Category: Worship

WELCOME to February! I believe every one of us must have had definite encounters with God via fasting and prayer in the course of the month of January, 2020, I pray that each of us will keep telling the story of our diverse encounters for life (Amen)! This week, we shall focus on: Examining the Covenant of Scriptures for Our Dominion in Christ!

We understand from Scriptures that the Bible is a book of covenants and that is why we have the Old and New Testaments which also mean Old and New Covenants. As it is written, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A covenant is a deal enacted by God based on well-defined terms and sealed with an oath. The deal is contained in the book of deals called, the Bible. However, to draw on it, there are demands that should be kept. The reason people remain in captivity, despite the profitable provisions God has reserved for them, is that most Christians are afraid of taking responsibility.

We serve a covenant-keeping God, Who has left for us a Book of covenants for anyone who is interested in any of His provisions. The plans to be met are clearly enumerated in the Book of covenants, but we have to search, find, and apply them, so they can work for us. A covenant is not a mysterious or mystical statement that cannot be decoded; it is committing to the conditions of a promise. We are only empowered to access and take delivery of our inheritances on the platform of the covenant. Christianity is a faith, based on shared responsibility. I once said in one of the teachings on faith that, ‘Any faith that seeks to make God absolutely responsible for the outcome of our lives is an irresponsible faith’. We have a share of the responsibilities in order to have our inheritances delivered.

Other Covenants That Guarantee Our Turnaround In All Areas Of Need Are:

• Covenant of Health: Life at its best will be theoretical without health. Just as doctors have their prescription for certain illnesses, God also has His prescriptions for our total health and the price has been fully paid. It is written, For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20).God has a full healthcare package for His children (3 John 2). Our total health is very important to God and health is the only way to validate abundant life. The price has been paid for a sickness and disease-free life. He said, by His stripes we were healed. This implies that our healing was settled from the beginning (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).God’s Word carries God’s nature and is immune to sicknesses and diseases. When we receive and believe the Word, we buy into the divine nature that establishes our dominion over every assault on our bodies.
• Covenant of Favour: Nothing beautifies destiny like favour. The beauty of the destinies of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came on the platform of favour that the Lord gave them. Joseph enjoyed favour in slavery and in the prison; and favour took him finally to the palace. Favour is one of the returns that we are entitled to when we seek God’s Kingdom first. The Bible says, Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory (Psalm 102:13-15).Therefore, His favour brings us glory and beauty.
• The Covenant of Prosperity: Every child of God is a seed of Abraham and is ordained to be an heir of the blessings upon Abraham. Therefore, God is still in the business of turning people into financial giants because according to the Bible, we have access in Christ, to whatever God said to Abraham. As it is written, And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). God’s prosperity plan has no respect for prayer because it is a covenant and not a promise. It is the revelation of the covenant of prosperity from the Scriptures that puts us in command of financial fortune. This is because God’s Word is the highway to our inheritances and we must be committed to finding what it takes to access it.

The anchor law of the covenant of prosperity is giving. This is because only givers qualify for God’s blessings. It is the giving law that launches men into realms of financial fortune because our seeds entitle us to harvests (Genesis 8:22; Job 22:21-27). Therefore, giving is the gateway to supernatural supplies (Psalm 112:9).Also, there is the law of tithing, which is the gateway to a world of financial fortune (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22). It is God’s commandment that opens the windows of heaven to us, for the showers of God’s blessings. Tithe is the tenth of our increase or income. It is the covenant acknowledgement of God’s blessings in our lives that entitles us to a continuous flow of such blessings. It is also God’s portion that makes the remainder meaningful. When we stop tithing, we stop the flow of God’s blessings in our lives (Malachi 3:10).This is why we must understand that tithing is not a church doctrine; it is a covenant of the Kingdom that launches the believer into realms of financial prosperity.

In conclusion, Jesus already paid the price with His Blood, which is all we need to live life at its best. But, you must be born again. Are you 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, please get my books: Turnaround Power of the Word, The Force of Freedom, Walking in Dominion, Satan Get Lost, Born to Win and Fulfilling your Days. 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., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. 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, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

Sunday Oguntola

HUNDREDS of people accepted Christ last week during a three-day crusade by Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Tagged Ogbomoso Power crusade, the event had at its theme “Be victorious”.

