The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord

    As the time of man passes by, so also the death of man draws closer and closer because the life of any man is like a vapour that appears for a little while and vanishes away. The man you see today may be no more tomorrow!

    Therefore the life of man is vain and his days are spent as a shadow on earth. When the life of man is over, the next thing is that he meets eternity- either in heaven or hell. The rich man in Luke 16:22-24 found himself in hell when his life was over.

    The rich man received the wages of sin, which was eternal condemnation because the wages of the sin of any man is death-ROMANS 6:23a. But God is long-suffering towards all men, not willing that any man should die in sin but that every sinner should turn from his/her evil ways and from sinful, worldly life-style.

    This is why God, the creator, invites every sinner to a “table talk” in Isaiah 1: 18. He says: “Come, let’s talk this over. No matter how deep the stains of your sins (sin of murder, the sin of witchcraft or wizardry, the sin of occult/cult activities, sin of idol worship,  sin of robbery or kidnapping); I can take it out and make you as clean as snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool”(Emphasis mine).

    In verse 19, God says “If you are willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” This means that if you are willing to accept my invitation to this “table talk” and begin to obey me, then thine end shall be a blessed hope of God’s abundant provisions of all the things that you need in life and above all, that blessed hope of eternal life after death.

    But if you reject this special invitation of God, to you, God says in verse 20 that you shall be killed by your enemies (Living Bible Version). That is Satan and his human agents and you will find yourself in everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his fallen angels as Matthew 25:41 states.

    Any believer in Christ, who has not the Spirit of Christ, is not yet a Christian, as written in ROMANS 8:9c. He/she is only a church-goer. If every believer in Christ must have the Spirit of Christ, he/she must be born again of the word of truth, which is the gospel of every man’s salvation as Ephesians 1: 13 emphasises.

    This word of truth, has today, been corrupted by many men of God, giving their members false hope of eternal life and denying them of salvation and of the Spirit of Christ.

    All that God requires of you, as you read this publication, is to ask Jesus for His mercy and for forgiveness. Then ask Him to take over your heart, for He is standing, right now, at the door of your heart, saying to you in Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me thine heart and let thine eyes observe my ways.”

    • George, cgc.com.ng@gmail.com, writes in from Benin.

  • Unveiling the rewards of righteousness!

    Welcome to your week of favour ! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching.  As we conclude this month, we shall focus on: Unveiling the Rewards of Righteousness!

    We discover from scriptures that sin brings curses while righteousness brings blessings. For it is written: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34; see also Psalm 112:1-3). Everywhere we see God’s blessings, righteousness is in place. While the wages of sin is death, the wages of righteousness is life more abundant. There is a lot more pleasure in righteousness than there is in sin. Also, we understand that persecutions bring promotions. Those who mind men naturally miss God. If I had minded men, I would have missed God long ago. When we are persecuted for righteousness, it provokes God for our promotions. For instance, when Joseph was persecuted for purity, God found a place for him in the palace. Every persecution for righteousness equals exaltation from heaven(2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Every persecution against our righteousness is announcing our promotion. Furthermore, persecution does not kill; it is ignorance that kills. Rejoice at persecutions because every greatness from heaven is welcomed on earth by persecutions. For example, when Moses was born, he was born into the midst of persecutions. Likewise our Lord Jesus Christ, when He arrive persecution was waiting. The persecutions of life are a reality but our power over them is also a reality. What is the sole aim of persecutions? To stop the persecuted from attaining his/her goal!

    What are the Rewards of Righteousness?

