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Category: Worship

  • Engaging divine vengeance for supernatural turnarounds!

    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 for Supernatural Turnarounds!

    We discover from scriptures that we are in the season of God’s vengeance. Therefore, it is important to recognise that no one can maximise this season without a revelation of divine vengeance. Until God visits our adversaries with vengeance, the devil may not let us go. We must understand that we serve a God of vengeance.

    The Word of God says, O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself (Psalm 94:1; see also Romans 12:19). From scriptures, we also discover that God is always eager to avenge His own elect (Luke 18:7-8). We serve a two-sided God Whose Word is a two-edged sword.

    We must understand this other side of God, or we will continue to live a beggarly life (1 Samuel 2:6). For instance, Pharaoh had ample opportunity to release the Israelites, but he refused until God descended with a final blow of vengeance. The day of vengeance is in God’s heart, so as to fulfil His agenda in our lives (Isaiah 63:4).

    Why Divine Vengeance?

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

    It is a Vital Aspect of God’s End-time Agenda: The Bible says, The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2).

    In Acts of the Apostles, vengeance was one of the earliest manifestations of the arrival of the Holy Ghost. Ananias and Sapphira fell and died and Elymas the sorcerer also became blind. That was not the case under the former rain. The former rain was that of mercy, while the latter rain began with judgment. So, the prince of this world and all his agents are ordained for judgment under the latter rain.

    Our Comfort is tied to His vengeance: Vengeance must be executed before we can be duly comforted in every aspect of our lives (Isaiah 61:3). 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.

    It is the Platform for our Total Liberty: Vengeance is the gateway to our long-awaited liberty. 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). There are certain forces that will not let us go until vengeance is executed.

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

    Weapons of Vengeance in Scriptures

    • Revelation: The Bible says, To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD (Psalm 149:9). We can only execute judgment with what is written. It is that revelation we engage to invade the camp of the powers of darkness. We have to get the revelation of the Word to execute judgment because what God confirms is not our cry, but His Word (Exodus 4:17; Mark 16:20).
    • Bold Declaration: As it is written, …open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10). We cannot execute vengeance by speaking softly; we have to speak boldly in the Lord. It takes revelational depth to be bold. Any boldness that is not from the depth is boldface. The devil we do not harass will keep us in captivity. Every closed mouth stands to be oppressed, afflicted and tormented. We cannot execute vengeance with a closed mouth (Luke 21:15). God cannot confirm what we will not declare. What we believe in our hearts establishes our right standing. What delivers our salvation is our declaration. Our duty is to condemn everything sitting on our destiny, while God’s job is to confirm our words.
    • Prophetic Verdict: For it is written, And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13). Prophets are anointed agents of vengeance. Prophetic verdicts are a vital instrument for executing vengeance.
    • Violent Faith: This is the ‘I won’t let you go’ faith. When our faith graduates into trust, we become violent (Psalm 125:1-3). We can only stop the harassment of the wicked on our lives by the weapon of violent faith.

    In summary, it is these revelations we engage to react against the manipulations of the wicked ones around our lives. We need to possess the revelation of our superiority over the forces that hold men captive because by redemption, we have been repositioned above the forces of wickedness (Ephesians 1:21, 2:6). So, we have the authority to execute judgment.

    However, we need to understand our new position in redemption before we can execute vengeance. This can only be possible when you are 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: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural and Commanding the Supernatural.

    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.

  • Nigerian youths are languishing, says Badejo

    The Founder/Chairman of the Wilson Badejo Foundation, Rev Wilson Badejo, has called for collaborative efforts by the church, government and not-for-profit organisations to reduce the high burden of poverty, especially among youths.

    He lamented that many youths in the country were languishing in self-help as the country battles with harsh economic realities.

    Badejo spoke at the 12th annual celebration of the Wilson Badejo Foundation in Lagos with the theme “Nigeria and the high rise of poverty: seeking economic salvation for today’s youths.”

