The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • THEME: THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD (19)

    Sub-Theme: The Strong Belt of Truth

    Topic: The Spirit of Truth

    The Spirit of Truth testifies of Jesus as the Son of God; the Saviour sent of God to deliver humanity from destruction. The world’s need for the Holy Spirit can never be over-emphasized, for He gives life eternal.

    Jesus continued to admonish His disciples saying,

    “These things I have spoken to you that you should not be made to stumble.  They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.  And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.  Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit of Truth) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.  And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged”.

     

    Truly, with all the turmoil/battles in the world today, only the helper- the Holy Spirit is able to keep one from stumbling, He helps those who are followers of Jesus to endure in spite of all the persecutions. Thank God, that He did not leave us alone, but sent the Helper, with whom we are more than conquerors.

     

    The Holy Spirit reveals God to us, He convicts/convinces the world of its sin, the world’s sin is unbelief in Jesus Christ whom God sent to deliver and save mankind from the bondage of sin and the eternal destruction to come. The sin of unbelief in Jesus is the major cause of the unrest in the world today; for when you believe in Jesus genuinely, then will you be able to live right. True righteous living acceptable before God is impossible without believing and accepting Jesus as Lord- God made this so. There is no salvation, deliverance, righteousness, perfect peace in any other except in Jesus Christ. The fight against God’s command is causing the lawlessness, sinfulness, unrest, and confusion in the world today.

     

    The Holy Spirit convinces the world of the availability of Jesus’ salvation to all who call upon Him. No matter how far behind you may be in erroneous beliefs, or how dark your sins, know that Jesus is still saving people who accept and believe in Him, making them true children of God and empowering us all to live separated Holy lives even in the midst of the world’s sinfulness/lawlessness. With the persecution and tribulation that is ongoing, and will yet come upon the world; the Holy Spirit will give God’s children the grace to endure to the very end without stumbling, as He convinces us of our eternal home in heaven, and the need to look forward to this home in all readiness.

     

    Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit keeps reminding the world the truth about life after death which some do not also believe exists; of the judgment awaiting the unbelieving and the disobedient in hell, just as Satan received his judgement of eternal damnation in hell.

     

    My prayer remains that the whole world will accept God’s salvation in Jesus Christ and be saved, so we all can live right that none will go to hell where only Satan is destined to be.

     

    TEXT: Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:32, John 14:15-18, John 16, 1-11.

     

  • Bonnke picks Nigeria for ‘farewell’ crusade

    Bonnke picks Nigeria for ‘farewell’ crusade

    SEVENTY-SEVEN-year-old German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, is returning to Lagos for a “farewell message” eight years after his last visit.

    The crusade is expected to be the last international evangelical trip for the renowned preacher who has witnessed 75,913,155 decisions for Christ in over 200 countries.

    The farewell crusade holds on November 8 on an open field around  Sparklight Estate, diagonally opposite OPIC Plaza, Isheri Osun, Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

    An advance team is already in the country to prepare for the crusade that will also witness a three-day ministers’ conference where he is expected to pass on the torch.

    Over 10 million people from  Ghana, Cameroun, Togo, Benin and Mali are expected to be part of the historic crusade.

    Bonke said he was led by God to return to Nigeria which he visited eight years ago for his “farewell message.”

    His choice of Nigeria (and Lagos for that matter) for what would be his “final fire” in Africa, according to the Christ for All Nations (CFaN) which runs his crusades, was by a spiritual leading to bring down God’s power on the nation’s economic hub.

    His managers say he is ready to pass the “gospel torch” to God’s ministers in Africa with Nigeria as focal point.

    The renowned evangelist is handing over to a younger generation of evangelists led by Daniel Kolenda.

    According to Bonnke: “The Lord spoke to me that I should go back for one more crusade in Africa.

    “I want not only to see a gigantic harvest of souls but to pass my burning torch to this generation.

    “Recently, I travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, to meet with the spiritual leadership there and they gave their unanimous support.

    “I believe God is going to do something I have never seen before.”

    CFaN officials led by its African Director, John Darku, say although the Lagos outing will be the last of Bonnke’s international crusade, CFaN will continue to carry on with its global evangelism project.

    Darku says the CfaN anticipates conversion of many souls to Christ as Bonnke delivers his farewell message to a crowd of worshippers in Nigeria.