    • Prosperity, Promotion and Honour: Righteousness announces promotion of the righteous. It is written: But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (Psalm 92:10-14). No matter the drought, the righteous shall flourish; his leaves will remain ever green. The man Job flourished by righteousness, likewise everyone that practice righteousness will flourish the same way (Job 1:1-3). Righteousness was the root of the height that Job got to. He became the greatest man not through crookedness or perverseness but through uprightness and godly perfection. He was scared of evil; he never touched it and never played with it (Job 1:5). That he avoided evil suggested that he was living in the days of evil but he never partook of it. Then, he became the greatest man in the east! Righteousness holds a guarantee for our prosperity and honour has its roots in righteousness. It is the shortest way to the topmost top.
    • Beauty: Purity gives birth to beauty. Nothing glorifies, nothing beautifies like holiness. As it is written: For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation (Psalm 149:4). Talking about Jesus, Matthew 1:21 says: …he shall save his people from their sins. So, when we are saved from sin, our beauty emerges and our dominion is established. When we go for purity, it will surely deliver our beauty to us. When sin goes, beauty emerges.

    How, then, do we Break the Trap of Sin?

    • By Constant Cleansing by the Word: This can be gotten through anointed books and electronic media such as CDS, DVD, etc that deal with issues of ungodliness. Let’s understand that God’s Word carries sanctifying virtues and every genuine encounter with the Word liberates us from sin. The Psalmist said: …Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:9-11; see also John 15:3, 17:17; Ephesians 5:26).Jesus also said that whosoever is born of God does not commit sin because His seed is in him. The seed is the Word of God. Therefore, just as the presence of light subdues darkness, it also takes the Word to subdue sin (1 John 3:9; Luke 8:11).
    • Through Commitment to Constant Fellowship: It is written: But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 17). The Church, which is referred to as Mount Zion in the New Testament, is a service station where our lives are serviced spiritually. Among the happenings in Zion is the spiritual sprinkling of the Blood for our cleansing (Hebrews 12:22-24). We must understand that the farther we are from Church, the more vulnerable we become to temptations.That is why, to live a life of righteousness, we must be addicted and committed to fellowship because we are strengthened when we appear before God in Zion (Hebrews 3:13,10:25; Psalm 84:7).
    • By Seeking Impartation of Relevant Spiritual Gifts: Paul the Apostle said: For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established (Romans 1:11). Spiritual gifts enhance our establishment as it is impossible to live a godly life without the Spirit of God at work in us. This is why we must seek relevant spiritual gifts to live godly lives (Romans 8:13). Some of these relevant spiritual gifts include:
    • The Spirit of obedience(Ezekiel 36:27).
    • The Spirit of holiness (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 1:4; John 8:46).
    • The Spirit of grace and supplication (Romans 8:26-27; Zechariah 12:10).

    In summary, heaven is the overcomer’s city and only overcomers get there (James 1:12). When we endure temptations, we win a crown of life. Thus, 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 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 Newness of Life, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph and Dynamics of Holiness. I invite you to come and 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; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/;  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

  • Criminalise violence against children – CCN

    The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called for criminalisation on perpetrators of Violence Against Children (VAC) in the country.

    Its President, The Most Rev Benebo Fubara-Manuel, made the call in Lagos during the second phase of the CCN-United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) collaboration on ending violence against children.

    Fubara-Manuel said the campaign was to fight against every form of marginalisation of children and destruction of their future.

    “We call attention to, and name as evil every form of physical sexual, psychological, emotional and structural VAC. We reject and condemn child neglect, child exploitation, child abuse, child trafficking and all other forms of violence against children,” he stressed.

    He lamented everyone as parents, family members, religious people, traditional and political leaders, we have all allowed VAC to happen too often at this time.

    He called for re-examination of the existing policies of all the bodies and of the nation with the view to discerning weather or not these policies perpetuate VAC.

    He called for the amendment of every structure that destroys children, including environmental pollution, bastardisation of education,  and inadequate provision for children especially the poor and vulnerable.

    He urged religious leaders, men, women and youths in town hall meetings as well as special conferences to look only for leaders who have a clear plan for children and those who would do everything to protect them.

    National Coordinator, UNICEF/CCN End VAC project, Uzoaku Williams, stressed the need for churches and stakeholders to rise up against all forms of violence against children, be it domestic, physical or emotional.

    She said perpetrators of violence must be brought to book.

    “When we have people who have committed this crime and nothing is done to them, we will see it happening over and over again.

    “The role of government is to see that those involved in the act must face the law. The police and all security agencies must not cover up such matters.

