The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Ighele tasks leaders on service at Christmas

    Ighele tasks leaders on service at Christmas

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

    THE General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission (aka Happy Family Center), Bishop Charles Ighele has advised leaders in Nigeria to emulate the virtues of service and humility as exemplify by the birth of Jesus Christ, the reasons for the Christmas season.

    Ighele said this in his Christmas Carol nights held over the week at the church in Akonwojo, Lagos. The event featured Christmas songs, drama and many types of holy amusements.

    He said that the need to save and serve Nigerians is what Nigerian leaders across board should learn from the lessons of Christmas.

    He said “for those who understand the true meaning of Christmas, Christmas is a special season to celebrate and enjoy the season the Lamb that was needed for the sacrifice of the redemption of mankind was provided through the virgin birth.

    Ighele noted that the need to save and serve lost humanity was what made Christ to come to the world by being put into planet earth through a virgin. He left His glorious throne to save and serve humanity.

    He lamented that many typical Nigerian politician, clergy, traditional rulers, business leaders, husbands see leadership as a sign that they have arrived. “They therefore see themselves as big men to be respected and served. They see themselves as people to be adored”.

    Read Also: COVID and Christmas

    Ighele explained that unfortunately, many citizens see themselves like Frans Fanon’s “wretched of the earth “whose only reason for being alive is to take the crumbs that fall from the masters’ table.

    He noted that instead of using leadership to lift up the common man the way they would do to their own children, they use their positions to lift up their loved ones and children and have perfected the knowledge of the crumbs that will make the politically illiterate masses to be happy.

    “And they call this leadership. But there is a third estate that is rising. They belong to no political party. They are not apolitical. They are not partisan. But they have a measure of political literacy and sagacity. The government should sit up to save and serve the people, if not this group will keep getting stronger and stronger until they get stronger than the government”, he said.

    He asserted that the best way to celebrate Christmas is for our hearts to be full of thanksgiving to God for providing us with the offering needed to reconcile us to God and make us sons of God again.

    He said it is a pity that a second wave of COVID-19 infections has been allowed to occur. We should keep doing those things that led to the reduction of COVID-19.

  • Church empowers 750 members

    Church empowers 750 members

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

     

    THE New Seraph Church Worldwide has empowered 750 members with various skills.

    The items include freezers, cooking gas, packs of indomie, and coolers.

    The event was the climax of the church’s Christmas Carol that held in Maryland, Lagos. Top personalities in the country, including the traditional rulers, capital of industries, and pastors from other denominations graced the event.

    According to the founder of the church, Dr. Yomi Sholoye, giving is part of Christian life and it was time for them to send poverty away through giving and empowering the less-privileged.

    “This is the first time in the history of the church that we are embarking on a huge empowerment like this and it would cover 750 members across the length and breadth of the country,” she said.

    She added that last year about 15 cars and cash were given out to people by the church to improve their standard of living.

    Sholoye appealed to the beneficiaries not to sell the items, but that they should see them as an avenue to end poverty in their lives.

     

  • Abdul, Jaga others thrill gospel club party with CDO

    Abdul, Jaga others thrill gospel club party with CDO

    Our Reporter

     

    ACE gospel act, Mike Abdul led other artists like Testimony Jaga, Protek Illasheva and others to bring real energy to a gospel club party tagged,  ‘The Xpression with CDO’ which was held at  Cubana, a night hub in Victoria Island.

    The night began with some finest indigenous and urban contemporary gospel artistes such as Kelar Thrillz, Winter Amadin, Bee Cee Moh, who freely expressed themselves with no holds barred.

    Much later, the likes of Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, and Protek took their turns to further light-up the atmosphere with their irresistible and danceable songs to the chagrin of those in the house.

    Speaking with journalists, Mid-Night Crew member and special appearance, Mike Abdul, disclosed that the vision of the convener, John Ikeotuonye also known as CDO, has come to stay. He says it has caused a disruption and given hope to as many youths who may not have found expression in the church setting.

    Speaking on the gospel club party initiative, CDO discloses.