    According to him: “The major issue is that the youths in our country are languishing; the church would have loved to do more.

    “We will do our best in our little corner to encourage them, we do not just give the money; we encourage and counsel you to assure you that there is still hope at the end of the tunnel”.

    Read Also: Are Nigerian youths prepared for leadership?

    Badejo, a former General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, said: “God helping us, we will continue to give people hope that all is not lost; we cry when we see people committing suicide, jumping into the ocean and we think it should not be so.

    “We are not limiting ourselves to universities; we are looking at colleges of education, college of technologies and we are also looking out to bible colleges to increase godly men in our midst.”

    The Presiding Archbishop of Vineyard Christian Ministries, John Osa-Oni, said education is one of the ways to alleviate poverty, stating that an educated mind is directly equipped for a greater future in life.

    The cleric also suggested a national conference, which he has been advocating for in the 25 years to discuss some of the problems facing the nation.

    In his lecture, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union, Owei Lakemfa, posited that education is vital in lifting people out of poverty.

    According to him: “You cannot combat poverty in Nigeria without a social safety system.”

  • Kaduna church begins medical intervention for less privileged

    The Restoration Bible Church, Kaduna has commenced the second round of its annual medical intervention for the less privileged at its Mercy Angel Hospital in the Ungwan Romi area of Kaduna.

    The medical intervention, involving a team of medical personnel from the United States of America and their Nigerian counterparts, is expected to last for about ten days.

    Speaking at the flag off of the intervention, General Overseer of Restoration Bible Church and Founder of Mercy Angel Hospital, Rev. Tunde Bolanta, said the exercise is expected to benefit the less privileged members of the society, irrespective of their faith.

    Restoration Bible Church
    Sheikh Nureni Ashafa, Mrs Charity Shekari and members of the medical team at the flag off of the medical intervention.

    He said the medical intervention was part of the community outreach of the church, adding that since the medical intervention started, several people have benefited from it.

    He disclosed that over 1,000 persons have also benefited from the skill acquisition programme of the church, while the orphanage home attached the hospital has continued to receive Internally Displaced Persons as a result of security challenges.

    Sheikh Nureni Ashafa, who led some members of the Muslim community in Kaduna to benefit from the intervention, described it as a fulfilment of the directives of God as contained in the scriptures.

    READ ALSO: Kaduna church protests killings

    He recalled how Restoration Bible Church provided food items for the Muslim community during the last Ramadan fast, pointing out that about 500 people benefited from food items.

    He said further that the values God will recognise is not how much money you have, but how much you are able to touch people’s lives positively.

    Wife of late Deputy Governor of Kaduna, Mrs Charity Shekari wondered why everything in Nigeria today has been politicised, leaving the less privileged members of the society to bear the brunt.

    Sheikh Nureni Ashafa, Mrs Charity Shekari and members of the medical team at the flag off of the medical intervention.
    cross section of people who came for the medical intervention at the Mercy Angel Hospital, organised by Restoration Bible Church and Ministries, Kaduna.

     

    She said ” sickness is universal. It does not know members of the APC or PDP.. When it strikes, it will strike any one irrespective of political affiliation or religious falling or your tribe.

    “On the last day, God will ask how we took care of the less privileged members in our society. That is why the Whites can leave their country every time to come here and help us. Today, what we do is use political slogan to gain the attention of the people”

  • Churches must do more than preaching, says cleric

    Churches must be involved in all spheres of human endeavour to fix the mess in the nation, the Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Ifako District, Rev. David Adetomiwa has stated.

    He said Nigeria will remain in the doldrums as long as churches restrict intervention to services within their four walls.

    Adetomiwa challenged churches to break out of the mould and become more involved in nation-building.

    He tasked them to become employers of labour, establish industries as well as push members to be light in all sectors.

    He spoke on Friday with reporters ahead of the 10th convocation of the church with the theme Thou says the Lord slated for August 15-18.