    “The perpetrators must not be let go, because they will commit the act again and we will have more victims every day and everywhere.”

    She urged Nigerians to always speak out against violence.

    “Our problem in Nigeria is that when we see violence, we do not speak out for fear of intimidation, attacks or the likes.

    “When we see violence being perpetrated on any child; be it your biological child or not, we owe it a responsibility to speak out,” she stated.

    She added children should listen to their parents as they have their best interest at heart.

    Lagos State Coordinator, End Violence Against Children, a campaign in collaboration between CCN and UNICEF, Oluwasegun Oladosu, said the campaign was to awaken people and let them know the reality of violence in the society.

    “Our aim is to let Nigerians be aware and break the culture of violence which encourages the perpetrator to continue.

    “When perpetrators are brought to justice, they will refrain and stop the havoc on our children in the society.

    “Nigerians should not allow themselves to be victimized or threatened over violence; perpetrators should be brought to brook and justice should prevail,” he said.

  • Okoroafor to voters: follow your heart

    General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev Dr Chidi Okoroafor, has urged Nigerians to vote whoever they want to lead them according to their consciences.

    Okoroafor, who was in Calabar for the City Gospel Bells Invasion crusade tagged total freedom, also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow votes count.

    The cleric, who said they have already committed the upcoming elections to God, urged Nigerians to eschew violence at the polls.

    He also visited the three monarchs of Calabar, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V; the Ndidem of the Quas, Ndidem Patrick Inok Oquagbor V and the Muri Munene of the Efuts, Muri Munene Itam Hogan.

    “We have prayed. Politics is like a game. You can either win or lose. You don’t shed blood because you want to get to the throne.

    “Let everybody know that it is God who puts kings. Somebody may win an election and God would decide he would not be the leader.

    “He can decide to remove you midnight before your inauguration. You can die.

    “So everybody should be careful and I want to advise that everyone should do their job by voting, follow your conscience.

    “I want to challenge the umpire, INEC, to make sure that votes count because one of the things that discourage voters is when they are not sure that their votes would count.

    “Please let INEC make the votes count. Let us not mortgage this nation because of money,” Okoroafor said.

    Okoroafor said the church came into Calabar with over 1, 000 crowned evangelists for the City Invasion.

    “We are into Calabar with over 1, 000 crowned evangelists, who will comb the city from house preaching the gospel of emancipation. What we call personal evangelism.

    “Then in the evening, we would gather at the stadium for evangelistic crusade. We believe God it would be a period people would encounter Christ and encounter salvation.

    “When God is in charge anything can happen. I want to say that the Lord Jesus has taken over Calabar and we are just here to be witnesses to what the Lord had done already in this place.”

  • Atilade will be greatly missed, says CAN President, others

    President of The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Supo Ayokunle has said the contribution of the late South West Chairman of the body, Archbishop Magnus Atilade to the body of Christ in Nigeria and abroad will be greatly missed.

    Ayokunle, in a condolence message at the deceased’s residence in Surulere, Lagos last week, described him as a great leader with a good heart.

    Atilade died on January 11 after a brief illness at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    Ayokunle, who came in company of some executive members of CAN in Lagos, wrote: “We give glory to God for the lifetime of Arch Bishop Magnus Atilade and his contribution to Christendom in Nigeria and abroad. We will miss him.”

    He prayed the comfort of the Holy Spirit will uphold his church, and family.

    Lagos State Chairman of CAN, Apostle Alex Bamgbola, who extoled the virtues of the late Archbishop, said: “Baba Archbishop Atilade fought a good fight for the Lord. He ran and finished his race. He has received his crown in heaven”.

    According to him: “On behalf of the entire CAN Lagos state, I write to thank God almighty for a life well spent for God. Papa Archbishop Professor Magnus Atilade”.

    Former Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Lagos State on Christian Religious Matters, Rev (Mrs.) Funmi Braimoh, applauded efforts of the late Archbishop.

    She wrote: “Great soldier of Christ, You fought gallantly and achieved so much for the body of Christ in Lagos state.

