The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Renounce sins, Akanbi charges Nigerians

    Renounce sins, Akanbi charges Nigerians

    eneral Overseer of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), Dr James Akanbi, has charged Nigerians to stay away from sin, warning the nation is under the plagues of corruption and sin.

    He spoke last Sunday at the grand finale of a six-day annual power conference of the church with the theme crossing-over: breaking boundary time for radical breakthrough.

    Akanbi said Nigeria’s backwardness is attributable to sinful practices, saying the nation needs divine intervention to scale through.

    He led the congregation to pray against the plagues of sin, corruption and darkness working against the progress of the country.

    He also requested special prayers for leaders, in spiritual and physical offices, to govern with wisdom and lead Nigeria to the desired Promised Land.

    Urging church leaders to become change agents, Akanbi said they wield enormous influence that can transform the nation.

    According to him, the pulpit is more than a podium, wooden or marble lectern.

    “It is an instrument through which impartation is released,” he declared.

    He said pulpit pulls from the pit, delivers from oppression, anoints, sanctifies and moulds.

    “It’s your pulpit that will determine who are your congregation. If the pulpit is aggressive, holy, prayerful or weak, that’s what the pew will be.

    “The formation of godly character makes your pulpit to be strong. For you to be able to preach to the whole counsel of godly character and affects people’s lives, you must have developed the whole counsel of godly character,” Akanbi stressed.

    He said the angel of the commission cannot lift ministers until they become loyal to your commission.

    “When you are not called to do something, you will be cursed by it when you engage in it,” he said.

    The 18th edition of the conference was characterised by miracles and testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

    Honesty Eyo from Lagos said at the June miracle service, the spiritual intervention of the GO elevated him from nobody to becoming special adviser to a serving minister.

    Sister Kolawole said she has been visited with several miscarriages in the past three years and was quite desperate until the man of God declared into her life.

    Another sister, Deaconess Yetunde, told the congregation that Mercy Day produced her double miracles.

    “Three years ago, I saw blood and I thought it was my monthly flow until it became a major crisis that nearly claimed my life.”

    She said at the camp ground, the GO declared on the issue of blood and she linked her faith with the prophecy.

    “So when I got home, I checked the pad I used when I was leaving the house in the morning and there was no single stain on it. Since then my monthly issue has been regulated according to daddy’s declaration.”

  • Lagos CPFN set to inaugurate new excos

    Nigeria will soon witness a great spiritual revival that will birth a new consciousness for righteousness and holiness.

    Chairman of the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) Lagos chapter, Pastor Stephen Obisesan (JP), gave the assurance last week.

    He spoke with reporters ahead of the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) Lagos chapter, next Thursday.

    The inauguration takes place at The Apostolic Church LAWNA Olorunda Ketu Assembly by 10am.

    Obisesan said the preponderance of evils in the nation is a signal that God will step into the situation for great alteration.

    He said the inauguration will also witness an appreciation service for the outgoing excos.

    Going down memory lane, Obisesan said the bloc has come a long way since the renowned 1917 and 1930 Great Revivals.

    He assured that another mighty revival was on the way, pointing out that social vices and demonic activities always precede divine intervention.

    Obisesan said the body would help to checkmate excesses of preachers as well as regulate orderly conduct in the Christian community.

    He appreciated the outgoing excos for their labour of love, saying they really deserved commendation for moving the body forward.

    Those to be appreciated include the immediate chairman, Pastor Joshua Ibidapo; treasurer, Pastor Sunday Idowu; PRO 1, Pastor J.O Akinwusi and youth coordinator, Pastor E. Adelakun.

    Dignitaries expected include Governor Akinwumi Ambode; his wife, Bolanle; Lagos CAN chairman, Apostle Alex Bamgbola, and sister blocs in CAN.

    National president of the body, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, as well as other notable men of God, will grace the inauguration.

  • Engaging the demand of discipline for success!