    Read Also: Unity, fear of God will fix insecurity, others, says cleric

    The cleric said: “The church should go beyond evangelism and become employers of labour. We should establish industries.

    “We will never accomplish much in nation-building until we are in all spheres of himan endeavour. When we take over everywhere, the light of Christ will shine deeper.

    “We should be in the Army, Police, banking and all walks of life. When we are only concerned with church services, we won’t be able to do much.

    “The moral value of an average Christian will neutralise deceits in the society. The church must continue to preach the truth because there is too much deceit everywhere.”

    Adetomiwa stated churches must empower members and make the society more productive through employment opportunities.

    He stated the church will hold a skill acquisition programme that will involve training on bead-making, fashion designing, forex trading and bread baking among others from August 15-17.

    The National Secretary of the church, Rev Ikechukwu Ugbaja will be the guest minister at the convocation, which holds at the Ifako headquarters of the church.

  • ‘Insurgency is becoming a business venture’

    The Senior Pastor, Crown of Christ Victory Church Lagos, Prophet David Ayilara, speaks with Ibrahim Adam on the state of the nation. Excerpts: 

    What is your message to the government?

    They should have the fear of God. They should remember that some people were in that position before them and one day they will also leave that position and this earth. They should do the needful because the blood being shed everyday will cry for vengeance according to the Bible.

    It will not be on those that killed them alone but the people that permits the killings too. They should seek for wisdom of God and they should also desist from greediness because this has led us to the problem of corruption.

    What do you have to say on the current state of the nation?

    My message to the Christians is also the same to those who are not Christians. Our God is not a God of confusion. God is a God of unity and love. The Bible says he that does not love does not know God.

    When you say you love, it is a pity people don’t understand the definition of love. What majority take to be the meaning of love is not love. Love is not kiss me I kiss you. Love is not greet me and I greet you.

    There was a statement by former President Goodluck Jonathan that there are Boko Haram members in the corridors of the Presidency. This means there are people there backing Boko Haram and they are trying to destabilise whatever he is trying to build. There is no leader that wants the people dead. But a tree cannot make a forest. If we join hands with the President and leaders in the country, things will go well in Nigeria.

    Christians have been praying and I have been praying for Nigeria. We have prayed a lot and it is time for action. I am not saying we should stop praying but we have prayed and action should be the next thing.

    We cannot be praying and behaving contrary to our prayers and expect God to answer us. I believe there can be peace in Nigeria if we can back our prayers up with action.

    What do you mean by action after prayer?

    What I meant is that like we are having soldiers fighting for us trying to defend the country. We should listen to their agitations if truly we want to fight insurgency. There are things they are complaining about which we all know.

    They complain of their food, the firearms and almost every family has one or two persons in the army.

    If truly we want to win, we need to listen to those people because it seems to some people that insurgency has become a business. If care is not taken, nobody will be safe in few years to come. Nobody should think we have a fenced house. We have to think of all this this things to allow peace to reign so that every person will not suffer at the end

    What is the 72 -hour marathon prayer all about?

    It is a programme we do once in a year. This year’s programme is coming up by 14- 16 of August with the theme ‘Breaking the seal’ taken from Revelation 5. When you read it, you understand the word sickness and this demonic power used it. It is only one person that can break it, which is our Lord Jesus Christ.

    The Bible says in that revelation that you are looking for someone to open the book and to break the seal. The Bible also says there is nobody worthy here on earth and in heaven but Jesus Christ that has sacrificed himself for mankind.

    So, this year according to the Lord, every soul that has been holding individuals from fulfilling their destiny, be it the seal of barrenness, poverty, singlehood, mental illness and every kind of demonic seal shall be broken because it is the power of God and not the power of man because there is no man that can do it except God.

    This is not the first time and we know the Lord that has been performing miracles in the years back will do more this year. We are going to be having breaks as the programme progress. We have afternoon session from 12- 3pm.

    The night session is from 11pm- 3am because we are also considering people going to work. Those who can fast at a stretch can do that but it is not compulsory for them. It will be better to check your health before fasting.