    “You gave CAN its present befitting status. Through your influence, we started well, may heaven reward you”.

    Episcopal Vicar Lagos Region Archdiocese of Lagos, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Rev Bernard Okodua, who eulogised Atilade as a true disciple, stating “well done for your faithfulness to God and humanity. CAN will never forget you.”

    A prominent activist of the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun, wrote: “You are embodiment of robust and ideological consistency social critics among the left.

    “Your courageous, regular integration of Nigeria has been halted by your transition to the heavenly address.”

  • ‘Churches must be solution providers, not just preach’

    Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church Lekki, Lagos, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, speaks with Sunday Oguntola on how the nation’s economy can thrive and why the church has consistently organised a free economic and business event for years. Excerpts:

    You are obviously interested in national economy. What part of your background fuels this?

    I have been a pastor for over 20 years and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure; a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Manchester Business School. So, that background means I have to be interested in business policies, activities and prosperity.

    What key policy measures should be in place for businesses thrive in Nigeria?

    There are so many. Presently, Nigeria is one of the toughest places to do business in the world and not for lack of ideas or potential customers.

    Many businesses are over-taxed or taxed more than once. This often affects the bottom line and makes doing business even harder. Government also needs to sort out our power supply. If there is stable power supply, many businesses will do better, have better processes and save a lot on running costs.

    Based on your background in business strategy, what do you think are the likely impacts of the upcoming elections on business and how can business leaders effectively manage them?

    Election years come with uncertainties about the outcomes which make potential investors and organisations delay some decision- making until they are sure about who has won the elections and the policy thrust of the administration.

    Therefore, we expect that things will be a bit slow until after the swearing in. That said Vantage Forum will give participants insights into projections on trends that they can leverage in their businesses and careers such that the impact on delayed decisions or policies are not adverse on them.

    Can you briefly explain what the Vantage Forum is all about?

    Vantage Forum is an annual business and economic outlook initiative of The Elevation Church focused on empowering individuals to achieve the highest levels of distinction in their businesses and careers through provision of resources such as business seminars, workshops and mentorship programs.

    This year’s edition will hold next Thursday at the Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki by 9am.

    Why is a church involved in such initiative as against simply preaching the gospel?

    Vantage Forum started in 2014 when it became clear that there was a knowledge gap between the policy makers, economists and those who are actually in business. We saw the need for a business outlook event that focused on the analysis of the economic and political terrain with a view to giving businesspersons a roadmap to run with for the year. It is hard to win a race when you are running blind.

    However, the kind of information one would get at a business event of this nature was typically the exclusive preserve of persons belonging to certain organisations or clubs that would not readily share such insights with the general public.

    As a result, a good number of SMEs do not have access to the kind of information that would take their businesses to the next level. I strongly believe that knowledge should never be hoarded and with my team of leaders, we took on the challenge to plug this knowledge gap and Vantage Forum was born.

    Regardless of the fact that a church organises it, Vantage Forum is primarily a knowledge resource that can equip Nigeria’s citizenry and contribute to the wealth and development of our nation.

    And as to why the church is involved with an economic and business event, the church cannot be an ostrich in the face of obvious suffering. We are the salt of the earth and light of the world and this does not apply to spiritual existence alone. We must be positioned to be solution providers.

    How will the forum benefit Nigeria?

    The wealth of a country is in its people. Vantage Forum is focussed on business development. We have realised that for the average Nigerian to lead a better life, the economy of the country must be good enough to support its citizens. Now what makes up this economy are clusters of enterprises that need to do well in order to impact the economy of the nation.

    Vantage Forum provides a platform for business people to access relevant knowledge that will grow their businesses such that the ripple effect can impact Nigeria as a nation.

    The theme is ‘2019 and Beyond: Stimulating National Prosperity’. What can we do in politics and business to stimulate national prosperity?

    Like I mentioned earlier, 2019 is an election year. Many Nigerians are tired of the same old cycle and there are on-going discussions about getting the right people into office. However, talk alone isn’t enough.