    WE recognise from scriptures that every child of God is redeemed to be a success. Also, God has made a Master Plan of success for us in all aspects of life. This is why the Bible says: I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

    However, like any other scriptural promises, there are always conditions that enable us to inherit what God has provided for us in redemption. In order words, there is always what to do to get what we want. Jesus’ mother validated this during the wedding in Cana when she told the servants: …whatsoever he saith unto you, do it (John 2:5).

    As we all know, success always comes with a price. This is why we can never find a successful believer who did not pay the price for success. Let us recognise also that God’s success plan is not a promise, but a covenant; therefore, until our part is adequately played, God is not committed to deliver.

    Therefore, we must be conscious of our responsibility in the covenant of success. For instance, we understand from scriptures that when we diligently hearken to Biblical instructions and observe to do all that God commands, supernatural breakthrough is usually the outcome. When the covenant is broken, breakthrough becomes impossible (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). However, there are certain demands that qualify us for our birthright of success, and one of such is discipline.

    BUT, WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?

    Discipline is simply operating as demanded not as convenient. No one ever gets distinguished in any field of human endeavour without the virtue of discipline. In actual fact, it is discipline that begets distinction. If we must be distinguished, then we must be disciplined. We must recognise that discipline is not a gift, but a lifestyle of choice we design and submit to. This is because no one will ever be more distinguished in his pursuit, than he is disciplined. Moreover, nothing triggers the potential within us like self-discipline (Genesis 39:9, 41:15-44; Daniel 1:8, 17-20, 6:10-28; 1Corinthians 6:12, 10:23).

    Discipline is obviously a fundamental requirement for exploits and the following scriptural examples validate this claim:

    • Joseph: He was a highly disciplined man and he demonstrated this when he refused to yield to the demands of his master’s wife. He said: How can I do this wicked thing and sin against God? As a result, he became a distinguished man of exploits. For instance, he became the breadwinner of nations and the core preserver of Israel. There were no legitimate charges against him, thus he could be trusted with the entire estate of Potiphar, his master (Genesis 39:9, 21/41:15-16, 38-44).
    • Daniel: According to Bible history, Daniel determined not to defile himself with the sumptuous delicacies on the king’s table. Thus, he prospered in leadership for 65 years and he remained a revered consultant to every subsequent leader of that nation (Daniel 1:8).
    • Nehemiah: He was a man sold-out to his task and the well-being of the people of God. As an exemplary leader, he led a revolutionary army that embarked on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. As a result, he was promoted from a cupbearer to the governor of the nation. We must, therefore, note that our dignity is a function of our discipline (Nehemiah 1:1-10, 4:15-16, 23).
    • Paul the Apostle: He determined to subscribe to what was profitable. He said: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12; see also 1 Corinthians 10:23). It was said of him, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men.” Even the demons affirmed, “Jesus, I know; Paul, I know!” He also wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Therefore, discipline enhances our productivity and it is the highway to distinction in the pursuit of any task (Acts 14:11, 19:14-15; 1Corinthians 9:24-26).

    Remember, it is our task that determines the kind of approach we put into it. For instance, Nehemiah and the people never took off their clothes except for washing. They were on duty as demanded by that task. Also, Daniel and his companions purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king’s rich food. Therefore, we cannot make the most of any task that does not make specific demands on our lives (Nehemiah 4:23; Daniel 1:8).

    We need to understand that highly disciplined people are “sweatlessly” distinguished. Therefore, the more disciplined we are, the more distinguished we become. From these scriptural examples, it is abundantly clear that it takes discipline to pay the extra price for extraordinary accomplishments in the race of life and be distinguished.

    In conclusion, there is no aspect in life where indiscipline pays, whether in       ministry, industry or politics. This is because, without discipline, life slips off, opportunities are lost and destinies are destroyed. You shall not end as a victim.

    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. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”  For further reading, please get my books: Understanding Vision and Understanding Divine Direction. 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., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 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

  • Broken Vessels feeds, clothes Lagos miscreants

    A faith-based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Broken Vessels, last Sunday lifted the spirits of homeless miscreants in Fagba, a suburb of Lagos, with food and clothing materials.

    Hundreds of the miscreants attended a special outreach of the organisation in their dreaded domains.