    What inspired the prayer session?

    We don’t do except the Lord says do this. Because whatever you do and the Lord is not in it, it will not yield results. The Lord told me 15 years ago that we should be having the prayer meeting once in a year. I don’t believe in copying any church or any pastor but I believe in hearing the voice of God and obeying it.

  • Unlocking the Supernatural via the Prophetic!

    Welcome to another impactful week. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Unlocking the Supernatural via the Prophetic!

    From scriptures, we understand that ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is the Grand Commander of the supernatural. For it is written, The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24). This is because every Word from God is a sworn verdict already settled in heaven and cannot be altered. Thus, we must recognise that God is not in the class of men and as such, He speaks according to Himself not according to us. He speaks according to His greatness, not our smallness. Also, He speaks according to His abilities, not our inabilities. Besides, He does not look for solutions, He creates them. In other words, God creates whatever He says. It is written, …The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good… (Genesis 1:2-3, 31).

    Interestingly, Prophets are God’s spokesmen through whom God unfolds what He wants to do. Thus, when we believe what they say, we simply commit God to perform it in our lives.  For instance, the Bible records that through the ministry of Moses, the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and Honey. Furthermore, Elijah brought supernatural prosperity and divine supplies to the widow of Zarephath. As a result, she flourished in the midst of famine, while others were famished. Another prophet named Elisha changed the financial fortune of the widow of a prophet, whose creditors came to take away her two sons. In addition, God also sent Elisha to Naaman and he was cleansed of his leprosy (1 Kings 7:8-16; 2 Kings 4:1-10, 5:1-15). In another instance, God spoke to me that the Faith Tabernacle shall be dedicated within a year. Obviously, it was humanly impossible but God’s power built it debt-free.

    But, who are Prophets?

    From scriptures, we understand that:

    • They are Agents of Restoration: As it is written, And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians (Exodus 12:36). As we all know, Israel laboured for 430 years without wages, but through the ministry of Moses the prophet, their dignity was restored (Hosea 12:13).

    They are Agents of Breakthroughs: As breakthrough agents, prophets are barrier breakers. Remember, in Ezra 4:23-24, 5:1-2, the work of the house of the Lord was made to cease by force; but through the intervention of a prophet, the barriers were broken.

    They are Agents of Rescue after the Order of Moses: Through the ministry of Moses, God rescued Israel out of Egypt. God said to him, Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). The landmark role of Moses in the liberation of the Israelites underscores the reality of prophets as God-sent agents of rescue for His people.

    They are Agents of Prosperity: As it is written, And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20). ‘Prosper’ in the above scripture connotes abundance, prosperity or supernatural supply. We must understand that prosperity is one of the ministries of every God-ordained prophet. This is why the Bible admonishes us to believe them so as to prosper.

    They are Agents of Divine Rewards: Jesus once said, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward (Matthew 10:41).

    They are Custodians of Visions: Prophets are vision carriers through whom God’s agenda is unveiled from time to time. As it is written, I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets (Hosea 12:10).

    In summary, there is no doubt that prophets are agents of change through whom God opens new chapters in the lives of His people. Hence, we must recognise that God is committed when He speaks and everything He has spoken prophetically to us this month is already created. All we need to do is to take delivery of them by believing unreservedly, unrepentantly and unashamedly to commit Him to perform them through His prophets.  Nevertheless, you must be born again in order for prophetic utterances to become a reality in your life.

    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: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural and Commanding the Supernatural.

    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.

  • ‘Why churches should embrace whistle-blowing’

    Senior Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Femi Ogbontiba has advised church leaders to embrace whistle blowing to aid transparency and accountability.

    He stated this at the launch of two books- The role of Accounting, Stewardship and effective leadership in church Growth and Hope for the Hopeless by Pastor Femi Adeyokunu.

    Ogbontiba, who was the reviewer of the role of accounting, stewardship and effective leadership in church growth, stated that one of the major enemies of church growth is corruption.