    We all have a civic responsibility to cast our votes for candidates who have a vision to make our states and country a better place for citizens and businesses to thrive; so we must put in the effort to get our Permanent Voters Cards to be able to cast our votes and also go out on the election days to vote our preferred candidates.

    When the right people are in public office, they can engage experts to come up with sound policies that are relevant to our unique terrain and that can be realistically implemented. Political, social, technological, and economic policies all add up in stimulating national prosperity.

    What should attendees expect?

    Attendees should expect to learn from industry experts and distinguished speakers such as Toyin Sanni, Group CEO of Emerging Africa Capital Group; Opuiyo Oforiokuma, MD/CEO, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited; Femi Adeoti, MD/CEO African Operations, Inlaks Limited; and Biodun Adedipe, Economist and Chief Consultant, BAA Consults Limited who would be sharing from their wealth of experience on economics, finance, infrastructure, investments and so on.

    There would also be a plenary session during which attendees can ask questions peculiar to their own businesses or industries and get expert opinions on such.

    Apart from these, Vantage Forum gives business owners and corporate executives opportunities to network and forge potential partnerships and connections.

    What are the other interventions of the church?

    At The Elevation Church, we put service to God and humanity at the fore of our mission and we engage in several initiatives that benefit both members of our congregation and the unchurched community at large.

    Our interventions include a specialized ministry we call ‘Elevate 200’. Elevate 200 is a special outreach church focused on empowering the less privileged in our communities through financial, medical, welfare and education interventions.

    We are also hosting our annual Exponential Conference for pastors and church leaders in February. Exponential Conference seeks to empower pastors, ministers, church leaders and administrators in best practices in all facets of church administration so that together, we can effectively spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Of note is also Ubomi, a week-long medical outreach for those who cannot afford medical aid within the Lekki-Epe axis. This event holds from Monday 18th to Friday 23rd March 2019 and will feature over 2,000 medical consultations, over 200 surgeries for children and adults. It is driven by Pistis Foundation, a brainchild of The Elevation Church.

  • Maximising the wonders of Godliness!

    Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by the last teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Maximising the Wonders of Godliness!

    We understand from scriptures that godliness is not a state of perfection but a tireless ‘press’ towards it. It is written: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1Timothy 4:8). This means that maintaining a life of godliness is a lifelong battle for every believer and we cannot overcome without the fight of faith. Therefore, we must keep pressing because when the press stops, our victory is truncated (Matthew 5:6).It is also important to understand that godliness is a highly profitable two-way virtue that guarantees eternity and ensures all-round profiting on the earth. That is why we must put up a fight against every form of ungodliness or we live under the oppression of sin perpetually.

    What, then, are the Wonders of Godliness?