    The outreach, which took place close to the Fagba railway station, witnessed the miscreants trooping out in tattered clothes, looking completely unkempt.

    Founder of Broken Vessels, Mrs. Rita Azike-Ebube, said the visit was to empower and give them a sense of belonging.

    “We have just come to say that we love you so much because you are important. Jesus loves you much more because he is your maker and helper,” she stated.

    The overwhelmed ‘hosts’ smiled, revealing their coloured teeth set, responding to the open display of affection.

    But when it was time to distribute the packed food and clothing materials, the miscreants hijacked the items with some of them making away with the relief materials.

    A shocked Azike-Ebube said the situation was a perfect reflection of the lack they suffer and the desperation of their hearts.

    “They just want to survive. They cannot even trust the people they sleep with every day because life is so tough.

    “They need all the help they can get to become useful to themselves and the society. They are down but not out and will turn around with large dose of love,” she stated.

    She assured that the outreach will become more frequent with those willing among them to undergo rehabilitation for complete turnaround.

  • Cleric charges church administrators on honesty, ingenuity

    The Assistant General Overseer (Administrative and Personnel) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola, has challenged Church administrators to be creative and committed to the body of Christ.

    He spoke at the annual conference of administrative Officers and Secretaries in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Region 1 at the RCCG, Throne of Grace, Region 1, Ebute-metta, Lagos.

    Odesola said God is looking for sincere, dependable, dedicated and creative administrators in the church and in all spheres of life because their roles are critical in solving problems and accelerating development.

    According to him: “Honesty and creativity are required by everyone in administrative and managerial positions to solving management problems and producing positive impact and development.”

    He noted that administrators are leaders whose ingenuity and lifestyle can make or mar any family, organisation, community and the nation at large.

    He also appealed to them to shun evil companions and their antics, stressing that their obedience to God must be implicit in the discharge of their divine assignment.

    Director for Admin and Personnel, RCCG, Pastor Olurotimi Adegborioye, speaking on overcoming challenges and achieving result in the workplace, pointed out that every worthy venture in life is principally concerned about actualising goal, vision and mission of an organisation.

    He said achieving result requires administrators to take personal responsibility for getting things done and accountable for delivering the desired outcomes.

    “You should have a daily weekly, monthly and quarterly improvement targets/appraisal and learn to be honest, to exceed expectation and be prayerful,” he admonished.

  • THEME: THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD (16)

    Sub-Theme: The Strong Belt of Truth

    Topic: The Spirit of Truth

    There was a Roman citizen living in Caesarea, called Cornelius. Who is Cornelius and why talk about him?

    • He was an army officer
    • He lived a devoted life
    • He was a godly man
    • His household feared God too; he raised a godly family
    • He gave alms generously to charity
    • He was a man of prayer

    What a man to emulate, but the most important was still missing in Cornelius’ life. What could that be? We will get to know as we proceed.

    His actions drew God’s favourable attention.

    One day, while Cornelius was wide-awake, he had a vision; it was about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. In the vision, he saw an angel of God coming towards him and saying to him, “Cornelius!” He was afraid and stared at the angel in terror, and said, “What is it, Lord?” so he said to him, “your prayers and your alms giving have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you MUST do.” take note of the word MUST, for it is also a must do to all who desire to be accepted by God, live godly, win life’s battles and make it to heaven at last. As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a godly soldier, one of his personal bodyguard and told them what had happened and sent them to Joppa.

    God so loved this man and his household, He would not want them to miss the real life. God went ahead to supernaturally convince Simon Peter about Cornelius.

    The next day, as they were nearing the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray. It was noon and he was hungry, but while lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air (forbidden to the Jews for food). The voice said to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” A voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was pulled up again into heaven.

    While Peter wondered within himself what the vision meant, behold the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. They called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter was lodging there. While Peter thought about the vison, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Behold three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Peter went down and introduced himself to the men asking them what they wanted from him. They told him about Cornelius the Roman officer, a good and godly man, well thought of by the Jews, and how an angel had instructed him to send for Peter to come and tell him what God wanted him to do. He lodged them overnight and the next day, he went with them accompanied by some other believers from Joppa.