    “The club party is an unconventional way to reach the unchurched and disenfranchised with the good news of the gospel and God’s redemptive purposes. God is not stereotyped. He cannot be boxed. He can do anything to reach the unsaved anywhere which is why we are here in a club, he discloses.”

     

     

     

  • Insecurity: All hope is not lost says Anglican bishop

    Insecurity: All hope is not lost says Anglican bishop

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

    THE Diocesan and Missioner of Lagos Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Humphrey Olumakaiye has said that the successful rescue mission of the Kankara boys in Kastina has resuscitate our hope in the overall leadership of our dear nation.

    Olumakaiye said this in his Christmas message to Nigerians, yesterday in Lagos, said that as we commend the federal government on the successful rescue mission of the Kankara boys, we can now resuscitate our hope in the overall leadership of our dear nation believing that hope is not lost on the present security challenge.

    He noted that with a concerted effort, the security of our nation will bounce back, adding that we trust God to work through our leaders and all of us to make this nation a better place.

    He however called on Nigerians to support the government to achieve the kind of nation we desire.

    He said “this year 2021 ahead is our year of surprising victory as individual, families and nation, the Lord will go before us and fight all our adversaries and save us from every form of devastation.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Senate moves to legalise Hunters’ group

    He continued “yuletide season is here and in this spirit of ebullience, we must not all acknowledge the peace Christ brought us at his birth many years ago”.

    Olumakaiye posited that as a nation, we need Jesus to restore our leaders-followers relationship, government-citizens relationship, so that the platform for a well-ordered and balanced life void of kidnappings, killings, hatred, suicide, terror, plague and bad governance will be achievable with eternal destiny in view.

    “He is the only reason we can truly love peacefully with God and man. Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace because He restores every broken relationship, provides a well-ordered ad balance life, and offers the assurance of eternal life”.

    Olumakaiye posited further that without peace, the continuity of life would not possible, stressing that the right relationship with God is the foundation of living in harmony with all his creation. In Jesus, our fears  in death are removed and replaced with the gift of eternal life

  • Nigeria will feed the world one day, says Olagunju

    Nigeria will feed the world one day, says Olagunju

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

    The Superintendent of the District Coordinating Council, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), The Power of God Saves, Pastor Moses Olajunju, has said Nigeria will feed the world as God has destined  a lot of greatness for Nigeria.

    Olagunju stated this at the just-concluded one week Festival of Freedom organised by CAC at its headquarters church in Egbeda, Lagos.

    The programme tagged: Only God brought together thousands of Christian’s faithful from around the country. It featured bible teachings, marriage seminar, leadership summit, health talk and prophetic ministration.

    Olagunju said Nigeria has a special place in the heart of God and his purpose no matter the challenges we might be going through.

    He asserted that Nigerians are making giant strides across various sectors in parts of the world and their knowledge could be of immerse benefit to our country if the government looked inward and put in place the requites infrastructures that will drive innovations and creativity.

    He lamented that the youth were cerebral and ingenious but were living the country in droves in search for greener pastures, stressing that our leaders must be selfless and work hard to move the nation forward and make it feet and live-able for everyone to live.

    Olagunju noted that it was clear that coronavirus pandemic has showed to us that we did not have anywhere else to go for our problems solved; we have to look inwards and develop our capacity to address our challenges.

    He stated further that the world was amazed at how we had been able to curtail the virus, adding that the mercy of God saved Nigeria from being consumed by COVID-19.

    He said: “We do not have the requisite health care system to curtail the virus. If not for the mercy of God, coronavirus would have consumed Nigerians. Compared to developed countries, God has been faithful to Nigeria.”

    He said 2021 would be better as we shunned sin and continued in praying for God’s mercy and protection as the world is trying to overcome the pandemic.

  • COVID-19: OAIC charges church leaders on ministerial exploits

    COVID-19: OAIC charges church leaders on ministerial exploits

    By Adeola Ogunlade

     

    The Lagos chapter of Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), one of the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has challenged churches to position themselves for opportunities for ministerial exploits post-COVID-19.