    • Godliness Guarantees Divine Protection: It takes godliness to dwell in God’s presence where the seal of protection is and where we cannot be assaulted (Psalm 91:1-4, 15:1-3). Joseph was a man that feared God and it was impossible for him to be killed. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they became indestructible because they were men that feared God. Furthermore, Daniel feared God, so when he was thrown into the den of lions, he could not be harmed. This means that with the fear of God, the righteous are not permitted to be hurt (Genesis 37:19-27; Daniel 3:16-20, 6:16-23; Psalm 125:1-3; 1 Peter 3:13).
    • GodlinessGuarantees Access to the Peace of God: It is written: And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:17-18). Peace that passes all understanding flows freely into the lives of the righteous because Jesus is the Prince of peace. The Bible says: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only (Job 34:29). Let’s understand that when God gives us peace, it cannot be disrupted. However, righteousness is our access to that realm of peace (John 14:27; Isaiah 59:8).
    • Godliness Engenders Fullness of Joy: God’s presence guarantees fullness of joy and righteousness is our only access to His presence (Psalm 16:11; Romans 14:17-22). It is also important to recognise that nothing punctures the joy of the Lord like sin. However, when we walk in righteousness, we operate in joy unspeakable, full of glory. David said: Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit (Psalm 51:8-9, 12). Therefore, it takes godliness to maintain and retain the joy of the Lord in our lives.
    • Godliness Guarantees Supernatural Wisdom: There are four kinds of wisdom identified in scriptures¯earthly, sensual, devilish and divine wisdom. However, divine wisdom, which is from God, is superior to others. It is the creative realm of wisdom and it generates solutions at will. That means God’s creative treasures are embedded in His wisdom (James 3:15-17).It is important to understand that it is by the fear of the Lord that we access God’s wisdom, which turns us to a wonder among men (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:7-28). Let’s recognise that men who operated in supernatural wisdom in scriptures were men that feared God. (Genesis 39:9, 41:15-16, 39; Daniel 1:8; 17-20, 5:11). Jesus, the wisdom and the power of God knew no sin and as a result, He possessed supernatural wisdom and commanded mighty works (Matthew 13:54; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
    • It Guarantees Answers to Prayers: Iniquity disconnects our communication line with God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 66:18-19). However, scriptures establish that God hears the righteous. It is written: For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.
    • Access to our Redemptive Inheritance: In Genesis 30:33, Jacob entered into the fullness of his inheritance in God through righteousness. It is written: So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. Through godliness, we are guaranteed access to every blessing of redemption. That is why sanctification is a fundamental requirement to fully partake of our inheritance in Christ or they become inaccessible and unrealisable (Acts 20:32, 26:18; Colossians 1:12).
    • It Engenders Healing and Deliverance: Sickness is regarded as a consequence of sin in scriptures. When Jesus healed the paralytic man, He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Also, after He healed the man that was by the pool of Bethesda, He said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (Mark 2:1-12; John 5:1-8; 14). Thus, when our sins are forgiven, the consequences must go (John 20:23). However, not everyone that is sick has committed sin (John 9:2-3).

    In conclusion, everyone who genuinely walked in the fear of God in scriptures became a wonder among men. This is why we must guard against any pleasure that seeks to rob us of our glorious future (Proverbs 21:17). However, everyone desires to know the value of a product before it is paid for. That is why the value of a product determines the price anyone will be willing to pay. Remember, godliness may be costly but the end result is priceless. Thus, you must be born again to enjoy the wonders of godliness. 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 the Newness of Life, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph and Dynamics of Holiness. I invite you to come and 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; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/;  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

  • Atilade’s death, end of an era-Gospel Baptist

    The Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas (GBCN&O) has described the death of its President, Archbishop and President Prof. Magnus Adeyemi Atilade (JP) on January 10 as the end of a glorious era.

    In a statement at the weekend by Bishop in the Presidency, Rt Rev Dr Peter Olonade and General Secretary, Rt Rev Engr S O Afowowe, the church said the death of Atilade was painful.

    Atilade, the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) South West region died at 76 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    The church said: “Archbishop Atilade was a great leader and preacher, an erudite scholar and alternative medical practitioner.

    “His passion for service in the Christian community was remarkable and exemplary.

    “His passion for the less-privileged and downtrodden led to the establishment of the Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI) an arm that speaks for the  masses and through which he delivered relief materials to persecuted Christians across the nation.

    “A man of many parts, he was chiropractor at St. Luke Chiropathy Centre, Ekololu, Lagos, which he founded in the 80s with many prominent clients.

    “The first registered Alternative Medical Practitioner by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria ( MDCN) was the rallying point for the Council of Physicians of Alternative Medical Practioners.

    “The consummate servant-leader was Chairman of The Nigeria Opportunities Industrialization Centre (NOIC), a Non-Governmental Organisation with vision to improve lives by teaching appropriate and marketable skills that enable disadvantaged young men and women become self- reliant, economically productive through job skills, human resources training and small business development.”

    It added: “He was chairman of Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria and many other not-for-profit organisations through which he impacted lives while also serving on the board of many companies.

    “He was the proprietor of New State High Schools, Mushin Lagos, an educational outfit that provides affordable, quality education to the low-income families.

    “He will be sorely missed by the Christian community, thousands of downtrodden Nigerians who looked up to him for fatherly counsel and support.

    “He is survived by Justice (Mrs.) Funmilayo Atilade, a former Chief Judge of Lagos and three children- Adefemi, Adepemi and Adebunmi.