    They arrived Caesarea the following day, and Cornelius was waiting for him, and had called together his relatives and close friends (he always carried along his family, no wonder he had a godly family) to meet with Peter. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell to the floor before him in worship but Peter lifted him up saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” As he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.

    Peter told them, “You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to keep company with or go to anyone of another nation, but God has shown me in a vison that I should not call any man common, unclean, or inferior. Therefore, I came withou objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me what you want?” Cornelius then narrated his vision before everyone, concluding by saying, “…Now therefore we are all present before God, to hear what He has told you to tell us!”

    There are many lessons to learn from the narration above, but note that though Cornelius was a god-fearing man, something was still missing in his life without which he cannot please God. He did not yet know God’s plan for all humans, which qualifies us to be in a relationship with Him. God was seeking a relationship with Cornelius. Without this, his godliness, devotion, alms giving, and all his good deeds would come to nothing. What else must he do? To be continued next week…

    TEXT: Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:32, John 14:15-17, Acts 10: 1-33.

     

  • Bishop canvasses for service to humanity

    Nigerians have been charged to imbibe the culture of service to humanity as this is the only lasting legacy that one can bequeath to a society and the best form of faith and worship in the eye of God.

    The Bishop of Catholic Church, Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend John Oyejola stated this at the commissioning of Centenary Auditorium of the Saint Nicholas Pro Cathedral, Otan-Ayegbaju  donated by  an illustrious son of the community, Professor Olu Aina.

    Bishop Oyejola, who urged people to always give back to their communities, said the donor of the project had remained committed to development of his community and vineyard of God.

    The clergyman noted that the service to the course of the lord was the best form of service, saying the newly donated auditorium would aid work of God in the Catholic Church in the community.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Arch-Bishop of Catholic Church, Ibadan Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Abegunrin, said the donor was a humble man who cultivated the habit of using his wealth and influence for the service of man and God.

    Bishop Abegunrin who highlighted factors that drive man to success which include submissiveness to the will of God, cleaning the tears of the common man and love of one’s community, hinted that Professor Olu Aina was a free-giver who had impacted positively on lives of many people.

    The religious leader called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture by spending their wealth for development of God’s work.

    In his remark, the donor of the Auditorium, Professor Olu Aina said the project was part of the contributions of his family who had benefitted significantly from Catholic Church towards development of the project.

    He maintained that the project was aimed at enhancing the revenue base of the church, adding that it should be effective maintenance to ensure its longevity.

  • Nigeria needs a mighty Messiah, says cleric

    Nigeria needs a Messiah to resolve the multi-faceted challenges confronting the nation, a cleric, Rev Adolphus Anyanacho, has stated.

    He also called for more prayer supports for the military operation in the North East against terrorists.

    Anyanacho spoke with newsmen last weekend at the end of a National Pastors’ Conference in Lagos.

    He said sustained prayers will see the nation through the many mountainous issues affecting it.

    According to him, except God intervenes, it is impossible for the masses to take any concrete action to change the country’s situation for better.

    Anyanacho, who is the Superintending Minister at the Gospel Believers’ Mission and host of the two-day event organised with Believers Theological Seminary, also urged  all ministers of God to always speak the truth to all and sundry no matter whatever could be at stake.

    He noted that since the nation’s system is such, the best of Christians who go into politics can do little or nothing to change the situation; the only option is to speak the truth and keep praying to God.

    “God can still send a Messiah. You and I don’t have the courage to do what can change the situation. Can there be any revolution in this country? No!

     “They (referring to politicians) have pauperised us, ethnicised us, religionalised us such that there is always mutual distrust. If I stand up now, they will say no.

    “Don’t go with him, he is a Christian. Or, he is a Yoruba man or Igbo or Hausa man. That’s the tragedy of the country.

    “So the political elites have succeeded in factionalising us. The only way out is for us to pray that God might send the needed Messiah, otherwise we will continue to trudge on,” Anyanacho stated.

    While praying for the nation and its leaders, the cleric canvassed fervent prayers for the military leadership, particularly the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Tukur  Buratai, and all the soldiers on the warfront against Boko Haram terrorists.