The Supreme Head and Baba Aladura of MCCSW, Dr Israel Akinadewo, who ministered at the crusade, emphasised the needs for Christ for victory in life.

He said: “No one wins in life with Christ. Whoever is in Christ will not only win on earth but also inherit eternal life.

“The biggest need of every man and woman is Christ. Once He is in your life, you can be rest assured of victory on all sides.”

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Ministering on the second day on return of lost glory, Akinadewo said Jesus is an expert in restoration.

He said he has ways of restoring whatever has been lost once people allow Him to take His place in their lives.

According to him:  “God created every human with glory, the glory to excel in life, the glory to live a purposeful life.

“When we sin, we lose out. But once we return to Christ, He will restore everything we have lost. He will give us beauty for ashes.”

The following day, he spoke on “faith in the power of God.” Akinadewo said those who rely on God never lose out in life.

He said Christians must rely on the power of God to be victorious just like the children of Israel when they were facing the Assyrian war.

When he called for commitment to God, many raised their hands in complete surrender to Christ.

He also paid a courtesy visit to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Jimoh Ajagungbade III, who endorsed the crusade and urged the cleric to pray for peace and progress in the town.

Gideon Para-Mallam

Femi Adesina, President Buhari’s spokesperson just did the expected even when it was shameful to do so!

In a sense he has just confirmed that he is a typical human being in government. Being in government does not necessarily qualify one to be a leader.

Yesterday, my attention was drawn to a Facebook post by Adesina and I couldn’t believe his misplaced attacks on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

In one of his reactions, he said: ‘Rev Andimi was not killed solely because he was a Christian. Those evil people kill anyone they lay their filthy hands on.’ How does this statement make sense when in actual fact Rev Lawan Andimi was captured and killed because of his Christian faith?

It’s ridiculous that he could say something like this when it’s so obvious even Boko Haram has left no one in doubt on this fact, except those who are their apologists.

I will like to lay out my quick reflection as follows:

1. Without joining issues with Adesina but based on objective reading of his write up. I thought, if he truly meant well and not just trying to ridicule Barr Kwamkur the CAN Legal Director and CAN Leadership, why did he not tell Nigerians or CAN what his Oga patapata did to secure the release of late Rev Lana Andimi? Does CAN and indeed Nigerians deserve to know or not? This would have been far more positive than such self-serving defense of the government and uncalled for attacks against CAN at a time when the government should be condoling not only Rev Lawan’s family but the leadership of CAN. Too much hypocrisy dey for government door step o!
2. His crocodile tears notwithstanding, he suggests that he is mourning Andimi not because he is a clergy but a human being. Yes, we are all human beings but Andimi was specifically picked because of his Christian faith and the leadership role he plays in the Church. Without producing more lies and false narratives, let Adesina confirm that this isn’t the case, by proving otherwise. If he so deeply cares, why doesn’t he confirm to the world that Andimi was eventually killed, even the ransom payment was agreed, because of his refusal to convert to Islam?
3. Andimi’s refusal to convert to Islam is worth celebrating as an act of courage and dogged commitment to Christ. The Federal government should be praising this godly virtue. If Adesina claims as he tries to show that he is such a follower of Christ, why did he not celebrate Andimi for dying as a martyr on his Facebook page? Isn’t Adesina showing more by his action that he is serving his earthly master above the heavenly Master?
4. Governments lie a lot, even in the Bible, we see and know that this is true. Even the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was given a different narrative by the then government of the day in Palestine. This narrative was anchored on bribery and corruption. That government sent out a story – all a lie, which suggested that the disciples of Jesus came and ‘stole’ his body and therefore there was no resurrection. In fact, Adesina’s not so convincing arguments just reminds me of what a government apologist would typically do. Hitler’s Germany never had a short supply of such apologists.
5. Adesina’s characterization of CAN is consistent with what this government does – they get some low-level officers who are Christians to answer issues related to the Church and get top government people who are Christians to ridicule the Church. Those doing these dirty jobs may or may not be aware that they are doing the bidden of the big boys in power, in the government. They will find out sooner that they are in essence not only undoing themselves but also doing harm – as they are being used to inflict wounds on the same Church they claim to belong.
6. He also points to the Chief of Naval staff and Chief of Defense staff as two Christians in the strategic security area in their government and that the CDS is a Pastor in RCCG. Yes of course they are and what is that suppose to mean practically? The CDS from what I hear is a very hard-working, quiet and descent man and committed to his job professionally. Therefore, my immediate reaction is simple: For how long have the Chiefs of Army, Airforce, Customs, Immigration, Minister of Defense, National Security Adviser, DSS, Police IG, been there in their offices? Adesina is talking about 2 Christians verses 8 Muslims (not to mention heads of Parastatals and Ministers) and a Muslim President. The government’s insistence in sustaining this arrangement and not paying attention to the criticisms trailing the security architecture, what is the government communicating internally and externally? Is it only Northern Muslims that have the answers to our present security concerns or we are just being suffocated with the tyrannical syndrome of the majority complex? The point being made is this, there is need to make such appointments reflect our multi-cultural and multi-religious diversity as a nation. This is needed for the sake of our national cohesion. More so some of those appointments have gone on for over 4 years now. Some of these appointments deserve a careful review and radical changes made. We all are not ready to be fooled by what the likes of Adesina have to say. If he is blinded because of the trappings and temporary deceit of power, let him know that we are NOT!
7. How interesting that Adesina reminded us that bombs now no longer go off ever-so often. Well, yes, that fact needs to be accepted but are we now supposed to roll out the drums to celebrate this government? Was CAN’s reference to security – focused only on bombings? If the government wants to be praised for reduced bombings, I cannot fault them but Adesina cannot use that to deny this fact – which is, our security is still far from where it ought to be and there is truly nothing to cheer about. No frequent bombings but kidnappings and killings by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen have become the highest insecurity concern in this country today. The kidnappings and killings have dramatically increased since this government came into power. Adesina, are you suggesting we should just keep quiet because bombings have reduced and start singing praises of this government for a job well done in the area of security? No responsible government would argue in this manner. The fact is this, our security has worsened in other areas since when this government came into power.
8. He likes us to believe that the majority of Christians have moved away from the narrative in which Christians felt that they are being persecuted and marginalized. There is nothing further from the truth. Christians do not only feel that they are under intense persecution, they also feel marginalized. They also feel excluded and left also to be killed by Boko Haram and the bandits. Is what Adesina saying not an intentional narrative this government is pushing? Remember that the leadership of CAN visited President Buhari when he won re-election. CAN offered him advice on the political appointments and the need for balance – what did CAN get out of this? Attacks as some were suggesting that CAN is now turning into a political party. Is Buhari’s government an exclusive Muslim government which only doles out tokenism political appointments to Christians? Let Adesina proof us wrong with facts to show how government appointments are today in Nigeria – rather than take advantage of state power to ridicule or seek to silence the Church.
9. Adesina went further to say that CAN is now turning into a political party. What doublespeak or cowardice. Yet, Muslim groups like Meyatti Allah can make statements and it’s okay but not Christian groups and their parent body – CAN. When Obasanjo was in power between 1999-2007, didn’t Muslims cry out loud for being marginalized and also under President Jonathan Goodluck especially over the composition of the National Conference? Forgetting so soon that they have monopolized power for years under the guise of military rule until 1999. Are we interested in the truth in this nation as we seek engagement in meaningful, productive and effective conversations on Nigeria? Let’s not forget that when this government came into power, only Boko Haram was a major security concern. All that has now changed as Boko Haram has metastasized into two deadly factions which are ferocious in their targeted profiling and attacks on Christians. The Fulani herdsmen militia has become the third destabilizing group after the Boko Haram factions. The Fulani herdsmen militias have also wasted the lives and resources of many Nigerians. They too have targeted Christians with ferocious intensity. Should CAN and Christians all keep quiet and continue to watch helplessly? CAN must not be cowed – the game of deceit is over. Must we all follow Buhari to our graves? Must we watch as we see the grave of the Church in Nigeria being dug and we pretend things are okay because of the likes of Adesina who said ‘nobody can wish Christianity away from Nigeria.’ My take is that this is not new. Before Adesina came to Abuja as a spokesperson for Buhari, Christians have endured persecution in this country. He needs to know that we will not bow now. The only message the government has now is their demonstration of the ability to protect the lives of Christians and indeed all Nigerians regardless of religious affinity and ethnic nationality, stop the attacks and end the killings. President Buhari boasted that he will do so once he gets into power in 2015. It’s now 5years on, we are worst off for as long the security of lives keeps deteriorating. The likes of Adesinas from inside Aso Rock and outside can keep singing their love song for political power and continue defending their political masters, but for us, we have no love song until the killings end! Adesina knows too well that before him, there was one Chukwumerije who did it even more professionally during the Abacha dark years – yet those years came to an end. To Adesina, the megaphone in Aso Villa, I say, this too shall pass away. God Still Reigns and has the FINAL SAY!!!