    “One of the highlights of the crusade will be a Passing the Burning Torch Conference for leaders and church workers.

    “Bonnke believes God for many thousands of pastors and evangelists from around the globe to be inspired to evangelism,” Darku explained.

    Darku told newsmen the crusade promises to be the best of its kind just as he hinted of plans to recruit more than 500,000 counsellors, 200,000 intercessors, choir of over 23,000 and a security force of over 10,000.

    “There is great excitement from all the churches in the country, and we are expecting a spectacular harvest of people coming to Christ,” he said.

    Lead evangelist of CfaN and successor to Bonnke, Kolenda, expressed optimism that the landmark crusade would transform the church in Nigeria and Africa.

    ”I’m thrilled to join with Reinhard in this vision and know that the results of this crusade will be farther reaching and of even greater consequence than we can even imagine.”

    Kolenda expressed the optimism that the Lagos crusade would be an explosion in line with God’s commission to Bonnke.

    “Ever since God gave Evangelist Bonnke a vision for a blood-washed Africa – a continent washed in the blood of Jesus Christ -over 40 years ago, he has been filled with a burning commitment to win the continent for Jesus,” he said.

    Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, who chairs the Central Working Committee of the Crusade, said all Christian groups will effectively participate and pray for the nation’s socio-political leadership and revival.

    CFaN describes Bonnke’s return to Nigeria for his final international crusade as divine because the global preacher has  specific revelation and call to help the country fix its social fabrics and economy.

    According to Darku’s remarks, Bonnke strongly believes that the evangelism conference will “plunder hell and populate heaven.”

    An excited Bonnke, who sent out an invitation on his facebook wall, said: “Hello Friends, I have a special announcement for you today! I am returning to Lagos, Nigeria for my ‘Farewell Crusade’ in November of this year!

    “This will be a truly momentous event, where we believe millions will not only hear the Gospel, but will also be saved, healed and delivered! As much as I am concerned, I am inviting the whole world.”

     

  • CAN mourns Lagos Chief Imam

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter has commiserated with Muslims over the death of Chief Imam, Sheik Garuba Akinola.

    Akinola died last Sunday after a brief illness at the Lagos State Teaching University (LASUTH).

    CAN, in a letter signed by its Secretary Baba Aladura Israel Akinadewo said the deceased lived a good life.

    The body also said the late Chief Imam’s contribution to the State in terms of “religious tolerance and peaceful relationship with the Christian community” remained unequalled.

    CAN, in the letter dated September 25, prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.

     

  • Men and women mega convention ends

    The annual men and women mega convention of Dominion Family Church Incorporated (Vineyard of Love) with the theme It is written ends today with a thanksgiving service.

    Venue is the church’s auditorium 66, Eyin-ogun Street, off Muritala Muhammed Int‘l Airport road Lagos.

    The hosts, Rev. Dr.& Pastor Mrs. Kennedy Ogu, assured that God would bring everything written about participants to fulfillment.

    Ministering is Prophetess Ifeoma Akali and Apostle Moses Ugbolue.

  • WHAT AND WHERE: Book on marriage for launch tomorrow

    The formal launch and public presentation of Marriage & Relationship Matters (A Question & Answer Approach) co-authored by Femi & Folakemi Akinwande comes up tomorrow.

    The authors, in a statement, explained the launch slated for 11.30am, hold at the auditorium of Foursquare Gospel Church 1, Savannah Street, Off Adetola Street, Aguda-Surulere, Lagos.

    A marriage counselor and life coach, Rev. Temitayo Sosanya, popularly known as Jerusalem pastor will review the book while Pastor Tosin Fagbemi is the chief launcher.

    Set in question and answer format, the book deals with pre and post-marital challenges as well as contemporary issues confronting many marriage and the society at large.

  • Exploring biblical laws of success!

    Exploring biblical laws of success!

    Welcome to October, your season of divine encounters! We discover from scriptures that Biblical laws are simply spiritual laws and are higher than natural laws. As it is written: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). Thus, by engaging spiritual laws, we can suspend and nullify the effects of all other laws. The Bible says: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8: 2).