    Ministerial operations, according to the body, had changed since the coronavirus pandemic, opening up new windows of opportunities for churches to reach more souls.

    The body stated this at its special end-of-the-year meeting in Lagos.

    Lagos OAIC’s General Secretary, Senior Apostle Ezekiel Daramola, who presented a paper entitled: Impact of Year 2020 crisis on OAIC churches, said the outgoing year had shown that there were greater opportunities for soul-winning.

    He pointed out that despite the lockdown, a lot of churches employed alternative means such as teleconferencing, live streaming, online prayer sessions and social media platforms to hold normal church services.

    He challenged OAIC churches to employ same despite the ease of lockdowns because many Christians had become used to the alternative channels of worships.

    Churches, he said, have to upgrade their Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and multi-media ministry to retain members and win new ones.

    He urged them to improve themselves because ministry has gone beyond physical activities.

    “Pastors,” according to him, “must reinvent themselves with current trends, especially ICT knowledge to be relevant and minister to multimedia believers.”

    He also said they must uplift the humanitarian part of the churches because the pandemic has shown “church members are going through a lot than they want to talk about.”

    “This is the time that pastors should be more passionate to show they really care for the church members. They must find ways to make the members feel the positive impact in their lives and situations.”

    Daramola further advised churches to invest more in multimedia ministry as well as train members and pastors to use them for more reach.

    “They are to make necessary adjustment in their service plans and messages. The age of parochialism is over. New innovations are needed in pastoral activities to combat the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to the world.”, he said.

    Chairman Lagos OAIC, Apostle Julius Opasola, said churches would certainly thrive post-COVID-19.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu, Oyetola, others for C&S’ 30th Christmas Carol

    Sanwo-Olu, Oyetola, others for C&S’ 30th Christmas Carol

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

    The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (C&S), Surulere District Headquarters, (aka Ayo ni o) is hosting its 30th Inter-denominational Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol Service 2020, on Friday, December 18, 2020 by 3:00pm at its Main Church Sanctuary at Sanya, Lagos.

    Themed: “Peace to the world”, the event would feature various musical, drama, choreography and dance groups.

    According to the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, Evangelist Akin Ekundayo, “every arrangement has been concluded for the 30th edition to be a memorable event with the expected turnout of invited dignitaries such as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs  Adejoke Orelope- Adefulure; Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Publisher, Ovation International, Chief Dele Momodu, and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa.”

     

    Other dignitaries expected, Ekundayo added, were Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and her market women and men from across Lagos.

    The chief host for the event is the church’s General Leader/District Chairman, Special Apostle/Prophet Sunday F. Korede.

  • YCF holds bi-annual couples retreat

    YCF holds bi-annual couples retreat

    Young Couples Fellowship (YCF) Nigeria is holding its Couples Retreat 2020  on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at The RCCG Emmanuel Assembly, Car Park C, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State.

    Themed: The Price of Impeccable Marriage (Eph. 5:21), the event would feature a workshop session that would be divided into two unique groups of “Just for women” & “Just for men”.  There would be a heart-to-heart talk from medical practitioners with a special focus on “Effects & prevention of blue light’’.

    In a statement, the convener of the programme, Segun  Emiola Olabode said the retreat was being organised as part of their programme to reach out to couples by ensuring that many families experienced heaven-on-earth home.

    He noted that the programme would also include Group Focus (grouping according to years of marriage, and discussions on how to have a godly home during the year. It would include dancing events for couples, riddles & jokes). Group Focus Sessions is aimed at mingling and direct learning from one another.

    He stated further that there would be “Leadership Impactful summit & dinner for a YCF Leadership Team on Friday, December 18, 2020 with the theme: The price & gain of a servant-leader.

  • Engaging the power of praise as a weapon of warfare!

    Engaging the power of praise as a weapon of warfare!

    By Dr. David Oyedepo

     

    Welcome to another week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall examine the topic: Engaging the Power of Praise as a Weapon of Warfare!

    We understand from Scriptures that every plan and purpose of God will always be resisted by the devil. The Bible says, For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9). Also from Deuteronomy 2:24, it is written, Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.