    “Funeral arrangements will be announced later by family.

     

  • Anglican Diocese plans N5bn centenary city

    The Diocese of Lagos Anglican Communion has concluded plans to build a Centenary city worth N5bn at Lekki-Ibeju, Epe axis.

    The city, according to Bishop of The Diocese Rt Rev Humphrey Olumakaiye, is proposed to have an empowerment and youth centre as well as rehabilitation centre, games village, sports centre and conservation ground.

    He informed it will also have the Garden of Gethsemane, retreat centre, St Luke Global Hospital, women empowerment, resorts, amusement and a low income housing estate.

    The city, he stated, is part of the centenary celebration of the Diocese, which runs from January-December 2019.

    Olumakaiye said: “Any moment from now, we will now move to sites. We have seen beyond the visible and it is a project that will become a reality.

    “We have the people and we are not extravagant. What God has given to us, we are giving it back to the community.

    “Anglican has made tremendous impact in the society. We have schools, hospitals and we are not interested in acquiring wealth to ourselves. We are not so attached to this world.

    “We have project like this all over the country but we want to make this one unique. It is a huge project and for a start, we are be committing N5billion into the project.

    “It is going to be in phases. We will raise the fund inwardly by members of our church and God will help us.”

    He charged government at all levels to learn from the humanitarian services of the church, saying Nigeria will fare better if government offers selfless service.

    He stated the Diocese was inaugurated in 1910 as the first Anglican Diocese in Nigeria and has given birth to 161 other Dioceses, sub divided into 14 provinces.

    He said the spate of aggressive evangelical works increased in West Equatorial Africa, leading to further sub-division into two of what used to be known as the Diocese of Western Equatorial Africa.

    Our mandate, he added, include “Priestly: to conduct faithfully divine services, performing acts of blessing of members, not cursing them, proclaiming God’s word with fear and favour. Pastoral: we shall tenderly feed the flock of God.

    “We shall care for the weak and the strong, the rich and the poor; carefully watch over them that none of them will be lost”.

    Olumakaiye further said the church’s mission has been encompassing one.

    “We cannot target the soul to neglect the body. We shall not only preach the gospel, we shall provide for the physical needs of the people, Food, clothing, shelter, health, education shall be provided.”

    Among the activities highlighted for the centenary celebration include: Power for the New Year, Mega prayer convocation , unveiling centenary logo, rally, festival of hymns, Nehemiah summit, centenary synod, collection of centenary signature, centenary women conference week, youth conference and girl guide and the building of centenary city.

  • ‘FG must not allow workers petition God over minimum wage’

    Global Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itura Prophet Samuel Abiara spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his remarriage, minimum wage and other issues. Excerpts:

    What’s God saying in the New Year?

    This year is a joyful, peaceful and abundant year. It is a year that those that have experienced sadness won’t experience such again. Anyone that lays his hands on something good will yield profit. This year God will protect everyone but we must get closer to God.

    Firstly, Nigerians have to be thankful because God has really favored Nigeria. Anyone that watches foreign news outlets will know God has really favoured us. If you look at the top, you will see that fire accidents, rainstorms and even wildfires in several countries.

    We are so blessed we haven’t had much of that. Aside from robberies and kidnapping with herdsmen killings, Nigeria has been largely peaceful. So, we should be grateful to God.

    This year, God told me that wicked people will have it tough with Him. His anger will burn very hotly against terrorists across the globe. The blood of the innocent is crying to God for vengeance. My counsel to them is to repent.

    We don’t know how God is going to deal with them but they should please repent by laying down their arms. They should please repent because of the anger of God.

    You said 2019 will be peaceful but there are apprehensions the general elections might make the nation explode. Do you share this?

    I want to assure Nigerians that if they must keep their minds at rest. They should not worry or panic. They must not listen to the prophets of doom. I want to reassure them that God will personally deal with those planning to tamper with the general elections. He will expose them before dealing with them.

    People say you look fresher and younger these days. Is this down to your recent remarriage?