    He said if not tackled squarely with adequate measures enunciated in the book, it could seriously hampered the growth of the church.

    Ogbontiba stated the book, which comprises 198 pages divided into 13 chapters, provides a simple descriptive and analytic argument based on bible teachings on the role of a good church leader as simplified by Jesus Christ.

    Pastor Brown Oyitso, who was the chief launcher at the event, also recommended the books for church leaders, especially those in charge of church growth and accounts for better management.

    According to him, the importance of investment in human capital is critical to church growth.

    Provost of the RCCG Theological School, Dr. Babatunde Adebibu, who reviewed the second book, stated it is a must- read for all Christians as the author writes perceptively using simple bible verses to drive home his points.

    According to him, the book ‘Hope for the Hopeless’ exemplifies the bases of Christianity which is- giving hope to the hopeless by bringing them closer to Jesus Christ.

    Read Also: Church marks 20 years power conference

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Felix Ohiwerei, described the author as a fine gentleman and a wonderful pastor.

    He said the books are guides for all Christians because of their contents and the author’s wealth of experience.

    “The author is a practitioner at the highest stage. Books by such authors as this need to be read and read again.

    “What the classroom teaches is different from what one learns from real life experiences. These are books that are full of life experiences.

    “He is a fine gentleman and a wonderful pastor, a dutiful husband and outstanding father. God has blessed him.”

    RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Joseph Obayemi applauded the efforts of the author whom he described as faithful servant in the Lord’s vineyard.

    According to him, both books are spiritual manuals that will be very beneficial to spiritual minded individuals in the country.

    Obayemi enjoined all Christians irrespective of economic status to get copies of both books for their benefits.

    Adeyokunu expressed appreciation to the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for his fatherly and spiritual support in making the books a reality.

    According to him: “Over the years, I have learnt through the various teachings and leadership styles of Daddy G.O Adeboye which I have been privileged to watch directly. It forms the platform for the conception and execution of these works.”

    He said proceeds from the sales of the book would be used to finance the ‘ The Fiends of Joseph Foundation’ an NGO whose aim is to minister salvation to prisoners, restore hope to the hopeless, youth empowerment through acquisition of skills and many other humanitarian assistance to the less privilege in the society.

    Describing the book as a timely intervention in knowledge gap, former First Lady of Cross Rivers, Onari Duke said: “Without doubt, it is coming very timely. More than ever before, we need to project new knowledge and mindset among youths and adults. Also it will give people in leadership more grip on accountability, stewardship and effective stewardship.

    “It is a one-stop resource material. The book will be a veritable resource tool to people of all strata both believers and non-believers.”

  • Relationship with God the ultimate, says Adventist cleric

    Relationship with God is the ultimate achievement in life with lasting benefits, President of Lagos Mainland Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, Pastor Ibraheem Jimoh has told Akute members in Iju District, Lagos.

    A statement by Public Relations Consultant of the church, Dave I. Emelike, said Jimoh spoke while delivering a sermon titled “testing time” during the organisation service of the church.

    He noted that trusting and depending on God particularly when the nation in passing through many challenges will make Him send angels to protect them.

    He said when Christian face trials like Job, they are bound to be victorious.

    Jimoh reminded them that Job was a man after the heart of God because of his good work and trust in God.

    The cleric charged the congregation to take care of their sons and daughters as well as pray for them as Job did for his children.

    He congratulated them on their ability to meet the requirements that made the organisation of their church possible, asking God they are fully prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

    Read Also: Love, unity antidote to insecurity, says cleric

    The Treasurer of Lagos Mainland Conference, Elder Adeyemi Adedokun implored the members of the church to always look unto Jesus and Jesus alone.

    He assured them that Jesus will not let them down.

    The activities that took place  during the occasion include: review of the fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventist Church, forming of nucleus, acceptance of membership by votes of nucleus, special prayer for members, dedication of church officers, orientation of new Elders and Deacons, request to receive the church into the sisterhood of churches of the next local conference session among others.