    If we cannot contend, we cannot possess what belongs to us in the Kingdom and praise is one of the vital weapons for taking delivery. Praise is not a platform for entertainment; it is a most effective spiritual weapon that brings God on the stage to clear off the barriers that would stop us from taking delivery of what belongs to us.

    Furthermore, it is important to understand that praise is the only way to secure God’s presence and when we do, what gives way to Him gives way to us (Psalm 22:3, 1114:1-7). Also, praise is what we do to secure victory in any battle; by engaging in praise, we transfer our battles to Him (2 Chronicles 20:20-24). It is a God-given weapon in our hands, with which to humiliate the devil.

    How then can we Engage Praise as an Instrument of Warfare?

    • Target-Praise Warfare: In the days of Jehoshaphat, it was ‘target-praise’ warfare that brought them the great victory over the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who came against them. The Bible records, And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). When God stretched forth His hand, no man can stop it or turn it back; He sits upon the circles of the earth, doing what He pleases. Thus, whatever God has not planted, which is growing in your life, family, business, finance, children, etc., can be uprooted by engaging in praise.
    • Warfare Dance: Scripture says, Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp (Psalm 149:3). When we have prayed and we are yet to see answers (remember Daniel’s 21-day ordeal), we can invite Him to step in. To invite Him, just praise Him in the dance and make a joyful noise to the Lord in praise. Also, it is written, And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). When we engage in praise, God becomes our dangerous defence. David never lost any battle, never suffered any injury and never lacked direction; he was a permanent high-flyer.

    In summary, if we do not want to keep struggling, we must hand over our battles to God and to do that, we need His presence but His presence can only be secured on the platform of praise. We may be trusting God for marital breakthrough, a job, promotion, financial breakthrough, etc., secure God’s presence and then He will level out every barricade against the delivery of our desires. Therefore, let our praise to God well up in us as a fountain and we will find Him in action. When God takes over our battle, His fearful acts are made manifest, His name is glorified and we have sweatless triumph. However, before God can step into the scene and take over your battle, 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: Domi Stream, 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.

     

  • Christians charged to light the world with love, hope

    Christians charged to light the world with love, hope

    By Omolara Akintoye

    Nigerians have been urged to light the world with love and hope despite the ravaging coronavirus pandemic in the Yuledtide.

    Speaking at the launch of the “Light the world” campaign tagged 2020 Light the World One by One by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints held in Lagos, the Presiding Officer, Area- Seventy, Elder Chigbundu, said the Church is lighting up the world from December 1-25 with various activities.

    Such activities, he said, entail giving hope to the hopeless, caring for the needy, the sick, celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus, among others.

    “The program is an initiative of the church and we want other denominations to join us to celebrate the Lord Jesus.

    “This period is a season of Christmas, a season when Jesus was born, this December, the promise remains the same.

    “As we serve others the way Jesus served, we can end this year on a hopeful note. The light of hope still shines bright even with this pandemic, find time to light the world,” Chigbundu, who was represented by Stake President, Agege Stake, Asuquo Udobong, said.

    Director, Public Affairs of the church, Mr. Ikpe Nkanang, said the Yuledtide should be used as new opportunities to # Light the world.

    READ ALSO: Church preaches family values for peaceful coexistence

    While urging all to show love and care to others at this period, Nkanang enjoined everyone to spend wisely at this period.

    Managing Director, The Sun Publishing Ltd. Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, said the phrase ‘Light the world’ is an implication that the world is in darkness.”

    The darkness, he explained, is “because a time of total degeneration fathers are raping their daughters, mothers are luring their sons, homosexuality is very rampant, this is no doubt perilous times. Hence the need for light.

    “Light connotes holiness, goodness, and for us to be light of the world, we must do those things that Jesus wants us to do, put God first in whatever you do, and be grateful to God for all that He has done. Shun evil and be ready to help others.

    “Even with the pandemic that is still ravaging the world, we must have compassion and love for others and be ready to render help to others at this time,” Onuoha said.