Category: Worship

THE Presiding Pastor of Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church Lagos, Pastor Sola Idowu, has cautioned the body of Christ against politicisation of the growing insecurity in the land.

Instead, he said Christians must be proactive by proffering informed solutions to government in tackling the challenge.

Idowu, in an interview with our reporter, said that the church must continue to be proactive and engage governments all levels on matter of insecurity, welfare and other sundry issues from an informed positions.

He said ill-informed criticism of government actions and policies will make the church look stupid or not sound political.

He noted the engagement of the church should be geared towards proffering solutions, not necessarily make it an enemy of the State.

According to him: “The Church will be best positioned to respond to these cases of insecurity only if she thoroughly understands the details of the matters at hand.

“The Church will do well to educate her members on all of these cases so that they do not fall victims.”

According to Idowu, the church must get informed, educate members on the issues, avoid retaliation, engage the government, and then look unto God urging Christians to pray for divine intervention to deliver the church from dangers.

He added Christians must be educated on how to respond to persecution and never retaliate regardless in cases of religious intolerance in some northern parts.

Read Also: Insecurity: Osinbajo confers with Ogun monarchs

Idowu argued: “We must remember that ultimately the Church is in battle against the kingdom of darkness.

“This therefore demands that we always remember to look unto God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ in prayers.”

He urged Christians to pray more and complain less, stating “we must make use of our knees more than any other things. Remember that all power belongs to God.”

Founder, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Rev. Mother Esther  Ajayi is back from another pilgrimage to Israel.

She assured the forthcoming Celebrate The Comforter programme will be hitch-free and successful.

Ajayi, who is the Convener of the event which seeks to unite the Celestial Church of Christ and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, noted that the programme scheduled for Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on July 21, 2019 will feature leading preachers, celebrities and top gospel musicians.

She revealed in an interview after a lively airport reception that her visit to Israel was to prepare her for the enormous task ahead, hinting she was buoyed by the spiritual uplifting garnered in the Holy Land.

She stated that the mega Christian programme that is open to people of all denominations and faiths is specifically designed to glorify God, celebrate unity and preach peace.

Read also: London-based philanthropist Esther Ajayi to relocate to Nigeria

The General Overseer, Love Of Christ Church Clapham, London said she was elated that her efforts to unite the White garment churches have started to yield fruits.

According to her: “This is the first time the programme will be holding in Nigeria and I can tell you that we will shake the country with the word of God and the country will never be the same again.

“Come and join us for an unforgettable day of life changing prayer, preaching, praise and celebration in honour of God.”

The 2018 event held at the United Palace, New York was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Dele Momodu and the legendary Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.

Welcome to another impactful week. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: The Supremacy of Divine Wisdom!

According to scriptures, it is wisdom that gives value to every other force of life. For it is written: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). Thus, everything about us is dependent on wisdom. It is important to recognise that no matter how many things we have gotten, we must get understanding because that is what gives value to them. Moreover, every other kind of wisdom talks but it is only God’s wisdom that works! People speak big things but God’s wisdom gets big things done. For instance, while Peter was preaching in the house of Cornelius, the Holy Ghost fell on all that heard the Word. God’s wisdom does not only produce proofs, it establishes proofs. The Bible says: And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure

(Isaiah33:6). This means that the wisdom of God stabilises destinies. Wisdom here connotes knowing the right way to go, the right steps to take and the right things to do. In John 6, Jesus was confronted with the challenge of feeding 5,000 people in the desert and the Bible records in verse 6 that He Himself knew what to do.

Furthermore, divine wisdom is knowing the scriptural way to go, the scriptural steps to take and the scriptural things to do at all times (Matthew 7:24). When we are operating by scriptural principles, we are supernaturally unbeatable and our victory becomes supernaturally established. This is because when we apply ourselves to these scriptural principles, we have committed God to step in. Furthermore, God’s wisdom is not expressed in mighty words but in mighty works. It is not the heaviness of our speech that shows we have wisdom but the heaviness of our proofs.

What are the Virtues of Divine Wisdom?