    There are quite a number of success theories all over town; but success delivers on laws, not admonitions or exaltations. It is also written: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8). This helps us to understand that no one will ever command success without embracing God’s commandments. We have to do what the law says before we can command good success. Only when we obey will He set us up on high above the nations of the earth.

    What is this foundational law?

    • The Law of Love: The law of love is the anchor law in the school of success as far as the Kingdom of God is concerned. As it is written: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That implies that genuine lovers of God are candidates for path finding, pace-setting, trail-blazing order of accomplishments.

    Just show me a true lover and I will show you another global giant in the making. For me, my heartbeat for God is my greatest asset. When we become genuine lovers of God, we become candidates for outstanding success. No genuine lover of God ends up a failure; he may be challenged but it is only temporary.  He may be confronted and grievously hated, but he will emerge an enviable champion at the end. So, the love of God remains the unquestionable platform for outstanding success.

    • The Law of Divine Ideas: Divine ideas are treasures of unusual values, which are far above natural and intellectual ideas. They are not mere religious philosophies. As the saying goes ‘Every empire is built on ideas.’ However, if natural ideas built empires, then divine ideas will build super empires. A divine idea is eternally superior to every other form of idea. For instance, by divine ideas, Job built a business empire as he became the greatest of all men in the East. Also, by divine ideas, Joseph took over the most powerful nation in those days because he was able to discover a means of preserving food for 14 years without the use of chemicals. Furthermore, by divine idea, we are told that Isaac sowed in that land, he waxed great, went forward and became very great and the philistines envied him (Job 29:4; Genesis 26:12-14).
    • Laws of Spiritual Empowerment: This simply means the law of the Anointing. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit is one of the vital instruments for commanding outstanding success. This is why every destiny is at a risk without it. We saw that picture very clearly in the life of the Apostles. Initially, they were frustrated and fearful individuals, until they receive the Holy Ghost, Who first destroyed their fear, and gave them supernatural command. Concerning the Apostles, the Bible records: … when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

    The effect of this was that the Church began to experience several dimensions of outstanding success as almost the whole city was added to the church (Acts 2:38-40). So, every child of God needs the Anointing to fulfil his/her destiny in grand style.

    Even Jesus, the son of the Most High needed to be empowered, in order to fulfil His mission on earth. Remember, for 30 years, people could not distinguish Him from a carpenter’s son.  But after He was anointed, His fame went through the entire region (Luke 4:14; 18-20). So, the Anointing is what empowers us for change of levels. Unfortunately, many destinies have been manoeuvred, manipulated, molested and harassed by the enemies because the Anointing to subdue them is absent. Undoubtedly, the enemy will not bow to our religion or the number of scriptures we quote; he will only bow to the power of God at work in us. It takes power to tread upon serpents and scorpions unhurt. This is why Christianity without power is a frustrated religion (Psalm 66:3; Acts 10:38).

    Also, it is important to recognise that empowerment is at a cost; we can’t wish our way into it (Luke 14:28). Interestingly, fasting is one of the capital prices paid for empowerment. Thus, we must give our fasting time maximum value by engaging in it for empowerment.  As we do so, I see us experiencing outstanding and enviable success, after the order of Christ. Nevertheless, one step to successful living is being born-again. If you are not born-again, you are not entitled to it. 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: Success Strategies, Success Systems, Maximising Destiny, Exploring the Secrets of Success. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.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.

  • Okoroafor elected CAAGA president

    Okoroafor elected CAAGA president

    Over 20, 000 delegates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Kinshasa, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe converged on Lagos to deliberate on International Missions Conference of the Assemblies of God Nigeria in conjunction with the Central Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (CAAGA).

    They elected General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev Dr Chidi Okoroafor, to lead the eight-nation strong regional mission organisation.

    Fielding questions from newsmen, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor said the aim of the conference was to encourage members on the need to obey the Great Commission of the Lord of Christ by taking the gospel to the perishing world.

    He said that on daily basis people are dying and going to hell without the gospel.

    On the theme of the conference,  “Accelerating the Harvest in the 21st Century,” the new president of CAAGA said: “We need to fast-track the harvest and evangelism, which is the church’s main purpose.

    “Unfortunately today, certain churches have become entertainment centres where people come to laugh. But the church’s basic assignment is to reach out to the dying world.”