    Addressing the newly elected Elders and Deacons, the Evangelism and Sabbath School Director of Lagos Mainland Conference, Pastor Aduranire Sofowora, urged them to be of good behavior within and outside the church.

    He said that they must show good leadership qualities at all times and urged their wives to always support them.

    The Executive Secretary of Lagos Mainland Conference on his part, charged the members to take the study of their Bible serious to enable them stand strong.

    He also encouraged them to learn very well, the fundamental beliefs of the church.

    Iju District choir led by Elder Francis Chidera added colour to the event with the spirit lifting and melodious songs.

  • Priesthood a tough vocation – Rev Fr Igbana

    A Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Andrew Igbana, has said that Priests also face challenges, tough moments and, sometimes, receive insults from members of the public.

    Fr Igbana stated this on Friday while delivering a sermon at the 10th Priestly Anniversary of Rev Fr James Utav, the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Makurdi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Church service was celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe.

    Igbana, the newly appointed Director of Education, Gboko Diocese, who was ordained along with the celebrant on August 1, 2009 said that Priests witness several challenges.

    “To be a Priest is not an easy vocation. As Priests, we face and witness a lot of difficulties and challenges. We even witness tough moments. There are times that we are even insulted in the cause of our work.

    “People tend to pay more attention to what we do, how we do it and for what purpose. So, for us, every moment is for self stock taking,”.

    The clergy, who took his text from the book of Matthew, chapter 19, verses 27 to 29, regretted that some people join the vocation with no clear spiritual objective.

    READ ALSO: Broken heart may have led Pope Francis to priesthood

    “Life is all about sacrifices. Even as a Priest, there are some of us who joined the vocation with no noble objective from the beginning, but after constant interaction with God, they have changed for the better.

    “Many priests are trying their best; our lifestyle in some cases may not be the best to society’s understanding, but in most cases the life we live is as a result of the nature of environment and responsibility at hand.

    “Our aim is not only about bringing our congregation closer to God but also to assist in ensuring that they acquired good education and received medical healthcare when in need.”

    NAN reports that Fr James Utav was ordained by Late Bishop Atule Usuh, the first Bishop of Makurdi Diocese.

    Utav is the current Deputy Director, Communication, and Secretary, Diocesan Committee for creation of new Parishes in the Diocese.

    (NAN)

  • 4704 ordained as assistant pastors at RCCG Convention

    THE General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has ordained 4704 as Assistant Pastors of the mission.

    Speaking during the event on Tuesday, Rev. Joe Olaiya advised those ordained to preach the Gospel as Jesus remained the only solution to every challenge confronting the world.

    This year’s convention tagged, “and God said,” is taking place at the Redemption Camp KM 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and with over two million worshipers expected at the weeklong event.

    The RCCG at the opening of its 62 Annual Convention on Monday ordained 12,811 deacons and deaconesses.

    Describing the 2019 Convention as mighty and prophetic one, never seen before, Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Church, had in July promised participants some of the first things ‘God said to man.’

    Read Also: RCCG hospital gets award

    Adeboye prophesised that participants, who have challenges in those areas of life, will be relieved of them at the convention.

    The church’s National Overseer, Joseph Obayemi, presented the candidates to the Adeboye for ordination to help in the growth of the church and in service to God.

    The candidates were so many that the ordination was done in batches with senior ministers taking turns to lay hands on them. The number of those ordained is 1,563 higher than the figure of last year when Adeboye ordained 11,258 deacons and deaconesses, drawn from various parishes of the church.

    Explaining the process of ordination, Adeboye said: “In the Redeemed Christian Church of God ordination is done by laying of hands, proclamation and prayers.”

    The candidates filed out in batches for hand-laying by Adeboye’s senior assistants.

    In a short sermon on Monday night, Adeboye reminded workers of the church and House Fellowship leaders of God’s recognition of their contribution and His reward for them.