• It Is From Above: This kind of wisdom is from above and according to scriptures, whatever is from above is above all (John 3:31). That implies that the wisdom from above is above all other types of wisdom and has proofs. In Genesis 41:39-40, Pharaoh said to Joseph: Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. This is a proof that the wisdom from above is always above all. There was no comparing Joseph’s wisdom to another.
• It Creates Solutions: Also, while all other kinds of wisdom strive to find answers to bugging questions, divine wisdom creates solutions. For instance, before creation, the earth was without form, dark, void and God’s wisdom came on the scene (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19). By this, a solution was created to the problem of darkness. This is because wisdom from above does not wait for solutions; it creates them. Undeniably, creation is the direct product of God’s wisdom in display. In other words, the episodes of Genesis 1:1-31 are about the tangibility of divine wisdom. We are not talking about common or intellectual sense; we are talking about divine wisdom that creates solutions to impossible situations. That is the wisdom that is available to us.
• It Distinguishes Men Supernaturally: According to scriptures, God gave the four Hebrew men wisdom, skill in all learning and wisdom and they were found 10 times better than their colleagues (Daniel 1:9/17). Also, the Bible records concerning Solomon: And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore (1 Kings 4:29). The lives of these Bible characters help us to appreciate the superiority of divine wisdom. Solomon was said to be wiser than all the wisdom banks of his day (1 Kings 4:30-31).
• It Can Calm Storms: This wisdom can calm storms as if they never existed. It can restore the total dignity of man as God originally intends it. For instance, Jesus calmed the storm and people exclaimed …What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him (Matthew 8:27). Divine wisdom can calm the storms in our homes, businesses and careers. It is eternally superior to any other wisdom. Crisis in our homes and finances is not a proof of wisdom because divine wisdom calms the storm. Divine wisdom orders the step to take to live a peaceable and quiet life. So, anywhere we see storm, let’s endeavour to ask for wisdom.
• Heavenly Wisdom Is Reasoning With God: It is important to know that heavenly wisdom helps us to generate earthly impact through reasoning. People look at us and wonder, ‘Is this a human being?’ Remember, it is reasoning with God that confers on us the virtues of divine wisdom. When we are at the crossroads of life, always say ‘Lord, this is not what Your Word says. There must be a way out. Lord, where is this way out?’ (Isaiah 1:18).

In summary, if we see anything contrary in our lives, it is not divine wisdom because that wisdom terminates shame, reproach, lack and want. It guarantees long life, riches and it does not allow pressures. It helps us to appreciate where we are and enjoy it; not trying to live above our means thereby being under pressure. That wisdom exhibits peace and it makes the impossible happen wherever it is found (Proverbs 4:7-10). It does not allow us to remain in the same position. The wisdom of God promotes and gives long life, glory, honour and grace. When we begin to operate and live our lives by scriptural principles, no devil can stop us from being in command because God will always back us up. However, this can only be possible if 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 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 Wisdom, The Wisdom that Works and Winning Wisdom. 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: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/,  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

The Convener of Trauma Care Healing Hangout Tomisin Balogun has called on the church to do more for the healing and care of people suffering from trauma and depression.

He urged they be referred to professionals when necessary.

He spoke at the Trauma Care and Healing Hangout last week at Zazzment Place Lagos.

According to him, the church is the most important place where the body of Christ can support and care for the vulnerable people in the society.

She said the increasingly number of depressed, troubled and traumatised people in the society should be a wake-up call for the church to do more by providing the needed healing and care.

Although she noted that some churches have guidance and counseling unit, she stressed the church must be deliberate in developing their skills so that they can be effective in treating people with respect and have the utmost inspiration for protecting the vulnerable.

She asserted that trauma occur when violence, physical or emotional occur is perpetuated against someone.

The person, according to her, thereafter is withdrawn, repulsive and deeply toxic.

She opined that providing safe places for people going through traumatic situation is critical to help them go through the condition and come out of it unhurt.

Balogun, who lost twin boys at birth, said anyone going through trauma should know that they are not alone.

“The painful season comes and is not the end of the world. The fat that you are alive, there is hope for you. Don’t give up, keep up your joy,” she counseled.

She further said therapy is very important. “We are working on that too where women can come open up and share their pains.

“It is God that gives true healing and what you have to do to find healing is to accept the healing yourself, open up, speak to people, share and accept the healing God has for us,” she shared.

THE Vice Provincial Vicar of the Redemptories, Vice Province of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr Jude Anyaegbu has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise security and welfare of the citizens.

Anyaegbu spoke during the 2019 edition of “Our Mother of Perpetual Help feast” organised by St. Martins De Porres Catholic church, Agric-Ojo, Lagos state with the theme:” Do not be afraid to take Mary home”.

The Cleric said the President must show sincerity and prioritised the security and welfare of citizens, stating “the lives of Nigerians should be valued and protected.”

He prayed that the communal clashes, various killings and bloodletting ends and peace be restored to every part of our nation.

He appealed to the federal government and security agencies to act on time and stop the killings of innocent lives.

“The culture of life, not killings must be embraced. President Buhari should find a way to end this killings, everyone is shocked with the continuous killings.”

Anyaegbu urged the federal government and security agencies to act on time and stop the killings of innocent lives.

Read Also: Senate will ensure Buhari succeeds – Omo-Agege

Parish Priest of St. Martin de Porres, Rev. Father James  Arebiyi described the event as vital to the catholic devotees.

He explained “our sweet Mother of Perpetual Help has indeed won the affection of innumerable devotees in Nigeria, because of her personality and role she has played in the lives of the saints.

He expressed sadness over the various forms of killings that has lingered in the nation.

