written, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). Rhema is the ultimate of revelation, it is God speaking to us directly from His Word. When rhema comes, faith comes alive; we cannot hear from God and doubt Him, His voice is mightier than the voice of many waters (Psalm 29:3).

    He Beautifies us: As we praise God and dance before Him, He beautifies us. For it is written, Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation (Psalm 149:1-4). It is one thing to praise God in a song and it is quite another to praise Him in a dance. When we praise Him in a dance, among others, He beautifies us.

    In summary, we cannot experience the wonders of praise by teaching, we have to experience it by doing so. We are only entitled to fearful blessing by engaging in fearful praise. No one knows what is in obedience until he has obeyed. However, to enjoy the wonders in praise, you must be born again. If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: Understanding the Power of Praise and Wonders of Praise.  I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6 a.m., 7.55 a.m., 9.50 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Living Faith Church Worldwide, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com.

  • RCCG Lagos Province 40 donates toilet to school

    RCCG Lagos Province 40 donates toilet to school

    By Daniel Adeleye

     

    AS part of the Christian social responsibility of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG),  Ogun Province 10 has donated two blocks of toilet facilities for Zumratul Islammiyah Primary School 1, in Akute Ogun state.

    The toilet contains nine holes; three for girls, three for boys and three for teachers.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the two blocks toilet, the RCCG Director of Administration and Assistant Pastor in Charge of the Province, APCiP, Olurotimi Adegborioye said the gesture of giving back to the society was one of the church’s mandates and the teachings espoused by Jesus Christ.

    The cleric who refused to disclose the cost of the toilet facility, said the church is not thinking about the cost but thinking about the lives of the children, saying the gesture will also encourage more parents to enroll their children in the school.

    Read Also: RCCG donates additional 20,000 facemasks to Lagos State

    He revealed that the church has supported up to five schools in the province, adding that the focus on schools was due to the importance of education to the church.

    Speaking on the current surge in the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the cleric noted that if more churches and corporate organizations support government and deployed resources in this direction, the ‘time bomb’ could be diffused.

    “Because God blessed and helped us we must be there also to help others. So that’s why we must do it,” Adegborioye stated.

    Head teacher of the school, Mrs. Bolanle Adedayo, who could not hide her joy, appreciated the leadership of RCCG for the relief the gesture would bring to the school community.