    The conference, with the theme “Expanding ministry potential”, attracted bishops, general overseers, evangelists and pastors with their wives.

    They were equipped with relevant knowledge, organisational skills and tools to attain a new level of growth and expansion in their respective ministries.

    Experts and professionals in church administration and strategy, health and wellness, legal intricacies of church management, mentoring and networking, engaged participants on how to maximise potential of their ministries for church and personal growth.

  • Akinosun tasks pastors to live above board

    The President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, has advised gospel ministers to shun corruption, religious bigotry, inter-tribal conflicts and other unwholesome practices capable of eroding peace in the nation.

    He said vices such as cultism, child labour, hooliganism, rape, murder and kidnapping have contributed to the destruction of the image of Nigeria globally, urging ministers to avoid them.

    Speaking at the 19th convocation ceremony of the church’s Theological Seminary in Lagos last weekend, Akinosun urged pastors to work together for the growth of the country by praying for its peace.

    He said the church is instrumental to the growth of any nation, adding that Christians can only contribute their quota when they lead selfless lives.

    He enjoined ministers of God to preach messages tailored towards promoting good moral behaviours and conflict resolution, adding that they are tools needed to win more people back to God.

    According to him, the country boasts of high moral decadence as evident by several cases of homosexuality, rape, robbery, kidnapping, murder and arsons perpetrated by Nigerians across board.

    Akinosun urged the graduands to make holiness, humility, love, prayer and soul-winning their priorities, adding that by so doing they would function successfully in their various ministries.

    Many Christians, he said, are only pursuing material things as against heaven, urging the graduands to toe the path of righteousness and soul-winning, which he describes as the essence of their calling.

    Akinosun said: ‘’There are many immoralities in our society today; breaking of homes, poorly trained children, cultism, kidnapping, corruption, lack of integrity among leaders, corruption and crave for material acquisition among Christians.

    ‘’To check these, pastors and other ministers of God have a crucial role to play.

    “They need to go the cities, villages, hamlets and other areas to propagate the gospel. By so doing, they would turn the hearts of many people to God.’’

    The school’s Lagos Coordinator, Pastor Ayo Olaniyi, said theological education should be re-defined to accommodate academic, spiritual and physiological training.

    He added that pastors would able to lead purposeful lives by so doing.

    Olaniyi lamented that purposeful ministers are scarce today because many people are bereft of the knowledge of God.

    This, he said, is evident in the decision of some ministers to cut corners to survive in ministry.

    He urged present and prospective servants of God to dedicate themselves more to God to fulfil their divine mandates, adding that the school has set a pace, by training people to rely on God for supernatural provisions.

    ‘’Our goal is to provide purposeful, diligent and heavenly-bound ministers, not minding what the society has turned itself to,” he assured.

  • Grace, not work, will save Christians, says Okonkwo

    Christians need absolute faith in the finished works of Christ to overcome the challenges of life, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo, has stated.

    He spoke recently as the lead guest minister at the Superfest Miracle crusade of the Abundant Life Church Agege, Lagos.

    Speaking on the importance of visions God gave Gideon, Moses, Abraham, Joshua, David and others; he pointed out that they overcame by sheer vision.

    He urged worshippers to follow their examples to realise their prophetic destinies.

    He said: “Many of you carry books in your chests. Some of you   have ideas that can change the world. Don’t trivialise what you have. You are loaded and cannot fail.”

    Espousing on the famous miracle of Jesus in John 5:1-9 concerning the bedridden man at the pool of Bethsaida, the fiery preacher said only grace saved the situation.

    “Out of the multitude, grace spotted the sick man and he was delivered. It wasn’t by his effort, prayer or fasting,” Okonkwo pointed out.

    He explained how his faith took a leap recently.

    “For years, I thought that my faith could draw down the miracle and appropriate divine blessings until God opened my understanding.

    “How faith works is that, it apprehends what God has already done through the finished work on the cross by Christ Jesus.”

    He added: “Faith only connects with what Jesus has given to us as born-again Christians. No one is ever saved by what he did but by the mercy of God.”