He condemned the act and calls for overhauling of security architecture in the country.

“The federal government should find a way to tackle the security challenge faced by our dear country.

“There must be a solution to the senseless killings and bloodletting in the country. Government should rise up to their primary responsibilities of protecting lives, property and bring killers of innocent lives to justice,” he said.

He urged federal and state government to work together for the interest of Nigerians as well as check inhuman activities and murderous acts while recovering sophisticated weapons from terrorists and criminals.

Chairperson, Planning Committee, Mrs. Obiageli Nzediegwu, lamented Nigerians today feel a sense of hopelessness and hopelessness in their homes especially, when the signals they are getting is that they are short of personnel to secure every inch of the country.

Nigerians have been tasked to return to God for the nation to experience His healing balms.

General Overseer of Christ Fire World Evangelism Ministries, Lagos Prophet Abayomi Owonibi said only God can rescue the nation from the grip of kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry.

He spoke at the 10th anniversary of the church with the theme my years of testimony at its Ikorodu, Lagos headquarters.

According to him: “Government cannot fight corruption alone, corruption is everywhere; each family, each individual must fight corruption.

“So, we need God to rescue us. This is why we must go back to Him for us to be healed.”

He appreciated God for the 10th anniversary of the church, saying it is one of the fastest growing churches with several branches.

According to him, his life is one filled with tests that have led to testimonies.

He told the gathering that they will be tested to have testimonies

“I thank God for taking me from the grassroots to the top and that I passed all the tests of life and I have testimonies.

‘’Without aims and objectives there cannot be achievement. Without tests and trials there cannot be testimony,” Owonibi stated.

He urged all to see trials as tests that will yield their testimonies. “Anger, pride, fornication, covetousness, selfishness, self-centeredness, jealously, and worthy materials are some of the things that hinders people from entering the promise land of their life. All these are tests which must be passed,” he added.

The ceremony, according to the Coordinator, CAC Oke Isegun, Idimu District Council Headquaters, Pastor Elijah Ojoborun, was to celebrate God in the life of the General Overseer and the Church

“We Christians need to wake up from our slumber; all Pastors and Ministers should go back to their calling and do the work of God faithfully.

“The church should not look back but continue in Christ, because Christ is coming back soon and we all must be prepared,” he said.

The church’s committee chairman, Mrs. Wemimo Olasanya, said the church is the right place of worship, adding that she has several testimonies since she joined the church about ten years ago.

The anniversary service had lots of activities including song ministrations, drama, cultural dance presentation, chant and Christian comedies.

THE Ereko Methodist Cathedral Lagos, which holds the dual honour of being the first church as well as the first Yoruba-speaking church in Lagos state, has kick-started activities to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Chairman 150th anniversary committee, Sir Prof. Tola Atinmo told reporters the tiny seed planted in 1869 by a woman named Efunyelu, who later became Sis. Amelia Bickersteth, has grown across Nigeria and beyond.

“With over 21 local churches, formation of numerous circuits and up to 8 dioceses in the conference and the establishment of Methodist church Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Ereko Methodist Cathedral was the first, and still is, the only local church that has expanded the frontiers of Methodist Church Nigeria outside Africa,” he stressed.

Atinmo explained the church was established so that the message of Christ and salvation could be preached to market women.

According to him: “A very important tool that was employed and that assured success was the use of their mother tongue, Yoruba language.

“The Yoruba language is therefore crucial to the propagation, promotion, understanding and acceptance of the gospel and to the education and development of the body of Christ.”

Read Also: Methodist priest arrested for ‘faking own kidnap’

Atinmo also expressed concerns over the rising unemployment in the country, describing the trend as a time-bomb waiting to explode unless urgent steps are taken by the government to fully engage the youths in productive ventures.

Bishop of the Ereko Cathedral Dioceses, Rt. Rev. Joshua Adeogun, said the church has been able to propagate the gospel through the use of the indigenous language since its establishment in 1869.

According to him, Ereko Methodist Cathedral has not only over the years been able to meet the spiritual need of the people it has also been able to empower youths and indigents students through various endowment funds.

Presbyter of the Cathedral, Ven. Ade Ademilua, explained the church has a lot to thank the Almighty God for having grown in leaps and bounds in the last 150 years.

He said the activities started on the 30th of June with the launching of the 150th anniversary logo and will end on Sunday 24th of November with a thanksgiving.

Other activities lined up include evangelism outreach 1 at Lakowe with a church planting between 7- 11 August; Fund raising gala nite at Eko Hotel and Suites on October 27; All Saints Day on Nov 3 while Reunion Day, scheduled for Methodist Girls High school, Yaba comes up on November 9.

Service of Hymns and Praise is on November 10 at Ereko Methodist Cathedral while the 90th Choir festival holds on November 17.

Another evangelism outreach holds on November 23 with the grand finale billed for November 24 with a thanksgiving.