    Thank you very much. Well, God gave me that lady and she takes good care of me every day. She ensures I eat when I should and monitor my diets. She makes sure I break whenever I am fasting on time.

    She is God-sent. God gave her to me. She takes good care of me and I take care of her too.

    But how did you meet her?

    I met her in a miraculous way some 14 years ago. I didn’t know her before until she came to London. My late wife was still with me then.

    My wife was single at that time. She had no time for men. I can say she was not even interested in any man at all. She was so concentrated on heaven that men meant nothing to her. She came to me for prayers and I prophesised that God will promote her in the office.

    At that time, she was a top civil servant. I also told her she will marry a great man of God. But she said she wasn’t interested and was only preoccupied with making heaven. I told her she should write it down.

    When my wife died, I asked her from one of her sisters that I knew. Her sister said she was always in the presence of God, praying and carrying bible. So, I sent for her and the rest is history.

    You seem to be ministering more to men these days…

    … As a matter of fact, we are holding a vigil next Friday for them in the church. God gave me a vision to gather together all men around the globe regardless of their denominations and status because men have loads to carry.

    They need helpers and that is why God asked me to call them because He wants to do a new thing in their lives. You see, the truth is the devil wants to cut short the lives of most men. There are forces arrayed against their businesses and families. We need to demobilise such forces.

    So, on Friday, all of them will be meeting here from 10pm to pray till daybreak. We will be praying for their families, children, wives and businesses as well as the nation.

    By Saturday morning, my wife will also gather women for a session till about noon. Then, on Sunday, we will have a special thanksgiving and prayers for Nigeria by the grace of God.

    At over 70, people expect you to be slowing down now but why don’t you appear interested in slowing down?

    Why should I slow down when God has imbued me with energies and power? I am not tired at all. God has endowed me with strength. So, why should I be bothered? The CAC retired me as General Evangelist because it is constitutional but I am not tired at all.

    I will keep carrying on with the gospel works. I travel all over the world, preaching and winning souls. I hold programmes here and there. So, I am not tired and will not slow down at all.

    But what are you still looking for?

    I still have many more mountains to conquer. One of them is the Abiara Divine Foundation that caters for the less privileged, orphans, widows, widowers and downtrodden. On this job, I have realized that people suffer a lot. There are people who cannot afford a meal for two days. There are people who cannot send their kids to school.

    So, we have started empowering such people since last year. We offer them scholarship and means of livelihood. We gave N50, 000 to about 100 people to start small scale businesses. It is not a loan at all but start-off grants.

    You need to see how transformed these people are one year after. This is why I tell rich Nigerians to help the poor. Many of them are too rich. What are they going to do with the cars and houses they have? Will they take them to heaven?

    Many of them have estates that they cannot even manage again. They should please give up some of these things for those who lack.

    You are backing workers on minimum wage?

    Yes, I am. What is the minimum wage? How much is N18, 000 or N30, 000 or even N50, 000? That is what some people spend on airtimes every week. Workers deserve better than government is offering them. I want to appeal to government to please attend to these workers. They must not go on strike. If they cry to God, He will fight their oppressors.

    The National Assembly too should pass the minimum wage bill with dispatch. We must not allow these workers to petition God before we attend to them.

    Lately, there have been smear attacks on men of God. What is your reaction to these criticisms?

    You see we are not bothered at all. Even Jesus was criticized. He too was wrongly accused during his earthly ministry. Jesus Christ opened our eyes to a great mystery when anyone or group of people decide to attribute the works of the Holy in the lives or through the ministry of the men of God to devil.

    It is a grievous sin in the eyes of God called blasphemy and it can never be forgiven. So, I pity those who have given themselves to Satan to use to run men of God down because the word of God says, “Woe to you, destroyer, who yourself have not been destroyed; you treacherous one, with whom none has dealt treacherously! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have made an end of dealing treacherously, you will be dealt with treacherously” (Isaiah 33:1).

    On the other hand, it is interesting to note that some of the ministers of God these agents of darkness kept defaming are waxing stronger in the Lord.