    On restructuring, Okoroafor urged the Federal Government to allow Nigerians decide how they want to be governed.

    The outgoing President of CAAGA/General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Gabon, Rev. Jude B. N’gouwa, who also spoke with newsmen on the vision of CAAGA, said: “Our vision is to unite our efforts as we have one Leader, Who is Jesus Christ.”

    “We are here to encourage each other, so that God’s work will be done effectively well in spite of our challenges. We are here to encourage each other, so that we can accelerate the harvest in the 21st century. That means we should not be working alone in our country.”

     

  • Prayers for school owners

    The Mantle Prayer Ministry Oke Isimi has concluded plans to stage a special prayer forum for Private School Owners on Monday at the Shillo Mega Hall, Redemption Camp.

    The convener, Pastor Isaac Olaomo, in a statement said the summit tagged Divine Backing will feature prayers, bible teaching, song rendition, seminar and prophetic ministration.

  • Martins to Christian lawyers: be fair

    Christian lawyers have a responsibility to use their professional skills and faith to rescue the nation from underdevelopment and tensions, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, has stated.

    He spoke last Sunday at a Mass to celebrate the new legal year and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers of the Lagos Archdiocese.

    The Cathedral administrator, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Teco, who delivered Martins’ message, urged the lawyers to rise up to the occasion and use their influence to turn things around for the country.

    According to him: “If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord.”

    He said most of the evils being witnessed across the globe arise from deep-rooted hatred that could have been averted by forgiveness.

    He said mercy and forgiveness should be at the heart of the Christian life, most especially lawyers because of their work as advocates for justice.

    “The power of true love is forgiveness. We must all as Christians revisit our attitudes on forgiveness because the worst thing that could happen to a Christian is when the person loses the capacity to forgive,” Martins asserted.

    He said with love and ability to forgive, the world would be a better place for us to live in.

    Chaplain of National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Lagos Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, commended the lawyers.

    He wished them well as they commenced a new legal year, charging them to be fair in all their dealings, irrespective of whose ox is gored.

    He said no nation attains great height without a vibrant legal system, warning lawyers not to let monetary inducement or ethnic affiliation becloud their judgement when it comes to discharging their duties as Christian lawyers.

    Truth, Rev. Fr. Anoliefo charged, should be their watchword.

    President of the Association, Geraldine E. Wey Esq, expressed joy for another AGM of the association.

    She thanked God for another fruitful year in the life of the body, pointing out that the association has done much in the area of improving administration of criminal justice system in the last one year.

    “Through several of our projects, we intend to expand our intervention in the prisons by handling more cases and at another level, to address the matters concerning the administration of criminal justices in the state,” she stated.

    Speaking further, Wey explained the association has visited the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and written to the Attorney General of Lagos State in a bid to interface with him.

    While pledging N500, 000 to the church renovation works, Wey assured that the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Lagos Archdiocese, will continue to promote Christian values in the pursuit and discharge of their duties as lawyers.

    Other dignitaries at the event included: national president of the association, Senator Mike Ajegbo, CON; Chief Goddy Uwazurike; Mrs. Elizabeth Akah, Chairperson, Planning Committee and many other lawyers and well-wishers.

  • How to end agitations, by PFN

    Fairness and equity would automatically end agitations for self- actualisation across the nation, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has stated.

    Its national president, Dr Felix Omobude, said when governments treat citizens equally and fairly, their various agitations heating up the nation would cease.

    Omobude spoke last week during a two-day presidential working visit to Lagos.

    He said: “We believe that Nigerians have the rights to agitate and demand whatever they want within the ambits of the law.

    “But much more importantly, we believe that these agitations are because of lack of sense of belonging as well as fair treatments of all Nigerians.

    “If government does what is right and treats Nigerians equally, these agitations would die natural death.”

    He said governments must pay attention to cries for restructuring, saying the current structure of the nation is not working.

    “There is no gainsaying the fact that we are not operating at optimum level. Many things appear lopsided.

    “Those calling for restructuring have a point because this nation is not working like it should. Governments should pay attention so that we can move on.”

    He, however, warned agitators against violence, saying groups such as the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) have to make their demands known in peaceful and decorous manners.

    Omobude called on Christians to sustain prayers for the nation, assuring that Nigeria would emerge stronger from current challenges.