On a personal note, I have tried to reason and make sense of what this government is doing and I am left with more doubts than clarity. I have no problem in praising them if they did what is good but acknowledging something good they have done, does not remove the fact that ending the violent attacks and killings in Christian communities remains non-negotiable. We will not be silenced until the killings stop and justice pursued for all Nigerians. Not until then, it is extremely hard to see this government as one representing the interest of all the citizens of this country and as the Russians would say, NYET (for NO)!

10  Adesina dodged saying anything about the release of Leah Sharibu and other innocent captives – especially the newly abducted 20-year-old Lilian Daniel Gyang, a young University of Maiduguri student from Plateau State – kidnapped on January 9th 2020, or did he? Yet he can mourn Rev Andimi? What is he communicating by this singular omission? In fact, I am tempted to think that he really didn’t set out to mourn Andimi on his Dabol wall but he simply got into his Facebook page and lampooned CAN but pretending to be mourning Andimi. When was Andimi brutally murdered? When did Adesina get to know? When did he go public with his hypocritical mourning? What a shame! I see this as hypocritical and shameful because mourning Andimi and attacking the Church doesn’t at the same time does not add-up.

In conclusion, The President’s statement of condolence message to the Christian community all over Nigeria, the government and people of Adamawa, and Andimi’s family on January 21st, 2020, makes far more sense and Adesina should have just kept quiet and build on it in a positive sense.

Sadly, he misfired and went negative. His suggestion however, CAN should not use condolence messages to raise other issues is in a way sensible. But he himself did the direct opposite by using his ‘condolence’ message or whatever he calls it to get even with CAN. Let’s all learn from it.

A condolence message should remain a condolence message and matters arising can be brought out separately. But his descending to the low level of attacking CAN is totally unacceptable from someone who sees himself also as a Christian. The habit of Christians in Government allowing themselves to be so cheaply used is part of our problem. I do not believe they speak honest truth to power in so doing. They are in fact misleading those in power and only playing safe. Sometimes they even come across as ‘being more Catholic than the Pope!’ The likes of Adesina should produce results by bringing Leah Sharibu and all others home. Or are they including our President also helpless on this issue of their release but they are so strong when it comes to attacking those who disagree with them? More shame!!!

By Adeola Ogunlade

The Chairman of Council, The Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM) (Centre for Entrepreneurship & Skills Development), Professor Johnson Odesola, has canvassed high quality technical education to beat the unemployment threat in the nation.

He said the more Nigerians engage in technical education, the more the nation will prosper through productive activities.

Odesola spoke last week through the Vice Chairman of Council of the institution, Samuel Olaniyan, during a media parely on the 2nd matriculation ceremony for new students for the 2019/2020 academic session of the institution slated for February 7 at the Province Coordinating Hall, behind National Secretariat Camp, Mowe, Ogun State.

He said provision of high quality technical education would go a long way to building capacity for national engineering and technological development, the growth of SMEs and the development of our economy.

Odesola, who lamented the gradual fading away of middle technical skills in the country, which is very germane to economic growth, said the only way to fill the gap is in provision of high quality technical education.

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He said: “Establishment of sound middle level and higher technical education as well as provision of required knowledge and infrastructure for technological innovation and entrepreneurship would in no small way contribute to our national development process”

He argued it was necessary for youths to acquire skills in photography/photo editing, IT/Web Design, hospitality and home management, among others which the school offers with a view to preparing them self- employment.

He commended the management of the school for the vision to float RECTEM with the aim of making it a trail-blazer in raising entrepreneurial champions to be first class professionals in the field of Science, Technology and Management.

The annual destiny changing programme of Rehoboth Prophetic Mountain Ministry Lagos ends on January 27.
The theme of the programme, which started on January 14, is “The journey of destiny”

It holds at 4, Adekogbe Street, Imopelufa, Aleke town and bus-stop, Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The host, Prophet/Evang. Samson Adam, assured participants will receive deliverance from household enemies, liberation from various forms of attacks and victory.

By Dr David Oyedepo

Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Engaging Divine Vengeance through Prayer and Fasting!

We understand from scriptures that we live in the world of times and seasons and understanding of these times will always make us strive to make the most of these seasons, thereby putting us in command. The Scripture says, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). As evident from scripture, we are in the season of God’s vengeance and that is a vital aspect of God’s end-time agenda. Among others, it is the mystery of the other side of God yet undiscovered. No matter how spiritual we are, there are certain forces that won’t let us go until vengeance is executed.  That is, until the God of vengeance intervenes, the wicked may never give up on us and as such we remain in captivity. For instance, it took the act of vengeance for the Israelites to experience liberty (Exodus 11:1). When God launched the plague in Egypt, there was calamity in the home of every Egyptian (Exodus 4:22-24). In the same way, there are certain forces that will not let us go until vengeance is executed.

Furthermore, while it is true that vengeance belongs to God, it is also our responsibility to invoke His vengeance on our enemies. As believers, therefore, we must acknowledge that just like God, we are also called to operate as two-sided followers of God. There is a time to pray for and a time to pray against! While we pray for people to be saved, we must also demand the destruction of our enemies. In other words, everything bewitching our lives is at our mercy; we are to determine whether they live or die! In Luke 18:7-8, we saw how God’s elect cried day and night for vengeance until God had no choice but to answer speedily. This implies that God is eager to avenge His own elect but until we ask, we are not entitled to it. Also, it is our redemptive honour to execute vengeance upon the wicked (Psalm 149:6-9). Therefore, anything and anyone mocking our destiny is entitled to a curse (Mark 11:21-24).

Why Divine Vengeance?

• For the Fulfilment of Prophecies: Every time a great door and effectual is opened to us, there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9). So, vengeance becomes an important weapon for the fulfilment of prophecies.

Our Comfort is tied to His vengeance: Our breakthroughs and all-round comfort are not guaranteed without vengeance. Until vengeance answers in the camp of our enemies, we may never be comforted (Isaiah 61:3).

To secure our Supernatural Breakthrough: Every time God breaks forth in our lives, the enemies gnash their teeth (Psalm 112:10; Isaiah 51:4-7). So, our breakthrough must be accompanied with vengeance, or it becomes a breakdown.

What, then, are the Weapons of vengeance?

Among others, we shall examine one vital weapon of vengeance which is the weapon of prayer and fasting. It is written, Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Also, it is written, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:40-41). From the above scriptures, we understand that we cannot invoke vengeance without a strong prayer and fasting platform. Fasting and prayer is a secret for vengeance. Don’t be deceived, there is no software for fasting and prayer. Those who invoke vengeance are people that are battle-ready and have experienced power in fasting and prayer. For instance, Nehemiah was a man given to prayer and fasting. As a result, God granted his request (Nehemiah 1:4-11).  Even Jesus, the son of God was not left out as He was a man given to prayer and fasting. As a result, He began to manifest authority and power so much that demons screamed, ‘have you come to destroy us’ (Matthew 17:21). The devil fears our prayer and fasting lives. This is why we must always engage this weapon for vengeance. Remember, everyone who benefitted from the move of Christ made desperate moves. We do not get it sitting down and waiting, we get it by making desperate moves. So, go after vengeance at all cost and the God of vengeance will answer speedily.

In summary, vengeance will only answer for you if you are born again; otherwise, your effort will be wasted. Are you 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, please 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., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. 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, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.